Architect and Civic Leader Advocates for Everyday Involvement in Urban Improvement

Indiana, USA, 30th August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Architect and long-time urban planner Cornelius “Lee” Alig is urging Indianapolis residents—and Americans more broadly—to think differently about how they contribute to their cities. With over four decades of experience shaping the built environment, Alig believes success starts small and starts local.

“Design isn’t just about buildings. It’s about people, context, and purpose,” Alig says. “You don’t need a title or degree to make a difference in your neighborhood. You just need to show up.”

Alig’s voice carries weight. As co-founder of Mansur Real Estate Services, he led the development of key Indianapolis landmarks like Market Tower, Lockerbie Marketplace, and Fall Creek Place, the latter earning national recognition from the Urban Land Institute. But his call to action isn’t about skyscrapers—it’s about sidewalk-level change.

The Everyday Design Crisis

America’s cities are facing pressing challenges:

• Urban tree canopy loss is accelerating, with U.S. cities losing 36 million trees annually (USDA).

• Food insecurity still affects over 34 million Americans, including 9 million children (Feeding America, 2024).

• Public engagement in local planning continues to decline, with fewer than 15% of citizens attending community meetings (National Civic League).

Alig sees design as a practical tool to address these gaps—not just by professionals, but by everyday residents.

“I’ve planted trees with my own hands. I’ve helped pack meals at Second Helpings. That’s real work, and it’s something anyone can do. You don’t need to wait for permission,” he says.

Beyond the Drawing Board

In addition to his architectural work, Alig chairs and contributes to civic initiatives. He has served on over 15 nonprofit boards, including the Indiana State Museum, Indiana Landmarks, and WFYI Public Media. He also hosted Design Minded Indiana, a podcast on WQRT 99.1 FM, amplifying the voices of designers, muralists, and community builders.

“The podcast was never about me,” he explains. “It was about giving people a platform. People doing the invisible work that makes a city livable.”

He also volunteers with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, contributing to the planting of more than 3,000 trees per year, and with Second Helpings, a hunger-relief organization that turns rescued food into hot meals—over 4,000 every day.

Show Up and Stay Involved

Alig doesn’t want to inspire applause—he wants action.

“Show up to a zoning meeting. Pick up trash on your block. Ask your neighbors what they want their street to feel like,” he says. “You don’t need to run a project to be part of it.”

He believes real change comes from residents getting involved early—and often.

“I’ve seen communities turn around because five people decided to care. That’s how Fall Creek Place started. It wasn’t a developer’s idea. It was neighbors asking: ‘Why can’t this be better?’”

How You Can Take the First Step

Lee Alig encourages people to start small but stay consistent. Here are a few ways:

• Attend a local public meeting or design review board

• Volunteer with local nonprofits like Keep Indianapolis Beautiful or Second Helpings

• Start a block club or garden in your neighborhood

• Listen to conversations on urban design, like those on Design Minded Indiana

• Ask questions about how space, streets, and buildings affect your daily life

“Cities are living systems,” Alig says. “You have to keep listening. Keep responding. That’s how we build something better.”

“It’s not about how hard you train. It’s about training smarter.”

Texas, USA, 30th August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Former Division I men’s basketball walk-on and four-year team member Adam Benhayoune is using his story to raise awareness around chronic injuries in athletics—and how young athletes can learn to adapt, train smarter, and stay mentally tough through setbacks.

During his senior year of high school, Benhayoune suffered a painful knee injury that would quietly define much of his basketball journey.

“I didn’t know the full damage until after the season,” Adam said. “The doctor told me I had cartilage missing behind my kneecap. There’s no cure. That injury ended many careers.”

The condition led to repeated dislocations throughout his college years. Still, Benhayoune played through it, appearing in 14 games over four seasons and becoming a trusted figure in the program’s culture. He shot 42.9% from three-point range and was known internally for his shooting and work ethic.

“Every time I bent my knee past 90 degrees, it hurt. But I built workouts around it. I learned how to train smarter—not just harder.”

The Overlooked Toll of Chronic Injuries

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, nearly 50% of sports injuries in high school and college athletes are overuse injuries. Many, like Adam’s, go undiagnosed or are minimized—especially in competitive environments where playing through pain is normalized.

“People only see what’s on the stat sheet,” Adam said. “They don’t see the recovery time, the tape jobs, the mechanics you have to relearn.”

He wants to change that narrative—starting with youth athletes.

The Role of Mental Toughness

Adam’s story isn’t just physical. Playing through injury required him to reset his mindset. As a walk-on, he had to fight daily to compete with his fellow scholarship teammates. He also had to adapt his training, rebuild his confidence, and accept that success wouldn’t look like it did in high school.

“There were games I didn’t play a second. But I still brought energy. I still chimed in during timeouts. I still felt a joy from watching my teammates succeed. That’s part of being mentally tough—showing up even when it’s not about you.”

A Message for Young Athletes

Now based in San Antonio, Adam is focused on training athletes and pursuing coaching. He believes education around injuries, biomechanics, and athlete mental health needs to start earlier.

“Injuries are part of the game. But how you respond is up to you,” he said. “We should be teaching athletes how to protect their bodies and their mindset. Not just push through until it breaks.”

He encourages athletes, parents, and coaches to:

• Learn about common chronic injuries and warning signs

• Focus on form, recovery, and mobility just as much as strength

• Prioritize long-term performance over short-term results

• Have honest conversations about pain, limits, and goals

Not Just About Basketball

Adam Benhayoune has also worked with students with special needs since middle school, and says that experience helped shape his sense of patience and perspective.

“In those classrooms, success looked different. And that helped me redefine what success meant for myself.”

He now trains athletes with a holistic approach—focusing on mechanics, mindset, and personal growth.

Adam’s message is simple: If you’re an athlete—learn your body. If you’re a coach—listen. And if you’re a parent—ask questions that go beyond performance.

“You don’t need to be famous to impact a team. You just have to show up every day and do the right things. That’s how I define success.”

Renewable energy executive calls for public awareness, equity, and action in reshaping how America thinks about energy access

Louisiana, USA, 30th August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Tyler Pommier, Executive Vice President of Innovation at GulfStream Renewables, is calling on individuals, communities, and leaders across the U.S. to rethink the way energy is produced, shared, and understood. After years of spearheading clean energy projects across the Gulf Coast, Pommier is using his platform to raise awareness about energy equity and local empowerment through decentralized, renewable systems.

“Everyone deserves access to clean power,” Pommier says. “Not just for the environment, but for dignity, safety, and freedom.”

This message is central to Pommier’s recent TEDx talk titled “Decentralizing Power: Energy Belongs to Everyone.” It also echoes throughout his work developing solar, wind, and battery systems that support schools, neighborhoods, and underserved rural areas.

The Power Gap

Pommier’s advocacy comes at a time when energy insecurity remains a serious issue. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration:

• Nearly one in three U.S. households faces some form of energy insecurity each year.

• In rural and low-income communities, power outages and energy costs impact health, education, and economic stability.

• Schools in underserved areas face frequent disruptions due to unreliable power, affecting student learning and safety.

“This isn’t just a technical problem—it’s a people problem,” says Pommier. “When a school loses power, classrooms close. When a family can’t afford heating, people get sick. Energy touches every part of our lives.”

Local Action, Local Control

One of Pommier’s proudest achievements is a series of solar-plus-battery installations in rural schools across Louisiana.

“These schools had constant outages,” he explains. “We gave them a way to stay open, save money, and be resilient. That kind of project shows how clean energy can serve real human needs.”

He believes decentralized systems—like rooftop solar, community microgrids, and battery storage—can give control back to families, schools, and local governments.

“I want to see communities that don’t just use power,” he says. “I want to see communities that own their power.”

Making Clean Energy Understandable

Pommier is also focused on simplifying the conversation. “You can’t just throw data at people,” he says. “You have to explain how it affects their daily lives. Like: Will your fridge stay on in a storm? Will your kid’s school stay open during a blackout?”

His plainspoken approach has made him a trusted voice at town halls, schools, and policy meetings.

What You Can Do

Pommier isn’t asking people to wait for government action or big investment. Instead, he’s offering simple steps that everyday people can take:

• Learn how your home or building uses energy.

• Ask questions at local meetings about power sourcing and grid reliability.

• Support community solar projects or energy co-ops.

• Encourage schools and public buildings to explore renewable options.

• Talk about it. Share energy stories with neighbors, family, and friends.

“Start small,” Pommier says. “Talk to your city council. Learn how your utility works. Ask where your electricity comes from. That’s how change begins.”

About Tyler Pommier

Tyler Pommier has spent over a decade in the renewable energy sector, leading projects across solar, wind, and bioenergy. He currently serves as EVP of Innovation at GulfStream Renewables. A Baton Rouge native, Pommier holds degrees from Louisiana State University and the University of Michigan. He is a recipient of the Clean Grid Innovator Award and Green Leader of the Year, and serves on the boards of the Louisiana Clean Energy Council and National Renewable Futures Forum.

Former College President Calls for Local Action to Strengthen Workforce Development

New Jersey, USA, 30th August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Jon Hollaway Connolly, longtime educator, scientist, and former president of Sussex County Community College, is urging educational institutions and local communities to prioritize practical, career-aligned programmes that respond directly to workforce needs. Drawing on decades of experience in leadership and biology, Connolly believes the future of community colleges hinges on their ability to deliver relevant, job-ready education.

“We didn’t just add courses,” Connolly said of his time at SCCC. “We built programmes that led to jobs.”

During his tenure at Sussex County Community College, Connolly spearheaded the creation of trades and technical education in fields like optics, automotive service, and utility line work—programmes that helped reverse enrollment decline and restore the college’s financial footing.

Why This Matters Now

The call comes at a critical time for community colleges nationwide. According to the National Student Clearinghouse, community college enrollment dropped 15% between 2019 and 2022. Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that skilled trades like electrical work, automotive repair, and utility services continue to see significant job openings—many of which require sub-baccalaureate training.

“We looked at what the region needed,” Connolly said. “These weren’t just good academic ideas. They were career paths.”

A Scientist’s Approach to Leadership

Connolly’s advocacy is rooted in systems thinking. With a Ph.D. in biological sciences and a research background in forest ecosystems, he applies a scientist’s mindset to education and leadership.

“Biology teaches you to see systems. Everything is connected,” he said. “You can’t rush growth, but you can guide it.”

That perspective shaped his decision-making at multiple institutions, from expanding online learning in Wyoming to launching a sustainable farm and culinary programme in Maine.

What People Can Do

Connolly is clear: this isn’t just a message for college presidents. Parents, students, local businesses, and civic leaders all have a role.

Here’s what communities can do:

• Ask for job-focused programmes at local colleges and show up to board meetings.

• Partner with colleges if you’re a business owner or tradesperson—help develop apprenticeships or donate equipment.

• Support students who want to take non-traditional education paths.

• Volunteer or join a committee to support educational planning in your region.

“Success is always achieved with others,” Connolly said. “It’s about building something together.”

Grounded Leadership for the Future

Even after decades in leadership, Connolly remains hands-on. He chops his own firewood, still reads biology research, and stays engaged with environmental work.

“It keeps me grounded,” he said. “There’s something honest about working with your hands.”

“To live a life of love and passion is the key,” he added. “And never stop moving forward, even if it’s just crawling.”

About Jon Connolly

Jon Hollaway Connolly is an educator, biologist, and college leader who has served in senior roles at institutions across the United States, including Sussex County Community College, Kennebec Valley Community College, Lone Star College–Kingwood, and more. He holds degrees from Colby College, Yale University, and the University of Maine. His work has earned multiple recognitions from the Sussex County Economic Development Partnership.

Lagos, Nigeria, 30th August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Nigeria’s real estate market is entering 2025 as one of Africa’s most attractive investment frontiers, offering high rental yields, strong capital appreciation, and new opportunities for diaspora and international buyers. With a market value projected at $2.61 trillion in 2025, including $2.25 trillion in residential real estate (Statista), Nigeria’s property sector is drawing increasing attention from investors across the globe.

Recent data shows that diaspora remittances reached $20.93 billion in 2024, an 8.9% increase year-on-year (Central Bank of Nigeria). Much of this capital is being channelled into property acquisition, rental apartments, and short-let investments—making real estate the preferred asset class for Nigerians abroad.

Lagos Leads the Market

Lagos remains the epicenter of property investment. According to Knight Frank, residential rents in Lagos grew 15–20% year-on-year in 2024, driven by high demand and limited supply. Prime locations such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki Phase 1 continue to attract foreign and corporate tenants, while mainland hubs like Yaba, Ikeja GRA, and Surulere offer high liquidity and growth opportunities.

Short-Let Growth Surges

Short-let and serviced apartments, popular with business travelers and holidaymakers, are generating impressive returns. Market analytics show Lagos short-let apartments averaged $10,000 in annual revenue per unit with ~45% occupancy and an ADR of $67 between June 2024 and May 2025 (AirDNA). Prices surged by over 200% in 2024, highlighting both investor appetite and consumer demand.

Digital Reforms Build Confidence

One of the biggest breakthroughs for foreign investors has been the rollout of Lagos State’s e-GIS portal, which allows online title searches, Certified True Copies, and Governor’s Consent applications. These digital reforms reduce fraud risk, accelerate due diligence, and improve transparency for diaspora buyers conducting remote transactions.

Macro Outlook Supports Investment

Nigeria’s economy is showing signs of stabilisation. Inflation, previously at 34.8% in Dec 2024, rebased to 24.48% in Jan 2025 as tighter monetary policy took effect (National Bureau of Statistics). Meanwhile, the balance of payments recorded a $6.83 billion surplus in 2024, boosting investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial outlook (CBN).

Why Invest Now?

• High Yields: 6–8% long-let yields in Lagos, with 15–20% annual rent growth.

• Short-Let Upside: Average $10,000+ annual income per apartment with professional management.

• Diaspora Demand: $20.93 billion in remittances flowing into property.

• Digital Security: Lagos e-GIS digitisation strengthens investor protection.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

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Conclusion:

Real estate remains Nigeria’s strongest wealth-building vehicle for diaspora and foreign investors. With rising demand, transparent digital reforms, and strong remittance inflows, Q4 2025 is the perfect entry point for those looking at long-term property opportunities in Lagos, Abuja, and other emerging cities.

About Us

Legally Informed Africa is a leading law blog and legal education platform powered by Northside Solicitors & Partners, a full-service corporate and commercial law firm headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with partner firms across Africa.

Our platform provides expert legal insights, business law updates, tax and regulatory guidance and compliance as well as Real Estate advisory for professionals, entrepreneurs and investors.

For more information, visit our website at www.legallyinformedafrica.blogspot.com or send a mail to legallyinformedafrica@yahoo.com

Columbus, Ohio, 30th August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Cats are meticulous self-groomers, and while their cleanliness is admirable, it often comes with a hidden challenge: hairballs. For pet owners, these unpleasant episodes of gagging, vomiting, or decreased appetite can be worrying. According to Dr. Eugene Aversa, DVM, a General Practice Small Animal Veterinarian with more than twenty-four years of experience, there is a natural, safe, and effective solution available right in the kitchen pantry: plain canned pumpkin.

Hairballs are more than just an inconvenience, explains Dr. Aversa. They can cause discomfort, nausea, and even impact a cat’s appetite and energy levels. In some cases, frequent hairballs may also point to more serious digestive issues.

Understanding Hairballs

When cats lick their fur, they inevitably ingest loose hairs. Normally, most of these hairs pass harmlessly through the digestive tract. But sometimes they accumulate in the stomach, forming what veterinarians call a trichobezoar, or hairball. Symptoms can include:

• Discomfort or nausea, often shown by lip-licking or restlessness
  

• Decreased appetite, as the stomach feels unnaturally full
  

• Coughing, gagging, or vomiting, as the cat attempts to expel the mass
  

While occasional hairballs are considered normal, frequent occurrences can affect a cat’s quality of life and may require veterinary evaluation.

The Role of Canned Pumpkin

Dr. Aversa and many veterinarians recommend plain, unsweetened canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, as a simple, natural way to help cats pass hair more easily through their digestive systems.

The benefits of pumpkin come primarily from its fiber and moisture content:

• Soluble fiber helps regulate digestion and adds bulk, preventing fur from clumping in the stomach
  

• Moisture content, pumpkin is nearly 90 percent water, keeps the digestive tract hydrated and supports smooth passage
  

• Pumpkin is also gentle on the stomach and unlikely to cause harm when given in appropriate amounts
  

How to use it:

• Dosage: About ½ to 1 teaspoon for small cats, up to 1–2 teaspoons for larger cats, a few times per week
  

• Mixing: Most owners blend pumpkin into their cat’s wet food; some cats even enjoy it plain
  

• Frequency: Occasional use works well, though for cats prone to hairballs, regular supplementation during heavy shedding seasons may help
  

Important notes:

• Only give plain pumpkin and avoid products with sugar, spices, or additives
  

• If a cat refuses pumpkin, alternatives like pureed squash or psyllium husk under veterinary supervision may work
  

• Frequent or severe hairballs should never be ignored, as they may signal gastrointestinal disease
  

Other Hairball Management Tips

Dr. Aversa stresses that pumpkin works best as part of a comprehensive approach to feline care. Pet owners should also consider:

• Regular brushing to reduce loose hair ingestion
  

• Specialized hairball-control diets rich in fiber
  

• Natural lubricant gels or pastes to help hair move through the digestive tract
  

Pumpkin is safe, natural, and effective, but it is not a cure-all, Dr. Aversa advises. Pairing it with grooming and a balanced diet gives cats the best chance of avoiding hairball-related discomfort.

A Veterinarian Rooted in Compassion

Dr. Aversa’s insights reflect more than two decades of hands-on experience and a lifelong devotion to animal welfare. A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, his practice has always been guided by compassion and ethical care.

His veterinary journey has included remarkable acts of empathy, from rescuing a horse named Gulliver from slaughter to sparing a pig named Emma and finding her sanctuary in Michigan. He has donated his expertise to a canine sanctuary for senior dogs and maintains a special fondness for older animals.

Whether it is saving a life in surgery, advising on a simple dietary adjustment, or nursing a rescue animal back to health, the goal is the same, says Dr. Aversa. It is about serving animals and honoring the bond they share with the people who love them.

About Dr. Eugene Aversa, DVM

Dr. Eugene Aversa is a General Practice Small Animal Veterinarian with twenty-four years of clinical experience. He is known for his expertise in conventional medicine, as well as his commitment to compassionate, ethical care. His philosophy emphasizes thorough case management, clear communication with clients, and always putting the needs of animals first.

For more information, please contact: https://www.eugeneaversadvm.com