(NewsUSA) - For many pet parents, the countdown to the Fourth of July comes with a familiar concern: helping their pets stay calm during fireworks. While fireworks may be festive for people, they can be overwhelming for animals.

According to a 2026 Rover survey, 65% of pet parents say their dog or cat is afraid of fireworks, and 23% say fireworks are their pet’s number one stressor. The concern is widespread—over half (57%) of pet parents say they would even ban fireworks entirely to protect their pets, and 78% have skipped fireworks shows to stay home and provide comfort instead.

Preparing Ahead Makes a Difference

Experts say the best way to help pets through fireworks season is to plan ahead and create a calming environment before the first loud boom.

Key steps include:

• Preparing any veterinarian-prescribed anxiety medication in advance
• Creating a safe, quiet indoor space where pets can retreat
• Playing white noise or calming music to reduce the impact of loud sounds
• Using a pressure wrap, such as a compression vest, for added comfort

These small preparations can significantly reduce stress and help pets feel more secure during unpredictable noise events.

Support During Fireworks Events

When fireworks are unavoidable, consistency and comfort are key. Staying home may not always be possible, especially during peak holiday travel or celebrations.

In those cases, pet parents can use trusted services like Rover.com to find and book sitters who provide in-home care and companionship, helping pets stay calm in a familiar environment while their families are away.

A Growing Focus on Pet Comfort

The same Rover research highlights just how much pet parents are adjusting their holiday habits:

• 57% would prefer to eliminate fireworks to reduce pet stress
• 78% have chosen to skip fireworks displays to stay home with their pets

The findings reflect a growing shift toward prioritizing animal comfort during seasonal celebrations.

More Safety Tips for Summer

For additional guidance on keeping pets safe during fireworks and other summer-safety tips, pet parents can visit Rover Blog Safety for expert advice, including dos and don’ts for seasonal pet care.

The Bottom Line

Fireworks may define summer celebrations, but for many pets, they bring fear and anxiety. With early preparation, a calm environment, and trusted support, pet parents can help dogs and cats feel safe and supported throughout the season.

To learn more or find pet care for upcoming travel, visit Rover.com

(BookTrib) - “The First Cycle: NUE World Chronicles” by F.N. Knight

In this ambitious science-fantasy epic set nearly a thousand years after humanity’s flight from a dying Earth, the planet Thelo is both refuge and prison — a world of twin suns, corrosive mists, dangerous beauty and old bargains with a long reach.

Anibel Azure, the youngest daughter of the ruling Azure family, has been raised to become Lady Head of the Medium. But first she must face the Test, a secret coming-of-age rite that has claimed generations of Azure daughters and bound her people to the mysterious Black Towers. Haunted by visions of humanity’s violent first days on Thelo, Anibel begins to question the history she has inherited.

With Jael, a quick-witted acolyte drawn into her orbit, Anibel may uncover the truth behind the ritual, the ruling Vaine families and the rebellion gathering in the shadows. Richly imagined and morally charged, “The First Cycle” launches a bold new saga.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/the-first-cycle.

“Grab Another Gear: Disrupt the Norm. Ignite Your Passion.” by Wayne Williams

This compelling self-help and leadership guide is designed for anyone ready to break out of autopilot and live with greater purpose. Drawing on Wayne Williams’s deep experience helping leaders navigate pivotal transitions, “Grab Another Gear” invites readers to disrupt the routine, rekindle dormant passion and embrace meaningful change rather than comfort.

Through his signature Grab Another Gear framework, Williams blends vivid racing metaphors, personal insights from wins and wipeouts, and clear “Gear Check” action steps that help individuals clarify identity, strengthen relationships and make courageous choices that matter. Far from a typical motivational read, this high-octane guide empowers readers to shift from merely successful to truly significant — living fully engaged, fully awake and fully alive. It’s the ideal read for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone feeling stuck or seeking clarity, courage and a renewed sense of impact.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/grab-another-gear.

“Dawn Before Darkness” by Liz Lazarus

A psychological thriller inspired by real events, “Dawn Before Darkness” reveals the treachery of a ruthless stalker, the alarming failure of the legal system and the unthinkable battle a daughter must face to protect her family.

Dawn Smith, a vet tech, meets her dream guy. Not only does he woo her with fancy dates and thoughtful gifts, but he charms her widowed mother. Soon, however, strange things begin to happen — a break-in at her home, a missing necklace, and most alarming of all, a rapid decline in her mom’s health. The facade of Mr. Charming is cracking and before Dawn understands the magnitude of his lies, she’s immersed in a battle she never saw coming.

Drawing on real-life guardianship cases and interviews with stalking victims, Lazarus crafts an emotionally charged thriller that explores how the systems designed to protect us can be manipulated.

Details at https://tinyurl.com/dawn-before-darkness.

“Scripts” by Brandon Knightley

In mid-twentieth-century America, Arlene Zirner is a woman no one seems to see clearly — least of all her cold, dismissive husband, Charlie. Raised with an unusual worldview and trapped in a marriage that has taught her to disappear, Arlene quietly accepts the boundaries of her life until a chance encounter in a park awakens a hidden gift.

With a typewriter tucked away like a secret, Arlene begins to discover not only a talent for writing, but a self she has long been denied. Woven through her story are intimate two-person dramatic scripts, read aloud by other couples who find in them a language for emotions they cannot otherwise express.

Inventive, tender and quietly powerful, "Scripts" is a literary novel about marriage, silence, unseen goodness and the private acts of creation that can become a path to liberation.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/scripts-review or purchase at https://tinyurl.com/scripts-novel.

(NewsUSA) - Two Bedsure PureWoven™ styles now carry the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval

Naturally Textured Comfort with Elevated Everyday Bedding from Bedsure PureWoven™

Creating a bedroom that feels calm, inviting, and visually put-together doesn’t have to involve complicated styling or constant rearranging. The look many people are embracing right now is all about natural texture, soft layering, and a relaxed finish that feels lived-in in the best way.

Bedsure PureWoven™ brings that aesthetic to life with duvet cover sets designed to make an everyday bedroom feel more elevated—without extra effort.

A Relaxed Look That Feels Instantly Styled

Lifestyle expert Jennifer Bonner highlights how the right bedding can completely shift the feel of a room.

“You know that moment when your bed suddenly looks like it belongs in a magazine, even though you didn’t overthink it? That’s exactly what these pieces are designed to do,” she shares.

The Bedsure PureWoven™ collection focuses on naturally soft cotton, breathable comfort, and textures that feel easy and unfussy. Instead of aiming for overly polished perfection, the design embraces a relaxed finish that complements a wide range of bedroom styles.

Bedsure PureWoven™ Washed Cotton Duvet Cover Set

For those who prefer a clean, understated look with a naturally soft feel, the Washed Cotton Duvet Cover Set offers an easy foundation for the bedroom.

Made from 100% washed cotton, it delivers a lightly textured finish that resembles linen while maintaining a soft, breathable feel. Because it’s prewashed, it arrives with a relaxed, broken-in character that blends easily into both minimal and layered bedroom aesthetics.

Key features include:

• Naturally soft, breathable cotton fabric
• Relaxed, lived-in texture for effortless styling
• Lightweight feel suitable for year-round use
• Corner ties to help keep bedding in place
• Hidden zipper closure for easy use
• Machine washable for simple care

The design works especially well for those who prefer bedding that looks naturally styled without needing constant smoothing or arranging.

Prime Day Deal Up to 30% OFF

Available here: Bedsure PureWoven™ Washed Cotton Duvet Cover Set

Bedsure PureWoven™ Cotton Waffle Weave Duvet Cover Set

For a more visually textured bedroom look, the Cotton Waffle Weave Duvet Cover Set introduces a subtle 3D pattern that adds depth without overwhelming the space.

The waffle weave design creates a soft sculptural effect that pairs well with neutral tones, natural lighting, and layered bedding. It’s designed to feel airy and comfortable, making it a versatile option throughout the year.

Key features include:

• Distinct waffle weave texture for added visual depth
• Naturally soft cotton feel that becomes softer over time
• Lightweight, breathable construction
• Corner ties and hidden button closure for functionality
• Includes a spare button and reusable cotton tote
• OEKO-TEX certified materials for added peace of mind

This set is ideal for anyone looking to elevate their bedroom with subtle texture while maintaining a relaxed, effortless aesthetic

Prime Day Deal Up to 25% OFF

Available here: Bedsure PureWoven™ Cotton Waffle Weave Duvet Cover Set

Designed for an Effortless Bedroom Aesthetic

Both duvet cover sets share a common design philosophy: bedding should enhance the room without feeling over-styled. The focus is on natural texture, breathable comfort, and a look that fits seamlessly into everyday living.

Instead of chasing a perfectly arranged bed, the PureWoven™ collection leans into a softer approach—where slight texture, gentle folds, and natural fabric movement become part of the design.

A Simple Way to Refresh Your Space

Refreshing a bedroom doesn’t always require a full redesign. Sometimes, changing the bedding is enough to shift the entire mood of the space.

With Bedsure PureWoven™, the goal is simple: create a bedroom that feels calm, lived-in, and visually balanced—without extra effort or complicated styling choices.

Source: BEDSURE

Contact: [email protected]

(NewsUSA) - Summer gatherings rarely stay small for long. A quiet patio dinner can quickly turn into an evening filled with family, friends, and neighbors. When the guest list grows, your outdoor space should be able to grow with it.

The Transformer Table Outdoor Collection is built for exactly that. Designed for flexibility, style, and effortless entertaining, this modular outdoor furniture collection transforms any patio, balcony, deck, or backyard into a space that is ready for every kind of summer moment.

At the heart of the collection is the 6-in-1 extendable outdoor dining table, engineered to shift from a compact everyday setup to a full-size table that seats up to 12 guests. From intimate meals to lively celebrations, it expands in moments when more room is needed and contracts just as easily when the gathering ends.

The adaptability continues throughout the entire Transformer Outdoor Dining Collection. Expandable benches feature the same 6-in-1 extension system, allowing seating to grow in perfect sync with the table. Stackable patio chairs add even more flexibility, offering extra seating when guests arrive and compact storage when they leave.

Every detail is designed to make outdoor entertaining feel seamless. A multifunctional outdoor bar cart keeps drinks, dishes, and hosting essentials close at hand, while an oversized patio umbrella helps create a shaded, comfortable setting for long summer afternoons. Together, these thoughtful additions bring both function and sophistication to any outdoor space.

Crafted with durable, weather-resistant materials, the Transformer Table Outdoor Collection is made for long-lasting performance season after season. Its clean modern design, premium construction, and space-saving innovation create an outdoor furniture solution that looks refined, performs beautifully, and adapts effortlessly to real life.

Simplicity is one of its greatest strengths. The table slides open smoothly, extension panels lock into place without tools, and the setup can be adjusted in minutes. When the celebration winds down, the panels store neatly away, returning the furniture to a compact footprint without compromising style or comfort.

As outdoor living becomes an extension of the home, adaptable furniture is no longer just a convenience. It is the key to creating spaces that feel open, functional, and ready for anything. The Transformer Table Outdoor Collection makes it easy to entertain more guests, save valuable space, and enjoy every summer gathering with confidence.

By combining luxury, innovation, and versatility, the collection helps every outdoor space rise to the occasion whether it is a quiet dinner under the sky or a celebration with a full guest list.

To learn more about the Transformer Table Outdoor Collection and explore customizable outdoor dining solutions,

visit: https://ca.transformertable.com/collections/transformer-outdoor-dining

(BookTrib) - “The Captain's Clue” by Brock Eastman and Shaun Stevenson

In this hilarious action-adventure for Christian kids, the parables of Jesus literally come to life — and Parable Port is in deep water. Anthony and his friends have barely recovered from their last wild adventure when the storm of the century hits town. The rain won’t stop, the waters keep rising, and the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders has gone seriously haywire.

As flooded streets fill with electric eels and homes begin crumbling like sandcastles, Anthony teams up with Grace and Duck to find the mysterious lighthouse keeper, Captain David, who may hold the key to saving the town. Meanwhile, budding podcaster J.R. gets caught up chasing a big story and must decide whether popularity is worth risking real friendships.

Fast-paced, funny and faith-filled, this illustrated middle-grade adventure helps young readers discover what it means to build life on a solid foundation.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/the-captains-clue.

“Ashes of the Republic” by James Chesterton

In this chilling speculative thriller, America in 2046 is a nation transformed by surveillance technology, artificial intelligence and an increasingly authoritarian government. Former engineer Lily Osbourne knows this world better than most: years earlier, she helped create the technology that now monitors citizens, suppresses dissent and keeps those in power firmly in control.

Forced to abandon her former identity after falling out of favor with the ruling Dennison family, Lily discovers firsthand what happens to those who challenge the system. As she watches her inventions weaponized against ordinary people, she is compelled to confront her own role in creating the future she once helped build.

Blending high-stakes suspense with timely questions about power, responsibility and personal freedom, “Ashes of the Republic” is a thought-provoking cautionary tale that feels less like distant science fiction than a warning about the world taking shape around us.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/ashes-of-the-republic.

“The Peace Guidebook: How to Cultivate Hope, Healing, and Harmony for the Good of Humankind” by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman

In a divided and uncertain world, “The Peace Guidebook” offers a practical path toward personal healing, compassionate leadership and meaningful collective change. Inspired by the global Percolate Peace Project, Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman draw on decades of work helping people navigate grief, transition and transformation to present Ten Principles of Peace for everyday life.

Blending reflection, storytelling and accessible daily practices, the book invites readers to quiet what is unsettled within, move through conflict with courage and grace, lead from a place of love, and build relationships rooted in shared values. The book’s prompts and exercises make the journey interactive, encouraging readers not only to think about peace but to practice it in their homes, workplaces and communities.

Part guidebook, part call to action, “The Peace Guidebook” is a steady companion for anyone seeking a more grounded, purpose-driven life — and a more compassionate world.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/the-peace-guidebook.

“The Alpha Trace” by J. Mayberry

A string of murders. A cryptic symbol. A small town where everyone seems to be hiding something.

True-crime podcaster Elena Coleman has spent years digging into the questions Millbrook Falls wants left alone — a decades-old serial killer known as the Alpha, a suspicious police shooting and the local forces determined to keep both stories quiet. When Elena is found dead in her apartment with the Alpha’s chilling mark left behind, Detective James Rios is pulled into a case that refuses to stay cold.

Then more bodies appear. Each one bears the killer’s signature. Each one pulls Rios deeper into a pattern of violence that grows more disturbing with every turn. To solve it, he must untangle a web of police corruption, family loyalties and evidence that refuses to point in only one direction.

A tense serial murder investigation full of twists and turns, “The Alpha Trace” is a psychological crime thriller where every clue raises new questions — and no one is above suspicion.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/the-alpha-trace.

(NewsUSA) - Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to raise the standard of living, expand economic opportunities, and make America more competitive at a global level, but an honest assessment of how AI is currently reshaping labor and the economy is needed, according to experts at 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.

At the SCSP’s annual AI+Expo, a Task Force on AI and the Future of Work unveiled preliminary findings that can serve as a foundation for further development and inform discussions. The Task Force, a joint effort between SCSP and Nvidia, identified ten aspects of AI’s current and potential impact on work and the economy.

-Rapid advancement. AI is distinct from most prior general-purpose technologies because it extends into certain types of cognitive work by impacting the foundational skills by which tasks are performed.

-Unpredictable transition. Although AI has already shown the potential to simultaneously expand human work and eliminate or transform other jobs, disruption and complications are to be expected during transitions.

-Restructured data collection. New data collection and analytics will be needed to assess the changing skill sets and hiring patterns in the workforce now and in the future.

-Task level impact. Workers need to understand how AI may automate or augment key tasks, and how roles may be reconfigured even without changes in job titles or employment levels.

-Entry level labor. Although the long-term impact on entry-level jobs remains unclear, the increased use of AI for these jobs may affect the traditional pipeline of talent and established pathways for career advancement in certain industries.

-Variable adoption. The degree to which AI is adopted by different sectors and organizations will vary based on several factors including incentives, workflows, and institutional constraints. Therefore, use of AI in certain areas is not inevitable, and may not be consistent.

-Shifting skills. The types of training and roles that will have enduring value in an AI-drive economy include not only new digital and technical skills, but also the enduring human traits of critical thinking, leadership, and adaptability. Additionally, skilled labor is needed for the construction of data centers and other facilities to support AI infrastructure.

-Training shortfalls. Education must be reimagined from a front-loaded learning system to a more flexible model that uses AI as a training tool to hone foundational capabilities and adaptable domain-specific skills.

-Expanding access. AI can be deployed widely to improve worker performance by expanding access to high-productivity tools. The outcomes depend on how AI is used, who benefits from the increased productivity, and how quickly workers can adapt their skill sets and jobs.

-Unifying national action. Ultimately, the speed, scale, and complexity of AI require coordination across institutions—government, industry, and educational—to manage the transition by aligning incentives and investing in workforce development to ensure that the benefits of AI can be broadly shared. “The window for proactive intervention is open,” the authors concluded.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - As temperatures rise during the summer months, many people struggle to stay cool and comfortable throughout the night. Hot sleepers and those living in humid climates often experience interrupted rest caused by overheating, discomfort, and moisture buildup in traditional bedding materials. To address this growing need for breathable and temperature-regulating sleep solutions, Bedsure introduces the Bedsure PureWoven™ Bamboo Collection — a thoughtfully designed bedding line focused on cooling comfort, softness, and better overall sleep quality.

Built around the philosophy “Sleep Better, Live Better,” the Bedsure PureWoven™ collection combines naturally derived bamboo-based materials with practical features that support a more restful sleep environment. The collection reflects a broader consumer shift toward wellness-focused home essentials that prioritize comfort, breathability, and long-term durability.

Cooling Bamboo Bedding Designed for Hot Sleepers

At the center of the collection is the Bedsure PureWoven™ Organically Grown Bamboo Viscose Sheet Set. Crafted from OCS-certified organically grown bamboo viscose, these cooling bed sheets are designed to provide a soft, silky feel while helping regulate temperature throughout the night.

The 300-thread-count sateen weave creates a smooth and breathable sleep surface that feels cool against the skin. Naturally moisture-wicking properties help reduce heat retention and improve airflow, making the sheets an ideal choice for warm weather, hot sleepers, and humid environments.

Additional features include:

• 360-degree elastic fitted sheet design for a secure mattress fit

• Reinforced corner grips to help keep sheets in place overnight

• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification for skin-friendly materials

• Lightweight and breathable fabric construction for enhanced comfort

By combining softness, cooling performance, and thoughtful design, the Bedsure PureWoven™ Organically Grown Bamboo Viscose Sheet Set supports deeper and more consistent rest night after night.

Bedsure 100% Rayon Derived From Bamboo Sheet Set Offers Everyday Comfort

Another standout product in the collection is the  Bedusre 100% Rayon Derived From Bamboo Sheet Set, one of the brand’s most recognized bamboo bedding options.

Known for its silky-soft texture and cool-to-the-touch feel, this bamboo sheet set is designed to deliver dependable comfort in every season. The breathable rayon derived from bamboo material helps improve airflow while maintaining a smooth and lightweight feel.

Practical design elements make the set especially suitable for busy households, including:

• Deep pockets that fit mattresses up to 16 inches thick
• Full elastic band for a secure fit
• Envelope pillowcase closures that help keep pillows neatly in place
• Easy-care fabric designed for convenient maintenance
• Multiple color options to complement a variety of bedroom styles

Its versatile construction makes it a popular option for families, pet-friendly homes, and anyone seeking low-maintenance luxury bedding with cooling benefits.

Serene Blend Sheet Set Combines Bamboo Softness With Cotton Durability

Completing the Bedsure PureWoven™ lineup is the Serene Blend Sheet Set, which combines bamboo-derived rayon with cotton for a balance of softness, breathability, and durability.

This blended fabric construction offers year-round comfort while adding structure and resilience for everyday use. Consumers looking for breathable bedding with a slightly more substantial feel may find the Serene Blend collection especially appealing.

In addition to sheet sets, the Bedsure PureWoven™ collection also includes coordinating duvet cover options designed to create a cohesive and visually calming sleep environment.

                                                                              Bedsure Purewoven™ Bamboo Sheets Featured on Daytime TV

Bedsure Continues Focus on Better Sleep and Modern Home Comfort

Backed by more than five decades of textile expertise, Bedsure continues to develop home essentials that blend comfort, innovation, and functionality. The Bedsure PureWoven™ Bamboo Collection reflects the growing importance consumers place on sleep wellness and high-quality bedding materials that support healthier nightly routines.

For consumers searching for cooling sheets, breathable bamboo bedding, or soft moisture-wicking bed linens, the Bedsure PureWoven™ collection offers a modern sleep solution designed for comfort through the summer season and beyond.

Consumers can explore the full collection by searching for “Bedsure PureWoven Bamboo Sheets” on Amazon.

(NewsUSA) - As the school year comes to a close, many parents enter one of the most stressful planning seasons of the year: summer break.

For working families, summer often means trying to coordinate a complicated mix of half-day camps, extended care options, babysitters, and vacation days all in an attempt to ensure their children have a safe place to be while parents work and spend their days involved in engaging activities that combine fun with learning.

Traditional summer camps frequently run only a few hours each day, and often only for a week or two at a time, leaving families to tackle the challenge of multiple camp registrations across the many weeks of summer, as well as arranging transportation to and from camps and coordinating additional care when their work schedules don’t align with camp schedules. That patchwork approach can quickly become expensive, time-consuming and difficult to manage.

“Parents have enough stress on them; summer shouldn’t add to their plates. The biggest challenge for many families is not finding activities for kids, it’s finding a summer solution that offers flexibility, full-day schedules and engaging activities, preferably in one place” said Michael Barre, Regional Manager for Champions programs in Illinois. “That’s why we expanded our before- and after-school programs to include full-day camp during summer break. We’re able to offer all-day enrichment activities children want to participate in with hours that better align with the workday of their parents.”

Full-day programs like Champions feature rotating weekly themes, hands-on STEM activities, creative arts, outdoor games, literacy experiences, and collaborative projects designed to help children stay active and socially connected while school is out.

Flexibility has become another major factor for families navigating summer schedules.

Programs offering week-by-week registration are especially appealing to parents trying to balance vacations, travel and changing work commitments without paying for unused weeks of camp.

Affordability remains top of mind as well. Child care and camp costs can add up quickly over the summer months, leading many families to seek programs like Champions that accept state or local tuition assistance, as well as employer-sponsored child care savings options and sibling discounts.

More information about Champions’ summer programming is available at DiscoverChampions.com.

(NewsUSA) - National Foster Care Day, observed on the first Tuesday of May, serves as a reminder of the hundreds of thousands of children across the United States in foster care who need stability, encouragement, and hope. The Marine Toys for Tots Foster Care Program’s Room for Joy initiative stands ready to support children navigating the foster care system based on the belief that even a single donation can create meaningful impact and make Room for Joy in the heart of a foster child.

Imagine being a young child or teen, suddenly removed from everything familiar and handed a single bag in which to hold your life’s belongings. This is the painful reality for more than 400,000 at-risk children, including those in foster care, in the United States today. That’s why, this National Foster Care Month, Toys for Tots’ Foster Care Program is highlighting the profound impact supporters can have on young people facing the uncertainty of the foster care system.

In 2025, the Program partnered with local organizations nationwide to deliver emotional‑relief packages that included toys, books, backpacks, and educational resources to nearly 375,000 at-risk children, including those in foster care. These items did more than bring temporary comfort; they reassured children that even in moments of upheaval, there is still Room for Joy.

“Our Foster Care Program is about far more than delivering toys or books—it’s about restoring hope, creating moments of stability, and reminding foster children that they truly matter,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Because of our donors, we’re able to create real Room for Joy—one transformative gift at a time.”

The generosity of donors extends far beyond the walls of foster homes—it creates lasting, lifechanging impact, as illustrated by the powerful story of United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Taylor Bills.

LCpl Bills grew up surrounded by instability. He moved frequently between parents, watched his siblings move through child protective services, and navigated a childhood shaped by uncertainty. Yet even amid adversity, he discovered moments where there was Room for Joy—often through acts of giving. He volunteered with local foster care organizations and eventually with his local Toys for Tots Chapter, an experience that left a permanent imprint.

LCpl Bills recalls standing in a school gym filled with toys during a Toys for Tots distribution event. As he watched children—many of whom reminded him of himself—walk away smiling with something new to call their own; he felt a deep sense of connection and purpose. “I recognized some of the kids, and being able to watch them receive a gift and respond with a smile was really heartwarming,” LCpl Bills shared.

Determined to change the trajectory of his own life and serve as an example for children facing similar struggles, LCpl Bills enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

This is the power of supporters’ generosity. From a childhood marked by instability to a career serving his country, LCpl Bills found purpose and hope because others stepped forward to help.

“Just because you can't see what's right in front of you today or tomorrow doesn't mean that something good isn't there,” said LCpl Bills. “So don't give up. You are in control of your future, and it's not too late to do something great.”

To learn more about the Marine Toys for Tots Foster Care Program or to donate, visit: https://www.toysfortots.org/programs/foster-children/.

(NewsUSA) - As self-driving vehicles continue to extend their reach onto the roads, the United States is at risk of losing its leadership in this key area, according to a new report from the Special Competitive Studies Project, a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.

Specifically, scaling of AVs will affect the development of autonomous systems with other industrial applications including industrial robotics, smart infrastructure, and dual-use military systems, and components and cars are increasingly sourced from China, according to the report.

The SCSP’s Tech Scorecard Series, which evaluates national competitiveness across five categories, broke down the current status of the AV industry and where countries stand in the latest report, “The Autonomous Vehicle Crossroads,” with the following results:

Innovation Leadership. In terms of AV, the United States maintains dominance in this area, with cars that set the global gold standard for safety and reliability. The U.S. also maintains a lead in software development, especially in the areas of vision-language-action (VLA) models.

Industrial Capacity. Based on recent data, China dominates the physical layer of AV by maintaining complete control of both the supply chain components and vehicle manufacturing capacity. China also controls approximately 90% of the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) remote sensing technology used in autonomous vehicles.

Market Ecosystem. The U.S. and China are essentially tied in terms of global funding for AV. Although the U.S. AV industry maintains the largest share, China’s aggressive approach to globalization has fueled growth with mass deployment.

Talent Pipeline. China currently produces significantly more engineering graduates with AV-relevant skills, and is integrating more intelligent vehicle curricula into its university system. The U.S. cannot currently match this focused pipeline and struggles to compete for a limited pool of skilled engineers.

National Leverage. China’s established state support for the AV industry and coordinated regulatory frameworks have promoted faster deployment of AV at scale compared to the U.S., where regulations remain a patchwork, with inconsistent testing and development among states.

To read the full report and take a deeper dive into the U.S.-China strategic competition in autonomous vehicles, visit scsp.ai.