QCA.news - Quad Cities news and view from both sides of the river

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026
	Rain in the forecast: How to prevent basement flooding before storms move in Even light rain can expose hidden drainage issues. Here's what local experts say homeowners should do now to prevent basement flooding.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for March 3, 2026 Western Illinois University is hosting an event that's helping entrepreneurs start small businesses, and Bettendorf police are watching traffic on Valley Drive.
	2 charged after standoff, police say Two people are charged after police said a man refused to come out of a Davenport apartment Tuesday morning.
	Warmer temperatures and much-needed rain for the Quad Cities Our week is off to a chilly start, but still warmer than average for early March. Only widely scattered light rain has been reported, but heavier and more widespread rain is on the way to the Quad Cities. Temperatures are on the rise, too. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	‘We’re just a brick in time’: Davenport’s Chief Bladel steps down, turns toward ‘Chapter 2′ of service Davenport Police Chief Jeff Bladel walked out of the department for the last time Monday, ending a 31-year career with the same department once led by his father. He announced his retirement Feb. 20.
	Crews respond to mobile home fire The fire started outside a mobile home before spreading to another. Flames were visible from outside the mobile home.
	Large police presence outside Davenport apartment Officers were heard over a loudspeaker asking a person to come out of an apartment, saying they had a warrant for the person’s arrest.
	Iowa pastor submits petition to run for governor Brad Sherman, a pastor from Williamsburg, turned in signatures for his campaign for governor.
	10 new books in March offer mental vacations March is always a big one for books – this year is no different. We call out a handful of upcoming titles for readers to put on their radars — offering a good alternative to doomscrolling.
	Galesburg officials propose new way to evaluate emergency demolitions The current ordinance only allows emergency demolition if a building sustains damage of at least 75% of its assessed value. That can cause delays in emergencies.
	Cook review: Animated 'Pout-Pout Fish' will leave families smiling It's funny, sweet, and has a nice message about self-discovery. The new animated "The Pout-Pout Fish," based on a popular children's book, is set in an underwater community where Mr. Fish (voice of Nick Offerman) glumly swims through his days, constantly reminded by everyone he meets that he looks grumpy because of his frown - [...]
	Musco Sports Center draws regional crowds, sees strong interest “We continue to receive strong interest from both youth and adult sports organizations, as well as groups looking to host special events," said Nick Gow, assistant Parks and Recreation director.
	Scott County candidates can start filing paperwork to run in June 2 primary Candidates for county office can start filing their paperwork to run for the June 2 primary.
	Hoffmann Inc., based in Muscatine, launches new storage division The new Hoffmann Storage division offers a full line of products, including steel bins, engineered fabric buildings, bunker walls, hopper tanks and equipment.
	Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., talks about the war with Iran and upcoming war powers vote NPR's A Martínez asks Delaware Democrat Chris Coons, a member of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, about the war with Iran.
	Here's an at-a-glance look at the cost of housing Scott County Jail's inmates in other counties Scott County spent $756,698 in six months to house inmates in other counties as overcrowding strains its jail, according to Sheriff Tim Lane.
	The candy heir vs. chocolate skimpflation The grandson of the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups creator has launched a campaign against The Hershey Company, which owns the Reese's brand. He wants them to stop skimping on ingredients.
	Exotic Fish This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.In 1960, when Japanese Emperor Akihito visited Chicago, Mayor Richard J. Daley presented him with a bluegill from the…
	Scientists make a pocket-sized AI brain with help from monkey neurons A new study suggests AI systems could be a lot more efficient. Researchers were able to shrink an AI vision model to 1/1000th of its original size.
	U.S. evacuates diplomats, shuts down some embassies as war enters fourth day The United States evacuated diplomats across the Middle East and shut down some embassies as war with Iran intensified Tuesday while President Trump signaled the conflict could turn into extended war.
	North Carolina and Texas have primary elections Tuesday. Here's what you need to know The midterm elections are officially underway and contests in Texas and North Carolina will be the first major opportunity for parties to hear from voters about what's important to them in 2026.
	Kristi Noem set to face senators over DHS shutdown, immigration enforcement The focus of the hearing is likely to be on how Kristi Noem is pursuing President Trump's mass deportation efforts in his second term, after two U.S. citizens were killed by immigration officers.
	Back at Last! Crossword Puzzle: March 3, 2026 To download a PDF of the puzzle, click here.
	Melania Trump presides at UN Security Council meeting as U.S. attacks Iran U.S. first lady Melania Trump presided over a U.N. Security Council meeting on Monday focusing on children in conflict, as the United States has joined Israel in attacking Iran.
Monday, March 2nd, 2026
	911 service disrupted in Illinois Valley Region, service restored Some people in the Illinois Valley Region were having trouble reaching 911 on Monday.
	From weather apps to radios: How to get severe weather warnings The KWQC First Alert Weather Team is covering ways you can receive warnings if severe weather threatens your area.
	Mississippi Bend AEA hosts annual teacher job fair The job fair connected aspiring educators with eight school districts on both sides of the Mississippi River.
	Galesburg officials propose new way to evaluate emergency demolitions The current ordinance only allows emergency demolition if a building sustains damage of at least 75% of its assessed value. That can cause delays in emergencies.
	Scott County Attorney's Office acknowledges delay in public records request, IPIB doc shows A Davenport resident filed a formal complaint with the Iowa Public Information Board, alleging the attorney's office did not provide records in a timely manner.
	IMEG, Rock Island, acquires Dallas-based firm IMEG has acquired KMCE, a Dallas-based firm specializing in subsurface utility engineering (SUE) and underground infrastructure services, according to a news release. The acquisition strengthens IMEG’s capabilities in utility locating, damage prevention, and risk mitigation, expanding service offerings for public- and private-sector clients, the release says. Founded in 2018, KMCE brings deep specialized expertise in [...]
	Iowa bill for drug-free homeless service centers advances An Iowa bill to establish what it calls drug-free homeless service centers passed the House last week. House File 2584 would create drug-free zones 300 feet around homeless service centers. The move would create tougher punishment against people convicted of selling controlled substances in those zones and establish penalties for employees of homeless shelters who [...]
	Iowa DNR to start annual spring burning The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will start prescribed burns on wildlife management areas this spring.
	In Vermont, small town meetings grapple with debate on big issues Typically concerned with local issues, residents at town meetings in Vermont and elsewhere increasingly use the forum to debate polarizing national and international events.
	Five occupants, dog, escape Davenport house fire No one was injured after a structure fire did significant damage to an attic in a house on the 2300 block of East Street in Davenport. Firefighters were called to the home about 8:15 p.m., when the fire apparently started on the back porch and spread to the attic. When crews arrived, the outer wall [...]
	Family displaced after Davenport house fire Crews with the Davenport Fire Department are battling a fire at a home.
	Moline First Ward Ald. Debbie Murphy resigns Ald. Debbie Murphy, 1st Ward, announced her resignation from the Moline City Council, effective immediately.
	Crews battle Davenport house fire Crews with the Davenport Fire Department are battling a fire at a home.
	Total lunar eclipse to turn moon blood red: When and how to see it With a little cooperation from the clouds, skygazers in the U.S. will get to watch as the moon turns blood red during Tuesday morning's total lunar eclipse.
	Jackson County businesses planning to rebuild following fire An early Sunday morning fire in La Motte destroyed a building housing Eastern Iowa LP and Midwest Legacy Beef.
	Mercer County School District to vote on proposed staff cuts Mercer County's School Board will vote whether to layoff 25 employees Tuesday. All but one of them would be part of a reduction in force plan. The Mercer County Education Association and the Mercer County Education Employees Association represent 140 employees in the district. They issued a joint statement saying asking for the board to [...]
	OQC Crime Watch Episode 56: Son arrested in connection with mother's homicide Watch crime reporters Linda Cook and Sharon Wren talk about crime and courts in our area with the latest episode of the Our QC Crime Watch Podcast. In this episode Linda and Sharon discuss: updates on: To view, click the video above or you can watch on-the-go on Spotify. The QC Crime Watch Podcast \| [...]
	Augustana College, City of Rock Island look to spark growth in Hilltop neighborhood College and city leaders said they believe the partnership will benefit residents and students alike.
	Quad Cities Business Journal: What's ahead for Davenport's Hilltop Campus Village? After years of preparation, Davenport's Hilltop Campus Village has a new master plan for growing and evolving that historic part of town. Dave Thompson from the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about the project and how it could improve that area. For more information, click here.
	2 westbound lanes blocked on I-74 due to crash, road reopened Two right lanes on I-74 West were blocked due to a crash Monday evening.
	Kris Lager brings soul, blues, 'celebrate life' energy to Bishop Hill Crossroads Cultural Connections will present Nebraska-based blues and soul powerhouse Kris Lager on Sunday, March 8, at Bishop Hill Creative Commons for an evening of high-energy music, heartfelt songwriting, and communal joy, a news release says. The night begins at 6: p.m. with an optional community potluck dinner (bring a dish to share if you’d like to join), followed [...]
	Davenport Police Chief Jeffery Bladel retires after 31 years with department After 31 years with Davenport Police, Chief Jeffery Bladel retired on Monday, March 2, citing a “very satisfying career” and confidence in the department’s future.
	QC Symphony Orchestra will welcome thousands of students to Adler, Davenport The Quad City Symphony Orchestra will welcome more than 6,800 fourth- and fifth-grade students from across the region to the Adler Theatre on Thursday, March 5, for Symphony Day. This free 45-minute interactive concert introduces young learners to the symphony orchestra through performances, guided listening, and opportunities to sing and play recorder along with the [...]
	Special election ahead for school funding in Scott County The Davenport, Pleasant Valley and North Scott school districts will see their current physical plant and equipment tax levy (PPEL) end in 2028 and 2029, meaning another ten-year extension is up for a vote on the ballot in Tuesday's special election. "This fund is only allowed for physical plant and equipment, which means it allows [...]
	Moline alderman resigns Moline First Ward Alderman Debbie Murphy has announced her resignation from the Moline City Council, effective immediately, because of personal and family considerations, according to a Facebook post. "We know this decision was made with great care, and we respect her for thoughtfully prioritizing what matters most," the post says. Elected in April 2023, Murphy’s [...]
	Severe Weather Preparedness Week underscores rising spring storm risks in the Quad Cities As Severe Weather Preparedness Week begins in Illinois, NWS‑Quad Cities outlines key safety steps, statewide drills, new forecast tools and the importance of family readiness.
	Traffic Alert: 2 westbound lanes blocked on I-74 due to crash Two right lanes on I-74 West are blocked due to a crash Monday evening.
	Bett STEAM Expo brings hands-on science, creativity to families Saturday The Bett STEAM Expo returns March 7 with free hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math activities for families, plus special guest Alex Turner and planetarium shows at Bettendorf High School.
	QCA school links increased literacy rates to improved attendance The first week in March is the start to Read Across America Week. Schools in the QCA have been focusing on increasing their literacy rates and decreasing chronic absenteeism. "Homework almost no longer exists because it's hard for parents to help the students when they're not understanding how we're teaching it here at school," says [...]
	Knox County announces new emergency alert system The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) uses cell phone tower technology to send emergency texts to phones within a geographical area.
	Supreme Court blocks redrawing of New York congressional map, dealing a win for GOP At issue is the mid-term redrawing of New York's 11th congressional district, including Staten Island and a small part of Brooklyn.
	The City of Eldridge considering higher fines for animals running at large A proposal on the agenda would raise a first offense from $30 to $150, a second violation would be $300 and a third would jump to $600.
	2 Clinton men charged in fatal February shooting Two Clinton men face multiple felony charges after a Feb. 17 shooting in Clinton left a man dead, court records show.
	Award-winning QCA photographer Scott Hoag shares his work From rolling fields and farms to charming towns and historical attractions, Iowa is a photographer's paradise. Award-winning photographer Scott Hoag joined Our Quad Cities News to share some of his amazing images. For more of Hoag's work, click here.
	Beneficial rain in the Quad Cities forecast After months of dry weather in the Quad Cities, we're finally looking at some promising rain chances later this week! We'll have a chance for rain every day from Tuesday through Saturday! The best chance is Friday and that's also a day when we could have a few t'storms mixing in with the showers. The [...]
	Iowa bill would put HHS in charge of $209M in rural health funding Iowa received $209 million this year from the federal government as part of the rural health transformation program, and a new bill would give the state Department of Health and Human Services the authority to distribute that funding.
	Davenport police chief Jeff Bladel retires after 31 years on the force Davenport Police Chief Jeff Bladel walked out of the department for the last time Monday, ending a 31-year career with the same department once led by his father. He announced his retirement Feb. 20.
	Illinois lawmakers call for governor-appointed Epstein investigatory commission Illinois lawmakers are calling for an independent commission to investigate Illinois-linked crimes connected to international sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein
	Go green at the Quad Cities St. Patrick Society Grand Parade Get ready to go green and celebrate everything Irish! Joe Dooley joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about the upcoming Quad Cities St. Patrick Society Grand Parade. For more information, click here.
	Davenport police chief marks end of 31-year career Chief Jeffrey Bladel started his tenure in August 2022, but had plenty of experience at the department before that.
	Two men charged with involuntary manslaughter following Clinton shooting death Clinton police responded to a shooting in the 500 block of 22nd Avenue N, at about 9 p.m. Feb. 17.
	Slit, Slash, It Ain't No Kind of Bash: “Scream VII,” “Pillion,” and “EPIC: Elvis Presley in Concert” As a slasher flick with comedic leanings, director/co-writer Kevin Williamson's Scream 7 is pretty weak. As a half-dozenth sequel so steeped in callbacks and meta-commentary that nostalgia is practically its plot, it's exhausting. And as a statement on big-studio moviegoing practices and habits with a quarter of the 21st century behind us, it's depressing as hell.
	Colona Police Department K-9 dies The Colona Police Department's K-9, Parker, died after his cancer returned.
	Rock Island Arsenal planning to demolish golf course structures Rock Island Arsenal plans to demolish its 1906 golf clubhouse and a nearby stone bridge, citing safety concerns and repair costs.
	Knox County launches IPAWS emergency system The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) will allow Knox County officials to send emergency information directly to your phone.
	Mercer County School District to propose staff cuts at hearing The Mercer County School District will propose 25 total staff cuts at a hearing on March 3, 2026.
	Rock Island Arsenal suspends expedited entry program amid escalating conflict with Iran Rock Island Arsenal has suspended its Trusted Traveler program and now requires 100% ID checks amid escalating conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran.
	Debbie Murphy resigns from Moline City Council to focus on family, health The alderwoman was elected to represent the city's First Ward in April 2023.
	2 Clinton men charged in fatal February shooting Two Clinton men face multiple felony charges after a Feb. 17 shooting in Clinton left a man dead, court records show.
	Davenport, North Scott, Pleasant Valley voters to weigh in on levy on Tuesday Walcott is also holding a special election on Tuesday for a vacant city council seat.
	Lawmakers demand Whirlpool CEO to answer to layoffs at Amana plant 341 employees will be laid off from the Whirlpool factory in Amana on March 9.
	Mercer County Schools to consider laying off 24 employees, union says The Mercer County School District has recommended laying off the employees for the 2026-27 school year, according to a media release from the Illinois Education Association.
	Video of Clinton depositions in Epstein investigation released by House Republicans Over hours of testimony, the Clintons both denied knowledge of Epstein's crimes prior to his pleading guilty in 2008 to state charges in Florida for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl.
	911 services disrupted in Illinois Valley Region Some people in the Illinois Valley Region are having a tough time reaching 911 on Monday.
	Eastern Iowa Community Colleges offering no-cost courses in April The free course offerings will run through the month of April as a celebration of Community College Month.
	Debbie Murphy resigns from Moline City Council to focus on family, health The alderwoman was elected to represent the city's First Ward in April 2023.
	Chief Jeff Bladel bids farewell after 31-year career with the Davenport Police Department Jeff Bladel reflected on his 31-year career in the Davenport Police Department and his decision to retire. He spoke to reporters on Monday, his final day leading the department.
	EICC marks Community College Month with free classes Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) are marking Community College Month in April with a wide variety of free classes, allowing residents to step inside classrooms, labs and learning spaces across the region. EICC campuses will host several free events throughout the month, creating even more opportunities for the community to connect, explore and celebrate. Classes [...]
	Man dies from gunshot wound, 2 charged in connection with incident Two people are facing charges after a man was shot in Clinton.
	Over half of direct-to-consumer merchants selling big and bulky items can’t fulfill international orders Over half of direct-to-consumer merchants selling big and bulky items can’t fulfill international ordersEcommerce is becoming more globalized. One study from EY projected that cross-border ecommerce will grow from $1.92 trillion USD in 2024 to $3.37 trillion by 2028. The growth is undeniable and made possible in no small part by social media, algorithmic discovery and, now, AI. TikTok, Instagram, WeChat and, now, AI search engines are helping to expose browsers to new brands wherever these brands are in the world.Buyers expect a seamless buying experience across any channel they plan to use. Merchants selling parcel-sized items stand to benefit the most from new users discovering their brand. It’s these merchants whose storefronts are most optimized out of the box to meet the new potential buyer’s expectations. However, one small but important group of merchants, those operating within ecommerce freight and selling large, oversized goods, is the least equipped to meet these new buyers wherever they are in the world.A recent survey by Freight Right Global Logistics, combined with additional research, revealed that merchants selling oversized goods direct-to-consumer face a uniquely high set of barriers and frictions that those selling parcel-sized goods don’t.Most Big and Bulky Merchants Aren’t Ready for International FulfillmentSelling and shipping big and bulky items is a challenge for merchants. It’s much more challenging when merchants need to ship to customers outside of their domestic market.According to the survey, 78% merchants expressed or signaled that they would not or could not handle shipping to a country outside of their domestic market when asked. The survey also found that while 16% of merchants didn’t outright say they couldn’t handle the shipment, only 8% of surveyed merchants did express that they could help, usually by saying yes and asking for more information or providing a flat rate for the service. Other answers included variations of openness to shipping to one region but not another or others.Why Do Merchants Selling Big and Bulky Items Have Trouble with International Orders?Merchants operating in big and bulky ecommerce face a set of challenges that differ materially from those encountered by sellers of parcel-sized items. Many of these challenges stem from the fact that ecommerce systems and fulfillment infrastructure were designed around standardized, courier-based shipping, rather than the operational realities of ecommerce freight and freight-grade delivery.Accurately pricing oversized goods is a persistent issue. Unlike parcel shipments, freight costs vary based on dimensions, destination, delivery requirements, and access conditions, making real-time pricing difficult to calculate at checkout. As a result, merchants are often forced to rely on manual quoting processes or estimated pricing, both of which introduce delays and uncertainty for buyers. These delays can interrupt the purchasing process and reduce the likelihood that an order is completed.The complexity increases further when orders originate outside a merchant’s domestic market. In addition to freight costs, international shipments require accounting for duties, taxes, and other charges that may not be visible to buyers during checkout. If these costs are not calculated accurately or collected in advance, merchants risk unexpected delivery fees, refused shipments, and costly returns. Because oversized returns are operationally intensive and expensive, even a small number of failed deliveries can materially impact profitability.Physical delivery requirements also play a role. Oversized items often require specialized handling, such as lift-gate service or white-glove delivery, and costs can vary based on local conditions. These factors are difficult to standardize across regions and further limit a merchant’s ability to offer consistent pricing and fulfillment options internationally.Taken together, these challenges make international fulfillment for oversized goods difficult to automate and risky to manage manually. Without systems designed to reflect the operational realities of freight-grade commerce, many merchants choose to limit or decline international orders despite demonstrated demand.Many, if not all, of these challenges are technical or logistical. Additionally, many of these same merchants face challenges optimizing their pricing and means of fulfillment for orders placed by buyers in the merchant’s domestic market.Demand Doesn’t Often Translate to OrdersWhile interest from international buyers exists, converting that demand into completed orders remains difficult for merchants selling oversized goods. Unlike parcel-sized ecommerce, freight-grade fulfillment does not support real-time pricing at checkout. As a result, merchants are often forced to rely on manual quoting processes that require contacting freight forwarders, comparing rates, and accounting for destination-specific delivery requirements. This process can take days, during which time buyer intent frequently dissipates.The financial risk associated with inaccurate pricing further compounds the issue. Oversized international shipments that are not properly quoted or sent with duties and taxes prepaid can result in unexpected charges at delivery. If a buyer refuses the shipment, the merchant may be responsible for return freight costs that exceed the margin on the original sale. These risks are magnified by the high absolute cost of freight and the operational complexity of reverse logistics for large items.Even when pricing is agreed upon, physical delivery constraints introduce additional uncertainty. Oversized goods often require lift-gate service, two-person delivery teams, or white-glove handling, and costs can change based on dimensions, access conditions, or delivery location. Because these variables are difficult to standardize, merchants are left to manage risk manually, often by limiting serviceable regions or declining international orders altogether.Ecommerce Was Designed With Parcels In MindEcommerce technology has been created for and marketed with the merchant selling parcel-sized goods in mind. Shopify, and other ecommerce content management systems (CMS) offer merchants a templated, base-model online store with a templated checkout process for buyers and a marketplace of plugins and add-ons to customize the store further. Though stores can be customized by way of custom themes and plugins, the benefits of all the different ways to customize are to the benefit of the merchant selling parcel-sized goods.The market of plugins available through Shopify and other app marketplaces are designed first for and to the benefit of parcel merchants. Plugins for product management, help desk ticket management and payment processing are a few categories of add-ons designed to make store and SKU management easier for the merchant. Currency and language conversion and shipping plugins enable merchants to prepare their stores for buyers outside their domestic markets. Plugins that enable merchants to pipe their products into marketplaces like Etsy, Facebook, TikTok and eBay help merchants expand their store’s reach to new customers in whatever app they’re using when they’re ready to buy. Because most parcel items don’t often, if ever, require customized pricing, the ecosystem of plugins for merchants and their ability to standardize is reaped tenfold.Direct-to-consumer ecommerce solutions, from the CMS to the add-ons, are designed to make standardized, uniform and seamless experiences for the buyer and the parcel-sized merchant, first and only. The existing solutions promote uniformity and standardization, and impress it onto merchants that need customization and standardization just like this, but for their products. Big and bulky ecommerce would benefit immensely from standardization and uniform solutions that enable effortless customization for buyers. The challenge is that the available solutions weren’t designed with these merchants in mind.Challenges Showing True CostsAccurately pricing items was found to be a massive, if not the biggest, challenge for merchants selling oversized items. For parcel goods, the price shown is generally the price paid with the exceptions of taxes and shipping costs usually displayed at checkout. For large goods, the price at checkout is not usually the full price. Large items often require additional services to deliver them to the buyer. The cost of trucking and white-glove installation are the most common additional charges that merchants often can’t incorporate into the checkout process because most plugins or the CMS itself don’t have the ability to allow merchants to do so. The issue gets more complicated when only certain SKUs and certain SKUs to certain places need to have specific costs applied to them.The situation above becomes more complex when the buyer is out of the merchant’s domestic market. All of the challenges of calculating a true cost for a domestic buyer now have to take into account new costs involved with shipping freight-grade goods internationally within the broader framework of ecommerce freight. These costs often include the cost of the international freight forwarder, tariffs, taxes, and any other charges and fees that come with the goods entering the buyer’s country. The costs don’t reflect the time the merchant spent tracking down a freight forwarder, comparing rates and costs, understanding customs, taxes, product classification — just a few of the steps involved with making sure that the goods are delivered as they were promised. John_T // Shutterstock Entering New Markets Currently Requires a PresencePerhaps the biggest hurdle facing merchants selling big and bulky items from handling international orders is that to service them competitively with those in the buyers’ domestic market means costly investments. For SMB merchants selling parcel goods, expanding into new markets usually means enabling and configuring new locations to ship to, integrating additional payment processors preferable to the new market’s buyers and adjusting the site to change language and currency to reflect the browsers’ preferences. For merchants selling large items, expanding into new markets is vastly more challenging. Because the items the merchant is selling can’t be shipped via courier, merchants need to have inventory readily available in the new market. This means the merchant must, at least, set up a new business entity, purchase warehouse space, shore inventory and store it in the new location and incur the upfront and recurring costs of doing so.Merchants that don’t choose to go through setting up business entities and buying warehouse space have the option of selling through a marketplace like Amazon, MercadoLibre or Ebay. While selling through a marketplace gives the merchant exposure to existing demand, selling through a marketplace comes with its own costs. Marketplaces, Amazon famously, charge merchants for storing their goods in an Amazon warehouse, take a percentage of each sale and charge for their 3PL services. While Amazon also offers Fulfillment by Merchant as an option, many of the costs of engaging with Amazon remain. These costs are separate from any advertising the merchant finds they need to do to increase their visibility in the new market’s marketplace to drive sales and move inventory they’re paying to sit in a warehouse.What the Survey Didn’t CaptureThe survey reflects how merchants selling oversized goods evaluate their ability to accept and fulfill orders, particularly for buyers outside of their domestic market. However, because the survey focused on merchant responses at the point of inquiry, it does not fully account for the operational conditions that occur once an oversized order is accepted and moves into fulfillment. These conditions increasingly influence merchant behavior, including decisions to restrict regions served or to avoid certain orders altogether.Delivering large and oversized items introduces a set of operational requirements that differ materially from parcel-sized fulfillment. Oversized deliveries often require two-person delivery teams, specialized handling, and, in many cases, white-glove or in-home services. The availability of qualified delivery crews varies significantly by region and has not scaled uniformly alongside growth in ecommerce demand for large goods. These constraints are typically managed by carriers and last-mile providers, but their impact is ultimately borne by merchants through higher costs, service limitations, or reduced reliability.The survey also does not capture the complexity associated with returns and failed deliveries for oversized goods. Unlike parcel returns, which are often standardized and automated, returns for freight-grade items require manual coordination, storage decisions, and additional transportation. A single failed delivery attempt or return can materially affect the profitability of an order. As a result, merchants factor these risks into fulfillment decisions even when they are not visible to buyers during checkout.In addition, geographic and urban delivery considerations play a meaningful role in domestic fulfillment. Dense metropolitan areas, where a large share of ecommerce demand is concentrated, often present access limitations, building restrictions, and delivery scheduling constraints that increase the time and cost required to complete deliveries. These factors contribute to uneven serviceability within a merchant’s domestic market and help explain why some merchants selectively limit where oversized items can be shipped.Taken together, these operational realities suggest that the challenges identified by the survey are not limited to international fulfillment alone. Instead, they reflect broader structural constraints in the domestic fulfillment of oversized goods. International expansion introduces additional layers of cost and complexity, but it builds on a fulfillment model that is already difficult to standardize. Without tools that reflect these operational requirements in pricing and execution, merchants are left to manage risk manually, often by declining orders or narrowing the markets they serve.Domestic Optimization Precedes ExpansionFor merchants operating within big and bulky ecommerce, international expansion is rarely constrained by demand alone. More often, it is constrained by operational readiness. When domestic market operations remain manual, margin-sensitive, or operationally inconsistent, expanding internationally compounds these same variables across customs, duties, regulatory compliance, and multi-leg transportation.In practice, international expansion becomes a sequencing decision. Merchants tend not to expand into new markets while they believe their domestic operations are still being optimized. Freight-grade commerce does not allow for the type of configuration-based expansion common in parcel ecommerce. Unlike a parcel merchant that can enable additional countries through payment processors and shipping plugins, oversized merchants must first achieve confidence in execution at home. Without predictable cost structures and fulfillment reliability domestically, international expansion introduces amplified financial and operational risk.Industry outreach and merchant interviews over the past year reinforce this pattern. Two distinct merchant profiles consistently emerge.Consumer oversized brands, including sauna, fitness equipment, furniture, appliance, and wellness companies, often operate mixed SKU catalogs with both parcel and freight-eligible items. Many of these merchants are still optimizing domestic LTL processes and determining how to incorporate freight costs into pricing without suppressing conversion. For these businesses, international expansion is frequently deferred until domestic fulfillment feels stable, repeatable, and margin-safe.By contrast, specialized or proprietary product manufacturers, such as heavy machinery producers, patented equipment founders, or industrial suppliers, tend to treat freight as foundational rather than exceptional. Shipping is embedded within the business model, dedicated personnel manage logistics, and freight costs are structurally expected within the selling price. For these merchants, international expansion decisions are influenced less by domestic operational uncertainty and more by lane competitiveness, regulatory considerations, and the ratio of freight cost to MSRP.This distinction helps explain why many oversized merchants appear reluctant to engage international demand despite evidence of buyer interest. The hesitation is not necessarily strategic conservatism. Rather, international growth often follows domestic operational confidence. Where freight remains a manual, variable, or margin-sensitive process, expansion feels less like incremental revenue and more like amplified exposure to existing operational risk.How Direct-to-Consumer Merchants Selling Oversized Items Are AdaptingThe approaches described below reflect how merchants are currently compensating for the absence of ecommerce infrastructure designed for freight-grade goods. These methods allow some international orders to be fulfilled, but they rely on manual processes, margin concessions, or the transfer of risk to either the merchant or the buyer. As a result, international sales are treated as exceptions rather than repeatable transactions. While these workarounds can enable individual orders, they are difficult to standardize, slow to execute, and costly to manage at scale. Over time, they constrain growth by limiting conversion, increasing operational risk, and preventing oversized goods from being sold internationally through the same automated workflows that support parcel-sized ecommerce.For merchants that didn’t shy away from buyers outside of their domestic markets, they were figuring out and experimenting for themselves how to make these orders work. Some merchants registered new business entities, secured warehouse space, fulfillment solutions and shored inventory to address what they observed was organic, recurring interest in their product. For them, it made sense to at least try to invest in a new market. Others turned to Excel workbooks with tables updated weekly or monthly to offer an estimated amount for freight shipping to a destination. In all cases, every merchant found quoting prospective buyers outside their domestic market a massive challenge.Other merchants were using other services to benchmark or acquire precise rates. Others still were found estimating freight costs and vetting forwarders using freight marketplaces or online freight calculators.The largest section of merchants simply aren’t adapting and choosing not to engage at all with international buyers. Most merchants disable regions they can’t ship to on their store’s backend, causing potential customers to see an error message if their shipping address is among the negated regions. The reasons are those outlined here: The costs are currently too high, the time commitment too large and software solutions to create seamless end-to-end fulfillment and accurate, customized SKU-level pricing are only emerging.This survey helped illustrate that not all merchants have the same opportunities to be part of the global economy in the same ways. Merchants that sell large items within ecommerce freight, for now, are still largely relegated to their domestic markets and, for the time being, learning for themselves how to capture demand and introduce themselves to new potential customers all around the world country-by-country.Oversized Merchant Outreach Survey MethodologyFreight Right surveyed a sample of 50 merchants headquartered across the world selling a variety of goods widely and objectively considered oversized and requiring freight handling to deliver to buyers within the big and bulky ecommerce category and selling on the content management system, Shopify. Merchant goods included but were not limited to saunas, hot tubs, pool tables, outdoor movie screens, cold plunges and other large items that require specialized handling to end users, domestically and internationally. Outreach was conducted via a merchant brand’s Instagram account where the surveying party expressed interest in purchasing a good and if it could be shipped to my country, a country outside of the merchant’s domestic market. The survey was conducted between August and September 2025.This story was produced by Freight Right Global Logistics and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The tax breaks caregivers miss: How families leave thousands on the table every filing season The tax breaks caregivers miss: How families leave thousands on the table every filing seasonOver 63 million Americans provide unpaid care for a child, aging parent, spouse, or disabled family member, and more than a third report financial hardship as a result. Yet, every year, millions of family caregivers leave significant tax savings on the table simply because they don’t know what they qualify for.QMedic dug deep to provide information from sources including AARP, the Internal Revenue Service, H&R Block, and more to highlight how tax changes in 2025 and 2026 can offset caregiving expenses that quietly drain household budgets.1. Credit for other dependents (Up to $500 per dependent)Many caregivers automatically assume that tax credits only apply to young children. In reality, you may qualify for the Credit of Other Dependents if you support an aging parent, adult child with a disability, or another qualifying relative. As outlined by the IRS, this dependent must live with you or be closely related, earn below the IRS income threshold, and receive more than half of their financial support from you.You’ll need to show proof of the relationship, records with financial support documented, and the dependent’s Social Security Number, but doing so can earn you up to $500 per dependent, which will automatically reduce your tax bill.2. Child and Dependent Care Credit ($1,050–$3,000 depending on income)If you pay for care so you can work or actively look for work, you may qualify for this care credit. Your child must be under 13 or a dependent adult incapable of self-care. Depending on your income level, you can claim a percentage of up to $3,000 in care expenses for one dependent or $6,000 for two or more. Examples of eligible expenses that meet this criterion include adult day care, in-home aides, and certain caregiving facilities. Be aware that you will need to provide payment records and the care provider’s basic information.3. Medical Expense Deduction (Expenses exceeding 7.5% of adjusted gross income)Many caregivers pay out-of-pocket medical costs without realizing they may actually be deductible. If you itemize everything and find that your total qualifying medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, you can deduct the expense. Eligible expenses can include prescriptions, mobility equipment, medical travel, in-home nursing care, and more. Receipts, mileage logs, medical necessity statements, and proof of dependency may be required under IRS rules.4. Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (up to $7,500 starting in 2026)Arguably one of the biggest changes for caregivers in 2026 is the increase in dependent care FSA limits. As covered by Employee Benefits Corporation, eligible employees can now contribute up to $7,500 in pre-tax dollars to cover caregiving expenses, up from the previous $5,000 limit.This benefit will reduce your taxable income and can be used for similar types of expenses that qualify you for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. It’s worth noting, however, that you cannot use both the flexible spending account and care credit on the same items.5. Head of Household filing status (higher standard deduction and lower tax rates)Filing status now matters more than many caregivers realize. If you are unmarried and pay more than half the cost of maintaining a home for a qualifying dependent, you may qualify as a Head of Household. This status provides higher standard deductions and more favorable tax brackets than filing as Single, often resulting in thousands of dollars in tax savings.6. Increased Child Tax Credit ($2,200 per child in 2025)As broken down by TurboTax, for caregivers raising children, the Child Tax Credit increased to $2,200 per qualifying child in 2025. This credit can significantly reduce your taxes owed and may even be partially refundable depending on your income level. Eligibility will be dependent on the age of your child, their relationship to you, their residency, and their Social Security status.7. Filing Amended Returns for Previously Missed Benefits (Form 1040-X)If you happened to miss any of the above benefits in prior years, you may still be able to recover the money. A Form 1040-X, as explained by tax firm H&R Block, is allowable under IRS rules and permits taxpayers to file amended returns typically up to three years post-filing. This is especially valuable for caregivers who only just recently learned they qualify for credits or deductions that were never claimed. You will need to provide your original return along with a corrected form and supporting documents for each change to take advantage of new benefits.Avoid leaving money on the table this tax seasonFamily caregivers already shoulder an enormous emotional and financial responsibility. Claiming every available tax benefit won’t eliminate this burden, but it will provide some meaningful monetary relief. With expanded Dependent Care FSA limits, enhanced credits across the board, and clearer IRS guidance, you can head into 2026 sure that your caregiving work is recognized fully at tax time. Even modest tax credits add up, so don’t allow money to go unclaimed.This story was produced by QMedic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Examples of general liability insurance claims: What’s typically covered by insurance? Examples of general liability insurance claims: What’s typically covered by insurance?General liability insurance is a type of business insurance that can help protect business owners from some costs around the most common small business insurance claims they face — from customer injuries to property damage to advertising disputes. Many general liability insurance claims don’t come from reckless behavior or natural disasters. Some of the most common stem from everyday business activities like interacting with customers, working in shared spaces or providing products and services to the public. ERGO NEXT shares examples of four of the most common general liability insurance claims.General liability insurance is designed to help protect a business from some of the most common claims that can arise during day-to-day business operations. This could include:An injury, often called bodily injury in insurance terms, to someone who is not an employeeDamage to property that doesn’t belong to youAccusations of advertising copyright infringement, libel or slanderWhen a business opens its doors or performs work around the public, there’s a chance that someone could be injured or property could be damaged. Even small, routine incidents can lead to medical bills, repair costs or legal expenses.The financial impact of these disputes adds up quickly. According to a recent report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Legal Reform, commercial liability lawsuits in the U.S. totaled about $347 billion, with small businesses accounting for roughly $160 billion of that total, despite representing a smaller share of overall economic revenue.4 general liability insurance claim examplesGeneral liability claims can affect businesses of all sizes across many industries. The following four examples show how easily business interactions can lead to claims.1. Someone gets hurt at your place of business and asks you to pay their medical billsThe scene: You’re setting up merchandise outside your store to catch the attention of passing foot traffic. Merchandise is left on the sidewalk in front of your door.What went wrong: Someone comes jogging by, and they don’t spot the merchandise in time. They trip on your products and break an arm. They need an ambulance, medical care in the ER, and physical therapy to recover.The consequences and the insurance claim: The jogger says your business is responsible for the accident and asks you to cover their medical expenses. If the disagreement turns into a lawsuit, you could also be on the hook for legal defense costs — the kind that can add up fast, even when fault is disputed.How general liability insurance could help: General liability insurance could help cover eligible medical and legal expenses tied to injury claims from nonemployees. Without coverage, those costs would typically need to be paid out of pocket. For many small business owners, this financial burden could be catastrophic.2. Someone says you or your employees damaged their propertyThe scene: You own a salon, and a newly hired nail technician is giving a client a manicure. It seems like business as usual.What went wrong: Your manicurist accidentally drops a bottle of nail polish. It smashes on the floor, and “Moody Blue” is now all over the client’s expensive handbag, causing visible damage.The consequences and the insurance claim: The client is seeing red. They say your business is responsible for the damage, and they ask you to pay for a replacement. Depending on the value of the purse and how the dispute unfolds, the situation could involve a cleaning bill, replacement expenses or additional claims-related costs.How general liability insurance could help: Accidents happen. General liability insurance could help cover eligible costs related to property damage claims, such as repairing or replacing a client’s belongings, up to the policy limits.3. Someone claims your business invaded their privacyThe scene: Your home decorator business’ social media accounts are blowing up. You get a lot of engagement sharing before-and-after photos of completed projects, so you post a lot of these projects on your public accounts to help get your business more visibility and new clients.What went wrong: After renovating a client’s closet, you share some photos online — but you forgot to ask your client for permission to do so. Your client sees the images and gets angry.The consequences and the insurance claim: The client sues you for breaching their privacy by using photos of their home without permission. Besides being time-consuming and stressful, responding to the claim could involve legal defense costs and potential settlement expenses.How general liability insurance could help: General liability insurance could help cover eligible legal expenses like attorney fees, court costs and damages related to the claim.4. Someone accuses you of advertising copyright infringementThe scene: You’re a personal trainer, and everyone wants to hire you to help them get rock-hard abs for the summer. In fact, some of your clients start calling you “The Rocker.” You lean into the nickname and call yourself The Rocker in online ads and social posts to build your brand and attract more clients.What went wrong: The nickname sticks, and you run ads that pair your image with a photo of a well-known celebrity who happens to share a similar name. What you didn’t realize is that the image — and the way it’s being used — wasn’t cleared with the celebrity’s team or the photographer who owns the rights.The consequences and the insurance claim: Before long, you hear from lawyers claiming copyright infringement and asking for damages. Even if the ad is removed, sorting out the dispute could mean legal fees and other related costs.How general liability insurance could help: General liability insurance could help cover eligible legal expenses and damages tied to certain advertising injury claims, including alleged copyright infringement, up to your policy limits.If you have to file a claim on your general liability insurance policy, you’ll work with a claims advocate who can help sort the details and resolve the claim as soon as possible.What many general liability insurance claims have in commonAt first glance, these situations look very different — a sidewalk accident, a ruined handbag, a social media post gone wrong. But they tend to share a few important traits.Most general liability claims start with ordinary business moments, not reckless decisions or unusual scenarios. They often involve routine interactions with customers, clients or the public — the same activities businesses rely on to operate and grow.Another common thread is how quickly costs can add up. What begins as a relatively small incident can expand to include medical bills, repair or replacement expenses, legal fees and time spent responding to the claim. Even when responsibility is unclear or disputed, resolving a claim can be costly and distracting.That’s why general liability insurance isn’t focused on preventing mistakes. Liability coverage for your business can help businesses manage uncertainty and help make sure accidents don’t become a devastating financial loss. Coverage can provide financial support when everyday operations don’t go exactly as planned.If your business is involved in an accident, it’s important to contact your insurance company immediately.This story was produced by ERGO NEXT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Beyond BBQ and lobster rolls: The regional foods that define American cuisine Beyond BBQ and lobster rolls: The regional foods that define American cuisineNothing speaks to the culture of a region more than its cuisine. You can’t think of Italy without pasta or New York without pizza. Food is the fabric of society and, despite regional differences, it’s what brings everyone together.AnyWho takes a look at the tastiest regional foods in the United States that most Americans haven’t heard of. From the desert Southwest to coastal New England, these local foods taste just as delicious as they sound.The Midwest: Hearty, home-cooked delightsClassic, home-cooked comforts are the localsâ€™ choice throughout the Midwest. Culinary trends differ from one state to another, but in general, one can expect savory meats and cheeses around every corner.Wisconsin has its legendary cheese curds, Cincinnati, Ohio has its German Goetta, and Iowa has its slow-roasted pork tenderloin sandwich. No matter where you go in the Midwest, you’re sure to leave your destination full.Southern Appalachia: Resourceful traditionsAppalachian states like West Virginia and Mississippi can be hidden culinary gems. The cuisines in this region come from a place of resourcefulness and have deep roots in the region’s hardworking lineage.Take, for example, the West Virginia pepperoni roll. This simple, yet mouth-watering dish was first created by the wives of miners, explains WV Tourism. The first commercial variant was a few slices of pepperoni in a fluffy roll, but soon bakeries across the state started offering their own style.The Mississippi slugburger has equally humble beginnings. This burger features ground beef mixed with flour or soybean grits. It was originally created during the Great Depression years to extend the use of limited quantities of expensive meat. Today, it’s a delicious treat that locals enjoy.The Southwest: A fusion of indigenous and immigrant flavorsThe Southwestern U.S. features a blend of different cultures and cuisines. Some of the best food here has roots back to Native American and Mexican dishes.Frybread is one of the region’s delicacies. Smithsonian Magazine details how it was created by the Navajo tribe in the 1860s in response to the government’s forced relocation from Arizona to New Mexico reservations. It’s a flavorful, pancake-style fried dough.Another highly-regarded Southwestern food is the green chile burger of New Mexico. This spicy twist on a traditional cheeseburger can be found at nearly every casual restaurant in the region.Coastlines: From savory seafood to wild gameThe U.S. coastlines are rich in fresh foods that locals get to experience every day. There is also a huge variety depending on location.You might know Maine for its lobster rolls, but wild game is just as revered here. As Down East Magazine reports, game cannot be bought or sold in Maine. It either has to be shot, bartered, or freely given. The experience of obtaining the meat is just as fulfilling as eating it. Popular options include moose, wild turkey, and venison.Don’t forget dessert. The Whoopie pie was invented here and is actually the official state treat.City fare: How urban culinary scenes differThe cat's out of the bag when it comes to local classics like the Philly cheesesteak and Chicago deep dish pizza. It’s become more difficult to find the authentic foods that truly embody the culture of a city. Here are some culinary trends across U.S. cities that most people don’t know about:Seattle, Wash.: You might picture salmon specialties when you think of the Puget Sound region, but did you know that Seattle has a bustling teriyaki scene? As reported by the Seattle Weekly, teriyaki fast food is everywhere these days. In 1984, there were 19 spots. Now there are 519.St. Louis, Mo.: Toasted ravioli are a long-standing tradition of the city. According to Sauce Magazine, rumor has it this dish was invented when a local chef accidentally dropped ravioli into a pan of bread crumbs and decided to fry them.Rochester, N.Y.: A garbage plate may not sound appetizing, but it’s a staple of Rochester. Visit Rochester describes how this dish can be found everywhere in the city, from “small hamburger joints to fine-dining restaurants.” Every place makes it with their own special twist, but the concept is a base of home fries, French fries, baked beans, or mac and cheese, a top layer of hamburger or hot dog, and a finishing drizzle of Rochester-style hot sauce.The dishes that locals craveAcross the United States, locals are diving into amazing dishes that the rest of the country has never experienced. From sweet treats like Indian frybread and Whoopie pies to satisfying meals like German Goetta and toasted ravioli, originality lies in every region of the country. The next time you’re visiting another state or city, consider skipping the tourist special. Find the foods that locals love but never glamorize.This story was produced by AnyWho and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Some Middle East flights resume, but thousands of travelers are still stranded by war Limited flights out of the Middle East resumed on Monday. But hundreds of thousands of travelers are still stranded in the region after attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel.
	Golden years, growing costs: New survey reveals seniors’ difficult trade-offs Golden years, growing costs: New survey reveals seniors’ difficult trade-offsFor older Americans, retirement is meant to be a hard-earned reward after decades of work. But for many today, it feels less like a celebration and more like a struggle to stay afloat. A new, national survey of 1,000 seniors reveals that rising costs are forcing many to make difficult decisions—cutting back on food, delaying or skipping medical care, and scaling back social activities. All of these decisions can have a significant impact on seniors’ physical and mental well-being.While inflation has cooled from recent highs, prices for everyday essentials remain significantly elevated compared to just a few years ago. For retirees living on fixed incomes, even modest price increases can quickly strain monthly budgets.The findings paint a stark picture: Seniors aren’t just adjusting spending, they’re sacrificing basics. These sacrifices leave them feeling frustrated and stressed. Some share that rising costs have taken away their peace of mind, freedom of choice, enjoyment of life, and dignity.Below, My OTC by Chapter examines the findings and offers strategies for seniors feeling the financial pressure.Groceries and basic needs emerge as top pressure pointFood costs are hitting older Americans hardest. According to the survey, 86% of seniors say groceries are among the expenses that have increased the most over the past year. Two-thirds (67%) report that they have already reduced how much they spend on food or changed what they eat due to rising prices. That can mean switching to cheaper brands, buying fewer fresh foods, reducing portion sizes, or skipping certain items altogether.Dietary compromises can have outsized health impacts on older adults. Adequate nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining immune function, strength, and overall well-being later in life.Beyond groceries, 66% of respondents say utilities are among the expenses that have increased the most, while 56% cite higher costs for basic necessities like toiletries and household supplies. Transportation (39%) and housing (32%) also rank among the categories seeing the biggest price increases. Meanwhile, 22% say they have reduced heating or cooling in their homes to save money—a potentially dangerous choice, especially during multiple recent extreme weather events.Health care trade-offs raise concernOne of the most alarming findings involves medical care. One in 4 seniors (25%) say they have delayed or skipped medical care or prescriptions due to cost.Postponing care may provide short-term financial relief but often results in higher long-term costs—both financially and physically. Untreated conditions can worsen, leading to emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or complications that are more expensive to manage.For retirees managing multiple prescriptions or specialist visits, even small increases in copays or out-of-pocket costs can influence decisions about whether to seek care.Social lives shrink alongside budgetsFinancial pressures are also reshaping how seniors spend their time.Nearly one-third (31%) say they have reduced spending on social activities or hobbies, and 26% report cutting back on travel. For some, cutting back on travel means no longer visiting family.Public health experts have long identified social isolation as a significant risk factor for older adults, linked to higher rates of depression, cognitive decline, and even mortality. Reduced mobility and fewer outings can compound existing health vulnerabilities.Budget adjustments like skipping a weekly gathering or postponing a trip may seem minor but can gradually erode quality of life as well as mental and physical well-being.Savvy saving strategies for seniors feeling the pressureNot all seniors feel the same weight of increased costs. One in 3 (34%) seniors report not having cut back on anything in the past 12 months due to rising costs. Others are responding with resilience—adopting smart, proactive strategies to stretch their budgets further.Here are some of the things seniors can do to save in a savvy way.Shop smartAccording to the survey, older Americans are becoming more intentional shoppers. Many shared that they are reducing how much they dine out, shopping sales, and considering store brands at grocery stores to save on food costs.Senior discounts are another great way to save without sacrificing. Many stores offer discounts at specific times or on specific days. If you aren’t sure if the stores or services you use offer discounts, it never hurts to ask. And, while tedious, coupons can also help you stretch your dollar.Finally, many seniors are on Medicare Advantage plans that may come with extra benefits, including grocery allowances and OTC benefit cards that allow them to purchase health and wellness items at no cost to them. In fact, the average senior on Medicare Advantage has $400 in OTC credits—and $5 billion of OTC dollars go unused each year. If you have these benefits, they can help you save on OTC-eligible items and use that money elsewhere.Reduce healthcare costsHealthcare savings may offer some of the biggest opportunities for seniors because if you’re on a suboptimal Medicare plan, it could cost you thousands of dollars. It’s recommended that you review your Medicare coverage and compare Medicare plans during the annual enrollment period, which occurs every year. That said, there are special enrollment periods during which you may also be able to make a change. It’s always worth reviewing your coverage because even small adjustments in coverage can result in significant savings over the course of a year.Outside of changing plans, there are other ways to reduce your healthcare costs. Compare prescription costs at different pharmacies and make sure you’re using in-network doctors and pharmacies. You can also check your eligibility for Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs.Lean on communityBeyond everyday budgeting tactics, many seniors are also exploring community benefits and assistance programs that can meaningfully reduce expenses. Programs like SNAP, state pharmaceutical assistance, energy assistance initiatives, and property tax relief can provide monthly breathing room for those who qualify. Local senior centers can offer both social connection and practical resources—helping older adults stay engaged without increasing financial strain.Bottom lineThe survey findings suggest that while retirement may look different than what many expected, seniors are not simply absorbing higher costs. Many are adapting, strategizing, and finding creative ways to protect both their finances and their quality of life.Still, the data underscores a broader reality: For a growing number of older Americans, the golden years are increasingly defined not by celebration, but by careful trade-offs.Methodology: This Pollfish survey, commissioned by My OTC by Chapter, was conducted in February 2026 among 1,000 U.S. seniors. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because respondents could select multiple answers in certain categories.This story was produced by My OTC by Chapter and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How gas prices have changed in the U.S. in the last week Mar. 2, 2026 jittawit21 // Shutterstock How gas prices have changed in the U.S. in the last week Mar. 2, 2026 CheapInsurance.com compiled statistics on gas prices in the U.S. using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of March 2.U.S. by the numbers- Gas current price: $3.00- Week change: +$0.06 (+2.0%)- Year change: -$0.10 (-3.3%)- Historical expensive gas price: $5.02 (6/14/22)- Diesel current price: $3.77- Week change: +$0.06 (+1.6%)- Year change: +$0.11 (+3.1%)- Historical expensive diesel price: $5.82 (6/19/22)States with the least expensive gas#1. Oklahoma: $2.48#2. Mississippi: $2.55#3. Kansas: $2.57#4. Louisiana: $2.58#5. Tennessee: $2.61#6. Arkansas: $2.62#7. Texas: $2.62#8. Iowa: $2.63#9. Kentucky: $2.63#10. North Dakota: $2.65States with the most expensive gas#1. California: $4.66#2. Hawaii: $4.38#3. Washington: $4.37#4. Oregon: $3.92#5. Nevada: $3.70#6. Alaska: $3.62#7. Arizona: $3.32#8. Pennsylvania: $3.12#9. Washington, D.C.: $3.10#10. Illinois: $3.06This story was produced by CheapInsurance.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Dancing with the Stars pro ends up in Peoria hospital Dancing with the Stars’ pro Val Chmerkovskiy was in Peoria on Sunday for a performance at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater.
	Rock Island Arsenal to demolish former golf clubhouse, stone bridge The clubhouse was built in 1906 but has not been used since 2018.
	What is March Madness? Economic impact and 2026 outlook What is March Madness? Economic impact and 2026 outlookEvery spring, March Madness transforms college basketball into a national economic and cultural phenomenon. What begins as a sporting tournament quickly spills into workplaces, media schedules, travel plans, and consumer spending habits across the United States. From packed arenas and prime-time broadcasts to office bracket pools and lost work hours, the tournament’s influence extends far beyond the court.As the 2026 edition approaches, March Madness once again highlights how a single sporting event can drive billions in economic activity, while simultaneously testing productivity and business output nationwide. Here, Plus500 breaks down the tournament's economic footprint and what to expect in 2026.TL;DR — Key takeawaysMarch Madness is the NCAA men’s basketball tournament featuring 68 teams in a single-elimination format.The 2026 tournament runs from March 15 to April 6, 2026.Advertising, tourism, and merchandise generate billions of dollars in economic activity.Lost workplace productivity may cost the U.S. economy up to $20 billion annually.Host cities benefit from short-term GDP and income gains, though some spending is displaced.Overall, March Madness delivers strong consumer-driven growth with notable productivity trade-offs.What is March Madness?March Madness is the nickname for the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, held each spring. It brings together 68 college teams competing in a single-elimination bracket to determine the national champion.The phrase originated in 1939, when Henry V. Porter, an Illinois High School Association official, used "March Madness" in an article about the state's high school basketball tournament. He described the event's chaotic energy, writing that "a little March madness may complement and contribute to sanity.”The tournament is famous for its unpredictability, with underdog victories and dramatic finishes that drive widespread fan engagement. Bracket competitions, live broadcasts, office pools, and social media discussions make March Madness one of the most culturally and commercially influential sporting events in the United States, which hosts the 2026 World Cup.Fun Fact: Odds of a perfect bracket are 1 in 9.2 quintillion, less likely than lightning striking you twice.When is the next March Madness? (2026 dates)The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament follows the standard schedule:Selection Sunday: March 15, 2026First Four: March 17-18, 2026First Round: March 19-20, 2026Second Round: March 21-22, 2026Sweet 16: March 26-27, 2026Elite Eight: March 28-29, 2026Final Four: April 4, 2026National Championship: April 6, 2026Games are hosted across multiple U.S. cities, with the Final Four and championship held in Indianapolis.The economic impact of March MadnessMarch Madness creates a complex economic footprint, combining substantial revenue generation with measurable productivity losses.Positive economic effectsAdvertising and media revenueThe tournament is a major advertising platform, with television networks earning around $1.4 billion in advertising revenue in recent years. Commercial slots during games can exceed $100,000 for 30 seconds, reflecting the event’s massive national viewership.Tourism and hospitality growthHost cities experience increased demand for hotels, restaurants, transportation, and entertainment. Major events like the Final Four can generate hundreds of millions of dollars in visitor spending. Even early-round host cities often see millions added to local GDP and personal income.Merchandise and retail salesSales of team apparel, memorabilia, and licensed merchandise exceed $200 million annually, supporting retail businesses and supply chains across manufacturing, logistics, and e-commerce.Negative economic effectsLost workplace productivityMarch Madness is associated with significant productivity losses. Full-time employees spend an average of 2.4 hours per workday following games, with a large share spending four or more hours. Some estimates place total productivity losses at up to $20 billion per year.Business disruptionMany employees prioritize tournament viewing or bracket participation during work hours, leading to billions of dollars in lost business output across the U.S. economy.Spending displacementIn host cities, some local spending shifts rather than increases overall consumption, meaning not all tournament-related spending represents a net economic gain.How March Madness 2026 may affect the economyIn 2026, March Madness is expected to follow familiar economic patterns:Host cities will see short-term boosts to GDP, employment, and tax revenue.The media and advertising sectors will benefit from strong viewership and sponsorship demand.Consumer spending will rise in food, beverages, entertainment, and merchandise.Productivity losses are likely to resurface during the first two rounds, when weekday games dominate.Overall, the tournament will act as a short-term economic stimulant for consumer-facing industries while imposing measurable costs on employers.Stocks related to March MadnessWhile the effects of March Madness extend beyond any single stock or market sector, traders and investors can generally monitor certain areas:Sports betting companies: Stocks like DraftKings, MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Penn Entertainment may be influenced by increased betting activity as fans wager on tournament outcomes.Consumer-focused firms: Companies such as Coca-Cola can experience indirect impacts from watch parties and heightened consumer engagement during the tournament.It is, however, crucial to remember that market outcomes are never guaranteed, and the aforementioned sectors might not experience the predicted shift.ConclusionMarch Madness remains one of the most economically influential sporting events in the United States. While it generates billions in advertising revenue, tourism spending, and retail sales, these gains are partially offset by lost workplace productivity and spending displacement.For the 2026 tournament, the net effect is expected to be economically positive but uneven, benefiting media companies, host cities, and consumer industries most, while posing short-term challenges for businesses reliant on weekday productivity.*Past performance does not reflect future results. The above is for marketing and general informational purposes only and are only projections and should not be taken as investment research, investment advice, or a personal recommendation.This story was produced by Plus500 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	2 Moline teachers named Golden Apple Award finalists Organizers said the Golden Apple Award aims to elevate the teaching profession by honoring the best of the best Illinois teachers and school leaders.
	'Hamnet' star Jessie Buckley looks for the 'shadowy bits' of her characters Buckley has been nominated for a best actress Oscar for her portrayal of William Shakespeare's wife in Hamnet. The film "brought me into this next chapter of my life as a mother," Buckley says.
	Review: God of Carnage at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre Playcrafters Barn Theatre’s lead-off to its 2026 season is a remarkable production of the 2008 Tony Award-winning script God of Carnage by French playwright Yasmina Reza and directed by Jeremy Mahr, who can take well-deserved pride in his production. God of Carnage continues at Playcrafters Barn Theatre, 4950 - 35th Avenue in Moline, Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 8, at 3:00 p.m.
	Eldridge City Council considers ordinance increasing fines for loose animals Under the proposal, a first violation would increase from $30 to $150, a second violation from $75 to $300 and a third violation from $150 to $600.
	Colona police K-9 dies The Colona Police Department's K-9, Parker, died after his cancer returned.
	Galesburg council to consider $323,000 Cooke Park splash pad project The Galesburg City Council will consider a $323,000 Cooke Park splash pad project. The agenda includes renderings of the proposed design.
	How social media affects teen mental health (and what to do about it) How social media affects teen mental health (and what to do about it)Social media is here to stay. In the U.S., 95% of teens use at least one social media platform. And according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, over half of teens admit that it’d be very difficult to quit social media.But research shows that, although social media can have benefits (like providing safe spaces and connections for teens), it can also have significant negative consequences for mental health. Social media use in teens — especially problematic or excessive use — has been linked to mental health problems like depression, eating disorders, and sleep issues.As a parent, you can support your teen in developing more positive relationships — with themselves, with social media, and with you. A therapist who specializes in teen mental health can help them change their social media habits and work through any mental health challenges that might’ve come from it. Below, Rula explores what the research says and how parents can help.Key TakeawaysResearch shows that while social media can have some benefits for teen mental health, it can also have significant negative consequences.Teens who use social media excessively or are overly emotionally invested in social media can be at higher risk of developing mental health problems.Parents can help their teens by talking openly about mental health, teaching digital literacy, and setting limits and boundaries where necessary.Effects of social media on teenagersThe impact of social media on teen mental health isn’t straightforward. Many studies have found that social media is harmful, but others have found that it can have some benefits too.Overall, the evidence shows that using social media as a teen — especially in an excessive or problematic way — is linked to a wide range of mental health problems.The research on the negative effects of social media on teen mental health is so convincing that the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General sent out a 2023 advisory warning against it.The advisory emphasizes that the teen years are a vulnerable time in brain development. Between the ages of 10 and 18, the human brain goes through many changes. Largely because of these changes, teens are already at higher risk for impulsive, risk-taking, and self-harming behaviors, as well as the development of mental health conditions like depression.Research shows that frequent social media use could be linked to changes in the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, which are areas of the brain that are responsible for emotions, impulse control, and social behaviors. This could increase teens’ vulnerability to these mental health problems.In addition, social media platforms aren’t always safe places. While there are accounts and spaces that encourage connection and inclusivity, there could also be dangers present. For example, up to 40% of teens have been the victims of cyberbullying. There are also social media accounts that encourage self-destructive behaviors, like disordered eating and self-harm. Other teens might be exposed to dangerous adults or adult content on social media.Here are some of the specific mental health effects that problematic social media use can have on teen mental health.Depression and anxietyA systematic review found that the time spent on social media, as well as how invested teens felt in social media, was positively correlated with depression. That means the more time teens spent on these platforms and the more invested they were, the more likely they were to have depression.Teens who use social media to seek approval or to compare themselves with others are at higher risk of depression. The same review found similar results for anxiety. Using social media more frequently was associated with higher rates of anxiety. Teens who have been victimized by cyberbullying are at especially high risk of anxiety.Body dysmorphia and eating disordersSocial media and eating disorders may also be connected. Research has found significant links between social media use and body dysphoria in young people. In one study, cutting social media use by half led to significant improvements in body image in teens.Teens who use social media more frequently are also more likely to experience low self-esteem. Research shows that body dysmorphia may play a role in this relationship.Self-harm and suicidalitySocial media could also be linked, according to some research, to self-harm and suicide risk.* Although many social media platforms advocate for suicide awareness and help teens connect to helpful resources, others may have more nefarious purposes.SleepOne of the main avenues through which social media may impact teen well-being is by impacting their sleep. Increased social media use is linked with significant problems for teens’ sleep, including fewer sleeping hours each night and poorer quality of sleep.*A note on safety: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 confidential support through trained crisis counselors. If you or someone you care about is experiencing emotional distress, self-harm, or a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988. For life-threatening emergencies or immediate assistance, call 911.Signs of a harmful relationship with social mediaResearch indicates that a problematic relationship with social media has the worst mental health impacts. A harmful relationship with social media could look like:Using social media for more than three hours per day: A study found that teens who spent more than three hours per day on social media were significantly more likely to experience mental health problems than teens who used it less frequently. And because a third of teens admit to using social media “almost constantly,” many fall in this category.Comparing themselves to others on social media: Teens who use social media to negatively compare themselves to others could be more likely to have mental health problems or poor self-esteem.Being emotionally invested in social media: If it seems like your teen is overly invested in social media — for example, if getting a “like” can make or break their day — it could be a sign of a problematic relationship.Engaging in cyberbullying: Being either the victim or the perpetrator of cyberbullying through social media could indicate a relationship that isn’t healthy.Following harmful accounts: Teens with a harmful relationship with social media may follow harmful or dangerous accounts, like those that promote self-harm or severely restrictive eating.Not having real-life relationships: It may be cause for concern if it seems like your teen only connects with people they meet online and has no “real-life” friendships.Scrolling social media instead of sleeping: Allowing social media to interfere with healthy sleep can negatively impact mental health.Managing teens’ social media useEven though the research is clear about the negative effects of social media, many parents find it unrealistic to ban their teens from using social media altogether. Plus, there are some benefits of social media for teen mental health as well, including connecting with others who share their same interests or identities.The important thing is to support your teen in using social media in a way that doesn’t harm their mental health. What works for another family may not work for yours, but it’s essential to be involved and take the necessary steps to protect your child. Consider following these steps.Talk to them about mental healthOne of the most important things you can do to support your teen’s mental health — regardless of their relationship with social media — is to have open conversations with them. Despite increasing mental health awareness, it’s still a stigmatized subject that can be uncomfortable to talk about.By keeping the lines of communication open — especially about mental health topics — you can communicate to your teen that there’s nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to mental health challenges. As a result, they may be more likely to reach out to you if they need support.Help them with digital media literacyTeens might not realize that not everything they see on social media is real. They might compare themselves to altered photos online, which can lead to body dysmorphia and other mental health problems. You can help your teen build digital literacy skills, notice when something is edited, and catch the tendency to compare themselves.Use time limits, especially before bedOne of the biggest negative impacts that social media can have on teens is impacting restful and healthy sleep. Research shows that parental rules around screen time before bed can be helpful for teens.Consider setting a hard boundary limiting social media use one hour before bedtime. If your teen isn’t happy with this rule, it may help to review the research on the importance of sleep quality together.Help them connect in personBuilding connections is one of the positive aspects of social media. But if it seems like your teen is overly invested in the relationships that they build online, without making any friendships offline, it could be helpful to help them connect in person.For example, you might set up opportunities for them to bond with people within your family, like a weekly game night or a dinner every weekend. Or you can help them connect with other teens their age in their community, if they feel safe doing so.Keep in mind that there are realistic barriers that may prevent your teen from feeling safe with their peers in their physical community. For example, trans or genderqueer teens may not feel safe with unaccepting peers at school. In these situations, online communities can help your teen feel more accepted and comfortable.Support for teens impacted by social mediaIf you suspect that your teen’s mental health has already been negatively affected by social media, or if they appear to be addicted to social media — for example, if they’re using it almost all the time or use it despite it causing problems in their life — they (and you) could benefit from professional mental health support.Research shows that parental rules can be helpful but only go so far when it comes to teens who are deeply invested in social media. A therapist can strengthen your relationship with your teen and provide your teen with a safe and confidential space where they can discuss their social media use and how they can best use it to support — not harm — their mental health.A therapist who specializes in teen mental health can also help your teen address any mental health concerns that may have arisen due to problematic social media use. These therapists are trained to work through teens’ ambivalence around changing their behaviors, and they can help you learn new tools to get through to your teen as well.Find careSocial media use among teens can be a tricky subject. While research shows that it can be negative for teen mental health, using it is the norm in current teen culture. It may be unrealistic to try to prohibit it. But by being open about mental health and digital literacy and setting rules and limits where appropriate, you can support your teen to develop a healthier relationship with social media. Working with a therapist who specializes in teen mental health can also make a difference.This story was produced by Rula and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

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