(NewsUSA) - The Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program’s Operation Turn the Page initiative continues throughout September, putting books in the hands of children living in low-income communities across the country. Rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream, Operation Turn the Page highlights the life-changing impact of reaching children who may otherwise have few or no books to call their own. For many of these children, a single book can spark a love of reading, build confidence, and open the door to opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

Helping turn that mission into reality is Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media company. Scholastic has served as a valued partner of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program since 1998 and has helped provide books to millions of students, teachers, and families nationwide.

Together, the organizations are giving children more than stories to read. They are opening doors to imagination, building confidence in young readers, and creating opportunities that can last a lifetime.

One of the most impactful examples of this partnership can be seen in its support of Title I funded schools.Through collaborative efforts between the Toys for Tots Literacy Program and Scholastic, 146 Title I funded schools have received book donations so far in 2026, resulting in the distribution of 79,070 books to students and classrooms. For many children, these books represent far more than stories on a page. They provide opportunities to explore new worlds, strengthen reading skills, and develop a love of learning that can influence the trajectory of their education and future success.

Scholastic’s support has also enabled the Toys for Tots Literacy Program to partner with the Kids In Need Foundation. This year, the effort has supported 3,800 teachers in Portland, Oregon; Dayton, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; Wichita, Kansas; and Little Canada, Minnesota. By providing 4,021 educational resources, including 2,100 books and 1,921 teacher supplies, the organizations are helping educators create engaging learning environments where students can thrive. These resources empower teachers to focus on what matters most: inspiring a love of reading and helping every child reach their potential.

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program and Scholastic have also supported projects designed to meet unique community needs. At Atlantic Coast High School in Jacksonville, Florida, the organizations provided 250 books to students, expanding access to educational resources and supporting academic achievement. In Tucson, Arizona, 210 books were distributed through a partnership with the Tucson Police Department, demonstrating how literacy can strengthen community connections and bring people together around a shared commitment to helping children succeed.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to discover the power of a book, and our partnership with Scholastic is helping make that possible for thousands of children across the Nation,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, U.S. Marines (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “When a child turns the page of a book, they also turn the page toward new possibilities in life.”

The continued success of these initiatives and the partnership between the Toys for Tots Literacy Program and Scholastic are testaments to what can be achieved when organizations unite around a common purpose. Together, they are helping disadvantaged children across America Turn the Page Toward Opportunity, one book, one child, and one future at a time.

To learn more about the Toys for Tots Literacy Program or to donate, visit https://www.toysfortots.org/programs/literacy-program.

(NewsUSA) - In 2018, then-52-year-old Todd Repass Jr. stood up after a meal and immediately knew something was wrong. It was terrifying. He felt weak, short of breath, and, at times, dizzy. The eventual diagnosis – atrial fibrillation (AFib) – kicked off a nearly seven-year health journey, during which he leaned on his son, an employee of medical device manufacturer, Medtronic, for guidance. 

“You just have no clue what’s happening to you,” Todd recalls. “So, you’re confused, you’re scared.”

Atrial fibrillation, commonly called AFib, is an irregular heart rhythm that occurs when the heart’s upper chambers beat out of rhythm. It impacts more than 10 million U.S. adults and can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.1 For Todd, receiving the diagnosis brought a new level of uncertainty as he tried to understand what AFib meant for his health and daily life. 

Over the next several years, Todd tried medication, cardioversion (a procedure intended to restore a regular heartbeat), and lifestyle changes, including adjustments to his diet and sleep schedule. Despite these efforts, his AFib remained unpredictable and disruptive. During episodes, he often felt weak and short of breath and struggled with everyday activities – even short walks with his four golden retrievers. Some of Todd’s AFib episodes would last continuously for weeks or even months at a time.

Throughout those years of uncertainty, Todd’s wife was a constant source of support. She stood beside him through the uncertainty of his AFib episodes, doctor visits, cardioversions, procedures, and recovery—caring for him through the difficult days while continually encouraging him to keep looking for answers.

“My wife was there for me through all of it,” Todd says. “When I was scared, frustrated, or just didn’t feel like myself, she was the person beside me every day.”

While cardioversions and medication helped lessen some of the symptoms, his AFib remained elusive. His doctors used in-office electrocardiograms (EKGs) and prescribed externally worn, temporary Holter monitors. These external cardiac monitoring solutions were prescribed for short durations, often less than 30 days at a time, and were often not able to record his unpredictable AFib episodes. The uncertainty remained.

“The AFib diagnosis is not necessarily the hardest part,” Todd says. “It’s the day-to-day uncertainty that comes with not knowing how to track what’s happening.” 

Determined to better understand and manage his condition, Todd began doing his own research, leaning on his son along the way. 

“He was a reassuring best friend all the way through it,” Todd says. “He helped me better understand the technologies that were available and pointed me toward information I could research and discuss with my doctors. Having someone I trusted who understood the medical device field gave me both knowledge and reassurance throughout the journey.”

After discussing options with his care team, Todd’s cardiologist recommended the Medtronic LINQ II™ insertable cardiac monitor (ICM). Placed just under the skin, the small device (about 1/3 the size of an AAA battery) continuously monitors the heart and transmits abnormal heart rhythm information to a patient’s care team.

The outpatient procedure took only a few minutes. Afterward, he downloaded the MyCareLink Heart™ mobile app, which allowed him to record symptoms on his cell phone when he felt dizzy, weak, or out of rhythm. 

“The app was easy to use and gave me peace of mind knowing I had a way to capture what I was feeling when it happened,” Todd says.

For the first time, Todd no longer had to hope an episode would occur during a scheduled test. When he felt symptoms, he could record them in the app, and his care team could compare what he felt with the heart rhythm information collected by the device. 

For several months, the ICM recorded episodes of AFib and other abnormal heart rates, providing Todd’s care team with additional diagnostic information to help inform a more targeted treatment strategy. Doctors recommended Todd would be a strong candidate for a type of cardiac ablation procedure called pulsed field ablation (PFA) using the Medtronic Affera™ mapping and ablation system and the Sphere-9™ catheter. The all-in-one dual-energy catheter uses both short electrical pulses and radiofrequency energy to target heart tissue responsible for the abnormal electrical signals that cause AFib.

More than a year after his ablation procedure, Todd is AFib-free, and his LINQ II ICM continues to monitor. Not only does Todd feel better, but the continued monitoring also provides reassurance that his AFib is under control while giving his care team a consistent view of his heart rhythm activity.

Today, Todd is enjoying life with his family and spends far less time worrying about his AFib. He exercises, participates more fully in family activities, and spends plenty of time walking and caring for their golden retrievers. He no longer organizes his entire day around trying to prevent a possible AFib trigger. 

Looking back, Todd credits the strength of his family with helping him navigate the years of uncertainty that came with AFib. His wife provided the constant love and care that carried him through the most difficult periods, while his son empowered him to ask questions, better understand the available technologies, and have more informed conversations with his healthcare team. For Todd, their support reinforced how important a strong support system can be when facing a long and uncertain health journey.

“Getting the LINQ II ICM and the ablation with the Affera system were the best health decisions I’ve ever made in my life,” Todd says. 

If you have AFib or are experiencing symptoms of an irregular heart rhythm, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, fluttering, racing, or pounding feeling in the chest, talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment options. This is one patient’s experience; results may vary. Learn more about atrial fibrillation and available treatment options. 

Possible risks associated with the implant of the LINQ™ Family ICMs include, but are not limited to, infection at the surgical site, device migration, erosion of the device through the skin and/or sensitivity to the device material. For important safety information, see: https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/patients/treatments-therapies/insertable-heart-monitors/getting-monitor/important-safety-information.html.

Possible risks associated with Sphere-9 may include stroke, pericardial tamponade, narrowing of pulmonary veins, damage to the blood vessels in your groin area, and a serious but extremely rare risk of atrio-esophageal fistula. Other risks include irritation, infection, or bleeding occurring where the catheter was inserted; the heart could be punctured; fluid may build up around the heart, or in rare cases death may occur. Please talk to your doctor to see if this treatment is right for you. For important safety information, see:  https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/l/patients/treatments-therapies/catheter-ablation-for-atrial-fibrillation.html#benefits-of-pulsed-field-ablation

• 1

  https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2024/atrial-fibrillation-estimated-affect-about-1-22-americans 

(NewsUSA) - With U.S. gasoline prices still hovering around $4.00 per gallon, according to AAA, consumers are looking for lower-cost fuel options like E15, made with 15 percent American ethanol. According to data from Growth Energy, the nation’s largest trade association for biofuel producers, the higher-ethanol blend saves motorists 30 cents per gallon on average compared to standard E10 fuel, with savings in some markets exceeding $1 per gallon. E15 can now be found at more than 5,100 gas stations in 35 states.

“E15 can deliver better performance and bigger savings every time consumers fill up their tanks,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “It’s approved for more than 96% of cars on the road — all passenger cars and light-duty trucks model year 2001 or later — so making the switch has never been easier. And with fuel prices at a four-year high, E15 can save drivers money and shield them from global market volatility.”

Also marketed as Unleaded 88 (UNL88), in recognition of the octane boost offered by ethanol, E15 is already offered by dozens of major retail chains. Drivers’ access to the fuel option has expanded rapidly since 2019, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented a series of regulatory and short-term measures to keep E15 available even during periods when seasonal regulations would otherwise restrict its sale.

Those measures have helped keep E15 available in recent summers, but Congress now has an opportunity to give drivers and fuel retailers more certainty by making year-round access to E15 permanent nationwide.

Bipartisan legislation that passed the House this May would update decades-old rules that limit when some gas stations can sell E15, aligning regulations with evidence that the higher-ethanol blend can reduce ground-level ozone formation, particulate emissions, and other air pollutants. Similar legislation is now awaiting action in the Senate.

“Permanent year-round E15 can help raise income in rural communities, strengthen American energy security, and deliver lower prices at the pump at a time when Americans need it most,” said Skor. “It’s not a mandate or a requirement — it simply gives our retail partners the freedom to offer another option to cash-strapped motorists.”

Drivers can find nearby stations selling E15 and other higher ethanol blends using Growth Energy’s Fuel Finder tool, available at GetBiofuel.com.

(NewsUSA) - For decades, companies trying to reach consumers followed a familiar formula: create a compelling story, earn or secure media exposure, and make sure the information could be found through search engines.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing that equation.

Millions of consumers are increasingly asking platforms such as ChatGPT, Google’s AI tools, Gemini, Claude and Perplexity for recommendations and answers instead of simply typing keywords into a traditional search box. For businesses, that raises a new question: What information will AI systems find when they try to understand a company, product or organization?

It is a question that News USA has been thinking about from an unusual vantage point.

Founded nearly four decades ago, News USA built its business around content syndication—the distribution of editorial-style articles through a large network of news and information publishers. The company has worked with more than 32,000 organizations over its history, helping companies and nonprofits place informative content in media outlets around the country.

Today, that established distribution infrastructure is finding a new role.

“Companies used to think primarily about whether people could find them on Google,” said Rick Smith, founder and CEO of News USA. “Now they also have to think about what artificial intelligence knows about them, where that information comes from and whether their competitors are more visible.”

News USA can distribute a single editorial article across thousands of news and information websites, creating a broad digital footprint rather than relying on a single media placement.

That distinction could become increasingly significant in an AI-driven information environment.

AI platforms evaluate enormous amounts of information published across the web when generating answers. While no company can guarantee what an AI system will say or cite, having accurate, useful information about an organization appearing across independent third-party websites can expand the body of information available online about that organization.

News USA is now combining its traditional syndication capabilities with a growing focus on AI visibility—examining how brands appear in AI-generated answers and how third-party media coverage may contribute to their broader digital authority.

The change reflects a larger transformation underway throughout marketing and public relations.

Traditional publicity is no longer simply about getting an article published. Companies increasingly need to consider how information travels from publishers to search engines and ultimately into AI-powered discovery tools.

For Smith, the technology may be changing, but the underlying principle has not.

“Whether someone is reading a newspaper, searching Google or asking an AI assistant,” he said, “credible third-party information still matters. Our job is to help organizations get their stories into places where people—and increasingly machines—can discover them.”

After nearly 40 years of syndicating stories, that may give an old communications model a surprisingly important role in the newest generation of information technology.

(NewsUSA) - As summer winds down, travelers looking to squeeze in one more getaway may find that post-Labor Day trips come with plenty of perks. Fewer crowds, lower rates and crisp late-summer weather can make September an ideal time to travel. But even as the busy season slows down, safety and peace of mind should remain a priority.

For families staying in hotels or vacation rentals, one important safety consideration can be easy to overlook: carbon monoxide (CO).

Carbon monoxide is impossible to see, smell or taste, making it difficult to know when it may be present. Planning a trip already comes with plenty of details to consider, but travelers should also think about the safety features available at their destination. With no federal requirement for carbon monoxide alarms in hotel rooms or vacation rentals, checking on CO safety before arrival is an important part of travel planning.

That’s why Kidde, North America’s #1 home fire safety brand¹, has created a new line of its most advanced carbon monoxide alarms. Select models include enhanced features such as low-level CO detection², which can help users identify the presence of carbon monoxide sooner, as well as a backlit display designed to provide clear, easy-to-read alerts.

Taking Safety on the Road

Many travelers take steps to help protect their homes from fire and carbon monoxide before leaving for vacation. However, it can be just as important to think about the safety conditions at the destination.

Before checking into a hotel or vacation rental, travelers can contact the property directly to ask about its fire and carbon monoxide safety standards, including whether CO alarms are installed where appropriate.

A few minutes of preparation can help make it easier for families to focus on enjoying their trip rather than worrying about what they may have overlooked.

For travel expert Brian Kelly, packing the essentials is a non-negotiable when traveling with family: 

“Safety is everything when traveling, which is why I always bring Kidde’s AA Battery-Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm with me,” says Brian Kelly. “As a dad, having that peace of mind is essential, especially knowing children, pets, and the elderly are more susceptible to lower levels of CO.” 

For more ways to prepare before the next getaway, travelers can review Kidde’s Travel Safety Checklist. 

Add a Portable CO Alarm to Your Packing List

In addition to checking the CO regulations ahead of a trip, travelers can also consider packing a portable carbon monoxide alarm, such as Kidde’s AA Battery-Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm³, which features low-level alerts in certain models designed to help provide early warning and peace of mind while traveling. 

Depending on the model, features can include:

• Easy-to-read alerts: A backlit display on select models can light up with the push of a button, making it easier to check the alarm day or night.

• Fewer nighttime interruptions: Travelers can enjoy features designed to help avoid being disturbed by alerts that aren't critical during nighttime hours.

• Long-lasting battery power: Kidde AA batteries are designed to last up to a year under normal operating conditions, helping make routine battery replacement easier to remember⁴.

Travelers should also make sure any portable CO alarm they purchase is listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Look for an ETL Listed or UL Listed Mark on the packaging or back of the device. These marks indicate that the product has been independently tested and listed to meet specific safety performance standards.

Whether the trip involves a weekend road trip or a longer family vacation, be sure to make safety a part of the packing list, as it can help travelers head out with greater confidence and peace of mind. 

Important Product Information: Kidde portable carbon monoxide alarms are not approved for RV or boat use. Pack carefully to help avoid damage to the device. Remove batteries prior to travel and reinsert upon arrival. For use in conditioned spaces only. Test the device before use to ensure proper operation.

1 Based on total household installations as of December 2023.

2 Children, elderly adults and pets are more vulnerable to low levels of carbon monoxide and may be affected faster.

3 Children, elderly adults and pets are more vulnerable to low levels of carbon monoxide and may be affected faster.

4 Under normal operating conditions. Check User Guide for additional details on battery replacement.

(NewsUSA) - Quantum information science, engineering, and technologies (QISET) is in its second phase, now rapidly evolving from lab-based projects to real-world applications that are impacting the strategies and finances of the federal government and the private sector, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in artificial intelligence.

In the first phase of QISET development, known in the industry as Quantum 1.0, quantum mechanics and science fostered the development of lasers and transistors. Today, Quantum 2.0 activity centers around developments in areas including photonics, microelectronics, and specialized materials. 

As the United States seeks to up its game in quantum information science, SCSP highlights the history, foundation, and future of place-based quantum innovation in a new limited newsletter, "Quantum States," which examines how different states and regions are leading the way.

States were assessed across a range of metrics, including cited quantum information science research, patents, the volume of both 'pure play' and quantum-enabling  companies, the number of military research facilities, breadth of the full quantum stack (defined as computing, sensing, and networking), and the number of quantum-related job openings. 

"Developing a robust ecosystem of quantum technologies is not a one-size-fits-all approach, in which local leadership is guaranteed by hosting the most companies within a region. Rather, it requires a cohesive, strategic effort leveraging strengths within that state," according to the SCSP experts. 

Currently, California leads in most aspects of Quantum 2.0, including industrial capacity, talent pipelines, and market ecosystems, but other established hubs include New York, Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, and Massachusetts. 

However, several other states are poised to become players, including, Texas, North Carolina, and Florida given their high number of PhDs awarded, and the presence of Quantum research centers in many of their academic institutions. 

"The most successful quantum states build strong synergies between pillars of a quantum ecosystem: academia, NIST, national labs, startups, and private industry," according to the SCSP experts. Ultimately, true quantum hubs emerge where industry, academia, and government actively connect.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more and for future editions of the Quantum States newsletter.

(NewsUSA) - If the thought of a chemical peel conjures images of red, flaky downtime, RoC Skincare is here to rewrite the narrative. The brand’s new Line Smoothing 2-Step Peel Pads bring the power of an in-office resurfacing treatment straight to your bathroom vanity for skin age visibly reduced by up to 5 years1—sans the scary recovery period or typical four-figure price tag.

Developed with dermatologists, this over-the-counter duo relies on a smart, effortless process designed to visibly smooth texture and boost radiance without irritation:

● Step 1, PEEL: The first pad delivers a gentle yet effective chemical exfoliation using a blend of glycolic, lactic, mandelic, and phytic acids plus gluconolactone and hyaluronic acid to visibly smooth rough texture, boost radiance, and reduce the look of lines and wrinkles while sloughing away dead skin.

● Step 2, RENEW: The second pad swipes on the Step 2 formula with RoC Patented Clinical Retinol and Ectoin after two minutes to help neutralize the peel step, soothe skin, and visibly smooth signs of aging for younger-looking skin over time with continued use.

The standout technology, however, lies in RoC’s Patented Clinical Retinol2—a formula 7x more powerful than traditional retinol. Together, the acids and retinol deliver what the brand calls a "total age peel," tackling the look of lines and wrinkles, dullness, rough texture, and uneven tone. Plus, unlike other exfoliating or toner pads on the market, the entire treatment is fragrance and alcohol-free, making it suitable even for sensitive skin, 

And the hype isn't just marketing fluff. In clinical trials, an astounding 90% saw visible improvements in the five major aging concerns after just one use3. After 7 uses, 93% of users reported that their skin looked like they had just stepped out of a professional facial, and after four weeks, nearly everyone was ready to ditch their expensive clinical peel appointments entirely4.

"It’s rare to find an over-the-counter peel that delivers true clinical-grade resurfacing without the classic redness or flaking," says Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Trisha Khanna. "This is easily one of the smartest at-home skin resets on the market."

At under $2 per treatment—roughly a third of what you’d spend on certain cult-favorite prestige pads—consider this your sign to skip the steep price tag and get younger-looking skin from the comfort of your bath robe. With one sold every 12 seconds and 4.8 stars out of 3,400+ reviews; it’s a proven favorite5. Grab this iconic duo at Amazon for smoother, softer skin in just a swipe.

• 1

  Instrumental measurements - 30 subjects

• 2

  based on a clinical study comparing RoC Patented Clinical Retinol to an equal concentration of traditional retinol - 34 subjects - wrinkle improvement after 12 weeks

• 3

  Clinical Study - 32 subjects. 5 signs of aging visibly reduced: lines, wrinkles, dullness, rough texture, uneven skin tone.

• 4

  Clinical Study with self assessment - 30 subjects

• 5

  Sales data sourced from RoC Skincare, Amazon vendor, July 23, 2026. Review data sourced from Amazon, Walmart, Target, Ulta Beauty and RoCskincare.com, August 31,2026. 

(NewsUSA) - Several seasonal celebrations are nearly upon us, but an unwelcome time of year also awaits—flu season.

The “flu,” short for influenza, is a viral respiratory illness that often spreads in the fall and winter months, according to physician Matthew Heller, D.O., an associate professor of family medicine at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, February is historically the peak month for flu activity.

To reduce the chances of contracting the flu, Heller recommends getting a flu shot, adding that anyone over the age of 6 months old should be vaccinated annually. 

“Always talk to your physician about potential exceptions and find out whether the flu vaccine is appropriate for you,” Heller counseled.

The vaccine works by developing antibodies that provide protection against the flu-causing virus, Heller noted. A vaccinated person who caught the flu would experience less severe symptoms and potential complications. Even during flu seasons when the vaccine is less effective due to virus mutations, vaccination protects against hospitalizations and deaths and reduces the risk for influenza-associated outpatient healthcare visits across all age groups. Importantly, he emphasized that the way flu vaccines are developed makes them unable to cause the illness itself.

It is crucial to be proactive about getting vaccinated, as it takes about two weeks for the body to subsequently build full protection against the virus, Heller stated.

Flu symptoms can include fever, chills, body aches, cough, headache, and fatigue, Heller said. People don’t typically become symptomatic until a few days after exposure to the flu virus and will become contagious during this time. Symptoms may last for about a week.

Heller explained that while most who suspect they have the flu can recover at home with plenty of rest and fluids, those in high-risk groups for developing complications—including adults 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions—should contact a physician. 

Besides getting an annual vaccination, Heller noted other ways people can protect themselves from the flu virus. Frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, sanitizing high-traffic surfaces, avoiding face touching and large crowds, and sneezing into a tissue or elbow are also preventative steps.

As a physician, Heller emphasized the importance of remaining educated about the impact of the current flu season: “The flu spreads easily from person to person,” he said. “Remember that getting the flu vaccine will not only protect you but will also protect all those around you. By setting the example, others will follow.”

Heller is one of many New York Tech faculty lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more. 

(NewsUSA) - September marks the beginning of a new school year, and for many students, it also marks the first time they will live away from home. College students are packing up, heading to campuses in other cities and states, and beginning new chapters of their lives. For the friends they leave behind, that can mean suddenly being hundreds of miles—and sometimes a time zone—apart.

Distance can make maintaining close friendships more difficult. But technology is giving friends new ways to stay connected, and communication platforms built for gaming such as Discord are increasingly becoming digital spaces where friends can continue to spend time together, talk and socialize even when they can no longer meet in person.

“When I had to move to college in another county, I didn't have proper communication channels set up for when I wanted to talk to my friends back home,” said Zen Dailo from Bakersfield, California. “Discord helps me stay in touch with some of my closest friends from home that I probably wouldn't have kept in touch with.”

Discord Gives Friends a Place to Hang Out

For many users, Discord is more than a messaging app for gaming. It can function as a virtual gathering place where friends can talk, share experiences and spend time together whether or not they are playing a game.

More than 90 million people use Discord every day to text, talk and video chat before, during and after playing games. The platform is free to join and is designed around conversations in smaller communities rather than algorithm-driven feeds or viral content.

That difference can make online interaction feel more personal. Friends can use voice chat, video calls and high-quality streaming across devices, creating an experience that can feel less like sending messages and more like hanging out in the same room.

For college students who have suddenly moved away from their hometowns, that kind of always-available social space can make maintaining friendships easier.

Why Gaming Can Strengthen Friendships

Gaming is also helping friends stay connected because it gives them something active to do together rather than simply exchanging messages.

Research published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships examined how friendships develop and found that the amount of time people spend together is not the only factor. The type of interaction matters as well. Shared activities, including playing games together, were found to be meaningful predictors of friendship.

The popularity of gaming also means that friends do not have to live in the same place to participate in the same activity. The Entertainment Software Association reports that 67 percent of Americans ages 5 to 90 play video games for at least an hour each week, while 49 percent say games help them stay connected with friends and family.

That makes gaming different from many traditional social activities. Going to a movie, joining a local sports league or meeting for dinner generally requires people to be in the same location. Online gaming allows friends to participate together even when they are separated by hundreds or thousands of miles.

The result is an activity that can turn a simple online conversation into shared time.

Keeping an Entire Friend Group Connected

Maintaining one friendship across distance can be difficult. Keeping an entire friend group together can be even harder.

Schedules change after high school. Some friends leave for college, others start working, and people may move to different cities or states. Over time, coordinating a group gathering can become increasingly difficult.

Discord is designed for both individual conversations and larger communities. Friends can create Group Direct Messages or establish private Servers—invite-based spaces organized around a friend group, game or shared interest.

These communities give friends a place to return to even when their schedules do not line up perfectly. Users can see which friends are online, join an ongoing conversation or start a gaming session without having to organize a formal gathering every time.

For Logan Iacobo of Pomona, California, Discord has helped preserve a large friend group that might otherwise have become harder to maintain.

“Once I was out of high school, I accumulated a very large friend group, so it was hard to always talk to everyone,” he said. “Discord has enabled us to stay connected. When I moved across the country, I could still talk to everyone, and we’ve stayed close to this day – it’s been a real blessing.”

How to Use Discord to Stay Connected With Friends

Getting started with Discord is relatively simple. The platform is available for mobile devices, consoles and desktop computers, and an account can be created in just a few minutes.

Friends can start a one-on-one Direct Message or Group Direct Message with people they already know. They can also create a private Server specifically for their friend group or join an existing community based on a favorite game or shared interest.

Joining a Server can be as simple as clicking an invitation link from a friend. Users can also browse Discord's directory to discover communities based on games, hobbies and other interests.

For friends separated by college, work or a move to another part of the country, these features can make it easier to maintain a regular connection without requiring everyone to be available at the same time.

Distance Doesn't Have to Mean Disconnection

Moving away from home can change friendships, but it does not necessarily have to end them. Gaming gives friends a shared activity, while Discord provides a persistent place where they can talk, stream, play and spend time together.

For college students starting a new chapter, staying connected may be as simple as logging on and finding familiar friends waiting in the same digital space.

Today, distance doesn't have to mean disconnection. With Discord, the hangout can always be with you.

(Dr. Matthew Holman) - There is a piece of good public health news that deserves more attention: youth tobacco use in the United States has fallen to historically low levels. That progress did not happen by accident. It reflects years of prevention work, stronger age restrictions, public education, and a broad consensus that tobacco and nicotine products should not be used by anyone under the legal age.

That progress is worth saying plainly, especially at a time when public discussion often leaves people with the impression that youth tobacco use is only moving in the wrong direction. The data tell a more encouraging story. But encouraging does not mean solved. Any youth use is unacceptable, and prevention must remain central to how nicotine products are marketed, sold, monitored, and regulated.

The public health challenge now is to protect that hard-won progress while confronting a different, persistent problem: cigarettes. According to the CDC, cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Millions of adults continue to smoke despite decades of warnings, restrictions, taxes, and cessation campaigns. Complete cessation is always the best choice for health. But for adults who would otherwise continue smoking, access to accurate information about scientifically substantiated smoke-free nicotine alternatives matters.

That is why FDA's recent action on ZYN nicotine pouches is significant. After scientific review, the agency issued modified risk orders for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products, allowing them to be marketed with a specific FDA-authorized claim: "using ZYN instead of cigarettes puts adults at lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis." FDA did not say these products are safe. It did not say people who do not use nicotine should start. It authorized a claim to help adults who smoke better understand relative risk.

That distinction is important. Nicotine products are addictive and not risk-free. They are not substitutes for quitting tobacco and nicotine altogether, and they are not intended as nicotine replacement therapies (e.g., patches, gums, etc.). But science-based policy should recognize meaningful differences in risk between cigarettes and smoke-free nicotine products for adults who switch completely.

The latest youth tobacco data show these goals are not mutually exclusive. According to FDA's analysis of the 2025 National Youth Tobacco Survey, current use of tobacco products, combustible tobacco products, and e-cigarettes declined between 2022 and 2025. FDA also reported that youth use of nicotine pouches remained low and stable, with 1.7 percent of students reporting current nicotine pouch use in 2025, compared with 1.8 percent in 2024.

Those numbers should give policymakers confidence, not complacency. They show that historically low youth tobacco use can coexist with a marketplace that includes FDA-authorized smoke-free alternatives for adults. Keeping youth use low requires continued discipline from regulators, retailers, manufacturers, parents, educators, and public health leaders.

PMI U.S. has been clear that smoke-free nicotine products are for current nicotine consumers who are 21 and older—not youth, not non-users, and not people who are trying to quit nicotine altogether. The company's responsible marketing practices reflect that commitment. Advertising features only individuals aged 35 or older. Branded websites require independent online age verification for visitors 21 and older. PMI U.S. limits its social media presence to platforms that allow age-restricted controls. It does not pay social media influencers to endorse its products and does not engage in product placement in movies or television programs.

Those practices are part of a broader 10-point approach to underage prevention that includes responsible marketing, retail support programs, real-world monitoring, and a call for collective action. The approach includes age-gated website access, monitoring of underage-use data, responsible marketing standards, retail technology advancement, responsible social media policies, FDA regulation, continued innovation for age restriction, support for enforcement against illicit products, responsible retail practices, and support for compliance checks such as mystery shopping by FDA.

No single company, regulator, or public health organization can do this alone. The right framework is practical and evidence-based: keep nicotine products away from anyone under 21, enforce minimum age of purchase laws, address illicit products, maintain clear product standards, and require responsible marketing.

The United States has made extraordinary progress reducing youth tobacco use. That is worth saying plainly, and it is worth protecting. The next step is to bring the same seriousness to the adults who still smoke. A mature tobacco policy should be able to do both: prevent young people from starting and help adults who continue to smoke move to better alternatives. Those goals belong together.

Dr. Matthew R. Holman is the vice president and chief science and regulatory strategy officer for PMI U.S. Holman is the former chief scientist at the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products.