(NewsUSA) - Swift advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are rapidly changing the labor market, with approximately 170 million new jobs expected over the next decade, and 50 percent of Gen Z planning to pursue entrepreneurship.

Whether you climb the corporate ladder or found your own company, succeeding in today’s market requires tech-savvy leadership, vision, business acumen, and agility. The good news: you don’t have to wait until college to gain these skills—you can start in high school.

Business schools at many universities, including New York Institute of Technology’s School of Management, offer courses, workshops, and seminars enabling high school students to jumpstart their college careers. Some opportunities even allow you to earn college credits.

No matter which college major you pursue, learning the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship will advance your academic and professional careers. Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Knowledge of emerging business technologies. Workshop series, like our School of Management’s High School Business Academy, allow students to explore real-world applications of AI, Financial Technology (FinTech), digital analytics, and other innovations across key business fields. Through hands-on projects, group challenges, and lively discussions, students uncover how next-generation technologies are reshaping industries and career possibilities.

• Financial literacy skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for finance skills will rise 15 percent by 2034. College-level business programs, including those at New York Tech, prepare students to evaluate costs, assess risks, analyze forensics, manage portfolios, and identify strategic investments. Students are also empowered to make smart personal finance decisions.

• Exposure to diverse career paths. Business studies introduce college-bound students to a wide range of careers in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, accounting, management, and other fields. For example, our High School Business Academy, taught by expert faculty, includes workshops on entrepreneurship and career development, among other topics. In addition, programs like New York Tech Advance allow high schoolers to get a head start on their college education by earning credits at a steeply discounted rate.

• Competitive soft skills. As AI and automation are increasingly used for routine business tasks, the human ability to innovate, communicate, and think critically has become ever more valuable. College-level business programs instill vital communication skills (both digital and interpersonal) early on, while training students to negotiate, collaborate, and resolve conflicts in culturally diverse work environments.

New York Tech’s School of Management offers virtual and in-person learning opportunities to prepare interested high school students for the business school experience.

Learn about our AI-infused degree programs, including bachelor's degrees in business AI and analytics, forensic accounting and financial fraud investigation, and more.   

(NewsUSA) - With the holidays just around the corner, many families find that the season of giving often turns into a season of overflowing toy bins. From stuffed animals to action figures, it doesn’t take long before every surface is covered with toys. But with a little planning and teamwork, families can declutter and make room for what matters most: time together.

Start with a simple system

Sort toys into four piles: things to keep, donate, recycle, or toss. Involve your child in the process. When kids help decide which toys stay and which can find a new home, they learn responsibility and generosity.

“Turn cleaning into fun and kindness,” said Ariel Bronson, KinderCare Individualized Education Specialist. “By explaining [to kids] that their toys will be donated or shared with other children, you help them see that their toys can make new friends and bring happiness elsewhere, often making it easier and more meaningful for them to let go.”

Think minimalist

Fewer toys can actually lead to more play. Children often get overwhelmed by too many choices and end up playing less. A smaller collection encourages creativity, focus, and imagination.

Once you’ve decluttered, organize what remains with labeled bins or baskets by category, like puzzles, art supplies, dolls or blocks. Keep the baskets or bins within your child’s reach so cleanup feels like part of playtime. If you want to, temporarily remove some things and rotate toys every few weeks to keep things fresh. Your child will feel like they have something “new” without adding more clutter.

Minimalism isn’t about taking joy away; it’s about making space for it. A tidy, peaceful play space helps kids settle into deeper, more imaginative play and helps parents breathe a little easier, too.

Teach lasting values

Beyond organizing, this tradition of decluttering and donating teaches lasting values. Children discover that giving feels good and that less can truly be more. And while gifts bring joy, time together brings connection, whether you’re building a fort, baking cookies, or reading a favorite story. That time to connect is what kids (and families) really want.

A little organization today can help your family focus on what the holidays are really about: joy, gratitude and togetherness.

Learn more about helping children build lifelong habits of kindness, confidence and care at KinderCare.com.

(K12) - Kicking a red rubber ball across the blacktop. Waving to a friend in a busy hallway. Trading snacks over a lunch table. These simple moments between children may seem small, but they matter more than we think.  

It’s in these everyday interactions that children learn some of life’s most important skills like sharing, resolving conflict, showing empathy, and managing their emotions. These skills help shape emotional growth and set kids up for long-term success. In essence, socialization isn’t just “nice-to-have" in childhood; it’s a developmental necessity. 

But today, many children aren’t getting the consistent, meaningful social interaction they need. Even before the pandemic, research showed that kids were spending less time together than previous generations. 

There are a number of reasons for this–but one primary factor is that not all students have the same access to social opportunities during the school day. 

Some move frequently because of military service, which means starting over often. Others experience bullying, exclusion, or safety concerns that make in-person schools feel unwelcoming. Some live in rural areas, are homebound due to illness, or learn remotely and can miss out on informal, everyday interactions. And others simply haven’t found a community where they feel they belong.  

Thankfully, families can take simple steps to help children feel connected, build friendships, and strengthen social skills. 

Niyoka McCoy, Chief Learning Officer at K12, shares some ideas for getting started in your community: 

• Volunteering at local food banks, animal shelters, or churches 

• Library activities like reading clubs or STEM camps 

• Community activities including theater, martial arts, choir, or pottery 

• Recreational centers with pools, camps, classes, and sports teams 

• Youth esports leagues where children can experience teamwork 

For students who struggle to feel connected at school, whether due to frequent moves, safety concerns, or health challenges that keep them at home, McCoy offers a solution that might seem unexpected: virtual learning. 

“Many families share that online school was what their child needed to feel part of a community,” shares McCoy. “Students at K12-powered online schools attend live classes, participate in group projects, chat with friends in a virtual campus, attend in-person field trips, and compete in national competitions. Here, they can find a place where they feel safe and belong.” 

For many families, that sense of belonging was what their child needed. And every child deserves the chance to feel connected, no matter their circumstances.  

(NewsUSA) - The balance of the world’s wealth is shifting.  

Over the next two decades, Millennials and Gen Z are anticipated to reshape the world’s ultra-wealthy population, gradually overtaking Baby Boomers as the largest class of individuals with a personal worth exceeding $30 million.

But Baby Boomers aren’t stepping aside just yet.

More than 78 million Baby Boomers are looking to retire within the next 10 to 15 years, but they’re retiring later and at a more gradual pace than previous generations. The average planned retirement age now falls between 65 and 69, a marked shift from the past in which 65 was considered the age to retire.

And Baby Boomers aren’t just working longer – they’re also holding on to their power. Baby Boomers own more than 65 percent of businesses with employees, totaling nearly four million companies and controlling an estimated 80 percent of total U.S. net worth.

Increasingly, Baby Boomers are following more gradual exit paths from work than previous generations, easing into retirement and holding on to control long past traditional retirement age and gradually exiting the workforce. 

These gradual exits can pose serious challenges for future generations, particularly as it comes to succession planning. Despite this generation’s significant wealth and economic influence, 78 percent of Baby Boomer business owners do not have a formal exit or succession plan in place. 

This failure to plan can leave Baby Boomers vulnerable to losing their wealth and their legacy, as illustrated by Sumner Redstone, the media mogul behind Viacom and CBS. Though Redstone, who was in his nineties at the time, eventually designated his daughter as his successor, the path to succession involved public family conflict, lawsuits and reputational damage. This complex succession battle has marred his empire-building legacy. 

Baby Boomers may also find themselves vulnerable to manipulation from family members. Zygmunt Solorz, a Polish billionaire and media entrepreneur, is a prime example. Solorz’s children reportedly manipulated him into initiating succession protocol before he was ready to step down. At age 69, he is now fighting to retain control of the business empire he built from the ground up.

As Baby Boomers approach retirement, it’s critical that they take swift, proactive steps to safeguard themselves from financial and personal risks. 

The wealth shift is inevitable. But how it unfolds will depend in large part on how well today’s ultra-wealthy prepare for tomorrow.

(NewsUSA) - “The Lost Seigneur” by David Loux

This riveting sequel to the award-winning “Chateau Laux” unravels the story of the du Laux family’s patriarch, Jean-Pierre du Laux, in the late 17th century and the decades that followed, in a land plagued by a persistent legacy of religious turmoil. Jean-Pierre, a nobleman in southern France, was wrongfully imprisoned during the brutal Dragonnades, a campaign designed to crush Protestant faith in the wake of France’s long history of persecution. When he emerges from captivity years later, reunion with his family seems impossible — until he meets an unexpected ally, a spirited young companion, who proves that even in the darkest times, loyalty and compassion can light the path home.

The novel has been described as “a meticulously crafted tale of emotional depth,” with reviewers exalting how the story rewards readers with the author’s “exquisite writing, a finely plotted story and immersion into a family saga of love, loyalty, tragedy and triumph.”

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4nNCdl9.

“If Necessary Alone” by V M Knox

During the dark days of winter, 1941, Britain fights on alone against the Nazi threat. Major Clement Wisdom of the Special Duties Section of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) is sent to far North Scotland to investigate illicit radio signals being picked up by the local out-station. But as soon as he gets there, a man is found brutally murdered, his body displayed for maximum effect. Is it a warning or a terrible accident?

As more murders are discovered, Clement realises he is facing not only an embedded Nazi spy but also a ruthless killer. Alone and struggling against the bitter Scottish weather, as well as a web of silence from the locals, Clement must unmask his enemy before he becomes the next victim.

“If Necessary Alone” is the second in the Clement Wisdom Series of WW2 Intelligence War novels.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4mGmmE5.

“Bertie's Place” by Edie Goodwin

Molly Parsons has just graduated from college and lands a job teaching fifth grade in a small farming community in northeastern Ohio. As she and her friend Eva are ready to move into their new apartment, Eva backs out, leaving Molly without a place to live — until she finds Bertie’s Place.

The boardinghouse operates out of a beautiful Victorian home. Bertie Evans, the owner, is a spry older woman. She welcomes Molly with open arms. Grateful for a place to live, Molly settles into her teaching role, making her share of beginner mistakes.

Molly is tough and resilient. She has a loving heart and buoyant spirit. How does she handle the challenges she faces in Life and love? Will she be able to forgive herself as she forgives others?

Watch for the sequel, “Molly,” coming in the New Year.

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

“Minidrash” by Boris Burshteyn

9 Short Commentaries on the First Torah Portion Bereishis.

In this insightful collection, Boris Isaac Burshteyn presents nine short Torah commentaries on the first Torah portion, Bereishis. Each essay delves into a unique aspect of the Creation Story, exploring theological and philosophical themes such as the Holy and the mundane, immortality, the laws of nature, the origin of the Ten Commandments, miracles, animal treatment, free will, the human soul, ingenuity, morality and the source of ethics.

Written in clear and engaging language, these essays offer original perspectives that prompt thoughtful reflection and deepen the reader's understanding of the Torah. This book is a testament to the enduring wisdom of the Torah and its relevance to contemporary life. It invites readers of all backgrounds to engage in a meaningful and intellectually stimulating way, making it perfect for study groups or self-paced learning, offering food for both discussion and thought.

Purchase at http://bit.ly/4nPwSKw.

(Erin Culek, Head of Financial Protection and Retirement Solutions, Guardian) - For many Americans, the traditional picture of retirement is no longer. Gone is the long-viewed notion of retirement being about reaching a milestone birthday or a defined transition out of the workforce. Rather, today’s retirement is flexible and personal.

While exciting, a redefined retirement has led to some surprises and challenges for Americans. Many subsequently feel unprepared. With the support of a financial consultant, however, individuals can navigate this new retirement landscape with confidence, defining retirement on their own terms and in a way that accounts for their unique financial, health, and lifestyle needs.

Here’s what you need to know.

How longevity is impacting retirement

As Americans live longer, they are eager to make the most of their retirement years. At the same time, however, longevity and an extended retirement are impacting Americans’ mental, physical, and financial health.

According to a new report from Guardian, 54% of retirees say they are in good financial health, providing them with the financial freedom to pursue passions, travel to dream destinations, or spend quality time with family. To fund a longer retirement, however, 73% of people say they plan to continue working part-time in retirement.

Enjoying a longer retirement also means staying physically healthy. Unfortunately, only 39% of current workers and 40% of retirees rate their health as very good or excellent. Overall, 47% of retirees thought they’d be in better health in retirement.

Longevity also impacts Americans’ mental and emotional wellness. Although 60% of retirees say they have good mental health, 34% said they didn’t expect to feel so bored or miss their careers. Additionally, 27% were surprised by how lonely they feel or by how little time they are spending with family in retirement.

Getting the guidance you need

To support their well-being in retirement, many retirees and workers are taking a close look at their planning strategies. One in five retirees have regrets about how they’ve prepared for retirement. With future lifespan anticipated to increase, today’s workers are even more concerned—40% say they have regrets about how they’ve prepared financially for retirement.

As Americans live and work longer, more education about retirement income sources is needed. For example, despite Americans saying their top financial concerns are not having enough money to last through retirement and not having a source of guaranteed income in retirement, just 30% of workers know that annuities can provide guaranteed income for life. Younger workers face similar education gaps. Despite a steep decline in the number of workers with access to a pension, 55% of Gen Z expect to use a pension in retirement.

Despite the complexity of modern retirement, fewer than half of retirees (48%) and current workers (40%) have sought guidance from a financial consultant. When workers and retirees did work with a financial consultant, research showed they were much more likely to say they are on track for retirement than those who don’t.

Connecting with a financial consultant can help Americans take charge of their retirement—no matter how long it lasts. Financial consultants can provide support in countless ways, including:

• Exploring multiple retirement scenarios: Eighty-four percent of people expect to retire at a specific age, but only 52% actually retired when they thought they would. A financial consultant can help you understand potential retirement timelines and how to plan for various scenarios.
• Evaluating retirement income options: With almost half of Americans worried about having a guaranteed source of income in retirement, a financial consultant can help you assess options such as annuities that can play an important role in retirement planning. The only product on the private marketplace that can provide guaranteed income for life, annuities can help diversify a retirement portfolio and offer a range of potential benefits, from protection against market loss to tax-deferred growth.
• Considering future mental and physical health needs: Given that nearly half of retirees said they thought they would be healthier than they actually are in retirement, a financial consultant can offer insight on how to help address these factors through planning, particularly amid rising healthcare costs.

The bottom line

In the years to come, what it means to be retired—and how to prepare for this chapter—is only going to continue to evolve. Whether your retirement is on the horizon or still decades away, working with a financial consultant can help you approach the planning journey with confidence to support your mental, physical, and financial wellness over the long term.

To learn more, visit http://www.guardianlife.com/reports/retirement-redefined.

8468243.1 (10/27)

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(NewsUSA) - As the first signs of the holiday season appear across America, the Marine Toys for Tots Program is rallying the Nation’s compassion. With the launch of its 78th annual Holiday Campaign, this cherished tradition renews its mission to deliver not just gifts, but hope, dignity, and joy to millions of children living in poverty.

From October 1st through December 25th, U.S. Marines, Local Community Organizations (LCOs), and thousands of dedicated volunteers will unite in nearly 880 local Toys for Tots chapters across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Their shared goal is simple yet profound: to ensure that no child wakes up forgotten on Christmas morning.

When nearly 40% of American children live in households struggling to make ends meet, holiday joy can feel heartbreakingly out of reach. For many families, warmth, stability, and even play have become luxuries. Toys for Tots stands ready to provide holiday hope—one toy, one book, one act of kindness at a time.

Toys for Tots recognized National Child Poverty Day on October 17th, a day to remember that behind every statistic is a child who deserves to feel seen and valued. Through the collective generosity of communities nationwide, Toys for Tots delivers far more than toys—together with our donors and volunteers, we deliver hope, emotional relief, and a belief in a brighter future.

“Bringing the magic of Christmas to children in need takes a united effort,” says LtGen James B. Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “When we hear of a family facing hardship, our Marines and volunteers rise to the occasion—working tirelessly to make sure no child is left without hope and joy during Christmastime.”

Last year alone, Toys for Tots distributed more than 30 million toys, books, and gifts to nearly 13 million children—the largest outreach in the Program’s history, but the need remains urgent. More families are reaching out, with parents working multiple jobs just to put food on the table and praying for a Christmas miracle. That’s when the spirit of Toys for Tots comes alive—when ordinary people transform hardship into holiday magic.

That magic found its way to three-year-old Nico, who had one simple wish: a “doggy.” After losing their home, Nico and his mother, Mira, were living out of a car. “I felt like the world’s worst mom,” Mira said. “We had no home, no presents—how could I possibly give him a dog?”

Thanks to the compassion of donors and the swift efforts of local volunteers, Nico awoke on Christmas morning to find a walkable toy dog and a book about dog breeds. “I hadn’t seen him smile like that since we lost our home,” Mira recalled. “That night, he fell asleep holding the toy in his arms.”

For a child in crisis, a toy isn’t just a gift—it’s a message that says you are loved and remembered, and that your dreams matter.

Throughout this holiday season, Toys for Tots reminds every American that the smallest act of giving can change a life. You can help create more moments like Nico’s—where a child’s smile says everything.

To learn more or make a donation, visit toysfortots.org.

(NewsUSA) - Commercial auto insurance and fleet safety are meeting the demands of modern-day risk management by analyzing telematics, but more work is needed to optimize this information and put it into action in the industry, according to results of a new report from SambaSafety, the leading provider of cloud-based driver risk management solutions.

Telematics is used by commercial insurers to capture driving patterns from telematics devices their fleet customer use, such as visibility into riskier driving such as speed, mileage, and braking— empowering insurers to collaborate with fleets on tailored coverage and proactive risk consulting strategies.

The 2025 SambaSafety Telematics Report: Uncovering Market Dynamics and Technology Trends, shows that telematics is front and center in the risk and safety ecosystem, according to SambaSafety CEO Matt Scheuing.

“The current state of commercial auto reflects an industry under strain, but also one on the edge of transformation, with telematics at the center,” said Matt Scheuing, CEO of SambaSafety. “When fleets and insurers connect through shared data and trust, we move closer to a market that prevents losses instead of reacting to them. 

“At SambaSafety, we’re closing that gap for millions of drivers through our Risk Cloud, integrating telematics, court, DOT and claims data to deliver actionable insights and targeted training—through our newly enhanced driver app. With our SambaSafety Verified program, we’re also helping insurers identify and reward fleets that actively manage risk. Together, these advancements represent the next step in connecting our customers through shared data, smarter insights and measurable safety outcomes.” 

The new report includes survey responses from industries including trucking & transportation, construction, energy, utilities, government, and healthcare. SambaSafety collected responses from 152 individuals from fleets, 180 insurance brokers and 70 insurance carriers, all based in North America, in June and July 2025.

Overall, 88% of fleets reported using telematics for safety reasons, and 95% considered driver training important.

However, the complexity of the data and technical challenges of integration were mentioned often as barriers to using telematics more widely in optimizing insurance.

Nearly two-thirds (66%) of fleets said that “interpreting or acting on the data” was a challenge, and 58% of fleet drivers said that linking drivers to their data remains an operational concern.

Telematics data is reshaping relationships between commercial fleets and insurers, but there is room for improvement in collaboration, according to the SambaSafety survey. Although 41% of fleets reported that use of telematics lowered their insurance premiums, 70% of fleets rarely interact with insurers around telematics, creating a gap in shared innovation and risk reduction. When insurers initiate telematics discussions, fleets report strong partnership in risk reduction—yet 79% of non-engaged fleets say that outreach never happens.

The 2025 SambaSafety Telematics Report: Uncovering Market Dynamics and Technology Trends is available for download. For more information and to access the report, visit sambasafety.com.

(NewsUSA) - A Michigan university unveils SOAR^™, a new smartphone-based degree program that brings college within reach for busy adults — at half the cost.

For millions of adults, finishing college was never about ability — it was about circumstances. Jobs, family responsibilities and rising tuition costs often forced higher education onto the back burner.

About 750 adults leave college every day in the United States. Most don’t fail academically; they simply run out of time, money, or both. For those who still dream of completing their degrees, the barriers can feel insurmountable.

That’s where the SOAR™ by Cornerstone University app comes in. 

Launched in 2025, SOAR is the nation’s first fully accredited bachelor’s degree designed to be completed entirely on a smartphone. The program currently offers a Bachelor of Science in strategic business management, preparing students with leadership and business skills employers consistently demand.

SOAR stands out for three reasons. It’s half the cost of the average accredited business degree, making it one of the most affordable in the nation. It’s flexible, with new classes starting every two weeks and lessons delivered in short, smartphone-ready modules so students can learn on the go. And it’s respected, carrying full accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

For adults in the workforce, that means finishing a degree without stepping away from their jobs or families. For many parents, SOAR also removes the difficult choice between investing in their children’s tuition and finally finishing their own. With radically affordable tuition, both become possible.

“For too long, adults who wanted to go back to school were forced to choose between their education and their responsibilities,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone University. “SOAR was built to remove those barriers — it’s a degree that works with your life, not against it.”

Take Alicia, a single mom in Michigan who enrolled this year. “I like to SOAR when I’m getting ready in the morning and driving to work,” she said. “I often log into the SOAR app after dinner when my little one is settled or in bed.”

Her story reflects the core mission of SOAR. It makes higher education accessible to those who thought the door had closed.

With looming retirements creating leadership gaps in the workforce, programs like SOAR aren’t just helping individuals — they’re preparing the next generation of business leaders. And this is just the start. New disciplines and advanced degrees are already in development, expanding options for learners who wish to continue their studies beyond a bachelor’s degree.

For adults ready to reclaim their dream of finishing college, SOAR offers a path forward: half the cost, fully accredited, and designed for real life.

Learn more about SOAR^™ by Cornerstone University at go.cornerstone.edu/SOAR1.

(NewsUSA) - Over the next two decades, more than $84 trillion in wealth is expected to transfer from Baby Boomers to younger generations.

This so-called "Great Wealth Transfer" marks the largest intergenerational handoff of wealth in history. The question is: are families truly prepared?

Without proper planning, this wealth can be lost in a generation. Data shows 70 percent of families lose a portion of their wealth due to interfamilial conflict, with nearly 60 percent of estates ending up under court control because of improper estate planning. 

This intergenerational wealth transfer puts familial relationships under unprecedented strain, heightened in today's globalized and blended family structures, where cross-border assets and multiple marriages add new legal and emotional elements.

Blended families and ones with estranged members face particularly challenges, with inheritance issues often magnified in households with ex-spouses, new partners, or children from previous marriages. 

More than half of wills are contested among these families. Disputes can arise when surviving spouses are granted significant control or perceived favoritism creates resentment among heirs.

Inheritance battles among heirs aren't the only risk. Older, high-net-worth individuals may find themselves vulnerable to manipulation. Potential heirs may exploit weakened relationships or unclear succession plans to access wealth prematurely – or even take control of family businesses.

While Rupert Murdoch's high-profile legal dispute with his children ended well for him in protecting his empire and succession plan, the ongoing legal case involving another media mogul, Polish billionaire Zygmunt Solorz illustrates the complexities at play. Solorz is entangled in a dispute with his three children over control of his media empire. 

Court filings suggest that the billionaire was manipulated by his children into initiating a premature succession process, exploiting the company's financial holdings in Liechtenstein and engaging in a hostile takeover of his business - leading to a continuous decline in stock prices and harming shareholders.

While these two examples involve ultra wealthy individuals, the cases serve as a warning to baby boomers on the importance of wealth management and asset protection to prevent interfamilial conflict especially for family businesses from Wall Street to Main Street.

Improper handling can fracture families, derail business empires, and lead to significant loss in generational wealth. 

With the Great Wealth Transfer underway, thoughtful, professional, and forward-looking preparation is needed to protect assets, preserve relationships and legacies across generations.