Tag: 3BL

Originally published on AdoptAClassroom.org

Subaru Loves Learning month is here, and our friends at Subaru are partnering with us for the fifth consecutive year to support students who need supplies. 

During the month of August, Subaru and its retailers are funding classrooms in their local communities across the country through AdoptAClassroom.org^®.

As our largest corporate supporter, Subaru’s award-winning Subaru Loves Learning initiative will help provide school supplies to more than 950,000 students in high-needs schools with us by the end of 2025.

Subaru Helps Students Thrive in School

For Jackie, a third-grade teacher in California, support from Subaru has helped keep her students engaged.

“If we don’t have all of the supplies that they need, then a lot of times we have limited participation,” said Jackie. “So we work really hard to make sure that our students have the school supplies they need to really avoid that decrease of engagement and continue to boost their confidence in their learning as well.”

A donation from her local Subaru retailer helped teachers at Jackie’s school purchase classroom supplies that spark curiosity and excitement.

Jackie’s school isn’t alone. A 2025 AdoptAClassroom.org survey found that 77% of students in classrooms adopted by Subaru were more engaged in their learning because of the donation.

“Thank you Subaru from the bottom of my heart for supporting the students in my classroom and Parkview Elementary School as a whole. We would not be able to continue to help our students and support their learning if it wasn’t for companies like you.”

– Jackie, Teacher

Alysia, a K-6 instructional coach in Arizona, spends $750 to $1,000 out of pocket each year on supplies for her high-needs classroom. Her students go through most classroom items faster than she can replace them. 

As her sixth-grade student Ben remembers, “One time we had to share pencils because we didn’t have enough.”

Alysia used donations from her local Subaru retailer to purchase flexible seating and fidgets for her students. She sees the impact of the new supplies daily.

“It keeps kids in the classroom,” said Alysia. “They don’t have to go take a break or go for a walk. They can move their hands to keep them focused.” 

92% of teachers’ students supported by Subaru were able to access learning materials they wouldn’t have received without the donation.

Students like Ben thrive when they have the right learning tools, and over the past five years, Subaru has made that possible for 950,000+ students.

Learn more about Subaru’s educator vehicle discount program on their website.

A special thank you to the following Subaru retailers who adopted an entire school in their community for the 2024-2025 school year:

• Adventure Subaru – Fayetteville, AR
• Peoria Subaru – Peoria, AZ
• Findlay Subaru Prescott – Prescott, AZ
• Tucson Subaru – Tucson, AZ
• Albany Subaru – Albany, CA
• Santa Cruz Subaru – Capitola, CA
• Fairfield Subaru – Fairfield, CA
• Modesto Subaru – Modesto, CA
• Stevens Creek Subaru – San Jose, CA
• DCH Subaru of Thousand Oaks – Thousand Oaks, CA
• Schomp Subaru – Aurora, CO
• AutoNation Subaru Arapahoe – Centennial, CO
• Heuberger Subaru – Colorado Springs, CO
• AutoNation Subaru West – Golden, CO
• Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach – Fort Walton Beach, FL
• Subaru of Gainesville – Gainesville, FL
• Subaru of North Miami – Miami, FL
• Subaru of Naples – Naples, FL
• Subaru of Pembroke Pines – Pembroke Pines, FL
• Subaru of Wesley Chapel – Wesley Chapel, FL
• Wackerli Subaru – Idaho Falls, ID
• Zeigler Subaru of Fort Wayne – Fort Wayne, IN
• Zeigler Subaru of Lafayette – Lafayette, IN
• Subaru of Olathe – Olathe, KS
• Quantrell Subaru – Lexington, KY
• Subaru of Baton Rouge – Baton Rouge, LA
• Baldwin Subaru – Covington, LA
• Annapolis Subaru – Annapolis, MD
• Bel Air Subaru – Bel Air, MD
• Gateway Subaru – Delmar, MD
• Fox Subaru – Grand Rapids, MI
• Suburban Subaru of Troy – Troy, MI
• Bloomington Subaru – Bloomington, MN
• Walser Subaru – Burnsville, MN
• Walser Subaru St. Paul – S. St. Paul, MN
• White Bear Subaru – Vadnais Heights, MN
• Reliable Subaru – Springfield, MO
• Sunset Hills Subaru – Sunset Hills, MO
• Johnson Subaru of Cary – Cary, NC
• Williams Subaru – Charlotte, NC
• Beardmore Subaru – Bellevue, NE
• Subaru of Englewood – Englewood, NJ
• Lester Glenn Subaru – Toms River, NJ
• Subaru of Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV
• Goldstein Subaru – Colonie, NY
• Subaru White Plains – Elmsford, NY
• Boardman Subaru – Boardman, OH
• Ferguson Subaru – Broken Arrow, OK
• Cavender Subaru of Norman – Norman, OK
• Bob Moore Subaru – Oklahoma City, OK
• Royal Moore Subaru – Hillsboro, OR
• Capitol Subaru of Salem – Salem, OR
• Faulkner Subaru Harrisburg – Harrisburg, PA
• Stuckey Subaru – Hollidaysburg, PA
• W & L Subaru – Northumberland, PA
• Bowser Subaru – Pittsburgh, PA
• Budd Baer Subaru – Washington, PA
• Crews Subaru of Charleston – North Charleston, SC
• City Limits Subaru – Buda, TX
• Subaru of America Dallas Zone Office – Coppell, TX
• Huffines Subaru Corinth – Corinth, TX
• Hicks Family Subaru – Corpus Christi, TX
• Bert Ogden Subaru – Edinburg, TX
• Hiley Subaru – Fort Worth, TX
• Team Gillman Subaru North – Houston, TX
• Brandon Tomes Subaru – McKinney, TX
• North Park Subaru – San Antonio, TX
• Doug Smith Subaru – American Fork, UT
• Bob Wade Subaru – Harrisonburg, VA
• Casey Subaru – Newport News, VA
• Southern Team Subaru – Roanoke, VA
• CMA’s Subaru of Winchester – Winchester, VA
• Subaru of Puyallup – Puyallup, WA
• Dick Hannah Subaru – Vancouver, WA
• Bergstrom Subaru – Green Bay – Green Bay, WI
• Don Miller Subaru East – Madison, WI
• Don Miller Subaru West – Madison, WI
• Sommer’s Subaru – Mequon, WI
• Jenkins Subaru – Bridgeport, WV
• Dutch Miller Subaru – Charleston, WV

DP World’s Growing Footprint in the Dominican Republic

For more than two decades, DP World has been a cornerstone of the Dominican Republic’s logistics and trade landscape. Since beginning operations in 2003, the company has invested more than US$700 million in the Port of Caucedo and its adjoining Free Trade Zone, transforming it into one of the Caribbean’s most advanced gateways for global commerce. Today, DP World manages over 60% of the country’s container traffic, providing integrated services that span marine terminals, warehousing, logistics, and even workforce training through the DP World Academy.

This long-term commitment has positioned DP World as not only an operator but also a partner in the nation’s sustainable economic growth, advancing trade connectivity while investing in people and skills development.

Launching a Transformative New Chapter

In May 2025, DP World and the Dominican government signed a landmark US$760 million agreement to expand both the Caucedo port terminal and the adjacent economic zone. The expansion will unlock 225 hectares of new development land, add 1.25 million square meters of industrial space, and boost the terminal’s capacity from 2.5 million TEUs to approximately 3.1 million TEUs annually.

The investment is evenly split: US$380 million for port infrastructure – including extended quays, new cranes, breakwaters, and upgraded security systems – and another US$380 million for Free Trade Zone development, with roads, utilities, and pre-built warehouses to attract global tenants.

“This agreement marks a major step forward in our vision to transform Caucedo into the most advanced logistics hub in the Caribbean,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, in the announcement.

A Reliable Alternative in Global Supply Chains

The expansion comes at a critical moment. With geopolitical tensions and tariff shifts reshaping global manufacturing, companies are urgently seeking cost-effective, resilient nearshoring options. The Dominican Republic is emerging as a top contender. Its free zones already host over 850 companies across industries such as apparel, electronics, medical devices, and aerospace. The island’s location – just three days by sea to Miami and five to New York – offers unmatched proximity to U.S. markets.

Recent high-profile moves, such as World Emblem relocating production from Mexico and China to the Dominican Republic, highlight how businesses are leveraging the country’s incentives, workforce, and stability to future-proof supply chains.

Sustainability and Shared Prosperity at the Core

Beyond infrastructure, the new Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is being designed with sustainability in mind. DP World in the Dominican Republic already operates electric equipment fleets and has invested heavily in energy efficiency and emissions reduction programs. The company applies international best practices in environmental management and partners with the Dominican government to strengthen green logistics standards.

Equally important is the human element. DP World’s expansion is expected to generate up to 50,000 new direct jobs. Coupled with initiatives like the DP World Academy and partnerships with local institutions, the SEZ will build a talent pipeline that advances social mobility and equips workers with future-ready skills.

A New Trade Horizon for the Americas

With this multi-million-dollar expansion, DP World and the Dominican Republic are not simply building more warehouses or container berths – they are reshaping the logistics architecture of the Americas. The project is projected to attract nearly US$3.9 billion in foreign investment and drive over US$4 billion in new manufacturing output.

By integrating world-class infrastructure, a competitive regulatory framework, and a strong ESG foundation, the Dominican Republic is positioning itself as a reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective hub for manufacturers navigating an era of uncertainty.

This historic investment marks a bold bet on the future of global trade, and one that could redefine supply chains across the Western Hemisphere.

Technology is not stagnant and keeping up can prove to be a challenge, especially in the education sector. But in the heart of Australia’s capital, the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is setting an inspiring example of how education can evolve to meet the challenges of today while preparing students for the opportunities of tomorrow.  CIT is not only a cornerstone of the local economy but a leader in addressing the nation’s skills gap by preparing a future-proof workforce. Through a bold commitment to digital transformation, CIT is reimagining how education is delivered with Cisco.  

A Vision for Digital Learning

CIT’s Digital Transformation Strategy is driven by one, simple vision: “To improve the lives of our students through incredible teaching that takes full advantage of available technologies.” This vision isn’t just about adopting new tools but creating immersive, scalable, and effective learning environments that connect students and empower educators. 

As CIT embarks on this journey to transformation, there are challenges when it comes to balancing innovation with practicality. The goal is to seamlessly integrate digital solutions into a wide range of learning spaces—from kitchens to classrooms—without overwhelming students or staff. These solutions must enhance teaching methods while aligning with the institution’s teaching goals and needs of its community. 

A Collaborative Approach to Innovation 

Cisco’s collaboration with CIT highlights a milestone in educational transformation. Within just two months, Cisco and its partners designed and delivered two state-of-the-art prototype rooms equipped with cutting-edge, collaborative technology. These spaces provide educators and students with hands-on opportunities to explore how digital tools can complement traditional teaching methods.  

The prototype rooms are active learning environments where feedback drives continuous improvement. Teachers and students are directly involved in shaping how these spaces evolve, ensuring the technology is both practical and impactful. 

Supporting this transformation is a robust network architecture designed in partnership with Digital Data Technology Solutions, the Australian Capital Territory  (ACT) Government’s in-house technology provider. This architecture supports CIT’s immediate needs while enabling future enhancements such as Software-Defined Access (SDA), wayfinding, and Cisco Spaces. By replacing traditional audiovisual systems with multiple endpoints, CIT has adopted a streamlined, cost-effective solution that enhances functionality and adaptability.

Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities 

The impact of CIT’s digital transformation extends far beyond the classroom. For students and educators, the new digital learning spaces mean greater accessibility, engagement, and inclusivity. This helps lead to higher retention and success rates, helping to close the skills gap and prepare a workforce ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. 

On a national level, CIT’s transformation serves as a model for other institutions, showcasing how technology can revolutionize educational experiences. By demonstrating the potential of digital classrooms, CIT is inspiring a movement toward more inclusive, engaging, and sustainable education across Australia.

A Win-Win for Cisco and Education 

For Cisco, this collaboration highlights the power of partnership in driving innovation. By delivering tangible results through its digital platforms and network designs, Cisco reinforces its leadership in educational technology solutions. The success of this project not only strengthens Cisco’s reputation but also creates a scalable framework that can be replicated in other institutions, both within CIT and beyond. 

This partnership with CIT underscores Cisco’s commitment to creating practical, impactful solutions that address today’s needs while anticipating the future of education. It’s a collaboration that transforms how people learn and also opens doors to new opportunities for Cisco to support the education sector in meaningful ways. 

As CIT continues its digital transformation journey, possibilities are boundless. With innovative technology, dedicated educators, and engaged students, the institution is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of education. Together, CIT and Cisco are proving that when technology meets Purpose, the results are nothing short of extraordinary. 

View original content here.

MetLife is working to increase efficiencies, reduce risks and deliver sustainable growth across our global operations. This includes improving the performance of our 9.2 million square feet of offices and reducing business travel emissions—implementing initiatives that lower operating costs, promote collaboration and enhance workforce vitality. We have decreased location-based emissions by 44% since 2019 and have maintained carbon neutrality for our offices, fleets and business travel since 2016.¹

We continue to promote energy efficiency and implement green building practices. We look for opportunities to analyze and manage data center operations strategically and improve performance as energy demands rise. Elsewhere, vehicle fleets, office energy upgrades and office consolidation represent strong opportunities to lower energy use and reduce emissions. Throughout our regions, we are replacing vehicles in our fleets with electric or hybrid options where possible.

We also encourage global reductions in business travel to promote efficiency and lower operating costs. These could include recommendations to combine two trips into one, to travel by train instead of by air, and to fly in premium economy instead of business class on long-haul flights.

Since 2009, we have procured renewable energy by purchasing energy attribute certificates—issued when one megawatt-hour of electricity is generated and delivered to the grid from a renewable energy resource—to match our global electricity consumption (see GHG Emissions and Energy data in Sustainability Scorecard). In Spain, we generate on-site renewables through a solar array on our office in Madrid. We are exploring options for on-site renewable generation in Cyprus, Jordan and other sites, while working with energy providers and landlords across our markets to source green energy.

We supplement emissions reductions and energy efficiency initiatives with a diverse portfolio of third party-certified carbon offset projects that empower local economies. Enhanced due diligence is conducted on all projects purchased for MetLife.

Read more about how MetLife is reducing global emissions through its sustainability efforts in our 2024 Sustainability Report.

¹ MetLife’s carbon neutrality efforts apply to global owned and leased offices, global vehicle fleets (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) and employee business travel (Scope 3 Category 6). 

When Keith Holloman saw how COVID-19 affected his own family, the importance of accurate healthcare technology became deeply personal.

“It’s not just this ambiguous patient out there,” said Holloman, a clinical research program manager at Medtronic. “It’s someone I care for that could benefit from our technologies.”

Holloman now works in Acute Care & Monitoring developing pulse oximeters — devices he used regularly when he worked as a respiratory therapist.

Pulse oximeters measure oxygen in the blood. They became even more critical for decision-making during the pandemic, and that surge in use spotlighted a troubling flaw: studies showed the devices can be less accurate on patients with darker skin tones.

Holloman is part of efforts to change that by using artificial intelligence to design technology for all from the start.

“We’re making sure that our technology is equitable for every patient we serve,” Holloman said.

Powered by AI

Doctors have relied on pulse oximeters for more than 40 years to monitor patients’ oxygen levels and knowing oxygen levels helps clinicians detect when a patient’s health is declining.

“They’re dependent on having an accurate measurement which potentially could result in them making decisions in terms of what level of intervention is necessary for that patient,” Holloman said of doctors.

At Medtronic, the Nellcor^TM pulse oximeter has been using artificial intelligence for more than 20 of those years — a move that positioned the company as an early adopter of AI to enhance device accuracy, said Jason Case, who leads research and development in the Acute Care & Monitoring business.

How does AI work in these small devices? First, consider how pulse oximetry works, he said.

“We’re shining light, through tissue, to measure oxygen in the blood,” Case said, “You can think of this like shining a flashlight into fog to look for something. And because blood moves with every heartbeat, the pulse lets us know when to take a measurement. Our AI is really good at identifying each and every pulse, and that enhances our accuracy.”

Every pulse is an opportunity to accurately measure oxygen supply, and AI in Nellcor^TM sees every single one – helping clinicians ensure patient safety moment-to-moment.

Still, said Case, there’s more work to be done.

The human touch

Long before pulse oximeters get clipped to a patient’s finger in the hospital, Medtronic scientists and engineers are innovating AI algorithms with the help of regular people, Holloman said.

The company opened a clinical physiology lab near the Five Points neighborhood of Denver, Colorado, to conduct its clinical trials not only with a wide array of participants but with more speed and frequency, leading to faster innovation.

“We’re looking at ways to improve our algorithms to accurately account for the variations in skin pigmentation, and we’re going a step further to actually design clinical studies that will give us the data that shows our algorithms, our new technology, is indeed accurate,” Holloman said.

The lab in Denver empowers Medtronic to not only examine current device performance but to inform new designs. This work includes thinking through how AI can help predict and prevent complications – perhaps even before a doctor knows something’s wrong, Case said.

“Imagine if we could use AI to look at small variations in the pulse to see an infection early and then do something about it,” he said.

The technology under development has been accepted into the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Safer Technologies Program for Medical Devices (STeP) — a designation that accelerates the development, assessment, and review of devices that are expected to improve the safety of current treatments.

“This means a ton for our patients,” Case said.

Learn more about Medtronic here.

Patient monitoring products should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis or therapy and are intended only as an adjunct in patient assessment. Note: Oxygen saturation accuracy can be affected by certain environmental, equipment, and patient physiologic conditions (as discussed in the operator’s manual for the monitor) that influence readings of SpO2. Please consult the IFU and operator’s manual for full safety information. Some of the technologies discussed in this article are aspirational, pipeline projects and not cleared or available for sale at this time.

The Chemours Company, a global chemistry company, today announced the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report, showcasing significant progress toward its Corporate Responsibility Commitment (CRC) goals. The report titled “Trusted Chemistry” is an affirmation of the company’s vision and commitment to using the power of chemistry to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges while improving lives and helping communities thrive.

“Our Trusted Chemistry vision is more than aspirational; it’s directional,” said Denise Dignam, President and CEO of Chemours. “It guides how we operate, innovate, and engage with our stakeholders. The 2024 Sustainability Report reflects our unwavering commitment to responsible manufacturing, environmental stewardship, and community impact. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and excited about the opportunities ahead.”

The 2024 report reflects a pivotal year for Chemours, marked by refreshed core values, a new corporate strategy—Pathway to Thrive—and measurable sustainability achievements. Key Highlights from the 2024 Sustainability Report include:

• Reached a 76% reduction in fluorinated organic chemical (FOC) process emissions globally since 2018, advancing toward the goal of a 99% reduction by 2030.
• Achieved 52% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, keeping Chemours on track to meet its 60% reduction target by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.
• Accomplished the 2030 Sustainable Offerings goal six years ahead of schedule, with 50% of revenue now coming from products that make a specific contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Completed Chemours’ first Double Materiality Assessment, supporting further alignment of the company’s sustainability priorities with stakeholder needs. The insights are being used to inform actions and evolve the 2030 CRC aspirations and goals, to build on achievements and drive more impact to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

The report also details Chemours’ Trusted Chemistry vision in action with features on continued investment in sustainable technologies and circularity, including:

• Liquid cooling solutions for data centers, including two-phase immersion fluid, which can reduce cooling energy use by up to 90% and nearly eliminate cooling-related water consumption when compared to traditional air-cooling technologies.
• Advanced binders that enable dry electrode manufacturing for electric vehicle (EV) batteries; a process that can reduce manufacturing footprint by 75%, energy consumption by approximately 47%, and eliminate the need for hazardous solvent use and recovery.
• Sharpening our focus on helping to build a more circular economy by implementing circularity principles in our operations and with partners, as part of our broader commitment to make the most of critical resources, prevent waste, take climate action, and support a thriving society.

To read the full 2024 Sustainability Report, visit www.chemours.com/en/sustainability.

About The Chemours Company

The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) is a global leader in providing industrial and specialty chemicals products for markets, including coatings, plastics, refrigeration and air conditioning, transportation, semiconductor and advanced electronics, general industrial, and oil and gas. Through our three businesses – Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Titanium Technologies, and Advanced Performance Materials – we deliver application expertise and chemistry-based innovations that solve customers’ biggest challenges. Our flagship products are sold under prominent brands such as Opteon™, Freon™, Ti-Pure™, Nafion™, Teflon™, Viton™, and Krytox™. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and listed on the NYSE under the symbol CC, Chemours has approximately 6,000 employees and 28 manufacturing sites and serves approximately 2,500 customers in approximately 110 countries. For more information, visit chemours.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements 
This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to a historical or current fact. The words “believe,” “expect,” “will,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “project” and similar expressions, among others, generally identify “forward-looking statements,” which speak only as of the date such statements were made. These forward-looking statements may address, among other things, our progress against our Corporate Responsibility Commitment goals and our expected positive impact on societal goals, all of which are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements also involve risks and uncertainties that are beyond Chemours’ control. Matters outside our control, including general economic conditions, geopolitical conditions and global health events, and changes in environmental regulations in the U.S. or other jurisdictions that affect demand for or adoption of our products, have affected or may affect our business and operations and may or may continue to hinder our ability to provide goods and services to customers, cause disruptions in our supply chains such as through strikes, labor disruptions or other events, adversely affect our business partners, significantly reduce the demand for our products or increase raw materials, energy, or other input costs, adversely affect the health and welfare of our personnel or cause other unpredictable events. Additionally, there may be other risks and uncertainties that Chemours is unable to identify at this time or that Chemours does not currently expect to have a material impact on its business. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30 2025. Chemours assumes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason, except as required by law.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., August 25, 2025 /3BL/ – Starting in the 2025-26 school year, Washington State’s Hockinson School District (HSD) is partnering with Otus and Discovery Education to better track student learning and growth. This new collaboration will help educators make timely, data-informed decisions about what is working in the classroom so students can get the most out of instructional time.

Since its founding in 1870, HSD has focused on preparing all students for future success. Currently, the district’s talented team serves approximately 2,000 students in the district’s elementary, middle, and high schools. HSD’s educators and staff seek to inspire all students to live with strong core values and become competent, responsible learners by developing independent thinkers who can positively contribute to our changing world.

HSD selected the Otus platform because it provides teachers with past and current academic data from a host of sources, including insights from district-wide edtech solutions such as Mystery Science by Discovery Education, which is currently used in HSD classrooms. Using this data, HSD educators are able to set achievable goals for each student and support students more effectively by grouping students with similar needs for focused instruction.

As strong communication between families and schools plays a key role in student success, the HSD team sought a solution that would support the school-to-home connection. The Otus platform will make it easier for families to stay informed about their child’s learning by providing clear updates, easy-to-read progress reports, and visual tools that show how their child is growing over time.

This new collaboration also helps save HSD money by replacing several tools with one that centralizes assessment, grading, data analytics, and progress monitoring in one place. To secure a lower annual cost, the HSD team customized the service package to choose only the features that fit the needs of Hockinson students and staff. As Hockinson School District makes budget adjustments in response to Washington State’s funding shortfall, the district is focusing resources on student programs and academic achievement.

“Integrating Otus into our district solutions provides educators with the data they need in an easy-to-read format, enhancing their ability to support students effectively,” said Steve Marshall, Superintendent of Hockinson School District. “Additionally, Otus will help strengthen our connection with caregivers by keeping families informed of student progress. We are excited to have teachers begin to use this new resource as it will improve their ability visualize student progress in one place and quickly adjust instruction to improve outcomes in a thoughtful, cost-effective manner.”

HSD educators using Otus will receive dedicated professional development from Otus’ team of professional learning experts. Through these interactive professional development sessions, participants will learn best practices for integrating their new digital resources into instruction. Effective professional learning increases student engagement and supports the continued academic development of all students.

“This unique new collaboration with Otus is a powerful opportunity for Hockinson School District to combine high-quality learning solutions with real-time data analysis to best serve students and educators,” said Jessica Lasher, the Senior Educational Partnerships Manager at Discovery Education. “Discovery Education is proud to help Hockinson School District enhance district educators’ ability to interpret data and deliver life-long results for their community.”

To learn about how Otus and Discovery Education have collaborated to support student achievement, visit www.discoveryeducation.com/Solutions/Otus.

For more information about Otus, visit www.otus.com and stay connected to Otus on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

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 Otus 
Otus, an award-winning edtech platform, empowers educators to maximize student performance with comprehensive solutions for K12 assessment, data, and insights. Committed to student achievement and educational equity, Otus combines student data with powerful tools that provide educators, administrators, and families with the insights they need to make a difference. Built by teachers for teachers, Otus creates efficiencies in data management, assessments, and progress monitoring to help educators focus on what matters most—student success. Today, Otus partners with school districts nationwide to create informed, data-driven learning environments. Learn more at Otus.com.

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 
Mike Peterson 
Otus 
Phone: 651-307-9251 
Email: mike.peterson@otus.com

Stephen Wakefield 
Discovery Education 
Phone: 202-316-6615 
Email: swakefield@discoveryed.com

Key Points

• Galveston Bay refinery’s Green Belt has been recognized as Gold Certified by WHC Certification^®, powered by Tandem Global, for its growing network of conservation habitats.
• Employees have brought the Green Belt to life over the years by restoring wetlands, planting native trees and creating safe spaces for birds, pollinators and more.
• With support from Trees For Houston and other partners, the refinery keeps expanding its environmental efforts and making room for nature to thrive.

Marathon Petroleum’s Galveston Bay refinery (GBR) has earned national recognition for its employee-driven efforts to restore and protect natural spaces across its site.

The refinery’s Green Belt Nature Conservation Habitats were recently designated as Gold Certified by WHC Certification^®, powered by Tandem Global, one of the highest honors in corporate conservation. Only a small percentage of WHC Certification’s more than 600 global conservation programs receive this top-tier recognition.

“The Green Belt effort started with a simple idea to create spaces where people and wildlife could thrive side by side,” said Regina Cooper, Senior Training Specialist at the Galveston Bay refinery and co-lead of the Wildlife Habitat Team. “Earning gold status is validation of years of hands-on work and passion from employees who care deeply about this site and the environment around it.”

That same passion continues to fuel conservation work across the refinery. Over the years, a dedicated group of employee volunteers has rolled up their sleeves to restore wetlands, plant pollinator gardens, install bird nesting boxes and bat houses, and turn underused land into spaces where nature can thrive.

That work keeps growing through partnerships with organizations like Trees For Houston, a local nonprofit dedicated to planting, protecting and promoting trees. More than 150 native trees have been added to the refinery’s Cooper’s Landing over the past two years, led by the Wildlife Habitat Team.

Earlier this year, Barry Ward, executive director of Trees For Houston, said this about the partnership: “Partnering with organizations like Marathon Petroleum allows us to expand our reach and create sustainable green spaces where they are needed most,” he said. “These trees will provide long-term benefits, from improving air quality to creating a habitat for local wildlife for years to come.”

The planting events were made possible through a grant from Marathon Petroleum, with support from Trees For Houston staff who helped transport and position the trees. Volunteers from the refinery, along with contractors, community partners and students, have all taken part in the ongoing effort. The Wildlife Habitat Team hopes to continue building on this momentum by expanding green spaces and advancing sustainability efforts across the site.

“Congratulations to the entire GBR team for this well-deserved recognition and for turning this conservation effort into a golden achievement,” said Honor Sheard, Refining Environmental, Safety and Security Director at the Galveston Bay refinery. “This is the latest example of how our shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community collaboration continues to drive meaningful progress and lasting impact.”

Every few decades, the HVAC industry undergoes a shift that redefines how we heat and cool our homes and businesses in the United States. Now we’re in the midst of another major transition: the move away from R-410A refrigerant toward lower-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B.

This change is not optional—it’s mandated by U.S. regulations under the AIM Act, which required equipment manufacturers to transition to lower-impact refrigerants at the beginning of this year, while the transition contractors and consumers installing new units starts January 1, 2026.  While to some this may feel daunting, this moment is really an opportunity: to install more efficient systems, reduce carbon footprints, and deliver long-term value for homeowners.

At LG, we’ve been here before. We successfully guided our customers through the transition from R-22 (aka Freon) to R-410A, and over the past two years we’ve been leveraging that experience to make today’s shift to R-32 as smooth as possible. Our message is simple: with the right preparation and the right partner, this transition is manageable, safe and beneficial.

What Homeowners Should Know
For homeowners, the most important point is reassurance. The new so-called “A2L” refrigerants are described as “mildly flammable,” which can sound alarming. In reality, they are far closer in behavior to the non-flammable refrigerants we’ve used for decades than to some refrigerants like propane used on other countries. Safety standards for A2Ls have been rigorously updated, and new equipment is designed with leak detection sensors, automatic shut-off systems, and other safeguards.

From a performance perspective, these A2L refrigerants are more efficient than R-410A. For homeowners considering an upgrade, especially to air-source heat pumps, the transition represents an opportunity to adopt future-ready lower-GWP equipment that lowers energy bills while reducing environmental impact.

What Contractors Should Know
For contractors, the refrigerant transition is both a challenge and a growth opportunity. Training is critical—installers must be familiar with updated handling practices, new safety codes, and A2L-rated tools. The good news: as we explain to contractors at our LG HVAC Academies, the vast majority of procedures and tools remain the same. Best practices like leak detection and proper evacuation, always important, are now essential.

Contractors should also prepare for a split market. While LG has selected R-32 for our residential systems due to its efficiency and global alignment, some other manufacturers are adopting R-454B. That means vans may carry more cylinders than before. Proper labeling, organization, and attention to refrigerant type will be key.

Leadership Role
LG has chosen the R-32 refrigerant because of its strong global track record, efficiency advantages and streamlined serviceability as a single-component refrigerant. Our air-source heat pump portfolio is already leading this transition, giving homeowners high-performance solutions that also help achieve sustainability goals.

Our U.S. HVAC business represents a key element of LG Electronics’ global acceleration of B2B operations as a central component of its overall business portfolio innovation strategy. Next, we are preparing our Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems for the same evolution in 2027. VRF technology is rapidly expanding in commercial and multifamily applications, and LG is investing to ensure these solutions make the shift with minimal disruption and maximum customer benefit.

Looking Ahead
The refrigerant transition is about more than compliance—it’s about building a sustainable future. For homeowners, that means lower energy bills, comfort, and peace of mind. For contractors, it means new business opportunities and the chance to be trusted advisors during a once-in-a-generation change.

At LG, we’re embracing this transition with the same spirit of innovation, training and partnership that have defined us in the past. Together, we can make this transition not just manageable, but transformative.

August 25, 2025 /3BL/ – AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, today announced that 20 nonprofit organizations across the United States will receive grants $400,000 from the AEG Community Foundation. The grants, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000, will support programs focused on K-12 education, the arts, and health and wellness in the communities where AEG and its partners operate.

Several of this year’s grant recipients were nominated by AEG employees who have previously collaborated with or supported these organizations, highlighting their meaningful impact at the local level. Each nomination was carefully reviewed by the Foundation’s national executive board, which selected the final recipients based on their demonstrated commitment to building stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities.

“For 25 years AEG has invested in non-profit organizations that make a meaningful difference in underserved communities with a goal of helping these communities thrive,” said Martha Saucedo, Chief External Affairs Officer, AEG. “The grants being awarded today by the AEG Community Foundation will support the valuable work these nonprofits do every day to uplift and empower the people they serve.”

“We are profoundly grateful to the AEG Community Foundation for their generous $20,000 grant supporting our Hope Street Margolis Family Center After-School Program,” says Susan Shum, California Hospital Medical Center Foundation Chief Philanthropy Officer and AEG grantee. “This isn’t just funding; it’s an investment in our Hope Street families, supporting their success, creative outlets and healthier futures. This grant will empower us to continue fostering vital math and English skills, ignite curiosity through science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM), and provide holistic support, ensuring our children not only succeed in school but thrive in life. Together, with partners like AEG, we are building a stronger, more resilient community, one bright future at a time.”

The recipients of the AEG Community Foundation 2025 Grant Cycle include:

K-12 Education

• BOSS, Inc. (Long Beach, CA)
• Little Tokyo Service Center (Los Angeles, CA)
• All People Community Center (Los Angeles, CA)
• Boys & Girls Club of Carson (Carson, CA)
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan (Ypsilanti, MI)
• California Science Center Foundation (Los Angeles, CA)
• City Year New York (New York, NY)
• California Hospital Medical Center Foundation (Los Angeles, CA)
• Central American Resource Center – CARECEN (Los Angeles, CA)

Arts

• Girls Write Nashville (Nashville, TN)
• Heart of Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
• A Place Called Home (Los Angeles, CA)
• The Troy Andrews Foundation (New Orleans, LA)
• Inner-City Arts (Los Angeles, CA)
• Youth on Record (Denver, CO)
• Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation (Santa Barbara, CA)
• Alianza Coachella Valley (Coachella, CA)
• Angelica Center for Arts and Music (Los Angeles, CA)

Health and Wellness

• Olive Crest (Las Vegas, NV)
• YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)

“This support is about opening doors for young people and fueling the future of Colorado’s music scene. Our students at Youth on Record are the ones who will carry music and live events forward in Denver and beyond. AEG’s backing helps us connect them to real jobs and internships, and it gives them the shot they deserve to make that vision real.” – Jami Duffy, Youth on Record Executive Director & the UMS Co-Manager

“We are deeply grateful to AEG for investing in the future of our youth”, said BBBSSEM Director of Programs, Dr. Joselyn Mitchell-Parker. “This grant is more than funding; it is a statement that the brilliance, leadership, and potential of young people in Southeast Michigan is seen, valued, and worth cultivating. With AEG Community Foundation’s support, our Leadership Camp will continue to empower these students to step into their power, lead with intention, and imagine a world they are fully capable of shaping.”

“AEG was the first to believe in BOSS, and that belief has been transformative. Their early, and continued support hasn’t just open doors—its ignited a movement that’s empowering our boys to lead, achieve, and thrive.” BOSS, Inc. founder Everett GlennBOSS INC