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From AI adoption to real ROI: How small businesses can unlock the impact

2026-05-21T12:00:00

(BPT) – By Eric Yu, Lenovo’s SVP & GM, CPC and SMB Segment

As we mark Small Business Month, it’s a moment to take stock of how quickly AI has moved from hype to everyday business tool. Across the SMB landscape, we’re seeing how far technology has come, from basic automation tools that handled repetitive tasks, to today’s AI systems that can generate content, analyze customer data in real time and support decision-making. Small business leaders are now entering a new phase of their AI journey, turning early adoption into lasting business value.

Notably, three quarters of SMBs are using AI and more than half are using generative AI, however, only 14% have integrated its capabilities into core operations, according to Goldman Sachs. The question is no longer whether to use AI, but rather, how to make it deliver results.

Despite rapid adoption, many are still struggling to turn experimentation into measurable business impact.

Three practical lessons can help SMBs move from adoption to impact:

1. Start with business outcomes

For small businesses, every technology decision must tie directly to outcomes. With limited resources and lean teams, there is little room for experimentation without clear return.

From an application standpoint, AI PCs provide a low-friction starting point, enabling capabilities such as transcription, summarization, predictive assistance and content generation, without heavy infrastructure investment. For lean teams with limited time and resources, this can mean replacing manual notetaking and review with AI-powered transcription and summarization that automatically highlight key decisions and actions in real time, freeing up capacity for strategizing and planning. This lowers the barrier to entry and allows entrepreneurs to move quickly from experimentation to tangible productivity gains.

The takeaway for SMBs: Begin with clear workflow bottlenecks, such as sales follow-ups, customer support, content creation and inventory management, and apply AI where it drives measurable impact. The most effective deployments are focused, targeted and tied to immediate business needs.

Ultimately, beginning with outcomes ensures AI is tied to business value from day one, creating a clear path to ROI and scalable growth.

2. AI succeeds when people are trained and workflows are redesigned

Technology alone will not drive measurable impact. Research shows that employee upskilling and effective human-AI collaboration are critical to successful AI implementation, underscoring the importance of investing in people alongside technology. Without this balance, even the most advanced tools risk being underutilized or operating in silos.

Instead of using AI tools sporadically, businesses should integrate them in ways that feel natural, intuitive and easy to adopt. For SMBs in particular, smart collaboration tools can be a good start. Imagine asking your AI assistant to schedule a meeting for 10 people and it automatically secures a room big enough to hold everybody and sends calendar invites. When the meeting starts, it provides real-time transcription, activates noise cancelation on the microphone, focuses the camera on the speaker, summarizes key messages, sends out action points, and more. What once could become a source of stress is now eliminated.

Equally important is ensuring these tools fit seamlessly into how people already work, particularly in hybrid work environments. AI adoption is more likely to succeed when tools are user-friendly, reduce friction and complement existing habits and processes rather than forcing employees to completely change how they operate. Early success in these areas can help build momentum and scale adoption across teams.

The bottom line: AI delivers value when it becomes part of how people work, not just a tool they occasionally use.

Companies like Lenovo offer the right combination of devices, solutions and support that is critical in helping SMBs operationalize AI effectively.

3. Embracing mentorship and Backing Every Business

Technology alone can’t close the gap between adoption and impact. Many SMBs understand the potential of AI, but lack the resources, tools or strategic direction to scale it effectively. Closing this gap requires not just technology, but guidance and partnership.

Initiatives like Lenovo’s Backing Every Business are designed to provide that support, connecting SMBs with mentorship, funding and technology to help them scale with confidence. In partnership with actress, producer, entrepreneur and social advocate Eva Longoria, Lenovo is spotlighting small business owners through its global “Twinning” campaign, connecting them with peer-to-peer mentorship, grant funding and AI-powered technology to help them grow and adapt in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

This approach recognizes a broader truth: SMBs don’t just need more technology; they need the right support and context for using it. That includes practical guidance on where to start, how to scale and how to align AI investments with business goals.

The most successful small businesses will be those that combine technology adoption with an external perspective and expertise.

Conclusion

AI adoption among small businesses is no longer the barrier; unlocking its full potential is.

As AI continues to evolve, the small businesses that succeed will be those that move beyond experimentation and embed these technologies into the fabric of how they operate. Those that do this effectively will turn AI from a tool into a true driver of growth.

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Disaster-Proofing Your Valuables: What Every Homeowner Should Know

2026-05-21T09:57:01

(BPT) – In the first three months of 2026 alone, there were 26 disaster declarations in the U.S. — higher than the five-year average. This includes emergencies like fires, severe storms and floods, all of which put your home and valuables at risk. Even if you don’t think you live in a fire-prone area, shifting weather patterns nationwide, like rising temperatures and drought conditions, are increasing fire risk in unexpected regions including the Midwest, South and Southeast.

The good news is, you can take proactive steps to protect the valuables in your home, including critical documents and priceless family heirlooms that could easily be destroyed by fire or flooding. With over a century of experience in protection and security, Master Lock recommends these simple tips to stay one step ahead in preparing for natural disasters or house fires.

Prepare an emergency kit “go bag”

Be prepared for potential disaster evacuation by ensuring everyone in your household has an emergency kit or “go bag” containing necessities ready to go at a moment’s notice. While the contents of each individual’s bag may vary, consider items that are necessary and may be hard to get on the road. Include things like water, protein bars, prescription medications, cash, a first aid kit, electronic device chargers and warm clothing.

In an emergency evacuation, important paperwork and digital records may need to travel with you at a moment’s notice. For compact portable protection, the SentrySafe Fire File 1170 can be quickly stashed in your vehicle. This model has UL Classified fire protection to keep your most important documents safe for up to 30 minutes at 1550° F. It features a privacy key lock and carrying handle, offering a convenient solution for securing passports and other essential paperwork at home or on the go.

For absolute assurance, Master Lock and SentrySafe stand behind their products with a limited lifetime warranty.

Invest in a fireproof safe

To protect personal records and valuables in your home, consider the unparalleled protection and security of a Master Lock or SentrySafe Fireproof + Waterproof Safe. This is the ideal place to safely store important items including passports, wedding and birth certificates, tax filings, precious family photos and heirlooms.

Made from high-grade steel and tested for performance, Master Lock’s Premium 2-Hour Fire and Water Safes are designed to endure and withstand extremes like impact from falling through a burning structure, providing 2-hour fire resistance in high temperatures and shielding against water for up to 24 hours.

Waterproofing is also crucial in the event of fire. As firefighters need anywhere from hundreds to thousands of gallons of water to extinguish fires this factor can also be damaging to documents, photos and other special items.

Consider the following fireproof and waterproof storage solutions to protect important documents and valuables at home:

  • SentrySafe Extra Large Steel Fireproof Waterproof Safe with Digital Keypad: If you need a larger fireproof home safe, this model offers an interior capacity of 2 cubic feet. It also combines UL-classified fire resistance to withstand fire for one hour at 1,700°F and ETL-verified water protection to safeguard valuables in up to 8 inches of water for up to 24 hours. Built with 6 large steel bolts, a pry-resistant hinge bar and programmable digital lock with secondary key access, this model features a deep organizer, door pocket and interior lighting for enhanced visibility and organization. A 1.23 cubic foot version is also available, offering many of the same fire, water and theft protection features in a slightly more compact format.
  • SentrySafe Fireproof and Waterproof Safe with Dial Combination: For those who prefer a traditional dial combination safe over a digital keypad, this compact model delivers similar fire, water and theft protection features, ideal for smaller spaces.

Make a proactive inventory of valuables

In the event that an insurance claim is needed, it’s recommended to create a detailed inventory of your most valuable possessions. Use your phone to make a video or take pictures of the items, along with listing their value, when and where they were obtained, and any other vital information. Then as a final protection step, store these valuables in your fireproof + waterproof safe as well.

As natural disasters continue to increase in frequency and severity across the country, being prepared brings confidence when facing emergencies like fires and floods. From safeguarding critical documents to protecting irreplaceable belongings, having the right emergency preparedness plan and storage solutions in place is essential during the unexpected. Discover more protection solutions at Masterlock.com and SentrySafe.com.

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The new family road trip: How solar power transforms travel

2026-05-21T12:03:00

(BPT) – There’s something magical about family road trips. Imagine the perfect day: You found a great campsite in a beautiful part of the country, and you just woke up to the sound of birdsong. You’re relaxing in the morning sun in a camp chair, waiting for the kids to emerge from the deep sleep only plenty of fresh air and activity can provide. The enticing aroma of coffee percolating in the coffeemaker drifts over, thanks to a small nearby fan.

You couldn’t have planned a better Memorial Day weekend, especially because you didn’t leave your entire life behind when you left the driveway — you brought the good parts with you. While you’re free of the hustle and bustle, work and chores of daily life, you still have creature comforts: Hot coffee and cold beverages, phones that work when you need them, music and cooling fans at your fingertips, tablets and games to keep kids from the endless “Are we there yet?” haunting your childhood road trip memories.

Like roughly 39.1 million other Americans, traveling by car may top your agenda for Memorial Day weekend this year. The good news? In 2026, off-grid doesn’t have to mean off-comfort.

Welcome to today’s family road trip

Man working on a computer and making a fresh pot of coffee powered by Jackery while enjoying the remote mountain vista.

You can have it all: the freedom from the daily routine that you wanted, along with many of the rituals you rely on. Thanks to the Jackery solar generator you brought along for the ride, you’ve got charged-up phones, tablets, portable gaming consoles, a portable electric cooler — and even a laptop and hotspot when you need to check work emails from that scenic overlook. You can even turn a camping evening into a magical wonderland, thanks to string lights and a portable speaker.

Vanlife, camping, glamping and RVing — really, any kind of off-grid, off-road or just off-routine travel method — have gone mainstream, with travelers of many backgrounds and age groups seeking the open road.

Glamping in particular has a special appeal, due to the combination of communing with nature while still maintaining modern comforts. The global glamping market was about $3.79 billion last year, projected to reach $7.87 billion by 2033. Today’s families desire those outdoor experiences, together with all the conveniences they’re used to.

Solar generators to power your next adventure

Car in the garage charging up for the next road trip using Jackery solar powered generator.

Today’s more eco-conscious travelers also prefer using power sources for their modern conveniences that are sustainable, silent and emissions-free, while also being powerful enough to run real appliances, not just charge a phone.

Jackery’s mid-capacity solar generators, like the HomePower 3000, Explorer 2000 Plus and Explorer 1500 Ultra models, are portable, rugged and powerful enough to run real appliances, plus full charging setups. In fact, the HomePower 3000 has enough capacity to run a coffee maker in the morning, keep a mini fridge humming all afternoon, power a fan through a sticky summer night and still charge every device in the car.

The 2000 Plus is scalable, supporting additional battery packs for longer, extended trips or overland adventures where you’re not sure how many days you’ll be off-grid.

The Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra offers ultra-fast solar recharging, making it a top pick for vanlifers and weekend warriors who need to top off quickly and keep moving.

Want something that fits in a trunk or slides under a bench seat, so you barely know it’s there? Lightweight, compact solar generators like the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 are perfect for families and couples who want serious output without the bulk. And if you’re traveling lean, the Explorer 1000 v2 offers a carry-anywhere option that keeps your family’s phones, laptops, cameras and fans running without taking up precious cargo space.

Best yet, solar recharging via Jackery SolarSaga panels means less interruption during your entire trip. You can top off at camp, at rest stops or in a parking lot — with no hookups or gas station runs needed. Jackery generators are also silent and emissions-free, so they cause no fumes and don’t violate any noise ordinances. They can run inside a van, camper or popup shelter.

Jackery solar powered generator charging up on the driveway in the front yard.

You can find the Jackery solar generator to meet your family’s road trip needs at Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart and Jackery.com.

Wherever you’re headed this summer, savor every moment: from the quiet morning cup of joe through the next leg of your journey as kids happily play games in the back seat, to the impromptu after-dinner dance party to your family’s curated playlist at the perfect campsite — and every memorable adventure in between.

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How to navigate the world of credit with confidence

2026-05-21T09:01:00

(BPT) – From renting an apartment to buying a car or covering an unexpected expense, credit plays an important role in helping people manage their everyday lives. But while credit is widely used, many people still feel unsure about how it works and how to manage it effectively.

According to a new U.S. Consumer Cards Credit Trends Survey* conducted by Citi, nearly all respondents (99%) see responsible credit management as key to achieving their financial goals, but only 11% can correctly identify all the factors that affect credit scores.

A lack of early credit education has left many people navigating credit without a clear foundation. Half of survey respondents say they only learned how to manage credit after getting their first credit card, while another 36% learned through trial and error. As a result, roughly two-thirds (68%) find aspects of credit management confusing, particularly how credit scores and interest are calculated, and half (50%) report feeling stressed or anxious about credit.

Why financial education matters

Despite the credit knowledge gap, an encouraging 72% say better education and tools would increase their confidence in managing credit. And economic pressures are motivating people to improve their financial health, with 92% of respondents taking proactive steps to manage their credit, and 63% seeking new tools and resources for support.

The findings highlight an important reminder: building a strong financial foundation takes more than just access to credit — it requires practical tools and trusted educational resources.

“Building credit confidence starts with understanding how it really works and developing consistent habits,” said Abhinav Anand, head of Value Cards, Lending and Commerce for U.S. Consumer Cards at Citi. “It’s a gradual process that people don’t have to navigate alone. Trusted sources like local bank branches, financial advisors and nonprofit organizations can offer guidance and practical tools to help people feel more informed and in control.”

For those looking to strengthen their understanding, Citi’s Credit Knowledge Center offers educational content on topics ranging from how to apply for a credit card to understanding the difference between secured and unsecured cards, as well as rebuilding credit and maximizing rewards. Consumers can also explore financial management options such as debt consolidation and managing major expenses through Citi’s Personal Loan Center.

Tools and resources to build credit knowledge

In today’s environment, managing credit has become even more important. Rising living costs (52%), economic uncertainties (37%) and unexpected expenses (32%) are among the top factors shaping survey respondents’ financial behavior over the past year. Many are responding by becoming more proactive. One in four (25%) say they’re using digital tools for real-time credit alerts and monitoring tools more than they did a year ago. There’s also growing interest in more affordable and flexible credit options, with 76% saying that access to low-cost credit cards would make credit easier to manage.

Woman swiping a credit card at a clothing store. Citi's Credit Knowledge Center tells how to maximize card rewards.

As consumers look for ways to stay on track, having access to helpful tools and flexible options can play an important role in supporting their long-term financial goals. Citi offers a range of resources and products to support everyday credit management, including:

  • Low-introductory rate credit cards: Citi offers various products including the Citi Simplicity® Card and Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card with low introductory rate offers to support financial flexibility.
  • Promotional offers: Existing Citi credit card customers can take advantage of offers like balance transfers and Flex Loans to help make their lives more flexible while using their existing credit.
  • Personal financial management tools: Citi also offers a variety of tools to help Citi credit card customers improve their financial understanding, including FICO® Score access.

“Responsible credit management can build resilience and support long-term financial well-being,” added Anand. “Taking the time to learn and seek support can lead to smarter financial decisions and greater confidence over time.”

To learn more about Citi’s credit offerings and resources, visit Citi.com/resources/citi-financial-pathways.

*Survey Methodology: Citi collaborated with Material+ in March 2026 to conduct a brief, focused survey around credit confidence, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The sample was comprised of 1,000 U.S. adults age 18+, not employed in a sensitive industry (bank/financial institution, market research, ad agency/PR firm), who are household decision makers on financial services products and have at least one credit card. Sample targeting was in line with the U.S. general population on age, income, region, and ethnicity. The study was fielded between March 19 and 22, and has an overall margin of error of plus-or-minus 3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

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Beyond the diagnosis: Navigating life with pediatric low-grade glioma

2026-05-20T13:19:00

(BPT) – On any given day, Regina Karchner, MSW, LICSW, Social Worker at the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, meets with families at very different points in their journey. Some have just heard the words “brain tumor” for the first time. Others have been living with a diagnosis of pediatric low-grade glioma, or pLGG, for years. What connects them is not just the medical condition, but the way it reshapes daily life in ways few people on the outside fully see.

“While the shock of a brain tumor diagnosis is often acknowledged, the practical and emotional support families need in those early days doesn’t always follow,” says Regina. “Many families are left searching for someone who can slow down, answer questions and help them process what this diagnosis means for daily life.”

pLGG is the most common type of brain tumor in children. It is considered slow-growing, but its effects can be significant, depending on where the tumor develops in the brain. Some children experience vision problems, loss of balance or changes in energy levels. Others may face mood disorders or seizures.1

From a clinical standpoint, the course of pLGG varies as well. Some tumors remain stable and are monitored through routine imaging. Others require surgery or targeted treatment.1 But the one constant across all of those impacted is that the experience extends far beyond what happens in a hospital or clinic.

“What many people don’t realize,” Regina explains, “is that this is often a long-term condition. Families aren’t just dealing with a diagnosis. They’re learning how to live with ongoing uncertainty.”

Much of the pLGG experience happens between appointments. There are the waiting periods between scans, when anxiety can quietly build. There are school days missed for appointments, and the challenge of helping teachers and classmates understand what a child is going through. There are shifts at home, as parents balance caregiving with work and siblings adjust to changes in attention and routine.2

For children, the emotional impact can be just as significant as the physical.2

“Even when children are able to return to school or social activities, many continue to struggle to make sense of something that’s hard for even adults to process,” Regina says. “Challenges aren’t always visible, but they can affect friendships, participation in class and how children see themselves.”

This is where support and resources become essential. In addition to needing help to process the emotional weight of diagnosis, families also need practical support. That can include financial resources, coordination with schools or having conversations with children about their condition in an age-appropriate way. These needs constantly change as a child’s journey continues.

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That’s why it’s critical that patients and families have access to a care team — not just a single point of contact. Social workers, Child Life Specialists and other care team members often collaborate closely with doctors and nurses to provide holistic care for the child and their family. In addition to treatment, the broader team focuses on helping children understand and cope with medical experiences and support the emotional and logistical needs of the entire family.3

Together, this network helps families navigate not just treatment, but the realities of everyday life with pLGG.

One of the most common challenges families face is isolation. Because pLGG can be a long-term condition, families may feel like others don’t fully understand what they are going through.2

Access to resources can help bridge that gap. Educational materials can make it easier for parents to explain the diagnosis in a way their child can understand. Support communities offer a sense of connection with others on a similar path.

Additional tools are designed specifically for children and families, including books that help explain pLGG in age-appropriate ways and provide guidance for navigating uncertainty.

“I’ve seen how much it helps when families feel that they’re not alone,” Regina says. “Even small moments of understanding and connection can ease the burden. I encourage anyone navigating a pLGG diagnosis to seek out trusted resources and support networks that can help them feel informed, supported and less isolated.”

For more information on pLGG and resources for families, visit rethinkplgg.com.

Sources:

  1. What is pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG)?. rethink pLGG from Day One Biopharmaceuticals. (2026). https://www.rethinkplgg.com/about-plgg
  2. Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. (2024, July 17). Voice of the Patient Report. Cure the Kids. https://curethekids.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PBTF-pLGG-Voice-of-the-Patient-Report.pdf
  3. Scialla, M. A., Canter, K. S., Chen, F. F., Kolb, E. A., Sandler, E., Wiener, L., & Kazak, A. E. (2017). Implementing the psychosocial standards in pediatric cancer: Current staffing and services available. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 64(11). https://doi.org/10.1002/pbc.26634

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Champion Your Health Through Everyday Choices

2026-05-20T15:35:00

(BPT) – More Americans than ever are living longer. As of 2024, nearly 24% of the U.S. population is age 60 or older, making healthy aging increasingly important for individuals, families and communities. Everyday habits like eating well, staying active, keeping up with preventive care and staying connected can meaningfully support long-term health, independence and quality of life.

Each May, communities across the country recognize Older Americans Month, an observance led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to celebrate the contributions of older adults and promote healthy aging.

“This year’s Older Americans Month theme, ‘Champion Your Health,’ encourages people to take an active role in their health and well-being,” said Mary Lazare, principal deputy administrator at ACL. “Simple habits like staying active, managing stress and keeping up with preventive care can help people stay healthy and independent over time.”

This Older Americans Month, look for simple ways to support health and connection in your daily life and community.

Simple Tips for Healthy Aging

  • Stay up to date on checkups and screenings to help prevent health problems.
  • Spend time with friends, family and community groups to stay socially connected.
  • Eat nutritious foods and stay active to maintain strength and balance.
  • Support your mental health by managing stress and getting enough sleep.

Ways to Support Older Adults in Your Community

  • Check in on older neighbors, friends or family members to help them stay connected.
  • Support caregivers by offering encouragement and help when you can.
  • Support local programs that serve older adults by volunteering or helping raise awareness.

How Communities and Organizations Can Help

  • Share resources and tips that support healthy habits and preventive care.
  • Highlight local programs and events that help older adults stay healthy and connected.
  • Organize volunteer activities or donation drives for older adults.

For more ideas and information, visit acl.gov/oam.

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How to measure and improve a brand’s AI visibility — with evidence to prove it

2026-05-20T00:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways

  • PR and MarCom professionals strive to achieve AI visibility for brands in today’s zero-click world, and need a way to measure their AI impact
  • Brandpoint’s first-to-market solution, Brandpoint Optimize™, shows exactly where your brand appears in AI-generated answers and provides clear guidance on how to improve that visibility.
  • Compounding paid and earned also builds AI authority.
  • Turn your paid and earned content into real-time communications strategies for a competitive edge in AI visibility.

In the AI-driven digital landscape of 2026, how consumers seek information has fundamentally changed. Half of consumers use AI-powered search today, and because they now receive AI summaries, they no longer click on search results, leading to today’s zero-click phenomenon. AI is having a huge impact, with Gartner predicting that mass adoption of LLMs instead of traditional searches will lead to a doubling of PR and earned media budgets by 2027.

This leaves PR and Marcom professionals asking: How can you measure a brand’s AI visibility? After working hard to create content that tells a brand’s story, how do you know if your sponsored content and earned media placements are showing up in AI?

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.”

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 assess the quality of a brand’s AI visibility

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 how campaigns performed, and — more importantly — on 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.

Clients have been asking, ‘How do we know our content is showing up in AI, and how do we prove it?’ Nobody had a good answer, so we created one.

— Stacy Stuzcynski, Brandpoint

Reports that measure branded content’s impact on AI search

For the first time, PR and MarCom leaders will have access to reports that help them understand the quality of their AI visibility as well as how audiences and competitors behave, and can 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.”

Why only Brandpoint could create this solution

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

  • Three decades of learning from PR industry insights and MarCom behavior data.
  • A proprietary network of high-authority news and media publications.
  • 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.”

Gaining 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 is what builds brand authority in 2026, and 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 appealing to AI crawlers?

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

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

What is included in Brandpoint Optimize™?

  • 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 Brandpoint Optimize™ report on?

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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Easy room-by-room tips to reset your home for summer

2026-05-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – It’s finally here: plenty of bright sunshine, warm weather and the lively atmosphere that only summer can deliver. You’re totally ready to kick it up a notch and enjoy the season, but is your home? Beyond doing a deep clean and de-clutter for the season, chances are your living spaces could use a total refresh to help you celebrate the summer months in style.

To help you get your home feeling as summery as it does outdoors, try these simple steps to liven up each room.

Freshen up your bedroom

This is definitely the right time to make the switch to a fresh, lightweight duvet or comforter for your bed. Look for bedding colors that invoke beachy summer vibes, like cool light greens and blues, or that create the feeling of a warm sunny garden with colors like peach, pink or lavender.

Pro tip: Stay cooler all night long by choosing breathable fabrics for your bedding, like cotton percale, linen and bamboo.

Make your kitchen party-ready

Trash bags in a kitcken trash bins. Hefty<sup><sup><sup>®</sup></sup></sup> Color Series trash bags with the Fabuloso<sup><sup><sup>®</sup></sup></sup> Peach fragrance helps your kitchen stay clean.” width=”600″ border=”0″></div> <div class=

Brighten up your space in an unexpected way this summer with an exciting new approach to the trash bags in your kitchen. Add a joyful pop of color along with appealing scents by trying out the new vibrant peach bags from the Hefty® Color Series lineup, which combine trusted Hefty strength and performance with the Fabuloso® Peach fragrance to help your kitchen stay clean and fresh all season long. You can feel confident that these bags will combat most stubborn kitchen smells, thanks to Hefty’s powerful odor neutralization and extended scent release.

Pro tip: Personalize each space with vibrant scents and bold pops of color that bring personality to everyday routines. With Hefty Color Series, you can brighten up multiple spaces in your home and customize the experience by room. Available in a variety of sizes, each product adds a playful, functional touch throughout your home. For example, use Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Trash Bags with Fabuloso Peach Scent in a vibrant peach color in your kitchen, Hefty Small Trash Bags in Fabuloso Lavender Scent in a vivid purple color in your bathroom, and Hefty Medium Trash Bags in Fabuloso Watermelon Scent in a bold pink color in your laundry room.

Put the life back in your living room

To make your living room feel a bit livelier, swap out heavier window treatments like dark-colored drapes or blinds with lighter treatments that let in more natural light. Swap out older, dated throw pillows or rugs for a few new options that feature brighter colors. Try a tropical theme or use floral-inspired abstract designs to create an even more summery ambiance.

Pro tip: If your living room still seems dreary after trying these tips, swap out your light bulbs for white light bulbs (4000 K to 6000 K), which have a cooler tone that more closely resembles natural light.

Brighten your bathrooms

Trash bags in a bathroom.

You can instantly update the look of your bathroom for summer with a few simple swaps — no plumbing required! Changing out your shower curtains and opting for a lighter and brighter shade (and lighter weight) of towels and bathmats can make a world of difference. Consider adding a small plant or two to help create a coastal or tropical atmosphere, choosing plants that thrive in high humidity and don’t need direct sunlight.

Pro tip: Bathroom accessories that work together don’t have to match perfectly. Simply select a consistent color palette that looks great and evokes the feeling of summer for you. Think contrasting color pairs like olive green and peach, lavender with mint green or navy blue against crisp white.

Uplift your laundry area

Give your laundry room a facelift with a fresh coat of paint in a brighter color or introduce better organization in summery ways with a set of woven baskets or bamboo hampers. And don’t forget to bring a pop of fun color and fresh scent into your revamped laundry space with one of the Hefty Color Series Medium Trash Bags in Fabuloso Peach, Watermelon, or Lavender.

Pro tip: Need more space for drying items? Install a wall-mounted drying rack to help keep counters clear.

All of these tips will help your home feel brighter and fresher, so you’ll be ready for anything the summer has in store.

Visit Hefty.com to check out the new Fabuloso Peach scent, a permanent addition to the Hefty Color Series lineup, available exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide and online at Walmart.com.

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How to manage summer’s top safety concerns for your pet

2026-05-20T01:01:01

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

  • Summer with pets is fun, but can bring additional safety and health worries.
  • A recent Rover survey found pet parents are willing to put in the effort and expense to protect their pets.
  • Pet parents need confidence that pet sitters and dog walkers are reliable and knowledgeable about summer safety risks.
  • Rover provides trusted care, for peace of mind that pets are living their best lives while pet parents are, too.

Summer travel season is ramping up, and for many pet parents, plans are increasingly shaped around one priority: keeping pets safe from seasonal risks.

A new 2026 Summer Safety Survey from Rover found that 88% of pet parents plan summer activities around whether their pets can join them. But alongside more outdoor adventures and travel comes increased concern about seasonal risks, particularly heat-related illness (32%) and exposure to fleas and ticks (38%).

Those concerns are personal for many pet parents. Nearly half of pet parents say their dog or cat has experienced heat exhaustion or dehydration, yet 64% admit they are not fully confident they know exactly what warning signs to look for.

Safeguard against fleas and ticks

Heading into the summer months, make sure your pet is up to date on your veterinarian’s recommended flea and tick prevention to alleviate this concern. Also keep your yard clear of organic matter, including leaves and clippings, where fleas might hide. If your dog often explores grassy or wooded areas, learn methods for safe tick removal.

Panting dog walking in the woods. Rover recommends protecting your pet from fleas and ticks.


How to keep pets safe during summer heat

Heat-related illness remains one of the biggest summer risks for pets. Despite widespread concern, many pet parents still struggle to identify the early signs of overheating. According to the survey, nearly half (46%) of pet parents report their pet has experienced heat exhaustion or dehydration at some point.

Early warning signs include:

  • Dogs: Excessive panting, lethargy, confusion or drooling. Severe signs are pale gums, foaming at the mouth or seizures.
  • Cats: Excessive pacing, panting, grooming, drooling or atypical vocalizations. Severe signs include stumbling, vomiting, loss of consciousness or collapsing.

For early warning signs, give your pet cool (not iced) water to drink, get them in the shade/air conditioning and apply wet towels or cool water to their head or neck. For concerns about your pet’s symptoms, consult your veterinarian.

96% of pet parents will go to great lengths to keep their dogs and cats safe from heat-related risks.

Ways pet parents care for their dogs and cats

Almost all pet parents (96%) will go to great lengths to keep their dogs and cats safe from heat-related risks. Their most common practices include:

  • Keeping indoor temperatures as cool as possible (73%)
  • Not leaving pets in unattended vehicles, even on cooler days (58%)
  • Limiting outdoor time to shady or heat-protected areas only (57%)

Other heat-safety best practices include adjusting outdoor time to cooler parts of the day, avoiding strenuous or excessive activity in general on hot days, and swapping outdoor time for more indoor enrichment activities.

Cat enjoying indoor air conditioning while looking out the window. Rover suggests keeping your pet cool in on a hot summer day.

When out and about, nearly half (45%) of pet parents bring portable pet bowls and water, and 23% use booties or paw wax to protect paws from the hot pavement. In addition, 19% of pet parents have their pets groomed specifically to prevent sunburn and overheating.

Dog on a leash walking down the sidewalk. Rover recommends bringing water and a bowi while out on a walk with your pet.

The survey also highlighted the lengths many pet parents are willing to go financially to keep pets comfortable. Nearly 80% said they would sacrifice personal comforts to prioritize their pet’s safety during the summer months. More than half said they would spend up to $100 extra per month on cooling costs, 37% would purchase a new air conditioner specifically for their pet, and 31% said they would even cancel an expensive vacation in favor of their pet’s well-being.

Where to find someone to care for your pet when you’re traveling

Summer is also one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, leading many pet parents to seek reliable care while they are away.

If you need someone to care for your pet when you’re on a trip, use a reputable platform like Rover, the world’s largest online marketplace for pet care. Rover enables safer, more personalized pet care by connecting pet parents with trusted sitters who understand each pet’s unique needs.

Sitters offering pet care services on Rover receive safety guidance related to summer care, including monitoring for signs of overheating and ensuring pets receive adequate hydration and breaks from the heat. Sitters on the platform are also required to complete enhanced background checks and safety quizzes.

Cat on a lease in the grassy backyard. Rover helps connect pet parents seeking reliable care with pet sitters.

Pet care experts recommend scheduling a meet and greet with potential sitters before booking their services, particularly during busy travel periods. Planning ahead can help pet parents feel more confident that their pet’s routines, comfort and individual care needs will be maintained while they’re away.

Whether pets are joining summer adventures or staying home with a sitter, experts say preparation and heat awareness can go a long way toward helping pets stay safe and comfortable throughout the season. For more tips on how to enjoy summer with your pets in mind, visit Rover.com.

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Three things you should know about bladder cancer

2026-05-19T12:01:00

(BPT) – Bladder cancer happens when cells in the bladder start to grow out of control. These cells can form a tumor and, over time, can spread to other parts of the body.

Bladder cancer isn’t always easy to detect, so it’s important to know what your chances (or risk) of getting bladder cancer may be and what to look for.

Do you want to better understand your risk for bladder cancer? Here are 3 things you should know:

1. The signs and symptoms of bladder cancer

Blood in urine (pee) is usually the first and most common sign of bladder cancer. Blood in your urine may:

  • Look orange, pink or dark red in color
  • Go away and then come back from time-to-time

Blood in your urine does not always mean cancer, but it’s important to see and talk to your doctor to rule out other causes like a bladder or kidney stone, an infection or kidney disease.

When should I talk to my doctor?
Always talk with your doctor about any changes in your urine or bladder habits, such as:

  • Having to go more often than usual
  • Pain or burning while you urinate
  • Feeling like you have to urinate right away, even when your bladder isn’t full
  • Having trouble going or having a weak urine stream
  • Getting up to go often during the night

Your may recommend exams or tests to learn the cause of the blood in your urine or changes in bladder habits.

2. Some people may have a higher chance of developing bladder cancer

The chances of developing bladder cancer increase with age. In the U.S., about 9 in 10 people with bladder cancer are over the age of 55. Bladder cancer is also about twice as likely to occur in white people compared to Black and Hispanic people, and it affects men more than women.

Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer. People who smoke are at least three times as likely to get bladder cancer as people who don’t.

Does bladder cancer run in families?
Bladder cancer does not usually run in families. This means it’s not usually inherited from your parents.

What are some causes of bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer can be caused by changes in your genes (called gene mutations). These changes can cause cells to become cancerous and grow out of control.

These changes are not usually something a person is born with, and may develop later in life, possibly due to factors such as:

  • A person’s environment or lifestyle, such as using tobacco, especially if they smoke cigarettes
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Being exposed to certain chemicals at work
  • A history of radiation to the pelvis to treat other cancers

3. Certain jobs may put people at a higher risk of bladder cancer

Some people have jobs that may expose them to certain chemicals linked to a higher chance of bladder cancer, including industrial chemicals used in making rubber, leather, textiles and paint products. People who work as painters, firefighters, hairdressers and truck drivers can similarly be exposed to certain chemicals and fumes that might increase their risk of bladder cancer.

If your work might expose you to chemicals that could raise your risk of bladder cancer, be sure to follow good work safety practices.

Even if someone has one or more risk factors, it doesn’t mean that you will get bladder cancer.

Talk with your doctor about changes in your health.

If you notice changes in your urine or bladder habits, don’t ignore them – tell your doctor.

Ask your doctor if you have a higher chance of developing bladder cancer. This conversation may help you and your doctor catch bladder cancer earlier.

For more information and resources about bladder cancer, visit Merck.com.

Copyright © 2026 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.