sHq_LoGiNz – Page 888

Key Ethylene Oxide Claims in Puerto Rico to Proceed; Milberg, Along with Class Counsel Firms, Calls Ruling a Major Step for Environmental Justice

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — National plaintiffs’ firm Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC, together with its co-counsel firms, announced today that the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico has allowed negligence and nuisance claims to proceed in a landmark environmental class action alleging widespread exposure to the carcinogen ethylene oxide (EtO) from multiple medical-device sterilization plants across the island.

The ruling in Jeanette Pérez-Maceira et al. v. Customed Inc. et al., No. 3:23-cv-01445 (D.P.R.), denies dismissal of key counts and clears the way for discovery on behalf of a putative class of hundreds of thousands of residents, workers, and students within a four-mile radius of sterilizer facilities operated by Steri-Tech Inc. (Salinas), Medtronic P.R. Inc. (Villalba), and Customed Inc. (Fajardo).

National Attention on Puerto Rico’s EtO Burden

Puerto Rico is home to multiple EtO sterilization facilities, and several—Steri-Tech, Customed, Medtronic, and Edwards Lifesciences—have been identified as elevated-risk sites for nearby communities. Independent scientific assessments have further highlighted Puerto Rico as a “sterilizer hotspot,” with overlapping exposure zones and disproportionate burdens in communities with fewer resources.

“Ethylene oxide is an ordinarily undetectable gas that can change lives in silence,” said Marc Grossman, Senior Partner at Milberg. “Today’s decision brings us one step closer to delivering accountability, transparency, and health protection for the people of Puerto Rico.”

Seeking Medical Monitoring and Accountability

Notably, the Court rejected Defendants’ arguments to dismiss Plaintiffs’ requests for a defendant-funded, court-supervised medical monitoring program—a remedy aimed at early detection and preventive care for residents who may face latent risks. In addition to medical monitoring, plaintiffs seek compensatory relief and injunctive measures to reduce ongoing exposures and protect public health.

About Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman

For more than fifty years, Milberg has been a global leader in class-action, mass-tort, and environmental-justice litigation—securing billions in recoveries and driving reforms in corporate accountability and public health. Learn more at milberg.com.

About Napoli Shkolnik

Napoli Shkolnik is a nationally recognized law firm representing plaintiffs in complex environmental and toxic-tort cases, including major water-contamination and community-exposure matters. Learn more at napolilaw.com.

About 1-800-LAW-FIRM

Founded by Ari Kresch in 1996, 1-800-LAW-FIRM consists of a team of seasoned lawyers who strongly believe in holding companies that put profits over people accountable for their actions. By joining forces with the nation’s best law firms to litigate claims against companies, 1-800-LAW-FIRM is built on the core values of integrity, honesty, and transparency. Learn more at 1800lawfirm.com.

Media Contact

Karine Lim

klim@milberg.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/key-ethylene-oxide-claims-in-puerto-rico-to-proceed-milberg-along-with-class-counsel-firms-calls-ruling-a-major-step-for-environmental-justice-302598936.html

SOURCE Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

The $449 Question That’s Challenging Luxury Fashion’s Oldest Rule

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

After 42 years dressing Hollywood, Jovani’s design team asked: What if red carpet quality didn’t require a red-carpet budget?

NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/jovani/9362751-en-jovani-dresses

Julie Durocher was at a trunk show in Miami when she overheard the conversation. Two girls, maybe 16, stood in front of a champagne-colored ball gown covered in hand-sewn crystals. One reached for it, then pulled back.

“It’s gorgeous, but…” The sentence trailed off. They both knew what came next.

Durocher, Jovani’s lead designer for the past 18 years, has dressed celebrities for award shows. She’s created gowns that cost $3,000, that take weeks to bead by hand, that get photographed on red carpets. But standing there, watching those two girls walk away from something they loved because of a price tag, something shifted.

“I went back to New York and told the team we needed to have a very honest conversation,” she says.

That conversation led to Jovani’s 2026 prom collection, which launches with something the luxury fashion world rarely attempts: three distinct experiences at three very different price points, all with the same uncompromising quality standards.

The collection includes over 1,000 designs. At the top, couture pieces push creative boundaries with techniques usually reserved for runway shows —3D ﬂoral appliqués sculpted by hand, vintage European laces, hours of detailed beadwork. These are statement gowns that rival anything at Paris Fashion Week.

In the middle, the core 2026 collection offers Jovani’s signature aesthetic: bold silhouettes, trend-forward colors, the kind of dress that photographs beautifully and feels even better.

And then there’s the new tier: gowns under $500 that refuse to compromise.

“Everyone told us it was impossible,” Durocher admits. “You can’t do hand-sewn details at that price. You can’t use quality fabrics. You have to cut corners somewhere.” She pauses. “We just decided we wouldn’t.”

It’s a philosophy Jacob Maslavi established when he founded Jovani in 1983 in New York’s fashion district. His dream was simple: make every woman look gorgeous. His sons, who now run the company, haven’t for gotten that. But they’ve also recognized something their father couldn’t have predicted: today’s generation doesn’t accept the old rules about who gets access to quality.

“My dad started this believing beauty shouldn’t be exclusive,” says one of the Maslavis. “We’re just ﬁnishing what he started.”

The under -$500 collection uses the same design team, the same attention to construction, the same New York creative direction as everything else that leaves their atelier. The difference? Smarter fabric sourcing. More efﬁcient production. Accepting smaller margins.

It’s not charity. It’s philosophy.

And it’s arriving at exactly the right moment. Gen Z has made it clear: they want quality, but they also want fairness. They’ll support brands that ﬁgure out how to deliver both. Jovani, after 42 years of quietly perfecting their craft, might have ﬁnally cracked the code.

Three price points. One standard. Zero compromise.

That girl in Miami? She deserves the same dress as the girl whose family can afford couture.

Jovani just decided to make that possible.

For more information, visit www.jovani.com.

About Jovani

Founded in 1983 in New York’s fashion district, Jovani designs prom, evening, and special occasion dresses distributed through authorized retailers worldwide. Now led by the aslavi family’s second generation, the brand maintains its founding commitment to quality and accessibility.

The Miracle Of Jovani. The Home of Fashion.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-449-question-thats-challenging-luxury-fashions-oldest-rule-302598973.html

SOURCE Jovani Fashions

https://www.youtube.com/embed/bpTGs69zCMA?autoplay=0

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Board Declares Quarterly Dividend

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

WESTMINSTER, Colo., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ball Corporation‘s (NYSE: BALL) board of directors (the “Board”) today declared a cash dividend of 20 cents per share, payable December 15, 2025, to shareholders of record as of December 1, 2025.

Conference Call Details
Ball will announce its third quarter 2025 earnings on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 before trading begins on the New York Stock Exchange. At 9 a.m. Mountain Time on that day (11 a.m. Eastern Time), Ball will hold its regular quarterly conference call on the company’s results and performance.

Please use the following URL to join via webcast:
Ball Corporation Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Call

To participate in the live call Q&A session, North American callers should use the following number, 877-497-9071. International callers should use the following number, +1 201-689-8727.

For those unable to listen to the live call, a taped replay and transcript of the event will be available within 48 hours on Ball’s website at www.ball.com/investors under “Financial Results.”

About Ball Corporation

Ball Corporation supplies innovative, sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for beverage, personal care and household products customers. Ball Corporation employs 16,000 people worldwide and reported 2024 net sales of $11.80 billion, which excludes the divested aerospace business. For more information, visit www.ball.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/board-declares-quarterly-dividend-302598728.html

SOURCE Ball Corporation

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Why Making a Regular Appointment With Your Doctor Makes a Difference

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

When it comes to your health, preventive care is a great way to take control of your journey and stay on track. Taking the time to visit the doctor — and reminding loved ones to do the same — might mean a little extra effort, but it also means reassurance. And, it could mean saving a life.

To help you remember to schedule preventive care appointments, think about doing it on the same memorable day every year — a birthday, an anniversary, Groundhog Day. Tying these appointments to a special day will serve as an extra reminder. Here are a few important appointments to make every year and recommended ages to start visiting the doctor.

Wellness exams — Yearly wellness exams play an important part in staying healthy. While an individual’s health should provide a guidepost for annual checkups, it’s recommended to start scheduling these around age 30 — no later than early 40s.¹

Colonoscopies — People with low risk for colon cancer should start scheduling annual colonoscopies after blowing out the candles on their 45^thbirthday cake.² For anyone with a family history of colorectal cancer, it’s advisable to start earlier. Talk to a doctor to decide when to start getting these exams.

Skin cancer checks — Think about planning annual trips to the dermatologist starting around age 18.³ Keep risk factors in mind when deciding what age to start annual skin cancer screenings. Medical history, on a personal level and among family members, is important to consider, along with the consequences of frequent sun exposure.

Gynecological exams — While it’s recommended to visit the gynecologist for the first time between 13 and 15 years old,⁴ these appointments don’t need to be annual until later. By age 21,⁵ begin scheduling yearly gynecological exams for pap smears, pelvic exams and other important tests.

Breast exams — People at average risk for breast cancer should start adding breast exams to their gynecological checkups at age 40.⁶Don’t forget to perform self-exams once a month,⁷ which can detect any changes before visiting a doctor — but don’t think of a self-exam as a substitute for your annual exams. Other important tests include mammograms, which are a crucial tool in early detection of changes in the breast tissue, including cancer.

Prostate exams — Men should typically start getting annual prostate exams around age 50⁸ and no later than 55.⁹ Those at high risk, including African Americans and men with a family history of prostate cancer, should consider making these appointments at an earlier age, starting in their 40s.

Testicular cancer checks — It’s recommended to start self-exams at age 15,¹⁰ and no later than early 20s.¹¹ After beginning to perform self-exams once a month, ask a doctor for a medical exam once a year.

Feeling good is great, but don’t forget to keep up these regular appointments even if everything seems just fine. Visit Aflac.com/WellnessBenefits to learn how Aflac offers encouragement to visit the doctor’s office.

¹“What to Expect at Your Annual Wellness Exam” (2023) Accessed on Sept. 26, 2025 www.health.cleveland.org

²“Screening for Colorectal Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | CDC” (2025) Accessed on June 2, 2025 www.cdc.gov

³“Skin Cancer Screening: Medline Plus Medical Test” (2022) Accessed on Sept. 26, 2025 www.medlineplus.gov

⁴“What Is a Gynecologist? What They Do and When To See One” (2025) Accessed on Sept. 26, 2025 www.my.cleveland.org

⁵“Gyn Care 101: What to know about about seeing a gynecologist – Harvard Health” (2022). Accessed on June 2, 2025 www.health.harvard.edu

⁶“ACS Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines | American Cancer Society” (2023) Accessed on June 2, 2025 www.cancer.org

⁷NCBF team (2025) Breast Self-Exam. Accessed on June 2, 2025 www.nationalbreastcancer.org

⁸“American Cancer Society Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Early Detection” (2023) Accessed June 2, 2025 www.cancer.org

⁹Christian Pavlovich (2025) “Prostate Cancer: Age-Specific Screening Guidelines” Accessed June 2, 2025 www.hopkinsmedicine.org

¹⁰uclahealth (2023) “How (and why) you should perform testicular self-exams” Accessed June 2, 2025 www.uclahealth.org

¹¹“How to Check for Testicular Cancer | St. Vincent’s Medical Center” (2024) Accessed June 2, 2025 www.stvincents.org

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance.

Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2500982

Exp. 10/26

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

“Whatever It Takes”: Action Against Hunger’s 2025 Gala Raises Over $2.1 Million in the Fight To End Hunger

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Published by Action Against Hunger.

Contact media@actionagainsthunger.org for inquiries.

In a year marked by shrinking aid budgets and growing humanitarian fatigue, Action Against Hunger’s 2025 Gala stood out as a beacon of compassion and commitment. Under the theme “Whatever It Takes,” more than 400 philanthropists, business leaders, and humanitarians, united in New York City to reaffirm their shared resolve to end hunger in our lifetime.

The evening—filled with music, storytelling, and solidarity—raised over $2.1 million for the Standing Strong Against Hunger Campaign. These vital funds will support Action Against Hunger’s programs across more than 55 countries, helping us treat and prevent malnutrition through our proven, community-based model that achieves a 90% recovery rate among severely malnourished children.

A Night of Hope

Dr. Charles E. Owubah, CEO of Action Against Hunger, sparked the evening with good news: there are nearly 100 million fewer children living in extreme poverty than there were a decade ago.

“I wish you could feel the joy – and relief! – that parents feel when we tell them their child will be okay,” Owubah said. “So, give yourself permission to feel hopeful.”

He gave an overview of a successful climate adaptation project that is improving the lives of farmers in Zambia, an example of what the evening’s fundraising efforts can accomplish. “We can create a world where every life is well nourished…if we maintain our belief in what is possible,” Owubah concluded.

The night was emceed by Emmy Award-winning journalist Mo Rocca, correspondent of CBS News Sunday Morning. Rocca guided the evening with humor and heart, inspiring guests while highlighting the urgency of Action Against Hunger’s mission.

Honoring Changemakers

Alecia Moore (P!nk) received the Humanitarian Award in recognition of her extensive advocacy for children and families. The Grammy Award-winning artist, activist, producer, author, and philanthropist has consistently used her global platform to fight for the most vulnerable.

“When we lift others, we rise too,” Moore proclaimed.

Moore has long championed disaster relief and the ongoing fight against hunger. As a UNICEF Ambassador and No Kid Hungry National Champion, Moore defines real leadership, reminding us that art and activism can be stronger together. She has helped raise millions of dollars to promote food security and has put a spotlight on the stories of those too often left unheard.

“I’ve had mothers teach me more about courage than any stage I’ve ever stood on. Women who face impossible odds every single day but still find a way to make something from nothing.” Moore argued, “They shouldn’t have to be heroes to feed their kids.”

Moore shared advice given to her by her father: when seeking happiness, help others. “When we feed the hungry, we don’t just fill plates; we fill futures; we fill hearts; and we fill our own,” she explained. In a heartfelt moment, she passed that advice on to her own kids, who were in attendance. “If you every find yourself searching for meaning or the secret to happiness, look for someone to help. Okay, babies?”

Dancliff Mbura, Advocacy, Communication, and Partnership Manager for Action Against Hunger Kenya, was recognized for his leadership in advancing sustainable, community-driven solutions.

Reflecting on his childhood and career in Kenya, Mbura shared a story that brought the room to silence—the story of Josephine, a mother whose twin daughters, Dipsy and Dirsen, overcame severe malnutrition through Action Against Hunger’s programs. With support, Josephine was able to start a business that now supports her family and keeps them healthy long-term.

“This is what your support makes possible,” Mbura said. “It’s about saving lives and restoring hope.”

Navyn Salem, Founder and CEO of Edesia Nutrition, received the Impact Award for producing life-saving therapeutic foods that have reached more than 27 million children around the world.

“There are many problems in this world we cannot solve,” Salem said. “Malnutrition is not one of them.”

She called for renewed urgency to prevent hunger before it begins. “We shouldn’t be saving lives; we should be preventing malnutrition in the first place.”

Standing Strong Against Hunger

“We can’t change the world in one big dramatic act, but we can change someone’s world,” said Moore. “With one meal, one donation, one act of care.”

By the end of the night, attendees had exceeded the $1.5 million target and raised $2.1 million—a powerful testament to collective action on behalf of the 673 million people who go to bed hungry each night.

Funds from the Standing Strong Against Hunger Campaign will help close urgent funding gaps and sustain programs reaching more than 26 million people annually. And as Mbura reminded the audience, “Behind every statistic is a human story.”

At Action Against Hunger, we remain steadfast in our mission to do “Whatever It Takes”—from emergency response on the frontlines to innovative long-term solutions—to end hunger, for everyone, for good.

***

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

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

Medicare Now Covers Breakthrough Technology To Treat Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Edwin Jimenez knows a thing or two about staying physically fit.

“I grew up on a farm-style ranch in California, and I helped the workers in the fields,” he remembered. “After that I spent 22 years in the Marines, where fitness is required. I’ve always been in good shape.”

Even after retiring from the military and moving to a civil service career, you could find him at the gym after work. So it took him by surprise when a routine checkup revealed a problem.

“My high blood pressure came on kind of quickly,” he said. “The doctors put me on medication, and I thought that would take care of it.”

But it didn’t.

Jimenez’s blood pressure remained stubbornly high. Doctors tried combinations and different doses of medication for years, but any improvement in his blood pressure proved temporary.

As time passed, side effects from the drugs and his rising blood pressure took a toll on his health. The muscular ex-Marine who worked the treadmill and lifted weights, even in retirement, now didn’t have the energy to get off the couch.

“Even with medication, my blood pressure at times was as high as 185 over 99. It was out of control. I was regularly lightheaded and had no energy. So they sent me to Dr. Kaynak.”

Medicare now covers renal denervation

Dr. Evren Kaynak is the Cardiovascular Services Medical Director at Onvida Health in Yuma, Arizona. He recommended a minimally invasive medical procedure called renal denervation (RDN) to treat Jimenez’s hypertension, using the Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system from Medtronic.

“For decades, the only ways to treat high blood pressure involved diet and lifestyle changes and medication,” said Dr. Kaynak. “But RDN is giving us another option. It has opened a new door to treat hypertension. The potential to help people is vast.”

With the Symplicity blood pressure procedure, doctors use precisely tuned radiofrequency energy to ablate nerves in the kidneys, which calm the excessive activity of the nerves near the kidney.¹ That in turn helps lower blood pressure for many patients. The Symplicity blood pressure procedure is a one-time event, leaves no permanent implant behind, and studies have found it safe and effective in lowering blood pressure, especially for patients who can’t control it with medication alone.^2,3

Dr. Kanyak performed Arizona’s first Symplicity blood pressure procedure in September, 2024 — Edwin Jimenez was the patient.

“When word got out, people began calling us from all around the western United States,” said Dr. Kaynak. “They wanted to know more about the procedure. And then their second question was often ‘does my insurance cover it?’”

Jimenez’s military benefits covered the cost of his treatment. But since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Medtronic Symplicity Spyral RDN system in late 2023, Medicare and most insurance companies have not established coverage. People with uncontrolled hypertension interested in RDN often had to be approved on a case-by-case basis. That changed on Oct. 28, 2025, when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it would cover Symplicity.

“This decision means millions of people will have access to a breakthrough technology that treats one of the most significant health problems in the world today—uncontrolled high blood pressure,” said Dr. Jason Fontana, Vice President of Global Marketing in the Coronary and Renal Denervation Operating Unit at Medtronic. “The potential to improve many, many more lives is really incredible, and it’s exciting to be moving ahead.”

Under the CMS coverage policy, patients experiencing a blood pressure higher than 140 systolic and 90 diastolic and have been on a drug therapy and lifestyle modification regimen for at least six weeks could qualify for Medicare coverage of RDN.

Wide impact

Medicare is health insurance coverage for Americans 65 and older. It’s the largest public health insurer in the U.S. and covers nearly 70 million Americans (roughly 1 in 5). Dr. Kaynak expects an influx of patients in the wake of the Medicare decision to cover the Symplicity procedure.

“We’re already working on pathways to identify patients as quickly as possible who could benefit,” said Dr. Kaynak. “And we’re reaching out to local providers to make sure they’re aware of the procedure. We expect this decision from Medicare to help a lot more people receive the benefits of RDN. Just like it helped Edwin.”

It’s been a year since Edwin Jimenez underwent RDN. After years of fighting his high blood pressure, it’s now under control.*

“I feel great,” Jimenez added. “I have energy again. I’m more productive. My wife says I’m not as grumpy. I’ve got my life back.”

*Results may vary. Adverse events may include pain and bruising. Talk to your doctor to see if the Symplicity Spyral™ procedure is right for you. Additional safety information can be found at BeyondHBP.com.

¹ Coates P, Tunev S, Trudel J, Hettrick DA. Time, temperature, power, and impedance considerations for radiofrequency catheter renal denervation. Cardiovasc Revasc Med. September 2022;42:171–177.

² Kandzari DE, Townsend RR, Kario K, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Renal Denervation in Patients Taking Antihypertensive Medications. J Am Coll Cardiol. November 7, 2023;82(19):1809–1823.

³ Böhm M, Kario K, Kandzari DE, et al. Efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation in the absence of antihypertensive medications (SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED Pivotal): a multicentre, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Lancet. May 2, 2020;395(10234):1444-1451.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

Comcast Grants $30,000 to Support Youth Digital Skills Training at the YMCA of Whitehaven

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Comcast announced a $30,000 grant to support the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South’s Future Ready: Digital Skills for Tomorrow’s Workforce program at the Georgette & Cato Johnson YMCA in Whitehaven. The initiative is part of Comcast’s ongoing commitment to advance digital access and prepare youth for success in an increasingly digital world.

The announcement was celebrated by a check presentation, a live classroom demonstration with 25 students, and a Team UP volunteer project – Comcast’s national employee volunteer program – where employees packed backpacks filled with school supplies for participating youth. Each backpack also included information about Internet Essentials, Comcast’s program that provides affordable Internet access to qualifying households.

The Future Ready program will provide 50 students between the ages of 13 and 18 with hands-on training in digital tools such as Adobe, Canva, JavaScript, and photo and video editing. The initiative is designed to help young people develop the practical computer skills needed for academic and workforce success.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young joined local officials, community leaders, and representatives from Comcast and the YMCA to celebrate the launch and highlight the importance of investing in technology access and digital skills for youth in the Whitehaven community.

“At Comcast, we’re committed to expanding digital opportunity and helping young people gain the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world,” said Mike McArdle, Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast Big South Region. “Our longtime partnership with the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South continues to create meaningful opportunities for local youth and families.”

The YMCA’s computer lab – powered by Comcast Business – will serve as a dedicated space for students to explore technology, creativity, and innovation. The training program will run through May 2026.

“We are so grateful to Comcast for their continued partnership,” said Brian McLaughlin, President & CEO of the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South. “The Future Ready program will help prepare our youth for success by giving them real-world digital skills they can use in school, work, and beyond. At the YMCA, our mission is to help young people reach their full potential, and this initiative perfectly aligns with our commitment to strengthening our community through education and opportunity.”

The event also recognized the winners of the Internet Essentials Essay Contest, highlighting the impact of internet access on students and families across Memphis.

A Long-Term Commitment to Memphis

Comcast and the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South have partnered for more than a decade on initiatives that support local families, from youth coding classes to volunteer-driven community projects. The shared commitment to empowering young people through education and technology continues to drive meaningful impact across the region.

The Future Ready: Digital Skills for Tomorrow’s Workforce program is the latest example of this collaboration. Parents and students interested in participating can learn more at ymcamemphis.org.

This investment reflects Comcast’s long-standing commitment to Memphis, where the company has served the community for nearly 20 years, and is part of Project UP – Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to connect people to the Internet, provide digital opportunity, and advance economic mobility.

Comcast’s approach is rooted in long-term partnership, strategic investment, and a deep belief in the power of connectivity. As the company continues to expand its footprint across the region, it remains focused on helping more people access the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.

To learn more about Comcast’s work in Memphis, visit: https://south.comcast.com/2024/08/14/comcast-connects-memphis

About Comcast Corporation

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 Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

Media Contact
Portia Akins
Portia_Akins@comcast.com
(470) 322-0332
https://south.comcast.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comcast-grants-30-000-to-support-youth-digital-skills-training-at-the-ymca-of-whitehaven-302598850.html

SOURCE Comcast

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

First Horizon Foundation Invests $2.5 Million in Church Health

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Church Health and First Horizon Foundation are proud to announce a transformational $2.5 million commitment from the First Horizon Foundation. In recognition of this extraordinary gift, Church Health will name its Community Room—the heart of its Crosstown Concourse headquarters—in honor of the Foundation.

A special ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony will be held on October 29 at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room, located in Crosstown Concourse, 1350 Concourse Avenue. Members of the media are invited to attend.

“This generous support from the First Horizon Foundation strengthens our mission and acknowledges the vital role community plays in healing,” said Jennie Robbins, CEO of Church Health. “The Community Room is where people gather, learn, and connect. It’s a space built on compassion and belonging—values we proudly share with First Horizon.”

The Foundation’s investment enables Church Health to continue offering affordable, whole-person care to thousands of working uninsured individuals in Memphis. Their gift also supports health education, community wellness programs, and initiatives that foster physical, emotional and spiritual well-being for all.

“We believe that strong communities begin with healthy individuals. First Horizon Foundation’s investment in Church Health reflects our deep commitment to expanding access to quality, compassionate care for those who need it most. We’re proud to support an organization whose mission so closely aligns with our values of building sustainability and strengthening the communities and people we serve,” said Chairman, President and CEO of First Horizon Corporation, Bryan Jordan.

The Church Health Community Room is a hub of activity, hosting everything from wellness classes and community workshops to volunteer training and health screenings. With First Horizon Foundation’s support, the space will continue to thrive as a center of connection and healing for years to come.

About Church Health

Church Health, located in Memphis’ Crosstown Concourse, has provided comprehensive, whole-person healthcare to uninsured and underserved populations since 1987. Through medical, dental, behavioral health, and community-based services, Church Health cares for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of more than 60,000 patients annually.

About First Horizon Foundation

Founded in 1993, the First Horizon Foundation is the private charitable foundation of First Horizon Corporation. The Foundation has granted more than $100 million to strengthen the communities First Horizon serves, focusing on arts and culture, education and leadership, health and human services, and financial literacy.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-horizon-foundation-invests-2-5-million-in-church-health-302598719.html

SOURCE First Horizon Corporation

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Teams From Marathon Bring the Energy to Annual Ohio River Cleanup

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Key Points

Marathon Petroleum employees joined forces with community and business partners for a major cleanup effort along the Ohio River.
Volunteers collected dozens of large bags of trash and debris from riverbanks in Catlettsburg, Kentucky, and Kenova, West Virginia.
The annual Ohio River Sweep extends the entire length of the river, which borders six states and stretches hundreds of miles.

It’s a big job that extends hundreds of miles, and teams from Marathon Petroleum rolled up their sleeves alongside community members to do their part, one bag at a time, at the 2025 Ohio River Sweep.

Dozens of volunteers from our Catlettsburg refinery and MPLX Kenova Plant, along with our marine, terminal and pipeline operations, joined Marathon Petroleum interns/co-ops, contractors and local business partners to clean up two sites along the Ohio River. By the end of the day, the group had filled 80 large bags with trash and debris collected from riverbanks in Catlettsburg, Kentucky, and Virginia Point in Kenova, West Virginia.

“This is what community looks like,” said Carla Mings, Environmental Engineer at Marathon Petroleum, who helped organize the company’s participation in this year’s river cleanup. “We live here, we work here, and we take pride in keeping the river that runs through our backyard clean and healthy.”

Hosted by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) and its nonprofit arm, Foundation for Ohio River Education (F.O.R.E.), the Ohio River Sweep unites volunteers from six states each year to clean up hundreds of miles of shoreline. The nonprofit organization provides gloves, trash bags and T-shirts to help make each cleanup a success.

“ORSANCO’s Ohio River Sweep litter cleanup program is a massive effort, and it simply isn’t possible without strong partnerships, dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors,” said Rachel Toney, Program Coordinator at ORSANCO’s Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE). “As a long-time sponsor and cleanup host, Marathon Petroleum brings incredible energy and enthusiasm to this work year after year. Their teams lead by example, reminding us what true stewardship of our shared waterways looks like.”

Marathon Petroleum and the Ceredo Kenova Rotary provided boxed lunches to fuel the volunteers, while Rollins Funeral Home supplied water. Other supporting companies included Braskem, AOC, AEP West Virginia, and Kentucky Power.

For Marathon teams, the day was about more than collecting litter. It was about teamwork, connection and satisfaction in making a difference close to home.

“We take a lot of pride in being part of something that makes a visible difference,” said Sheila Fraley, Community Relations Representative at Marathon Petroleum. “It makes you grateful to work for an organization and live in a community that cares about the place we call home, so events like these are more than worth it.”

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

NEC and the Cambodian Mine Action Center Successfully Predict Landmine-Contaminated Areas in Cambodia Using AI

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

– Achieving Over 90% Accuracy, Wins First Place at GICHD-Sponsored Awards –

TOKYO, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NEC Corporation (NEC) (Tokyo: 6701) and the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC, *1), the national institution responsible for landmine clearance activities in Cambodia, with assistance from JICA (*2), conducted a proof-of-concept using AI to predict landmine-contaminated areas. This initiative aims to contribute to rapid and efficient clearance operations to eliminate landmine casualties. The proof-of-concept achieved highly accurate predictions, with a match rate exceeding 90% against actual landmine locations.

This initiative also received recognition through “The GICHD Innovation Award 2025,” hosted by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD, *3), which honors outstanding technologies contributing to progress in demining activities. The award was presented at a ceremony held in Luxembourg on Tuesday, October 28.

The use of landmines remains a humanitarian issue worldwide, particularly hindering community and economic development for extended periods in post-conflict nations. It is estimated that approximately 100 million people face the threat of landmines, with one person losing their life to a landmine every 90 minutes (*4).

In Cambodia, civil war spanning the 1970s and 1990s led to the widespread burial of landmines across the country. Despite years of dedicated clearance efforts, remnant landmines persist in some areas today. These landmines prevent the use of land for farming and residential purposes, posing serious obstacles to recovery and development.

The Cambodian government, based on the Ottawa Treaty (Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction) signed in 1997, has set a target of completing landmine clearance within Cambodia by 2030. To achieve this, it is expected that advanced technologies such as AI will be utilized to reduce survey time.

This demonstration targeted approximately 1 million square meters of Cambodia’s landmine fields. NEC’s AI analyzed information based on data that included CMAC’s records of detected landmine locations, resident-provided information, and open data such as river/mountainous terrain locations and factory/critical building sites. It then accurately predicted areas with a high probability of containing buried landmines.

Traditionally, identifying potential landmine-infested areas required extensive, unorganized data and significant manpower over long periods. By leveraging AI, this process can now be performed quickly with fewer personnel, demonstrating the potential to support swift and efficient landmine clearance.

Going forward, NEC will continue striving to further improve AI’s accuracy. Working with CMAC, with assistance from JICA, and strengthening collaboration with the Japanese government, NEC will accelerate efforts toward achieving Cambodia’s goal of completing landmine clearance by 2030. Furthermore, NEC aims to contribute to other landmine-affected countries using this technology in the future.

(*1) Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC)
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Director: Heng Rathana

(*2) Japan International Cooperation Agency

(*3) Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)
Location: Geneva, Switzerland; Director: Stefano Toscan

(*4) Source: the-monitor.org/reports/landmine-monitor
Landmine Monitor 2024 Full Paper

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2807538/NEC_Corporation.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2807537/NEC_Corporation_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nec-and-the-cambodian-mine-action-center-successfully-predict-landmine-contaminated-areas-in-cambodia-using-ai-302598674.html

SOURCE NEC Corporation

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire