(NewsUSA) - March is National Reading Month, and the Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program is committed to expanding access to books and educational resources for children living in low-income communities. Our initiative, “March into Reading” reflects our Program’s dedication to fostering literacy among underserved youth.

Toys for Tots’ mission extends beyond the holiday season, and our Literacy Program is one of our programs that enables us to be a year-round force for good, providing disadvantaged children with direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively.

According to The Nation’s Report Card (NAEP), 37% of fourth graders read below the basic reading level due to a lack of educational materials. With 1 in 4 children in America growing up without learning how to read, the need for accessible books is more critical than ever. The Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program works to combat this illiteracy crisis by distributing books and educational resources to children in underserved communities and Title I funded schools, helping them develop creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and a love for reading.

"By getting books into the hands of struggling students, we are helping children become their best selves," said LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "Our goal is to dramatically change the landscape for economically disadvantaged children and provide the essential tools to ensure their future success."

Last year, Marine Forces Reserve, GySgt Bacchus, and author Will Baggett, visited Hynes Charter School, a Title I funded school in the New Orleans metro area, to conduct a reading event promoting the Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program. They shared the fundamental value of literacy with first- and second-graders, emphasizing the importance of getting educational books and materials into the hands of all children, regardless of their circumstances.

"The Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program not only brings the joy of reading to these children, but it also serves as a vital instrument in breaking the cycle of poverty and highlighting the importance of literacy," said LtGen Laster.

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program believes that reading is a basic, essential skill that can transform lives and open doors to a more fulfilling future. Since its inception in 2008, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program has distributed over 60 million books to disadvantaged children including nearly 2 million books to Title I funded schools, and in 2024 alone, distributed nearly 3 million books.

During National Reading Month, Toys for Tots is working to ensure every child experiences the power of literacy, and the sense of hope, optimism, and excitement that it generates.

For more information or to donate, please visit www.toysfortots.org.

(NewsUSA) - “High Tea and Misdemeanors” by Laura Childs

When a wedding is tragically averted by the death of the bridesmaid, Theodosia is determined to prove that it was murder in the latest entry to this New York Times bestselling Tea Shop Mystery series.

Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Connelly, are tapped to cater the elegant wedding of Bettina and Jamie. Theodosia and Drayton are setting up when they hear a crash from the greenhouse. Shockingly, they discover that part of the roof has collapsed, trapping a bridesmaid and the groom. He will pull through, but the bridesmaid is no more. Theodosia is convinced it was murder.

As an added feature, the book includes delicious recipes and tea-time tips. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4fvTGtK.

“Why Wolves Matter: A Conservation Success Story” by Karen B. Winnick

Where did all the wolves go? The birds, the fish and the beavers?

When the top predator was wiped out, the balance of nature in Yellowstone National Park was disrupted. The circle was broken. Written in a lyrical style, “Why Wolves Matter” is an ecological tale that helps children understand the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world. Once all the wolves were gone, the elk population grew so large that the trees and vegetation on which they fed disappeared, throwing the Park and the remaining wildlife into disarray.

Supplemented with a timeline and bibliography, the non-fiction picture book “Why Wolves Matter” is about the importance of the top predator in nature, how balance was restored in Yellowstone National Park and the circle made whole again — with important historical and scientific relevance for children. Purchase at https://amzn.to/415gGKV.

“Gather, Ye Heroes” by C.S. Brown

In this first book of an exciting new fantasy series, securing victory against his enemies, Tianis is thrown into a world he is ill-prepared for. Confronted by a dragon, he is informed that he must lead mankind against an ancient foe returning after nearly 1,000 years.

Torg, 16, is looking forward to being released from his apprenticeship and taking his place in society. But his path leads him toward something completely different. He encounters a dragon, who brands him as the chosen leader of the armies of man and dragon.

Elsbeth, the daughter of a master weaponsmith who works alongside her father in the armory, makes an accidental discovery that brings her face to face with a dragon. She is told that there is more to the world than she ever imagined and that she is to be a leader on that stage.

But can prophecy be trusted? Purchase at https://bit.ly/4fSfe3Y.

“Kalayla: Unraveling Tangles” by Jeannie Nicholas

This tale is told from three distinct points of view: a young teenager, her mother and their landlady. Kalayla is a bi-racial girl determined to teach adults a thing or two. Her mother, Maureen, has been disowned by her Irish family and works as a waitress. Their Italian landlady, a widow, is retiring as CEO of her family’s business.

Their deepening friendships provide a scaffolding of support and show the transformative power of connection as they each risk new adventures with laughter and courage. Their stories touch on race, sexuality, marital abuse, exasperations of adolescence, single motherhood and self-discovery.

Kirkus Reviews describes the book as “an eloquent tale about real-life people with difficult problems.” Purchase at https://amzn.to/40RaLcq.

(NewsUSA) - At first glance, a golf ball may seem simple, but OnCore Golf has proven there's much more to it than meets the eye. This innovative startup has revolutionized golf ball technology in ways that larger companies haven't been able to.

Founded by longtime friends and business partners Bret Blakely and Steve Coulton, OnCore Golf was born out of a desire to bring innovation to golf ball design. Their proprietary perimeter-weighting technology minimizes unwanted sidespin—helping golfers achieve straighter shots, even in challenging conditions.

But OnCore's journey wasn't just about physics; it was also about breaking through barriers in the traditional golf industry. As newcomers introducing cutting-edge technology, they faced resistance. However, their perseverance paid off when, after a two-year appeal, the U.S. Golf Association approved OnCore balls for use in professional tournaments.

"OnCore represents those who embrace their differences and use them to shape a unique vision for what golf can be," Blakely shared in an interview. "We don't just sell products; we inspire individuality and drive through our approach and messaging."

A Golf Ball for Every Player

OnCore offers a lineup of balls tailored to different skill levels:

• Beginner-Friendly: The Avant 55 is designed for golfers with slower swing speeds, offering a soft feel and enhanced distance.
• Intermediate & Advanced: The Elixr and Elixr 2020 feature a urethane blend that enhances distance and accuracy for skilled players.
• Tour-Level Performance:
  • Vero X1 (85 compression) is crafted for serious golfers seeking precision.
  • Vero X2 (95 compression) provides advanced players with exceptional control and responsiveness.

Smart Tech Meets Golf: The Genius Ball

OnCore isn't stopping at traditional golf balls—the company is pioneering smart technology with its upcoming Genius Ball. Equipped with microelectronics and AI-driven analysis, this revolutionary ball tracks data to help golfers refine their game.

Initially designed for chipping and putting, the Genius Ball provides real-time feedback to improve technique. A full-course version is also in development, though it will be a training aid rather than a tournament-legal ball.

For more details, visit oncoregolf.com.

(NewsUSA) - When it comes to auto glass repair and replacement, choosing the right provider is crucial for ensuring the safety and performance of your vehicle. The quality of the glass, the skill of the technicians, and the use of advanced technology all play vital roles in delivering a reliable repair that protects you on the road.

Auto Glass Now understands that selecting an auto glass shop goes beyond just price—it's about getting the right service from qualified professionals who understand the complexities of modern vehicles. As vehicles have become more advanced, particularly with the integration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), it's essential that your repairs are performed by skilled technicians using the latest technology. Keep reading to learn more!

Why Expertise and Technology Matter

Auto glass repair isn't just about replacing a cracked windshield or a shattered side window. Today's vehicles often incorporate ADAS technologies, such as lane departure warnings, collision sensors, and automatic braking systems, all of which rely on precision alignment of sensors and a camera attached to the windshield. If these systems aren’t properly calibrated, it could result in malfunctioning safety features, potentially putting drivers and passengers at risk.

This is where Auto Glass Now excels. Their team of certified technicians is fully equipped to handle not only standard auto glass repair and replacements but also the ADAS calibrations, ensuring that all sensors and cameras are properly calibrated after windshield replacements. They use state-of-the-art technology that guarantees accuracy and compliance with factory setting specifications.

The Auto Glass Now Difference

Fast, reliable service: They offer same-day / next-day appointments, so you don’t have to wait long for the repairs you need.

Flexibility and nationwide coverage: With hundreds of locations across the country, Auto Glass Now is always nearby, offering reliable auto glass services wherever you are. Can’t make it in shop? Auto Glass Now offers mobile service, as well.

They accept all insurance: They’re here to make life simple. If you decide to make an insurance claim for your auto glass services, there’s no need for additional phone calls! They’ll manage your insurance claim from start to finish. All you need to do is bring your insurance documentation to your appointment and they will take it from there.

Certified technicians and advanced technology: Their technicians are highly trained and experienced in all aspects of auto glass repair, including ADAS calibration. They use cutting-edge equipment and diagnostic tools that enable precise ADAS calibration, ensuring that your vehicle's safety systems perform as they should following a replacement.

Comprehensive services: Whether you need a simple windshield replacement, a more complex ADAS calibration, or simply need new windshield wipers, Auto Glass Now offers a full range of services to meet your needs. They will even inspect your vehicle’s glass damage and give you an honest opinion, free of charge!

When it comes to auto glass repair, don’t compromise on safety. Trust the experts at Auto Glass Now to deliver high-quality repairs and replacements using the latest technology and techniques to keep you and your family safe on the road.

For more information about Auto Glass Now's services or to get a free quote, visit www.autoglssnow.com   or call 1-888-4-FIXGLASS
 

(NewsUSA) - Tax policy is set for a pivotal year and while most will focus on potential corporate tax rate changes, a new issue is emerging: the role of AI in tax preparation.

Recently, an influx of AI-driven "pop up" tech firms have entered the market, claiming to be faster and cheaper than traditional tax consulting firms when filing for tax credits. However, these firms lack professional tax and legal expertise required to navigate complex filings.

When filing R&D tax credits, AI-driven tech firms can misinterpret tax laws and make mistakes exposing businesses and CPAs to IRS audits and fines. AI software lacks the judgment required for tax compliance and interpreting the law.

Even on simpler tasks, AI hasn't been accurate. A 2024 Washington Post review found AI chatbots used by major tax preparation firms provided inaccurate responses up to 50 percent of the time, reinforcing IRS's warning against AI reliance for complex tax questions. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) criticized the IRS's own AI-powered audit system, highlighting potential inaccuracies in tax compliance.

Meanwhile, the IRS stands to lose revenue if AI-generated filings result in a large increase in fraudulent or incorrect deductions. This feels eerily similar to the wave of fraudulent Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims that led the IRS to freeze processing last year after pop-up firms flooded the market with improper filings—many that are now under investigation.

New AI-driven "pop-up" tech firms, like SPRX, market their software as a low-cost alternative to professional tax firms when filing R&D tax credits despite not being around long enough to make it through an audit cycle yet. They also don't disclose how their systems are trained. SPRX claims automation can handle up to 80 percent of the process, but automation cannot make legal and technical expertise required to determine eligibility, including nuanced legal judgments and employee interviews.

These firms try to promote the idea that AI-driven tax services can replace tax firms and CPA's expertise, but human judgment remains essential in ensuring accuracy and compliance. AI should be seen as a tool, not as a replacement for tax professionals.

Without proper safeguards, relying on these "pop-up" AI tech firms to secure your R&D tax credit could result in the IRS denying your submittal, cost your business thousands or even millions of dollars, and it could also land your business in hot water with the IRS incurring fines, audits and potential fraud.

(NewsUSA) - "Conviction Overturned" by Willard Bakeman

A must-read for evangelicals and skeptics alike. “Conviction Overturned” is a forensic review of the Bible’s credibility based on legal principles of proof, written by someone with extensive expertise with the law and scripture. Author Willard Bakeman is a 35-year San Diego trial attorney, but also a seminarian and former evangelist turned skeptic. His background is uniquely fitting to perform an objective, informed, insightful and incisive forensic analysis of the Bible's credibility. In “Conviction Overturned,” he cuts no corners to deliver the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, no matter whom it may antagonize.

“Conviction Overturned” answers such compelling questions as: Is the life of Jesus a miraculous fulfillment of prophecy? Is there evidence that portions of the New Testament are forged? Was Jesus gay? Is Moses the spiritual forebear of Osama bin Laden? What did Jesus think about transgenderism? Purchase at https://amzn.to/40X7sAr.

"The Elderly Gentleman's Ulyssee" by Hans Bodmer

A smarter, older Gentleman makes his way from Zurich to Geneva on hiking trails, wherever they exist. The declared goal is to reach a destination — the Café de la Place in Meyrin — as soon as possible. The adventures and encounters along the way are unforeseen and unexpected, and the experience brings smiles, laughter and a sense of achievement. But there’s also unpleasantness, tooth grinding and suffering.

He has much time to explore his thoughts and follow thought processes put in motion by the events. He inevitably ends up in complex, exuberant pipe dreams and bizarre, surreal spheres. Very often, he is sent into the virtual desert for his thoughts. Which he isn't concerned about. He wanders, ponders and continues to provoke, undeterred.

He meets different types of men, friendly ones and also disgusting ones. Not only that, he encounters many charming ladies and often risks falling in love. Join the journey. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3CRXcl9.

"Your Home Remedy for Acid Reflux Disease" by Dr. Howard Christian

Tired of struggling with acid reflux disease? Looking for an authentic remedy that allows you to keep eating the foods you love? This self-help book reveals a no-diet, alternative healing approach to transform your life and relieve your GERD. However you define your struggle, your unbridled well-being is within reach. Dr. Howard Christian offers this essential guide to help you break free from the cycle of symptoms, medications and dietary restrictions.

Drawing from his personal battle with GERD and his background in immunology, Dr. Christian emphasizes understanding GERD not as an adversary but as a messenger signaling the need for growth and self-awareness. He uses a unique, non-dietary remedy rooted in ageless wisdom to promote emotional, psychological and physical transformation.

Imagine the lasting benefits! Start feeling better today. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4kukfmN.

"Soul Flowers" by Cynthia Schumaker

“Soul Flowers” is Schumaker’s seventh poetry collection, delving into universal human emotions and experiences that connect us all. The collection provides enjoyable and accessible "word music" designed to appeal to dedicated poetry lovers and to others who might like to be. Employing both rhymed and unrhymed formats, Schumacher's work spans a wide array of subjects, often drawing inspiration from the natural world. Her poems touch on themes of hope and resilience, and offer comforting wisdom. Seamlessly blending new works with selections from previous publications, “Soul Flowers” invites readers to find solace and connection through shared human experiences.

Pacific Book Review says, “Schumacher's poems are seeds of wisdom, nurturing a sense of peace and connection to the cycles of life … ideal for anyone seeking solace, inspiration, and the gentle reminder that like flowers, the soul has its own seasons of blooming and renewal.” Purchase at https://amzn.to/3OUflRz.

(NewsUSA) - Trying to be better organized and looking to overcome your storage dilemma with more than a dull metal rack or a makeshift cubby? Take your cue from these design pros. Throughout the home, they’re creating functional and beautiful storage solutions. How? They’re doing it with all-natural cypress. And you can, too!

Starting at the Entryway

A well-designed mudroom—crafted to handle the mess of rain, mud, snow, and sand—can be warm, welcoming, and functional, as well. Ian Faight of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association, www.CypressInfo.org, suggests using cypress to dress up that high-traffic space. “Cypress is a beautiful wood, perfect for cabinets and cubbies, flooring, paneling, and ceilings,” he explains. “And it’s a durable material that can stand up to everyday use—and look good doing it.” Photo courtesy of Bob Gothard

Cypress in the Kitchen

At the heart of it all, and integral to any practical kitchen layout, is the island—that all-encompassing oasis used for storing pots and pans, preparing meals, and working on homework. “In the kitchen, homeowners are looking for functional design with as much storage space as possible,” says Ellie Schroder from Maison de Reve Buildings, Abita Springs, Louisiana. “If you have modern, painted cabinets, set off the island in a complementary color and a textured wood like pecky cypress, so that the island is like a piece of fine furniture that’s different from the rest of the kitchen.” Photo courtesy Julie D. Philippus

In the Bedroom

Closets and dressers are great for keeping clothes out of sight, but they don’t offer much storage for knickknacks, picture frames, and other personal items. Woodworker Julie Philippus from Mandeville, Louisiana, suggests building into the walls for rooms lacking storage. “Built-ins can be an inexpensive way to add extra storage and a custom look to bedrooms—or any rooms—that are short on space,” she says. “To dress up basic shelving, I like adding pecky cypress backboards to create a one-of-a-kind look.” Photo courtesy Julie D. Philippus

For the (Home) Spa

Whether outfitting a guest bath—or splurging on your master—creating a luxurious, spa-like sanctuary involves more than fancy faucets and fixtures! Enhance your space with a custom vanity that provides aesthetic warmth, as well as plenty of storage. “Vanities serve a utilitarian purpose,” says woodworker Jason Straw of Gainesville, Florida. “But a custom, modern vanity crafted from real wood is similar to art. When relaxing in the tub, you can sit back and enjoy its presence.”

And no worries about crafting cabinetry for wet zones. Straw believes cypress is the best choice. “It’s not only beautiful,” Straw says, “but the cypressene oil found in its heartwood naturally protects it from water damage and mildew.”

For the Finishing Touch

If you work from home or need to put in extra hours, a home office is a must-have—offering a quiet space to stay on task and organized. According to Jane Frederick of Frederick + Frederick Architects in Beaufort, South Carolina—and a past president of the American Institute of Architects—design and comfort are two primary considerations when it comes to picking out a high-quality desk.

“Touching a solid surface speaks to the quality of construction,” Frederick says. “And the finishes make a big difference. I once designed a desk made out of solid, river-recovered cypress, with a live-edge walnut top. In addition to being built to last, it’s stunningly beautiful.”

Whether building a dream home, renovating an existing one, or simply trying to be better organized, look to cypress for creating functional and beautiful storage stunners. Visit www.CypressInfo.org to see how.

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(NewsUSA) -

(NewsUSA) -

Expanded Screening Coverage Can Reduce Needless Deaths Colorectal cancer deaths are declining, but shocking regional, racial and ethnic disparities remain. According to the American Cancer Society, Latinos in the United States are more likely to die from colorectal cancer than those in many Central and South American countries, and death rates among Black men and women are 40% higher than their white counterparts. Rural residents are also far more likely to die from this often-preventable disease than those in urban areas. Much of this is due to lack of screening.