(NewsUSA) - State fairs are an opportunity for families, friends and communities to celebrate on an annual basis. Along with the yearly tradition, the state fair is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the important role U.S. agriculture plays in the global economy. The state fair is a place for young farmers to showcase their expertise in the food and farm industry while also learning the value and role of risk management.

At this year’s Governor’s Sale of Champions, CME Group presented each of the nine champion livestock exhibitors with $5,000 scholarships that will be used to advance their education. This was the ninth year CME Group has provided scholarships at the Illinois State Fair, bringing total contributions to over $500,000. CME Group also purchased the Grand Champion Barrow at the Governor’s Sale of Champions, which was exhibited by Olivia Shike.

 Recipients of the 2024 CME Group scholarships included: Bryce Clayton (Scott County); Kade Gensini (Putnam County); Nora Hoge (McDonough County); Kadie Hummel (Ford County); Karly Reel (LaSalle County); Chase Riley (Grundy County); Olivia Shike (Champaign County); Chesney Thorton (Piatt County); Oakley Yard (McDonough County).   

“We are proud to support scholarship programs that help the next generation of agriculture leaders to pursue their education,” said John Ricci, Managing Director and Global Head of Agriculture, CME Group. “The agriculture industry has not evaded the uncertainty faced within the global economy. It is as important as ever for the future leaders of agriculture to find new and innovative ways to continue feeding the world. We applaud all the scholarship recipients and are excited to see what their futures have in store.”

CME Group sponsored this year’s 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest at the fair. Nine 4-H members from across Illinois have competed in this year’s skillathon and have engaged in hands-on challenges in livestock management, livestock marketing and hedging, breed identification and use, quality assurance and equipment identification and use.  The contest promotes youth development, career development, and personal growth through increased knowledge of the livestock industry.

The nine skillathon champions each received a $1,000 CME Group scholarship to continue their education. The 2024 scholarship recipients were: Ryker Beckmier (Christian County); Kaylee Blackford (Vermilion County);  Morgan Crouch (Macon County); Taylor Crouch (Macon County); Gwen Hall (Ogle County); Blaine Homann (Coles County); Kadie Hummel (Ford County); Molly McCalla (Madison County); Hayden Miller (Livingston County).

(NewsUSA) - Although most Americans recognize the benefits of spending time outdoors, 57 percent say that they don’t spend as much time in nature as they need and want, according to research from RVshare, the largest online community for RV owners and renters in the United States.

Following these insights, RVshare embarked on a second extensive research campaign to identify where Americans are participating in outdoor recreation and where they are not. In partnership with Cairn Consulting Group, RVshare developed a ranking of the “10 Most (and Least)  Outdoor-Friendly Cities” in the United States. The rankings were based on a range of factors including the behavior or residents in each city, access to outdoor recreation, and how each city is perceived in terms of outdoor spaces and activities by residents and visitors.

Based on their findings, Seattle, Washington, got the nod as the top Outdoor-Friendly City in the United States. Rounding out the top ten were Denver, Colorado; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Miami, Florida; Portland, Oregon; Nashville, Tennessee; San Francisco, California; Richmond, Virginia; Los Angeles, California, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

With a central mission to get people outdoors and exploring the unbridled freedom of an RV trip, RVshare is highlighting these rankings to flip the script and prove that despite preconceived notions, it’s possible to get outside and explore the great outdoors from just about anywhere. The full report reveals the fully ranked list, and RVshare has gone the extra mile to encourage city-dwellers to get outdoors by providing RV rental options available in all of the markets.

For city-dwellers seeking more outdoor time, an RV trip could be the perfect solution. RVshare wants to help and encourage residents of all cities to experience more outdoor recreation, and wants to make it easy to explore all of the outdoor options that are available, regardless of their destination.

Please visit https://pages.rvshare.com/outdoor-friendly-cities/ for the full report. To book your RVshare rental today and to learn more about RVshare, please visit rvshare.com. 

(NewsUSA) - The average military family moves three times as often as their civilian peers, and most of these permanent change of station (PCS) moves occur during the summer, according to Blue Star Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, supporting, and connecting military families in communities around the world.

Many military families live in their local civilian communities. However, military families whose lives are often disrupted by deployments and frequent moves often struggle to feel part of these communities, according to Blue Star Families’ 2023 Military Family Lifestyle Survey. Blue Star Welcome Week is a new American tradition spearheaded by Blue Star Families to create a greater sense of belonging and community for everyone.

Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, says, “It’s time for a new tradition where we make military families feel valued and included. Welcome Week connects military families with their civilian neighbors. Whether it’s a simple message or a community event, every gesture builds a stronger, more inclusive community. This is how we honor their sacrifices and show our gratitude.”

Blue Star Welcome Week happens every year during the last week of September – this year’s event is scheduled for September 21-29, 2024.

As we gear up for Welcome Week, here are four ways you can ‘do your part’. And, you can check out more inspirational ideas here!

• Host a Blue Star Family Welcome Week Block Party. Welcome the newest military families to your neighborhood by hosting a festive gathering where military and civilian families can connect and make memories. If hosting solo feels overwhelming, team up with a local organization or form a block party host group. With events happening around the world, your volunteer efforts help bridge the gap between military and civilian communities. Let's make a difference together!
   
• Every Little Bit Helps. Support military families in your neighborhood through small thoughtful actions. Make a meal, bring up trash cans, help find a babysitter (or babysit), cut their grass, or invite them to your next holiday gathering. These simple gestures can make a significant impact in helping our military families feel connected to their community.
   
• Educate Yourself on Their Unique Challenges. Military families face unique challenges that impact their daily lives. The 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey (MFLS) by Blue Star Families highlights key issues like financial strain, underemployment of spouses, mental health concerns, and feeling disconnected from their communities. These quality-of-life concerns have led to fewer service members recommending military service, threatening the future of our All-Volunteer Force. By understanding these challenges, you can better support and advocate for military families in your neighborhood!
   
• Support Companies That Hire Military Spouses. For decades, military spouses have endured an unemployment rate of 20% or higher, three to four times higher than their civilian counterparts – this remains the top concern for active-duty spouse respondents for the sixth consecutive year. The 4+1 Commitment is a way for employers to voluntarily commit to improving military spouse employment outcomes – extend your support by patronizing those who have made this commitment, like Starbucks, T-Mobile, PenFed Credit Union, USAA, Nextdoor, Navy Federal Credit Union, Comcast NBCUniversal, Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s, Johnson & Johnson, and Humana.

Blue Star Welcome Week is more than just a series of events – it's a movement to build stronger, more inclusive communities for our military families. By participating, you play a vital role in making every military family feel valued and supported and help lay the foundation for a new tradition.

Join us from September 21-29, 2024, and make a difference in the lives of those who serve our nation.

(NewsUSA) - It's that time of year again! The time between summer and fall when some people start thinking about leaves and football, while others aren’t quite ready to trade in their flip-flops for flannel.

Join us in raising a glass to "sum-all" season! It's the perfect time to enjoy the best of both worlds, blending the warmth of summer with the crispness of fall. Whether you’re clinging to those last beach days or eagerly anticipating cozy evenings by the fire, this season lets you do it all. So, grab your drink of choice, fire up the grill, and make the most of this special time of year.

Check out this sampling of sum-all favorites made at the Genesee Brewery in Upstate New York and available at select retailers across the U.S.  

-Black Cherry flavor provides bridge to fall. Genesee Black Cherry Vanilla Kellerbier continues the Genesee tradition of releasing seasonal beers on the cusp between seasons. The Black Cherry Vanilla Kellerbier combines the tart sweetness of black cherry with a hint of smooth vanilla that is refreshing on a warm summer day and also a perfect complement to a brisk fall game day afternoon.

-Light beer wins through late summer. Labatt Blue Light Grapefruit, a summer seasonal beer, is perfectly suited to shift into fall and enjoy on the golf course.

-Green and citrusy “sum-all” to a T. Nothing says summer like iced tea, but the right tea flavors span the seasons. Lipton Hard Iced Tea Citrus Green Tea works on the patio by the pool, or at an early fall outdoor concert or sporting event.

-Kick off the fall with pure refreshment. Made with real cane sugar and fruit juice, Seagram's Escapes Refreshers are available in fruit flavor combinations including Strawberry Acai, Pineapple Cherry, Mango Orange and Kiwi Lime. Refreshers are a perfect ready to enjoy option for any social gathering.  

Visit Fifcousa.com and Genesee Brewery (geneseebeer.com) for more information on these and other “sum-all” drinks made at the brewery. Also, be sure to share your sum-all moments with #GennySumAll and be part of the “sum-all” celebration.

(NewsUSA) - For Donald Denihan, it was supposed to be the fishing trip of a lifetime. Instead, it ended up nearly costing him his life in a hard bargain he made with the sea.

Denihan’s story is documented in riveting detail in his new book HARD BARGAIN (Stillwater River Publications). The book is best described as part gripping true adventure story and part self-reflection on how being on the doorstep of death helped him get a better grasp on what is really important in life.

According to Reader’s Digest, “The dominant waterlogged parts strike the same salt-drenched chords as ‘The Perfect Storm’ and ‘In the Heart of the Sea,’ as harrowingly visual as they are shatteringly visceral. A stunning tale of survival at sea, HARD BARGAIN is a riveting and relentless read of rare depth and pathos that is not to be missed.”

Near-death experiences were nothing new to this successful entrepreneur, who has held leadership positions in the real estate and hospitality industries for more than 30 years. At the age of sixteen, a hunting accident had nearly cost him his foot. A lengthy hospital stay, followed by an equally lengthy rehabilitation, filled Donald with resilience and made him think he could overcome anything.

That is, until he was struck by the same aggressive form of prostate cancer at the age of only thirty-five that had killed his father. Once again, Donald prevailed and even overcame the side effects of surgery which he celebrated by learning how to fly fish.

A decade later, that new avocation brought him to the Bahamas with his closest friends and college student son, specifically to waters rich with the schools of bonefish fly fishermen long for. The one ill-fated boat trip confronted him with his own mortality yet again, when a violent storm capsized his ill-prepared boat and left him clinging to life.

“A helpless feeling comes over you when you’re on the water getting battered by a storm. You start to grasp the awesome power of the sea…I felt the first twinges of despair creep into my heart…With no other options, I began to pray quietly.”

Through a long night of pounding rain and storm-swept winds, Donald faced off against everything the sea could throw at him. With the odds of survival dimming by the moment, his own desperate efforts at sea are mirrored on land by the resourcefulness of friends and family who will stop at nothing to save him before it’s too late.

But even that might not be enough, because some bargains are better off never made.

Later on, the traumatic incident prompted Denihan to want to help others in dire straits, in situations and conditions that might have been out of their control. So he created The God Is Good Charitable Fund (https://www.thegodisgoodcharitablefund.com/) to help people in need.

The entire experience helped Denihan put things in their proper perspective.

“Too many people want to put a dollar sign on everything, perceiving  everything as transactional instead of placing the greatest value in the relationships and interactions that define us as people. You can’t put a dollar sign on love, or happiness, or family, or friendship, or loyalty, but they are worth more than anything that comes with a price tag attached.”

Learn more about HARD BARGAIN at https://bit.ly/3UeYw7t.

(NewsUSA) - Threats to global stability continue to evolve to include greater use of artificial intelligence (AI) to promote disinformation, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a mission of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.

The need for NATO member countries to keep hostile regimes from using AI disinformation to manipulate public opinion is becoming increasingly important.

This “cognitive warfare” or information warfare, is not a new concept, but the digital revolution and use of AI allows bad actors to disseminate deepfakes and AI-augmented content at a previously unfathomable speed.

SCSP experts offer several strategies for how NATO countries can confront the threat of AI-augmented disinformation head-on. “This requires moving beyond the current reactive approach, which focuses on debunking falsehoods,” according to SCSP.

-Monitor disinformation in real-time. Investing in open-source intelligence tools and working with tech companies can help develop the expertise to identify and counter malevolent disinformation campaigns. Also, better authenticity tools are needed to identify altered or AI-generated content.

-Discredit disinformation immediately. NATO must proactively promote its own interests and mission. NATO should provide its own positive narrative to get out ahead of disinformation, and highlight failures of authoritarian regimes, especially on their own digital platforms.

-Initiate partnerships. Establishing and strengthening collaborative relationships with governments, private companies, and civil-society organizations can help NATO develop early warning systems and coordinate stronger and faster responses to disinformation campaigns.

-Foster healthy skepticism. Supporting programs to promote media and digital literacy can help reduce the impact of disinformation. Educating the public to apply critical thinking skills to online information can help build societal resilience against propaganda and voter manipulation.

To achieve these goals, SCSP experts recommend the creation of a disinformation unit within NATO responsible for coordinating intelligence, spearheading counter-messaging efforts, and building strategic partnerships. “Such a unit could leverage the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada), as well as the work of Europol – the European Union’s law-enforcement agency – to bolster and expand information-sharing networks,” according to SCSP.

Visit scsp.ai for more information about the importance of strengthening America’s competitiveness as AI and other emerging technologies are reshaping our national security, economy, and society.

(Amy Pisani) - The summer heat still lingers, but parents and caregivers have embarked on the annual ritual of preparing children for the school year ahead. Store shelves overflow with school supplies, and dorm décor, a clear sign of this busy season. Amidst the hustle, one crucial task often gets overlooked: ensuring children are up to date on their recommended immunizations. This is especially vital for students heading to college or living in group settings, where reminders or school-entry vaccination requirements may be lacking.

Meningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. While many parents have heard of this disease, they may not fully understand the risks.  It spreads easily through respiratory droplets, like those produced when coughing or sneezing, and close contact, such as kissing or sharing drinks, e-cigs, vapes and utensils.

One alarming aspect of meningitis is its similarity to the flu in its early stages, often delaying diagnosis. By the time the disease is identified, it may be too late for effective treatment. Meningitis can progress rapidly, leading to severe consequences within hours, including brain damage, organ failure, limb loss, and even death.

There are five serogroups of meningococcal disease: A, B, C, W, and Y. Each year, hundreds of people in the United States contract this vaccine-preventable disease and since 2021, cases of meningococcal disease have increased sharply, now exceeding pre-pandemic levels. While rare, the statistics are sobering: 10-15 percent of those infected will die, and 20 percent of survivors will suffer permanent disabilities such as brain damage, hearing loss, kidney dysfunction, or limb amputations. As our family advocates attest, their children’s illnesses progressed like wildfire, too often resulting in death. 

While anyone can contract meningococcal disease, it is most prevalent among infants under one year old (who are too young to be vaccinated), individuals aged 16-23, and adults over 85 years of age. Meningitis B accounts for about 60 percent of cases in individuals under 24 years of age.  

For years, vaccines have been available to protect against four of the five serogroups: A, C, W, and Y. In 2014, new vaccines covering the meningitis B strain were approved. While about 89 percent of teens have been vaccinated for meningitis ACWY, rates for meningitis B vaccination are far lower at about 30 percent. This is particularly concerning since meningitis B has been responsible for every college outbreak since 2011.

Fortunately, late last year, a new vaccine combining all five serogroups was approved by the FDA. This fall will be the first back-to-school season with this simplified option, which should reduce confusion about the vaccines and increase the likelihood that older teens are fully protected against this disease. But a flag for parents—to please make a proactive ask of your provider about the vaccines to protect against meningitis B, as many young adults are not up to date.

As the school year approaches, parents and caregivers must prioritize their children’s health by ensuring they are fully vaccinated, including the meningococcal vaccines. Colleges and group living situations are breeding grounds for diseases, making immunization essential.

To learn more about meningitis and other back-to-school vaccine resources visit https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/firstdayvax/. 

Amy Pisani, MS, is the CEO of Vaccinate Your Family, an organization whose mission is to ensure the timely immunization of people of all ages.

(NewsUSA) - The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is national call center that helps people with disabilities get connected to information about local community resources that support independent living. DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights and more. Additionally, DIAL has information on COVID-19, flu and other adult vaccines and can help you find how to access vaccines in your community.

DIAL serves people with disabilities across the country who have a variety of needs. DIAL Referral Specialists are trained to work with people with various communication abilities and will spend as much time as needed to ensure effective communication. For example, DIAL has enhanced accessibility with options for people to text or communicate through American Sign Language direct video call.

DIAL is managed by USAging, which represents the national network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocates for Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Through DIAL, USAging partners with disability organizations to ensure that people are referred to the appropriate disabilities services.

The training and expertise of DIAL Referral Specialists enables them to focus on and respond to the unique needs of each caller. Said one caller, “The specialist connected me with the person I needed to speak to. She went above and beyond, and I appreciate her so much.”

To find local services, you can contact DIAL in several different ways. To speak with a Referral Specialist by voice, videophone call or text use 888-677-1199. You can chat online with a Referral Specialist at dial.acl.gov. And Deaf and hard-of-hearing callers who use American Sign Language can contact DIAL by clicking here.

(NewsUSA) - When I Stop Fighting by Daryl Dittmer

“Just like water seeks its own level, so does everything else, including idiots. I was one of those at that point in my life.”

Here’s an eye-opening, honest, unapologetic take on life -- about overcoming obstacles, overcoming addictions, and taking risks. The author is a regular guy with a regular upbringing. He was not living anything close to a productive, happy, fulfilling life. He was digging himself deeper into the quagmire of dysfunction, addiction to drugs and alcohol, hiding, fears, and dishonesty.

A moment of honesty and clarity shone a flicker of hope and opened his eyes to the potential for a different way of approaching life. This is a must-read if you or someone you know is struggling, stuck, scared, unsure, or in need of a brand-new way of perceiving themselves, their world, and this journey we call life.  Purchase at https://bit.ly/3Y4DMBG.

Peach Tea Smash by Laura Childs

Murder at an Alice in Wonderland–themed event threatens to send Theodosia Browning through the looking glass in the latest entry in this New York Times bestselling series.

During the Mad Hatter Masquerade, a fundraiser hosted by the Friends of the Opera on the grounds of the old Pendleton Grist Mill, Harlan Sadler, husband of Cricket Sadler, the chairwoman, is killed. He’s been hit in the head with a croquet mallet, and his body hung on the chains and paddles of the grist mill.

Nobody can figure out why since Harlan was much beloved by everyone. It’s only after Cricket and Delaine beg Theodosia to investigate that she realizes the killer might have mistaken Harlan for his crazy son, Duke. After all, Duke is a slum landlord and recently injured a woman in a boating accident. Includes delicious recipes and tea time tips! Purchase at https://bit.ly/3VathuV.

Vermilion Harvest by Reenita M. Hora

“A stunning love story amidst one of the darkest moments in modern Indian history.”

In a politically tense Amritsar in 1919, an Anglo-Indian schoolteacher and a feisty Muslim student activist fall in love, but find that courting openly is easier said than done. Not only are they from different communities but his political activism comes at the cost of their romance.

Against the deadline of a ticking timebomb, the schoolteacher must find her lover to warn him about General Dyer’s impending attack on Jallianwallah Bagh. But will she succeed in getting to the venue on time? “Playtime at the Bagh” during Baisakhi is a metaphor for General Dyer’s game of bullets in Jallianwallah Bagh on April 13, 1919.

Love, hate, denial and betrayal are wrapped inside a single love story capturing today’s hope with yesterday’s despair. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3W0P5bd.

500 Ways to Eat Like a Local by Jon Douglas

Hungry readers will delight in the intriguing stories behind the Philly cheesesteak, the Chicago-style hot dog, Nashville hot chicken and hundreds more of the best regional foods in the United States. Explore dishes that are only found in certain parts of the country or are connected to a particular place where they originated – including 16 different styles of pizza, 17 kinds of pie and 18 types of burgers.

Buy a copy for yourself (or a friend) if you’re fascinated by culinary history, planning a trip to an unfamiliar part of the U.S. or a fan of Roadfood. Includes more than 1,000 restaurant suggestions, and available in both paperback and ebook formats. Readers say: “A must for your next cross-country sojourn … thoughtful and well-researched … hugely detailed and entertainingly well-written.” A #1 Amazon bestseller! Purchase at bit.ly/eatlikealocalus.

(NewsUSA) - Newly diagnosed college student Trevor Dixon shows that managing diabetes doesn’t get in the way of an active life at the transition to adulthood

Trevor was in his second semester of his senior year in high school, when he found himself feeling abnormally thirsty and needing to use the bathroom excessively. He first dismissed it as a symptom of all the exercise he was doing. However, after his mother encouraged him to pay a visit to the family doctor, it was clear all was not well.

Trevor commented; “Born in Arizona, you would think I would drink a lot of water, as it’s usually hot most of the year. But I never really did drink a ton of water or need the bathroom so frequently, so this was strange for me.”

The doctor ran some tests and Trevor’s blood glucose levels were far too high. After being rushed to the ER, Trevor was shocked to learn that he had type 1 diabetes.

The time after the diagnosis was a frightening and confusing period for Trevor and his mother, especially since he was preparing to attend college out-of-state in a matter of weeks. Suddenly, passing finals, enjoying summer and setting up a new life in Southern California seemed more daunting than ever.

Trevor would have to adapt to managing a condition that he knew little about, quickly. Thankfully, there is diabetes education available to people who need support.

One of the big changes Trevor had to make was to his diet and nutrition. He was always partial to sweet things and sodas, but all that had to change; “the biggest thing for me, was I had a sweet tooth, like my mom. After my diagnosis, sweets became a rare treat on occasion,” Trevor said.

Trevor and his mom spoke to their doctor to learn about all the options available to help reduce the burden of managing diabetes effectively. He tried a range of traditional short-term continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), but found them bulky and felt they didn’t work for his lifestyle. He had trouble with the accuracy of some CGMs and felt frustrated that others would be easily knocked off.

Trevor wanted to manage his diabetes and not the limitations of his CGM. He wanted to live his life without worry and pursue his passion of swimming. He wanted to feel comfortable managing his diabetes as he left home for college.

After returning to the doctor for more answers, Trevor’s mom spotted a poster for Eversense and they decided to give it a try. Eversense is the world’s first and only fully implantable long-term CGM and the latest version, Eversense E3, lasts for 180 days vs. just a week or two for other available CGMs.

Trevor acquired his Eversense E3 and began studies at a University in Southern California.

The unique design of the Eversense E3 CGM simplified Trevor’s diabetes management, allowing his life as a college student to be less interrupted by diabetes. The implantable sensor, paired with the removable smart transmitter, is an especially useful feature for Trevor, as it makes swimming for the college team easier.

Trevor also appreciates several other features of Eversense that make his life easier and reduces the burden on him day-to-day, including the discrete on-body vibrations, which don’t draw attention during his college classes.

“Eversense has on-body vibration alerts, which means I can choose to have cell phone notifications either on or off and still manage my diabetes. This is nice because my phone isn't going off all the time in situations like classes where that would be embarrassing to me personally.” Trevor said.

Eversense makes it easy for Trevor to check his real-time glucose readings, glucose trends, as well as receive alerts that predict hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, all while maintaining his active, busy life. This has been particularly reassuring for Trevor’s mom, who worried about him looking after himself away from home for the first time – and that was before he was diagnosed with diabetes!

Trevor is now a college sophomore, majoring in business and finance. He is on his fourth 180-day Eversense sensor, and doesn’t let diabetes slow him down from swimming, studying and spending time at the beach with friends.

“Make sure some of your friends know about your condition, so they can offer support if you need it,” says Trevor. But overall, Trevor says he has been able to incorporate diabetes management into his life without much fuss, thanks to Eversense.

The Eversense E3 is broadly covered for people living with diabetes across the United States. For more information about successfully managing diabetes, visit EversenseDiabetes.com/get-started-today.

Trevor Dixon is an Eversense brand ambassador and this article was sponsored by Ascensia Diabetes Care