Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2026-06-16T08:13:00

(BPT) – Are you a new mom who is planning to nurse or pump for your bundle of joy? Whether you’re pumping now or preparing to head back to work, the amount of gear to research can feel overwhelming. You’re already thinking about your pump, your parts, your schedule and output — so what can make this all easier? These five picks are essentials to keep at the top of the list to make your feeding journey more enjoyable.

The experts at eufy offer these ideas to help new parents be more prepared for their new arrival, especially moms who are nursing or pumping. Some of these items may not be on your radar, so be sure to add them to your own wish list — or nab one for a friend or family member’s baby shower.

Help relieve nursing strain

A good quality nursing pillow is one must-have that helps make nursing a lot easier for both mothers and babies. The pillow keeps baby at the right height for feeding, alleviating the strain on mom’s neck, back and arms. It’s best to experiment to see which kind of pillow works for each mom (either c-shaped or wraparound style pillows), and how to position it for optimal comfort.

Note: While these pillows are perfect for feeding, they are not safe for baby to sleep on.

A high-tech wearable breast pump

Gone are the days that you need to be tethered to a wall with a bulky pump. Thanks to the eufy line of smart parenting technology, many tasks are now more efficient and comfortable, letting parents focus on what matters most: their new little family member.

The new eufy Wearable Breast Pump S2 Pro slides right into a nursing bra offering warming massage technology. The VibraPump™ system softens tissues for more efficient emptying and clog relief, and HeatFlow™ 2.0 offers 7 adjustable heating levels (97-107F), enhancing output and comfort.

The result? The S2 Pro encourages 35% more milk output, 30% faster. In addition, the eufy app can remotely control settings, customize suction rhythms and allow access to guided meditation sessions to support relaxation. Unveiled at Anker Day 2026 (eufy’s parent company’s annual media event), one tech reviewer even called the S2 Pro “one of the most high-tech models I have seen to date.”

Streamline parental chores

Washing baby bottles and pump accessories is one of most time-consuming tasks for parents of newborns, and often you’re still stuck with hard water deposits and a questionable clean. Enter the eufy Bottle Washer S1 Pro, complete with a built-in water softener for bottles that shine every time. Plus, the S1 Pro offers the largest capacity on the market, holding up to 10 bottles to clean an entire day’s feeding gear in one cycle.

eufy’s proprietary 3D HydroBlast™ technology uses a triple-layer rotating spray to eliminate stubborn milk residue and the 212F true steam sterilization kills 99.99% of common germs. Fast drying is possible with the HygieniDry™ dual-fan heating system and completes 40-minute rapid drying to prevent bacteria growth — no drying rack needed. You can even use the eufy app to activate it at any time, so the cycle is done by the time you’re home from work or errands. This is truly a system for ultimate bottle cleaning.

Safe overnight milk storage in the nursery

Pumping doesn’t take a break — even at two in the morning. A mini fridge used exclusively for the nursery is a helpful item that can be used to store pumped milk after those late-night feedings. Breast milk needs to stay at a consistent 39°F or below to remain safe and fresh, so ensure the fridge can meet this requirement.

Bonus use: Keeping plenty of chilled drinks and snacks on hand for mom while she’s nursing ensures she stays hydrated and keeps up caloric intake, supporting the production of breast milk.

Milk storage on the go

Mom is back at work and pumping like a pro! Now where to store all that liquid gold? A portable milk cooler is a more trendy and convenient way to keep milk safe than traditional ice packs and bulky lunch bags. Look for those with cooling tubes that you throw in the freezer overnight and in the morning, install inside the outer carrying container for all-day insulated cooling.

With these nursing must-haves standing by, new moms will feel much more prepared for all the life changes they’re about to undergo. Find more tech-forward ideas including baby monitors and smart socks, at eufy Mom & Baby.

2026-06-15T09:01:00

(BPT) – A backyard movie screening is a quintessential summer activity, but its success depends on having the right tech. You wouldn’t want to have friends and family over to watch a summer cult classic or the week’s biggest sports game, only to squint at a faint, blurry image, right?

You don’t need a lot to host an outdoor screening, but the right projector is essential. Below are the five must-have features for a projector to ensure your backyard movie night is a box-office hit.

Enough brightness to cut through the summer twilight

The long summer days are perfect for taking advantage of the warmer weather, but they can make hosting an outdoor screening challenging. Between the sun going down well after 8pm in some places and accounting for streetlights and porch lights turning on, it can make getting the best picture less than ideal.

But instead of letting these challenges determine your start time, you can choose a projector that’s bright enough to overcome the dwindling light at dusk or streetlights and porch lights. Look for a model like the soundcore Nebula X1 Pro 4K Projector that boasts 3500 ANSI lumens — powerful enough to project clear, vivid images without delays because of light pollution.

You can pair the X1 Pro with the Soundcore 200-inch inflatable screen made of PVC-coated mesh fabric with a polyester screen that stretches tight for the ultimate movie night. Using the accompanying battery-powered air pump, you can inflate the screen in under five minutes and deflate it in as little as two minutes. Thanks to its sealed design, the screen doesn’t require constant airflow to stay inflated for quiet operation.

Self-adjusting system for stress-free setup

If you’ve never had to manually adjust a projector and screen to perfectly align, count yourself lucky. Setup can be challenging even in indoor spaces, where you’re likely to have a relatively level, centered platform. In the backyard, you’ll have to figure out how to set up the projector on uneven grass, dirt or patio pavers.

Skip the hours of fiddling with tripods and navigating menus by choosing a projector with an advanced self-adjusting system. For example, the Nebula X1 Pro uses a built-in internal gimbal, optical engine and lens array to automatically tilt up to 25 degrees to find the optimal placement on a screen or wall.

Combined with Soundcore’s AI Spatial Adaptation auto-setup procedure, which provides automatic focus, keystone correction, obstacle avoidance, screen fit and optical zoom, setting up for an outdoor screening is simple. All you need to do is press a single button. Now you can spend less time wrestling with controls and more time enjoying the big screen from the comfort of your lawn chair.

Crystal clear resolution for a cinematic experience

When it comes to outdoor movies or sports screenings, you’ll need a screen large enough for everyone to see comfortably. However, the bigger the screen, the higher the resolution you’ll need.

For the best picture quality to complement your outdoor cinema experience, you need resolution to match. The X1 Pro offers 3840 x 2160 pixels, easily projecting stunning images with detail and clarity that the whole group can enjoy, no matter how far away they are seated on their picnic blanket.

Integrated audio system for immersive audio

Breathtaking images deserve sound that is equally impressive to truly bring a movie or game to life. That said, setting up a receiver, speakers and subwoofers is a pain, especially when you have to run multiple cords to connect and power them all.

Keep things simple by choosing a projector with an integrated audio system. The Nebula X1 Pro is the perfect example of an all-in-one projector, featuring two front wireless satellite speakers and two rear surround sound speakers.

You can detach all four speakers from the projector and place them near the screen and behind the audience for a truly immersive experience. When paired with the X1 Pro’s powerful built-in subwoofer drivers offering Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 audio, your guests will feel like they’re at the center of the action, whether it’s a movie’s pivotal car chase or the final period of the championship game.

Small enough to move, tough enough to withstand the elements

When it comes to an outdoor movie setup, you’ll need something that is easy to move when the weather turns. Luckily, the Nebula X1 Pro is the ultimate mobile theater station.

Thanks to its durable wheels and telescoping handle, you can easily take the projector from indoors to outdoors and back again with ease. Also, the protective lens cover slides down, so you can quickly cover one of your projector’s most important components when you have to dash out of the rain.

Get ready to be your neighborhood’s summer blockbuster

Creating movie magic outdoors isn’t difficult with the right equipment. Investing in a powerful projector with all the bells and whistles can turn a regular backyard movie or game night into a cinematic experience. Plus, with the SpaceFlow accessory, you can use the projector beyond the summer to turn the exterior of your house into a haunted house or Santa’s workshop. To learn more, visit Soundcore.com.

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.

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?

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.*

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.

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.

2026-06-05T08:25:00

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

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

Accessible and approachable

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

Supports heart health

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

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

Supports overall well-being

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

How much movement do you need?

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

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

Take the next step

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

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

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

2026-06-04T05:01:00

(BPT) – By Ned Monroe

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

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

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

From turntable to tomorrow

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

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

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

The band plays on: The many lives of vinyl

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

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

An extensive playlist: Built for more than just music

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

• Clean water & infrastructure: Because PVC is durable, long-lasting and cost-effective, it’s a popular material for pipes across the globe. You can’t see most of them, but behind the walls and underfoot, PVC pipes are safely supplying hot and cold water while transmitting wastewater.

• Healthcare: Hospitals have leaned on PVC’s durability and reliability for more than 50 years. It has helped save lives by revolutionizing how medical facilities administer patient care. PVC bags can store blood longer and replace breakable containers, medicines can be sealed tightly and have a longer shelf life, and PVC flooring, wallcoverings and furniture are ideally suited due to their performance and cleanability properties.

• Homes & buildings: Vinyl can be manufactured in rigid forms, so it’s versatile for a range of construction applications. The strength and longevity of rigid vinyl is ideal for low-maintenance siding, energy-efficient windows and UV-resistant decking, for example, while flexible vinyl is well-suited for watertight roofing membranes, flooring that withstands foot traffic and scratch-resistant wallcoverings.

• Transportation: The cars you drive or the planes you fly on? They’re likely to have many lighter weight and easy-to-clean vinyl products, from side moldings and dashboards to floor mats and upholstery.

• Lifestyle & recreation: Along with records, you can thank vinyl for items like pool liners, sprinkler systems, railings and garden hoses.

• Next-generation technology: Vinyl has long been important for technology infrastructure, such as for vinyl-insulated wire and cable and PVC conduits, but it’s also playing a key role in the future. EV charging stations and solar panels, for example, also rely on vinyl-insulated wire and cable.

The legend lives on

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

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

Ned Monroe is CEO of the Vinyl Institute.