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MEDIA ALERT: K-12 EDUCATORS CAN ACCESS A VARIETY OF NEW RESOURCES TO TEACH ELECTIONS, COUNTERACT MISINFORMATION

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The nation’s leading civic education nonprofit, iCivics, provides a suite of resources to help educators and students navigate the 2024 election landscape, including the new Civic Digital Literacy collection, critical thinking games, lesson plans, and other content in its Election Headquarters 

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — With the election closing in, iCivics, the nation’s leading civic education nonprofit, is providing free, nonpartisan digital teaching resources, videos, and games that will help millions of students, K–12 teachers, and families understand how this election works and navigate its complexities. These tools can also provide expertise for media into how this election is playing out in classrooms. 

iCivics digital games and content are used by more than 145,000 teachers and 9 million students per year. Each election cycle, teachers rely on iCivics to help engage young people in this country’s most important civic moment and build confidence to believe in this country’s future and their role in it.

With polarization, misinformation, and other trends putting strain on citizens and our democracy, the 2024 presidential election presents unique challenges and opportunities for teachers and learners in the classroom. iCivics provides trusted resources that help teachers work through this difficult atmosphere and teach essential skills, including:

Digital Literacy: iCivics’ new collection of short-form videos and lesson plans equip middle and high school students with digital literacy skills integral to our democracy. Civic Digital Literacy covers a range of topics, including who’s behind cloaked websites, how to evaluate political claims on social media, and whether online content is clickbait or legitimate. Civic Digital Literacy was built with the digital literacy and curriculum expertise of the Digital Inquiry Group, an independent nonprofit established by the team behind the Stanford History Education Group.Games and digital content that teach the election: The iCivics Election Headquarters is an online portal with dozens of games, lesson plans, infographics and videos that teach the fundamentals and processes of the election by putting students in the driver’s seat of our democracy. Games such as Win the White House and Cast Your Vote have been played nearly 200 million times since they were created. These educational games dig deep into how to choose a candidate for whom to vote and the intricacies of how an election works, from building a platform to fundraising and deciding when and where to place political advertisements.Resources for K–5 students: For our youngest learners, iCivics has partnered with Nickelodeon and ATTN: to create Well Versed, a series of music videos that teach the basics of democracy. Well Versed—launched last October by Paramount Chair Shari Redstone and First Ladies Jill Biden and Laura Bush—has been likened to a modern Schoolhouse Rock. In addition, resources such as Private i History Detectives, an inquiry-based supplementary curriculum, and Uncovering Loyalties, an educational game created with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, teach the building blocks of democracy to K–5 students.For journalists: Over 15 years of working with hundreds of thousands of teachers, iCivics has built unparalleled insight into how the current climate is affecting classrooms in school districts and communities across the nation. iCivics can also provide perspective through CivxNow—a coalition founded by iCivics that includes more than 350 organizations working to advance civic education as a nationwide priority.

iCivics can provide expert voices and access to educators across the country to help in any stories journalists are pursuing, including why and how digital literacy must be a part of a modern civic education, how teachers are working together to face the challenge of this election, and how parents and their kids can talk to each other about the election.

And we invite you to play Win the White House.

For more information visit www.icivics.org and for media requests and interviews, contact jacob@oneallen.com

ABOUT iCIVICS
Founded in 2009 by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, iCivics is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing civic learning by providing educators and students with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to embrace and engage in our civic life together. iCivics empowers educators and leads the movement to make civic education a nationwide priority so all young people have the confidence to shape the world around them and believe in our country’s future.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/media-alert-k12-educators-can-access-a-variety-of-new-resources-to-teach-elections-counteract-misinformation-302264365.html

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Juice Guru Institute Exposes Misinformation & Highlights Scientific Evidence Supporting Juicing’s Health Benefits

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The Juice Guru Institute is challenging the misleading claims made by a flawed Northwestern University study, which falsely suggests that juicing harms gut and oral microbiota. In reality, peer-reviewed research proves that juicing enhances gut health, reduces inflammation, supports brain function, and improves cardiovascular wellness. A 2017 study (Henning et al.) found that a 3-day juice cleanse increased beneficial gut bacteria, reduced oxidative stress, and improved overall well-being—directly contradicting Northwestern’s claims. Additional studies confirm that juicing lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s, enhances heart health, reduces muscle damage, and improves sleep quality. To counteract misinformation, Juice Guru Institute is mobilizing the Juice Rebels Movement, including: A global media campaign demanding transparency in health reporting. A live Town Hall event this Friday to unite supporters and outline an action plan. A free Juice Rebel Starter Kit at www.juicerebel.com to educate people on how to fight back against health misinformation. For more information or to join the movement, visit www.juicerebel.com. For media inquiries, contact Steve Prussack at steve@juiceguru.com or (562) 896-5180.

ANAHEIM, Calif., March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Contact: Steve Prussack

Email: steve@juiceguru.com

Phone: (562) 896-5180

Website: www.juiceguru.com

“When we look at the real science, we see that juicing has profound health benefits, yet misleading narratives are being pushed to discourage people from embracing holistic healing. We cannot let this go unchallenged.”

The Juice Guru Institute, a global leader in evidence-based juicing education, is addressing the widespread misinformation sparked by a flawed Northwestern University study that falsely suggests juicing harms gut and oral microbiota. The reality? Scientific research has already proven that juicing improves gut health, reduces inflammation, enhances brain function, supports heart health, and improves overall well-being.

In contrast to the misleading claims spread by the Northwestern study, multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that juicing enhances microbiome health, improves cognitive function, aids cardiovascular health, and reduces inflammation.

“This isn’t just about one misleading study—it’s about a larger war against natural health,” said Steve Prussack, founder of Juice Guru Institute. “When we look at the real science, we see that juicing has profound health benefits, yet misleading narratives are being pushed to discourage people from embracing holistic healing. We cannot let this go unchallenged.”

The Science: Juicing Improves Gut Health, Brain Function, & Cardiovascular Wellness

Key Findings from Multiple Peer-Reviewed Studies:

A 3-day juice cleanse increased beneficial gut bacteria (Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria) while improving overall gut health for 14 days post-cleanse.Juicing enhances cognitive function & brain health. In a study by Dai et al. (2006), fruit and vegetable juice consumption was linked to a significantly reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.Juicing supports cardiovascular health. A study on kale juice (Kim et al., 2008) found that it improves coronary artery disease risk factors in hypercholesterolemic men.Juicing reduces inflammation & oxidative stress. Tart cherry juice has been shown to prevent muscle damage, enhance recovery, and improve sleep quality (Conolly et al., 2006 and Howatson et al., 2012).Juicing improves vascular function. Freedman et al. (2001) found that grape juice flavonoids enhance nitric oxide release, improving circulation and cardiovascular health.

Full Studies:

Henning, S.M., Yang, J., Shao, P. et al. “Health benefit of vegetable/fruit juice-based diet: Role of microbiome.” Sci Rep 7, 2167 (2017).Dai Q., et al. “Fruit and vegetable juices and Alzheimer’s disease: The Kame Project,” Am J Med, 2006.Kim, S.Y., Yoon, S., Kwon, S.M., Park, K.S., & Lee-Kim, Y.C. “Kale Juice Improves Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors in Hypercholesterolemic Men,” Biomed Environ Sci, 2008.Conolly, D.A., McHugh, M.P., Padilla-Zakour, O.I., et al. “Efficacy of a tart cherry juice blend in preventing the symptoms of muscle damage,” Br J Sports Med, 2006.Howatson, G., Bell, P.G., & Tallent, J. “Effect of tart cherry juice on melatonin levels and enhanced sleep quality,” Eur J Nutr, 2012.Freedman, J.E., Parker, C., Li, L., et al. “Select flavonoids and whole juice from purple grapes inhibit platelet function and enhance nitric oxide release,” Circulation, 2001.

Why the Northwestern Study Is Misleading

In contrast, the flawed Northwestern University study made unsubstantiated claims based on:

A Tiny Sample Size – Only 14 participants were included, making the data statistically insignificant.A Ridiculously Short Duration – Gut microbiota changes require significantly longer than 3 days to assess—yet this study claimed to reach conclusions in just 72 hours.No Significant Gut Microbiome Damage Found – The study actually showed no meaningful harm to the gut microbiome, despite media headlines suggesting otherwise.Lack of Juice Type Specification – The study did not disclose whether participants consumed cold-pressed, pasteurized, organic, or high-sugar juices, making its claims baseless.False Fiber Claims – Juices retain soluble fiber, which feeds gut bacteria, supports digestion, and reduces inflammation—but the study misrepresented fiber loss as a negative.

The Juice Rebels Are Taking a Stand

This is more than just a debate about juicing—it’s a battle for natural health and scientific integrity. The Juice Guru Institute is launching a global campaign to expose the misinformation and bring real science back into the conversation.

Here’s What We’re Doing About It:

Open Letter to Northwestern University & Nutrients Journal – Calling for transparency in funding and methodology.
 Press Tour & Expert Panels – Bringing scientists, doctors, and juicing pioneers together to counter misinformation.
 Social Media Campaign #JuiceRebels – Mobilizing thousands to spread the real science on juicing.
 Live Town Hall Meeting – This Friday, March 14th, 2025 at 11:00am PST/ 2:00pm EST! – We’re hosting a free live event to unite the Juice Rebels, discuss the attack on natural health, and provide an action plan to combat misinformation.

“We refuse to let media hysteria and bad science derail the juicing movement,” says Prussack. “The Juice Rebels are here, and we’re setting the record straight.”

TAKE ACTION NOW

Join the Juice Rebels Movement today:

Get Your Free Juice Rebel Starter Kit – Learn how to speak out against health injustices at www.juicerebel.com
 Attend Our Live Town Hall Meeting This Friday, March 14th at 11:00am PST/ 2:00pm EST! – Be part of the movement & receive an action plan to fight back.

Register for Our Live Town Hall Meeting this Friday, March 14th, 2025 on Zoom

Share your juicing success story on social media with #JuiceRebels

Visit www.juicerebel.com to Learn More & Take Action Today!

For media inquiries, expert interviews, or collaborations, contact:

steve@juiceguru.com | (562) 896-5180

Media Contact

Steve Prussack, Juice Guru Institute, 1 5628965180, steve@juiceguru.com, https://www.juiceguru.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/juice-guru-institute-exposes-misinformation–highlights-scientific-evidence-supporting-juicings-health-benefits-302400492.html

SOURCE Juice Guru Institute

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TVU Networks Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation at NAB 2025

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Company to Showcase AI Offerings and Expanded Cloud Ecosystem.

CUPERTINO, Calif., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TVU Networks, a pioneer in live video production and a leader in cloud-based media solutions, is marking its 20th anniversary at NAB Show 2025.

Since its founding in 2005, TVU Networks has been dedicated to transforming the way live video content is produced and distributed. By harnessing the power of IP-based technology, mobile connectivity, and cloud services, TVU has empowered broadcasters, content creators, and media professionals to deliver high-quality live video from anywhere in the world—without the constraints of traditional infrastructure. Today, TVU’s media platform offers hundreds of microservices, enabling millions of producers to go live from anywhere with unprecedented flexibility.

At NAB 2025, TVU is set to unveil a game-changing innovation aimed at significantly reducing the cost of cloud-based live workflows. As part of its ongoing commitment to empowering media organizations with the most efficient and scalable tools, TVU will introduce new solutions that redefine affordability and performance in live streaming workflows. Attendees can visit TVU’s booth (#W2120) in the West Hall to discover firsthand how these innovations will further optimize their cloud-based operations.

Additionally, NAB visitors will have the opportunity to explore several new applications recently integrated into the TVU cloud platform, including a media analyzer, scan conversion, and SCTE service, along with AI-powered features designed to significantly enhance productivity.

TVU MediaHub—launched in 2024 as the most advanced cloud routing solution for live video—returns to NAB with an expanded feature set. MediaHub has rapidly become the backbone of major cloud productions, earning widespread industry recognition, including six major awards in 2024. The platform played a pivotal role in last year’s biggest cloud-based broadcast breakthroughs, from BBC’s record-breaking 369 live feeds for election coverage to France Télévisions’ disaster recovery solution for the 2024 Games in Paris. It was also a central component in Red Bull Dance Your Style Finals in Mumbai, proving itself as the essential tool for tier-one live event coverage in the cloud.

“TVU’s innovation has always been fueled by the needs of our customers and partners,” said Paul Shen, founder and CEO of TVU Networks. “For 20 years, we have been committed to being a true partner to the industry. This collaborative approach has driven our success and enabled us to shape the future of live production together.”

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/tvu-networks-celebrates-20-years-of-innovation-at-nab-2025-302399679.html

SOURCE TVU Networks

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More Sustainable Travel Top of Mind for Most Asian Travelers – Agoda Survey Reveals

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SINGAPORE, March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda’s 2025 Sustainable Travel Survey reveals its ranking of Asia’s most sustainability-conscious travelers.

Travelers from the Philippines earn the top spot, with 86% responding that sustainability is important in their travel choices for 2025. Travelers from India (82%), Taiwan (80%), Malaysia (80%) and Vietnam (77%) round out the top five.

This survey, which engaged over 6,000 respondents across 11 Asian markets, spotlights the evolving landscape of sustainable travel in Asia, where authentic and purposeful tourism, and off-peak travel are becoming more prominent.

The survey found that the majority of Asian travelers (68%) consider sustainability when making their travel plans for 2025. Less than one in ten (8%) travelers overlook sustainability in their travel decisions, although less optimistically, in Hong Kong and Japan for example, where 21% and 17% of travelers, respectively reported that sustainability was not particularly important in their travel choices.

Authentic Experiences Drive More Sustainable Choices

Asian travelers are increasingly motivated by the allure of authentic experiences and the opportunity to contribute positively to local communities. Nearly one in four respondents prioritize authentic tourism, while 22% are keen on supporting local economies when they travel. Indian travelers, in particular, are guided by personal values and beliefs, with 24% citing these as their primary motivation for more sustainable travel. This trend underscores a broader movement towards travel that is not only enjoyable but also meaningful and impactful.

Exploring Off-peak Takes Center Stage

Many travelers in Asia seek to mitigate their impact on the environment by traveling during off-peak seasons to alleviate overcrowding, a choice made by nearly a quarter of respondents. Additionally, 20% of travelers are opting for accommodations with sustainability certifications while 18% are packing reusable items to reduce waste. Japanese travelers stand out for being the most committed out of all Asian travelers to reducing waste, with 25% packing reusable items like water bottles and shopping bags on a trip.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, said, “Asian travelers are increasingly seeking ways to make a positive impact on the destinations they visit. Agoda’s Eco Deals Program is one way we’re empowering them to do just that. By offering great value deals on partnering properties and donating one US dollar to local conservation projects for every program booking, we are not only helping travelers save but also enabling them to contribute to the preservation of the places they love.”

Since the recent launch of the 2025 edition, Agoda’s Eco Deals program has provided travelers with discounts of up to 15% on partner hotels across 10 Asian markets. This marks the first year of Japan and South Korea joining the Eco Deals Campaign, providing more Asia-bound travelers the opportunity to support their favorite destinations. For every Eco Deals booking, a dollar is donated to WWF conservation projects aimed at protecting wildlife and conserving critical habitats across Asia. More information can be found on www.agoda.com/ecodeals.

Agoda’s offerings include over 5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Download Agoda’s mobile app or visit Agoda.com to discover the best deals for your next trip.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/more-sustainable-travel-top-of-mind-for-most-asian-travelers–agoda-survey-reveals-302391200.html

SOURCE Agoda

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