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    <description>News &amp; Content</description>
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    <copyright>Copyright 2026 3BL Media LLC</copyright>

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        <title>MilliporeSigma Receives 2026 Environment+Energy Leader Spotlight Award </title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/milliporesigma-receives-2026-environmentenergy-leader-spotlight-award</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;The 2026 Environment+Energy Leader Awards have recognized &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MilliporeSigma&lt;/a&gt;, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, for its commitment to preparing scientists to address sustainability through chemistry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The company received a Spotlight Award in the Collaboration category for its partnership with &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.beyondbenign.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Beyond Benign&lt;/a&gt;, a leading green chemistry education non-profit devoted to empowering educators to transform chemistry education for a more sustainable future. Judges remarked that the partnership showcases, “&lt;em&gt;…a clear case for a meaningful, long-term collaboration between a major life science company and a nonprofit leader in green chemistry education.&lt;/em&gt;”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This award recognizes MilliporeSigma and Beyond Benign’s collaborative mission to integrate green chemistry into higher education at a scale only achievable through partnership. Judges commended the shared governance and coordination of the partnership through joint working groups to align on strategy, shared participation in education/industry events, and, most importantly, a concerted vision that led to key initiatives such as the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.beyondbenign.org/he-green-chemistry-commitment/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Green Chemistry Commitment&lt;/a&gt; (GCC) and the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.beyondbenign.org/online-community-gctlc/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community&lt;/a&gt; (GCTLC).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Beyond the implementation of the partnership, the award recognizes the impact and results of the work done. Since the partnership’s expansion in 2023, the two organizations’ shared engagement has reached 7.1 million students with free sustainability training—exceeding the original 2025 goal of 1.4 million. Additionally, more than 3,370+ users now have access to 415 open curriculum resources through the GCTLC platform.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To explore this year’s slate of award winners, read more on &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.environmentenergyleader.com/awards/2026/#spotlight-awards&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Environment+Energy Leader&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn more about the company’s sustainability initiatives by visiting its &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/life-science/ssbi&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Sustainability &amp;amp; Social Business Innovation&lt;/a&gt; webpage.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>The 2026 Environment+Energy Leader Awards have recognized MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, for its commitment to preparing scientists to address sustainability through chemistry.</shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 10:30:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>MilliporeSigma</dc:creator>
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        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/awards-rankings">Awards &amp; Rankings</category>
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        <title>KeyBank Meets the Moment by Empowering Communities at Tax Time</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/keybank-meets-moment-empowering-communities-tax-time</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;KeyBank uses tax season as a chance to meet their communities in the moment with financial empowerment through Super Refund Saturday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Super Refund Saturday turns that moment into action, offering free tax prep, support accessing the Earned Income Tax Credit, and helping people get more of their money back.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Building financial strength in our communities starts with real action in real moments and putting dollars back where they belong.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Watch how it comes to life and the impact it’s making: &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BKcsYYWKi5I&quot;&gt;We’ll meet you in the moment – even when that moment is tax season.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>KeyBank uses tax season as a chance to meet their communities in the moment with financial empowerment through Super Refund Saturday.
Super Refund Saturday turns that moment into action, offering free tax prep, support accessing the Earned Income Tax Credit, and helping people.</shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 10:20:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>KeyBank</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1313111 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/education-workforce-development">Education &amp; Workforce Development</category>
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        <title>The Human Algorithm: Meet Devashish Somani</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/human-algorithm-meet-devashish-somani</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.godaddy.com/resources/news/the-human-algorithm-meet-devashish-somani?utm_source=PR&amp;amp;utm_medium=3BL&amp;amp;utm_campaign=resources-tracking&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tell us about yourself and your career journey to date.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hi, I’m Devashish Somani, a Senior Software Engineer at GoDaddy, and I’m writing this from Jaipur, Rajasthan—also known as the pink city of India, I’m proud to call home. With more than eight and a half years of experience in the data industry, I have held different titles, all driven by a single passion: making data more reliable and easier to use.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I joined GoDaddy in August 2024. What drew me in wasn’t just the work—it was a culture that still believes in remote flexibility. That matters deeply to me: I can be close to my parents, share everyday moments with family, and still build products that reach customers around the world. For me, that balance isn’t just a perk on a slide deck, it’s part of why I can bring my whole self to work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What were the biggest turning points in your career?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There were two shifts that changed how I think about my job. The first was breadth: moving from “I know this one stack really well” to “I can connect the dots across the data lifecycle.” When you’ve seen governance, pipelines, analytics, and modeling, you stop optimizing for a single tool and start optimizing for outcomes: clarity, speed, and trust.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The second was the AI moment—not as hype, but as a practical unlock. One of my first big projects at GoDaddy was a complex data pipeline, the kind that teaches you patience, precision, and how much invisible work sits between “it runs” and “it runs in production.” Right around then, the world was racing toward generative AI. I found myself asking a very practical question: &lt;em&gt;How do we keep quality high while removing repetitive toil?&lt;/em&gt; That path led me into intelligent, agent-style workflows, not to chase buzzwords, but to build leverage for teams. The shift wasn’t “learn a new buzzword.” It was identity: I’m still an engineer who cares about reliability but I’m also someone who builds systems that scale judgment, not just code.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/Devashish%20Somani_GoDaddy_4.28.26B%20.png&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;24373434-10b6-4a36-9704-5a575d3197d6&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;file&quot; alt=&quot;Devavshish at a cabin in the mountains.&quot; width=&quot;1278&quot; height=&quot;595&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What are the most underrated technical skills that engineers should focus on?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If I could put three on a billboard:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;Systems thinking. Fast answers are easy. The hard part is knowing how a change ripples—security, cost, reliability, and the humans who operate it tomorrow.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Evidence-based debugging. The best fix isn’t the first plausible story; it’s the one you can prove with logs, traces, and a tight hypothesis.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Human-readable craft. The future belongs to codebases that teams can maintain, audit, and extend, especially when more of the first draft is automated.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;p&gt;My shorthand: the AI can accelerate you, but it can’t replace your responsibility for the blast radius.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What&#039;s the most challenging yet rewarding thing that you&#039;ve worked on at GoDaddy?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The through-line of my time here has been turning hard enterprise problems into things teams can actually use. Early on, I helped build Shopper 360 capabilites—pipelines and platforms that bring customer insights together so the business can see a fuller picture, not a fragmented one. From there, I got to work on GoPaaS, AI-driven personalization infrastructure that packages real-world customer context into APIs teams (and AI systems) can plug into. So, innovation doesn’t get stuck waiting on manual data prep.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Two projects especially stretched me and reminded me why I love building here:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;SmartSpark, an intelligent assistant for Apache Spark tuning and recovery aimed at serious cost savings, developer time back, and less firefighting in the data platform world.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Metadata Agent, a multi-agent approach to making enterprise metadata trustworthy and usable, turning scattered technical detail into documentation people can search and understand. This system also enables users to act on information, with room for governance and quality signals along the way.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;What made those rewarding wasn’t only the technology, it was ownership, cross-team collaboration, and the feeling that approachable colleagues genuinely want you to win. I’ve also enjoyed mentoring early-career engineers and helping shape engineering practices that outlast any single project.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today, I’m continuing that thread on the data lake platform and helping grow Helix, our unified knowledge base agent, with new capabilities. The future of enterprise software isn’t just smarter models; it’s smarter systems that teams can rely on.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/Devashish%20Somani_GoDaddy_4.28.26C.png&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;13d909b8-65f5-4f83-8bd9-52c725306c67&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;file&quot; alt=&quot;Devavshish on a winter hike.&quot; width=&quot;900&quot; height=&quot;675&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;If you had to describe GoDaddy’s culture in one word, what would it be?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If I had to describe GoDaddy’s culture in one word, it would be VIBES—not as slang, but as shorthand for how we actually work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;V - Vote-driven&lt;/strong&gt;: ideas don’t get crowned from the top; they earn their place because builders back them and teams choose what’s worth doing.&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;I - Impact-validated:&lt;/strong&gt; we care about what ships and what the data says—not just strong opinions or the loudest voice in the room.&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;B - Boundary-pushing: &lt;/strong&gt;we take on hard problems and use formats like hackathons to stretch what’s possible (especially in areas like AI), not to perform innovation, but to learn fast.&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;E - Egalitarian:&lt;/strong&gt; good input can come from anywhere. Collaboration is structured so the best argument wins, not the highest title.&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;S - Socially charged:&lt;/strong&gt; people show up for each other: in the work, in the wins, and in moments like GATHER that remind you there’s a real human behind every workflow (and you’re glad you met them)!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What’s your motto or personal mantra?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Roots keep you steady; curiosity keeps you growing—and care is how both turn into impact.”&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I’ve learned that the best work doesn’t feel separate from life, it runs on the same principles. Clarity is kindness, whether you’re untangling metadata or having a hard conversation at home. Trust is the product, whether you’re shipping a pipeline or showing up for family. I want to be the kind of engineer (and the kind of person) who makes the next mile easier for someone else: a teammate debugging at midnight, a customer trying to make a confident decision, or a younger engineer finding their footing. Tools will keep getting smarter, but judgment, empathy, and responsibility are still ours to protect. So I build like the world depends on it—because somewhere, someone’s day will.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What do you enjoy outside of work?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I’m happiest in simple moments, with family, friends, and the animals I love who make ordinary days feel full. By the end of day, I’m a bit of a global affairs and stock markets hobbyist. I like understanding the forces that move industries and communities. I’m also a foodie. Weekends often mean new restaurants and good conversation and I’m never opposed to binge-watching movies and shows. When I need a reset, I like getting out to quiet nature spots—far from city noise—where I can breathe, reflect, and come back ready to build again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/Devashis%20Somani_GoDaddy_4.28.26D.png&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;b185a374-1ea1-4371-834c-83755c953b1e&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;file&quot; alt=&quot;Devavshish and his cat.&quot; width=&quot;600&quot; height=&quot;800&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Closing thoughts&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If someone reading this is early in their career or considering GoDaddy, here’s what I’d want them to know:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;You don’t have to choose between ambition and the life you want at home. With the right team, the right trust, and the right problems to solve, you can do meaningful work and stay rooted where your heart is.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/GoDaddyLife&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow noopener noreferrer&quot;&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/godaddylife/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow noopener noreferrer&quot;&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/godaddylife&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow noopener noreferrer&quot;&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/GoDaddyLife&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow noopener noreferrer&quot;&gt;Twitter&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@godaddylife&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow noopener noreferrer&quot;&gt;TikTok&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://careers.godaddy/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow noopener noreferrer&quot;&gt;Career Page&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;figure class=&quot;media&quot;&gt;&lt;div data-oembed-url=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTyi8LvA4oc&quot;&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/tTyi8LvA4oc&quot; style=&quot;position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;autoplay; encrypted-media&quot; allowfullscreen=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/figure&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>There were two shifts that changed how I think about my job. The first was breadth: moving from “I know this one stack really well” to “I can connect the dots across the data lifecycle.” When you’ve seen governance, pipelines, analytics, and modeling, you stop optimizing.</shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>GoDaddy</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1312786 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/corporate-responsibility">Corporate Responsibility</category>
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        <title>Fifth Third Surprises New Parents With $1,053 College Savings Gift for Babies Born on Fifth Third Day</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/fifth-third-surprises-new-parents-1053-college-savings-gift-babies-born-fifth-third-day</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;CINCINNATI, May 5, 2026 /3BL/ - More than 200 babies born on Sunday at 53 hospitals across five cities received an unexpected head start toward college, just hours after entering the world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At hospitals in Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville, and Orlando, Fifth Third (Nasdaq: FITB) welcomed the new “Fifth Third Babies” and their parents with care packages that included a $1,053 gift card for a 529 college savings plan.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now in its ninth year, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/mkg/53-babies.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Fifth Third Babies&lt;/a&gt; is part of a broader national celebration associated with &quot;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/mkg/fifth-third-day.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Fifth Third Day&lt;/a&gt;,&quot; or 5/3 on the calendar. On Fifth Third Day, Fifth Third employees unite to pack millions of meals and support local hunger relief organizations. The day kicks off a month of volunteering activities across Fifth Third’s national footprint, focused on fighting food insecurity and expanding financial access and inclusion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Fifth Third Day is about putting our values into action, and there’s no better place to start than by investing in the next generation,” said Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer for Fifth Third. “The day a child is born is one of life’s most important moments, and we want to show up for families with meaningful support. A small investment at the beginning can grow into something powerful over time.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since 2017, Fifth Third Babies has delivered nearly $965,000 in 529 plan funding to the families of more than 900 babies born on Fifth Third Day across eight states, in partnership with Gift of College, Inc. Families receive care packages from Fifth Third with gift cards and other gifts for the new baby and parents, and labor &amp;amp; delivery care teams at participating hospitals also receive appreciation gifts from Fifth Third.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“A contribution to a 529 plan account will help a child pursue their academic and career dreams and make their unique mark on the world – whatever that may be,” said Patricia Roberts, chief operating officer of the Gift of College and author of “Route 529: A Parent’s Guide to Saving for College and Career Training with 529 Plans.” “As the mom of a recent college graduate, I know first-hand how useful contributions to his 529 account proved to be over time. Opening an account when my son was an infant was one of the very best decisions I made as a new parent.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fifty-three hospitals in total across Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville, and Orlando participated in Fifth Third Babies this year. Each family with a baby born on 5/3 received a $1,053 gift card that allows them to open a 529 college savings account. Parents can redeem the gift card into a 529 plan of their choosing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From 5/3 through 5/29, the public has the opportunity to participate in a social media sweepstakes to win a Fifth Third Babies gift bag, including a $1,053 Gift of College card to be redeemed at GiftofCollege.com into a 529 college savings plan. Winners will be selected on 529 Day, or 5/29 on the calendar. More information and full sweepstakes rules are available online at &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/mkg/53-babies.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;53.com/babies&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;br&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1 &lt;/sup&gt;NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of the U.S., excluding New York. At least 18 years old to enter. Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes begins May 3, 2026, at 12:00 AM EST and ends May 29, 2026, at 8:00 AM EST. For complete sweepstakes rules visit 53.com/babies. Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Meta Platforms, Inc.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;text-align-center&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Fifth Third&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt; for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt; Global Select Market under the symbol &quot;FITB.&quot; Investor information and press releases can be viewed at &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.53.com&lt;/a&gt;. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;CONTACT&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amanda Nageleisen (Media Relations)&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:amanda.nageleisen@53.com&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;amanda.nageleisen@53.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:matt.curoe@53.com&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;matt.curoe@53.com&lt;/a&gt; | 513-534-2345&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>More than 200 babies born on Sunday at 53 hospitals across five cities received an unexpected head start toward college, just hours after entering the world.</shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 09:45:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Fifth Third Bancorp</dc:creator>
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        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/philanthropy">Philanthropy</category>
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        <title>How Effective Supply Chain Management Can Help Companies Reduce Their Carbon Footprint</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/how-effective-supply-chain-management-can-help-companies-reduce-their-carbon-footprint</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Takeaways:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;The greenhouse gas emissions your business controls directly are likely only a fraction of your total carbon footprint; understanding where the rest comes from is the first step toward meaningful reduction.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Scope 3 emissions span a wide range of business activities, from raw material sourcing to how customers use and dispose of your product, and each stage represents both a challenge and an opportunity.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Engaging suppliers directly through structured programs is one of the most powerful levers available to companies looking to reduce Scope 3 emissions.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Logistics optimization has the potential to simultaneously align sustainability improvements with operational efficiency gains.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Circularity strategies, even when implemented incrementally, can help reduce emissions at multiple points across the value chain, from procurement choices to end-of-life product design.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Did you know that the carbon emissions for which your business is directly responsible represent just a small portion of your overall carbon footprint?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today, most companies rely on a long and complex supply chain to guide their product through its lifecycle. Depending on the size of your company and the complexity of your product, this could include hundreds of steps and dozens of third parties, all cooperating to get your product into your customer’s hands, and disposing of it at the end of its life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Every stage of this long journey generates greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating them is a key opportunity for many companies looking to &lt;a href=&quot;https://us.anteagroup.com/services/climate-change-and-carbon-management&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;reduce their carbon footprint&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;What is my supply chain’s carbon footprint?&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your supply chain’s carbon footprint is the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced during phases of your product’s or service’s lifecycle that are outside your company’s direct control.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These emissions are also known as &lt;a href=&quot;https://19january2021snapshot.epa.gov/climateleadership/scope-3-inventory-guidance_.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;Scope 3 GHG emissions&lt;/a&gt;, and are still considered part of a company’s overall carbon footprint because they are a consequence of that company doing business.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One thing to note: You may see and hear “supply chain” and “value chain” used interchangeably, but there are some distinctions. “Supply chain” refers to upstream activities, such as manufacturing, transportation, and distribution of purchased goods. “Value chain” includes the supply chain, and also encompasses downstream activities including distribution of products to customers, and product use and disposal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Common examples of supply- or value chain-related sources of carbon emissions can include:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Energy consumption during the sourcing of materials used to manufacture the product (e.g., from activities such as mining, logging, farming, etc.)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Energy consumption associated with manufacturing and production of any other goods brought into your company, used to conduct business or make and sell the product (such as packaging)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Fuel consumption during transportation and other logistics (such as storage)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Energy consumption during the use of the product or service.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Energy consumption and process emissions during the disposal of the product or service. This can include ongoing emissions created by landfills, depending on the method of disposal and waste treatment.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Learn more in our webinar recap: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/engaging-supply-chain-on-scope-3-for-strategic-advantage&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Engaging Supply Chain on Scope 3 for Strategic Advantage&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;How supply chain management can help reduce your carbon footprint&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although Scope 3 emissions can be notoriously difficult to fully measure, there are still plenty of actions you can take right now to reduce your supply chain’s carbon emissions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Collaborate with suppliers through supply chain engagement&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Emissions embedded in purchased goods typically represent a company’s largest source of Scope 3 emissions. As a trusted business partner and client, chances are your company has a good working relationship with many of your supply chain partners.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Energy use, carbon footprint, or other information can be requested from suppliers using &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/supply-chain-guidance&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;supply chain engagement programs&lt;/a&gt;. Quantifying your suppliers’ product-level footprints is an important first step to measuring progress on your own Scope 3 emissions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Several different programs exist that companies like yours can use:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.cdp.net/en/supply-chain&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CDP Supply Chain initiative&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, which provides a questionnaire on carbon emissions to your suppliers at your request.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.sedex.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Supplier Ethical Data Exchange&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, which offers member companies a database to store, share, and report information on their supply chain.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.globalreporting.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Global Reporting Initiative&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, which collects the most widely used standards for sustainability reporting, provides examples of relevant information and data to collect from suppliers.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;By using programs like these, you can collect emission data from your suppliers and start to better understand their carbon footprints. Gathering this data helps you calculate your own supply chain emissions more precisely and helps identify opportunities for mitigation. The more data you collect, the more of these opportunities you can discover, and the more impactful your next steps will be.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As you build this relationship, consider offering suppliers training, tools, and other support toward improving their own carbon footprints.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Introducing collaborative strategies like joint training workshops can be a win-win for you and your suppliers. Together, you can proactively identify opportunities to lower both of your carbon footprints and mutually benefit from the improvements. You might also, for example, pass along information on how to reduce energy consumption or procure renewable electricity. The more steps each of your suppliers take to reduce their carbon footprint, the more you’ll lower your own Scope 3 emissions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Optimize logistics&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Transportation and other logistics activities are a common source of a company’s Scope 3 emissions. Remember that all forms of transportation and storage are considered part of these emissions. Looking for ways to minimize logistical fuel consumption can lower your carbon footprint and help you optimize your supply chain at the same time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For example, audit the types of vehicles you and your partners are using to transport your products. Is there an opportunity to upgrade to an electrical or hybrid alternative? You might also reassess your route planning to minimize travel distances or consolidate shipments to make fewer trips altogether. Even a few miles saved will add up to fewer emissions per year, especially for large operations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Implement circularity and emphasize good recycling practices&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-circularity&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;McKinsey&lt;/a&gt; defines circularity as “practices that optimize resource use and minimize waste across the entire productive and consumption cycle, emphasizing sustainability and economic efficiency.” By reducing waste and promoting reuse, circularity helps reduce emissions in both the downstream and upstream sections of the value chain.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Optimizing your supply or value chain for circularity from end to end will be a long-term project, but you can start with a few small steps. You might be surprised how impactful even small changes to your supply chain can be. For example, choosing products (e.g., packaging) made with recycled materials could reduce your emissions without significantly inconveniencing your operation. Designing products for reusability and recyclability can help reduce end-of-life treatment emissions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;Strengthening Your Supply Chain to Reduce Carbon Emissions&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;Reducing supply chain emissions is about measurement and engagement. The most effective Scope 3 strategies involve collaboration across your value chain, from raw material sourcing to product end-of-life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At Antea Group, we help organizations move beyond basic reporting to actively engage suppliers, strengthen value chain relationships, and identify practical opportunities to reduce emissions while improving operational performance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you&#039;re ready to take a more strategic approach to Scope 3 emissions and value chain sustainability, &lt;a href=&quot;https://us.anteagroup.com/services/supply-chain-engagement&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;connect with our team&lt;/a&gt; to explore how supply chain engagement can help reduce your carbon footprint while strengthening your business.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>The majority of most companies’ carbon emissions come from their supply chain, highlighting a key opportunity to lower your Scope 3 footprint.</shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 09:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Antea Group</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1313106 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/environment">Environment</category>
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        <title>How DP World Is Helping Redefine Export Growth in the Caribbean </title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/how-dp-world-helping-redefine-export-growth-caribbean</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Across the Caribbean, a quiet shift is underway. As global trade becomes more regionalized and supply chains more selective, countries are rethinking how they compete – not just as investment destinations, but as reliable participants in global trade.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the center of this shift is logistics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Recent analysis from the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dpworld.com/en/dpworld-effect?story=dominican-republic&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;DP World Effect: Dominican Republic&lt;/a&gt; study highlights a growing reality: export competitiveness is no longer driven primarily by incentives. It depends on whether goods can move efficiently, predictably, and at scale.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;From Constraint to Competitive Advantage&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For decades, many Caribbean economies faced a common challenge: not a lack of production potential, but difficulty connecting that production to global markets.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;High transport costs, fragmented shipping routes, and limited service frequency created uncertainty, making it harder for businesses to participate in global value chains. As those barriers begin to ease, the opportunity is not just incremental growth. It is structural.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Efficient logistics systems reduce risk, improve reliability, and shorten time to market. In a nearshoring environment where consistency matters as much as proximity, these factors are becoming decisive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Rise of Integrated Trade Ecosystems&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What is changing now is not just infrastructure, but how it is used.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ports, logistics services, and industrial zones are increasingly operating as integrated ecosystems rather than standalone assets. This reduces friction across the supply chain and enables a broader range of companies – including small and mid-sized manufacturers – to participate in export activity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the Dominican Republic, this model is already taking shape, helping position the country as a &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/04/business/us-companies-manufacturing-dominican-republic&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;more reliable and scalable node&lt;/a&gt; in global trade networks. DP World’s &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dpworld.com/en/news/dp-world-signs-agreement-to-launch-760m-port-and-free-trade-zone-in-dominican-republic&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;integrated port and logistics operations&lt;/a&gt; at Caucedo underscore this shift.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sustainability Is Now Part of the Logistics Equation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As logistics becomes central to economic growth, expectations are also evolving.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today, competitiveness is not defined solely by cost and speed, it is increasingly shaped by sustainability performance. Global shippers and investors are paying closer attention to how goods move, not just how quickly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the Dominican Republic, DP World’s operations illustrate how this shift is playing out in practice, combining operational efficiency with &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.morningstar.com/news/accesswire/1139249msn/sustainability-year-in-review-how-dp-world-advanced-climate-community-and-inclusive-growth-across-latin-america&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;measurable environmental and social impact.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Key initiatives include:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Electrifying port operations through electric internal transfer vehicles and charging infrastructure&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Generating renewable energy on site through a photovoltaic solar plant&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Advancing mangrove restoration and watershed protection to support climate resilience&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Delivering workforce development, youth training, and micro-entrepreneurship programs&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;These efforts – along with &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dpworld.com/en/news/usa/dpw-recognized-for-sustainable-foreign-investment-leadership-in-the-dominican-republic&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;national recognition for sustainable investment&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.3blmedia.com/news/dp-world-honored-advancing-sustainability-culture-dominican-republic&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;responsible infrastructure&lt;/a&gt; – demonstrate how logistics platforms can deliver both economic performance and long-term sustainability outcomes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A Regional Inflection Point&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The implications extend across the Caribbean.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As nearshoring reshapes global production networks, companies are becoming more selective about where they invest. &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.3blmedia.com/news/dp-worlds-morten-johansen-why-capability-not-geography-will-define-next-decade-trade&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;Proximity alone is no longer enough&lt;/a&gt;: locations must offer reliable logistics, integrated infrastructure, and credible progress on sustainability.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For the region, this creates a clear opportunity: to position logistics not just as infrastructure, but as a strategic asset that enables both economic growth and sustainable development.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Bottom Line&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The future of export-led growth in the Caribbean will be determined by logistics capability.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Where systems are connected, efficient, and sustainable, trade can scale. Where they are not, growth will remain constrained regardless of incentives.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As global trade continues to evolve, the countries that invest in resilient, lower-carbon logistics systems will be best positioned to convert nearshoring momentum into long-term, inclusive growth.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dpworld.com/en/news/dominican-republic/dpw-expands-caucedo-port-operations-after-22-years-in-dr&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;Learn more about DP World’s impact in the Dominican Republic&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>Recent analysis from the DP World Effect: Dominican Republic study highlights a growing reality: export competitiveness is no longer driven primarily by incentives. It depends on whether goods can move efficiently, predictably, and at scale. </shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>DP World</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1313066 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/responsible-production-circular-economy">Responsible Production &amp; the Circular Economy</category>
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        <title>Fifth Third Employees Tackle Food Insecurity and Financial Access Nationwide for 35th Annual “Fifth Third Day”</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/fifth-third-employees-tackle-food-insecurity-and-financial-access-nationwide-35th-annual-fifth</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;CINCINNATI, May 4, 2026 /3BL/ - Today, employees across Fifth Third Bank’s (Nasdaq: FITB) U.S. footprint will celebrate the 35&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; annual “Fifth Third Day” through service activities to help fight food insecurity and expand financial access within their local communities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/mkg/fifth-third-day.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Fifth Third Day&lt;/a&gt; (5/3 on the calendar), Fifth Third employees unite to pack millions of meals and support local hunger relief organizations. The day kicks off a month of volunteering activities across Fifth Third’s U.S. footprint, focused on fighting food insecurity and expanding financial access and inclusion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Every year, this tradition reminds me of something simple and important: who we are is defined by how we show up — for our customers, for each other and for our communities,” said Tim Spence, chairman, CEO and president of Fifth Third. “Today kicks off a month-long effort to provide millions of meals and expand financial access to the communities we serve. And following our merger with Comerica, we have an expanded footprint and a larger team, united in our desire to make a meaningful difference.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since 1991, Fifth Third has celebrated its employees, customers and communities on its signature day, May 3. Because the date falls on a weekend this year, service activities begin on May 4 and will continue throughout May in support of local hunger relief organizations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This year’s Fifth Third Day reflects the Bank’s expanded footprint following its merger with Comerica Bank, bringing the tradition to new communities for the first time. The day provides an opportunity for Fifth Third’s existing and new employees to unite behind a common goal: helping address food insecurity and advancing financial access and inclusion among their friends and neighbors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“According to Feeding America, 48 million people in the United States face food insecurity, including 1 in 5 children. Our efforts on Fifth Third Day and throughout the month of May can make a difference,” said Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer for Fifth Third. “As Fifth Third and Comerica come together as the nation’s ninth largest U.S. bank, this year’s Fifth Third Day is special because it reflects our shared commitment to showing up for our communities where it matters the most.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Expanding financial access for local communities&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more than 20 years, the Fifth Third Financial Empowerment Mobile, commonly known as the eBus, has brought financial access, social services, and education directly into communities the Bank serves, especially in underserved areas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The eBus will visit communities across Ohio on Fifth Third Day and throughout the month of May as part of a 10-state tour that runs through November.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In partnership with SpringFour, the eBus connects community members to vital human and social services organizations to address needs related to food savings, rental resources, childcare, employment services, small business support and more. Through its digital self-service financial wellness solution, SpringFour delivers access to more than 27,000 local, state, and national nonprofit and government resources across more than 25 categories.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fifth Third and Springfour reimagined and relaunched the eBus on Fifth Third Day in 2024. Over the past two years, the eBus has delivered more than 31,000 financial health referrals during more than 3,000 visits, connecting individuals and families to essential resources. Services are free and available to all, regardless of whether the visitor is a Fifth Third customer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Supporting the next generation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fifth Third’s commitment to its communities also means investing in the next generation from the very beginning.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On May 3, Fifth Third surprised the families of babies born on Fifth Third Day at 53 select local hospitals across five cities – Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville, Orlando – with a gift of $1,053 to open a 529 college savings account.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since 2017, Fifth Third Babies has delivered nearly $965,000 in 529 plan funding to the families of more than 900 babies born on Fifth Third Day across eight states, in partnership with Gift of College, Inc. Families also receive care packages from Fifth Third with gift cards and gifts for the new baby and parents.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From 5/3 through 5/29, the public has the opportunity to participate in a social media sweepstakes to win a Fifth Third Babies gift bag, including a $1,053 Gift of College card to be redeemed at GiftofCollege.com into a 529 college savings plan. Winners will be selected on 529 Day, or 5/29 on the calendar. More information and full sweepstakes rules are available online at &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/mkg/53-babies.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;53.com/babies&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of the U.S., excluding New York. At least 18 years old to enter. Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes begins May 3, 2026, at 12:00 AM EST and ends May 29, 2026, at 8:00 AM EST. For complete sweepstakes rules visit 53.com/babies. Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Meta Platforms, Inc.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;text-align-center&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Fifth Third&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt; for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt; Global Select Market under the symbol &quot;FITB.&quot; Investor information and press releases can be viewed at &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.53.com&lt;/a&gt;. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;CONTACT&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amanda Nageleisen (Media Relations)&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:amanda.nageleisen@53.com&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;amanda.nageleisen@53.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:matt.curoe@53.com&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;matt.curoe@53.com&lt;/a&gt; | 513-534-2345&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>Today, employees across Fifth Third Bank’s (Nasdaq: FITB) U.S. footprint will celebrate the 35th annual “Fifth Third Day” through service activities to help fight food insecurity and expand financial access within their local communities.</shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 16:45:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Fifth Third Bancorp</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1313071 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/corporate-responsibility">Corporate Responsibility</category>
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        <title>Invest Atlanta and Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Announce New Wells Fargo Grants for Small Business Development and Housing Stability Across Metro Atlanta </title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/invest-atlanta-and-community-foundation-greater-atlanta-announce-new-wells-fargo-grants-small</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;ATLANTA, May 4, 2026 /3BL/ - Invest Atlanta and the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta today announced new philanthropic grants from Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation to support small business growth and housing stability across metro Atlanta.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The funding includes $550,000 to support Invest Atlanta’s BizLabs Technical Assistance program and a $2.25 million grant to the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to advance housing stability and neighborhood investment across the region.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As housing costs rise and small businesses face increasing pressure, these investments aim to strengthen stability and expand opportunity across metro Atlanta. Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation have now surpassed more than $40 million in philanthropic support in metro Atlanta since 2021.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Wells Fargo’s substantial and consistent investment in Atlanta reflects a meaningful commitment to our city and our people,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “By supporting the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative through strengthening housing stability and uplifting small businesses, this funding helps to build more resilient neighborhoods and ensure Atlanta’s economy benefits all residents. We look forward to the continued impact this partnership will make in the years ahead.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Wells Fargo’s continued long-term commitment in Atlanta reflects our investment in the community,&quot; said Jason Rosenberg, Wells Fargo’s head of Public Affairs. “These philanthropic investments will support small businesses, strengthen neighborhoods and help advance growth for our customers, employees and communities throughout the city.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Supporting Small Business Growth in Atlanta&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The announcement was made at a ribbon-cutting for local business, Kindred Paper, at its new downtown Pop-Up location, presented by Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Downtown.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Wells Fargo grant of $550,000 supports Invest Atlanta’s BizLabs Program, providing small businesses with expert guidance and resources to grow and establish a long-term presence. It also helps activate storefronts like this downtown Pop-Up location, positioning businesses to benefit from increased visibility and economic activity expected in Atlanta this summer with FIFA World Cup 2026™.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This most recent funding follows a $20 million Open for Business Fund grant that Wells Fargo announced in 2022 to support a United Way of Greater Atlanta and Invest Atlanta collaboration to help Atlanta small businesses grow.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We truly appreciate how Wells Fargo shares our vision of strengthening Atlanta’s small business community and the neighborhoods they call home,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “This continued partnership helps create real opportunities for local entrepreneurs—people with ideas, passion, and deep roots in our city. Through BizLabs, initiatives like bringing pop‑up shops to downtown storefronts give business owners a chance to be seen, test their vision, and build something lasting that strengthens our local economy.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Advancing Housing Stability Across Metro Atlanta&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A $2.25 million grant to the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta will support efforts to stabilize housing and expand access to opportunity for residents across metro Atlanta.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In a region where housing costs continue to outpace wages, this funding will address some of the most persistent barriers to long-term stability.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Community Foundation has helped mobilize more than $220 million in investment and support the creation or preservation of over 6,000 homes across the region—working with partners to address housing challenges at scale.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This investment from Wells Fargo will build on that work by helping resolve tangled title issues, unlocking capital for critical home repairs, supporting emerging developers, and strengthening strategies to preserve affordable housing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Across metro Atlanta, too many families are at risk of losing the homes they’ve worked hard to build—not because they lack commitment, but because of legal, financial, and systemic barriers,” said Frank Fernandez, President &amp;amp; CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. “This investment helps remove those barriers—so people can stay in their homes, make needed repairs, and pass on what they’ve built. As the region’s philanthropic center of gravity, we’re working alongside partners to turn housing stability into something families can count on—and a foundation for stronger, more equitable communities.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Invest Atlanta&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Invest Atlanta is the official economic development authority for the City of Atlanta. Its mission is to shape the city’s future by growing jobs and driving neighborhood investment, elevating the city’s global competitiveness, and advancing development and innovation, that uplifts all residents and businesses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta is the region’s philanthropic center of gravity, inspiring and leading Atlanta toward equity and shared prosperity for all. Neighbor to neighbor and heart to heart, we’re building a better ATL through partnership with local non-profits, civic leaders, financial advisors, and generous donors throughout the community. A fixture since 1951, CFGA shepherds more than $1.8 billion in assets and deployed over $250 million in grants and impact investments in 2025 to thousands of non-profit partners working to realize Atlanta’s full potential.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Invest Atlanta media contact:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jennifer Tyner, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Jennifer.tyner@cfgreateratlanta.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Jennifer.tyner@cfgreateratlanta.org&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;229.351.6143&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>Invest Atlanta and the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta announced new philanthropic grants from Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation to support small business growth and housing stability across metro Atlanta.</shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Wells Fargo &amp; Company</dc:creator>
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        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/philanthropy">Philanthropy</category>
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        <title>Comcast NBCUniversal, Telemundo, and U.S. Soccer Foundation Expand National Youth Soccer and Coach-Mentorship Programs Ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/comcast-nbcuniversal-telemundo-and-us-soccer-foundation-expand-national-youth-soccer-and-coach</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;WASHINGTON, May 4, 2026 /3BL/ - Comcast NBCUniversal, Telemundo, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation announced an expanded commitment to increase access to high-impact youth soccer programs and coach-mentorship training in the lead-up to FIFA World Cup 2026™.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As part of this effort, Telemundo and the U.S. Soccer Foundation launched &lt;em&gt;¡&lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://sicoach.com/home&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot;&gt;Sí, Coach!&lt;/a&gt;, a new Spanish-language platform designed to equip coaches with culturally relevant tools and training to mentor young people both on and off the field. Available at &lt;a href=&quot;http://sicoach.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot;&gt;SiCoach.com&lt;/a&gt;, the platform will offer free, innovative training in Spanish. &lt;em&gt;¡&lt;/em&gt;Si, Coach! supports the broader &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.yescoach.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot;&gt;Yes, Coach! movement&lt;/a&gt;, launched in partnership with Stand Together, a philanthropic community that empowers people to tackle the root causes of our country’s biggest problems. Yes, Coach! aims to prepare 100,000 coaches to mentor over three million youth nationwide via the Foundation’s high-quality Coach-Mentor Training program. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;NBCUniversal’s Creative Impact Lab collaborated with creative apprentices from nonprofit agency Wide Angle Youth Media to produce a &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udvLOxofeRU&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot;&gt;Spanish&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE1nSHYJxM8&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot;&gt;English&lt;/a&gt; public service announcement (PSA) for Yes, Coach! The PSA will air ahead of the World Cup to amplify the campaign’s reach.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Soccer is more than a game—it’s a catalyst for confidence, leadership, and belonging,” said Christina Kolbjornsen, Senior Vice President, Corporate and External Affairs, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Through ¡Sí, Coach!, and aligned with our Tu Momento, Tu Jugada initiative, we’re championing Spanish‑speaking coaches with culturally relevant resources that reflect the communities they serve—turning the momentum of FIFA World Cup 26™ into a lasting force for opportunity and impact for young people nationwide.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Christina Kolbjornsen&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;Senior Vice President,&lt;br&gt;Corporate and External Affairs&lt;br&gt;NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Having the combined and continued support of Comcast NBCUniversal and Telemundo during this incredible year of sporting events creates an extraordinary force for good in under-resourced communities nationwide,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President &amp;amp; CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “Together, we’re training more coach-mentors, creating more safe places to play, and expanding proven programs to more youth. As we look forward to hosting FIFA World Cup 2026™ this summer, this collaboration ensures that the excitement around the sport results in meaningful, long-term opportunities for youth across the country.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In addition to launching new digital resources and programs, the partners are leveraging the excitement of FIFA World Cup 2026™ to expand access to proven youth programs in several cities including Miami, Philadelphia and New York. Just Ball, launched with adidas in 2022, reimagines youth soccer by transforming mini-pitches and community spaces into accessible hubs for free, low-pressure play. As the official Spanish-language broadcaster of FIFA World Cup 2026™, Telemundo brought its Tu Momento. Tu Jugada fan experience to the Los Angeles’ Just Ball Unity Cup in December. Telemundo will bring the same experience to Just Ball Unity Cups in Miami and New York later this year, further expanding opportunities for youth to engage with the sport in fun, creative ways.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On June 3, Telemundo will also support the Foundation’s annual Congressional Soccer Match, convening bipartisan lawmakers, professional athletes, and community leaders in Washington, D.C., to highlight soccer’s power to unite and uplift.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Previously, Telemundo sponsored the Foundation’s pink-carpet at the Pitch Perfect Gala in January to celebrate over 30 years of the sport’s impact on social change.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In October, Comcast joined the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Philadelphia 2026—the nonprofit Local Host Committee for FIFA World Cup 2026™—to open a new mini-pitch at Building 21 in Philadelphia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These initiatives build on more than a decade of collaboration among Comcast NBCUniversal, Telemundo, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, including support for the Foundation’s Soccer for Success and Coach-Mentor Training programs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By expanding access to soccer and mentorship across communities, these partners are ensuring that the excitement of the world’s biggest sporting event translates into lasting impact for generations to come.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Comcast&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations &amp;amp; Experiences. Visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://corporate.comcast.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.comcastcorporation.com&lt;/a&gt; for more information.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>Comcast NBCUniversal, Telemundo, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation announced an expanded commitment to increase access to high-impact youth soccer programs and coach-mentorship training in the lead-up to FIFA World Cup 2026™.</shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 14:30:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Comcast</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1312941 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/education-workforce-development">Education &amp; Workforce Development</category>
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        <title>Diagnostics, Vet Visits, Giving Pets a Voice: Jay Mazelsky &amp;amp; Jay Price</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/diagnostics-vet-visits-giving-pets-voice-jay-mazelsky-jay-price</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Dogs and cats can&#039;t talk yet - but our next two guests are helping them do just that.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Recently, I sat down with two of the most transformative leaders in pet health: &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-mazelsky-a9291b5/&quot; id=&quot;ember63&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Jay Mazelsky&lt;/a&gt;, CEO of &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.linkedin.com/company/idexx-laboratories/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;IDEXX&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-price-4aa41099/&quot; id=&quot;ember64&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Jay Price&lt;/a&gt;, CEO of &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.linkedin.com/company/mission-pet-health/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Mission Pet Health&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Between them, they see the entire journey of care. From diagnostics that uncover diseases to the 950 Mission Pet Health hospitals delivering care to our pets every day. If you want to understand where pet health is headed over the next decade - this is the table for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The expectation of care for our pets has never been higher. That isn&#039;t a warning. It&#039;s an opportunity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Pet Bubble and What Comes Next&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;The pandemic changed many things, and pet ownership wasn&#039;t immune to that. Net pet adoption grew by roughly 10% annually - a 4x increase over the historical norm.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, those pets are reaching a milestone. They are five to seven years old. The older an animal gets, the more care it requires. As Jay Mazelsky noted, we are entering a window when demand for senior veterinary care will build dramatically.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There is a lot of talk right now about vet visits. But context matters. Jay Price, who led clinics through the 2008 financial crisis, sees a cycle and a return to normal after the substantial Covid increase, not a permanent shift. For Mission Pet Health, they aren&#039;t seeing a decline; they see a return to the steady, durable growth that defines the industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Diagnostics: The Voice of the Pet&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;About one in five clinical veterinary visits include bloodwork. Only 12% of wellness visits include diagnostics. Outside the U.S., that number drops even further.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The opportunity is enormous. Every diagnostic brings more information. More information enables better decisions. Better decisions unlock tailored treatments. When we don&#039;t diagnose, we don&#039;t know the magnitude of a disease.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Moment to Remember&lt;/strong&gt;: If only one in five pets gets diagnostics, we don&#039;t know the true spectrum of disease that exists today. We&#039;re only seeing the surface. The opportunity isn&#039;t just big. It&#039;s bigger than we can measure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jay Price shared a powerful perspective: if only 20% of pets are getting diagnostics, our data is incomplete. We might think the condition is &quot;rare&quot; simply because we aren&#039;t looking for it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Take cancer. One in four dogs will develop it in their lifetime. Often, by the time it&#039;s visible, it&#039;s already at an advanced stage. Moving upstream with earlier diagnostics doesn&#039;t just save lives - it improves treatment affordability. An earlier diagnosis means more treatment options and better effectiveness at a lower cost.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It&#039;s not just dogs; cat spend at the clinic is beginning to converge with dog spend as more cat owners demand more comprehensive care. Opportunities like chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats is a prime example. Early diagnosis, dietary intervention and close monitoring can meaningfully extend lifespan.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Best Quote&lt;/strong&gt;: I think that what we should be most proud of as an industry over the last 15 years - the average cat and dog is living two years longer... a lot of it&#039;s the result of more innovation in the pharma and specialty diet and diagnostic space and better care driven by pet owners. They want to partner with the veterinarian and with the technology that&#039;s used, and they want to understand the underlying disease, what the options are, and how they can provide care. They see themselves as part of the solution.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;And as AI continues to infiltrate all aspects of our lives, it&#039;s another opportunity of how the two examples mentioned above can be done faster, allowing veterinarians to walk into an exam room with insights, not just questions. However, as Jay Price, noted, we can&#039;t lose the critical human element of clinical decision-making.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Nobody&#039;s Too Good to Pick Up Poop&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether it&#039;s rallying during a pandemic or uncovering the next medical breakthrough, culture for IDEXX and Mission Pet Health is the glue.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Jay Mazelsky rounds out his tenure at IDEXX and retires later this month, he leaves behind a legacy built on a challenger mindset. That means guarding against entitlement, hiring for curiosity and setting audacious goals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jay Price grounded it in a phrase from his very first hospital experience: Nobody&#039;s too good to pick up poop.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It&#039;s a reminder that in animal health, we are all servants to the mission. We show up with a spring in our step because we believe that when animals are healthy, the world is better.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Big Takeaway&lt;/strong&gt;: As diagnostics expand what we can detect, AI accelerates what we can learn, and a generation of middle-aged pandemic pets enter their highest-care years; the pie isn&#039;t shrinking. It&#039;s growing. A rising tide lifts all boats. The leaders who focus on delivering value - to the pet, the owner, and the veterinarian - will be the ones who grow with it and beyond.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thank you, Jay Mazelsky, for hosting us and for decades of work giving our pets a voice. Congratulations on a remarkable chapter. And thank you, Jay Price, for your insights and the commitment and support your clinics provide every day for our pets.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The best is yet to come for animal health.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://youtu.be/Iegn4srVU14&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Catch the full conversation on YouTube.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>Dogs and cats can&#039;t talk yet - but these two guests are helping them do just that. If you want to understand where pet health is headed over the next decade - this is the table for you.</shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 13:35:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Elanco</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1313061 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/health-healthcare">Health &amp; Healthcare</category>
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        <title>Hirdaramani Group: Advancing Responsible Purchasing Through Better Buying</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/hirdaramani-group-advancing-responsible-purchasing-through-better-buying</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;As a globally recognized apparel manufacturer with over a century of industry leadership, Hirdaramani Group continues to play a defining role in advancing sustainable and responsible practices across the apparel value chain. A Cascale member since 2013, the Group operates vertically integrated facilities across Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Africa, partnering with leading global brands to deliver end-to-end apparel solutions and enable more transparent, future-ready supply chains.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Guided by its Future First Sustainability Roadmap, Hirdaramani integrates environmental stewardship, social impact, and responsible governance across its operations. Within this broader strategy, participation in &lt;a href=&quot;https://cascale.org/tools-programs/better-buying/bbppi/?utm_source=newswire&amp;amp;utm_medium=3bl&amp;amp;utm_campaign=hirdaramani-case-study&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Cascale’s Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index (BBPPI)&lt;/a&gt; serves as a strategic platform to strengthen buyer-supplier partnerships and support the evolution of responsible purchasing practices across the industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Impact at a Glance&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Leveraging Better Buying to amplify supplier voice and inform more responsible purchasing practices&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Integrating purchasing practice dialogue into the Future First sustainability framework through Better Buying&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Strengthening transparency and accountability across global buyer relationships&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Advancing measurable sustainability progress, including:&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from energy across Sri Lanka’s manufacturing operations&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;17 LEED Gold and Platinum-certified facilities across the global footprint&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Over 21,000 employees engaged through well-being and empowerment programs&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;First Sri Lankan company to have its net-zero science-based targets approved&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Creating Better Conditions for Supplier-Buyer Collaboration&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;Manufacturers are expected to keep advancing climate and social priorities while managing the daily realities of sourcing and production. Purchasing practices play a direct role in shaping that environment. Planning changes, delayed payments, and pricing pressure can affect how suppliers manage resources, schedule production, and sustain longer-term efforts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Better Buying brings those conditions into view through structured supplier feedback on buyer purchasing practices. For Hirdaramani Group, this creates a practical opportunity to contribute insight from the manufacturing side of the value chain. A consistent feedback process can bring alignment for day-to-day operations and open stronger conversations with buyers about how to improve together.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Aligning the Group’s sustainability progress with accountability, transparency, and stronger working relationships throughout the supply chain, Better Buying supports a more consistent and constructive dialogue between suppliers and buyers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How Hirdaramani Uses Better Buying to Strengthen Dialogue with Buyers&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hirdaramani approaches Better Buying not only as a reporting mechanism but also as a practical tool for engagement and industry advancement. Across its Future First Roadmap, the company has connected sustainability progress with clearer structures, stronger reporting standards, and greater transparency and accountability. Better Buying fits within that approach by offering the Hirdaramani team a confidential way to share supplier experience and help inform more effective purchasing practices over time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As noted by &lt;strong&gt;Nikhil Hirdaramani, Director at the Hirdaramani Group&lt;/strong&gt;, the tool offers a “secure and anonymous feedback channel” that has supported more constructive and action-oriented engagement with customers. Better Buying has also driven stronger, more transparent conversations that contribute to continuous improvements over time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Better Buying complements Hirdaramani’s broader sustainability efforts by strengthening accountability and more closely linking operational performance to buyer relationships.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Partnership as a Driver of Improvement&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;Collaboration is central to Hirdaramani Group’s approach to sustainability. Through its Future First Roadmap, the Group works closely with global brands, industry platforms, and stakeholders to advance progress across climate action, social impact, traceability, and innovation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Participation in Better Buying strengthens this collaborative approach by:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Translating supplier experience into actionable insights&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Supporting more informed and responsive decision-making by buyers&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Building trust through greater transparency and shared accountability&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this way, the partnership becomes part of how progress is shaped and sustained across the value chain.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why This Matters&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hirdaramani’s experience shows how structured supplier feedback can strengthen partnerships and support more effective purchasing practices. By connecting operational insights with strategic buyer engagement, Better Buying helps bridge critical gaps in the apparel value chain.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As expectations on sustainability continue to grow, aligning purchasing practices with these ambitions will remain essential. For Hirdaramani Group, Better Buying strengthens this effort by connecting day-to-day operational realities with buyer relationships, helping ensure that progress across the value chain is both practical and sustained.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more on Hirdaramani’s broader sustainability journey, listen to Nikhil Hirdaramani on Cascale’s Source of Good podcast episode, “&lt;a href=&quot;https://cascale.org/resources/podcast/from-tailors-to-global-trailblazers-talking-climate-action-with-hirdaramani-and-asics/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;From Tailors to Global Trailblazers: Talking Climate Action with Hirdaramani and ASICS&lt;/a&gt;.”&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>As a globally recognized apparel manufacturer with over a century of industry leadership, Hirdaramani Group continues to play a defining role in advancing sustainable and responsible practices across the apparel value chain. </shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 11:40:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Cascale</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1313051 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/responsible-production-circular-economy">Responsible Production &amp; the Circular Economy</category>
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        <title>CACI Named a VETS Indexes 5-Star Employer for Sixth Consecutive Year</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/caci-named-vets-indexes-5-star-employer-sixth-consecutive-year</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;May 4, 2026 /3BL/ - For more than six decades, CACI has fostered a workplace where veterans can seamlessly integrate and apply their experience to impactful missions. CACI has been named a VETS Indexes 5-Star Employer for the sixth consecutive year, reflecting the company’s enduring commitment to supporting its veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“This prestigious recognition is an honor for the company and a true reflection of CACI’s enduring veteran-friendly culture,” said Gary Patton, CACI vice president of Veteran and Military Affairs. “We are proud to offer our veteran and military-affiliated employees a workplace where they have the resources they need to thrive, allowing them to continue their mission and expand the limits of national security.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;CACI received this award in recognition of its strong commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and the military-connected community. To be named a 5-Star Veterans Employer, CACI was evaluated and received high marks across the following five categories:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Veteran job candidate recruiting and hiring&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Veteran employee development and retention&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Veteran-inclusive policies and culture&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Support for National Guard and Reserve members&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Military spouse/family support&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn how you can &lt;a href=&quot;https://careers.caci.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;continue your mission at CACI&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About CACI&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) is a national security company with 27,000 talented employees who are Ever Vigilant in expanding the limits of national security. We ensure our customers’ success by delivering differentiated technology and distinctive expertise to accelerate innovation, drive speed and efficiency, and rapidly anticipate and eliminate threats. Our culture drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World&#039;s Most Admired Company. We are members of the Fortune 500™, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&amp;amp;P MidCap 400 Index. For more information, visit us at &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.caci.com//&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;caci.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Corporate Communications and Media:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lauren Presti&lt;br&gt;Executive Director, Strategic Communications&lt;br&gt;(703) 434-5037, &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:lauren.presti@caci.com&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;lauren.presti@caci.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>For more than six decades, CACI has fostered a workplace where veterans can seamlessly integrate and apply their experience to impactful missions. </shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>CACI</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1313031 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/awards-rankings">Awards &amp; Rankings</category>
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        <title>The Capital Farmers Actually Need</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/capital-farmers-actually-need</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;By Elizabeth Candelario of Mad Agriculture&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;How Mad Agriculture’s Regenerative Catalyst Fund and Mad Capital are Closing the Finance Gap in Regenerative Agriculture&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Finance Built for the Transition&lt;/strong&gt; - Mad Capital, a public benefit corporation (PBC) and mission-driven partner of non-profit Mad Agriculture, shares its intention of creating a regenerative revolution in agriculture. Where conventional lenders see risk in organic transition, Mad Capital sees opportunity offering operating loans, real estate loans, and transition loans specifically tailored for farms and ranches that are either certified organic or transitioning. Loans are designed with terms reflective of the realities of organic farming, including interest-only structures designed to help farmers navigate the J-curve without being crushed by debt service during their lowest-revenue years. Mad Capital also provides something conventional lenders rarely offer: connection to technical assistance, markets, and a community of values-aligned farmers who understand what it means to farm regeneratively.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The numbers reflect a growing movement. Mad Capital currently finances 175,317 acres, with 81.3% certified organic and 21.9% certified to the Regenerative Organic Certified standard, the most rigorous and comprehensive regenerative certification.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Regenerative Catalyst Fund -&lt;/strong&gt; Catalytic Capital for Resilience and Growth Mad Capital’s loan products start at $500,000, the scale needed for larger farm acquisitions, equipment purchases, and full-operation transitions. But the regenerative farming community includes farmers at every scale, and many of their most critical needs don’t fit that minimum. Enter Mad Ag’s Regenerative Catalyst Fund (RCF). The RCF provides grants and zero-interest loans to existing and transitioning regenerative and organic farmers and ranchers to implement specific projects that build resiliency and catalyze growth, both on the land and in the business.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Read the full article here&lt;/strong&gt; - &lt;a href=&quot;https://greenmoney.com/the-capital-farmers-actually-need-for-regenerative-agriculture&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;https://greenmoney.com/the-capital-farmers-actually-need-for-regenerative-agriculture&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;=====&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>Mad Capital, a public benefit corporation (PBC) and mission-driven partner of non-profit Mad Agriculture, shares its intention of creating a regenerative revolution in agriculture. </shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>GreenMoney Journal</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1313041 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/socially-responsible-investing">Socially Responsible Investing</category>
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        <title>Subaru Recognized With Two Newsweek Greatest Workplace Honors in 2026 Rankings</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/subaru-recognized-two-newsweek-greatest-workplace-honors-2026-rankings</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;CAMDEN, N.J., May 4, 2026 /3BL/ - Subaru of America, Inc. today announced it has been named to two of Newsweek’s lists of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2026, &lt;a href=&quot;https://rankings.newsweek.com/americas-greatest-workplaces-for-entry-level-2026&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Greatest Workplaces for Entry Level&lt;/a&gt;* and &lt;a href=&quot;https://rankings.newsweek.com/americas-greatest-workplaces-for-mental-well-being-2026&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Greatest Workplaces for Mental Well-Being&lt;/a&gt;, for the second year in a row. Collectively, these recognitions underscore the automaker’s ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive workplace environment for employees at every stage of their careers, with an emphasis on a strong and sustainable corporate culture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Greatest Workplaces for Entry Level award evaluates organizations across key areas, including belonging, sustainability, and awareness, highlighting employers that offer meaningful support and development opportunities for employees at the start of their careers. The Greatest Workplaces for Mental Well-Being recognition honors organizations that prioritize employee mental health as an essential pillar of both individual wellness and overall organizational performance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/recognized-two-newsweek-greatest-workplace-honors-2026_SUBARU_050126B.jpg&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;6a83c95e-3c5d-43a8-ab99-7f28548dfa87&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;file&quot; alt=&quot;Subaru of America, Inc. has been named as one of Newsweek’s Greatest Workplaces for Entry Level 2026. The award evaluates organizations across key areas, including belonging, sustainability, and awareness, highlighting employers that offer meaningful support and development opportunities for employees at the start of their careers.&quot; width=&quot;930&quot; height=&quot;670&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;sup&gt;Subaru of America, Inc. has been named as one of Newsweek’s Greatest Workplaces for Entry Level 2026. The award evaluates organizations across key areas, including belonging, sustainability, and awareness, highlighting employers that offer meaningful support and development opportunities for employees at the start of their careers.&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/recognized-two-newsweek-greatest-workplace-honors-2026_SUBARU_050126C.jpg&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;8ef909fe-ed03-4f58-9d0f-6476f7786b26&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;file&quot; alt=&quot;Subaru of America, Inc. has been named as one of Newsweek’s Greatest Workplaces for Mental Well-Being 2026. The recognition honors organizations that prioritize employee mental health as an essential pillar of both individual wellness and overall organizational performance.&quot; width=&quot;930&quot; height=&quot;830&quot;&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;text-align-center&quot;&gt;&lt;sup&gt;Subaru of America, Inc. has been named as one of Newsweek’s Greatest Workplaces for Mental Well-Being 2026. The recognition honors organizations that prioritize employee mental health as an essential pillar of both individual wellness and overall organizational performance.&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America, Inc.:&lt;/strong&gt; “We’re honored that Subaru has been recognized by Newsweek for the second year in a row, and believe in supporting our employees, from those at the beginning of their careers to our most experienced colleagues. Through our strong culture, rooted in the Subaru Love Promise®, we empower our workforce to grow, contribute, and help shape the future of our organization while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group developed these rankings using a combination of methods, including an analysis of publicly available data, large-scale confidential employee surveys, independent research, and third-party data. Plant-A also partnered with Aniline.ai, a leading Human Resources analytics firm, to analyze more than 37 million data points across more than 120 key performance indicators (KPIs).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;More information about the rankings and their methodologies can be found at the following links:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://rankings.newsweek.com/americas-greatest-workplaces-for-entry-level-2026&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;https://rankings.newsweek.com/americas-greatest-workplaces-for-entry-level-2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://rankings.newsweek.com/americas-greatest-workplaces-for-mental-well-being-2026&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;https://rankings.newsweek.com/americas-greatest-workplaces-for-mental-well-being-2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;*Categorized as Greatest Workplaces for Gen Z in 2025.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Subaru of America, Inc.&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.subaru.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Subaru of America, Inc.&lt;/a&gt; (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.subaru.co.jp/en/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Subaru Corporation&lt;/a&gt; of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including &lt;a href=&quot;http://subaru-sia.wixsite.com/indiana&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.&lt;/a&gt;, the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.subaru.com/love-promise.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Subaru Love Promise®&lt;/a&gt;, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://media.subaru.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;media.subaru.com&lt;/a&gt;. Follow us on &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/subaruofamerica&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/subaru_usa/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.linkedin.com/company/subaru-of-america/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@subaruofamerica?lang=en&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;TikTok&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/Subaru&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;text-align-center&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Diane Anton&lt;br&gt;Corporate Communications Manager&lt;br&gt;(856) 488-5093&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:danton@subaru.com&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;danton@subaru.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Adam Leiter&lt;br&gt;Corporate Communications Specialist&lt;br&gt;(856) 488-8668&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:aleiter@subaru.com&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;aleiter@subaru.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>Subaru of America, Inc. today announced it has been named to two of Newsweek’s lists of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2026, Greatest Workplaces for Entry Level* and Greatest Workplaces for Mental Well-Being, for the second year in a row.</shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 09:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Subaru of America</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1312981 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/awards-rankings">Awards &amp; Rankings</category>
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        <title>By Degrees Foundation and Wells Fargo Celebrate Expansion of 529 College Savings Accounts to All Students at North High School</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/degrees-foundation-and-wells-fargo-celebrate-expansion-529-college-savings-accounts-all</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;DES MOINES, Iowa, May 4, 2026 /3BL/ - Hundreds of students, educators, and community leaders gathered Friday at North High School for a future-focused 529 Celebration, a pep-assembly event recognizing the growing investment in students’ futures through 529 college savings accounts and a $750,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to help get those accounts started.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Degrees Foundation, a Des Moines-based nonprofit, operates one of the only programs in the nation that pairs early and ongoing postsecondary and career exploration with real-dollar investments into student 529 savings accounts. In November 2025, the organization announced the expansion of its 529 savings program to all students at North High School. In the first six months of the initiative, By Degrees opened 193 student 529 savings accounts at North High and invested more than $38,000 in seed funding.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Our work is about expanding opportunity and economic mobility for more families in central Iowa,” said Emily Westergaard, CEO of By Degrees Foundation. “By Degrees helps students explore college and career pathways while building real savings for their future. Together, those strategies help students graduate from high school ready for what comes next.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Wells Fargo grant investment is supporting milestone deposits for the ninth-grade classes of 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028, and will continue supporting those same classes as they progress through high school.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Wells Fargo is proud to support By Degrees Foundation and help invest in students at North High School through the expansion of 529 savings accounts,” said Laura Howe, Regional Branch Network Executive of Wells Fargo. “When students and families have the opportunity to build financial savings early, it can be a game-changer that opens up possibilities for the future and nurture a mindset of saving for their future.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Degrees partners with Des Moines Public Schools to support students and families in north Des Moines through long-term school partnerships. The organization embeds staff directly inside schools and delivers coordinated K-12 programming that helps students tour colleges, explore career opportunities, and build financial assets for the future. After seeing strong outcomes at Findley Elementary, By Degrees expanded its 529 savings program to all Harding Middle students in 2024-25 with support from Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, and then to all North High students—offering the full program to every student at its partner schools. By combining education and asset-building in a single, coordinated approach, By Degrees aims to strengthen economic mobility and expand opportunity for students and families across central Iowa.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“At Des Moines Public Schools, we are committed to helping every student graduate ready for the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Matt Smith, interim superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. &quot;Our partnership with By Degrees helps make that possible, giving students the chance to explore options for postsecondary education while making a real financial investment in their future. Expanding 529 savings accounts to all North High students sends a powerful message that our community believes in their potential.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About By Degrees Foundation&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Degrees Foundation partners with Des Moines Public Schools to help students in north Des Moines graduate from high school with a clear plan for postsecondary education and career success. Through long-term school partnerships, By Degrees connects students and families to academic support, postsecondary exploration, career exposure, and postsecondary savings opportunities designed to expand economic mobility.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Laila Williams, By Degrees Foundation Growth &amp;amp; Development Coordinator&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(515) 528-5796 (cell)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;laila@bydegreesfoundation.org&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>Hundreds attended North High School in Des Moines to mark the launch of 529 college savings accounts, funded by a $750,000 Wells Fargo Foundation grant. The By Degrees Foundation and Des Moines Public Schools are opening 529 accounts with seed money for all North High students</shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Wells Fargo &amp; Company</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1312891 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/philanthropy">Philanthropy</category>
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        <title>University of North Texas Hospitality Students Reflect on Their Las Vegas Study Tour Underwritten by Sands Cares</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/university-north-texas-hospitality-students-reflect-their-las-vegas-study-tour-underwritten</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.sands.com/news/sands-cares-underwrites-unt-hospitality-students-las-vegas-study-tour/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Las Vegas Sands&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In March, 13 students from the College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism at the University of North Texas visited Las Vegas for week-long study tour to learn about the hospitality industry. As with UNT’s previous trip in 2024, the visit was underwritten by Sands Cares as part of Sands’ focus on workforce development in the hospitality industry and cultivating its future leaders.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/unt-hospitality-students_Las-Vegas-Sands_042926.jpg&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;83331fd4-2e81-450f-bd28-afc4d35dd8cf&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;file&quot; alt=&quot;group image&quot; width=&quot;2560&quot; height=&quot;1920&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;sup&gt;UNT hospitality students arrived in Las Vegas on Mar. 7 to embark on the week-long study tour.&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;br&gt;“Once again, Sands made possible a learning experience for our students in one of the world’s top hospitality centers,” Harold Lee, Ph.D., clinical associate professor at UNT’s College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism and vice president, West Federation Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education, said. “The in-depth look they received from this trip, coupled with the interactions with leaders who generously gave their time, expertise and advice, made for incredible learning to help them plan their careers.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/unt-hospitality-students-2_Las-Vegas-Sands_042926.jpg&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;29d38725-e603-4e15-98ac-9047bc5c8e5f&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;file&quot; alt=&quot;group photo&quot; width=&quot;2560&quot; height=&quot;1920&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;sup&gt;Students visited Sands’ corporate offices to learn about professional service career tracks in the hospitality industry.&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;br&gt;In addition to underwriting the week, Sands hosted students at its headquarters on Mar. 10 for a career roundtable with company leaders, who shared insights about their responsibilities and experience to showcase the variety of non-operational career tracks in the industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Speakers included Ron Reese, senior vice president of corporate communications and global affairs; Ray Neal, executive director of corporate development, architecture and planning; Georgina Moreno, executive director of procurement; Melissa Grande, director of corporate sustainability; Mike Echols, vice president of global cyber security; Lauralee Antiporta, human resources specialist, and Danielle Buckner, human resources manager.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“My biggest takeaway from hearing from the Sands leaders was just how involved everything is,” Matthew Watry, a UNT senior, said. “We started off with the corporate development team and heard about how some of the projects start getting planned 10 years out and how much goes into that planning and development process, which was really interesting. We also learned how involved operations can be, such as with procurement and having to solve problems on the spot. I heard about creative solutions.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/unt-hospitality-students-3_Las-Vegas-Sands_042926.jpg&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;890df504-b79e-4e1f-9597-23a425ca7f87&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;file&quot; alt=&quot;students in a classroom&quot; width=&quot;2560&quot; height=&quot;1920&quot;&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;sup&gt;Reese spoke to students about facets of communications, reputation and corporate giving.&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;br&gt;Kara Williams, a UNT senior, also appreciated the wide variety of areas that were discussed during the Sands visit. “Seeing so many sides of what hospitality could be was really cool. What stuck out to me the most was the discussion about cybersecurity because it was never something I had considered being a part of hospitality, especially as the company is headquartered in Las Vegas and working for properties in Macao and Singapore. It really showed me how broad hospitality can be.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The study tour also included visits to and tours of integrated resorts and hospitality venues, such as The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, Bellagio, Park MGM and The Wynn Las Vegas, where students received additional on-site learning opportunities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“This week definitely changed my perspective of hospitality,” Williams said. “There are just so many avenues and aspects that you can go into it. It’s about putting yourself out there and getting to know as many people as you can. Be a sponge, there’s so much you can learn from someone else. It opened a lot of opportunities with connections, including getting practice with networking. At school, you get practice with your professors or at career fairs, but this gave us an opportunity to talk to people who knew we were just starting out.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/unt-hospitality-students-4_Las-Vegas-Sands_042926.jpg&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;6b1b2ddf-e8e2-43b7-a0f5-d25794dfc7a9&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;file&quot; alt=&quot;students at a resort&quot; width=&quot;2560&quot; height=&quot;1920&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;sup&gt;Students got a behind-the-scenes look at integrated resort operations.&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;br&gt;The UNT group also visited the University of Nevada, Las Vegas William F. Harrah College of Hospitality as well as its Konami Gaming Lab to experience its state-of-the-art casino simulation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I was eager to take this trip because I wanted to open up my perspective about what I want to do in my career,” Emily Gonzalez, a UNT junior, said. “After this experience, I realized there’s so much more than managing hotels.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/unt-hospitality-students-5_Las-Vegas-Sands_042926.jpg&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;5a71d47d-1a0a-489d-94b1-07f80be9c0d9&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;file&quot; alt=&quot;students at a resort&quot; width=&quot;2560&quot; height=&quot;1920&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;sup&gt;A highlight of the UNLV visit was delving into casino operations at the Konami Gaming Lab.&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;br&gt;“The study tour gave us connections and opportunities for networking,” Chinelo Ileje, a UNT junior, said. “It showed us many job opportunities in the hospitality field. There are so many stepping stones.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Supporting the UNT Las Vegas Study Tour is one of Sands’ many workforce development initiatives to advance hospitality education and build a strong talent pool for the industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To learn more about Sands’ workforce development efforts in the hospitality industry, read the company’s latest ESG report: &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>In March, 13 students from the College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism at the University of North Texas visited Las Vegas for week-long study tour to learn about the hospitality industry. </shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 08:05:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Las Vegas Sands</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1312866 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/education-workforce-development">Education &amp; Workforce Development</category>
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        <title>AI-Powered Energy Savings: How Globe Is Pioneering Energy-Efficient Networks With Qualcomm Dragonwing Ran Automation</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/ai-powered-energy-savings-how-globe-pioneering-energy-efficient-networks-qualcomm-dragonwing</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;By Alex Teper&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Globe&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;em&gt;Globe Telecom is a Fortune Southeast Asia 500 company and the leading digital platform in the Philippines, serving over 62 million mobile customers and driving AI-powered innovation and sustainability. Globe manages an increasingly complex network due to the introduction of new technologies, new spectrum and multiple vendors, and centralized nationwide initiatives, such as coverage of its radio access network (RAN).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Use Case Spotlight&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;em&gt;By deploying Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite, Globe reduced nationwide RAN energy consumption by up to 5.5% in seven months, accelerating multi-vendor network modernization, delivering advanced, efficient connectivity for the Philippine market.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Qualcomm Innovation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;em&gt;Globe leverages the &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.qualcomm.com/products/cellular-infrastructures/qualcomm-edgewise-suite&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Qualcomm Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;, an AI-driven solution that optimizes multi-vendor, multi-generation cellular networks, enabling rapid, near real-time network audits and seamless modernization.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A leading digital platform in the Philippines and a pioneering force in the telecommunications industry, Globe Telecom boasts more than 62 million mobile customers. Beyond being a major player in the country’s telecom sector, they are also a frontrunner in embracing AI-driven digital innovation and sustainability. For example, they have set an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, demonstrating their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint, while continuing to drive technological advancements in the industry and better serving the growing Philippine economy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Of course, serving more than 62 million mobile customers is not without challenges. With a network comprising multiple generations of cellular network technology (e.g., 4G and 5G) and multiple network equipment vendors, Globe faced an exponential rise in network configurations needed across their thousands of cell sites. To address this challenge and harness AI’s enormous potential to enhance RAN operations, Globe turned to Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. deepening a valuable collaboration that began in 2020.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/AI-driven-sustainability_Qualcomm_040826_2.png&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;7fd58fdb-c0dd-492e-91a6-f18797e4484f&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;file&quot; alt=&quot;Qualcomm Dragonwing&amp;quot; RAN Automation Suite: Al tools applied across a heterogeneous network via a single system&quot; width=&quot;814&quot; height=&quot;458&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;Working together with Qualcomm Technologies, Globe deployed the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.qualcomm.com/products/cellular-infrastructures/qualcomm-edgewise-suite&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite&lt;/a&gt;, an AI-driven solution that stands out for its ability to seamlessly synthesize and optimize cell sites spanning multiple vendors and technology generations. Leveraging the Suite’s AI-powered Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) platform, tasks that once took months now run in days and near real-time, driving a new standard of efficiency and interoperability across Globe’s complex network landscape.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Further, Globe informed us that they have reduced their nationwide RAN energy consumption by up to 5.5% in just seven months of implementation of this AI-driven optimization program. This is a significant milestone which accelerates Globe’s journey toward net-zero emissions, while continuing to deliver advanced experiences for their customers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In speaking about these results, Joel Agustin, SVP and Head of Service Planning and Engineering at Globe said, “AI is now embedded in every layer of our network — from intelligent power management to predictive network analytics. Our collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies lets us operate an intelligent and self-managing RAN that delights customers, while contributing toward our goal of creating a more energy-efficient network.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe added, “This collaboration reaffirms our resolve to further improve our network and facilities by lessening our carbon footprint, reducing operational expenditure (OPEX) and collaborating with companies able to support our energy efficiency goals.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To achieve these results, the Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite’s SMO utilizes real time KPIs and configuration data from multi-vendor equipment, applies AI and machine learning models to optimize parameters, and then executes changes via open OSS connectors — all on a flexible cloud architecture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Globe’s bold adoption of AI demonstrates the opportunity for telcos to improve operational efficiency and energy consumption, while reducing OPEX. We are very honored to be the intelligence engine behind this transformative, AI-driven deployment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And this is just the beginning of our AI-focused collaboration with Globe. We are working together to harness agentic AI capabilities for further enhancements, including forecasting traffic surges, self-healing network anomalies and enabling new enterprise services, such as carbon-aware connectivity tiers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;Learn more about Globe&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.qualcomm.com/products/cellular-infrastructures/qualcomm-edgewise-suite&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;Explore the Qualcomm Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://assets.qualcomm.com/wi-fi-and-networking-signup.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;Sunscribe to our newsletter for the latest networking insights&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>A leading digital platform in the Philippines and a pioneering force in the telecommunications industry, Globe Telecom boasts more than 62 million mobile customers. </shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 08:05:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Qualcomm</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1311706 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/ai-technology">AI &amp; Technology</category>
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        <title>Discovery Education Honors Educators Turning Potential Into Progress With 2026 Discovery Education Awards Winners</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/discovery-education-honors-educators-turning-potential-progress-2026-discovery-education</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 4, 2026 /3BL/ - Discovery Education today announced the recipients of its third annual &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.discoveryeducation.com/de-awards/?utm_source=de_marketing&amp;amp;utm_medium=press_release&amp;amp;utm_campaign=2026_q2_de_awards&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Discovery Education Awards&lt;/a&gt;, recognizing districts, schools, and educators who are redefining what impactful teaching and learning look like in today’s classrooms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As a trusted partner supporting teaching and learning in nearly half of U.S. K-12 schools, Discovery Education established these awards to elevate education leaders addressing education challenges through innovative, student-centered instruction. Award recipients were selected through a competitive national nomination and application process that evaluates evidence of academic growth and the effective use of instructional solutions to meet the evolving needs of students.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At a time when educators are being asked to improve outcomes while engaging learners despite resource constraints and student attention gaps, the 2026 honorees demonstrate how thoughtful design and real-world relevance translate into measurable impact. Together, this year’s winners span eight states and share a commitment to creating learning experiences that are results-focused and relevant. The 2026 Discovery Education Awards recipients are:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Districts of the Year&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Barbers Hill Independent School District – Texas&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Waterford School District – Michigan&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Westinghouse Arts Academy Charter School – Pennsylvania&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Schools of the Year&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Alexander D. Henderson University School, FAU Lab Schools – Florida&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Alternative Paths Training School – Virginia&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Armwood High School, Hillsborough County Public Schools – Florida&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Checotah Intermediate School, Checotah School District – Oklahoma&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Florida Atlantic University High School, FAU Lab Schools – Florida&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Phillis Wheatley Elementary School, Woodbridge School District – Delaware&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Educators of the Year&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Dr. Amber Dumbuya, School for Arts Infused Learning – Georgia&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Milton Fernandez, Miami-Dade County Public Schools – Florida&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Mayank Handa, Arizona Autism Charter Schools – Arizona&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Melissa Myer, Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 – Pennsylvania&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Holly Thomas, Burke County Public Schools – North Carolina&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Samantha Westerlind, Cherokee County School District – Georgia&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;“The recipients of the 2026 Discovery Education Awards represent what’s possible when K-12 learning is grounded in intention and impact,” said Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education. “Across districts and classrooms nationwide, this year’s honorees demonstrate that when instruction is relevant, rigorous, and connected to the real world, engagement deepens and academic growth follows. We established these awards to recognize that commitment, and we applaud how this cohort of leaders and educators turns student potential into progress every day.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn more about the 2026 Discovery Education Awards recipients at &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.discoveryeducation.com/de-awards/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.discoveryeducation.com/de-awards&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;text-align-center&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Discovery Education&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;Discovery Education is a global education technology leader whose innovative solutions empower educators and advance student learning. Discovery Education’s solutions have served more than 100 million students globally, supporting effective teaching and learning in 45% of U.S. K-12 schools and in 100+ countries and territories. The company’s portfolio includes award-winning core and supplemental curriculum, high-quality standards-aligned content, and AI-enabled teaching and learning tools. Solutions span math, science, literacy, social studies, and career-connected learning, including instructionally-aligned content developed through one-of-a-kind partnerships with industry leaders to bring real-world relevance into every lesson. Learn more at &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.discoveryeducation.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.DiscoveryEducation.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Contacts&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;Ali Koper&lt;br&gt;Discovery Education&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Akoper@discoveryed.com&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Akoper@discoveryed.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>Discovery Education today announced the recipients of its third annual Discovery Education Awards, recognizing districts, schools, and educators who are redefining what impactful teaching and learning look like in today’s classrooms.</shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Discovery Education</dc:creator>
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        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/awards-rankings">Awards &amp; Rankings</category>
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        <title>Arbor Day Foundation and Funga Deepen Partnership To Scale High-Integrity Carbon Removals</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/arbor-day-foundation-and-funga-deepen-partnership-scale-high-integrity-carbon-removals</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;LINCOLN, Neb., May 4, 2026 /3BL/ - &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.arborday.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;The Arbor Day Foundation&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.funga.earth/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;Funga&lt;/a&gt; are expanding their strategic collaboration to broaden market access for Funga’s biodiversity-powered forest carbon project. This go-to-market partnership builds on the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.arborday.org/news/arbor-day-foundation-invests-new-technology-make-trees-grow-faster&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;catalytic capital investment&lt;/a&gt; made by the Arbor Day Impact Fund in 2025, now evolving into a joint effort with the Foundation, with a shared goal of expanding market access for Funga’s soil restoration work across U.S. forests.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The partnership brings together Funga&#039;s science-driven carbon removals and the Foundation’s corporate partner and buyer network to solve a persistent challenge in the voluntary carbon market: connecting high-integrity carbon removals with companies building credible climate strategies at scale.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“This partnership with Funga aims to demonstrate how reforestation projects can function as durable climate infrastructure—delivering trees planted, land restored, and economic benefits today, while building the financial foundations needed to sustain impact for decades to come,” said Pete Davis, Managing Director of the Arbor Day Impact Fund.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This partnership expands the Foundation&#039;s portfolio with a scientifically rigorous, nature-based removal that meets what their partners are increasingly looking for. For Funga, it creates a meaningful path to scale, expanding native soil restoration across more forests, alongside partners who share that ambition.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We are proud to expand our collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation. Their endorsement of Funga’s innovative tech and carbon program traction is a powerful signal to the market, helping us leverage the Foundation’s longstanding relationships to connect our projects with buyers looking to lead on climate and biodiversity,” Colin Averill, Founder and CEO of Funga.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Together, the Arbor Day Foundation and Funga are demonstrating how technical innovation and established market credibility can work in tandem to drive ecosystem restoration and climate impact at scale.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Arbor Day Foundation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;a href=&quot;http://arborday.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;arborday.org&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Funga&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Funga is restoring soil biodiversity to address the climate crisis. By reintroducing native, growth-promoting fungal communities to soils, they are working to accelerate one of the biggest carbon-storing mechanisms on the planet: forests. Trees inoculated with a healthy soil microbiome are reunited with critical symbiotic partners, allowing them to grow faster and stronger — sequestering significantly more carbon in the process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Funga is a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) that is dedicated to delivering measurable environmental outcomes and durable economic value through the power of the microbiome. To learn more, go to &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.funga.earth/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noreferrer noopener&quot;&gt;funga.earth&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;text-align-center&quot; lang=&quot;EN-US&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>This go-to-market partnership builds on the catalytic capital investment made by the Arbor Day Impact Fund in 2025, now evolving into a joint effort with  the Foundation, with a shared goal of expanding market access for Funga’s soil restoration work across U.S. forests.</shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Arbor Day Foundation</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">1312946 at https://www.3blmedia.com</guid>

        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/environment">Environment</category>
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        <title>Mastercard: 6 New Ways To Think About Inclusive Growth</title>
        <link>https://www.3blmedia.com/news/mastercard-6-new-ways-think-about-inclusive-growth</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;By: Vicki Hyman&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;Director, Global Communications, Mastercard&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Global development priorities, fast-advancing technologies and shifting consumer behavior are reshaping what financial health looks like and how digital innovations can reach small businesses and those traditionally left behind. At the 2026 &lt;a href=&quot;https://globalinclusivegrowthsummit.com/summit/forum-2026/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;u&gt;Global Inclusive Growth Forum&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, hosted by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, leaders from across the public, private and social sectors dug into how digital economies can expand opportunity and deepen resilience. Here are six takeaways from the day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“If AI is allowing us to rethink how everything works, that actually means there are no legacy limitations for us. We can design new systems that work for the future, that work for today, using 2026 tools. We do not have to use yesterday’s programs and tools and try to retrofit them into today’s system.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Shamina Singh, the founder and president of the Center for Inclusive Growth, on AI as an opportunity to redesign how markets and institutions work, particularly for those left behind.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“At these events, we all talk about really big figures, but behind every figure is a life, and how they feel about their future. While we know a job on its own is not a guarantee for everything else we want to achieve, we do know that with the absence of that job we can’t make the progress we want to achieve.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Paschal Donohoe, managing director and chief knowledge officer, &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/home&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;u&gt;World Bank Group&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;, on how understanding personal experiences behind macroeconomic data helps achieve inclusive growth.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Global development priorities, fast-advancing technologies and shifting consumer behavior are reshaping what financial health looks like and how digital innovations can reach small businesses and those traditionally left behind. At the 2026 &lt;a href=&quot;https://globalinclusivegrowthsummit.com/summit/forum-2026/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;u&gt;Global Inclusive Growth Forum&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, hosted by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, leaders from across the public, private and social sectors dug into how digital economies can expand opportunity and deepen resilience. Here are six takeaways from the day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“If AI is allowing us to rethink how everything works, that actually means there are no legacy limitations for us. We can design new systems that work for the future, that work for today, using 2026 tools. We do not have to use yesterday’s programs and tools and try to retrofit them into today’s system.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Shamina Singh, the founder and president of the Center for Inclusive Growth, on AI as an opportunity to redesign how markets and institutions work, particularly for those left behind.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“At these events, we all talk about really big figures, but behind every figure is a life, and how they feel about their future. While we know a job on its own is not a guarantee for everything else we want to achieve, we do know that with the absence of that job we can’t make the progress we want to achieve.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Paschal Donohoe, managing director and chief knowledge officer, &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/home&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;u&gt;World Bank Group&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;, on how understanding personal experiences behind macroeconomic data helps achieve inclusive growth.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://www.mastercard.com/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--be3370a5-21a7-4c7a-8297-85fe6d88fb37/gigf-digital-assets-horizontal-pill.jpg?preferwebp=true&amp;amp;quality=82&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; width=&quot;1280&quot; height=&quot;720&quot; data-caption=&quot;&amp;lt;em&amp;gt;From left, Mastercard&amp;apos;s Jesse McWaters, Sabine Mensah of AfricaNenda Foundation, and Circle&amp;apos;s Dante Disparte discuss how to ensure the technological promise of innovation like digital assets can reach those who need it the most. (Photo credit: Kevin Allen)&amp;lt;/em&amp;gt;&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“All too often, the rise of digital currencies and stablecoins and blockchains and alternative payment systems are treated as a substitute for cash. But if you want a fast, secure, resilient, 21st-century-ready payment system, you have to also include the preservation of cash and then support widespread payment systems optionality.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Dante Disparte, chief strategy officer and head of Global Policy and Operations at the stablecoin giant &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.circle.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;u&gt;Circle&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;, on building better payment systems.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“We want to support those people who are out there who are going to say, ‘I’m going to take the hit first. My personal financial stability is not as important as my business becoming more stable.’”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Tim Ogden, managing director of the &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.financialaccess.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;u&gt;Financial Access Initiative at NYU Wagner&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;, on the findings of his Small Firm Diaries research, which shows most entrepreneurs aren’t chasing hypergrowth but are seeking resiliency.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://www.mastercard.com/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--913e58d6-d6e8-4910-8ac4-3606fe5239c3/gigf-small-business-horizontal-pill.jpg?preferwebp=true&amp;amp;quality=82&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; width=&quot;1280&quot; height=&quot;720&quot; data-caption=&quot;&amp;lt;em&amp;gt;Small business owners like artisan Morgan Buckert said that growth for the sake of growth is not necessarily sustainable or even healthy for their business in the long run. (Photo credit: Kevin Allen)&amp;lt;/em&amp;gt;&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“It’s about sustaining, but not necessarily taking over the world. I want to make sure that my uniquely American craft continues to thrive, and that comes through slow, intentional work.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Morgan Buckert, a &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.morganbuckert.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;u&gt;custom artisan bootmaker&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt; based in Idaho and Texas, about being deliberate about growing her small business.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://www.mastercard.com/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--d68fd1d2-b753-40b7-899f-c9310288089f/gigf-sustainable-horizontal-pill.jpg?preferwebp=true&amp;amp;quality=82&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; width=&quot;1280&quot; height=&quot;720&quot; data-caption=&quot;&amp;lt;em&amp;gt;TerraCycle founder Tom Szaky argued one of the keys to scaling circular systems is making returns and refunds effortless for consumers. (Photo credit: Kevin Allen)&amp;lt;/em&amp;gt;&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“How do you take the friction down of the reuse moment? The reason we love disposability is it’s so easy to throw something away. So if we’re going to ask someone to bring it back and take that extra effort, we’ve got to take all the friction out of it, because that’s what we’re competing against.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.terracycle.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;u&gt;TerraCycle&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;, a global leader in recycling, recycled content, and reuse, on one of the keys to scaling circular systems.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Continue reading &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mastercard.com/us/en/news-and-trends/stories/2026/global-inclusive-growth-forum-2026.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mastercard.com/news/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Follow along Mastercard&#039;s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <shortDescription>Global development priorities, fast-advancing technologies and shifting consumer behavior are reshaping what financial health looks like and how digital innovation.</shortDescription>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Mastercard</dc:creator>
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        <category domain="https://www.3blmedia.com/categories/events">Events</category>
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