Tag: 3BL

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.

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.

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.”

In its How Energy Works video series, SLB’s experts make energy technology easy to understand.

This installment explores the potential of geothermal energy. It explains how heat stored deep within the Earth can be harnessed to generate clean, reliable power — and why it’s one of the most consistent sources of renewable energy available today.

Watch the video here.

EMERYVILLE, Calif., October 29, 2025 /3BL/ – SCS Standards and Assurance Systems is pleased to announce that a newly developed certification standard for Responsible Advanced/Chemical/Molecular Recycling is now available for public review.

The Certification Standard for Responsible Advanced/Chemical/Molecular Recycling (SCS-004) has been developed to establish a credible basis for independently assessing and certifying the environmentally and socially responsible production of recycled materials and to bring transparency to advanced/chemical/molecular recycling operations.

The Standard, which was developed with the input of 11 chemical companies—including Alterra, Braven Environmental, Brightmark, Eastman Chemical Company, GreenMantra Technologies, and LyondellBasell—is primarily applicable to recyclers handling polymers (e.g., plastics, textiles, elastomers) and to different advanced, chemical, and molecular recycling technologies, such as pyrolysis, solvolysis, depolymerization, and gasification.

The standard is based on the Responsible Production Guidelines to Ensure Progressive Advanced / Chemical / Molecular Recycling Operations White Paper, published in May 2024 by the US Plastics Pact, and builds upon standardization work initiated by the Ocean Plastic Leadership Network (OPLN) in 2024.

A webinar will be held to introduce the Standard at 10AM PST on November 18, 2025. Registration is available here.

The public is welcome to comment on the new standard until December 01, 2025. To view the draft and submit comments, please reach out to standards@scsstandards.org, or please visit Certification Standard for Responsible Advanced, Chemical and Molecular (ACM) Recycling | SCS Standards.

About SCS Standards

SCS Standards and Assurance Systems is an organization committed to the development of standards that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Standards are developed in alignment with best practices and guidelines provided by internationally recognized bodies to ensure a robust, transparent, and collaborative approach. SCS Standards and Assurance Systems is the official standards development body for Scientific Certification Systems, Inc. For more information, visit www.SCSstandards.org. 

Media Contact

Victoria Norman
Executive Director
Send an email

Guest post courtesy of Direct Relief

FedEx-Supported Preparedness Efforts Activated as Hurricane Melissa Intensifies in the Caribbean

Direct Relief is closely monitoring Hurricane Melissa. The storm is forecast to bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and life-threatening flash floods and landslides across southern Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and potentially the Yucatan Peninsula.

Through its annual Hurricane Preparedness Program, made possible by long-standing support from FedEx, Direct Relief has pre-positioned 11 Hurricane Preparedness Packs throughout the Caribbean. These large-scale caches of medicine are strategically located in countries within the storm’s projected path. Each contains more than 200 essential medical items—such as treatments for chronic diseases, antibiotics, antifungal medications, and wound-care supplies—sufficient to care for 3,000 people for 30 days.

Direct Relief is coordinating with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), national ministries of health, and local partners to enable rapid delivery of medicines and supplies as conditions evolve. The organization continues to monitor and stands ready to respond to serve communities across the Caribbean.

For additional information on Direct Relief’s preparedness efforts, see: As 2025 Hurricane Season Nears, Direct Relief Expands Disaster Response Strategy

Emergency Operations Underway Following Devastating Mexico Floods

From October 6–9, heavy rainfall from successive tropical systems triggered catastrophic flooding and landslides across Mexico’s central and eastern states, including Hidalgo, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, and Veracruz. Preliminary reports indicated widespread damage to roads, bridges, and more than 50 health facilities, along with the destruction or severe damage of up to 100,000 homes. Authorities have reported 76 deaths, with at least 31 people still missing, and 112 communities entirely cut off. These figures are expected to rise as access improves, and assessments continue.

With support from FedEx, Direct Relief has dispatched urgently needed medical aid, including 110 Emergency Medical Backpacks and five Emergency Health Kits (EHKs) prepared specifically for rapid disaster response. Each EHK contains essential medicines and supplies—such as antibiotics, chronic disease treatments, and wound-care materials—sufficient to sustain care for up to 3,000 people for 30 days.

Direct Relief’s team in Mexico continues to coordinate with national and state health authorities, as well as humanitarian partners operating in affected areas, to ensure timely delivery of medical assistance where it’s needed most.

Direct Relief is a registered charity in Mexico and has an office and staff on the ground. For more information about Direct Relief’s response in Mexico, see: After Deadly Mexico Floods, a Medical Brigade Provides Care

Direct Relief Responds to Catastrophic Flooding in Southwestern Alaska

Relief and recovery efforts are underway across southwestern Alaska’s Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, following catastrophic flooding caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong from October 11–12. The storm brought hurricane-force winds and record-breaking storm surge, devastating the coastal communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok and damaging homes and critical infrastructure. More than 1,400 residents were displaced, with recovery expected to take up to 18 months due to the region’s remoteness and the onset of winter.

In response and supported by FedEx, Direct Relief delivered Emergency Medical Backpacks stocked with first-aid essentials for triage care in shelters and disaster settings, as well as hygiene kits to serve 5,000 displaced residents. The shipment was sent to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which is overseeing distribution of relief items and financial assistance for affected families, including those relocated to Anchorage.

Direct Relief also provided Alaska Native Heritage Center with a $50,000 grant to support emergency operating costs.

Since 2008, Direct Relief has delivered more than $5 million in essential medicines and supplies to healthcare providers across Alaska. For more information about Direct Relief’s response to the historic flooding in Alaska, see: Direct Relief Dispatches Medical Aid, $50,000 in Emergency Funds for Typhoon-Devastated Communities in Alaska

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

Authored by Baker Tilly’s Michael J. Kessler, III

For many small healthcare organizations, it can be a challenge to balance the complex environment of quality care, compliance and financial sustainability. Proper cost allocation and financial reporting, understanding Medicare Part A co-insurance and bad debt management, strategic planning for workforce transitions, and staying current with regulatory changes and documentation are key for any small healthcare organization to proactively plan for and adapt to uncertainty.

Proper cost allocation and financial reporting

One of the most crucial considerations for small healthcare organizations is to have systems in place that can accurately allocate costs. Accurate cost allocation directly impacts reimbursement, financial transparency and strategic decision making. Organizations should work with a qualified professional to determine which systems will enable them to have detailed tracking across all service lines. The chosen system must be able to determine how tracking will take place as well as which metrics need to be captured — for example, nursing hours per day, square footage, pounds of laundry processed, etc. Without proper tracking, costs cannot be allocated effectively. This approach allows organizations to understand which areas are profitable, supports informed decisions and meets the expectations of both lenders and board members.

Understanding Medicare Part A co-insurance and bad debt management

Navigating the complexities of Medicare Part A co-insurance is a significant challenge for skilled nursing facilities. After a pre-determined length of a patient’s Medicare Part A stay, a resident becomes responsible for co-insurance, which can easily turn into bad debt if unpaid. Facilities need a system and a way of logging bad debt, whether that is a simple Excel file or an integrated billing system to track these unpaid co-insurance amounts. Remaining compliant with billing and collection policies is essential for claiming reimbursable bad debts on the Medicare cost report. Small healthcare organizations can maximize their reimbursement and reduce financial risk by evaluating internal controls and building a system to track effectively, as well as training staff to manage these processes effectively.

Strategic planning for workforce transitions

As a large portion of the healthcare industry workforce is nearing retirement age, a significant staffing challenge is beginning to loom. It is vital to take the time now to assess which roles are at risk and develop succession plans to ensure continuity. Evaluate current staff for potential internal promotions, identify if there is a need for recruitment and consider outsourcing where it makes sense within the organization. If there is a potential for outsourcing staff to support back-office functions like accounting, tax or HR and payroll services, the Baker Tilly Advantage team is able to step in and be a source of support and continuity. Proactive planning can help organizations present institutional knowledge and maintain operational stability, particularly in specialized roles such as healthcare accounting, where finding qualified candidates for experienced roles can be especially difficult.

Staying current with regulatory changes and documentation requirements

Healthcare regulations, especially those related to Medicare and Medicaid, are constantly evolving and have a direct impact on reimbursement and compliance. Organizations must prioritize educating clinical staff about documentation requirements for both state and federal programs. Regularly auditing claims can ensure proper documentation and help you stay informed about major regulatory changes. Additionally, educating organization board members about the complexities of operations can increase awareness of how regulatory changes and operational decisions can affect the organization’s overall health. An informed board is better equipped to make strategic decisions and support the organization’s mission, ensuring that governance aligns with both regulatory demands and business objectives. Leveraging internal and external expertise can help your organization adapt to new requirements and avoid denied claims or financial losses due to inadequate documentation and uninformed organization members.

Small healthcare organizations have the unique challenge of operating in a dynamic and demanding environment. It’s crucial that they can be proactive in addressing key areas such as these. Keeping these items in mind can help organizations build a resilient safety net that helps them mitigate risk and positions the organization for sustainable growth and improve patient care.

For more guidance, contact an experienced Baker Tilly industry practitioner about your healthcare organization today.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., October 29, 2025 /3BL/ – Discovery Education, the creator of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world, offers educators new resources and a unique career event to drive student engagement in workforce exploration on National STEM Day and beyond. Held annually on November 8th, National STEM Day unites communities to celebrate the importance of teaching K-12 students about science, technology, engineering, and math.

Research from the Education Insights 2025–2026: Fueling Learning Through Engagement report indicates that 87% of high school students think that career connections make classrooms engaging and over 93% of educators agree that student engagement is a critical metric for understanding overall achievement. To support the effort of making classrooms engaging by connecting instruction to potential future careers, Discovery Education offers the following learning resources:

Futures Fair Event

On November 5, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 2 PM ET, schools across the United States are invited to join the Futures Fair, a free event offering 30-minute interactive presentations from professionals across a range of industries. Organizations participating in the Futures Fair include 3M, ASME, Clayco, CVS Health, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Genentech, Hartford, Honda, Honeywell, Illumina, LIV Golf, Meta, Norton, Nucor, Polar Bears International, Prologis, The Home Depot, Verizon, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The presentations, as well as mentorship opportunities and standards-aligned hands-on activities, will give students new insights into potential career opportunities and the skills needed for future success in that field.

Learn more and register for the Discovery Education Futures Fair at discoveryeducation.com/futures-fair.

Immersive Learning

Discover more free immersive learning resources from Discovery Education and partners here.

• In Operation Communication, a new immersive game from the STEM Careers Coalition, students in grades 6-12 experience a day in the life of an employee in a simulated workplace, navigating production schedules, team dynamics, and customer satisfaction. Players practice a wide range of active skills with a focus on effective communication in the workplace to keep the production line running smoothly and create happy customers. Students can then use the new Career Finder tool to explore career pathways based on their interests. Powered by the STEM Careers Coalition, these resources help students find out about new careers and discover how classroom learning connects to real-world possibilities. The STEM Careers Coalition is an alliance of industries and non-profit organizations providing 15M+ students with equitable access to STEM resources and career connections since its launch in 2019.
• TimePod Adventures in collaboration with Verizon utilizes state-of-the-art, life-size Augmented Reality that students can interact with and control from a web browser on any device. Guided by an AI-powered assistant and featuring grade-band specific lesson plans, students face challenges and solve problems. In addition, educators can find more research-backed insights in the recent Immersive Learning as an Instructional Game Changer white paper.
• Salvage Safari is a new, free interactive game created with Niagara Cares and Filament Games inviting students in grades 3-8 to explore a coastal environment, collect and sort waste, and learn the science behind recycling, all within Roblox.

Virtual Field Trips

Discover more Discovery Education virtual field trips here or on the Virtual Field Trips channel in Discovery Education Experience. The latest include VFTs with partners such as Sesame Workshop, the U.S. National Science Foundation, Illumina, and more.

Careers at Sea and Shore: A Virtual Field Trip to Maritime Manufacturing Centers
Premieres: October 29, 2025
Grades 6-12

This virtual field trip shows students the world of innovative maritime manufacturing as they explore how submarines are built and the amazing careers of the individuals building them. Discover how the healthy, drug-free choices students make today can lead to meaningful and rewarding careers in the future – including the careers that create national security systems that can operate underwater. Featuring experts from Ocean Aero, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, this virtual field trip highlights the creative, real-world career pathways and technologies shaping the future of maritime manufacturing. This virtual field trip, funded through the DOW’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program, is connected to Operation Prevention, a program with the Drug Enforcement Administration providing no-cost online tools that support every member of the community with the power of prevention.

Amphibian Adventures: A Build the Change Virtual Field Trip to the Georgia Wetlands 
Premieres: December 4, 2025
Grades 3-8

Join the LEGO Group and Discovery Education as we head to Jekyll Island and the Okefenokee Swamp to learn about the lifecycle and habitat of everyone’s favorite web-footed friend: frogs. As an indicator species, frogs can tell us a lot about the health of an entire ecosystem. “Hop” aboard a swamp boat to explore frog conservation efforts, including ways to help frogs in your community. This Virtual Field Trip is part of Build the Change, a program with the LEGO Group celebrating the power of play to boost learning and improve the world around you.

Classroom Activities

• The new Honda Safety in Action: From Racetrack to Roadway – It Takes All of Us is a two-part video series that brings professional racing into the classroom to help teach real-world safety habits. Featuring motocross champions Jett and Hunter Lawrence and IndyCar driver Scott Dixon, the new video series demonstrates how advanced safety technologies connect to everyday choices, such as wearing a helmet, buckling up, and avoiding distractions. This resource is from Honda Safety Driven, a program with Honda.
• With standards-aligned lesson plans and engaging student activities, educators can bring the lessons from the golf course to the classroom and beyond. These resources are from LIV to Learn, a program with LIV Golf, offering young people ages 11-14 and educators digital resources that explore STEM, life skills, and career opportunities, while also addressing topics of teamwork and sustainability.
• With Science Fair Central – an initiative created in collaboration with The Home Depot® – educators and families discover over 100 science and engineering project starters, student planning guides, judging tools, and hands-on activities. The resources challenge students to design a device using magnetism to fish trash from local waterways, use characteristics of an armadillo’s shell to create an architectural design solution, build catapults and trebuchets for a physics class mini-challenge, experiment with materials to insulate and cool a beverage, and more.
• With career inspiration profiles, students meet with STEM professionals at Itron as they share stories about careers making a difference in our world. Created with Itron, these resources are designed to help foster dialogue on the importance of energy and resource utilization.

Discovery Education subscribers can find all this content and more within the following products:

• Experience: Turn engaging content, such as virtual field trips and immersive learning content, into impactful classroom lessons with strategic, educator support through Discovery Education Experience, the essential classroom companion. These ready-to-teach lessons are easily accessible from the Sandbox Channel, Immersive Explorers Channel, and Virtual Field Trips Channel. STEM-focused resources encourage active student participation, critical thinking, and real-world application of knowledge while supporting educators with built-in instructional strategies and flexible teaching tools.
• Career Connect: Available to all users of Discovery Education Experience, the award-winning Career Connect fosters student engagement by connecting classroom learning to real-world applications and potential careers. Through Career Connect, educators request virtual classroom visits from industry professionals from organizations – such as Genentech, Trane Technologies, Nucor – and can select from an array of job types, industries, languages, and locations to further personalize interactions.
• Mystery Science: The STEM collection from Mystery Science offers a unique standards-aligned science curriculum for grades K-5 designed to help students stay curious.
• Science Techbook: Built around engaging real-world phenomena and designed for real classrooms, Science Techbook is a core science curriculum that combines ready-to-teach science lessons, STEM careers, hands-on learning, and embedded literacy and math practice to help every student thrive. 

“STEM lessons are a powerful way to spark student curiosity by connecting classroom learning to the real world. National STEM Day is a great opportunity for educators to tap into students’ interest in STEM, and these curated resources from Discovery Education make it easy and fun to do so,” said Jamie Jenkins, Senior Director of Instructional Design at Discovery Education.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

###

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, PreK-12, digital solutions help educators engage all students and support higher academic achievement. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools that are effective, engaging, and easy to use, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Learn more at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contact 
Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has adjusted its timeline for developing climate disclosure rules under Senate Bill (SB) 253 and Senate Bill (SB) 261. While the agency takes more time to finalize guidance, the reporting deadlines for covered companies remain unchanged.

SB 253 and SB 261 Overview

SB 253 applies to companies with more than $1 billion in annual revenue that “do business in California.” It requires disclosure of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, beginning with Scopes 1 and 2 in 2026, followed by Scope 3 in 2027. The disclosures must follow recognized GHG accounting standards and will eventually require independent assurance (CARB Program Page). The first disclosures for Scope 1 and 2 emissions are due June 30, 2026.

SB 261 applies to companies with more than $500 million in annual revenue and requires biennial reports describing their climate-related financial risks and mitigation measures. These reports are expected to align closely with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework. The first reports are due January 1, 2026.

Together, these two laws form the foundation of California’s climate disclosure framework, aiming to provide investors and the public with consistent and comparable information on corporate climate risks and impacts.

A Shift in the Rulemaking Timeline 

In early October 2025, CARB announced that it would extend its rulemaking schedule for the state’s climate disclosure laws, SB 253 (the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act) and SB 261 (the Climate-Related Financial Risk Disclosure Act), into the first quarter of 2026. CARB explained that the extension allows more time to review public comments and refine key definitions and reporting processes. The agency has emphasized its goal of ensuring that the final regulations are clear and workable for companies of different sizes and industries.

While this adjustment gives CARB additional time to develop detailed rules, it does not alter the statutory deadlines for company reporting under the two laws. Organizations subject to SB 253 or SB 261 should continue preparing for their upcoming disclosure obligations. 

The reporting deadlines established by statute remain in place:

• SB 261: First climate risk report due January 1, 2026
• SB 253: First GHG emissions report (Scopes 1 and 2) due June 30, 2026, with Scope 3 disclosures beginning in 2027 

CARB has indicated it may apply enforcement discretion during the initial reporting cycle if companies demonstrate good-faith compliance efforts. However, the legal obligations remain intact.

What This Means for Businesses 

The timeline change gives CARB more flexibility but does not extend this flexibility to companies. Because the statutory deadlines have not shifted, organizations should continue planning and collecting data even as they wait for final guidance.

Despite these delays, experts agree that early preparation is the best strategy. Companies can start mapping emissions data, evaluating climate-related financial risks, and aligning their internal processes with the GHG Protocol and TCFD standards.

Steps to Prepare Now 

Starting early can reduce compliance risk, improve data quality, and demonstrate a good-faith approach once reporting begins. We recommend taking the following steps:

1. Confirm applicability. Review your operations and revenue structure to determine whether your company falls within the scope of SB 253 or SB 261.
2. Start data collection. Gather GHG emissions data for fiscal year 2025 and identify any gaps in Scope 3 data availability.
3. Align with existing frameworks. Use the GHG Protocol and TCFD as references, since CARB has signaled that its rules will rely on these standards.
4. Engage stakeholders. Coordinate sustainability, finance, and legal teams to establish governance around disclosure.
5. Monitor updates. Follow CARB’s official program page and workshops for the latest information.

How Antea Group Can Help

At Antea Group, we recognize that the delay in CARB’s rulemaking creates uncertainty for companies that still need to meet near-term deadlines. Our recommendation is that clients move forward with SB 261 reporting by January 1, 2026, even if that means including omission statements where specific data or methodologies are not yet available. Submitting an initial report demonstrates good-faith compliance and provides a foundation to build on once the final CARB guidance is published.

Antea Group can support your organization in two critical ways:

1. Report preparation and disclosure support. Our consultants can help you develop and document your first climate risk disclosure under SB 261 or your initial emissions report under SB 253. We guide clients in identifying reportable data, framing omission statements appropriately, and ensuring alignment with TCFD and GHG Protocol expectations.
2. Full climate risk assessment with scenario analysis. After the initial filing, we can conduct a comprehensive climate risk assessment that includes scenario analysis and quantitative evaluation of transition and physical risks. These insights allow us to help you produce a complete, CARB-ready report once the final rulemaking is complete.

By acting now, companies can demonstrate transparency, manage compliance risk, and position themselves for a smoother transition when CARB’s final regulations take effect.

To learn more about our CARB disclosure support services or to begin preparing your SB 253 or SB 261 report, please visit Antea Group’s Sustainability Homepage.

In Summary 

CARB’s extended rulemaking schedule reflects an effort to develop thoughtful and practical regulations. However, the reporting requirements under SB 253 and SB 261 are still on schedule. Companies that act now to collect data and organize governance will be best prepared once the final rules are adopted.

The rulemaking may take longer, but the time to prepare is now.

Further Reading / Sources

• CARB to Propose California’s Climate Risk Disclosure Rules (ESG Dive)
• Companies Must Prepare Even Though CARB Regulations Are Not Final (K&L Gates)
• CARB Delays Rulemaking Timeline for Climate Regulations (Yahoo News)
• CARB Program Overview
• Hurry Up and Wait: CARB Pushes Initial Rulemaking on SB 253 and SB 261 Until Q1 2026
• Unanswered Questions Remain Following Recent CARB Updates on California Climate Reporting 

In 2023-24 a Georgia-focused funding collaborative of family foundations awarded a two-year, $200,000 Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grant to Gwinnett Housing Corporation (GHC), Georgia Hispanic Construction Association (GHCA) and Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA). The funders and grantees recently met for a for a follow-up visit in Atlanta.

The visit offered the three grantee partners an opportunity to reflect on the successes and lessons learned. The goal of their project was to expand access to healthy, affordable, and low-emission housing for vulnerable, BIPOC, low-income, and low-wealth community members in Gwinnett County.

They focused on identifying opportunities to engage with and provide educational resources, energy efficiency information, and funding opportunities to residents in Georgia House District 98 (HD 98), the most diverse and under-resourced part of Gwinnett County. HD 98 is 87% BIPOC with over 50% of residents identifying as immigrants. Their low incomes and low earning potential coupled with proximity to traffic, lack of alternative transportation, and linguistic isolation further compound the issue.

Grant Year One

The first year of the grant was heavily focused on reviewing data collected as part of a previous Justice40 Capacity Building Fund award, with heavy outreach for stakeholder engagement.

Extensive housing analysis already collected on HD 98 identified priority energy and housing interventions. The Drawdown Grant allowed the grantees to take the next step: leveraging the existing data to identify and braid funds from utilities, tax credits, block grants, and other sources to amplify federal funds and create two shovel-ready pilot programs.

While weatherization of homes at scale was a top priority of the program to help residents reduce their utility bills, the grantees also recognized that lack of funding was just one of several barriers. Workforce constraints and lack of training and certification were also prohibitive for minority business enterprise participation in bidding for contracts to weatherize homes. Training and resources for contractors were needed. The GHCA took the lead on this part of the grant, seeking to create access to weatherization and build energy efficiency training and clean energy minority job pipelines. Many of the contractors targeted for the training live and work in Gwinnett County.

Resident engagement was a key part of Year One. Canvassers were paid to conduct door to door outreach to homeowners and renters in HD 98 to measure the residents’ awareness and interest in various energy efficiency practices and funding opportunities. Multiple convenings were also held with residents to solicit their input as a community and to allow them to exercise their rights as decision makers.

Grant Year Two

In Year Two, GHC took the information gathered from residents in Year One and engaged with investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, philanthropists, state and county decision makers, banks and lenders, and other nonprofits–all necessary to best understand how to braid funding streams to best help the residents where they needed it the most.

SEEA provided technical assistance to GHC, GHCA, and municipal stakeholders seeking to apply for federal investments and additional grants, and they began engaging with outside funders.

GHCA deployed training and education modules and offered them to contractors seeking to secure federal contracts in clean energy and energy efficiency.

SEEA helped GHC develop a resource guide for Gwinnett County, with hopes to scale the program and offer it to other under-resourced Georgia communities that seek to match community priorities with federal funding opportunities for advancing healthy, affordable, and efficient housing.

This grant was funded by a collaborative of foundations with roots in Georgia. Funders for this project included: The Ray C. Anderson Foundation’s NextGen Committee, Sapelo Foundation, Kendeda Fund, R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation (Dobbs Fund), and The Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation.

About Gwinnett Housing Corporation

GHC is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 development organization with a focus on creating, rehabilitating, and operating quality affordable residential housing. GHC is experienced in every aspect of housing, from construction and rehabilitation of for sale affordable housing to low-income homebuyers, to maintenance and operations of affordable rental housing.

About Georgia Hispanic Construction Association

The Georgia Hispanic Construction Association (GHCA) is a 501(c)6 non-profit, membership-based organization established in 2012 to serve the needs of the growing Hispanic construction community in the State of Georgia. The GHCA provides education and business development resources to help small and medium-sized construction firms to build a stronger business foundation and to secure more and better business opportunities.

About Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance

The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), promotes efficient energy as a catalyst for economic growth, workforce development, and energy security across 12 southeastern states. We provide research, consultation and education, stakeholder facilitation, program management and financial services to a diverse set of stakeholders in the energy sector. We believe that all people in the Southeast should be able to live and work in healthy and resilient buildings, utilize clean and affordable transportation, and thrive in a robust and equitable economy.