(NewsUSA) - Shopping online is easy and convenient—you can find almost anything, from snacks to sneakers. But not every product is what it seems. While most sellers are honest, some try to take advantage of shoppers by offering counterfeit goods.

That’s why at Walmart we’ve built layers of protection into the shopping experience—to help you shop with confidence. Here's how to stay sharp when shopping anywhere online.

How to Identify a Counterfeit Product

• Check the Seller's Reputation: Always look at the seller's ratings and reviews on the platform. A strong, positive track record and customer reviews are good signs. Be wary of brand-new sellers with no history or negative reviews.
• Examine Listings Carefully: Be cautious of listings with poor-quality images, blurred logos, misspelled brand names, or spelling and grammar errors in the product description. Trusted sellers with authentic listings typically feature clear, professional photos and detailed, accurate information.
• Compare Prices: If a price seems "too good to be true," it likely is. Extremely low prices for a typically expensive item, especially when compared to other reputable sellers, are a major red flag for fakes.

• Trust Your Instincts: If something about a listing or a seller feels off, move on. Seek out other, more trusted sellers on the marketplace. Your gut feeling can often be a good indicator.
• Review Return and Warranty Policies: Reputable sellers typically offer clear and transparent return, refund, and warranty policies. Look for these details before buying, as a lack of clear policies can be a red flag.

At Walmart, before a seller can list items on Walmart.com, they go through an identity and business check. We also use smart tools and teams of people to review listings and remove any items or sellers that do not meet our standards. If you do see something that doesn’t seem right—like a suspicious item or seller—say something! You can report them to us, details here. And if a customer isn’t satisfied—for any reason—our return policy is designed to make things right, quickly and easily.

With all these protections in place, you can truly shop with peace of mind. The truth is, the vast majority of items sold online are authentic and sold by trustworthy sellers. By combining our robust safeguards with these simple tricks, you can navigate the online marketplace with even more confidence.

(NewsUSA) - If there’s one product redefining undereye makeup prep and touch-ups right now, it’s RoC’s Revive + Glow Eye Balm. This eye balm will be your new favorite makeup hack, as it revives tired eyes and restores a more youthful appearance.

RoC’s Revive + Glow Eye Balm effortlessly glides on the skin with its unique stick format, instantly refreshing the under-eye area with just a swipe. The balm targets dark circles and puffiness, leaving the skin looking brighter and more awake.

But it doesn’t stop there. This eye balm has gone viral, with beauty enthusiasts calling it a “concealer essential” to help prevent and smooth undereye creasing and dryness. The nourishing formula, packed with Peptides and Vitamin C, firms and hydrates the under-eye area, creating a smooth canvas for concealer. What’s even better? It works on top of concealer too, making it the perfect mid-day touch-up tool for smoothing dry makeup patches and reviving tired eyes, without disrupting your look.

Shoppers catching on to the viral hack are calling the eye balm a “game-changer” for undereye revival, and clinical studies certainly back up its virality. Instantly, eyes are brighter and refreshed, and in 4 weeks, 90% saw visibly revived eyes with reduced dark circles & puffiness.

“Nothing ruins the look of makeup worse than a creasing concealer. The majority of mature women struggle with this and almost give up on makeup” said Erica Taylor, makeup artist, beauty educator, and digital creator. “The RoC Revive + Glow Eye Balm is the best prep before concealer as well as a quick fix on the go, even over powder. Just pat and release your crease.” 

For mature or dry under-eyes, use your ring finger to gently press the eye balm into your concealer, allowing the formulas to melt together and create a blended, crease-free finish. This technique not only prevents cakiness, but also softens the look of fine lines.

It’s no surprise this product has gone viral, and one is sold every 20 seconds¹.

Visit rocskincare.com or visit Walmart to get your hands on the viral eye balm that’s changing the way we perfect our concealer routine, providing a flawless finish at all times of day.

^{1Based on Internal RoC sales data in units from 12/30/24 to 7/6/25.}

(Jane Kamensky and John Bridgeland) - On July 4, 2025, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello hosted its 63rd annual immigration and naturalization ceremony, swearing in 74 new American citizens from 40 countries across five continents. Their stories remind us of the promise of the Declaration of Independence we celebrate in this 249th anniversary year.

Jefferson would have approved. The ability to leave one's country and join another was, he wrote in 1817, a "natural right, like that of our right to life, liberty, … and the pursuit of happiness” he enumerated in the Declaration decades before.

Keynote speaker Ken Burns captured the spirit of the day by noting that in 1776 -- when kings ruled in France and Britain, a Czarina in St. Petersburg, an emperor in China, a Sultan in Constantinople, and a Shogun in Japan -- men in Philadelphia envisioned a system and wrote words in a Declaration that "turned the world upside down." And out of the Revolutionary War, Burns said, America "came to be about the noblest aspirations of humankind."

Judge John Charles Thomas, the first Black American appointed to Virginia's Supreme Court, declaimed the Declaration's preamble to a roaring crowd. Judge Michael Urbanski noted these new citizens were taking the same oath new Americans had pledged since President Jefferson signed the Naturalization Act of 1802.

Like many American leaders since, Jefferson believed immigration made our country stronger, fairer, richer, and truer to its ideals.

A young woman recounted fleeing Afghanistan in 2020 for “safety, freedom and dignity.” A 35-year-old woman from Peru said she waited decades, like so many others, to become an American. An Irishman became a U.S. citizen “to have my voice count as a parent, neighbor and citizen.” An older woman from Syria simply danced with joy.

As those who witness naturalization ceremonies know, they are powerful reminders to Americans born in this country of why we should value it. In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson said to new citizens in Philadelphia: “if some of us have forgotten what America believed in, you…imported in your own hearts a renewal of the belief…. If I have in any degree forgotten what America was intended for, I will thank God if you will remind me.”

In the century that preceded the Declaration of Independence, almost everyone in the 13 American colonies – whether of European or African descent – had arrived there from someplace else, often within two generations or less. Even Native Americans uprooted often, sometimes in response to European migrations. Since 1776, the United States has constantly been reborn by drawing in populations from around the world, breathing life into the country's motto, e pluribus unum.

As America moves into the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, we ought to learn more about our country's plural origin story, and the ways we became one, born from many. Our founding ideals have endured the test of time precisely because of the recommitment we saw on Jefferson's mountaintop on July 4: a ceremony that spurred us all to renew our oath. Our new and varied fellow Americans breathe fresh life into those ancient ideals and remind us of the relevance they hold for our world today and for future generations.

To learn more about the Declaration of Independence, download these materials at Declaration Book Club.

(NewsUSA) - The second AI+ Expo took place in Washington, D.C., from June 2-4, 2025, and served as a stark reminder of the lightning pace of AI development, according to Ylli Bajraktari, president of the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP).

The event was sponsored by SCSP, a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in artificial intelligence (AI). More than 15,000 attendees represented a vital cross-section of innovators, policy-makers, and leaders coming together to discuss and brainstorm the challenges of maintaining America's national security and economic vitality with help from cutting-edge AI technology.

Some key features of the AI+ Expo included:

-Challenging Competitions. The AI+ Expo's Drone Arena hosted the first U.S. military drone competition held in Washington, including not only military teams, but also high school and college students. Attendees looking to bend their brains signed up for an on-site hackathon that challenged the boundaries of AI problem-solving.

-Meeting and Mingling. The AI+ Careers Stage featured professional discussions about AI-related jobs. The accompanying Talent Marketplace allowed professionals in the public and private sectors to network one-on-one about the future of AI-related jobs and the impact of AI on the workforce and workplace. Job-seekers looking to pursue new careers in AI found opportunities to connect with potential employers.

-Expert Insights. Eight stages, special event rooms, and other venues provided the forums for experts to share vital insights about the future of technology and the impact on American security and success over the three-day conference.

-Books and Demos. The Expo exhibition floor was a celebration of American ingenuity, with more than 160 participants sharing the latest in AI technology. In addition, a dedicated bookstore space hosted book talks, signings, discussions, and Q&As.

Concurrently with the AI+Expo, SCSP hosted The Exchange: Advancing the Legacy of Innovation and National Security. Panelists discussed ways to advance collaboration in AI and other technology across platforms to improve national security. The SCSP Exchanges were inspired by Dr. Ash Carter, the 25th Secretary of Defense, whose pioneering work initiated a transformational change across the U.S. government.

To watch the AI+Expo, visit SCSP's YouTube and to learn more about SCSP, visit scsp.ai.

(Gene Lanzoni, Head of Enterprise Content, Guardian) - For many people, the term “well-being” may bring to mind a quiet walk outdoors or a trip to the gym. In fact, according to this year’s Mind, Body, and Wallet® report from The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), most Americans (93%) say that physical and mental health are essential or very important to their overall well-being. Safety and security and healthy relationships also rank highly as key factors impacting their wellness.

When it comes to how people achieve their wellness goals, financial health plays an important role. Put simply, when individuals have poor financial health, it’s often much harder for them to achieve their mental and physical health goals. For example, rising healthcare costs mean many Americans are skipping routine or preventive doctors’ appointments, and market uncertainty can lead to stress around retirement planning.

Given the importance of financial health to supporting overall well-being, it’s especially concerning that a significant number of Americans are struggling with their finances. The same Guardian report found that only 30% of Americans say they have good financial health—a significant drop from 44% in 2022 and an all-time low in the 14-year history of the report.

In sum, financial wellness is about more than building wealth. By lowering stress and freeing up time to attend to physical and mental wellness needs, good financial health can help improve overall well-being in countless ways.

So how can you help support your financial wellness in order to pursue your mental and physical well-being goals? Here are a few ways to get started.

• Take a closer look at the benefits you already have: If you’re currently working, your employer might offer benefits that can help with your financial health. Take the time to learn about these options, especially non-health insurance offerings. For example, life and disability insurance can provide financial confidence in case the unexpected happens. Supplemental health plans like accident, critical illness, cancer, or hospital indemnity insurance can give you extra support by paying a cash benefit directly to you for getting preventive care or if you are hospitalized. Talking to your HR team is a great first step to understanding what’s available and making sure you’re taking full advantage of these resources.
• Start planning for your future today: Having a clear retirement savings plan can help reduce unnecessary stress. To build this plan, begin by reviewing the savings you already have, then assess your current expenses and how they might change in retirement. Don’t forget to account for inflation. Once you have a basic idea of your retirement income needs, you can develop or adjust your savings plan to fill any gaps. This might mean putting more money into your retirement account or adding new products like annuities to your savings strategy. The sooner you start, the better prepared you’ll be for a happy and secure retirement.
• Connect with a financial professional: By working with a financial professional, you can access the tools, solutions, and advice needed to plan for today and the future. Financial professionals can help you develop a plan to support your short- and long-term financial goals. With the support of a financial professional, you can feel more confident in your financial wellness and empowered to achieve your broader wellness goals.

To learn more, visit https://www.guardianlife.com/reports/mind-body-wallet.

Disclaimer

Guardian’s Group Insurance products are underwritten and issued by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY.  Products are not available in all states.

Material discussed is meant for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, medical, or financial advice. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, medical or finance advice. Consult your tax, legal, medical or finance professional regarding your individual situation.

Guardian® is a registered trademark of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY. Copyright© 2025 The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. All rights reserved.

8108285.1 (06/2027)

(Jane Kamensky & John Bridgeland) - On July 4, 2025, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello hosted its 63rd annual immigration and naturalization ceremony, swearing in 74 new American citizens from 40 countries across five continents. Their stories remind us of the promise of the Declaration of Independence we celebrate in this 249th anniversary year.

Jefferson would have approved. The ability to leave one's country and join another was, he wrote in 1817, a "natural right, like that of our right to life, liberty, … and the pursuit of happiness” he enumerated in the Declaration decades before.

Keynote speaker Ken Burns captured the spirit of the day by noting that in 1776 -- when kings ruled in France and Britain, a Czarina in St. Petersburg, an emperor in China, a Sultan in Constantinople, and a Shogun in Japan -- men in Philadelphia envisioned a system and wrote words in a Declaration that "turned the world upside down." And out of the Revolutionary War, Burns said, America "came to be about the noblest aspirations of humankind."

Judge John Charles Thomas, the first Black American appointed to Virginia's Supreme Court, declaimed the Declaration's preamble to a roaring crowd. Judge Michael Urbanski noted these new citizens were taking the same oath new Americans had pledged since President Jefferson signed the Naturalization Act of 1802.

Like many American leaders since, Jefferson believed immigration made our country stronger, fairer, richer, and truer to its ideals.

A young woman recounted fleeing Afghanistan in 2020 for “safety, freedom and dignity.” A 35-year-old woman from Peru said she waited decades, like so many others, to become an American. An Irishman became a U.S. citizen “to have my voice count as a parent, neighbor and citizen.” An older woman from Syria simply danced with joy.

As those who witness naturalization ceremonies know, they are powerful reminders to Americans born in this country of why we should value it. In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson said to new citizens in Philadelphia: “if some of us have forgotten what America believed in, you…imported in your own hearts a renewal of the belief…. If I have in any degree forgotten what America was intended for, I will thank God if you will remind me.”

In the century that preceded the Declaration of Independence, almost everyone in the 13 American colonies – whether of European or African descent – had arrived there from someplace else, often within two generations or less. Even Native Americans uprooted often, sometimes in response to European migrations. Since 1776, the United States has constantly been reborn by drawing in populations from around the world, breathing life into the country's motto, e pluribus unum.

As America moves into the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, we ought to learn more about our country's plural origin story, and the ways we became one, born from many. Our founding ideals have endured the test of time precisely because of the recommitment we saw on Jefferson's mountaintop on July 4: a ceremony that spurred us all to renew our oath. Our new and varied fellow Americans breathe fresh life into those ancient ideals and remind us of the relevance they hold for our world today and for future generations.

To learn more about the Declaration of Independence, download these materials at Declaration Book Club.

(NewsUSA) - “Moscow Nights Return” by Beth H. Macy

After years in semi-retirement, Cold War spy Elda Ainsworth is sent by the American government to extract her friend Korinna Federov, a Russian translator for the Kremlin. KGB operative Anatoly Petrov’s mission is to eliminate Korinna, thus ensuring the covert activities of both the American and Russian presidents are kept secret.

The delicate balance of peace is on the line as Elda squares off against Anatoly in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase across Russia and Europe. Alone against the power and resources of the Kremlin, are Elda’s wits and skills enough to save Korinna and win one for America in the new Cold War?

“Moscow Nights Return” is the first book in a gripping series of spy thrillers that bring alive flawed characters who operate in this clandestine world of international espionage. The fifth book in the Moscow Nights series will be released in the fall. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4fnlRuN.

“Falling Angels: A Maxx King Thriller” by John H. Thomas

In the explosive finale of the Maxx King trilogy, former Army Ranger Maxx King, a cybersecurity expert, faces a conspiracy that could end humanity. From Seattle’s secret labs to Beijing’s frenetic streets and Afghanistan’s war-torn mountains, Maxx and his team of allies — fierce Gabby, steadfast Andres and loyal Glen — hunt a rogue ex-DARPA scientist, traitor CIA operatives, and an Iranian physicist wielding technology that could trigger chaos on a cataclysmic scale.

The clock is ticking. Betrayals sting like shrapnel. In a pulse-pounding showdown, he must outmaneuver a killer who never misses, averting global catastrophe and saving the woman he loves.

“Falling Angels” is a merciless thriller packed with loyalty, betrayal and unbreakable spirit. This Maxx King saga finale grips readers with relentless suspense and gut-wrenching emotion. Jack Slater and Matthew Reilly fans will love this: one rule applies when facing a world-ending conspiracy — don’t blink. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4jUOKki.

“Homo Idioticus: Why We Are Stupid and What to Do About It” by Cezary Pietrasik

We are not Homo sapiens or Homo economicus; we are Homo idioticus.

- IQs in developed countries have been declining since 1995

- 10% of Americans use their phones during sex

- 40% of Americans reject the theory of evolution

- Nearly 40% of the world’s population has not completed high school

- 86% of American teens cannot differentiate between fact and opinion

“Homo Idioticus” explores the paradox of human intelligence and irrationality, delving into the roots of this idiocy, from biology to societal norms to systemic flaws, using vivid historical and modern examples to illustrate our follies.

With humor, compelling anecdotes and a clear sense of urgency, “Homo Idioticus” challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human behavior by providing a profound exploration of how humans can be their own worst enemies — and how we, both individually and collectively, can fight back. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ZAfSy3.

“High Flight: A Pilot's Journey Through Life” by Richard Hess

Richard Hess, born John Patrick Aliano, began life in a typical middle-class household. His parents divorced when he was just a toddler, and after his mom remarried, she gave him her new husband's surname, further distancing him from his paternal roots. Growing up on New York's mean streets with an abusive stepfather taught Richard grit at a very early age.

This grit followed him into the United States Air Force, which became his surrogate patriarch for the next 28 years. During his service, Richard learned to leave his scars behind. Now, after 50 years of marriage, raising three kids, fighting in nine war zones and traveling to countless countries, he's gained a certain perspective on life.

Richard's years spent as a military pilot, airline captain and businessman have given him an education in life, love and faith — an education that begs to be shared. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3FZEMAr.

(NewsUSA) - A medida que volvemos a hacer viajes, cocinar en el patio y pasar tiempo con los amigos y familiares este verano, el COVID-19 sigue siendo algo a lo que debemos prestar atención. Aunque el virus ya no ocupe los titulares, no ha desaparecido. De hecho, en cada uno de los últimos cuatro años, los casos de COVID-19 han aumentado en julio y agosto (en inglés).

¿Por qué sucede esto? El calor del verano suele invitar a las reuniones en espacios interiores y eventos en lugares con aire acondicionado, más viajes y más tiempo cerca de otras personas. Estas son algunas de las razones por las que el virus tiene más oportunidades de propagarse.

Aunque un caso leve de COVID-19 puede sentirse como un resfriado fuerte para algunas personas, en muchas otras puede causar problemas de salud graves, hospitalización o incluso la muerte. Los médicos afirman que casi 3 de cada 4 adultos en los Estados Unidos están con riesgo de enfermarse gravemente a causa del COVID-19. Esto incluye a personas con afecciones de salud comunes como enfermedades cardíacas, diabetes, cáncer, asma y otros problemas pulmonares. Incluso los adultos mayores de 50 años tienen más probabilidades de enfermarse de gravedad suficiente como para necesitar atención médica.

Las vacunas siguen siendo una defensa fuerte contra el COVID-19, pero puede que no protejan completamente a todas las personas, especialmente a quienes tienen otras afecciones de salud. Y esté alguien vacunado o no, es importante estar preparado y saber que existen tratamientos antivirales que pueden ayudar.

¿Qué son los antivirales?

Los medicamentos antivirales pueden ayudar a tu cuerpo a combatir el virus. Pueden evitar que los síntomas empeoren y prevenir una enfermedad más grave, reduciendo así la posibilidad de ser hospitalizado o morir por el COVID-19. Funcionan mejor si se toman dentro de los cinco días después de que comienzan los primeros síntomas. Por eso, actuar con rapidez es muy importante.

Muchas personas que podrían beneficiarse del tratamiento no saben que lo pueden recibir o no saben cómo encontrarlo rápidamente. Esto puede causar demoras, lo que hace que el medicamento sea menos eficaz.

“Algunas personas piensan que si ya se vacunaron o se sienten saludables, no necesitan tratamiento”, dijo Karyne Jones, presidenta y directora ejecutiva de NCBA, Inc. y convocante de CVEEP. “Pero eso no siempre es cierto. El COVID-19 aún puede causar enfermedad grave en muchas personas. Saber cuándo tomar antivirales y cómo obtenerlos puede ayudar a salvar vidas”.

Lo que puedes hacer ahora

Si te encuentras en el grupo de mayor riesgo de presentar complicaciones a causa del COVID-19, aquí hay algunos pasos que puedes dar para mantenerte seguro:

Conoce tu riesgo de enfermarte gravemente: Si tienes 50 años o más, o si tienes asma, cáncer, diabetes, una enfermedad cardíaca u otra afección de salud, es posible que tengas mayor riesgo de presentar una enfermedad grave por el COVID-19.

Habla con tu proveedor de atención médica: Pregunta si te convendría un tratamiento antiviral y dónde conseguirlo.

No esperes si comienzas a sentirte mal: Los antivirales funcionan mejor cuando se toman temprano, especialmente dentro de los primeros días después de que aparecen los síntomas.

El COVID-19 aún está presente, pero contamos con las herramientas para combatirlo. Estar preparado, mantenerse alerta y actuar con rapidez son las mejores formas de proteger tu salud y disfrutar del verano.

Para obtener más información, visita https://cveep.org/es/.

(NewsUSA) - As we get back to summer travel, cookouts, and time with friends and family, COVID-19 is still something to watch out for. While the virus may not be making big headlines, it hasn’t gone away. In fact, in each of the last four years, COVID-19 rates have gone up in July and August.

Why does this happen? The summer heat often means more indoor get-togethers and events in air-conditioned spaces, more travel, and more time spent around other people. These are just a few of the things that give the virus more chances to spread.

While a mild case of COVID-19 may feel like a bad cold for some, it can lead to serious health issues, hospitalization, or even death for many others. Doctors say nearly 3 out of 4 U.S. adults are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. This includes people with common health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, asthma and other lung problems. Even adults over age 50 have a greater chance of getting sick enough to need medical care.

Vaccines are still a strong defense against COVID-19. But they may not fully protect everyone, especially those with other health issues. And whether someone’s vaccinated or not, it’s important to be prepared and know that there are antiviral treatments that can help.

What Are Antivirals?

Antiviral medicines can help your body fight off the virus. They can help stop symptoms from getting worse and prevent more serious illness, lowering the chance of going to the hospital or dying from COVID-19. They work best if you take them within five days after the first symptoms start. So, acting fast is very important.

Many people who could benefit from treatment don’t know they can get it or don’t know how to find it quickly. This can cause delays, which makes the medicine less helpful.

“Some people think that if they got the vaccine or feel healthy, they don’t need treatment,” said Karyne Jones, President and CEO of NCBA, Inc. and co-convener of CVEEP. “But that’s not always true. COVID-19 can still cause serious illness for many people. Knowing when to take antivirals, and how to get them, can help save lives.”

What You Can Do Now

If you are more likely to have problems from COVID-19, here are a few steps you can take to stay safe:

Know your chance of getting very sick: If you’re age 50 or older—or have asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or another health issue—you may be more likely to get very ill from COVID-19.

Talk to your healthcare provider: Ask if you might be someone who would benefit from an antiviral treatment and where to get it.
Don’t wait if you start to feel sick: Antivirals work best when taken early, especially within a few days of symptoms.

COVID-19 is still around, but we have tools to fight it. Being ready, staying alert, and acting quickly are the best ways to protect your health and enjoy your summer.

To learn more, visit cveep.org.

(NewsUSA) - The path to a sustainable energy future hinges not only on wind, solar, and battery storage systems—but also on the skilled individuals who build, maintain, and operate them. A diverse, well-trained workforce is essential to the future of clean energy. Yet, too often, investments focus exclusively on technology, overlooking the people who make these innovations possible.

Clean energy currently provides direct, indirect, and induced good-paying jobs for approximately 1.4 million Americans. Roles such as wind turbine technicians and solar installers rank among the fastest-growing careers in the nation. Consider the case of wind turbine technicians: these professionals install, maintain, and repair turbines, ensuring energy continues to flow with minimal downtime. Entry into the field requires no prior degree or experience, and a starting salary between $45,000 and $65,000 is achievable after just 6–8 weeks of basic safety and technical training, followed by on-the-job training for in-field application of skills. These facts underscore the clean energy sector’s capacity to offer accessible and upwardly mobile careers, often times in rural and disadvantaged areas.

Veterans also play a particularly vital role in this transition, comprising 9% of the clean energy workforce—a figure higher than the average for other industries. With leadership, discipline, and technical expertise developed through service, veterans are uniquely positioned to succeed in clean energy roles.

Despite clean energy jobs now outpacing fossil fuel roles nearly three to one, continued progress depends on sustained investment in workforce development. Scaling training programs across a range of skills—from welding and electrical work to trouble-shooting and project management—is essential. Prioritizing underserved populations, including veterans, women, rural communities, and traditional energy workers, will help ensure that the energy transition is both equitable and robust.

Federal and state leaders are elevating workforce development as a national priority, especially for skilled trades. Earlier this year, the White House issued executive orders elevating programming for career and technical education and directing federal agencies to expand pathways to high-paying trade jobs of the future. And at the state level, workforce development remains a key policy focus, with bipartisan support for expanding career and technical education programs.

Strengthening the clean energy workforce is about more than meeting job demand. It is a catalyst for regional revitalization, economic opportunity, and enhanced national competitiveness. The clean energy future is not a distant goal—it is being realized now, through the efforts of skilled technicians, engineers, and project managers across the country. To power that future, bold alignment across policy, education, and industry is required—not just in support of equipment, but in support of the people who make it all possible.