(NewsUSA) - In 2025, the Marine Toys for Tots Program once again proved that compassion doesn’t follow a calendar. Fueled by the remarkable generosity of the American people, nearly 880 local chapters, National Corporate Partners, fellow non-profits, local businesses and organizations, and tens of thousands of devoted volunteers, Toys for Tots remained steadfast in their mission of being a year-round force for good.

From small towns to major cities across the Nation, the Marine Toys for Tots Program distributed toys, books, and other gifts through initiatives such as the Literacy Program, Foster Care Program, Disaster Response and Recovery Program, and their annual Holiday Campaign. These efforts reflect the belief that all children deserve comfort, joy, and encouragement no matter the season.

During the spring and summer months, Toys for Tots partnered with other non‑profits to host special distributions that brought hope to disadvantaged children. Whether offering emotional comfort to children whose families were impacted by natural disasters, providing resources to children navigating the Foster Care System, or distributing educational books and resources to Title I funded schools, the Program ensured that its mission extends beyond Christmastime. Each distribution was more than an event—it was a reminder to children that they are valued, remembered, and cared for by their communities.

During their flagship Holiday Campaign, local chapters worked tirelessly to collect donations, organize events, and deliver gifts directly to children in need. Marines, civilian Coordinators, and volunteers joined forces with schools, churches, civic groups, and community organizations to ensure that every child had at least one gift to open on Christmas morning. Toys for Tots is still finalizing their 2025 Holiday Campaign results, but early totals are already showing they are on track to reach over 11 million children in need.

These grassroots efforts transformed gymnasiums into toy warehouses, parking lots into distribution centers, and local businesses into hubs of generosity. The sights and sounds of these moments—rows of toys, families gathering with anticipation, and volunteers working shoulder to shoulder—captured the true spirit of the season and demonstrated the power of communities united in kindness.

“The compassion and commitment we witnessed in 2025 were truly inspiring,” said Lieutenant General Laster, CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Each contribution—whether a single toy or a large donation—helped transform moments of hardship into promises of brighter futures for children who needed hope and comfort the most," Lieutenant General Laster continued. "We are profoundly grateful for the generosity that continues to drive our mission forward.”

As we enter 2026, Toys for Tots renews its pledge to turn compassion into action. Every gift placed in a child’s hands is more than a toy—it is a message of hope, a reminder that they are valued, and a spark that brightens their future.

“The New Year offers us a chance to strengthen our purpose, expand our reach to serve more children in need, and unite as one force for good,” said Lieutenant General Laster. “With the continued support of our donors and volunteers, I am confident we can reach even more children and families this year.”

Throughout 2026, the mission will remain clear: generosity must extend beyond the holiday season. Through the collective efforts of donors and volunteers, Toys for Tots will continue to bring joy and hope to children nationwide—one toy, one smile, and one heart at a time.

To learn more about Toys for Tots or to make a donation, please visit www.toysfortots.org.

(BookTrib) - “The Dark Birth of the Secret Council” by Tracy Cavelli-Trussell

Trisha Maitland, a celebrated novelist, speaker and devoted woman of faith, begins experiencing vivid dreams that transport her to a dark, dangerous realm known as Elsewhere. What starts as unsettling visions soon reveals itself as a spiritual reality — one connected to a powerful and sinister secret council manipulating events in the physical world. As Trisha struggles to understand God’s messages woven through her dreams, she uncovers a growing conspiracy led by a charismatic businessman whose thirst for power masks ancient evil.

Moving between light and darkness, faith and temptation, truth and deception, reality and imagination, this fast-paced, faith-fueled supernatural thriller explores spiritual warfare, free will and redemption. With prose as sharp as sea glass and characters that leap off the page, it is both a compelling mystery and a profound meditation on the stories we tell ourselves to survive. “The Dark Birth of the Secret Council” launches a gripping Christian thriller trilogy that challenges readers to consider what unseen forces may be shaping their world.

Purchase at https://a.co/d/4RRUsoW.

“Friday Nite at the Bucket of Blood Bar” by Bobby "Z" Zielinski

“Friday Nite at the Bucket of Blood Bar” follows the exploits of one bar’s patrons across a single evening, from Friday at 3 p.m. until Saturday at 3 a.m. Everything revolves around Slippery Eddie, the bartender. Every hour, a different story unfolds, introducing a cast of colorful, albeit shifty, characters.

In the tradition of “A Bronx Tale,” this narrative poetry collection is a historical and satirical look at the post-war bar scene in Jersey City, New Jersey, told by one of the original Jersey City bad boys of the period, Bobby “Z” Zielinski. “The bar in the 50s and 60s was where you cashed your paycheck, socialized with your friends, borrowed money, bought various items that ‘just fell off the back of a truck,’ … bet the numbers for the horses and paid off the ‘shys,’” Zielinski writes.

Now you can experience the mayhem of this rough and rowdy time in urban history for yourself through “Friday Nite at the Bucket of Blood Bar.” Purchase at https://amzn.to/49DUux3 or visit the author’s website, Tales of the Junkyard Dog, at https://talesofthejunkyarddog.wordpress.com/ for more information. Zielinski can also be contacted at [email protected].

“Corn Festival” by Melissa Laird

In 1970, drawn by idealism and the promise of a better way of life, Wanda and a small group of friends leave California for North Freedom, Wisconsin, determined to build a communal farm rooted in cooperation, organic living and music. As they struggle to grow food, restore an old cabin and find their footing in a skeptical rural community, cracks begin to form — both within the group and between them and the world around them. Backlash, disappointment and diverging paths eventually leave Wanda alone, guarding a dream that once felt revolutionary.

Spanning five decades, “Corn Festival” traces the echoes of that experiment into the present day, revealing how the cultural divisions of the late 1960s resurface in modern America. By linking counterculture idealism to contemporary polarization, the novel offers a deeply personal and timely reflection on belonging, legacy and the enduring struggle to create meaningful change.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4qKjh8w.

“The Great Dane” by Suanne Laqueur

After the sudden death of his only child, Liko Greenman is adrift, passing time until a mystery hidden inside his son’s favorite video game gives him a reason to move forward. When a cryptic clue from the game’s maker leads him from the digital world to a secluded farm in rural New York, Liko meets Danelaw “Dane” Strong — an intersex man with a layered past and a life shaped by love that defied convention.

As Dane guides Liko through the game’s unanswered questions, the search becomes something deeper: a journey through grief, identity and the ways people find belonging when traditional labels fall short. Set against legends, folklore and the evocative symbolism of the Three Hares triskelion, “The Great Dane” is a luminous exploration of connection, chosen family and the healing power of love.

Blending romance and drama with psychological and philosophical depth, Suanne Laqueur shows us that while we view the most profound human connection in pairs, three is often love’s most magical number.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4qsKpt3.

(NewsUSA) - Artificial intelligence is poised to be a game-changer in managing the increasingly congested and potentially contested domain of space, from Earth’s orbit to the Moon and beyond, according to a new podcast from 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 AI.

At the recent AI + Space Summit hosted by SCSP, General Jay Raymond (U.S. Space Force, Ret.) joined SCSP’s NatSecTech podcast host Jeanne Meserve to discuss the future of space as a warfighting domain. They explore how AI can improve space traffic management, surveillance, acquisition, and data fusion; the growing role of commercial partnerships; and the need for stronger norms, faster capabilities, and a technically skilled workforce.

Many Eyes in the Sky

Launching satellites or anything else is becoming more complicated because of the volume of objects in the Earth’s orbit, said Gen. Raymond. “You have to make sure you don’t launch something into something else,” he noted. The increased number of satellites and other objects have made the world a more transparent place, as a lot of the current objects in space are intelligence surveillance reconnaissance satellites, he added.

In some cases, objects that appear to be space debris have been identified as something else because they maneuver in a defined way, Gen. Raymond said. Ideally, AI could be used to track debris and determine whether it is maneuvering, he said. The vast majority of people currently experience space through data or observations, said Gen. Raymond. Harnessing that data and applying AI to it can facilitate problem solving by speeding up analysis, he said.   

Implications of AI

One of the greatest risks associated with AI and space is that adversaries of the United States will get ahead of us and use technology to their advantage, Gen. Raymond said. Although the original stated goal of the U.S. Space Force remains one of deterrence, it is important to improve AI literacy and stay aware of the potential need to be prepared to fight, if necessary, while working to maintain stability, he added. However, deterrence related to space may occur in other domains, he noted. “If someone did something in space, you wouldn’t have to respond in space,” he said. The concept of integrated deterrence involves multiple domains and capabilities in partnership with allies, Gen. Raymond emphasized.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more about the SCSP’s AI + Space Summit and other ways in which AI is driving space industries.

(K12) - Snowflakes, cozy blankets, and hot cocoa—images of winter often evoke a cheerful glow. Yet for many children, the season’s dimmer days and limited outdoor play can leave them feeling irritable or tired and can even affect their schoolwork.   

To help beat the winter blues, school counselors across K12-powered online schools offer practical tips for parents to help their children feel more balanced as we wait for the days to turn warmer and brighter. 

Maintain a normal routine  

Low sunlight can affect serotonin and melatonin levels, leading to sluggishness and low energy. Sticking to a consistent daily routine—waking up and going to bed at normal times, eating healthy meals, and building in time for family, friends, homework, and play—can help kids feel productive, centered, and more alert.  

Get outside   

Even in colder months, time outdoors matters. Studies show that small doses of sunlight and outdoor play can boost kids’ spirits and energy. A short walk, stretching, or playing in the snow can provide beneficial exposure to daylight while encouraging movement.   

Make screentime intentional   

Heavy social media use can intensify feelings of sadness and may affect school performance. Screen time should lean toward purposeful use. Educational gaming platforms like the K12 Skills Arcade transform practicing math, English language arts, science, and history into a fun gaming experience. Research shows that game-based learning can produce measurable academic improvement—plus, it keeps kids engaged.  

Learn and build new skills  

When boredom hits, look for opportunities to build practical skills indoors. Let your child help make dinner, learn a basic sewing stitch, or try a simple science experiment. Board games, puzzles, and audiobooks also help pass the time while encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and family connection.  

Stay focused on schoolwork   

Low energy and sadness can take a toll on schoolwork, and falling behind may intensify those feelings. Help your child stay on track by reinforcing daily routines and seeking extra support when needed. Online options like K12 Tutoring allow students to get homework help without braving cold or icy roads. Sessions are delivered virtually by state-certified teachers. 

These challenges are often temporary, but you know your child best. If sadness or fatigue feels more serious or begins to affect daily life, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider.   

With encouragement and guidance, your child can learn to navigate overwhelming feelings—skills that support well-being for years to come. 

(BookTrib) - “The Memory Stone (Dragons of Camelot Book 2)” by Bryan Davis

A girl with powers beyond her understanding. A boy sworn to protect her. And a kingdom veering into madness.

Camelot is becoming increasingly dangerous for dragons and their allies. When a fear-inducing toxin seeps into the water supply, Merlin, Hawk and Sabina suspect sorcery. Could this be Lady Morgan’s doing? But when Lady Morgan pleads innocent and offers a truce to save her poisoned sister, the trio hesitantly believes her. Using a supernatural device called the memory stone, the team splits up to embark on an epic journey to Dragon’s Rest and portals beyond to uncover the mystery.

From Bryan Davis, bestselling author of the Dragons in Our Midst series, comes book two in an epic fantasy adventure set in King Arthur's Camelot. Perfect for middle-grade readers of Christian fiction, this fast-paced novel features an epic battle between good dragons and dragon riders against the forces of evil, told through multiple points of view, including those of the dragons.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/thememorystone.

“Animal Control” by Jonathan R. Miller

Kirkus Reviews Best Indie Books of 2025 Honoree

Nominated for the Otherwise Award

A young woman inherits a power that begins in the body and echoes out to the edges of the world. It isn’t explained and doesn’t come with rules. It gathers underneath the skin, waiting for direction.

As she begins to understand what the power can touch, rearrange and dismantle, her decisions grow heavier. The results, stranger. Two friends join her, and the movement that forms between them gathers momentum until it starts to shift the balance between what is and what could be. Together they learn that transformation isn’t an event. It is a state. And not every becoming is safe.

In its starred review, Kirkus Reviews calls “Animal Control” “unusually unsettling and unforgettable. A strange, inventive tale that evolves into a challenging and rewarding odyssey.” “Animal Control” is a literary novel of restraint and power, of a young woman who must decide what she is willing to change and what she is willing to become.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4mtoEHl.

“Pearl Bound” by Natalie Bergman

Some women are bound by class. Others refuse to be bound at all.

In the glittering halls of Gilded Age New York, beneath chandeliers and velvet drapes, danger hides in plain sight. “Pearl Bound” is a gothic historical novel steeped in desire, power and the cost of defiance.

Eve Kelly, a young Irish immigrant, arrives at Greythorne, the sprawling estate of the formidable Rennard family, to work alongside her mother. Born into servitude but driven by a restless force she cannot name, Eve is drawn into the orbit of Saskia Rennard — the family’s magnetic, volatile daughter. What begins as forbidden attraction quickly becomes something far more dangerous, entangling Eve in a world where wealth conceals cruelty, gender dictates survival, and intimacy itself becomes a form of rebellion.

As secrets surface and boundaries collapse, “Pearl Bound” reveals how love, ambition and power can turn lethal when society’s rules are broken.

Fans of gothic fiction, sapphic desire and dark historical narratives will find “Pearl Bound” a haunting and unforgettable debut.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4qFBbJu.

“Vic’s Views: Opinions Of An Old Codger” by Victor A. J. van Lint

In “Vic’s Views,” scientist, engineer and concerned citizen Victor A. J. van Lint offers a clear-eyed, data-driven examination of the forces shaping modern society — and the dangerous consequences of our growing unwillingness to listen to one another. Drawing on a lifetime of learning in research, public policy and global affairs, van Lint explores science, religion, politics, economics, law, environmental risk, war and peace through a unifying lens: how humans make decisions and why extreme thinking so often overrides reason.

Rather than promoting ideology, “Vic’s Views” challenges readers to question assumptions, weigh evidence, and engage opposing perspectives with intellectual honesty and moral restraint. In an era defined by polarization and outrage, this book is a call for civil discourse, principled compromise and informed skepticism — before division hardens into conflict. Most importantly, van Lint invites readers not simply to agree or disagree, but to think more carefully about the future we are creating together.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/vicsviews.

(NewsUSA) - Emerging sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to drive the most profound changes to the world of spy craft since the advent of the internet, 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 AI.

“Advances in virtual- and augmented-reality technologies, robotics and autonomous systems, and large-scale data analysis capabilities present both an existential challenge to traditional human intelligence operations and a once-in-a-generation opportunity for transformation,” said Ylli Bajraktari, president and CEO of SCSP, in a recent report.

Key advances including multimodal AI, which can process and generate text, images, video, and audio, opens new opportunities for information gathering and exploitation.

In the private sector, companies involved in customer service are increasingly using AI tools to develop chatbots that provide companionship, advice, and mental health therapy. However, more nefarious entities may use these same tools to persuade users to take actions against their interests.

An AI tool could likely be used to persuade someone to divulge proprietary corporate data or betray their country, particularly if the AI were backed with the resources and kills of a professional national intelligence service, according to SCSP experts.

To prepare for and operate in this new landscape, the SCSP offers several recommendations for how the U.S. intelligence community can leverage AI in spy craft:

-Identify targets. AI can synthesize data sets to identify potential spy targets and prioritize intelligence assets according to access, motivation, and vulnerability.

-Assess and develop. AI technology can be used to analyze digital footprints and develop detailed psychological profiles. Hyper-realistic personas can engage spy targets and build trust and rapport. In addition, AI can manage hundreds of developmental conversations at once.

-Recruit and handle. AI also can create personalized recruitment pitches based on a spy target’s specific grievances or motivations, and also provide real-time operational security advice to targets after recruitment.

Importantly, the objective of AI in spy craft is not to replace human officers, but to empower them and serve as force multipliers, the SCSP experts note in their report. The human-machine team will be key to success; AI will handle data processing, which frees case officers to focus on the high-value work of making nuanced judgments, managing the psychology of the asset-case officer relationship, and overseeing high-stakes operations.

Any expansion of AI in espionage, must involve Meaningful Human Control (MHC). At every critical juncture, especially the final decision to recruit, the tasking of an asset, or actions that pose significant risk to the asset or U.S. national security interests, an accountable human must be able to exercise final judgment,” Bajraktari emphasized.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - December is here, and Marine Toys for Tots is once again rallying communities nationwide to ensure a magical Christmas morning for children in need. For families facing hardship, the holidays can bring more worry than wonder, but Toys for Tots’ Holiday Campaign offers a chance to change that story. Every donation carries the power to turn a season of struggle into a season of light for disadvantaged children.

“For many Americans, the holidays are a time of celebration. But for parents and guardians facing difficult circumstances, they can be shadowed by worry,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Yet even in hardship, families hold onto the dream of giving their children a Christmas. With your support, we can deliver more than presents. We can deliver comfort when families face the unexpected and hope that shines in the darkest seasons.”

That promise of comfort and hope comes to life in the story of Sergeant Christos Toromanides. At 13 years old, he was diagnosed with acinic cell carcinoma, an extremely rare form of pediatric cancer.  Throughout his stay in the hospital, Sergeant Toromanides faced uncertainty and isolation, but one act of generosity inspired his future.

Marines from the local Toys for Tots Chapter, in full Dress Blues, visited the children's ward to brighten the holidays for kids spending Christmas away from home. Sergeant Toromanides, then a young teen with no knowledge of the Marine Corps or Toys for Tots, was stunned when a Marine Sergeant walked into his room and placed a Christmas gift in his hands.

“I had no idea who they were or what Toys for Tots was,” he recalled. “But I remember thinking—wow, you guys are in the military, and you’re giving out toys? It was one of those moments where I just wanted to know more.”

That simple act of kindness captures the essence of Toys for Tots: that no child should feel forgotten, especially during the holidays. What Sergeant Toromanides received that Christmas wasn't just a toy; it was proof that hope endures, even in the darkest times.

In 2016, Sergeant Toromanides enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and has been cancer-free for 14 years. His journey has come full circle, and he credits his success to that one moment of connection with Toys for Tots and the generosity of our donors.

Every toy, book, or game holds a story waiting to unfold, and a future waiting to be shaped. When supporters stand with Toys for Tots, they help write new chapters in children’s lives, filled with possibility, purpose, and the assurance that someone cares.

One gift can do more than brighten a holiday—it can inspire a future.

Visit www.toysfortots.org to help Toys for Tots share hope!

(NewsUSA) - As you set New Year’s resolutions, add one that takes just minutes and can make a real difference: protect your skin and get suspicious spots checked. Skin cancer is prevalent, but when caught early, it’s also highly treatable. Here are 10 facts and tips to start the year smarter about prevention and options.

1. About 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, with more than 3 million new cases recorded yearly nationwide.

2. There are more cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year than all other cancers combined, and at least 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.

3. The incidence of skin cancer is rising faster than that of any other cancer, making prevention and early detection more important than ever.

4. UV damage happens year-round, even when it’s cold. UVB rays, the leading cause of sunburn, peak in summer, but they can still damage skin in winter, especially at high altitudes and around reflective surfaces like snow, water, and sand. UVA rays are present all year and can penetrate clouds and glass, so it’s possible to damage your skin while indoors or in the car.

5. The most common risk factors for nonmelanoma skin cancer, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are:

•  Lighter colored skin
• Advanced age
• Lots of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure over one’s lifetime
• Frequent sunburns
• Use of tanning beds
• Previous case of skin cancer
• Long-term or severe skin injury or inflammation
• Weakened immune system

6. U.S. veterans are nearly three times more likely to develop skin cancer than the general population.

7. Black and Hispanic individuals tend to have poorer prognoses and survival rates when they receive a skin cancer diagnosis. Each year, nearly 1-in-4 Hispanic adults and 1-in-10 Black adults experience at least one sunburn, showing that no skin tone is immune to damage from the sun.

8. The traditional treatment, Mohs surgery, dates to the 1930s and involves repeated use of a scalpel to remove suspect tissue layer by layer. It can be a good option for some, though it may result in scarring and, in some cases, reconstructive repair.

9. There is a Medicare-covered nonsurgical alternative treatment available, called Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy, also known as IGSRT or GentleCure. Patients who are not good surgical candidates, or those who wish to avoid the pain, recovery time, or cosmetic issues often associated with surgery, may prefer a proven noninvasive alternative.

10. GentleCure uses FDA-cleared technology and is supported by clinical research. Documented outcomes include a success rate exceeding 99%, with more than 125,000 patients treated in dermatology practices nationwide. Of patients surveyed, more than 99% said they were happy with their treatment decision and would recommend GentleCure to a friend or loved one.

More information is available at GentleCure.com.

(BookTrib) - “Teaching in the Dark” by Genét Simone

A young teacher buys a one-way ticket to the tiny Arctic village of Shishmaref, Alaska. Within minutes of landing, she finds herself dealing with unexpected, rustic accommodations and the culture shock of living in a remote Iñuit community. To endure freezing temperatures, power outages, loneliness and first-year teacher anxieties and missteps, she relies on her courage, resilience, sense of humor and wit. Eventually, she realizes that her challenges pale in comparison to the life lessons she learns about the heart of teaching — lessons from her students, their culture and their community on the vast, windy landscape at the edge of the Chukchi Sea.

Full of poignancy and humor, this bold, heartfelt story has won numerous awards, garnering praise for Simone’s “lyrical appreciation of the natural environment” (Gold Non-Fiction Book Award) and “rich character development,” and the book’s themes of “resilience, belonging, and the power of community” (International Impact Book Award). Jack Canfield, author of “The Success Principles” and the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series, says, “Buy this book!”

“Teaching in the Dark” makes a great gift for new teachers or anyone who loves journeys of personal growth amid culturally unique settings.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4rPA0s9.

“Ni De Aquí, Ni De Allá - But Still Whole” by Dolma Diaz Braynin

“Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá, But Still Whole” is a breathtaking bilingual (Spanish–English) celebration of what it means to grow up between worlds. Born from the beautiful chaos of shifting between languages, blending cultures and shaping identity, this book reminds readers of a powerful truth: you are not missing pieces. You are already whole. A living masterpiece woven from every story, every word and every tradition you carry.

Created for every child navigating their family’s past while forging their own future, this story shines a light on the strength found in being both — and more. It’s a love letter to the bridges we build between languages, generations and hearts. A reminder that being “in-between” isn’t confusing; it’s courageous, powerful and extraordinary.

Written and illustrated for children ages 8–12 by an educator of Mexican–Puerto Rican heritage, this Spanish–English dual-language storybook celebrates bicultural pride, identity affirmation, emotional and social growth, and the deep roots of family and culture.

Beautifully told and vibrantly illustrated, “Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá – But Still Whole” is a stunning invitation for young readers to see themselves — fully, proudly and powerfully — just as they are.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/nideaqui.

“Ten Thousand Central Parks: A Climate-Change Parable” by David Brown Morris

With extreme heatwaves, wildfires, hurricanes, and floods displacing millions, many wonder: What can I do about climate change? “Ten Thousand Central Parks” challenges the despair of inaction, using the history of Central Park as an unlikely yet urgent environmental parable.

Built in the years surrounding the Civil War, Central Park was a radical experiment in urban renewal, transforming chaotic, polluted, wildly irregular terrain into an 843-acre refuge ― a visionary public project undertaken at a time of national crisis. It offers a powerful lesson: Even in turbulent times, cities can be reimagined, and large-scale ecological transformations are possible.

Written with urgency and optimism, “Ten Thousand Central Parks” offers a fresh perspective on the climate crisis, rejecting doom in favor of possibility. We need projects on the scale of Central Park ― thousands of them ― to meet today’s environmental challenges. Fast-paced, beautifully written and boundary-crossing, this narrative nonfiction gem is an invitation to think big, act boldly and embrace radical hope.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4oSZ7Yx.

“Charlie Minto's Pyramid Scheme” by Les Carroll

After Charlie Minto’s sister is murdered by a cartel-connected gang, the retired Marine Corps sniper and recent law school graduate assembles a team of like-minded warriors to avenge her death. Haunted by the possibility that his sister's killers will never be caught and punished, Charlie goes all-in with high-risk vigilante justice while wrestling with his own moral compass and the future security of his surviving loved ones. To further complicate his life, Charlie is shockingly approached by the woman responsible for the death of his parents, who needs his help with a high-profile, against-all-odds lawsuit.

Charlie must launch his legal career and execute the dangerous moonlighting job while facing intense internal conflict over his activities outside the rule of law. For Charlie Minto, what will the final cost of vengeance be? And will it be worth it?

Written by an Air Force and Air National Guard veteran, “Charlie Minto's Pyramid Scheme” grapples with a relevant moral question in today’s society: Is it justified to avenge a murder with murder? Is it acceptable to kill people who “deserve to be killed”?

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4iP07vg or visit http://www.lescarroll.com/ for more information.

(Jessica Vanscavish, Head of Disability, Absence, Life, and Supplemental Health at Guardian) - Across the United States, the caregiving landscape is shifting rapidly. Every day, millions of people are balancing their careers alongside the responsibility of caring for loved ones—a reality that can bring both fulfillment and significant challenges.  

New research from Guardian offers a deeper understanding of the pressures facing today’s working caregivers and the ways these roles are shaping American families, workplaces, and communities. As the demand for caregiving continues to grow, it’s more important than ever to recognize the trends and, for those providing care, consider steps you can take to manage your own well-being while supporting others. 

The state of caregiving today 

If you feel as if you or your family, friends, and coworkers are increasingly taking on caregiving roles in recent years, you aren’t alone. Guardian’s findings highlight just how widespread caregiving has become: nearly half of all full-time workers nationwide—43%—are now juggling work alongside caring for a loved one. This represents a 13% increase since 2019, reflecting just how many lives have been touched by these responsibilities. 

You may have also noted that caregiving crosses generational lines. The study shows that 25% of Baby Boomers, 39% of Gen X, 51% of Millennials, and 38% of Gen Z employees identify as caregivers.  

What we found to be particularly notable—and perhaps less expected—in the report data is that while women have traditionally made up the majority of caregivers in the workplace, men now represent 57% of full-time working caregivers, while women make up 43%. This shift doesn’t mean fewer women are taking on caregiving. Rather, as Guardian’s survey looked at full-time working professionals, it’s an indication that many women have left their jobs entirely to care for loved ones—you or someone you know may have made this same decision yourself.  

As many caregivers can likely attest, the challenges of providing care while managing a full-time job are significant. Only 36% of caregivers say their mental health is “very good.” Caregivers are 55% more likely than non-caregivers to struggle with substance use and 48% more likely to have experienced increased anxiety and depression in the past year.  

If you’re a caregiver, supporting a loved one may have taken a financial toll as well: 40% of caregivers say they’re fair or poor at managing their finances. Exacerbating these challenges is the reality that one-third of caregivers who take a leave from work to care for family members end up needing to take another leave for themselves. 

Support in the workplace can help make a difference. Caregivers with access to benefits like caregiving support services, mental health resources, flexible schedules, and paid leave report markedly better overall well-being and lower stress. Conversely, nearly half of caregivers who lack resources or assistance from their companies report low overall well-being. 

Getting the support you need 

Caregiving is an act of love, but it’s essential for those providing care to also ensure they’re supporting their own mental, physical, and financial wellness. If you or someone you know is juggling caregiving with work, here are a few steps caregivers can take to help bolster their own well-being. 

• Find out what benefits are available through work: Explore what support your workplace offers. This could include benefits such as mental health support, paid leave, flexible scheduling, employee assistance programs, or caregiving support services. Ask your HR team about these or other resources you already have access to that can help you manage stress and maintain stability while balancing work and care. These offerings can help to address the mental, physical, and financial health impacts of caregiving so that you can care for yourself while also supporting those you love. Be sure that you understand not only what these benefits are but also how to access and make the most of them. 

• Connect with your manager and colleagues: Only half of working caregivers have spoken with their manager about their caregiving duties, and fewer have done so with colleagues. Transparent conversations about your situation may reduce stress and help to normalize conversations around caregiving in the workplace. Consider joining your organization’s caregiver-focused employee resource group or, if one doesn’t exist, connecting with like-minded colleagues to start the conversation. 

• Consider your financial wellness: The financial costs of caregiving can add up quickly. Think about meeting with a financial professional to gain a clearer understanding of your current budget and how to integrate caregiving costs into your long-term financial planning alongside other priorities such as preparing for retirement or saving for a child’s college tuition. Some individuals may also want to consider seeking legal guidance regarding elder care, which can have a meaningful impact on financial health.  

Moving forward, together 

As more Americans step into caregiving roles, it’s vital that both individuals and workplaces adapt. By seeking support, taking care of yourself, and connecting with others, you can make a meaningful difference in your own life and in the lives of those around you.  

To learn more, visit: https://www.guardianlife.com/reports/caregiving-in-america.  

Unless otherwise stated, all data is sourced from Guardian’s From Workforce to “Careforce” report.  

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. 

8661494.1 (12/27)