Outdoor Adventurer Dylan Efron Joins Arbor Day Foundation Podcast In Latest Episode

Arbor Day Foundation — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:05:00 -0400

LINCOLN, Neb., August 17, 2026 /3BL/ - Dylan Efron, content creator and outdoor adventurer, joins the Arbor Day Foundation in episode 8 of its new podcast, “Unearthing Optimism.” In addition to his online travel content, Dylan has also been featured on reality TV shows The Traitors and Dancing With The Stars. Beyond the cameras and competition, Dylan has built a life rooted in exploration, curiosity, and a deep connection to the environment.

In a conversation with CEO and host Dan Lambe, Dylan Efron shares how experiences in nature can inspire a new perspective and boost mental health.

“Dylan’s adventures have taken him to some of the most incredible natural landscapes in the world, and it’s easy to see those experiences have had a significant impact on how he views the world. His innate optimism and gift for storytelling made for an uplifting conversation about deepening our relationship with the environment,” said Lambe. “In a time when it’s easy to feel overcome by challenges, this podcast is a way for people to embrace hope. We’re grateful for the many listeners who are joining us on this journey.”

“Unearthing Optimism” is a new kind of conversation about the planet, featuring a series of influential and trusted voices shaping culture, science, and how we understand our changing world. It’s available to stream or download on all major podcasting platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

The podcast is produced in part by the Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest tree planting nonprofit. Since its founding in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has helped to plant more than 500 million trees.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners.

And this is only the beginning.  

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

###

MetLife 2025 Sustainability Report: Delivering Research and Insights

MetLife — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:05:00 -0400

MetLife

MetLife publishes several annual studies and short-form articles, as well as hosting industry events and speaker series, to share insights that help us and our stakeholders better understand important market and workforce dynamics and industry trends. Examples include:

2026 U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study (EBTS), MetLife’s 24th Annual U.S. EBTS, identifies an opportunity to redefine success in the workplace amid ongoing economic, technological and societal uncertainties. It emphasizes the importance of human connection, skill-building in the age of AI in the workplace and benefit strategies as core drivers for employee holistic health. Employees are battling rising costs, and employers are balancing investing in benefits with broader costcutting measures, underscoring the challenge of sustaining workforce well-being and engagement in an environment where both employees and employers are financially strained. MetLife also conducts research projects in various global markets, identifying region-specific trends to help employers meet the needs of their employees.
2026 Paycheck or Pot of Gold, a MetLife research report finds rising healthcare costs coupled with longer lifespans are contributing to a sharp rise in retirement anxiety. The research shows that long-standing retirement planning assumptions are being challenged and that sustainable income solutions are needed to help retirees avoid financial hardship.
2025 Triangle Tech X Conference, with the theme “Agility Unleashed: Embracing STEM Innovation at Light Speed,” convened a large, global audience of today’s most compelling innovators, thought leaders and changemakers to spark conversations on how agility, inclusion and humanity are transforming technology and business. Learn more online and connect to be part of the ongoing conversation.
AI at Work: A Global Entry-Level Perspective, with support from MetLife Foundation, found that entry-level workers are rapidly adopting AI tools.¹ Conducted by Generation, an employment training and placement nonprofit, the study revealed that employees are using AI for a broad range of tasks, including learning, content creation and administration.

Learn more about how MetLife is delivering research and insights in the MetLife 2025 Sustainability Report

¹ AI at Work: A Global Entry-Level Perspective, accessed March 23, 2026, https:// www.generation.org/news/ai-at-work-a-global-entry-level-perspective/.

Trane Technologies and Eaton Collaborate on Industry-First Reference Design To Help Boost AI Data Center Efficiency and Cut Installation Costs

Trane Technologies — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400

SWORDS, Ireland and CLEVELAND, August 17, 2026 /3BL/ - Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, and intelligent power management company Eaton (NYSE:ETN) today announced a strategic collaboration integrating advanced thermal management and electrical system architectures to help accelerate AI-factory deployment, enhance efficiency and lower costs.

Trane Technologies and Eaton are introducing a first-of-its kind reference design that replaces a traditionally slow, manual and siloed design process with a unified, intelligent system for power and cooling for next-generation data centers. By advancing medium-voltage designs for higher-power density AI factories, the companies can achieve combined energy efficiency gains of up to 15%, cut copper use by as much as 80% and reduce installation costs by up to 30% compared to conventional, low-voltage designs, while enabling faster deployment and reducing complexity. As global data center capacity may almost triple by 2030, with AI driving about 70% of that growth, the reference design provides a more resource-efficient approach to scaling data center infrastructure.

The new reference design is included in both the Trane^® Continuum Rubin DSX and Eaton Beam Rubin DSX platforms, built in alignment with the NVIDIA DSX platforms, with Eaton’s technology helping provide power distribution for the Trane platform. By combining the expertise of both companies into coordinated reference designs, data center customers can help accelerate development cycles through pre-coordinated thermal and electrical power systems from grid to chip. The companies’ approach breaks down traditional systems-in-silos architectures, enabling power distribution and cooling systems to exchange leading indicators, respond more dynamically to needs and enhance data center performance.

“AI and high-performance computing are transforming the demands placed on data centers, and customers want solutions that can keep pace with their needs,” said Mauro J. Atalla, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, Trane Technologies. “By combining our advanced thermal management solutions with Eaton’s innovative power management solutions, we’re delivering a coordinated design that helps customers accelerate deployment, improve efficiency and confidently plan to scale for the future.”

“We’re advancing the industry standard for speed of deployment by progressing reference designs into unified systems teams can deploy repeatedly. Aligned with the NVIDIA DSX platform, we’re integrating our medium-voltage power systems and white space thermal management solutions with Trane’s advanced thermal management system architecture to help accelerate AI-factory deployment at scale,” said Michael Regelski, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Electrical Sector, Eaton.

The Eaton and Trane Technologies reference design is built to work smoothly with the NVIDIA^® Omniverse™ DSX Blueprint for AI data centers. The combined approach establishes a more consistent, predictable method for planning and delivering electrical, thermal and digital control infrastructure required for AI‑driven environments. The coordinated architecture simplifies setup, reduces risk during deployment, and improves overall performance for today’s technologies. It is also designed to evolve as emerging liquid cooling technologies and direct current architectures become mainstream.

“AI factories demand tightly coordinated power, cooling and compute infrastructure to operate efficiently at scale. By aligning with the NVIDIA Omniverse DSX Blueprint, Trane Technologies and Eaton are helping customers reduce complexity and accelerate deployment of next‑generation AI data centers,” said Vladimir Troy, Vice President of AI Infrastructure at NVIDIA. “This new integrated approach supports the robust, scalable foundations enterprises need to unlock the full potential of generative and reasoning AI and turn data into faster, smarter outcomes.”

Learn more about how Trane Technologies and Eaton are working together.

###

About Trane Technologies
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit www.tranetechnologies.com.

About Trane
Trane^® – by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator – creates comfortable, energy efficient indoor environments through a broad portfolio of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems and controls, services, parts and supply. For more information, please visit www.trane.com or www.tranetechnologies.com.

About Eaton
Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.

Founded in 1911, Eaton has continuously evolved to meet the changing and expanding needs of our stakeholders. With revenues of $27.4 billion in 2025, the company serves customers in 180 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws, which are statements that are not historical in nature, including, but not limited to, statements that relate to market outlook, estimated cost savings, product and service innovations, and anticipated end-user benefits of these innovations. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, predictions, estimates, assumptions and beliefs, and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which are outside of either company’s control and may cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that could cause such differences can be found in the annual reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed by each of Trane Technologies and Eaton and other SEC filings filed by each company. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect each company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Neither Trane Technologies nor Eaton assumes any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Beat the Heat: Entergy Mississippi Works With Community Agencies To Help Customers Stay Cool

Entergy Corporation — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400

JACKSON, Miss., August 17, 2026 /3BL/ - On hot summer days air conditioning units keep indoor temperatures pleasant and everyone inside cool. But the AC systems that keep us cool must work even harder when the temperatures rise well into the 80s and 90s almost every day. The increased usage also impacts summer utility bills.

Entergy Mississippi is helping customers beat the heat without breaking the bank through grants and bill assistance programs.

Beat the Heat grants support community partners

This summer, community partners across Entergy Mississippi’s service area are giving away fans, water and other items to help customers stay cool as the summer heats up, funded by $27,500 in Beat the Heat grants the company awarded recently to several organizations.

Boss Lady Economic Planning & Development, AJFC Community Action and New Horizon Ministries have already distributed more than 250 fans along with other items to help their neighbors stay cool. Entergy Mississippi volunteers were on hand to assist with these events held recently in Bolivar, Claiborne and Hinds counties.

“Entergy has been a blessing to us for years,” said Bill Washington, food pantry manager at New Horizon Church. “Their volunteers show up with open hearts, and their support helps us do more for our community than we ever could alone. Whether it’s helping us give out fans during the hottest days or standing beside us every month to distribute food boxes to our neighbors in need, Entergy shows us what it means to truly care. I’m grateful for the way they lift us up and help us take care of the people who count on us.”

In addition to distributing fans, energy efficiency information and storm preparedness tips, Entergy employees helped agencies give out fundamental supplies, like food boxes, hydrating skincare sets, clothing, baby essentials, and water—bringing smiles all around.

“Our communities count on us, especially when summer heat puts extra strain on families,” said Robbie Kemp, Entergy Mississippi vice president, customer service. “Partnering with local organizations helps us reach the people who need support the most — and we’re committed to showing up with real solutions in bill management tools that keep our customers safe, comfortable and cared for.”

Grants were also awarded to Southwest Mississippi Opportunity, Inc. and Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi and plans for additional events are underway. Customers living in areas served by these community partners should check the organization’s websites and social media channels for additional details.

Additional funding for The Power to Care

Entergy’s The Power to Care program provides emergency bill payment assistance to older adults and individuals with disabilities, working with local nonprofit agencies to distribute the funds.

Thanks to donations from our generous employees and customers, we can help many of these customers pay their bills in their time of need. In 2025, Entergy’s The Power to Care Program contributed $605,457 to assist more than 2,500 Mississippi customers. The total includes a recent shareholder match of $141,964, which will be distributed soon to help customers during the summer months.

Entergy Mississippi also has programs and resources that can help all customers stay cool while keeping energy costs low this summer. Our Bill Toolkit offers tools, resources and information to help customers save energy and money through every season.

By visiting the Bill Toolkit website, customers can learn more about the bill management options that are available, along with the assistance programs that provide support to those facing financial challenges. We’re committed to providing support to customers through the summer months and are here to help throughout the year.

About Entergy Mississippi

Entergy Mississippi provides electricity to approximately 459,000 customers in 45 counties. Entergy Mississippi is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy generates, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for more than 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re focused on keeping costs for our customers as low as possible while providing reliable energy that our communities count on. We’re also investing in growth for the future with a more resilient, cleaner energy system that includes modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy generation. As a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at EntergyMississippi.com and connect with @EntergyMS on social media.

Media inquiries:
entergymsmedia@entergy.com

View original content here.

Inspiring Future Innovators Through Hands-On STEM at AMD

AMD — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:45:00 -0400

At AMD, inspiring the next generation of innovators starts with creating opportunities for students to see themselves in STEM and AI careers. By connecting young learners with hands-on experiences and employees who can share their own career journeys, AMD helps make pathways into technology more visible, approachable and achievable.

That commitment came to life recently when AMD welcomed more than 60 students from Breakthrough Central Texas to its Austin campus for a day of learning, discovery and hands-on STEM and AI exploration. Breakthrough Central Texas is a college access nonprofit that supports first-generation and underrepresented students from sixth grade through college. Now in its fourth year, the event brought together nearly 30 AMD employee volunteers who shared their time, experiences and expertise to help students explore technology careers and apply engineering concepts in a creative, collaborative setting.

Students also heard from AMD employees, including a Breakthrough alum, who shared personal reflections on their education and career journeys, lessons learned along the way and encouragement for students as they begin imagining their own futures.

The highlight of the day was a solar-powered car challenge, where students worked side by side with AMD volunteers to build, test and race their vehicles. The activity encouraged students to think critically, collaborate with teammates and troubleshoot design decisions in real time, while learning fundamental engineering concepts through a fun and accessible experience.

“I think it’s important for AMD to invest in the future through opportunities like STEM education because it gets kids thinking about what they want to do with their future, whether they want to go to college, what they want to study and ultimately what kind of career they want to pursue,” said Roy Woody Jr., Associate Test Engineer at AMD.

By connecting students with AMD employees and engaging STEM and AI experiences, the event helped make technology careers feel more tangible and accessible. Through relationships with organizations like Breakthrough Central Texas, AMD continues to support opportunities that help students explore new possibilities, build confidence, and imagine where their education can take them.

Learn more about AMD STEM and AI initiatives at www.amd.com/en/corporate/corporate-responsibility/digital-impact.html.

Action Against Hunger Reinforces Response to Rural Communities Most Affected by Earthquake

Action Against Hunger — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Spokesperson Available

Media Contact

Kara Green

media@actionagainsthunger.org

+1 (231) 286-1275

NEW YORK and CHOCÓ, Colombia, August 14, 2026 /3BL/ - Action Against Hunger has stepped up its humanitarian response in the Colombian department of Chocó following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake recorded on 10 August, the strongest to hit the country in the past decade. As assessments of the extent of the damage continue, the organization is focusing its efforts on reaching rural and hard-to-reach communities, where thousands of families have been affected and severe damage to homes, infrastructure and basic services persists.

In Chocó, some of the main response gaps are concentrated in rural and scattered areas, where access difficulties, damage to roads and bridges, landslides, and power and communications outages are hampering the delivery of aid and the assessment of humanitarian needs. In the municipality of San José del Palmar alone, more than 29 landslides linked to the earthquake have been recorded.

“Our teams are already deployed to provide humanitarian assistance in the affected municipalities through the distribution of essential supplies. From our office in Chocó, we have taken part, from the very first moment of the emergency, in coordination spaces with institutions, authorities and community organizations,” explains Mario Dager, Action Against Hunger humanitarian worker in Colombia.

Assistance in Rural Communities

The organization has already begun assisting affected families in several municipalities. In El Tabor, a rural community in Tadó, it has distributed kits to ensure access to safe water, including filtration and treatment systems, hoses, storage tanks and other essential items.

In Nóvita, the organization has deployed a humanitarian team to assist affected families, particularly those from rural areas. As there is no collective shelter operating in the municipality, many families remain temporarily housed with relatives or in community support networks. There, Action Against Hunger has distributed shelter kits, family hygiene kits, menstrual hygiene kits, baby kits and food kits, in coordination with local authorities and risk management bodies.

In Quibdó, the organization is supporting people housed at the Municipal Coliseum, where it has delivered family shelter kits to cover the basic needs of the 104 people temporarily sheltering there. It is also working with local foundations and authorities to identify priority households and facilitate affected families’ access to official assistance mechanisms.

Reaching Isolated Communities

Over the coming days, Action Against Hunger will continue expanding its monitoring of the situation and identifying needs in municipalities with less visible impacts, including Sipí, Medio Baudó, Lloró and Medio San Juan, in addition to continuing the work already under way in Nóvita and Tadó.

“Our main challenge now is reaching the rural communities that remain isolated and where we are still completing assessments. In many places it is not possible to know the real extent of the damage until teams manage to physically access them. That is why we are combining immediate assistance with ongoing needs identification work, to make sure no one is left out of the response,” explains Mario Dager, Action Against Hunger humanitarian worker in Colombia.
Immediate priorities: safe water, shelter, food and health

The first assessments carried out by Action Against Hunger and humanitarian coordination bodies identify safe shelter, drinking water, food, sanitation and hygiene as immediate priorities. There is also growing concern over the increasing pressure on the health network, which requires medicines, medical supplies and specific assessments of rural health facilities.

On water and sanitation, authorities have requested support to rehabilitate water supply systems in several affected municipalities, as well as the supply of materials for water purification, storage and safe access. Local authorities have also flagged an urgent need for materials to rehabilitate damaged homes and infrastructure.

In addition, some affected families remain temporarily housed in the homes of relatives or community support networks, which increases the need to distribute shelter kits and cash assistance to help cover extraordinary expenses arising from the emergency.
A response that will need to be sustained over time

“In the coming weeks, it will be essential to move from emergency response towards early recovery. Rehabilitating water systems, repairing homes and restoring livelihoods will be decisive in enabling families to rebuild their lives,” says Noelia Monge, Head of the Emergency Team at Action Against Hunger.

Action Against Hunger will continue providing assistance, assessing needs and coordinating its intervention with authorities, community organizations and the rest of the humanitarian actors. The response will keep adapting and expanding as teams are able to access new communities and as the main unmet needs are confirmed.

***

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 26.5 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,500+ dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

New Study From CVS Caremark and Employee Benefit News Shows How Employers Rely on Their Pharmacy Benefit Manager To Create Sustainable Pharmacy Solutions

CVS Health — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:15:00 -0400

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

WOONSOCKET, R.I., August 14, 2026 /3BL/ - CVS Caremark, part of CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS), announced the findings of a survey conducted in partnership with Employee Benefit News that reveals why employers are increasingly relying on their pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) partners to use their expertise, scale and purchasing power to help them manage their top concern: battling rising drug prices and maintaining access to quality care.

This year’s The State of Pharmacy Management Survey findings show HR decision makers and executive leaders are focused on navigating the rising price of prescription drugs, managing access to expensive treatments such as GLP-1s, and encouraging the use of more cost-effective biosimilars.

Key Findings

91% of employers are concerned about the high prices of medication for employees
88% of employers see PBMs as especially well positioned to reduce prescription drug costs for their businesses
64% say PBMs have the greatest opportunity to improve access to affordable specialty medications

“This data reveals the urgency behind employers’ need for PBM partners who can address cost, first and foremost,” said Ed DeVaney, President, CVS Caremark. “There’s a clear opportunity to help employers navigate the evolving pharmacy benefits landscape while driving sustainable benefits for clients and members.”

Opportunity for employers to encourage greater use of biosimilars

The survey findings also illustrate that biosimilars represent one of the largest untapped opportunities for employers to reduce drug costs in the U.S. health care market, offering clinically equivalent therapies to improve affordability and enhance access without compromising safety or efficacy.

Today, only about half of employers (49%) are encouraging biosimilar substitution while another 40% are actively considering or exploring it. With just 12% of employers reporting that they are educating employees about the cost savings potential, this study illustrates a significant opportunity for employers to do more to both create better awareness and understanding of the benefits of biosimilars and help their members access them.

CVS Caremark has been an industry leader in promoting biosimilar adoption. Since April 2024, biosimilar formulary strategy has helped CVS Caremark clients and members realize more than $3.3 billion in gross savings related to Humira® (adalimumab), and the company is committed to expanding the use of low-cost biosimilars across multiple therapeutic categories.

On July 1, 2026, CVS Caremark transitioned from Stelara® (ustekinumab) on its most common commercial template formularies to prefer lower-cost, interchangeable biosimilar alternatives — Pyzchiva® and Yesintek®. Most members will pay $0 out-of-pocket for their therapy.

Employers are planning for emerging areas of pharmacy spend, including GLP-1 weight management

Weight management has moved into the benefits mainstream, becoming a core component of modern benefits strategy. Seventy-seven percent of employers say the high cost of GLP-1 coverage is a concern — with 80% having either already limited GLP-1 coverage for weight loss or considering limits.

CVS Caremark is focused on improving affordability and access to GLP-1s by increasing access to GLP-1 weight management medications this year with expanded coverage options. In addition to negotiating lower prices with drug manufacturers, CVS Caremark works with clients to leverage the right GLP-1 management strategies for each employee population, including utilization management, personalized clinical and nutrition support and more.

The lifestyle-first approach of the CVS Weight Management™ program has driven sustainable weight loss results for members and cost savings for plan sponsors. Clients who adopted the program spent up to 26% less on GLP-1 medications for weight-loss compared to those who did not, and members who were previously on anti-obesity medication nearly doubled their pre-program weight loss while working with program clinicians on diet and lifestyle.

Digital innovation is central to pharmacy benefits

As AI and digital enablement continue to transform the health care experience, employers are looking for pharmacy benefits partners who can leverage digital tools to make support more accessible, personalized and navigable for plan members, with 88% saying that digital tools and innovation as part of the health care experience are “here to stay.”

CVS Caremark invests over $770 million in technology each year dedicated to member innovation, combining human touch with streamlined digital processes so members can receive the treatment they need quickly. As a founding partner of the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI), CVS Caremark is also helping lead the way in safe and ethical use of AI in health care, all in support of improved health outcomes and a streamlined experience for members, clients and providers.

Employers see pharmacy benefit costs as harder to control than other benefits

Only 30% of employers said they have significant influence over pharmacy costs, compared to 73% who said they have significant influence over the overall cost of maintaining a competitive benefits package. At the same time, employers are looking for PBMs to help manage pharmacy spending while maintaining access to affordable treatment options. Of those surveyed, 91% say they are very concerned about high medication costs for employees.

CVS Caremark helps employers control drug costs and make medications more accessible by working with drug manufacturers to negotiate affordable drug prices for clients and members. Through the industry-leading pricing model, TrueCost™, CVS Caremark allows clients to see true drug costs through acquisition-cost-based pricing and drug-level rebate values, enabling more pricing transparency, predictability and sustainability for plan administrators and members and improving affordability for high-quality treatment.

View The State of Pharmacy Management report.

###

About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company simplifying health care one person, one family and one community at a time. As of June 30, 2026, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated 37 million people through a broad range of health insurance products and related services. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

Media contact

Phil Blando
202-258-4978
Phillip.Blando@CVSHealth.com

LA Kings Girls Camp Expands Access, Representation and Development Opportunities for the Next Generation of Female Hockey Players

AEG — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:00:00 -0400

As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing inclusion and youth participation in sports, AEG's LA Kings hosted its annual LA Kings Girls Camp, providing young female athletes with access to elite coaching, mentorship and development opportunities designed to help grow the next generation of hockey players and leaders.

Held July 27-31 at Toyota Sports Performance Center, the five-day program welcomed girls ages 5 to 12 for a comprehensive experience focused on athletic development, confidence building and personal growth. The camp was led by a lineup of high-profile coaches, including LA Kings Community & Hockey Development Specialist Blake Bolden; Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) players Marah Wagner and Dominique Petrie; PWHL Las Vegas General Manager Domi DiDia; and LA Kings alumnus Jordan Nolan and Daryl Evans. The camp reflects the LA Kings' broader commitment to expanding access to hockey and creating pathways that make the sport more accessible and inclusive for girls and young women.

Through daily on-ice instruction, dryland training, classroom sessions and individualized skill development, participants strengthened their hockey fundamentals while learning valuable lessons in teamwork, resilience, leadership and goal setting. The program was designed not only to develop players on the ice, but also to empower young athletes with skills and confidence that extend beyond sports.

A cornerstone of the camp was the opportunity for participants to engage directly with players and executives from the Professional Women's Hockey League. Through interactive discussions and mentorship sessions, campers gained firsthand insight into the opportunities available for women across all areas of the sport, including professional competition, coaching, leadership and business operations. These interactions provided tangible examples of what is possible for girls pursuing their ambitions both within hockey and beyond.

Participants also spent time with LA Kings alumni, whose personal experiences offered inspiration and guidance while reinforcing the importance of perseverance, commitment and lifelong learning. By connecting young athletes with positive role models from across the hockey community, the program helped foster a sense of belonging and possibility for participants at a formative stage in their development.

Beyond athletic training, the camp created a supportive environment where girls could build friendships, strengthen self-confidence and develop a deeper connection to the game. By combining skill development with mentorship, representation and educational programming, the initiative helps remove barriers to participation while encouraging more girls to see themselves reflected in the future of hockey.

The LA Kings Girls Camp is part of the organization's broader efforts to grow the game by expanding access, increasing participation and creating more inclusive opportunities for youth. Through programs like this, the LA Kings continue to leverage the power of sport to inspire confidence, develop future leaders and help ensure that more girls have the opportunity to participate, thrive and succeed both on and off the ice.

Strengthening the Transplant System: 5 Common Myths About Living Kidney Donation

DaVita — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:05:00 -0400

With more than 90,000 people in the U.S. on the national transplant waitlist, the demand for life-saving organs far outpaces the supply. Living donation offers a strong pathway to addressing this public health challenge, and supporting a larger potential donor pool requires providing clarity on perceived barriers in the process.

Angela Laino, a DaVita social worker who guides patients through their transplant journeys, recently became a non-directed living donor. In non-directed donation, sometimes called altruistic donation, someone chooses to donate their kidney without having an intended recipient. Laino’s selfless decision initiated a transplant chain that saved three lives. Her firsthand experience highlights the profound impact of living donation and the need to remove structural barriers for future donors.

Below, Angela addresses five common myths and the systemic shifts necessary to strengthen the living donor pipeline.

Myth 1: Donors must be a perfect biological match.

The Reality: A donor does not need to be related to the recipient or have an exact blood type match. Advanced algorithms and paired kidney exchange programs can connect multiple incompatible donor-recipient pairs. MedSleuth, a transplant transformation company, is partnered with the Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation (APKD) to offer KidneyMatchgrid. This leading paired exchange offering leverages match optimization to facilitate matches within a single center, across cities — and even throughout the U.S.

Insight: Turning a biological “no” into a logistical “yes” maximizes every willing donor’s impact. Policies supporting cross-center paired exchanges can exponentially increase successful transplants.

Angela’s Perspective:
“People are sometimes surprised I didn’t donate to a loved one, but as a social worker, I’ve seen how transplant provides the best quality of life for our patients. When I found out my single donation could start a chain and help three people, it was incredible. It’s thrilling to know one act can have such a ripple effect.”

Myth 2: Living donation creates a massive financial burden.

The Reality: The donor recipient’s insurance covers medical costs.

Insight: No donor should face financial hardship. Programs like MedSleuth and APKD’s DonorProtect help remove financial barriers. Through DonorProtect, living donors can receive reimbursement for lost wages, travel, dependent care and even pet care.

Angela’s Perspective:
“The hospital covered all my medical testing. And I received financial support covering my travel, gas and hotel — I haven’t spent a single penny out of pocket.¹ They even cover childcare and meals, as well as expenses like pet boarding and meals or lodging for a caregiver. They think of everything and work to help remove financial barriers donors may face.”

Myth 3: Donors risk losing their jobs or income.

The Reality: While the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects your job, it doesn’t guarantee paid leave. However, specialized grants and progressive employer benefits can bridge this gap.

Insight: Leading healthcare employers like DaVita offer specialized paid time off (PTO) for living donors — fostering confidence for someone considering living donation. For most people, even when someone is self-employed, there are resources for wage reimbursement during testing, surgery and recovery, such as the National Living Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC) and APKD’s DonorProtect.

Angela’s Perspective:
“I’m so grateful DaVita offers a specific living donor benefit that provides up to four weeks of paid leave. [Because I received four weeks,] I didn’t have to use my regular PTO, which took the stress away and allowed me to focus entirely on healing.”

Myth 4: Donation diminishes long-term health and life expectancy.

The Reality: Kidney donation is a safe, routine surgery with a low complication rate and no long-term adverse health effects.

Insight: Misinformation restricts the donor pipeline, but education campaigns can help elevate clinical facts and normalize living donation.

Angela’s Perspective:
“The evaluation is the absolute best physical you will ever get. The transplant center won’t let you donate if it puts you at risk. Now, I want to show people what you can do with one kidney! I’m back to working out and joined a group for athletes who are kidney donors. I use my experience to show others that someone can donate and go back to living life to the fullest. I was cleared to go back to the gym six weeks after surgery — and I have felt great!”

Myth 5: Donors are left unprotected if their remaining kidney fails.

The Reality: If a living donor ever requires a kidney transplant later in life, they are granted priority status on the national waitlist.

Insight: MedSleuth and APKD’s Kidney Pledge extends priority status for donors to help protect their family members and loved ones if they need a kidney transplant in the future. This safety net can help prospective donors trust that the system will help protect them.

Angela’s Perspective:
“The chances of needing a kidney are very low, but if I ever did, I know I’d go straight to the top of the list. And because I donated with Medsleuth and APKD, I received their FamilyPledge, so if my immediate family members ever need a kidney, they are covered too. Knowing my donation could potentially protect my future grandchildren sold me on the idea.”

Transplant Transformation: MedSleuth & the APKD

MedSleuth, a DaVita company, is helping transform the transplant experience by driving transparency, automation and improved experience. MedSleuth and the APKD offer living donor intake and a sophisticated, Nobel Prize-winning algorithm to facilitate paired donation with concierge-level support for the living donation process. Learn more: Medsleuth.com/KidneyMatchgrid

¹^{Angela received financial support through the National Living Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC), which reimburses expenses associated with living donation up to $6,000. For living donors whose expenses exceed the max coverage through the NLDAC, programs like DonorProtect through the APKD and MedSleuth can offer additional support to reduce or remove financial barriers to donation.}

Empowering the Future: Affordability in the Face of Utility Load Growth

Baker Tilly — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In recent decades, electric utilities operated under a simple planning assumption: demand would remain flat, if not decline. Over the past several years, that paradigm has shifted.

Load growth—long absent from the power sector’s most immediate concerns—has reemerged as the defining dynamic shaping investment decisions, regulatory debates, and public discourse.

At the same time, utilities face mandates to deliver reliability, resilience, and decarbonization outcomes, all while keeping electricity affordable for their customers, who feel every rate increase on their monthly bill.

This three-legged stool—affordability, reliability, and load growth—now defines the central challenge facing electric utilities, requiring planning, investment, and regulatory strategy to be far more innovative and coordinated than in the past.

Short- and long-term strategies for load growth

Electrification, data centers, AI, and reshoring of advanced manufacturing are driving demand upward at a pace and scale not seen in generations. Load growth since about 2020 is real, significant, and accelerating into the future.

However, utilities and regulators must also grapple with a fundamental question as they make infrastructure decisions: How much of this expected load will ultimately materialize, and how much is simply speculative?

The large customers driving today’s surge in demand frequently signal plans years ahead of actual interconnection, complicating utility investment planning and raising cost‑allocation concerns.

Yet waiting too long to act risks capacity shortfalls, reliability events, and rate hikes. As a result, accurate load forecasting is no longer a purely technical exercise, but a strategic imperative tied directly to risk management, affordability outcomes, and major infrastructure buildout.

Short-term forecasting is equally critical. Increasingly severe weather can already strain system capacity for generation, transmission, and distribution assets simultaneously. Shifting load profiles and extreme events influence utility capacity purchases, operational strategies, and pricing structures in an effort to keep the lights on, reinforcing how closely reliability and affordability are now linked.

Resilience through the economic lens

Affordability and load growth intersect with resilience in ways that extend beyond megawatts and balance sheets. At a basic level, outages affect health, safety, and productivity—down to commutes and childcare.

While mission critical operations such as government, essential public services, healthcare, and communications often have backup power, they remain exposed to broader, cascading effects when the broader grid is disrupted.

These impacts shape public tolerance for risk and willingness to invest in solutions, reinforcing why resilience must be considered alongside affordability, not in opposition to it.

Improving existing assets and future deployment

One of the most immediate tools utilities have to manage both costs and reliability in the face of growing needs lies not in building new assets, but in improving existing ones.

New conventional generation is significantly more expensive than in past decades, compounded by snarled supply chains, complex tariffs, and protracted lead-times. Transmission and distribution costs have steadily risen since 2010, reflecting aging infrastructure, interconnection demands, and advanced technologies for grid modernization and hardening. These are not discretionary investments; they are foundational to maintaining service that’s safe, reliable, and secure.

Strategies such as demand‑side management, grid optimization, and distributed energy resources (DERs) provide pathways to accommodate growth without continuously expanding the system footprint.

Digitization underpins each of these approaches. Advanced sensing, forecasting tools, distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS), and automated interconnection processes are no longer nice to have. They are prerequisites for managing an increasingly diverse network of grid-connected assets at scale.

Grid optimization allows utilities to defer capital spending, smooth demand peaks, and tailor customer-facing solutions more closely to needs—directly supporting affordability objectives. Importantly, these strategies also create opportunities for developers and outside investors to participate more directly in the energy economy.

Digitization offers benefits which extend beyond utility operations. Permitting and interconnection processes themselves are often bottlenecks to grid optimization and DER deployment. Long delays and uncertainty slow investment, increase costs, and undermine economic development opportunity presented through the energy transition.

Communicating value to consumers

No affordability discussion is complete without addressing communication. Customers experience utility decisions primarily through their bills, not through integrated resource plans or regulatory filings. Helping consumers understand why investments are being made—and how those investments benefit daily life—is essential to maintaining trust.

Load growth driven by data centers or large corporations can seem abstract until connected to jobs, economic resilience, and national security. Similarly, infrastructure investments often go unnoticed until the lights stay on during a storm.

Education, transparency, and consistent messaging cannot be afterthoughts. Rather, they are central to sustaining the social license utilities operate under.

Policy certainty as a force multiplier

State and local actors are playing a growing role in shaping energy outcomes, from siting decisions, incentive structures, and climate policy.

Decentralized initiatives are an essential driver of tangible progress, especially amidst rapidly shifting federal policies. Aligning these sub‑national efforts with complementary regulatory clarity will determine how successfully regions manage growth.

Utilities are already accustomed to operating within complex regulatory frameworks, but uncertainty—particularly around cost recovery, interconnection rules, and technology eligibility—increases risk and ultimately increases customer costs.

Clear signals from regulators and legislators allow utilities to plan prudently, deploy capital efficiently, and consider a broader, more innovative set of solutions.

This transparency also encourages third-party participation, accelerating impact while alleviating customer cost burden. Absent such certainty, delay becomes the default, with higher long‑term costs, unmet system needs, and untapped development opportunity.

The path forward

Meeting growing loads while keeping electricity affordable will require a combination of realism, innovation, and coordination.

Progress will depend on improved forecasting, smarter optimization, clearer policy signals, accelerated integration through digitization, and more effective communication with both consumers and policymakers.

The electric system is evolving because the economy and society it supports are evolving. The challenge for utilities isn’t merely to keep pace, but to help shape that evolution in ways that are affordable, resilient, and aligned with long‑term national priorities.

Interested in learning more? Connect with a Baker Tilly specialist.

Jennifer Sniderman Named a Finalist in the 2026 Blackbaud Impact Awards

Wesco International — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:00:00 -0400

PITTSBURGH, August 14, 2026 /3BL/ — We’re proud to announce that Jennifer Sniderman, Vice President, Corporate Communications, has been named a finalist in the 2026 Blackbaud Impact Awards, which celebrates outstanding organizations and leaders who are advancing their missions, strengthening their communities, and achieving extraordinary results with technology from Blackbaud, the world's leading provider of AI-powered solutions for social impact. Presented by Blackbaud, the world’s leading provider of AI-powered solutions for social impact, the awards recognize changemakers across the nonprofit, education, healthcare, foundation, and corporate social responsibility sectors who are creating meaningful impact in their communities and around the world.

Jennifer Sniderman was selected as a finalist in recognition of her exceptional leadership, commitment to innovation and transformative impact on Wesco's community engagement strategy. By championing a more scalable, data-driven approach to corporate philanthropy, she has helped expand employee participation, strengthen the company's ability to measure and communicate impact, and grow Wesco Cares into a globally connected program that creates meaningful value for employees, communities and the business. Beyond her work at Wesco, Jennifer is deeply committed to community service and serves on the board of Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity, bringing the same passion for impact to the communities she supports.

"Jennifer's leadership has helped make community impact an important part of how we support our employees, customers and communities," said John Engel, Wesco Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "She has brought vision, energy and a focus on results to our efforts, helping build a program that engages employees around the world and creates value far beyond our business. This recognition is well deserved."

For more than four decades, Blackbaud has partnered with organizations across the social impact ecosystem—including nonprofits, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, foundations, and companies dedicated to doing good. The Blackbaud Impact Awards shine a spotlight on customers that are embracing innovation, breaking down barriers, and delivering measurable outcomes for the people and causes they serve.

“The stories behind this year’s finalists highlight the incredible ingenuity, resilience, and passion that define the social impact community,” said Todd Lant, chief customer officer, Blackbaud. “Across sectors and geographies, these organizations are finding innovative ways to solve challenges, strengthen connections, and create lasting change. We’re honored to celebrate their achievements and the impact they’re making every day.”

The Blackbaud Impact Awards continue to grow as a global celebration of customer excellence. The 2026 finalists represent a diverse group of organizations and leaders from around the globe who are transforming how social impact work is delivered. Finalists were selected from nominations spanning multiple sectors, regions, and award categories, reflecting the breadth and scale of the Blackbaud customer community worldwide.Winners of the 2026 Blackbaud Impact Awards will be announced on August 18, 2026. Blackbaud will continue the celebration throughout the year, including award presentations and recognition at bbcon 2026 in Columbus, Ohio; London, England; and Sydney, Australia. To learn more about the Blackbaud Impact Awards, view finalist profiles, and stay informed about the winner announcement, visit blackbaud.com/impact-awards.

About Wesco

Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $24 billion in annual sales in 2025 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 21,000 people, partners with the industry's premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and significant digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

About Blackbaud

Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world's leading provider of AI-powered solutions for social impact. Serving nonprofits, educational institutions, companies committed to corporate social responsibility, and individual change makers, Blackbaud propels impact at scale with the sector’s most intelligent solutions for fundraising and engagement, education solutions, financial management and CSR and grantmaking. With the deepest expertise powered by the world’s largest philanthropic data set, the most connected workflows, and the most powerful impact network, Blackbaud’s solutions are building a future where resources are unleashed at the speed of need. Blackbaud has been recognized by Fast Company, Newsweek, Quartz, Forbes and more for AI innovation, responsible leadership and workplace excellence. Blackbaud has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, India and the United Kingdom, supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at www.blackbaud.com or follow us on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Leaders in Sport Recognition Highlights New Generation of Sports Industry Leadership

AEG — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:00:00 -0400

Recognition programs often celebrate results. The most meaningful ones recognize how those results are achieved.

That is what makes Rashid Dadashi's selection to Leaders in Sport's 2026 Leaders Under 40 Class noteworthy. The honor acknowledges a new generation of sports business professionals who are redefining leadership through innovation, collaboration and long-term relationship building.

As Vice President of Global Partnerships at AEG, Dadashi has helped drive significant sponsorship growth across some of Southern California's most recognized sports and entertainment properties, including the LA Galaxy, Dignity Health Sports Park, Crypto.com Arena, L.A. LIVE and the LA Kings. His work centers on creating strategic partnerships that connect brands with fans in authentic ways while supporting business growth across AEG's portfolio.

Since joining AEG in 2015, Dadashi has advanced through the organization by consistently delivering results and embracing new challenges. His career progression from ticket sales to executive leadership reflects a broader trend across the sports industry, where high performing professionals are increasingly recognized not only for revenue generation but also for their ability to foster innovation and create value for partners and stakeholders.

That approach has translated into measurable success. Since 2022, Dadashi has generated more than $50 million in contractually obligated income and helped contribute to record sponsorship growth for the LA Galaxy. In 2025, both the LA Galaxy and Dignity Health Sports Park achieved record setting sponsorship revenue years, highlighting the growing importance of strategic partnerships in today's sports landscape.

As the business of sports continues to evolve, leaders who can bridge commercial objectives with meaningful fan engagement are becoming increasingly valuable. Recognition such as Leaders in Sport's Under 40 program shines a spotlight on professionals who are helping shape that future through creativity, collaboration and a commitment to excellence.

Streamlined Media Management Meets a Fresh Look

3BL — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:50:00 -0400

One button for all your media

Previously, contributors had to navigate separate buttons for different media types. Now, everything lives behind one integrated button — images, video, audio, and embeds included.

Access all accepted media types from a single area
See file types, sizes, and sources before you upload
Reuse existing assets without re-uploading them

Why it matters

"A strong image is what keeps your readers engaged throughout your story."

Here's the case for prioritizing your inline media:

Compelling media gives your story a chance to stand out in a crowded feed
Sharp, well-chosen media signals credibility and professionalism
The right media drives higher click-through and read rates

In short: inline media selection is a strategic decision, not a decorative afterthought — and it's exactly why we're rolling this update out network-wide.

Try it today — log in and look for the new media button in the editor's toolbar.

Every Ring Echoes Here, Too

Aflac Incorporated — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:30:00 -0400

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

For families facing pediatric cancer, the ringing of the bell marks something extraordinary: the end of treatment.

The sound itself may only fill a hospital hallway, heard by parents wiping away tears, siblings cheering, nurses applauding and physicians smiling beside a child who has fought so hard to reach that moment. But the meaning of that bell travels much farther than its echo.

Hundreds — even thousands — of miles away, people are celebrating that victory, too.

Whenever a child completes treatment and rings the bell at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Aflac employees across the country receive a notification when they sign in to the employee intranet. A simple message appears on their screen announcing that another young patient has reached this milestone.

For just a few moments, work pauses.

A business analyst in Connecticut smiles before opening the day’s first spreadsheet. A claims specialist in Columbus, Georgia, shares the news with nearby colleagues. An account manager in New York, resolution specialist in Nebraska or consultant in Columbia, South Carolina, hundreds of miles from the hospital, quietly celebrate a child they’ve instantly grown affection for, yet will likely never meet.

For a company whose purpose is rooted in helping children with cancer and blood disorders, these notifications are much more than updates. They are reminders of why the work matters.

“This makes my day every time I see it and reinforces the reasons why I love my job and doing what we do,” said Jamie Howard, Group Partner Platform manager at Aflac.

Kristen Helgesen of Employer Services feels the same. As a cancer survivor herself, each notification carries special meaning.

“Especially kids who should never know the horror of cancer,” she said.

Behind every bell is a story.

It’s the story of a child who endured countless appointments, chemotherapy treatments, procedures and long days in the hospital. It’s the story of parents who learned to carry

hope and fear at the same time. It’s the story of physicians, nurses, child life specialists and countless caregivers who walked beside a family through every difficult step.

They are stories Aflac employees and sales agents have come to care about deeply.

Many have volunteered at hospitals, assembled comfort items, participated in fundraising events, supported programs through payroll or regular giving and met young patients whose courage has stayed with them long after the visit ended. Over time, pediatric cancer becomes more than a cause. It becomes personal.

So when a bell rings, employees know a child is walking out of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center with a future that feels a little brighter than it did before.

They also know not every journey ends with the ringing of a bell. That reality is never far away, and it makes every celebration even more meaningful.

Each notification includes only a few words on a computer screen.

But behind those words is a child who found the strength to keep going, a family beginning to exhale and a community of people — inside the hospital and far beyond its walls — celebrating together.

The bell may ring in Atlanta, but its hope echoes through every corner of Aflac, reminding employees that every effort, every volunteer hour, every donation and every day of work is part of something much bigger.

Because every ring is more than the end of treatment.

It’s the sound of hope fulfilled — and a reminder of why Aflac stands with children and families every step of the way

Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York and/or Continental American Insurance Company and /or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

Aflac | Aflac NY | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2600529

EXP 7/27

Cascale Case Study: How Coats Uses Data to Drive Sustainability

Cascale — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:45:00 -0400

Coats® (LSE: COA) is a world-leading Tier 2 manufacturer and trusted partner for the apparel and footwear industries.

The company delivers essential materials, components, and software solutions that help its customers grow, compete, and win. Present in more than 50 countries and with a complex global supply chain, Coats has embedded sustainability into its business strategy — recognizing that consistent measurement and collaboration are essential to reducing environmental impacts and supporting long-term growth. Details in this case study are derived from Coats’ 2025 Sustainability Report and a Cascale “Source of Good” podcast interview with Chris Dearing, vice president of sustainability.

“The Higg FEM gives us a consistent, externally validated format for communicating environmental performance at facility level, providing greater transparency and credibility for the brands and Tier 1 customers we supply,” Dearing said.

Key Takeaways

Coats is using the Higg FEM to drive consistent, transparent environmental performance measurement across its global facilities.
After efficiency gains led to a plateau in emissions reduction, Coats pivoted to structural interventions like onsite solar and renewable energy, resulting in a >50 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from 2019 levels.
Coats has extended the Higg FEM framework to its strategic suppliers to promote standardized data collection and collaborative decarbonization.
Circularity is a growing focus, with Coats incorporating recycled content into products like T2T Epic™ thread and Rhenoprint™ footwear components.

Beyond Efficiency

Early in Coats’ decarbonization journey, the company made meaningful progress through energy efficiency improvements — optimizing boiler operations, reducing heat loss, optimizing compressed air systems, and tightening energy management across its global manufacturing network. Over time, however, Coats’ internal sustainability data showed that Scope 1 and 2 emissions were beginning to plateau. The efficiency gains that had supported the company’s early progress were no longer enough to sustain momentum toward its science-based targets.

Analysis from Coats’ in-house sustainability platform, which manages data from more than 60 business units, helped the company identify where progress had slowed and where more structural interventions were required. These included onsite solar generation, renewable electricity sourcing, and fuel-switching projects designed to reduce reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources.

Building on this internal analysis, the Higg FEM, which is governed by Cascale and delivered through Worldly’s global technology platform, provided Coats with a recognized and externally validated framework for communicating facility-level performance consistently to brands and Tier 1 customers. This strengthened transparency, comparability and confidence in the company’s environmental performance.

The results were significant. By 2025, Coats had reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by more than 50 percent from a 2019 baseline — a direct outcome of using consistent data to guide strategic decision-making.

As Dearing explained, “The Higg FEM gave us a consistent way to measure environmental performance across our sites. Once we had that foundation, we could start engaging suppliers using the same framework.”

Extending Measurement Across the Value Chain

As Coats strengthened environmental performance within its own operations, the company recognized that achieving its longer-term climate ambitions would require the same rigor further up the value chain — where a significant proportion of environmental impacts occur.

Coats expanded Higg FEM to strategic suppliers, giving both Coats and its suppliers a shared methodology for measuring facility-level environmental performance. The initiative supports Coats’ Supplier Decarbonisation Programme by helping suppliers understand their own emissions profiles, establish carbon inventories, and identify practical reduction opportunities. With a common framework in place, conversations between Coats and its suppliers can focus on improvement rather than on reconciling different measurement approaches.

This collaborative approach reflects a broader shift in how Coats approaches sustainability — from measuring direct operational impacts to driving improvements throughout the value chain.

Embedding Circularity Into Product Innovation

Coats is also applying sustainability principles to product innovation, with circularity becoming an increasingly important focus.

The company has developed sewing threads containing recycled content and has launched its T2T Epic™ and T2T Gramax™ 100% recycled polyester threads, made from post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste to support textile-to-textile circularity. Rather than viewing recycled materials as a niche offering, Coats is working to incorporate circular principles into product development across multiple business segments.

Following its acquisition of Texon and Rhenoflex, Coats has expanded these efforts into structural footwear components and premium accessories.

Coats has also developed Rhenoprint™ RP Flow and RP Wave toe-box components, incorporating recycled content and more circular manufacturing approaches. Used in footwear applications such as toe puffs and heel counters, the product demonstrates how circular design principles can be applied to components that have traditionally relied on virgin materials — supporting customers’ own sustainability objectives while reducing waste across the value chain.

A Foundation for What Comes Next

Coats’ experience illustrates how standardized environmental data creates a foundation for sustained progress — moving from early efficiency gains to structural decarbonization, and from internal performance improvement to supply chain engagement.

By using Higg FEM across its own operations and extending it to strategic suppliers, Coats has built a common language for sustainability performance that supports continuous improvement, strengthens supplier relationships, and enables more credible progress toward its SBTi-validated near-term and net-zero targets.

Not a Member? Learn More About Cascale Membership

Creating Moments of Connection for the Military Community

Comcast — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:35:00 -0400

Comcast recently joined community partners at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) to host two unique experiences honoring service members and military families.

On July 22, more than 700 people attended a free “Minions & Monsters” Watch Party at Carey Theater. A week later, nearly 300 service members and their families gathered at the Camp Lewis USO Center for a Hunt.Fish .Feed. Heroes Lunch.

“Service members and military families give so much, often in ways most people never see,” said Mona Dexter, Vice President of Military and Veteran Affairs at Comcast. “Sometimes support comes through a major initiative, and sometimes it’s something as simple as a movie, a meal, and a few hours together.”

“What matters is reminding those who serve and their families that their community sees them, appreciates them, and stands with them.”
Mona Dexter
Vice President of Military and Veteran Affairs,
Comcast

A Free Afternoon at the Movies

Comcast hosted the “Minions & Monsters” Watch Party in partnership with the Armed Services YMCA and Lollipop Theater Network. The event featured three free movie screenings, snacks, giveaways, and photo opportunities.

Volunteers from all three organizations welcomed families, supported check-in, and helped make the experience easy and enjoyable from the moment the doors opened through the final credits.

For one military spouse, hosting the event at JBLM removed barriers that would otherwise have made a family trip to the movies impossible.

“Thank you for bringing this movie here and letting us in for free,” she said. “I don’t drive, my husband is deployed, and with three kids, taking the whole family to a movie theater is impossible.”

Serving Up Appreciation

On July 29, Comcast partnered with Sportsman Channel and USO Northwest to bring Hunt.Fish.Feed. to JBLM for the first time.

Created by Sportsman Channel, Hunt.Fish.Feed. uses wild game and fish to prepare meals for communities across the country. The program combines outdoor traditions, culinary creativity, and community service.

At JBLM, Chef Paul Comes and the Hunt.Fish.Feed. culinary team worked alongside Comcast volunteers to prepare and serve venison tacos, street corn salad, Southwest coleslaw, and fresh fruit salad.

“As a U.S. Marine Veteran, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our employee volunteers for stepping up to support service members and military families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Events like the Hunt.Fish.Feed. Heroes Lunch are a meaningful reminder that service comes in many forms, whether in uniform or through giving your time to serve others,” said Roy Novosel, Vice President, Engineering & Technical Operations, Comcast Pacific Northwest. “I also want to thank the USO Northwest and Sportsman Channel for their outstanding partnership and shared commitment to honoring those who serve.”

“Together, we created an event that brought people together, strengthened community connections, and showed our appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members and military families every day.”
Roy Novosel
Vice President,
Engineering & Technical Operations
Comcast Pacific Northwest

Comcast’s commitment to the military community began with our founder, U.S. Navy veteran Ralph Roberts. We’re proud to support service members, veterans, and military families year-round through exclusive Xfinity member benefits, career opportunities for military-connected talent, investments in trusted nonprofit partners, and employee-led service across the country.

Learn more about our commitment to the military community and explore exclusive offers here.

A Stamp Celebrates Sofidel: 60 Years of Italian Excellence That “Never Ends”

Sofidel Group — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:30:00 -0400

Sofidel

PORCARI (Lucca), Italy, August 13, 2026 /3BL/ - The Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy has issued a commemorative stamp as part of its thematic series, “The Excellences of the Productive System and Made in Italy,” dedicated to Sofidel, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of paper for hygienic and household use.

This prestigious recognition celebrates the 60th anniversary of the company’s founding. Established in 1966 by Emi Stefani and Giuseppe Lazzareschi in Porcari, in the province of Lucca – an area renowned for its expertise and long-standing industrial tradition in papermaking – Sofidel has grown into one of the world's leading manufacturers of tissue paper products.

The Group has made sustainability a strategic driver of growth, with a commitment reflected throughout its value chain, from responsible forest management to improved energy and water efficiency at its facilities, as well as the continuous reduction of its carbon footprint. Today, Sofidel operates in 12 European countries and 12 US states, employs more than 9,500 people, and remains firmly rooted in Italy and in the Lucca paper district, one of the largest paper manufacturing hubs in the world.

Printed by the Italian State Printing Office and Mint (Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato), the stamp features one of the Group’s main Italian facilities: the Soffass Via Fossanuova converting plant in Porcari, where Regina, Sofidel’s best-known brand, is produced. Regina has become part of Italian popular culture thanks to its famous slogan, “Rotoloni Regina: they never end!”. The upper part of the stamp displays the Sofidel logo together with the company’s founding year, 1966.

The stamp was officially unveiled yesterday in Rome at the headquarters of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy during an event introducing several stamps dedicated to outstanding examples of Italian manufacturing excellence, attended by Minister Adolfo Urso.

“With these stamp issues, we recognize companies that embody the quality, manufacturing expertise, and strength of Made in Italy around the world. These are different industrial stories, yet they share common characteristics: a deep connection to their territories, continuity of tradition, and the ability to innovate. The philatelic program serves this purpose as well: to tell the story of the nation’s industrial identity and preserve in our collective memory the excellence that has contributed to Italy’s growth,” said Minister Adolfo Urso.

“We view the issuance of this stamp as recognition of a growth journey that has successfully combined local roots with a global outlook, and tradition with innovation,” said Luigi Lazzareschi, Chief Executive Officer of the Sofidel Group. “Our Group, still led by the families that founded it 60 years ago and with the third generation already active in the business, looks to the future with the same confidence and determination that have guided us since day one. We remain committed to fostering responsible, long-term industrial growth while respecting both people and the environment”.

Paola Stefani, Chair of Sofidel, added: “This stamp celebrates an industrial group, but above all it honors talent, dedication, and passion of all the people who have contributed – and continue to contribute – to Sofidel's story every day, including everyone throughout our value chain. It is a tribute to the value of Made in Italy and to the ability to innovate, compete, and create value on a global scale.”

Sofidel Group

The Sofidel Group, headquartered in Porcari (Lucca, Italy), is one of the leading manufacturers of paper for hygienic and household use worldwide. Established in 1966, the Group is active in 13 countries, 12 in Europe and the United States (12 States), with over 9,500 employees and a production capacity of 2,002,000 metric tons per year. In 2025, the Group had Net Sales of 4.018 billion Euros. “Regina”, its most well-known brand, is present on almost all the reference markets. Other brands include: Sopalin, Le Trèfle, Hakle, Softis, Nalys, Cosynel, KittenSoft, Nicky and Papernet.

www.sofidel.com

Lenovo Joins Save Our Standards To Defend Fair Patent Licensing and the Future of Innovation

Lenovo — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:05:00 -0400

Lenovo announced that it has joined Save Our Standards, a U.S.-based coalition of innovators, manufacturers, small businesses, associations, academics, and consumer advocates dedicated to reinforcing fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing commitments for standard-essential patents (SEPs).

Technical standards are critical to innovation, interoperability, and global competitiveness. They let products from different companies work together, lower barriers for new entrants, and give the technologies people rely on every day a common, trusted foundation. The system works best when it stays in balance: innovators are fairly rewarded for their contributions, and the companies that build on those standards can license them on reasonable terms. That balance is the heart of FRAND.

As both a licensor and a licensee of intellectual property, Lenovo supports efforts that preserve balanced FRAND licensing policies for SEPs, promote fair competition, and help ensure that companies can keep investing in the next generation of technologies that benefit businesses and consumers.

“The global economy is increasingly dependent on the wireless and digital technologies built on the foundations laid by technical standards,” said Taylor Ludlam, Vice President of IP & Litigation at Lenovo. “That makes the ability to obtain licenses for essential patents on reasonable terms more critical than ever.”

By joining more than 40 coalition members, Lenovo is supporting policies that protect the integrity of technical standards, encourage innovation, and maintain a balanced framework for SEP licensing and enforcement.

Save Our Standards is a broad-based coalition dedicated to reinforcing the FRAND licensing commitment and its essential role in technical standards, working to educate decision-makers and stakeholders on pro-competitive policies and the reinforcement of fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory licensing terms for standard-essential patents.

Visit www.saveourstandards.com to learn more about the coalition and the issue.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$83 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Guided by its vision of “Smarter Technology for All”, Lenovo is executing a Hybrid AI strategy that spans Personal AI – one personal AI, multiple devices; and Enterprise AI – helping customers turn data into insights and value. This strategy is delivered through the Group’s commitment to world-class innovation and a full-stack AI portfolio, including devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets, accessories), infrastructure solutions (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), as well as software, solutions, and services. With a global footprint spanning more than 20 research and development locations and a global supply chain that includes more than 30 manufacturing sites across 10 markets, Lenovo is widely recognized for its operational excellence. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). Learn more at www.lenovo.com and follow the latest news in our newsroom.

Leidos and Singapore’s A*STAR I²R Partner To Accelerate Global Air Traffic Management Capabilities

Leidos — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:05:00 -0400

RESTON, Va. /3BL/ - As global air traffic and complexity increase, Leidos (NYSE: LDOS) and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s Institute for Infocomm Research (A*STAR I²R) will collaborate on new air traffic management (ATM) technologies designed to help the aviation industry accommodate future growth.

The partners are establishing a joint laboratory in Singapore, managed by A*STAR I²R, that will focus on developing advanced ATM and related aviation solutions with an emphasis on automation, digital operations, as well as integrating newly developed capabilities into existing and emerging aviation systems.

"This partnership reflects Leidos' continued commitment to the Indo-Pacific region while accelerating capabilities that can support a more efficient, resilient and sustainable future for air travel,” said Jim Preaskorn, Leidos vice president of ATM. “As aviation systems become more connected and complex, the industry needs new tools that help controllers make faster, more informed decisions."

The approach combines Leidos' expertise in ATM, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity with A*STAR I²R's capabilities in data analytics, advanced communications and applied research.

“At A*STAR I²R, we bring deep expertise in developing advanced technologies and translating research into real-world applications, making us a strong partner for innovation,” said Dr. Sun Sumei, executive director at A*STAR I²R. “Through this collaboration, we look forward to co-innovating on next-generation ATM solutions by leveraging our capabilities in AI, communications and data for the aviation sector in the Indo-Pacific.”

With global passenger traffic projected to approach 10 billion passengers annually, the partnership supports Leidos’ investments in aviation modernization and strengthens the company's continued growth across one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.

About Leidos

Leidos is an innovation company rapidly addressing the world's most vexing challenges in national security, aviation, transportation and critical infrastructure. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with approximately 50,000 employees worldwide, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended Jan. 2, 2026. For more information, visit 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

CVS Health Enhances Its Direct-to-Consumer Weight Management Offerings To Improve Access, Affordability, Care and Support for GLP-1 Medications

CVS Health — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

CVS Pharmacy offers all FDA approved GLP-1s, whether through insurance or cash-pay options.
- New collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company will provide eligible Zepbound and Foundayo patients an additional access point at CVS Pharmacy through the CVS Health app
MinuteClinic digital weight loss visits lowered to $29, the most affordable option in the market, available 24/7
Combines an online visit with a licensed clinician, same-day medication pickup at 9,000 local CVS Pharmacy locations, and in-person pharmacist support in one connected experience, with no membership or recurring monthly fee
Connected businesses position CVS Health to address opportunities and deliver novel solutions in this rapidly growing category, regardless of how the prescription is reimbursed or how the consumer gets their medicine

WOONSOCKET, R.I., August 13, 2026 /3BL/ - CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) announced a revamp of its weight management program, making it easier for eligible adults to access clinical care, navigate medication costs and get ongoing support for GLP-1 therapy.

Through CVS Health’s connected care model, broader direct to consumer access to prescription drugs is easier to deliver. For GLP-1s, it’s simple for eligible patients to use our scheduler technology to connect with licensed clinicians 24 hours a day through MinuteClinic®, access GLP-1 medications through CVS Pharmacy®, receive personalized pharmacist support, and use digital tools to identify available savings options. No separate memberships, no mail-order-only access, and no fragmented handoffs.

As part of this broader effort, CVS Health and Lilly are collaborating to help eligible Zepbound and Foundayo patients more easily access transparent pricing, inclusive of reimbursed and self-pay options, through the CVS Health app.

We’re making it easier for patients to navigate and find the most affordable option available to them. By early fourth quarter of 2026, eligible Zepbound and Foundayo patients will be able to view transparent pricing, including cash-pay options, in the CVS Health app for as early as same-day pickup in one of our 9,000 locations. This is in addition to already having oral and injectable formulations of Wegovy available, making CVS Pharmacy a convenient, affordable destination for all FDA approved GLP-1s.

CVS Health offers a comprehensive approach to GLP-1 support at CVS Pharmacy locations and MinuteClinic, available virtually in nearly all states.

New offerings include expanded pharmacy support designed to help patients access these treatments and stay on them, and a new $29 MinuteClinic online visit, with no membership or recurring monthly fee, that connects eligible patients with licensed clinicians who can evaluate and, where clinically appropriate, prescribe GLP-1 therapy.

“Weight management is a deeply personal health journey, and too many people face barriers before they start treatment,” said Sid Tenneti, Senior Vice President and Interim President, Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness. “CVS Health combines clinical care, pharmacy access, digital tools and trusted pharmacist support to make that journey simpler, more affordable, and more connected. Our collaboration with Lilly is one more way we’re expanding direct to consumer access to help eligible patients find options that work best for them.”

CVS Pharmacy offers a broad range of GLP-1 prescription medications, including both injectable and oral options from multiple manufacturers, along with new digital resources available on CVS.com.

Helping patients access lower-cost GLP-1 medications

Depending on how or whether a GLP-1 medication is covered, patients can face barriers such as prior authorization requirements, varying insurance coverage and confusion over the many ways to pay for prescriptions -- including insurance, cash-pay options, online portals, manufacturer coupons, vouchers and third-party discount cards.

CVS Pharmacy accepts a wide range of third-party prescription discount cards, manufacturer coupons and manufacturer vouchers to help reduce out-of-pocket costs. At CVS Pharmacy, the out-of-pocket cost for a GLP-1 medication can be as low as $25 a month through commercial insurance with a manufacturer coupon for eligible patients, or $149 for those without insurance who utilize a manufacturer voucher for qualifying medications and doses.

CVS Pharmacy also participates in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program. The program runs through December 31, 2027, and eligible Medicare beneficiaries can access certain GLP-1 medications for $50 per month, offering more predictable and affordable pricing for patients who qualify.

Expanding access to clinical weight loss support

At $29 per visit with no recurring membership or monthly fee, MinuteClinic’s care model is built to make a first step toward weight management straightforward and affordable. Patients begin with an online visit with a licensed clinician, who reviews their health history and weight-management goals before determining whether a GLP-1 therapy is the right fit. Those who start treatment can schedule follow-up visits as needed for dose adjustments, side-effect support and ongoing monitoring.

The program is available nationally in accordance with state-level regulations and is designed for self-paying adults ages 18 to 64 who are overweight or living with obesity and intend to pay out of pocket for clinical weight loss services. Patients seeking weight loss or metabolic health clinical support can visit MinuteClinic.com.

Putting pharmacists at the center of care

According to the CVS Health 2025 Rx Report, nearly half of consumers prioritize personalized care at the pharmacy and 80 percent of patients prefer face-to-face engagements over digital, highlighting the importance of providing options to consumers. As more patients turn to GLP-1 medications, a CVS pharmacist is available in person at 9,000 locations to help them start and stay on therapy, at no additional cost.

About CVS Health

Media contact

Amy Thibault
401-318-2865
Amy.Thibault@CVSHealth.com

Outdoor Adventurer Dylan Efron Joins Arbor Day Foundation Podcast In Latest Episode

MetLife 2025 Sustainability Report: Delivering Research and Insights

Trane Technologies and Eaton Collaborate on Industry-First Reference Design To Help Boost AI Data Center Efficiency and Cut Installation Costs

Beat the Heat: Entergy Mississippi Works With Community Agencies To Help Customers Stay Cool

Inspiring Future Innovators Through Hands-On STEM at AMD

Action Against Hunger Reinforces Response to Rural Communities Most Affected by Earthquake

Assistance in Rural Communities

Reaching Isolated Communities

New Study From CVS Caremark and Employee Benefit News Shows How Employers Rely on Their Pharmacy Benefit Manager To Create Sustainable Pharmacy Solutions

Opportunity for employers to encourage greater use of biosimilars

Employers are planning for emerging areas of pharmacy spend, including GLP-1 weight management

Digital innovation is central to pharmacy benefits

Employers see pharmacy benefit costs as harder to control than other benefits

About CVS Health

Media contact

LA Kings Girls Camp Expands Access, Representation and Development Opportunities for the Next Generation of Female Hockey Players

Strengthening the Transplant System: 5 Common Myths About Living Kidney Donation

Myth 1: Donors must be a perfect biological match.

Myth 2: Living donation creates a massive financial burden.

Myth 3: Donors risk losing their jobs or income.

Myth 4: Donation diminishes long-term health and life expectancy.

Myth 5: Donors are left unprotected if their remaining kidney fails.

Empowering the Future: Affordability in the Face of Utility Load Growth

Jennifer Sniderman Named a Finalist in the 2026 Blackbaud Impact Awards

Leaders in Sport Recognition Highlights New Generation of Sports Industry Leadership

Streamlined Media Management Meets a Fresh Look

One button for all your media

Why it matters

In case you missed it:

Every Ring Echoes Here, Too

Cascale Case Study: How Coats Uses Data to Drive Sustainability

Key Takeaways

Beyond Efficiency

Extending Measurement Across the Value Chain

Embedding Circularity Into Product Innovation

A Foundation for What Comes Next

Creating Moments of Connection for the Military Community

A Free Afternoon at the Movies

Serving Up Appreciation

A Stamp Celebrates Sofidel: 60 Years of Italian Excellence That “Never Ends”

Lenovo Joins Save Our Standards To Defend Fair Patent Licensing and the Future of Innovation

Leidos and Singapore’s A*STAR I²R Partner To Accelerate Global Air Traffic Management Capabilities

CVS Health Enhances Its Direct-to-Consumer Weight Management Offerings To Improve Access, Affordability, Care and Support for GLP-1 Medications

Helping patients access lower-cost GLP-1 medications

Expanding access to clinical weight loss support

Putting pharmacists at the center of care

About CVS Health

Media contact