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World Blood Donor Day Spotlight: Why Plasma Donation Is a Gift Like No Other

2026-06-14T04:01:00

(BPT) – Each year on June 14, World Blood Donor Day highlights the extraordinary power of human generosity — honoring people whose selfless acts of giving make critical medical care possible for others around the world. While most people are familiar with the profound impact of donating whole blood, this day is also an opportunity to shine a light on an equally vital gift: donating plasma, the liquid portion of blood that remains after red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are removed.

Plasma Helps Save Lives

Plasma contains millions of antibodies that help the body fight disease. Hundreds of thousands of people rely on medicines made from plasma to treat serious health conditions, such as hemophilia and immunodeficiency disorders. For many of these people, medicines made from plasma are not just an option — they are the only treatment option available.

It takes between 130 and 1,200 plasma donations to treat just one person with medicines made from plasma for one year.1 Plasma cannot be manufactured.2 Without the generosity of plasma donors, these medicines would not exist.

For Walter, a retired veteran, father and plasma donor, the impact of plasma donation is deeply personal. After his late wife Shelly was diagnosed with an advanced liver disease, they didn’t know how much time they had left together. “Medicines made from donated plasma gave us eight more years — of milestones and memories, of watching our sons grow up,” he reflects. “The plasma donors who made that possible will always have my deepest gratitude.”

From Donor to Patient

The journey to developing these essential therapies begins at plasma donation centers, such as BioLife Plasma Services, part of Takeda. Operating more than 235 such centers across the United States, BioLife plays a vital role in carefully collecting essential plasma, which Takeda then develops into the treatments patients depend on. At every BioLife location, rigorous screening and testing protocols help ensure the safety and quality of each donation — and the well-being of every donor.

Several technicians help people donate blood. BioLife Plasma Services, part of Takeda, operates more than 235 blood centers.


A Simple Process

Available studies have shown that donating plasma is as safe as donating whole blood.3 BioLife is committed to making plasma donation as safe and comfortable as possible. Each person undergoes a health screening and medical history review before donating to confirm that they are eligible, and that plasma donation is safe for them.

Plasma donation centers operate under rigorous health standards enforced by regulatory bodies, with strict protocols in place at every step to protect donors and ensure the quality of plasma collected. During the donation, a specialized machine gently separates the plasma from the rest of the blood and returns the red cells back to the donor. All collection equipment is sterile and used only once per donor, handled by trained professionals who monitor the donor throughout the process. The whole first-time plasma donation process at a BioLife center can take up to about two hours, while repeat donations last about an hour.

Make a Difference This World Blood Donor Day

Behind every BioLife center is a team of dedicated individuals driven by a deep understanding of what plasma donation truly means for patients. For Thomas Byres, a BioLife Center Manager in Texas, plasma donation isn’t just a process — it’s a personal commitment.

In his 15 years at BioLife, Thomas has witnessed firsthand how every donation has the potential to be part of someone’s story — a patient managing a chronic condition, a family with more time together. “When I explain what we do at BioLife,” he shares, “I tell people we’re changing lives each and every day.”

This World Blood Donor Day, you can be part of that change. To learn more about the power of plasma donation and read Thomas‘ full story, visit Takeda.com. To find a BioLife center near you, visit BioLifePlasma.com.

Thomas Byres, Center Manager, BioLife in one of the offices.
Thomas Byres, Center Manager, BioLife

1 Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA). Plasma Collection and Manufacturing. https://www.pptaglobal.org/resources/plasma-collection-and-manufacturing.

2 Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA). What is Plasma? https://www.pptaglobal.org/plasma#what-is-plasma.

3 Cho, J and Hiskey, M. 2021. Plasmavigilance: Source plasma joins the call to arms. Transfusion. Volume 61, Issue 10, 2803-2805. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/trf.16668.

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How working adults can evaluate online college in 2026

2026-06-13T07:03:39

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

  • Working adults increasingly need education that can fit around jobs, caregiving and evolving skills demands as AI reshapes jobs, skills and hiring.
  • Undergraduate enrollment among adults 30 and older is increasing and traditional college models were not built for adults balancing full-time work, caregiving and changing career demands.
  • An online university should have recognized institutional accreditation, career-relevant curriculum, transparent tuition information, clear transfer credit policies and targeted student support designed for working adult learners.
  • University of Phoenix is an accredited, transfer-friendly university offering online degree programs designed for working adults and built for real life.

If you’re a working adult in 2026, going back to school is no longer a niche decision. It is increasingly part of how people stay competitive in a labor market being reshaped by AI, automation and changing skill demands. The World Economic Forum reports that technological change remains one of the biggest forces reshaping jobs through 2030, while higher education itself is confronting the post-2025 enrollment cliff as the number of traditional-age students begins to decline.

For adults balancing jobs, family responsibilities and financial pressure, the question is not only whether education matters. It is whether a degree program will fit their life without overwhelming it, whether the learning connects to skills that matter in today’s workplace and whether the school is designed to help them finish.

Experts at University of Phoenix share what working adults should look for when evaluating an online university, including how to assess legitimacy, flexibility, career relevance and support.

A family gathers around their sofa as their father studies with his laptop.

How to tell if an online university is legitimate

A legitimate online university should have recognized institutional accreditation. It might also offer visible student support, transparent tuition, transfer-credit policies, and evidence that its programs are aligned to real occupations and skills.

University of Phoenix, for example, has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, hlcommission.org, since 1978.

Adult learners should also look beyond accreditation and ask how the school is designed for completion. Does it offer schedules that work for adults with jobs and families? Does it help students transfer eligible prior credit? Does it connect learning to career-relevant skills? And does it provide support that continues beyond enrollment?

Useful questions to ask include:

  • How is the program structured for working adults?
  • What kinds of academic, advising and career support are available?
  • How does the curriculum connect to job-relevant skills?
  • Can my prior eligible credits or experience reduce time and cost?
  • Are there alumni using the degree in fields similar to mine?

Working adults are looking for education that fits the realities of their lives and builds skills they can use in a rapidly changing economy.

What if I’m too old to go back to school?

Many adults worry their age, life circumstances or family obligations could keep them from succeeding in a degree program. In reality, adult learners are already a major part of higher education. Let’s look at University of Phoenix again: The average age of students is 38, with 75% of them working while attending school and 52% with dependents.

That is why fit matters so much. A school built for working adults should reduce friction, not add to it. University of Phoenix emphasizes a model built for working adults, including one five- to six-week course at a time, multiple opportunities to start throughout the year and support designed for adults balancing work, family and school.

How do employers see online degrees?

Employer attitudes toward online education have shifted significantly in recent years. In a 2026 University of Phoenix survey conducted by The Harris Poll, almost all hiring leaders today (98%) view online education credentials as more credible than they did 10 years ago, seeing value in continuing education for employees and new hires.

The survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of University of Phoenix from Jan. 14-30, 2026, among 502 U.S. adults ages 21 and older who are employed full-time, have a job level of manager/supervisor or higher, work in the human resources or learning and development function, are employed at a company with at least 1,000 employees, and operate in the manufacturing, financial services, information technology, or health care industry.

The research also found that 78% of hiring leaders said workers with these credentials stand out because they bring new and emerging skill sets.

According to the survey, employers report workplace benefits: As a result of employees having online education credentials, hiring leaders report increased productivity (63%), employees picking up skills more quickly to respond to changes in the job market (62%), and more qualified candidates (60%). That is why students should look for online universities that align curriculum to occupations, validate learning through authentic assessments and help learners translate what they know into employer-facing signals.

At University of Phoenix, program curriculum maps are informed by labor-market data, faculty expertise, external standards such as accreditation and Industry Advisory Council feedback. That skills-first design supports digital badging, helping learners turn completed coursework into shareable, verified signals of skill development while they are still progressing through a degree.

A woman smiles as she sits in her office, studying on her laptop.

What features working adults should look for in an online degree program

Today’s working adults need higher education that does more than put classes online. They need learning designed around evolving workplace skills, supported by clear student services and recognition of prior learning, and responsive to how AI is changing both jobs and education.

University of Phoenix offers degree programs aligned to more than 300 occupations, reflecting the institution’s broader, skills-mapped, career-focused model. To help learners show progress before graduation, University of Phoenix issues digital badges that translate assessed learning into verified skill signals that can be added to their digital profiles as demonstrated skills, even before graduation. Since 2021, the University has awarded over one million digital badges, reflecting its investment in skills-aligned, employer-informed learning.

Adult learners returning to higher education often bring valuable prior learning with them. University of Phoenix demonstrates the scale of an institutional model designed to help students preserve eligible academic credit and avoid unnecessary repetition, with more than 7 million transfer credits applied toward degree requirements over the past eight years and up to 87 transfer credits accepted for many bachelor’s programs.

AI readiness is also becoming part of the value equation. University of Phoenix established a framework of academic AI pillars that integrates AI tools and applications into its learning model, including a newly established Center for AI Resources. The University embeds AI literacy and skill-building into its curriculum, expanding AI-enabled learning supports and strengthening policies and workflows that guide responsible, effective use across the academic experience.

Schools serving working adults should also provide career support services. University of Phoenix provides Career Services for Life® resources for active students and graduates beginning on day one, through degree completion and beyond, offering lifetime access to personalized career coaching, webinars, resume guidance, interview preparation and other resources.

“Working adults are looking for education that fits the realities of their lives and builds skills they can use in a rapidly changing economy,” said University of Phoenix Provost and Chief Academic Officer John Woods, Ph.D. “The strongest online degree options combine recognized accreditation, career relevant skill development, student support and a learning model designed to help adults keep moving toward their goals.”

Learn more about University of Phoenix degree programs, transfer-credit opportunities and student support resources at Phoenix.edu.

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Cybercrime is Accelerating: Preparing the Next Wave of Cybersecurity Experts

2026-06-11T11:31:00

(BPT) – Cybercriminals are keeping pace with the latest technology. By harnessing AI, they are developing increasingly sophisticated techniques to commit their crimes, posing a growing threat to businesses, institutions and individuals worldwide. In a 2026 World Economic Forum survey of business executives, academics, civil society and public-sector cybersecurity leaders, 77% reported an increase in cyber-enabled fraud, with 73% saying they or someone in their network had been impacted.

The threat hit close to home earlier this year when the hacking group ShinyHunters executed a major multi-wave breach on Instructure’s Canvas Learning Management System, compromising the data of up to 275 million users across nearly 9,000 institutions worldwide, including DeVry University. The attack is a reminder of just how fast the threat landscape is evolving.

AI is accelerating that evolution. Ransomware cyberattacks are predicted to occur every two seconds by 2031. And the financial toll is staggering: the global cost of cybercrime is expected to reach $13.82 trillion per year by 2028.

To fight the ongoing war against cybercrime, many more highly skilled cybersecurity experts are needed throughout the business sector, government agencies, in healthcare and educational institutions. Although approximately 1.34 million cybersecurity professionals are currently working in the U.S., the demand is very high — with over 514,000 job openings nationally in the field, according to CyberSeek.

Despite this rising demand for cybersecurity professionals, early-career talent is often shut out due to their lack of experience, making the shortage worse.

“The cyber workforce gap is real, and AI is changing what entry-level jobs look like,” said Dr. Jingdi “Rebecca” Zeng, senior professor and curriculum chair, DeVry University. “That means part of the learning that used to happen on the job now needs to happen earlier, in the classroom.”

Addressing the cybersecurity skills gap

To prepare the next generation of cyber leaders, DeVry University’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence is tackling the challenge head-on. By partnering with industry leaders, the university has designed a curriculum that aims to help close the skills gap by equipping early-career professionals with the knowledge and experiences they need to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving cyber landscape.

DeVry’s robust cybersecurity programs are built on skills-based, hands-on learning models and real-world exposure that provide students with opportunities not just to learn about cybersecurity, but to actually practice it.

“Our programs are designed around a clear learning pathway with strong focus on practical cyber skills and emerging technologies, including AI,” said Zeng. “Three of our programs are NSA CAE designated for meeting a structured set of cyber education criteria established by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).”

To enhance students’ hands-on experience in the field, DeVry launched its cutting-edge cyber range platform, which offers realistic, immersive simulations that mimic real-world cyber threats. It provides students the opportunity to practice and master analytics, investigation, repulsion, remediation and other cybersecurity techniques to better prepare them for careers in this much-needed field.

DeVry students can also participate in the Future Cyber Defenders Scholars Program, which offers resources and support to help students pursuing cybersecurity programs and technology careers. The program includes opportunities to join DeVry’s National Chapter of Computing Technology Industry Association (COMPTIA) and their National Cyber League competition team.

Competition with a purpose

This year, DeVry’s team earned the No. 12 power rank in the National Cyber League (NCL). The biannual event, powered by Cyber Skyline, is one of the country’s premier cybersecurity competitions. Students test their skills through real-world challenges including digital forensics, penetration testing, cryptography, vulnerability auditing and ransomware recovery.

DeVry students delivered strong results this season, competing against more than 7,000 students from colleges and universities nationwide, with student Matthew McCloskey ranking no. 12 individually.

“Cybersecurity is interesting because it’s not just one narrow area of IT. It touches every domain, and the National Cyber League competition exposed me to the full range in practical ways,” said McCloskey. “DeVry pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, because they gave me more hands-on exposure than I was anticipating. These experiences helped me move beyond just reading about the tools and actually using them in context.”

The strong performance of DeVry students in the NCL competition highlights the school’s commitment to effective, hands-on learning in cybersecurity skills that will have application in the real world.

“Results like these show that our cyber programs are keeping pace with the needs of the field. Beyond the classroom, our curriculum team organizes co-curricular activities that introduce students to additional, inspiring content that complements and expands on what they learn in class,” added Zeng. “DeVry’s NCL performance is a powerful indicator that these efforts are working. Our students are building the skills and confidence needed to enter today’s cyber workforce.”

Learn more about the opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge in the growing field of cybersecurity by visiting DeVry University’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.

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6 reasons to choose new construction over existing properties

2026-06-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – The housing market changes by the day, creating both challenges and new opportunities for buyers navigating today’s uncertainty. Amid this fluctuating landscape, newly constructed homes are rapidly gaining traction as a smarter alternative to resale properties. With competitive pricing, modern features and minimal surprises, these homes are reshaping perceptions of what is affordable and attainable.

Here’s why an increasing number of buyers — from first-timers to luxury seekers — are prioritizing new builds over previously owned options.

1. Builder incentives are closing the price gap

The generalized notion that new construction costs significantly more than resale homes doesn’t consider all factors. Today’s housing market offers a range of value-driven opportunities that help make new construction more attainable, from reduced mortgage rates to lower closing costs. Builders like Century Communities are streamlining the homebuying process, making new homes a smart investment with modern features, energy efficiency and fewer unforeseen expenses, all while delivering lasting value for years to come.

“These financial advantages often lower closing costs and reduce monthly payments, making new construction competitive with, or even more affordable than, resale homes once you factor in the mortgage and any immediate repair costs older homes typically require,” said Jim Francescon, an executive at Century Communities. “As a rule of thumb, resale homeowners should expect to set aside 1% to 4% of their home’s value annually for repairs and maintenance — on a $400,000 home, that’s up to $16,000 per year. With a new build, builder warranties and modern systems can significantly reduce these costs, offering buyers considerable savings in the early years of ownership.”

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 64% of builders offered sales incentives and 37% cut prices in 2025. Other financial benefits builders may offer include lower closing costs and reduced interest rates, making homeownership more affordable.

2. Skip the bidding wars and costly surprises

Resale homes often come with competition and unexpected expenses. Multiple-offer situations can drive prices above asking, while inspection reports frequently reveal costly issues: aging roofs, outdated HVAC systems, problematic plumbing or electrical work that doesn’t meet current code.

New construction eliminates these headaches. Everything is new, built to current standards and comes with warranties, meaning you won’t face a potential $15,000 HVAC replacement or $20,000 roof repair in your first year of homeownership.

3. Energy efficiency that impacts your monthly budget

Today’s building codes mandate energy efficiency standards that didn’t exist even a decade ago. The result? New homes feature better insulation, energy-efficient appliances and advanced window technology that significantly reduce monthly utility costs.

For example, new homes from Century Communities include features like ENERGY STAR®-certified appliances, Low-E windows, WaterSense®-certified fixtures and tankless water heaters that aren’t just environmentally friendly, they translate to real savings every month. Over years of homeownership, the difference between heating and cooling a new home versus an older one can amount to thousands of dollars.

4. Modern layouts designed for how people actually live

Couple and kids playing on the couch in their livingroom.

Resale homes often reflect outdated design trends, closed-off rooms, limited storage, smaller closets and floor plans that don’t accommodate today’s work-from-home reality or open-concept living preferences.

New construction from homebuilders like Century Communities offers layouts tailored to contemporary lifestyles, with flexible spaces, home office options and — depending on the stage of construction — the ability to customize finishes, colors and fixtures before you move in. No need to live with someone else’s choices or spend additional money renovating.

5. Warranty protection and peace of mind

New homes typically come with builder warranties covering structural elements and major systems, protection rarely available with resale properties. This coverage reduces the stress and financial risk of unexpected failures during your first years of homeownership.

6. The market advantage

While personal preferences vary, the current market conditions make new construction particularly appealing. The combination of builder incentives, modern efficiency standards and move-in-ready quality is creating value that’s hard to match in the resale market.

For buyers weighing their options, new construction deserves serious consideration — not just as the premium choice, but as the practical one. To learn more about the advantages of buying a new build and to explore a range of high-quality homes at various prices, visit CenturyCommunities.com.

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Family Fun, Sun and Savings in Myrtle Beach

2026-06-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – Planning a family vacation that doesn’t break the bank is easier than you think. This summer, head to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for an unforgettable adventure for every age and budget.

Known for its 14 unique communities and over 60 miles of coastline, the Grand Strand has delighted travelers of all ages for generations. Myrtle Beach recently ranked as the No. 1 most-searched U.S. summer destination in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Summer Travel Index, further proving that a memorable getaway can still deliver affordability, accessibility and variety.

Read on to discover all the sights, bites, entertainment and experiences that await you at The Beach in 2026.

Seaside stays at a steal

An affordable summer getaway to The Beach is easy to plan thanks to a wide range of lodging options at competitive prices.

Many of the Grand Strand’s hotels and resorts offer special packages and dining perks, as well as spacious multi-bedroom suites with kitchens that are well-suited for families and groups. Ocean Escape Boardwalk Oceanfront features modern one-, two- and three-bedroom oceanfront condos steps from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. North Beach Resort, located on a 7.5-acre island, offers magnificent condos with up to seven bedrooms as well as five-star amenities.

This summer, take advantage of The Beach’s new Make More Myrtle Moments promotion, designed to encourage travelers to slow down and experience more of the Grand Strand. This first-ever market-wide, stay-longer offer for Myrtle Beach features more than 45 participating properties and incentives like “stay 3 nights, get 1 free” or “stay 5 nights, get 2 free.”

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Photo courtesy Visit Myrtle Beach


Entertainment for all

If your family members have a wide variety of interests, you’ll easily find something to fit the bill, both literally and figuratively, when you visit the Grand Strand.

Craving a spellbinding show and a delicious meal? Reserve a table at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, where you can join Blackbeard and his crew on an unforgettable adventure as they explore the South Seas and enjoy an all-new South Pacific Celebration.

Live music fans will have their pick of performances this summer at The Beach. The destination’s entertainment calendar shines with the Carolina Opry Theater‘s 2026 season, celebrating 40 years of performances featuring top musical talent.

Baseball fans shouldn’t miss a game at Pelicans Ballpark during their trip. The ballpark recently underwent significant renovations to enhance the visitor experience and now offers exciting value-driven promotions and an upgraded game-day atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy big cheers, classic ballgame energy and memories the whole group will be talking about long after the final out.

Don’t forget to check out Myrtle Beach staples like Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium and more than 30 mini golf courses, all offering an experience the whole family will enjoy.

Nature adventures

The best part of going to Myrtle Beach is enjoying the ocean’s natural beauty. With 60 miles of shoreline, you’ll have your pick of spots to tan, swim and paddle during your trip.

Hikers and state park enthusiasts should set aside plenty of time to explore Myrtle Beach State Park. This oceanfront maritime forest is the perfect place to watch the sunrise over the ocean, fish from the pier, explore nature trails and even learn how to crab!

For botanical fanatics, get ready to visit Brookgreen Gardens, where you can walk among 250-year-old live oak trees, visit the Lowcountry Zoo and marvel at some of South Carolina’s iconic flora. The recently built welcome center features a stunning conservatory and expanded event and educational spaces for a truly immersive garden experience.

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Photo courtesy Visit Myrtle Beach


Flavorful bites and libations

One of the best parts of travel is feasting on local cuisine. When you dine at The Beach, every meal becomes an integral part of the vacation experience.

Adventurous and picky eaters alike will find something they’ll crave at one of over 2,000 restaurants. From chef-driven cuisine and fresh seafood to family-friendly favorites, you’ll find one-of-a-kind dining experiences served with signature Southern charm at prices that are just as delicious as the meals.

Not sure where to start? Head to downtown Myrtle Beach and experience an array of flavors at local favorites like Winna’s Kitchen, Boteco VIP, The Dolly Llama and The Tasting Room on 9th. Or head to The Whistling Duck on Surfside Pier and grab a bite next to the splashing waves. Whether beachfront, on a sunny patio, or in a cozy local spot, every meal is a memorable experience at The Beach.

The Grand Strand’s culinary scene continues to grow with exciting new additions, including the recently opened Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing Co. at Broadway at the Beach. Coming soon, you can also stop by Guy Fieri’s new Downtown Flavortown entertainment venue for flavors and fun you won’t soon forget.

An unforgettable vacation at an affordable price

Whether you’re a longtime Myrtle Beach fan or you’ve always wanted to visit, 2026 is the year to make it happen. For more information on everything Myrtle Beach has to offer this summer and beyond, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com.

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Why choose a gas-powered lawn mower?

2026-06-09T09:01:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

  • It’s important to understand the differences between gas- versus battery-powered lawn mower models.
  • Many battery-powered mower owners are dissatisfied with issues around their performance, convenience and cost.
  • A recent study reveals what consumers have discovered about disadvantages of battery-powered mowers.
  • Compared to battery-powered mowers, gas mowers offer longer runtime, higher torque, stronger performance and better durability, among other benefits.
  • Gas-powered lawn mowers from Briggs & Stratton are durable, easy to use and deliver peak power from start to finish.

Did you know that 92% of battery-powered lawn mower owners who replaced their original battery did so within the first two years of ownership? This is one of many surprising insights from a study* conducted by Hanover Research revealing details about experiences consumers have had with battery-powered mowers — and why they may not make that choice again.

If you’ve shopped for a lawn mower in 2026, or recently purchased one, you may not have considered the value of basic engine power. In today’s market where battery-powered mowers are everywhere, it’s easy to overlook the long-term reliability offered by traditional gas mowers.

Here are key facts you should know before making your next mower purchase — especially if you’re one of the 64% who bought a battery mower five years ago and are now “highly likely to consider gas-powered mowers” in the future.*

The main differences between gas and battery lawn mowers

The difference between gas and battery lawn mowers doesn’t start and end with how they’re powered.

One of the key advantages to know about gas-powered mowers is that they offer a longer run time. For homeowners with larger yards, being confident you can finish the job without having to stop and recharge a battery makes a big difference. In fact, the Hanover Research study found that 25% of battery mower users needed more than one charge to cut their lawn.

Woman pushing a gas powered lawn mower in the backyard.

Other key benefits that gas-powered mowers offer include:

  • Powerful, sustained torque that can even tackle long, thick or wet grass
  • Durable, long-running engine power you can rely on
  • Faster time to refill a gas tank (45 seconds) versus recharging a battery (45 minutes)

In addition, gas mowers score ahead of battery mowers for cutting grass more evenly and for bagging grass more efficiently. Using a battery mower, 30% of homeowners find that they’re cutting more often, and 11% are cutting much more often, compared to using a gas mower.*

92% of battery-powered lawn mower owners who replaced their original battery did so within the first two years of ownership.

The hidden costs of running a battery-powered mower

The upfront price of battery-powered lawn mowers is generally higher than gas-powered models, which matters when you’re trying to stick to a household budget.

In addition, the lithium-ion batteries needed for battery-powered mowers, which will need to be replaced at least every three to five years, can cost up to $500 dollars per battery or more.

The Hanover study actually found that 50% of battery mower owners had to replace their battery as early as year two. Some users of battery mowers found that battery capacity diminished over time (25%), experienced poor battery performance (14%) or discovered that the battery took too long to charge (20%). Batteries can also overheat, shut down or lose two-thirds of their runtime when cutting thicker grass.

Person running a lawn mower in the tall grass.

Of those who replaced their original battery, 83% replaced it to increase capacity/runtime, and 78% felt that the original battery “should have lasted longer.”

When repairing or replacing parts for lawn mowers, battery-powered mowers can also cost far more to repair, as they may involve expensive component replacement costs and specialized diagnostics not found in traditional gas-powered motors.

How to find a good quality gas-powered mower

Sometimes the classics become — and stay — classics for good reason. When you’re in the market for a new lawn mower, consider a gas-powered mower from Briggs & Stratton. They offer sustained torque and virtually unlimited runtime, with a multi-decade history of durability. Their gas-powered mowers offer a long-term investment you can rely on every time, season after season.

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Visit BriggsAndStratton.com to find your next favorite mower.

*The Electric Mower Sentiment Study, conducted by Hanover Research, was completed in June 2024 and had 593 respondents.

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The latest tech to improve home and work life

2026-06-09T11:01:00

(BPT) – Consumers appreciate technology when they know how it can make home and work tasks easier, provide reliable energy and security, or offer enhanced entertainment.

To make daily life easier, safer and more fun for busy families, Anker Innovations launched a suite of products including premium audio experiences, home energy and security solutions, and products to help new parents tackle daily chores.

Featured at the Anker Day 2026 “Where Ultimate Meets Possible” event in New York, these newest tech breakthroughs are turning heads.

Hear more clearly with premium audio for work and home

If you’ve had unsatisfactory experiences with past wireless earbuds (and who hasn’t?), you’ll appreciate the new Anker THUS™ proprietary chip platform, designed to bring powerful on-device AI capabilities to electronics like the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Series. Both the Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max earbuds feature Whisper Clear calls and a neural-net AI model, combined with a 10-sensor array for clear voice capture, even in noisy environments.

How clear are they? The Liberty 5 Pro set the Guinness World Record for call clarity. And the Liberty 5 Pro Max features the same earbud units and identical call performance — proving them to be the world’s clearest earbuds for calls.

The Liberty 5 Pro includes a 0.96″ touch display, while the Liberty 5 Pro Max offers a 1.78-inch AMOLED display on its charging case, serving as the world’s first smart screen earbuds with AI Note-Taker. Just double-tap the case button on the Pro Max to begin recording, and the Soundcore app generates speaker-identified transcripts, meeting summaries and action items.

Find the Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max on Amazon.com and Soundcore.com.

Enjoy immersive entertainment

Ready to level up home entertainment? Check out Soundcore Nebula’s new SpaceFlow, bringing AI-powered spatial storytelling to the company’s Nebula X1 Pro and X1 laser projectors by transforming real-world spaces into immersive 3D environments.

SpaceFlow transforms Nebula X1 Pro or X1 projectors into full AI mapping systems, thanks to precision camera hardware and spatial recognition algorithms that automatically build an accurate 3D model of your wall in minutes, fitting every animation perfectly to any surface, shape or angle, including windows, garage doors and A/C units. SpaceFlow also offers more than 100 ready-to-use templates for every holiday and occasion, each paired with matching themed audio.

Feel confident with a home power solution

Want to feel more secure with home power backup? The Anker SOLIX S-Series offers efficient, compact solutions. Leading the series is their longest-lasting 2kWh power station, SOLIX S2000, certified with an A+ Runtime, the highest rating by TÜV SÜD.

The S2000 delivers up to 35 hours of continuous refrigerator backup and supports up to 10,000 battery cycles for a 15-year service life, double the industry average. The unit offers a 1,500W AC output (3,000W peak), 400W solar input and integrated UPS functionality with seamless switchover during outages, so it can power a refrigerator and multiple devices at once. Its 1.2-hour AC fast charge to 80% ensures it will be ready for the next outage, even after heavy use, providing stability and security during severe weather events and other challenges.

Find the SOLIX S2000 on Amazon.com and Ankersolix.com.

Boost home security

To help families protect and secure properties, eufy Security is launching the new and innovative eufy EdgeAgent™, the world’s first local security AI agent with proactive home protection, scheduled for launch in H2 this year. The proprietary local AI agent brings intelligent real-time reasoning and proactive response to home security by operating through a three-stage framework of detection, analysis and action.

The Smart Security Shield’s advanced 180° dual-radar and DSKey™ (digital security key) technology detects strangers and recognizes friends and family with greater accuracy. At the core of the EdgeAgent™ system is the advanced large-model AI chipset, which enables local AI processing and storage in as little as three seconds. By processing events directly on local devices with no monthly subscription fees, eufy EdgeAgent™ delivers faster response times, reduced false alarms, enhanced privacy protection and more reliable security for homeowners.

Make parenting easier

Thanks to the eufy Mom & Baby line of smart parenting technology, many parental tasks are more efficient and comfortable, letting you focus on what matters most: your new little family member.

Check out these innovative products in the eufy lineup for today’s parents:

  • eufy Wearable Breast Pump S2 Pro — Heating massage technology makes a difference for moms: The Wearable Breast Pump S2 Pro’s VibraPump™ technology softens tissues for more efficient emptying and clog relief, and HeatFlow™ 2.0 with 7 adjustable heating levels (97-107F) enhances output and comfort. The result? S2 Pro encourages 35% more milk output, 30% faster. The eufy app can remotely control settings, customize suction rhythms and access guided meditation sessions to support relaxation.
  • eufy Bottle Washer S1 Pro — Washing baby bottles is one of parenting’s most time-consuming tasks. To streamline this task, the Bottle Washer S1 Pro is the world’s first bottle washer with built-in water softener, and its proprietary 3D HydroBlast™ technology uses a triple-layer rotating spray to eliminate stubborn milk residue. Worried about sanitizing? The Bottle Washer S1 Pro’s 212F true steam sterilization kills 99.99% of common germs, while the HygieniDry™ dual-fan heating system completes 40-minute rapid drying to prevent bacteria growth. With the largest capacity on the market, parents can clean an entire day’s feeding gear in one cycle.

These tech innovations are designed to make today’s families function better, providing forward-thinking energy, security and entertainment solutions to empower smarter lives.

Learn about these innovations and more at Anker.com.

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From life’s hardest moments to a proud walk across the stage

2026-06-08T10:01:00

(BPT) – On Sunday, June 7, more than 2,000 graduates crossed the stage at the Rosemont Theater in Rosemont, Illinois. The celebration marked a milestone that represents far more than knowledge, it stands as powerful proof that resilience and sacrifice are at the heart of every achievement.

“Every one of our graduates has a unique story,” said Elise Awwad, president and CEO of DeVry University. “But one thing they have in common is their dedication to their education and doing whatever it takes to make it a reality.”

As they waited to receive their degrees, graduates heard from two inspiring classmates whose stories served as a powerful reminder that resilience and determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

A marathon, not a sprint

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For Cosme Rios II, his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology represents more than a decade of perseverance.

“My journey at DeVry actually started in 2013,” noted Rios, DeVry University Class of 2026 undergraduate student speaker. As a father of seven and a Latino small-business owner, Rios has performed quite the balancing act to cross the finish line. “I completed my freshman year but chose to leave to focus on my kids. I came back to DeVry three years ago to finish my degree. Earning my bachelor’s has been, by far, one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever done.”

Rios isn’t the only one who faced speed bumps in their educational pursuits. Graduate commencement speaker Artisha L. Richey shared the personal trials that made earning her Master of Human Resources and a Certificate of Leadership all the more meaningful.

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“During my educational journey, I had to contend with the death of my father and my own health issues,” added Richey. “But these experiences also fueled my determination. Losing my father, it reminded me of the importance of pushing forward. Similarly, the challenges with my health tested my resilience, but proved to me that I’m stronger than I realized.”

Sacrifices that mark a milestone

Pursuing a degree when you’re also balancing work and a family requires not just resilience, but sacrifice and the determination to keep going.

“There were nights when I didn’t feel like I had anything left to give,” said Rios. “After a long day of work and responsibilities, I would stay up until midnight to do schoolwork, just to wake back up 5:30 a.m. to do it all again. It was all worth it to achieve my degree, but there’s no way I could have done this alone. Whether they realize it or not, my family made those sacrifices with me. This degree may have my name on it, but it represents all the people who helped me achieve it.”

Similarly, Richey had to give up personal moments to make her education a reality, a testament to her unwavering commitment.

“During the long periods I spent balancing work, school and personal responsibilities, I had to give up time with my family and turn down social events,” Richey said. “But those sacrifices are also what drove me forward. I had to keep going, not just for myself, but also to honor those who supported me and inspired me.”

Carrying the accomplishments forward

Through it all, Rios and Richey’s sacrifices and resilience proved to them and their classmates what’s possible.

“Just like parenting, pursuing my degree stretched my capacity,” said Rios. “What felt impossible at the beginning became normal. Now, I’m thinking bigger about how I can keep growing, help others, and create more of an impact in my community through my business.”

“It’s truly an honor to stand before you, my fellow graduates, during such a pivotal moment in our lives,” added Richey. “Just thinking about the journey we’ve all been on to reach this milestone fills me with excitement about what’s possible when you don’t stop.”

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To learn more about what’s possible, visit DeVry.edu.

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How PR and MarCom leaders can improve and measure brand visibility in the AI era

2026-06-08T00:01:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

  • MarCom and PR professionals aim for better brand visibility in today’s AI-powered, zero-click world, and need to assess their AI impact.
  • Brandpoint Optimize™, Brandpoint’s first-to-market solution, shows where brands appear in AI-generated answers, providing clear guidance on how to improve brand visibility.
  • Compounding paid and earned also builds AI credibility.
  • Paid and earned content can become an integral part of communications strategies for a competitive edge in AI brand visibility.

How consumers seek information has fundamentally changed in today’s AI-driven digital environment. Half of today’s consumers use AI-powered search, and are instantly provided with AI summaries. That means they no longer click on search results, leading to today’s zero-click phenomenon. The AI impact on searches is huge: Gartner predicts mass adoption of LLMs instead of traditional searches will result in doubling PR and earned media budgets by 2027.

PR and MarCom professionals are asking: How can you measure a brand’s AI visibility in 2026? After working hard on content creation to tell a brand’s story, how do you know if your sponsored content and earned media placements are showing up in AI summaries?

Brandpoint has the answer: Brandpoint Optimize™, the industry’s first all-in-one solution to create, distribute and measure brand campaigns across paid and earned media. This innovation helps to provide smart strategies to understand and enhance your brand’s AI visibility.

“The comms industry is rapidly evolving, with AI now deciding what consumers see in search results,” said Lisa Jilek, CEO of Brandpoint. “While PR and marketing professionals have trusted our network to get their content in front of the right audiences for 30 years, Brandpoint’s new suite of predictive intelligence tools is changing the face of MarCom planning today.”

The power of compounding paid and earned

Brandpoint’s solution creates well-structured paid content to create a searchable footprint, building authority and engagement signals that AI systems recognize. Added to that is earned coverage, which gets re-syndicated via paid channels to validate that footprint and further enhance AI visibility.

How to evaluate the quality of your brand visibility in AI responses

Brandpoint helps PR and marketing pros prove the impact of their work with the first-to-market, all-in-one solution for effective brand storytelling, offering premium content placement, earned editorial coverage and measurable AI visibility.

In addition, Brandpoint now connects every campaign directly to measurable AI visibility with Brandpoint Optimize™, providing actionable intelligence on campaign performance and — more importantly — what to do next.

With the launch of Brandpoint Optimize™, brands can distribute branded content at scale, drive earned media pickup and see how their content surfaces in AI-driven searches.

Brandpoint doesn’t just place content; it places content where the results can expand. Premium distribution builds editorial presence, and editorial presence builds AI visibility.

— Stacy Stusynski, Brandpoint

Measuring your branded content’s impact on AI search

For the first time, PR and MarCom leaders will have access to reports designed to help them understand the quality of their AI visibility, as well as how audiences and competitors behave. They can then use those insights to plan and execute smarter campaigns. This is the capability the industry has needed, and a category only Brandpoint could create.

“Since the AI revolution swept the industry, our clients have been asking, ‘How do we know our content is showing up in AI, and how do we prove it?'” said Stacy Stusynski, chief commercial officer, Brandpoint. “Nobody had a good answer, so we created one.”

Three reasons only Brandpoint could create this solution

Building this capability required Brandpoint’s 30 years of experience and expertise that no competitor can replicate overnight:

1. Decades of learning from PR industry insights and MarCom behavior data.

2. A proprietary network of high-authority news and media online publications.

3. The infrastructure to connect distribution and editorial coverage to measurable outcomes.

That foundation makes the difference, and is the reason Brandpoint was the only company that could deliver the solution.

“Brandpoint doesn’t just place content; it places content where the results can expand,” explained Stusynski. “Premium distribution builds editorial presence, and editorial presence builds AI visibility.”

How to gain a competitive edge in AI visibility

Brandpoint Optimize™ helps turn your paid and earned content into real-time communications strategies, giving your brand a competitive edge.

AI visibility builds brand authority in 2026. Now, for the first time, enterprise leaders can measure every step of that chain and act on what the data shows.

Frequently asked questions:

How can you make content more attractive to AI crawlers?

Well-written, clearly structured, timely and credible content is perceived as more authoritative. Creating subheads similar to common queries, using bullet points, citing credible sources and using relevant quotes are all tactics that help content be more “visible” to AI.

Brandpoint aims to create and distribute high-quality, human-written content that meets all these criteria, speaking directly to your target audience with clarity, authority and authenticity.

What does Brandpoint Optimize™ provide?

  • Paid Placement: Article placement and companion release on Brandpoint’s exclusive, highly indexable, 800+ premium publisher network.
  • Earned Media: Turn that distribution into earned editorial coverage promoted to thousands of editors.
  • AI Visibility Report: Measure the impact on your brand’s AI visibility with actionable insights and recommendations on what to do next.

What does the Brandpoint Optimize™ report include?

The AI Visibility Report offers numerous insights, including:

  • Your brand’s visibility in leading AI search engines.
  • How your brand’s visibility is impacted by content distribution.
  • Share of voice in your product category.
  • Brand sentiment within AI responses.
  • Recommendations for content and distribution strategies.

PR and MarCom professionals are at the forefront of the new AI visibility economy, and Brandpoint’s innovation has created the industry’s first AI visibility solution at scale.

“We’re not just keeping pace with how brands get found today,” said Jilek. “We’re leading it.”

Learn more about how to measure your brand’s AI visibility at Brandpoint.com.

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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.