Tag: 3BL

LINCOLN, Neb., June 15, 2026 /3BL/ – Dr. Vivek Shandas, Portland State University professor and climate resilience researcher, joins the Arbor Day Foundation in episode six of its new podcast, “Unearthing Optimism.”

In a conversation with CEO and host Dan Lambe, Dr. Shandas talks about the science and impact of urban heat islands. He also shares personal, real-life stories of resilience in the face of record-breaking heat.

“Trees are important for our health and well-being, but as Dr. Shandas explains in this episode, they’re also important for our sense of connection. Through trees and teamwork, we can combat some of the most pressing issues communities face today, including extreme heat,” said Lambe. “In a time when it’s easy to feel overcome by challenges, this podcast is a way for people to embrace hope. We’re grateful for the many listeners who are joining us on this journey.”

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

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

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

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

And this is only the beginning.  

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

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A recent episode of Epicenter of Women’s Sports Podcast hosted by Olympic medalist and sports executive Karina LeBlanc, “Boardroom, Ballroom, or On the Pitch,” featuring KeyBank’s Oregon and SW Washington Market President, Josh Lyons and Portland Thorns forward, Morgan Weaver blends leadership insights with a deeper look at community impact and opportunity.

In the episode, LeBlanc, Lyons, and Weaver discuss how skills like resilience, communication, and adaptability translate across business, sports, and everyday life. Those same principles are reflected in KeyBank’s work beyond the microphone, particularly through its multiyear partnership with the Portland Thorns.

As the team’s Official Retail Bank, KeyBank is helping expand opportunities for girls and young women in the region through programs focused on mentorship, leadership development, and financial empowerment. Lyons notes the partnership reflects a broader commitment to strengthening local communities and investing in future generations.

KeyBank also supports initiatives like the Community Captain program, which highlights local changemakers, and the Thorns Academy, aimed at developing young athletes. Additional efforts, including the Lead(HERS) of Tomorrow program, provide mentorship and career exposure for young women.

Together, the podcast and partnership reinforce a shared message: leadership isn’t limited to one arena, it’s about creating opportunities and making an impact wherever you are.

Listen here.

Learn more about KeyBank’s commitment to helping clients and communities thrive

Contact media@actionagainsthunger.org for inquiries. 

NEW YORK, June 15, 2026 /3BL/ – Twenty years ago, on August 4, 2006, 17 staff members of Action Against Hunger who were delivering humanitarian aid, were executed in our office in Muttur, Sri Lanka. They were wearing T-shirts and vests clearly identifying them as humanitarian workers. Despite compelling evidence pointing to the likely responsibility of Sri Lankan security forces, twenty years on and we are still waiting for justice to be served.

Action Against Hunger calls on the Sri Lankan government to end decades of impunity and open a new investigation into this case. This investigation should comply with international standards, particularly regarding transparency and witness protection. We call on the international community to support this request and to do everything possible to ensure that the truth about this crime is brought to light.

The Muttur massacre remains one of the deadliest attacks ever carried out against humanitarian workers. Action Against Hunger, along with several international bodies, including the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission and other NGOs, have repeatedly concluded that this attack was likely committed by Sri Lankan security forces and that it was subject to attempts of concealment by the authorities.

“Twenty years on, we continue to fight for justice for the brutal murder of our 17 colleagues, who were killed while delivering life-saving aid. Many were at the beginning of their careers, and their families, like us, have never truly recovered from this loss. We cannot accept that the perpetrators of this crime will remain unpunished,” said Perrine Benoist, Co-Director of Action Against Hunger France.

Families Still Waiting for Justice

For two decades, the victims’ relatives have lived with the pain of their loss and the absence of justice. One of them shared with Action Against Hunger:

“Even after 20 years, the pain of what happened is still in my heart. I miss my brother. Those responsible should be punished.”

Another added: “This loss will hurt me now and until the end of my days.”

Rising Attacks Against Humanitarian Workers

Humanitarian workers are protected under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and should never be targeted, yet attacks against them are increasing worldwide. Over the past three years, more than 1,000 humanitarian workers have been killed. In times of crisis, humanitarians are on the front line: they provide essential assistance and save lives. Their work must be protected to ensure the delivery of life-saving aid to populations in need.

“For years, the lack of justice for this crime has had repercussions on the protection of humanitarians everywhere. Muttur sends a signal that such attacks can go unpunished. Today, we are witnessing a rise in attacks against humanitarians on an unprecedented scale. It is imperative that Sri Lankan authorities provide answers and that justice is finally served,” added Perrine Benoist.

You can read Action Against Hunger’s letter calling for a new investigation here.

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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.

If we asked nature, what would it reveal about the landscapes we walk through every day?

“Every single shape, every color we see is a solution to a certain problem.”
—Tristan Gooley

As we AskNature to help us read the clues and signs of the more than human world, natural navigator Tristan Gooley reminds us that nothing in nature is random and everything is connected.

This week’s AskNature Podcast unpacks the two pillars of way finding and you’ll learn how a simple five minute walk can unlock your brain’s evolutionary potential.

Tristan Gooley is an author and natural navigator.

Tristan set up his natural navigation school in 2008 and is the author of award-winning and internationally bestselling books, including The Natural Navigator (2010) The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs (US) / The Walker’s Guide to Outdoor Clues & Signs (UK 2014), How to Read Water (2016), The Secret World of Weather (2021), How to Read a Tree (2023) and The Hidden Seasons (2025), some of the world’s only books covering natural navigation. His books have sold millions of copies and been translated into 20 languages.

Listen to the podcast here.

If we asked nature, what would it reveal about the landscapes we walk through every day?

“Every single shape, every color we see is a solution to a certain problem.”
—Tristan Gooley

As we AskNature to help us read the clues and signs of the more than human world, natural navigator Tristan Gooley reminds us that nothing in nature is random and everything is connected.

This week’s AskNature Podcast unpacks the two pillars of way finding and you’ll learn how a simple five minute walk can unlock your brain’s evolutionary potential.

Tristan Gooley is an author and natural navigator.

Tristan set up his natural navigation school in 2008 and is the author of award-winning and internationally bestselling books, including The Natural Navigator (2010) The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs (US) / The Walker’s Guide to Outdoor Clues & Signs (UK 2014), How to Read Water (2016), The Secret World of Weather (2021), How to Read a Tree (2023) and The Hidden Seasons (2025), some of the world’s only books covering natural navigation. His books have sold millions of copies and been translated into 20 languages.

Listen to the podcast here.

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

HARTFORD, Conn., June 15, 2026 /3BL/ – Aetna®, a CVS Health® company (NYSE: CVS), today announced the launch of the second generation Aetna Claims Assist Manager (CAM), an AI-powered agentic claims advisor platform designed to streamline claims processing and improve payment accuracy. Insurance claims processing remains a major cost driver across the U.S. healthcare system, where administrative activities account for roughly a quarter of total spending. According to the 2023 CAQH Index, providers and health insurers spend an estimated $80 billion each year managing administrative transactions. The 2025 CAQH Index also estimates the healthcare industry could save more than $20 billion each year through further automation of administrative processes, including claims-related workflows.CAM, with adjuster AI agents, reduces processing time by over 20% for complex claims that require manual review, helping providers get paid faster and more consistently. Bringing together eligibility, coverage, member and provider data, AI agents automate resolutions and recommend next-best actions.“Claims Assist Manager shows how we are using AI to modernize the fundamentals of healthcare operations,” said Katerina Guerraz, EVP and Chief Operating Officer at Aetna. “By reducing manual steps and accelerating decision making, we are delivering faster, more reliable outcomes for providers and members.”The platform responds directly to provider feedback. In Aetna’s recent provider survey, reducing administrative burden and simplifying insurance processes ranked among the highest priorities.

Claims Assist Manager is part of CVS Health’s $20 billion multi‑year investment in digital innovation aimed at simplifying the U.S. health system and creating a more seamless experience for consumers. Beyond claims processing, CAM demonstrates how automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent workflows can modernize complex administrative operations—at scale—while improving the provider and member experience.

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About Aetna

Aetna, a CVS Health business, serves an estimated 37 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental and behavioral health plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers’ compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services. Aetna’s customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care professionals, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, visit Aetna.com (e.g., clinical diagnoses, eligibility criteria, participation in a disease state management program).

About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company simplifying health care one person, one family and one community at a time. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 88 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through a broad range of health insurance products and related services. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

Media contact

Phil Blando
Phillip.Blando@CVSHealth.com

Key Points

• Marathon Petroleum was named to the Dow Jones Best‑in‑Class Indices based on its performance in the annual S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment.
• The company earned a top‑quartile ESG score within the North American Oil and Gas Refining and Marketing sector and scored above the industry average across governance & economic, environmental, and social criteria.
• The recognition reflects Marathon Petroleum’s continued focus on sustainability, operational excellence and continuous improvement in a changing energy industry.

June 12, 2026 /3BL/ – Marathon Petroleum was named to the annual Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices as a result of its performance on the annual S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA).

Marathon Petroleum earned a top quartile CSA score for the North American Oil and Gas Refining and Marketing sector and scored above industry average in all three score dimensions ─ governance & economics, environmental, and social.

“This recognition reflects Marathon Petroleum’s continued focus on sustainability and operational excellence,” said Andrea Salimbene, Director of ESG Strategy at Marathon Petroleum. “Our sustainability-driven approach supports our relentless commitment to continuously improve as we contribute to an evolving energy industry.”

S&P Dow Jones Indices is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average®. The S&P Dow Jones Indices select companies for inclusion using an industry‑relative sustainability evaluation.

 

News Summary

• LG Electronics USA has launched “LG Comfort Kit,” a suite of everyday solutions designed to make laundry appliances easier to operate for individuals of all abilities.
• Now available for the first time in the United States, these tool-free accessories include easy-grip handles for people with limited strength or mobility to open the laundry detergent drawer and washer and dryer doors, and an easy-to-use dial for washing machine controls.
• Developed under LG’s “Design for All” initiative, these accessories were created through intensive research and hands-on testing.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., June 12, 2026 /3BL/ – Furthering its vision of a more inclusive home, LG Electronics USA has introduced the “LG Comfort Kit” for its U.S. laundry appliance lineup, making its inclusive “Design for All” philosophy a reality in one of the most essential rooms in the house. 

Previewed at the 2026 CSUN Assistive Technology Conference and launched in the United States today, the new LG Comfort Kit accessories help make the laundry experience easier for a wide range of users, including seniors and individuals with varying mobility and dexterity needs. 

To celebrate the launch and lower the barrier to an accommodating home, LG is introducing a special offer: purchase an eligible LG front-load washer, dryer, WashTower™, or WashCombo™ and receive up to three free LG Comfort Kit accessories including the LG Easy Door Handle, LG Easy Drawer Handle and LG Easy Ball valid through Aug. 19.* For existing LG owners, the accessories are also available for individual purchase on LG.com.

The LG Comfort Kit lineup offers three accessories for laundry appliances, each priced at $19.99 and designed to be attached easily without tools:

• LG Comfort Kit Door Easy Handle (Model AAA30793450) – Attaches directly to the appliance door, allowing users to open their washer or dryer without gripping the pocket handle. Ideal for individuals with limited grip strength or fine motor challenges, this Easy Handle is compatible with select LG WashTower, WashCombo™ and front-load washer and dryer models. 
• LG Comfort Kit Drawer Easy Handle (Model AAA30793452) – Attaches to the detergent dispenser drawer, making it easier to pull open for users who find gripping difficult. This accessory is compatible with select LG WashTower, LG WashCombo and front-load washer and dryer models.
• LG Comfort Kit Easy Ball (Model AAA30793454) – Snaps directly onto existing control dials, creating a larger, easier-to-grip surface that simplifies cycle selection for users with limited dexterity. Compatible with select LG WashCombo and front-load washer and dryer models.

The LG Comfort Kit is part of LG’s broader “Design for All” initiative, a key pillar of the company’s “Better Life for All” global ESG vision. According to John I. Taylor, Senior Vice President at LG Electronics USA, the initiative is built around the belief that technology should be intuitive, approachable and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

“LG Comfort Kit accessories exemplify how real-world user concerns directly inform our Design for All strategy,” said Taylor. “Beyond physical products, this initiative relies on our established, multi-layered accessibility support ecosystem, which includes sign language customer service options and our long-standing distribution of Braille user manuals and tactile stickers.” 

While the Comfort Kit represents a new hardware expansion, LG’s tactile stickers and Braille owner’s manuals are part of an ongoing accessible technology program. These adaptive resources remain available to consumers and can be requested directly through LG Customer Service. 
 

^{*EDITOR’S NOTES}

^{Purchase an eligible LG front-load washer or dryer, LG WashTower, or LG WashCombo with up to three (3) LG Comfort Kit Accessories in a single transaction on LG.com and receive instant additional savings equal to the value of the LG Comfort Kit Accessories. LG Comfort Kit Accessories include the LG Easy Door Handle (AAA30793450), LG Easy Drawer Handle (AAA30793452), and LG Easy Ball (AAA30793454). Each eligible purchase is eligible for one (1) of each LG Comfort Kit Accessory. LG Easy Ball excluded from eligible LG WashTower purchases. Available on LG.com from June 8 – August 19, 2026.  Savings will be reflected in the cart when all offer requirements are met. If any of the qualifying items are removed from the cart or part of the order is canceled or returned, the promotional savings will be void. Prices and offers are non-redeemable for cash and non-transferable. Availability, prices and terms of offer are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.}

^{Eligible Washers: WM5500HVA, WM6700HWA, WM5500HWA, WM6700HBA, WM6500HWA, WM6500HBA, WM5700HVA, WM5800HVA, WM5800HAA}

^{Eligible Dryers: DLEX5800V, DLEX5800A, DLGX5801V, DLGX6501B, DLEX5500V, DLEX5500W, DLGX5501V, DLEX6700W, DLGX5501W, DLGX6501W, DLEX6500W, DLEX6500B, DLGX6701B, DLEX6700B, DLHC5502W, DLHC5502V, DLHC5502B, DLGX5801A}

^{Eligible WashCombos: WM6998HBA, WM6998HVA}

^{Eligible WashTowers: WKE100HWA, WKEX200HBA, WKE100HVA, WKEX200HGA, WKEX200HWA, WKGX301HBA, WKHC252HBA, WKGX201HBA, WKEX300HBA, WKHC152HWA, WKHC252HWA, WKG101HWA, WKGX201HWA, WKG101HVA, SWWE50N3, WKGX201HGA, SWWG50N3, SWWE50W4, SWWG50W4}

# # #

About LG Electronics USA 
Named to the 2026 Forbes Accessibility 200 list, LG Electronics USA Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a smart life solutions company with annual global revenues of more than $60 billion. In the United States, LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, home entertainment products, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and vehicle components. LG is an 11-time ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. www.LG.com.

Media Contact:
LG Electronics USA
John I. Taylor
+1 202 719 3490
john.taylor@lge.com

COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR

What do ASC’s New Standards Mean for Aquaculture?

Tuesday, June 30th, 2026

8:00 AM PT | 11:00 AM ET

REGISTER NOW

The newly aligned ASC Farm Standard version 1.0.1 represents a significant step forward in advancing responsible aquaculture practices, introducing updated requirements, processes, and expectations for certified farms.

While the standard officially comes into effect on August 1, 2026, the ASC has established a two-year transition period. During this time, aquaculture operations can voluntarily undergo assessments against the new standard, allowing farms, consultants, and stakeholders to prepare for future compliance and better understand what’s ahead. 

Join us on Tuesday, June 30th for an informational session with Brian Ahlers, Technical Sales Manager, as he walks through the key elements of the updated standard. Attendees will gain clarity on the changes, explore the assessment process, and learn how to successfully navigate the transition toward the future state of ASC certification.

 

REGISTER NOW

COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR

What do ASC’s New Standards Mean for Aquaculture?

Tuesday, June 30th, 2026

8:00 AM PT | 11:00 AM ET

REGISTER NOW

The newly aligned ASC Farm Standard version 1.0.1 represents a significant step forward in advancing responsible aquaculture practices, introducing updated requirements, processes, and expectations for certified farms.

While the standard officially comes into effect on August 1, 2026, the ASC has established a two-year transition period. During this time, aquaculture operations can voluntarily undergo assessments against the new standard, allowing farms, consultants, and stakeholders to prepare for future compliance and better understand what’s ahead. 

Join us on Tuesday, June 30th for an informational session with Brian Ahlers, Technical Sales Manager, as he walks through the key elements of the updated standard. Attendees will gain clarity on the changes, explore the assessment process, and learn how to successfully navigate the transition toward the future state of ASC certification.

 

REGISTER NOW