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Things to Do in Plano, TX This Summer 2025

(NewsUSA) - Ready to turn up the fun and make unforgettable memories this summer? Plano, Texas is your go-to destination for summer adventures with family and friends. Whether you’re planning epic outings with the kids or lively nights out with your crew, Plano serves up the perfect blend of excitement and charm. Dive into our top must-do activities this summer and discover why this North Texas hotspot should be at the top of your vacation list.

Make a Splash

The Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West’s third floor oasis includes a rooftop swimming pool + spa, with large, resort-style umbrellas along the perimeter. Complete with a bar and grill, it’s easy to lose track of time. Looking for more fun? Secure your space with a cabana rental. Available for reservations through Resort Pass or directly at the hotel, these cabanas allow you to stay shady all summer.

Swim across Texas at the historic Texas Pool, a 168,000 gallon saltwater pool shaped like the great State of Texas. It’s also a National Landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places! The pool is open Memorial Day to Labor Day and features a diving board, two water slides, and an island with a shallow “South Texas” wading area for small children and parents. Cook out on their BBQ grills or enjoy the snack bar. There are also picnic tables and a beach volleyball court. Visitor passes are available.

Stay cool this summer by visiting one of Plano’s indoor and outdoor pool locations: Carpenter Park Recreation Center (indoor), Jack Carter Pool (outdoor), Liberty Recreation Center (outdoor), Oak Point Recreation Center (indoor and outdoor), and Plano Aquatic Center (indoor pool and outdoor splash pad). Admission to the pools is included in Plano Recreation Center memberships. Non-members and guests can pay a minimal daily admission fee at each pool. Check individual rec center pages for hours of operation.

Hit the splash pad at Liberty Playground at Windhaven Meadows Park, Jack Carter Pool, and Plano Aquatic Center.

Catch Live Music

When it comes to finding live music in PlanoLegacy Hall knows how put on a show! All summer long they are throwing out all the tunes of all genres. From Taylor Swift to Queen, Legacy Hall has all the best tribute concerts covered this summer. Check out all their upcoming shows and events on their calendar.

Another music hotspot is McCall Plaza in the Downtown Plano Arts District. Enjoy free live music all summer long. Don’t miss out on all the fun in downtown Plano; check upcoming events on our event calendar listing.

The Plano Community Band is also bringing back their Mondays in the Park concert series at Haggard Park in the Downtown Plano Arts District on June 16, July 3 and July 14.

Celebrate July Fourth

Celebrate Independence Day in Plano with several patriotic events throughout the day. On July 4, swim across Texas at The Texas Pool and enjoy food, traditional pool games and legendary fun in the sun. Admission is $10 per person; veterans and active-duty military get in FREE with an ID.

Then, come out to Oak Point Park for Plano’s free All American 4th celebration. The event opens at 6pm with the Rotary Clubs of Plano parade and fireworks will begin at 9:30pm. Parking will be available at Collin College.

Shop Till You Drop

One thing is for sure when it comes to Plano, there are endless shopping options to experience. Dallas may be known as one of the top shopping destinations in the U.S., but just 20 miles north, you can continue the one-of-a-kind shopping adventure in Plano.

From Legacy WestThe Shops at LegacyThe Shops at Willow Bend to the Downtown Plano Arts District and everywhere in between – Plano is brimming with shopping areas. Check out Plano’s shopping adventure here.

Don’t miss the new luxury shopping at Legacy West. The line-up of the best-of luxury retail includes: Gucci, CHANEL Beauty, Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch, Golden Goose, David Yurman, and Louis Vuitton.

Downtown Plano Arts District will celebrate the season at Summer Fest Market in the heart of Downtown Plano on June 22 from 11am-5pm. Enjoy a vibrant day of local shopping, live entertainment, and family fun.

Walk the boardwalk

Day or night, The Boardwalk at Granite Park makes for a special dining experience! Nestled in the middle of the Granite Park corporate business center sits a 30,000 square foot restaurant park called The Boardwalk. With restaurants of all types, a casual family-friendly atmosphere, entertainment, and an amazing waterfront view, The Boardwalk is the perfect place for a patio brunch date with friends, a fun family dinner, or a late night date spot. Grab a beverage from one of the restaurants on The Boardwalk and relax with friends on the waterfront!

Dodge the heat at Crayola Experience

Beat the heat at Plano’s most colorful attraction, the Crayola Experience at The Shops at Willow Bend, an amazing place where families can explore 22 hands-on attractions in a 60,000 square foot space that Parents Magazine calls one of the “Top 10 Trips to Take Before Your Kid Turns 10.”

Fly high at Go Ape

The first treetop adventure course in Texas is just minutes from the Downtown Plano Arts District at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve. This vast area of natural beauty sits on 800 acres and features more than just a canopy tour. Go Ape includes five individual sections with rope ladders and 39 exciting crossings.

Fowl-On at Fowling Warehouse

Fowling is a unique and entertaining game that merges football with bowling, and in Plano at Fowling Warehouse, older kids and their parents can have a blast playing this new sport. It’s as easy as throwing a football at ten bowling pins until someone knocks them all down.

Have a Laugh

Enjoy a boutique comedy experience in Plano’s Legacy neighborhood. With a playful nod to Robin Hood, Mic Drop Comedy offers a vibrant, intimate setting where laughter and connection take center stage. Check out their upcoming shows and grab your tickets for an unforgettable night.

Be a Plano Foodie

Visit Plano has a FREE and limited-time foodie pass! Now through September 30, 2025, you can accumulate points just for checking in at participating restaurants and redeeming coupons, then you can cash in your points for “I’m a Plano Foodie” swag. But that’s not all! Be an over-achiever and check in at 20 restaurants to be automatically entered into the “Fit for a Foodie” sweepstakes for a chance to win ultimate foodie experiences. Sign up now and start your delicious journey! Sign up at visitplano.com/tasteofplano.

Check out a food tour too! Lone Star Food Tours provides an immersive journey through Downtown Plano’s food culture, offering visitors and locals alike a chance to taste their way through downtown’s eateries, while also learning about its history and culture.


Find more things to do and unique places to eat in Plano by exploring our website The Most Amazing Places to Visit in the City of Plano and blog.

 

Powering America’s Future: The Case for Solar Energy

(NewsUSA) - As America’s need for electricity grows, solar energy is stepping up to meet the moment. Today, utility-scale solar power now generates enough electricity to power 22 million homes. In 2024 alone, a record 33 GW+ of new solar capacity was added to our power grid.
Solar energy is more than just clean energy— it is an economic powerhouse. The solar sector employs nearly 261,000 Americans across all 50 states, more than any other clean energy sector. Since 2020, more than 20,000 new solar jobs have been added, many of them filled by U.S. veterans.

These projects also deliver major benefits to local communities. Utility-scale solar contributes over $550 million annually in land lease payments to American landowners, and $375 million in tax revenues to state and local governments. That means more money for schools, infrastructure, and services—and more economic opportunities in rural areas.

Solar panels are safe, effective, and sustainable. They are built to last for decades, even in extreme conditions. Many panels continue to operate well beyond their warranty period and can often be reused or refurbished. In fact, thanks to new recycling technology, over 90% of a panel’s materials can be reused.

America is also ramping up solar manufacturing. In 2024, more than 20 U.S. solar component manufacturing facilities were commissioned, including the largest expansion of U.S. solar module manufacturing production ever. In fact, U.S. solar module manufacturing is now on pace to match domestic demand by next year. But these facilities still rely on an international supply chain of specialty inputs.

However, demand is outpacing supply. U.S. made panels are already sold-out years in advance, creating the need for imports to fill the gap. Bridging this gap will require continued investment and faster policy action to scale production at the pace needed to meet surging demand.

To keep the momentum going, maintaining consistent, long-term policies is essential. Sudden changes in trade or tax rules can disrupt progress and delay the clean energy projects that Americans and businesses are counting on for reliability and energy security. The path forward requires clear, reliable guidelines to support the investment needed to strengthen American manufacturing and power the energy transition.

Battery Energy Storage: Powering America’s Reliable, Affordable, and Secure Energy Future

(NewsUSA) - America’s electricity demand is on the verge of a generational shift. A recent S&P study projects a 35-50% surge in demand by 2040, driven by growing electricity needs to power new major industry investments, including data centers. As our country’s economy grows, we must focus on solutions, like battery storage, to ensure our power is reliable, affordable, and secure.

Since 2018, energy storage deployment has grown 25-fold, driving a manufacturing boom and reinforcing grid resilience. In 2024 alone, the U.S. added a record-breaking 11 gigawatts of new battery storage capacity, a testament to its benefits. Battery storage has become the go-to solution for grid operators and markets grappling with rising demand, fluctuating generation, and the need for affordable, reliable power. Today, 31 states have energy storage projects under construction as it quickly becomes an integral part of our energy system.

Batteries are now a critical part of grid stability and reliability. They provide immediate backup when the grid is stressed, keep costs down during peak demand, and enable power plants to operate at their best. As our communities face aging infrastructure and the unpredictable impacts of extreme weather, battery storage provides a ready-to-deploy solution that keeps our homes, businesses, and essential services running smoothly.

But battery storage isn’t just about reliability; it’s also a catalyst for economic growth. More than 25 factories supporting battery energy storage have come online or are under construction, representing billions in investments and thousands of new jobs. These state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are being built in states like West Virginia, Michigan, Utah, Texas, Arizona, and Tennessee, creating jobs and revitalizing local economies.

Perhaps most importantly, battery storage is strengthening America’s energy security. The industry has committed to supplying 100% of U.S. energy storage projects with American-made batteries by 2030. This $100 billion investment will create 350,000 jobs and position the U.S. as a global leader in battery manufacturing, ensuring our grid is powered by American innovation and resources.

Battery storage is not just a technology – it's critical infrastructure that’s powering a reliable, affordable, and secure energy future for all Americans.

 

What You Need to Know About GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Now That the FDA Says the Shortage Is Over

(NewsUSA) - Consumers are urged to understand which GLP-1 medications are safe, approved, and legal after May 22

If you're one of the millions of Americans who have used or thought about using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, it’s important to ask yourself, “What’s real, what’s safe, and what should I avoid?”

In 2022, growing demand combined with limited supply created a shortage of these GLP-1 medications. In response to this shortage, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permitted licensed compounding pharmacies to fill this gap and create non-FDA-approved “compounded” versions of these products. These unapproved products lack the assurances of safety and effectiveness that come with FDA-approved medicines and were only intended as a temporary fix during the shortage.  But bad actors have used the temporary shortage to mass market untested, unapproved products and even products that are meant for “research purposes only.”

Fortunately, the FDA declared the national shortage of GLP-1 medications over and said compounding pharmacies must stop mass producing and selling these compounded medications after May 22, 2025. However, the marketing of compounded and other risky, illegal weight loss products is expected to continue—leaving patients who are working hard to manage chronic diseases like obesity without a clear understanding of the facts.

Patient confusion is already a serious issue and is likely to intensify in the coming months.  A new national survey by the National Consumers League (NCL) found that widespread confusion already exists among women: more than 70% believe compounded GLP-1s are only on the market if they have been tested and proven safe, and more than half (53%) think compounded GLP-1s have received FDA approval. Neither of these claims is true.

Here are five things consumers should know to protect themselves:

  1. Mass Compounded GLP-1s Are Not Supposed to be on the Market after May 22
    While only products that are “FDA-approved” and are prescribed by a medical professional are supposed to be on the market, consumers will still have to beware of fake ads, sites, and GLP-1s. The statement “doctor approved” is a red flag.
     
  2. Only FDA-Approved GLP-1s Are Proven Safe and Effective
    FDA-approved drugs undergo clinical trials to ensure they are safe and effective. Compounded alternatives do not and they also pose more potential risks to patients.
  3. If It’s a Gummy, Chewable, Spray, Patch, or Under-the-Tongue Form, It’s Fake
    Be wary of products that claim to be GLP-1s in forms other than an injection. These are very likely not FDA-approved medications and may be counterfeit.
     
  4. Don’t Fall for Misleading Marketing
    Slick websites and social ads can make unapproved medications, and even illicit drugs, seem like the real thing. But according to NCL’s research, 85 percent of women with obesity believe the false claims made in online non-brand GLP-1 ads. Protect yourself by sticking to trusted medical providers and learning how to spot false claims.
  5. Ask Questions and Stay Informed
    Not sure if your medication is the real thing? Ask your health care provider or company selling you the GLP-1 if it’s the FDA-approved brand product. You can also reach out to the FDA-approved manufacturers to determine whether you have authentic medicine.

Both the FDA and consumers have important roles to play in stopping the spread of misinformation about GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Now that the shortage is over, the FDA must enforce the law and its long-standing standards for compounded products. Consumers can act too, by asking questions, avoiding questionable sources, and learning how to tell the difference between what’s FDA-approved, what’s fake, and what’s a risk.

To report fake GLP-1s or learn more about how to protect yourself, check out guidance from the National Consumers League.

Balancing Parenting: Supporting Mental Health Through Shared Routines and Redistributing the Mental Load

(NewsUSA) - Parenting is among life’s most rewarding experiences, yet it can also be one of the most mentally and emotionally taxing. From managing child care and household responsibilities to juggling work and family schedules, the pressure can quickly mount—especially when the workload is uneven.

Whether in a two-parent household or navigating parenting solo, the key to protecting mental health lies in rethinking how responsibilities are managed and making space for self-care and support systems.

In homes with two caregivers, sharing duties more equitably is essential. When one parent shoulders more of the parenting or household load, stress can rise and communication can falter. Creating a more balanced routine can ease that pressure and improve overall family well-being.

Tips for better balance in two-parent households:

  • Rotate and assign tasks: Alternating responsibilities like bedtime routines, school drop-offs and pickups, and errands helps prevent burnout.
  • Check in weekly: A brief conversation about what’s working—and what’s not—helps keep both parents on the same page.
  • Make space for personal time: Even 30 minutes of downtime each day can boost mental wellness and resilience.

For single parents, the mental load can be even greater—but small changes can make a big difference.

Tips for single-parent households:

  • Create a weekly plan: A flexible but structured schedule reduces daily decision fatigue.
  • Ask for help without guilt: Whether from friends or family, seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
  • Prioritize short mental breaks: Use quiet moments before or after bed or while your child is playing to reset and recharge.

Beyond personal strategies, access to external support—particularly child care—plays a crucial role in family mental health. According to the 2025 KinderCare Parent Confidence Index from KinderCare Learning Companies, consistent, high-quality child care is the number one resource parents say helps alleviate stress. In fact, 90% of parents report that quality child care gives them greater confidence as parents, highlighting its importance not only for children’s development but also for a caregiver’s mental well-being.

Despite its importance, access to child care remains a concern. The report found that 76% of parents believe companies should help cover the cost of care. These findings reflect a growing awareness that employer support for families isn’t just a perk—it’s a vital part of a healthy, productive workforce.

All families—regardless of structure—benefit from prioritizing mental health. That includes setting boundaries, saying no when needed, and recognizing that no parent can do it all. Sharing the load, planning proactively, and leaning on trusted resources like child care can ease the pressure and make space for joy.

Equity in parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about building systems that are sustainable, fair, and supportive—so that every caregiver has the opportunity to thrive. For more information and resources, visit KinderCare.com.

 

Data Shows Driver Risk Trends Affecting Businesses, Fleets and Insurance

(NewsUSA) - Auto insurance costs have risen significantly over the last few years. This can be attributed to several factors, including higher repair costs associated with new vehicle technology, the potential impact of tariffs, and a growing number of incidents involving distracted driving and speeding. One of the keys to curbing the rising cost pressures is accurate data. This knowledge can assist insurers and employers in developing effective risk management strategies.

To help organizations understand the driving factors, SambaSafety, the leading provider of cloud-based driver risk management solutions, has issued its 2025 Driver Risk Report: Current Trends Shaping Roadway Safety.

The report’s findings can help everyone, including employers, insurers, and brokers, identify the root causes of dangerous driving risk. This information can help address the underlying issues and improve safety. This year’s report delivers insight into the behavioral trends behind crashes and claims, exploring the distinctions between age groups, fleet sizes, and industry segments.

“Risk isn’t random — it’s behavioral, and overwhelmingly predictable,” said Matt Scheuing, chief executive officer at SambaSafety. “The volatility in commercial auto insurance reflects the systemic risk that builds when unsafe behaviors go unaddressed. The opportunity for real improvement starts upstream, with better visibility, targeted intervention, and sustained behavior change.”

Drawing on SambaSafety’s extensive network of telematics integrations, court connections, motor vehicle records, and Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) data, the report’s key findings include:

  • An 11.1% year-over-year increase in auto premiums, with vehicle complexity, nuclear verdicts and dangerous driving behavior as contributing factors.
  • An increase in speed violations, which now make up nearly 40% of major driving violations in the United States.
  • A violation rate of 30.3% in the Southeast.
  • South Carolina increased nearly 4 percentage points over the prior year and had the highest violation rate nationwide at 50.3%.
  • A violation rate of 62.7% among younger drivers (ages 18-30 years) in South Carolina, 90% of which were for speeding.
  • Violation rates for monitored fleets across Construction, Government and Transportation and Logistics were more than 15 percentage points lower than the overall population, proving the effectiveness of proactive risk management.
  • The report examines the impact of these trends on different aspects of driver risk management, including rising insurance premiums, hiring and retention trends, and regulatory compliance, and offers a comprehensive assessment of the factors shaping driver risk and safety.


The 2025 Driver Risk Report: Current Trends Shaping Roadway Risk is available for download. For more information and to access the report, visit SambaSafety.com.

 

Critical Driver Risk Trends Affecting Businesses, Fleets, and Rising Insurance Costs

(NewsUSA) - Auto insurance costs have risen significantly over the last few years. This can be attributed to several factors, including higher repair costs associated with new vehicle technology, the potential impact of tariffs, and a growing number of incidents involving distracted driving and speeding. One of the keys to curbing the rising cost pressures is accurate data. This knowledge can assist insurers and employers in developing effective risk management strategies.

To help organizations understand the driving factors, SambaSafety, the leading provider of cloud-based driver risk management solutions, has issued its 2025 Driver Risk Report: Current Trends Shaping Roadway Safety.

The report’s findings can help everyone, including employers, insurers, and brokers, identify the root causes of dangerous driving risk. This information can help address the underlying issues and improve safety. This year’s report delivers insight into the behavioral trends behind crashes and claims, exploring the distinctions between age groups, fleet sizes, and industry segments.

“Risk isn’t random — it’s behavioral, and overwhelmingly predictable,” said Matt Scheuing, chief executive officer at SambaSafety. “The volatility in commercial auto insurance reflects the systemic risk that builds when unsafe behaviors go unaddressed. The opportunity for real improvement starts upstream, with better visibility, targeted intervention, and sustained behavior change.”

Drawing on SambaSafety’s extensive network of telematics integrations, court connections, motor vehicle records, and Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) data, the report’s key findings include:

  • An 11.1% year-over-year increase in auto premiums, with vehicle complexity, nuclear verdicts and dangerous driving behavior as contributing factors.
  • An increase in speed violations, which now make up nearly 40% of major driving violations in the United States.
  • A violation rate of 30.3% in the Southeast.
  • South Carolina increased nearly 4 percentage points over the prior year and had the highest violation rate nationwide at 50.3%.
  • A violation rate of 62.7% among younger drivers (ages 18-30 years) in South Carolina, 90% of which were for speeding.
  • Violation rates for monitored fleets across Construction, Government and Transportation and Logistics were more than 15 percentage points lower than the overall population, proving the effectiveness of proactive risk management.
  • The report examines the impact of these trends on different aspects of driver risk management, including rising insurance premiums, hiring and retention trends, and regulatory compliance, and offers a comprehensive assessment of the factors shaping driver risk and safety.


The 2025 Driver Risk Report: Current Trends Shaping Roadway Risk is available for download. For more information and to access the report, visit https://sambasafety.com/free-2025-driver-risk-report?utm_source=usanews&utm_medium=press&utm_campaign=10149515-Driver-Risk-Report-Q2-25

 

How to Prepare Now for the Storm-Induced Power Outages That Are Becoming the New Normal

(NewsUSA) - Storm seasons are getting stronger, longer, and more unpredictable. Whether it’s a thunderstorm knocking out neighborhood power lines, a tornado carving through a region, or a major hurricane threatening the coast, extreme weather can leave millions of Americans in the dark with little warning.

National forecasters are pointing to another above-average hurricane season in 2025, and experts are urging homeowners across the country, not just in coastal areas, to take action now. From spoiled groceries and flooded basements to sweltering homes and equipment failures, power outages can quickly go from inconvenient to dangerous.

In 2024, the U.S. experienced nearly 1.5 billion hours of power outages – the highest year since 2010 when Generac first started tracking this figure.

Now, just one year after Colorado State University predicted a record-breaking Atlantic hurricane season, 2025 is expected to be nearly as powerful with an anticipated above-average season. Now is the time to prepare with a plan to protect your loved ones and your home. This season is predicted to be an above-average hurricane season with an expected nine hurricanes. Four hurricanes are expected to reach major hurricane strength of a Category 3 or higher storm, which creates sustained winds of 111 miles or greater and the great risk of significant loss of life and property damage. But whether you're in the path of a hurricane, a derecho in the Midwest, or ice storms in the Northeast, the reality is clear: every home is vulnerable to outages.

“For many people, the first time they learn about backup power is when they’re already in a crisis,” said Kyle Raabe, president of Consumer Power at Generac Power Systems, a global energy technology company. “Having a plan before severe weather strikes can make a major difference in safety, comfort, and peace of mind.”

Five Ways to Prepare for Power Outages - No Matter Where You Live

Power outage experts from Generac have provided tips on how to prepare for any storm-induced power outages during hurricane season and beyond:

  1. Create a Storm Safety Plan. Identify the safest spot in your home to shelter in place. Review local evacuation routes and establish a meeting location for family members in case you're separated or need to evacuate.
  2. Build a Real Emergency Kit. Stock up on essentials: at least seven days of non-perishable food per person, three gallons of water per person, a fully stocked first aid kit, flashlights, extra batteries, and necessary medications.
  3. Stay Connected During Chaos. Keep phones and electronics fully charged before a storm. Have a battery-powered emergency radio on hand to stay up to date with local alerts and weather updates.
  4. Secure Backup Power. Consider investing in a portable generator or a whole-home standby system. If you already own one, ensure it’s maintained and ready. Backup power can keep lights on, refrigerators running, operating.
  5. Know How to Use Generators Safely. Never operate a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces. Keep it far from your home, away from doors, windows, and vents to prevent deadly carbon monoxide exposure.

It Only Takes One Storm

While forecasts grab headlines with big numbers, the truth is that it only takes one storm in the right place to cause life-altering damage. Power grid reliability is already a concern in many parts of the U.S., and storm-related outages are expected to rise with climate shifts.

To help residents and communities prepare, Generac offers readiness resources, including its Hurricane Preparedness Guide that has printable inventory checklists, comparisons on backup power options and power outage safety tips, available at https://www.generac.com/hurricane-prep.

Form, Function, Frames: Eyewear in Motion

(NewsUSA) - Historically, athletic eyewear was mostly relegated to high-impact sports—goggles for the slopes, wraparounds and shields for cycling, or protective frames for basketball. In today’s performance-driven world, it’s no longer just about function or fashion—it’s about both. As the eyewear industry continues to evolve, optical frames are being designed with movement in mind, catering not only to elite athletes but to anyone living an active, on-the-go lifestyle. More brands, like Flexon Eyewear, are creating functional and timeless eyewear styles that will seamlessly fit in an active lifestyle.

In March, Flexon Eyewear introduced its Motion collection, where sleek masculine designs meet performance and functionality. From chasing the kids in the backyard and working out to balancing long workdays and screen time, people need eyewear that adapts. The sporty-inspired Motion collection incorporates key elements like memory metal, a material that bends and returns to its original shape, and rubber temples to create eyewear that moves with you. Each element ensures a secure fit through sweat, movement, and long hours, all while offering an aesthetic that’s sleek and versatile enough for everyday wear.

The latest optical styles lean into the active design, featherlight construction, and silhouettes that nod to athleticism without being overly technical. FLEXON style E1157 is a dynamic, oval-shaped optical style that offers a sleek and modern design. Featuring a Flexon memory metal bridge, rubber temples, and adjustable nose pads for distinctive style and everyday comfort. FLEXON style E1158 is a rimless, easy-to-wear optical style that offers a lightweight and effortless look. The style is crafted with durable memory metal, to ensure flexibility and comfort, and is enhanced by rubber temples and adjustable nose pads for a personalized fit.

As consumers continue to look for gear that keeps up with their dynamic lives, athletic eyewear is becoming more than a niche—it’s becoming essential. To shop the performance-driven styles like the Flexon Motion Collection, visit eyeconic.com.

Beware of AI-Driven "Pop Up" Tech Firms Like SPRX Masquerading as Tax Professionals

(Tax Watch America) - It's tax season and consulting firms are touting their quick and easy services to relieve the stress caused by filing complex returns.

However, this year, businesses should be on the lookout for AI-driven "pop up" technology firms pretending to be expert tax consultants—their speedy "solutions" might land you an audit rather than tax credits.

One of the worst of these shady "fly-by-night" scamsters is a company called SPRX. Their CEO Dominic Vitucci is notorious for making claims that are too good to be true or flat out misleading, ranging from attacking the expertise of CPAs to downplaying the risks of IRS audits.

For example, Vitucci argues SPRX's AI model represents the true "expert" in the field rather than CPAs, stating, "You know what's a real expert? An AI model that is trained on the entire body of R&D tax credit rules."

He even admits SPRX "entirely automates the R&D tax credit claiming process using AI."

But to credibly claim R&D tax credits requires careful legal and regulatory analysis—beyond what AI models are capable of.

These types of claims echo the 2023 IRS "Dirty Dozen" list, which included firms that aggressively marketed the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) with misleading promises. The IRS also cautioned against over-relying on AI for tax filings, emphasizing that AI lacks the ability to make complex, accurate legal determinations.

A true tax professional would acknowledge the risk of overreliance on AI, yet SPRX's CEO never does. Nor does he explain what steps his firm takes to ensure their AI is generating accurate and defensible analysis for their clients.

Vitucci tries to console potential clients, stating SPRX will "represent them in an IRS exam if an agent ever questions our report." However, SPRX hasn't been around long enough for any of their clients to have been audited.

SPRX fails to mention that if their AI-generated tax advice results in an audit, their customers, not the firms themselves, are held legally liable. It remains unclear if SPRX would also represent clients in these scenarios during court proceedings.

AI can be risky during audit preparedness too. AI-generated claims may lack the necessary documentation and substantiation required to withstand an IRS audit, leaving taxpayers exposed to financial and legal risk.

All of these false or misleading claims paint a clear picture of SPRX: their overreliance on AI for R&D tax credits is a risk businesses cannot afford to take.

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