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Governor Kehoe Joins United WE to Celebrate New Law Removing Barriers to Work

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HB 2974 makes it easier for qualified professionals from across state lines to get licensed and put their skills to work in Missouri, including health care workers providing telehealth

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe joined United WE – a nonpartisan think-and-do tank working to strengthen the economy by increasing women’s labor force participation – at its Kansas City headquarters for a ceremonial signing of House Bill 2974 (HB 2974). The bill was formally signed into law on July 13 and effective August 28. Missouri House Speaker Dr. Jon Patterson and Rep. Sherri Gallick also attended and spoke at the event.

The new law shortens the wait for qualified professionals licensed in other states to begin working in Missouri.

Missouri has recognized out-of-state professional licenses since 2018, including for military spouses. HB 2974 builds on that foundation in two ways:

Telehealth. The law resolves a question the old statute left open: a health care provider who receives a Missouri license based on an out-of-state license is fully licensed here, including to treat Missouri patients by telehealth.
 Three more interstate licensing agreements. Missouri has joined nine health care licensing compacts since 2016, covering everyone from nurses and physical therapists to counselors and EMTs. HB 2974 adds physician assistants, athletic trainers and dietitians, bringing the total to twelve. Professions without a compact are still covered by Missouri’s general recognition law.

HB 2974 builds on Missouri’s broader efforts to reduce barriers to licensed work. The Archbridge Institute’s 2026 State Occupational Licensing Index ranks Missouri as having the lowest occupational licensing burden in the country, with Kansas second-lowest. The new law continues that focus by making it easier for qualified professionals to put existing credentials to work in Missouri.

HB 2974 was sponsored by Rep. Melanie Stinnett of Springfield and handled in the Senate by Sen. Jamie Burger of Benton. It cleared the House Professional Registration and Licensing Committee 21-0 and the Rules-Administrative Oversight Committee 6-0 before passing both chambers. United WE was among the organizations that testified in support of the bill in committee.

“As a small businessman at heart, my administration is always looking for ways to cut unnecessary red tape and get government out of the way for employers to thrive in Missouri,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “This legislation does just that by helping qualified professionals get to work faster, expanding opportunities for telehealth, and adding new interstate licensing compacts. I want to thank the Missouri General Assembly for getting this commonsense solution to my desk, and the many organizations like United WE that continue to support efforts to modernize occupational licensing.”

Having to get a new professional license after a move can delay people from returning to work even when they are already qualified. That can be especially disruptive for military spouses, caregivers returning to the workforce and professionals pursuing new opportunities. United WE has studied these barriers and supported policy changes in multiple states aimed at improving license portability, streamlining requirements, and identifying where licensing requirements are necessary and where they can be modernized. Because women are especially likely to work in licensed or certified occupations, these barriers can have an outsized effect on their ability to enter, reenter or remain in the workforce. In 2025, 25.1% of employed women held a professional license, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“A qualified professional who moves to Missouri should not have to spend months proving again that she can do a job she’s already qualified to do,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of United WE. “Our research has shown that unnecessary licensing barriers can keep skilled people—especially women—from entering, reentering or advancing in the workforce. HB 2974 shows what can happen when research, policymakers and employers come together around a practical solution: remove the barrier without lowering the standard, and we are grateful to Governor Kehoe and to Rep. Stinnett and Sen. Burger for getting it done.”

In 2025, United WE began a multi-year research initiative examining how occupational licensing barriers affect career mobility, entrepreneurship, and workforce access. In April 2026, United WE launched a national taskforce bringing together leaders from policy, research, and industry to identify additional opportunities to modernize Missouri’s occupational licensing practices. This initiative is supported by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

About United WE

United WE is a nonpartisan nonprofit think-and-do tank working to strengthen the economy and democracy by increasing women’s labor force participation. For 35 years, United WE has turned data into action and action into measurable impact through research, policy and programs. Headquartered in Kansas City, United WE works deeply across Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma and applies its research and solutions nationally. Learn more at united-we.org.

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SOURCE United WE

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proof-it and The Tennessee Whiskey Trail Announce The 2026 TN Collective Tasting Notes Contest

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September 12, 2026

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ATLANTA, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 Tennessee Collective, a collaborative effort between 11 Tennessee distilleries, and proof-it, a next-generation consumer authenticity and engagement platform, proudly announces a partnership to commemorate the release of the The 2026 Tennessee Collective American Whiskey, a delicately crafted new addition to the whiskey industry of Tennessee that will give consumers a unique look into the craft, process, and flavor of each bottle, and direct participation with those who made it.

Each bottle will come with proof-it technology, giving consumers the chance to see the passion in each bottle.

A celebration of the long and rich history of distilling in the state of Tennessee, this new American Whiskey from The Tennessee Collective is a bold testament to the dedication and alliance of the industry. WIth efforts from Big Machine Distillery, Gate 11 Distillery, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Leiper’s Fork Distillery, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Old Dominick Distillery, Old Glory Distilling Co., Peg Leg Porker Distillery, Short Mountain Distillery, Sugarlands Distilling Co., and Tennessee Legend Distillery, this bottle is a new entry in the history and camaraderie of the Tennessee whiskey distilling industry.

“proof-it has become an integral partner in the Tennessee Collective, creating an exclusive digital experience that connects consumers more deeply to the bottle, the blend and the distilleries behind it,” said Charity Toombs, Executive Director of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. “Just as importantly, their technology has given us a valuable window into our customers—helping us better understand who they are, how they engage with the Collective and what interests them most about the product and blend.”

The whiskey will be available starting September 1, 2026 at each of the participating distillery’s tasting rooms, as well as online for pre-order at www.tnwhiskeytrail.com/tn-collective. Each bottle will come with proof-it tag technology, giving consumers the chance to see the passion that went into each bottle, while also offering the chance to discover what makes this bottle unique. This year’s release unlocks a new way to engage with the story of each distiller involved, as each individual distillery’s allocation of bottles will come with a custom video and the story of their specific contribution to the whiskey, only accessible via the proof-it tag on the neck. Beyond a collector’s item, each bottle tells the story of its own existence in eleven different parts and celebrates the craftsmanship that went into this release.

To celebrate the launch, proof-it will also be hosting the Tennessee Collective Tasting Notes Contest through January 7, 2027, offering buyers an opportunity to explore the whiskey’s depth. Simply tap an unlocked smartphone to the unique proof-it tag on each bottle, and users can offer opinions and notes on what they taste in the rich complexity of this unique whiskey. The best entry to the Tennessee Collective Tasting Notes Contest will win tickets to Grain and Grits Festival 2026!

About Tennessee Whiskey Trail

Where the whiskey meets the road. Seven years ago, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail was launched by the Tennessee Distillers Guild as a celebration of our state and its signature spirits. Today we host more than 30 stops across the state, offering a taste of Tennessee and a road map for adventure. Visitors to the Trail can soak up the sights and sounds that have been shaped by Tennessee whiskey, whether stopping by for a sip or making a weekend of it. For more information, visit www.tnwhiskeytrail.com and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail’s Instagram @tnwhiskeytrail.

About proof-it

The proof-it™ platform enables consumers to learn the stories behind the labels of the brands they love, and manage their collections in revolutionary ways. Combining authenticity, consumer engagement, and tamper-proof technology at once, proof-it™ is leading the way into the next generation of consumer engagement and brand building. Look for the proof-it™ Wings™ logo and simply tap it with your unlocked phone.To learn more about the ways proof-it™ can enhance your consumer experience and beyond, visit www.proofit.app.

proof-it™ is powered by Aware Technologies, Inc., providing complete visibility throughout a product’s journey, and enabling new ways for brands to interact with their customers.

Full contest rules are available here: https://scan.proofit.app/contests/rules/tennessee-collective-rules-2026

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/proof-it-and-the-tennessee-whiskey-trail-announce-the-2026-tn-collective-tasting-notes-contest-302876770.html

SOURCE Aware Technologies, Inc.

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IDScan.net Data Breach: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Launches Investigation Into Exposure of Personal Information

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September 12, 2026

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National class action firm offering free case evaluations to individuals impacted by IDScan.net cybersecurity incident

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from the IDScan.net data breach. IDScan.net experienced a data breach on or about September 1, 2026.

What Happened

IDScan.net learned around September 1, 2026, that an unauthorized party may have accessed or copied customer information stored in its cloud accounts. The company secured its systems and brought in outside cybersecurity specialists to investigate the incident, which remains ongoing.

Information Exposed

The IDScan.net data breach may have compromised certain personal information, including full names and driver’s license or other government-issued identification numbers.

Who May Be Impacted

Individuals who received a data breach notification from IDScan.net may face an increased risk of identity theft and fraud.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action to pursue legal remedies for individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised in the IDScan.net breach. The firm will evaluate your rights and potential claims at no cost.

Recommended Protective Steps

Review account statements and credit reports regularly and remain vigilant for suspicious activity. Confirm whether your information was involved in the IDScan.net incident and preserve any letters or emails you received about the breach. Consider placing fraud alerts and credit monitoring.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney today: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492; Email: medelson@edelson-law.com; Web: www.edelson-law.com. Or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About IDScan.net

IDScan.net is a technology company that provides identity verification and data capture solutions for businesses and organizations.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, federal antitrust violations, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above to connect with our team regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/idscannet-data-breach-edelson-lechtzin-llp-launches-investigation-into-exposure-of-personal-information-302876772.html

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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Real Time • Tide Watching | “Greater BRICS cooperation has become the leading echelon of the Global South” —- Qian Feng and Xu Feibiao on 20 Years of BRICS Cooperation and the Next Decade

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September 12, 2026

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NEW DELHI, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A report from haiwainet.cn

Marking the 20th anniversary of the BRICS cooperation mechanism and ahead of the New Delhi Summit, this episode of Real Time • Tide Watching is joined by Professor Qian Feng, Fellow and Director of the Research Department at Tsinghua University’s National Strategy Institute, and Professor Xu Feibiao, Research Professor and Director of the Center for BRICS and G20 Studies of China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR). They focus on the highlights of the 18th BRICS Summit, new progress in BRICS cooperation, and the trajectory of China-India relations, and engage in an in-depth discussion on the next decade of BRICS cooperation.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/real-time–tide-watching—greater-brics-cooperation-has-become-the-leading-echelon-of-the-global-south–qian-feng-and-xu-feibiao-on-20-years-of-brics-cooperation-and-the-next-decade-302876780.html

SOURCE haiwainet.cn

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