(NewsUSA) - “A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs” by Amy L. Stark, Ph.D.

In a world filled with zany, fast-paced children’s books, “A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs” offers a refreshing style that acts as a gentle reset button for busy minds.

Imagine finding your bedroom filled with ladybugs. That is exactly what Jan finds when she comes home from school.

This beautifully illustrated children's book, based on a true story, helps kids notice and find value in the natural world around them. The story focuses on children and adults' interactions with plants, bugs and butterflies, and demonstrates how nature can be sustained by planting habitats and gardens.

“Small creatures often carry the biggest truths,” the author says, and that ideal can be found throughout every page of the book.

If you're looking for a picture book that celebrates quiet moments, encourages close observation and fosters a lifelong love for nature, this one belongs on your shelf.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4jYkwOl.

“The Bitter End Birding Society” by Amanda Cox

Hometown hero Ana Leigh Watkins ventures to Bitter End, Tennessee, to help her great-aunt prepare for retirement. A town called Bitter End seems an ironic place for Ana to refresh her weary spirit, but she's desperate for respite from the attention and unwarranted admiration of her community. While on a hike in Roan Mountain, a ragtag group of amateur bird-watchers takes her under their wing — a little against her will. However, she quickly warms to these genuine souls seeking solace in the great outdoors.

But when Ana's adventures in Bitter End lead her to a severed branch of her family tree — one that involves the forbidden love between a moonshiner's daughter and a preacher's son — what began as a getaway to help her great-aunt becomes a transformative journey that binds together two women who, though they live on the same street, have been estranged for sixty years.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3GXtAEX.

“Anchored by Love” by Marie-Claire Moriah Wright and David Saccoh Wright

Siblings Clara, Max and Ash all found their own paths in life, but despite their individual achievements, it was the strength of their family that truly defined them. The cruise had been a chance to reaffirm that love, to reconnect and remind themselves of what mattered most: their bond as a family.

Through love, they found a way to withstand every obstacle life had thrown at them. Their journey had taught them that success isn’t just about achievements or accolades — it’s about the moments of connection. Because true joy and fulfillment came not just from what they had done, but from whom they had shared it with.

Their story is a testament to the power of love — and as they sailed into the future, they did so knowing that their hearts, their lives, and their family were forever anchored by love.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/40v68FA.

“Design for Your Mind” by Annie Guest

Homes are more than buildings; author, attorney and mental health therapist Annie Guest discovered this after the death of her parents. “My parents left their house to me. I decided to reimagine it in ways that would help me remember the whole of my parents’ lives — not just those sad final years — as I rebuilt my own life.”

Guest takes us through her journey and shows us the magic of how she transformed her home sustainably and on a budget. Using 95 “before” and “after” photos accompanied by easy-to-follow explanations of the science of good interior design, Guest helps us discover the true purpose of each room and how it can promote healthy living.

This is more than a book of inspired, affordable interior design. It’s a guide for anyone facing a new beginning who wants to recreate a home that supports well-being, self-expression and personal empowerment.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3IACnxa.

(NewsUSA) - By Matt Werbach for the National Psoriasis Foundation 

If you are one of the 8 million people in the U.S. with psoriasis, no one needs to tell you about the challenges of living with the disease. You know the pain and itch. You know the social stigma and the judgmental stares. And if you’re like Brian, Ayesha, or Janene, you also carry the burden of various related diseases.  

There are so many shared challenges related to living with psoriasis that it becomes easy to imagine a common solution. But each person impacted by this disease – all 125 million worldwide – has their own unique set of genetics, lifestyle considerations, luck, and personal history. Let’s hear from three of them. 

Three Unique Journeys 

Regaining Control 

Brian Lehrschall spent 30 years managing his psoriasis with just about every treatment available. It was high blood sugar and the GLP-1 agonist he took to manage it that finally helped him improve his psoriasis symptoms, his treatment effectiveness, and his ability to enjoy life. 

Losing it All 

Ayesha Patrick’s hair was falling out in clumps. Psoriasis robbed her of her health, hair, and mental wellbeing. She regained her strength and persevered by helping other people of color feel supported through whatever psoriasis throws their way.  

“Something is Not Right” 

Janene Tirado was pouring margaritas for grateful golfers at a volunteer event when a rare form of psoriasis known as GPP appeared. Within hours, she was at the hospital with a fever, nausea, and small pustules spreading rapidly across her feet and lower legs. Proper treatment helped her move forward. Now, she shares her story so others might know the signs of GPP. 

August is Psoriasis Action Month – an annual opportunity to galvanize and empower the community of people impacted by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Every person experiences psoriatic disease in their own unique way, but it is together that we drive progress toward the vision of a world free from the burdens of psoriasis and PsA.  

For real stories, practical tips, and helpful tools to live your healthiest life with psoriasis or PsA, visit psoriasis.org/psoriasis-action-month. 

(NewsUSA) - The stakes were high at the Illinois State Fair this year with a herd of young farmers ready to showcase their hard work and expertise in the agricultural industry. 

As the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, CME Group is committed to the education of future market participants so they can manage their business risks throughout their careers. For the 10th consecutive year, CME Group awarded a $5,000 scholarship to each Grand Champion livestock exhibitor. Additionally, the company recognized each Illinois 4-H Skillathon champion with a $1,000 scholarship. Over the past decade, CME Group has contributed more than $500,000 to advance the education of young Illinois farmers and ranchers.

“We are incredibly proud of this next generation of producers and are honored to support them as they further their education of and passion for agriculture," said John Ricci, Global Head of Agricultural Products at CME Group. “This community is vital to our business, and we remain committed to developing the students who will feed the world and advance our global economy.”

The 2025 Grand Champion scholarship recipients were: Kadie Hummel (Kankakee County), John Lukach (LaSalle County), Trevor Rhoads (DeKalb County), Ashley Wiegand (Woodford County), Bryce Clayton (Scott County), Olive Ryan (Christian County), Maddox Horner (Jasper County), Austin Ater (Champaign County) and Conner Robinson (Morgan County).

The 2025 Skillathon scholarship winners, out of a record 63 participants, were: Gracie Walker (Hamilton County), Preston Howell (DeWitt County), Addison Tebbe (Clinton County), Abby Wamsley (Christian County), Olivia Quertermous (Johnson County), Deacon Shanks (Christian County), Luke Short (Christian County), Jollie Johnson (Henderson County) and Kalen Setterdahl (Knox County). 

Image Caption (names left to right): Ashley Wiegand, Conner Robinson, John Lukach, Bryce Clayton, Austin Ater, Trevor Rhoads, Maddox Horner, Kadie Hummel, Olive Ryan

(NewsUSA) - As families across the country prepare for the new school year, many are doing more than buying backpacks and pencils. They’re searching for, evaluating, and choosing from an expanded set of educational options. This year, for millions of families, the first day of classes isn’t just a return, it’s the beginning of something new. Whether a child is making an expected transition to - like starting kindergarten or transitioning to middle or high school, or switching types of schools altogether, parents are making active, thoughtful choices about where their children will learn.

That shift isn’t subtle anymore; it’s everywhere.

In a national survey conducted in June 2025, 74% of American parents with school-aged children said they considered sending at least one of their kids to a different school in the last 12 months. That's around 48 million parents thinking about their options. But far fewer actually made a change: only twenty-eight percent of parents-around 18 million of them-actually enrolled their child in a new school. And more than half say they expect to go through the process again this year.

Over the past three decades, the concept of school choice has evolved from policy discussion to lived experience. Today, families are navigating a landscape that includes public, private, charter, magnet, online, homeschooling, or microschooling. More are participating every year, and many parents are searching but not yet finding what they're looking for.

States continue to create new opportunities for education innovation. In 2025 alone, 16 states created or strengthened school choice programs, reflecting growing legislative interest in meeting families’ expectations. These changes range from education savings accounts to open enrollment policies in district schools. But the real momentum comes from parents, not policymakers.

According to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, enrollment in charter schools increased by more than 80,000 students during the 23-24 school year. At the same time, more than 1 million students are now enrolled in publicly funded private school choice programs. And let's not forget that homeschooling has emerged as one of the fastest-growing education formats, especially since the pandemic, with rising interest across multiple demographics.

Families have their own proprietary blends of school choice criteria: proximity, transportation, flexibility, school culture, academics, special programs, safety, or scheduling. Some are choosing a school across district lines. Some are enrolling in a charter or magnet program. Others are looking at a public school out of their district, private, online, homeschool, or microschooling options.

What’s changed is not just the number of options available, but the mindset. More families are asking, "What’s possible?" instead of "What’s the norm?"

But as choice expands, so does complexity. Many parents don’t have a complete picture of what is possible. In our conversations with families, we hear the same questions again and again: "What are my options?" "How do I find out what’s available near me?" "Can I afford it?" "How will switching schools affect my child socially?"

For families navigating those questions, free resources can help. At myschoolchoice.com, parents can access guides like “Tips for Choosing the Right School for Your Child”, review a new guide to transportation opportunities in public or private schools of choice, and use the “Schools Near Me” search tool, covering more than 132,000 schools nationwide.

School choice has become the new normal. It's time to stop viewing educational options as a political battleground and start recognizing them as what they truly are: the new normal.

Shelby Doyle is the senior vice president of policy and national partnerships at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that maintains the nation’s largest online portfolio of English- and Spanish-language school navigation resources, available through Navigate School Choice and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares.

(NewsUSA) - TEST TEST

(NewsUSA) - If you filed for a tax extension, you've bought yourself time, but not immunity from risk. As the October deadline approaches, be wary of slick promises from online platforms offering "AI-powered" shortcuts for claiming the federal research and development (R&D) tax credit. The IRS has issued guidance warning about overreliance on AI in completing tax returns. Due to its significant benefits to American businesses yet potential for abuse, the R&D tax credit can be the target of high scrutiny by the IRS, so exercising caution is crucial when using AI in tax filings.

The R&D tax credit can be a valuable benefit for innovative companies, but it's also one of the most closely scrutinized. To qualify, businesses must show that their work meets strict IRS criteria, something that AI alone cannot verify. The IRS has raised concerns about AI's inability to make legal judgments, ensure accuracy or recognize complex nuances in a company's activities.

For instance, interviews are a critical part of accurately claiming the R&D tax credit, since they provide context that data alone cannot capture. However, some platforms, like SPRX, Neo.Tax and MainStreet, advertise AI tools that "eliminate the need for interviews" or "streamline your tax compliance." The IRS requires businesses to demonstrate that their activities qualify for the R&D tax credit, and in the absence of real interviews, the criteria can't be fully understood by automated inputs, risking miscalculation, assumptions and even hallucinations by the AI.

AI can process data, but it can't recognize subtle red flags, consider context or apply professional judgement the way a seasoned CPA can. Without human insight, businesses and taxpayers risk submitting claims that may be incomplete or overgeneralized, subjecting companies to audits or fines. AI cannot replace the real-world expertise that human CPAs exercise. Ultimately, if the IRS comes knocking, the business itself, not shady AI-driven tax providers, will have to defend their filing.

(NewsUSA) - For anyone who’s ever felt crushed under the weight of family dysfunction, addiction or life-altering adversity, John Beyer offers something rare: proof that it’s possible to not only survive, but to thrive.

In “Live a Little Better: One Man’s Journey of Survival, Sobriety, and Success,” Beyer recounts with raw honesty how he rose from a childhood marked by parental addiction and neglect to build a successful business, raise a family and become an advocate for autism awareness. It’s a deeply personal memoir, but one that speaks to a wide audience — anyone who’s ever looked at their life and wanted more.

Beyer doesn’t sugarcoat his past. He was born into a home where addiction ruled and abuse was the norm. At a tender age, he had already endured life’s most stressful experiences — death, divorce, illness and moving. His teenage years were marked by binge drinking, criminal activity and emotional instability. The turning point came in 1986; after years of self-destruction, a near-fatal car crash, and the deaths of close friends and family, Beyer had hit rock bottom. A months-long bender led him to seek help from Alcoholics Anonymous, marking his long path toward sobriety and healing.

Recovery didn’t make life easy. But it gave Beyer the tools to keep going when things got hard. With the support of his longtime partner, Amy, and a dedicated therapist, he not only stayed sober but built Men on the Move, a top-rated moving-and-storage business on the East Coast. He also rediscovered his creative spark as a singer and songwriter. Success, for Beyer, didn’t come from erasing the past — it came from working through it and letting it sharpen his sense of purpose.

That resilience would be tested again when his son Gregory was diagnosed with autism. Instead of retreating, Beyer and Amy became fierce advocates. Beyer’s role as a father shaped his next chapter as a public figure committed to making a difference. He helped launch organizations and community programs, including Spectrum Designs Foundation and the David Center, and served as chairman of the Long Island Chapter of Autism Speaks.

Through personal tragedy, health crises, and the daily struggles of parenting and recovery, Beyer’s story remains grounded in gratitude and forward motion. The book isn’t a victory lap — it’s a conversation with anyone who’s still in the trenches, looking for hope. His daughter Lauren insisted he tell this story, and readers will be glad he did.

“Live a Little Better” is a testament to second chances and the quiet heroism of getting up every day and choosing to do better. It's for readers who crave honesty without despair, inspiration without self-help clichés. And in a time when so many feel overwhelmed by life’s unpredictability, Beyer’s message couldn’t be more needed.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/44Kds2F.

(Amy Leitman, JD, President of NTMir Contributor, USA Today) - For most Americans, the letters "NTM" don’t mean anything. But for tens of thousands of people across the country, they represent something serious: a chronic lung disease that’s often overlooked, misunderstood, and on the rise.

NTM, or nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease, isn’t contagious. But that doesn’t make it harmless. Caused by bacteria found in soil and water, NTM can lead to progressive lung damage, especially in people with underlying respiratory conditions. What’s most alarming is how easily it hides in plain sight—mimicking other illnesses, evading detection, and often going untreated for years.

As we approach World NTM Day on August 4, it’s time to bring this disease out of the shadows.

NTM lung disease isn’t rare anymore. Over the past few decades, researchers have tracked a steady increase in infections across the U.S., especially among people over 65 and those with structural lung issues like bronchiectasis or COPD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases are growing by 8% annually. Currently there are estimated to be more than 200,000 cases in the U.S. alone.

Certain regions are being hit harder than others. States like Florida, Hawaii, California, and Texas report disproportionately high rates, with urban hubs like Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York City also seeing spikes. The combination of humid climates, aging populations, and exposure to aerosolized water from showers, hot tubs, or soil seems to provide the perfect conditions for the bacteria to thrive.

Still, it’s not limited to one geographic area. Wherever people are inhaling air from contaminated environments—and especially where structural lung conditions are common—NTM is a growing risk.

One of the most frustrating aspects of NTM is how easy it is to mistake it for something else. People often develop a persistent cough, fatigue, night sweats, or shortness of breath—symptoms that could point to any number of respiratory conditions. It’s not unusual for patients to be told they have bronchitis or asthma, and to be treated accordingly.

But when weeks turn into months, and standard treatments don’t work, it’s time to look deeper.

Diagnosis requires a chest CT scan and sputum cultures, but even then, identifying the right strain and choosing the right treatment takes time. The standard course involves multiple antibiotics taken for over a year, and in many cases, patients can be reinfected with another strain later on.

Behind the data are stories—some hopeful, some heartbreaking.

Diane, a retired teacher in Houston, spent more than two years bouncing between physicians. “I had a chronic cough I just couldn’t shake,” she says. “They thought it was allergies or maybe long COVID.” After finally seeing a pulmonologist who tested for NTM, she got her diagnosis. “I was relieved, but scared. I had never even heard of it.”

In Miami, Michael, 67, had a similar experience. “They told me it was COPD, and I believed them. But my energy kept getting worse.” It wasn’t until a specialist ordered a specific culture that the real cause came to light. “By then, my lungs were already in bad shape.”

These aren’t rare anecdotes—they’re reflective of a larger issue: too many patients are slipping through the cracks because NTM isn’t top of mind for most clinicians.

(*Stories are drawn from patient accounts shared with NTMir’s national support community. Names have been changed for privacy.*)

Every year, August 4 marks World NTM Day, an international effort to raise awareness about this under-recognized illness. The day offers an opportunity to elevate patient voices, educate health professionals, and encourage policy solutions to improve care.

This year, advocates are emphasizing five urgent needs:
1. Faster diagnosis.
2. More research for treatments.
3. Public awareness.
4. Research for ways to reduce exposure.
5. Support for patients.

The call to action is simple: If you’ve had a lingering cough or recurring respiratory symptoms, and especially if you already have a lung condition, ask your doctor whether NTM testing is appropriate.

NTM lung disease isn’t going away. But we do have reasons to be hopeful. New diagnostic tools are in development. Clinical trials are underway for more tolerable and effective medications. And groups like NTMir are building a stronger national patient registry to support research and care coordination.

What we don’t have—yet—is widespread awareness.

That’s where you come in. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, physician, journalist, or policymaker, you can help shine a light on this overlooked disease. Share a story. Ask questions. Start the conversation.

Because when it comes to NTM, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s a lifeline.

To learn more about nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease, and to get involved in World NTM Day on August 4, visit www.WorldNTMDay.org.

(NewsUSA) - Whether for work, fun, or both, most people spend long periods sitting or slouching in front of a screen. Excessive sitting can lead to poor posture, which in turn increases the risk of a range of problems including muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, fatigue, altered digestion and respiration, and even nerve tissue compression, according to Mark Gugliotti, D.P.T., an associate professor of physical therapy at New York Institute of Technology.

“Good posture is important because it establishes a musculoskeletal balance within the body. This balance enables the body to move more fluidly and functionally while conserving energy and avoiding undue stress,” said Gugliotti, a practicing physical therapist.

“Many of our general day-to-day aches and pains, especially if you're working at a desk or workstation regularly, come from those prolonged habitual positions of posturing,” Gugliotti explained. For example, tension, tightness, or the position of a laptop or other device can promote headaches, neck pain, and shoulder rounding. “There is always the possibility of nerve tissue compression through the shoulders, or at the wrist and hands if you're not careful. Slouching into the chair could also put undue stress and strain on the lower back,” he added.

Gugliotti advises changing positions frequently during the day and taking breaks to get up from your workstation and walk around. “One recommendation is to set a timer to do this every 30 minutes,” he said.

Also, choose your furniture wisely. A properly fitting chair that adjusts to you and fully supports your spine can make the difference between comfort and back pain. Gugliotti recommends looking for a chair with adjustable height and the ability to recline.

Other tips for better workstation posture include keeping arms, hips, and knees positioned at a 90-degree angle while seated, and positioning the laptop or monitor directly in front of you on a sturdy surface. Ideally, “The screen should be an arm’s length away with a preferred height that aligns your eyes with the upper third of the screen. At home, this could easily be achieved with a few books placed under the monitor,” said Gugliotti. An ergonomic mouse or a small footrest under your desk are other small aids that can improve posture and reduce pain, he added. 

Gugliotti also noted that frequent smartphone use can lead to “tech neck,” when additional stress is placed on the neck because users are frequently bending down to view the screen.

“Having your phone more towards the front of your face would be the best scenario,” he advised.

Gugliotti is one of many New York Tech faculty lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Tips from Edelman Financial Engines (EFE) to help you stay secure, no matter what the economy throws your way.

When deciding what actions to take in the face of potential recession, it’s important to remember this: You don’t control inflation. You don’t control GDP. And you don’t control any of the policy decisions that could lead to a recession.

But you do control your own financial plan. These are all steps you should take regardless of the economic environment, but they become even more important when uncertainty is high.

1. Diversify your portfolio – Diversification should be a cornerstone of any investment plan, and the goal is to reduce portfolio risk and optimize returns. Having exposure to better-performing investments doesn’t guarantee positive returns, but it does help dampen overall portfolio losses if we enter a bear market.
    
2. Check your emergency fund – The ideal amount you should have in your emergency fund to carry you through a potential job loss depends on several factors, including how at-risk your job is, how reliant your household income is, and how much of your budget is discretionary. This is a great time to make sure you have an appropriate amount saved in liquid assets.
    
3. Hold off on spending – The more money you have available, the calmer you’re likely to feel about a potential economic downturn. You might want to wait on big nonessential decisions that would eat into your liquidity, like buying a second home, retiring early or paying off large debts.
    
4. Increase your income – Consider upskilling at your current job, pursuing a promotion or starting a side business.
    
5. Look at your tax strategies – Recessionary environments can trigger permanent or temporary changes in tax regulations, to stimulate the economy. But tax planning should always be part of your financial plan, and it should happen all year long, not just during tax season or when something changes. If you haven’t met with a tax professional and a financial planner to talk about foundational tax strategies that make sense for you, do that now.
    
6. Make sure you are getting good rates on your cash – High-yield savings accounts, CDs and money markets generally offer higher rates than bank accounts. Take advantage of them.

Bottom line: The economy may be uncertain. Your plan doesn’t have to be. Start building financial confidence at www.edelmanfinancialengines.com.