(Carrie Goux, EVP, GreatSchools) - Looking for good news about the state of your child’s education? It’s hard to find these days, but parents need hope now more than ever. Recently, the U.S. Department of Education released new data showing that two decades of progress in math and reading were erased. Two decades.     

Families need to know how schools are addressing this lost learning and preparing students for the future. They need good information and ways to support their child because they are not giving up the front-row seat to their child’s education that came with the pandemic.     Data offer an important way for families to understand how schools are supporting students. For over 20 years, GreatSchools.org has translated education data into actionable information for parents nationwide. We collect and analyze data from every state department of education and the federal government to support parents pursuing a great education for their child, schools striving for excellence, and communities working to diminish inequities in education.     

Parents often ask us what to look for in a school and how to know if it’s the right one for their child. Since no two children (or schools) are alike, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. When looking at data and information, there’s hope and opportunity that can point you in directions you may not have seen before. For example:     

1. College preparedness: For 5 years, GreatSchools has celebrated schools with the College Success Award recognizing public high schools that excel at preparing students for college. With this data-driven award, we have been able to connect high school and college success to award high schools doing a great job at preparing all students to walk out the door on graduation day ready to take on higher learning. This year, we are celebrating 1,742 high schools from 25 states -- each of which earn a special badge on their GreatSchools profile to easily identify winning schools.     

2. Advanced course offerings: Access to advanced academic courses in high school provide an opportunity for students to earn free college credits while gaining exposure to the intense academics they will experience in college. Parents can now view Advanced Placement (AP) course lists on GreatSchools.org school profiles and, in turn, support their child to take advantage of this rigorous academic program.     

3. Community perspectives: Who better to tell you about a school than your fellow community members with firsthand experience? The Community Reviews section of our GreatSchools.org school profiles allows parents and community members to share their school experiences regarding school safety, learning, social-emotional well-being and more. This is an excellent way for families to see how a school has supported students like their own.     

These are just a few of the ways GreatSchools is providing parents a richer picture of school quality. As parents evaluate what they’ve learned through pandemic learning -- what does (and does not) work best for their child -- these new data can highlight schools likely to meet their child’s needs.     

Learn more at GreatSchools.org.

Goux is the executive vice president of strategy and external affairs at GreatSchools.

(NewsUSA) - It’s that time of year again: CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives exchange, is calling on college students with an interest in finance to team up and try their hand at futures trading. Registration for its 19th annual University Trading Challenge is now open through Thursday, September 29, and there is no cost to enter.     

As part of the innovative competition, teams of three to five graduate and undergraduate students from the same university are invited to learn expert techniques using a real-time, simulated trading platform provided by CQG, a leading provider of financial markets technology solutions.     

Participants will trade CME Group futures and options contracts across the exchange’s main asset classes -- including interest rates, equity indices, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural products, metals and crypto.     

CME Group will also provide students with educational content and market commentary, in addition to live market data and premium news articles from Dow Jones and The Hightower Report.       

This year’s challenge officially kicks off on Sunday, October 2 and concludes on Friday, October 28.     

“The many uncertainties in today's global economies are driving increased interest in and demand for hedging and risk management strategies,” says Anita Liskey, Global Head of Brand Marketing and Communications at CME Group. “We encourage all university students who want to learn about derivatives markets and test their trading skills to participate in this unique, hands-on educational experience.”     

Each eligible member of the winning team will receive a $2,000 cash prize*. Additional prizes will be awarded for second through fifth place.     

Student participants will also have the opportunity to attend CME Group’s Day of Market Education. This one-day forum will provide them with an exclusive look into CME Group and the derivatives industry.     

CME Group is committed to educating the next generation of finance professionals on the significance of its global derivatives markets and risk management. In addition to interactive events such as the University Trading Challenge, CME Group also partners with other industry organizations to offer educational tools, such as Futures Fundamentals, a one-stop educational resource that explains the role of futures markets in everyday life. Through interactive features and rich content, the site provides risk management education for learners of all levels and helps simplify complex market topics.     

To register and view details on eligibility, rules, regulations and requirements, please visit: https://www.cmegroup.com/events/university-trading-challenge/2022-trading-challenge.html.     

For social media updates throughout the competition, make sure to follow #TradingChallenge2022. *Eligibility to receive competition prizes is only open to residents in the United States (US), Canada (CA) excluding Quebec, United Kingdom (UK), Germany (DE), Netherlands (NL), Switzerland (CH), Republic of Korea (KR), Taiwan (TW), and Japan (JP).

(NewsUSA) - Every summer, the Illinois State Fair provides a platform for skilled young farmers to demonstrate their expertise in the agricultural industry, something that is udderly important to CME Group.     

During this year’s Governor’s Sale of Champions, CME Group presented the livestock exhibitors with one-time scholarships totaling $50,000. Each of these 10 hard-working students will receive a $5,000 scholarship, which will be used to advance their education.     

Recipients of the 2022 CME Group scholarships included: Ashtin Guyer (Crawford County, IL); Carter Hoge (McDonough County, IL); Chesney Thornton (Piatt County, IL); Cole Caldwell (Peoria County, IL); Drake Fletcher (Menard County, IL); Ella Bobell (Logan County, IL); Maddox Horner (Jasper County, IL); Nalaney Guyer (Crawford County, IL); Nolan Hoge (McDonough County, IL).     

“U.S. farmers play a critical role in the global food supply chain, which has been stressed over the last few years due to the pandemic, rising input costs, extreme weather and geopolitics,” said Tim Andriesen, Managing Director of Agricultural Products at CME Group. “By investing in these bright students, we are helping the next generation of farmers and ranchers continue their education and become successful leaders of our vital food systems.”     

CME Group also purchased the Grand Champion Barrow, which was exhibited by Fletcher, and sponsored this year’s 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest at the fair. A record 52 4-H members from across Illinois competed in this year’s skillathon contest and were tested on livestock production covering beef, swine, and sheep. The contest promotes youth development, career development, and personal growth through increased knowledge of the livestock industry.     

After intense competition, nine skillathon champions each received a $1,000 CME Group scholarship to continue their education.     

Recipients of the 2022 CME Group Skillathon scholarships were: Adam Stackemeyer (Altamont, IL); Amelia Miller (Gridley, IL); Chase Hummel (Cabery, IL); Ellie Drach (Pontiac, IL); Emma Pistorius (Blue Mound, IL); Hayden Brint (Good Hope, IL); Olivia Shike (Sadorus, IL); Ross Stabenow (Lena, IL); Tanner Beckmier (Atwood, IL).

(NewsUSA) - The last thing anyone should ever question when considering an outpatient procedure is their safety. After all, you trust that the facility performing your procedure has gone through rigorous standards to ensure the unthinkable never happens. Unfortunately, the unthinkable not only can happen, but does, particularly when healthcare facilities aren’t held accountable.     

Since 1980, The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) has worked with thousands of healthcare facilities to standardize and improve the quality of health care they provide – believing that patient safety should always come first.     

Recently, AAAASF completed a rebranding initiative that included a name change, from AAAASF to QUAD A.     

The rebranding is part of an extensive review process of the organization’s mission, which has continued to grow not only in the United States, but worldwide, according to a press release from the organization.     

“As we continue to expand into new domestic and international markets, we thought it was a good time to take a closer look at our internal and external identity,” says QUAD A CEO Thomas Terranova.     

“We eventually decided on an updated name and look that not only honored our past but also positioned us as the globally recognized accreditation organization that we have become,” Terranova adds.     

In 2020, the leadership team and board of directors of QUAD A began to reassess the organization’s internal processes. They sought feedback from their accredited facilities to help them understand what works and what could be improved. The result was a confirmation that QUAD A’s mission remains the same -- a commitment to the core belief that patient safety always comes first.     

QUAD A was founded by physicians in 1980. The non-profit, physician-led organization provides accreditation and establishes standards for thousands of outpatient and rural health facilities to improve the quality of patient care. QUAD A is a global accreditation authority and remains committed to providing its members with an efficient and easy process that focuses on education, reliability, and communication.     

One of the keys to maintaining high standards for patient care with QUAD A is the process of Patient Safety Data Reporting (PSDR). Accredited facilities contribute to this important work by sharing their data and allowing QUAD A to identify trends in patient outcomes and adjust their standards as needed. This collaborative effort helps set QUAD A apart from other accreditation organizations, according to the organization’s website.     

In addition, patients can feel secure in knowing that the facilities where they receive care meet the highest standards, and that the privacy of their data is protected.     

For more information, visit www.quada.org.

(NewsUSA) -  

“Revelation (The Saga of Venom and Flame)”
by Victor Acquista       

An ancient conspiracy is about to be exposed ... .  

Since the dawn of civilization, a clandestine Brotherhood has been secretly organizing a hidden agenda. As the Illuminati orchestrate worldwide catastrophic events to establish a New World Order, only Serena Mendez and an ancient society with ties to Atlantis can save humanity from centuries of manipulation.   Serena is a warrior without a weapon. As she and her allies work to defeat the Illuminati, she must decipher seven mysterious messages that hold the key to survival in this thrilling race to unlock a secret that will change humankind. Rich in history and mythology, this book is a gripping battle between the masters of mind control and the warriors who oppose them.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3z1Scoa.

“Make America Beautiful Again”
by Bo Bancroft  

Kirkus calls it “a nimble political satire that should appeal to Americans of every stripe ... reminiscent of books by Christopher Buckley.”   Suspected terrorists attack with a pre-dawn bomb spree, baffling law enforcement as the only targets are towering billboards lining the interstates. The laundry list of culprits includes eco-terrorists, a notorious drug cartel and disgruntled outdoor advertising employees. With Georgians on edge, politicians quickly focus on how to manipulate the situation.   Caught in the crosshairs are the three adult Worthington siblings. Not only was their outdoor advertising business attacked, the youngest brother, a retired Army demolitions expert, has suspiciously disappeared. So the family enlists his Army buddy to track him down. The web she ultimately uncovers is far more nefarious than terrorists.

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

“Fields of Fire”
by Ryan Steck  

“Debut thriller of the year.” --Kyle Mills    

Unable to remember anything leading up to his team’s ambush, Marine Raider Matthew Redd can’t deny the possibility that he’s responsible for the leak that led to the massacre. Discharged from the corps, Redd heads home to Montana, where he discovers his adoptive father is dead and the explanation for his death is far from satisfying. Determined to dig up the truth, Redd uncovers a dark global conspiracy with no team at his back -- except one he might find among past friends, old enemies and new allies, if only he can figure out whom to trust.    

“Matty Redd has cemented himself as the go-to man in a bad situation.”  -- Brad Taylor.    

Purchase at https://amzn.to/33YTHrL.

“Ask The Girl”
by DJ Key  

Murdered in 1925, Katy Watkins, an 18-year-old debutante, finds herself near a worn-down cabin. She doesn’t know where she is, so she heads home and discovers two strangely dressed girls in her bedroom window. When her memory returns, a demon hunts her -- this demon is her killer.  

She walks in the woods trying to get home, stuck in a loop until she meets Lila and Rose. It was hard for Lila to cope after her father’s suicide, which forced Lila, her mom, and her sister Rose to live with their aunt and uncle. They discover a ghost tied to an old murder mystery. Rose is possessed by Katy. In order to save Rose’s life, Lila and Rose help Katy uncover the truth about her murder.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3GmW6uX.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Mother Nature has an interesting way of reminding homeowners who’s in charge. Recent reports indicate that the impact and frequency of storm-related damage to homes are increasing.     

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the United States recorded 22 weather and climate disasters in 2020, a nearly 40 percent increase from the year prior. The cost of storm-associated damage is on the rise as more residents are exposed to the frequency of these storms -- many of which have resulted in distressing power outages.     

As unsettling as extreme weather can be, it is possible to minimize potential damage and avoid entirely losing power by following a preparedness plan. Many homeowners are now turning to backup power solutions as an essential part of that plan. Portable generators can offer great value in terms of cost versus capacity, especially considering the extensive list of inconveniences and expenses that may occur during an outage, including a flooded basement, spoiled food and even frozen pipes in the winter months.     

“A good preparedness plan today will account for what you might need to keep powered up tomorrow,” says Jake Thomas, director of global service operations for Generac Power Systems. “We’ve seen increased demand for backup power products across all categories. Increasingly, they are becoming necessary, especially in parts of the country regularly impacted by hurricanes and wildfires.”     

Thoughtful planning also involves shopping for the right tools and supplies to minimize the uncomfortable impact of a power outage. The power outage experts at Generac have listed the top items to include in an emergency kit in preparation for a storm-related power outage:     

• At the hardware store: Consider LED flashlights, a portable weather radio, batteries and an extra gas canister to hold stabilized fuel for a portable generator.     
• At the grocery store: Plan for enough bottled water to equal one gallon per person per day, and stock up on non-perishable foods such as canned soups, peanut butter, pretzels, crackers, dried fruit and nuts.     
• From the closets: Assemble extra blankets, clothing and toiletries.     

Safely running backup power from a portable generator also means thinking ahead. Assuring a supply of fresh gasoline is on hand and having heavy-duty extension cords accessible will be critical when the time comes. Because portable generators often get seasonal usage, it’s also important to plan an annual generator maintenance schedule that includes oil and filter changes. Finally, and most importantly, the portable unit will need to be set up for operation outdoors, which means identifying an area at least 25 feet away from open windows and doors. While portable power is becoming more accessible, more efficient, and easier to use, safety still needs to come first.

(NewsUSA) - The climate impact of large buildings and facilities, especially data centers and microchip plants, has been under scrutiny and has made recent headlines after New York Attorney General Letitia James alleged that Verizon had failed to maintain its cooling towers on buildings across New York City and would be fined $118,000. The bacteria released by the towers is associated with Legionnaires’ disease, a dangerous and lethal form of pneumonia.     

Cooling towers, an essential component on large buildings and facilities, can become “super spreaders” of Legionnaires’ disease, because of the misuse of toxic and environmentally hazardous treatment chemicals for cooling towers all across the globe.     

A new chemical-free option, the non-thermal Plasma Disinfection System (PDS), offers a potential alternative for buildings that would be environmentally sound and effective at maintaining air quality. The “continuous kill” solution has been field-tested for 15 months at a large corporate headquarters campus. The results confirm that “use of PDS technology can eliminate cooling towers as a source of Legionellosis infections, no matter how much drift escapes from the cooling towers,” says Loraine Huchler, a chemical water treatment expert.     

PDS works by curbing bacteria, parasites and viruses using ozone, UV light, hydrogen peroxide, shock waves (electric field) and high heat from plasma streamers (3,600⁰ F) along with copper and silver biocidal ions and a highly tunable, automated titration system.     

Additional benefits of the PDS technology include lower construction and operating costs of new buildings. PDS makes water-cooled HVAC systems safe, avoiding the expensive alternative of air-cooled HVAC assets. Another potential cost reduction is the energy saved because of the elimination of bacteria as an inhibitor of water flow.     

“The PDS can be retrofitted into existing buildings and large facilities that require large amounts of water,” explains Patrick Hughes, CEO of Reverse Ionizer, LLC, and developer of PDS. “Facilities such as data centers often use large volumes of reclaimed water that require much greater chemical treatment. Using the PDS lowers the risk exposure of building owners and occupants while protecting the public and surrounding communities from unsuspectingly breathing in pathogens and contaminants being spread by cooling towers.”     

Visit reverseionizer.com for more information about how Reverse Ionizer’s chemical-free technology can improve air quality in public spaces and reduce the spread of deadly disease.

(NewsUSA) - Young adults who are new to the workforce have a lot to think about. But when it comes to compensation, there are many ways to make your salary and benefits work for you. Taking full advantage of opportunities for saving and investing now will pay off later.     

One of the simplest and most effective ways to save for retirement is through an employer-sponsored plan. Many employers offer a 401(k), which allows you to invest part of each paycheck directly into the plan. That helps make saving automatic, and pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income.

Make a Match     

Some employers will match a percentage of what you contribute to your 401(k) up to a certain limit. The amount of the match varies, and some employers may not offer this option. But if you have this option, be sure to contribute enough to take advantage of the match. For example, an employer may match 100% of what you contribute to your plan up to 3% of your salary, then 50% of the next 2%. If your annual salary is $60,000 and you are able to contribute a total of 5% ($3,000) to your 401(k), the company match in this example adds another $2,400 to your retirement fund courtesy of your employer.

Health Insurance Helpers     

Make the most of your employer-sponsored health insurance by learning the details and choosing a plan that best meets your needs. You may have choices between a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan, which usually costs less per month but may limit the network of health care providers you can visit, or a preferred provider organization (PPO), which usually costs more but may allow more flexibility for the provider network. Either way, invest in your health by scheduling regular checkups: Most plans will cover preventive/wellness visits at 100% or with a minimal copayment.

Consider Additional Insurance     

Some employers provide their workforce with a life insurance benefit. Additional life insurance, while less important if you are young and single, may be worth considering if you have family members to support. Also, don’t discount disability insurance, which can provide needed income if you are ill or disabled and can’t work.     

Make sure to learn about other benefits that can boost your finances, such as tuition reimbursement, health savings accounts or employee stock purchase plans.     

The information can seem overwhelming. Although you may feel comfortable making decisions about employee benefits on your own, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professional may be helpful as a sounding board for your ideas and to discuss how current benefits decisions fit into your larger financial planning picture.     

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org to find a financial planner who can help you navigate employee benefits and other financial aspects of your new job.

(NewsUSA) -  

“The Absolute: Collected Poems of Sri Chinmoy”       

This book is a collection of Sri Chinmoy’s poems, selected from his entire body of poetic work that spans more than six decades. All of his early poems were written from within the poetic restraints of meter and rhyme. Only later in his poetic career did he write in free verse.  

Speaking of his poetry, Sri Chinmoy says, “Throughout my poetry-journey, my poetry-tree has cherished various branches: philosophy, prayer, religion, spirituality, my love of Nature’s beauty, my love of word-making, which the English language indulgently allows me to explore, and my abiding love, concern and hope for this world of ours.” Sri Chinmoy’s poetry offers hope, strength and salvation to many an earnest traveler in his or her journey through life.

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3OiiMPe.

“Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless”
by Mitzi Perdue  

Winner of the Literary Titan Award for Nonfiction. “The Chicken Man’s” wife writes about the “Chicken Soup” guy. Mitzi Perdue spoke to many of the important people who inspired “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” co-author Mark Victor Hansen along the way and to those with whom he made a true difference in their lives. Hansen conquered many mountains by never letting any obstacle get in his way and by inspiring others to make a difference. His story is exceptional, but it is his extraordinary perseverance and generosity that led to his long-term success.  

Perdue is a meticulous writer who captures the essence of Mark with true stories that are inspiring and amazing in showing the tenacity of one man who learned that in order to receive, first you must give.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3udF0dY.

“TARRA: Mission to Earth”
by Inna Van Der Velden  

Anthony and his friends come to Earth to find the antidote for the fear dust pollution. The children on their native planet, Tarra, are in severe danger. If Anthony’s mission doesn’t succeed, life on Tarra will cease to exist.  

Readers experience a number of adventures and come to their own revelations, sensing with their heart and acting on their intuition. See Earth from an interstellar traveler’s perspective and learn how to live within its harmony.   TARRA: Mission to Earth, geared for ages nine to 12, has incredible magic hidden within. It opens every reader to a deeper understanding of our planet. “TARRA: Mission to Earth, The Family Companion” includes 34 tasks for children as well as an adult guide.

Purchase at  https://amzn.to/3ympqOJ.

“Diamond Eyes Makes His Mark”
by DJ Key  

Mark Van Buren, nicknamed Diamond Eyes, is a 14-year-old misfit who can't do anything right. When his father and stepmom plan to ship him to Florida to live with his uncle DJ and aunt Rita, founders of a cover band, the Ambient Images, he worries he won't be accepted. But when he fills in to sing one night, it changes his life.  

Various adventures take him on an Alaskan cruise, the Las Vegas desert, an Amish farm, and a crocodile-infested swamp. The book is a testament to the trials and tribulations adolescents face in today's world, such as bullying, suicidal thoughts, loss of a loved one and sexual identity. Ultimately, it is a tale of faith, endurance and the power of unconditional love.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3I12mcu.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(Reissued 9/16/2022)

(NewsUSA) - A decade ago, Infographics were the “it” tool to promote your business, but became a less desirable way of promoting your business a few years ago. NewsUSA, a brand content agency, argues that infographics are still one of the best marketing tools to pitch your clients.