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Freedom School for Educators: Black History Classes in the Age of Censorship

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4 months ago

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The 2026–2027 class schedule has just been announced. 

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — It’s not every day that educators can learn directly from leading historians, writers, and activists and then immediately process that learning in small groups with peers equally committed to truth and justice. That’s exactly what makes the Zinn Education Project’s Teach the Black Freedom Struggle online class series so rare and vital.

If educators are to teach U.S. history accurately, they need access to the current scholarship.

The 2026–2027 class schedule has just been announced. It opens the school year with a class on the history of high school student organizing, featuring historians Aaron Fountain Jr. and Jon Hale. Other sessions include Howard Bryant on Paul Robeson and Jackie Robinson; Gary Tyler on mass incarceration and the legacy of slavery; Kelly Lytle Hernández on racism and immigration policy; and Jeanne Theoharis on Coretta Scott King.

In an era of book bans, gag orders, and political attacks on justice-centered curricula, spaces for honest, interactive professional learning are shrinking. Teachers and school staff face constant pressure, misinformation, and curricular erasure. The need for meaningful, culturally relevant professional development has never been greater, as nearly half of educators report that their required training is irrelevant to their work. This series offers a response: a collaborative and engaging learning experience unlike typical workshops or webinars.

The Zinn Education Project series reminds participants that history is layered, contested, and constantly rewritten. It emphasizes that social transformation is collective. Now in its sixth year, the series offers monthly 75-minute sessions that combine rich historical conversation with interactive engagement. Each session pairs a teacher interviewer with a historian. Then, participants move into breakout rooms where they meet colleagues from across the country, discuss the content, and share strategies for bringing truth to their classrooms.

Anchored in an emergent people’s history tradition, the series has featured speakers such as Clint Smith on slavery’s lasting impact on inequality in the United States; Eve Ewing on how the U.S. school system maintains racial hierarchies; Jarvis Givens on Black History Month as an evolving liberatory project; and Jeanne Theoharis on Northern racism and the ongoing misuse of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Martha Jones highlighted the role of Black women in the long struggle for voting rights. As one participant reflected on the session:

The stories of our female ancestors are powerful and need to be told and taught! Using Vanguard, I can share with my students the background of the struggle for Black women to vote and tie it into what is happening currently all across the country. This history is bigger than us.

These classes are not only about learning people’s history. They provide opportunities for educators to connect with peers, find guidance for teaching under authoritarianism, and gain inspiration to continue justice-centered work. As one participant reflected, “So much of our history lies in our hands, and we have to tell our story and carry it forward.”

The sessions consistently model inquiry-based, dialogic learning where knowledge grows through discussion and reflection, rather than top-down instruction. “As always, I appreciate the chance to actively process my thinking with other educators,” one participant emphasized. Another shared, “Loving the breakout groups more and more each time.”

Participants from every U.S. state and territory describe the series as rigorous and sustaining. One attendee said the experience “reinvigorates me to keep learning as much as possible to teach kids Black history, despite the major gaps in my knowledge.” Another added: “This will definitely help my future teaching by being more open and honest with students. Not sugarcoating what has happened actually informs them more.”

If educators are to teach U.S. history accurately, they need access to the current scholarship. These sessions provide exactly that: cutting-edge research in people’s history that uncovers forgotten or previously unrecognized stories of real people — stories that traditional narratives have left out or intentionally erased.

“These spaces are not only about learning,” one attendee wrote. “They are about organizing, connecting, and freedom dreaming.”

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/freedom-school-for-educators-black-history-classes-in-the-age-of-censorship-302808312.html

SOURCE Zinn Education Project

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Lubbock Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thanapoom Boonipat Leads Suturing Workshop for Texas Tech Women in STEM Premed Students

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3 hours ago

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October 25, 2026

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Suturing workshop

LUBBOCK, Texas, Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dr. Thanapoom “Mo” Boonipat, plastic surgeon and founder of FacePlus Plastic Surgery Institute in Lubbock, led a hands-on suturing workshop and career Q&A session for premed students at Texas Tech University. The event was organized by Women in STEM at Texas Tech University.

During the workshop, students practiced suturing fundamentals on suture pads using surgical instruments, with Dr. Boonipat demonstrating technique and coaching students individually. The session also included an open discussion about the path to a career in medicine, including medical school, residency training, and choosing a surgical specialty.

“Every surgeon remembers the first time they held a needle driver. Giving premed students that experience early — along with honest answers about the road ahead — can make the path into medicine feel real and reachable. I was glad to spend the afternoon with such motivated students.” — Dr. Thanapoom Boonipat

“Organizations like Women in STEM do important work connecting young women with mentors and hands-on experience in fields where they are still underrepresented, including surgery. FacePlus is proud to support that effort here in our own community in Lubbock.” — Dr. Thanapoom Boonipat

Women in STEM is a Texas Tech University student organization that supports women pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Events like this connect students with practicing professionals and give them early, practical exposure to clinical skills.

Dr. Boonipat is a plastic and craniofacial surgeon. His training includes an integrated plastic surgery residency at Mayo Clinic and a craniofacial, maxillofacial, and facial aesthetics fellowship at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, following medical school at Dartmouth and undergraduate study in biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins. He founded FacePlus Plastic Surgery Institute in Lubbock in 2024.

About FacePlus Plastic Surgery Institute:
FacePlus Plastic Surgery Institute is a plastic surgery practice in Lubbock, Texas, founded by Thanapoom Boonipat, MD. The practice provides cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, including facial, breast, and body procedures, serving patients in Lubbock and across West Texas. For more information, visit facepluspsi.com.

Media Contact:
FacePlus Plastic Surgery Institute
moboonipatmd@facepluspsi.com
(806) 503-2090
Lubbock, Texas

Press Release Service provided by 24-7PressRelease.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lubbock-plastic-surgeon-dr-thanapoom-boonipat-leads-suturing-workshop-for-texas-tech-women-in-stem-premed-students-302918808.html

SOURCE FacePlus Plastic Surgery Institute

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Vantrue Announces Early Black Friday Sale with Up to 44% Off Select Dash Cams

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6 hours ago

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October 25, 2026

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November 1–21, 2026 | Official Website: Vantrue.com

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vantrue, a dash cam brand dedicated to helping drivers capture the road with confidence, is launching its three-week Black Friday campaign from November 1 to November 21, 2026. The event brings together discounts of up to 44% on selected dash cams, a 100% win-rate prize wheel for subscribers, and exclusive bidding events, giving drivers multiple ways to discover and save on Vantrue products.

Every Eligible Spin Wins a Prize

The Black Friday excitement starts with Vantrue’s 100% win-rate spin wheel. Visitors can subscribe through the official website and spin for a chance to receive exciting rewards, including the latest Vantrue dash cams, special prize bundles, and other surprises. Each subscriber is eligible for one spin during the campaign.

Black Friday Deals in Two Waves

Vantrue’s Black Friday offers will roll out in two waves, featuring discounts on selected dash cams for everyday drivers, rideshare professionals, and those looking to upgrade their in-car recording setup.

Wave 1: November 1–10, 2026

Vantrue E1 Lite: 36% off — $69.99 (regular price: $109.99)
 Vantrue N2X: 36% off — $159.99 (regular price: $249.99)
 Vantrue N4S: 44% off — $199.99 (regular price: $359.99)
 

Wave 2: November 11–21, 2026

Vantrue E1 Pro S: 35% off — $129.99 (regular price: $199.99)
 Vantrue N5S: 36% off — $293.99 (regular price: $459.99)
 Vantrue N4 Pro S: 40% off — $279.99 (regular price: $469.99)
 

Exclusive Bidding Events Add More Excitement

In addition to the promotional pricing, Vantrue will host two special bidding events, offering participants another way to pursue selected dash cams at competitive prices.

BID #1: November 5–7, 2026 — Bid on featured products for a chance to secure them at a lower price.BID #2: November 12–14, 2026 — Return for another opportunity to bid on premium models.

With multiple ways to participate throughout the three-week event, Vantrue’s Black Friday campaign combines savings, interactive rewards, and special shopping opportunities in one destination.

Join Vantrue’s Black Friday Event

From November 1 through November 21, 2026, drivers can explore the latest offers, take part in the prize wheel, and join the bidding events through Vantrue’s official website.

Visit https://www.vantrue.com/ for campaign details and product offers.

About Vantrue

Founded in 2015, Vantrue is a leading global dash cam brand dedicated to providing intelligent, reliable, and user-centric driving solutions. With a focus on innovative technology, dependable performance, and user-friendly design, Vantrue develops dash cams for everyday drivers, families, and professionals on the road. Committed to helping drivers capture every journey with greater confidence and peace of mind, Vantrue continues to innovate to make every drive safer and every moment worth capturing.

Media Contact
Vantrue Media Relations
Email: support@vantrue.net
Website: https://www.vantrue.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vantrue-announces-early-black-friday-sale-with-up-to-44-off-select-dash-cams-302918196.html

SOURCE Vantrue

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LexisNexis Coplogic Solutions Introduces Field Clarity for LexisNexis® Desk Officer Reporting System (DORS) at IACP 2026

Published

9 hours ago

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October 25, 2026

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A new, modern DORS and Field Clarity, the First AI-Guided Smartphone Video Assistant, Enhances Community Experience and Helps Improve Evidence, Case Building

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LexisNexis® Coplogic™ Solutions today announced its modernized LexisNexis® Desk Officer Reporting System (DORS) community online reporting solution and the addition of DORS with Field Clarity, an AI-guided video assistant designed to improve field documentation accuracy and enable faster resolution by law enforcement agencies (LEAs). Field Clarity is designed to help community members submit reports to their local LEAs using DORS via intuitive step-by-step instructions. A hands-on experience for DORS with Field Clarity will be available for demonstration during the 2026 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) annual conference.

“Agencies generally look to strategic partners like us not just for technology, but also for relief, reinforcement, and credibility across three tightly connected challenges: public expectation, workforce strain and digital evidence overload,” said Jason LaRue, associate vice president, LexisNexis Coplogic Solutions. “Our modernized LexisNexis Desk Officer Reporting System (DORS) helps agencies improve officer safety along with community member experiences. Field Clarity strengthens video evidence quality and digital evidence management to reduce friction and alleviate strain on a challenged workforce.”

Key Highlights
Integrated into LexisNexis® Desk Officer Reporting System (DORS), Field Clarity is the first AI-Guided video assistant for community member online reporting that:

Transforms data capture from passive intake into intelligent, guided capture to help create more positive officer and civilian mobile-first experiencesDrives more accurate field documentation, evidence and case building to help with faster resolution and enhanced public safetyBenefits civilians submitting reports with intuitive, step-by-step instructions, almost like having a digital assistant with them in real timeBenefits officers by bringing video, photos and scanned data together for a clearer picture of an event without the need to track down additional details

How the DORS with Field Clarity Solution Works
DORS allows each law enforcement agency to collect information directly from civilians on more than 200 incident types based on the needs of their community. DORS and Field Clarity make the filing of an online report experience easier by guiding users intuitively through each step of the process on their smartphone device, similar to having a personal digital assistant. Instead of asking a driver, for example, to fill out forms and guess what’s needed, the Field Clarity conversational interface prompts them to scan their driver’s license, capture a VIN or record a short walkaround video explaining what happened during the incident, all while capturing the data necessary to complete the report.

For civilians, being able to easily film on-scene evidence means less confusion and need for reentries or follow-up by the sworn officer responsible for approving reports. For officers, the benefits include cleaner, more complete accident reports and less time spent requesting and gathering additional details. With reports fed directly into the agency’s Record Management System (RMS), law enforcement also benefits from more efficient workflows and stronger documented cases for their investigators. DORS is used by nearly 600 agencies in North America, saving agencies approximately 900,000 personnel hours and $90 million annually*

“Trust in law enforcement is built one interaction at a time. Every opportunity for a community member to engage with their police department matters, including something as routine as filing a report,” said Sarah E. Connolly, co-founder of Guardian Communications, FBI-LEEDA instructor and retired Baltimore Police lieutenant and PIO. “When technology makes that process easier, improves the quality of information collected and supports a more responsive agency, it has the potential to do more than improve efficiency. It can help strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”

LexisNexis Coplogic Solutions delivers solutions and capabilities that can create a clearer line of sight from the field to law enforcement leadership, strengthening the connection between daily operations, workforce support, data management and community trust. DORS with Field Clarity is available through LexisNexis® Command Center, a single access point to the LexisNexis Coplogic Solutions data and analytics solutions suite, including LexisNexis®  BuyCrash®, LexisNexis® eCrash and LexisNexis® eCitation solutions. Coplogic Solutions also offers Unified Performance Dashboards for crash and citation mapping and illustrated visualizations, which connect field data with contextual insight in a single, coherent view – so law enforcement leaders can better understand and more confidently explain to their communities not just what is happening in near-real time, but also why. 

To speak with Coplogic law enforcement experts about LexisNexis Desk Officer Reporting System (DORS) with Field Clarity and experience the solution firsthand, visit LexisNexis Coplogic Solutions at IACP Booth #941, October 24 – 27, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. To learn more, check out this video: LexisNexis® Desk Officer Reporting System (DORS).

About LexisNexis Risk Solutions
LexisNexis® Risk Solutions provides customers with information-based analytics and decision tools that combine public and industry-specific content with advanced technology and algorithms to assist them in evaluating and predicting risk and enhancing operational efficiency. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, Georgia, the company has offices throughout the world, serves customers in more than 190 countries and territories and is part of RELX. For more information, please visit LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

About LexisNexis Coplogic Solutions
LexisNexis® Coplogic™ Solutions is committed to meeting law enforcement agencies where they are on the road to saving more lives and helping take them where they want to be by delivering an innovative full suite of data sophistication solutions to create workflow efficiencies while delivering world-class crash and citation data and analytics visualizations through advanced technology. Our proven solutions, developed by and specifically for law enforcement, can help agencies operate more effectively, increase services to their communities and improve traffic and overall public safety through electronic, mobile-first authoring capabilities, web-based eCommerce solutions, analytics and more. For more information, please visit risk.lexisnexis.com/Coplogic.

Media Contacts: 
Chaz Abbott
LexisNexis Risk Solutions
chaz.abbott@lexisnexisrisk.com
+1 949.922.1167

*Based on a 2025 LexisNexis Coplogic Solutions internal study

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lexisnexis-coplogic-solutions-introduces-field-clarity-for-lexisnexis-desk-officer-reporting-system-dors-at-iacp-2026-302918694.html

SOURCE LexisNexis Risk Solutions

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