Latest news with #NAE
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Will Austin still get $105M federal grant for I-35 ‘cap'? New budget proposal paints grim picture
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city of Austin is still waiting to see if it will have $105 million to build a key 'cap' over the Texas Department of Transportation's I-35 expansion project, but an announcement Tuesday from Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves, R-Missouri, makes that likelihood seem smaller. According to a news release from Graves, the committee's soon to be discussed budget reconciliation proposal 'rescinds unobligated funds and eliminates seven unnecessary Green New Deal style programs created in the Inflation Reduction Act.' 'This includes Neighborhood Access and Equity Grants…progressive priorities that are either duplicative, are projects that states and other entities may pursue if they prioritize them, or are efforts that should be driven by the industry and not mandated by the federal government,' a news release said. It's a $105 million Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) grant previously awarded to Austin that would have funded the cap from Cesar Chavez to 4th Street. That grant was already in limbo but now appears very much on the chopping block. Austin's vote on I-35 cap and stitch funding delayed again amid federal funding uncertainty The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is expected to discuss the budget reconciliation proposal Wednesday morning. 'With this proposal, the Committee is doing its part to ensure that Republicans fulfill our promise to the American people and the promise of the President's America First agenda,' Graves said in a release. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said the following on the Austin City Council message board: 'We received word today that the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) released his piece of the massive budget reconciliation package that the House leadership hopes to pass before Memorial Day. The House T&I Committee has instructions to produce its portion a piece of the reconciliation package that provides a new reduction of the federal budget deficit of $10 billion over 10 years. The bill would rescind all unobligated balances from the Neighborhood Access & Equity Grant Program, including the $105 million that USDOT awarded to Cesar Chavez to 4th Street portion of I-35 Cap & Stitch. It is expected that the T&I Committee will approve the bill by a party line vote when they take it up tomorrow morning. After that, the T&I bill will be combined with bills from other House committees and be voted on by the full House sometime in May, if the leadership's schedule holds. The overall budget reconciliation bill could face some hurdles on the House floor, especially if, as expected, it outlines reduced spending on Medicaid and nutrition programs. It will also face challenges in the Senate. So, there is still some chance that the grant could make it. However, we should expect that a budget reconciliation bill will reach the President's desk and that it will include rescission of many unobligated balances form Inflation Reduction Act programs.' Caps and stitches would look like deck plazas and community spaces over the wider I-35 near downtown to better connect east and west Austin. In a November 2024 council work session, city staff said they believe building out the full cap and stitch vision plan would cost over $1 billion. The deadline for Austin to commit funding to TxDOT for the roadway elements is the end of May, according to a memo from city staff last month. 'It's just another one of these great unknowns. Cap and stitch is a very expensive project by itself. This $100 million grant helps to alleviate some of those costs,' Austin City Council Member Ryan Alter has previously said. 'We have to make a decision in May and we don't even know if this $100 million from the federal government is going to be available. It's making life very difficult, very unpredictable.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Morocco World
03-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Moroccan Scientist Khalil Amine Elected to US Academy of Engineering
Rabat– Khalil Amine, a Moroccan materials scientist, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering of the United States for his contributions to battery and energy storage technologies. The recognition comes for his leadership in the field of materials science, specifically in the development of batteries and energy storage devices. Amine, who also serves as a professor at the University of Chicago, is among 128 members and 22 international members inducted into the NAE class of 2025. 'I am very delighted to be selected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering,' said Amine. 'This is a recognition not only for me, but also for all my co-workers and collaborators around the world, as well as Argonne, which has provided an unmatched, state-of-the-art capability to do excellent work.' Amine leads the Advanced Battery Technology team at Argonne, where his research focuses on the development of advanced chemistries, materials, and battery systems. His team's work spans several industries, including automotive, power grids, satellites, military, and medical applications. A key focus of Amine's research is the creation of new cathodes, anodes, solid-state electrolytes, and additives for lithium-ion batteries, as well as exploring 'beyond-lithium' batteries that use alternative chemistries for energy storage. Read also: Morocco Trains 11,000 Engineers a Year to Ensure Future-Ready Workforce Amine's significant contributions to the field of battery technology have made him a leading figure in materials science. He holds more than 200 patents or patent applications in the field, and he was for 23 years the most cited scientist in battery technology globally. His accomplishments have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Global Energy Prize in 2019. Amine is also a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the National Academy of Inventors, the European Academy of Sciences, and the Electrochemical Society, among others. Born in Morocco, Amine earned degrees in chemistry and materials science from the University of Bordeaux. After his academic training, he joined Argonne in 1998, bringing with him experience gained from research positions in Belgium and Japan. His innovative work has played a pivotal role in advancing energy storage technologies that have far-reaching applications in today's technological landscape. The National Academy of Engineering, founded in 1964, provides independent analysis and advice on engineering matters, offering leadership and insight into complex global challenges. Amine, along with other members of the NAE class of 2025, will be formally inducted at the Academy's annual meeting in October. Tags: khalil AmineMoroccan scientistUS Academy of engineering


Ya Biladi
03-04-2025
- Science
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan scientist Khalil Amine joins National Academy of Engineering
Moroccan materials scientist Khalil Amine, a researcher at Argonne National Laboratory, Illinois, has been elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) for 2025. He is among 128 new members and 22 international members selected for their outstanding contributions to engineering. The NAE, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional advancements in their fields. Amine, who is also a professor at the University of Chicago and an Argonne Distinguished Fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, was honored «for leadership in the development of materials science for batteries and energy storage devices», according to a press release. Expressing his gratitude, Amine stated, «I am very delighted to be selected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering. This is a recognition not only for me, but also for all my co-workers and collaborators around the world, as well as Argonne, which has provided an unmatched, state-of-the-art capability to do excellent work». Amine leads research and development in advanced battery chemistries, materials, and systems used in various applications, including automotive, power grids, satellites, military, and medical technologies. His team focuses on innovating cathodes, anodes, solid-state electrolytes, and additives for lithium-ion batteries, while also exploring next-generation «beyond-lithium» energy storage solutions, reads the same statement. Born in Morocco, Amine earned degrees in chemistry and materials science from the University of Bordeaux. He joined Argonne in 1998 after holding research positions in Belgium and Japan. Over his career, he has secured more than 200 patents and patent applications related to battery technologies. For over two decades, Amine has consistently ranked as the most cited scientist in battery research. His contributions to the field have earned him numerous accolades, including the esteemed Global Energy Prize in 2019. He is also an esteemed member of several scientific organizations, such as the National Academy of Inventors, the European Academy of Sciences, the Electrochemical Society, the Materials Research Society, the American Ceramic Society, and the American Chemical Society. Established in 1964, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) serves as an independent body providing expert analysis and guidance on engineering and technological advancements. Membership is granted through peer selection, and Amine, along with his fellow inductees in the NAE's 2025 class, will be officially welcomed at the academy's annual meeting in October.

Associated Press
24-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
RedBird Farms and Smashburger® Announce Nationwide Partnership to Launch the Chicken Smash®
/ -- RedBird Farms, a leading provider of premium, No Antibiotics Ever, fresh all-natural chicken, is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Smashburger®, one of the nation's fastest-growing better-burger restaurant brands. Together, the companies have introduced the Chicken Smash®, a savory and versatile ground chicken patty available at Smashburger® locations nationwide. The Chicken Smash® is a ground chicken patty marinated in-house with a signature garlic olive oil seasoning, delivering bold flavor and a juicy, tender texture. True to Smashburger®'s commitment to customization, the Chicken Smash® can be swapped seamlessly onto any burger build on the menu, giving guests a delicious alternative to the classic beef patty while maintaining the same level of quality and flavor that Smashburger® is known for. 'Better Chicken for a Better Burger Experience' 'At RedBird Farms, we're committed to providing the highest quality chicken, humanely raised with No Antibiotics Ever (NAE),' said Mareo Torito, owner of RedBird Farms. 'We're thrilled to partner with Smashburger® to bring this commitment to life in the Chicken Smash®. This collaboration allows guests across the country to enjoy a ground chicken option that's both flavorful and versatile.' A Smashburger® Innovation Known for its signature smash technique, Smashburger® delivers bold, flavorful smash burgers and burger-relevant sides. As a market-unique creation not seen at other restaurants, the Chicken Smash® represents the brand's attention to detail with each ingredient, recipe, and menu offering, ensuring the evolving preferences of customers are met at a high standard. Guests can enjoy the Chicken Smash® as part of a classic build or customize it with premium add-ons such as bacon, avocado, grilled onions, or house-made truffle mayo. 'We're all about leveling up the Smashburger® dining experience, and the Chicken Smash® is a perfect example of doing just that,' said Jim Sullivan, President at Smashburger®. 'Partnering with RedBird Farms ensures we're delivering a ground chicken option that matches the quality and taste our guests expect.' Whether enjoyed as a signature menu item or as a customized creation, the Chicken Smash® offers a satisfying, protein-packed option for chicken lovers and burger enthusiasts alike. For more information about the Chicken Smash® or to find a Smashburger® location near you, visit About RedBird Farms RedBird Farms has been a trusted name in premium fresh chicken for over 80 years, offering all-natural, high-quality poultry products. Based in Colorado but available throughout the U.S., the family-owned company is dedicated to providing chicken that is raised with No Antibiotics Ever, fed an all-vegetarian diet, humanely raised and cage-free, allergen and gluten-free, and contains no additives, preservatives, or added hormones. Learn more about RedBird Farms at About Smashburger® Smashburger® is a leading fast-casual better burger restaurant known for its Certified Angus Beef® burgers that are smashed on the grill to sear in the juices and seal in the flavor. In addition to burgers, Smashburger® offers veggie burgers, signature side items such as SmashFries® and SmashTots®, and hand-spun shakes. Founded in 2007 in Denver, Colorado, Smashburger® is recognized as a 2023 Stevie American Business Award winner for Achievement in Product Innovation, named one of the 2023 Top Workplaces by The Denver Post and ranked as one of Fast Casual's top 50 brands in its 2024 Top 100 Movers & Shakers Award. The brand has 235 corporate and franchise restaurants operating in 31 states and seven countries. To learn more, visit Gigi Nally Legal Disclaimer:
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe to open new Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas locations
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe, a US-based fast-casual dining chain founded in 2005, is set to expand in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area with 14 new stores by 2030. The growth plan is marked by the signing of a five-store franchise agreement with partners Tara Barton and Georgia Grey, representing the brand's third multi-unit franchisee commitment. Pickleman's Founder and CEO Doug Stritzel stated: 'This expansion is exciting news for our success in Texas. "With another quality franchisee group, we're bringing our unique approach to fast-casual dining to more communities than ever before. Their expertise and dedication align with our mission to serve fresh, quality-driven food that our customers love." Barton and Grey added: "Pickleman's commitment to quality, whether it's the bread, the proteins, or the overall customer experience, stands out in the fast-casual space. We're looking forward to the opportunity to help grow the brand in DFW." Pickleman's is known for its toasted sandwiches, salads, pizzas and soups. Its menu also features signature seven-ingredient bread, NAE (No Antibiotics Ever) chicken and pulled pork, housemade sauces and chocolate chip cookies. The new locations are anticipated to open by the end of 2025. In addition to the five-store agreement, Pickleman's has also secured a four-store deal with Integrity Franchise Group - the second multi-unit franchise group in the DFW market. The locations are set to open before 2029. Doug Stritzel stated: 'We're excited to welcome Integrity Franchise Group into the Pickleman's family. Their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit make them the perfect fit to represent our brand.' "Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe to open new Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas locations" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio