us-general

Las Vegas, NV, July 27, 2025 –(PR.com)– SmartTOP manufacturer Mods4cars has announced a permanent price reduction for its SmartTOP convertible top control module for Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The retrofittable SmartTOP module is now available for 149.00 Euros plus tax. “We’re pleased that even more VW Beetle drivers can now enjoy the benefits of our feature-rich upgrade,” says PR spokesperson Sven Tornow. The SmartTOP module is installed aftermarket and adds smart functionality designed to make everyday convertible use more convenient. One of the key features is One-Touch operation of the top while driving. This means the top opens or closes automatically after a single tap of the button – no need to hold the switch for the entire duration of the top movement anymore. Another feature is remote operation of the convertible top via the factory key fob. With a simple button combination, users can start the top’s opening or closing sequence remotely. “The top can be opened as you approach the vehicle,” adds Sven Tornow. No modifications to the vehicle key are necessary. An ongoing top movement is not interrupted when starting or stopping the engine. The module can be disabled at any time, and all features are fully configurable to individual preferences. A USB port integrated into the SmartTOP module allows for connection to any PC or Mac, enabling easy installation of free software updates provided by Mods4cars. For straightforward installation, the package includes a plug-and-play wiring harness. Installation requires no cutting of wires – connections are made by simply plugging parts together – allowing for a trace-free removal at any time. The SmartTOP comfort module for the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is now available for 149.00 Euros plus tax. A version for the Volkswagen EOS is also offered. Since 2002, Mods4cars has been developing its smart convertible modules. Supported vehicle brands include: Alfa, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Maserati, Mazda, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Volkswagen and Volvo. Product video available here:http://youtu.be/R8TX8yQA-cQ More information:http://www.mods4cars.com About Mods4cars: Mods4cars was founded in 2002 from the idea to add a highly demanded feature to the otherwise almost perfect Porsche Boxster: Comfort One-Touch roof operation while driving at slow speeds. The resulting product offered not only that, but also allowed quick and easy installation by just swapping out a relay box, thus leaving no traces and no permanent changes on the vehicle. The first SmartTOP roof controller was born. The success of their first products in Germany and Europe prompted them in late 2004 to move operations to the USA, to be able to serve the American market as well as all other English speaking countries such as Australia, UK and South Africa from one central location. Their business has grown to a full-fledged international corporation with an office in Las Vegas and a full line of innovative products as well as distributors and installation partners all over the globe. Being highly specialized in the development and distribution of aftermarket roof- and comfort controllers since 2002 allows them to offer an unsurpassed level of competence and product quality. Their main goal is optimization of each individual product to a maximum in compatibility, usability and intuitive operation. They put greatest effort into development and quality checks of all their products to achieve this goal and meet all expectations of their customers. The extraordinary success of their products is also based on the great communication with their customers, which usually already starts for each new product during the development and prototyping phase. Mods4cars LLCSven Tornow+1-310-910-9055www.mods4cars.com Contact Categories Automotive Aftermarket Read More

Morrisville, NC, July 27, 2025 –(PR.com)– K4Connect, a leading provider of enterprise technologies for senior living, brings on three new strategic members to the leadership team. These three team members join K4 with a wealth of experience in the senior living industry. They will be instrumental in growing K4Connect’s reach in both for-profit and nonprofit communities across the country. “We’re fortunate to do important work alongside people we genuinely enjoy working with. That’s why we are especially excited to welcome these new leaders to K4Connect. Each brings deep domain expertise and a passion for leveraging technology innovation to enhance the day-to-day experience of older adults and their care providers, the kind of talent and passion that will help us drive real impact for the communities we serve.” – Mike Weller, CEO The three new advocates include: Angela Green Urbaczewski| VP Customer Advocacy & GrowthAngela brings deep expertise in senior living technology, AI strategy, and digital transformation, making her an incredible asset to their team. Angela has made an impact in past leadership roles at organizations such as Christian Living Communities, Bethesda Senior Living, Vi Living, and HumanGood/Seniority. In her role, Angela will oversee their partnerships with senior living providers, ensuring seamless onboarding, exceptional support, and ongoing engagement. Her goal is to drive customer satisfaction, accelerate technology adoption, and deliver measurable impact to enhance your experience with K4Connect. “Twenty three years working in senior living showed me you must have amazing, mission-driven people serving residents, AND great tools to empower them and keep them in our field. At K4Connect, we help teams spend more time with residents and empower individuals of all abilities to stay independent. With FusionOS, data becomes interoperable and is placed back in the community’s control. I studied AI because I felt that solving staffing challenges requires more than people. It requires smart technology, much like the innovative solutions here at K4Connect.” -Angela Green Urbaczewski Todd Kemerly | VP SalesTodd brings over 30 years of experience in the senior living industry and has a standout reputation for driving growth, building high-performing teams, and aligning sales strategy across organizations, and has made a leadership impact at various senior living organizations such as Marriott Senior Living, Vi Senior Living, Carlton, and Lutheran Life. “After more than thirty years in executive roles across both for-profit and non-profit senior living organizations, and consulting with countless communities, I’ve seen how fragmented technology can hold operators back. That’s why I joined K4Connect. Our FusionOS platform is uniquely addressing this challenge by bringing together data from engagement, building systems, health data, or even family communications into one seamless view, empowering informed decision-making and exceptional resident care.” -Todd Kemerly Joe Velderman | Chief Strategy OfficerJoe Velderman is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare technology and aging services innovation. In his role as Chief Strategy Officer at K4Connect, he drives enterprise strategy and market development to advance the adoption of transformative technologies, including AI, in senior living communities. Prior to K4Connect, Joe was Vice President of Innovation at Cypress Living, where he led digital transformation across a full continuum of care, strengthened cybersecurity, and developed AI tools to support frontline caregivers. Known for his hands-on leadership and collaborative approach, Joe brings a deep passion for improving the aging experience through technology for both older adults and the professionals who care for them. He also serves as an advisor to Florida’s Health Information Exchange and is a frequent speaker on emerging technologies in aging services. “Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work closely with the K4Connect team and see firsthand the transformative work they’re doing to empower older adults through purposeful technology. I see tremendous value in the FusionOS platform. Many providers struggle to connect data across different software systems, and FusionOS serves as a conduit to not only connect that data but also assimilate it in ways that unlock new insights and capabilities. As communities begin adopting AI, FusionOS enables them to responsibly position their enterprise data for these new tools.” -Joe Velderman Guided by Innovation, Grounded in CareSince its inception in 2013, K4Connect’s mission has been to bridge the gap between technology and senior living by providing solutions that help older adults live more independently, safely, and comfortably while fostering an enriching environment and experience for them, their families, and community staff. K4 is confident that these three new leadership advocates will play a critical role in supporting their mission, through their commitment to finding innovative solutions to improve the lives of older adults and senior care providers. “We’ve been incredibly fortunate to attract such talented, mission-driven individuals to the K4Connect team. As we embark on this next chapter of leadership, we’re inspired by the opportunities ahead and excited for what’s to come.” -Jonathan Gould, Co-Founder and CTO About K4ConnectK4Connect is a mission-driven AgeTech company that integrates enterprise technologies to serve older adults and the staff who support them. With its FusionOS integration and data platform and the K4Community suite of solutions, K4Connect helps senior living communities improve operations, increase staff efficiency, and enrich the lives of residents through smarter technologies. K4connectRebecca Cook919-297-2921www.k4connect.com Contact Categories Personnel Announcements Read More

Saudi Electricity Company Achieves 30% Increase in 2025 Sustainability Rating Compared to 2024, According to S&P The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has achieved a significant milestone in its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, as evaluated by S&P Global. RIYADH, KSA, July 27, 2025 – (ACN Newswire) – The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has achieved a significant milestone in its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, as evaluated by S&P Global. The company scored 65 out of 100, marking a 30% increase compared to its 2024 score, and an 85% improvement over its 2023 rating. This accomplishment highlights SEC’s strategic progress and reinforces its position as a regional leader and a benchmark for sustainable excellence in the energy sector. Notably, SEC’s score exceeds the global utilities sector average of 39 points by 66%, demonstrating its strong commitment to sustainable development. The rating reflects SEC’s comprehensive institutional commitment to sustainability, driven by effective governance frameworks, ambitious strategies, and tangible improvements in environmental and social performance. SEC also showcased proactive disclosure aligned with leading international sustainability reporting standards. This progress further underscores SEC’s alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in advancing sustainable energy, enhancing transparency, strengthening investor confidence, and adopting global ESG best practices. SEC reaffirmed its commitment to continuously improving its ESG performance by deeply embedding sustainability across all operations, positioning itself as a trusted and responsible energy provider both regionally and globally. Contact InformationSaudi Electricity Company (SEC)Media Relations Departmentalkahrabacare@se.com.saUnified Call Center: 920000222 Topic: Press release summary Source: Saudi Electricity Company Sectors: Electronics, Environment, ESG http://www.acnnewswire.com From the Asia Corporate News Network Copyright © 2025 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network. Read More

Devil’s Den State Park in Washington County, Ark., was part of the Ozarks. Photo Arkansas State Parks/X July 27 (UPI) — “All available resources are being used” to find the suspect in the deaths of a couple hiking on a trail at a northwest Arkansas state park, Col. Mike Hagar of the Arkansas State Police said Sunday. Clinton David Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristenb Amanda Brinks, 41, were killed at Devil’s Den State Park near Fayetteville in Washington County on Saturday afternoon, state police said. The couple, who recently moved to Prairie Grove from another state, were hiking with their daughters, 7 and 9, who were not injured. They are safe and in the custody of relatives, police said. “I want to thank the public and our media partners for their support as we pursue the man responsible for this heinous crime,” Hagar said in a statement. “We are using all available resources to apprehend this suspect and bring him to justice.” Assisting are local, state and federal law enforcement. The 2,500-acre park is in a remote and rural area, including rugged terrain with thick vegetation and no cellphone service. The park includes several trails and 20 miles for horseback riding. The park is in Lee Creek Valley of the Boston Mountains, which are part of the Ozarks. It was selected as a state park in the 1930s, and developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a work relief program established during the Great Depression. Devil’s Den also includes caves, an 8-acre man-made lake for fishing and boating, as well as a swimming pool. Campsites and cabins are also available. Police were dispatched at 2:40 p.m. local time Saturday. Investigators have not released the circumstances of the situation but have launched a double homicide investigation. They are asking for the public’ help in identifying the suspect. “Investigators are asking those who visited the park on Saturday to check cellphone photos and videos or GoPro camera footage for images of the suspect,” according to the police statement. Also, people nearby are asked to check their home security camera footage. The state police believe he is a White man with a medium build who was carrying a backpack. Police said he was driving toward a park exit in a black, four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda. The vehicle may have been going on State Highway 170 to State Highway 220 near the park. There is increased law enforcement in all of the state parks. “We are praying for the family and friends of the victims, and know that law enforcement will not rest until the perpetrator is brought to justice,” Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders posted on X. Read More

July 27 (UPI) — Police arrested a 42-year-old man in the Saturday stabbings of 11 people in a Traverse City, Mich., Walmart. Bradford James Gille, 42, of Afton, Mich., was named as the alleged attacker during a press conference on Saturday night. The attack occurred at 4:10 p.m. If convicted, he faces life in prison, WXYZ-TV reported. He has previous assault charges and controlled substance violations. Gille was not injured in the attack, said Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea, who confirmed that Gille acted alone, and his weapon was a folding knife. He faces charges of one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder. On Sunday afternoon during a news conference, the sheriff said the suspect began attacking people near the checkout area. “It appears that these were all random acts,” Shea said, adding that a motive remains under investigation. Witnesses helped end the attack, including one who drew a handgun and forced him to drop the knife. A sheriff’s deputy was near the Walmart when the attack occurred, Shea said. Of the 11 people attacked, one person was stabbed outside the store, another in the vestibule and the other nine elsewhere in the store. They ranged in age from 29 to 84. As of Sunday afternoon, two of the victims were still in serious condition. The rest are in fair condition, and one was treated and released, said ​​Dr. Thomas Schermerhorn, the chief medical officer at Munson Medical Center. He said all the victims are expected to survive. “Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we’re thankful for the swift action of first responders. We’ll continue working closely with law enforcement during their investigation,” Walmart said in a statement. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she has been in contact with law enforcement about the “horrible news.” “Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence. I am grateful to the first responders for their swift response to apprehend the suspect,” she tweeted. Munson Healthcare is caring for the victims remaining in the hospital. “Our dedicated team of physicians, surgeons, nurses, clinicians, and support staff remain focused on providing a healing environment for all those affected by this tragic incident,” Munson Healthcare said in a statement on Sunday. “We are working on providing additional emotional support for our employees in light of this incident. We extend our continued support to the victims and their families during this very difficult time.” Angela Helfrich was at Walmart with her fiance during the attack. She told ClickOnDetroit that bystanders were comforting two of the people stabbed as other customers chased the attacker out of the store and held him in the parking lot until police arrived. “It was just very panicky, very scary,” Helfrich said. “I’ve never witnessed anything like that, and I’ve lived in Traverse City my whole life. I was way too close. That could have been me or my family, and I feel awful for all the victims and their families.” Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who lives in Traverse City, said in a statement, that “along with the whole Traverse City community, Chasten and I are shaken by the awful and senseless violence at Walmart earlier today. We’re thinking of everyone affected and hoping and praying for speedy recovery for all those who were injured.” Traverse City is a popular vacation destination at the southern end of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay in northern lower Michigan. The city had a year-round population of 15,707 in 2023, but the population there and in nearby communities swells greatly during the summer months. Read More

Cambodian soldiers ride on a self-propelled multiple rocket launcher in Oddar Meanchey province, northwest of Cambodia, on Sunday. Fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces, marking the fourth consecutive day of border clashes. Photo by Kith Serey/EPA July 27 (UPI) — Fighting continued between Thailand and Cambodia forces on Sunday in a border dispute despite both prime ministers agreeing to a cease-fire in conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump one day earlier. It was the fourth day of clashes, and the most deadly in 14 years of skirmishes between the two Asian nations. Trump spoke Saturday with both leaders, who told him they want peace. The New York Times reported that analysts believe both nations want to grab territory before an agreement is signed. At least 34 people have died in the conflict, which surpasses the conflict between 2008 and 2011 in which 15 people died. Maly Socheata, a spokeswoman for Cambodia’s defense ministry, said Thailand’s troops fired weapons around 2 a.m. Sunday in Camboda near Prasat Ta Krabey and near another ancient stunned claimed by both nations called Prasa Ta Moan Thomas by Cambodians and Prasat Ta Muen Thom by the Thais. This is where the fighting began Thursday. The Thai army said Cambodian military shot in several areas, including near homes, early Sunday. They were also mobilizing long-range rocket launchers. Thailand’s acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, said he told Trump that he had agreed in principle to a cease-fire but would “like to see sincere intention from the Cambodian side.” He also said Thailand wants to start talks as soon as possible. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet said he hopes Thailand doesn’t break a pledge because they violated a similar promise that Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim negotiated with both sides on Thursday. Malaysia heads the 10-member Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN. Cambodia’s foreign minister, Prak Sokhonn, was instructed to talk to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is working with Thailand’s foreign minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, to help implement the cease-fire. Trump said both sides are looking for an immediate cease-fire and eventual peace. “They have a long and storied History and Culture,” Trump posted Saturday on Truth Social. “They will hopefully get along for many years to come. When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!” U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to exercise the “utmost restraint.” Tensions have escalated since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an exchange with gunfire. Then earlier this month, Thai soldiers were injured by new landmines. Cambodia has denied putting them there. At least 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thailand’s borders. Cambodia said more than 23,000 people were moved from near the border. Cambodia has a population of 17.4 million people and Thailand has 71.7 million residents. Vietnam borders both nations. Read More

A passenger train with 100 onboard detailed near Riedlingen, Germany, on Sunday, Photo by EPA/Nonstop News. July 27 (UPI) — A passenger train derailed in southwest Germany on Sunday night, killing at least three people and injuring 34, including three seriously, according to emergency services. A landslide from a storm sent debris on the tracks, causing the front of the train to derail, soar 16 feet up a slope and crash into trees at 6:10 p.m. local time, Schwabisch Media reported. The crash occurred at Riedlingen near Stuttgart in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg. That is 98 miles west of Munich. Operator Deutch Bahn said the crash was caused by “unknown reasons,” according to the BBC. The train departed Sigmaringen at 5:33 p.m. local time and was headed to Ulm. The Regional Express 55 contained about 100 occupants when two details derailed, Germany news agency dpa reported. “The train accident in the Biberach district is a shock to me,” German Chancellor Freidrich Merz posted on X. “I am in close contact with the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Transport and have asked them to support the rescue services with all means possible. We mourn the victims.” Ulm emergency services aviated the Mass Incursion of Injured, a roll-off container that can treat 25 injured people. The device was initially purchased for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Deutsche Bahn is railroad controlled by the German government, and founded in 1994 after the merger of Deutsche Bundesbahn in West Germany and Deutsche Reichsbahn in East Germany. Four years earlier, Germany was reunified. Read More

1 of 2 | Hundreds of Palestinians seized trucks carrying flour as they entered in Khan Yunis the southern Gaza Strip near aid centers on Thursday. The Israel Defense Force said Sunday that it will begin a “tactical pause” in fighting to allow aid to people in Gaza. Photo by Mohammed Al-Amour/UPI. | License Photo July 27 (UPI) — Israel announced Sunday it would take a “tactical pause” in fighting to allow aid delivery to Gaza after 25 countries issued a joint statement saying the war “must end now.” The Israel Defense Forces said it would implement “humanitarian corridors” for safe movement of United Nations aid trucks and “humanitarian pauses.” The pause would affect densely populated areas in Gaza. The pause is to be in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah and Gaza City. The IDF said it would continue daily until further notice. More routes will be in place between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. for the trucks. The IDF is “prepared to expand the scale of this activity as required.” The tactical pause is to allow more aid to starving people. Many non-governmental organizations have stopped delivering aid because they were unable to get through. The IDF said the pause in fighting would “refute the false claim of deliberate starvation in the Gaza Strip.” The Egyptian Red Crescent said the convoy from Egypt had more than 100 aid trucks with more than 1,200 tons of food, NBC reported. A dozen people trying to reach the aid were killed in attacks by the IDF Sunday. A hospital in Gaza said Sunday that it had received 12 bodies, CNN reported. Four of them were children, and one was a woman. There were 100 injured when the IDF fired near an aid point operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. It’s unclear if it happened before or after the tactical pause began at 10 a.m. local time or if the area was included in the pause. Nearly 90 children have recently died of starvation in the region. The uncle of 10-year-old Noor Ashraf Abu Selaa who died of starvation, spoke out against the Israeli aid blockade. Noor had been “a lively girl and she became like this because of hunger, thirst and the siege – the siege imposed on us by the Israelis,” her uncle Ghazi Abu Selaa told CNN. “Doctors are here, but there is no medicine. No milk. No food,” he said. Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt said they delivered aid into Gaza by land and air, with Jordan and the UAE saying they delivered “25 tons of food aid and essential humanitarian supplies” by airdrops. While the pause and new aid coming in is welcome, it must be the start of a broader and lasting solution to the crisis. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry has said at least 133 people have died from malnutrition since the war began. Aid agencies agreed, with Médecins Sans Frontières saying it’s “not enough.” The UN’s World Food Programme said it welcomes Israel’s pause in military action in some parts of Gaza, but there should be a “surge” in aid. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Christian conference in Jerusalem dismissed the food crisis. “There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza,” he said at the event, saying Israel has “enabled the amount required by international law to come in,” and has delivered “1.9 million tons of aid since the beginning of the war” in October 2023. Israel “enabled humanitarian aid throughout the duration of the war … Otherwise, there would be no Gazans,” he said. Read More

Please upgrade your browser to view usatoday.com usatoday.com wants to ensure the best experience for all of our readers, so we built our site to take advantage of the latest technology, making it faster and easier to use. Unfortunately, your browser is not supported. Please download one of these browsers for the best experience on usatoday.com Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Opera Microsoft Edge Safari Read More

Please upgrade your browser to view usatoday.com usatoday.com wants to ensure the best experience for all of our readers, so we built our site to take advantage of the latest technology, making it faster and easier to use. Unfortunately, your browser is not supported. Please download one of these browsers for the best experience on usatoday.com Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Opera Microsoft Edge Safari Read More