(NewsUSA) - The evolution and impact of AI, especially with respect to national security, is poorly understood, but the explosion of knowledge is unprecedented, according to Dr. Eric Schmidt, chair of the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP).

In a fireside chat on "Delivering the AI Advantage," at the year's AI + Expo, Dr. Schmidt discussed whether AI is over- or underhyped. "The arrival of this level of intelligence is an issue as historic as the invention of electricity," he said.

The 2025 AI+ Expo and The Exchange: Advancing the Legacy of Innovation and National Security was sponsored by the SCSP, a non-profit initiative focused on strengthening America's long-term competitiveness in AI and other emerging technologies. 

Dr. Schmidt noted the implications of AI in improving America's military advantage, with some recent successes and gaps where improvement is needed.

Success Story. Although the details are not publicly available, a recent project called Maven involved the creation of an open-source library that can be trained to look for certain things. "In the Pentagon, they spend a lot of time looking for things," and it is much smarter to have the computer looking and the human is alerted if it finds something, or detects a trend or pattern, he said.

Gaps: The expanded role of drones in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlights the need for more development of remote AI technology in the U.S., according to Schmidt. The war in Ukraine has become drone against drone, he said. By contrast, the U.S. does not as a nation have a good UAS counter drone, Schmidt added.

Looking ahead, the U.S. military needs to be proactive in taking advantage of AI, said Schmidt. His ideal defensive strategy would include two layers of drones, a high surveillance level with deep-looking cameras connected by an unjammable AI network, and other drones that could deploy bombers. With this kind of defensive system "it would be essentially impossible to invade a country by land," he said.

The key takeaway, Schmidt said, is that the military needs to use modern AI tools to plan defensive strategies. Companies in the U.S. are ready to take on this challenge, but need to establish and improve partnerships, he added.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more about SCSP and view other presentations from the AI + Expo.

(NewsUSA) - Kiwifruit, with its bright green flesh and sweet-tart flavor, is a powerhouse of nutrition packed into a small, fuzzy package. Originally from China and popularized in New Zealand, today much of the kiwifruit available in North America during the summer comes from Chile. Thanks to Chile’s opposite growing season, fresh kiwifruit arrives during the Northern Hemisphere’s warmer months, making it a seasonal favorite for healthy snacks and school lunches.

Just one kiwifruit provides 120% of your daily requirement for vitamin C. It's rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Kiwifruit can also be a supportive part of a GLP-1 diet.  This is because it has a low glycemic index, high fiber content and is nutrient dense with a low-calorie profile.

 In other words, kiwifruit is the perfect treat to keep your summer slim and trim!

For summer snacking, kiwifruit is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it sliced and chilled, blended into smoothies, or paired with yogurt for a high-protein snack. For back-to-school season, kiwifruit is a lunchbox win—easy to prep and packed with nutrients to support focus and energy. Try cutting it into fun shapes or serving it with a toothpick for kid-friendly appeal. Here’s an idea perfect for kids, or maybe just the kid in you. Turn a basic bagel into a blueberry-eyed panda with kiwifruit "ears" and a creamy kiwifruit purée spread!

You can even freeze kiwifruit slices for a naturally sweet popsicle alternative—perfect for hot days or after-school treats. Whether you're looking to nourish your body, or just enjoy a naturally delicious fruit, Chilean kiwifruit is a fresh, smart choice.

(NewsUSA) - With summer in full swing, safety on the road should be a top priority. Auto Glass Now is helping drivers across the country get road-trip ready — because wherever the season takes them, a damaged windshield shouldn’t stand in the way.

Auto Glass Now knows summer means more time behind the wheel — and cracked windshields often tag along for the ride. With over 200 locations nationwide, the company is committed to helping drivers stay safe with fast, reliable glass repair and replacement services. Whether you are headed to the beach, lake, or mountains, you can count on Auto Glass Now for fast and convenient auto glass services, wherever you may be!
 

Why You Shouldn’t Hit the Road with a Damaged Windshield

Planning a road trip this summer? Before you pack the cooler and load up the car, make sure your windshield is ready for the journey too. That small chip or crack you’ve been putting off could turn into a much bigger problem once the temperatures rise.

Summer heat can worsen existing windshield damage. As glass expands in the heat — especially under direct sunlight — minor chips can rapidly turn into large cracks. Add in high interior temperatures and sudden cooling from air conditioning, and the risk of further damage increases. In some cases, a minor chip can quickly grow into a full crack, potentially compromising your visibility and safety.

Here are a few risks to consider:

• Thermal stress: The combination of a hot windshield and a blast of cold AC can trigger cracking.
• Rough roads and road vibrations: Potholes, gravel roads, speed bumps, and uneven pavement transmit strong vibrations and shocks to the vehicle chassis. These impacts travel through the frame and can stress the windshield, especially if there's a crack already present.
• Safety compromise: A cracked windshield can compromise a vehicle’s structure, especially in rollover accidents.
   

Why Now Is the Time to Repair a Windshield

Taking care of a damaged windshield before hitting the road isn’t just safer — it’s smarter. What could be a quick repair now might turn into a full replacement if left untreated in summer conditions. That’s why taking care of it before your road trip is key.

Auto Glass Now makes the process as easy and stress-free as possible, offering:

• Same-day & next-day service to get drivers back on the road quickly
• Insurance support, including claims handling and acceptance of all providers
• Price match guarantee to ensure you get the best price and value
• Experienced technicians trained to work on all vehicle makes and models
• No- Hassle Lifetime warranty against glass defects or repairs needed to their original work.
• Over 200 locations nationwide, so help is never far away

Travel Safe and Stress-Free This Summer

Summer road trips should be about fun and adventure — not anxiety about whether a windshield will hold up under pressure and heat. From winding mountain drives to scenic coastal highways, a clear, undamaged windshield provides peace of mind and improved safety for every mile.

Auto Glass Now encourages drivers not to delay when it comes to repairs. That small crack could turn into a vacation spoiler. By visiting a local Auto Glass Now location, customers can enjoy expert service today, not someday.

(NewsUSA) - Shopping online is easy and convenient—you can find almost anything, from snacks to sneakers. But not every product is what it seems. While most sellers are honest, some try to take advantage of shoppers by offering counterfeit goods.

That’s why at Walmart we’ve built layers of protection into the shopping experience—to help you shop with confidence. Here's how to stay sharp when shopping anywhere online.

How to Identify a Counterfeit Product

• Check the Seller's Reputation: Always look at the seller's ratings and reviews on the platform. A strong, positive track record and customer reviews are good signs. Be wary of brand-new sellers with no history or negative reviews.
• Examine Listings Carefully: Be cautious of listings with poor-quality images, blurred logos, misspelled brand names, or spelling and grammar errors in the product description. Trusted sellers with authentic listings typically feature clear, professional photos and detailed, accurate information.
• Compare Prices: If a price seems "too good to be true," it likely is. Extremely low prices for a typically expensive item, especially when compared to other reputable sellers, are a major red flag for fakes.

• Trust Your Instincts: If something about a listing or a seller feels off, move on. Seek out other, more trusted sellers on the marketplace. Your gut feeling can often be a good indicator.
• Review Return and Warranty Policies: Reputable sellers typically offer clear and transparent return, refund, and warranty policies. Look for these details before buying, as a lack of clear policies can be a red flag.

At Walmart, before a seller can list items on Walmart.com, they go through an identity and business check. We also use smart tools and teams of people to review listings and remove any items or sellers that do not meet our standards. If you do see something that doesn’t seem right—like a suspicious item or seller—say something! You can report them to us, details here. And if a customer isn’t satisfied—for any reason—our return policy is designed to make things right, quickly and easily.

With all these protections in place, you can truly shop with peace of mind. The truth is, the vast majority of items sold online are authentic and sold by trustworthy sellers. By combining our robust safeguards with these simple tricks, you can navigate the online marketplace with even more confidence.

(NewsUSA) - If there’s one product redefining undereye makeup prep and touch-ups right now, it’s RoC’s Revive + Glow Eye Balm. This eye balm will be your new favorite makeup hack, as it revives tired eyes and restores a more youthful appearance.

RoC’s Revive + Glow Eye Balm effortlessly glides on the skin with its unique stick format, instantly refreshing the under-eye area with just a swipe. The balm targets dark circles and puffiness, leaving the skin looking brighter and more awake.

But it doesn’t stop there. This eye balm has gone viral, with beauty enthusiasts calling it a “concealer essential” to help prevent and smooth undereye creasing and dryness. The nourishing formula, packed with Peptides and Vitamin C, firms and hydrates the under-eye area, creating a smooth canvas for concealer. What’s even better? It works on top of concealer too, making it the perfect mid-day touch-up tool for smoothing dry makeup patches and reviving tired eyes, without disrupting your look.

Shoppers catching on to the viral hack are calling the eye balm a “game-changer” for undereye revival, and clinical studies certainly back up its virality. Instantly, eyes are brighter and refreshed, and in 4 weeks, 90% saw visibly revived eyes with reduced dark circles & puffiness.

“Nothing ruins the look of makeup worse than a creasing concealer. The majority of mature women struggle with this and almost give up on makeup” said Erica Taylor, makeup artist, beauty educator, and digital creator. “The RoC Revive + Glow Eye Balm is the best prep before concealer as well as a quick fix on the go, even over powder. Just pat and release your crease.” 

For mature or dry under-eyes, use your ring finger to gently press the eye balm into your concealer, allowing the formulas to melt together and create a blended, crease-free finish. This technique not only prevents cakiness, but also softens the look of fine lines.

It’s no surprise this product has gone viral, and one is sold every 20 seconds¹.

Visit rocskincare.com or visit Walmart to get your hands on the viral eye balm that’s changing the way we perfect our concealer routine, providing a flawless finish at all times of day.

^{1Based on Internal RoC sales data in units from 12/30/24 to 7/6/25.}

(Jane Kamensky and John Bridgeland) - On July 4, 2025, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello hosted its 63rd annual immigration and naturalization ceremony, swearing in 74 new American citizens from 40 countries across five continents. Their stories remind us of the promise of the Declaration of Independence we celebrate in this 249th anniversary year.

Jefferson would have approved. The ability to leave one's country and join another was, he wrote in 1817, a "natural right, like that of our right to life, liberty, … and the pursuit of happiness” he enumerated in the Declaration decades before.

Keynote speaker Ken Burns captured the spirit of the day by noting that in 1776 -- when kings ruled in France and Britain, a Czarina in St. Petersburg, an emperor in China, a Sultan in Constantinople, and a Shogun in Japan -- men in Philadelphia envisioned a system and wrote words in a Declaration that "turned the world upside down." And out of the Revolutionary War, Burns said, America "came to be about the noblest aspirations of humankind."

Judge John Charles Thomas, the first Black American appointed to Virginia's Supreme Court, declaimed the Declaration's preamble to a roaring crowd. Judge Michael Urbanski noted these new citizens were taking the same oath new Americans had pledged since President Jefferson signed the Naturalization Act of 1802.

Like many American leaders since, Jefferson believed immigration made our country stronger, fairer, richer, and truer to its ideals.

A young woman recounted fleeing Afghanistan in 2020 for “safety, freedom and dignity.” A 35-year-old woman from Peru said she waited decades, like so many others, to become an American. An Irishman became a U.S. citizen “to have my voice count as a parent, neighbor and citizen.” An older woman from Syria simply danced with joy.

As those who witness naturalization ceremonies know, they are powerful reminders to Americans born in this country of why we should value it. In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson said to new citizens in Philadelphia: “if some of us have forgotten what America believed in, you…imported in your own hearts a renewal of the belief…. If I have in any degree forgotten what America was intended for, I will thank God if you will remind me.”

In the century that preceded the Declaration of Independence, almost everyone in the 13 American colonies – whether of European or African descent – had arrived there from someplace else, often within two generations or less. Even Native Americans uprooted often, sometimes in response to European migrations. Since 1776, the United States has constantly been reborn by drawing in populations from around the world, breathing life into the country's motto, e pluribus unum.

As America moves into the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, we ought to learn more about our country's plural origin story, and the ways we became one, born from many. Our founding ideals have endured the test of time precisely because of the recommitment we saw on Jefferson's mountaintop on July 4: a ceremony that spurred us all to renew our oath. Our new and varied fellow Americans breathe fresh life into those ancient ideals and remind us of the relevance they hold for our world today and for future generations.

To learn more about the Declaration of Independence, download these materials at Declaration Book Club.

(NewsUSA) - The second AI+ Expo took place in Washington, D.C., from June 2-4, 2025, and served as a stark reminder of the lightning pace of AI development, according to Ylli Bajraktari, president of the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP).

The event was sponsored by SCSP, a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in artificial intelligence (AI). More than 15,000 attendees represented a vital cross-section of innovators, policy-makers, and leaders coming together to discuss and brainstorm the challenges of maintaining America's national security and economic vitality with help from cutting-edge AI technology.

Some key features of the AI+ Expo included:

-Challenging Competitions. The AI+ Expo's Drone Arena hosted the first U.S. military drone competition held in Washington, including not only military teams, but also high school and college students. Attendees looking to bend their brains signed up for an on-site hackathon that challenged the boundaries of AI problem-solving.

-Meeting and Mingling. The AI+ Careers Stage featured professional discussions about AI-related jobs. The accompanying Talent Marketplace allowed professionals in the public and private sectors to network one-on-one about the future of AI-related jobs and the impact of AI on the workforce and workplace. Job-seekers looking to pursue new careers in AI found opportunities to connect with potential employers.

-Expert Insights. Eight stages, special event rooms, and other venues provided the forums for experts to share vital insights about the future of technology and the impact on American security and success over the three-day conference.

-Books and Demos. The Expo exhibition floor was a celebration of American ingenuity, with more than 160 participants sharing the latest in AI technology. In addition, a dedicated bookstore space hosted book talks, signings, discussions, and Q&As.

Concurrently with the AI+Expo, SCSP hosted The Exchange: Advancing the Legacy of Innovation and National Security. Panelists discussed ways to advance collaboration in AI and other technology across platforms to improve 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.

To watch the AI+Expo, visit SCSP's YouTube and to learn more about SCSP, visit scsp.ai.

(Gene Lanzoni, Head of Enterprise Content, Guardian) - For many people, the term “well-being” may bring to mind a quiet walk outdoors or a trip to the gym. In fact, according to this year’s Mind, Body, and Wallet® report from The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), most Americans (93%) say that physical and mental health are essential or very important to their overall well-being. Safety and security and healthy relationships also rank highly as key factors impacting their wellness.

When it comes to how people achieve their wellness goals, financial health plays an important role. Put simply, when individuals have poor financial health, it’s often much harder for them to achieve their mental and physical health goals. For example, rising healthcare costs mean many Americans are skipping routine or preventive doctors’ appointments, and market uncertainty can lead to stress around retirement planning.

Given the importance of financial health to supporting overall well-being, it’s especially concerning that a significant number of Americans are struggling with their finances. The same Guardian report found that only 30% of Americans say they have good financial health—a significant drop from 44% in 2022 and an all-time low in the 14-year history of the report.

In sum, financial wellness is about more than building wealth. By lowering stress and freeing up time to attend to physical and mental wellness needs, good financial health can help improve overall well-being in countless ways.

So how can you help support your financial wellness in order to pursue your mental and physical well-being goals? Here are a few ways to get started.

• Take a closer look at the benefits you already have: If you’re currently working, your employer might offer benefits that can help with your financial health. Take the time to learn about these options, especially non-health insurance offerings. For example, life and disability insurance can provide financial confidence in case the unexpected happens. Supplemental health plans like accident, critical illness, cancer, or hospital indemnity insurance can give you extra support by paying a cash benefit directly to you for getting preventive care or if you are hospitalized. Talking to your HR team is a great first step to understanding what’s available and making sure you’re taking full advantage of these resources.
• Start planning for your future today: Having a clear retirement savings plan can help reduce unnecessary stress. To build this plan, begin by reviewing the savings you already have, then assess your current expenses and how they might change in retirement. Don’t forget to account for inflation. Once you have a basic idea of your retirement income needs, you can develop or adjust your savings plan to fill any gaps. This might mean putting more money into your retirement account or adding new products like annuities to your savings strategy. The sooner you start, the better prepared you’ll be for a happy and secure retirement.
• Connect with a financial professional: By working with a financial professional, you can access the tools, solutions, and advice needed to plan for today and the future. Financial professionals can help you develop a plan to support your short- and long-term financial goals. With the support of a financial professional, you can feel more confident in your financial wellness and empowered to achieve your broader wellness goals.

To learn more, visit https://www.guardianlife.com/reports/mind-body-wallet.

Disclaimer

Guardian’s Group Insurance products are underwritten and issued by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY.  Products are not available in all states.

Material discussed is meant for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, medical, or financial advice. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, medical or finance advice. Consult your tax, legal, medical or finance professional regarding your individual situation.

Guardian® is a registered trademark of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY. Copyright© 2025 The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. All rights reserved.

8108285.1 (06/2027)

(Jane Kamensky & John Bridgeland) - On July 4, 2025, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello hosted its 63rd annual immigration and naturalization ceremony, swearing in 74 new American citizens from 40 countries across five continents. Their stories remind us of the promise of the Declaration of Independence we celebrate in this 249th anniversary year.

Jefferson would have approved. The ability to leave one's country and join another was, he wrote in 1817, a "natural right, like that of our right to life, liberty, … and the pursuit of happiness” he enumerated in the Declaration decades before.

Keynote speaker Ken Burns captured the spirit of the day by noting that in 1776 -- when kings ruled in France and Britain, a Czarina in St. Petersburg, an emperor in China, a Sultan in Constantinople, and a Shogun in Japan -- men in Philadelphia envisioned a system and wrote words in a Declaration that "turned the world upside down." And out of the Revolutionary War, Burns said, America "came to be about the noblest aspirations of humankind."

Judge John Charles Thomas, the first Black American appointed to Virginia's Supreme Court, declaimed the Declaration's preamble to a roaring crowd. Judge Michael Urbanski noted these new citizens were taking the same oath new Americans had pledged since President Jefferson signed the Naturalization Act of 1802.

Like many American leaders since, Jefferson believed immigration made our country stronger, fairer, richer, and truer to its ideals.

A young woman recounted fleeing Afghanistan in 2020 for “safety, freedom and dignity.” A 35-year-old woman from Peru said she waited decades, like so many others, to become an American. An Irishman became a U.S. citizen “to have my voice count as a parent, neighbor and citizen.” An older woman from Syria simply danced with joy.

As those who witness naturalization ceremonies know, they are powerful reminders to Americans born in this country of why we should value it. In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson said to new citizens in Philadelphia: “if some of us have forgotten what America believed in, you…imported in your own hearts a renewal of the belief…. If I have in any degree forgotten what America was intended for, I will thank God if you will remind me.”

In the century that preceded the Declaration of Independence, almost everyone in the 13 American colonies – whether of European or African descent – had arrived there from someplace else, often within two generations or less. Even Native Americans uprooted often, sometimes in response to European migrations. Since 1776, the United States has constantly been reborn by drawing in populations from around the world, breathing life into the country's motto, e pluribus unum.

As America moves into the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, we ought to learn more about our country's plural origin story, and the ways we became one, born from many. Our founding ideals have endured the test of time precisely because of the recommitment we saw on Jefferson's mountaintop on July 4: a ceremony that spurred us all to renew our oath. Our new and varied fellow Americans breathe fresh life into those ancient ideals and remind us of the relevance they hold for our world today and for future generations.

To learn more about the Declaration of Independence, download these materials at Declaration Book Club.

(NewsUSA) - “Moscow Nights Return” by Beth H. Macy

After years in semi-retirement, Cold War spy Elda Ainsworth is sent by the American government to extract her friend Korinna Federov, a Russian translator for the Kremlin. KGB operative Anatoly Petrov’s mission is to eliminate Korinna, thus ensuring the covert activities of both the American and Russian presidents are kept secret.

The delicate balance of peace is on the line as Elda squares off against Anatoly in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase across Russia and Europe. Alone against the power and resources of the Kremlin, are Elda’s wits and skills enough to save Korinna and win one for America in the new Cold War?

“Moscow Nights Return” is the first book in a gripping series of spy thrillers that bring alive flawed characters who operate in this clandestine world of international espionage. The fifth book in the Moscow Nights series will be released in the fall. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4fnlRuN.

“Falling Angels: A Maxx King Thriller” by John H. Thomas

In the explosive finale of the Maxx King trilogy, former Army Ranger Maxx King, a cybersecurity expert, faces a conspiracy that could end humanity. From Seattle’s secret labs to Beijing’s frenetic streets and Afghanistan’s war-torn mountains, Maxx and his team of allies — fierce Gabby, steadfast Andres and loyal Glen — hunt a rogue ex-DARPA scientist, traitor CIA operatives, and an Iranian physicist wielding technology that could trigger chaos on a cataclysmic scale.

The clock is ticking. Betrayals sting like shrapnel. In a pulse-pounding showdown, he must outmaneuver a killer who never misses, averting global catastrophe and saving the woman he loves.

“Falling Angels” is a merciless thriller packed with loyalty, betrayal and unbreakable spirit. This Maxx King saga finale grips readers with relentless suspense and gut-wrenching emotion. Jack Slater and Matthew Reilly fans will love this: one rule applies when facing a world-ending conspiracy — don’t blink. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4jUOKki.

“Homo Idioticus: Why We Are Stupid and What to Do About It” by Cezary Pietrasik

We are not Homo sapiens or Homo economicus; we are Homo idioticus.

- IQs in developed countries have been declining since 1995

- 10% of Americans use their phones during sex

- 40% of Americans reject the theory of evolution

- Nearly 40% of the world’s population has not completed high school

- 86% of American teens cannot differentiate between fact and opinion

“Homo Idioticus” explores the paradox of human intelligence and irrationality, delving into the roots of this idiocy, from biology to societal norms to systemic flaws, using vivid historical and modern examples to illustrate our follies.

With humor, compelling anecdotes and a clear sense of urgency, “Homo Idioticus” challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human behavior by providing a profound exploration of how humans can be their own worst enemies — and how we, both individually and collectively, can fight back. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ZAfSy3.

“High Flight: A Pilot's Journey Through Life” by Richard Hess

Richard Hess, born John Patrick Aliano, began life in a typical middle-class household. His parents divorced when he was just a toddler, and after his mom remarried, she gave him her new husband's surname, further distancing him from his paternal roots. Growing up on New York's mean streets with an abusive stepfather taught Richard grit at a very early age.

This grit followed him into the United States Air Force, which became his surrogate patriarch for the next 28 years. During his service, Richard learned to leave his scars behind. Now, after 50 years of marriage, raising three kids, fighting in nine war zones and traveling to countless countries, he's gained a certain perspective on life.

Richard's years spent as a military pilot, airline captain and businessman have given him an education in life, love and faith — an education that begs to be shared. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3FZEMAr.