(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.

(NewsUSA) - In an era where medicine is being overhauled by innovation at a dizzying pace, few voices offer the clarity, conviction and insider perspective of Dr. Marschall Runge. His new book, “The Great Healthcare Disruption: Big Tech, Bold Policy, and the Future of American Medicine,” presents a sweeping, urgent vision of how American medicine is being irrevocably transformed — and how we can navigate the chaos.

Drawing on his experience as CEO of Michigan Medicine and Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Michigan, Dr. Runge leads readers into a world where innovations such as artificial intelligence, gene therapies and next-generation obesity medications are no longer hypothetical; they are here now, reshaping diagnosis, treatment and access.

From retail giants entering primary care to AI reshuffling the diagnostics landscape, the pace of change is dizzying. Yet Dr. Runge keeps the narrative grounded. He writes not only as an insider but as someone who understands the complexity, trade‑offs and human impact of these shifts.

As a practicing cardiologist, scientific researcher and health system executive, Dr. Runge brings a rare clarity to issues that often get lost in the buzz. He frames health innovation as more than just technology — it is about culture and ethics. He challenges readers to reconsider how we define value in medicine, whether through outcomes, equity, cost or human connection. He invites patients, clinicians, policymakers and everyday readers into dialogue rather than lecturing from the top.

Despite the technical subject matter, Dr. Runge’s style remains accessible. He breaks down complex ideas into practical, digestible terms while sharing anecdotal examples of real-world implementation — all while pressing readers to think ahead. With rich storytelling, sharp insights and practical solutions, Dr. Runge cuts through the complexity of modern medicine to offer a bold, balanced path forward.

Dr. Runge has received praise from countless healthcare professionals for his insights in “The Great Healthcare Disruption.”

Victor J. Dzau, MD, who is the president of the National Academy of Medicine and Chancellor Emeritus at Duke University Health System, calls the book “a vital and timely contribution to the urgent conversation about the future of medicine — and what it must become to serve society in the 21st century.”

Pete McCanna, CEO of Baylor Scott & White Health, sees Dr. Runge as a much-needed thought leader in the industry. “He is as practical as he is inspirational, calling upon leaders to follow a roadmap designed to make care more customer-focused,” he says. ”As a fellow healthcare leader who also believes in the urgent need for industry transformation, I deeply appreciate Dr. Runge’s bold vision and dedication to fixing what is broken.”

Mark Hussey, CEO and President of Huron Consulting, which works with many clients in the healthcare industry, notes that the book is “a must-read for all who are passionate about improving healthcare and health outcomes in a financially sustainable way.”

By the end, “The Great Healthcare Disruption” leaves readers with neither feelings of doom nor technophilia, but with pragmatic optimism: yes, healthcare is shifting faster now than at any time since antibiotics and vaccines, but it is not inevitable that progress will be equitable or sustainable. Dr. Runge proposes a blueprint built around collaboration, accountability and grounded policy. He envisions systems that preserve the humanity of medicine even as technology expands what’s possible.

“The Great Healthcare Disruption” is essential for anyone trying to understand how today’s breakthroughs might impact their next doctor’s visit, their aging parent's care or national policy. Whether you are a clinician, a consumer, a policymaker or just someone curious about what lies ahead, this is your primer on the forces transforming American medicine — and what we must do if we want innovation to benefit us all.

Learn more at www.drmarschallrunge.com and purchase the book at https://amzn.to/4mC9gJc.

(NewsUSA) - The magic of Christmas doesn’t wait until December, and neither does Marine Toys for Tots. Nationally recognized as America’s flagship children’s Christmastime charity during the holiday season, Toys for Tots remains committed to delivering hope and joy to children in need all year long.

Christmas in July might seem a little early to some, but for the children and families Toys for Tots supports, any time is the right time to start spreading tidings of comfort and joy! For Toys for Tots, the magic of Christmas begins long before December 25th — because it takes months of planning, giving, and preparing to ensure no child wakes up without something special under their tree.

As families across the United States continue to navigate ongoing financial challenges, Toys for Tots’ year-round initiatives strive to provide a sense of normalcy and comfort to disadvantaged children by delivering toys, books, and other gifts during special distributions, promoting hope for brighter days ahead.

That’s why year-round events like the one held earlier this summer in Smithfield, Virginia, for local foster children are so meaningful. Foster children represent some of our most vulnerable young people and Toys for Tots wants to remind them that holiday magic can happen any time. Thanks to the local Toys for Tots Chapter and Coordinator Elizabeth Moose, the second annual “Kids Summer Funfest” at Windsor Castle Park, brought together local foster children for a day of laughter, excitement and unforgettable memories - where they petted horses, splashed down water slides, and participated in engaging activities led by local police and fire departments.

With the help of 94 dedicated volunteers, local first responders, and civic organizations, the event provided children with toys and gifts and opportunities for outdoor activities designed to uplift and inspire. The beloved Gunny Bear also made a special appearance, spreading extra joy with hugs and playful moments alongside the children.

"Seeing the pure joy on the kids' faces as they played, laughed, and hugged Gunny Bear made every minute of volunteering worth it. Knowing we helped create a day where they felt truly celebrated—that’s what makes this event so special," said one event volunteer.

One foster parent commented, "This event gave my child a chance to just be a kid—to play, laugh, and feel special. As a foster parent, seeing them light up with joy and feeling part of something bigger was incredibly meaningful. The volunteers and community truly made a difference."

Optimism and excitement also filled the air earlier this month in McKee, Kentucky, thanks to Toys for Tots’ partnership with Christian Appalachian Project. With the help of 81 volunteers, a special summertime distribution delivered over 5,700 toys to nearly 2,000 children in the local community.

Thanks to the unwavering generosity of Toys for Tots supporters, children facing hardship receive joy and support not just during the holidays, but all year long. Their contributions make special summertime events—like Kids Summer Funfest and special summertime distributions—possible, bringing smiles and hope when it's needed most. Filling Santa’s boots is no small feat, but if anyone can rise to the challenge, it’s the Program’s dedicated donors. Every donation helps ensure that no child wakes up without a toy on Christmas morning and messages of optimism and joy extend throughout the year.

Celebrate Christmas in July with Toys for Tots and give the gift of hope year-round to disadvantaged children across the Nation by visiting toysfortots.org.

(NewsUSA) - For children, the hours before and after the school bell rings are full of potential. For parents, they’re often the most stressful parts of the day: rushing to drop off, coordinating pickups and wondering if their child is safe and happy. That’s where a high-quality before- and after-school program becomes a game-changer.

These programs, like KinderCare’s before- and after- school provider, Champions, do more than fill time. They engage children in experiences that cultivate independence, creativity and critical thinking in intentionally different environments from the school day, while providing parents with peace of mind and a consistent routine they can count on.

Educators and curriculum development experts are increasingly recognizing these programs as vital for nurturing social-emotional learning, independence and real-world problem-solving, all within a supportive, experience-rich environment that complements the school day.

More Than Free Time: A Foundation for Life Skills

Unlike the highly structured school schedule, these programs provide children with flexibility and freedom. In that space, children make decisions, collaborate with peers, and navigate social dynamics in meaningful ways. These experiences build confidence and emotional resilience—skills that are as important as academic achievement.

“Out-of-school time isn’t just a gap in the day,” said Rurik Nackerud, KinderCare education content manager. “It’s these in-between spaces where children explore identity, navigate peer dynamics and build adaptive social-emotional skills with autonomy. It’s formative and in these informal spaces we see self-regulation, resilience, and empathy take root.”

Play That Prepares Children for the Real World

Through fun, hands-on activities, like building projects, science experiments or group games, children are learning more than how to follow directions. They’re practicing leadership, communication and creative thinking. These essential life skills are developed naturally in environments where children have both the freedom to explore and the support of caring adults.

“When learners feel trusted and seen, they lean into challenge,” said Nackerud. “We see it in the way they solve problems together, iterate on ideas and discover what they’re capable of. Confidence grows outside the structures of formal instruction that enhances academic success.”

Daily Routines That Empower Children

Beyond skill-building, before- and after-school programs also provide emotional stability and a dependable rhythm to the day. Consistent routines reduce anxiety and help children ease transitions.

“Children thrive when they know what to expect,” said Nackerud. “These programs offer predictable routines that reduce stress and open the door to deeper engagement and social connection.”

A Space for Lifelong Learning

Ultimately, these programs are about more than filling the hours during out-of-school time, including holiday and summer breaks. They’re about preparing children for life. Whether it’s encouraging a quiet child to take the lead in a group activity, helping a kindergartener learn to manage frustration, or simply giving them time to recharge, out-of-school time programs create safe, enriching spaces where children can be themselves and grow in the process.

The next time you think of before- and after-school care, consider what’s really happening: a place where children’s voices are heard, their curiosity is nurtured and their development is supported in real and lasting ways. Learn more about how Champions is helping children shine bright—before school, after school and beyond at DiscoverChampions.com.