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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
SoCalGas Joins Forces with Labor Community Services to Help Address Hunger at 33rd Annual "Stamp Out" Hunger Food Drive
Media assets here LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) once again joins forces with Labor Community Services (LCS) to support the 33rd Annual National Association of Letter Carriers' (NALC) "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive. This year, SoCalGas will bring 100 volunteers to help sort over 1 million pounds of food donations collected across Los Angeles County. SoCalGas will also present a $25,000 donation to LCS to purchase additional needed food items, supporting thousands of families that continue to face hunger. "The 'Stamp Out Hunger' food drive is a powerful example of what solidarity looks like in action," said Yvonne Wheeler, president of the LA County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. "Thanks to the tireless efforts of NALC Branch 24, Labor Community Services, SoCalGas, and hundreds of volunteers, we are delivering hope and nourishment to thousands of families across Los Angeles County during a time of critical need." "With the support of SoCalGas and our community partners, we're not just sorting food—we're building a safety net for families who need it most," said Norma López, executive director of LCS. "We believe that a stronger community starts with meeting basic needs, including addressing hunger," said Maryam Brown, president of SoCalGas. "We're proud to stand with LCS and the labor community to help stamp out hunger and uplift families across Los Angeles." Hunger remains a pressing issue in Los Angeles County. As of late 2024, one in four households—approximately 832,000—struggled to put food on the table, according to a USC Dornsife study. Additionally, 29% of households lack consistent access to healthy and nutritious food. These figures highlight the importance of initiatives like the "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive, especially during the summer months when school meal programs are unavailable, and food donations typically decline. In Southern California, the "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive is coordinated by NALC Branch 24 in partnership with LCS and various AFL-CIO-affiliated labor unions. This year's campaign includes 38 post offices and 20 community partners. For over 60 years, LCS has supported union families with groceries, holiday food distributions, and emergency assistance. SoCalGas has supported LCS since 2007. In 2024, SoCalGas volunteers helped sort 80,000 pounds of food, which supported approximately 3,280 families. SoCalGas offers programs and services that can help customers manage their natural gas usage and help save energy and money. To see programs that can help customers save, visit In 2024, SoCalGas contributed $10.2 million in charitable giving, including $5.3 million towards social impact initiatives. Those interested in volunteering with LCS can sign up at LCS is also accepting donations—just $40 can feed a family of five for five days. About SoCalGas SoCalGas is the largest gas distribution utility in the United States, serving more than 21 million consumers across approximately 24,000 square miles of Central and Southern California. Our mission is: Safe, Reliable and Affordable energy delivery today. Ready for tomorrow. SoCalGas is a recognized leader in the energy industry and has been named Corporate Member of the Year by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce for its volunteer leadership in the communities it serves. SoCalGas is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE), a leading North American energy infrastructure company. For more information, visit or connect with SoCalGas on social media @SoCalGas. About LCS For over six decades, LCS (in partnership with Los Angeles County Federation of Labor) has been assisting unemployed and underemployed union families with groceries during the year via pantries, the National Association of Letter Carriers Annual Food Drive, and holiday meal distribution. We are committed to improving lives and providing resources and referrals so that we can help union members get ahead. There are families who work 40 hours a week and still struggle. Many are forced to decide between paying rent, purchasing food, or buying medicine for a sick child. We are proud to offer basic services to working women and men who need the most help. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about the future, involve risks and uncertainties, and are not guarantees. Future results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In this press release, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "contemplate," "plan," "estimate," "project," "forecast," "envision," "should," "could," "would," "will," "confident," "may," "can," "potential," "possible," "proposed," "in process," "construct," "develop," "opportunity," "preliminary," "initiative," "target," "outlook," "optimistic," "poised," "positioned," "maintain," "continue," "progress," "advance," "goal," "aim," "commit," or similar expressions, or when we discuss our guidance, priorities, strategies, goals, vision, mission, projections, intentions or expectations. Factors, among others, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement include: decisions, denials of cost recovery, audits, investigations, inquiries, ordered studies, regulations, denials or revocations of permits, consents, approvals or other authorizations, renewals of franchises, and other actions, including the failure to honor contracts and commitments, by the (i) California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Internal Revenue Service and other regulatory bodies and (ii) U.S. and states, counties, cities and other jurisdictions therein where we do business; the success of business development efforts and construction projects, including risks related to (i) completing construction projects or other transactions on schedule and budget, (ii) realizing anticipated benefits from any of these efforts if completed, (iii) obtaining third-party consents and approvals and (iv) third parties honoring their contracts and commitments; changes to our capital expenditure plans and their potential impact on rate base or other growth; litigation, arbitration and other proceedings, and changes (i) to laws and regulations, including those related to tax, (ii) due to the results of elections, and (iii) in trade and other foreign policy, including the imposition of tariffs by the U.S. and foreign countries; cybersecurity threats, including by state and state-sponsored actors, of ransomware or other attacks on our systems or the systems of third parties with which we conduct business, including the energy grid or other energy infrastructure; the availability, uses, sufficiency, and cost of capital resources and our ability to borrow money or otherwise raise capital on favorable terms and meet our obligations, which can be affected by, among other things, (i) actions by credit rating agencies to downgrade our credit ratings or place those ratings on negative outlook, (ii) instability in the capital markets, and (iii) fluctuating interest rates and inflation; the impact on affordability of our customer rates and our cost of capital and on our ability to pass through higher costs to customers due to (i) volatility in inflation, interest rates and commodity prices and (ii) the cost of meeting the demand for lower carbon and reliable energy in California; the impact of climate policies, laws, rules, regulations, trends and required disclosures, including actions to reduce or eliminate reliance on natural gas, increased uncertainty in the political or regulatory environment for California natural gas distribution companies, the risk of nonrecovery for stranded assets, and uncertainty related to emerging technologies; weather, natural disasters, pandemics, accidents, equipment failures, explosions, terrorism, information system outages or other events, such as work stoppages, that disrupt our operations, damage our facilities or systems, cause the release of harmful materials or fires or subject us to liability for damages, fines and penalties, some of which may not be recoverable through regulatory mechanisms or insurance or may impact our ability to obtain satisfactory levels of affordable insurance; the availability of natural gas and natural gas storage capacity, including disruptions caused by failures in the pipeline and storage systems or limitations on the injection and withdrawal of natural gas from storage facilities; and other uncertainties, some of which are difficult to predict and beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties are further discussed in the reports that the company has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These reports are available through the EDGAR system free-of-charge on the SEC's website, and on Sempra's website, Investors should not rely unduly on any forward-looking statements. Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, Sempra Texas, Sempra Texas Utilities, Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (Oncor) and Infraestructura Energética Nova, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (IEnova) are not the same companies as the California utilities, San Diego Gas & Electric Company or Southern California Gas Company, and Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, Sempra Texas, Sempra Texas Utilities, Oncor and IEnova are not regulated by the CPUC. 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Daily Express
7 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Express
Lifter Irene bags gold
Published on: Saturday, June 14, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 14, 2025 By: GL Oh Text Size: Irene with her gold medal. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah's Irene Jane Henry won a gold medal in the women's 48-kilogramme category for the country at the South East Asia Weightlifting Championship held in Singapore at the D'Marquee @ Downtown East on Friday. The invitational only event is held to serve as a warm-up for the 33rd South East Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand scheduled this December. Advertisement Sabah Weightlifting Association president Philip Gisan congratulated Irene who is the only representative from East Malaysia to make the national team. He hopes the positive outing will motivate her to achieve more success internationally in the future, especially at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2026. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
BRICS+ Series: How OPEC and BRICS are Shaping the Future of Global Energy Trade
Representatives of OPEC member countries attend a press conference after the 45th Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee and the 33rd OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting in Vienna, Austria, on October 5, 2022. The OPEC+ oil cartel meets for the first time face-to-face since Covid curbs were introduced in 2020. OPEC and BRICS: Shared Goals and Increasing Cooperation Founded in 2016, OPEC—which controls over 50% of global oil production, plays a key role in stabilising prices by strategically adjusting its output levels. BRICS+ on the other hand, now including Middle Eastern countries Iran, UAE and possibly Saudi Arabia, aims to promote multipolarity, enhance economic ties and counter Western financial dominance. The increase in collaborations between the OPEC+ and BRICS+ wisely strengthens the Global South, and this makes them very important actors in the shift to renewables and global energy governance. Brazil's Strategic Move: Joining OPEC+ In 2023, Brazil joined OPEC+ and this signaled its efforts to be one of the key players in the energy sector. As the eighth biggest global oil producer (3.3 million bpd in 2024), Brazil's OPEC+ membership enables it to have an influence on global oil policies and aligns with BRICS' pursuit for a multipolar energy system. This move strengthens the energy and security partnership of Brazil within OPEC+, especially within the Middle East. Russia's Dual Role: OPEC+ and BRICS+ The key role of Russia in both OPEC+ and BRICS+ makes it central to global energy governance. As the third largest oil producer in the world, Russia aims to reduce reliance on western markets, diversify exports and strengthen Asian ties. In 2024, Russia produced 10.5 million bpd, with majority exports flowing to BRICS+ countries. Its involvement in the OPEC+ allows it to influence oil production decisions. This dual membership allows Russia to contribute to energy pricing and stabilisation, while also supporting BRICS' geopolitical goal of reducing Western financial dominance. Middle Eastern Powerhouses: Iran, UAE, and Saudi Arabia Iran, UAE and Saudi Arabia, major players within OPEC+, have joined BRICS, signaling a broad geopolitical shift. These countries, particularly Iran and Saudi Arabia, are some of the founding members of OPEC and they hold a large portion of the world's oil reserves together. With a production of 10.5 million bpd in 2024, Saudi Arabia is the world's largest oil exporter, and Iran, regardless of sanctions, reached 1.2 million in 2024. The strategic pivot of Saudi Arabia towards BRICS+ shows that the kingdom has intentions to further strengthen ties in the Global South, moving away from its historical dependence on Western powers. This is a very important development in energy geopolitics as Russia and Saudi Arabia have been cooperating to balance production quotas and stabilise oil prices. Despite facing significant U.S. sanctions, Iran's oil exports have increased, mostly to China and India, showing a change in its geopolitical strategy as evident in its inclusion in both OPEC+ and BRICS. Within OPEC+, Iran maintains the influence it has over global energy discussions. The UAE's membership in OPEC and BRICS emphasises the Gulf's evolving energy strategy. Prestigious for its efforts in diversifying into renewable energy, the UAE aims to balance its fossil fuel production with long-term sustainability goals. Its involvement in both groups positions the UAE as a bridge between traditional energy markets and emerging global energy solutions. Global Energy Implications: A Shift in Power The growing relationship between OPEC+ and BRICS is significantly reshaping global energy governance. Traditionally, Western institutions coupled with the U.S. dollar dominated energy policies and oil trade. However, the deepening collaborations happening between BRICS and OPEC+ presents a challenge to this established order. BRICS has been an advocate for a more equitable global energy pricing mechanism, actively seeking to diminish the central role of the U.S. in energy transactions. The BRICS-backed New Development Bank is already funding energy initiatives in the Global South, providing an alternative to Western financial structures. This growing cooperation between OPEC+ and BRICS indicates a shift in global energy governance, with a growing emphasis on the priorities of the Global South.A Multipolar Energy Future The increasing cooperation between OPEC+ and BRICS signifies a significant change in global energy governance. These nations are aligning their interests to stabilize oil prices and reshape the global energy order. With key players like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, and Brazil influencing oil production, their collaborative efforts to redefine energy policies will ensure a central role for the Global South in the future of global energy trade. This partnership highlights the increasing influence of the Global South in a multipolar world, suggesting a future of more inclusive and balanced energy governance that reflects diverse global economic interests. Written By: *Dr Iqbal Survé Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN *Sesona Mdlokovana Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group UAE & African Specialist **The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL. ** MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE ** Follow brics_daily on Twitter for daily BRICS+ updates
The Star
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
New Asean strategic plan paves way for stronger, more resilient region
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg (centre) doing the traditional Asean handshake with sociocultural ministers from the region at the opening ceremony of the 33rd ASCC council meeting in Kuching. – ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/ The Star KUCHING: Asean must strengthen its resilience, particularly among its people, as we continue to face a multitude of interconnected challenges and emerging risks, especially for vulnerable economies, Brunei's Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Seri Setia Awang Nazmi Mohamad said. He said this at the 33rd Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting held on April 23-24 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The minister, who is the ASCC Council Minister for Brunei, welcoming the finalisation of the ASCC Strategic Plan, stressed the need to prioritise the most impactful measures for better use of resources and stronger stakeholder involvement. He also shared his views on strengthening cross-sectoral and cross-pillar coordination, and collaboration with ASCC partners, to contribute to the effective implementation of the ASCC Strategic Plan. The meeting themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' was chaired by Malaysia's Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and ASCC Chair 2025 Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. The ASCC ministers endorsed the ASCC Strategic Plan and noted its submission to the High-Level Task Force on Asean Community's Post-2025 Vision to be submitted to the Asean leaders. The ASCC ministers also discussed the development of the ASCC Post-2025 Results Framework, which would translate to the meaningful implementation of the ASCC Strategic Plan. The ASCC ministers further exchanged views on the strategic directions for ASCC and encouraged the ASCC Sectoral Bodies to accelerate the implementation of their respective work plans. They also noted the progress of submission of several ASCC documents which will be submitted to the Asean leaders for adoption and notation at the 46th Asean Summit to be held next month – Asean Creative Economy Sustainability Framework, Asean Declaration on Drug Security and Self-Reliance and Checklist on Fair Recruitment and Decent Employment for Migrant Workers. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was among those present during the meeting. The 33rd ASCC Council Meeting was preceded by the 11th Ad-Hoc Working Group to Develop the ASCC Strategic Plan and the 38th Senior Officials' Committee for Asean Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) Meeting held on April 21-23. Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Nor Ashikin Johari, as Brunei's SOCA leader, also attended the meeting. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
Barnama
24-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN's Arts And Cultural Heritage Offers Immense Potential, Says Tiong
KUCHING, April 24 (Bernama) -- The rich arts and cultural heritage of ASEAN countries offer immense potential for further growth, said Malaysia's Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. He said in recent years, ASEAN has not only advanced economically but also witnessed a growing recognition of its arts and cultural heritage. This unique heritage has emerged as one of the most promising avenues for driving inclusive growth, creating jobs, empowering local communities, and preserving the grouping's rich traditions, he noted. 'From ancient crafts to contemporary art, from indigenous festivals to culinary legacies — our cultural assets are living expressions of our identity and shared history,' he said in his speech during the 33rd ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting opening ceremony here, today. Tiong said by strengthening cross border collaborations, curating immersive arts and cultural experiences and integrating storytelling into tourism strategies, ASEAN can offer the world something truly unique. 'Together, let us champion a tourism model that not only attracts visitors but also uplifts the soul of our nations and sustains our arts and cultural legacies for generations to come. 'Our journey ahead requires renewed commitment and cooperation as we continue to face global challenges under our pillar, which includes public health crises, climate change, sudden shifts in international affairs and economic disparities and social welfare,' he said. The ongoing ASCC Council Meeting is a biannual ministerial-level gathering focused on addressing key socio-cultural issues across the ASEAN region. This year's meeting, from April 22 to 26, welcomed representatives from the ASEAN fraternity, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste.
