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Saint-Gobain Corporation

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Scotts Miracle-Gro and Composite Deck Manufacturer, Trex, Reclaim 135,000 Pounds of Plastic Waste

<img alt="Group photo in front of sign that reads &quot;Better Basics READS TODAY&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67b6e9bb-b053-4ffe-ad9a-85847a5f6da7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Schools-Out_Regions_6625.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="854" loading="lazy" />By Candace Higginbotham

Final exams are complete, the last bell has rung and students and teachers are ready for a fun and relaxing summer break. Regions teams across the footprint are joining in on the celebrations but the bank’s commitment and support doesn’t stop when the books are closed.

Education and workforce development are key priorities and a strategic pillar for both Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation®. The Regions Foundation is a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank. Along with funding related to education and workforce development in areas served by Regions Bank, the foundation delivers grants and investments to organizations that enhance economic and community development, financial wellness and more.

The bank and foundation champion education programs and initiatives in a variety of ways, through grants, investments and financial wellness. And Regions Bank associates always raise their hands for classroom volunteer opportunities.
<img alt="Collage of students and teachers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92107724-de78-4543-ad28-9539edeba2c7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/2Schools-Out_Better-Basics_3.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="854" loading="lazy" />‘Lighting a Flame’

Regions Bank’s Finance division recently took part in an end-of-school year blowout for students hosted by <a href="https://www.betterbasics.org/" id="modal-toggler--2080376267-3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Better Basics</a>, a Birmingham nonprofit whose mission is to eradicate illiteracy among children in central Alabama.

Better Basics Reads 2025, the organization’s largest annual volunteer event, brought in hundreds of community members who read to more than 14,000 pre-K through 5th-grade students across the Birmingham area. As a bonus, the students get to take a book home.

<a href="https://doingmoretoday.com/in-the-limelight-amanda-saint/" target="_blank">Amanda Saint</a>, Business Unit Controller at Regions, is an active board member at Better Basics and organized a team that read to K-5th grade students in 18 classrooms at i3 Academy. She said the day was impactful for not just the students but also the teachers and the Regions Finance team.

“The students loved the books!” Saint said. “They were engaged, asking questions and giving answers to questions we had. And they were so excited to get to take the book home with them. The teachers were amazing and very appreciative of Better Basics and Regions.”

The experience was fun, but Saint also acknowledged the long-term value of this activity.

“Ensuring students have books at home and hopefully lighting a flame to love reading is very important. Without reading, learning becomes exponentially tougher. Stats show that students who are reading below grade level by 3rd grade are more likely to drop out of high school and fail to become college and career ready. And 60 percent of low-income families do not have a single children’s book in their homes. Having a time to interact with students and share my love for reading with them is the best.”
<img alt="Collage of students and teachers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e33d8d70-7a4f-4535-9463-42b3d40b822f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/3Schools-Out_Better-Basics_2.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="854" loading="lazy" />Education-Focused Grants

Better Basics also received good news from the Regions Foundation, which announced a grant that will go toward the Reading Intervention Program for underserved K-4th grade students. The program focuses on teacher training, high quality tutoring, early reading intervention and enrichment activities.

The Regions Foundation continued the end-of -school year celebration with the announcement of additional education-focused grants, including a $250,000 commitment to three affiliates of the <a href="https://doingmoretoday.com/building-knowledge-to-last-a-lifetime/" target="_blank">Council for Economic Education</a>. The CEE’s mission is to equip K-12 students with the tools and knowledge of personal finance and economics so that they can make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities. It does this by providing programs for teachers, students and families through a network of 200 affiliates across the country.

The Mississippi Council on Economic Education received funding to support the Get2College Teacher Training and Certification Program. The Georgia council grant supports the Advancing Financial Literacy Project, and the Alabama affiliate grant will fund their Never Too Early Project.

“The Regions Foundation is proud to support programs and initiatives that empower educators with the knowledge and tools in financial literacy” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “These training programs enable teachers and families to take charge of their own financial wellness, and in turn, help their students start building a strong financial foundation for their future.”
<img alt="Five people standing together next to sign, &quot;Nacho Average Teacher&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8bb956e-09ab-4f04-b894-b2e01a72f94f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/4Knoxville-teacher-event-edit.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="854" loading="lazy" />Regions Bank and Regions Foundation have a long history with another education-focused organization, <a href="https://aplusala.org/" id="modal-toggler-5144632-4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A+ Education Partnership in Alabama</a>. For the last six years, the Regions Foundation has funded two professional development programs, Powerful Learning Networks and Instructional Partners Network, part of the A+ Best Practices Center. Regions Chairman, President and CEO John Turner serves as a board member.

<blockquote>
"The Regions Foundation is proud to support programs and initiatives that empower educators with the knowledge and tools in financial literacy." Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation
</blockquote>

“We are incredibly grateful for the investment and long-term collaboration Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation have provided for A+’s work through the years,” said Stirling Hutchins, senior director of development at A+ Education Partnership.

A+ works to promote policies and directly support public schools to improve outcomes for all students, particularly those with greater needs, and they are especially excited about an end-of-school-year win that will benefit students across the state when they return in the fall. The organization served a major role in the passage of Renewing Alabama’s Investment in Student Excellence (RAISE) Act, which was signed into law in early May.

The RAISE Act creates a new funding mechanism for public schools in Alabama that allocates additional resources based on specific student characteristics. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, a RAISE Fund will provide weighted allocations for students in various categories, including those experiencing poverty, students with special needs, English Language Learners, charter school students and gifted students. This means that districts will receive additional funding based on the number of students in these specific categories, which they can then use to address those students’ needs.

Supporting Teachers, Students and Parents

As exciting as this time of year is for students, it’s really the teachers who deserve the high five. In Knoxville, Regions Bank associates hosted a much-deserved end-of-school year celebration for more than 100 teachers at <a href="https://www.knoxschools.org/Domain/1069" id="modal-toggler--1990451154-5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hardin Valley Middle School</a>.

Regions Baton Rouge associates and local families kicked off summer in a big way with the Summer FUN BASH hosted by the <a href="https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/baton-rouge/" id="modal-toggler--2105111936-6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Salvation Army</a> Pathway of Hope Program. Parents and children 12 and under enjoyed games, crafts, snacks and live entertainment.

Summer is clearly off to a great start. While everyone enjoys beach vacations, pool parties and popsicles, back at Regions HQ our teams will be busy planning fall Back to School celebrations!

School’s Out for Summer!

<img alt="Demystifying Energy Series" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34f3a66d-29d3-4b60-b1d5-b407ee80502a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Demystifying%20Energy_NRG%20Energy_3.6.25A1.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="722" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.nrg.com/insights/energy-education/understanding-virtual-power-plants--a-guide-to-vpps.html" target="_blank">Originally published on NRG Energy Insights</a>

By <a href="https://www.nrg.com/authors/nrg-editorial-voices.html" target="_blank">NRG Editorial Voices</a>

Have you ever thought about where your electricity comes from? Maybe you picture massive generators or big spinning turbines. That’s been the norm for over a century. But what if your home, your neighbor’s home, and even the electric car in someone’s driveway could work together to provide power to an entire neighborhood?

That’s the idea behind Virtual Power Plants, or VPPs. They’re changing the way we think about energy use and power generation. However, many people are still unfamiliar with this type of energy network. From how they work to the many benefits they provide, we’ve gathered the most common questions asked about VPPs.

1. What exactly is a VPP?

A VPP is a network of decentralized energy sources — like solar panels, home batteries, and smart devices — that work together to generate, store, and manage electricity.

Think of it like this: a single large power plant can supply energy to thousands of homes. When thousands of smaller devices are aggregated, they work together and function much like a power plant, supplying electricity when it’s needed most and helping ease demand on the grid.
<img alt="UNDERSTANDING VPP: VIRTUAL POWER PLANT TRADITIONAL POWER: TRADITIONAL POWER: Energy from the power plant is distributed to communities. POWER USE: Energy use varies by time of day, weather, occupancy, and lifestyle. PEAK USAGE: Energy grids experience stress during times of high use, increasing cost and limiting power availability." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43b14ba4-44fd-4a6e-ab32-09cc146a4916" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Understanding%20VPP_NRG_3.6.25A1.png" width="340" class="align-center" height="600" loading="lazy" />2. How do VPPs work?

Let’s say your neighborhood has many homes with rooftop solar panels and backup batteries. On any exceptionally sunny day, those solar panels can generate more electricity than people use. The excess energy is then stored in battery storage systems or sent back to the grid.

Now imagine it’s a sweltering summer evening (Houston, we’re looking at you), and everyone’s cranking their air conditioning to stay cool. As the sun goes down, the grid may be under stress. That’s where the VPP steps in. It can tap into all those connected devices — batteries, smart thermostats, and even electric vehicles (EVs) — and either reduce energy use or send stored energy to the power grid.

In a way, a VPP turns your home into both an energy producer and a smart energy user.

3. Why do we need VPPs?

One challenge with traditionally generated electricity is that it must be used as soon as it is generated — battery storage does not currently have the capacity to store the large amounts of electricity needed to power our lives. That’s not a big deal for traditional power plants. But as we shift to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, it gets trickier.

Why? Because we can’t control the wind and the sun.

That’s where VPPs come in. They add flexibility to the grid, allowing us to reduce demand or supplement traditional energy generation when needed and viable. Instead of firing up a peaker plant (which are quick-response power plants used during intense electricity demand that are high in cost and greenhouse gas emissions), VPPs can fill the gap.
<img alt="VIRTUAL POWER PLANT ALTERNATIVE POWER GENERATION Sustainable solutions, such as roof-top solar, can increase energy availability, decreasing reliance on the traditional grid. POWER STORAGE Battery storage serves both as back-up and supplemental power when necessary. SMART TECH &amp; ENERGY OPTIMIZATION With thermostats, sensors, lighting, and EV charging, smart tech optimizes power usage during peak periods and when occupants are away. SO, WHY IS VPP IMPORTANT? Sustainable generation, battery storage." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0989872f-0923-4c0d-a1cf-5b760c00fe10" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Understanding%20VPP_NRG_3.6.25B2.png" width="340" class="align-center" height="600" loading="lazy" />4. What’s in a VPP?

The magic of VPPs lies in the devices that power them. These are called Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). You might already have one in your home! Some examples include:

<ul><li>If you have a smart thermostat, it might slightly raise or lower the temperature in your home to save energy (and money).</li>
	<li>If you have a home battery, it can be deployed to power your home when grid energy is limited or renewables are not available.</li>
	<li>If you have an electric vehicle, you could earn money for charging your electric car overnight instead of during the day.</li>
</ul>Small changes, when done together, can have a large impact — on the grid and on your wallet.

5. How do VPPs benefit you?

You may be wondering what VPPs can do for you. First, there’s the potential to save money. Many energy companies offer programs rewarding customers for participating in a VPP. For example, you could get credits on your bill for allowing your battery or thermostat to be turned on or adjusted during peak load times.

Beyond financial savings, joining a VPP means you’re helping create a more resilient grid. VPPs manage how electricity is used rather than how it’s produced. They adjust energy use from smart devices, batteries, and commercial buildings to reduce stress on the grid. This means that simply by participating, you’re contributing to a more reliable energy system.

6. What role does technology play?

Today, phone apps are used to manage so much of our lives. From paying your bills to turning on your car, you can control so much from the palm of your hand, and that includes your energy usage. Through our app, you will gain more control over your home and your energy use than ever before.

From your doorbell camera to your smart thermostat, imagine being able to manage the needs of your home — and help the grid — in real time. That’s where automated demand response comes in.

7. Are VPPs really worth it?

Yes, VPPs are absolutely worth it, as they provide real benefits for both your wallet and the power grid. In fact, research from the Rocky Mountain Institute suggests that VPPs can reduce electricity costs by $140 per household annually. Some energy providers even offer bill credits and other incentives for enrolling in VPP programs.

Beyond savings, VPPs also help improve grid reliability and sustainability, helping lower emissions and reduce the load on traditional power plants.

With smarter energy management, cost savings, and environmental benefits, VPPs are a win-win for homeowners.

8. Why are VPPs the next big thing in energy?

Energy systems are evolving fast, and as renewable energy sources become more and more common, VPPs will become more important.

In fact, the future of VPPs is already unfolding. NRG, in partnership with Renew Home and Google Cloud, is developing a 1 GW AI-powered VPP in Texas, which will use smart thermostats and other connected devices to help customers optimize energy use, lower costs, and enhance grid resilience.

Additionally, more homeowners are upgrading to smart-enabled appliances. Devices like heat pumps and water heaters are being designed with connectivity in mind, allowing them to adjust energy use in real time. This growing network of smart devices will make VPPs more flexible, scalable, and effective at integrating renewable energy into the grid.

By giving homeowners greater control over their energy use and helping transition to a more sustainable grid, VPPs represent the future of energy — smarter, cleaner, and more resilient.

The takeaway

Virtual Power Plants are more than a novel energy concept — they’re a practical, people-first solution to some of our biggest energy challenges. And they’re already transforming our energy landscape.

Virtual Power Plant FAQs: What Is a VPP and How Does It Work?

<img alt="Asian woman shopping in the grocery store." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d2ce42db-acd5-41cd-a3f8-d9d77fb34f43" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Asian%20Millennials_Nielsen_3.21.25A.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="681" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2025/asian-millennial-women-use-buying-power-protect-environment/" target="_blank">Originally published on Nielsen Insights</a>

This year’s International Women’s Day theme <a href="https://www.internationalwomensday.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">#accelerateaction</a> puts the spotlight on how women are driving change around the world. With 2024 being the <a href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/national-climate-202413#:~:text=Hurricane%20Helene%20was%20the%20costliest,this%20disaster%20was%20$78.7%20billion." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">warmest year on record</a> for the U.S., climate change and sustainability is a big concern—and definitely for women who are 7% more likely to feel that our society should do much more to protect the environment/planet. For Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) millennial women in particular, that number is even more pronounced, with 25% of them more likely to feel that way1.

For AANHPI millennial women, it’s not just a feeling, they are also acting by putting their money where their heart is: they are twice as likely to pay more for eco-friendly products and services compared to the total population1. And brands are taking note. For example, K-Beauty company Innis Free doubled down on its eco-friendly, cruelty free ingredients and packaging for the U.S. market and opened its flagship store in New York City with the Millennial and Gen Z consumer in mind. Asian millennial women are also more likely than Asian millennial men to perform eco-friendly activities from recycling to donating to environmental causes: See chart above.

AANHPI millennial women don’t just influence brands—they also influence their peers. In fact, 36% of AANHPI women agree that they are considered the leader in trends by their friend/peer group². This influence extends to purchasing power, as their choices around sustainability and eco-consciousness shape what their peers buy. Brands that align with these values can tap into a powerful network of consumers who actively share and promote the products they believe in.
<img alt="Chart showing the buying power of Asian Millennial shoppers." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b2675d59-68b5-45f9-a6d5-ff87571f3bb9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Asian%20Millennials_Nielsen_3.21.25B.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="600" loading="lazy" />When it comes to protecting the environment, the influence of Asian women to #accelerateaction goes back to earlier generations. Miya Yoshitani, Executive Director of the <a href="https://apen4ej.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Asian Pacific Environmental Network</a> has been a leader of the environmental justice movement since the 1990s. Through organizing in Asian-American communities, she fights for healthy communities and also paved the way for today’s social media activists. AANHPI women millennials have dedicated platforms for doing good, enabling them to reach audiences 18+ who spend almost eight hours a week on social media (Q3 2024). Jewish-Filipina Kristi Drutman of <a href="https://www.browngirlgreen.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">browngirlgreen</a> is a self-described “environmental educator passionate about working at the intersections between media, diversity, and environmentalism”. South Asian <a href="https://aditimayer.com/about-aditi-mayer/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Aditi Mayer</a> blends the “worlds of art, industry, and education— all with a socially conscious slant”.

These platforms offer a way for brands to create meaningful connections with Asian female millennials who are early in their consumer lifecycle. They have the buying power: average monthly earnings of Asian women ($1,331) are higher than those of their counterparts, according to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/median-weekly-earnings-1227-for-men-1021-for-women-first-quarter-2024.htm" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. They have expectations: 56% of AANHPI women expect the brands they buy to support the causes they care about2. Brands looking to grow their business can’t afford to ignore eco-conscious Asian female millennials.

Data sources:

1Scarborough USA+ 2024 Release 1 Total (Jan 2023-Apr 2024)

2Nielsen Attitudes on Representation Study, 2023

Asian Millennial Women Use Their Buying Power To Protect the Environment

<img alt="Javier Rodriguez" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dbb1a76-ff53-48a2-9edd-dd612e21b2f6" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Javier-Rodriguez_DaVita_3725.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="853" loading="lazy" />Health care conversations have outgrown the concept of transformation; what we need now is a revolution, driven by the capabilities of cutting-edge technology. As DaVita continues to invest in new solutions to enhance kidney care, CEO Javier Rodriguez provides a grounding focus on how technology in health care must transform the care experience — from mitigating care fragmentation to creating a meaningful experience for the people who use it, to supporting innovation that serves to facilitate better health outcomes.

Here are three takeaways on DaVita’s commitment to transforming kidney care through technology innovation:

<ol><li>Consumerization of health care can advance equitable access to care.  
	Advances in technology across industries has emphasized consumer needs and evolved expectations. In health care, this translates to a need for greater convenience, price transparency and personalized experiences. 
	The consumerization of health care holds significant potential for improving access to these needed benefits by tailoring services to the needs and preferences of patients. DaVita’s emphasis on access to care has led to a national care footprint in which 88% of patients live within eight miles of treatment centers. 
	By prioritizing transparency and convenience, innovations focused on patient-centric solutions not only enhance access but also foster a more engaged and informed patient population. Ultimately, embracing these principles in health tech innovation is vital for developing a health care system that is responsive to the diverse needs for everyone. 
	 </li>
	<li>Technology has the potential to unlock an improved care experience and better quality of life for patients and clinicians. 
	To realize the benefits of personalized care, technology solutions must provide clinicians with the tools they need. When DaVita developed the OneView platform, it was in response to clinician feedback. Rather than focusing on financial return, the development team centered the work on enhancing the physician experience. Automating routine tasks and streamlining documentation in platforms like OneView helps alleviate this pressure and create more time for direct patient interaction. The platform was launched as an optional tool for nephrologists rounding at DaVita centers, and thanks to its effective development to address clinician needs, the platform has a 94% opt-in rate with a +44 Net Promoter Score (NPS) for the mobile app among doctors, on par with many best-in-class digital tools in day-to-day life. 
	As data and insights continue to become more robust, technology can further enhance how caregivers are able to use tools — from cross-functional collaboration and communication to analytics that inform decision-making and more. 
	 </li>
	<li>Interoperability creates a seamless, positive experience. 
	When someone is diagnosed with a chronic condition, one of the first questions that can come to mind is often, “What will be my quality of life?” And the answer is not tied to just one aspect of what happens next — their medical experience, one treatment or even a single provider. It’s dependent on the sum of every engagement they will have with the health care system. 
	As new technologies and platforms emerge, the rise of point-to-point solutions creates further risk of fragmenting care and confusing users. Prioritizing interoperability can lead to a cohesive ecosystem that simplifies the experience, encourages engagement and offers a personalized care experience.</li>
</ol>These three focus areas can help drive transformation in a way that elevates care for both patients and providers — creating a future where technology empowers individuals and strengthens the entire health care ecosystem.

Javier Rodriguez shared his perspective on unlocking innovative patient care through tech transformation at Reuters Total Health on Oct. 8, 2024.

3 Takeaways From DaVita CEO Javier Rodriguez on the Future of Health Technology

<img alt="People handing out donated fans to the community" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="da7eaded-0993-4486-90be-883a847065d9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Fan-donation_Entergy_061925.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="960" loading="lazy" />THE WOODLANDS, Texas, June 20, 2025 /CSRwire/ - As rising heat levels and costs of living continue to impact Southeast Texas communities, Entergy Texas marks the 25th anniversary of its annual fan distribution program to help vulnerable customers stay safe and cool. This year, the company partnered with 38 agencies to donate 2,000 boxed fans to 11 cities across Southeast Texas, bringing the total number of fans donated to more than 31,000 since the program started in 2000. For families without access to reliable air conditioning, box fans can be a cost-effective way to reduce indoor heat stress, particularly for seniors, children and those with medical conditions.

“This program started as a simple gesture to help families during the summer, and 25 years later, it’s become a vital part of how we serve our communities,” said Stuart Barrett, vice president of customer service for Entergy Texas. “With extreme heat events becoming more common and in recognition of the economic challenges our communities are facing, our annual fan giveaway campaign helps bridge the gap between comfort, safety and affordability.”

Entergy Texas is implementing a series of additional measures to help customers and communities stay cool and pay their bills throughout the summer. In May, teams partnered with local contractors to offer A/C tune-ups and weatherization upgrades at no cost to customers during <a href="https://www.entergynewsroom.com/news/entergy-texas-helps-families-beat-heat-with-no-cost-c-tune-ups-energy-efficiency-upgrades/" target="_blank">a series of community events in Cleveland and Huntsville</a>. Additionally, Entergy’s online <a href="https://billtoolkit.entergy.com/" target="_blank">Bill Toolkit</a> ensures customers have quick access to energy efficiency, bill management and financial assistance resources. 

“Whether it’s working to provide bill payment assistance, distributing fans or weatherizing homes, Entergy Texas is committed to helping our customers in need,” added Barrett. 

<a href="https://www.entergynewsroom.com/news/entergy-texas-helping-customers-stay-cool-save-money-with-energy-efficiency-tips-resources/" target="_blank">Learn more</a> about how Entergy Texas is helping customers beat the heat while keeping costs down.

About Entergy Texas 
Entergy Texas, Inc. provides electricity to approximately 524,000 customers in 27 counties. Entergy Texas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at <a href="https://www.entergytexas.com/" target="_blank">entergytexas.com</a> and connect with <a href="https://www.entergy.com/social/" target="_blank">@EntergyTX</a> on social media.

Entergy Texas Marks 25 Years of Fan Donations To Help Customers Beat the Heat

<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2025-06/Hometown-Grants_T-Mobile_61825.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center>

BELLEVUE, Wash., June 19, 2025 /CSRwire/ - T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) today unveiled the next 25 towns to receive a Hometown Grant, bringing the total to 400 recipients since the Un-carrier kicked off its <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/t-mobiles-next-un-carrier-move-5gforall" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">five-year commitment</a> to small towns and rural communities in April 2021. Each town will get up to $50,000 to help fund local projects that bring new life to their communities.

T-Mobile has now given nearly $18 million in Hometown Grants to 400 communities across 48 states and Puerto Rico. The program unites people to make their communities even stronger and has generated more than 160,000 volunteer hours and created 1,270 jobs to date.

“With Hometown Grants helping over 2.4 million people so far, the program continues to deliver on our commitment to small towns and rural communities,” said Jon Freier, President, T-Mobile Consumer Group. “Whether it’s powering smart classrooms, restoring main streets or enhancing public spaces, we’re helping communities build a stronger, more connected future — and there’s so much more ahead.”

Here are the next 25 Hometown Grant recipients and their projects:

<ul><li>Clarkdale, Ariz.: Create a vibrant, first-of-its-kind placemaking destination by displaying museum artifacts in show windows on Main Street to attract tourists, enhance community gatherings and valorize an entire town's history and future.</li>
	<li>Reedley, Calif.: Renovate the aging stage at the historic, 120-year-old Reedley Opera House to expand access to the arts, support youth development and help revitalize downtown Reedley — transforming the Opera House into a safer, more vibrant hub for cultural connection and community engagement — and ensuring the building remains open and active as a cherished venue for live performances.</li>
	<li>Paonia, Colo.: Transform an underutilized backlot at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts into Sage Alley, a multi-use space for performances, workshops and community gatherings.</li>
	<li>Franklin, Conn.: Refurbish the historic Lebanon Road Schoolhouse’s exterior and interior to be used as an educational community center.</li>
	<li>Okeechobee, Fla.: Add wheelchair-accessible playground equipment to Kiwanis Park, creating an inclusive play space for children of all abilities.</li>
	<li>Carbondale, Ill.: Improve connectivity and safety between Southern Illinois University and downtown Carbondale by installing wayfinding signage along the Downtown-Campus Connector multi-use path and installing new decorative alleyway lighting to make downtown safer, more welcoming and more accessible for students, residents and visitors alike.</li>
	<li>Freeport, Ill.: Transform a vacant lot in the retail district into a multi-functional pocket park driving retail and dining visitation, upper-story residential development and promoting downtown as the place to be.</li>
	<li>North Manchester, Ind.: Create a dedicated outdoor pavilion space and mobile kitchen at the North Manchester Public Library to promote food education programs, healthy eating and teach nutrition lesson to children, teens, new parents and older adults within the community.</li>
	<li>Winchendon, Mass.: Complete the final phase of The Hub — a former bowling alley turned youth-run café, social service agency and community center — adding an ADA-accessible indoor/outdoor classroom with community murals to amplify youth voices, expand access, and foster wellbeing, economic development and civic pride.</li>
	<li>Castine, Maine: Develop a community park from an open meadow, adding a winding pathway, a children's story walk and native plantings, creating a community destination that is family and visitor-friendly, takes advantage of river views and enhances community engagement, events and quality of life.</li>
	<li>Brunswick, Maine: Revitalize the outdoor space at Tedford Housing’s new emergency shelter facility in Brunswick, creating a vibrant mural and interactive playground to promote healing, resilience and belonging.</li>
	<li>Mapleton, Minn.: Invest in a Child Care House from Business of Child Care, a turnkey solution that combines a physical site with startup support to expand local childcare services.</li>
	<li>Webb City, Mo.: Create the Discovery Bus — Webb City School District’s mobile STEM lab — to deliver hands-on, innovative STEM experiences to students and the community, ensuring equitable access to STEM education to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering and math.</li>
	<li>Kirksville, Mo.: Revamp an underutilized outdoor concrete space at the Adair County Family YMCA into a family/community recreational space, dedicated to promoting health and wellness programs for all generations.</li>
	<li>Laurel, Miss.: Renovate the Trustmark Art Park, adding durable play equipment, fencing and drought protection measures for the park’s historic live oak trees, enhancing safety and environmental sustainability for the community. </li>
	<li>Evergreen, Mont.: Install a veteran’s memorial at the North West Montana Veterans Stand Down food pantry and community center, recognizing military service veterans and increasing awareness of existing community outreach programs for veterans and the community.</li>
	<li>Searchlight, Nev.: Build a shade structure at the Searchlight Community Garden, protecting plants from the desert sun to continue to provide residents with affordable access to fresh fruit and vegetables and mitigate the effects of living in a food desert. </li>
	<li>Cottage Grove, Ore.: Renovate the Humane Society of Cottage Groves This and That Thrift Shop, updating electrical panels and wiring to reduce potential fire hazards and continue to be a source of vital funding for all our animal welfare programs.</li>
	<li>Meadville, Penn.: Transform an empty lot into an aesthetically pleasing and active parklet to create a gateway into downtown and enhance access to The Arc Community Greenspace through community collaboration.</li>
	<li>Mechanicsburg, Penn.: Revitalize an unused alleyway, Railroad Alley, into a safe pedestrian walkway dedicated for use as a community recreation space that will promote economic opportunities and community togetherness in the downtown area.</li>
	<li>St. Stephen, S.C.: Create The Sheds on Main, an unused empty lot transformed into a vibrant community park and business incubator space for community events, fostering social connections, supporting local economic growth and revitalizing St. Stephen’s Main Street as a cultural and social hub.</li>
	<li>Jasper, Tenn.: Install solar powered charging benches in the Jasper historic Courthouse Square and library, enabling citizens to stay connected near outdoor community hubs and gathering spaces.</li>
	<li>La Grange, Texas: Build a new food court and seating area at the Fayette County Fairgrounds, allowing the fair to continue serving its visitors during events for years to come.</li>
	<li>South Padre Island, Texas: Launch Sea Turtle Inc.’s mobile conservancy outreach vehicle to bring our mission of conservation, education and rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles directly to communities across the Rio Grande Valley which will provide hands-on learning experiences in schools, public spaces and underserved areas, helping inspire environmental stewardship and deepen community understanding of sea turtle conservation.</li>
	<li>Viroqua, Wis.: Install a comprehensive signage and kiosk system throughout Vernon Trails, featuring seven trailhead kiosks and 80 wayfinding signs across three heavily used trail networks and 18-hole disc golf course to improve safety, accessibility and navigation while reinforcing Vernon County’s outdoor recreation identity.</li>
</ul><img alt="Reedley, CA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47c493d2-2ca8-4863-8517-b7757c930b0c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hometown-Grants_T-Mobile_61825.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="600" loading="lazy" />T-Mobile teams up with <a href="https://mainstreet.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Main Street America</a> — a nonprofit organization that works to advance shared prosperity, create resilient economies and improve quality of life through place-based economic development and community preservation — to bring Hometown Grants to life. Grant applications are reviewed based on their level of detail, community impact, feasibility and other considerations.

“Small towns are continually shaping the conversation around what community-driven change looks like, and the T-Mobile Hometown Grants program is helping amplify their impact,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. “This kind of investment empowers local leaders to turn their long-held visions into tangible, lasting change.”

T-Mobile’s Ongoing Commitment to Small Towns

T-Mobile's Hometown Grants commitment goes beyond community development programs. The Un-carrier has awarded nearly $5.3 million through Hometown Grants to community-led projects that strengthen small business ecosystems, from the revitalization of farmers markets to the development of business incubators and main street placemaking enhancements. In addition to Hometown Grants, T-Mobile is focused on making sure no community gets left behind, with initiatives like:

<ul><li><a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/project-10-million" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Project 10Million</a>: Offers free internet connectivity and mobile hotspots to eligible student households to help close the digital divide.</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/friday-night-5g-lights" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Friday Night 5G Lights</a>: A competition that’s gearing up for its second year to give one deserving high school a game-changing football field makeover. <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/friday-night-5g-lights?icid=MGPO_TMO_U_FRIDAYNL5G_E6108BF45947515E43099#npiIframe" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Pre-register now</a>.</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">T-Mobile Home Internet</a>, <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/business/business-internet" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Business Internet</a> and <a href="https://fiber.t-mobile.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">T-Mobile Fiber</a>: The Un-carrier offers affordable and reliable broadband options designed to deliver value and choice for homes and businesses across the US.</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/satellite-phone-service" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">T-Satellite with Starlink</a>: T-Mobile's satellite-to-mobile network that automatically connects to existing phones is currently in beta and available free for customers until commercial service launches in July. The service aims to eliminate dead zones, keeping people connected nearly anywhere they can see the sky. <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/satellite-phone-service#sign-up-beta-form" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Join the beta today</a>.</li>
</ul>As the country’s <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/network" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">largest and fastest 5G network</a>, T-Mobile is all about keeping small towns and rural areas connected.

For more information about T-Mobile's commitment to small towns, visit <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.t-mobile.com/hometowngrants</a>. And to see how Hometown Grants are creating change, go <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0mz2nejZ-Div5ca5rUoO2wcNNFHjGR59" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.

Follow the T-Mobile Newsroom on <a href="https://x.com/tmobilenews" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">X</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tmobilenews/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to catch the latest company updates.

# # #

About Main Street America  
Main Street America leads a collaborative movement with partners and grassroots leaders that advances shared prosperity, creates resilient economies, and improves quality of life through place-based economic development and community preservation in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across the country. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has helped to build economic power in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through our signature Main Street Approach™ framework. Founded as the National Main Street Center® in 1980, Main Street America has helped to generate over $107.62 billion in local reinvestment, rehab 335,675 buildings, create 782,059 new jobs, and start 175,323 new businesses in over 2,000 communities. <a href="https://mainstreet.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Learn more about Main Street America here</a>.

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Not available in all areas. Delivered via 5G cellular network; speeds vary due to factors affecting cellular networks. Project 10Million: Verify National School Lunch Program eligibility at signup. Fastest based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data of national Speed Score results incorporating 5G download and upload speeds for 2H 2024. See T-Mobile Starlink details at T-Mobile.com. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission. See 5G device, coverage, &amp; access details at T-Mobile.com.

About T-Mobile  
T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. For more information please visit: <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.t-mobile.com</a>

Media Contact  
T-Mobile US, Inc. Media Relations  <a href="mailto:MediaRelations@T-Mobile.com" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">MediaRelations@t-mobile.com</a>

Investor Relations Contact  
T-Mobile US, Inc.  <a href="mailto:investor.relations@t-mobile.com" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Investor.Relations@t-mobile.com</a>  <a href="https://investor.t-mobile.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://investor.t-mobile.com</a>

T‑Mobile’s Hometown Grants Program Delivers Nearly $18M in Lasting Change Across 400 Communities

<img alt="&quot;What the ...?&quot; With Daniel Blackman headshot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0068a155-1178-4f4f-b789-39a1c620b449" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/how-connect-communities_3BL_062625.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="720" loading="lazy" />NORTHAMPTON, Mass., June 26, 2025 /CSRwire/ - In Episode 7 of 3BL’s What the…? video series, host Mary Mazzoni welcomes back Daniel Blackman, Founder of Renaissance94, for his second appearance on our series. This time, Blackman dives into why the sustainability space continues to miss the mark on real engagement and how practitioners can start to rebuild trust and connection across communities.

Full episode <a href="https://go.3bl.com/l/37792/2025-06-25/5zhxgn" target="_blank">here</a>.

As sustainability messaging becomes increasingly politicized, Blackman pulls no punches on where the industry has gone wrong.

“We’ve seen ESG, we’ve seen sustainability—these have become more about branding than about saving lives,” said Blackman. “It’s been more about branding than about engaging communities.”

He emphasizes the importance of shifting the way communicators show up and speak to people beyond their usual circles.

“We need to stop speaking at and over people. We need to speak to people where they are.”

Key takeaways from the conversation:

<ul><li>We’re talking—but not connecting. Sustainability professionals must meet communities where they are, both physically and emotionally, rather than delivering messages from afar or with a corporate filter.</li>
	<li>Access and infrastructure matter. Many of the communities most impacted by climate issues lack the infrastructure, like broadband or transportation, to even participate in the conversation.</li>
	<li>Communities want to be part of the solution. Every day, people, especially those directly affected by climate events, have valuable knowledge and lived experience. They should be seen as partners.</li>
</ul><a href="https://go.3bl.com/l/37792/2025-06-25/5zhxgn" target="_blank">Click Here</a> to Watch Episode 7 of What the…?

About 3BL  
3BL transforms impact and sustainability initiatives into business advantages. Since 2009, we've helped 1,500+ organizations—from Fortune 500s to NGOs—connect purpose with performance. Our proprietary platform delivers targeted distribution, strategic insights, and measurable analytics, while our media division TriplePundit provides solutions-focused journalism and brand storytelling support.

In Episode 7 of 3BL’s What the…? video series, host Mary Mazzoni welcomes back Daniel Blackman, Founder of Renaissance94, for his second appearance on our series. This time, Blackman dives into why the sustainability space continues to miss the mark on real engagement

More Than Words: How To Connect With Communities When It Feels Impossible

Final exams are complete, the last bell has rung and students and teachers are ready for a fun and relaxing summer break.

<img alt="Headshots of Laleh Makarem, Eileen Wu, and Meena Ramani" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="976531f6-78d5-43cd-b82a-604fca6cab5c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Women-In-Engineering_Logitech_062425_1.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="570" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.logitech.com/blog/2025/06/23/women-in-engineering-honoring-progress-purpose-and-perseverance/" target="_blank">Logitech Blog</a>

International Women in Engineering Day is a global platform to recognize, celebrate, and amplify the contributions of women in shaping the world through engineering. In a field historically dominated by men, this day serves as an inspiring reminder of the diverse talents and perspectives women bring to the table and a compelling call to action for creating a more inclusive and innovative future.

At Logitech, we know that diversity fuels innovation. Women in engineering are breaking stereotypes and redefining what’s possible, pioneering solutions, enhancing collaboration, and driving progress in STEM. Today, we honor the groundbreaking achievements and relentless determination of women engineers while fostering the critical conversations needed to move toward equal representation.

Established in the United Kingdom in 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society, International Women in Engineering Day celebrates years of progress while addressing the persistent need for change. This movement isn’t just about recognition, it’s about inspiration: empowering the next generation of women to envision themselves as engineers, leaders, and trailblazers in science, technology, and beyond.

Hear more from Laleh Makarem, Eileen Wu, and Meena Ramani, three Logitech engineers who are redefining what it means to be a woman in engineering. Their stories illustrate the challenges, opportunities, and rewards of pursuing a path in STEM; proof of how empowerment can pave the way for future innovators.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in engineering?

Eileen: It’s about the responsibility of showing up so the next generation sees engineering as a place they belong, too. It’s the resilience in facing challenges, and the joy in knowing your work is part of something bigger, building technologies, communities, and ideas that move the world forward.

What advice would you give girls studying STEM and young women who want to get into engineering?

Laleh: My advice is to approach engineering with confidence, curiosity, and persistence. Seek a network that supports and inspires you, or create one! Don’t hesitate to pursue your interests, speak up, and share your perspectives. Most importantly, remember that your abilities and potential define your career far more significantly than gender.

Can you share a project or achievement you’re most proud of in your career?

Laleh:  One project I’m particularly proud of is co-founding the TinyML Switzerland community. We built a space for professionals and researchers to exchange knowledge and drive innovation in deploying machine learning on ultra-low-power microcontrollers. Through workshops, hackathons, and demo days, we’ve helped foster a vibrant ecosystem and accelerate real-world applications of Edge AI. EdgeAI engineering is the field focused on designing and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) that runs directly on edge devices close to the source of data such as our mice and keyboard and headset.

What do you do on a day-to-day basis, and what are some recent projects you’ve worked on?

Meena: I lead the Digital signal processing and Machine learning team at Logitech. My team works on the Research, Development, and Implementation of audio algorithms for Hardware Audio engineering products, including Gaming headsets, Logitech for Business headsets, Microphones, and Ultimate Ears speakers. 

Our work focuses on enhancing audio in both the microphone path (“how you sound”) and the speaker path (“what you hear”). Recent accomplishments include the implementation of 48 kHz Embedded Bluevoice Microphone processing for the newly announced G522 gaming headset. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

Eileen: My path to engineering was inspired by a deep curiosity about how materials shape our everyday experiences. During my studies in chemistry, I became fascinated by the potential of materials to solve real-world problems, whether through improving performance, enabling new functionalities, or enhancing sustainability (green energy). This interest naturally evolved into a passion for engineering, where I could bridge scientific understanding with practical application.

Laleh: What initially drew me to engineering was my passion for math and physics. I soon realized engineering would allow me to pursue these interests while providing practical applications to satisfy my desire for problem-solving.

Meena: Growing up in a family that valued education and learning ignited my fascination with understanding how things work, particularly satellites! This led me to pursue my undergraduate studies in Electronics and Communication Engineering. During my Master’s program at the University of Florida, my work as a research assistant at the Computational Neuro-Engineering Laboratory sparked my interest in Biologically inspired signal processing. This ultimately led to my PhD research on Hearing and Speech enhancement, and I have been working on audio signal processing ever since.

International Women in Engineering Day is a global platform to recognize, celebrate, and amplify the contributions of women in shaping the world through engineering. 

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