Month: March 2026

2026-03-24T08:15:00

(BPT) – By Jacqueline Gonzalez, Staff Writer, Visit Corpus Christi

With abundant sunshine and a coastline that stretches from calm bay waters to the open Gulf, Corpus Christi offers a year-round coastal escape. Known for its laid-back beach culture, iconic attractions and steady lineup of festivals and outdoor experiences, this Texas Gulf Coast city invites visitors to explore at their own pace. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, here are seven reasons Corpus Christi continues to stand out as a destination worth visiting any time of year.

1. With more than 80 miles of coastline, Corpus Christi offers everything from calm bay beaches to wide-open Gulf shores, including iconic stretches like Padre Island National Seashore and Mustang Island. Many of the area’s beaches are drivable, a unique feature that allows visitors to cruise right onto the sand, set up for the day, and enjoy fishing, swimming, kiteboarding, windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding just steps from their vehicle. For those who like to linger, beach camping and Gulf-front sunsets turn a simple beach day into a full coastal experience. Whether casting a line at sunrise or watching the sky change color in the evening, the beaches here are less about crowds and more about freedom.

2. Corpus Christi’s event calendar stretches far beyond a single season. Weekly farmers’ markets and pop-up markets bring local flavor to neighborhoods year-round, while largescale festivals anchor the city’s cultural identity. Signature events like Buc Days from April 30 through May 10, Texas Jazz Festival from Oct. 16–18, and the Día de los Muertos Street Festival on Oct. 24, highlight everything from coastal traditions and food to music and community pride. No matter when you visit, there’s usually something happening that invites you to experience the city alongside locals.

3. Corpus Christi’s most recognizable attractions are concentrated along the bay, creating an easy-to-explore lineup for visitors. The USS Lexington Museum offers a deep dive into naval history aboard a legendary aircraft carrier, while the Texas State Aquarium showcases Gulf marine life through immersive exhibits focused on education and conservation. Nearby cultural institutions like the Art Museum of South Texas, the Art Center of Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History round out the experience, offering art, science and regional history with a coastal lens.

4. Known as one of Texas’s top fishing destinations, Corpus Christi offers year-round access to bay, surf and offshore fishing. Anglers can fish directly from the beach, cast lines from piers or book guided charters targeting redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more. With mild weather throughout the year, fishing here isn’t limited to a single season; it’s a core part of the coastal lifestyle that keeps visitors coming back.

5. Corpus Christi sits along a major migratory path, making it a prime destination for birders from around the country. Coastal wetlands, bays and nearby nature preserves attract hundreds of species throughout the year, including whooping cranes, shorebirds and colorful migratory songbirds. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual wildlife watcher, the area offers accessible viewing opportunities that change with the seasons.

6. The city’s culinary identity is shaped by its location. Fresh Gulf seafood, locally harvested oysters, Texas-style barbecue and bold Tex-Mex flavors all have a place at the table. Many restaurants, especially along Water Street, offer outdoor dining and waterfront views, making meals feel like part of the coastal experience. From dock-to-table seafood to “cook your catch” options after a day of fishing, Corpus Christi’s food scene blends flavor, tradition and scenery.

7. With more than 226 days of sunshine each year, Corpus Christi’s climate is one of its greatest assets. Mild winters and warm coastal breezes keep beaches, trails and outdoor attractions accessible year-round. It’s the kind of weather that encourages spontaneous plans, including morning beach walks, afternoon museum visits and sunset dinners by the water, and makes every season feel like a good time to visit.

From drivable beaches and on-the-water adventures to cultural attractions, wildlife experiences and a diverse food scene, Corpus Christi offers travelers a reason to return again and again, each time discovering a new way to coast through the seasons.

2026-03-24T08:31:00

(BPT) – Have you received your tax refund? You may find that this year’s refund is about 10% higher than last year, according to CNBC, creating a rare financial cushion. How will you spend it?

In past years, you may have earmarked this refund for fun purchases, trips or other discretionary spending. However, this year’s refund offers you an opportunity to invest in energy security by purchasing a backup power solution to offset long-term energy costs and provide reliable power now and for years to come.

What is energy security?

Household energy security goes beyond powering your home’s appliances, communication tools, medical equipment and other essentials during a blackout. Energy security means having access to affordable and reliable power to meet your home’s daily energy needs.

Affordable power is becoming harder for households to access. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that retail electricity prices have increased faster than the rate of inflation since 2022 and are expected to continue outpacing inflation through 2026.

A household’s ability to connect to reliable energy is also becoming more challenging. According to NERC’s 2025 Long-Term Reliability Assessment, 13 of 23 North American assessment areas face elevated or high resource adequacy risks over the next five years, with demand growth driven by data centers and AI threatening to outpace the rate of new resource additions.

Power your home on your own

The good news is that you can generate and store essential home backup power independently off the grid. Solar generators like Jackery’s line of portable, powerful and compact home backup power stations are designed for emergencies, outages and everyday energy savings.

Unlike traditional gas generators, solar generators require minimal maintenance and offer silent, fume-free operation for safe indoor use, keeping essential devices running during outages. More importantly, backup power solutions like Jackery’s solar generators can help offset rising prices for home electricity by using it during peak hours to power high-cost appliances.

Models like the Solar Generator 5000 Plus and the HomePower 3600 Plus easily power all the essentials a family would need inside or out of a home, from everyday devices to heavy-duty equipment. While solar power is the main way to charge these backup power solutions, Jackery products can also be recharged using a wall outlet or 12-volt car port, giving you flexibility and reliability when it matters most.

Jackery’s solar generators are also built with longevity in mind. Select models are rated for 4,000 charge cycles before reaching 70%–80% capacity, translating to roughly a decade of regular use. These solar generators also retain battery life for up to a year with minimal loss. Plus, app-controlled features like “Quiet Charging” and “Battery Saving” modes can extend the physical life of the cells, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll have reliable and affordable energy for everyday use and during emergency situations.

Long-term energy security isn’t a luxury. It’s essential.

This year, invest your tax refund in your home’s long-term energy preparedness and independence. To learn more about Jackery’s backup power solutions and how you can ensure your energy security, visit Jackery.com.

2026-03-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you think mountain resorts are just winter playgrounds, think again. When winter’s snow melts and temperatures rise, these snowy peaks across the country magically transform into some of the most compelling family summer vacation destinations.

Summer mountain vacations are on the rise, and it’s not hard to see why. Summer in the mountains offers a unique and sophisticated escape for families seeking something beyond the ordinary. Mountain destinations offer cooler temperatures to beat the summer heat, breathtaking natural beauty and built-in infrastructure designed for unparalleled hospitality for families seeking something beyond the ordinary.

Adventures for every generation

Modern mountain resorts are the perfect destinations for multigenerational travel. In fact, many now feature dedicated spaces and experiences for different age groups, from toddlers to grandparents.

One destination that has cracked the code on multigenerational vacationing is Beaver Creek Resort in Colorado. Nestled at 8,100 feet in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, this modern alpine retreat has perfected the art of warm-weather mountain experiences with tailored adventures for every member of the family.

For example, the newly renovated Creekside Park now features a state-of-the-art playground that seamlessly blends in with the surrounding nature, thanks to its custom playground design featuring habitat “pods” that connect children to the surrounding environment. It’s at this world-class gathering spot where parents can enjoy the summer concert series while children safely explore the open lawn and play spaces.

When kids enter their tweens and teens and outgrow the playgrounds, they can head over to Hawk’s Nest Cabin, a sophisticated alpine hub in the heart of the village. Unlike the typical teen centers, older kids can enjoy craft nonalcoholic beverages, a ski simulator, arcade games and Instagram-worthy lounge spots that make them feel like they’re at their own exclusive club.

At Beaver Creek Resort, summer camp is anything but ordinary. Designed for curious, active kids, the program offers flexible weeklong and day options that turn the mountains into an immersive adventure playground. From dinosaur fossil hunting, rock climbing and hiking, to white water rafting, zip line tours, horseback riding, and Jeep touring and paddleboarding, campers ages 5 to 12 can explore, build confidence and discover their own mountain passion.

Wellness in the mountains

Relaxation comes naturally thanks to the special combination of fresh mountain air, lower humidity and stunning natural surroundings. As you plan your mountain retreat, look for wellness experiences like:

• Mud wraps and body treatments infused with indigenous herbs and minerals
• Massages al fresco or in rooms with stunning mountain views
• Yoga and meditation classes that connect you with nature
• Fitness classes enhanced by the altitude

Outdoor activities at 9,000 feet

Outdoor activities abound in mountain settings in winter and summer. At Beaver Creek, for example, summer means access to 50 miles of mountain bike trails and 62 miles of hiking paths that take you on a journey through wildflower meadows and towering aspens. Your family can choose their own adventure, whether that’s gentle gondola rides with panoramic views or adrenaline-pumping activities at the Village Base Area like bungee trampolines, gem panning and climbing walls.

For a truly unique experience, adults can book an on-mountain wine excursion that starts with a guided scenic hike or 4×4 Adventure Jeep exploration of the Rockies. All trails lead to Beano’s Cabin, one of Colorado’s most famous restaurants, where you can indulge in gourmet wine and cheese pairings with artisanal charcuterie boards, all while taking in the breathtaking mountain vistas at 9,000 feet.

Shopping beyond snow gear

When you visit a resort village during the summer, you’ll find that you’ve walked into a boutique shopping destination. The shopping scene may surprise you with its sophistication and variety. You’ll find:

• Curated clothing boutiques featuring unique designs from around the world
• Local artisan shops with handcrafted jewelry, leather goods and home decor
• Art galleries showcasing regional and national artists
• Specialty stores offering everything from gourmet foods to custom outdoor gear

These carefully selected retailers reflect the mountain town’s unique character.

Exceptional culinary choices in the clouds

Mountain resorts go beyond your typical food fare. Many destinations give you the opportunity to dine at Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants, experience farm-to-table concepts and taste creative dishes from talented chefs who’ve traded city kitchens for mountain vistas.

When it comes to dining at altitude, you’ll have your pick of food that rivals the views at Beaver Creek. With over 20 exceptional culinary options, many featured in the Michelin Guide, you’ll find a wide range of culinary experiences from cozy cabin eateries to fine dining establishments. With so much variety, you’ll find something to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Cultural sophistication at altitude

Resort towns often host music performances and festivals in the summer and are home to performing arts venues. Beaver Creek’s Vilar Performing Arts Center is the first of its kind in a mountain town resort and features year-round programming. Cultural options will vary from place to place, but you may find:

• Broadway touring shows and other theatrical productions
• National touring musicians and bands
• Comedy shows and film festivals
• Dance performances and jazz concerts
• Art festivals
• Open-air galleries
• Concerts featuring both local and national artists

Plan your mountain escape

This summer, trade the ordinary for the extraordinary. A mountain escape offers your family the space, adventure, and fresh perspective that creates lasting memories. It might just become your new favorite summer tradition. Plan your summer mountain adventure at Beaver Creek.

2026-03-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – As the cost of living continues to rise and economic uncertainty lingers, many households, including pet owners, are feeling stretched. MetLife’s latest Employee Benefit Trends Study (EBTS) found that 83% of Americans say rising living expenses are a top source of stress, while 77% cite economic uncertainty as a major concern. In response, many families are re-evaluating spending and looking for places to cut back.

For pet parents, that pressure can lead to tough tradeoffs, such as delaying routine veterinary visits or skipping preventive care. While those decisions may ease short-term financial strain, they can carry longer-term consequences for both pet health and household budgets.

Preventive care, including annual checkups, vaccinations and screenings, is widely recommended by veterinarians and plays a critical role in keeping pets healthy. Yet as everyday expenses, from groceries to healthcare, continue to climb, it can be tempting to postpone routine care, even though doing so may lead to higher and less predictable costs later on.

Thinking of preventive care as one way to safeguard your pet’s well-being — and your own peace of mind — can make it easier to prioritize during financially stressful times.

Preventive Care Is Common — and Often Effective

Most veterinary visits aren’t driven by emergencies. In fact, MetLife Pet Insurance’s recent research found about 60% of vet visits are preventive rather than reactive, underscoring the role routine care plays in keeping pets healthy. These visits often make a real difference: 37% of pet parents say routine care helped them catch a health issue early, when treatment is typically simpler and more affordable.[i]

“Preventive exams allow veterinarians to spot subtle changes you might not notice at home,” said Brian Jorgensen, CEO of MetLife Pet Insurance. “Catching issues early can reduce the likelihood of more complex, expensive complications later.”

Cost Pressures Can Lead to Delays

Even when you know preventive care matters, cost can be a barrier. Seven in 10 pet parents say they’ve delayed or skipped veterinary visits due to expense, according to MetLife Pet Insurance research. Among those who postponed care, 35% say their pet’s condition worsened — sometimes requiring more intensive treatment than if it had been addressed sooner.[ii]

Delaying care can also take an emotional toll. Nearly three-quarters of pet parents who delayed care said they felt guilty, while many also reported feeling anxious, ashamed, uncertain or helpless.[iii] As veterinary costs rise alongside everyday expenses, balancing short-term savings with long-term risk becomes increasingly difficult.

Why Preventive Care Often Costs Less

Preventive care can play an important role in helping pet parents plan and budget over time, replacing unpredictable, high-cost medical crises with more manageable, routine expenses.

One simple example is heartworm disease: According to the American Heartworm Society, a year of heartworm prevention typically costs $70 to $200, while treatment can range from $1,200 to $1,800, not including follow-up care.[iv] Dental care follows a similar pattern: a routine exam and cleaning may cost a few hundred dollars, but untreated dental disease can lead to extractions costing $500 to $2,500.[v]

“Many of the most expensive conditions affecting pets don’t appear overnight,” Jorgensen noted. “They develop gradually, which is why routine checkups and prevention are so important.”

How Pet Insurance with Wellness Coverage Can Help

For many pet parents, the challenge isn’t understanding the value of preventive care — it’s fitting routine costs into a monthly budget. Pet insurance with a wellness add-on can help make these services, such as exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings and parasite prevention, more manageable by turning them into planned, predictable expenses.

That predictability can make it easier to stay on schedule with recommended care, reducing the risk that small issues become larger, more costly problems.

A Seasonal Reset with Lasting Impact

Spring is a season of renewal — for people and pets alike. Scheduling routine checkups, staying current on preventive care, and addressing small concerns early can help your pet stay healthier throughout the year, while reducing the likelihood of unexpected, high-cost medical events.

Preventive care benefits both you and your furry loved one — not only does it protect the bond you share, it also safeguards the financial well-being of your household. This spring, a simple wellness visit can be a meaningful reset, offering peace of mind that lasts long after the season changes.

2026-03-23T08:47:00

(BPT) – Family-owned businesses play a key role in the U.S. economy, generating about 59% of employment and 54% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Over one-fourth of U.S. companies (27.3%) are owned by two or more family members, and these family businesses strive to create prosperity that can endure from one generation into the next. But generational succession is at a crossroads, facing an environment of increasing economic uncertainty just as the wave of retiring baby boomers, known as the “silver tsunami,” leads to a potential $10 trillion-$14 trillion in business assets changing hands.

Second- and third-generation businesses can face mounting and unforeseen challenges. Historically speaking, as many as 70% of legacy family businesses often don’t survive past the second generation.

Local businesses that took years, or even decades, to build are an integral part of their neighborhoods, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit the nation was built upon. These small family businesses often have far fewer resources and less ability to pivot in response to economic challenges, putting their longevity in jeopardy.

This makes it more critical than ever for American communities, especially at the state and local level, to provide the next generation with the tools and support needed to carry small businesses into the future and ride the wave of the Silver Tsunami.

How state investments make an impact

States can help family business entrepreneurs and their heirs navigate the succession journey into the next generation with financial support through grants and loans, as well as by providing vital resources, information and mentoring to help them grow. States already invest millions of dollars toward technical assistance, capital investments and loans to aid small businesses, but the need is still great. State investments that are planned and managed smartly can contribute to the resiliency of these businesses, strengthening their communities and helping ensure they can thrive for many years to come.

For example, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), along with local economic development partners and Michigan’s network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), helps small business owners connect to the right support at pivotal moments, such as financial support, key information, assistance and helpful resources, whether they’re just starting out or ready to transition to the next generation.

“By supporting entrepreneurs who choose to build on Main Street, the state of Michigan offers a model that other states in the country can follow,” said Amy Rencher, senior vice president of Small Business and Talent at the MEDC. “These programs help neighborhood businesses strengthen the connective tissue between local identity and statewide growth, benefitting communities and leading the way to a stronger future with each new generation.”

An instrumental success story

Stan Werbin and Sharon Burton were fresh out of graduate school when they started the nationally and internationally recognized Elderly Instruments in Lansing, Michigan. The business was born from their love of vintage acoustic fretted instruments, which they were already collecting and trading for fun. The business grew quickly through the 1980s and ’90s, becoming more than a retail store: a hub for repairing, appreciating and celebrating musical instruments and musicians.

Heading into the second generation, Stan’s daughter Lillian Werbin drew on her education in public relations as she learned the business from the ground up. After meticulously studying the business’s sales, marketing and shipping operations, Lillian grew into the role of CEO and co-owner as her father began stepping back from leadership.

For the past decade, Lillian has worked to modernize the business while maintaining the warmth and service Elderly Instruments is known for. The challenge was, how could she afford to make necessary improvements to the showroom and enhance the customer experience in order to keep the business thriving in an increasingly competitive retail environment?

Looking to fulfill these goals, Lillian sought support from the MEDC, earning a 2022 Match on Main grant that has been instrumental in the ongoing growth and success of Elderly Instruments. Match on Main is part of MEDC’s broader community development efforts to support vibrant, resilient, inclusive downtowns and commercial districts across Michigan. The program provides reimbursement-based grant funding of up to $25,000 per project to support new and expanding place-based small businesses. A total of $5.9 million of funding has been contributed since 2019. The result? Ninety-one percent of the small businesses are still in business after benefiting from the program and an average of $58,200 in annual revenue increases per awarded business.

Since receiving a Match on Main grant, Elderly Instruments continues to thrive, recognized as America’s Top Small Business by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2023, and one of the 2024 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. As a second-generation business owner, Lillian aims to honor her father’s legacy, appreciated by musicians and music lovers in Michigan, across the U.S. and even worldwide.

“It’s important for me to preserve what people feel when they come to Elderly. This should be a people’s music store,” said Lillian. “This is a family business and a community business. It’s important to be able to preserve that legacy.”

Learn more about how the state is supporting small businesses throughout their evolution at MichiganBusiness.org/services/small-business/.

2026-03-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that the average American spends over seven hours looking at a screen each day? It’s easy for people — young and old — to spend their downtime in the digital world instead of engaging with the people they love. Time that could be used to lay the foundation of a genuine connection between children, parents and grandparents is lost to endless scrolling.

What if just 15 minutes of your phone time could be used to strengthen relationships or provide a cure for boredom? If you’re tired of screens dominating family time, you can change the dynamic by bringing out an item that sparks laughter, connection and memories that last a lifetime: a game!

The power of play

Playing games including dice, cards and tabletop games as a family is a simple and entertaining experience that provides benefits that go beyond a single game session. In fact, a 2024 study published in the Family Relations journal found that games offer enjoyable family relaxation and foster emotional connections and communication across generations.

Reyn Guyer, the inventor of the iconic games Twister and Nerf, is no stranger to the power of play. His family is living proof of how playing games can bring family members together.

“My family has played games together for decades, and we continue to pass down this tradition to each generation,” said Guyer. “It’s these moments of laughter, love and connection that have inspired me to bring these games into the homes of other families so they can also experience the joy of play.”

Maurna Donovan Crosby echoes her grandfather’s sentiment. She shared that her most cherished childhood memories are of sitting at his kitchen table playing Rally Roll.

“I remember barely knowing how to count, struggling to grasp the strategy, yet he’d gently guide me through each round. We played over and over again — and those moments became the foundation of our relationship.”

If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of hosting a family game night every week, there’s good news. You don’t have to spend hours playing games for your family to reap the benefits of play. According to Guyer, all you need is 15 minutes.

How 15 minutes create a lifetime of connection

While at a diner, Guyer observed a mother and her two children enjoying a game together instead of being glued to their phones. That heartwarming moment ignited the spark for his creation of the 15 Minute Fun & Done series of games. These games are easy to learn, appropriate for most ages and guarantee giggle-worthy memories in just 15 minutes.

This series of unique games includes Rally Roll (a Guyer family favorite), Rip Chip and Comeback. Each screen-free game is specially crafted to foster real connection and joy in brief, engaging bursts of playtime, perfect for today’s busy families.

When creating these family dice games, Guyer applied his signature Three Rules of Engagement. Everyone’s involved, players are excited for each other’s turns and the games are always short and sweet.

“These aren’t just games; they’re engaging get-togethers designed to transform life’s mini moments into something memorable,” Guyer said. “They’re quick, quirky and absolutely perfect for families who crave real laughter and genuine connection instead of the isolation of endless scrolling.”

A gift that can spark a family tradition

When time is short, connection matters. If you want to bring your family closer this year, try one (or all!) of these games and transform short windows of time into engaging moments of connection, laughter and lasting memories. To learn more about 15 Minute Fun & Done games, visit FifteenFunAndDone.com.

2026-03-18T11:21:00

(BPT) – By Jae-cheol Lyu, President & CEO of LG Electronics

Since CES 2026, much of the spotlight was on industrial robots, led by humanoids. Alongside them, our vision for home robots at LG Electronics drew strong attention by offering a clear and credible blueprint for the role robots can play inside the home — one of the most personal and complex spaces in our lives.

From a robotics perspective, the home is the ultimate unstructured environment. A sock left on the floor, a child suddenly running into a room, or the constantly shifting rhythms of family life expose the limits of robots that lack true situational understanding.

Our differentiated competitiveness in this environment comes from three core strengths. The accompanying infographic, “LG Home Robots: The Final Piece of the Zero-Labor Home,” further details these strengths. It shows they are built on an understanding of key industry growth drivers — such as convenience-driven living, connected smart homes and the demands of an aging society — and highlights LG’s clear roadmap for the future of robotics, from appliance robots to space-driven robots.

First, we are experts in the home. Moravec’s Paradox reminds us that tasks humans find effortless — grasping objects, organizing spaces, adjusting force — are extraordinarily difficult for machines. Even “simple” home robot functions demand exceptional technology and data. Over nearly 70 years, our home appliance and customer service businesses have generated what we call “life data” — deep domain knowledge of real homes, real inconveniences, and moments when customers want to feel genuinely cared for. Guided by our concept of Affectionate Intelligence, we focus on technologies that truly matter in everyday life.

Second, we have built robotics expertise over time. LG CLOiD did not appear overnight. Through sustained investment, we have strengthened key robotics capabilities. Through Bear Robotics — whose solutions have been proven across commercial sites — we have built strong expertise in real-world service environments, while our affiliate ROBOSTAR has advanced industrial robot technologies for smart factories. At the same time, expanded investments in AGIBOT and Figure AI are further accelerating our robotics capabilities across both hardware and software.

Third, we combine internal technologies with strategic partnerships. Our AI-powered appliances have secured strong on-device AI capabilities, supported by vertically integrated hardware and software optimized for robotics. At the same time, we collaborate with global technology leaders — working with Google on Gemini to enhance contextual understanding, and with NVIDIA’s Isaac platform to train and test robots in digital twin environments.

Our roadmap is clear: start with specialized service robots, evolve appliances into robotic solutions, and ultimately introduce robots that act as “conductors of space,” orchestrating the entire home.

Through robotics, we will continue advancing our vision of the Zero Labor Home. Beyond home appliances, LG Electronics is setting a new standard for home robotics — and I invite you to watch this journey unfold.