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Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
EcoFlow Strengthens Disaster Relief Efforts Through New Non-Profit Partnerships Ahead of Hurricane Season
In-kind donations to Convoy of Hope and Footprint Project deliver clean, reliable energy to communities in crisis SEATTLE, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ -- EcoFlow, a leading portable power and eco-friendly energy solutions company, announces the expansion of its disaster relief efforts through new collaborations with non-profits Project Footprint and Convoy of Hope. EcoFlow has so far donated more than $50,000 worth of its portable power stations and solar panels, including flagships DELTA Pro 3, DELTA Pro and DELTA 2 models to the organizations. The company remains committed to further collaborations with its partners as the U.S. enters hurricane season and the federal government predicting up to 19 named hurricanes and five major hurricanes. The donations will provide clean, reliable energy to help first responders and affected communities stay connected with the power grids fail. They mark a significant expansion of EcoFlow's "Power for Rescue" campaign, which delivers renewable energy to disaster-stricken areas to support frontline recovery efforts. New Orleans-based Footprint Project works to deploy off-grid, mobile solar generators for community-based disaster relief and recovery efforts. They also educate communities on how solar power can be used to build disaster resilience. "We're proud to partner with EcoFlow to deliver sustainable response technology when and where it's needed most," said Jamie Swezey, Program Director at Footprint Project. "EcoFlow's sustainable technology will help us to not only power critical relief operations during disasters but also train communities to build long-term resilience." Convoy of Hope, based in Springfield, Mo., is a faith-based organization providing food supplies, and humanitarian services to impoverished or otherwise vulnerable populations throughout the world, including communities affected by disasters. "We at Convoy of Hope are incredibly grateful to share our recent partnership and collaboration with EcoFlow," said Convoy of Hope Vice President of Public Engagement Ethan Forhetz. "Their generous donation of generators will help equip our Disaster Services team to service communities and families." Powering Relief, Restoring Hope When disaster strikes, power becomes a lifeline. Whether charging a phone to reach loved ones, keeping medical devices running, powering a satellite link or simply lighting a darkened shelter, access to dependable power brings relief and emotional reassurance. This is the driving force behind EcoFlow's "Power for Rescue" initiative, which operates under the company's broader corporate social responsibility program " Power for All." Since its launch, "Power for Rescue" has partnered with multiple frontline organizations around the world to ensure critical energy support reaches those who need it most, when they need it most. EcoFlow partnered with the Special Forces Charitable Trust in the wake of Hurricane Helene in September and donated portable power stations to vulnerable North Carolina households during recovery. In preparation for future emergencies, the company collaborated with the nonprofit Red Lightning to preposition portable power stations and solar panels in Florida. EcoFlow went on to respond to the devastating wildfires in Southern California earlier this year by supporting first responders with portable power solutions and essential supplies. The company provided power solutions and comfort items to evacuees from the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., enabling families to charge their devices and power critical equipment in shelters with limited access to electricity. Meanwhile, EcoFlow's collaboration with Footprint Project is already delivering community-level impact as its donated products supported a hands-on workshop training local responders in solar and microgrid tech to enhance community resilience ahead of the hurricane season. To make these types of solutions more accessible, the company will be offering a selection of its emergency-ready power stations such as DELTA Pro Ultra, DELTA Pro 3 and more at discounted prices during the upcoming Prime Day. About EcoFlow Power For Rescue "EcoFlow Power For Rescues" is a program under EcoFlow's corporate social responsibility initiative, EcoFlow Power For All, dedicated to providing rescue power. Its motto is "Always Reliable. Anywhere. Anytime." During emergencies such as the 2023 Hawaii wildfires in the USA, the 2023 Morocco earthquake, the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake in Japan, and the 2024 Rio Grande do Sul floods in Brazil, this program provided reliable, flexible, and clean power support to rescue agencies, affected hospitals, and shelters. About Footprint Project Footprint Project provides renewable energy equipment and training to communities affected by climate disasters and humanitarian crises. Footprint Project develops and deploys mobile solar microgrid networks in climate-vulnerable regions to support critical services during power outage events and trains local responders on effective use. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit service organization, their mission is to help build back greener after climate disasters by providing cleaner energy infrastructure to communities in crisis. About Convoy of Hope Convoy of Hope is a global, faith-based organization that serves vulnerable communities. By partnering with local churches, businesses, civic organizations, and government agencies, Convoy has strategically offered help and hope in more than 130 countries around the world. Since its founding in 1994, Convoy of Hope has served 300 million people and counting. Visit to learn more. About EcoFlow EcoFlow is a leading provider of eco-friendly energy solutions, committed to powering a new world. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has aimed to be the FIRST in power solutions — Flexible, Innovative, Reliable, Simple, and Thorough — for individuals and families, whether at home, outdoors or on the go. With a smart manufacturing center in China, and headquarters in the USA, Germany and Japan, EcoFlow has empowered over 5 million users in 140 markets worldwide. For more information, visit
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Touche French Creole works to bring flavors of New Orleans to downtown Aurora
Those who have visited New Orleans or have a hankering for southern flavors may find what they are looking for at a new restaurant in downtown Aurora. The JH Hospitality group launched Touche French Creole in April at 6 N. River St., one of a trio of restaurants it has opened in the historic Hobbs Building. The venue joins others located on either side of it at the Hobbs Building including Giardino Trattoria & Pizzeria at 12 N. River St. and Leilani Asian Fusion at 2 N. River St. According to a press release from the JH Hospitality group, the 80-seat Touche French Creole restaurant led by chefs Keonte' Tooles and Rayshawn Hendricks offers 'a fresh, modern spotlight, pairing classic dishes with innovative touches and delicious cocktails. Diners can expect elevated takes on Southern staples like shrimp and grits, po' boys, and rich, flavorful etouffees.' Aurora resident Harish Ananthapadmanabhan, a partner with the JH group, said the vision is to help 'make downtown Aurora a truly international food destination.' 'Our goal is that on every weekend all the patrons in the surrounding area think of downtown Aurora as a destination,' he said. 'The more people that come in – they have different options to chose from and that means all the restaurants can thrive. We're bringing in international cuisines to create options but also having things that are reasonably priced.' The JH Hospitality group flew its chefs down to New Orleans to visit a number of local restaurants there to learn more about their culinary approaches as well as to help design the menu of Touche French Creole. He said his group has also made the chefs partial owners in the venue, offering them 'an equity stake so they have more a sense of ownership' in the venture. 'That's exactly the same thing we did with Giardino's as well,' he said. 'That's the overall model.' Hendricks, 25, said he has been cooking since high school. 'After high school, I did attend Joliet Junior College where they have a really good culinary program and studied behind an Italian chef and a pastry chef there,' he said. 'I had a lot of French training and techniques at the school and now we've taken that and fused it with the creole aspect so it's kind of refined comfort food.' Hendricks said the restaurant also offers 'classic French dishes like beef bourguignon and things like that, but most of our menu is New Orleans-based.' 'We have things like fried catfish, shrimp and grits, shrimp etouffee and beignets,' he said. 'In terms of what's been popular, people like our crab cake, our catfish is the number one entree and the shrimp and grits is number two. The people that come in here so far are looking for the New Orleans feel. 'If people haven't been exposed to this, a lot of it is seafood heavy. It's comfort food and reminds people of home,' Hendricks added. 'As a young chef, I want to bring being different and want it to stand out with the cuisine and the creativity.' Stu Saucier of Oswego, 44, works as a sous chef and oversees food preparation at the restaurant and said he brings 10 years of experience to the food industry. 'I've worked at VAI's in Naperville and 113 Main in Oswego and also in the Turf Room in North Aurora,' he said. 'I was working in schools before this and I left restaurants for a while and I was looking to get back in the kitchen and the menu intrigued me. I'm actually French so seeing the French creole sign attracted me. It's an ideal fit.' Saucier said one of the key parts of food preparation is technique. 'When you're a cook it's executing a menu and elevating a menu so when you get a recipe – you're a robot – you do the same thing every time,' he said. 'When you're a chef you build that toolbox up and start learning more techniques and use those to innovate and create and makes things new. It's like being a teacher – you always learn something new.' Marshon Crowder, 26, of Aurora, works as the manager at Touche French Creole and said for him, he has enjoyed the hospitality side of the business. 'It's not been the food, it's the people and I tend to think of myself as a huge people person,' he said. 'I feel like I can connect with a wide variety of people which is what brought me into this. I think this is becoming a destination not only for the Chicago area but the Midwest in general. Downtown Aurora is becoming more vibrant, more lively, and it feels great.' In addition to its dinner menu, Touche French Creole will offer a weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday. The restaurants hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, go to
USA Today
2 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Supreme Court greenlights nuclear waste sites in Texas
Supreme Court greenlights nuclear waste sites in Texas Show Caption Hide Caption Growing US nuclear power resurgence reaches the nation's heartland A nuclear power comeback is starting to take shape in the U.S. as officials consider reopening the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowa. Straight Arrow News WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on June 18 rejected challenges to a nuclear waste storage site near Texas' border with New Mexico, a win for the federal government in a decadeslong struggle over what to do with waste that is byproduct of nuclear power plants. In a 6-3 decision, the court said Texas and oil industry interests cannot fight the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval of the site because they hadn't sufficiently participated in the commission's licensing proceedings. The commission approved temporary storage sites in Texas in 2021 because nuclear power plants were running out of room and the permanent underground storage facility planned for Nevada's Yucca Mountain stalled largely due to local opposition. But Texas and oil industry interests objected to the waste being stored above ground in the Permian Basin, a prominent oil field region known for its underpopulated wide-open spaces in southwestern Texas. They also questioned the 'temporary' nature of the storage site, which was designed to last decades. More: Nobody wants to live near nuclear waste. The Supreme Court mulls where to put it The federal government said the waste has to go somewhere until a permanent location is created. Nuclear power supplies about one-fifth of the nation's electricity. The company proposing to run the Texas facility argues it's more economical to have security in one centralized location, allowing time for the land around former nuclear reactors to be restored for long-term use. While two federal appeals courts in Denver and Washington, D.C., rejected challenges to the private facility, the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Texas. The court also blocked operations at a similar site in New Mexico that officials in that state opposed. Since the U.S. began large-scale nuclear power generation in the late 1950s, nuclear fuel has powered reactors along with an ongoing political debate over the disposal of spent fuel, once it can no longer efficiently generate electricity. The "not in my backyard" dilemma ended up at the high court because the federal government never followed through on a 1982 law that was supposed to have created a permanent dumping ground for nuclear power plant waste – which continues to be considered dangerous for thousands of years. After lawmakers designed Nevada's Yucca Mountain as the only authorized site where the Department of Energy could permanently store spent nuclear fuel, the Obama administration effectively nixed the project over political and environmental concerns. It's unclear if the Trump administration, which defended the Nuclear Regulator Commission's authority to approve temporary sites, will try to revive the Yucca Mountain option as a place to store nuclear waste.
NBC News
2 days ago
- Politics
- NBC News
Supreme Court rejects challenge to federal approval of nuclear waste storage site in Texas
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a challenge to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's authority to approve a facility in Texas to store spent fuel. The court ruled 6-3 on technical grounds that the state of Texas and others that sued could not pursue their claims because they had failed to intervene at an earlier stage when the agency was considering the proposal. As a result, the justices did not reach the legal question of whether the NRC could authorize a temporary, privately owned storage site and allow for waste to be transported there. At issue was whether the commission correctly allowed a company called Interim Storage Partners to store spent nuclear fuel in Andrews County, Texas, for up to 40 years. As was discussed during the oral argument in March, the site could effectively become permanent, as the agency could extend the 40-year deadline indefinitely. The United States has no permanent storage facility in large part because a long-gestating plan to construct one at Yucca Mountain in Nevada was never completed amid political opposition. The decision could affect a similar proposal for a site across the border in New Mexico, which the commission also approved. The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the commission for its 2021 decision, leading the Biden administration to take the case to the Supreme Court. The Trump administration took over the case and defended the commission's authority to approve private nuclear waste storage sites. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and others, including major landowner Fasken Land and Minerals, challenged the commission's decision in court. The appeals court ruled both that they had a right to file suit and that the agency did not have the authority to issue the license. Texas officials have said the commission would allow up to 40,000 metric tons of waste to be stored above ground in the Permian Basin, which, in addition to being a prominent oil field, is also a source of water for surrounding communities.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Is Madonna related to Pope Leo XIV? All about her shocking connection to pontiff
Madonna has found herself unexpectedly linked to the Vatican—this time not through controversy, but through family. According to a new New York Times report by historian Henry Louis Gates Jr., the singer is a distant relative of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. The discovery was made through a joint project between The Times, American Ancestors, and the Cuban Genealogy Club of Miami, which traced the Pope's family roots on both sides. New Orleans-based genealogist Jari C. Honora first uncovered the Pope's Creole ancestry, revealing that the 69-year-old pontiff—born Robert Francis Prevost—has recent Black relatives. Digging further into his lineage, the team found that Pope Leo XIV shares a common ancestor, Louis Boucher de Grandpré of Quebec, with a surprising list of celebrities. Among them are Madonna, Angelina Jolie, Justin Bieber, Jack Kerouac, Hillary Clinton, and both Pierre and Justin Trudeau, as cited by Express report. Madonna celebrated the news in classic fashion. On June 16, she posted a screenshot of the headline to X (formerly Twitter) and followed up with a photo on Instagram Stories showing her father, Silvio Ciccone, seated while she strikes a pose beside him. Her caption: 'Silvio, We're related to the Pope! Strike a pose!' Also Read: Madonna, Elton John 'finally bury the hatchet' after decade-long feud: 'A healing moment' Raised Catholic, Madonna has had a famously complicated relationship with the Church. Over the years, she's explored various spiritual paths—including Kabbalah and Sufism—but Catholic themes and imagery have remained central in her work. Her 1989 hit Like a Prayer sparked worldwide controversy for its religious symbolism, including scenes of burning crosses and a Black saint resembling Jesus. Pope John Paul II condemned the video and urged Catholics to boycott her Blond Ambition tour. In 2023, she once again stirred headlines by dressing as the Virgin Mary for Vanity Fair, with images referencing the 12 apostles. Reflecting on the Church's reaction to her work over the decades, Madonna once said she was 'shocked to see myself being attacked by the Church, because they weren't able to understand how much my work was trying to produce something good.' She even tweeted at Pope Francis in 2015, joking about her fraught relationship with the Church: 'I'm a good Catholic. I swear! I mean I don't Swear! It's been a few decades since my last confession. Would it be possible to meet up one day to discuss some important matters? I've been excommunicated three times. It doesn't seem fair. Sincerely, Madonna.' Pope Leo XIV officially assumed the papacy on May 8, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88 from a stroke. He now holds the historic title of being the first American Pope in the Church's 2,000-year history. While Madonna's connection to the Church has long been shaped by defiance and symbolism, this new twist adds an unexpected familial layer to her lifelong spiritual narrative.
