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Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Opens Scholarship Programs in Arizona

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ARCHER RAGSDALE ARIZONA CHAPTER OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR  TWO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS FOR COLLEGE-BOUND HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

(PHOENIX, AZ) – The Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter (ARAC), the local chapter named in honor of two Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces, is currently accepting applications for two scholarship programs for college-bound graduating high school seniors. 

The William A. Campbell Memorial Scholarship, named after Col. Campbell, a former professor of Air Science at Tuskegee Institute, is awarding up to two $1,500 scholarships to eligible students. To qualify, applicants must be a high school senior with a minimum overall GPA of 2.7, plan to attend a college or university and major in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) discipline, and submit a 500-word essay on how the Tuskegee Airmen legacy served as an inspiration for them. Applications must be received by May 31. For more information, contact Col. Richard “Dick” Toliver, United States Air Force (ret.), at [email protected].

The Ashby-Herring Scholarship is named in honor of ARAC members and original Tuskegee Airmen Lt. Col Robert “Bob” Ashby and Lt. Col Asa Herring. ARAC awards two$1,500 scholarships to deserving graduating college-bound high school students. To qualify, applicants must be a graduating high school senior from Arizona with plans to attend a two- or four-year college or university; of African American descent; have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher; and demonstrate financial need. The application deadline for the Ashby-Herring Scholarship is May 1.  For more information, email [email protected].  

“The scholarship opportunities reflect ARAC’s continued commitment to helping support the education goals of our young people in a substantive financial way,” said Diana Gregory, coordinator of the ARAC Scholarship Committee. “We are proud to offer these scholarships to facilitate the pursuit of higher education and encourage eligible graduating high school seniors to submit their applications as soon as possible.”

Link: https://www.azfoundation.org/scholarship-seekers/

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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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Child Health

Championing Children’s Health

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Children's Health

Children’s Health

(Family Features) In a digital landscape crowded with influencers, it’s not every day you find one who doubles as a board-certified physician. However, Doctor Mikhail Varshavski – also known as Doctor Mike – made a name for himself by pairing medical expertise with charisma and clarity.   Now, his work is taking on new global significance as he steps into his latest role: UNICEF Ambassador.   With more than 25 million followers and 4 billion views across platforms, Doctor Mike built a career translating complex health information into accessible, engaging content. As an ambassador, he will use that same platform to raise awareness around the mission to ensure every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected.   This collaboration began in 2021 with a video explaining how COVID-19 vaccines work. Since then, he’s continued using his platform to address critical issues like vaccine access and child nutrition. In 2024, he visited UNICEF’s Supply Division in Copenhagen – the world’s largest humanitarian warehouse – where he helped pack and ship life-saving supplies to families globally. Later that year, he teamed up with Regional Goodwill Ambassador and rugby star Tendai Mtawarira for a child nutrition quiz to raise awareness around child poverty.   “I am proud to serve as the newest UNICEF Ambassador,” Doctor Mike said. “This role represents an important opportunity for me to continue my work of advocating for children’s health with an organization that provides nearly half of the world’s children with critical vaccinations. UNICEF’s mission to ensure that every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected has never been more important and I look forward to amplifying this critical work on my platform.”   Born in Russia and raised in New York, Doctor Mike earned his B.S. and Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from the New York Institute of Technology. He rose to prominence during his medical residency at Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center by sharing behind-the-scenes insights on social media and has since become a trusted voice on health, regularly contributing to reputable outlets and hosting his own podcast, “The Checkup.”   As an ambassador, Doctor Mike joins a roster of notable advocates including Selena Gomez, Sofia Carson, Laurie Hernandez and Jeremy Lin to use his voice to help ensure every child can survive and thrive.   Find more information by visiting unicefusa.org. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: UNICEF

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Consumer Corner

401(k) plans and stock market volatility: What you need to know

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It’s been a wild ride. iStock/Getty Images Plus
Dr. Ronald Premuroso, Western Governors University School of Business With stock market charts resembling the contours of a roller-coaster ride in recent days, many Americans could be forgiven for eyeing their 401(k)s with a little concern. Retirement savings are crucial to the financial well-being of millions of especially older people in the U.S., so the concern is understandable. But just how worried should people be by market fluctuations? And just how big a hit do 401(k)s take when markets fall? The Conversation turned to Western Governors University’s Ronald Premuroso, an expert in this area, for answers.

What is a 401(k)?

Simply put, a 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan in which employees contribute a portion of their compensation on a tax-deferred basis. The employee is eligible at any age to contribute to a 401(k) plan and has the option to pay into these plans throughout their employment. Many employers match some or all of an employee’s contributions, making the plan even more attractive.

What about withdrawals?

Under Internal Revenue Service rules, someone with a 401(k) is required to start making monetary withdrawals from their plan when they reach age 73. Some people start withdrawing at an earlier age. Someone with a 401(k) can withdraw funds from the plan early, and at any time. But the money amounts withdrawn will typically be deemed taxable income. In addition, those age 59 and a half and under will likely face a 10% penalty on the withdrawal, unless the employer’s plan allows for hardship distributions, early withdrawals or loans from your plan account. The IRS has specific rules for these early withdrawals; if you find yourself in this situation, you should get help from a tax professional. All withdrawals starting at age 73, which tax professionals call “RMDs,” are then taxable in retirement – presumably at a lower tax rate than the employee was subject to while employed and working. So these withdrawals starting at age 73 can be a very tax-efficient way of financial planning, including personal income tax planning, for later in life, especially in one’s retirement years. Again, it’s important to get help from a tax professional to make sure you meet the IRS’ RMD dollar withdrawal requirements once you start withdrawing. In calendar-year 2025, the most that an employee can contribute to a tax-deferred 401(k) plan annually is US$23,500, including the employer’s match. “Super catch-up contributions are allowed for employees over the age of 50 to their employer’s 401(k) plan each year indexed to inflation. In 2025, super catch-up contributions allow individuals age 50 and older to contribute an additional $7,500 beyond the standard limit, bringing their total annual contribution to $31,000. For those turning age 60, 61, 62 or 63 in 2025, the SECURE Act 2.0 allows a higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250, resulting in a total allowable contribution of $34,750 in 2025.

When and why did 401(k)s become popular?

Before 1978, retirement savings options were limited. In 1935, Congress created the Social Security Retirement Plan. This was followed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, which created individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, as a way for employees to save tax-deferred money for their retirement. 401(k) plans became popular with the passage of the Revenue Act of 1978 by Congress. Congress saw 401(k) plans at that time as an alternative way to supplement Social Security benefits that all eligible Americans are entitled to receive upon retirement. In 1981, the IRS issued new rules and regulations allowing employees to fund their 401(k)s through payroll deductions. This significantly increased the number of employees contributing to their employers’ 401(k) plans. As of September 2024, Americans held $8.9 trillion in 401(k) plans, according to the Investment Company Institute. A study published by the Pension Rights Center toward the end of 2023 using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics concluded that 56% of all workers – including private sector and state and local government workers – participate in a workplace retirement plan. That equates to 145 million full- and part-time workers.

How are 401(k) plans affected by market rises and falls?

Contributions to a 401(k) are typically invested in a variety of financial instruments, including in the stock market. Most 401(k) plans offer investment options with varying levels of risk, allowing employees to choose based on their personal comfort levels and financial goals. Employers typically outsource the management of these 401(k) plans to third parties. Some of the largest companies managing 401(k) funds on behalf of employers and employees include Fidelity Investments, T. Rowe Price and Charles Schwab, to name just a few. Because many of these investments are tied to the stock market, 401(k) balances can rise or fall with market fluctuations.
An elderly lady sits at a table with papers in front of her.
401(k) plans are a financial lifeline for many American retirees. Halfpoint Images/Getty Images

Should I be worried about the stock market tanking my 401(k)?

It depends on when you started making contributions, when you plan to retire and when you expect to start making withdrawals. Employees with 401(k) accounts should only be worried about falling stocks if they need the money right now – either for retirement living expenses or for other emergency reasons. If you don’t need to take money out soon, there’s usually no reason to panic. History has shown that markets can rebound quickly; short-term drops often don’t signal long-term trends. Over time, the stock market has experienced many periods of falling stock prices: the bursting of the internet bubble of 2000; the period after the events of 9/11; and the U.S. and global banking crisis of 2007-2010, to name but three. But overall, over time, stock market returns have averaged 9% from 1994 to 2024, and this includes the periods of falling stock prices mentioned above. So even if you are a baby boomer heading for retirement and your 401(k) has taken a hit in recent weeks, don’t panic. Bear in mind the truism that stock markets can always go down as well as up. History suggests that in the long run, depending upon your plans and timing for retirement, working together with a trusted financial adviser strategically with regard to your 401(k) retirement savings is a good approach, especially during periods like we have seen in recent weeks in the stock market. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial adviser before making financial decisions.The Conversation Dr. Ronald Premuroso, Accounting Instructor, Western Governors University School of Business This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Foodie News

3 Unforgettable Mother’s Day Meals That Will Make Her Heart (and Taste Buds) Sing

Create an unforgettable Mother’s Day with a home-cooked meal featuring three easy yet impressive recipes: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Mediterranean Brunch Board, and Herb-Crusted Salmon, paired with wines to enhance flavors and create lasting memories.

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A beautifully arranged table set with plates, silverware, and candles. Perfect for formal dining or special occasions.

Want to make this Mother’s Day extra special? Skip the crowded restaurants and show Mom your love through a home-cooked meal she’ll never forget. We’ve crafted three foolproof recipes that even kitchen novices can master – because nothing says “I love you” quite like a meal made from the heart.

pile of pancakes for mother's day
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🌟 1. Heavenly Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Berry Compote

Picture golden, cloud-like pancakes that practically float off the plate, their edges delicately crispy while their centers remain pillowy-soft and tender. The rich, creamy ricotta creates pockets of moisture that melt in your mouth, while bright lemon zest cuts through with citrusy sparkle. The warm berry compote cascades over the stack, its jewel-toned fruits bursting with sweet-tart juice that mingles perfectly with pure maple syrup.

cutting board with a variety of food
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🍳 2. Mediterranean Brunch Board

A feast for both eyes and palate, this stunning spread features eggs with golden yolks that ooze luxuriously when broken, their richness enhanced by aromatic dukkah’s nutty crunch. Creamy, house-made hummus swirled with extra virgin olive oil sits alongside prosciutto roses that fold like silk. Fresh figs, split to reveal their honey-sweet crimson centers, nestle against wedges of artisanal cheese that range from buttery-soft to crystalline-sharp. Every bite tells a story of Mediterranean sunshine.

ready to eat meat with basil leaves
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👑 3. Herb-Crusted Salmon with Champagne Cream Sauce

A masterpiece of textures and flavors: the salmon’s herb crust offers a satisfying crackle before revealing the perfectly cooked, rose-pink flesh beneath that flakes at the mere touch of a fork. The champagne cream sauce, velvety and sophisticated, pools elegantly around the fish, its subtle bubbles lending an air of celebration. Bright green asparagus spears provide the perfect crisp-tender contrast, while the wild mushroom risotto, infused with earthy aromatics and finished with a generous shower of Parmesan, creates a bed of creamy comfort that ties the whole dish together.

Why These Recipes Work:

Each recipe can be partially prepped in advance

Ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets

They’re impressive without being overly complicated

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Perfect balance of flavors and textures

Suitable for various dietary preferences

Each bite is carefully crafted to create not just a meal, but a memorable experience that shows Mom just how special she is. The interplay of textures and flavors in each dish creates a symphony of tastes that will linger in her memory long after the last bite.

Here are some Wine Pairings to make these dishes perfect:

🌟 Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Perfect Pairing: Prosecco or Moscato d’Asti

Why it works: The light bubbles and subtle sweetness complement the citrus notes while cutting through the richness of the ricotta.

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🍳 Mediterranean Brunch Board

Perfect Pairing: Rosé or Albariño

Why it works: A crisp, dry rosé enhances the salty prosciutto and creamy cheeses, while Albariño’s mineral notes complement the Mediterranean flavors.

👑 Herb-Crusted Salmon

Perfect Pairing: Chardonnay or Pinot Noir

Why it works: A lightly oaked Chardonnay matches the richness of the champagne sauce, while a light-bodied Pinot Noir works beautifully with the herb crust.

Plating Instructions:

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Lemon Ricotta Pancakes:

Stack 3-4 pancakes slightly off-center on a warm, white plate

Drizzle berry compote in an artistic swoosh from 2 o’clock to 7 o’clock

Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar

Pro tip: Use a wide, flat plate to let the colors pop against the white background

Mediterranean Brunch Board:

Start with a large wooden board or slate platter

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Create height by placing small bowls of hummus and dips at different points

Arrange prosciutto roses in a cascading pattern

Group cheeses by type, creating a gradient from soft to hard

Fill negative space with fresh herbs and edible flowers

Pro tip: Use small olive wood bowls for dips to add rustic elegance

Herb-Crusted Salmon:

Place the risotto in a shallow bowl using a ring mold

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Position the salmon at a 45-degree angle, slightly overlapping the risotto

Arrange asparagus spears like a fan

Drizzle champagne sauce in an elegant circle around the plate

Garnish with micro herbs and edible flowers

Pro tip: Warm the plates before serving to keep everything at perfect temperature

Remember: The most important ingredient isn’t listed in any recipe – it’s the love and thought you put into making Mom’s day special. These meals aren’t just about the food; they’re about creating precious moments together.

Ready to make Mom’s day unforgettable? Save these recipes now and start planning your Mother’s Day menu. Trust us – seeing her face light up will be worth every minute in the kitchen.

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Here are some related links to further help you make Mother’s Day special:

Good Housekeeping: 55 Best Mother’s Day Dinner Ideas – Good Housekeeping

Food Network: Mother’s Day Recipes: Brunch, Dinner, Desserts and More

NYT Cooking: Mother’s Day Recipes – NYT Cooking

Happy Mother’s Day!

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

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