Technology

Bishop’s University Secures Nearly $700,000 in Research Infrastructure Funding

Published

3 months ago

August 20, 2026

SHERBROOKE, QC, Aug. 20, 2026 /CNW/ — Bishop’s University has secured nearly $700,000 in research infrastructure funding to advance new work in plant biochemistry, cybersecurity, and exoplanet astrophysics. This includes funding for Canada’s contribution to a NASA mission expected to discover 100,000 new exoplanets beyond our solar system and expected to launch later this month — one of three federal research infrastructure investments announced today.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund (CFI JELF) has awarded a total of $338,913 to three Bishop’s researchers, matched dollar-for-dollar by the Quebec government. The awards are part of a $118-million federal investment supporting 357 research infrastructure projects at post-secondary institutions across Canada.

“These three awards, arriving together, tell a clear story about Bishop’s University,” said Dr. Valerio Faraoni, Associate Vice-Principal, Research and Graduate Studies. “Our researchers are working on questions that matter nationally and internationally — from the search for new worlds to the future of food security to protecting digital identities. This investment confirms that you don’t need to be a large institution to do leading research.”

Engineering plants for a warming world

Dr. Sarathi Weraduwage, Full Professor of Biology and Biochemistry, is challenging the prevailing assumption about why crop yields under rising CO2 fall short of predictions, proposing that leaf expansion, not photosynthesis, is the limiting factor. Her $245,310 award — the largest of the three — funds a new controlled environment biochemistry research facility, including growth chambers and a high-precision LI-6800 portable photosynthesis system to measure gas exchange in leaves, algae and soil, in the university’s Johnson building.

“For decades, researchers have assumed that rising CO2 would boost crop yields because it boosts photosynthesis. The yields haven’t followed,” said Dr. Weraduwage. “My research asks whether we’ve been looking at the wrong variable — and if leaf growth is the real bottleneck, we may finally have a path to fixing it.”

Making digital identity harder to fake

Dr. Russell Butler, Associate Professor of Computer Science, is building a facility that combines brain-wave sensors, eye tracking, facial video, and gait data into a single, synchronized platform to develop identity verification methods that are harder to spoof and more equitable across users. His $64,527 award funds the lab’s core sensor and computing infrastructure.

“The signals that make each of us physiologically unique — how our eyes move, how our brain responds, how we walk — are extraordinarily difficult to fake,” said Dr. Butler. “Combining them doesn’t just improve security. It changes what secure identity can actually mean in the real world.”

Searching for 100,000 new worlds

Dr. Jason Rowe, Tier II Canada Research Chair in Exoplanet Astrophysics and Full Professor in Physics & Astronomy, is leading Canada’s contribution to NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope — set to launch at end of August 2026 — developing the software pipeline that will scan data from more than 100 million stars to identify new planets. His $29,076 CFI award funds the high-performance computing infrastructure the team needs operational before Roman’s first science data arrives in early 2027.

“The Roman Space Telescope is going to produce more planet data than every previous mission combined — but that data is only useful if you can find the signal in it. That’s what we’re building: the software that turns an ocean of observations into a catalogue of new worlds,” said Dr. Rowe.

The three projects will together support student training in machine learning, plant biology, and cybersecurity — fields central to Canada’s research and innovation priorities. The John R. Evans Leaders Fund supports researchers at Canadian universities and colleges in acquiring the equipment and facilities needed to conduct leading research.

About Bishop’s University

Founded in 1843 and located on the traditional territory of the Abenaki people (W8banakiak wdakiw8k), Bishop’s University is an English-language institution in the Eastern Townships of Québec — one of Canada’s most distinctive academic settings where studying in English while living in French-speaking Canada is part of the education itself. Our 550-acre campus is home to a highly engaged community where students are challenged to grow beyond what they already know academically, personally, and experientially.

Research and creativity are central to Bishop’s University’s mission. We empower our faculty, undergraduates, and graduate students to contribute research, scholarly inquiry, innovation, and knowledge creation across diverse fields of study. Our researchers generate new knowledge driven by collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange that has direct relevance and measurable impact for communities, partners, and end users. Our students participate at every stage, from the first lines of inquiry to publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Bishop’s is home to five Canada Research Chairs, a Jarislowsky Chair, and robust external research funding, anchored by a research culture that pairs rigorous inquiry with close faculty-student mentorship. Innovative and impactful research takes place across Business, Education, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Social Sciences. Graduate offerings include a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD), Master’s programs in Physics, Computer Science, and Education, as well as an Individualized Master’s program supporting interdisciplinary research.

SOURCE Bishop’s University

Technology

Veterans Guardian Receives 2026 Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award

Published

4 minutes ago

November 12, 2026

PINEHURST, N.C., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting is honored to announce that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded us the 2026 Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award. This distinction celebrates our demonstration of patriotism, and our recognition of the immense value veterans bring to the workplace. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal award that honors organizations for their outstanding commitment to recruiting, employing, and supporting America’s veterans.

Veterans Guardian has proudly earned the HIRE Vets Medallion Award every year since 2019. The Gold HIRE Vets Medallion is awarded to companies that not only hire veterans but also actively support a workplace that honors their service, supports their career development, and appreciates the strength and leadership veterans offer. We remain committed to creating an inclusive, empowering environment where veterans’ patriotism, experience, and contributions are acknowledged and honored.

“Receiving the 2026 Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award is a tremendous honor and a reflection of our firm commitment to those who have served our nation,” said Scott Greenblatt, LTC (RET), US Army, CEO and Founder of Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting. “Our veterans have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedoms, and we believe that dedication deserves to be met with meaningful opportunities, continued support, and a workplace where their service and sacrifices are truly valued. Since 2019, we’ve remained committed to empowering veterans as they transition into civilian careers, recognizing the extraordinary leadership, resilience, and experience they bring to our organization. Supporting veterans isn’t simply part of what we do—it’s the foundation of who we are and the mission that guides us forward every day.”

Veterans Guardian’s dedication to veterans goes beyond employment. Through its mission of helping veterans navigate the VA disability claims process and pursue the benefits they have earned, the company continues advocating for those who have served. This acknowledgment reflects Veterans Guardian’s commitment to creating meaningful career opportunities while fostering a workplace where veterans can thrive, contribute, and build successful futures beyond military service.

“Our veterans possess a unique strength, resilience, and skill set that greatly improves our workforce,” Greenblatt added. “Our mission and values drive our commitment to hiring and supporting veterans, and it’s gratifying to recognize the positive impact we’ve made on their lives, as well as the impact they continue to make within our organization.”

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award recognizes organizations nationwide that show outstanding commitment to veteran employment and professional development. Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting is deeply honored to be named a 2026 Gold Medallion recipient, reaffirming our ongoing pledge to honor, support, and encourage those who have bravely served our nation.

About Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting
Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting is a leader in assisting veterans with VA claims, providing expertise and dedicated support to help veterans secure the benefits they deserve. Founded by Scott Greenblatt, Veterans Guardian is deeply committed to supporting the veteran community through advocacy, employment, and outreach. Learn more about Veterans Guardian at vetsguardian.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veterans-guardian-receives-2026-gold-hire-vets-medallion-award-302938288.html

SOURCE Veterans Guardian

Technology

HitPaw Black Friday 2026: Save Up to 60% on AI Creative Tools

Published

4 minutes ago

November 12, 2026

NEW YORK, Nov 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HitPaw, an AI-powered multimedia platform specializing in video, image, and audio enhancement, generation, and editing solutions, today announced its 2026 Black Friday Mega Deal. Running from November 10 to December 7, the campaign offers savings of up to 60% OFF on a wide range of AI-powered creative tools, giving creators, businesses, and everyday users an opportunity to upgrade their creative workflows at exceptional prices.

Explore HitPaw’s AI Creative Tools

HitPaw offers specialized AI solutions for multimedia enhancement, generation, and editing, covering a wide range of creative needs:

HitPaw VikPea (AI Video Enhancer): Upscale videos to 4K, restores damaged footage, and enhances clarity, details, and colors by reducing blur and noise.HitPaw FotorPea (AI Photo Enhancer & Generator): Enhance image quality, restore old photographs, sharpen portraits, remove unwanted objects, and create AI-generated artwork.HitPaw Edimakor (AI Video Generator & Editor): Combines AI video generation with video editing capabilities, helping users create and edit engaging videos more efficiently.HitPaw VoicePea (AI Voice Changer): Transform voices in real time with realistic AI voice effects for streaming, gaming, content creation, and online communication.HitPaw Univd (AI Video Converter & Compressor): Convert and compress videos without sacrificing quality for seamless sharing across devices and platforms.HitPaw Watermark Remover (AI Watermark & Object Remover): Remove unwanted watermarks, objects, and distractions from photos and videos with ease.

From restoring cherished memories and producing social media content to creating product visuals and promotional videos for e-commerce, HitPaw’s tools support a variety of creative needs.

Unlock Exclusive Black Friday Discounts

During the Black Friday Mega Deal, customers can enjoy special discounts across HitPaw’s product lineup:

60% OFF 5-in-1 Ultimate Bundle: Get VikPea, FotorPea, Edimakor, Univd, and Watermark Remover in one package. Ideal for creators seeking an all-in-one toolkit for AI creation, video and image enhancement, editing, and file management.50% OFF 2-in-1 Bundles: Choose from two combinations: VikPea + FotorPea or VikPea + Edimakor. The first pairs video and photo enhancement, while the second offers a one-stop workflow for AI video creation and enhancement.40% OFF Individual Products: Save 40% OFF on HitPaw VikPea and HitPaw FotorPea, ideal for users focused on improving video and image quality.30% OFF Individual Products: Get 30% OFF on HitPaw Edimakor, HitPaw VoicePea, HitPaw Univd, and HitPaw Watermark Remover, catering to video creators and users looking for flexible editing and media utilities.20% OFF HitPaw Online AI Credits: Save on AI credits for browser-based tools, including video enhancement, AI image generation, photo restoration and more. A convenient option for users who prefer online creative tools without installing software.

How to Get HitPaw Black Friday Deals

HitPaw’s 2026 Black Friday Mega Deal runs from November 10 through December 7, 2026. Customers can visit the official campaign page to explore participating products, compare available plans, and claim discounts of up to 60% OFF.

For more information checking, you may visit: HitPaw Black Friday 2026: Save Up to 60% OFF, Best Deals

ABOUT HITPAW

HitPaw is a leading AI-powered multimedia platform offering video, image, and audio generation, enhancement, and editing tools. It helps millions of creators worldwide easily produce high-quality content, from transforming media to creating new visual and audio works. Learn more at: [OFFICIAL] HitPaw – AI Video, Photo & Audio Enhancer Solutions

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hitpaw

X (Twitter): https://x.com/HitPawofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitpawofficial/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HitPawofficialwebsite

This release was issued through Send2Press® on behalf of the news source. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.send2press.com/.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hitpaw-black-friday-2026-save-up-to-60-on-ai-creative-tools-302938195.html

SOURCE HitPaw. Co., Ltd

Technology

California Supreme Court to Decide Whether Insurers Can Hide Illegal Overcharges Behind Approved Rates, Says Consumer Watchdog

Published

4 minutes ago

November 12, 2026

Ruling Will Impact Millions of State Consumers

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The California Supreme Court will decide whether consumers can sue insurance companies for overcharges that are illegal under Proposition 103, the insurance reform enacted by the voters 38 years ago.

The case before the court concerns a class action lawsuit brought by enlisted policyholders who are good drivers. They allege that USAA, a military insurer, charged them a higher price for auto insurance than it charged officers. Proposition 103 mandates a 20% Good Driver Discount for qualified drivers and state law requires an insurance company to offer good drivers the lowest rate available, regardless of military rank.

Proposition 103 authorizes consumers to challenge violations like that in court. However, some courts have ruled that those lawsuits cannot be brought if the insurance company can argue that the Insurance Commissioner approved the rates being charged.

About 200,000 enlisted USAA customers were overcharged. However, the Supreme Court’s decision will ultimately affect millions of Californians who buy insurance for their autos, homes and businesses.

Ninth Circuit Asks California Supreme Court to Address Pocketbook Issues

The case began in federal court in San Diego, the home of many people in military service. The United States District Court for the Southern District of California ruled that after the passage of Proposition 103, the California legislature passed a bill exempting companies that only insured military personnel from the application of Proposition 103’s protections for good drivers. The plaintiffs appealed to the Ninth Circuit, pointing out that under California’s Constitution the Legislature cannot undermine laws passed by the voters through a ballot initiative.

Before the 9th Circuit, USAA made a second argument, which had been rejected by the District Court: that other state insurance laws shield insurance companies from consumer lawsuits seeking refunds, notwithstanding Proposition 103. Plaintiffs noted that Proposition 103 specifically authorizes lawsuits under the state’s consumer protection laws.

Noting that California courts have adopted conflicting interpretations of Proposition 103, the Ninth Circuit of the United States Court of Appeal then asked California’s Supreme Court to decide these issues of state law.

Representing the enlisted military in the litigation are Consumer Watchdog, the California based non-profit that defends and enforces Proposition 103; Mehri & Skalet, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm specializing in class actions and complex litigation; Mason & Perry LLP, a class action and complex litigation firm also based in D.C., Matthew Seligman, of Grayhawk Law, [more], is leading the plaintiffs’ team before the Supreme Court.

The case is Coleman v. United Services Automobile Association, No. S298496. Review the complaint in the lawsuit. The Ninth Circuit’s certification to the California Supreme Court is available here. (Coleman v. United Services Automobile Ass’n, No. 25-793, slip op. at 3–15 (9th Cir. Sept. 10, 2026)).

Consumer Watchdog is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for taxpayer and consumer interests, with a particular focus on insurance, health care, privacy, energy, and corporate accountability. Consumer Watchdog represents consumers in proceedings enforcing Proposition 103’s protections.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-supreme-court-to-decide-whether-insurers-can-hide-illegal-overcharges-behind-approved-rates-says-consumer-watchdog-302938290.html

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog