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Why you need independent energy this summer and beyond

2026-06-05T14:43:00

(BPT) – On May 18, 2026, PJM Interconnection — North America’s largest power grid operator — scheduled a planned outage to prepare its facilities for summer energy demand. What should have been routine spring maintenance quickly became an emergency.

The night before the outage, an early-season heat wave hit the East Coast. At the same time, according to a May 19 Utility Dive article, more than 40 gigawatts of power plant capacity were offline, leaving PJM’s grid, which serves more than 67 million people across 13 states and Washington, D.C., with dangerously thin reserves.

PJM determined that it could not safely meet projected evening peak demand and requested assistance from the U.S. government to avert a disaster. Fortunately, on May 18, the U.S. Department of Energy issued a rare emergency order, granting PJM’s request and authorizing backup generation to help prevent blackouts. But what happens when, not if, the next energy emergency arrives?

An old problem with a new culprit

Summer blackouts are nothing new. In the hottest months, homeowners and apartment residents rely heavily on air conditioning. That surge in electricity use strains the aging U.S. power grid, causing outages that can last for hours, days or even weeks.

But extreme heat is not the only force putting pressure on the grid. AI is steadily driving up energy demand across the country. In fact, data centers accounted for 50% of all U.S. electricity demand growth last year. As more data centers come online and strain an already fragile grid, Americans are heading into summer with more heat and less reliable power.

The good news is that households can take control of their energy before summer temperatures peak.

Gaining energy independence with a reliable, renewable source

Today’s homes do not have to depend entirely on an unpredictable and costly grid. With a reliable, renewable energy source, households can keep power on when the rest of the block goes dark, reduce energy bills, and, most importantly, gain greater energy independence.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for residential energy needs, but solar generators in a range of sizes and capacities are proving essential for energy resilience. For example, Jackery’s Essential Home Backup line offers clean-energy power stations designed as a modern alternative to gas generators, providing coverage for core essentials without the added cost and power draw of whole-home energy storage systems.

Jackery, a global leader in portable power and solar generator solutions, anticipated growing U.S. grid instability and evolved its battery backup technology to meet it. Its solar generators run indoors, quietly and safely, without fumes and are built to support how a modern household uses energy, whether that means powering a full load of household appliances or simply keeping one room comfortable and one device charged in an apartment.

Those living in large homes would do well to invest in models like the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus and the HomePower 3600 Plus, both of which can be connected to a home’s essential circuits through a Jackery Smart Transfer Switch and a Manual Transfer Switch, respectively, the installation of which promises to be simpler and more affordable than the traditional grid-tied backup options on the market.

These modular, versatile home systems can power essentials in multiple rooms: refrigerators, medical devices, AC units and more through extended outages. Both models can be recharged in multiple ways, including solar and traditional AC power, so they’re always ready. The Solar Generator 5000 Plus is even compatible with high-voltage solar panels, allowing it to recharge and store energy from a home’s existing rooftop solar system. With over 10 years of durability, they offer lasting energy independence.

Because the modern household’s routine runs on power, every type of home deserves a tailored home backup. For renters and apartment dwellers, the HomePower 3000 and Solar Generator 2000 V2 are ideal portable, plug-and-play options. Using either model, households can keep a room comfortable, charge phones, run a fan and even power larger appliances like a refrigerator.

Secure energy independence before the lights go out

Power from the grid is never promised, but it’s never been easier to find the right backup for your home and lifestyle. Designed around the way you live, the way you explore, and all the ways you need support, Essential Home Backup gives the place you call home the power, connection, comfort and safety you deserve. Don’t wait for summer blackout or storm season to take energy independence seriously. To learn more about energy independence and find the right model in Jackery’s Essential Home Backup line, visit Jackery.com.

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Walking may be one of the simplest ways to support heart health

2026-06-05T08:25:00

(BPT) – When people think about exercise, they often picture intense workouts or long hours at the gym. But supporting your heart health doesn’t have to look extreme. One of the simplest ways to move more and build healthier habits is something many people can incorporate into their daily routine: walking.

Walking is one of the most effective, accessible and sustainable forms of exercise you can do. This low-intensity movement can support heart health, boost energy, reduce stress and help build long-term healthy habits. Below are just a few reasons why walking may be the key to moving more, feeling better and supporting your overall health.

Accessible and approachable

For many people, walking is a simple, flexible way to move more and support their health. It’s a low- to no-cost activity that doesn’t require special equipment or a high skill level. Whether it’s taking a quick walk during your lunch break or choosing the stairs, small moments of movement throughout the day can add up.

Supports heart health

Consistent movement can play an important role in supporting cardiovascular health. According to the American Heart Association, physical activity like a daily 20-minute walk may help reduce cardiovascular health disparities.

The good news? Those minutes don’t have to happen all at once. Short walks throughout the day can help people gradually build healthier habits and incorporate more movement into everyday routines.

Supports overall well-being

Beyond the physical benefits, walking may also help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve your quality of life and sense of overall well-being. Even a short walk around the neighborhood can be a great way to recharge during a hectic day.

How much movement do you need?

So, how much should you walk? The American Heart Association recommends getting at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of heart-pumping physical activity per week. That may sound intimidating, but you don’t have to do it all at once!

Throughout your week, you can get in a few minutes of walking here and there. That could mean taking a 10-minute walk during your lunch break, walking to the park with your dog or grabbing a coffee with a friend and taking a stroll around the neighborhood.

Take the next step

Are you ready to start walking? Set yourself up for success by joining the American Heart Association’s Heart on the Move Challenge. The free 21-day movement challenge encourages participants to move more and build heart-healthy habits through simple daily activities like walking.

As you move, you can earn points that you can redeem for fun rewards along the way. Plus, you’ll join thousands of others across the country who are moving more to feel better.

Remember, walking for your health isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistent movement and progress. To learn more and join the challenge, visit Heart.org.

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Vinyl records: Everlasting music, modern products

2026-06-04T05:01:00

(BPT) – By Ned Monroe

From the Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” in 1966 to Taylor Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl” today, vinyl records are a mainstay in music and art culture. Their combination of nostalgia and utility have turned a whole new generation into collectors. The music medium endures in part because of vinyl’s core design and engineering: creating and preserving sound in tiny grooves on a durable, flexible platform that can be played over and over for years of lasting enjoyment.

What vinyl (also known as PVC) does for music it does for so many other things, from drinking water pipes to building materials like siding, windows and flooring to life-saving medical supplies such as blood storage.

Like a perfectly crafted album, vinyl brings together just the right parts and pieces into a melody that enriches lives.

From turntable to tomorrow

Vinyl records and other PVC products, such as pipes and siding, are engineered for a final vinyl product with performance properties specific to its application, such as audio fidelity, impact resistance, durability, UV stability or flexibility.

Vinyl records are designed to play again and again, remaining dimensionally stable to ensure sound quality. It is a testament to the durability of this material that can be seen in many other vinyl products.

Two-thirds of PVC is used in durable goods with lifespans of 15 to 75 years. A major share of vinyl resin goes into water infrastructure products such as buried PVC pipes that can have a service life of more than 100 years. Like vinyl albums that last for decades and can be passed from parents to children, many other vinyl products are designed to remain in use.

The band plays on: The many lives of vinyl

Good music endures — and so can the record itself. Most vinyl materials, including records, can be recycled into new uses. Products made from recycled vinyl include all-weather auto mats, tarps for disaster relief, decking and flooring, to name just a few.

The most recent “State of PVC Recycling in the USA & Canada” report, released this April, found that the U.S. and Canada recycled more than 1.127 billion pounds of PVC in 2024, including 71.3 million pounds of post-consumer content such as roofing, hoses, siding and flooring. This data confirms the vision and dedication of recyclers across North America who have long understood PVC’s reuse potential in ways that provide both economic value and environmental benefit.

An extensive playlist: Built for more than just music

Blue PVC pipes stacked on a truck. Vinyl Institute says can PVC safely supply hot and cold water for homes.

Records are one of the most visible consumer products made with vinyl, but you can find the material in so many more of the products you rely on every day, even if you don’t realize it. The set list includes:

  • Clean water & infrastructure: Because PVC is durable, long-lasting and cost-effective, it’s a popular material for pipes across the globe. You can’t see most of them, but behind the walls and underfoot, PVC pipes are safely supplying hot and cold water while transmitting wastewater.
  • Healthcare: Hospitals have leaned on PVC’s durability and reliability for more than 50 years. It has helped save lives by revolutionizing how medical facilities administer patient care. PVC bags can store blood longer and replace breakable containers, medicines can be sealed tightly and have a longer shelf life, and PVC flooring, wallcoverings and furniture are ideally suited due to their performance and cleanability properties.
  • Homes & buildings: Vinyl can be manufactured in rigid forms, so it’s versatile for a range of construction applications. The strength and longevity of rigid vinyl is ideal for low-maintenance siding, energy-efficient windows and UV-resistant decking, for example, while flexible vinyl is well-suited for watertight roofing membranes, flooring that withstands foot traffic and scratch-resistant wallcoverings.
  • Transportation: The cars you drive or the planes you fly on? They’re likely to have many lighter weight and easy-to-clean vinyl products, from side moldings and dashboards to floor mats and upholstery.
  • Lifestyle & recreation: Along with records, you can thank vinyl for items like pool liners, sprinkler systems, railings and garden hoses.
  • Next-generation technology: Vinyl has long been important for technology infrastructure, such as for vinyl-insulated wire and cable and PVC conduits, but it’s also playing a key role in the future. EV charging stations and solar panels, for example, also rely on vinyl-insulated wire and cable.
Vinyl hose in garden. The Vinyl Institute says vinyl can be used for pool liners, sprinkler systems, railings, and hoses.

The legend lives on

Record albums show the highly visible (and audible) role vinyl plays in our lives and culture. The same attributes — performance and longevity — that have made vinyl records an enduring cultural force are also what make its roles in infrastructure and healthcare so important. Combined with increasing opportunities for reuse and innovation, it’s a material set to endure for generations, and genres, to come.

Learn more about the many ways vinyl is used today and access the Vinyl Institute’s Recycling Directory and other resources at www.vinylinfo.org.

Ned Monroe is CEO of the Vinyl Institute.

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Discover why a college savings plan can be one of the best gifts

2026-06-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

  • A 529 college savings plan is a great gift for all occasions.
  • A college savings account plan is a valuable tool that can help defray the cost of higher education.
  • Gifting a child in your life a college savings account teaches them financial responsibility, is simple to give, can be used for various education expenses and appreciates over time.

Deciding what gift to give a child for graduations, birthdays, holidays and other gift-giving occasions can be challenging. Traditional gifts like computers, phones, gift cards and clothing may be appreciated in the moment, but they don’t have the potential to appreciate in value over time.

This year, instead of giving a traditional gift, consider starting or contributing to a student’s 529 college savings plan account to help save for future education.

The rising cost of education

The cost of college has risen substantially over the past 20 years.

According to the College Board Trends in College Pricing, the cost of a four-year undergraduate education — which includes tuition, room and board — increased by 68% at private colleges and universities between 1994 and 2024. For public colleges and universities, the cost increased by 78% during the same period.1

Given the rise in college costs, it’s no surprise that helping a student save for college has become more popular. In fact, 79% of parents would welcome a contribution to their child’s college savings account in lieu of traditional gifts, according to Fidelity’s 2025 College Gifting Study.

Beyond the monetary value, there are other benefits of gifting to a college savings plan account. Below are just a few of the many reasons why a 529 plan may be one of the best gifts you can give a child of any age in 2026.

When you give or contribute to a college savings plan, you’re demonstrating your own investment in a child’s educational future.

It teaches financial values

Opening or contributing money to a college savings account can be a great opportunity to teach a child or teen financial literacy.

Start by showing them the account and discussing how much you and other family members can contribute toward their college costs. For those with older children who are working part-time, encourage them to contribute part of their paycheck to their college savings account, so they can feel ownership over their plan.

It’s easy to give

In many cases, setting up a 529 savings plan account is simple and can be done online. For example, when you visit the Fidelity website, you can choose a plan, select the investments and set up automatic fund payments.

On your plan page, you can make it easy for other family members to contribute, too. Grandparents are especially keen to contribute to their grandchildren’s education.

According to Fidelity’s study, 35% of grandparents have contributed to a savings account for a child’s education instead of a traditional gift. However, for those who haven’t contributed, many said they want to but don’t know how.

If you have a 529 plan account managed by Fidelity, you can make it simple for anyone who wants to contribute to your student’s savings plan to do so year-round.

Log in to your account and visit your gifting dashboard, or set one up here. Once you’re done, you can share a link to your personalized college gifting page. Anyone with the link can click the “Give a gift” button and make a contribution to the savings plan using their checking account.

They’re flexible

One of the benefits of a 529 college savings plan is that a student can use it for more than just traditional college tuition. In fact, they can use it not just for college, but to pay for vocational and trade school expenses.

Some 529 qualified education expenses include:

  • College tuition and fees
  • Room and board
  • Books and supplies
  • Technology
  • Special needs expenses
  • K-12 qualified expenses up to $20,000 in 2026

Under certain conditions, you can transfer funds tax- and penalty-free up to a lifetime limit of $35,000 in a 529 to a Roth IRA opened by the 529 beneficiary, which offers some flexibility in the event the student doesn’t use all the funds.2

It’s a gift that means a lot today and more tomorrow

When you give or contribute to a college savings plan, you’re demonstrating your own investment in a child’s educational future.

Starting an account early is recommended, but don’t be deterred if you feel you’re too late. Any earnings grow federal income tax–deferred. Plus, they’ll get tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses. It’s a meaningful gift, and even a little today can grow to more tomorrow.

Bonus: Contributing to a 529 savings account can be a gift for you, too! If you want to contribute to a friend or family member’s 529 plan, individual contributions up to $19,000 annually and up to $38,000 per married couple are not subject to the federal gift tax, and some states may even offer tax incentives for contributions by state residents.

To learn more about how to gift to a 529 plan account this year, visit Fidelity.com/529-Plans/College-Gifting.

1. The College Board Trends in College Pricing 2024; Table CP-2 https://research.collegeboard.org/trends/college-pricing

2. Beginning January 2024, the Secure 2.0 Act of 2022 (the “Act”) provides that you may transfer assets from your 529 account to a Roth IRA established for the Designated Beneficiary of a 529 account under the following conditions: (i) the 529 account must be maintained for the Designated Beneficiary for at least 15 years, (ii) the transfer amount must come from contributions made to the 529 account at least five years prior to the 529-to-Roth IRA transfer date, (iii) the Roth IRA must be established in the name of the Designated Beneficiary of the 529 account, (iv) the amount transferred to a Roth IRA is limited to the annual Roth IRA contribution limit, and (v) the aggregate amount transferred from a 529 account to a Roth IRA may not exceed $35,000 per individual. It is your responsibility to maintain adequate records and documentation on your accounts to ensure you comply with the 529-to-Roth IRA transfer requirements set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has not issued guidance on the 529-to-Roth IRA transfer provision in the Act but is anticipated to do so in the future. Based on forthcoming guidance, it may be necessary to change or modify some 529-to-Roth IRA transfer requirements. Please consult a financial or tax professional regarding your specific circumstances before making any investment decision.

529 distributions for qualified education expenses are generally federal income tax free. 529 assets may be used to pay for (i) qualified higher education expenses, (ii) qualified expenses for registered apprenticeship programs, (iii) up to $10,000 per taxable year per beneficiary for tuition expenses ($20,000 for expenses beginning in taxable years after December 31, 2025) in connection with enrollment at a public, private, and religious elementary and secondary educational institution. Although such assets may come from multiple 529 accounts, the $10,000 qualified withdrawal ($20,000 beginning in taxable years after December 31, 2025) limit will be aggregated on a per beneficiary basis. The IRS has not provided guidance to date on the methodology of allocating the $10,000 annual maximum ($20,000 beginning in taxable years after December 31, 2025) among withdrawals from different 529 accounts, (iv) amounts paid as principal or interest on any qualified education loan of a 529 plan designated beneficiary or a sibling of the designated beneficiary. The amount treated as a qualified expense is subject to a lifetime limit of $10,000 per individual. Although the assets may come from multiple 529 accounts, the $10,000 withdrawal limit for qualified educational loans payments will be aggregated on a per individual basis. The IRS has not provided guidance to date on the methodology of allocating the $10,000 annual maximum among withdrawals from different 529 accounts, and (v) tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the enrollment or attendance in a recognized postsecondary credential program as defined under Section 529 of the Code and identified by the Secretary of the Treasury as being such a reputable program. Any earnings on distributions not used for qualified higher educational expenses or that exceed distribution limits may be taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Some states do not conform with federal tax law. Please check with your home state to determine if it recognizes the expanded 529 benefits afforded under federal tax law, including distributions for elementary and secondary education expenses, apprenticeship programs, postsecondary credentialing programs, and student loan repayments. You may want to consult with a tax professional before investing or making distributions.

Fidelity does not provide legal or tax advice. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Fidelity cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. Fidelity makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use, and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation.

Views expressed are as of the date indicated and may change based on market and other conditions. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the speaker or author, as applicable, and not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments.

Recently enacted legislation made a number of changes to the rules regarding defined contribution, defined benefit, and/or individual retirement plans and 529 plans. Information herein may refer to or be based on certain rules in effect prior to this legislation and current rules may differ. As always, before making any decisions about your retirement planning or withdrawals, you should consult with your personal tax advisor.

Units of the portfolios are municipal securities and may be subject to market volatility and fluctuation.

Please carefully consider the plan’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. For this and other information on any 529 college savings plan managed by Fidelity, contact Fidelity for a free Fact Kit, or view one online. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917

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Millions of Americans aren’t getting enough of this critical nutrient

2026-06-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – Are you getting everything your body needs to feel and function at its best? Many Americans assume their diet covers the basics, but research shows that more than 80% aren’t getting enough omega-3s — vital nutrients that play a critical role in whole-body health.† Now, it’s easy for everyone to get high-quality omega-3 support with premium Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Minis available at Costco stores nationwide.

What are omega-3s and why do they matter so much? Here’s what to know, and a new, simple, value-add way to get more of them in your daily routine to support your health and wellness goals.*

What are omega-3s and why are they so important?

Omega-3 fatty acids are key nutrients that support overall health. The omega-3s EPA and DHA are among the few nutrients that support every single cell in the body. And, essentially, whatever your body does or doesn’t do well greatly depends on the health of your cells, making omega-3s critical to your heart health, brain function, immune system and overall everyday well-being.* Basically, they show up everywhere in your body, doing important work.

Unfortunately, current research shows that more than 80% of Americans aren’t getting enough omega-3s through their diet.† Americans simply aren’t consuming enough omega-3-rich foods. For example, you would need to eat at least 3 ounces of salmon every single day or 76,000 chia seeds each day to get a common daily serving of 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA, which are the most critical omega-3s bodies need. But you have to rely on your diet because the human body can’t efficiently make EPA and DHA on its own. Omega-3s EPA and DHA are primarily found in cold-water fatty fish (e.g., salmon, sardines, mackerel) and algae — foods that typically aren’t an abundant part of the everyday American diet.

How can you get more omega-3s?

Meeting your daily omega-3 needs is vital to reaping the full benefits of your other healthy lifestyle efforts. Eating foods rich in the omega-3s EPA and DHA is a great place to start. This can include cold-water fatty fish like salmon, anchovies and sardines. But, as studies have shown, it’s incredibly difficult to get enough omega-3s through food sources alone.

This is why adding a high-quality omega-3 supplement to your daily routine can help ensure you’re meeting your omega-3 needs to get all of those whole-body benefits.

Package of Ultimiate Omenga Minis on a island counter in the kitchen.

For shoppers looking for both quality and value, there’s good news. For the first time, Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega® Minis are available in Costco stores nationwide. To learn more, visit https://www.costco.com/p/-/nordic-naturals-ultimate-omega-fish-oil-110-mini-softgels-lemon-flavor/4201002165?langId=-1.

What should you look for in an omega-3 supplement?

Not all omega-3 supplements are created equal. Quality, freshness and absorption are all important factors to consider. A trusted brand like Nordic Naturals — the No. 1 selling omega-3 company in the U.S.‡ — sets high standards for purity, strength and freshness.

“Every Nordic Naturals fish oil product is rigorously tested for purity, strength and freshness to confirm virtually undetectable levels of environmental contaminants such as PCBs and heavy metals; that active ingredient amounts always match what’s shown on the label; and that oxidation values are well below international standards to ensure great taste with no fishy aftertaste,” said Kate Turner, MA, RD, CPT, nutrition specialist at Nordic Naturals.

As part of Nordic Naturals’ commitment to transparency, the brand offers a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every product, which you can access by scanning a QR code on the box, so you can see exactly what you’re getting.

If you’ve avoided fish oil in the past due to a fishy taste, smell or “fishy burps,” it simply means the fish oil you took was exposed to oxygen, making it go rancid and creating that awful experience. Nordic Naturals addresses this by carefully purifying and concentrating its fish oils in an oxygen-controlled environment, helping ensure exceptional freshness and a clean taste.

As with starting any new supplement, it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider first.

A new way to get omega-3s

Package of Ultimate Omega Minis on a narble counter in upscale home.

With more accessible options, closing the omega-3 gap doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega® Minis now in Costco stores nationwide, giving consumers access to a premium omega-3 product at a great value. To learn more, visit https://www.costco.com/p/-/nordic-naturals-ultimate-omega-fish-oil-110-mini-softgels-lemon-flavor/4201002165?langId=-1.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

†Murphy RA, et al. BMJ Open. 2021.11

‡Based on Stackline, Nielsen and SPINS annual sales data in the U.S.

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5 surprising ways to slash your cooling costs this summer

2026-06-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – When humidity rises, many homeowners turn up the AC, but that can be expensive. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that heating and cooling account for about 52% of the average U.S. home’s energy use.

The good news: you don’t have to choose between comfort and saving money. Elizabeth Shavers, Director of IHT and Safety at Oncourse Home Solutions, shares five expert tips to help you keep both your home and your budget cool this summer.

1. Give your thermostat a vacation

“Treat your thermostat like a speed limit, not a volume knob,” Shavers says. “Setting it to 65°F won’t cool the house any faster; it just forces the system to run longer and waste energy.”

According to the Department of Energy, homeowners can save roughly 3% on their cooling bill for every degree they raise the thermostat.

“Try setting it to 78°F when you’re home and nudging it up a few degrees when you’re away. This simple shift can reduce annual cooling costs by as much as 10%,” Shavers says.

2. Don’t let dust drain your budget

“A dirty AC unit doesn’t work as well,” Shavers says. “If the coils — the tubes that carry refrigerant and transfer heat — get covered in dust, your system will work much harder to move less air.”

What you can do:

  • Change your air filter every 30 to 90 days. If you have pets or allergies, aim for the 30-day mark.
  • Keep the outdoor condenser unit clear of debris and ensure the unit has adequate space around it for proper airflow.
  • Schedule a professional tune-up. While cleaning your AC yourself helps, Shavers says a professional Cooling Maintenance or Heating & Cooling Maintenance visit makes the biggest difference. A technician can clean internal components and ensure the system is running efficiently.

3. Neutralize the silent killer of appliances

Summer brings heat and storms. Power surges from lightning or grid issues can damage sensitive circuit boards in modern cooling units.

“Homeowners are often surprised that modern, high-efficiency units are actually more vulnerable to electrical fluctuations,” says Shavers. “Small, silent surges from the grid can accumulate until the system suddenly fails.”

What you can do:

  • Use high-quality surge strips for small electronics, but never plug major AC units into standard power strips.
  • Get a dedicated Surge Protection plan. It works like a firewall for your home, and is installed at your electrical panel to stop power surges before they reach your home’s wiring.

“With the average cost of a central air conditioning replacement now ranging from $5,000 to over $12,000, according to industry data from Angi and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, this proactive step can prevent a small electrical glitch from becoming a total system loss,” Shavers says.

4. Reverse your perspective

Check your ceiling fans. In summer, the blades should spin counterclockwise to push cool air down.

“This creates a wind-chill effect, so you can raise the thermostat by about 4 degrees and still feel comfortable,” Shavers says. “It’s the cheapest cooling trick you have. Just remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.”

5. Future-proof your peace of mind

Efficiency isn’t just about saving money on your monthly bill; it’s about avoiding the “emergency tax.” If your cooling system breaks down on a 95-degree Sunday, repairs can be incredibly expensive.

“Many homeowners are moving toward proactive protection to avoid last-minute stress,” says Shavers. “Comprehensive coverage, like the warranty plans from Oncourse Home Solutions, helps U.S. homeowners save more than $100 million annually in unexpected repair costs. By using a pre-vetted network of trusted technicians, we handle scheduling and price comparisons for you. This ensures that when something goes wrong, the solution is already in motion, allowing you to keep your cool even when the temperature rises.”

Girl wiping her brow in front of a fan. Stay cool and save with energy-smart solutions at oncourse.com.

Stay cool and save. Find more energy-smart solutions at oncourse.com.

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Busting the myths: Who is really playing video games in the U.S.?

2026-06-03T12:47:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

  • While stereotypes persist about who plays video games, the reality is video games are for everyone, and more than 2/3 of Americans play weekly.
  • This year’s report from The Entertainment Software Association reveals who, how and why Americans play video games.
  • The average age of a video game player is going up, now at 37 years old.
  • Playing video games is about equally split between men and women.
  • Players and non-players alike see the benefits of video games, including problem solving, creative thinking, mental stimulation, stress relief and communication skills.

If you close your eyes and imagine someone playing video games, a specific picture may enter your mind. But who actually plays video games is constantly evolving, with the number of players increasing every year.

Video game players may not be who you think, according to the 2026 report* from The Entertainment Software Association. They may be your grandmother, your sister, your dad … or anyone!

The fact is, playing video games is more popular than ever: More than two-thirds of Americans (67%) play at least one hour each week. The number of Americans who play video games every week totals 212.3 million, up 3% compared to last year.

Here’s who is playing — and the benefits they see in video games.

What are the ages of people playing video games?

Video games aren’t just for kids: While over 80% of Gen Alpha (ages 5-13) and Gen Z (14-29) play video games, a majority of adults are powering up as well. Over 7 in 10 Millennials (ages 30-45), 56% of Gen X (45-61) and half of Baby Boomers (62-80) say they play weekly. Even 32% of the Silent Generation (ages 81-90) are joining in on the fun. To put this further into perspective, half of all people who play video games in the U.S. are 35 or older.

Do as many women play video games as men?

Contrary to popular belief, playing video games is split fairly equally between men and women, with 53% of men and 46% of women actively playing. Slightly more boys and men play than girls and women across all generations, with one notable exception: 52% of Boomer women play games, compared to 47% of men in that generation.

Playing video games is more popular than ever: More than two-thirds of Americans play at least one hour each week.

Are most adult video game players employed?

Typical video game players are employed full time, using games as just one of their leisure activities. In fact, adult players (18 and up) are more likely to be employed full-time (39%) or to have children (35%) when compared to the general U.S. population (34% and 30%, respectively).

The survey also found that players spend roughly 20% of their weekly screen time playing games, with most game play occurring in the evening or later, skewing highest on weekends.

What do people see as the main benefits of video game play?

According to the survey, Americans feel overwhelmingly positive about video games. Most adults, including those who don’t play video games regularly, recognize the positive benefits that video games provide, including:

  • Being fun (85%)
  • Bringing joy (81%)
  • Offering stress relief (78%)
  • Providing mental stimulation (79%)

Younger players (Gen Z) especially believe video games offer a great way to bring people together (88%) and build relationships (87%).

Overall, most adults agree that playing video games helps develop problem-solving skills (76%) and teamwork/collaboration (67%), plus adaptability and resilience (58%) and communication skills (52%).

Americans also find that video games offer tremendous entertainment value. A majority of players (63%) say video games deliver the most value for their money compared to streaming services for music, TV and movies, as well as books, magazines and news articles.

How parents view their children’s game play

Parents are getting in on the fun of games and making play time, family time. A majority of American parents (75%) play video games each week, and 81% of them say they also play with their children. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of parents also say they prefer their child spend time playing video games than on social media, and 70% believe playing video games offers more potential benefits for their children compared to social media.

Parents are also careful to monitor their children’s game play. Two-thirds of parents say they use parental controls, with that number jumping to 70% for parents of kids 12 and under.

A changing picture

Given the reality of who is enjoying video games in the U.S. today, it’s clear that many of the stereotypes around video game playing are outdated. The next time you imagine someone playing, your mental picture may look very different.

Discover more about who plays video games at TheESA.com.

*YouGov and ESA conducted a 20-minute online survey in the U.S. from February 11-25 among 13,545 total respondents recruited from YouGov’s proprietary online panel. Data is weighted to be representative of the overall US population in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, education, state, census region, and the distribution of gamers vs. non-gamers, as defined above. 18+ respondents were asked about all members of their household in order to size gamers as young as 5 years old. Gamers aged 8-17 were asked to complete the survey under the supervision of a parent.

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6 assumptions that could keep you from being a great cat dad

2026-06-02T08:17:00

(BPT) – You’re a good cat dad, but even good cat dads get things wrong sometimes. For instance, there’s one serious condition that even the most attentive owners can’t catch at home: feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, also known as HCM. It’s a serious heart condition that 1 in 7 cats has, but few cat owners actually know about.1,2 This knowledge gap doesn’t usually come from lack of caring. It comes from assumptions. These six could be putting your cat at risk.

Cat dad with cat on to his shoulder.


1. “Skipping an annual visit isn’t a big deal.”

Annual vet visits keep your cat healthy and are the best way to catch problems before they become serious. And when it comes to HCM, the most common feline heart disease, early detection by a veterinarian is everything.

Cat dad laying on his side with cat on his shoulder.


2. “I can just ask AI about warning signs to look out for.”

Doing your research is a good place to start. But no amount of online searching can tell you whether your cat has HCM. The earliest sign is usually a heart murmur your vet catches at a routine exam. If they find one, an echocardiogram can confirm an HCM diagnosis.

Cat dad carrying cat on his back.


3. “I would know if something was wrong with my cat.”

HCM has no visible symptoms in its early stages. Your cat could look completely healthy while his heart is struggling. If you’re waiting for something to be wrong, it may be too late.

Cat dad with cat on his lap.


4. “My cat is young and healthy. I don’t need to worry about their heart.”

Age raises the risk, but it doesn’t determine it. HCM can develop in cats of any age, and a healthy appearance tells you nothing about what’s happening in their heart. Annual screenings are the only way to know for sure.

Cat dad holding cat in front of him.


5. “Even if my cat has HCM there’s nothing I can do about it.”

There is! In the past year, the FDA gave conditional approval to a once-weekly medication that can slow the progression of HCM. Starting your cat on it in the early stages of the disease is what gives it the best chance to work.

Cat dad playing with thress cats.


6. “Getting him screened sounds like a whole thing.”

It really isn’t. Getting your cat screened for HCM is as easy as asking one question at an appointment you’re probably already scheduling. That’s all it takes to get ahead of it. Learn more about HCM and what you can do to protect your cat’s heart health at greatcatdad.com.

References

1Fuentes VL, Abbott J, Chetboul V, et al. ACVIM consensus statement guidelines for the classification, diagnosis, and management of cardiomyopathies in cats. JVIM 2020;34:1062-1077.

2Kittleson MD, Cote E. The feline cardiomyopathies: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. JFMS 2021;23:1028-1051.

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5 room designs that hide clutter (and optimize your space)

2026-06-02T09:21:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

  • Homeowners today want to minimize clutter while improving storage.
  • Modern sliding door hardware hides the mess while enhancing the look of the space.
  • Johnson Hardware’s American-made hardware offers smart sliding door solutions for any home.

Clutter is one of the biggest challenges homeowners face today. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, homeowners say minimizing clutter and cleaning while improving storage and space-efficiency are the design needs they’re craving. The good news? Modern sliding door hardware is emerging as a design-forward solution that not only conceals mess but enhances the overall look and flow of a space.

From playrooms to pantries, here are five space-efficient room ideas that hide clutter beautifully — designed with innovative sliding, folding and pocket door hardware.

1. Kid zone with wall-mounted doors

Customized slide-away doors are made easy with soft-closing wall mount door hardware, providing a smart way to hide toys, books and games in seconds. Whether using a single panel or a converging door kit, these doors are quick to install and glide smoothly along the wall, keeping visual clutter out of sight when needed most. Ideal for open-concept homes, they create flexible spaces that transition effortlessly from family-friendly to guest-ready.

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A wall-mounted sliding door closes off a kids’ play area while maintaining a clean, distinctive aesthetic.

2. Seamless storage with pocket doors

Pocket doors slide neatly into the wall, making them perfect for hiding storage areas without taking up valuable floor space. From entryway drop zones to compact laundry nooks, soft-operating pocket door frame hardware kits offer a minimalist look with maximum function.

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Pocket doors tuck away clutter-prone spaces, such as a combined mudroom and laundry room.

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, homeowners are craving minimized clutter and improved storage.

3. Closets that close in style

Creative spaces can quickly become chaotic. Special “full-access” bifold door hardware allows doors to fold flat against the walls, providing complete closet access when open and a tidy appearance when closed. This makes them ideal for craft areas, hobby stations or small workshops.

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Every inch of the closet interior is in easy reach with Full-Access Bi-fold doors.

4. Streamlined pantries with bypass doors

Bypass sliding doors are a go-to solution for closets in kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms where space is limited. Unlike swinging doors, they glide past one another, keeping walkways clear while housing shelves, toiletries or pantry items.

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Bypass doors keep pantry clutter hidden without interrupting kitchen flow.

5. Cozy nooks with designer appeal

Two converging pocket doors can transform a hallway overwhelmed by household traffic and storage needs into a tranquil passageway to a relaxing den or reading nook. When closed, these doors create a seamless wall appearance — perfect for modern interiors that value both form and function.

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Sliding and converging pocket doors turn congested hallways into sleek passageways.

As homeowners continue to seek smarter storage solutions, sliding, folding and pocket door hardware is proving to be a simple upgrade with a major impact — combining organization, flexibility and modern design.

The right door hardware can improve both function and design in the home. Whether you’re renovating or simply upgrading, leveraging options like pocket, wall-mount, bypass, multi-pass and bi-fold door hardware will help you make a smart choice. Each type has unique benefits that suit different spaces, from saving floor space in compact bathrooms to dividing areas in spacious home gyms.

For more information on the advantages of pocket, sliding and folding door hardware, visit www.johnsonhardware.com or call 574-293-5664. Family owned and operated since 1958, Johnson Hardware prides itself on the precision design and the production of leading-quality, American-made hardware for residential and light commercial applications. Follow the company on Instagram, X, Pinterest and Facebook.

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This summer, let play lead the way

2026-06-01T23:01:00

(BPT) – As summer begins and routines shift, many parents find themselves wondering how to keep their children engaged, learning and thriving while school is out. Between managing work, juggling schedules and limiting screen time, it’s easy to feel like you should be doing more.

One of the most powerful things you can offer your child this summer doesn’t require more time, money or planning.

It requires play.

International Day of Play on June 11 is a timely reminder that play isn’t just a way to pass the time; it’s one of the most important ways children learn and grow.

Play isn’t a break from learning — It is learning

It’s a common misconception that play is separate from learning — something children do after the “real” work is finished. In reality, the opposite is true.

Play is how young children learn best.

Through play, children are building critical skills all at once: language, problem-solving, self-control, creativity and social-emotional understanding. The American Academy of Pediatrics has even described play as a biological imperative, essential to healthy brain development and strong, nurturing relationships. Research consistently shows that play supports emotional well-being and resilience — not just for children, but for adults too.

Why play works

“Play meets children exactly where they are developmentally,” says Rachel Robertson, Chief Academic Officer at Bright Horizons. “It allows them to explore, experiment, make choices and learn through trial and error. When children are in charge of their play, they are actively thinking, solving and growing.”

It also taps into something equally important: joy.

Because play is fun, it can sometimes feel less important — but joy actually fuels learning. When children are engaged and curious, they’re more motivated to explore, ask questions and persist through challenges. Those moments of laughter and imagination are where confidence and creativity take root.

Woman and little girl watering flowers. Bright Horizons allows children to explore and learn through trial and error.

Small moments, big impact

The good news? Supporting your child’s learning through play doesn’t require carving out hours of your day. It’s less about adding more — and more about noticing what’s already there.

Here are simple ways to make the most of everyday moments this summer:

  • Turn routines into play. Sing songs while cleaning up, race to put on shoes, or count steps on your way to the car.
  • Follow your child’s lead. Even 10 minutes of child-directed play — where they decide what to do and how to do it — can be incredibly powerful.
  • Use what you already have. Boxes, spoons, paper and simple art materials offer endless opportunities for creativity.
  • Name what you notice. Simple observations like “You kept trying until it worked” build confidence and persistence.
  • Make waiting time playful. Whether you’re in the car, in line or at the grocery store, play games, tell stories or look for patterns together.
  • Embrace the mess and the silliness. Creativity and exploration can be messy — and that’s part of the process. Cleaning up together is its own learning opportunity.

You’re already on the right track

Summer doesn’t have to be filled with structured activities to be meaningful. Some of the most impactful learning happens in the simplest moments — when you’re present, engaged and having fun together.