Center Post Dispatch

Posted Thursday, September 3, 2026 9:30 am Skepticism toward AI in education is reaching an inflection point. A Gallup and Walton Family Foundation survey published in April 2026 found that Gen Z excitement about AI dropped 14 percentage points in a single year, with anger toward the technology rising by nine points, even among daily users.

It’s back-to-school season, and if you just wrote a check for your kid’s off-campus rent, you may have had the thought a lot of parents have around move-in weekend: Why am I paying someone else’s mortgage when I could be paying down my own? Housing is already locked in for this school year, so this isn’t about scrambling to buy something in the next few weeks.

Posted Wednesday, August 5, 2026 7:35 am If your rental property is generating income but still feels like it’s costing more than it should, you’re not alone. Many landlords focus on collecting rent without regularly reviewing the dozens of smaller decisions that affect long-term profitability. The good news? Improving rental property cash flow usually isn’t about making one dramatic change.

Posted Wednesday, July 22, 2026 8:30 am Rent increases get most of the attention when landlords talk about improving cash flow. If the income isn’t where you want it to be, raise the rent. That’s the natural first instinct, but the market doesn’t always support that decision. Nationally, rent grew just 2.9% over the 12 months ending in May 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a modest pace compared to the sharp increases seen a few years ago.

Rent is usually the single biggest payment renters make each month, and how it gets paid can shape whether that due date is routine or stressful. Unlike a lot of smaller recurring charges, paying rent still often requires active effort: logging into a portal, writing a check, or remembering to hit send before a deadline. Some renters have never considered putting their rent on autopay. Others have thought about it but hesitate. Is it worth it? For many renters, the answer is yes.

(BPT) - When a heat wave arrives, homeowners depend on their air conditioning system to keep their home comfortable despite soaring outdoor temperatures. While many people expect their AC to work harder during these periods, they may be surprised to learn just how much additional demand extreme heat can place on a cooling system. From longer run times to increased energy use, heat waves can impact how an air conditioner operates.

(BPT) - When homeowners think about indoor comfort, temperature is usually the first consideration. Thermostats are adjusted, or vents are opened or closed. But if you have ever walked into a room that displayed the right temperature but still seemed sticky and stuffy, or a bedroom that just won't cool down, you've experienced the bigger picture of comfort. Indoor comfort is not just about temperature; it is also about humidity, airflow and how evenly a home is cooled or heated.

The “hot” and “trendy” cities that consistently generate the most noise often carry enormous premiums built on amenities that residents might only use a small fraction of the time. For rental housing investors, those premiums compress returns before the first tenant even moves in. The smarter play is finding cities where people genuinely want to put down roots and where the housing market hasn’t fully caught up to that reality yet.

Posted Thursday, June 11, 2026 9:30 am Most people think of their home as the place where their money is spent on rent or mortgage payments, maintenance and repairs, insurance, property taxes, etc. Fewer think of it as an income generator. But for a growing number of Americans, their home has become an important source of additional cash flow. You don’t need to buy a rental property, hire a property manager, or become a full-time landlord to generate income from real estate.

Posted Friday, June 5, 2026 9:30 am There was a time when vacation meant sand between your toes, saltwater on your lips and a margarita by the pool. But travel in 2026 is changing. Many tourists are seeking longer, immersive activities that engage all the senses and provide a stronger understanding of place. And since few know their natural environment better than farmers, it’s sensible that agritourism—taking trips to farms or ranches—is trending in 2026.