Tag: PR Newswire

Donate to The Marco’s Pizza Foundation Black Friday – Giving Tuesday and Receive a Free Small Cheese Pizza Coupon

TOLEDO, Ohio, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, encourages guests to give back in a meaningful way this holiday season to support their communities. During one of the busiest shopping weeks of the year, Black Friday (Nov. 28) through Giving Tuesday (Dec. 2), guests who make a contribution to The Marco’s Pizza Foundation at checkout will receive a free small cheese pizza coupon, redeemable at participating locations anytime in December.*

The Marco’s Pizza Foundation supports four key pillars: hunger prevention, schools & education, workforce development and entrepreneurship. Since October 2024, the Marco’s Pizza Foundation has supported Junior Achievement USA (JA) and its local chapters.

“Every day, we see how even small acts of generosity can spark meaningful change,” said Raven Fisher, Executive Director of The Marco’s Pizza Foundation. “Cyber Week gives our guests a simple way to make a big impact; supporting students, strengthening communities, and helping local Junior Achievement programs reach even more young people.”

JA USA helps equip students with essential financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship skills through hands-on learning experience. The nationwide collaboration helps unite the Marco’s Pizza brand, its franchisees, and the communities it serves around a shared mission. A portion of funds collected by the Marco’s Pizza Foundation during Cyber Week will be directed to local Junior Achievement chapters to support community programs.

“During the holiday season, families are looking for meaningful ways to give back, and what better way than investing in the next generation,” said Stephanie Moseley, President of the Marco’s Pizza Foundation and Multi-Unit Franchisee. “Local Junior Achievement programs help equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue big futures.”

The initiative is part of the Foundation’s mission to bring people together to nurture and nourish the communities they call home. Since launching in 2022, the Foundation has united Marco’s Pizza franchisees, team members, and guests around a shared commitment to making a meaningful local impact.

“Marco’s Pizza is built on a culture of community, and our Foundation continues to expand the reach of that mission,” Moseley added. “Whether a guest donates a few cents or a few dollars, every contribution fuels programs that help improve the lives of children, families, and future entrepreneurs.”

Guests can donate at checkout online, in-app, or in-store during the promotion period. Upon donating, they will receive a coupon for a free small cheese pizza, redeemable on orders placed at participating locations in December.*

For more information about this offer, Marco’s Pizza, and to find your nearest location, visit www.marcos.com or download the Marco’s app available on the App Store or Google Play.

To learn more about the Marco’s Pizza Foundation mission, please visit https://www.marcos.com/foundation/.

ABOUT MARCO’S PIZZA  
Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco’s Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States. Marco’s was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale (“Pat”) Giammarco and thrives to deliver a high-quality pizza experience, known for its dough made from scratch and its three fresh signature cheeses. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate over 1,200 stores in 35 states with locations in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Mexico. Notably, Marco’s was recognized as America’s Favorite Restaurant in the Limited-Service Pizza category by Nation’s Restaurant News using Technomic Ignite Consumer 2024 data^ꝉꝉ. Other recent accolades include being recognized by QSR as one of the “16 Best Franchise Deals for 2025”, ranking No. 49 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2025 “Franchise 500” ranking, earning a coveted spot as the only top 5 pizza chain to rank on Newsweek’s 2025 “America’s Best Customer Service” in pizza chains list, earning a spot on QSR’s Top 50, and being featured on Nation’s Restaurant News’ prestigious “Top 500” ranking.    

*Purchase Required. Use code: GIVE2025. Coupon must be presented at the time of redemption and is limited to one small cheese pizza to the holder. Only valid 12/1/25 through 12/31/25 at participating stores. No cash value, no substitutions, non-transferable. Not valid through 3rd-party delivery apps. Additional toppings/delivery fee/tax extra (varies by store). Delivery orders must meet stated minimum. Other restrictions may apply – see store or marcos.com for details.

^ꝉꝉAccording to Technomic’s 2024 America’s Favorite Restaurants data, Marco’s Pizza secured the top spot in the Limited-Service Pizza category with a 53.4% composite top-box rating, indicating the share of recent guests who gave the brand the highest possible rating for each of the guest experience attributes. Data for America’s Favorite Chains comes from Technomic Ignite Consumer, which collects information about how brands impact consumers and how consumers interact with those brands, via online surveys. See here for more information: www.technomic.com/ignite-consumer. 

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SOURCE Marco’s Pizza

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ –– A new survey of senior congressional staff has revealed a remarkable and unexpected point of cross-party consensus: the Senate filibuster should be preserved.

The latest CNCT Capitol Pulse survey indicates that a supermajority of aides from both parties favor maintaining the long-standing legislative procedure. This consensus suggests a deeply ingrained, traditionalist view among senior staff regarding the Senate’s institutional role as a deliberative body.

The survey findings are clear. A full 82 percent of Republican aides responding to the poll stated that the filibuster should be kept. In a striking display of agreement, 77 percent of responding Democratic aides concurred with that position.

This strong consensus among senior staff—the experienced professionals who advise legislators on policy and procedure—highlights a significant potential disconnect between the public-facing political battles over Senate rules and the private sentiments of those who manage the legislative branch’s day-to-day operations.

This near-unanimity extended across gender lines, mirroring the party identification. Among Republican women aides, support for the filibuster was exceptionally high at 93 percent. Democratic women aides also showed overwhelming support, with 89 percent stating the procedure should be kept. This data indicates that support for the Senate’s institutional norms is a widely held conviction among staffers.

While support for the filibuster was dominant, the survey did identify small pockets of opposition. The group expressing the most support for eliminating the filibuster was Democratic men, at 20 percent. Among Republican aides, the highest percentage in favor of ending the procedure came from GOP communications directors, at 17 percent. However, these figures remain clear outliers, reinforcing the survey’s primary finding of broad institutional support.

The Senate filibuster is a procedural tool that allows a minority of senators to delay or block a vote on a measure or appointment. Under the Senate’s current rules, a “cloture” motion is required to end debate on a given topic. To invoke cloture and move to a final vote, the Senate must secure a supermajority of 60 votes. This 60-vote threshold is the central mechanism of the modern filibuster, effectively meaning most major legislation requires some measure of bipartisan support to pass.

The CNCT survey results arrive as the filibuster remains a contentious public issue. Some Republican senators have expressed frustration over the Democratic minority’s use of the 60-vote threshold, which was utilized 15 times to maintain the recent government shutdown.

Despite this frustration, other Republicans—and, as the survey shows, a majority of aides from both parties—warn against such a change. They caution that eliminating the 60-vote threshold would be a short-term tactical gain with severe long-term strategic consequences. A primary concern is that doing so would inevitably empower the opposing party to pass its own priority legislation with a simple majority when it regains control of the Senate.

This staff-level consensus underscores the traditional, institutionalist argument for the filibuster. Advocates frame it as a crucial feature, not a flaw, of the Senate’s design, one that serves as a vital check against hasty, impassioned lawmaking. Proponents argue the 60-vote rule prevents the Senate from acting too quickly, forcing deeper consideration and more thorough debate on major proposals before they become law. From this perspective, the filibuster is an essential tool for preserving the Constitution’s intended deliberative structure for the legislative branch.

About HillFaith: HillFaith is a project of the 52-Week Ministry Foundation, a tax-exempt non-profit that shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ with congressional aides, as well as individual mentoring, career advice, and advocacy on behalf of improved working conditions. Learn more about the organization on their website: https://www.hillfaith.org/

Contact Information
Mark Tapscott
405377@email4pr.com
301-275-6645

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SOURCE HillFaith

KELLER, Texas, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Polly Plumbing, a female founded, family operated Keller Plumbing company headquartered off of Keller Pkwy, has announced its official launch serving homeowners and local businesses across Tarrant Count and the south side of Denton County. The company was built to solve the frustrations many Texans have faced with home service providers and to deliver what the founders describe as a simpler, clearer, more respectful plumbing experience.

Located at 1762 Keller Pkwy Ste 100, Keller, TX 76248, Polly Plumbing already serves Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, Trophy Club, Westlake, Roanoke, NRH, Arlington, Fort Worth, Flower Mound, Lewisville, and Argyle. Services include plumbing, drain care, leak detection and repair, water heaters, gas line repair, and whole home water filtration.

A Company Built From Two Decades of Homeownership Experience

Co-founders Polly Brady, CEO, and Haven Brady, President, developed the business model after nearly 20 years of dealing with contractors as homeowners, landlords, and parents.

“We built Polly Plumbing for people who expect more. We know what it feels like to take a day off work, to trust a stranger in your home, and to hope the price doesn’t change once the job starts. After years of disappointing experiences, we decided to create the company we wished existed. It spawned with centering the service around the female decision maker of the home offering clear communication, respectful service, upfront pricing, and the kind of care we want for our own family. It’s now grown to be appreciated by all in the home,” shares Polly Brady, CEO.

Putting Homeowners Back in Control

Polly Plumbing’s model focuses on what the founders describe as the three values missing in most plumbing experiences:

1. Clear diagnosis

2. Upfront options and pricing

3. No surprise adjustments or add-ons once approved
   

This approach is meant to remove the pressure, confusion, and guesswork many Texans report experiencing with home service companies.

“Every homeowner deserves clear answers. You should know the root cause, options to fix, and the price. No shifting numbers and no new line items later. Our job is to be the easiest plumbing company you will ever work with. We also take your home and your safety seriously. We vet close to one hundred plumbers to hire one so that the person in your home is skilled, kind, and trustworthy. We are full service and we do not leave you with extra to-do’s. When a repair calls for drywall, patching, texture, flooring, or other follow up work, our network of local partners can complete that for you so the whole job is taken care of,” shares Haven Brady, President.

Built for Tarrant County Homes

Tarrant County homeowners experience unique plumbing challenges due to hard water, aging infrastructure in certain neighborhoods, and soil movement that can affect slab foundations. According to public water data, North Texas water hardness commonly ranges between 140–180 mg/L, which can impact plumbing systems, fixtures, and water-using appliances.

Additionally, engineering sources note that North Texas clay soils expand and contract significantly with seasonal moisture changes, creating stress on plumbing lines under slab-built homes.

Polly Plumbing’s services are intentionally designed around these issues, pairing modern leak detection with education-first service.

A Neighborly Brand With Deep Local Roots

The company is already involved in Keller and Carroll ISD’s and surrounding school communities with participation in Celebrating Southlake and the Trophy Club Fall Festival. Polly Plumbing’s mascot, Polly the Parrot, has become a recognizable symbol in local neighborhoods and will appear at events for free family photo keepsakes.

“We also welcomed Texas native, Gary Staggs as our General Manager. He is an Army veteran with thirty years of plumbing experience and a strong background in leadership. He brings a player coach mindset to our team. His focus is to uphold our service model standards and guide our plumbers as they care for our community one household at a time,” shares Polly Brady, CEO.

The founders say their goal is to be a trusted household name because of consistency in their delivery: showing up on time, being easy to work with, fair pricing for premium service, and leaving homes cleaner than they were found.

The Polly Promise

Polly Plumbing introduced the Polly Promise to set clear expectations for customers:

• They never miss your call
• Respect your time and home
• Provide options not pressure
• No complicated jargon
• Give upfront pricing
• Do the work right the first time

This promise is grounded in building long-term relationships with customers, property managers, home service partners, and general contractors.

Looking Ahead

Polly Plumbing plans to expand community education efforts, including upcoming releases on topics such as leak detection, foundation-related plumbing issues, and water quality challenges across Tarrant County.

Residents are encouraged to save the company’s contact information in their phones to be prepared when the unplanned happens.

About Polly Plumbing

Polly Plumbing is a female owned and family operated plumbing company based in Keller, Texas. The company was created with the female decision maker in mind and is appreciated by all households who want clear answers, upfront pricing, and a licensed team they can trust inside their home. Polly Plumbing focuses on clarity, respect, and a calm customer experience that many homeowners feel is missing in the industry. The company provides plumbing, drain, leak detection, gas, and whole home water filtration services across Tarrant County. Polly Plumbing hires with care, trains with intention, and supports the community through school sponsorships and local events. Polly Plumbing, for people who expect more.

Service: 817-776-0007
Website: www.pollyplumbing.com

Careers at Polly Plumbing:  https://pollyplumbing.com/careers/

RMP-42199

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SOURCE Polly Plumbing

OSAKA, Japan, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., a Panasonic Group Company, today announced it has signed an agreement with Zoox, the Amazon-owned autonomous ride-hailing company, to supply cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells to power its robotaxi fleet deployments. Under the multi-year agreement, Panasonic Energy will deliver its latest 2170 battery cells beginning in early 2026 to support Zoox’s growing robotaxi service and operations.

Zoox has created a purpose-built robotaxi that gives the world a better way to ride and recently opened its first robotaxi serial production facility in Hayward, CA, to produce these vehicles at scale. The company also launched its robotaxi ride-hailing service in Las Vegas, making them the first company in history to provide a fully driverless ride-hailing service in a purpose-built robotaxi.

Panasonic Energy’s 2170 cells, offering superior energy density, safety and reliability, are crucial for Zoox’s high-performance robotaxis. The cylindrical cells, proven in various successful EV products, offer unrivaled safety. As of September 2025, Panasonic Energy had supplied approximately 20 billion lithium-ion EV battery cells globally, equivalent to powering 4 million EVs, without any vehicle recalls due to battery-attributed issues, highlighting its reputation for high-quality, reliable battery cells. Supply of these advanced cells will start from Japan and is planned to expand to Panasonic Energy’s Kansas factory in the near future.

According to the recent market report by Grand View Research, the U.S. robotaxi market, valued at roughly USD 0.45 billion in 2024, is expected to expand at a CAGR of over 70% through 2030, fueled by progressive urban policy initiatives in cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Miami. Adoption is particularly accelerating in urban hubs like Phoenix, San Francisco, and Las Vegas, where on-demand robotaxi fleets are gaining traction. Globally, the market is forecasted to exceed USD 40–50 billion by 2030, with North America and Asia-Pacific emerging as the leading regions. Panasonic Energy aims to seize emerging opportunities in this dynamic market and accelerate the growth of our business.

Kazuo Tadanobu, CEO of Panasonic Energy, said, “Zoox is truly unique. This represents a pivotal step for Panasonic Energy with the opportunity to contribute towards the next generation of mobility innovation. Zoox is reshaping urban transportation and Panasonic Energy is helping power these robotaxis for a safer, more sustainable, and connected future.” 

“This is an exceptionally exciting time for Zoox, and we are pleased to have Panasonic Energy as a new partner in our journey to redefine urban mobility. Their commitment to innovation and quality aligns well with our mission to create a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable way for people to get around cities. We’re proud to be working with them as our robotaxi service and operations continue to scale,” says Bruce Baumgartner, Vice President, Supply Chain, Quality & Reliability at Zoox.

About Panasonic Energy
Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. provides innovative battery technology-based products and solutions globally. Through its automotive lithium-ion batteries, storage battery systems and dry batteries, the company brings safe, reliable, and convenient power to a broad range of business areas, from mobility and social infrastructure to medical and consumer products. Panasonic Energy is committed to contributing to a society that realizes happiness and environmental sustainability, and through its business activities the Company aims to address societal issues while taking the lead on environmental initiatives. For more details, please visit https://www.panasonic.com/global/energy/.

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SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North America

GOTHENBURG, Sweden and VÄSTRA GÖTALAND, Sweden, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On Thursday November 27, Minesto, leading ocean energy developer, will publish the Interim Management Statement 1 January – 30 September 2025. Dr Martin Edlund, CEO, will present and share key updates from Minesto, followed by a Q&A session.

The webinar will take place online at 10am (CET) on Thursday 27 November 2025.

The presentation will be held in English.
The webinar will be broadcast through Finwire TV.
Following the session, a recording will be available online.

Please register your attendance here:
Minesto – Q3 Presentation 2025 – Finwire

Welcome.

The Interim Management Statement is scheduled for publication at 08.30 (CET) on Thursday 27 November, it will be distributed through press release and available at www.minesto.com

Contact:
Cecilia Sernhage, Chief Communications Officer
+46 735 23 71 58
ir@minesto.com 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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SOURCE Minesto AB

ESPOO, Finland, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A VTT led research project is developing compact spectral imaging and gas measurement technologies for industries and medical diagnostics. Innovations based on the science of light, i.e. photonics, use, for instance, infrared light to identify gases. With the new optical MEMS solutions, instruments and sensors are easier and cheaper to manufacture from readily available and non-toxic raw materials.

The EPheS (Efficient Photonics for Sustainable Imaging and Sensing) project, involving four pioneering companies and two research institutes, is developing tunable optical spectral filters and systems based on them. These solutions serve a wide range of applications, ranging from environmental monitoring such as hazardous gas detection, green energy initiatives to food and pharmaceutical safety as well as medical diagnostics, such as tissue analysis.

“Novel spectral imaging and gas measurement technologies are essential for creating a sustainable circular economy. They can be used to reduce the carbon footprint of different industries and increase the carbon handprint, i.e. the positive environmental impact of these technologies,” says Aapo Varpula, project coordinator and Research Team Leader for Medical microsystems at VTT.

Launched at the beginning of 2025, the three-year project is a part Chip Zero ecosystem that is run by Applied Materials. The other project partners are Tampere University, Vaisala, Gasera and Schott Primoceler.

“Our collaboration has got off to a flying start. We’re currently in the design phase, and we’ll start component fabrication in VTT’s cleanroom for 200 mm wafers around the turn of the year. This is an excellent opportunity for VTT to develop novel infrared spectral technologies and demonstrate them in new applications,” explains Varpula.

Metalenses and MEMS technology enable a breakthrough

The project stands out globally due to the unique combination of expertise in materials, metaoptics, MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) and integrated optical systems brought together by its partners.

EPheS combines metalenses and MEMS-based adjustable infrared filters into compact systems for the spectral-based detection of gases and hyperspectral imaging.

“Metalenses are flat, nanostructured lenses that can replace traditional optics. This enables the manufacturing of simpler, lighter and more resource and cost-effective systems,” says Varpula.

In Finland, metaoptics is still rarely used in industrial applications. In the project, new technology in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) range enables both more efficient gas sensor performance and the miniaturisation of systems.

Sustainability is highlighted in the project by the ecological choice of materials. For example, silicon is non-toxic and widely available, unlike many conventional infrared materials, which are expensive, rare and toxic.

Gases can be detected with infrared light and audio signals

The photonics technologies being developed allow the analysis of, for example, gases and materials in real time and with high sensitivity. This can be achieved without interference from other gases, using methods such as photoacoustics or infrared spectroscopy. The gas sensors and instruments use microfabricated tunable LWIR filters.

“In the photoacoustic method, gas is collected into a measurement chamber and irradiated with infrared light. When the light is absorbed by the gas, it generates an audio signal. This will only happen when the chamber contains a specific gas for which the wavelength of the infrared radiation is tuned,” Varpula explains.

Tunable Fabry-Pérot interferometer-based MEMS filters employ optical membranes separated by an air gap. The layered structure composed of a thin silicon membrane enables efficient operation in the LWIR range.

Conventional solutions are expensive, large and only work for one gas at a time. New adjustable components facilitate the detection of a wide range of gases. They are also smaller and cheaper and enable more versatile gas measurement systems.

A national competence cluster under construction

As part of the Chip Zero ecosystem, the EPheS project brings photonics expertise and builds a national competence cluster.

“As part of the EPheS project, the atomic layer deposition (ALD) delivers exceptional material quality and reliability for advanced optical components – driving breakthroughs in spectral imaging and gas sensing. From ultra-thin coatings for multispectral filters to durable layers for MEMS FPIs, we need to ensure precision at the nanometre scale. We are proud to be part of this collaboration developing sustainable, high-performance solutions that are set to redefine environmental monitoring, industrial automation, and beyond,” says Jesse Kalliomäki, Senior Scientist at Applied Materials in Finland.

“At Tampere University, we develop metaoptic components that manipulate light with nanoscale precision. Within EPheS, our focus is on designing metalenses and metasurfaces that bring advanced imaging and sensing functionalities into compact, integrated formats. By combining metaoptics with MEMS technology, we aim to make high-performance photonic systems more sustainable, scalable, and accessible for real-world applications,” says Humeyra Caglayan, Professor of Physics at Tampere University.

EPheS project in a nutshell

• A Business Finland Co-Innovation project under the Chip Zero Veturi programme
• total budget: EUR 4.2 million
• Two research and technology organisations:            
  • VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
  • Tampere University
• Four companies: Applied Materials, Vaisala, Gasera and Schott Primoceler
• Duration: 3 years

Additional information:

VTT
Aapo Varpula, Research Team Leader, aapo.varpula@vtt.fi, tel. +358 40 357 1370

Applied Materials
Jesse Kalliomäki, Senior Scientist, jesse_kalliomaki@amat.com, +358 50 4657233

Tampere University
Humeyra Caglayan, Professor of Physics, humeyra.caglayan@tuni.fi,  +358 50 4478330

MEDIA MATERIAL

VTT’s MEMS-based tuneable optical filter chips (Photo source: VTT)

Caption for illustration `Metaoptics.png’: (a) Conceptual illustration of an optical metasurface; (b) Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a metasurface fabricated at Tampere University by Linzhi Yu.

Further information on VTT:
Paula Bergqvist, Communications Manager
+358 20 722 5161, paula.bergqvist@vtt.fi
www.vttresearch.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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SOURCE VTT Info

BEIJING, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A green energy transition is underway across Xing’an League in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with the Xing’an League Economic and Technological Development Zone becoming a core hosting location for the green hydrogen-ammonia-methanol industry.

From technological breakthroughs to industrial applications, the zone is spearheading rapid growth in the green energy industry.

Xing’an League boasts various energy resources, with estimated developable capacity of wind and solar energy reaching 36 million kilowatts, 5 billion cubic meters of total water resources from 315 rivers, and over 7 million tonnes of biomass resources.

This unique resource endowment constitutes precisely the “natural foundation” needed by the green hydrogen-ammonia-methanol industry.

The Xing’an League Economic and Technological Development Zone has established a centralized conversion platform for the league’s green resources through systematic planning, converting them into viable materials for sustained industrial development and laying a solid foundation for future project implementation and technological breakthroughs.

To truly transform potential resource dividends into tangible industrial competitiveness, the zone leverages infrastructure and the policy system to drive development of the green hydrogen-ammonia-methanol industry.

According to Gao Tianyu, director of the Administrative Committee of the zone, the zone has invested a total of 6 billion yuan in infrastructure development by 2025 to ensure the smooth implementation and development of relevant projects.

Supportive policies at the national, autonomous region and the zone levels also help optimize the business environment for relevant enterprises to do business and carry out projects locally.

As of 2025, the zone has attracted leading enterprises such as Goldwind, CGN, and Mingyang Smart Energy, with the green hydrogen-ammonia-methanol industry initially taking shape.

According to the development blueprint, the zone will establish an industrial cluster capable of producing 700,000 tonnes of green hydrogen, 2 million tonnes of green ammonia, and 3 million tonnes of green methanol, driving output value across the upstream and downstream industrial chains to exceed 50 billion yuan.

Currently, the zone has gathered 736 relevant enterprises, established an innovation echelon led by high-tech enterprises, and forged a modern industrial system, becoming a crucial industrial platform advancing green transformation in eastern Inner Mongolia.

Beyond achieving breakthroughs in key technologies, the zone has also established a comprehensive industrial close-loop encompassing equipment manufacturing, green hydrogen production, green ammonia and methanol preparation, and waste material recycling.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/348463.html 

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SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road

NEW YORK, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF), a national nonprofit dedicated to serving the children and families of first responders and its leading, long-time partner CSX (NASDAQ: CSX), are distributing toys to more than 26,000 children at 70 Toy Express events in 12 states this holiday season.

FRCF beneficiaries include families of firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, 911 dispatchers and corrections officers.

“Together with CSX we’re reaching more families, building stronger community connections, and deepening the impact of Toy Express nationwide,” said Jillian Crane, president and CEO of First Responders Children’s Foundation. “We’re grateful to have a partner who cares so deeply about supporting the children of our heroes who sacrifice so much for us.”

Now in its sixth year, Toy Express continues to expand into new communities while strengthening its roots with longtime first responder agency partners. CSX’s continued investment since the partnership began in 2018 has allowed FRCF to renew partnerships in New York, South Carolina, and Florida, while also launching with new first responder agencies across the country.

At the local level, CSX employees and agents help bring Toy Express to life. They volunteer at community events alongside police, fire, and EMS partners to pack boxes, hand out toys, and spend time with families. Their presence turns toy delivery into something more personal: a chance for children to see first responders, neighbors and supporters all standing together for them.

First Responders Children’s Foundation is also proud to be part of the CSX Pride in Service family. Through Pride in Service, CSX collaborates with nonprofit partners to connect first responders, service members and their families with the resources and support they need. Their partnerships with FRCF support scholarships, bereavement and financial hardship grants, and mental health and resilience initiatives, extending the impact of this partnership far beyond Toy Express.

With the support of CSX, Toy Express has become FRCF’s largest annual community engagement program, encouraging first responders to engage with their communities and build positive relationships with the children and families they serve.

“Toy Express reflects the best of what happens when communities come together,” said Bryan Tucker, vice president of stakeholder engagement and sustainability at CSX. “Through Pride in Service, we’re committed to supporting first responder families all year long, and Toy Express is one of the most meaningful ways we can show that gratitude.”

Learn more and support the Toy Express at 1strcf.org/toy-express 
Learn more about CSX’s Pride in Service initiative at csx.com/index.cfm/community-investment/pride-in-service/

ABOUT FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION: First Responders Children’s Foundation is a national foundation that provides programs and resources that address the specific needs of first responders and their families. The Foundation focuses on five key areas: Scholarships, Financial Assistance Grants, a Mental Health Resilience Program, Natural Disaster Relief and Community Engagement. The Foundation was founded 24 years ago in response to 9/11 when 800 children lost a first responder parent. Additional information about FRCF can be found at www.1stRCF.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @1strcf.

CONTACT: 
Joshua Natoli 
joshua@1strcf.org
845-332-7933

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SOURCE First Responders Children’s Foundation

Chicago laundromat chain concludes three-week relief program Nov. 26, providing 850 more families with free washing

CHICAGO, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Wash Smart Laundry will wrap up its three-week community assistance program on Wednesday, Nov. 26, providing free laundry services to 850 additional families across its 17 Chicago-area locations. The free-wash effort supports residents affected by delays in SNAP benefits and will bring the total number of households served to 1,350.

The company launched the initiative Nov. 12 in response to the federal government shutdown that halted SNAP benefits in early November, leaving nearly 2 million Illinois residents, including about 900,000 in Chicago, without their usual food assistance, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services and media reports. Although benefits were restored Nov. 20 after the 43-day shutdown, many residents continue to face financial strain.

Wash Smart created the program to help cover an essential expense for families who may need extra support during this period.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do,” said Joey Gilb, chief operating officer of Wash Smart Laundry. “This program is one way we can say thank you and offer real help to families in our community who are under added stress right now.”

On Wednesday, Wash Smart will provide the first 50 customers at each location with laundry cards valued at $10 each to cover a full wash and dry cycle. The cards remain valid indefinitely and require no application process. During program hours, SNAP recipients can present their benefit card at the counter between 5 a.m. and midnight to receive a laundry card.

The initiative has received support from Alds. Stephanie D. Coleman, Julia M. Ramirez, Jeylú B. Gutiérrez and Derrick G. Curtis and state Rep. Matt Hanson, who have shared information about the program with residents in their districts.

The program reaches communities across Chicago’s South and West sides, along with suburban areas including Addison, Elgin, Franklin Park, Montgomery, Niles, and West Chicago. Each of the company’s 17 locations participates in the distribution, from its Kedzie Avenue stores serving Chicago’s Southwest Side to its suburban sites in DuPage and Cook counties.

Call to Action

Families with valid SNAP cards can visit any Wash Smart Laundry location on Wednesday, Nov. 26, during regular business hours to receive a free laundry card.

Participating Location Addresses

• 4646 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60632
• 3319 W 55th St, Chicago, IL 60632
• 5926 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60629
• 4314 W Marquette Rd, Chicago, IL 60629
• 6450 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
• 4030 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
• 5112 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60632
• 2523 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
• 2005 W 79th St, Chicago, IL 60620
• 4446 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
• 9515 Grand Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131
• 511 N Addison Rd, Addison, IL 60101
• 425 Dundee Ave, Elgin, IL 60120
• 616 Montgomery Rd, Montgomery, IL 60538
• 8940 N Greenwood Ave, Niles, IL 60714
• 8716 W Golf Rd, Niles, IL 60714
• 149 N Neltnor Blvd, West Chicago, IL 60185

About Wash Smart Laundry

Wash Smart Laundry operates 17 laundromats across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, offering self-service, drop-off, and delivery options. The company is committed to accessibility, community engagement, and quality care for customers throughout the region. Each location features high-efficiency machines, extended hours, spacious parking, free Wi-Fi, and family-friendly Kids Zones.

For full program details or to find participating laundromats, visit https://www.washsmartlaundry.com

Media Contact

Wash Smart Laundry
Sam Silver
(773) 234-4096
ssilver@washsmartlaundry.com

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SOURCE Wash Smart Laundry

IJAMSVILLE, Md., Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Rotary Club of Southern Frederick County proudly sponsored and supported the 2025 Youth Environmental Summit, held Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Bar-T Mountainside (2822 Roderick Road, Frederick, MD). More than 50 middle and high school students from across Maryland gathered for an immersive day of environmental education, community building, and youth-led climate action.

The annual summit is a signature program of Mountainside Education & Enrichment, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2008 to broaden access to environmental science education, expand community engagement opportunities, and secure funding to support low-income youth participating in Mountainside and Bar-T camp programs. This year’s event was made possible through the Rotary Club’s sponsorship, which provided critical administrative, promotional, and operational support, including public relations outreach, advertising, volunteer coordination, and event logistics.

Full Day of Interactive Environmental Workshops

The 2025 summit introduced students to real-world environmental solutions through hands-on workshops. Sessions included:

• Food recovery and composting
• Funding opportunities for free tree plantings
• Plastics recovery
• Sustainable architecture
• Lithium-ion battery recovery
• Micro-forestry practices

The program also featured three guest speakers: Paul Varga, Communication Manager for the Frederick County, MD Division of Solid Waste & Recycling; Peter Forbes, President of Trees for the Planet; and Anthony Frank, a naturalist and the Chief Operating Officer of Eco Educational Design, an organization affiliated with Trees for the Planet.

Rotary Club Emphasizes Youth Leadership and Environmental Stewardship

Gerald Miller, President of the Rotary Club of Southern Frederick County, shared how the event aligns with Rotary International’s global commitment to protecting the environment.

“Supporting youth environmental leadership is directly tied to Rotary International’s global priority of protecting our planet,” said Miller. “Rotary believes in empowering young people with the tools, knowledge, and encouragement to take meaningful action. Sponsoring the Youth Environmental Summit allows our club to advance this mission locally, while helping students become confident environmental stewards who can shape a more sustainable future for all.”

Mountainside Education & Enrichment Recognizes Community Support

Joe Richardson, past president of the Rotary Club of Southern Frederick County and owner of Mountainside Education & Enrichment and Bar-T Mountainside, expressed his gratitude for the continued partnership and for the event’s guest speaker.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club of Southern Frederick County for sponsoring this summit and making it possible for so many students to learn, explore, and lead,” said Richardson. “Our guest speakers added tremendous depth to the day’s learning, and the enthusiasm from each student reminds us why this program matters. When young people are given the opportunity to engage deeply with environmental issues, they rise to the challenge with creativity, optimism, and commitment.”

Strengthening Youth Engagement in Environmental Action

Through Rotary’s sponsorship, the event continues to expand its impact on the region’s youth, creating opportunities for students to learn practical skills, explore potential career pathways, and connect with environmental initiatives in their communities. The Rotary Club of Southern Frederick County looks forward to continuing its partnership with Mountainside Education & Enrichment and supporting future summits that cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders.

About Mountainside Education & Enrichment

Mountainside Education & Enrichment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2008 to expand environmental and scientific learning opportunities for youth and families. The organization supports innovative educational programs, community engagement, and scholarship access for low-income youth participating in Mountainside programs and Bar-T Summer Camps.

About the Rotary Club of Southern Frederick County

The Rotary Club of Southern Frederick County is a community-driven service organization dedicated to advancing the Rotary motto, Service Above Self. The club supports local initiatives that strengthen youth leadership, promote environmental sustainability, and improve the wellbeing of communities in Frederick County and beyond.

For more information about future Rotary-supported programs, please contact the Rotary Club of Southern Frederick County at sfrotary.publicimage@gmail.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rotary-club-of-southern-frederick-county-sponsors-2025-youth-environmental-summit-a-day-of-hands-on-sustainability-learning-302624864.html

SOURCE Rotary Club of Southern Frederick County