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

Friday, August 28th, 2026
	Two more warm days before it turns HOT! Another heat wave is on the way to the Quad Cities for much of next week. A few showers are possible here and there this weekend, but many of us will stay dry. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	The City that Could Not Turn Itself Around This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Fourteen miles upstream from Rock Island, Highway 67 becomes the main street of LeClaire, Iowa, a river town founded by…
	NASA is about to launch a space telescope that could change how we see the universe NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launches Aug. 30 on a mission to explore some of the most pressing mysteries of the cosmos.
	This week's quiz includes two Dolly Parton questions, because she deserves it The singer, actress and philanthropist could have filled a whole quiz, but we had to give other people a chance.
	Can't stop fixating on the way you look? These 4 mental exercises may help Obsessing over your looks should not take up all your energy, says psychologist Diana Hill. If you're struggling with uncomfortable thoughts about your body, ground yourself with these techniques.
	U.S. says pipelines will make Strait of Hormuz be irrelevant. Energy experts disagree Treasure Secretary Scott Bessent said oil pipelines will make Strait of Hormuz irrelevant in two years. Energy experts say that is unlikely to happen.
	Norway's King Harald V dies at 89 and his son becomes King Haakon VIII King Harald V of Norway, who went into exile in the United States as a child during the Nazi occupation of his homeland and refused a string of European noblewomen to marry his school sweetheart, died Friday.
	What a fake poll reveals about worries around prediction markets and the midterms While a stunt involving fake polls may not have been an effort to rig prediction markets, concerns are growing ahead of the midterms about other attempts to influence the betting sites.
	U.S., South Korea and Japan to hold drill as North Korea ramps up pressure on U.S. The announcement that the three countries will go ahead with a trilateral military drill comes a day after North Korea vowed to retaliate against what it called U.S. hostilities.
Thursday, August 27th, 2026
	Judge says Pentagon's measures against Anthropic were 'illegal and baseless' A judge issued a written order Thursday night that the Pentagon acted illegally by punishing the AI company for its criticism of the Department of Defense's views on AI use. The government is expected to fight the ruling.
	Davenport man wanted in connection with 2025 fatal crash arrested in Mexico A Davenport man wanted in connection with a 2025 fatal motorcycle crash has been arrested in Mexico and returned to the U.S.
	“She was so strong”: Hawkeyes to honor Clinton girl as kid captain after her passing Four-year-old Ellie Walker will be honored as an Iowa Kid Captain after her death from pineoblastoma, a rare stage four brain cancer. Her family says the recognition will keep the spirited redhead’s legacy alive.
	Major upgrades unveiled at Edgewood Park in Bettendorf The $130,000 investment went towards replacing the playground and adding more state-of-the-art features.
	Construction on 35th Street in Moline begins Friday Work will continue into October. Drivers should plan for alternate routes.
	Milan man charged with 137 counts relating to child sexual abuse material 56-year-old Dennis Carey was first arrested on eight felony counts in February before the additional charges were filed on Thursday.
	Sandburg College charging ahead with new facility The Charger Center will be a 70,000 square foot sports and conference facility on the south end of campus.
	Scott County Jail inmate charged after corrections officer was beaten Scott County prosecutors on Thursday filed formal charges against a jail inmate accused of beating a corrections officer on Wednesday morning.
	Cook review: 'Insidious: Out of the Further' doesn't conjure up much of a story It's an end-of-summer horror movie that has the pre-fall blahs. "Insidious: Out of the Further" is the latest in a what has become a favorite franchise. This one is rated PG-13, so it's not as gory or raw as other horror shows. It's not as interesting, either, although the ick factor that's part of the [...]
	Davenport police arrest man in connection with 2025 stabbing death Davenport police arrested Ryan Travis McNeiece in connection with the July 27, 2025, stabbing death of Joseph John Padilla II.
	Peoria officer’s actions in deadly May shooting ruled justified The actions of a Peoria Police Officer in an officer-involved shooting back in May have been ruled justified.
	Scott County offers free MMR vaccine as measles cases rise in Iowa Scott County Health Department is offering free MMR vaccines to all residents as measles cases rise across Iowa. No confirmed cases in the county yet.
	Man wanted in fatal motorcycle crash arrested, victim’s family confirms He was wanted by the Davenport Police Department for homicide by vehicle, OWI homicide by vehicle and reckless driving with serious injury by vehicle.
	Burlington man sentenced for chatting with officers posed as underaged girls Jermaine Hill, 39, will spend 35 years behind bars after court records say he used Facebook Messenger to talk to undercover officers posed as 14-year-old girls.
	QCA students wash cars to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Two Pleasant Valley High School students are holding a car wash event for a good cause. Kamran Foad and Tripp Barclay run a luxury car detailing service in the Quad Cities. This Saturday, August 29. they'll give away free car washes from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Green Buick GMC at 3210 E. Kimberly [...]
	Iowa GOP touring to criticize Josh Turek's voting record Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann is embarking on a tour across Iowa to highlight Josh Turek's missed votes, and the Turek campaign is firing back.
	Meta settlement brings new restrictions for young social media users Young Facebook and Instagram users could soon face new restrictions on how and when they use the social media platforms as part of a multibillion-dollar settlement involving Meta.
	How the Muscatine Humane Society plans to stop the overpopulation of stray cats In Muscatine and across the Quad Cities, there are too many stray cats. Hundreds are brought into the Muscatine Humane Society every year, and thousands of cats are brought to animal shelters in the QCA. The director of the Muscatine Humane Society, Chris McGinnis says they need to spay and neuter as many stray cats [...]
	Henry County, Illinois cities split on future of Flock cameras as county contract ends Even though the sheriff’s office is ending its contract, individual cities can still decide whether or not to keep using the cameras.
	Expert: Back-to-school season offers chance to reset kids’ screen time habits A University of Iowa expert breaks down some tips for establishing healthy boundaries around screens with your kids and teens, as well as warning signs to look for.
	The Heart of the Story: Booking it down to the farm Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies, and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. Her books about the country are getting rave [...]
	Bettendorf cancer survivor marks 20 years since transplant with NYC Marathon fundraiser Every dollar that Lori McFate raises will go back to providing free services to cancer patients and their families. Here's how you can support her.
	Former nonprofit program director stole over $426K from federal funds recipient A Colfax woman will spend over a year in prison for stealing over $426,000 from Children and Families of Iowa over nearly seven years.
	Rock Island-Milan School District opens a new health clinic in Rock Island High School The district aims to improve access to health care for students and families while helping students stay in class.
	John Deere Classic launches bi-state fundraising competition benefiting Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund From Aug. 27 through Sept. 10, donors can pick a side, Team Iowa or Team Illinois, and help their state raise the most money for the Bonus Fund.
	137 counts of child sex abuse materials-related charges leveled at former SouthPark Mall manager A former SouthPark Mall manager is charged with an additional 137 counts of child sex abuse materials-related charges.
	Iowa cattle group pressures Trump to reverse foreign beef import decision Iowa cattle groups are stepping up pressure on President Donald Trump to reverse his decision to import more foreign beef.
	Man arrested on first-degree murder charge in Davenport A man was arrested Thursday on a first-degree murder charge by the Davenport Police Department.
	New health clinic opens at Rock Island High School to serve students, families Rock Island High School opens a new School Health Link clinic providing medical care and health services to students and the public.
	New clinic provides accessible healthcare for Rock Island-Milan children The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is also open during school breaks.
	4 charged in storage unit burglary, deputies say Deputies said individuals cut a hole through the fence to get into the property and cut off the locks of the doors before taking items.
	How to stay safe from job scams amid anticipated rise in Quad Cities The Better Business Bureau is warning Quad Cities residents of employment scams amid the Tyson Foods Joslin closure.
	Burlington man sentenced to federal prison for attempted enticement of minor A Burlington, Iowa man was sentenced on Aug. 26, to 35 years in federal prison for two counts of attempted enticement of a minor and offense by a registered sex offender. According to public court documents and evidence presented, in June 2025 Jermaine Robert Hill, 39, began chatting on Facebook Messenger with two undercover officers [...]
	Scott County Jail inmate assaults correctional officer According to the sheriff and arrest records, the officer sustained several injuries to his head and face.
	Bettendorf woman running NYC Marathon to raise money for Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club It's been 20 years since Lori McFate received a lifesaving bone marrow transplant, and her run will honor her anniversary and everyone who helped her cancer journey.
	Tips for discussing screen time with your kids as students get back to school Dr. Jonathan Platt joined The Current to discuss healthy screen time boundaries, risk signs to watch out for and even potential benefits of social media for teens.
	Crime Stoppers: Person wanted in connection with vehicle theft, crashes Law enforcement is asking for help finding a person, believed to be a woman, accused of stealing a vehicle and driving recklessly.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted for sex offender registration violation Daniel Laurie is wanted by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office for sex offender registration violation.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Iowa Department of Corrections for probation violations Watts, 38, is 6-feet-tall and 200 pounds.
	Milan man charged with more than 130 counts relating to child sexual abuse material 56-year-old Dennis Carey was first arrested on eight felony counts in February before the additional charges were filed on Thursday.
	Muscatine Humane Society to build surgical building The Muscatine Humane Society's new project could help reverse the overpopulation of cats in Muscatine. The shelter is building a brand new building specifically for surgeries. The animal shelter takes in in any stray cats people bring to them, which has overcrowded the shelter and caused the small 25-year-old surgery room to be used as [...]
	A Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer who shot an iconic Vietnam War-era photo has died Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Slava "Sal" Veder died on Saturday, Aug. 22, just 8 days shy of his 100th birthday.
	Student loan SAVE plan is ending: What to know A major deadline is looming for millions of student loan borrowers as the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan is ending. Borrowers with loans in forbearance must select a new repayment plan, and the new plans are much more costly. Our Quad Cities News NewsNation correspondent Diane Lee looks at what's next for the [...]
	Celebrate Library Card Sign Up Month with Bettendorf Library The Bettendorf Public Library is celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month in September with several free events and activities to encourage community members to get a library card. Cardholders can take behind the scenes library tours and learn how returns get from the book drop to the shelves, see how many items you can borrow and [...]
	City of Davenport sending out community survey for 2026 At first, the survey will only be sent to a random sample of residents from all eight wards, but after two weeks, it will become available to all Davenport residents
	Cresco, Iowa, man arrested after driving to Davenport to meet underage girl A man has been arrested after he allegedly traveled to Davenport to meet up with someone he believed to be an underage girl, who turned out to be a cop.
	Milan man arrested on 137 additional CSAM charges A Milan man who was arrested in February on four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and four counts of production of child pornography has been arrested again and charged with an additional 137 counts related to CSAM (child sex abuse material). Dennis Carey, 57, was initially charged in February of 2026 with four counts [...]
	Former SouthPark Mall manager charged with 137 additional counts of child sexual abuse materials A Milan man is facing more than 130 additional counts of possession and intent to disseminate child sexual abuse material.
	Scott County Jail inmate assaults correctional officer, records show According to the sheriff and arrest records, the officer sustained several injuries to his head and face.
	Will tonight's partial lunar eclipse be visible in the Quad Cities? The next opportunity to catch a glimpse of a lunar eclipse after this month will be in February 2027. That one will be more subtle.
	After an unexpected loss, a young woman received support from a stranger While living abroad, Kate Rogan received news that her mom had passed away. Traveling home was difficult, but a kind stranger took charge and ensured she got back to her family in time for the funeral.
	Team Illinois vs. Team Iowa: The Giving Cup fundraising campaign supports Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund The campaign begins Thursday and runs through Sept. 10.
	intensive treatment for eating disorders now being offering in the Quad Cities UnityPoint Health – Robert Young Center recently launched the area’s first Intensive Outpatient Program for eating disorders.
	Taste of East Moline raises funds for grants, programs Enjoy samples from over 25 area restaurants while raising funds for community grants in East Moline. The fifth annual Taste of East Moline returns to the Rust Belt, 1033 7th Street in East Moline on Thursday, October 8 from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. The family-oriented community event will bring friends, families and neighbors together [...]
	Davenport man charged after allegedly stalking, harassing woman since 2021 A Davenport man is facing charges in Scott County District Court after allegedly stalking, harassing and attempting to break into a woman’s home since 2021.
	Trump directs federal government to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing the federal government to rename Lake Ontario amid an escalating trade dispute with Canada .
	Critics rally against SAVE Act in Davenport Critics of the SAVE Act are concerned it challenges the right to vote for those who've changed their name. Proponents maintain it's crucial for election integrity.
	Longtime local sports reporter to be added to Kinnick Media Wall of Fame Steve Batterson will be inducted posthumously alongside Gary Dolphin, Mike Hlas and Steve Roe the weekend of Sept. 18 - 19.
	Woman arrested after harassing, attempted breaking and entering to fight individual A woman is facing charges in Scott County District Court after attempting to break and enter into an individual’s home to fight them.
	Black Hawk College marking 80th anniversary with '80s event Join Black Hawk College as it celebrates its 80th anniversary with a free 1980s themed event on Thursday, September 10 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. on the QC Campus, 6600 34th Avenue in Moline, building 3 gymnasium. There’s plenty for everyone to enjoy, including: Click here to RSVP.
	Galva Police to discontinue Flock camera program Galva is stepping away from the system to stay aligned with county partners and to address public feedback, according to a media release.
	Getting to Know Brick and Motor Boutique Chief Meteorologist Andy McCray talks with familiar faces around the Quad Cities in the Getting to Know Podcast. Learn more about important people around our area and have a good time doing it. Each week will feature a new guest from restaurant owners, to area leaders, to Our Quad Cities News Staff. In this episode [...]
	Arizona man sentenced to federal prison after attempting to traffic meth to the Quad Cities An Arizona man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on Wednesday for conspiracy to distribute meth in the Quad Cities.
	The stakes as high as Kevin Warsh is set to give his first major speech as Fed Chair The stakes are high as Fed Chair Kevin Warsh prepares to give a speech on Friday at the annual gathering of economists and central bankers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
	The stakes are high as Kevin Warsh is set to give his first major speech as Fed Chair The stakes are high as Fed Chair Kevin Warsh prepares to give a speech on Friday at the annual gathering of economists and central bankers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
	How better product data is reshaping digital commerce How better product data is reshaping digital commerceE-commerce businesses that fail to centralize product data face a compounding crisis: Fragmented systems erode brand trust, slow fulfillment, and leak revenue to competitors with unified data foundations. Whether a consumer scrutinizes a label during economic uncertainty or a business-to-business (B2B) buyer commits significant capital in a digital transaction, data quality determines trust.Poor data, however, kills conversions, tanks operational efficiency, and fractures the customer experience across channels. Yet many organizations still treat data as a back-office information technology problem rather than the primary engine of growth it has become.DigitBridge, an omnichannel operations systems provider, explored how better product data is reshaping digital commerce. DigitBridge How Data Quality Drives Customer Trust and RevenueAn overview of insights into the importance of data quality in digital commerce comes courtesy of GS1, which put together a recent white paper on the value of trust throughout the supply chain. First, it highlights that decision-makers in the industry are well aware of the upsides, with 63% of respondents in a 2025 survey stating that streamlined data sharing enabled tangible improvements in core processes, including product inventory management and goods distribution.The paper also highlights the case study of retail giant Target, which went from having four team members dedicated to data quality management in 2015 to employing more than 20 professionals in this sphere a decade later. In this case, centralization, combined with human accountability, was emphasized as important for improving and maintaining long-term product data quality.Another GS1 report focuses on the significance of trust, particularly in targeting consumers with food products at a time of inflation that leaves 80% exposed to higher prices. As prices grow, so too does the amount of attention shoppers pay to product details, with 71% saying they look into data displayed on food labels more closely if they’re expected to hand over more money at checkout.Trust is harder to earn and maintain if companies are not transparent about their products, and this gets tougher the higher up the price range a product sits. Thus, better product data can allay buyer fears and win sales, while also providing behind-the-scenes benefits for supply and distribution efficiency.Unifying commerce through a shared data foundation is fundamental to organizations finding their footing when economic confidence is suboptimal. As demonstrated in the aforementioned report, brands can expect buyers to hold them to higher standards when prices are higher, and delivering on these expectations requires high-quality, easily shared data.Why B2B Buyers Demand the Same Data Consistency as ConsumersBusiness-to-consumer (B2C) benefits from better product data are obvious. B2B depends on it just as much—though the stakes are higher.Data collated by McKinsey demonstrates this relationship, focusing on how omnichannel experiences are a defining factor of the buying journey today, with confidence in digital transactions growing when businesses buy from businesses. An average of 10 channels are used by typical B2B customers when progressing along the sales funnel, and more than half want to see an improvement in the seamlessness of the buyer experience as they move between them.In terms of the channel that dominates revenue generation, e-commerce holds the largest share at 34%. Meanwhile, only 17% of sales occur in person, and higher-value sales are also more frequently conducted remotely. 73% of B2B buyers said they would happily spend more than $50,000 via digital commerce channels, while 39% would spend over $500,000, and 20% would exceed $1 million.This state could only have been reached with better product data. If a consumer needs to trust a brand when they’re spending $10 online, that must be magnified many times over when a B2B buyer is putting $50,000 or more on the line.Data Maturity as the Competitive Dividing LineUltimately, high-quality product data has moved from a back-office IT requirement to a primary engine of commercial growth. Whether a business is catering to a budget-conscious consumer scanning a label or an enterprise buyer navigating a complex $500,000 procurement workflow, data fidelity serves as the proxy for brand trust.Now that digital channels are both the front door and the primary revenue generator for modern enterprise, organizations that treat their data as a strategic asset will consistently outpace competitors in operational agility, customer conversion, and long-term brand loyalty.As commerce channels continue to multiply and customer expectations rise, the divide between data-mature businesses and those relying on fragmented legacy systems will only widen.Investing in standardized, centralized, and accountable product data management is a means of laying the infrastructure required to scale.This story was produced by DigitBridge and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Howard County man arrested after year-long child exploitation, grooming investigation A Howard County man was arrested on Wednesday after over a year-long investigation.
	5 ways to say yes and make the most of the rest of summer (BPT) - Summer is coming to a close, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop. There's still time to take advantage of the sunshine and warm evenings. If you're wondering how to make the most of the time you have left, keep one mantra in mind: say yes.When you say yes to last-minute invites, unplanned trips and new experiences, you open yourself up to new opportunities that can help you build your confidence. Not sure where to start? Check out these five low-pressure situations you'll likely encounter this summer that offer energizing change to your life when you say yes.Book that trip!If an airfare alert to your dream city pops up or a friend invites you to a weekend cabin trip on a Thursday, don't hem and haw. Embrace these opportunities to step out of your comfort zone and welcome adventure into your life.Spontaneous trips are often better than planned ones. Why? Because you don't have any plans that you need to adjust to make the trip memorable. So, pack your bag with your favorite essentials, go in with loose expectations and hit reset with a change of scenery.Spontaneous concertsLast-minute concerts are practically made for summer. Keep an eye out for your favorite bands, and you may find day-of tickets at an absolute steal. Or take up your friend's offer of an extra ticket to a band you've never heard of. Whatever the situation, don't let these musical moments pass you by. Throw on something that makes you feel confident and pair it with a bold lip color or favorite pair of earrings before heading out to enjoy new and old songs alike.Switch up your hair colorA hair color refresh is one of the easiest ways to say yes to yourself this summer — a low-commitment, high-reward dare that can make you feel like a whole new you, whether you go for a silver blonde, deep burgundy or golden brunette.The best part? No appointment needed. Just head to the store and pick up a box. For a quick, natural-looking at-home color experience that delivers salon-inspired, high-gloss shades, try Clairol Nice 'n Easy10. Designed for modern routines, it delivers radiant, true-to-you color in just 10 minutes. With 13 shades to choose from, you'll find a natural-looking color that suits your personality — and covers your grays.Just need a quick touch-up? Skip the salon and reach for Clairol Root Touch-Up. With a wide range of shades and an easy application, it's the effortless way to keep your color fresh and camera-ready — so you're always prepared for whatever the summer dares you to do next.Go on a solo dateHaving a hard time lining up your schedule with your friends? Don't wait. Take yourself out.A solo date might feel a little uncomfortable at first, but there's something quietly liberating about doing exactly what you want, at your own pace, with no one else's preferences to consider. Take yourself to that new restaurant you've been eyeing, buy a ticket to the movie you've been looking forward to, or wander around a museum without a single compromise. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy your own company — and how much confidence comes from it.Summer is short. Say yes.Before your fall calendar fills up and you settle back into routine, say yes to the little invitations, last-minute plans, low-commitment refreshes, the night you almost skipped and the solo outings. When you say yes to these opportunities, you're also saying yes to the version of you who is ready for something new.
	Hands-on beauty education is becoming a fast track to entrepreneurship Hands-on beauty education is becoming a fast track to entrepreneurshipThe market for personal beauty services is large and growing, with one report estimating its size at $233.56 billion worldwide in 2025, and projecting 7.22% compound annual growth rate between now and 2032. In the U.S. alone, it will grow to generate $75.87 billion annually over this time period, and a number of factors are helping to catalyze its expansion, with researchers citing the impact of influences like increased interest in personal grooming among men and women, along with social media’s impact on consumer behavior habits.As professional spray tan products and training provider Sjolie explains below, beauty training experts who understand where the market is heading will be better positioned to take advantage of this growth. Training programs that teach students the technical skills that students are looking for, along with the business knowledge to grow their brand, will likely be in greater demand. Programs that ignore business education, however, may quickly find that competitors are filling in this gap in education and targeting their students. SJOLIE The Beauty and Self-Care Industry Rebounds From the PandemicThe Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that the beauty services sector will see 5% growth in jobs for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists from 2024 to 2034, signaling strong demand for beauty and self-care. This represents a bounce back from the pandemic period that damaged the industry in the short term.Skincare specialists, meanwhile, enjoy a 7% improvement in job outlook between 2024 and 2034. This 7% growth figure is shared with manicurists and pedicurists, with the BLS describing the increases as much faster than average.In terms of earnings, the median annual pay rate for skincare specialists is the highest, at $41,560, while manicurists and pedicurists make $34,660, and the group that includes barbers and cosmetologists earns $35,420 in median earnings.Beauty Education Provides Entrepreneurial OpportunitiesThe latest industry snapshot put together by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) highlights the opportunities provided by beauty education for those who want to join this growing industry. While the self-employment rate in the wider workforce is 7%, for those working in personal appearance-related professions, it's 33%.The highest rates of self-employment are found among hairstylists and cosmetologists, where 37% work for themselves, either at their own salons or by renting chairs at established salons.Opportunities for Women and Underrepresented GroupsData from the Census Bureau highlights that non-employer businesses outpaced employer businesses for an entire decade, in terms of raw growth. This was particularly pronounced post-pandemic, when companies with no paid employees grew by 4.9% in 2021 and a similar amount the following year.A slightly earlier report, again from the PBA and based on BLS data, tracks the growth of non-employer establishments (solopreneurs, studio suite renters, independent booth renters) versus traditional payroll salons. It shows that non-employer salon establishments grew by 36% over a decade from 2008 to 2018, with total sales jumping 63%. Meanwhile, employer-based salons grew by 17% over the same period, with sales rising 48%.That same PBA research found that women make up nearly 85% of professionals in personal appearance occupations, compared with 47% of the workforce at large. Moreover, there’s a greater representation of workers of Asian ethnicity in this industry, at more than 20% versus 7% across the workforce.Hands-on training creates opportunities for people who want to work in the beauty services sector, endowing them with skills and knowledge that help create a new generation of entrepreneurs. And while the industry was challenged during the exceptional circumstances at the start of the decade, current projections for strong growth make it all the more promising.This story was produced by Sjolie and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport rally on Women’s Equality Day protests SAVE Act It’s hard enough to get people to vote in midterm elections, and many Quad Cities residents came out Wednesday to protest a proposed federal law that would make it even harder to vote.
	Sterling man arrested after allegedly making terroristic threat towards former employer A Sterling man was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly making a terroristic threat towards his former employer.
	AI-accelerated attacks make cyber insurance increasingly important for small businesses AI-accelerated attacks make cyber insurance increasingly important for small businessesSmall businesses are meaningfully shifting toward proactive cyber disaster preparedness as part of their business continuity strategies. Between the acceleration of AI and the rising costs associated with cyberattacks, businesses have more reason to prioritize preparation for cyber threats as part of their broader risk-management strategy, Thimble reports.Cyber threats cost the average American small businesses an average of $1 million in 2026, depending not only on the attack type and severity of the attack, but also the preparedness of the business.Sixty-nine percent of businesses mistakenly believed they were well-prepared to survive a cyber threat, yet only 60% of small businesses that experience a cyber incident costing under $100,000 actually survived post-incident. While having plans in place to prevent a cyber threat can seem like a costly expense, recovering from attacks can be costly, too. And yet only 17% of small businesses in the U.S. have cyber insurance vs. 62% in the U.K., despite knowing they are prime targets.Prime targets: 43% of all cyberattacks target small businessesWhat are the common cyber vulnerabilities and exposures for small businesses to consider?According to IBM, there are over 300,000 AI chatbot credentials observed for sale on the dark web right now. That means your small business’s website or app’s chatbot could be infiltrated by a bad actor. There are many ways your business is exposed to cyber threats, and those ways are exponentially multiplying daily.Consider this list of ways that small businesses can be targeted:Weak passwordsOutdated software that is missing security updatesHuman errors and judgment callsThird-party vendorsCloud misconfigurations or improper IT architecture and securityRansomware, malware, viruses, and spywareBig fears, small budget: 47% of small businesses say they have zero cyber budgetHow to start a proactive plan for cyber threat mitigation for a small business that doesn’t break your bank now or laterThe goal is to proactively prepare for cyber threats to mitigate financial disaster, not cause a financial disaster by creating too many expenses. There are many low-cost, high-impact ways to treat cyber threat prevention as a priority without putting a strain on operating costs. The more robust your plan and preparedness, the more likely your business is to survive (and thrive) post-attack.Core priorities to consider:Enable multi-factor authentication for all systems of access, like email, financial accounts, and all admin logins.Create and maintain regular backups that are disconnected from your main network.Leverage automatic updates and patches for software and core applications.Educate employees to avoid social attacks, such as phishing, and to avoid sharing sensitive information with free tools like this one.Encrypt all business data and devices to keep information unreadable in the event of a breach.Browse no-cost cyber hygiene services for your IT team that include various resources for small businesses, like creating an incident response plan.Purchase cyber insurance, with adequate coverage for your business, as well as incident response coordination (which helps provide legal counsel to advise on the proper handling of the incident and defense counsel for third-party claims)With more and more cyber incidents in the news, it’s no surprise that 69% of U.S. companies reported an increase in cyber attacks in 2025. What might be surprising is that 41% of all incidents reported were AI-driven. Keeping up with threats is getting harder and harder with the acceleration of AI. Avoid being one of the small businesses that believed they were prepared for a cyber incident, or worse, one that didn’t survive an attack. It’s time to create a plan and keep it updated for business resiliency.This story was produced by Thimble and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How (and why) you should earn transferable credit card points How (and why) you should earn transferable credit card pointsIf you’re looking to improve your travel game, there’s one important strategy you can pursue: Focus on earning (and then redeeming) transferable credit card rewards.Transferable rewards are, simply put, the most valuable type of currency to earn in the world of points and miles. This is entirely due to their versatility. American Express, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Wells Fargo offer rewards credit cards that earn points or miles you can transfer to various airline and hotel partners.This can be especially valuable when you hope to travel in a premium cabin or want to minimize the number of points or miles you redeem for an award. Instead of being limited to a single airline (and its partners) or one hotel program, you can leverage your rewards to book the best available option for the lowest possible price.And if you’re looking to optimize your redemptions this year, learning how to transfer your credit card rewards can be one of the most important steps.The Points Guy explains why you should focus on transferable rewards — and which cards to consider.Why are transferable points so valuable?Transferable points or miles offer flexibility when it’s time to use your rewards to book travel. For example, if you have a large stash of American Airlines AAdvantage miles, which are not transferable, you can only redeem your miles on American and its partners.However, you have many more options if you have a big balance of transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.Here are just a few:Book travel on any airline through the Chase Travel portal.Transfer points to Air France-KLM Flying Blue to book SkyTeam award flights.Transfer points to British Airways or Iberia to book American award flights.Transfer points to United Airlines MileagePlus or Air Canada Aeroplan to book Star Alliance award flights.Transfer points to Virgin Atlantic to book flights operated by Delta Air Lines or many other Flying Club partners.You could also transfer points to World of Hyatt for luxurious hotel stays, though the transfer ratios vary by Chase card.You’re in the driver’s seat, as you can hold on to your hard-earned rewards until you find a specific trip you want to book.When should you transfer points?From flights and hotel stays to gift cards, merchandise and more, there are seemingly infinite ways to use your points. It can be quite complex. While you shouldn’t consider your loyalty program account balances as long-term investments, you should ensure that you spend your points just as you would hard-earned money: strategically and efficiently. Determining when to transfer points to partners rather than using them for other redemptions becomes critical.When you want to redeem your transferable points for travel, there are several options. You can purchase flights and hotel stays through the travel site specific to the bank (like the Chase Travel portal or Amex Travel), or you can transfer your points to a loyalty program and book based on that program’s award rates. While your goal is the same — booking travel using your rewards — the costs can vary widely.It’s worth noting that booking a flight directly with an airline or via a credit card portal means you’d earn miles on that flight. While this typically isn't true with hotels, Chase has added this option for select properties. Additionally, there's no guarantee that transferring will give you more value than booking directly.However, in many situations — especially for premium-cabin flights or luxurious hotel stays — you can really maximize your redemptions this way.Thankfully, transferring your points or miles is relatively straightforward, and the vast majority of transfers post instantly.So, what kind of points can you earn to eventually transfer to your favorite airline program? Here are five well-known credit card rewards currencies to help you understand your options.American Express Membership RewardsAmerican Express Membership Rewards points are a transferable rewards currency, with a value of 2 cents per point according to TPG’s August 2026 valuations. These points can get you some incredible awards thanks to Amex's array of transfer partners, including ANA Mileage Club and Delta SkyMiles — both unique to Amex.It’s also worth noting that American Express offers frequent transfer bonuses for its airline and hotel partners, though these are sometimes targeted. Keep an eye on your account for these offers to pop up, and for the variety of options to use Membership Rewards points.Of course, before you redeem American Express points, you first need to earn them. Here are the most popular cards that earn Membership Rewards points:American Express Platinum CardThe Business Platinum Card from American ExpressAmerican Express Gold CardAmerican Express Business Gold CardThe Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American ExpressDon’t forget to add Amex Offers to your card(s). You can earn thousands of additional bonus points or save money on select purchases.Finally, you can also use Rakuten to earn bonus points when you buy items online. This online shopping portal partners with thousands of retailers to offer bonus cash back on your purchases. However, you can elect to earn Membership Rewards points instead. You can sign up and earn a one-time bonus of $50 by spending at least $50 at participating merchants in the first 90 days of joining.BiltBilt allows cardholders to earn Bilt Points when paying for their rent or mortgage. This is helpful because renting can amount to thousands of dollars spent per year. The program offers an impressive list of transfer partners, including Atmos Rewards and World of Hyatt.Currently, Bilt offers three credit cards: the Bilt Blue Card, the Bilt Obsidian Card and the Bilt Palladium Card.Each Bilt card earns rewards at different rates, but all three have the same options for earning on your housing payments:You can choose to earn 4% Bilt Cash on all non-housing purchases and then redeem (at a rate of $30 in Bilt Cash to 1,000 points) on your housing paymentsOr, you can forgo earning Bilt Cash and earn up to 1.25 points per dollar spent on housing with a tiered reward optionUp to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year.Consistent with the other major programs that have transferable currencies, Bilt occasionally offers transfer bonuses, often during its monthly Rent Day promotion.Capital One milesCapital One has become a strong player in the world of transferable points and miles. While its cards were once primarily associated with straightforward, fixed-value rewards, the issuer has expanded its offerings by introducing a broad network of transfer partners, dramatically increasing the value potential for cardholders.Among the products is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which combines premium travel benefits with the ability to transfer miles to 15-plus airline and hotel partners. Cardholders also enjoy access to Capital One Lounges and a unique dining concept called The Landing, adding further appeal to the portfolio.The Capital One Venture X Business card builds on this momentum by catering to small-business owners, pairing a welcome bonus with valuable ongoing rewards and travel perks.Popular Capital One transfer partners include Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca Lifemiles and British Airways Club. There are also occasional transfer bonuses.Here are the cards that currently earn transferable Capital One miles:Capital One Spark Miles for Business (no longer available to new applicants)Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business (no longer available to new applicants)Capital One Venture BusinessCapital One Venture Rewards Credit CardCapital One Venture X BusinessCapital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardIf you’re sitting on Capital One miles, transferring them to airline partners can unlock some great awards.Chase Ultimate RewardsChase doesn’t have as many transfer partners as American Express, but Ultimate Rewards points are still quite valuable.You can transfer these points to 14 airline and hotel partners, most at a 1:1 ratio. These include Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt.Chase Sapphire Preferred Card cardholders and other select Chase cards will transfer to Hyatt at a 4:3 ratio. This change will take effect on Oct. 1, 2026; however, new cardholders who apply on or after June 15, 2026, will see the new ratio effective immediately.Here are the cards that earn fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points:Chase Sapphire Preferred CardChase Sapphire ReserveChase Sapphire Reserve for BusinessInk Business Preferred Credit CardYou can also maximize earning rewards on other personal and business cards and convert cash back to points using one of the four cards above.Citi ThankYou RewardsCiti also has a transferable currency with its ThankYou Rewards program. While most of Citi’s transfer partners are international carriers, the issuer has now added American Airlines AAdvantage to its program, which creates even more value.Either way, leveraging alliances and partnerships can help you get tremendous value from your points. For example, you can use a program like Avianca Lifemiles to fly on United or a program like Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to fly on Delta.Transfer ratios between Citi ThankYou and its partners vary by card. Citi has offered transfer bonuses to a handful of its partners in the past, including Avianca and Virgin Atlantic.You'll receive higher ratios — as well as the ability to transfer to AA — with the following cards:Citi Strata Elite CardCiti Strata Premier CardCiti Prestige Card (no longer available to new applicants)That said, like with Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can combine your Citi ThankYou Rewards points in a single account for select products, allowing you to effectively convert your fixed-value earnings from cards like the Citi Strata Card or Citi Double Cash Card into fully transferable ThankYou points.Wells Fargo RewardsWells Fargo Rewards is a newer entrant in the realm of transferable credit card currencies, with a modest list of partners.With only two cards that earn transferable points, the program is small but offers significant potential — and likely has more room to grow. Those cards are:Wells Fargo Autograph Journey CardWells Fargo Autograph CardBottom lineEarning and redeeming points takes effort, but transferring them to airline and hotel partners is the key to unlocking maximum value. It stretches your rewards far beyond fixed-rate options and provides flexibility — especially for last-minute or premium bookings.Editor’s note: This content is accurate as of the posting date. Offers are subject to change.This story was produced by The Points Guy and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Attempted murder suspect accused of attacking, injuring Scott Co. corrections officer with handcuffs A Scott County Jail corrections officer was injured on Wednesday after an inmate allegedly attacked him with his own handcuffs.
	Iowa eliminated from Little League World Series The Davenport Northwest baseball team has been eliminated for the Little League World Series.
	How to reconcile an accounts payable ledger How to reconcile an accounts payable ledgerMany finance teams have a working accounts payable process. Invoices get entered, approved, and paid on schedule. But a process that runs smoothly isn’t the same as someone actually checking what goes on behind the scenes, and that makes basic questions hard to answer. How much does the company actually owe right now? Which invoices are overdue? Does the accounts payable balance in the general ledger (GL) match the accounts payable aging report? Most teams can only answer these with confidence at close.As Brex explains below, the accounts payable ledger closes that gap. When it's well maintained, you can pull it at any point in the month and get a current view of where things stand. That makes errors easier to trace and fix when they’re still small, and you’ll have an answer ready when a board member or lender asks what the company currently owes.Key takeawaysThe AP ledger is the vendor-level detail behind your GL’s single accounts payable total. In a well-maintained ledger, the sum of open vendor balances should equal the GL control account balance.The AP ledger, GL control account, and AP aging report are three related but distinct reports. The ledger holds every transaction, the GL shows one total, and the aging report re-sorts open items into time buckets. The AP aging total and the GL AP control account should tie, and the open-balance total in the AP subledger should tie to both.Reconciling weekly, rather than only at month-end, can help catch errors while they’re still traceable to a single transaction.What is an accounts payable ledger?The accounts payable ledger, also called the accounts payable subledger or subsidiary ledger, is the detailed record of vendor payables activity, organized at the individual vendor and transaction level. It captures invoices received, credit memos issued, payments made, and outstanding balances for each vendor.The general ledger only shows a single accounts payable total. The accounts payable ledger contains the vendor-level detail behind that number. In a well-maintained set of records, the sum of open vendor balances in the AP ledger should equal the accounts payable balance in the general ledger, consistent with the control-account relationship.What an AP ledger entry containsA single accounts payable ledger entry typically includes the date, vendor name, invoice number, transaction amount, and due date, along with the related debits and credits. In a well-maintained vendor ledger, fields are populated consistently. Vendor records match the vendor master, invoice references stay consistent, and dates reflect the underlying transaction. Those fields make the ledger searchable, reconcilable, and useful when something looks off.How do finance teams use the AP ledger?The accounts payable ledger supports a few different jobs, and at growing companies, the same person often handles more than one of them. The ledger is used for transaction-level accuracy and reconciliation, for cash-flow forecasting, and to give auditors a way to trace general ledger balances back to source documents. Because the same ledger can support all of these jobs, data quality problems can spread quickly once they appear.Using the ledger for reconciliation and accuracyFinance teams use the accounts payable ledger to confirm that posted invoices and payments are reflected accurately, that the accounts payable subledger ties to the general ledger control account before close, and that any discrepancy can be traced to a specific transaction. Skipping regular checks means relying on month-end reconciliation to catch problems that could have been found earlier. The accounts payable process breaks down when the ledger isn't treated as a living record. Waiting until close can turn a short review into a longer investigation. Regular reviews can catch errors while they're still traceable to a single entry.Using the ledger for cash forecasting and audit readinessThe same ledger data that supports reconciliation also feeds cash-flow forecasting and working capital reporting. Tracking the right accounts payable metrics starts with clean ledger data, which makes cash planning more credible because the payable balance is more likely to reflect what the company actually owes. That same consistency pays off at audit time as well. A ledger with consistent vendor records, complete invoice references, and linked payment records turns audit preparation into more of a retrieval exercise instead of a reconstruction project.What’s the difference between the AP ledger, GL control account, and AP aging report?These three terms are related but distinct, and finance teams work with all three regularly. Blurring them together can make a reconciliation problem harder to diagnose. The table below keeps their purposes clear, so it’s easier to find the source of a variance when something doesn’t work out. Brex The AP ledger (subledger)The accounts payable subledger records transactions with vendors. Each invoice, credit, partial payment, and adjustment appears as a separate line. It's the source of detail for what you owe and to whom. Both the accounts payable aging report and the entries flowing to the general ledger accounts payable control account originate here. If something looks wrong in either of those two places, the investigation often starts in the subledger.The GL control accountThe general ledger includes a single accounts payable control account that shows only the total accounts payable balance. There are no vendor names, invoice numbers, or due dates. Its job is to feed the balance sheet and act as an internal control check. Direct postings can create reconciliation issues when they bypass normal AP workflows or omit vendor-level detail, depending on the system. The general ledger balance should reflect activity flowing up from the subledger, which is why direct postings deserve close review.The AP aging reportThe accounts payable aging report reorganizes the accounts payable subledger's open payables into time buckets such as current, 1-30 days past due, 31-60 days, and 61 days or more. In a well-maintained ledger, the aging report total ties to the general ledger control account. When it doesn't, the investigation often starts in the subledger. Because it’s built from the same underlying data, the aging report also feeds near-term cash planning, which is why keeping it accurate supports both reconciliation and forecasting.How to use an accounts payable ledgerComplete, current entries make the accounts payable ledger reliable for reconciliation and cash forecasting. Even small gaps can surface as discrepancies at close, and tracing them backward usually takes more time than preventing them. Using the ledger well comes down to recording activity promptly, applying transactions correctly, preserving audit history, and reviewing the detail before problems stack up.Record each invoice at the moment it arrivesCreate the ledger entry as soon as the invoice arrives and is approved for entry. Delayed entry creates timing gaps that complicate vendor statement review and later payment matching. Populate every field completely and consistently as you record it. The standard invoice entry is a debit to the relevant expense or asset account and a credit to accounts payable, depending on the nature of the purchase. A clean vendor management process prevents data-quality problems at the source.Match each payment to the invoices it coversApply each payment against the specific invoices it covers so the vendor record closes cleanly. A payment left as a general credit leaves open items behind and makes the aging detail harder to read. The standard payment entry is a debit to accounts payable and a credit to cash.Enter each credit memo, void, or adjustment as its own ledger lineEnter each credit memo as its own line in the accounts payable ledger and apply it against the related open balance. A separate line preserves the transaction history in the subledger instead of overwriting the original invoice record. Handle voids and reversals the same way, so the audit history stays intact as the balance returns to zero. Because treatment varies by company policy and period-close procedures, consult your accounting team or a qualified accounting or tax professional when deciding how to record adjustments.Review the AP ledger weeklyReview the ledger against the general ledger control account on a recurring weekly schedule. Pull the accounts payable aging detail or vendor balance report from your accounting software, compare the total to the general ledger accounts payable balance on the same basis, and investigate any variance before it accumulates. Variances caught earlier are easier to trace than those discovered at close, after more transactions have posted. While you review, scan for past-due and unpaid invoices, open credit memos not yet applied, and zero-balance items that should be closed.This doesn’t require a dedicated AP hire or a large block of time. For a lean team, a standing 30-minute check each week is usually enough to catch a variance before it compounds, and it also serves as your review step when there’s no separate person to check your work. AP automation can flag many of these patterns automatically, which matters most when there’s no extra headcount to absorb the manual review.How to reconcile the AP ledger to the general ledgerReconciling the accounts payable balance in the general ledger to the subledger detail helps you confirm the number is accurate. The four steps below provide a structured way to find and fix discrepancies. Running them on a recurring schedule keeps each review manageable and makes unusual activity easier to isolate.1. Generate both reports on the same basisPull two reports from your accounting software as of the period-end date. You need the accounts payable aging detail (or vendor balance report) and the accounts payable balance from the balance sheet. Report names vary by accounting system, but every major platform has an equivalent to both. Run both reports on an accrual basis as of the same date. Keep in mind that aging reports and balance sheets are only comparable when they’re run on the same basis. Aging reports are almost always accrual-basis by design, since aging tracks unpaid, invoiced amounts, which is a concept that doesn’t exist under cash-basis accounting. If your balance sheet is set to a cash basis, confirm that it is switched to accrual before comparing the two.2. Compare the totalsThe accounts payable aging detail total and the general ledger accounts payable balance should be equal when both reports are run on the same basis and as of the same date. If they differ, record the difference before doing anything else. A round-number variance may point to a single transaction or posting pattern. A $5,000 variance, for example, may trace back to one invoice or one manual entry rather than several compounded errors. Meanwhile, a variance that matches a recent journal entry may point to a direct posting to the control account. If a $12,000 adjustment was booked directly to accounts payable last week and the variance is also $12,000, that could be the source. Capturing the variance first keeps the investigation focused on a specific problem instead of a general review.3. Investigate using a structured sequenceStart by confirming that both reports are on an accrual basis, use the same period-end date, and pertain to the same entity in a multi-entity accounting environment. A mismatch on any of those dimensions can create a variance that disappears once the reports are aligned. Next, search for journal entries posted directly to the accounts payable control account. A direct posting is typically easy to spot because it skips vendor-level details like vendor names, invoice numbers, or due dates that a typical AP entry would carry. Then check for unposted or partially posted batches. You’ll also want to look out for cutoff errors like invoices dated in the prior period but entered in the current period, or payments dated in the current period but related to a different reporting cutoff. Working through the variance in a fixed order can keep the review from turning into a broad, unfocused hunt.4. Post correcting entriesCorrect variances through the appropriate module. If an invoice was posted to the wrong period, many teams reverse and re-enter it in the correct period. If a payment wasn't applied, a common remediation step is to apply it to the open invoice. Document what the variance was, what caused it, and what was corrected. The accounts payable reconciliation workflow extends this to vendor statement matching and accrual review. Because correction methods can depend on your accounting policy, close calendar, and tax considerations, consult a qualified accounting or tax professional before making material adjustments. If reconciling your AP ledger to the GL every period eats time your team doesn’t have, consider automating your manual reconciliation process with an accounts payable software platform.How to fix common AP ledger mistakesAccounts payable ledger problems usually show up in repeatable patterns. The issues below often account for many of the subledger-to-general-ledger variances finance teams encounter at close. Once you recognize the pattern behind a variance, the fix becomes faster, and it gets easier to address the process weakness causing it before it shows up again next period.Posting journal entries directly to the AP control accountA direct journal entry to the general ledger accounts payable account can update the general ledger balance without creating the same vendor-level subledger detail you'd expect from an AP module entry. A common remediation step is to reverse the direct entry and re-enter the transaction through the accounts payable module when appropriate. Most accounting systems don’t require the same vendor-level fields on a direct journal entry that they’d require on a standard entry, which is why this kind of posting often creates a gap instead of catching it at the source. Re-entering through the module keeps the source detail and control account aligned, rather than relying on cleanup at close.Entering invoices with inconsistent or missing vendor dataAn invoice entered under a slightly different vendor name can create a separate vendor record and fragment the vendor's outstanding balance. “Bluewater Supply,” “Bluewater Supply Co.,” and “Bluewater Supply Inc.” might all describe the same vendor, but if each shows up as its own entry, that vendor’s activity gets split across three records instead of one, with no single view showing what’s actually owed to them. Regular vendor master review and a standard naming convention at setup help reduce that risk.Fragmented vendor records can also make duplicate payments harder to spot. Preventing duplicate payments in accounts payable starts with a clean vendor master. A few minutes of setup work upfront is much easier than untangling duplicate records once they’ve already spread across a reporting period.Leaving payments or credits unapplied against specific invoicesA payment or credit posted to a vendor without being matched to the intended invoice can leave open items behind and distort the aging report. A common remediation step is to open each unmatched payment and apply it to the invoice it should clear. The fix is often simple, but the longer an unmatched item sits, the more it distorts the aging detail and the harder it gets to trace back to the right invoice. Clearing unapplied items quickly keeps forecasting and close work more reliable.Relying on month-end reconciliation to catch mid-month problemsA timing difference identified early in the month is often easier to investigate than the same difference found closer to the end, after more activity has posted around it. A standing recurring review of the accounts payable subledger-to-general-ledger balance is one of the more practical accounts payable best practices you can put in place. The routine matters because consistency keeps a small variance from turning into a close-delay problem.Keep your accounts payable ledger accurateThe most common issues that finance teams run into with AP ledgers will repeat every close if nothing upstream changes. A clean accounts payable ledger can give finance teams a current view of what the company owes, whether the general ledger balance is reliable, and where to investigate before close gets harder. For lean finance teams, that means faster reconciliation, better cash visibility, and fewer surprises heading into month-end.Disclaimer: This article reflects Brex's perspective at the time of publication and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Laws, regulations, and guidance may vary based on your specific circumstances, and interpretations or outcomes may differ. Information may also change over time. Before making any decisions, you should consult your own qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial advisors.This story was produced by Brex and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Extreme weather events like hurricanes can spread antibiotic resistance genes Extreme weather events like hurricanes can spread antibiotic resistance genesIn early October of 2024, Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida. At least 19 tornadoes tore through 5.7 million acres of agricultural land, tossing up neatly laid pastures while swollen rivers and creeks flooded cattle ranches and poultry farms across the state.Chamteut Oh, an assistant professor at the University of Florida, studies microbes in the environment. While federal and state governments dispatched emergency responders to deal with the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, Oh was thinking about a mounting public health threat lurking in the waters winding through hurricane-damaged farms: antimicrobial resistance.Antimicrobial-resistant infections cause 1.27 million deaths per year globally. Manure from livestock farms contains high levels of antimicrobial resistance genes, and when hurricanes and floods spread that manure around, it can carry these genes to new bacteria that can infect people.As the 2026 hurricane season picks up, Sentient examined how microbiologists are increasingly concerned that extreme weather events such as hurricanes and floods may be spreading these genes through waste from factory farms and other sources. For instance, Oh’s team found that Hurricane Milton transported antibiotic-resistant genes from land-based bacteria to coastal environments, research they published in a recent preprint.This urgent public health challenge is only poised to intensify, says Sid Thakur, a veterinarian and executive director at North Carolina State University’s Global One Health Academy. Meanwhile, global warming is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.Transmission RiskAntibiotic resistance genes are the segments of a bacterium’s genetic code that allow it to resist effective antibiotic treatments, which would otherwise kill or inhibit the bacterium’s growth.Bacteria that have one of these genes can share it with nearby bacteria, making them resistant too. Think of it as a shield against antibiotics, Oh says. If a person is infected by bacteria carrying these genes, antibiotics don’t work as well, or at all. This means a mild infection that was easily treatable can be difficult or impossible to treat. Antimicrobial-resistant infections kill more than 35,000 people each year in the United States alone.Research has linked climate change to a 10% global increase in antibiotic resistance genes in salmonella bacteria, signaling that global warming could increase the dissemination of these genes.The places where antibiotics are used the most, such as livestock farms and hospitals, become hot spots for these antibiotic-resistant genes, Oh says.The vast majority of U.S. livestock are raised under crowded factory farm conditions that facilitate the spread of disease, and antibiotics are commonly given both to sick animals and to healthy animals to prevent disease. For livestock in the U.S., the sale and distribution of medically important antibiotics — drugs that are also used in human medicine — rose by 16% from 2023 through 2024, according to the Food and Drug Administration.Manure from these factory farms is a significant vector for antimicrobial resistance genes, according to a 2025 study. The animals also don’t fully metabolize most of the antibiotics they are given, so when the antibiotics are excreted in manure, they enter the environment.When these antibiotic resistance genes spread to new areas, the bacteria there that are not yet resistant can pick them up and become resistant. And when the antibiotics excreted in manure are present in the environment, that creates high selection pressures, where the environment favors bacteria that evolve or acquire antibiotic-resistance genes. High selection pressures make microbes without these genes even more likely to pick them up when they are exposed to them.Extreme weather events can move these genes over long distances. Wastewater or the discharge from livestock farms or cattle ranches contain high levels of antibiotic resistance genes. Hurricanes or heavy rainfall can transport them into waterways that people rely on for drinking water, like creeks and rivers, Thakur says.Under normal circumstances, drinking water treatment technology can often reduce the risk of microbial transfer of antibiotic-resistant genes by killing microbes with chlorination, Oh says. But hurricanes and storms overwhelm these treatment systems, meaning untreated water combined with floodwater can gush through streets and homes, sickening people.In these cases, the downstream communities that rely on the river to fulfill their drinking water needs may be at risk of infections, says James Tiedje, a microbiologist at Michigan State University.Extreme Weather Events Accelerate RisksIn the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Oh and his team collected water samples along Florida’s Gulf Coast to see if the hurricane had spread antibiotic resistance genes to new places. This research shows that these genes can move significantly in a hurricane, a potential risk for communities near factory farms.Inland bacteria contain higher levels of certain antibiotic-resistant genes than coastal bacteria, Oh says. Because severe weather conditions like heavy rain can overwhelm sewage treatment plants, the resistance genes “can be transferred to the coastal environment before being properly treated,” he said.The team took samples at three time points from one week to seven months after Hurricane Milton across 30 sites and tested them for both antimicrobial resistance genes and bacteria. After the hurricane, the team confirmed that inland bacteria transported antibiotic-resistant genes to coastal environments.In a separate preprint research paper, Oh and his colleagues were also able to prove that inland bacteria carrying these genes, transported on particles such as microplastics, persisted for weeks to months in the coastal environment after Hurricane Milton.In addition to fueling stronger hurricanes, climate change is also increasing the frequency and intensity of droughts, and this can also increase antibiotic resistance. In a March 2026 study, a team of researchers found that drought drives antibiotic resistance in soil bacteria. They used data on soils across the United States, Europe and China. “We have pretty solid evidence that drought can drive resistance,” says first author Xiaoyu Shan, a postdoctoral scholar at the Newman Lab at the California Institute of Technology.The reason for this may be counterintuitive: Many antibiotics, including streptomycin and tetracycline, were originally isolated from soil bacteria. This means that the compounds naturally exist in soil moisture. During a drought, some of the soil moisture evaporates, increasing the concentration of natural antibiotics, Shan says, thus increasing the selection pressure. The bacteria that are sensitive to antibiotics die off, increasing the proportion of bacteria that are resistant.Shan says the study reiterates how human and environmental health are inextricably linked.The growing public health threats of extreme weather and antimicrobial resistance are interconnected. Down the line, this could have grave implications. For Oh, “I believe we don’t have any other prevention except for reducing the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.”This story was produced by Sentient and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Survey: Gen Z is the only generation with gender parity on sex life satisfaction Survey: Gen Z is the only generation with gender parity on sex life satisfactionFor anyone who has heard that Gen Z has opted out of sex, or is too disinterested in anything that can’t be found on a screen, think again: A Hims & Hers survey of more than 2,000 Americans 18 and older has uncovered a deeper dimension of their experience.Gen Z is the first generation to come of age fully digital-first, never knowing life without a phone in their hand, and it's changed how they experience nearly everything: content on demand, stimulation a swipe away, gratification before they've even gotten out of bed. It would be easy to assume that constant access has replaced real desire.But when Hims & Hers looked specifically at Gen Z’s data from the survey, a very different picture emerged: a generation reporting real satisfaction and real desire, first-time gender satisfaction parity, and where women are leading on activity, openness, and experimentation rather than trailing behind.Forget the headlines: Gen Z wants twice as much sex as previous generationsTwo-thirds (67%) of Gen Z respondents say they're satisfied with their sex lives, the only generation in the survey where that percentage is nearly identical between men and women. This gender parity is notable and implies a generation of women who know what they want and aren’t afraid to go get it.Gen Z is also actively learning who they are and what they like: 73% of Gen Z women and 70% of Gen Z men respondents say sex has gotten better as they've grown older. Fully 65% of Gen Z respondents report being sexually active, ahead of Gen X respondents (49%) and closing in on Millennial respondents (68%).But just like every other generation in the survey, Gen Z respondents want more sex than they're getting. On average, they're having sex about seven times a month, but they want nearly double that amount. That's the widest want-versus-get gap of any generation surveyed.Gen Z women are more active, more adventurous, and more fluid with their partner's gender or identityOne of the most striking patterns in this data is how Gen Z women respondents are outpacing their male peers, not just in activity, but in openness. Seven in ten (71%) Gen Z female respondents had sex in the past month, compared to 59% of Gen Z male respondents. They're more curious too, with 30% interested in sex toys versus 26% of all respondents overall, and four times more likely than Gen Z male respondents to say they enjoy "switching it up and trying new trends." Only Millennial male respondents are more likely than they are to call their sex life "wild."They're also redefining what compatibility means. Half (51%) of Gen Z female respondents say their partner's sexual or gender identity doesn't matter to them, compared to 37% of Millennial women, and just 24% of Gen X women. In the exam room, this often shows up as patients talking about their relationships with a flexibility earlier generations didn't have the language, or the permission, for. It's not a small generational gap. It's a fundamentally different starting point for how this generation approaches attraction and partnership.Desire burns brightGen Z respondents are just as likely as Millennial respondents to describe themselves as "sexual" (38% for both), and far more likely than Gen X (30%) respondents. Some of that has a straightforward biological explanation: the late teens through twenties are when sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen reach their lifetime peak, driving a libido that naturally tapers as those hormone levels decline with age. More than half of Gen Z respondents – 53% –say they're "constantly horny," well above Gen X's 43%, a gap that tracks almost exactly with the hormonal shifts as patients get older.MethodologyThe Hims survey is a nationally representative sample of 2,018 respondents ages 18-60, balanced by age, gender, geography, and race. There were 574 Gen Z respondents included (aged 18-30). It was conducted in January 2026.This story was produced by Hims & Hers and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The quietest long-range business jets ranked by cabin noise The quietest long-range business jets ranked by cabin noiseBusiness jet users have a vested interest in researching the cabin noise of the planes they use, and internal ambient audio levels matter for comfort and productivity purposes alike. Moreover, high-net-worth individuals and executives who fly private regularly need this information to hand, whether they’re opting for outright business jet ownership or considering leasing deals.Long flights with high-frequency, high-volume interference created by engine noise and turbulence can be a mental burden that limits clear thinking and prevents rest. Evaluating cabin noise levels in decibels (dB) and speech interference level (dB SIL) is possible using the official data provided by business jet manufacturers and third parties.BlackJet, a private jet card program operator, compiled a ranking of the quietest long-range business jets by cabin noise.Understanding Speech Interference Levels at High AltitudeAcoustic engineering in long-range aviation relies on SIL ratings to quantify cabin quietness. Standard commercial airliners operate with cabin ambient sound levels between 75 dB and 85 dB.By contrast, modern long-range business aircraft target acoustic thresholds under 50 dB SIL, which mirrors a quiet corporate conference room. Engineers achieve these suppressed decibel levels through targeted structural and aerodynamic interventions.Soundproofing packages integrate up to 600 pounds of specialized multidensity acoustic foam.Triple-pane acoustic window assemblies reduce high-speed airframe wind shear noise.Tuned mass dampers placed along fuselage bulkheads absorb low-frequency engine resonance.Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, a reduction of just 3 dB cuts the sound energy reaching the cabin in half. This distinction means a 47 dB cabin is vastly quieter than a 50 dB cabin over long-haul flight routes.Ranking the Quietest Long-Range Business Jet CabinsTopping the acoustic rankings among ultra-long-range platforms is the Gulfstream G700, registering an internal cabin noise floor as low as 47.6 dB SIL during high-speed cruise. Gulfstream accomplished this acoustic benchmark by pairing sound-insulating sidewall treatments with aerodynamic design refinements across its wing roots and fuselage skin. Figures will vary depending on the materials and layout specified by customers, but it’s an impressive starting point.Sitting in the middle of the top tier is the Dassault Falcon 10X, engineered to maintain cabin sound levels under 50 dB SIL. Dassault leverages active acoustic dampening techniques and advanced composite structural panels to isolate aerodynamic thrum from the executive workspace. It also boasts updated aerodynamic properties that reduce external drag, meaning more of the cabin can enjoy lower ambient noise levels, rather than just a few select areas.The Bombardier Global 7500 closely follows, logging an ambient cabin sound profile of 50 dB SIL in Fly Victor testing. Some sources cite this at 48 dB SIL, although since no official figures are available, it’s safer to go with the only third-party data that makes a firm statement from firsthand experience. Bombardier achieves this quiet environment through the integration of General Electric Passport engines alongside dedicated acoustic bulkheads separating the primary seating zones from the forward galley.The Real Effect of Cabin SoundproofingDespite business jet manufacturers being cagey about cabin noise levels, it’s safe to assume that the claims made by these top-tier manufacturers are close to the reality that passengers can expect. And given that the difference between 47 dB SIL and 50 dB SIL will be largely undetectable to most people, with Fly Victor equating it to the hum of a domestic refrigerator, choosing a plane on this metric alone is not necessary if you’re committed to selecting from the highest rungs of the market as it stands.Outright ownership is not always the right choice. Securing an ultra-quiet cabin environment requires analyzing how airframe acquisition and operational costs align with corporate flight volume. While ultra-long-range aircraft deliver peak acoustic performance, full ownership requires substantial capital allocation and ongoing maintenance commitments.According to the National Business Aviation Association, full aircraft ownership generally makes financial sense only when annual flight time exceeds 250 flight hours. For corporations flying fewer hours, committing millions to a single depreciating asset creates capital inefficiency. To maintain acoustic comfort without absorbing full asset risk, many corporate flight departments evaluate flexible options like fractional programs or long-term leasing. These structures let corporations treat flight operations as an operating expense while maintaining access to low-decibel, long-range aircraft.Strategic Aircraft Selection for Corporate LeadershipWhen evaluating long-range airframes, decision-makers must weigh cabin sound levels alongside traditional metrics like range, speed, and airport performance. Reducing low-frequency acoustic exposure directly protects passenger focus, enabling executives to step off a trans-Atlantic flight fully prepared for negotiations. There’s no wrong choice in the upper echelons of the market from an acoustic perspective, but thorough research on aspects like fuel efficiency and range is still necessary.This story was produced by BlackJet and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The states with the highest (and lowest) stock market participation The states with the highest (and lowest) stock market participationWashington, D.C., has the highest rate of stock market participation in the U.S., with 29% of tax returns from there reporting dividend or capital gains income in 2022, the year for which the most recent Internal Revenue Service (IRS) data is available, according to a Motley Fool analysis of that data. The District of Columbia’s stock market participation rate is more than double that of Mississippi, which has the lowest in the country at 11%.Stock market participation by state is calculated by measuring the share of tax returns reporting dividend or capital gains income in a given year. Retirement account income is not included. This methodology was first used by researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis in 2017. It is a conservative estimate of actual state-level stock market participation, not a full count of investors. A separate Gallup survey puts overall U.S. stock ownership at 58%, more than double what this measure shows, because most of that 58% invest through a retirement account.For individual investors, the long-standing gap in stock market participation between states highlights unequal exposure to decades of stock market gains and provides further insight into the distribution of stock ownership and its implications for wealth distribution.Washington, D.C., has the highest rate of stock market participation; Mississippi has the lowestNationally, 21% of tax returns reported dividend income and 19% reported capital gains in 2022. Washington, D.C. led with reported dividend income at 29% and capital gains at 25%, while Mississippi came in at the bottom at 11% and 10%, respectively The Motley Fool In addition to the District of Columbia, these states led in reporting dividend income: Connecticut (27%), Massachusetts (27%), New Jersey (26%), and New Hampshire (26%).The states with the lowest percentage of their population reporting dividend income were Mississippi (11%), West Virginia (14%), Alabama (14%), Oklahoma (14%), and New Mexico (15%).The states with the highest percentage of residents reporting capital gains income, after Washington, D.C., were Washington (24%), Massachusetts (23%), Connecticut (23%), New Jersey (23%), and Colorado (23%).The states with the lowest share of residents reporting capital gains income were Mississippi (11%), West Virginia (12%), Alabama (13%), Louisiana (14%), and New Mexico (14%).Median household income is a driver of differences in the rates at which states report stock market participation — higher income states have a higher share of residents reporting than lower income states. D.C.’s median household income is nearly double Mississippi’s, but its median age is five years lower.Washington, D.C.’s stock market participation also grew faster than any state from 2013 to 2022, by 7%. Washington state’s grew by 4%, California by 3%, and Colorado by 3% as well. Overall, 48 out of 51 jurisdictions saw their stock market participation grow. Connecticut, Alaska, and West Virginia shrank by less than a percentage point.The distinction between capital gains and dividends is important because they track different stock ownership events. Dividend income comes from stock, mutual fund, and REIT payouts, so it’s a fairly direct measure of stock ownership. Capital gains, as reported on a tax return, can come from selling any asset, including real estate or a business, not just stocks, so it’s a broader measure of income that may not be derived from selling a stock.Median state income drives the stock ownership gap among statesMedian household income accounts for 61% of the difference in stock market participation among states, based on a regression analysis of IRS tax returns and Census Bureau income data. States with higher median incomes tend to have higher stock market participation rates, while states with lower incomes tend to have lower participation rates.The median age of a state’s population has nearly no relationship to stock market participation as measured in this article, despite older Americans owning a higher percentage of stocks than younger ones, according to Motley Fool research.There are some exceptions:Utah has a median income of $104,000, the sixth highest in the nation and well above the national median household income of $83,730. But it's ranked 39th in stock market participation as measured by reported dividend income.Maryland ranks third highest in household income but just 27th for stock market participation.Wisconsin and Pennsylvania outperform. They’re in the middle of median household income, at 27th and 34th, respectively, but are 10th and 12th for stock market participation.A simple state-level comparison can’t explain why some states have higher or lower participation relative to their median incomes. Income is a dominant factor in stock market participation, but not the only one. Other potential explanations range from financial habits to differences in access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, regional financial literacy and more, none of which this data measures directly.What gaps in state-level stock market participation reveal about stock ownershipState-level stock market participation shows investment gains in the form of a dividend or sale of an asset that qualifies for capital gains tax. It is not a full measure of stock ownership. Living in a low-participation state does not mean residents don’t own stock. Many likely do so through a retirement account such as a 401(k) or an IRA, which aren’t captured in this ranking.By that narrower measure, the gap between states is wide and, in the case of Washington, D.C., has been growing for at least a decade.That income is a primary driver of differences in stock market participation across states isn’t surprising, given that the top 1% by net worth own more stocks than the bottom 90%, according to a Motley Fool analysis of Federal Reserve data. Adding a geographic dimension highlights how widespread that concentration is, and reveals where on the ground the divide is starkest.Closing the stock market participation gap doesn’t require picking the right individual stock or timing an investment. For many households, the first step can be contributing to a retirement account or a low-cost index fund; the same approach countless other investors have used to start their own investing journeys that work best for them.FAQsWhat state has the highest rate of stock market participation?Washington, D.C., has the highest stock market participation rate in the country, with 29% of tax returns reporting dividend or capital gains income in 2022, according to IRS data. D.C. overtook Connecticut, the previous leader, in 2020.What state has the lowest rate of stock market participation?Mississippi has the lowest stock market participation rate of any state, at 11% in 2022. West Virginia, Alabama, Oklahoma, and New Mexico round out the bottom five.Does stock market participation include money held in a 401(k) or IRA?No, this measure of stock market participation is based on dividend and capital gains income reported on a tax return, and retirement accounts aren't taxed or reported that way. That means it's a conservative estimate of true investing activity, not a full count of investors.MethodologyStock market participation data comes from the IRS Statistics of Income Division’s Individual Income and Tax Data, by State, Tax Years 2013 through 2022. The data also includes returns from Washington, D.C. Participation is defined as the share of tax returns that report either dividend income or net capital gains, using the methodology first employed by YiLi Chien and Paul Morris of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis in a 2017 analysis of 2014 data. The data set does not include dividends or capital gains earned from a 401(k), IRA, or other tax-deferred account. Because the data only captures dividends or asset sales, it is a conservative estimate of stock market participation, not a full count of individual investors by state.Median household income figures are in 2024 real dollars, adjusted for inflation, from the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement. Median age by state is calculated from the Census Bureau's 2025 Population Estimates. The income and age comparisons in this analysis are simple state-level linear comparisons and should not be used to establish causation.This story was produced by The Motley Fool and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Bistate Giving Cup competition benefits Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund The rivalry between Illinois and Iowa has new meaning this year as communities on both sides of the Mississippi River come together for the first The Giving Cup: A Bi-State Bonus Fund Showdown from August 27 – September 10. This 14-day fundraising campaign works to inspire generosity, build momentum and increase the Birdies for Charity [...]
	Nomad states: 5 states without sales tax (and those with the lowest) Nomad states: 5 states without sales tax (and those with the lowest)Collecting and paying taxes aren’t favorite topics among businesses. State sales tax can mean extra time and work for business owners.If you operate in a state that requires sales tax, you need to get a sales tax license and stay current on the sales tax rate for your state. Otherwise, you risk hefty fines.However, some states don’t collect sales tax. Five states do not have state sales tax: New Hampshire, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, and Delaware. An easy way to remember which states have no sales tax is to use the NOMAD acronym.But that doesn’t make them entirely tax-free. Intuit QuickBooks looks at the five states that don’t have a sales tax rate and highlights other tax rates you need to know.1. AlaskaAlaska does not have a statewide sales or state income tax. However, many local municipalities impose their own sales tax.Other taxes may also impact how affordable it is to operate in Alaska, including:Corporate income tax rate of up to 9.4%Local sales tax rates in Alaska range from 1% to 7.85%Note that some of these local jurisdictions administer the local tax only part of the year, charging higher rates during popular tourist seasons.2. DelawareDelaware doesn’t have a state sales tax, either. The state makes up for this by collecting income taxes and several other taxes from businesses.As a Delaware business owner, you may also have to pay:Gross receipts tax of up to 2%, depending on the business activityCorporate income tax rate of up to 8.7%Corporate franchise tax, ranging from a minimum of $175 to a high of $200,000Cities also collect property taxes to help fund projects and services that improve and protect the community. While property taxes vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, the average property tax in Delaware is 0.43%.3. MontanaMontana is another state that does not have a state sales tax. Montana doesn’t have local sales taxes, either.However, it makes up for it with other taxes, such as:Corporate income tax rate of 6.75%State lodging and facilities sales and use tax of 8%On the flip side, Montana property taxes are fairly low, averaging 0.83%.4. New HampshireThere’s no sales tax in New Hampshire—not even in individual municipalities. However, businesses operating in the state should also be aware of the following taxes:Business profits tax of 7.5%Business enterprise tax of 0.55%You’ll also see meals and room tax on your bill if you are dining out, staying in rented accommodations, or renting a motor vehicle in the state. The New Hampshire meals and rentals tax rate is 8.5%.5. OregonOregon does not have a sales tax, but it does have some of the highest income tax rates. Municipalities in Oregon can also set their own local sales taxes. When considering operating your business in Oregon, some taxes you should be aware of are:Corporate income tax rate of 6.6%Corporate Activity Tax of $250 plus .057% on commercial activity over $1 millionSome cities also have food and beverage and other local taxes you’ll want to watch out for.Why you need to know your state sales tax rateAs a business owner, understanding and complying with tax laws can help you avoid audits, fines, or other penalties. That’s why it’s important to know when and how much to charge for sales tax.Note that even if your state has a sales tax, the state may not collect sales tax on every item. There are specific exemptions from sales tax. Some items that are typically tax-exempt include medical supplies, non-prepared food items, and clothing.Types of organizations that may be exempt from sales tax include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies.Find peace of mind come tax timeTo keep your business in good standing, you need to know which sales tax may apply to you and ensure that you pay accurately. But how can you do that?One of the easiest ways to keep track of sales tax obligations is to use accounting software that allows for automatic sales tax calculations according to your type of product or service. This makes it easy for you to remain compliant by taking out the guesswork and trying to keep tabs on all the different taxation rules.This story was produced by Intuit QuickBooks and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Study: An inside look at how college students think about and use AI Study: An inside look at how college students think about and use AIThere are plenty of hot-button issues on college campuses as students go back to school this fall, but perhaps the biggest of them all is artificial intelligence. Some reports claim that AI usage among undergrads is near-universal, with one study finding that over 80% of students at an elite university used AI during the course of earning their degree. But students themselves are often wary of how agentic AI — AI systems capable of taking multistep actions with limited human input — is shaping the job market and career prospects. That sentiment was clearly demonstrated by the mixed reactions AI-focused commencement speeches received during the 2026 graduation season.To get to the bottom of how college students truly feel about both using AI and the future of AI, Spokeo tasked its 2026 scholarship applicants to envision breakthrough use cases for agentic AI and to disclose if and how they used AI in the process of their application.What resulted was a self-reported dataset on how students actually use AI when the stakes are real. It also revealed that they envision a future where AI plays a supporting role to human expertise, not as a replacement for deep human knowledge and critical thinking.Confirming Trends in AI Use Among College StudentsA 2026 Gallup study of thousands of U.S. college students found that more than half now use AI in coursework at least weekly, with adoption skewing higher in business, tech, and engineering programs. Another study of students in the U.K. conducted by the Higher Education Policy Institute found that undergraduates using generative AI tools in assessments jumped from over half in 2024 to nearly 9 in 10 students in 2025.Finally, a separate survey conducted by the University of Chicago found that while 60% of students said that they personally used AI, 90% believe that the average student on campus uses AI regularly. Researchers pointed to social desirability bias as a likely explanation for this gap — explaining that some students may underreport their own AI use because admitting to it feels like admitting they couldn’t do the work independently. (This desirability bias likely contributes to the large variation in AI usage numbers found across different studies and surveys we’ve cited in this article.)Spokeo’s applicant pool’s self-reported AI use roughly aligns with this data: 54% of students disclosed some form of AI use during the course of completing their scholarship application, while 46% disclosed no AI use. It’s worth noting that the Spokeo team did not use AI checkers when reviewing applications, so the social desirability bias found by the University of Chicago researchers may be at play in these numbers as well. Spokeo It is also worth digging into how the applicants who reported AI use said they used the technology: The large majority of that group — roughly 7 in 10 applicants — used it in a supporting role. Rather than having AI tools generate the actual content of their application essays, these students leaned on AI to help brainstorm, outline, organize, and edit essays they’d written themselves. A much smaller portion of scholarship applicants reported using AI to draft or expand all or a portion of their essays. But even these applicants made it clear that they then personalized, verified, and finalized what their AI tool of choice created for them.This aligns with what researchers are finding as well. In the same study that found 80% of students at a single university used generative AI, 61% of those students reported using it for “augmentation purposes” and frequently described AI tools like ChatGPT as an “on-demand tutor” to help explain concepts and proofread assignments. Spokeo Regardless of how the essays were written, the vast majority of applications were independently rated “highly original” or “exceptional,” rather than generic, by the scholarship panel. Strong writing appeared across both groups — and even essays submitted by applicants who disclosed AI use read as deeply personal, underscoring the impact of human-led co-creation with generative AI tools.The Role of Agentic AI: Supporter, not LeaderThe scholarship data didn’t just reveal how students use AI, it also uncovered an interesting through line in how students envision the future of agentic AI.Scholarship applicants were prompted to describe breakthrough applications of agentic AI in the essays they submitted. A few common themes emerged across applications: Healthcare/medical use cases dominated the responses, with 43% of essays discussing ways agentic AI could change those fields. Education came next, with 17% of essays discussing agentic AI applications in the school system, followed by government, engineering, and finance applications. Spokeo But nearly every essay, regardless of theme, casts AI in a coordinator, advisor, or mentor role. Human professionals, whether they be doctors, teachers, or lawyers, explicitly kept the final judgment across almost every single application. Even in essays that disclosed the use of AI to help draft content, students stressed that the ideas, experiences, and final analysis contained within were their own.The vision of agentic AI’s future presented by the scholarship applicants was overwhelmingly optimistic, hopeful, and passionate. While few essays had a more cautionary tone, it’s clear that most students are comfortable existing in a world where agentic AI plays a similar role to how they use AI today: as a supporting role, not a substitute for human expertise, authority, and authorship.AI’s Place on CampusAsking applicants to show their work didn’t result in a flood of AI-generated essays. Instead, it revealed something closer to what’s happening across college campuses across the country and around the world: Increasingly, students are leaning on AI to supplement and support the work that they’re already doing, not replace it altogether.This story was produced by Spokeo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Man sentenced to federal prison on conspiracy to distribute meth charge A man from Arizona man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Quad Cities. Public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing showed that Rickie Manuel Soria, 37, also known as “Slikk,” conspired with other individuals to transport methamphetamine to the Quad Cities from Arizona. Soria was [...]
	The cameras were there. The footage wasn't The cameras were there. The footage wasn’tSecurity cameras are commonplace across schools, police departments, jails and government buildings. Their presence helps reassure the public that if something goes wrong, there will be a record of it. However, it doesn’t always play out that way.In an Ohio jail, camera footage froze while some prisoners were suffering medical emergencies. A Georgia school district had hundreds of cameras offline on some days. At a Hawaii prison, around 40% of cameras were found to be out of service.These problems all had different causes. Some cameras were too old for the storage system behind them. Others resulted from failing servers. Some cameras were never even activated. In other cases, the cameras worked, but oversight and record-keeping didn’t.There is no national record of how many public-sector cameras have failed. But recent audits and investigations show that having cameras installed doesn’t always mean usable footage will be available when needed.An Ohio jail knew its cameras were failing for four yearsIn January 2022, officials at the Cuyahoga County Jail in Ohio discovered that more than 100 of their Sony cameras were not reliably sending recorded footage to the county’s video storage system.However, the cameras remained in use, and nothing was done until April 2026. During that four-year period, cameras sometimes stopped recording for minutes, and recordings skipped important frames, according to an investigation by The Marshall Project.In July 2024, two cameras at the prison froze as an officer approached the cell of Michael Papp, who was later pronounced dead. In February 2025, Jennifer Wade died in the jail’s mental health unit. Officers recorded in a written log that they had performed checks every 30 minutes; however, the surveillance footage stopped before they got to Jennifer Wade’s cell. Investigators were unable to use the video to see how often those checks were carried out.A month later, footage froze for longer than three minutes after Nathan Kinney suffered a fatal heart attack in the jail’s gym.The county eventually allocated $220,000 to replace the outdated cameras; by this point, officials had known about the fault for four years.Hundreds of school cameras were listed as offlineOutdated systems also affected the DeKalb County School District in Georgia.An investigation by WSB-TV found that 637 school security cameras weren’t working on one day in June 2023. Furthermore, the investigation discovered that between November 2022 and January 2024, an average of 300 of the district's 7,800 cameras were not working.It is thought that the problems were related to old servers and software. Photos showed fans being used to cool server equipment, and an email sent by the district's chief information officer in April 2023 described the problem as dangerous.These figures highlight the fact that a system’s camera count says very little about its health. A district might have thousands of cameras, whilst still having important gaps at schools or other entrances.At a Hawaii prison, 40% of the cameras were brokenStaff at the Women’s Community Correctional Center in Hawaii told a state oversight commission in 2022 that 40% of their cameras were not working.The problem became even bigger after current and former inmates accused some employees of sexual assault. Some of the alleged assaults occurred in rooms with cameras that weren’t working, or control booths that weren’t covered.The state later agreed to a $2 million settlement, and work began on installing new cameras at the prison. The Associated Press reports that the project included coverage of blind spots and people entering and leaving the control booths.Having the camera footage may not have prevented the alleged incidents, but their failure meant an important source of evidence couldn’t be used.Federal auditors found there was no clear responsibility for repairsThe US General Services Administration (GSA) looks after around 9,000 federally owned and leased buildings. Thus far, responsibility for maintaining and protecting these buildings is shared between the GSA and the Department of Homeland Security.After a 2022 inspector general audit of cameras and alarms across the buildings, recommendations were made for a nationwide assessment, a plan to repair or replace failing systems and clearer responsibility for completing the work.A green light status doesn’t always mean a camera is workingThese cases show several ways in which video surveillance footage can be lost:A camera is broken or offlineAn old camera can’t communicate with the storage systemA server or network failsVideo exists, but cannot be retrievedSome of these failures are obvious right away; others only become apparent when someone tries to access the recording. Simply checking that a camera is online is therefore not enough. Organizations need to routinely test whether recordings can be found and exported.Retention also needs to match the organization’s requirements. A recording may be technically successful and still be unavailable if it is automatically deleted before a complaint, insurance claim or investigation.What a functional camera program should actually measureWhile the number of cameras installed is an easy figure to publish, more useful metrics include:The percentage of cameras recordingHow quickly an offline camera is detectedThe time between a fault being reported and repairedWhether cameras are compatible with servers and software updatesHow long footage is retainedHow quickly authorized staff can retrieve a recordingWhile these checks can’t guarantee that every incident will be effectively captured, they can highlight whether a system is being actively managed or simply assumed to work.Many organizations and public bodies often talk about camera installation in terms of how many devices have been bought and how much money was spent. Perhaps another question ought to be: When something important happens, is there usable footage?In Cuyahoga County, DeKalb County and Hawaii, the answer was sometimes no.This story was produced by Videoloft and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Ratko Mladic, ex-Bosnian Serb warlord who oversaw atrocities in Bosnia, has died at 84 Ratko Mladic was one of the most notorious figures of a war that killed over 100,000 people in the 1990s. He commanded his troops to "scorch the brains" of the Bosnian Muslims and boasted of being a "Serbian God."
	Ratko Mladic, ex-Bosnian Serb warlord who oversaw atrocities, has died at 84 Ratko Mladic was one of the most notorious figures of a war that killed over 100,000 people in the 1990s. He commanded his troops to "scorch the brains" of the Bosnian Muslims and boasted of being a "Serbian God."
	The sleep disorder many women are told is just stress The sleep disorder many women are told is just stressWomen often manage work and family demands for months, all while pushing their own exhaustion aside. So by the time they ask a doctor why they still feel drained every day, stress may sound like the most reasonable explanation.But as Sleeping.com examines here, sleep specialists now warn that sleep apnea may remain overlooked when women’s symptoms are attributed to stress or depression. Part of the problem comes from the familiar image associated with the disorder, which still centers on an older man who snores loudly.However, an analysis published in the journal Respiratory Medicine estimated that women account for 41% of U.S. adults living with obstructive sleep apnea, placing millions outside the profile that many patients and clinicians recognize first.Persistent exhaustion may be treated as a daytime problem before breathing problems during sleep receive attention. And by the time sleep finally enters the conversation, the condition has already begun affecting how women feel and function throughout the day.Why Women Often Experience Different SymptomsWomen and men do not always experience the same medical condition in the same way, and sleep apnea is one example.Özen Basoglu, a lung specialist at Ege University in Turkey, compared 2,827 people with a confirmed diagnosis and found that women reported fatigue and trouble sleeping more often than men. With sleep already difficult to get through without interruption, many women wake feeling unrested even after spending enough hours in bed.Susan Redline of Brigham and Women’s Hospital explains in a Sleep Review article that women often wake more easily during a breathing interruption, breaking the night into shorter stretches and leaving them with weaker concentration the following day. And those repeated awakenings usually follow them into the morning through physical symptoms, as Basoglu’s study found headaches and reflux more often among women.So with exhaustion now joined by physical discomfort, low mood frequently becomes part of how a woman describes the problem. The same research also found greater difficulty remembering new information among female patients.However, familiar symptoms have not disappeared among women, since many still snore or wake up gasping. The difference usually lies in which complaint finally pushes a woman to make an appointment with their doctor.Why Misdiagnosis HappensMedical research spent decades treating sleep apnea as a disorder found mostly among men, and that history still influences who receives closer evaluation.Sleep medicine physician Dr. Andrea Matsumura told The New York Post that women’s symptoms are often attributed to hormonal changes, leaving stress or menopause at the center of the medical conversation before sleep apnea receives attention. And that early focus is reinforced by screening questions that place greater emphasis on loud snoring and visible pauses in breathing.As a result, women who arrive describing poor sleep or low energy may be directed toward explanations that seem more closely tied to daily pressure or hormonal changes. But the confusion becomes greater during perimenopause and menopause, when sleep complaints often begin or become harder to ignore.Research published in the journal PLOS One involving 774 middle-aged women found that lower estrogen and progesterone levels were linked with a greater chance of irregular breathing during sleep. And those hormonal changes can also disturb sleep on their own, leaving doctors with more than one possible cause to examine.With both conditions producing similar complaints, doctors may need to look beyond how a woman feels during the day to understand what is disturbing her sleep. Because a fuller evaluation can then help determine whether hormonal changes, sleep apnea, or both are contributing to the problem.Until then, interrupted breathing may continue while stress or menopause remains the working explanation.The Hidden Health EffectsMany women with undiagnosed sleep apnea appear healthy during the day, even while repeated breathing interruptions place strain on the heart and brain each night.The Menopause Society explains that repeated sleep disturbances among postmenopausal women are linked with higher odds of high blood pressure, adding to cardiovascular concerns that become more common after menopause.Each breathing interruption briefly lowers oxygen levels before the body restores normal breathing, placing repeated strain on systems that depend on steady sleep. Johns Hopkins sleep specialist Dr. Jonathan Jun says those repeated interruptions are associated with heart disease and diabetes, while poor sleep continues placing stress on the body night after night.But the brain also carries part of that burden. UCLA researcher Dr. Paul Macey found that women with obstructive sleep apnea showed more severe brain changes than men with the same disorder, along with higher levels of anxiety and depression. And those findings offer a clearer explanation for why concentration, forgetfulness, and emotional control often occur even after a woman spends enough hours in bed.Diagnosis Is Becoming More AccessibleSleep specialists are now looking more closely at women whose sleep complaints do not match the traditional symptoms of sleep apnea. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that diagnosis begin with a comprehensive sleep evaluation, giving clinicians room to consider daytime exhaustion and poor sleep alongside more familiar warning signs.Susan Redline of Brigham and Women's Hospital has pushed her colleagues to get better at spotting sleep apnea in women, calling for an approach flexible enough to account for how differently the condition shows up. And greater clinical awareness has opened more routes to testing.The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says home sleep apnea testing is appropriate for some adults with suspected obstructive sleep apnea, while others need an overnight study at an accredited sleep center.Since home tests collect less information, a sleep specialist decides whether they provide enough detail or whether a sleep-center study is needed. With both options available, more women have a practical route toward learning whether their breathing is being disrupted during sleep.Why Awareness MattersToo many women spend years treating exhaustion as a normal response to stress or aging, even after sleep stops helping them feel rested. But greater awareness encourages patients and clinicians to discuss whether an ongoing sleep problem could be contributing to that exhaustion.The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says women’s sleep concerns often go unnoticed, partly due to limited awareness among patients and physicians. And with those concerns receiving more attention, clinicians have more reason to ask about sleep when fatigue or insomnia continues without a clear explanation.Still, familiar warning signs deserve direct attention, especially loud snoring or waking while gasping. And women entering perimenopause or menopause also need room to discuss whether hormonal changes fully explain what they are experiencing.With more than one possible cause to examine, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute advises women with ongoing symptoms or sleep apnea risk factors to speak with a healthcare provider.This story was produced by Sleeping.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What happens to your money if your AI trading agent makes a mistake What happens to your money if your AI trading agent makes a mistakeOn February 22, an AI trading bot named Lobstar Wilde meant to send a small crypto tip to a stranger on X. It sent its entire holdings instead: about a quarter of a million dollars, by its own account. The bot, built by an OpenAI employee days earlier with $50,000 and instructed to “make no mistakes,” made the error within three days of going live. Finder Lobstar Wilde wasn’t connected to a brokerage account, and nobody’s retirement savings were on the line. But the mistake reveals a mechanism that regulators, and now Congress, have been asking about since Robinhood, Public, SoFi, Coinbase and Webull all rolled out AI trading agents to retail customers this year: an autonomous system misreading a plain-language instruction and executing before anyone could stop it. Finder reviewed the publicly available disclosures behind all five platforms to see, in each company’s own words, who’s actually on the hook if an agent gets it wrong.What SIPC does and doesn’t coverThe first place most investors look is the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), the nonprofit that insures brokerage accounts. SIPC steps in when a brokerage firm fails and customer assets go missing, covering up to $500,000 per customer, including a $250,000 limit on cash. It does not cover losses caused by a decline in an investment’s value, and it does not cover claims arising from bad or inappropriate investment advice.If Robinhood or Public went bankrupt tomorrow, the SIPC would work to make a customer whole for missing assets. If an AI agent inside a fully solvent account buys a stock that crashes, or executes a trade the customer didn’t intend, that’s not a missing-assets problem. It’s an investment decision problem, and SIPC was never built to touch it.What the fine print actually says: a side-by-sideReading each platform’s disclosures directly, rather than its marketing pages, reveals that every platform places investment-decision risk on the customer.Platform: Robinhood (Agentic Trading)Who bears the risk if the agent errs: Customer assumes all risk for agent-executed trades; Robinhood doesn’t control, supervise or audit connected agents.Built-in guardrails: Dedicated, separately funded account; push notification per trade; support can compare the instruction given against what the agent actually did; disconnect anytime.Platform: Public (Agents)Who bears the risk if the agent errs: Customer is solely responsible for determining the suitability of any strategy and for verifying instructions before activation.Built-in guardrails: Every action stays inside a single authenticated brokerage environment; the customer approves each agent before it goes live.Platform: SoFi (Composer)Who bears the risk if the agent errs: Retail investor makes the ultimate decision on every trade; Composer doesn’t offer recommendations or monitor individual investments unless stated otherwise in writing; any deviation from the AI-generated strategy’s logic is “done at the client’s own risk,” and results are not guarantees of future performance.Built-in guardrails: Customer sets the trading rules in advance; rules can be backtested against historical data before being turned on.Platform: Coinbase (Coinbase for Agents)Who bears the risk if the agent errs: Outputs “may be inaccurate or incomplete” and are “not investment advice”; the customer assumes full responsibility for their own trading activity.Built-in guardrails: Isolated sub-account; user sets capital limits, asset permissions and trade-size caps.Platform: Coinbase (Coinbase Advisor, separate product)Who bears the risk if the agent errs: Registered as a fiduciary, but still can’t “replace your judgment for your trades”; the customer assumes full responsibility for their own trading activity.Built-in guardrails: Registered with the SEC as an investment adviser and with the National Futures Association (NFA) as a commodity trading adviser (CTA); requires user approval before any action is taken.Platform: Webull (MCP Server)Who bears the risk if the agent errs: Customer solely responsible for verifying order details and monitoring positions; Webull assumes no liability for losses from automated or AI-directed decisions.Built-in guardrails: Connects directly to the primary brokerage account; no separate sandboxed sub-account described in Webull’s own disclosures.Regulators are already flagging the gapThis isn’t just a concern from outside the industry. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the self-regulator that oversees brokerage firms, flagged autonomous AI agents as a top concern in its 2026 regulatory report, warning that poorly designed reward functions could lead an agent to optimize toward decisions that ultimately harm the investor.FINRA’s own framing puts the burden on firms to establish what the report calls a “supervision, governance or model risk management framework” around these tools, not on the technology to police itself. FINRA’s rules are designed to be technology-neutral, meaning they apply to AI tools the same way they’d apply to any other technology a firm uses — but that also means they weren’t written with autonomous, third-party trading agents specifically in mind.It’s the same gap the House Financial Services Committee asked the SEC to address directly in its own June letter, including who’s accountable when the agent, not the human, is the one making the call, and whether a broker-dealer’s obligations survive once a third-party AI is the one placing the trade. As of this writing, no public SEC response to the letter has been reported.What this means in practiceThe existing protection, SIPC, was designed for a different kind of failure than the one an AI agent can cause. For everyday investors, that puts the real safeguards in the account setup itself: fund a dedicated account with money you can afford to lose entirely, use spending and symbol limits wherever the platform offers them, keep manual trade approval turned on if that option exists, and check the activity feed often rather than setting it and forgetting it.None of that would have stopped Lobstar Wilde. That bot wasn’t a customer of any of these platforms, and its mistake happened in the seconds before anyone could react. That’s the risk agentic trading is asking investors to accept, whether the agent is a hobbyist’s weekend project or one connected to their brokerage account.This guide has been edited by Richard Laycock.This story was produced by Finder and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The great wealth transfer is underway: How to navigate an inheritance The great wealth transfer is underway: How to navigate an inheritanceAn inheritance can feel like a windfall — until the paperwork, emotions and decisions start piling up. This is a time to pause, get organized and use the money to support the life you want.Between now and 2048, about $124 trillion is expected to transfer from baby boomers to younger generations through inheritance — a shift often called the “great wealth transfer.” Most of that money is expected to pass to children and grandchildren, but about $40 trillion is projected to go to widowed baby-boomer women, in part because women often outlive their husbands.Inheritances can range from double digits to billions. Whatever the amount, the first move after a major life change is usually the same: slow down. Avoid quick decisions, and revisit your overall plan, according to Donna Walton, wealth strategist at TD Wealth. With this substantial transfer of wealth on the horizon, TD laid out how to navigate receiving an inheritance.Key Points:Now through 2048, about $124 trillion in cash, stocks/bonds, property and more is expected to transfer from baby boomers to younger generations through the “great wealth transfer.”Before spending, saving, selling or doing something else with an inheritance, make a financial plan and clearly define your goals and understand options.Consider working with a financial advisor who can help build a mid- or long-term financial plan that includes the new inheritance.Update your own will and estate plan to reflect these new assets.Start with a plan before you make any big movesStart with the basics: Confirm what you inherited (cash, investments or property), and flag any time-sensitive decisions.“Your plan depends on where you are in life, how much you’ve inherited and how much it changes things,” Walton explained.A quick gut check may help you define which goal matters most right now:Stabilize cash flow (build an emergency fund, pay down high-interest debt).Lower major monthly costs (pay down or refinance a mortgage or auto loan).Invest for mid- and long-term goals (retirement, taxable investment account or a mix).Fund family priorities (education, caregiving, helping adult children).Set aside “joy money” with limits (travel, renovation, a second home).Next, talk to your financial team. If you don’t have one, this is a good time to build one — people who can help turn a lump sum into a plan.“Interview financial advisors to find someone who takes a holistic view of you, your life and your family,” Walton said.A financial planner can help coordinate the big picture, while other specialists can help you avoid costly mistakes. Consider an accountant for tax questions and an attorney for legal details — especially if you inherited real estate, retirement accounts, a business interest or assets with multiple beneficiaries.Reality check: Plan for tomorrow’s costs, not today’sA potentially large sum of money sounds like a lifetime of security — but today it doesn’t stretch the way it once did. Inflation and higher everyday costs mean an inheritance, even sizable, can disappear faster than one would expect, especially if you make big purchases right away or if you inherit money as a younger adult.Before potentially upgrading your lifestyle, take time to map out your needs and priorities, and determine what you want to accomplish.Update your estate plan so your money goes where you intendOnce a plan is in place, the next step may be to update your own estate plan so any remaining funds or property will go where you intend. That may mean adjusting beneficiary designations, updating your will, and — when it fits — setting up a trust so someone can oversee how and when children (or other heirs) receive assets.“Talk to your attorney to make sure that those assets are inherited in such a way that they will last within the family, and maybe even pass on to your grandchildren eventually,” Walton said.If your spouse dies: Rebuild your financial picture step-by-stepFor many widows and widowers, grief and money decisions collide at the same time — and the learning curve can be steep. If you weren’t deeply involved in the household finances before, this is a chance to get clear on what you own, what you owe and how the money supports your future needs.Don’t assume expenses will shrink because the household is smaller. Any remaining home mortgage still needs to be paid, while costs like utilities, property taxes, car and home insurance, and maintenance often stay the same.As you build your plan, review any pension and Social Security income, confirm cash-flow needs and budget, and check your credit score so you know exactly where you stand. People who seek guidance and stay engaged with their plan tend to make better long-term decisions, Walton explained.“Get educated, get empowered, get out there and take charge of your financial future,” she said.Whether you inherit a few dollars or a few million, the goal is the same: Align the money with your priorities, structure the accounts thoughtfully and give yourself permission to take it one decision at a time.This story was produced by TD and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What does aging well actually mean in 2026? What does aging well actually mean in 2026?As longevity becomes a mainstream wellness goal, consumers are redefining successful aging through healthspan, vitality, and quality of life.A New Definition of AgingPeople today want to talk about aging, not just how to prevent wrinkles or look young. The aging conversation is evolving as interest in longevity grows. There’s a newfound focus on healthspan: remaining healthy and preventing disease for as long as possible. Research from Fatty15 shares why certain daily habits are essential for healthy aging.Improving longevity has become a defining wellness goal. As people live longer than before, they are increasingly taking a proactive approach to aging.Why Longevity Has Become a Mainstream ConversationLongevity is a focal point of healthy living and aging conversations. Growing interest in longevity might correlate with rising lifespans. U.S. life expectancy increased .6 of a year from 2023 to 2024. As people live longer, it’s only natural that they’d want to stay healthy and mobile for longer.People now believe that they can take action to improve their longevity. They are increasingly seeking information on how to live a longer, healthier life. This has popularized the longevity movement and caused steady growth in the longevity market.The Rise of Healthspan Over LifespanMost people are familiar with the term lifespan (total number of years alive), but today, healthspan is becoming more important. Healthspan measures how long someone maintains physical and emotional wellbeing. It’s how many years they live without experiencing chronic conditions, disabilities, or impairment that negatively impacts quality of life.Healthspan is a relatively new concept, but interest in improving healthspan is only rising. Instead of simply living longer, people now want to be healthy, independent, and capable for as long as possible.The Everyday Habits Associated With Aging WellWhile there’s no guarantee against illness or injury, there are numerous science-backed habits linked to aging well. Genetics impact life and healthspan, but overall lifestyle has the biggest impact on longevity.Social, cultural, and environmental factors aren’t always controllable, but adopting a healthy lifestyle correlates with aging well. Consistency is more important than any one lifestyle change, however. Daily habits can have a big impact over time. You don’t have to do things perfectly all the time to reap the benefits, especially if adhering to a routine adds stress.A few habits proven to improve health over time include:Quality SleepGetting seven to nine hours of sleep a night helps maintain physical and mental health. Sleep quality, however, is more important for longevity than duration. Experiencing regular sleep disturbances correlates with poorer health, particularly cognitive impairment, in elderly populations.Adequate NutritionProper nutrition centered around protein, whole foods, and essential nutrients helps maintain a healthy weight, lowers inflammation, and reduces the risk of numerous health conditions.Muscle quickly declines as people age. Having healthy muscle mass helps prevent age-related diseases and preserves strength and cognitive abilities. Research shows that healthy older adults should consume at least 1.0-1.2 grams of protein per kg of body weight daily.Social ConnectionCommunity is a key determinant of healthy aging, especially mental health. Having strong social connections correlates with improved cognitive abilities and survival rates.Loneliness correlates with poorer mental health and raises the risk of suicide. It’s also linked to poor physical health in old age. Older adults experiencing social isolation were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.Daily Physical ActivityRegular physical activity, no matter the type, has long been linked to increased lifespan. Staying active has countless physical and mental benefits, such as disease prevention and stress reduction.Regular aerobic exercise paired with strength and balance training provides the most benefits. This combination helped reduce the risk of falls in 32% of elderly adults.Stress ManagementSocial and environmental factors may make it difficult to manage stress or be the cause of stress. But chronic stress can cause several health conditions or chronic diseases over time. This can lead to a poorer quality of life and lower life expectancy.Reducing stress can greatly improve health outcomes. Yoga, breathwork, physical activity, and journaling are a few accessible ways to reduce stress.Why Resilience Is Becoming the New Wellness MetricAging brings challenging life changes such as loss, career transitions, and cognitive and physical decline. If the body successfully adapts to and recovers from stressors, it’s considered resilient.As an important protective mechanism, resilience is considered a key part of successful aging. Older adults who face adversity with a positive outlook and find a sense of purpose have greater emotional and physical well-being.Resilience is determined by lifestyle, experiences, and genetics, but there are ways to foster resilience. Wellness conversations and research today frequently focus on strengthening physical, cognitive, and emotional resilience.Community engagement and maintaining an active social life can boost emotional resilience. Building cognitive skills through things like continued education can help prevent cognitive impairment. Maintaining physical health by eating well, exercising, and reducing stress can build physical resilience.Resilience is complex, however. People may live a healthy lifestyle and still develop chronic illness or cognitive and physical impairment while aging. Research on what interventions best improve resilience is growing.The Role of Preventive Health in LongevityPreventative health care can shape healthy aging. People are moving away from simply treating disease and instead taking preventative steps to lessen the risk of developing diseases. Preventing chronic disease greatly improves health outcomes and longevity. Regular doctor visits and proactively monitoring health increase the chance of early detection and intervention. This can prevent numerous health conditions and chronic illnesses.Diet significantly impacts longevity. Eating a nutrient-dense, balanced diet lowers inflammation, prevents dietary deficiencies like cellular fragility syndrome, maintains physical and cognitive health, and lessens the risk of developing disease.While many focus on technological advancements and data to improve longevity, daily habits and a positive outlook matter over time. Blue zones prove that a balanced lifestyle has the greatest impact on longevity, not just genetics. Preventative health care includes eating mostly plant-based foods, staying active, having a sense of purpose, managing stress, and prioritizing community.How Culture Is Changing Its View of AgingThere’s a recent cultural shift around aging. As people live longer, older adults make up a larger percentage of the population than before. They remain an active part of the community and set new examples for what aging looks like.While younger generations still worry about getting older, cultural views toward aging are becoming more positive. This helps combat negative stereotypes and ageism, which can make older adults feel useless or isolated. Positive perception of aging, as well as feeling younger than chronological age, is shown to boost resilience and improve longevity.As people increasingly accept aging, they feel more empowered to navigate this new life stage. 49% of Americans 65 and up report that they are aging “extremely or very well.” People no longer think that aging guarantees illness or a dramatic decline in health. The majority believe they have some control over their physical health as they age. There’s a greater focus now on maintaining vitality, well-being, and independence over time. Most Americans under 65 report taking daily steps to help them age better.What the Future of Aging Well Looks LikeResearch on how to improve longevity continues to grow. Studies on cellular resilience, for example, now reveal that strengthening cellular health is particularly helpful for fighting toxic exposure and improving longevity. Strategies like C15:0 supplementation, meal timing, and sleep health all boost cellular health. This may become the focus of healthy aging as exposure to environmental stressors increases.There’s also a growing emphasis on quality of life. People are increasingly focused on living a balanced lifestyle earlier on. As interest in stress reduction grows, emotional and physical well-being is becoming the new definition of success.People are increasingly viewing food as medicine. More people are testing for food allergies and nutritional deficiencies to optimize nutrition. Personalized health care is becoming more popular. They are using data and research to develop a diet and lifestyle that is truly tailored to their needs. Expect to see this proactive approach embraced earlier on, across all generations.Aging Well Is About More Than Living LongerPeople no longer want to live longer; they want to live better for longer. The emphasis on longevity has created a cultural shift. The perception of aging has changed, and people are increasingly embracing it.Taking proactive steps to improve healthspan, resilience, and long-term health outcomes is now mainstream. People are increasingly working to optimize health by addressing nutritional deficiencies, managing stress, restoring C15:0 levels, building community, and more. As research on longevity and healthy aging continues, people are more likely to age better than ever before.This story was produced by Fatty15 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Friday, August 28th, 2026

Thursday, August 27th, 2026