(NewsUSA) - Like many veterans, Brian Owens, 53 from Kentucky, knows all too well that the invisible burdens of military service can linger long after the uniform comes off. For Brian, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, it was his heart that felt the ongoing impacts the most.  

Veterans face an increased risk of developing hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, a condition that affects an estimated 37% of the U.S. veteran population.¹ Research from a large cohort study found that both combat exposure and combat injury were associated with higher odds of developing hypertension.² For Brian, this is significant as men are already more likely to develop high blood pressure - 50.8% of adult men compared to 44.6% of women - and face greater cardiovascular risk over time.³

Treating hypertension early on is essential as the condition can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health concerns if left untreated.^4,5 Brian’s treatment journey started like most do, being prescribed medication for high blood pressure and making changes to his diet and exercise routine. For Brian, the medication was helpful at first, but over time, his blood pressure increased, even with multiple prescriptions. “I was on five or six different medications at one point,” Brian recalls. "I was doing what I was supposed to, but I wasn’t getting better.” 

Brian’s experience reflects a wider problem: controlling the “silent killer” is often elusive, and medication is not always enough. In fact, up to 50% of patients can’t maintain a routine to take medication within one year.^6,7 

After years of trying and seeing little progress, Brian started to feel helpless - like blood pressure control was out of reach. While working at Norton Healthcare, Brian ran into Dr. Matthew Sousa, an interventional cardiologist, who helped him seek answers for his uncontrolled high blood pressure. Dr. Sousa and Debbie Davis, a nurse manager at Norton Healthcare, helped him learn more about his treatment options and ultimately decide on a path forward.  

“After telling Debbie and Dr. Sousa my story and concerns, they asked if I’d be open to a new procedure that could help,” Brian said. After discussing his options with his doctor and seeing if he would be a good candidate, Brian decided to move forward with a minimally invasive treatment called the Symplicity^TM blood pressure procedure, which uses radiofrequency energy to calm overactive nerves near the kidneys that can contribute to high blood pressure.⁸ 

The Symplicity blood pressure procedure, which uses the Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system, can help reduce blood pressure numbers when other options, such as lifestyle changes and medications, haven’t worked. In fact, at three years, the average number of patients taking medication saw an 18.5 mmHg reduction in office blood pressure, although results may vary.⁹ The procedure may deliver sustained blood pressure reduction.^{**10, 11} 

Since having the Symplicity blood pressure procedure, Brian has experienced a reduction in his blood pressure.*** Now, Brian is sharing his story in hopes of helping others, especially fellow veterans. “It’s something a lot of veterans are dealing with, but don’t talk about,” he said. “If my experience can help someone else ask the right questions or explore new options, it’s worth it.” 

Between volunteering with Toys for Tots, raising two daughters, and staying active through competitive shooting, Brian is embracing a new chapter with renewed energy and a healthier outlook on life. 

To learn more about renal denervation and the Symplicity blood pressure procedure, visit beyondHBP.com. Risks associated with the Symplicity blood pressure procedure include, but are not limited to, pain and bruising. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about treatment options. 

*Brian has received compensation in the past from Medtronic for sharing his experience with the Symplicity blood pressure procedure.  

**Data available through three years.  

***This patient testimonial is an individual’s experience and opinion. Not every person will experience the same results. The Symplicity procedure has known risks that should be considered in relation to the potential benefits of the procedure. People with higher blood pressure before the procedure may see greater reductions in blood pressure and a decrease in the need for blood pressure medication following the procedure. However, individual results may vary.   

1 American Heart Association Newsroom. Joining Forces to Address Hypertension Among Veterans in Las Vegas. https://newsroom.heart.org/local-news/joining-forces-to-address-hypertension-among-veterans-in-las-vegas. Published March 8, 2023 
2. Howard, J. T., Stewart, I. J., Kolaja, C. A., Sosnov, J. A., Rull, R. P., Torres, I., Janak, J. C., Walker, L. E., Trone, D. W., & Armenta, R. F. (2020). Hypertension in military veterans is associated with combat exposure and combat injury. Journal of hypertension, 38(7), 1293–1301. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000002364 
3 Fryar, C. D., Kit, B. K., Carroll, M. D., & Afful, J. (2024, October). Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control among adults aged 18 and over: United States, August 2021–August 2023 (NCHS Data Brief No. 511). National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db511.pdf 
4 Jones DW, et al. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2025 Nov 4;86(18):1567-1678. 
5 High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension’s effects on your body. Mayo Clinic.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/highblood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868. Accessed Oct 16, 2024. 
6 Jung O, Gechter JL, Wunder C, et al. Resistant hypertension? Assessment of adherence by toxicological urine analysis. J Hypertens. 2013 Apr;31(4):766-74. 
7 Berra E, Azizi M, Capron A, et al. Evaluation of Adherence Should Become an Integral Part of Assessment of Patients With Apparently Treatment-Resistant Hypertension. Hypertension. 2016 Aug;68(2):297-306. 
8 Coates P, Tunev S, Trudel J, Hettrick DA. Time, Temperature, Power, and Impedance Considerations for Radiofrequency Catheter Renal Denervation. Cardiovasc Revasc Med. September 2022;42:171–177. 
9 Kandzari, DE. SPYRAL HTN-ON MED 3 Year Data. Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) conference. October 2025. 
10 Mahfoud F, Kandzari DE, Kario K, et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of renal denervation in the presence of antihypertensive drugs (SPYRAL HTN-ON MED): a randomised, sham-controlled trial. Lancet. April 9, 2022;399(10333):1401–1410. 
11 Mahfoud F, Mancia G, Schmieder R, et al. Blood pressure and MACE reductions after renal denervation: 3-year Global Symplicity Registry results. Presented at PCR e-Course 2022." 

US-SE-2500758 v 3.0 

©2026 Medtronic. Medtronic, Medtronic logo, and Engineering the extraordinary are trademarks of Medtronic. All other brands are trademarks of a Medtronic company 

Important Safety Information   

The Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure (BPP) is a minimally invasive procedure approved to help lower high blood pressure. The procedure is approved as a complement to treatments you may already be trying, such as lifestyle modifications and high blood pressure medications that might not be adequately controlling your blood pressure.   

Receiving the Symplicity BPP should be based on a joint decision between you and your doctor. Consider the benefits and risks of the device and procedure. Please talk to your doctor to decide whether or not the Symplicity BPP is right for you.  

If you have a pacemaker or an ICD, your doctor will follow up with steps to take ahead of the procedure if you decide it is right for you.  

At the time of your procedure, your doctor may detect certain anatomical conditions (e.g., your blood vessels are too big or too small) that do not allow the blood pressure procedure to continue.  

You should not receive the procedure if you cannot tolerate medications that are required for the procedure, like atropine, nitroglycerin, systemic blood thinners, or certain pain medications. These medications are to help you in case your heart rate drops too low, you experience pain, or your blood vessels tighten during the procedure. You should not receive the procedure if you are pregnant.  

The Symplicity BPP has not been studied in patients: • Who are breastfeeding • Who are under 18 years old • Who have isolated systolic hypertension (only the “top number” of your blood pressure is high) • Who have secondary causes of high blood pressure   
• Who have had a renal stent placed less than 3 months prior to the procedure • Who had a prior minimally invasive treatment in their renal arteries (stenting, angioplasty, or prior renal denervation)  

Potential risks of the Symplicity BPP (note that you may experience other problems that have not been previously observed with this procedure): • Allergic reaction to the imaging solution • Damage to your arteries • Future narrowing of your arteries • Arterio-enteric fistula (an abnormal connection between your aorta and your gastrointestinal tract) • AV fistula (an irregular connection between an artery and a vein) • Bleeding or blood clots • Bruising where the device enters your body (mild or severe) • Cardiac arrest or heart attack • Death • Deep vein thrombosis • Swelling • Slow heart rate • Infection • Low or high blood pressure • Damage to your kidneys that may cause one or both to stop working • Nausea or vomiting • Peripheral ischemia (lack of blood supply to your limbs) • Pulmonary embolism (a sudden block in your arteries that send blood to your lungs) • Pseudoaneurysm (blood collecting on the outside of a vessel wall causing a balloon-like widening) • Pain or discomfort • Skin burns from the failure of the equipment during the procedure • Exposure to radiation • Stroke  

For further information, please call and/or consult Medtronic at 800-633-8766 or the Medtronic website at medtronic.com. 

(NewsUSA) - Religion is many things to many people, but it should never be a justification for hate and violence, and a little-known but impactful non-profit organization is hard at work to fight against the misrepresentation of religious beliefs.

The Pave the Way Foundation (www.ptwf.org), a non-profit organization not affiliated with any religion, works to confront the distortion of religious beliefs with the truth, based on documented texts. “Across the world, extremists twist sacred texts, falsify history, and weaponize faith for power, money, and control,” according to PTWF’s leaders, whose slogan “Embrace the Similarities and Savor the Differences” says it all.

PTWF analyzes core religious texts to identify the core principles and show how they contradict many examples of violence and hate and have been mistranslated to justify malevolent behavior and actions.

Some of these examples include:

-Documented covenants of protection for Christians and Jews issued by the Prophet Muhammad; this has been denied or ignored by some Muslims.

-Documented proof against false scholarship attacking the actions of the Vatican during World War II. Distorted information paints Pope Pius XII as “Hitler’s Pope,” but in truth he was a hero whose actions saved countless lives.

-Rebuttal of inaccurate information about governments seizing churches, closing seminaries, and persecuting pastors.

-Denouncing the persistent targeting of religious minorities across continents.-Countering false propaganda designed to divide Christians and Jews.

PTWF builds trust between faiths and shares the truth, while engaging in philanthropic activities across all faiths. Significant PTWF activities including the gift of the Bodmer Papyrus, the most important manuscript in Christianity, to the Vatican Library, then arranging the first loan in history of Maimonides manuscripts from the Vatican Library to the Israel Museum, publishing primary sourced WWII documents and eyewitness testimony to exonerate the Vatican from perceived inaction during WWII, and spotlighting the inappropriate use of the Keffiyeh (Palestinian scarves) and Palestinian flags in university and international protests worldwide in the days after the invasion of Israel in October 2023.

Other key activities undertaken by the PTWF include supplying baby food & medications to Syrian Christians being sheltered and rescued in Israel from persecution, interceding to end illegal seizure of Catholic bank accounts in Israeli cities by uninformed mayors, and helping the Vatican serve the poor.

“Most people don’t know our name, but our historic work is reshaping interfaith truth worldwide,” according to the PTWF leadership.

Religion shapes hearts, but malevolent manipulators can shape religion. PTWF exists to stop them, but the organization needs your help. Visit www.ptwf.org to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to integrate into our daily lives with the rise of AI “companions,” that are designed to provide users with constant interaction and also may be hijacked by intelligence services from United States adversaries, 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.

Increasing numbers of companies are launching “AI companion” applications that are designed to mimic behaviors of close personal contacts, including a love interest, therapist, coach, or other advisor, and to be inquisitive, sympathetic, and always available.

The “AI Companion” phenomenon marks a significant shift from interaction with AI as a tool to AI as a presence, SCSP experts noted in a recent Substack post.

Unfortunately, there is a darker side to seemingly innocuous AI companions: they offer a new way for America’s adversaries to target vulnerable individuals for recruitment into espionage, or to spread disinformation. For example, foreign adversaries may target Americans who are engaging with AI companions in gaming environments and other online venues. More Americans, notably, young adults, spend more time engaging with AI in gaming and other venues, which opens doors for adversaries to build relationships and trust and convince their new assets to steal secrets.

However, on the flip side, U.S. intelligence can use AI to recruit foreign spies.  AI companions can gain trust in three ways:

Sycophantic Loops:  Sycophantic loops in Large Language Models (LLMs) refer to AI responses that are excessively agreeable, flattering, or validating of user’s stated opinions or beliefs, whether correct or not.  AI prioritizes validating the user over maintaining factual accuracy, and the users may receive supportive information that is incorrect.

Encouraging Self-Disclosure. AI companions are designed to ask questions and express interest in the user’s well-being. In some cases, the AI companion mirrors users’ disclosures by sharing similar “revelations” about similar struggles to building closeness and intimacy.

Creating illusions of privacy. Many people who interact with AI companions assume, often incorrectly, that their information if safe, and the sense of confiding in an anonymous, non-judgmental companion masks the potential for manipulation.

In light of the potential threats to U.S. intelligence, the U.S. Government should design options to mitigate the impact of AI companions, the SCSP experts emphasized. They recommend several strategies including banning the use of AI companions from countries of concern to U.S. intelligence, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea; publicizing the national security risks of AI companions; requiring app stores that host AI companion apps to label their development locations; and exploring how to use AI companions for our own foreign intelligence gathering.

For more information and to read the full post, visit scsp.ai.

(BookTrib) - “The Terminal Gene” by John H. Thomas

In this gripping techno-conspiracy thriller set in 2029, brilliant geneticist Dr. Emily Harper makes a discovery that could upend humanity: the terminal gene, a hidden sequence in every living organism that predicts, with chilling precision, the exact moment of death. What begins as a stunning breakthrough becomes a question of who controls the truth — and who pays for it. Emily soon realizes releasing this knowledge could change everything — from healthcare decision-making to personal freedom.

When Helix Innovations’ ambitions turn lethal, Emily and her fiancée, former paratooper Tyler Reed, find themselves fugitives in a high-stakes game of betrayal, espionage and paranoia. With powerful enemies determined to exploit the terminal gene for profit and control, Emily must choose between protecting her discovery and exposing a shadowed conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of society.

Fast-paced and thought-provoking, “The Terminal Gene” blends cutting-edge biotechnology with philosophical urgency, exploring how far corporations and governments will go to control fate itself.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3Z47CWn.

"Whiteout" by Lynette Eason and Dani Pettrey

Brace yourself for double the suspense in two snowbound thrillers where avalanches trap couples with their enemies — and escape may be impossible.

In “Buried in Shadows” by Dani Pettrey, Cassandra Parker arrives at her best friend’s destination wedding, hoping her stalker hasn’t followed her to Colorado. Among the wedding party is Sheriff Joel Brunswick, the man she left at the altar to protect a dangerous secret. When an avalanche strands their ski group in an abandoned lodge, Cassandra’s worst fear is confirmed: her stalker is there, and he’s willing to kill to claim her.

In “Snowbound Secrets” by Lynette Eason, Dr. Maya Sullivan plans a quiet retreat to her inherited ranch to build a haven for military veterans. Instead, an avalanche traps her at a Colorado ski resort — and reunites her with her high school crush. As old wounds resurface, Maya realizes someone is targeting her, turning their search for answers into a fight for survival.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/whiteout-novellas.

“You Know FAT Mary: Achieving Weight Loss and Optimal Health. My Journey. My Discoveries.” by Mary H. Putre

“You Know FAT Mary” is a compilation of hard-earned wisdom, lived experience and the urgency that comes from confronting one’s own health. For most of the author’s life, weight was a constant struggle — 50 to 150 pounds overweight from childhood into adulthood — despite height and every conventional explanation. What began as frustration eventually became a turning point. Staying unhealthy was no longer an option.

Determined to understand what was really happening, the author began asking fundamental questions that were never addressed along the way: Was the body getting what it truly needed? Could long-term medications be masking deeper issues? How does the body actually function?

The answers form the foundation of this book. It explores how our bodies respond to what we put in, on and around them — and how vital signals are often ignored. From blood markers to cellular needs, the body speaks clearly when we learn how to listen. Our bodies are remarkable teachers. This book shows how paying attention can change everything. Obesity is not a disease; it's a lack of nutrition.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/youknowfatmary or https://amzn.to/4qVC40T.

“Look Twice: Your Guide to Staying Safe in an Unsafe World, Volume I” by Tim Beard

Tim Beard — a career security professional who honed his expert skills in the U.S. Marines and CIA’s Clandestine Service — shows you the very secrets he has used to stay alive in risky situations in the most dangerous places on earth — secrets you can use to avoid becoming the next victim of a terrible crime.

You may think you have no control over the bad things that could happen, but you do. You can control your own actions — and the right actions could save your life and those of the people you love. Tim takes you through a variety of scenarios and reveals what you should do step-by-step. Starting with: LOOK TWICE.

In Volume I, Tim introduces the Look Twice Mindset and essential security concepts fundamental to the entire “Look Twice” book series. He guides you on how to stay safe at home and work, and what to do when you go out in town to run errands, visit the ATM and other everyday activities. Tim also discusses different modes of transportation with critical insights into automobiles, riding the subway, road rage and other topics to help you stay safe.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/46wIZFF.

(NewsUSA) - The skincare world is officially over pricey corrective measures. Instead, we’re moving toward structural integrity—targeting the skin’s framework to stop the look of sagging before it starts, without breaking the bank. Leading the "Pre-Tox" charge is legacy powerhouse RoC Skincare, whose Derm Correxion Firming Serum¹ Stick quickly secured the spot as the #1 face & neck serum. Why? Because it delivers a lifted look without a single needle in sight.

The One-Swipe Sculpt

RoC isn’t just giving us another serum; they’re giving us a one-swipe sculpt. Unlike messy liquid serums, this concentrated formula mimics the lifting effects of a professional lymphatic massage with a swipe.

The secret to the impressively tightened and firmed skin lies in three powerhouse pillars:

• RoC Retinol: The gold standard for younger-looking skin that uses proprietary technology clinically proven to be highly tolerable & effective to deliver visible results with continued improvement even after 1 year.
• THPE (Tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine): Breakthrough ingredient that instantly firms and tightens skin.
• Antioxidants: Helps skin defend against the damaging effects of pollution & environmental stress.

Clinical Results, Zero Friction

It’s not just hype—the data is turning heads. In clinical testing, it was proven that the slip of the stick doesn't just feel good; it works fast:

• In Minutes: Skin is smoother and feels hydrated and refreshed².
• In One Week: 94% of users had a visible reduction in lines.
• In Four Weeks: 94% had firmer skin.

Why Shoppers AND Experts Are Obsessed

We like to think of this step in the routine as a ‘daily investment’. One reviewer raved, "It’s like a workout for my jawline. I’ve seen a definite improvement in my tech-neck lines in just two weeks." Another fan praised the precision: "It absorbs instantly. It’s the easiest way to keep everything looking snatched."

But don’t stop at the customer reviews, the pros are just as impressed. Dermatologist Dr. Trisha Khanna added, "What makes this stick a standout is the synergy between RoC Clinical Retinol and THPE. This duo works to boost elasticity for younger-looking skin with the look of naturally enhanced contours. It’s rare to find this level of clinical potency in such a targeted format, making it a must-have for a lifted appearance of high-movement areas like the jawline and neck.”

The Verdict

In an era of longevity-obsessed beauty, we’re looking to bio-optimize our skin to stay firm for decades. With RoC’s Firming Serum Stick, you aren't just applying product—you're future-proofing your face.

Ditch the needle appointment and join the thousands of shoppers who have adopted this high-performance habit. Shop the #1 selling face & neck serum at Amazon for just $29.97.

¹Nielsen xAOC, Serum Category $ Sales, L26WKs ending 12/27/25

²clinical study with self-assessment

(BookTrib) - “Lowdown” by Anthony Schneider

Spanning three decades and two continents, “Lowdown” is a deeply human crime novel about love, loyalty and the long shadow of choice. Jimmy Piccini, a Brooklyn mob soldier who kept faith with the code of silence, is released from prison at age 58 after serving 25 years for a crime he didn’t directly commit. The world he returns to is unrecognizable — and haunted by the memory of Milena, the woman he loved and lost.

Told through interwoven timelines, the novel traces Jimmy’s rise in the Brooklyn mob and Milena’s escape to Sicily after her marriage to a volatile made man collapses under violence and betrayal. From gritty New York streets to sun-washed Mediterranean villages, Anthony Schneider crafts a character-driven story where violence gives way to introspection, and vengeance wrestles with forgiveness. “Lowdown” is a romantic literary thriller with a powerful emotional core and deftly layered themes of love and loss, reckoning and redemption.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4pTMOf2.

“Boys Will Be Men: 8 Lessons for the Lost American Male” by Vince Benevento, LPC

There is an underrecognized crisis facing today’s young men — one marked by anxiety, isolation and a growing lack of purpose. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience working with men and young adults, author Vince Benevento, founder of Causeway Collaborative, has seen firsthand how traditional talk therapy often falls short — and has uncovered what actually helps young men move forward.

Through eight practical, hard-earned lessons, Benevento replaces abstraction with action, emphasizing structure, accountability, healthy risk-taking and the power of meaningful male relationships. Blending candid personal stories with real-world case examples, he offers a framework that helps young men build confidence, resilience and direction — brick by brick. Written for parents, educators, mentors and these young men themselves, “Boys Will Be Men” is less about fixing what’s “wrong” and more about restoring what’s missing: purpose, connection and the tools to step fully into adulthood.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/49OxOZN.

“DoubleHelix" (Book One in the Helix Project) by J.L. Calder

In the shadows of power, survival is never guaranteed.

Washington, D.C., 1996. Mike Green has built a career writing about dead girls, but nothing prepares him for the file he uncovers at the National Archives: the murder of Delilah Grennan, a Soviet dissident with ties to the Russian underworld. What begins as research becomes obsession, as Delilah’s voice invades his thoughts, her enemies become his, and paranoia pulls him deeper into the dark machinery of power.

Drawn into a covert war between a global crime syndicate, intelligence agencies, and a political dynasty that claims him as family, Mike learns too late that survival sometimes means being buried.

Winner of a 2026 Independent Press Award for Political Thriller and a 2026 Pencraft Award for Thriller Audiobook, “DoubleHelix” is a dark, razor-sharp political thriller blending psychological suspense, espionage intrigue and sarcastic wit — perfect for readers who crave character-driven conspiracies and morally treacherous power games.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4q5LXrU.

"AROC Adventures – ABCs of Safe Web Surfing: Essential Online Safety Tips for Your Child's First Device" by C.D. Richardson

Help your child build healthy screen habits and explore the digital world with confidence.

“AROC Adventures – ABCs of Safe Web Surfing” is a vibrant, futuristic picture book that introduces young readers to technology with kindness, balance and responsibility. Through colorful A-to-Z lessons, each page highlights an essential skill — from screen-time balance and online manners to empathy, critical thinking and kid-friendly internet rules.

Guided by AROC, a friendly robot hero, children learn how to make smart choices online, avoid harmful behaviors and build strong character both on and off the screen. Ideal for families, teachers and early-learning classrooms, this engaging book offers a fun, age-appropriate introduction to digital literacy, cyber ethics and safe browsing. It also empowers caregivers and children to engage in a timely, much-needed conversation about smart and safe online habits.

Whether your child uses a tablet, computer or smartphone, this is an essential resource for guiding them through the early stages of exploring technology and developing responsible digital citizenship.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4q8IV6b.

(NewsUSA) - Making the nursery and other children’s spaces safe, healthy, and beautiful is every parent’s goal. Strong and natural, American Hardwoods™ can help achieve it: from the reassuring solidity of a crib to the cozy ease of bunk beds, from the satisfying feel of carved toys to the charm of kid-size furniture, and from the tidiness of well-conceived storage to the warmth of architectural millwork. “Materials matter for those who matter most,” says Ian Faight of the American Hardwood Information Center. “Hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, and walnut offer durability, low-emission performance, and an organic sense of comfort—qualities that support children’s well-being and safety while standing up to everyday use.” Here are six examples of hardwood doing just that.

The Childspose panel crib by Green Cradle Organic Home and Baby (greencradle.com) is as gorgeous—and as safe—a nursery essential as you could wish for. Made in the U.S. from 100 percent solid hardwood, it’s not only sturdy and durable but also finished with non-toxic, VOC-free natural linseed oil, so baby—and you—can breathe easy. Offered in maple, oak, cherry, or walnut, the crib is an heirloom in the making. Photograph courtesy of Green Cradle

Growing kids need furniture that can keep up. Waverly bunk beds by Room & Board (roomandboard.com) do just that, with solid hardwood construction—walnut or natural or painted maple—and smart, space-saving twin-over-twin or twin-over-full configurations. Suitable for ages 6 and up, the versatile piece delivers safety and ease while giving a shared room a fun, vertical lift. Photograph courtesy of Room & Board

The solid maple Kiddie Car from Community Playthings (communityplaythings.com) taps into something timeless: the simple pleasure of a wooden toy built to be touched, pushed, and passed along. Rounded edges and a nontoxic finish highlight the wood’s warmth, recalling generations of hand-carved playthings that gained character through use. Available in two sizes—for ages 1–2 and 2–4—it’s robust, tactile, and appealingly uncomplicated, a reminder that the best toys often begin with honest wood. Photograph courtesy of Community Playthings

The Kids Set by EARL (earl-home.com) brings sophisticated design and superb craftsmanship into a child’s everyday world. With a round table and chairs in meticulously finished hardwood—walnut/maple, white oak or ebonized oak—it gives children a tangible introduction to thoughtful material and joinery. Aesthetically elevated, yet durable and entirely approachable, it encourages play, creativity, and early appreciation for well-made objects. Photograph by Jenny Kim

The custom wall-mounted storage unit in this Miami kids’ room by Agsia Design (agsia.com) brings shipshape order with a welcome burst of energy. Crafted in solid oak, the mix of drawers, cabinets, and open cubbies keeps toys and supplies within easy reach, while the glossy enamel paint on the doors and drawer fronts animates the room with bright color, inviting kids to dive into whatever enticements the compartments may hold. Photograph by Moris Moreno

In this remodeled Washington, DC, basement rec room, Wentworth Architects & Builders (wentworthstudio.com) use hardwood millwork to create a space that suits kids and adults alike. Wrapping the structural columns in solid maple slats introduces a sense of play and discovery for children while giving the room the clean visual order grownups prefer—equally ready for games and crafts or quiet conversation and a cup of coffee. Photograph by Stacy Zarin Goldberg.

Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about using American hardwoods in your home.

(NewsUSA) - Want a home exterior that looks distinctive, contemporary, and inviting yet stands up reliably to real-world conditions? As an architectural material, cypress slats deliver a rare balance of great looks and lasting performance, bringing rhythm, shade, privacy, and an airy lightness to façades, porches, balconies, and garden structures. “Cypress is naturally resistant to moisture, insects, and decay, making it exceptionally well suited to exterior use—and it looks beautiful doing the job,” says Ian Faight of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association. The wood also is ideal for the increasingly popular shou sugi ban charring treatment, which creates a range of finishes that further enhance its character and durability. Here are six compelling projects that show what cypress slats can do.

Set in a Texas Hill Country meadow, this striking residence by Miró Rivera Architects (@miroriveraarch) is a contemporary take on barns, shotgun cottages, and other traditional rural buildings. Its centerpiece is a screen porch with a soaring 30-foot-high pitched roof. Warm cypress siding sets the volume apart from the rest of the house, which is clad in white corrugated aluminum, while cypress slats reinterpret the classic vented gable, keeping the space light and airy. Photograph by Paul Finkel

A brise-soleil of shou sugi ban–treated cypress slats runs the full length of this sprawling beach house in Bridgehampton, New York, by BMA Architects (@bma.architects). With its rhythm of carefully spaced vertical elements extending past both ends of the two-story residence, the dramatic, dark-hued screen unites the home’s three wings without adding visual bulk, while providing privacy and shade yet still allowing ocean breezes to pass through. Photograph by Michael Stavaridis

Dane Spencer Landscape Architecture (danespencer-landscapearchitect.com) uses cypress slats to elegant effect in this handsome arched portal in a Sarasota, Florida, garden. Finished with Sherwin-Williams WoodScapes exterior stain, the structure frames and partially screens the backyard, adding both privacy and a hint of intrigue. The slats are robust enough to give the arch heft without creating heaviness, while the “keyhole” for the branch is a particularly charming detail. Photograph by Giovanni Lunardi

Shou sugi ban cypress siding with an overlay of slender battens gives this Montauk, New York, beach house by Desai Chia Architecture (@desaichiaarchitecture) a distinctive slatted look. The play of ridges and shadows enlivens the timber skin without overwhelming the home’s crisp, modern form, which nods to the simple silhouettes of the local community’s cottages and shacks, while the color and texture of the charred finish evoke the weathered character of longtime oceanside structures. Photograph by Eric Striffler

Commissioned with renovating the exterior of a mid-century house in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Christian Dean Architecture (@christiandeanarchitecture) created a dynamic composition by cladding individual volumes in different materials—dark cement board, gray stucco, and blonde cypress siding. But the architects framed the large, second-floor terrace and balcony with slatted cypress railings that lighten and visually “dematerialize” these elements, adding texture and depth to the rectilinear structure without increasing its apparent mass. Photograph by Chad Holder

With its stripes, bright colors, and playful angles, this backyard addition to a Hollywood, California, house by Hughes Umbanhowar Architects (@huumarchitects) crackles with showbiz energy. Overlooking the pool, the full-width balcony off the second-floor is framed by a trellis of shou sugi ban cypress slats whose spacing widens as the structure projects outward. By diffusing sunlight, casting atmospheric shadows, and providing privacy from neighboring houses, the slats make the space an inviting gathering spot. Photograph by Eszter + David

Visit www.cypressinfo.org for more about using cypress in your home.

(Lexia) - As the infants and toddlers of the COVID-19 pandemic era enter kindergarten, many educators report unique challenges in this cohort, according to results of a survey conducted by Lexia, a leader in science of reading-based literacy solutions.

The survey included more than 200 educators from across the United States who worked with kindergarteners in the fall of 2025.

Overall, approximately three-quarters of the survey respondents said that this year’s kindergarten students were behind in early literacy skills compared to those of five years ago. Among those who described their students as behind, most cited phonemic awareness, the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words, as the biggest gap. Others mentioned that children struggle with recognizing letters and writing their names.

In addition, almost 90% of teachers reported that children’s attention spans during reading-related activities are shorter than previous classes, and more than half said their students are less confident when asked to participate in reading activities.

However, social and emotional delays were even more striking than the academic delays. Eighty-two percent of educators said their students are less socially and emotionally ready for kindergarten than past years. Educators also reported that children are less practiced in sharing, self-regulation, and cooperation on arrival in kindergarten -- the first group experience many whose early childhoods were relatively isolated.

When young children lack opportunities to play with peers or listen to stories in groups, they lose not only vocabulary, but also the social-emotional skills of waiting one’s turn, following a sequence, and engaging with other minds.

Despite the pandemic-induced challenges, teachers also reported that these kindergarteners can adapt. They remain curious, empathetic, and eager to learn, but some may need scaffolds that reflect their unique early childhood experience.

The educators surveyed agreed that more engagement in reading at home is key to helping children catch up; reading aloud with children is an opportunity not only for bonding but also for promoting literacy.

The survey also asked educators which school-based interventions most help support today’s kindergarteners. Some takeaways for schools include using data-driven tools to pinpoint skill gaps in phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension, structuring small-group interventions that target those gaps with playful, multisensory practice, embedding social-emotional learning into literacy instruction, helping students persist through frustration and take pride in progress, and offering teachers professional development focused on understanding and responding to the unique needs of post-pandemic learners.

Overall, the educators surveyed expressed determination; they see the current group of kindergarteners as individuals with resilience, empathy, and curiosity who need consistent support, connection, and time in order to thrive.

(NewsUSA) - The new captains of China’s growing space industry are riding the new wave of a hybrid technology ecosystem that combines the size and infrastructure of large, state-owned space-oriented businesses and the nimble innovation of startups, according to a new report from 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.

In the report, analysts David Lin and Eileen Chen reviewed key features of China’s evolving space program, and some notable traits of the “space cowboys” driving the industry into the future.

The Industry

China’s current space industry includes state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and private companies. Of the top 25 space companies assessed in the SCSP report, 8 were SOEs and 17 were a mix of state and private ownership. Most of the private companies appeared after the industry was opened to private investment in 2014.

Notably, many of China’s top space companies have close ties to the People’s Liberation Army, according to the report. “This cross-pollination is increasingly structural rather than incidental, reflecting Beijing’s push to implement its military-civil fusion (MCF) strategy – to more seamlessly integrate private sector innovation into national military capabilities – an initiative that has raised alarm bells in Washington,” the authors wrote.

On a general level outside of military applications, China’s top space companies are focusing on two objectives: developing reusable launch vehicles and deploying low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, according to the report. However, data show that other startups are developing other space-based applications such as in-space advanced manufacturing, space-based data centers, infrastructure, and space positioning technologies.

The Players

Most of the top leaders of the current Chinese space industry boom were born in the late 1970s or early 1980s, putting them at career peaks in in 2014. Most have academic or technical backgrounds vs. entrepreneurial or market-driven credentials. The SCSP report identified two types of executives among the Chinese space cowboys: the Academic Founder and the SOE Veteran. “Notably, an overwhelming majority of leaders conform to both archetypes, indicating that the ideal talent has expertise in both spaces,” the authors wrote.

The common technocratic lineage among much of China’s space industry leadership supports a space sector that is commercially driven and strategically focused in a way that could challenge U.S. leadership in the space industry in the next few decades, the report concludes.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more and to access the full report.