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University of Phoenix honored with 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Ethical AI Leadership

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Recognition highlights University’s academic AI pillars, responsible-use guidance and LMS-enabled learning experiences designed to help students build AI literacy

PHOENIX, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix has been recognized as a winner of the 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Ethical AI Leadership, honoring the institution’s work to advance responsible, innovative, transparent, and student-centered uses of artificial intelligence in the learning environment.

The recognition highlights a system-wide approach guided by the University’s academic AI pillars: embed AI into programs and course content, leverage AI tools to enhance the learning experience, and weave AI into processes, policies and workflows. Through this framework, University of Phoenix has moved ethical AI from policy into practice by combining academic guidance, AI-enabled learning activities, student support resources and faculty engagement.

“AI is changing how people learn, work and solve problems, which means higher education has a responsibility to help students use these tools with judgment, transparency and integrity,” said John Woods, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer at University of Phoenix. “This recognition reflects the thoughtful work of our academic and technology teams to build AI literacy into the student experience while keeping human judgment, faculty feedback and academic integrity at the center.”

The Ethical AI Leadership Award recognizes leaders who model responsible, transparent, and inclusive AI use within Blackboard LMS, implementing safeguards that promote trust and equitable outcomes. 

“We’re inspired by the institutions and educators recognized through this year’s Catalyst Awards,” said Bruce Dahlgren, CEO of Blackboard. “These winners represent the very best of innovation, collaboration, and commitment to learner success. Their work is helping shape the future of education in ways that are more accessible, engaging, and impactful for learners around the world.”

AI integration at University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix has developed a practical, student-centered approach to AI integration that supports working adult learners as they navigate a rapidly changing workforce. The University’s AI work includes:

Responsible-use guidance and resources: The Center for AI Resources provides foundational AI literacy, ethical-use guidance, academic integrity expectations, privacy and safety practices, and practical tools for students, faculty and staff.AI-enabled learning experiences: Blackboard AI Conversations has been deployed in courses across multiple disciplines, giving students structured opportunities to engage in scenario-based AI interactions and receive faculty feedback.AI-supported student support: Phoenix Academic Support Service, known as PASS, provides AI-enabled academic and service support within the learning environment.Human-centered safeguards: Faculty feedback, academic integrity expectations and University-aligned AI guidance help students understand not only how to use AI, but when and why responsible use matters.

These efforts build on the University’s broader commitment to career-relevant education for working adults, including skills-mapped curriculum, flexible online learning and student support designed around real life.

“AI becomes meaningful in education when students can practice with it, reflect on how they use it, and then receive guidance that helps them improve their abilities and skills,” said Marc Booker, Ph.D., Vice Provost of Strategy at University of Phoenix. “Our goal has been to create learning experiences where AI is not treated as a shortcut, but as a tool students can learn to use responsibly, transparently and with purpose. By keeping faculty feedback and human judgment at the center, we are helping students build confidence using AI in ways that support their learning and prepare them for the expectations of a changing workplace.”

About the Blackboard Catalyst Awards

Presented annually by Blackboard, the Catalyst Awards celebrate institutions and individuals around the world who are using Blackboard solutions to drive meaningful change in teaching, learning, accessibility, engagement, and institutional success. The awards recognize bold ideas, measurable impact, and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for learners everywhere.

Founded in 2005, the annual Blackboard Catalyst Awards recognize and celebrate innovation, leadership, and excellence across Blackboard’s global community of practice. Each year, winners are selected by a cross-functional team of Blackboard experts and reflect the creativity, dedication, and vision driving the future of education worldwide.

To learn more about the Catalyst Awards and see the full list of 2026 winners, visit blackboard.com/catalyst-awards.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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SOURCE University of Phoenix

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

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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

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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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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.

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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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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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