Spin&Load Dishwasher Rack by Whirlpool® Named Finalist and Honorable Mention in the Fast Company 2026 Innovation by Design Awards

Whirlpool Corporation — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:35:00 -0400

The rotating dishwasher rack, an employee resource group challenge that was informed by the disability community, is recognized in the Accessible Design and Home categories

Whirlpool Corporation is proud to announce that the Whirlpool^® brand Spin&Load Dishwasher Rack has been named a Finalist in the Accessible Design category and received an Honorable Mention in the Home category of the Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards for 2026.

Now in its 15th year, the Innovation by Design Awards celebrate the designers and businesses addressing today's most urgent challenges while anticipating tomorrow's problems. The program is one of the industry's most prestigious design competitions, spotlighting work that exemplifies originality, beauty, sustainability, user insight, cultural significance, and measurable business impact.

The Spin&Load Dishwasher Rack is a lower dishwasher rack that rotates 360 degrees, bringing dishes to the user instead of requiring them to reach across the rack, a common barrier for wheelchair users and anyone with limited mobility. The concept came from an intern challenge led by Whirlpool Corporation's AVID (Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities) employee resource group and was developed with members of the United Spinal Association.

"Inclusive design isn't a separate product line for us. It's a better way to design for everyone, and this honor from Fast Company tells us the approach is working."

"Spin&Load started with our own employees, was shaped by people who live with mobility disabilities every day, and was engineered to look like any other rack in the kitchen. That's why recognition in Accessible Design means so much to our team," said Rob Moser, Vice President, Global Consumer Design, Whirlpool Corporation. "Inclusive design isn't a separate product line for us. It's a better way to design for everyone, and this honor from Fast Company tells us the approach is working."

The rack fits all 24-inch Whirlpool Corporation dishwashers manufactured after 2018 and comes standard on the Whirlpool® 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher with Spin&Load Dishwasher Rack.

"AVID's challenge to our interns was simple: design something that people in the disability community would actually want to use. Seeing Spin&Load go from that challenge to a product in homes, and now to a Fast Company finalist, shows what's possible when employees with lived experience help inform how our products are designed," said Monica Cederstrom, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Executive Sponsor of Whirlpool Corporation's AVID employee resource group.

Honorees were selected by a panel of top designers, business executives from leading organizations, and Fast Company editors.

To see the complete list, go to fastcompany.com/innovation-by-design/list, and read about the honorees in the Fall issue of Fast Company magazine, on newsstands now.

View original content here.

A Pathway to Possibility: Inside Covia's Structured Training & Experience Program

Covia — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:15:00 -0400

At Covia, we recognize that our mining operations require a wide range of roles and technical skills. Understanding how it all works means seeing how teams across safety, production, quality, maintenance, supply chain, engineering, and other functions work together to keep the operation running efficiently, safely, and successfully.

Recognizing the value of cultivating well-rounded future leaders, Covia launched the Structured Training & Experience Program (STEP) in early 2026. The program gives recent graduates an opportunity to gain firsthand experience. The 18-month program combines hands-on operations experience with cross-functional exposure throughout Covia to help develop the next generation of plant supervisors, engineers, technical specialists, and other professionals who can support the company’s future.

According to Talent Acquisition Manager Adrianna Ateh, STEP is the natural expansion of Covia’s approach to early-career development. The company started by relaunching its internship program in 2023 to provide college students with meaningful work experience. As that program developed, Covia began looking at what could come next for employees beginning their careers after graduation.“The idea was to create a pathway to opportunities for people who are just graduating from college,” Ateh explained. “This way we can develop internal talent for open positions across Covia and give that talent the opportunity to learn what they like and where they excel.”Ateh and Coleman Rojahn, Talent Acquisition Associate, worked with hiring managers, company leaders, and people familiar with similar graduate programs to rethink what a program could look like at Covia. The result was STEP, with an initial cohort of three trainees:

Gavin Antonini, Marston plant
Nolan Joynt, Hephzibah plant
Favour Ordim, Roff plant

“This year we decided to start with three people when we launched the program and see what works, and what doesn’t work,” Ateh said. “Then we hope to be able to grow it each year and make it better, just like the internship program.”

Learning Covia One Experience at a Time

The objective behind STEP is straightforward: provide recent graduates with immersive, hands-on experience across the plant functions that keep Covia’s operations moving forward. To accomplish that, these graduates needed time to truly experience each aspect of a real mining organization.Over 18 months, trainees progress through a structured series of phases that expose them to both plant operations and the teams that support them. These phases include:

Health, Safety, and Environmental
Operations and Supply Chain
Mine and Quality Control
Maintenance, Parts, and Inventory
Cross-Functional Capstone Project

This structure gives each trainee an opportunity to spend meaningful time with a wide range of functions. Instead of asking someone at the beginning of their career to immediately choose a narrow path, STEP provides opportunities to understand how different functions operate and how they connect. Trainees work with different people and departments throughout the program, gaining technical experience while developing a broader understanding of Covia.
The result is a program designed to be mutually beneficial for Covia and the trainees. Immersive, hands-on experience across core functions helps Covia develop talent across plant operations, while also exposing trainees to different roles so they gain firsthand knowledge of that helps them discover where they can excel and the types of work they enjoy.

Building Relationships Along the Way

STEP is designed to help trainees develop technical knowledge, but that’s just one goal for the program. Covia has also made relationship-building an intentional part of the experience.Bringing STEP participants together gives them peers who are navigating a similar experience, while their rotations allow them to develop relationships with employees across disciplines and locations.“We want them to enjoy the experience and feel that they really are a part of the community,” Ateh said.

With trainees working at different locations and moving through numerous functions, it is important to build a sense of camaraderie despite the distance. The inaugural trainees recently attended a safety boot camp together and regularly participate in monthly meetings as a group to share their experience and identify other areas they may want to explore.

Those connections are already extending beyond scheduled meetings. According to Ateh, the trainees actively connect with each other between meetings. For example, Gavin recently reached out to Favour to learn more about drone applications at the plant level. Favour, who recently earned her drone certification to support operations at the Roff Plant, was able to share her experiences and insights as she begins using the technology in her role. Despite the distance between plants, trainees can create bonds that last.

Developing the Next Generation of Covia Talent

For Covia, STEP is an investment in long-term talent development. For trainees, the program provides a broader view of Covia’s operations and where technical knowledge and leadership are paramount. Discovering those best fits takes time, which is why the program emphasizes experience rather than simply training for a particular position. The current cohort is scheduled to complete their program in June 2027, at which point they’ll each have gained experience that prepares them to be part of the next generation of Covia talent across operations.

For Gavin, Nolan, and Favour, the next several months will continue to expose them to new teams, responsibilities, and experiences. Where those experiences ultimately lead will be different for each of them. And while the current group continues to learn, Covia is actively recruiting for the next cohort, continuing the cycle of professional development that will help shape Covia for years to come.

MilliporeSigma Wins Transformation Project of the Year at 2026 Global Sustainability Awards

MilliporeSigma — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -0400

MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has been named the winner of the Transformation Project of the Year award at the 2026 Global Sustainability Awards, hosted by Sustainability Magazine and BizClik.

The award recognizes MilliporeSigma’s bio-based solvent portfolio for High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The winners were announced in early September during a ceremony held as part of Sustainability LIVE: The London Summit, which brought together more than 1,000 sustainability professionals to celebrate innovation, leadership and measurable progress in climate action, ESG and business transformation.

Launched in April 2026, the award-winning portfolio is a first-of-its-kind, patent-pending line of bio-based HPLC solvents. The portfolio includes solvents made with renewable, biomass-based feedstocks while maintaining the ultra-high purity required for scientific research and manufacturing.

Compared with conventional fossil-fuel-based HPLC-grade solvents, the portfolio helps laboratories deliver up to 28% reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. Designed as true drop-in replacements, the solvents enable customers to advance their sustainability goals without changing validated methods, modifying instruments or disrupting laboratory workflows.

This combination of sustainability and performance was built into the portfolio from the beginning. MilliporeSigma’s research and development team used an internal product development framework to center sustainability, performance and quality at the earliest stages. This approach helped shape the bio-based solvents as purpose-built alternatives rather than retrofitted solutions, engineered to meet both environmental and technical criteria.

By enabling customers to reduce emissions through their purchasing decisions, the bio-based solvent portfolio can help address Scope 3 emissions, which include indirect greenhouse gas emissions generated across the upstream and downstream value chain, while transforming how sustainability is embedded into everyday laboratory operations. 

The recognition follows another recent honor for the portfolio: the 2026 Sustainability Product of the Year Award (Physical Category) from the Business Intelligence Group.

Together, these awards underscore MilliporeSigma’s commitment to embedding sustainability into product innovation and developing solutions that help customers reduce their environmental impact while maintaining the quality, precision and reliability essential to their work.

Learn more about the 2026 Global Sustainability Awards.

Learn more about MilliporeSigma’s Sustainability and Social Business Innovation initiatives.

Antea Group Ranks #16 in Environment Analyst's Global Environmental & Sustainability Consulting Market Assessment

Antea Group UK — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:33:00 -0400

LONDON, October 16, 2026 /3BL/ - Antea Group, whose global operations include Antea Group UK, has been ranked #16 in the latest Global Environmental & Sustainability Consulting Market Assessment.

This report, curated by Environment Analyst, a leading provider of business intelligence for the global environmental services sector, identified the top global consultancies in environmental and sustainability (E&S) consulting based on revenue from the 2025 financial year. 

The rankings are based on financial data submitted through Environment Analyst’s annual survey and verification process or estimated from publicly available sources. The study offers valuable insights into industry trends, revenue breakdowns, M&A activity, and growth opportunities.

Additionally, Inogen Alliance, co-founded by Antea Group in 2001 to support multinational clients, is on the list ranked at #19. Together, these rankings highlight the international reach and collaborative networks that support Antea Group UK's work across markets.

“Being part of a globally recognised organisation gives our team the opportunity to draw on a wealth of international knowledge and experience while maintaining the local working relationships and flexibility our clients value,” said Alex Ferguson, CEO of Antea Group UK. “As we continue to grow our presence in the UK, we look forward to building on these strengths, expanding our capabilities, and finding new ways to support our clients as their needs evolve.”

Download the Report

About Antea Group UK 

Antea® Group is an environment, health, safety and sustainability consultancy. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organisations to better understand threats, capture opportunities, and find their position of strength. We maintain a global perspective on ESG issues not only through our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organisations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance.  Learn more at anteagroup.uk.

About Environment Analyst

Environment Analyst is the trusted intelligence hub for the environmental and sustainability consulting sector, with a global membership community of over 40,000 environmental professionals. Market Intelligence Membership includes access to their entire market intelligence library, featuring bespoke market intelligence reports, data sets, competitor profiles, business news and insights.

Bacardi Master of Botanicals Alessandro Garneri Inducted As Founder Rectifier Within The Gin Guild

Bacardi-Martini, Inc. — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:05:00 -0400

A champion of botanical craftsmanship and innovation, Alessandro Garneri, Bacardi Master of Botanicals for BOMBAY SAPPHIRE®, MARTINI®, and ST-GERMAIN®, has been welcomed into The Gin Guild. The prestigious appointment recognizes his expertise and leadership within the global gin community while celebrating the vital role botanicals play at the heart of the company’s iconic BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin.

Through education, advocacy and stewardship, The Gin Guild works to champion the people, traditions and expertise that shape the future of gin.

Held on October 9, the ceremony brought together gin professionals from around the world to celebrate achievement and strengthen connections across the global gin community. This year's installation welcomed 23 new members representing eight countries and a broad spectrum of expertise spanning distillation, botanical sciences, production, advocacy and brand development.

Alessandro Garneri is inducted into The Gin Guild under the prestigious appointment of <em>Founder Rectifier</em>. 

Part of Bacardi family since 2006, appointed as Global Master of Botanicals in 2023, Alessandro plays a key role in advancing the knowledge, quality and craftsmanship behind the ten sustainably sourced botanicals that give Bombay Sapphire its distinctive character. Garneri’s appointment also recognizes his position as the most senior representative of Bacardi Global Brands within The Gin Guild's membership and the company’s representative ‘Founder Rectifier’.

Speaking of the induction ceremony, Garneri called it “a truly special moment” and added “[it is] a privilege to be part of a community that shares a passion for gin, its rich heritage, the craftsmanship behind it, and the botanicals that make it so unique.”

Congratulations to Alessandro on this well-deserved honor.

WK Kellogg Co Highlights Ongoing Partnership With No Kid Hungry on World Food Day

WK Kellogg Company — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:00:00 -0400

World Food Day shines a light on the importance of ensuring everyone has access to the food they need to live healthy, active lives. In recognition of the day, WK Kellogg Co is highlighting its ongoing partnership with No Kid Hungry and a recent $100,000 donation that supports the organization's efforts to help end childhood hunger across the United States.

For more than a decade, WK Kellogg Co has partnered with No Kid Hungry to help connect children and families with nutritious meals. The $100,000 donation is part of the company's broader commitment to helping address food insecurity and create stronger, healthier communities.

According to No Kid Hungry, 1 in 5 children in the United States faces hunger, impacting an estimated 14 million kids. While significant progress has been made, the need remains substantial, making continued investment and collaboration critical.

"WK Kellogg Co's commitment to ending childhood hunger goes far beyond a single investment — it reflects more than a decade of showing up for kids and families. Their partnership with No Kid Hungry and support of the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger means more communities reached, and more kids with access to the meals they need to thrive," said George Kelemen, Senior Vice President, Program Partnerships, Campaigns & Advocacy, No Kid Hungry.

"At WK Kellogg Co, we believe every child deserves access to nourishing meals," said Stacy Flathau, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, WK Kellogg Co. "Supporting No Kid Hungry is one of the many ways we bring Feeding Happiness, our sustainable business strategy, to life. Together, we're helping more families access the food they need while creating stronger, healthier communities where children can reach their full potential."

This contribution builds on WK Kellogg Co's longstanding efforts to support programs and partnerships that help more children access the resources they need to succeed.

Click here to join us in supporting No Kid Hungry's efforts to help end childhood hunger across the United States.

CVS Caremark Is Transforming the Health Care Experience

CVS Health — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:30:00 -0400

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

Health care consumers increasingly expect the same convenience and connectivity they experience in other aspects of their daily lives. As digital experiences become more personalized and intuitive, CVS Health is working to make care easier to access, navigate and understand.

Key Findings From the CVS Caremark-EBN Study on Digital Innovation

Recent research conducted by CVS Caremark and Employee Benefit News (EBN) highlights how important digital innovation has become across the health care landscape. According to the survey, 88% of employers believe digital tools and innovation are "here to stay" as part of the health care experience. The findings reflect growing demand for solutions that improve access, simplify navigation and create a better experience for patients and care consumers.

Digital tools are helping to create a more connected health care experience. By making information easier to access and bringing together insights across the health care journey, technology can help people better understand their benefits, navigate treatment options and connect with the support they need.

Technology is helping make health care easier to navigate. By connecting people to information, support and treatment options more efficiently, digital tools can improve access to care and support more informed health care decisions. Employers participating in the CVS Caremark-EBN survey also highlighted the value of integrated platforms and data-driven insights. Technology is also helping reduce administrative complexity. CVS Caremark has streamlined prior authorization processes, cutting median processing times to approximately 12 minutes while enabling nearly four million authorizations to be approved real time.

The impact of digital innovation extends beyond convenience. Better connectivity between pharmacy, medical and clinical information is creating opportunities for more personalized and proactive care. By bringing together insights from across the health care experience, organizations can identify care gaps, anticipate therapy disruptions and provide more targeted support for people managing chronic or complex conditions. These capabilities can help improve outcomes while making care easier to navigate.

How CVS Caremark is Using Technology To Improve the Digital Health care Experience

CVS Caremark has made significant investments in technology designed to improve the member experience, investing more than $770 million annually in member-focused innovation. These investments support capabilities that help simplify pharmacy benefits, improve medication access and create a more connected care experience. CVS Caremark is also a founding partner of the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI), helping advance the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence in health care.

As health care continues to evolve, digital innovation will play an increasingly important role in improving experiences, expanding access and supporting better health outcomes. By simplifying complex processes and helping people connect more easily to information, support and care, technology can help create a more connected, personalized and consumer-centered health care experience.

30 Years. $100 Million. Countless Lives Changed: Mary Kay Ash Foundation Expands Its Legacy of Impact

Mary Kay — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

DALLAS, October 16, 2026 /3BL/ - The Mary Kay Ash Foundation^®, a decades-long advocate of women’s health and safety through women-related cancer research and domestic violence support programs, announced it has awarded over $2.5 million in cancer research and domestic violence shelter grants around the country. In 2026, the Foundation celebrates two major milestones since its inception: 30years of enriching women’s lives and exceeding $100 million donated toward its two-fold mission.

Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support Play Therapy Room for children to learn coping skills and heal from trauma (Image Credit: Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support)

Grants were awarded to the following organizations and focus areas:

2026 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT

Annual Domestic Violence Shelter Grants (51 Grants | $1,020,000)
Domestic violence shelters in 50 states and U.S. territories received $20,000 grants each totaling over $1 million in unrestricted funds to critical support and life-saving services such as mental health and post-trauma counseling, childcare, financial assistance, emergency and transitional housing, and more.
Local Domestic Violence Shelter Grants (4 Grants | $100,000)
Four North Texas domestic violence shelters received $25,000 grants each totaling $100,000 to address specific and immediate community needs. The Foundation partners with Denton County Friends of the Family, Hope’s Door New Beginning Center, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, and The Family Place to help provide critical needs to women fleeing a domestic violence situation.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline ($75,000)
Announced an expanded partnership with The National Domestic Violence Hotline (“The Hotline”) and loveisrespect – the nation’s leading resource for adults and teens seeking support – to create a digital and social marketing campaign that will educate teens and young adults about healthy relationships, help them recognize warning signs of abusive relationships, and connect them to confidential support services at no cost while meeting them where they are – on social channels and online platforms.
The Conference on Crimes Against Women ($75,000)
For 20 consecutive years the Foundation has served as Presenting Sponsor of The Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW), an annual community multi-stakeholder conference in Dallas, Texas dedicated to addressing and combating all forms of crimes against women. Drawing 3,000 attendees from across the world annually, CCAW is the only conference that addresses all crimes against women with a multidisciplinary focus that encourages a coordinated community response.

Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support Childcare Room provides a safe haven for children while parents receive services or seek employment (Image Credit: Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support)

View a full list of 2026 Mary Kay Ash Foundation Domestic Violence Shelter Grant recipients.

2026 CANCER RESEARCH & PROGRAMS SUPPORT

Innovative/Translational Cancer Research Grants (10 Grants | $1,000,000)
Awarded 10 esteemed cancer researchers from the nation’s leading accredited universities with individual grants of $100,000, totaling $1 million in funding. These competitive research grants support groundbreaking studies focused on cancers primarily affecting women such as breast, ovarian, uterine, endometrial, cervical, among others.
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Cancer Research & Support ($134,000)
Awarded the second-year installment of a five-year, $500,000 commitment supporting the Texas Cancer Interception Institute, a first-of-its-kind program focused on early cancer detection through biomarker technology, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) blood-based methods, and patient navigation support to improve outcomes when cancer is most treatable.
CancerCare ($75,000)
Over 25 years, the Foundation has partnered with CancerCare – the nation’s leading organization providing free, professional support services for those facing a cancer diagnosis. The Foundation serves as the sole corporate funder of CancerCare’s Touching Hearts program, providing financial assistance to economically disadvantaged women navigating a cancer diagnosis and treatment plan, resulting in over 50,000 grants totaling over $5.6 million in financial assistance to-date.
Cancer Support Community North Texas ($25,000)
Cancer Support Community North Texas received a $25,000 grant to provide free programs and support services for those undergoing cancer treatment as well as their caregivers. Through in-person and virtual options, participants can receive counseling, community, health and wellness classes, yoga, and more to help bring hope and healing while navigating a cancer journey.

Cancer Support Community North Texas participants at Tarrant County Valentine’s Cards Craft event (Image Credit: Cancer Support Community North Texas)

View a full list of 2026 Mary Kay Ash Foundation Cancer Research Grant recipients.

“These grants are an investment in hope and brighter futures for women facing some of life’s most difficult challenges,” said Michael Lunceford, President of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors. “For 30 years, the Foundation has turned hope into action, investing more than $100 million in exceptional researchers and organizations working to change lives. We are proud to support the medical breakthroughs and vital services that are helping women live healthier, safer lives and creating lasting impact for generations to come.”

The Mary Kay Ash Foundationhas awarded more than $100 million to women’s shelters and domestic violence service providers, as well as cancer research programs and related causes throughout the U.S. For more information, visit marykayashfoundation.org

Did You Know:

By the Numbers: 30 Years of Impact

$100+ million donated to fund women’s cancer research and end domestic violence
$41+ million invested in innovative cancer research, clinical trials, and support programs
$60+ million granted to domestic violence shelters and support services nationwide
300+ cancer researchers funded, accelerating breakthroughs in detection, diagnosis, and treatment
5 years of clinical trials supported, advancing cutting-edge solutions for women’s cancers
2,800+ domestic violence shelters and organizations supported
More than 4 million women and children impacted through life-changing services and programs
750,000+ hours of cancer research enabled
13 international cancer research fellows sponsored, expanding global innovation
$30,000 Matching Gift Challenge successfully funded by The Mary Kay Family Foundation (Feb. 2026)

***

About Mary Kay Ash Foundation®
Celebrating 30 years of Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^® raises and distributes funds to end domestic violence and invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for women-related cancers. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has contributed more than $100 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Together, we can make the world better for women. To learn more about how to educate, advocate, volunteer, donate, and join life-saving work to support and empower women, visit marykayashfoundation.org, or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

###

MEDIA ALERT: New Mural Unites Farmers, Families, Retailers, and Food Companies in Washington D.C.

Fairtrade America — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:15:00 -0400

WHO

Fairtrade America, NoMa Business Improvement District (BID), Two Rivers Public Charter School

WHAT

Fairtrade America will unveil its first-ever Fairtrade Month mural in Washington, D.C. and host a free celebration in recognition of the farmers behind our food and the partnerships that make our global food systems possible.

Painted by Mexican-born, D.C.-based artist Salvador Rubio Rivera, the mural features three smallholder farmers from around the world. The artwork is made possible by partnerships with Two Rivers Public Charter School and NoMa BID. It is located at 1234 4^th St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002.

The party will take place alongside the NoMa Farmers' Market, bringing together people who contribute to both local and global food systems. Farmers, families, retailers, and food companies will all be in one place – dedicating time and space to think about the roles we each have to play in making our food and the livelihoods of the people who grow it more sustainable.

The community is invited to enjoy Fairtrade certified products, music, dancing, performances, games, and prizes.

Remarks will be given by:

Amanda Archila, Executive Director, Fairtrade America
Salvador Rubio, Mural Artist
Belicia Reaves, Executive Director, Two Rivers Public Charter School
Maura Brophy, President, NoMa BID

This event is free and open to the community. RSVPs are appreciated but not required.

WHEN

October 22nd, 2026
4-8:00 p.m. EDT; remarks begin at 4:30 p.m.

WHERE

Third Street Art Garden
1225 3rd St. NE Washington, D.C. 20002

WHY

Too often, the well-being of the people who grow our food is treated as less important than the prices paid or profits earned. Despite producing crops that power global supply chains worth billions of dollars, many farmers lack the negotiating power needed to earn a decent living. As a result, millions remain trapped in cycles of poverty while facing increasing climate-related challenges.

Every October, Fairtrade Month, Fairtrade America recognizes the people and relationships behind the food we enjoy every day: farmers growing our food, families making purchasing decisions, retailers connecting products to communities, and businesses investing in responsible supply chains.

At a time when rising temperatures are threatening agricultural production and global trade systems continue to leave many farmers without enough income to meet their basic needs, the mural serves as a powerful reminder that behind every cup of coffee, chocolate bar, or banana are real people whose livelihoods depend on fair and transparent trade.

ABOUT FAIRTRADE AMERICA

Fairtrade America works to rebalance trade, making it a system rooted in partnership and mutual respect rather than exploitation. It's about businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers all working together so we can all experience the benefits of trade. Fairtrade America is the U.S. branch of Fairtrade International, the original and global leader in fair trade certification with more than 30 years of experience working for fair trading practices in more than 30 countries across the globe. A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Fairtrade America is part of the world's largest and most recognized fair trade certification program — part of a global movement for change. Learn more at fairtrade.net, and by connecting with Fairtrade America on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Fairtrade takes human rights, sustainability and trade personally. Though consequences often go unseen, companies’ and consumers’ choices have human and environmental costs. By choosing Fairtrade, businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers are creating a better world - one that puts people and planet over profits. Together, we can prioritize global partnership and our shared humanity.

ABOUT NoMa BID

The NoMa Business Improvement District (NoMa BID) is the driving force behind the transformation and vitality of one of D.C.’s most dynamic neighborhoods. The BID is home to one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. and is comprised of more than 27 million square feet of new development with more than 13 million additional square feet of mixed-use development planned. There are more than 42,000 households within a ½ mile square radius of the BID, who are served by the amenities in the commercial core of NoMa. The area is supported by unparalleled public transportation access with two Red Line Metro stations, and VRE, MARC and Amtrak connections at Union Station. The “Walkscore” for the neighborhood is 98, and the neighborhood has 22 LEED-certified and Energy Star buildings. For more information, visit nomabid.org and sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram (@noma.bid), TikTok (@noma.bid.dc), Twitter (@NoMaBID), LinkedIn /noma-business-improvement-district), and Facebook (@NoMaBID).

ABOUT TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

Nestled in the fast-growing area near the Union Market District, NoMa, and Gallaudet University, Two Rivers Public Charter School embraces the idea that the community is the classroom. Educators and administrators at Two Rivers Public Charter School strive to nurture a diverse group of students to become lifelong, active participants in their own education, develop a sense of self and community, and become responsible and compassionate members of society. Their strong sense of crew sets them apart, as they live out “We are crew, not passengers,” strengthened by meaningful service to others.

MEDIA CONTACT

Liz Davis, Media Relations Manager, Fairtrade America

202.930.4349 | ldavis@fairtradeamerica.org

U.S. Department of Energy Funding Accelerates World-First Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment

Southern Company — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Southern Company

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has approved cost-shared funding for an accelerated final stage of the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE), under its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. The funding will support work by Southern Company, Idaho National Laboratory and CORE POWER to advance scientific understanding of molten salt reactor technology and inform future reactor development. MCRE is expected to achieve first criticality as early as 2027.

MCRE is designed to become the world's first fast-spectrum molten chloride salt reactor experiment to reach criticality, marking a historic step in the development of advanced nuclear technology. The experiment is expected to generate critical data on the behavior of the fuel, reactor operation and performance, providing the scientific and engineering foundation needed to support future reactor design, licensing pathways and commercial deployment. By reducing technical risk and expanding industry understanding of fast-spectrum molten salt systems, MCRE is expected to accelerate innovation across a range of reactor developers.

Jess Gehin, associate laboratory director for Nuclear Science & Technology at Idaho National Laboratory, said:

“MCRE will be the world’s first fast-spectrum molten chloride reactor to achieve criticality. It will provide direct measurements of how this novel reactor behaves during sustained fission, data that until now, has come from models alone. Enhancing those models with real-world operating evidence will reduce uncertainty for future reactor designers and regulators.”

MCRE demonstrates how industry, government and research institutions can work together to advance complex technologies, align expertise and resources, and move promising science from the laboratory toward real-world applications.

Dr. Mark S. Berry, Southern Company senior vice president of research, environment and sustainability, said:

“Public-private partnerships play an essential role in advancing energy technologies from concept to demonstration. Through collaboration among DOE, Idaho National Laboratory and industry partners, MCRE will help expand knowledge of molten salt reactor technology and help reduce technical uncertainty for future developers. This type of collaboration allows organizations to share expertise, accelerate innovation and evaluate technologies that could help meet growing energy demand while supporting reliable, affordable energy for customers and communities.”

Fast-spectrum molten salt reactors have the potential to transform far more than electricity generation. From powering industrial processes and producing life-saving medical isotopes to enabling future maritime propulsion and extracting additional value from used nuclear fuel, the technology could unlock a new generation of nuclear energy applications.*

Mikal Bøe, CEO of CORE POWER, said:

"New nuclear, like any truly transformative technology, requires vision and being in it for the long game. We first committed to building MCRE in 2020, and we are proud to now accelerate this world-first nuclear fuel cycle to criticality as early as 2027. The data generated by this unique experiment will help determine how we develop engineering, licensing and an entirely new supply chain to practical commercial deployment of fast-spectrum molten salt reactors. CORE POWER's role in this partnership is to help translate advanced reactor technology into deployable industrial systems and unique delivery mechanisms needed to realize the potential of this technology.

“Merging the pathway of novel nuclear fuel cycle development that MCRE represents with CORE POWER's pathway of maritime nuclear development, creates unique opportunities to deliver an ultimately sustainable nuclear fuel solution to new markets around the world. One such market is a sustainable future of civil maritime nuclear propulsion of large commercial ships, where an enduring, zero-emission power source can transform the way global trade is transported at sea.”

Notes to editors

* Depending on their design and fuel-cycle configuration, future fast-spectrum molten salt reactors could use actinides recovered from spent nuclear fuels to extract more energy from existing nuclear material and reduce the volume and longevity of waste requiring final disposal. Some configurations could also support fuel breeding and medical isotope production, as well as advances in cutting-edge chemistry and advanced materials. These are potential future capabilities; MCRE itself will not use spent fuel, demonstrate a closed fuel cycle or test a marine reactor.

Because the fuel is dissolved in liquid chloride salt, future systems could potentially recycle long-lived and minor actinides without repeatedly manufacturing new solid fuel assemblies.

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success, driven by our nearly 30,000 employees dedicated to delivering exceptional service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

About Idaho National Laboratory

As one of 17 national labs in the U.S. Department of Energy complex, Idaho National Laboratory is home to more than 6,400 researchers and support staff focused on innovations in nuclear research, integrated energy systems and security solutions that are changing the world. From discoveries in advanced nuclear energy to reliable energy options and to protecting our nation’s most critical infrastructure assets, our talented team at INL is constantly pushing the limits to redefine what’s possible.

About CORE POWER

CORE POWER is building the industrial platform needed to enable fleet-scale maritime nuclear infrastructure. As the OECD’s only full-stack developer of maritime nuclear systems, the company partners with selected reactor technology developers to turn advanced nuclear systems into deployable assets, including floating nuclear power plants and nuclear-propelled vessels.

These will be delivered through modern shipbuilding principles, commercial shipyard construction, specialist nuclear-licensed integration and an end-to-end approach that aligns policy, regulation, insurance and industrial delivery.

Located in London, Washington, D.C. and Tokyo, CORE POWER brings together nuclear and marine engineering depth with regulatory, policy and industrial expertise.

Motorola Expands Indigenous Languages Initiative With Indigenous Collections App

Lenovo — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:05:00 -0400

Motorola, in collaboration with the Lenovo Foundation, continues to advance its commitment to inclusion and “smarter technology for all” with the next phase of its Indigenous Languages Initiative, with the introduction of the Indigenous Collections app.

Building on years of work to bring endangered languages into the digital world, Motorola is now partnering with the Rainy Lake Ojibwe community to introduce the new app designed to preserve and celebrate the Indigenous language and the cultural heritage it carries. This app is designed to support Indigenous language and cultural revitalization by bringing together stories, landmarks, and family knowledge in one accessible platform. In the context of the Ojibwe community, it will help to preserve Ojibwe stories, geographical histories, and family heritage while highlighting key vocabulary and cultural context, helping users understand not only the words but the meanings and teachings embedded within them.

Our community-centered approach respects that certain knowledge is sacred to communities, reinforcing the decision to only include publicly-shareable cultural knowledge as well as having the family tree shareable only as an image directly by the user. Indigenous Collections will be made available in Google Play Store free of charge for all Android users.

This milestone marks the latest step in a journey that began in 2021, when Motorola became the first OEM to fully support an endangered Amazon Indigenous language on smartphones user interface: Nheengatu. Since then, the initiative has expanded globally, bringing languages such as Kaingang, Cherokee, Māori, Kangri, Kuvi, Ladin, and most recently Zapotec, into mobile technology through localized interfaces, keyboards, and digital resources.

In alignment with UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032), Motorola and the Lenovo Foundation have worked alongside communities and experts to digitize endangered languages and make smartphone technology more accessible. To date, nearly two million words across Indigenous and minority languages have been made openly available, enabling broader collaboration across academia and industry while amplifying Indigenous voices worldwide.

A Living Language, Preserved Through Story

Recognizing this urgency, Motorola’s next phase focuses not only on language digitization but also on cultural preservation. The Indigenous Collections App was created to document both the language and the stories, traditions, and knowledge it carries, ensuring that future generations can connect with their heritage in meaningful ways. Motorola took a community-first approach, working directly with members of the Rainy Lake Ojibwe community rather than relying solely on academic institutions. This approach ensured that the app was shaped by the voices and priorities of the people it represents.

Co-Creating Technology with the Ojibwe Community

Over the course of a year, Motorola collaborated closely with Ojibwe language instructor Jason Jones and Dr. Anton Treuer, a respected author and Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University. Together with community elders, they recorded, transcribed, and translated traditional stories and personal narratives, which now form the foundation of the app. This process reflects an important evolution in Motorola’s Digital Inclusion of Indigenous Languages Initiative: moving beyond localization to community-authored content. By onboarding community members as active participants, the project not only preserves linguistic elements but also captures the cultural narratives embedded within the language.

A Living Language, Preserved Through Story

Spoken across regions of the United States and Canada, Ojibwe is spoken by approximately 50,000 people today, with strong communities in Ontario and Manitoba. Although the language remains an important part of Ojibwe cultural identity, the language faces ongoing challenges due to globalization and longstanding prejudice against Indigenous cultures, contributing to a decline in intergenerational transmission.
Recognizing this urgency, Motorola’s next phase focuses not only on language digitization but also on cultural preservation. The Indigenous Collections App was created to document both the language and the stories, traditions, and knowledge it carries, ensuring that future generations can connect with their heritage in meaningful ways. Motorola took a community-first approach, working directly with members of the Rainy Lake Ojibwe community rather than relying solely on academic institutions. This approach ensured that the app was shaped by the voices and priorities of the people it represents.

Co-Creating Technology with the Ojibwe Community

“The app’s focus on preserving and sharing Ojibwe stories is particularly valuable,” said Dr. Truer. “Storytelling remains one of the most effective ways to transmit language, cultural knowledge, worldview, and community history. The current collection already represents a meaningful archive, and the planned addition of further stories will increase the long-term significance of the project.”

As new generations become increasingly connected through digital platforms, ensuring that their native languages are represented in written and digital form becomes critical. Mobile technology provides a powerful platform to make Indigenous languages visible, accessible, and valued not only by those who speak them, but by the broader global community.
“Empowering Indigenous communities through technology is central to the Lenovo Foundation’s mission, said Juliana Rebelatto, Motorola Global Director of Globalization. “By supporting initiatives like the Ojibwe App, we’re helping ensure innovation is inclusive, meaningful, and reflective of diverse voices. At Motorola, this commitment continues to evolve as we listen, learn, and build technology that empowers everyone.”
With the introduction of the Indigenous Collections App, Motorola takes another step forward — helping to ensure that Indigenous languages are not only preserved, but also heard, seen, and lived in the digital age.

Legal Disclaimers

Certain features, functionality and product specifications may be network dependent and subject to additional terms, conditions, and charges. All are subject to change without notice. MOTOROLA, the Stylized M Logo, MOTO and the MOTO family of marks are trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC. Google, Android, Google Play, Gemini and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2026 Motorola Mobility LLC. All rights reserved.

About Lenovo Foundation

Lenovo Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lenovo, a global technology powerhouse serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Lenovo Foundation supports Lenovo’s bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All through its mission to provide access to technology and STEM education for those who need it most. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation recognizes that when technology is powered by humanity, our greatest challenges become our greatest breakthroughs. Learn more about Lenovo’s corporate responsibility initiatives in the latest Environmental, Social and Governance Report.

CECP's Giving in Numbers®: 2026 Edition Finds Corporate Giving Holding Steady Despite Most Companies Pulling Back Ahead of New 1% Tax Floor

Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -0400

NEW YORK, October 15, 2026 /3BL/ - Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose® (CECP) today released Giving in Numbers®: 2026 Edition, the leading benchmark on corporate social investment.

Drawing on 2025 data from 152 companies representing $19 billion in Total Community Investments (TCI) which includes direct cash, foundation cash, and non-cash such as product donations or pro bono services. The report shows a field under pressure from new tax rules, policy shifts, and tighter budgets. While corporate giving held steady, but that growth is concentrated among a smaller group of top givers. A three-year matched set of companies, from 2023 to 2025, shows stark shifts in median TCI across program areas. Civic & Public Affairs (+39%), "Other" (+27%), and Environment (+22%) saw the largest gains, while Health & Social Services (−28%), Disaster Relief (−26%), and K-12 Education (−11%) saw the steepest declines.

CECP’s Giving in Numbers remains the premier industry survey and research, providing standard-setting criteria in a go-to guide that has defined the field and advanced the movement. Now in its 26th year, CECP, in partnership with companies, has built the largest and most comprehensive historical dataset on corporate social investment trends, drawing on participation from more than 650 multi-billion-dollar companies and representing over $519 billion in giving over the life of the survey.

“Corporate giving is no longer on autopilot. With a new tax floor, shifting policy, and tighter budgets, every dollar companies invest in communities is now a deliberate choice,” said Daryl Brewster, CEO, CECP. “The companies pulling ahead aren't just giving more, they're building purpose into how they run the business, and the data shows it pays off."

Key findings:

Growth is concentrated at the top. Among matched companies, median TCI rose 7.5% to $23.5 million, and top-quartile giving climbed 10.6%. Still, 52% of companies decreased giving, and aggregate TCI was flat. Top-quartile givers now invest 2.79x the median, up from 2.47x in 2021.
The new 1% floor is a real hurdle. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, corporate charitable gifts are deductible only above 1% of taxable income, starting in 2026. Median estimated deductible giving was 0.39% of pre-tax profit, so roughly 4 in 5 companies would receive no deduction at 2025 levels. Looking ahead, 42% of companies expect 2026 budgets to decline, and only 33% expect an increase.
Employees remain central. 94% of companies offer matching gifts, average volunteer participation holds at 25%, and 60% now offer employee hardship funds.
Foundations carry more weight. 84% of companies maintain a foundation, and foundations administer 56% of corporate cash giving. The median transfer to a foundation was $10 million.
Teams are doing more with less. Recipient organizations per staff member rose 18%, and cash managed per staff member rose from $1.5 million to $2.0 million. Human Resources remains the most common home for community investment (23%).

"At first glance, 2025 looks like a good year since the median went up, most companies actually cut back, while a smaller group invested significantly more,” said Kate Stobbe, Director, Corporate Insights, CECP. “With roughly 4 in 5 companies falling below the new 1% floor, 2026 will test which companies treat community investment as a core strategy and which treat it as a line item."

CECP-affiliated companies can access a custom analysis of the data at no additional cost through CECP’s secure online portal on MyCECP or by contacting CECP. Researchers and academics interested in using CECP data can contact the Insights team.

Giving in Numbers: 2026 Edition is sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb and Wells Fargo. CECP thanks its Innovation Partners—Benevity, YourCause by Blackbaud, Bonterra, and Groundswell—for enabling companies to pull their data in alignment with the research. Download the full public report here.

All companies over $500M in revenue can still participate in the new survey, and it's completely free. See the survey here and email insights@cecp.co for more information.

Note to Editors: the report author is available for comment and a more in-depth look at the community investment data collected from 152 of the world’s largest companies.

Media Contact
Katie Leasor-Erwin
kleasor@cecp.org

###

About Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP)

Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose® (CECP) is the only nonpartisan business counsel and network dedicated to driving measurable returns on purpose. We promote responsible purpose-driven business as it increases customer loyalty, builds employee engagement, improves brand trust, attracts top talent, connects with strategic investors, and contributes to the bottom line.

More than 200 of the world’s leading companies seek to improve their return on purpose through access to CECP's solutions in insights and benchmarking. With our companies, we harness the power of purpose for business, stakeholders, and society.

Learn more at cecp.org.

GoDaddy Expands Developer Platform, Helping AI Agents and Developers Take Businesses From Built to Online

GoDaddy — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Originally published by GoDaddy

TEMPE, Ariz., October 15, 2026 /3BL/ - GoDaddy, the world's largest domain registrar, just released a significant expansion to the GoDaddy Developer Platform, adding APIs for hosting, professional email and commerce.

Building on the domain APIs introduced in July, which now include premium domains and bulk domains, the expanded platform gives developers and AI agents a more complete, programmable path. This means users can take a project from working code to a live business, all without leaving their development workflow.

For developers, AI coding tools have significantly compressed the time it takes to turn an idea into a working application. But getting that application online can still mean jumping between hosting platforms, domain settings, email configuration and commerce tools, often requiring manual setup and disconnected credentials.

AI is also changing and accelerating software development, which means the infrastructure supporting those applications needs to evolve as well. By making GoDaddy's existing infrastructure programmable and interoperable, the Developer Platform gives developers and AI agents access to the services businesses need beyond the code itself.

GoDaddy is making AI-powered development more accessible

With the expanded all-in-one Developer Platform, developers and AI agents can use the same platform, credentials, API conventions, documentation and command-line interface (CLI) to connect with the core services needed to bring a business online.

The integration of Node.js Hosting also provides users with a simplified way to publish their web apps. Using the Developer Platform, developers and AI coding agents can create, launch and manage apps without opening a dashboard. It provides a preview for the app and built-in security features including automatic HTTPS, a web application firewall, a content delivery network (CDN) and a managed MySQL database.

“The next generation of businesses will be built differently,” said Hemanth Guntupalli, chief technology officer of platforms at GoDaddy. “AI can turn an idea into working software in minutes, and we’re building the infrastructure that lets developers and AI agents take that software the rest of the way. From code to hosting, domains, email and commerce, our customers can take their working application to a live business without breaking the flow.”

From APIs to a connected workflow

Domain APIs — Programmatic access to domain search and name suggestions, including standard, premium and bulk domains; domain purchase with preferred API pricing; DNS configuration; and domain management through a single platform.
Hosting APIs — Deploy and operate Node.js apps directly from the command line or through an AI agent. The Hosting API supports the full app lifecycle, from creating an app and attaching a hosting plan to publishing to production, managing secrets and reading logs.
Email APIs — Purchase professional email, create mailboxes and automate the underlying MX, SPF and DKIM configuration.
Commerce APIs — Programmatically manage your GoDaddy commerce stores, orders, catalog and customers.

These capabilities are designed to work as a connected system rather than a collection of separate services.

For example, a developer can work with their coding tools or AI agents to create an application or website, then call the Hosting API to create the app, attach a hosting plan and deploy it to production. From there, the agent can use the domains API to search for, purchase and configure a domain for the newly hosted project, then use the email API to purchase and configure professional email for that domain. With the commerce APIs, it can also programmatically manage the store, catalog, orders and customers.

GoDaddy gives developers full control

Developers can use one GoDaddy Developer Platform identity and add the appropriate product-specific scopes to their personal access token, while accessing the capabilities through REST APIs and the GoDaddy CLI.

The platform also incorporates safeguards designed to keep customers in control when AI agents perform actions. Product-specific token scopes allow developers to grant only the access required for a given job. Existing account, authorization, fraud and abuse controls also apply.

The platform is designed around the fundamentals developers expect from modern developer infrastructure: accessible APIs, consistent interfaces, clear documentation, usable tooling and the reliability of infrastructure already operating at GoDaddy scale.

Building for an AI-driven future

The expansion is part of GoDaddy's broader strategy to make it easier for the next generation of businesses to build, launch and operate online in an increasingly AI-driven world. AI can help create the application, while programmable infrastructure can help turn that application into a functioning business.

“Our job is to provide the technology foundation for the next generation of AI-powered businesses. Powerful enough for developers, simple enough for business owners and seamlessly integrated so everything works together,” said Guntupalli.

Designed for developers. Accessible to businesses.

The Developer Platform is built for developers, web agencies, technical professionals and AI coding agents managing their own GoDaddy products.

The expanded GoDaddy Developer Platform is available now for free to customers across the globe.

To explore the latest APIs and developer resources, visit developer.godaddy.com.

About GoDaddy
GoDaddy, the world's largest domain name registrar, helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services and accept payments. Airo®, the company's agentic operating system for small businesses, helps entrepreneurs get their idea online, run their business day-to-day and grow through an integrated identity, presence and commerce experience. GoDaddy's expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

G&A Institute Partners With D4H To Help Companies Turn Climate Risk Assessments Into Crisis Readiness

Governance & Accountability Institute — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -0400

NEW YORK, October 15, 2026 /3BL/ - Sustainability consulting and research firm Governance & Accountability Institute (G&A) has partnered with D4H, the cloud-based platform for crisis and emergency management and part of EcoOnline, to develop a solution for corporate preparedness and resilience built on a company's climate risk assessment. G&A and D4H will present the approach in a webinar on November 10, 2026/noon EST.

NOAA has identified nearly two hundred $1billion disasters that have occurred in the last decade, suggesting that businesses cannot wait when it comes to preparing for climate-related risks. Yet, while many companies are disclosing climate-related risks under various frameworks and regulations, this does not always translate into readiness for the impacts of climate change. In fact, a joint G&A/Ceres analysis of voluntary reports to California under SB 261, nearly all reporters identified climate risks relevant to their business, but only 38% had formally integrated climate risks into enterprise risk management through a named process or framework.

G&A and D4H's partnership is designed to close the preparedness gap. D4H provides a platform for emergency preparedness built on FEMA protocols and public-safety frameworks. G&A’s expertise helps adapt that model for corporate crisis management with a focus on protecting employees, preserving asset value, managing supply chain continuity, and communicating with the board and investors. Together, G&A and D4H help make climate risk assessments part of the emergency management planning cycle.

The joint approach connects sustainability teams, who build the climate risk assessment, with the operations and emergency management teams, who respond when an event occurs. The new solution works in three steps:

Identify: G&A conducts a TCFD / IFRS S2-aligned climate risk assessment, surfacing significant physical and transition risks and mapping the company’s exposure to physical risk by asset and region.
Plan and Prepare: A company's cross-functional team, with G&A and D4H’s support, turns those findings into business continuity and response plans. These become part of status boards, pre-built forms, and role-specific checklists built directly in the D4H platform.
Execute, Recover, and Close the Loop: During a crisis, teams manage the event in D4H. post-incident findings feed back into the climate risk assessment, so preparedness and disclosure can improve over time.

The November 10 webinar, Beyond Disclosure: Turning Climate Risk Reporting into Crisis Readiness, will also cover why climate risk matters now, current trends in how businesses manage climate risks, and a five-step path from climate risk assessment to crisis readiness.

For more information, contact G&A at climate-team@ga-institute.com or visit our service webpage.

Register for the webinar here.

About G&A Institute, Inc.
Founded in 2006, Governance & Accountability Institute (G&A) is a New York–based sustainability consulting and research firm with deep advisory experience supporting corporate leaders and investors in integrating sustainability into governance, risk, enterprise performance, and evolving regulatory and stakeholder expectations.

Backed by rigorous disclosure research, G&A’s climate team delivers physical and transition risk assessments aligned with the TCFD and IFRS S2 frameworks, supporting both regulatory disclosure and operational preparedness.

For more information, visit G&A Institute.

About D4H
D4H, part of EcoOnline, is a cloud-based crisis and emergency management platform that gives organizations the tools to prepare for and respond to any incident. Instead of email chains, spreadsheets, and phone calls, D4H provides a single coordinated environment where every team member, from facilities managers to the C-suite, can access the same information and task lists before, during, and after an event.

For more information, visit D4H.

Media Contact
Louis D. Coppola, CEO & Co-Founder
Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc.
Tel 646.430.8230 ext 14
Email: lcoppola@ga-institute.com

Acute Hunger Has Doubled Worldwide in Last Decade as Aid Falls, New Action Against Hunger Report Finds

Action Against Hunger — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -0400

NEW YORK, October 15, 2026 /3BL/ - Acute hunger has doubled over the last ten years and now affects 266 million people across 47 countries and territories, according to a new report from Action Against Hunger. Released ahead of World Food Day (October 16), “The 10 Largest Global Food Crises” finds that hunger is increasingly concentrated in a small number of countries, while funding to respond is shrinking and relief is getting harder to deliver.

The report draws on data from the 2026 Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC), the FAO-WFP Hunger Hotspots reports, and the experience of Action Against Hunger teams in more than 50 countries. It finds that just three countries account for roughly one-third of people facing acute hunger globally, with 82.9 million people in a hunger crisis across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria, and Sudan.

About two-thirds of people facing acute hunger, 177 million, live in just 10 countries: Nigeria, the DRC, Sudan, Yemen, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Sudan, and Syria. South Sudan entered the top 10 for the first time, with more than half its population facing severe food insecurity.

Conflict remains one of the biggest drivers of hunger. The sharpest increases were in Myanmar, the DRC, Afghanistan, and Yemen, where fighting and displacement have cut families off from their land, jobs, and markets. In 2025, famine was also confirmed in parts of Gaza and Sudan, the first time two famines were confirmed in the same year since the GRFC began in 2017.

At the same time, humanitarian aid for food in crisis contexts fell 59% between 2022 and 2025, back to levels last seen in 2016 and 2017. Official development assistance dropped 23% in 2025, and a further decline is expected in 2026.

“When funding is cut, the impact on vulnerable people is immediate. Funding decides where our teams can work, how many children we can treat, and which communities we have to leave behind,” said Dr. Charles Owubah, CEO of Action Against Hunger. “Action Against Hunger has been innovating more efficient ways to collect data and to predict hunger hotspots. By responding early, we can prevent acute hunger and save countless lives. Now, we need donors to stay the course.”

Children are among the hardest hit. In the 10 countries, nearly 30 million children under five suffered from acute malnutrition in 2025, including 7.82 million with the most severe form, which can be deadly. Unsafe water and disease are making things worse. In Sudan, more than 60% of water treatment plants are out of service, and the DRC is facing its worst cholera epidemic in 25 years.

Reaching people is also getting harder. Insecurity, red tape, and funding cuts are blocking or delaying aid in many of these countries. In South Sudan, loss of funding forced Action Against Hunger to reduce its staff by more than 60%, and many women and children now walk four to eight hours to reach health and nutrition services.

Action Against Hunger is calling on governments and donors to protect civilians and aid workers, close the funding gap with flexible, multi-year funding, and invest in prevention by strengthening local food systems, climate adaptation, and early warning systems.

“Hunger on this scale is not inevitable,” said Owubah. “When nutrition, healthcare, clean water, and livelihoods are tackled together, communities are better able to withstand shocks and recover from them. We know what works.”

Some countries could not be included in this year’s analysis because of gaps in data. Aid cuts have also weakened the systems used to collect hunger data, making it harder to track crises and send resources where they are needed most.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger is a global leader creating a future where every life is well nourished. We innovate to prevent malnutrition and respond to hunger hotspots, working in more than 50 countries and reaching more than 21 million people each year. Together, we are promoting resilience and working to end hunger for everyone, for good.

For press inquiries: media@actionagainsthunger.org

Leidos To Support Naval Health Research Center With Studies To Improve Health and Readiness of U.S. Service Members

Leidos — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 09:05:00 -0400

RESTON, Va. /3BL/ - Leidos (NYSE:LDOS) was recently awarded a contract by the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) to provide behavioral health research, operational assessments, and data-driven analyses that strengthen the psychological health and operational readiness of members of the U.S. armed services.

The work will focus on identifying risks and protective measures and interventions that affect the health, performance and readiness of military personnel throughout the deployment cycle, while developing evidence-based strategies that enhance resilience, support informed-decision making and reduce adverse outcomes. Leveraging more than 50 years of experience supporting research, Leidos will help NHRC translate scientific findings into practical solutions aimed at improving force readiness and optimizing performance and readiness within the military.

“This program reinforces the need for mission-critical health research in the military community,” said Sarah McNichol, vice president of Behavioral Health & Readiness at Leidos Health. “It is vitally important we work to improve warfighter readiness by studying the various psychological factors that can impact military populations.”

The NHRC is one of the eight laboratories within the Navy Medical Research & Development Enterprise tasked with optimizing the operational readiness and health of U.S. armed forces through behavioral health, epidemiology, readiness, and disease surveillance. The contract holds a total value of $56 million over a 66-month period of performance.

About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with approximately 50,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.

Certain statements in this announcement constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the “Risk Factors” set forth in Leidos’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made.

Media Relations

Brandon Ver Velde
Senior Media Relations Manager
(571) 526-6257 | brandon.p.vervelde@leidos.com

How Cisco and Jagriti Are Unlocking Digital Potential in Purvanchal

Cisco Systems Inc. — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 09:05:00 -0400

Cisco

This blog post is being guest written by Shreya Arora on Cisco’s India Cash Grant team, where she supports the rollout and governance of CSR programs across India. Drawing on seven years of experience in program development and fundraising, Shreya brings a holistic view of the nonprofit world and a strong desire to translate local needs into real-world solutions.

Shreya’s commitment to inclusive, community-driven change is fueled by the inspiration she finds in collaborating with Cisco’s network of partners.

In Deoria, a village in Purvanchal, the eastern region of India’s Uttar Pradesh state, Seema Gupta is known as “Drone Didi” — the drone sister. Farmers call on her when their crops need spraying, and she pilots an agricultural drone over their fields, applying fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that improve how they farm.

She learned to build her business — market her services, reach more clients, develop the strategy for making it last — through the Tech Shakti Sri program, implemented with Cisco support by our partner Jagriti.

Seema’s story is a window into something larger happening in Purvanchal, a region with significant untapped potential where improving access to infrastructure and formal income opportunities can unlock new pathways for economic mobility. By pairing rural women with the right digital tools and a structured path to entrepreneurship, the Tech Shakti Shri program is creating more opportunities in communities that have rarely been at the center of conversations about tech and growth.

Expanding digital pathways to rural entrepreneurship

Guided by Cisco’s Purpose to Power an Inclusive Future for All, we partnered with Jagriti because of its deep grassroots reach, commitment to nurturing entrepreneurs, and belief that talent is everywhere, even when opportunity is not. Through initiatives like Tech Shakti Shri, we combine technology with community-led support to help more aspiring entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into sustainable livelihoods, strengthen local economies, and create lasting change.

Jagriti designed Tech Shakti Sri in three stages, each one narrowing the focus and deepening the investment. Beginning with awareness camps across Deoria, Kushinagar, and Gorakhpur, the goal at this stage was exposure: helping women see digital tools as a viable path to economic mobility. From the 1,110 women mobilized in this first phase, 618 went on to complete structured training in digital and entrepreneurial skills, covering basic computer and internet literacy, using smartphones for business and digital payments, social media for marketing, and financial literacy.

From that group, Jagriti selected 42 women for an intensive incubation phase based on entrepreneurial potential and motivation. These women received one-on-one mentorship from Jagriti enterprise coaches; digital equipment like laptops, printers, and lamination machines; and connections to suppliers, government e-service networks, and local institutions. They visited enterprises and innovation hubs. Business development was hands-on, with participants learning about client acquisition, financial management, and service diversification.

The funnel got narrower, but the investment per person deepened considerably. That structure was intentional. Casting a wide net at the mobilization stage meant reaching women who wouldn’t have found their way to a skills program on their own. Concentrating resources at the incubation stage meant those with the drive to build something had the tools to do it.

The ripple effects of digital enterprises

Among the 42 women who went through incubation, the outcomes are concrete. Take Kashish Verma from Gorakhpur, who came to the program with no background in design. With mentorship and access to digital tools, she now works with four clients on graphic design and video editing, earning close to ₹40,000 per month. “Everything changed for me after I connected with Jagriti,” she says. “Our mentor gave us a clear roadmap to turn clients into long-term partners. The path here was challenging, but with the right guidance and connections, the journey became smoother.” She’s now learning AI tools to strengthen her work further.

Manisha Sharma, from Deoria, built a T-shirt printing business despite real resistance. “Many people said, ‘this work isn’t meant for women,'” she recalls. “There were moments where I felt like giving up, but I kept going.” Her business now supports her family and employs others — a ripple effect that the program’s funnel model, in many ways, was designed to produce.

That ripple extends further than individual livelihoods. The businesses emerging from Tech Shakti Sri are digital at their core, spanning fields such as drone services, graphic design, digital photography, virtual reality, IT education, and technology-enabled service centers. Women who completed the program have hired local assistants, mentored peers, and set up enterprises — libraries, gaming zones, digital service centers — that serve as gathering points for digital access in their communities.

The real impact is not just in the businesses women build, but in the ripple effects they create — changing perceptions within families, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, and strengthening communities.—Ashutosh Kumar, CEO of Jagriti

By helping community members access information, financial services, government schemes, educational resources, and digital tools, these women are serving as the last-mile link between technology and underserved communities. In doing so, they are not only building businesses of their own but also expanding digital access, inclusion, and opportunity for countless others, bringing the vision of Digital India to life at the grassroots.

“In Purvanchal, we say jo dikhta hai, wahi bikta hai — what is visible, sells. For generations, women here have possessed extraordinary capability, but too often it remained unseen,” says Ashutosh Kumar, CEO of Jagriti. “Tech Shakti Sri was designed to change that by creating pathways from awareness to opportunity and from potential to enterprise.”

Advancing our vision of a digitally inclusive future

Back in Deoria, Seema Gupta still gets calls from farmers when they need support with their crops. She flies the drone, reads the data, and when the equipment needs fixing, she fixes it. “Today, I am earning well,” she says. “I am making a name for myself.” Kashish, Manisha, and dozens of others across the three districts are doing the same, each in their own way.

“Our commitment is to ensure that access to technology and opportunity reach those who need it the most, so that their determination can translate into lasting progress for themselves, their families, and their communities,” says Harish Krishnan, Managing Director & Chief Policy Officer, Cisco India, South and South East Asia. “We are proud of what these women have achieved, and they inspire us to keep building pathways that enable more people to realize their potential.”

The Tech Shakti Shri model — wide mobilization, structured training, deep incubation — has shown what’s possible in Purvanchal. The work now is to bring that same approach to more people and more communities across India, bringing us one step closer to our vision of a truly digitally inclusive future for all.

View original content here.

The Next Competitive Advantage in AI Infrastructure Is Predictive Logistics

DP World — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 09:00:00 -0400

The data center industry has little debate about the value of predictive analytics.

The challenge is putting it into practice.

According to new research from DP World and Supply Chain Dive's Studio by Informa TechTarget, 92% of surveyed executives believe technology is extremely or very important for demand forecasting, while another 92% say predictive maintenance is equally important. Nearly nine in 10 (89%) place similar importance on predicting supply chain disruptions before they occur.

Yet despite this broad agreement, adoption remains surprisingly limited. In its report titled The Infrastructure Behind AI: Why Data Center Supply Chains Are the New Critical Path, DP World found that only 29% of respondents currently use predictive analytics in their supply chain operations, although 40% plan to implement the technology within the next 12 to 24 months.

The gap highlights one of the industry's biggest opportunities.

As AI infrastructure grows larger and more complex, organizations are increasingly looking beyond reactive supply chain management toward systems capable of identifying disruptions before they impact projects. Predictive logistics promises earlier visibility into shipment delays, supplier constraints, customs bottlenecks and equipment issues, enabling organizations to respond before downtime occurs.

That capability carries growing financial importance. Delayed shipments can postpone AI deployment, idle expensive infrastructure and tie up significant capital investments. Predicting problems before they materialize is becoming as valuable as resolving them after the fact.

"When there is downtime, that's a cost impact to the hyperscaler," said Glen Clark, CEO of DP World in the U.S. and Mexico and Regional Head of Contract Logistics. "They're looking to get ahead of any delays or failures, and that means having predictive capabilities."

So why has adoption lagged?

The report points to three primary barriers. Forty-seven percent of respondents cite regulatory concerns, 46% point to cybersecurity risks and 43% identify budget constraints. Export controls, customs requirements, evolving AI regulations and concerns about introducing additional cyber risk all contribute to a cautious approach.

Despite these obstacles, the direction appears clear. The report argues that predictive capability will define the next generation of competitive advantage because it enables organizations to anticipate disruption rather than simply react to it.

End-to-end visibility is a key part of that strategy. Real-time tracking, advanced analytics and integrated logistics platforms can provide earlier warning of congestion, customs inspections, labor disruptions and other risks that threaten project schedules.

As AI infrastructure continues expanding, organizations that can see around corners may gain a measurable advantage over those still relying on reactive operations.

The next phase of AI competition may not be decided solely by access to chips or power. It may be determined by which organizations develop the predictive supply chains capable of keeping infrastructure projects moving on schedule – even when disruption becomes inevitable.

Download The Infrastructure Behind AI: Why Data Center Supply Chains Are the New Critical Path on the DP World website.

The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and Angel City Sports Power Possibility

DICK'S Sporting Goods — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 08:45:00 -0400

Originally published on DICK'S Sporting Goods

In 2013, eight-year-old Ezra Frech and his dad Clayton traveled to Oklahoma City for the UCO Endeavor Games, an annual multi-sport competition for athletes with physical disabilities. While there, Ezra asked his dad why there weren’t programs like the Endeavor Games in Southern California, and that’s how Angel City Sports was born. What began with one young athlete asking “why” has grown into exactly the kind of lasting change The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s Sports Matter Impact League is built to champion.

The Sports Matter Impact League, which launched in 2025, selects empowering sports-based youth development organizations for a three-year tiered grant program to fuel sustainable, high-impact work. In addition to funding, Sports Matter Impact League partners receive strategic guidance, visibility opportunities and access to resources that strengthen organizational capacity.

“Long-term partnerships allow us to listen, learn and build alongside organizations to create stronger programs and meaningful change that lasts,” said Rick Jordan, Vice President of The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation.

<em>Watch our feature video highlighting the incredible work of Angel City Sports.</em>

Going into 2027, Angel City Sports will enter year two of its Sports Matter Impact League partnership. Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience sport as a pathway to confidence, independence and belonging, Angel City Sports offers free, year-round adaptive sports programming for kids, adults and veterans with physical disabilities across the Los Angeles area. Since 2013, the organization has provided more than 31,000 athlete activations through annual clinics, multi-sport experiences and large-scale events.

Beyond programming, Angel City Sports creates a community where athletes can see what is possible for themselves, often for the first time.

“Angel City Sports taught me that I can do anything and that my wheelchair is never a limit,” said 13-year old Angel City Sports athlete Damian Munoz.

Angel City Sports also provides free access to specialized equipment that many athletes and families might not be able to afford on their own, something Angel City Sports Program Manager Alvin Malave says the organization can continue to do thanks to its partnership with The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation.

“I hope to teach the kids that anything is possible, and you can use sport as an opportunity to develop yourself mentally, physically and emotionally and go through life and be successful,” Malave said.

You can learn more about The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s Sports Matter Impact League here.

Written by Hilary Totin

CVS Health - Early Detection Matters: Finding Heart Health Risks Earlier

CVS Health — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 08:15:00 -0400

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

Key points

Abnormal heart rhythms can lead to serious complications, like strokes and heart failure.
Signify Health, part of CVS Health, offers continuous heart rhythm monitoring from the comfort of home for eligible health plan members who meet clinical criteria and have certain risk factors.
Continuous monitoring, combined with care coordination, can detect abnormalities sooner and support earlier intervention—reducing the risks of a health crisis.

Betty is a Medicare Advantage member who has been receiving in-home health visits from Signify Health, part of CVS Health, through her health plan for four years.

During one visit, a Signify Health nurse practitioner recommended she wear a heart rhythm monitor to check for abnormal activity. As she shares, she’s glad she did.

Making earlier detection part of the care journey

Heart disease is one of the most complex health challenges for individuals, families and our health care system. Improving outcomes requires a proactive approach: identifying risks sooner and helping people take steps to prevent a health crisis.

Arrhythmias, where the heart beats too quickly, too slowly or irregularly, can be especially difficult to recognize because symptoms vary widely. Some people notice shortness of breath, dizziness, a racing heartbeat, palpitations or a fluttering sensation. Others may have no noticeable symptoms, and an irregular rhythm may only be discovered during a routine exam or monitoring.

Some arrythmias are brief and harmless, while others can lead to serious complications. People with atrial fibrillation, the most common form of arrythmia, are at five times higher risk of stroke and three times higher risk of heart failure.

This is why early detection is critical to ensuring people get appropriate and timely care.

Earlier detection of heart rhythm issues creates opportunities for intervention before serious complications occur. Traditional office-based screening remains important, but it may not capture intermittent arrhythmias or reach individuals who face barriers to accessing care. It’s essential to meet people where they are, identify risks earlier and help connect them to the care and support they need.
– Dr. Heidi Schwarzwald, Chief Medical Officer of Signify Health

Pairing technology with a clear path to care

Signify Health offers access to a continuous electrocardiogram (cECG) monitoring patch as part of an In-Home Health Evaluation (IHE) for eligible members. Eligibility is determined through clinical criteria include age, risk factors for heart failure, and symptoms, based on members’ personal health history and information provided by their health plan.

Compared to conventional methods for home-based ECG monitoring, studies have found the adhesive patch to be more comfortable for individuals and more effective at catching abnormalities.

Patches are placed by experienced physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants and are worn for up to 14 days by members who consent to the screening. Clinicians also take time to answer members’ questions as part of the in-home visit.

Heart rhythm monitoring at home with Signify Health: A snapshot from the first half of 2026

After the monitoring period, a cardiologist reviews the results to determine if the member has arrythmia. Findings are shared with the member and their primary care provider, so that they can work together on a care plan based on the results.

Building on the trusted relationship developed during the in-home visit, Signify Health can also help members find an in-network primary care provider if they don’t have one and make recommendations for having that first conversation. This handoff is increasingly important for previously hard-to-engage members who may have otherwise delayed care.

Beyond cECG monitoring, meeting members in their homes allows clinicians to assess other factors affecting their heart health—like gaps in preventive care and challenges accessing healthy food—and connect them to resources.

A more connected future for cardiovascular care

Heart rhythm issues illustrate a larger opportunity to find heart disease risk—like high blood pressure and blood sugar—sooner, bring services closer to consumers, and help them take the next best steps for their health.

Continuous monitoring administered right in members’ homes is one example of how we’re working to improve heart health. Across CVS Health, we’re focused on making it easier for consumers to know their numbers and access preventive care and support keeping heart disease managed.