Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2025-07-30T09:01:01

(BPT) – Money is on the mind: Americans are spending nearly 4 hours a day thinking about money, according to new research from Empower, a financial services company. That’s the equivalent of a part-time job, but nearly half (45%) say it motivates them to take action to reach their long-term goals.

Time spent thinking about money by generation

• Gen Z: 4.82 hours/day
• Millennials: 4.73 hours/day
• Gen X: 3.74 hours/day
• Boomers: 2.4 hours/day

More than half (54%) say they’re thinking about money more often than they did last year.

What are people thinking about? For most, it’s quality of life considerations: bills (57%), inflation and rising prices (51%), housing costs (34%), debt (30%), tariffs (28%), and retirement savings (24%).

In fact, a majority (55%) of Americans say they think about their retirement weekly, or daily (27%). One in 4 (22%) high-income earners have retirement on the mind multiple times a day.

Checking in – and in

People are not just thinking about finances — they’re checking in, and in. Nearly one-fifth of the population (17%) checks their financial accounts, including credit cards and investments, multiple times per day, and a quarter (24%) checks their bank account daily. Keeping a close eye is more common among younger adults: 24% of Gen Z and 21% of Millennials monitor accounts several times a day, compared to just 10% of Boomers.

“In an era of 24/7 economic headlines, it’s no surprise that money is dominating our daily thoughts,” said Rebecca Rickert, head of communications and consumer insights at Empower. “But here’s the silver lining: We’re seeing a real shift from passive worry to proactive behavior. People are motivated. They’re looking for tools, information, and advice to turn that energy into progress.”

The time of day matters, too. Gen Z is most likely to think about money in the late afternoon, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., whereas Millennials and Gen X report an uptick in financial thoughts between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., when the day slows down.

When money keeps Americans up at night

Over a third of Americans (36%) say they lose sleep over financial worries, and for Millennials, that number jumps to 44%. Boomers report sleeping better: Just 24% say money keeps them up at night.

Even during the day, 38% say money-related thoughts interfere with their ability to focus, and close to 2 in 5 say it strains relationships with friends and family (38%). In fact, over half (53%) say they’re feeling financial stress more acutely than ever (62% Gen X, 41% Baby Boomers).

But there’s a flip side: Motivation

One third (33%) are thinking about how to grow their money, and how to achieve long-term security (30%). Some 35% say they actively work to improve their financial situation when these thoughts arise, with Millennials among the most proactive (40%).

These actions are paying off. One in 5 (20%) respondents report significantly improving their credit score. Another 20% have paid off meaningful debt, created a successful budget (19%) or spending plan (19%).

Seeking information and advice

With money top of mind, Americans are searching for insights they can trust. About 1 in 5 people seek out financial news multiple times a week, and nearly half say that trusted financial information helps them make smarter decisions (41%). High-income earners report they are seeking out financial news and insights at least once per day (31%). A third of respondents say that talking with a financial advisor helps clarify their thinking around money and financial goals (33%).

Notably, younger adults are leading the way in financial curiosity. Millennials, in particular, value financial education — 52% say they place a high importance on financial insights and news (46% overall). More than half say they follow financial news to stay informed. Inflation and cost of living (49%) are the top topics people are researching, followed closely by budgeting (35%), saving (35%), and broader economic forecasts (27%).

What would help ease the pressure?

When asked what would reduce their financial stress, nearly half said a higher income (47%) would ease their worries, while 45% pointed to lower living expenses. Broader economic improvements (29%), debt elimination (28%), and a larger emergency fund (24%) were also top responses. Notably, almost 1 in 5 (18%) people said a detailed financial plan would go a long way toward helping them feel better about their finances (25% Gen Z, 23% Millennials).

To keep up with rising costs and financial anxiety, Americans are cutting back: 53% have reduced dining out; 46% are buying fewer non-essentials; 40% are scaling back entertainment; 39% are postponing travel or vacations; 33% are canceling subscription services; 29% are passing on social activities with friends.

Nearly 1 in 4 adjust their spending habits every month due to financial concerns, and 17% recalibrate weekly.

Money mindset: Focus on the future

Americans can’t stop thinking about their finances, but for many, it’s because they are dreaming of a bright future. Nearly half of Americans (47%) say they feel confident they will reach their financial goals.

Methodology

Empower’s “Money on the Mind” study is based on online survey responses from 2,206 Americans ages 18+ fielded by a third-party panel provider from June 10-12, 2025. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults.

RO4674848-0725

2025-07-30T15:15:00

(BPT) – Spending Great American Outdoors Day at a National Park? OFF!^® Mosquito & Tick Repellent uncovers top national parks with high and low mosquito activity ahead of free admission day in August.

Aug. 4 marks Great American Outdoors Day, and with all national parks offering free admission for the holiday, adventurers are gearing up for a day of exploration. But alongside visitors enjoying the expanded opportunities to visit their national parks, another group is expected to show up in full force: mosquitoes. With 37.8 million visitors to the national parks during the month of August last year, OFF!^® and the National Park Foundation are teaming up to share insider tips for avoiding the buzz and enjoying the day.

To help travelers plan smarter, OFF!^® — the #1 most trusted insect repellent brand* — created OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast™, which predicts mosquito behavior and populations. Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a mosquito magnet, this guide informs parkgoers on where to expect higher mosquito activity — so they can come prepared with the data backed from OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast™. With the right protection from OFF!^® repellents, every parkgoer can enjoy a comfortable outdoor experience at the parks, regardless of how many bugs might be present.

What is the OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast™?: Developed by OFF!^® and enhanced by the brand’s partnership with The Weather Channel^® app, the flagship consumer brand from The Weather Company, OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast™ uses entomological research on mosquitoes from SC Johnson’s Center for Insect Science and Family Health™, along with real-time weather data — like temperature, humidity and precipitation — to predict daily mosquito activity down to the ZIP code.

National Parks with High Mosquito Visitation

While all parks offer a chance to connect with nature, some may see more mosquito activity than others on Great American Outdoors Day, making protection essential for an adventurous escape. The following parks are expected to feature higher mosquito activity, so take extra caution (and bring your OFF!^® insect repellent when visiting to help stay protected).

1. Shenandoah National Park | Luray, VA: Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers and quiet wooded hollows. Summer brings higher humidity and warmer temperatures to the park, which can make its moist forested terrain and abundant standing water sources a seasonal haven for mosquitoes.

2. Badlands National Park | Interior, SD: The striking geologic deposits at Badlands National Park contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets live today. While the Badlands seem dry at a glance, episodic rainfall and warmer summer temperatures can create ideal — but often short-lived — conditions for mosquitoes. Visitors may see higher mosquito activity after rains, particularly near campgrounds, low areas or wetlands in and around the park.

3. Everglades National Park | Homestead, FL: Established in 1947 as the first national park created for its biodiversity, Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres of wetland, forest, marine habitats, as well as the native plants and animals that call it home. The subtropical climate of the Everglades tends to be hot and humid with nearly stagnant water systems of swamps, marshes and sloughs that create an environment that is ripe for mosquito breeding and activity.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park | Estes Park, CO: Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. Seasonal snowmelt, wetlands, warm summer temperatures, and calm low-elevation valleys create an ideal habitat for mosquitoes especially in June and July when wet areas are more abundant.

5. White Sands National Park | Alamogordo, NM: Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world’s great natural wonders — the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world’s largest gypsum dunefield. While White Sands National Park may not seem like an obvious mosquito hotspot due to its arid desert setting, seasonal monsoon rains between July-September can create temporary bodies of stagnant water. Couple that with warm, humid microclimates and this dunefield can create an increase in mosquito breeding and activity.

National Parks with Low-Medium Mosquito Visitation

Not all parks are expected to be buzzing with mosquitoes on Great American Outdoors Day. Here are locations OFF!Cast expects to feature lower mosquito activity — making them perfect for a scenic and less buggy adventure. Prevention still remains the best form of protection, so even when mosquito forecasts are low, make sure to make mosquito protection a part of your routine for uninterrupted time outdoors.

1. Joshua Tree National Park | Twentynine Palms, CA: Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. With a hotter and drier climate, mosquitoes are less commonly found at the park, but be mindful of their activity around scarce water sources.

2. Utah’s “Mighty Five” National Parks — Arches (Moab, UT), Bryce Canyon (Bryce Canyon City, UT), Canyonlands (Moab, UT) Capitol Reef (Torrey, UT) and Zion (Springdale, UT): Known for their strikingly colorful desert landscapes, these parks feature dramatic landforms like towering cliffs, natural stone arches, deep canyons and unique rock formations shaped over millions of years. With their dry desert climate, mosquito activity is generally lower, though visitors should remain mindful during dawn and dusk when activity may increase.

3. Mount Rainier National Park | Ashford, WA: Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, this park stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning five major rivers. Mosquitoes can be present, especially in lower elevation areas and those with marshy, wet conditions or shallow lakes and ponds. Stay clear of puddles, wet meadows and snowmelt streams.

4. Yosemite National Park | Yosemite, CA: First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area and much more. Mosquito activity at the park varies — with areas of lower elevation, streams and other water sources like puddles and melting snow being where you will see them the most.

5. Acadia National Park | Bar Harbor, ME: Considered the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats and a rich cultural heritage. With relatively cool summers and constant sea breezes, Acadia’s rocky coastal environment and limited and scattered wetlands create a less hospitable environment for mosquitoes compared to inland and marshy regions of New England.

Want to check all the national parks off your bucket list? Find out how you can get an all-access pass to all the national parks by entering the OFF! to Adventure Sweepstakes.

*Voted most trusted Insect Repellent (for use on body) brand by American shoppers based on the 2024 BrandSpark^® American Trust Study”

2025-07-29T08:01:02

(BPT) – If you think it’s too early to prepare for fall allergy season, think again. Thanks to changing weather patterns, allergy season is starting earlier and lasting longer than ever before. For the 31.8% of adults and 27.2% of children in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with seasonal allergies, their symptoms may persist long after kids are back in school.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the American frost-free season — the period between the final 32°F reading of the year in the spring and the first 32°F reading in the fall — has increased by more than two weeks on average across the country. “The prolonged warm weather means that plants bloom earlier, stay around longer and produce more pollen, causing sneezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes and runny noses and triggering asthma attacks and hay fever,” says allergist James Tracy, DO, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

One allergy-causing plant that thrives in the increasingly warm climate is ragweed, one of the most common environmental allergens according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Traditionally, ragweed blooms in late summer and early fall, usually ending a couple of weeks after the first frost. However, summerlike weather is lingering longer and longer, causing ragweed season to lengthen.

While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to manage your allergy symptoms. If you want to get ahead of fall allergies so you and your family can breathe easier, check the following five tips from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI).

1. Avoid allergy triggers

During the fall, try to avoid allergy triggers. Keep an eye on daily pollen counts and stay inside as much as possible during high pollen count days. Also, try to avoid going out in the morning, when ragweed pollen is at its highest during the fall. Keep doors and windows closed so pollen doesn’t get indoors.

2. Change clothing

To ensure you’re not tracking pollen into your home, change out of clothing you’ve worn outdoors. As soon as you get home, remove your shoes at the door, put your clothing in the washer and take a shower, paying special attention to your hair where pollen can linger.

Pro tip: Wear a hat and sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting in your eyes and wear a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask when mowing the lawn or doing other chores outdoors. Make sure to remove these items as well when you come indoors.

3. Start taking allergy medication now

Don’t wait until fall arrives to start taking your allergy medication. Whether you’re taking over-the-counter or prescription medications to treat your allergy symptoms, start taking them two weeks or so before your symptoms usually begin.

Continue your medication for two weeks after the first hard frost. Both nasal and eye symptoms associated with ragweed allergies can linger after pollen is no longer in the air.

4. Consider immunotherapy

For long-term treatment of severe or chronic allergies, consider immunotherapy with either shots or tablets. Immunotherapy is extremely effective for treating pollen allergies and can help with asthma. Unlike medications that treat allergy symptoms, immunotherapy works similarly to vaccines, desensitizing your immune system to allergens over time.

5. Visit your allergist

Make an appointment to see your board-certified allergist. This is especially important if the intensity of your symptoms has changed or if you’ve developed new ones since your last visit. Ask your allergist about getting tested for asthma if you’re coughing or wheezing more than in the past.

If you’ve never seen an allergist, it may be time to schedule a visit. Board-certified allergists are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat your allergies and asthma. They can offer you options for treatment you may not have considered (like immunotherapy) and work with you to create an individual action plan. To find an allergist near you, visit ACAAI.org/Find-An-Allergist.

Don’t let fall allergies catch you unaware. Using these five tips, you can get ahead of ragweed and other fall allergens so you can enjoy the season with minimal sneezing and wheezing.

2025-07-28T08:01:01

Looser Fits, Bigger Style

This year, fit is fashion. Across the board, silhouettes are getting looser, roomier and more relaxed, especially in boys and big kid styles. “Fit tells the trend story. Looser, baggier silhouettes are back, and they’re here to stay,” said Chiwona-Jackson.

Expect joggers with more ease, oversized crewneck tees and roomy jeans with major ’90s attitude. For girls, tighter baby tees and rib knits balance out the baggier bottoms, making every outfit an expression of personality.

Cozy is the New Cool

Move over graphics, this season fabric is doing the talking. From heavier jerseys that hold their shape to brushed fleece that feels like a cloud, this year’s cozy textures are about comfort, ease and layering potential. “We’re simplifying the graphics and letting the fabric do the talking,” said Chiwona-Jackson.

Soft hoodies, French terry joggers, ribbed long-sleeves and plush textures make everyday dressing feel good (literally).

Color Crushes: Green, Caramel & Dusty Pinks

The season’s color palette is grounded in earthy neutrals like sage, oat, caramel and olive alongside moodier shades like berry, plum and evergreen. Dusty pink continues to trend in girls’ styles, while pops of butter yellow and denim blues add brightness. “Neutral doesn’t mean boring,” said Chiwona-Jackson. “Caramel, sage and dusty pinks are adding richness to every collection.”

From ’90s and varsity vibes to iconic denim, buttery-soft knits and more, Carter’s and OshKosh’s 2025 back-to-school styles are made to stand out and hold up all year long. Whether your kid wants to rep the retro trend or keep things cozy and classic, this year’s collections have something for every personality.

Shop in store or online at carters.com. And don’t wait too long, key styles will go fast.

2025-07-25T02:01:00

(BPT) – If you’ve had the privilege to welcome a dog into your household, you know how much they mean to your family. To help your dog have a happy, healthy life, it’s important to understand their needs — and how those needs change over time.

From the lively, tail-wagging days of puppyhood to the quieter years of your senior dog, these tips from NaturVet^® can help you support your furry friend’s well-being.

Boost your puppy’s growth and development

Puppies of all breeds grow and change very quickly over the first 18 months of their lives, until they’re considered full grown. Research published by the American Veterinary Medical Association highlights the importance of puppy training classes to socialize your new family member and prevent unwanted behavior issues.

While you’re socializing and training your new puppy, you’ll also want to be certain you’re giving them food that’s high-quality and nourishing for healthy growth. It’s recommended to avoid giving them table scraps, instead opting for food designed specifically for puppies. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on types and the correct amounts of food appropriate for your dog’s age, size and breed.

As your puppy is growing, you’ll want to give them plenty of opportunities to be active. Exercise and play help them release all that pure puppy energy and reduce stress while bonding with you — all of which boosts their physical and mental development.

To further enhance your puppy’s health and wellness during this critical phase, All-In-One Puppy Daily Care Supplements from NaturVet are designed to support the needs of growing puppies with six essential key benefits including skeletal support, brain development, healthy digestion and immune health. Formulated for younger dogs, these soft chew supplements with Hickory Smoked Bacon flavor also feature the exclusive dental care ingredient PlaqueOff^® for added oral health support.

Think proactive care for adult dogs

After your dog has matured into adulthood, don’t forget that they still need regular activity and enrichment to help keep them healthy in mind and body. Some breeds require a lot more daily exercise than others, so it’s a good idea to learn about your dog’s specific needs. And just like humans, dogs can benefit from regular checkups, too. Your veterinarian can help you keep on track with all necessary vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental exams and more — so any potential signs of health issues can be detected and treated before they become serious problems.

Daily supplements can also play an important role in your adult dog’s proactive care. NaturVet’s All-In-One Adult Daily Care is a 10-in-1 soft chew supplement designed to support adult dogs with targeted benefits including joint health, digestion, immunity, skin and coat health and more. Featuring the delicious Hickory Smoked Bacon flavor dogs love and the exclusive dental care ingredient PlaqueOff^®, this supplement helps support your four-legged friend’s overall health and well-being throughout their adulthood.

Watchful care for senior dogs

As your dog ages, it’s vital to stay vigilant for any changes in their behavior, such as activity level and appetite, that may indicate health concerns. While you’ll still want to keep your dog as active as possible based upon their comfort level, you may notice they need to slow down over time. At this stage, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of regular vet visits.

One key area to watch for with senior dogs is dehydration. While staying hydrated is important for all dogs, including puppies, senior dogs may be less likely to feel the urge to drink, or may forget to drink. Supplying clean, fresh water and encouraging your dog to drink often is advised. Familiarize yourself with signs of dehydration, such as loss of skin elasticity or appetite, panting and a dry nose, and contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may be dehydrated.

When your dog is getting older, it’s crucial to promote their continued well-being with All-In-One Senior Daily Care, an 8-in-1 soft chew supplement specifically designed to support aging dogs by promoting joint health, mobility, brain function, heart health and gut health while also providing additional support for brain, heart and vision health. It features the exclusive ingredient PlaqueOff^® for dental care, along with tailored ingredients that help support longevity and immunity. Thanks to its appealing taste and texture, the Hickory Smoked Bacon flavor soft chew is easy to give to senior dogs.

No matter what stage of life your dog is currently in — puppy, adult or senior —you’ll want to know you’re doing your best to help keep them as healthy and happy as possible.

Learn more about how to support your dog’s health and wellness at NaturVet.com.

2025-07-24T11:01:00

(BPT) – The benefits of developing an early love of reading are well known, but recent reports have shown that literacy rates continue to decline globally. With unprecedented competition for children’s attention, almost half (42%) of parents say distractions from phones, gaming, and TV prevent their child from reading more — according to new research from Amazon Kindle.

The survey, which polled parents with kids between the ages of 7 and 12, reveals that over three quarters (77%) of parents want their kids to read more, but almost half (44%) say that their kids read less frequently than they did as a child. The vast majority (95%) of parents frequently attempt to motivate their child to read more, but 46% say their child gets distracted easily while reading.

“What we’re finding today is that, in addition to the common challenges kids may face while reading, we’re also up against a myriad of other factors that are competing for their time and attention,” says literacy expert Dr. Molly Ness.

Parents aren’t giving up, instead they’re actively working to foster a love of reading and maintain their child’s interest by letting the child pick the books they read (36%) and the format they read in (25%), whether that’s physical books, eBooks or audiobooks.

And with two in five (40%) parents citing visual elements, such as illustrated books, comics or graphic novels, as key motivators for their child to read, now is the time for parents to consider the recently launched Kindle Colorsoft Kids. Built to be distraction-free, with no apps, browsers or messaging capabilities, it immerses children in a world of stories with the added benefit of an easy-on-the-eyes color display.

“We know parents and caregivers are interested in encouraging consistent reading habits for their children,” says Ness. “They understand the benefits and they’re invested in helping them. But many of them struggle to find ways to help their child overcome common barriers to reading more, like a lack of confidence or lack of interest. While every child is unique, there are several tools parents can use to help.”

Ness shares her top tips to help parents encourage reading habits:

• Prioritize ARC (Access, Relevancy & Choice) for increased reading time: Kindle Kids provides instant Access to thousands of highly popular books through the included 6–12-month subscription to Amazon Kids+, giving children access to books Relevant to their interests, curiosities and passions. Finally, Kindle Kids offers unparalleled Choice with its customizable reading experience. When children see their reading choices and identities reflected in what and how they read, they are more likely to dive deeper into reading.
• Consider e-readers built specifically for kids: When selecting an e-reader for your child, it’s important to consider one that is made specifically for kids. Ness recommends a Kindle Kids device, such as the new Kindle Colorsoft Kids. It has an easy-on-the-eyes color display, and it gives kids the ability to customize their experience. That includes choosing between two cover designs or the book they’d like to read, or adjusting the text font, spacing or screen brightness that works best for them. When children can customize their device to match preferences and enjoy artwork in full color, it’s easier to see themselves as readers.
• Build reading confidence through accessibility features: Over half (64%) of survey respondents said their child uses a reading tool, including text-to-speech technology (22%), adjustable font size (22%), and adjustable lighting (20%). Finding a device with features that work best for your child is crucial, especially for individuals needing personalized accessibility options. Features like adjustable brightness, font size and spacing reduce the visual burden of reading and allow children to focus more on enjoyment and understanding while reading.
• Let your child be in the driver’s seat of their reading choices: First, provide a menu of options: picture book or graphic novel, chapter book or short story? Next, give them a choice of where they would like to read. Devote a special place in your home to reading, like a cozy chair, a blanket fort underneath a table or even the bathtub! Finally, let them choose how they would like to read, so they can pick the format — physical book, eBook or audiobook — that works best for them.

*The research was conducted by Censuswide, an independent market research company, with 2,000 parents of kids 7-12 in the U.S. between July 8 and July 16, 2025.

2025-07-23T11:01:00

(BPT) – At a time when the economy is top of mind, many business leaders are amplifying efforts toward reindustrialization, aiming to revitalize production through modernization, spark new industries and return manufacturing to regions that will most benefit from the products and jobs created. Improving the supply chain and keeping costs down means finding innovative ways to improve industrial activity nationwide and to manufacture products here in the United States. This will also help boost the economy and employment for a wide range of positions.

At this year’s Reindustrialize Conference in Detroit, speakers emphasized a movement that focuses on combining industrial nostalgia and cutting-edge technology. Detroit’s historical presence as the automotive capital of the world and Michigan’s thriving advanced manufacturing scene made the state the perfect backdrop for this timely conversation. Over 1,000 leaders from tech, defense, finance and government converged in Detroit for these future-forward discussions, along with venture capitalists hoping to fund the next industrial revolution.

Here are the top themes from this year’s conference, along with reasons why legislators, businesses and consumers across the nation can benefit from reindustrialization:

1. Strengthening the supply chain

Recent events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed serious cracks in the nation’s supply chain, showing that the U.S. was overly reliant on other countries for vital products and components. One of the main goals of reindustrialization is bringing back more essential manufacturing to the U.S., in turn lessening dependence on other nations.

State-led initiatives can support these efforts by fostering connections, training skilled workers, offering resources and implementing funding programs. For instance, at Reindustrialize, Michigan’s Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a new executive directive around Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), along with a new round of AAM funding, to scale the state’s emerging aviation capabilities. The goal is to help commercialize drone technologies, strengthen critical supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign manufacturing.

One company receiving this funding is CVS Health, which will deploy a new drone program focused on making it faster, simpler and more environmentally sustainable to get critical emergency response and specialty medications to patients.

2. Creating high-paying, essential jobs

As more companies and industries return to the U.S., new jobs are created. From skilled trade positions to white-collar jobs, these new positions will offer good wages and benefits, helping to stimulate growth in the economy at the local and national levels.

One such example is from TORC Robotics, an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG and a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, which chose to open a new engineering center in Michigan’s Ann Arbor Township. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) partnered with non-profit economic engine Ann Arbor SPARK and TORC Robotics to support the company’s new facility, which included a $3 million performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF). The expansion represents a $5.6 million capital investment — creating 500 high-paying jobs.

3. Bolstering national security

Leaders at Reindustrialize flagged U.S. defense manufacturing as “brittle and complacent,” raising alarms about the country’s inadequate preparedness for high-stakes scenarios. Yet, the leaders are determined to address this issue, focusing on making the defense industry more agile and ready to build digital, autonomous and dual-use systems.

Defense and aerospace startups have been invited to be part of the solution, and new U.S. budgets were highlighted, including $25 billion for the Pentagon’s “Golden Dome” missile-defense system and nearly $30 billion for shipbuilding and naval tech, designed to benefit both traditional defense companies and startups. These investments are fueling demand from non-traditional tech firms eager to enter defense supply chains.

The conference made it clear that despite differing approaches, there is a consensus across the political spectrum on the critical role of a strong industrial base for U.S. economic and national security.

4. Encouraging environmental sustainability

While factories have a reputation for being bad for the environment, the new wave of reindustrialization efforts increasingly focuses on sustainable practices and clean energy. From solar to wind, companies are investing in clean energy for the future of their businesses as well as the planet.

Semiconductors are crucial components in the energy sector for renewable energy technologies like solar. In recent years, semiconductors were largely manufactured overseas, but the reindustrialization movement is bringing this vital industry back to the U.S.

To support this move, Michigan recently saw a $325 million federal investment to expand semiconductor manufacturing in the state. The legislation supported a project with $40 million from the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund to Hemlock Semiconductor, which creates polysilicon to make computer chips for solar power and other clean energy markets. The low-embodied greenhouse gas emissions in Hemlock’s polysilicon materials facilitate the production of ultra-low-carbon solar panels, so solar project developers and owners can lower the embodied carbon of their projects up to 50%. Hemlock Semiconductor also uses renewable energy to power its operations, while closed-loop chemical recycling helps the company minimize industrial waste.

5. Strengthening local economies

Removing reliance on foreign manufacturing will help strengthen local and national economies. New factories will breathe life into local communities while also stabilizing the national economy.

To help generate local jobs and stimulate the regional economy, the MSF actively approves a range of new economic development projects across the state. One example is the Stellantis Detroit Assembly Project, which the MSF helped revitalize in 2019. Since its opening in 2020, the plant, which was the first new assembly plant in Detroit in 30 years, has generated nearly $64 million in revenue for the city and allocated more than $5 million in housing for the surrounding neighborhoods.

Additionally, the project hired Detroit-based contractors to build the plant, which was completed in record time. Stellantis and its partners also prioritized hiring Detroit residents for the thousands of full-time, high-paying jobs, and the project expanded to benefit local high schools by establishing the Advanced Manufacturing Academy to train students for these jobs.

These kinds of investments revitalize communities and strengthen supply chains, increasing employment and growing economies around the country — while also following sustainable practices — to ensure a brighter future.

2025-07-23T16:05:00

(BPT) – By Manish Joneja, Senior Vice President, Walmart U.S. Marketplace and Walmart Fulfillment Services

Today’s customer expects more. They’re shopping across categories, across price points, and increasingly across channels. They want value and greater assortment — much more than we can fit inside a Walmart U.S. Supercenter. And they also want a consistent, enjoyable shopping experience and to shop with a company they trust.

This is why we’ve made significant investments in assortment expansion across Walmart.com, including more than half a billion items from an ever-expanding group of diverse and growing sellers fueling the Walmart Marketplace. And, we’re not just adding more — we’re adding better. From our core assortment of everyday essentials to premium brands, together we bring customers the breadth, depth and quality they expect from a modern retailer.

An Industry-Wide Challenge

At the same time, bad actors seek to mislead and defraud customers in a rapidly changing environment. While counterfeits are estimated to represent a tiny minority of the products sold on marketplaces, it is an issue that plagues all retail marketplaces. These fraudulent sellers — who grow savvier, faking credentials and dodging enforcement — erode trust, not just in the companies who run these marketplaces, but in the thousands of large and small sellers who act with integrity and seek only to bring value and assortment to those who shop with us.

How We’re Shaping a Better Marketplace

To keep Walmart.com secure, we operate a multi-layered enforcement system with zero tolerance for bad actors, including:

• Seller vetting prior to onboarding, including identity and business verification, with ongoing compliance reviews.
• Pre-listing protections such as restricting who can sell certain categories.
• AI-driven and real-time monitoring of product listings for policy compliance, and intellectual property infringement, overseen by machine learning, automation and human management.
• Clear policies with swift enforcement measures, including proactive removal of violating listings and, when necessary, removal of sellers.
• Rapid response capabilities enabling our Trust & Safety team to investigate and address violations quickly.
• Brand protection tools that allow owners to flag concerns to be resolved quickly.
• Customer-centric policies, including convenient store-based returns for Marketplace items.
• Educating sellers to meet and maintain high standards.

These systems are continually enhanced and strengthened to protect consumers from the latest threats facing every open marketplace. When issues arise, our dedicated Trust & Safety team acts swiftly to investigate and resolve issues, alongside the many sellers who act with integrity on our site every day.

Working Together to Create a Safer Experience

Counterfeits have always been a challenge in retail, and online marketplaces are no exception. But today’s bad actors are more sophisticated, using technology to scale their operations faster than ever. This is why strong, coordinated action between the public and private sector is essential for tackling the evolving threat. Our efforts include:

• Championing the Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces (INFORM) Consumers Act – landmark legislation signed into law in 2023 to increase transparency and accountability in online marketplaces.
• Leading advocacy for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) to establish a coordinated federal response to retail theft.
• Engaging in Congressional roundtables and dialogue on the Stopping Harmful Offers on Platforms by Screening Against Fakes in E-commerce (SHOP SAFE) Act, aimed at curbing the sale of unsafe counterfeit goods online.
• Collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop the anti-counterfeit best practices outlined in its 2020 Combatting Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods report.
• Partnering with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination (IPRC), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target bad actors and strengthen enforcement.
• Joining forces with State Attorneys General and law enforcement task forces to help thwart organized retail theft.
• Working closely with organizations like the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), Buy Safe America Coalition, National Retail Federation (NRF), Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) and U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC) to promote marketplace integrity and safety.
• Sharing intelligence on bad actors with other retailers and marketplace platforms through the Anti-Counterfeiting Exchange.
• Serving on the Marketplace Advisory Council of the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC).

Leading the Way

At Walmart, we won’t stop fighting for all customers and taking aggressive action towards sellers who seek to defraud them with counterfeit items. We’re building an ecosystem where trusted sellers can grow, customers can shop with confidence, and innovation can thrive. That means continuing to invest in smarter tools, clearer policies and stronger education and support for our seller community — while staying true to Every Day Low Prices.

The future of eCommerce depends on shared responsibility to uphold customer trust. Growth hinges on integrity. It ensures fair play, consistent standards and a level playing field, attracting quality sellers and loyal customers.

In today’s retail landscape, trust is a competitive advantage. At Walmart, we’re committed to delivering on it.

2025-07-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – Mid-summer can be a tricky time for parents. The initial excitement of school break has worn off, and many kids start to feel restless, bouncing between boredom and bursts of energy. It’s also a stretch of the year when learning tends to stall, with research confirming that many children experience a “summer slide,” losing ground in reading comprehension and other subjects.

Adding to the challenge, studies show the average student attention span has shrunk 33% over the past two decades, making it harder than ever to keep kids focused. With recent assessments showing declines in reading for 4th graders over the last few years, many parents are wondering how to keep their children interested in learning, but in a way that still feels light, engaging, low effort and fun for the whole family.

Research shows that when kids are encouraged to explain their thinking, they engage more deeply, begin to revise their own ideas and fill gaps in their understanding. Learning doesn’t require a lesson plan — it can come from asking ‘why,’ imagining ‘what if,’ and reflecting together out loud.

“Don’t underestimate how much children can bring to learning,” says Dr. Elizabeth Bonawitz, associate professor of Learning Sciences at Harvard University. “They don’t always need new information or hands-on activities to grow. Thought experiments, playful questions, and open conversation can spark real understanding, especially when adults show genuine interest and curiosity.”

Many parents worry that they need a more formal approach to help their children learn, but it’s possible to spark curiosity and foster intellectual growth in ways that are easy and engaging for the whole household.

This kind of learning can take shape around the dinner table, during a walk in the park or while making a snack. With a few thoughtful prompts and a little room to imagine, everyday routines can become moments of discovery. The ideas that follow are grounded in this approach, offering a few easy ways to spark connection, curiosity and critical thinking this summer.

Serve up curiosity at mealtime with Bite-Sized Lessons

Mealtime is one of the rare moments when the whole family is in one place — a pause in the day ideal for sparking connection, conversation and curiosity. It’s also a low-effort opportunity for parents to encourage learning without adding anything extra to their to-do list.

That’s where HP’s Bite-Sized Lessons come in. These free, printable placemats, created in partnership with Dr. Bonawitz and designed in collaboration with Highlights, combine research-backed learning strategies with bright, kid-friendly visuals that invite thought and discovery around the table. Specifically designed for kids aged 5-10 when imagination, curiosity and family connection deeply influence learning, topics range from sports and music to nature and animals, offering playful prompts and investigative thinking that keeps kids engaged.

While they’re designed to make mealtime more meaningful, their print-and-go format is just as effective on the move, perfect for road trips, in restaurants or on an airplane.

Parents don’t need to prep or have all the answers, either. In fact, showing interest in your child’s thinking is often what sparks the richest conversations. Let the prompts be a starting point, and encourage your child to keep asking, wondering and imagining.

Available just in time for back-to-school prep, families and educators can print Bite-Sized Lessons for free at Printables.HP.com/us/en/learning.

Kids grow by growing things

Many daily activities you’re already doing can invite participation and conversation. For example, most kids enjoy working outside in the garden, and their curiosity can be sparked by helping to prepare the soil, plant seeds and water flowers or vegetables.

An interest in natural sciences can be nurtured by hands-on exposure to growing plants right in your own backyard.

Explore local resources for family outings

Summer is the perfect time to explore some of the resources in your own area, which also helps kids learn about the world around them and ignites new interests.

From your local library or art museum to nearby zoos, planetariums or science centers, an occasional fun family field trip can expand your children’s exposure to ideas and encourage even more discoveries.

Asking questions and sparking imaginations evoke learning that’s compelling and empowering for kids. Tapping into their natural curiosity not only makes education fun, but will transform kids into lifelong learners.

2025-07-20T08:01:01

(BPT) – A cleft lip or palate isn’t just cosmetic — it can threaten a child’s ability to survive. Left untreated, a cleft can make it difficult to eat, breathe, hear, or speak; without proper medical care, a cleft can lead to chronic malnutrition and isolation.

Every three minutes, somewhere in the world, a baby is born with a cleft. The condition occurs when certain body parts and structures do not fuse together during early fetal development. In addition to the physical challenges cleft-affected children experience, they’re very often harassed and bullied for the way they look and speak. Many drop out of school and become isolated.

The good news is that clefts are treatable! In fact, Smile Train — the world’s largest cleft-focused organization — provides training for medical professionals in more than 75+ countries so they can support cleft treatments for patients in their own communities. In addition to providing free surgeries, Smile Train facilitates comprehensive cleft care such as speech therapy and dental care. Smile Train’s sustainable model makes the nonprofit more efficient and effective than mission-trip-based organizations. To date, Smile Train has supported more than 2 million free cleft surgeries worldwide.

This year, Smile Train is taking another step to help cleft-affected individuals and unite the global cleft community by establishing the first-ever World Cleft Awareness Day.

What is World Cleft Awareness Day?

World Cleft Awareness Day is the first officially recognized day on the calendar dedicated to educating the public about cleft lip and palate, fostering acceptance and equal access to cleft care, and highlighting the treatment journey of individuals and their families’ experiences.

“People often think of clefts as a single surgery, when in reality, the journey can last decades,” said Iva Ballou, manager, community development for Smile Train. “Being cleft-affected, I’ve undergone numerous surgeries connected to my condition. World Cleft Awareness Day is a great opportunity to educate the public and advocate for equal access to care for everyone, everywhere.”

When is World Cleft Awareness Day?

The inaugural World Cleft Awareness Day is Sunday, July 20, 2025, aligning with National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month.

What are the main goals and purposes of World Cleft Awareness Day?

The main goal and purpose of World Cleft Awareness Day is to increase public awareness of cleft and the yearslong cleft treatment journey, from pre-surgery preparations at birth through surgical interventions and ongoing comprehensive cleft care that can go on for decades.

Why was World Cleft Awareness Day created?

World Cleft Awareness Day was created to celebrate and unite the global cleft community.

“World Cleft Awareness Day is about raising awareness, but it’s more than that — it’s about celebrating the strength and resilience of the global cleft community,” said Susannah Schaefer, president and CEO of Smile Train. “By founding and leading this observance, Smile Train is creating space for cleft-affected individuals and their families to be seen, heard and supported.”

Who can get involved?

Anyone and everyone can get involved in observing World Cleft Awareness Day. Patients, families, medical professionals, nonprofit organizations, corporate partners, influencers, and advocates are all welcome to participate. The more voices that join, the greater the impact.

To learn more about World Cleft Awareness Day, Smile Train’s initiatives and the lives of cleft-affected children, visit CleftDay.com.