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With Story of America: Fireside, Students Speak Directly with People Who Shaped America

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4 months ago

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New learning platform launches for the Semiquincentennial with growing cast of historical figures.

SAN FRANCISCO, July 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As America celebrates 250 years of independence, Amira Learning, the leader in agentic learning for K-12 reading, introduces The Story of America: Fireside, an interactive tool for history instruction that lets students ask questions—virtually— to the people who shaped American history.

Fireside brings historical figures into the classroom for spoken interviews led by the students themselves. Responses are grounded in the letters, speeches, journals, and verified resources of figures including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abigail Adams, Sacagawea, and Frederick Douglass.

The name nods to FDR’s fireside chats — radio addresses in which the president talked through the country’s hardest issues in plain language. Fireside introduces that same idea to classrooms, but this time, students bring the questions.

Video: https://vimeo.com/1205560971

Breaking a Classroom Paradox

Fireside launches at a moment of urgency for U.S. history education. Nearly 2/3 Americans between 18 and 29 can’t identify why the American colonies declared independence, according to a 2025 Cato Institute survey. On the most recent NAEP U.S. history assessment, only 13% of eighth graders scored at or above proficient — the lowest proficiency rate among any subject NAEP tested that year; 40% scored below basic, up from 29% a decade earlier.

“We hear from teachers that students encounter online sources that can’t always be trusted, but trustworthy textbook sources don’t hold students’ attention,” said Chris Blevins, SVP of Fireside. “Fireside breaks that paradox — engaging enough for teenagers, sourced tightly for social studies teachers.”

Built on the Record, Not on Algorithms

Fireside’s design departs sharply from generative AI tools. Responses from historical figures are grounded in verified sources from the Library of Congress and other vetted institutions, then reviewed by human content experts and published to the platform. If the historical record is silent on a question, the figure says so rather than fabricating an answer.

How It Works

“History becomes real—when a student asks Thomas Jefferson what he’d change about the Declaration, or asks Frederick Douglass how he found courage—students stop being spectators and start being part of the story. That’s when real learning happens,” Blevins said.

Fireside is structured around three pillars of historical thinking:

Student-led inquiry. Students drive live, spoken interviews rather than work through a worksheet — choosing questions themselves.Sourcing. As they interview, students learn to evaluate primary sources for bias and perspective.Standards-anchored writing. After interviewing, students take a position on a historical question and defend it in a short written assignment, building historical thinking and argumentative writing skills aligned to state Social Studies and ELA standards.

Teachers retain full visibility into student performance, and the Story of America platform integrates with existing district technology for seamless setup and single sign-on for students and teachers.

Launched for the 250th. Built for the Full American Story.

Fireside launches as America celebrates the 250th anniversary of independence. But it is ultimately designed to support U.S. history classrooms year-round.

“You can start the year with Jefferson drafting the Declaration and end with Dr. King on the National Mall,” Blevins said. “Fireside meets teachers where their curriculum is. The founding era is where we begin. It’s not where we end.”

New figures from the Reconstruction, labor movement, women’s suffrage, immigration history, and the civil rights era will be added throughout 2026-2027.

Fireside is available now for middle and high school U.S. history classrooms: thestoryofamerica.us/fireside.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/with-story-of-america-fireside-students-speak-directly-with-people-who-shaped-america-302818700.html

SOURCE Amira Learning

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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31 minutes ago

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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31 minutes ago

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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2 hours ago

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October 23, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

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