PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the early months of the Mike McCarthy Era, and life has been good. A few roster questions remain, but there is a sense of trust building from the fanbase.

One of the most important unanswered questions is who will be the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2026? The presumed answer remains Aaron Rodgers, but no contract has been signed, and the 2026 NFL Draft is just weeks away.

Recently, former Steelers quarterback and co-host of The Snap Count, Charlie Batch, shared his thoughts on the holdup. He believes it’s a financial dispute keeping things from moving forward, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter refuted that claim. Now, Batch continues to hold firm to his stance, reaffirming it in the most recent episode of his show.

“I will stand ten toes down on this,” he stated. “He deserves a pay raise. He’s not gona play on the number he had last year. For people to say, ‘He made a bunch of money,’ it’s not about money… This is about his services for this season.”

Could Money Be an Issue?

The reality is that there is no clarity regarding the situation. The Steelers have continued to present a positive front regarding the situation. McCarthy spouts off about how often he and Rodgers communicate. General manager Omar Khan and owner Art Rooney II have both shared the sentiment.

That’s why many concluded that this waiting is just a formality, as the eccentric Rodgers takes his good ole time signing the deal. But that’s never been confirmed. Batch might be right on the money regarding the situation. And as he explained, the $13 million salary he played on last year is not commensurate with the rate quarterbacks are paid in the NFL right now.

“That number is not going to be $13 million,” Batch declared. “If you look at the rest of the league, he falls right into that $30 million range.”

Where does that leave things between the Steelers and Rodgers, then?

What Number Makes Sense for Rodgers?

If Rodgers wants to be paid like a top-25 quarterback in the NFL, that would require the Steelers to cough up some more dough than they anticipate. The recent free-agent market set a baseline of $22 million. That’s the average salary on the deal Malik Willis signed with the Miami Dolphins.

It seems that if Batch’s analysis is correct, the Steelers have to pony up at least $20 million to get Rodgers back. Despite the pushback from national media and conflicting information about the subject, Batch is standing firm in the assertion that money is a huge factor preventing the Steelers from knowing their starting QB in 2026.

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Once again, Connecticut Magazine has surveyed a panel of food experts to share their favorite places for it Top Restaurants for 2026 list. Experts have named restaurants in dozens of categories, from top cuisine (American, Mexican, Chinese, vegetarian, etc.) to outstanding apps and desserts, romantic ambiance, beer and wine selections and the top places to grab a burger or a slice of apizza.

607 Brewster St., Bridgeport, 203-212-3386 

164 Main St., Norwalk, 203-846-8009

954 E Main St., Stamford, 203-323-3176 

430 Main Ave., Norwalk, 203-354-7329

340 Arch St., New Britain, 860-518-0708 

162 Shield St., West Hartford, 860-953-2672

51 Isham Road, West Hartford, 860-216-9285

730 Barnum Ave. Cutoff, Stratford, 203-540-5825

1641 CT-12, Gales Ferry, 860-381-5765 

Join others for a morning of engagement that addresses Maine’s place in the global economy 

PORTLAND — At a moment of global uncertainty and transition within our own state, Maine’s role in the world will take center stage as Gov. Janet Mills delivers her fifth and final address at the 2026 Governor’s International Breakfast, an annual event hosted by the World Affairs Council of Maine and the Maine International Trade Center.  

This year’s theme “Maine and the World: Looking Back and Moving Forward,” the breakfast will bring together Maine’s civic, business, academic and government leaders for a morning of discussion about how global forces shape Maine’s economy, workforce and future, and how we can maximize opportunities.  

A retrospective panel moderated by David Plumb, senior mediator at the nonprofit Consensus Building Institute, will address progress in international trade, energy, climate and workforce development, supply chain resilience, Arctic affairs and public diplomacy – highlighting areas where ongoing investment is crucial for Maine’s competitiveness and connectivity.  

All the panelists are connected by their leadership in areas identified in Maine’s strategic plans, as well as their  involvement with the International Visitor Leadership Program, a professional exchange program of the U.S. State Department which brings visitors from around the world to promote understanding, public diplomacy, and cultivate lasting relationships with visitors and their home countries. This link to Maine’s public diplomacy highlights how person to person engagement not only facilitates the exchange of ideas and experience but lays out the foundation for future cooperation and lifetime of opportunity.  

Established in 1997, the Governor’s International Breakfast has served as a trusted forum for open and meaningful dialogue on Maine’s place in the world and the benefits of global engagement.  

“At a time of such uncertainty, this event holds greater significance than ever,” said Allison Hodgkins, executive director for the World Affairs Council of Maine. “Since its inception, the breakfast has brought together governors and leaders from across backgrounds, sectors and communities, reflecting our [World Affairs Council of Maine] long tradition of cultivating nonpartisan spaces. As Mainers look for ways to engage thoughtfully on global issues, events like this remain a vital space for connection and progress.” 

The 2026 Governor’s International Breakfast will be held on Tuesday, April 7 from 7-9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. Registration is open to the public. Early bird rates are available, with nonmembers attending for $30 and members for $25. Maine students may attend at no cost. 

​​Since 1977, the World Affairs Council of Maine (WAC207) has worked with community members and elected officials to support cultural exchange between Maine and the world. It provides a regular forum for Maine people to explore international issues and engage in thoughtful, respectful dialogue through its programs. Visit https://wacmaine.org/ to learn more or become a member.