(NewsUSA) - Demand for apartments is at a record high, with renters signing new leases and renewing their existing stays in droves. Residents’ expectations have also increased as they want their renting experience to be as seamless as the rest of their online life. That means integrated technology, financial wellness tools and rewards for their loyalty.

RealPage, the leading provider of AI-enabled software platforms to the real estate industry, is addressing the needs of modern residents through an innovative technology called LOFT. RealPage created this new mobile app as a one-stop solution for a fulfilling apartment lifestyle from leasing to living, with easy move-in guidance, a financial wellness platform and a loyalty program to earn rewards when residents pay rent on time. Residents can pay their way, through their digital wallet, by snapping a picture of a check or splitting it into smaller chunks. Since launching in early 2025, RealPage’s LOFT is already being offered by more than 500 apartment properties across America, giving more than three million residents access to LOFT, with many more to come.

“Residents, and especially digital natives, demand digital experiences as part their apartment living lifestyles,” said Isabelle Meyer Stapf, RealPage Senior Vice President and General Manager, Payments. “Through LOFT, RealPage is prioritizing financial wellness for renters, bringing them solutions to earn rewards, make flexible rent payments and build their credit.”

LOFT also simplifies the renter’s journey from leasing to living. LOFT Leasing is a first-of-its-kind leasing experience that guides residents through application, approval and signing – with AI capabilities to streamline the back and forth. LOFT Moving enables a simplified moving experience for residents with a configurable moving checklist and integrations with local providers to order utilities, internet and moving services. And LOFT Loyalty allows residents to earn points for paying rent online and on time with any payment method. Residents can then redeem those points for rewards from airline and hotel travel to local restaurants and movie theatres.

Property managers find value in LOFT, as their residents have one app for all of their essential tasks. Jess Molasky, Chief Operating Officer of Ovation, a RealPage customer who owns and manages apartments throughout the country added, “If I can reward my residents to show up, if I can reward my residents to make payments on time, and again, if I can have that stronger relationship because their moving experience was a good one, we become their ally.”

Visit loftliving.com to learn more.

Photo caption: New LOFT app by RealPage allows residents to earn rewards for paying rent on time and the ability to make flexible rent payments, all while building credit

(Tax Watch America) - It's tax season and consulting firms are touting their quick and easy services to relieve the stress caused by filing complex returns.

However, this year, businesses should be on the lookout for AI-driven "pop up" technology firms pretending to be expert tax consultants—their speedy "solutions" might land you an audit rather than tax credits.

One of the worst of these shady "fly-by-night" scamsters is a company called SPRX. Their CEO Dominic Vitucci is notorious for making claims that are too good to be true or flat out misleading, ranging from attacking the expertise of CPAs to downplaying the risks of IRS audits.

For example, Vitucci argues SPRX's AI model represents the true "expert" in the field rather than CPAs, stating, "You know what's a real expert? An AI model that is trained on the entire body of R&D tax credit rules."

He even admits SPRX "entirely automates the R&D tax credit claiming process using AI."

But to credibly claim R&D tax credits requires careful legal and regulatory analysis—beyond what AI models are capable of.

These types of claims echo the 2023 IRS "Dirty Dozen" list, which included firms that aggressively marketed the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) with misleading promises. The IRS also cautioned against over-relying on AI for tax filings, emphasizing that AI lacks the ability to make complex, accurate legal determinations.

A true tax professional would acknowledge the risk of overreliance on AI, yet SPRX's CEO never does. Nor does he explain what steps his firm takes to ensure their AI is generating accurate and defensible analysis for their clients.

Vitucci tries to console potential clients, stating SPRX will "represent them in an IRS exam if an agent ever questions our report." However, SPRX hasn't been around long enough for any of their clients to have been audited.

SPRX fails to mention that if their AI-generated tax advice results in an audit, their customers, not the firms themselves, are held legally liable. It remains unclear if SPRX would also represent clients in these scenarios during court proceedings.

AI can be risky during audit preparedness too. AI-generated claims may lack the necessary documentation and substantiation required to withstand an IRS audit, leaving taxpayers exposed to financial and legal risk.

All of these false or misleading claims paint a clear picture of SPRX: their overreliance on AI for R&D tax credits is a risk businesses cannot afford to take.

(NewsUSA) - U.S. energy demand is surging at an unprecedented rate. With economic growth, technological advances, and industrial expansion, our country’s energy demand is projected to grow by between 35% and 50% by 2040, potentially outpacing supply growth.

Much of this expected demand growth is projected to come from large-scale economic drivers like data centers and manufacturing facilities. While these projects typically take two to three years to construct, new power generation can take five years or more to come online. Failing to meet increased demand with increased generation could stifle economic growth, hamper technological innovation, and raise energy consumer costs.

The solution? A strategy that utilizes all affordable and reliable energy sources. Clean energy like wind and solar offers the ability to come online faster than other energy options, better keeping pace with our state’s growing economic opportunities. If we want to reach true American energy dominance, we must employ an “all of the above” energy approach – and that starts with policy at the state level to open the door for homes and businesses to access all available energy resources. Diversifying power supply mixes, strengthening infrastructure, and unlocking rapid deployment will enable states to meet the moment.

Enough clean power capacity – from utility-scale solar, wind power on land and offshore, and storage – to power 75 million homes was installed in 2024 alone. The overwhelming majority of new electric power capacity (93%) installed last year was solar, wind, and storage. But, the U.S. portfolio continues to be primarily composed of thermal resources, hydroelectric power, and nuclear. By continuing to install clean power as a complement to traditional energy sources, states can achieve reliable, abundant, and affordable energy.

A great example of a state pursuing an all-of-the-above approach to energy is Texas. In addition to being the country’s largest producer of liquified natural gas and oil (source), Texas is the nation’s leading producer of utility-scale solar, the biggest producer of wind, and the second largest in battery storage (source), showing that states can use a blend of energy sources to meet their growing needs.

If we want to achieve American energy dominance, we can’t leave any resources on the table. With an all-of-the-above approach to energy, our state – and our country as a whole – can secure our energy future.

(NewsUSA) - We are in an era of unprecedented energy demand growth, driven in large part by the rise of artificial intelligence, the rapid expansion of data centers and an unprecedented increase of American manufacturing. Clean energy is now the fastest-growing source of new power in the U.S., and meeting this rising demand will require a diverse, reliable mix of energy resources.

Advancing clean energy technologies is not just about meeting that demand with affordable, dependable power. It’s also about revitalizing local economies and bringing back American jobs by expanding supply chains here at home. By building solar panels, wind turbines and grid-scale batteries domestically, we strengthen America’s energy security, support good-paying jobs, and fuel the nation’s economic growth.

For our industry, this is not a new effort—it’s a renewed commitment to American manufacturing strength, innovation and global competitiveness.

Today, there are nearly 200 manufacturing facilities across the U.S., producing primary clean energy components for wind, solar, and energy storage projects. These are responsible for over 120,000 manufacturing-related jobs. Since 2022, 90 new or expanded clean energy manufacturing sites have started operations. And the momentum is only growing: 159 additional facilities are currently under construction or in development, expected to deliver another 130,000 American manufacturing jobs.

Just like any other modern sector, building a domestic supply chain doesn’t happen overnight. Delivering on this historic reshoring of manufacturing requires policy certainty. Clean energy manufacturers have seen up close the unintended consequences that Washington, D.C.’s whiplash of policy actions can have on local communities trying to revitalize their economy as they support American manufacturing and energy growth. Stable, consistent regulations give businesses the confidence to commit billions of dollars in capital investments, expand operations, hire American workers and partner with local businesses. It’s this policy stability that will allow our domestic clean energy manufacturing sector to reach its full potential.

For example, trade policy and tariffs require a strategic approach with clear timelines to allow continued certainty for American consumers, businesses and our economy. Tariffs understandably have their place as a policy tool to carry out macroeconomic policy, but if used, must be carefully timed and implemented with clear pathways that give U.S. manufacturers and suppliers the runway needed to invest and scale up.

The buildout of America’s clean energy supply chain represents far more than just new factories — it’s about energy security, economic opportunity, and a sustainable future powered by innovation built right here at home. Whether it’s solar panels produced in Ohio, steel wind towers in New Mexico, undersea cables in Virginia, or advanced batteries in West Virginia, this clean energy manufacturing renaissance can lift communities across the nation. It’s a uniquely American opportunity — and it’s abundant.

(NewsUSA) - “Writers of the Future Vol 41” by L. Ron Hubbard

Step into the extraordinary with an anthology that promises the unexpected, the thought-provoking and the unforgettable. Celebrating the best new voices in speculative fiction, this collection offers gripping tales of science fiction, fantasy and beyond. Explore alien landscapes, futuristic technologies and hidden realms. Follow protagonists who face impossible odds — who redefine courage, resilience and what it means to be human. Gain inspiration from essays by L. Ron Hubbard, Robert J. Sawyer and Tom Wood, offering rare insights into storytelling and creative mastery.

This volume continues the legacy of Writers of the Future, the competition that has launched myriad bestselling authors. Whether you love heart-pounding action, thought-provoking “what ifs,” or stories that blur the line between science and magic, Volume 41 is your gateway to new dimensions. With tales and illustrations that linger long after the final page, this anthology invites you to take the leap into worlds uncharted. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4bRRmxj.

“She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe, Book One” by Sarah V. Barnes

Set more than 6,000 years ago, “She Who Rides Horses” introduces the story of Naya, the first person to ride a horse. Daughter of a clan chief, bolder than the other girls but shunned by the boys because of her unusual appearance, Naya wanders alone through the vast grasslands where her people herd cattle and hunt wild horses for their meat.

But Naya dreams of creating a different kind of relationship with the magnificent creatures. One day, she discovers a filly with a chestnut coat as uncommon as her own head of red hair. With time running out before she is called to assume the responsibilities of adulthood, Naya embarks on a quest to gallop with the filly across the boundless steppe. Unwittingly, she sets in motion events that will change forever the future of humans and horses alike. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4iOGEdb.

“Future Earth” by Roy C. Carriker

This book is intended to inform and provoke discussion about what humanity faces going forward by using a spaceship as a metaphor for Earth. The two major threats at the forefront are global nuclear war and global warming, as well as Artificial Intelligence and pandemics. Although filled with worrisome facts, this book is not about gloom and doom but creating a collective grassroots awareness of the threats to life on Earth ahead.

Mankind’s existence window is closing at a quickening pace. We may still have the ability to resolve or regulate all the issues presented. Climate change likely represents the greatest peril and the greatest challenge, but the challenge will not be met until there is a realization of our global, collective interdependence and a global sense of urgency. We can participate in improving the odds of mankind’s survival by spreading the truth about all the issues discussed. Do not be a silent victim. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4bG47dW.

“Change of Heart” by Cristina LePort, M.D.

In the bustling heart of New York City, a young medical student’s life is tragically cut short, though her heart continues to beat, holding the promise of life for another. Detective Kirk Miner is called to the scene and quickly realizes the case is far more complex and dangerous than it initially seemed, uncovering a chilling conspiracy involving organ donations and high-stakes crime. Enter FBI Agent Jack Mulville, who steps in to supervise Special Agent Charlotte Bloom as they join forces with Miner. Together, they unravel a web of corruption, revealing that Amy Winter's death is connected to a ruthless organ trafficking ring.

"Change of Heart" is a gripping medical thriller that intertwines the intricacies of modern medicine with the relentless pursuit of justice. Cristina LePort, M.D., masterfully combines her medical expertise with edge-of-your-seat storytelling, delivering a novel that will keep you turning pages long into the night. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4iBXJac.

(NewsUSA) - Backyards are getting a serious glow-up—and pools are leading the charge. From modern designs with resort-worthy features to automation that practically runs the show, today’s pools are all about style and simplicity. The best part? They're easier than ever to own with less upkeep and more “ahhh.”

Whether you're planning a new pool or thinking about an upgrade, here are five trends making waves on the pool scene, according to the experts at Latham, The Pool Company:

Bold Colors & Custom Patterns

Say goodbye to bland and hello to bold. Sleek, modern pool shapes—from rectangles to abstract curves—are pairing with rich, dark blue hues for a dramatic look. Homeowners are also ditching tile borders for seamless, continuous interior patterns, with contrasting accents on steps and ledges to create a high-end, custom vibe.

Plunge Pools with Big Appeal

Don’t have a massive backyard? No problem. Plunge pools offer all the perks of a traditional pool in a smaller, more efficient footprint. Latham’s new plunge designs feature built-in seating, slip-resistant steps, and stylish finishes. Bonus: They use less water, are cheaper to heat, and are easier to maintain—making them a smart, sustainable choice.

Pool & Spa Combos

Why choose between a pool and a spa when you can have both? Combo designs bring together the best of both worlds—relaxing jets, tanning ledges, and spillover spas that add visual appeal and soothing sounds. Whether you're cooling off or winding down, this trend turns your backyard into a five-star escape.

Formidable Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools are having a major moment, and for good reason. They’re strong, stylish, and incredibly easy to maintain. Thanks to their smooth, non-porous surface, they resist algae and need fewer chemicals than concrete pools. Even better? They can be installed in just a few days, so you can dive in sooner—and with less hassle.

Awesome Automation

Automation is making pool ownership simpler than ever. With tools like The Attendant, you can monitor and adjust your pool’s chemistry, temperature, and settings—all from the convenience of your phone. Add an automatic safety cover and you’ve got a pool that practically runs itself while saving on energy and maintenance.

Ready to bring your backyard to life? Visit www.LathamPool.com for more inspiration and to learn about financing partners who can help you get funding quickly so you can be splashing in your new pool in no time.

(NewsUSA) - More than 100,000 Americans have said goodbye to their common skin cancer without requiring surgery, owing to a relatively new noninvasive treatment available at many dermatology practices around the nation.

Arizona resident Patty Focken was deeply anxious in 2021 when she learned that a sore on her nose was nonmelanoma skin cancer, a type that’s more common in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. “I was concerned,” she says, “with the possibility of surgical scarring that might accompany a Mohs procedure.” Instead, she found a local dermatologist who offered the GentleCure™ nonsurgical treatment option.

Her doctor used low-level x-rays, like those used in dental offices, guided with hi-definition ultrasound imaging, to kill the cancer cells over a series of 15-minute sessions. The cure rate (freedom from recurrence at six years) for this GentleCure treatment, technically known as Image-Guided SRT, has been shown to be greater than 99 percent, similar to Mohs surgery, with no pain, surgical scarring or downtime.

Focken has enjoyed a lifetime of outdoor activities, dating back to childhood days spent in a backyard pool and on the family boat, often with minimal sun protection. Cumulative sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer, although other factors, such as light skin, use of tanning beds or a weakened immune system can increase one’s cancer risk.

Upon moving to Phoenix in 2021, Focken immediately sought out a dermatology practice offering GentleCure as an option, as she was aware that she was at higher risk for a second cancer diagnosis.

Last December, her dermatologist detected a new cancerous lesion on Focken’s forehead and determined that GentleCure was an appropriate treatment option. In a matter of weeks, that cancer was successfully treated and Focken had become the 100,000^th patient to experience the GentleCure solution. “The sessions lasted only minutes,” Focken notes, “and there was nothing to indicate to others that I was in treatment.”

Today, Focken spends countless hours with her grandchildren at the Phoenix Zoo and enjoying other outdoor activities, but always with high-SPF sunscreen and protective clothing. “If any of my friends or family ever get skin cancer in the future,” she says, “there is no question that I will encourage them to discuss the GentleCure option with a dermatologist.”

Kerwin Brandt, CEO of SkinCure Oncology, the company that supports GentleCure in dermatology practices, notes, “In a very short time, GentleCure has won widespread adoption among dermatologists, with more than half of those who offer it being Mohs surgeons who are eager to provide their appropriate patients with a noninvasive option for common skin cancers. Patient satisfaction runs above 99 percent, reflecting the value of this treatment and the quality of service provided by the physicians and radiation therapists who administer it.”

More information about the GentleCure Experience is available at GentleCure.com.

(NewsUSA) - Marine Toys for Tots has been delivering joy and comfort to children in need during the holiday season for 77 years. While the core of their mission is their Holiday Campaign, the Program recognizes that needs exist beyond seasonal boundaries.  That is why Toys for Tots has evolved to provide continuous support to disadvantaged children whenever they need it most.

“Your Help, Their Hope” is a powerful reminder that together, with the ongoing generosity of supporters across the Nation, we can be a source of hope for children in need throughout the year.   

“Toys for Tots’ year-round programs are a testament to our unwavering commitment that no child is ever forgotten,” said LtGen Jim Laster, President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.  “‘Your Help, Their Hope’ is more than a tagline – it’s the promise that fuels our mission every day,” he emphasized.

Toys for Tots’ flagship Holiday Program continues to deliver the magic of the holiday season by distributing toys, books, and games to disadvantaged children nationwide at Christmastime. The Holiday Program also supports the Toys for Tots Native American Program which provides holiday magic to Native American children living on remote Reservations where no local campaign exists.

Toys for Tots knows that families and children face adversity year-round—whether enduring personal hardships, recovering from community-wide natural disasters, or navigating systemic challenges that persist over time. The impact of their continuous support demonstrates Toys for Tots' dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by children in vulnerable circumstances by reminding them they are not forgotten, regardless of the season:

• The Toys for Tots Literacy Program provides books and educational resources to children in low-income communities, empowering them with the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed—in the classroom and beyond.
• Once critical necessities have been delivered, the Toys for Tots Disaster Response and Recovery Program provides emotional relief and comfort in the form of toys, books, and other gifts, to children whose families have lost everything in the wake of natural disasters—turning despair into hope.
• The Toys for Tots Foster Care Program provides essential resources to support children navigating the complexities of the Foster Care System, reducing anxiety while bringing stability, comfort, and a sense of belonging to their lives.

 “That is the power of our comprehensive programs and the impact of our supporters,” added LtGen Laster.  “We can support millions more children each year, delivering hope to those who so desperately need a reason to believe in a brighter future.”

With the continued generosity of supporters, Marine Toys for Tots can remind children that they are not forgotten no matter the time of year—providing hope, comfort, and joy whenever they are needed most.

To learn more about their year-round programs, or to donate and help deliver hope at Christmastime and beyond, please visit www.toysfortots.org.

(NewsUSA) - Most Americans spend hours each day scrolling through their phones, but an expert at New York Institute of Technology warns this habit may lead to smartphone addiction—releasing the same neurochemicals as hard drugs.

“Smartphones have the same chemical reaction in the brain as drugs and alcohol,” said Melissa DiMartino, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at New York Tech. “Getting ‘likes,’ messages, and notifications from your phone releases dopamine, which makes us feel good, and in turn, we want to repeat these feel-good behaviors. However, when we don’t get them, we feel depressed and lonely, which creates an adverse effect,” she said.

If you feel anxious without your phone and can’t go anywhere without it, these are signs you may be using it too much, noted DiMartino. For others, the continuous stream of updates and being at someone’s beck and call can generate a sense of urgency, leading to increased anxiety and stress.

DiMartino conducted a study analyzing the impact of smartphones in the college classroom. Specifically, she analyzed how mindfulness and attention, as well as anxiety levels, are affected when students’ smartphones are present vs. removed.

In four classes, half of the students turned in smartphones, while the other half kept their phones and used them without restrictions.

After six weeks, students self-reported scores on course comprehension, mindfulness, and anxiety levels. Those who handed in their smartphones reported much higher comprehension and mindfulness scores and lower levels of anxiety compared to the students who kept their phones.

“While our research focused on a younger age group, people of all generations can benefit from routinely unplugging from their smartphones, from improved sleep to relieving the stress that comes with always being ‘on,’” DiMartino said.

DiMartino offers this guide to healthy separation from your smartphone:

Separate to sleep. Mental health and sleep are closely tied together. Leaving your phone outside of your bedroom has been found to significantly improve sleep quality. If you need an alarm, swap out the phone for a traditional alarm clock.

Schedule breaks. Try taking scheduled time apart from your phone, perhaps 30 minutes or one hour to start, gradually extending the length over time.

Do not disturb. Turn off notifications to create limits. Update your smartphone settings to “do not disturb” between certain hours, which can ease the anxiety that a constant stream of text messages, notifications, and alerts brings.

DiMartino is one of many New York Tech researchers who are tackling real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Across the United States, schools and families are grappling with a troubling rise in chronic absenteeism among students. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% (18 days) or more school days, has grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2022-2023 school year, nearly one in three students was chronically absent, with even higher rates for students with disabilities, students of color, and students learning English as a second language.

Chronic absenteeism, largely driven by student disengagement, has serious implications for academic success. When students feel disconnected from their school, they are less likely to attend, and their academic performance suffers as a result. Chronically absent students are more likely to fall behind in their studies and are four times as likely to drop out of high school.

To address this, superintendents, principals, and educational administrators are exploring innovative strategies to foster a stronger sense of belonging at school and boost student engagement.

Igniting Peer Leadership to Boost Engagement
Many schools have discovered that mentorship programs, peer-to-peer relationships, and social-emotional learning initiatives can help students feel more connected to their school communities and improve attendance rates. By leveraging one of the most underutilized resources in schools—students themselves—through peer mentorship and leadership programs, school communities are able to cultivate supportive, caring environments that motivate students to attend and engage.

One organization, Center for Supportive Schools (CSS), has seen success with its Peer Group Connection (PGC) program, which fosters peer leadership and mentoring. This program has proven effective in boosting attendance and engagement across grade levels.

“Chronic absenteeism continues to be an ever-present challenge, but it’s not one schools have to face alone,” shares Center for Supportive Schools Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jonathan Mathis. “By empowering students as leaders and mentors, we can foster engagement, connection, and belonging. Through peer leadership, schools can build a strong culture where every student feels supported, motivated, and ready to succeed.” 

In a 2018 study of more than 8,000 students, CSS found that those who participated in PGC attended school an average of six more days than students who did not. A year after completing the program, participants attended between 2.4 and 7.8 more days of school than their peers. “My peer leaders motivate me to get better grades and to keep coming to school,” shared one PGC participant. 

By encouraging students to take on leadership roles and strengthening peer relationships, PGC helps students develop a stronger sense of identity with their school community, leading to improved academic outcomes. Additionally, the program equips students with valuable leadership skills that will serve them well after graduation.

Elevating Student Voices to Foster Belonging
Another CSS program, known as When Students Lead (WSL), empowers groups of peer advocates to conduct research, identify pressing issues within their school community, present solutions, and implement student-led campaigns to address those issues.

This program helps students feel more connected to their peers and their community by giving them a leadership role on issues that matter most to them. It also fosters important leadership skills, including research, data analysis, critical thinking, collaboration, negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Making A Lasting Impact on the Next Generation
The evidence is clear: when we empower students to lead, connect, and support one another, their attendance and performance improve. By implementing peer-to-peer programs, schools can reduce chronic absenteeism while creating a stronger sense of community, improving student outcomes, and providing students with crucial leadership skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. For more information, visit www.supportiveschools.org.