(NewsUSA) - Historically, athletic eyewear was mostly relegated to high-impact sports—goggles for the slopes, wraparounds and shields for cycling, or protective frames for basketball. In today’s performance-driven world, it’s no longer just about function or fashion—it’s about both. As the eyewear industry continues to evolve, optical frames are being designed with movement in mind, catering not only to elite athletes but to anyone living an active, on-the-go lifestyle. More brands, like Flexon Eyewear, are creating functional and timeless eyewear styles that will seamlessly fit in an active lifestyle.

In March, Flexon Eyewear introduced its Motion collection, where sleek masculine designs meet performance and functionality. From chasing the kids in the backyard and working out to balancing long workdays and screen time, people need eyewear that adapts. The sporty-inspired Motion collection incorporates key elements like memory metal, a material that bends and returns to its original shape, and rubber temples to create eyewear that moves with you. Each element ensures a secure fit through sweat, movement, and long hours, all while offering an aesthetic that’s sleek and versatile enough for everyday wear.

The latest optical styles lean into the active design, featherlight construction, and silhouettes that nod to athleticism without being overly technical. FLEXON style E1157 is a dynamic, oval-shaped optical style that offers a sleek and modern design. Featuring a Flexon memory metal bridge, rubber temples, and adjustable nose pads for distinctive style and everyday comfort. FLEXON style E1158 is a rimless, easy-to-wear optical style that offers a lightweight and effortless look. The style is crafted with durable memory metal, to ensure flexibility and comfort, and is enhanced by rubber temples and adjustable nose pads for a personalized fit.

As consumers continue to look for gear that keeps up with their dynamic lives, athletic eyewear is becoming more than a niche—it’s becoming essential. To shop the performance-driven styles like the Flexon Motion Collection, visit eyeconic.com.

(NewsUSA) - The AI+ Expo, taking place on June 2-4 in Washington, D.C., seeks to spark discussions of ideas and initiatives related to the intersection of AI, emerging technology, and national security.

The AI+ Expo is sponsored by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.

Don’t Miss the Drones

A highlight of this year’s AI+ Expo is a drone assembly workshop, where attendees can learn about the inner workings of drones, try simulators to learn and practice speed and agility skills, and watch professional pilot demos.

In addition, the Expo is hosting an interservice U.S. Military Drone Competition in partnership with the U.S. National Drone Association. The competition is open to all military service members, as well as high school and college students. Apply on the Expo website to sign up.

Engage in The Exchange: Innovation and National Security

This year’s Exchange is the fourth in a series, and brings together AI experts from the government, private sector, and scientific community to examine how to advance collaboration in pursuit of national security. The SCSP Exchanges were inspired by Dr. Ash Carter, the 25th Secretary of Defense, whose pioneering work initiated a transformational change across the U.S. government. The Exchange is set to continue the extraordinary discussions and connections made during previous events.

Hone Your Hacking Skills

The SCSP is teaming up with AGI House to co-host its third—and biggest—Hackathon yet! Join 300 hundreds of passionate builders for hands-on problem solving, rapid prototyping, and creative experimentation at the intersection of AI and real-world impact. Apply at the Expo website to secure your spot for a unique opportunity to push boundaries and build something meaningful.

Find Your New Career

This year’s Expo includes an ai+careers area for job seekers looking to level up their career as well as those seeking a better understanding of how AI is shaping the workforce.

The Talent Marketplace, hosted by ClearanceJobs, provides opportunities for meetings with employers from industry, academia, and government. Attendees can build a profile in the Cvent app to access on-site interviews, resume reviews, career coaching, and networking opportunities.

At the ai+careers Stage, attendees can join live conversations with experts on how AI and other emerging technologies are transforming work, education, policy, and security. Interactive booths provide opportunities to engage with organizations at the forefront of AI and emerging tech innovation.

Read More About It

A dedicated bookstore space will host engaging book talks, signings, discussions, and Q&As. Attendees can purchase books on AI, geopolitics, history, and technology, and meet their favorite authors.

The AI+ Expo is free and open to the public. Visit expo.scsp.ai to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - More than two-thirds of U.S. adults say they would rather file their taxes than get a colonoscopy, according to data from a new survey commissioned by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the disease.

In the survey, which included a national sample of 1,000 American adults, approximately half of respondents said that they prioritize household chores, such as laundry and childcare, over lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings, and 57% said they were unaware that these screenings can actually prevent colorectal cancer by removing precancerous polyps. If Americans knew this, 98% reported they would be more likely to undergo the screening, illustrating the need for greater awareness.

The majority (63%) of adults don't know that colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men under 50 years of age, according to the survey. Even more concerning, 58% don't know that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Compounding the misconceptions, 61% incorrectly believe that screening should begin at age 50, but in fact it should start at age 45. Another alarming statistic: 58% of adults would not immediately seek medical attention if they noticed constipation, diarrhea or blood in their stool, which can be signs of colorectal cancer.

“These results reveal a life-threatening gap in public awareness of colorectal cancer,” said Christopher Lieu, M.D., medical oncologist and advisor to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “It’s imperative that everyone understands the importance of screening and makes it a priority, so more lives can be saved,” he said.

The need for more education and awareness is even greater in minority populations, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Black adults were less likely than white adults in the survey to recognize that colorectal cancer is often not detected until the late stages because symptoms are mild (35% vs. 52%) or colorectal cancer is among the most preventable cancers (29% vs. 46%).

Black adults also reported less familiarity with the colonoscopy procedure than white adults, according to the survey. Approximately half of Black adults versus three quarters of white adults knew that the procedure involves inserting a camera into the colon, and that a day of preparation is needed to ensure an empty stomach. In addition, 23% of Black adults said they thought a colonoscopy required an in-patient hospital stay versus 8% of white adults.

Hispanic adults showed the highest knowledge gap when deciphering colonoscopy myths and facts, with 34% answering three or more statements incorrectly, compared to White and Black adults (23% for both). Hispanic adults also were the most likely to say that finding time for health screenings is difficult, with 60% citing time as a barrier.

The benefits of colorectal cancer screening are well-documented, but more than a third of adults who haven’t been screened say they are simply afraid, according to the survey. However, only 17% of those who have been screened say that fear about the experience would keep them from being screened again. 

Although colonoscopies allow doctors to remove suspicious pre-cancerous polyps immediately, people at average risk of colorectal cancer can choose from a variety of screening options that are convenient, quick and easy, including at-home stool tests like Cologuard and FIT. A doctor can provide advice on screening tests based on age, personal preference, risk factors and symptoms.

Visit getscreened.org for more information and take a free screening quiz (available in English and Spanish) to receive a personalized recommendation to share with your doctor.

(NewsUSA) - “Silent Horizons" by Chad Robichaux

In this new military thriller, Foster Quinn is more than a former Force Recon Marine: he’s a husband, father, and faithful brother to his teammates. When one of them is killed during a high-risk operation, Foster struggles to balance his roles as a dedicated family man and an elite warrior.

Then he gets the chance to step in where his best friend left off, assuming a cover identity that will pave the way for a critical mission. On his own in a new country, he must carefully choose who to trust. One wrong move could spell disaster.

From former Force Recon Marine Chad Robichaux and Navy TOPGUN fighter pilot Jack Stewart comes a thriller that gives readers a pulse-pounding glimpse into the clandestine side of special operations. It’s perfect for fans of Jason Bourne and James Reece and makes a great Father’s Day gift.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/43FrimM.

“Vested Interest” by Bailey Herrington

Vested interest: "a special concern or stake in maintaining or influencing a condition, arrangement or action especially for selfish ends." — Merriam Webster Dictionary.

In “Vested Interest: A David Elliott Mystery,” an attractive, intelligent young member of David Elliott’s congregation disappears; fear and ugly rumors spread throughout the community and the congregation. After her strangled body is found, the autopsy reveals startling details. The investigation, hampered by a lack of solid evidence, proceeds slowly. When another member of David Elliott’s congregation dies mysteriously, the increasing anxiety rips the church apart and intensifies David’s doubts about his ability and self-worth. David finds evidence that appears to incriminate members of his congregation as killers. His daring plan to confront the killers erupts in violence and death before the killers can be brought to justice.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3S5X857.

“Portrait of a Feminist” by Marianna Marlowe

Infused with a passion for justice, this expansive memoir by a biracial and multicultural feminist will appeal to fans of “Crying in H Mart” and “How to Raise a Feminist Son.”

With writing that is simultaneously wise and shimmering, nuanced and direct, Marlowe confronts her own experiences with the hallmarks of patriarchy. Interweaving stories of life as the child of a Catholic Peruvian mother and an atheist American father in a family that lived many years abroad, she examines realities familiar to so many of us — unequal marriages, class structures, misogynist literature, and patriarchal religion. Through braided memories that flash against the present day, “Portrait of a Feminist” explores the essential questions of feminism in our time: What does it look like to live in defense of feminism? How should feminism be evolving today?

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

“Invaders of the Heartland” by James Bultema

After LAPD brass scrutinized his split-second decision in a deadly bank shootout, Detective Jake Dalton left the city behind for his hometown—Fairview, Oklahoma. But his return to small-town life is anything but quiet.

Taking over a struggling four-person police department, Jake believes he’s left big-city crime in the past—until the Chinese mafia moves in, turning Fairview into the hub of a ruthless billion-dollar marijuana empire.

When Jake sounds the alarm, federal agents dismiss him, and local officials look the other way. Outgunned and outnumbered, he stands alone as the last line of defense against a brutal syndicate determined to seize total control. One wrong move could cost him everything.

Written by a retired LAPD officer, Invaders of the Heartland is a gritty, high-stakes police procedural brimming with real-world authenticity, crime, and conspiracy. The story may be fiction, but the crisis is very real.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4iV5GGU.

(NewsUSA) - "Retirement Planning That Delivers" by Pete Bosse, PhD, CFP

It’s not unusual to fear the unknown when it comes to retirement, such as: What will I do with all my free time? What do I still want to accomplish? Will I have enough money to live on? How will I stay connected to friends from work? How will I stay healthy in retirement? Answers to all these questions and many more are contained in this book.

While other books focus on the numbers and the math — the spreadsheets, savings goals and investment strategies — “Retirement Planning That Delivers” focuses on 80% lifestyle, 20% finances. What if retirement could be a time to rediscover your passions, deepen relationships and make every day fulfilling — without the constant worry about finances? Whether you’re just starting your journey or feel like you’re behind, this guide offers practical, actionable advice to help you take control of your retirement today.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/42VpUeW.

“The Sooner You Forget” by Christopher Bensinger

In this little-known chapter of World War II history, a young American soldier must reconcile what happened to him at the hands of the Nazis — and his own government.

Soon to be eighteen, Charlton Buckley is looking to escape the grips of his dead-end Wisconsin hometown and abusive father. He channels his youthful enthusiasm toward piloting for the Air Force — but then his plane is shot down on his first mission, and he’s captured and sent to a German stalag. As the Nazis’ war efforts start to fail, they pull Jewish soldiers from the Allied ranks and transport them to a secret labor death camp. Despite his Christian background, Buckley is taken, and there he experiences horrors beyond imagination.

Navigating trauma, faith, love and loyalty, “The Sooner You Forget” is the story of one man’s search to find true liberation decades after imprisonment. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4c6qedT.

BookTrib’s Lit Picks: First Chapters From the Hottest Books

Here’s a chance for readers to get a sneak peek into some of the hottest books and new voices being talked about in literary circles.

BookTrib.com — a leading source for book reviews, news, interviews and articles — offers readers the Winter 2025 edition of its popular Lit Picks ebook collection of first chapters from the hottest new books. Featuring excerpts from over 50 new releases and hidden gems, “BookTrib Lit Picks” is the perfect read!

A free digital sampler, “BookTrib Lit Picks” includes a sampling of contemporary and historical fiction, thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, self-help, memoirs and more from Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins to award-winning small presses and works from independently published authors. Get your free download at https://booktrib.com/litpicks.

“Voices of the Civil War” by Barry Robbins

Step into the hearts and minds of those who lived through America's darkest chapter with "Voices of the Civil War", a groundbreaking work that brings history to vivid life through meticulously crafted first-person narratives.

More than just a retelling of battles and dates, "Voices of the Civil War" plunges you into the human experiences and wrenching emotions of a nation at war with itself. Feel the agonizing weight of command, the adrenaline-pumping terror of combat, the soaring hope of emancipation and the heart-rending anguish of a country torn asunder.

Prepare to be transported back in time and forever changed by the poignant, personal voices within these pages. You'll walk away with a profound new appreciation for the impossible choices, the inspiring resilience and the staggering human toll of the war that forged modern America. Purchase at https://2ly.link/26Qn3

(Niyoka McCoy, Ed.D., Chief Learning Officer at Stride) - Summer is almost here, and the educators at K12-powered online schools have created your ultimate guide to fend off summer learning loss. These tips can help keep your child’s mind active and engaged during the break—when learning often takes a backseat and academic progress can slide.  

Research shows that students in grades 1-8 lose around 17-34% of their English language arts and math gains over the summer. Once fall rolls around, teachers typically dedicate the first couple months to helping students catch up. 

While teachers will help your child get back on track in the fall, you can take proactive steps this summer to help them maintain and even grow their skills and knowledge. 

1. Enroll in a summer course. 

Summer school is one of the most effective ways to prevent summer learning loss. Online options, like K12-powered online schools, make it easy to fit learning into your family’s summer routine. Whether reinforcing challenging concepts or exploring new and interesting subjects, online summer school provides enrichment in a flexible setting.  

2. Read for fun. 

Reading can boost cognitive performance, language development, and academic achievement and decrease symptoms of stress. Visit your local library and let your child pick books that interest them to nurture a lifelong love for reading. 

3. Get career focused. 

High school students can get real-life experience in different career paths through activities like volunteering, job shadowing, and internships. The K12 Career Services Center offers online resources, including an internship search tool, to help them get started. 

4. Explore community activities. 

Local classes, academic and recreational camps, and community sports can provide structure and purpose for children who prefer the routine of the school year. Whether it’s a pottery class, a STEM camp, or a soccer team, these activities help develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.  

5. Play to learn. 

Games—whether classic arcade, puzzles, or role-playing—can boost motivation and engagement. Add an educational twist, and learning becomes entertainment. Language apps like Duolingo and platforms like K12 Skills Arcade are great tools that turn gaming into brain-boosting fun. 

By incorporating one or more of these activities into your child’s summer routine, you can help prevent learning loss and keep their mind engaged! Small, intentional changes like these can make a big difference and set your child up for a strong, confident start to the new school year. 

(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.