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

Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
	Memories of Muscatine: A golf club hatpin This week for Memories of Muscatine: A hatpin from c.1900.
	Augustana and Billy Sunday This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.By the time the famous evangelist, Billy Sunday, came to the city of Rock Island for a six-week crusade in the fall of…
	The Supreme Court faces another term jam-packed with controversy The Supreme Court term opens on Monday with big test cases on religion, guns and climate change. Plus, the emergency docket keeps popping.
	No one expected an American pope. Here's the inside story of how 'Bob' became Pope Leo When the 2025 conclave began, no one expected an American pope. But by its end, Cardinal Robert Prevost had become Pope Leo. Here's a look behind the scenes.
	Police at late-night crash in Davenport Shortly after 11:45 p.m. Friday near the intersection of Kimberly Road and Jersey Ridge Road in Davenport, Our Quad Cities News crew saw police squad cars and at least one wrecked vehicle. One car appeared to have severe damage. Officers remained on the scene for some time.
Friday, October 2nd, 2026
	St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church holds drive-thru pet blessings All sorts of pets, including dogs and fish, made an appearance.
	Launch party for Caitlin Clark's new Nike shoe held in Iowa City Nike's CEO said the Caitlin 1 has been the largest women's signature shoe launch in the company's history.
	University of Iowa students gear up for ESPN's College Gameday return Saturday marks the show's first visit to Iowa City in 20 years.
	Gov. Reynolds signs $15 billion steel deal, but not without opposition Lawmakers passed it hours after seeing it for the first time.
	Caitlin Clark chosen as guest picker for College GameDay in Iowa City A former Hawkeye was chosen as this weekend’s guest picker for ESPN’s College GameDay.
	Over 2700 without power in Illinois Quad Cities, MidAmerican Energy reports The cause of the outage is unknown.
	Iowa lawmakers approve bill allowing $1.4B in tax incentives for steel mill project Iowa Rep. Matt Rinker, R-Burlington, spoke in support of legislation making changes to the state's Major Economic Growth Attraction program to allow the Iowa Economic Development Authority to provide tax incentives to a proposed $15 billion steel mill project in Iowa during a special session Oct. 2, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Iowa lawmakers sent Gov. Kim Reynolds a bill Friday changing a state’s economic development program that could provide nearly $1.4 billion in tax incentives for a $15 billion steel mill project planned in southeast Iowa. Lawmakers called it the largest economic development deal in the state’s history. The Iowa House approved House File 2801 in a 75-17 vote, and the Senate approved the bill in a 28-19 vote after convening a special session Friday morning for the sole purpose of considering the legislation. The proposal would modify the state’s Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) program to include further incentives for businesses within rural areas, a targeted change to benefit the Mesabi Metallics project planned in Lee County. At a news conference Monday, President Donald Trump announced the steel plant was a $15 billion project. When operational — with a goal of 2030 — the steel mill is estimated to create 1,750 permanent jobs paying an average of $48 per hour, alongside 6,000 temporary construction jobs as the facility is built, state and business officials said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Rep. Matt Rinker, R-Burlington, said the project would be a major victory for southeast Iowa and was the culmination of years of work from local, state and federal officials alongside Mesabi Metallics. During his time at the Burlington City Council and as a state legislator, Rinker said he has thousands of conversations with members of his community about what was needed to bring success to the area. He told the House, “I’m proud to say that what everyone has been asking for has finally arrived.” “Our vote today isn’t just about a change to something that already exists, or just about incentives for a steel plant, or just about bringing a new industry to Iowa,” Rinker said. “It’s about mortgage payments, grocery bills, dance lessons. It’s about infrastructure and public safety. It’s about opportunities for Iowans and growing our communities while also supporting them at the same time. It’s about thousands of new homes. It’s about the revitalization of a region of our state that has experienced its fair share of tough times.” Iowa Sen. Dan Dawson, R-Council Bluffs, spoke in opposition to legislation passed by the Iowa Legislature in a special session Oct. 2, 2026 making changes to a state economic development program to provide more tax incentive for a steel mill project in southeast Iowa. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Sen. Dan Dawson, R-Council Bluffs, who voted against the bill, called it the “largest corporate giveaway in the state of Iowa’s history.” He also warned the change to the tax incentive program for Mesabi Metallics would influence any future negotiations between the state and companies considering bringing their facilities to Iowa, “because the ceiling now becomes the floor.” “Incentives are supposed to make a good deal better, not a bad deal good,” Dawson said. “So to all my colleagues, I know you’ve been put in a difficult position. And you’ve been put into position by people and entities who, frankly, do not care. If they did, you wouldn’t be jammed with this bill in front of you today.” The bill would allow the Iowa Economic Development Authority to authorize a tax credit for a business up to 10% of the business’ qualifying investment in a rural county — an increase from the 5% tax credit currently allowed under the MEGA program for projects representing $1 billion or more in capital investment. According to analysis from the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency, the net impact of changes to the MEGA program’s Investment Tax Credit made by the bill would result in estimated revenue decreases to the state’s general fund of $575 million from fiscal year 2029 through 2041 — on top of the $575 million that would come under the current MEGA program structure. The MEGA program’s sales and use tax refunds and withholding tax credits are not changed by the legislation, but under the current program, Mesabi Metallics would be eligible to claim $215 million in tax incentives from FY 2028 through 2041. IEDA Director Debi Durham said this investment will provide greater benefits for Iowa through later revenue to the state, as well as an expansion of jobs and economic value to the region. “The state’s portion on the deal that is before you today (is) a 1 to 5.6% return,” Durham said. “So that means for every dollar that we invest as a state, that we get that return back. And when you think of manufacturing, it is the largest part of our gross state product — there is a multiplier of jobs attached to manufacturing, anywhere from three to five jobs will follow. When you happen to talk about a (project) as complicated as this, and as many investments, the investment being made, it is a 5-to-1 job ratio as well, meaning, for every job that they hire, there’s a follow-on job that will occur in our economy.” Rep. Carter Nordman, R-Adel, floor manager for the bill in the House, said the change is not an increased tax incentive for the MEGA program — created with wide bipartisan support in 2024 — but a way to combine the two 5% MEGA program investment tax credits that IEDA can currently offer. The IEDA has not previously awarded any MEGA program tax incentives. “The reality is we are not reinventing the wheel here,” Nordman said. “All we are doing is modernizing and combining two existing incentive programs into one, so Iowa is not on the sidelines, but actively competing on the national and global level for large projects. When creating those incentives of packages a couple years ago … this body could never have imagined the possibility of a $15 billion investment landing here.” Dawson said this was a fundamental misunderstanding of the original intent of MEGA program — a measure Dawson said he helped negotiate when it was approved in 2024. “To be clear, the intent was never 5% plus 5% equals 10%,” Dawson said. “And that the intent was never that we throw the entire farm into one basket, and it could be a ‘one and done’ proposition. We wanted to see this spread throughout Iowa.” Durham told lawmakers increasing the tax credit to 10% was necessary for Iowa to bring the steel plant to Iowa. “We basically do have to be competitive in the marketplace,” Durham said. “So, we look at deals all across the country with this type of industry, and I will say 10% is is a national average of what these businesses are getting.” Supporters say MEGA program change needed to compete against other states for steel mill The IEDA director said the states of Arkansas and Kentucky were also competing for the steel mill project, with Arkansas being “our biggest competitor.” Dawson said Senate Republicans were told Arkansas lawmakers were expected to call their own special session to create an offer providing “cash up front” to the company by modify their state’s recycling tax credit and funding the tax credit change by borrowing against the Arkansas teacher pension fund. He said officials who knew about the Arkansas proposal told him Arkansas officials walked away from these negotiations, “because the companies seemed to lack equity and could never locate where the equity would come from and the paperwork that they provided to the state.” “While I respect Governor Reynolds’ deep desire to bring a MEGA site to the state of Iowa before her term ends, because she wasn’t willing to walk away from this deal, it’s my belief she negotiated against herself. Because Arkansas, I do not believe, was ever actually at the table seriously. And by negotiating against herself, she negotiated against the Iowa taxpayer.” Durham also emphasized the bill is written to ensure the state will not provide tax incentives to the Mesabi Metallics if the project is not completed. The measures states the tax credit will not be issued to a business until the business begins operations, or until “a designated portion of the project” has been placed in service, and until at least half of created jobs — which must meet a qualifying wage threshold — associated with the project or a designated portion have been added to the payroll. The legislation also states the 10% tax credit will be remitted over the course of a decade. Some Democrats had questions about portions of the bill which allow the tax credit to be transferred to another person or entity. During the House subcommittee meeting on the bill, Jacoby shared concerns from a constituent that the state would not be able to claw back tax credits “against the buyer if the project goes wrong” — a statement Durham said was incorrect. “We will have not only oversight into the transferability, we will have approvals over the transferability, and so that is not correct,” Durham said. “We will be fully protected even with the transferability.” Opponents express concerns about Mesabi Metallics past Iowa GOP leaders have praised the planned steel mill, with Reynolds saying, “this opportunity will fundamentally change the economic trajectory of our state and the entire region for decades to come.” But others are cautious about the project, saying there are concerns about Mesabi Metallics’ commitment to finishing and opening the plant given the company’s history as it also seeks to open an iron ore mine in Nashwauk, a city in the Minnesota Iron Range. The mine has not yet officially started operation. The project began in 2008, under the India-based Essar Group’s company Essar Steel Minnesota, the Des Moines Register reported. The Essar Group was founded by brothers Sashi and Ravi Ruia, and expanded to include the Minnesota company as well as a Essar Steel Algoma in Canada. Essar Steel Minnesota filed for bankruptcy protection in 2016, blocking the Minnesota governor’s attempt to revoke its mineral lease. Investors took control of the company and rebranded it as Mesabi Metallics in 2017 and came out from bankruptcy protection, before Essar Group took over the project again in 2019 under its new name. Marshall Singer, a local activist from Des Moines, shared these details about Essar Group during subcommittee meetings on the proposal. Singer also highlighted Essar Group and associated companies had received loans from a VTB, a Russian state owned-bank, according to the Guardian. VTB has been sanctioned by the European Union and other countries following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. “Iowa’s economic incentive law bars the state with providing tax credits and refunds to a business tied to a foreign adversary,” Singer said. He also added, “This will cost every taxpayer $866, and this is irresponsible when we are running a $1.4 billion dollar deficit.” Joe Broking, president and chief executive officer of Mesabi Metallics, the company seeking to build a $15 billion steel mill in Lee County Iowa, spoke to lawmakers about the project at a subcommittee meeting Oct. 2, 2026 as lawmakers considered a bill making changes to a state economic development program to allow the state to offer a more substantial tax incentive package than currently allowed. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Joe Broking, president and chief executive officer of Mesabi Metallics, addressed some of the comments by Singer about the Minnesota project and Essar Group. He said “there was a global commodity price collapse that happened in 2015, and there were hundreds of companies globally that went through restructurings,” not just Essar Steel Minnesota. He also said the delays of the mine construction were in part due to “certain activities by a competitor to try and stop development on the Iron Range.” Broking’s comments referenced allegations that fellow steel company Cleveland-Cliffs committed antitrust violations. Mesabi Metallics sued the company for in 2025 in a pending case. Additionally, Broking said Mesabi Metallics has “completely rebuilt all of those relationships” with Minnesota public officials, including Gov. Tim Walz, state legislators and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. He also added Mesabi Metallics has “invested close to $3 billion to complete this project, and we’re about to start it now.” “And Essar Group and the Ruia family have been a fantastic partner, an absolutely wonderful partner,” Broking said. “They’ve met that commitment the entire time. They’ve invested $2 billion of their family money to complete this project, and like I said earlier, we are on the precipice of doing this.” Answering questions from Sen. Tony Bisignano, D-Des Moines, Durham said she believed the company would be able to complete the Iowa project. Durham said based on the company’s “capital stack,” financing from the Export–Import Bank of the United States and what it has been able to accomplish in Minnesota after “missteps,” she felt confident supporting the project. “When you see where they are today, and when you see what their business plan is, and when you see the people that are coming in and supporting them, I absolutely have no hesitation to say that they will (do) what they say,” Durham said. “And if they don’t, then we’re going to hold them accountable. But I believe that this project is a good project for the state of Iowa, and I do believe that they have the ability to pull it off.” But several lawmakers said they were not as confident as Durham in the project’s viability. Bisignano criticized how Republican leaders and the company brought about the legislation, saying it was concerning that many state legislators did not know about the proposal — or the steel mill project in general — a week before the special session. As Trump and many state leaders have touted the project as the “biggest thing to come to state of Iowa,” Bisignano said there should be more time for legislators and the public to review the project and MEGA program changes. “This should be one of those occasions where — if this is the biggest thing to come to the state of Iowa — that we as a group ought rejoice, with no suspicions, with full knowledge, with defendability when we go back home and we’re asked, ‘why are you giving away a billion and a half of my tax earnings,” Bisignano said. “… I would love to embrace a job creation, of 1,700 jobs with good wages and good benefits that’s going to help a small community that’s been struggling. Who wouldn’t? … Again, we failed. We failed to be transparent with the public, and so they also could rejoice in something like this coming to the state of Iowa.” Timing of special session, budget impacts questioned Bisignano also questioned the timing of the special session, which came just shy of a month before the Nov. 3, 2026 general election. Iowa is situated to play a key role in deciding control of Congress with several competitive U.S. House races, in addition to contentious elections for U.S. Senate and Iowa governor. This is a major change from previous recent elections where Republicans saw decisive victories. Heading into the midterms, all members of Iowa’s federal delegation are Republicans, and there are GOP majorities in both chambers of the Iowa Legislature. There were also questions about the Trump administration’s presentation of the steel mill plan. At the White House announcement, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said, “I think this deal is done” when a reporter asked if the project was contingent on approval of state or local tax breaks. Sen. Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines asked Durham “why are we here and putting more of their taxpayer dollars on the line” if the deal was finalized. “Senator, I was surprised by that comment as well, because this is not a done deal,” Durham said. “As we said, you have to pass legislation. It still has to go through the final negotiation. So, I don’t know why that that was stated. I can’t speak to that.” Nordman said he believed the comments made in the Oval Office were “more about the Minnesota mine rather than the plant itself.” While the measure was approved by both the House and Senate Ways and Means committees, the two chambers had differing views of the bill. The House committee approved the measure with bipartisan support — a 20-5 vote — while the Senate committee only narrowly passed the measure with a 10-8 vote as all Democrats, alongside Dawson and Sen. Jason Schultz, R-Schleswig, voted against the measure. The majority approval from Senate Ways and Means only came after two Senate Republicans — Sens. Jeff Taylor and Dawn Driscoll — were replaced on the committee by Sens. Tim Kraayenbrink and Dan Zumbach, who voted in favor of the bill. Taylor voted against the the measure on the Senate floor. When the Iowa Senate debated the measure, Senate Democrats introduced two amendments calling for certain protections for labor unions and organizations to be codified in the legislation. Both proposals failed. Schultz said during debate he was voting against the legislation, saying, “I’m worried about paying for it, I’m worried about our budget, I am worried about the the situation we’ll find ourselves in in January.” He said the Republican trifecta at the Iowa Legislature chose to the state income tax in previous sessions with the understanding “that the key to tax cuts is controlling spending.” “As we go through, and I look back on my years in the legislature, for all of this time, tax credits have been counted against revenue as an expenditure,” Schultz said. “As we authorized additional tax credits, they were against the tax plan, as I see it, and puts us in a difficult situation where we are spending — in advance — revenue.” Iowa Rep. Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville, said the package amounts to a cost of roughly $3,000 per household. “What I do want Iowans to know is this: Today is not a ribbon cutting,” Jacoby said. “… We do not have men and women in hard hats and carrying lunch buckets, ready to go to work. This truly is a concept plan right now, a concept plan with many questions. … But sadly, this is a concept that is sorely needed in our great state of Iowa.” Jacoby said he was voting in support of the bill with the hope that “this plan is real.” The measure goes to Reynolds, who announced she planned to sign the bill Friday night. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Pinal supervisors escalate feud with county attorney Brad Miller, seek bar investigation Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller speaks outside the Arizona Senate on Jan. 12, 2026, about upcoming legislation to criminalize interference with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Protesters shouted him down, and Miller and GOP lawmakers had to retreat inside the Senate building to finish addressing the media. (Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez/Arizona Mirror)The Pinal County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to file a bar complaint against Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller, the latest development in a tumultuous year of legal disputes over everything from hiring practices to taking on federal immigration enforcement responsibilities. During a special session on Friday, supervisors voted 5-0 to authorize its outside attorneys to file a complaint against Miller with the State Bar of Arizona. The State Bar evaluates complaints and can launch investigations if it finds reason to believe an attorney violated professional standards and rules. The Arizona Supreme Court oversees disciplinary action against lawyers if the State Bar believes an attorney’s transgressions deserve formal punishment. No mention was made as to why the board decided to pursue a complaint, or what the content of that complaint might be. James Daniels, a spokesman for the board, said that he could not provide further information. Miller’s office didn’t respond to a request for comment. Complaints are confidential unless the State Bar pursues disciplinary action. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. The decision to file the complaint against Miller came after the board met with its attorneys on Sept. 30 during a closed-door executive session. The agenda for Sept. 30 noted that supervisors would seek legal advice about Miller’s “ethical obligations to the Board of Supervisors, his scope of representation, and Arizona Bar requirements in light of various activities, statements and actions made by the County Attorney to or about the Pinal County Board of Supervisors collectively or individually.” On Friday, Chairman Jeffrey McClure emphasized that the State Bar’s disciplinary process is confidential and that, while charges against Miller may become public record at some point, their content shouldn’t be spoken about until then. “This confidentiality during the investigative process is designed to protect the attorney who is the subject of a bar charge, and therefore we should allow that process to play out, per the Arizona Supreme Court rules,” McClure said. Vice Chairman Jeff Serdy, who was calling into the meeting remotely, reiterated the confidential nature of the bar complaint process, saying that it prevents supervisors from talking about it. Serdy also deflected responsibility for the possibility that Miller could face professional sanctions, noting that it’s up to the Supreme Court whether Miller is punished. “People are asking: ‘Why are we doing this? Can we comment on it?’” he said. “Hopefully, the statement that you just made gets picked up by the press or whoever, showing that it is up to the Supreme Court to decide and we are not really doing anything. If there’s (inappropriate) things happening, just be patient and it’ll sort itself out.” The relationship between Pinal County supervisors and Miller has been fractious since he took office in January 2025, making it unclear which of multiple spats is the source of the complaint. In February, the board referred Miller to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes over allegations of misspending public funds and destroying public records after the Republican hired two employees without the board’s authorization and didn’t pay them for several weeks. And in April, supervisors declared that a conflict of interest exists between Miller and the board because the way Miller carries out his office’s law enforcement duties conflicts with his “ethical obligations” to the board. The highest profile tiff between Miller and the board was a disagreement over whether the county attorney’s office has the right to enter into an 287(g) agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to look for people who are eligible for deportation. Miller signed his office’s 10 investigators — who are charged with interviewing victims and witnesses to build legal cases for attorneys to prosecute — up for the agreement in August 2025, without notifying the board or requesting their permission. County supervisors responded by ordering Miller to terminate the agreement, saying that under Arizona law only the board has the authority to enter into partnerships with the federal government. The county sheriff’s office has its own 287(g) agreement with DHS, which has been in place since 2008 and was renewed by the board at the same meeting in which the supervisors censured Miller. Miller doubled down on preserving his agreement with federal immigration authorities and the issue ultimately led to a court battle. In May, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled that Miller acted unlawfully. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Arizona Mirror
	What games we're watching for Week 7 of The Score Football Tune in tonight at 10:15 p.m. for local high school football highlights from across the region!
	Family rallies in Davenport to urge release of mother detained by ICE Fatou Traore’s family urged Iowa officials to help free their mother and prevent deportation to Sierra Leone, a country she's never visited.
	Swenson Swedish American Research Center hosts symposium on U.S., Swedish elections The 2026 O. Fritiof Ander Symposium brings together scholars, policymakers, and journalists for a public conversation about elections in United States and Sweden. The symposium will take place from 2-4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Augustana College’s Wilson Center, 3750 7th Ave., Rock Island. Through a keynote address and panel discussion, speakers will explore what [...]
	Iowa lawmakers give steel company more than $1B in incentives Iowa lawmakers spent all of Friday hammering out a deal in a special session at the statehouse.
	Cleanup is underway across the Quad Cities after flooding Residents and flood restoration crews have been working around the clock to drain water and repair damage.
	Family, community members rally to free Iowa City mother facing third-country deportation Fatou Traore was detained on Sept. 24 despite being in the U.S. legally. She is facing deportation to Sierra Leone, a country she has no connection to.
	Renowned pianist and Davenport Central alum shares his music with the next generation Pianist Thomas Sauer returned to his old stomping grounds to share his music and his professional journey. Davenport Central High School alum Sauer is back in his hometown to play some music ahead of his performances with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra over the weekend. Sauer shared stories and took questions from students about his [...]
	Gallery opening planned for "The Monster Under My Bed" exhibition at Quad-City Arts Quad City Arts will present "The Monster Under My Bed" - works by 27 regional artists - an exhibition that explores fear, anxiety, and well-being through 38 works of art, with accompanying community conversation and celebration of Visual Arts Director Dawn Wohlford-Metallo’s 25 years with Quad City Arts. The exhibition will be at Quad City [...]
	Man arrested after allegedly shooting at car in Davenport Police say 18-year-old Jerimiah Rivera allegedly fired five shots at a car with four people inside near Breeze Market on Brady Street. No injuries were reported.
	Spotlight Theatre brings back 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' Spotlight Theatre is reviving its production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” with six chances to see the musical starting Oct. 9.
	Iowa DNR investigating fish kill in Dubuque County's Little Maquoketa River The Iowa DNR says an unknown amount of manure was released into Dubuque County's Little Maquoketa River, causing a fish kill that's being investigated.
	Iowa DNR investigating fish kill at the Little Maquoketa River in Dubuque County DNR staff identified an animal feeding operation near the tributary as the source of the manure runoff. The amount of manure released is not known at this time.
	As Trump's proposed arch looms over D.C., protesters pin their hopes on the midterms Democratic lawmakers, veterans and concerned citizens gathered in Memorial Circle to protest the arch Trump wants to build there. Their hopes lie primarily in a lawsuit and next month's midterms.
	College GameDay returns to Iowa City as Hawkeyes prepare to host Ohio State ESPN’s College GameDay is live in Iowa City ahead of Saturday's marquee matchup between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Ohio State Buckeyes at Kinnick Stadium.
	Maple Leafs battle Golden Warriors in spotlight game: Highlight Zone Week 7 The KWQC Highlight Zone covers week seven of high school football matchups across the Quad Cities.
	Rock Island police investigate reports of shots fired Tuesday night The Rock Island Police’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating a shots fired incident on Tuesday night, just before 9 p.m. No injuries were reported.
	Festival of Trees tickets now on sale Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Festival of Trees.
	Why You Need This Everyday Essential for Effortless Fabric Care (BPT) - You spend a lot of time, effort and hard-earned money building a wardrobe you love. Whether you're dressing for the workweek, heading out for a special occasion or simply trying to keep your favorite pieces looking their best, proper fabric care can make a difference. The same goes for household items and linens that require thoughtful care to maintain their quality.These investments should maintain the quality and ensure fabrics stay looking their best for as long as possible by taking good care of them. And that doesn't necessarily mean making more trips to the dry cleaners.Enter the LG Styler® Steam Closet from LG Electronics, an at-home solution designed to make everyday garment care easier. This home steam closet combines everyday convenience with premium fabric care so you can refresh, deodorize, sanitize and care for your clothing and linens with ease. Whether you're preparing for a busy work week, refreshing your clothes after a long commute or getting ready for a special occasion, LG Styler helps to simplify your routines while delivering elevated care at the touch of a button.Everyday Care, Made EasierKeeping your best clothes in top condition throughout the week doesn't have to add another chore to your routine. LG Styler takes the effort out of daily garment and household care at home. Thanks to new features on select models such as Dual TrueSteam® technology, Dynamic MovingHanger™, multiple refresh and care cycles, built-in HandySteamer™ and EZ Fit PantsPress™, the LG Styler can handle fabric refresh, wrinkle reduction and sanitization automatically. LG Styler's Dual Inverter HeatPump™ also helps to avoid damage while refreshing clothes and drying delicates.The result? Clothes look and feel fresh without washing or ironing, while wrinkles and odors are reduced with minimal effort. By helping you refresh garments between washes and reduce reliance on traditional dry cleaning, LG Styler can also help extend the life of treasured pieces.One Solution for Many UsesClothing isn't the only thing that can benefit from more thoughtful care. LG Styler extends refresh and allergen-reduction capabilities to everyday items throughout the home. Its Heavy-Duty Sanitary cycle safely handles delicate items, outerwear and unwashables, while its capacity can accommodate household items like pillows, backpacks and pet gear, all with chemical-free steam care.This means you can freshen items you can't or don't want to put in a washing machine, at the same time reducing allergens like pet dander or dust mites from daily life. It can also help extend the life of clothing and household essentials, keeping them fresher and in better condition.Designed for Real LifeYou don't need a large space or complicated installation to bring the LG Styler into your home. It's designed to fit seamlessly into modern living spaces without requiring renovations or major lifestyle changes. The LG Styler's Plug & Go installation requires no plumbing, simply plugging into a standard wall outlet, while its slim footprint can fit easily in closets, bedrooms or laundry rooms. LG Styler is available in multiple sizes and finishes, making it an easy-to-install solution that works in small spaces and fits busy households, with options to match any lifestyle or budget. You can also get LG ThinQ® app connectivity, which helps you access specialty care options and lets you remotely check the unit's cycle time for effortless care. The combination of thoughtful design, convenience and performance reflects LG's broader commitment to reliable home appliances.Discover how the LG Styler can make everyday garment and household care easier at LG.com and appliance reliability details at www.lg.com/us/reliable-home-appliances.
	Lawmakers discuss ethics violation against northeast Iowa representative The Iowa House Ethics Committee reviewed a filing on Friday that alleges Rep. Shannon Lundgren used her position to vouch for a man convicted of lascivious acts with a child.
	Iowa lawmakers to vote on raising tax incentive cap for a $15B steel plant Iowa lawmakers will return to the Statehouse Friday to consider expanding the ceiling on state tax incentives in an effort to secure a $15 billion steel plant project for the state.
	Billy Joel Legacy tribute concert coming to Adler Theatre Spencer Stanley leads The Billy Joel Legacy, a multi-media tribute to the Piano Man, which will take over Davenport’s Adler Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 at 7 p.m.
	What leaders actually need from AI in HR technology Businesses are racing to adopt AI across every function. But HR is different. The data it touches, the decisions it informs, and the people it affects mean the stakes are distinct.So, the question isn’t just whether an organization is using AI. It’s whether the AI you’re using understands HR challenges well enough to solve them.That’s a question worth wrestling with. HR isn’t a great space for trial and error. If AI gets it wrong, it could mishandle someone’s pay or make a flawed people decision that’s hard to undo. The tools have multiplied, the demos look impressive, and yet many organizations are still waiting to see the real payoff.Paylocity, an HR software provider, conducted a survey in September 2025 of more than 500 HR, finance, and IT leaders, asking what AI does well and doesn’t do well in their day-to-day work.Eighty-eight percent of HR technology decision-makers believe AI can help their teams focus on higher-value work. That’s an overwhelming vote of confidence in AI’s potential to elevate HR to an even more strategic function.But confidence in potential isn’t the same as confidence in results. That difference usually comes down to one thing: Too many human capital management technology providers talk about what AI can do instead of listening to what business leaders actually need.The data reveals four key pain points AI must address to deliver real value for organizations.Prevention: Catching payroll issues before they become problemsPayroll errors are expensive, time-consuming, and damaging to employee trust. And yet many solutions are still reactive, designed to surface problems after the fact rather than catch them before they happen.Forty-two percent of survey respondents said they want AI that can flag payroll irregularities early. That’s not a nice-to-have. When a payroll error slips through, it doesn’t just cost money to correct — it erodes confidence across the organization.What leaders want is a system that identifies issues well before payroll is processed. Automated alerts that spot an employee being paid double their usual rate or a tax setup that doesn’t match an employee’s location are exactly the kind of guardrails that prevent serious, avoidable mistakes. The right technology shows administrators where there’s an anomaly and guides them to take corrective action.Well-designed AI-powered HR tools make this possible through customizable payroll audits, variance reports that compare current and previous pay runs, and integrated timecard reviews that give admins a clear picture before anything is finalized. Prevention, done well, is built on consistency: the right checks, running every cycle, without requiring human oversight at every step.Insight: Giving leaders the workforce visibility they needBusiness leaders are under increasing pressure to make strategic decisions with data. But 35% of survey respondents named predictive analytics and workforce planning as the top capability missing from their current HR technology.Leaders don’t just need reports that describe what happened last quarter — they need tools that help them anticipate what’s coming and plan accordingly. Which roles are at risk of turnover? Where are the skill gaps forming? What does headcount need to look like in 18 months if growth continues at its current pace?When AI can answer those questions, HR becomes less of a support function and more of a strategic driver. That shift can be beneficial not just to CHROs, but to the executives and boards they report to.Usability: Making AI easier to use every dayPaylocity’s research reveals a challenge that directly impacts the success of AI in HR: Nearly one-third of survey respondents cite limited internal expertise as a major obstacle to adoption.If a tool requires deep technical knowledge to operate effectively, it’s not really built for the people who need to use it every day. HR teams are full of talented professionals who shouldn’t have to be data scientists to get value from their software.The best AI tools meet users where they are. Natural language search, intuitive dashboards, and self-service features that don’t require IT support to configure make an AI system more usable, which encourages adoption. And adoption drives the outcomes that make the investment worthwhile.AI capabilities continue to evolve, which makes AI fluency hard to train for in advance. Instead, it develops best through use. And people only use tools consistently when those tools don’t get in the way. Low barriers to adoption help users build confidence with the tools.Security: Building trust through governance and controlOf all the concerns surrounding AI in HR, this one carries the most weight. Nearly half of survey respondents rank data security and privacy as the top barrier to AI adoption. Two-thirds say they feel cautious about the privacy implications of AI in HR processes. And 38% worry that AI could eliminate roles within their organization. Those concerns are legitimate.On data security, the question every HR leader should be asking their technology provider is straightforward: How is our data protected, who can access it, and what controls do we have? The safest approach is AI that’s embedded directly in a vetted system your team already works in every day — so sensitive payroll and personnel data never has to leave the platform for a third-party tool that wasn’t built to protect it.On job displacement, the most practical application of AI is handling repetitive, low-value tasks, freeing people to do the work that requires judgment, empathy, and strategic thinking. Instead of elimination, think reallocation. The question then becomes, where does AI have the most impact on productivity?How to get real value from AIThe promise of AI is real. But realizing it requires a shift in how you evaluate technology.Rather than asking what a platform can do, businesses must start by asking what their current tools aren’t doing. Where are errors slipping through? What decisions are made without enough data? Who can’t effectively use the tools already invested in? And how confident are you in your data security?Those gaps are where the right AI delivers the most value. An HR technology partner should be able to explain, in practical terms, how its AI addresses the priorities that matter most to your organization.MethodologyTo understand perceptions of HR and payroll software, Paylocity partnered with Qualtrics to survey 501 HR and business leaders in the U.S. in September 2025. Respondents were primary decision-makers or those who participate in the decision-making process when choosing HR and payroll software vendors at their organization.This story was produced by Paylocity and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Resignation, hirings and transfers from Bettendorf School District for Sept. 23 The following personnel items are from the Sept. 23 agenda of the Bettendorf Community School District. The School Board met at the Administration Center in Bettendorf.
	Project NOW receives increase in federal funding to administer energy assistance relief program The funding is available for people living in Rock Island, Henry and Mercer counties. The Rock Island nonprofit has $8.8 million, up from $7.1 million last year, and select residents and families are eligible to apply in October with eligibility expanding in November. The funding is available through April or before funds are depleted.
	DNR investigating fish kill at Little Maquoketa River The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a fish kill at the Little Maquoketa River.
	Anxiety is growing Trump may try to disrupt the midterm elections. States are prepping. When Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin declared in September that Immigration and Customs Enforcement could serve warrants on individuals at polling places this fall, officials in Denver, a liberal city where roughly 14% of residents are foreign-born, quickly sued.“Every day we find new things to be astonished about but I think that we just want residents to not be afraid to vote because that’s ultimately what the president was after,” Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, a Democrat, said in an interview.Johnston and other local and state officials across the country are bracing for possible federal election interference from now through Nov. 3 — even as they remain unsure of what will actually happen.One month from Election Day, President Donald Trump’s long-running pressure campaign over elections is approaching a decisive moment. For the past year, the Trump administration has sought to bend the U.S. election system to the president’s will across multiple fronts, despite the Constitution’s guarantee that states administer elections.Interviews and public comments by more than a dozen current and former election officials, legal experts, lawmakers and others ahead of the midterms reveal anxiety over what Trump may do. Election administrators often plan for natural disasters, bomb threats and other possible problems, but this year many are also thinking about possible disruptions driven by the federal government. Election Day is Nov. 3, 2026. (Getty images) Potential scenarios range from armed federal personnel deploying at or near the polls to Trump declaring a national emergency — ideas widely condemned as illegal by election law experts. Homeland Security denies it plans to specifically target polling locations.Others include efforts to discredit voting machines or federal law enforcement obtaining search warrants to seize ballots, a fear that’s grown since the FBI took 2020 election ballots in Fulton County, Georgia, earlier this year.Barb Byrum, the country clerk in Ingham County, Michigan, which includes much of Lansing, said that when she became a clerk 13 years ago, she and other officials conducted table-top exercises to plan for power outages and tornadoes. Now it’s moved on to “federal misbehavior,” she said.“It’s really unfortunate that’s where we are. But that is, in fact, where we are,” Byrum, a Democrat, said in an interview.Memories of 2020Fears of election interference are at least partly rooted in previous efforts by Trump and his allies to overturn his 2020 election loss in key swing states, culminating in a mob of his supporters storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The riot led to Trump’s second impeachment in the House on a charge of inciting an insurrection, but the Senate acquitted him.Nearly six years later, Trump’s approval ratings are sagging and Republicans are fighting to retain control of Congress amid encouraging polling for Democrats. Loss of the House or Senate would effectively end Trump’s legislative agenda and lead to investigations that consume his final two years in office.“A desperate Trump is a dangerous Trump,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, said during an appearance at the progressive Center for American Progress in September. At the same time, Americans’ trust in elections is eroding. Just 49% of respondents said they expect the midterm elections to be free and fair, according to a national survey of more than 5,000 adults in early September conducted by the University of California San Diego Center for Transparent and Trusted Elections.Still, election officials and legal experts remain largely confident any interference effort ultimately won’t succeed. The United States has a decentralized election system run by state and local officials that guards against large-scale efforts to steal elections or prevent voting, they say, predicting courts would swiftly rule against the deployment of federal agents. Many votes are also cast by mail, sidestepping any Election Day show of force. More than 1 million votes have already been cast, according to data compiled by the University of Florida’s Election Lab.“It’s not going to happen,” David Becker, executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research, told reporters on Tuesday. “You’re not going to have to run a gauntlet. You’re not going to see troops or armed individuals at the polls.”‘I don’t rule anything out or in’Trump and his aides refuse to flatly rule out interfering in the midterms. In an interview with TIME magazine published Thursday, Trump declined to take extreme measures off the table. Asked about sending ICE to the polls, he said only that he hadn’t thought of it.“I don’t rule anything out or in. We’ll see,” Trump said of a national emergency.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed questions about sending troops to the polls as “another gotcha hypothetical,” though the Department of Defense has said it has no plans to deploy active-duty troops or federalized National Guard members. Some Republicans have suggested they would welcome the presence of soldiers if state and local authorities want them. “If that’s something that they decide that they need to look at, then that’s fine with me,” Rep. Mike Collins, a Georgia Republican, told reporters in September.Mullin, the Homeland Security secretary, last month sought a Department of Justice investigation into whether ballot tabulation machines that read barcodes or QR codes comply with federal law, raising concerns that the Trump administration could create a pretext to dismiss the validity of some ballots. The Georgia State Election Board’s executive director recently called on the DOJ to potentially intervene in the state over the use of QR code-based tabulation.Earlier this year, Mullin also warned that election officials who don’t “participate in securing the elections” could face prosecution. He promised to “hold election officials accountable.”Roadblocks to interferenceBut with Election Day nearing, Trump has been stymied on every major initiative to influence the election process this year:Congress didn’t pass the SAVE America Act, which would require voters to prove their citizenship. The U.S. Supreme Court blocked the U.S. Postal Service from imposing new rules on mail ballots. The Justice Department has lost more than two dozen lawsuits seeking to force states to turn over sensitive voter data. A DOJ push to prosecute noncitizen voters has led to only a few dozen prosecutions, reflecting studies that consistently found that noncitizen voting happens extremely rarely. In the most recent action, U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche in late September announced indictments against 10 noncitizens over allegations of unlawfully voting.The White House did secure a recent victory when the Supreme Court allowed states to use a supercharged version of a Homeland Security computer program that can identify possible noncitizen voters. But the decision will have minimal impact on the midterms because, under federal law, it’s too close to Election Day for most states to purge large numbers of voters off their rolls.In response to questions from States Newsroom, White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis in a statement accused “extreme liberal Democrats” of preventing Americans from having full confidence in their elections by not supporting the SAVE America Act, though the legislation faced bipartisan opposition in the Senate. “President Trump is absolutely right: we fix this now, or we lose our country,” Bis said.ICE at the polls?Trump’s failure to advance his signature election-related policies has left him with few options to exert control outside of increasingly audacious and potentially illegal options. So when Mullin said that ICE can execute warrants at polling sites, the remarks provoked a swift backlash from voting rights activists and Democrats.“The only reason why we would be at polling places is if there is a threat to that polling place or we’re serving a warrant on someone that we have been actively tracking down,” Mullin said during a news conference on Sept. 1.On Friday, Homeland Security sent an unsigned statement to States Newsroom denying any plans to target polling locations, adding that Mullin has answered the question “dozens of times.” DHS said ICE agents are part of trained special response teams that can rapidly respond to major incidents if necessary to aid local law enforcement, regardless of location.“Any ‘anxiety’ among election officials is the unfortunate result of fake news reports of ‘federal interference’ despite the Secretary’s numerous clear statements to the contrary,” the DHS statement said.Notably, the statement does not address Mullin’s remark about serving warrants. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin walks onto the stage during a midterm election rally with President Donald Trump at the Choctaw Event Center, on Oct. 1, 2026, in Durant, Oklahoma. (Photo by Jessica Tobias/For Oklahoma Voice) At least three lawsuits seek to block any possible deployment of federal agents to election sites. The oldest case, filed on Sept. 10 by Denver and several voting rights groups, points to Mullin’s comments and alleges ICE has already conducted law enforcement operations at polling places this year.ICE agents “swarmed” a parking lot of an active polling site in San Antonio in May to detain someone, the suit says. In June, agents visited a Ventura County, California, polling place and accosted an election worker at a Syracuse, New York, polling place, it says.Preparing for the worstTina Barton co-chairs the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections, a nonprofit group that helps elections and officials and law enforcement think through how to protect election workers and voters from violence, threats and intimidation. She said the organization has about 138 events on its calendar this year, compared to 67 in 2024.In communities with concerns about a possible federal presence, the organization has officials work through a scenario involving ICE activity near a polling place that affects voters coming to the area, allowing local leaders to think through questions about what their legal options would be, how they would respond and what they would tell the public.“Their conversation and how they choose to move forward, that’s owned by them and their community and how they choose to handle that. What we encourage is relationship-building ahead of time with them, conversations ahead of time,” Barton said.Local election officials receive an “incredible” amount of training in how to handle crises, said Kamryn Hoadley, who advises Michigan election officials for Keep Our Republic, a pro-democracy nonprofit. “They are truly as prepared as somebody could be for anything that will happen on Election Day,” Hoadley said.In Los Angeles County — the most populous county in the country, with more than 10 million residents — election officials have studied the potential for disruptions to the election. But Dean Logan, the Los Angeles registrar-recorder/county clerk, emphasized in a statement that scenarios concerning federal agents at polling sites and the seizure of ballots haven’t occurred in his area and haven’t been upheld in court.“We've engaged in scenario and tabletop planning with our partners so that if an unexpected situation arises, roles are clear and our response is calm, coordinated, and focused on voter access and participation, rather than politically reactive,” Logan said. “Voters should know the behind-the-scenes work is thorough, and the fundamentals of a secure election are sound,” he said. Courtesy of D.C. Bureau
	Germany's political center fights for relevance after far-right and far-left gains Centrist politicians are soul-searching after electoral gains by the far right and the far left. Today's weak coalitions, political fragmentation and dire economy echo a past that led to the rise of fascism.
	Enjoy creepy fun at Spooky Spectacular & Candy Crawl Families can enjoy Halloween fun at the Spooky Spectacular & Candy Crawl on October 24! According to a release, the Downtown Davenport Partnership invites you to wear a costume, grab an event map and make your way through downtown collecting treats and enjoy Halloween-themed experiences hosted by select businesses. All participating businesses will distribute candy [...]
	4 Your Money \| Low Hire, Low Fire Recent labor market data has sent mixed messages, and investors hope the September jobs report will provide some clarity on the economy's employment outlook. John Nelson, Financial Planner at NelsonCorp Wealth Management, joins us to explain the “low-hire, low-fire” dynamics currently shaping the labor market.
	Davenport man arrested in connection with shooting near Roger Craig Stadium An 18-year-old man from Davenport is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond after he was arrested in connection with a large police presence near Roger Craig Stadium. Criminal complaints filed in Scott County Court said Davenport Police responded to the Shell Gas Station at 3622 Brady Street on Oct. 1 at about 7 p.m. [...]
	Davenport teen charged in connection with Davenport shots fired incident A Davenport teen is being charged in Scott County District Court for allegedly shooting at a vehicle with four people inside outside a Davenport gas station on Thursday.
	Unlicensed catering business ordered to cease operations following foodborne illness outbreak At least 45 football team members and parents grew ill after eating from an unlicensed vendor last Thursday.
	Pro-Trump Influencer Benny Johnson is being sued for defamation by ICE protesters The lawsuit says the prominent conservative podcaster falsely claimed the protesters were assaulting ICE officers during demonstrations at an ICE facility in Illinois last year.
	Dubuque Police Lieutenant charged with distributing amphetamine A Dubuque Lieutenant has been charged with one count of distribution of amphetamine, the U.S. Department of Justice shared Friday.
	Eldridge Police Department receives Iowa accreditation The Eldridge Police Department has achieved accreditation through the Iowa Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP). This is the first accreditation in the history of the Eldridge Police Department. Accreditation through ILEAP shows a significant commitment to professional law enforcement, accountability, continuous improvement and adherence to recognized best practices. The accreditation process meant the Eldridge Police [...]
	October 1 ushered in a new era in U.S. foreign aid. What's the plan? Will it work? The America First strategy asks for a Memorandum of Understanding as a condition for healthcare and development aid. It's been praised for promoting self-reliance but criticized for its conditions.
	Iowa man missing after flash flooding collapses road Investigators believe a missing Iowa man may have driven over a road that collapsed early Thursday morning.
	Arconic opens doors to Quad Cities students for hands-on Manufacturing Day Arconic welcomed Quad Cities high schoolers to its Riverdale plant for Manufacturing Day, highlighting skilled trades and local career opportunities.
	Crews quickly extinguish grain dryer fire at Big River Resources in Taylor Ridge Multiple area fire crews responded to Big River Resources in Taylor Ridge after a fire broke out inside a grain bin dryer, which was quickly put out.
	Officials: North Scott homecoming week interrupted by unlawful, dangerous high jinks Students wore masks, shot fireworks and trespassed as part of homecoming shenanigans according to school officials.
	Iowa police warn of online scammers targeting buyers with fake farm equipment listings Iowa police warn buyers after online scammers using fake Waterloo business names targeted multiple victims looking to purchase farm equipment.
	Keokuk man faces felony charges after allegedly shooting at car with people inside Keokuk police arrested a 41-year-old man after he allegedly fired a handgun at people inside a vehicle Thursday night.
	Tom Brady's aviation habits after his retirement from pro football Tom Brady’s career is one of the most lauded and scrutinized in NFL history, not least because it extended well beyond the typical span of a professional football player’s time in the spotlight. While he’s now retired from competitive play, his new career as a sports commentator for Fox, which will earn him $375 million in a decade, means he’s still a high earner, with a raft of associated responsibilities and travel needs to meet in his latest broadcast role.The upshot of his retirement choice, combined with his other business interests, including an ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, is that Brady's aviation habits align more with C-suite executives than with typical former sports celebrities. In turn, the financial physics of private aviation mean that time in the air dictates ownership structure. For ultra-high-net-worth individuals with lower annual utilization, outright title holding quickly exposes capital to depreciation loss. As Jettly, a private jet rental service, explains below, Brady’s modern travel cadence likely points to an operational shift toward strategic asset access over single-tail maintenance obligations, although hard reporting on the specifics of his ownership status is scarce, reflecting his prioritization of privacy.Why Asset Depreciation Determines Ownership StrategyWhat’s known about Tom Brady’s aviation habits is neatly summarized by Simple Flying, with coverage from multiple media sources confirming that he regularly uses a Gulfstream G550 valued at around $20 million and equipped with space onboard for up to 19 passengers. The article also cites speculation that he owns a separate $50 million jet in conjunction with ex-wife Gisele Bündchen, although there’s no legitimate source confirming this rumor.What is clear is that operating a dedicated airframe of this scale creates substantial annual fixed expenditures, including hangar leases, crew retainers, and specialized insurance premiums. When a jet remains parked on an apron, those fixed costs continue unabated regardless of total flight hours. This might explain the uncertainty around ownership status, even though Brady is confirmed to have placed an order for a G550 back in 2008.Fixed maintenance overhead combined with market value erosion creates a high effective cost per hour for low-volume flyers. Mid- to large-cabin airframes experience early-life valuation declines much like luxury vehicles, which can drop by 60% over five years. If an asset is valued at $20 million, the depreciation hurts significantly more than a car costing $100,000.The math shifts dramatically when annual flight time hits a specific inflection threshold. According to Jettly, whole-aircraft ownership typically becomes cost-effective only when annual utilization approaches 300 to 400 flight hours. Elite athletes and C-suite executives logging under 200 hours per year, as is likely the case for Tom Brady, will find that sole ownership introduces structural operational inefficiency. The capital tied up in a sitting airframe can be far more effectively deployed into active growth investments. Jettly Optimizing Cabin Environments for Transcontinental ProductivityBecause Tom Brady’s private jet ownership status isn’t confirmed, and the tail number of the G550 he’s known to use regularly is also not a matter of public record, it’s hard to know how much he flies each year. That’s in contrast to other celebrities whose private jets are known, and whose aviation habits are much easier to track as a result.High-profile executives and sports broadcasters, of which Brady is both, see private air travel as a mobile command center rather than a simple luxury. Extended flight windows can provide uninterrupted time for strategic work and game preparation, while during Brady’s playing career, he likely used this time for physical recovery as much as psychological rest.Even standard configurations are engineered specifically to maximize onboard utility. Modern heavy-cabin jets routinely feature high-speed satellite connectivity, dedicated meeting zones, and custom quiet suites for recuperation mid-flight.Meanwhile, eliminating commercial terminal delays saves hours during weekly travel rotations. Arriving at fixed-base operator terminals allows direct tarmac access, cutting transit times down to minutes. That saved time can be converted into increased preparation time for weekend broadcasts.The Future of Private Air LogisticsThe broader business aviation industry continues shifting away from sole-owner models toward access-based solutions, and it’s likely that Brady is following this trend. Capital preservation, tax optimization, and fleet agility drive decision-making across corporate boards and family offices alike. Prioritizing on-demand flexibility lets high-frequency travelers maintain full control over their schedules and gain maximum mobility with zero long-term asset liability.This story was produced by Jettly and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	North Scott School District resignations, hirings and other personnel news for Sept. 28 The following personnel items are from the Sept. 28 agenda of the North Scott School District. The school board met at Neil Armstrong.
	Rock Island players sickened by food poisoning after team dinner 45 Rock Island players felt ill after a team dinner last Friday. The caterer was not licensed or food-safety certified and was ordered to stop operating.
	Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger predicts GOP midterm losses 'I think the Republicans are going to take a big shellacking.'
	Unlicensed caterer linked to illness that sickened 45 at Rock Island High School football team dinner The outbreak prompted health officials to recommend postponing the Rocks' Sept. 25 homecoming game until players had been symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
	Minnesota woman faces DUI, drug charges after airborne crash in Ogle County A woman faces charges following a crash Thursday that put her in the hospital, according to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office.
	2 drivers in critical condition after crash involving semi-truck near Marengo A crash between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle Thursday afternoon leaves two people seriously hurt.
	Major pumpkin theft impacts first-year family farm in Boone County A family farm has cut pumpkin season short after owners say a major theft wiped out the remainder of its unharvested crops.
	Second person sentenced in East Moline fatal stabbing Her co-defendant pleaded guilty earlier this year.
	Unlicensed catering business shut down after Rock Island football team food poisoned before Homecoming game An unlicensed home-based catering business was ordered to cease operations after 45 people were sickened at a Rock Island football team dinner.
	Parcel vs. LTL for shipping large packages: Your decision framework Shipping big packages can create big challenges for companies of all sizes. What starts as a simple parcel can quickly trigger oversized package fees or dimensional weight charges. Other shipments may be better suited for less-than-truckload (LTL) freight, but knowing when to make the switch isn’t always obvious. Choosing between parcel vs. LTL freight isn’t about selecting your favorite or most-used mode. It’s about choosing the shipping method that’s right for each shipment. Many businesses rely on both, selecting the best option based on the shipment’s size, handling requirements, and destination.Making the right choice doesn’t have to be complicated. This simple decision framework from ShipStation can help you evaluate each shipment and choose the transportation network that’s the best fit. ShipStation Why shipping decisions changeShipping needs rarely stay the same. As products, packaging and order sizes change, the shipping method that once made sense may no longer be the best fit. Even a single oversized package or multi-carton shipment can shift the balance between parcel and LTL shipping.That’s because parcel and LTL networks were designed for different types of shipments. Parcel carriers such as UPS, FedEx, and USPS move millions of individual packages through highly automated networks. LTL carriers are designed to move larger, heavier or palletized freight by combining shipments from multiple businesses into shared trailer space.Neither shipping mode is inherently better. The goal is to choose the shipping mode that best fits the shipment based on its size, weight, packaging, destination, and delivery requirements. Choosing the right mode is just one piece of a larger freight optimization strategy.Parcel vs. LTL: What’s the difference? ShipStation Understanding these differences makes it easier to recognize when a shipment belongs in the parcel network, when it’s a better fit for LTL, and when it’s worth comparing both before making a decision.When parcel shipping makes senseParcel shipping is often the best choice when speed, convenience, and flexibility are the priority. Many large packages still move efficiently through parcel networks, making parcel a practical option for shipments that don’t benefit from palletization or freight handling.Parcel shipping is often the right fit when your shipment:Typically weighs 150 pounds or less.Ships as a single carton or package.Requires fast or time-sensitive delivery.Is being delivered to a residence.Doesn’t require specialized freight services.Keep in mind: A large package doesn’t automatically belong in the LTL network. Many oversized packages continue to move efficiently through parcel carriers.When LTL freight makes senseLTL shipping is often the better choice when shipments become too large for efficient parcel handling or when multiple cartons can be consolidated onto a pallet. Consolidating freight often improves handling while reducing shipping costs.LTL shipping is often the right fit when your shipment:Typically weighs more than 150 pounds.Ships on one or more pallets.Includes multiple large cartons going to the same destination.Exceeds parcel carrier size or weight limits.Requires liftgate, inside delivery or appointment delivery.Benefits from added stability during transit.Keep in mind: Many shipments move to LTL before reaching 150 pounds because dimensions, packaging requirements and handling needs can be just as important as weight.When to compare parcel and LTLSome oversized parcel shipments clearly belong in one network. Others fall into a gray area where comparing parcel and LTL rates and solutions can uncover a more cost-effective option. That’s especially true as shipments grow larger or more complex.Compare parcel and LTL shipping when your shipment:Typically weighs between 100 and 150 pounds.Is approaching parcel carrier size limits.Has high dimensional weight.Is oversized but relatively lightweight.Includes several cartons shipping to the same destination.Requires extra handling but may not need a pallet.Balances shipping cost and delivery speed equally.Bottom line: Weight is only one piece of the puzzle. Dimensions, packaging, destination and handling requirements all influence the best shipping mode. Taking a few minutes to compare parcel and LTL options can help you choose the solution that delivers the best overall value.Options for shipping large packagesOnce you’ve decided whether parcel or LTL is the best fit, you’ll still have several shipping options to consider. Parcel carriers offer specialized services for heavy and multi-package shipments, while LTL carriers provide different ways to prepare freight for safe, efficient transportation. Understanding these options can help reduce costs, improve handling, and simplify delivery. ShipStation ShipStation Frequently asked questions about shipping large packagesWhat's the difference between parcel and LTL freight shipping?Parcel shipping is designed for individual packages. LTL (less-than-truckload) shipping is designed for larger, heavier or palletized freight that doesn’t require a full truckload.When should I choose LTL instead of parcel?LTL is often the better choice when shipments exceed parcel size or weight limits, include multiple large cartons, or require palletization or specialized delivery services.Is 150 pounds the cutoff for LTL shipping?No. Many businesses begin comparing parcel and LTL shipping around 150 pounds, but dimensions, packaging and carrier requirements are just as important as weight.Can oversized packages still ship through parcel?Yes. Many oversized packages remain within parcel carrier limits. The best choice depends on the shipment’s size, weight, destination and handling requirements.What is dimensional weight?Dimensional weight is a pricing method based on package size rather than actual weight. Large, lightweight packages often cost more because they occupy more space in a trailer.How can I reduce shipping costs for large packages?Compare parcel and LTL rates, consolidate shipments when practical and choose the shipping mode that best fits the shipment instead of relying on habit.What services are available if my customer doesn't have a loading dock?Many LTL carriers offer liftgate, inside delivery and residential delivery services to accommodate locations without loading docks or forklifts.Choose parcel and freight with confidenceChoosing between parcel and LTL isn’t about following a rule or relying on the shipping method you’ve always used. It’s about evaluating each shipment and selecting the transportation network that’s the best fit. A few extra minutes spent comparing your options can help control shipping costs, improve shipping efficiency over time and avoid common shipping mistakes.This story was produced by ShipStation and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Oprah Winfrey's Global Express: Privacy at scale For most people, getting to the airport is just another part of the journey. For someone like Oprah Winfrey, it could be an event in itself. One of the most recognizable women in the world can’t exactly step into a crowded terminal without causing a ruckus.With a schedule built around running a global media empire, Oprah can't afford delays. More critically, she needs privacy for confidential strategy meetings and sensitive business discussions. BlackJet examined the media mogul’s relationship with private aviation and how this mode of travel can accommodate needs for high-profile executives like Oprah that commercial aviation doesn't allow.Oprah’s Private Aviation JourneyThroughout her career in the media industry, Oprah has owned five private planes. Her first was a Gulfstream IV (G-IV), bought in 1991 for around $20 million. Her main reason for making this move was for privacy and flexibility.According to Aero Corner, it was a four-hour delay at Chicago O’Hare that finally pushed Winfrey toward private aviation. As the need to fly internationally grew, the media mogul upgraded to an ultra-long-range Bombardier Global Express XRS in the early 2000s.In 2013, Oprah went back to Gulfstream by paying around $61 million for a G550. Come 2016, she made the switch to a G650ER and recently added a G700 (acquired in 2025) to the fleet. All her planes carried the N540W tail number, starting with the G-IV and ending with the G700.Oprah favors Gulfstream-produced planes, with the exception of her second acquisition, the Global Express XRS. The aircraft was produced in Canada, between 2005 and 2012, and, at the time, featured the quietest cabin in the industry.Why Ultra-Long-Range Aircraft Win for Frequent FlyersAs Oprah’s career expanded, she needed a swift office in the sky, and the Global Express XRS delivered. The plane can fly roughly 6,000 nautical miles (over 11,000 km) nonstop at Mach 0.85, easily connecting pairings like New York to Tokyo or London to Singapore.Advanced cabin pressurization maintains a low cabin altitude (4,500 ft at high cruise), significantly reducing jet lag and fatigue during long trips. Also, the acoustic insulation keeps noise at a minimum level, allowing passengers to work, make phone calls, or sleep.These features make the Global Express XRS one of the most sought-after planes by frequent flyers who need to zip around the world for business.Turning a Jet Into a Mobile OfficeWhile celebrities like Kim Kardashian or Kylie Jenner customize their aircraft in their brand’s image, Oprah took a different approach. She configures her planes as comfortable offices and resting areas.For her Bombardier, the TV star focused on custom conference tables, dedicated sleep areas, comfortable chairs, and other features that help her and her team work or rest while in flight. The Global Express XRS can fly 12+ passengers. Oprah customized her aircraft with elegant, designer fixtures, high-end materials, and state-of-the-art amenities.The cabin features a spacious layout that Oprah had divided into three zones:A forward office for confidential strategy meetingsA central work area with comfortable seatingAn aft private stateroom with a fold-out bed and en-suite facilities for restShe also added soundproofing to keep cabin noise as low as possible, facilitating clear phone calls, script reading, and sleep without the sound of plane engines in the background. The focus was on functional privacy and comfort for everyone on board, whether they were team members, crew, or Oprah herself.To make each journey both productive and entertaining, the aircraft also features advanced in-flight entertainment systems, satellite communications, specialized gourmet appliances, custom espresso equipment, and tailored galley storage.Why A-Listers Choose Private Over CommercialTight schedules and the need for a private and safe way to travel around the world have pushed more A-listers and industry leaders toward private aviation. While not all of them own an aircraft, they will charter a flight or get involved in fractional ownership.But Oprah Winfrey is special. As both a business mogul and a widely recognized celebrity, she has double the reason to fly privately. Over the course of her career, she has continued to upgrade her aircraft to meet the needs of an expanding global empire.This story was produced by BlackJet and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Three things to know: Oct. 2, 2026 Quad City Symphony musician visits Davenport Central High School, Heart to Heart Screening Day in Rock Island and a look at the forecast!
	Rock Island High School illness outbreak traced to team dinner There’s new information on the illness outbreak at Rock Island High School that caused the school to reschedule its Homecoming game last month. The City of Rock Island and Rock Island County Health Department have taken immediate steps to mitigate a foodborne illness outbreak at Rock Island High School. The outbreak was traced to a [...]
	How to choose a medical virtual assistant for your practice As administrative demands grow, medical practices often face staff overload, delays, higher costs, and less time for patient care. A medical virtual assistant can help manage many of these tasks remotely, but choosing the right fit requires careful evaluation.In this guide, My Mountain Mover answers critical questions about choosing a medical virtual assistant, including what they do, what operational benefits this role can support, and what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance requires from this arrangement. Understanding these factors can help your practice evaluate how to build a secure, efficient remote staffing model with the right safeguards, onboarding, and oversight.Key TakeawaysChoosing a medical virtual assistant starts with identifying where the administrative workload creates the most operational strain:A medical virtual assistant cannot perform direct, hands-on clinical patient care, but they can handle remote clinical support tasks like real-time medical scribing and electronic health record (EHR) documentation.Common responsibilities include scheduling, patient communication, insurance verification, and documentation support.HIPAA compliance requires appropriate safeguards when virtual staff access protected health information.The right medical virtual assistant should match your workflows, technology, schedule, and administrative priorities.Structured onboarding helps establish security practices, system access, and performance expectations.What Is a Medical Virtual Assistant?A medical virtual assistant is a trained administrative professional who remotely supports healthcare practice operations through approved digital systems, including electronic health records, scheduling software, communication platforms, and practice management systems. Depending on the arrangement, they may also support insurance, billing, and referral workflows.A medical virtual assistant does not replace a licensed medical professional or provide clinical care, such as diagnosing patients or prescribing medication. Instead, they manage administrative processes that help practices maintain operational continuity before, during, or after patient encounters.For example, a medical virtual assistant may confirm appointments before a patient arrives, update administrative information after a visit, or follow up on an outstanding insurance request. In this way, remote medical administrative support can complement an existing healthcare team.The specific duties should be documented before the relationship starts. Clear responsibilities help prevent role confusion and support appropriate system access.What Tasks Can a Medical Virtual Assistant Handle for My Practice? My Mountain Mover Physicians and their staff can spend about 13 hours a week on prior authorizations alone. A medical virtual assistant steps in to support these administrative processes across the patient journey. The specific workload depends on the practice, specialty, technology, and staffing model. Common tasks include:Appointment scheduling: Coordinating new appointments, follow-ups, cancellations, and reschedulesAppointment confirmations: Sending reminders and confirming upcoming visits through approved communication channelsPatient communication: Responding to routine administrative questions and routing clinical concerns to the appropriate staffPatient intake: Managing forms and collecting the required administrative information before appointmentsInsurance verification: Check eligibility, benefits, and other required insurance informationPrior authorization support: Tracking authorization requests and following up on outstanding requirementsEHR management: Entering approved information and maintaining administrative recordsReferral coordination: Tracking referrals and communicating with external officesPractices can define which responsibilities the medical virtual assistant will take on. They should also establish escalation procedures for tasks that need further clinical judgment.What Are the Key Benefits of Hiring a Medical Virtual Assistant?A medical virtual assistant can support more than task completion by helping practices redistribute eligible administrative work across providers, on-site staff, and remote professionals. For many practices, this model can reduce administrative pressure, improve staffing flexibility, and expand access to specialized administrative skills.Reduced Administrative OverheadAdministrative work can take up substantial time across a medical practice. The medical virtual assistant can manage scheduling requests, documentation tasks, patient messages, and billing follow-up, all of which accumulate quickly. Clinical staff then have more time for patient-facing work.This arrangement can also reduce interruptions. Providers and medical assistants do not need to address every routine administrative request themselves. For practices experiencing documentation backlogs or delayed callbacks, this redistribution can improve workflow consistency. The goal here is not to remove administrative work, but to assign each task to the appropriate team member.Lower Staffing CostsTraditional hiring involves more than an employee’s salary, because practices also need to account for benefits, payroll expenses, office space, equipment, and other overhead. A remote staffing model can reduce some of those physical workplace costs.The total financial impact varies by provider, workload, and staffing arrangement. Practices should compare the full cost of each model rather than hourly rates alone. Costs should also be evaluated against performance. A lower-cost medical virtual assistant may not provide value if training requirements, turnover, or quality issues create additional work.Access to a Broader Talent PoolApproximately 314,400 annual staff openings are projected across the broader secretary and administrative assistant category. These are driven primarily by retirement and role transfers rather than net new positions, reflecting ongoing replacement demand rather than supply growth.Because local recruitment limits practices to candidates within a reasonable commuting distance, remote staffing can expand the available talent pool and help practices find professionals with healthcare administrative experience who may be difficult to source locally. A broader recruitment pool can also provide access to workers familiar with specific EHRs, scheduling platforms, and revenue cycle processes.Experience still requires verification. Practices should assess healthcare knowledge, communication skills, technology proficiency, and reliability before making any hiring decisions.Scalable Administrative CapacityAs a practice grows, new providers, additional patients, and expanded services can increase scheduling, billing, and communication workloads. A medical virtual assistant can add administrative capacity without requiring the practice to immediately expand its physical footprint.The model can also support practices with fluctuating administrative requirements. Responsibilities can be reviewed and adjusted as workloads change. Scalability should remain structured. Additional responsibilities need appropriate training, supervision, and system permissions.What Does a HIPAA-Compliant Medical Virtual Assistant Arrangement Require? My Mountain Mover HIPAA requirements still apply when administrative work happens outside the practice, so remote professionals who access protected health information need appropriate safeguards and clearly defined responsibilities. Before granting system access, practices should evaluate the relationship, technology, and information involved.Business Associate AgreementsA business associate agreement (BAA) may be needed when a medical virtual assistant or staffing company performs certain services involving protected health information on behalf of a covered entity. When a remote staffing provider or individual medical virtual assistant acts as a business associate and will access, process, or transmit protected health information (PHI) on the practice’s behalf, a BAA is generally required. This agreement establishes permitted uses and disclosures of PHI while outlining responsibilities for safeguards, reporting, and other applicable requirementsPractices should determine whether their specific arrangement requires a BAA. They should also verify that the agreement reflects how the virtual assistant will handle information. Operating without a BAA in place constitutes a HIPAA violation, regardless of whether a data breach occurs. The absence of the agreement itself constitutes noncompliance.Role-Based Access ControlsMedical virtual assistants should have access based on their assigned responsibilities. Role-based permissions can limit a worker’s exposure to information they do not need. Access should also be reviewed when these responsibilities change.Secure authentication provides another layer of protection. Practices should use appropriate credentials and authentication controls for healthcare systems. Remote workers should follow documented procedures for passwords, authentication, and device security. Access should be removed promptly when it is no longer necessary.HIPAA Compliance ProtocolsHIPAA compliance requires more than additional training. Practices should maintain procedures that address privacy, security, access, and incident response. Medical virtual assistants should understand how these procedures apply to their responsibilities. Training should cover the appropriate handling of protected PHI and the approved communication method.Practices should document relevant training and acknowledgments. They should also maintain access records, conduct policy reviews and engage in other compliance activities. Regular reviews can identify changes in responsibilities or security requirements. These reviews help ensure the remote staffing arrangement continues to align with the practice’s compliance program.Questions to Ask Any Medical Virtual Assistant ProviderBefore selecting a medical virtual assistant provider, ask questions that address both operations and HIPAA compliance. These questions can help identify providers with structured processes. They can also expose potential gaps before the medical virtual assistant receives access to sensitive systems:With which types of physician offices and specialty clinics do they have healthcare administrative experience?Which EHR practice management systems do they know?Does the provider execute a BAA before sharing any PHI?What does the HIPAA compliance protocol process cover, and at what point does it occur relative to the start of the engagement?How does the provider handle breach reporting, and what is the incident response procedure?What documentation of HIPAA compliance is available for audit purposes?How to Choose a Medical Virtual Assistant for Your PracticeThe best medical virtual assistant is one with skills that closely match your practice’s workload. Use these criteria to find the right fit:Define the workload: Identify where your practice is experiencing workflow gaps, bottlenecks, or scheduling inefficiencies. Matching the assistant’s primary function to the specific operational gap produces stronger outcomes than hiring for broad, undefined “administrative support.”Verify HIPAA compliance: Confirm whether the provider is acting as a business associate and, if so, that a BAA is executed before any PHI is shared. They should also use encrypted systems and multi-factor authentication (MFA) while documenting the HIPAA compliance protocols that their staff complete. Ask for specifics on breach response procedures and how they maintain ongoing compliance.Evaluate EHR experience: Confirm that the medical virtual assistant has experience working with EHR platforms comparable to your practice’s systems. Ask for specifications on which platforms they know, clarify onboarding expectations up front, and establish how workflow alignment will be achieved before the engagement begins.Understand the staffing model: Choose working hours that align with patient demand and practice operations. A medical virtual assistant engaged full-time with one practice can develop greater familiarity with workflows, communication patterns, and operational consistency, especially with structured onboarding and clear expectations.Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Virtual AssistantsThe right staffing model depends on the practice’s responsibilities, patient volume, and administrative needs. These questions address common considerations when evaluating a medical virtual assistant:What is the difference between a medical virtual assistant and a medical assistant?A medical virtual assistant primarily performs administrative work remotely. Their scope is strictly non-clinical: scheduling, billing coordination, insurance verification, EHR documentation, and patient communication. A medical assistant typically works on-site, supporting both administrative and clinical workflows. The two roles are distinct in licensure, function, and setting, and should not be used interchangeably.Can a medical virtual assistant support specialty-specific administrative workflows?Yes, medical virtual assistants support administrative functions across a wide range of specialties, including primary care, behavioral health, allied health, cardiology, orthopedics, and others. While their scope remains non-clinical, many remote administrative professionals have experience with the scheduling patterns, insurance workflows, and documentation conventions specific to particular practice types, which reduces the orientation period when they begin working within a new practice environment.Why is a full-time medical virtual assistant more effective than a part-time arrangement?A full-time engagement allows time to develop familiarity with a practice’s specific systems, workflows, communication preferences, and operational rhythms. A part-time or shared arrangement in which the assistant divides attention among multiple clients limits the depth of that integration. With the right onboarding and oversight, full-time, dedicated support can help promote more consistent task completion, fewer errors, and stronger alignment with how the practice operates day-to-day.What does onboarding a medical virtual assistant typically involve?Onboarding a medical virtual assistant starts with defining responsibilities, workflows, and performance expectations. System access should match the assistant’s assigned duties. Training should address HIPAA requirements, privacy procedures, and security practices. A thorough onboarding process can influence how quickly and effectively the assistant integrates into the practice’s day-to-day operations.The Bottom Line on Medical Virtual AssistantsChoosing a medical virtual assistant starts with understanding where the administrative workload most affects your practice. The goal of this remote hire is to reduce pressure on clinical staff while adding flexible administrative capacity. It can also expand access to healthcare administrative talent beyond the local hiring market.When choosing the right medical virtual assistant, keep HIPAA compliance at the core of practice requirements. Practices should also address BAAs, access controls, training, security, and documentation before work begins. As healthcare organizations face growing administrative demands, remote staffing is becoming a more practical component of modern practice operations.This story was produced by My Mountain Mover and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The 10,000-step goal is everywhere. But what does all that walking do to your feet? When Every Step Becomes a Fitness MetricSmartphones, smartwatches, and fitness trackers have turned walking into data, making movement visible and step challenges easy to measure.That visibility has made walking an approachable exercise and 10,000 steps a familiar target. But step count is only one measure of activity. When walking becomes deliberate exercise, the feet must adapt, too, KURU reports.Where Did the 10,000-Step Goal Come From?Ten thousand steps did not originate as a universal medical recommendation. The target traces to 1960s Japan and a Yamasa pedometer called the manpo-kei, or “10,000-step meter”; research places the 10,000-step slogan around 1965. Later fitness technology helped popularize the benchmark.Research has since examined steps and health, but 10,000 is not an established minimum. A 2025 systematic review found 7,000 daily steps were associated with reductions in several health risks compared with 2,000, distinguishing a behavioral target from a universal threshold.What Regular Walking Does for the BodyWalking is popular partly because many people can incorporate it into daily life. Brisk walking qualifies as moderate-intensity activity and can contribute toward the recommended 150 minutes weekly for adults.Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular, metabolic, muscle and bone health, mobility and mental well-being. The CDC says it can lower heart disease risk, stroke and type 2 diabetes risk while benefiting bones and reducing the risk of depression.Walking is not the only route to those benefits. People who cannot walk can use activities suited to their abilities; CDC guidance emphasizes that adults of all abilities can benefit from physical activity.More Steps Aren't Automatically BetterHealth does not begin at 10,000 steps. Someone moving from 3,000 to 5,000 has meaningfully increased activity. A meta-analysis found mortality risk declined with increasing steps before leveling off at different totals, depending partly on age.Starting point and recovery matter. Someone relatively inactive should not necessarily jump to 10,000 steps, while extremely high totals may be neither practical nor necessary. CDC guidance recommends people start slowly and work up when increasing activity.Your Feet Absorb Every One of Those StepsWalking repeatedly loads the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and connective tissues of the feet and lower legs. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons notes that weight-bearing bones absorb forces during walking.Walking is not inherently damaging. But thousands of additional steps mean thousands of additional repetitions, and potentially a new physical demand.What Happens When You Suddenly Increase Your Walking?The body adapts to physical stress during exercise and recovery, while a sharp increase leaves less opportunity for that process. AAOS notes that rapid increases in frequency, duration, or intensity can contribute to bone stress injuries.Not every ache means injury. Increased activity can bring temporary discomfort, while the American Academy of Dermatology notes that friction can cause blisters and recommends moisture-wicking socks to help prevent chafing. Discomfort is useful information rather than something to automatically push through.Why Your Shoes Matter More as Your Step Count Goes UpShoes that feel fine during errands may feel different after hours of walking. Fit, sizing, toe room, cushioning, comfort, stability, and individualized support matter as volume rises.No construction is universally best for everyone. The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends plenty of toe room when forefoot pressure is a concern. Footwear should fit the individual and the activity.Walking Comfort Is About More Than Just ShoesSurface, training volume, recovery, and individual factors can affect physical demands and risk, while terrain, inclines, speed, and duration change what a particular walk involves. Biomechanics and previous injuries or foot conditions can also shape individual experience.Identical step totals can therefore represent different workloads depending on the person, pace, terrain and conditions.Don't Ignore Persistent Foot PainSome discomfort can follow unfamiliar activity, but persistent pain or swelling, numbness or tingling warrant attention. Difficulty bearing weight or significant symptoms can also require medical care.Persistent or concerning symptoms should not simply be “walked through.” A physician or podiatrist can evaluate them rather than assuming every ache represents an injury.How to Increase Your Step Count Without Making It a RaceStart from your baseline and increase walking gradually, paying attention to your body's response and allowing recovery. Longer walks can be broken into shorter sessions, movement incorporated into existing routines, and routes or surfaces varied when appropriate.Prioritize consistency over an arbitrary number. Walking need not reach 10,000 steps to “count.” Instead of asking, “How do I get 10,000 steps today?” consider: “How can I safely become a little more active than I am now?”What Wearables Get Right (and Wrong) About WalkingWearables make activity measurable, and step counts easy to understand, providing motivation and accountability for some users. A study of 39 systematic reviews and meta-analyses found that trackers increased physical activity overall.But step counts cannot capture every aspect of activity or health, and estimates can vary among wearable monitors. Two 10,000-step days can represent different workloads because factors such as training volume and surface affect physical demand. Numerical goals can motivate but should not override how someone feels and functions.The Bigger Goal Should Be More Movement, Not a Magic NumberWalking can be accessible and sustainable for many people, and step counts can be useful behavioral tools. But 10,000 should not become an all-or-nothing test.Increasing movement from an individual's baseline can be meaningful; CDC guidance emphasizes that some activity is better than none. Consistency matters more than an arbitrary total, alongside comfort, recovery, and individual needs. For people who do not walk, other movement can serve the same goal.Conclusion: Every Step Counts, but Every Body Is DifferentStep counting has made walking more measurable, but 10,000 steps is a benchmark rather than a universal requirement. Walking can offer substantial health benefits while remaining accessible to many people.As volume increases, the feet and lower body experience more repetitive loading. Gradual progression, appropriate footwear, recovery, and attention to persistent discomfort can help make activity sustainable. The goal is not a number on a screen, but movement a person can comfortably maintain.This story was produced by KURU and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Iowa’s best pork tenderloin sandwich contest reveals its finalists The Iowa Pork Producers Association has its finalists for the best pork tenderloin sandwich in the state.
	State-licensed nurse faces charges of animal neglect in Linn County An eastern Iowa nurse who has worked for the state is facing animal neglect charges after police allegedly found two emaciated dogs, one already dead, on her property.
	Iowa attorney sentenced to federal prison for Rolls-Royce Medicaid fraud scheme A north-central Iowa attorney has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for healthcare fraud in attempting to assist a client in qualifying for Medicaid.
	Couple reopens historic Moline restaurant where they met Amy and Jason Stumphy, who met at Moline's Captain's Table in the late 1990s, are reopening the historic riverfront restaurant in November as Stumphy's Captain's Table.
	School officials, police say North Scott Homecoming shenanigans have ‘escalated beyond acceptable boundaries’ The North Scott Community School District, along with the Eldridge Police Department, said out of school Homecoming activities this year have “escalated beyond acceptable boundaries.”
	Halloween should be scary. Your bill doesn't have to be Halloween can get expensive pretty fast.You might start with bags of candy and a costume for the kids, but then come the decorations, pumpkins, school events, and trips to the pumpkin patch. Before you know it, you’ve spent a lot more than you planned.And it’s not just you. Halloween is no longer about homemade costumes and treats for kids. It’s become a major holiday and one with a major price tag. According to an annual consumer survey last year, the National Retail Federation expected Americans to spend a record $13.1 billion on Halloween, up from $11.6 billion the year before. A 2025 PwC survey also found that people planning to celebrate Halloween expected to spend an average of $289, while parents expected to spend $445.This year, those Halloween costs are coming at a time when prices are still going up.And even candy isn’t immune to rising prices, with candy and chewing gum prices up 8.1% from August 2025 to August 2026, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Higher costs for ingredients like cocoa and sugar, along with supply shortages and extreme weather in major cocoa-producing countries, have all contributed to the increase.For families stocking up for trick-or-treaters on top of paying for costumes, decorations, and activities, those higher prices can make Halloween feel a little scarier this year.The good news? You can still celebrate Halloween fun without cutting out the fun. The key is a little planning, some smart shopping strategies, and a few tweaks to how you approach your Halloween expenses, which CreditFresh shares here.What is Inflation and How Can It Affect Your Halloween Budget?Inflation is the rate at which prices for most things go up over time, which means your money doesn’t stretch quite as far as it used to. Basically, this means that the same amount of money buys fewer items than it did before.When this happens, you may feel it when you start shopping for Halloween. Things like Halloween candy, costumes, decorations, and other Halloween essentials can slowly creep up in price, and it can feel like you’re paying more but getting less. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. It’s something that affects a lot of people, and you’re definitely not alone in feeling the impact.1. Get a Handle on Your Halloween SpendingHalloween expenses can add up quickly. Don’t treat it as a one-off day. Budget like you would any other holiday.Knowing what you’re likely to spend can help you adjust your expectations and spending habits.A great first step is to make a list of your usual Halloween expenses, from candy and costumes to decorations and activities. Notice which ones are likely to take up the biggest part of your budget and identify areas where you might need to make swaps or cut back.Then, set a reasonable spending limit based on your income and household size. The goal isn’t to limit yourself unrealistically, but to figure out how much you can comfortably spend.You may also want to plan for unexpected expenses this Halloween so additional costs don’t scare you away if they come along.Keep in mind that some flexibility is important. If your kids are really excited about their costumes this year, maybe you spend a little more there and pull out last year’s Halloween decorations instead of buying new ones. You don’t have to spend the same amount on everything.2. Plan Before You ShopPlanning is one of the simplest ways to stay on top of your Halloween expenses and make sure you’re not overbuying. The more intentional you are before you get to the store, the easier it is to avoid coming home with things you didn’t really need.Start with a shopping list – Before you hit the store, write down exactly what you need. This helps prevent impulse buys that can quickly add up.Use what you already have – Check your closets and Halloween storage bins first.Repurpose what you can – An old cape, hat, basket, or Halloween decoration might work perfectly well this year with a little creativity.Getting the kids involved can help too. Before shopping for a brand-new costume, see what you can put together from things you already own and then buy only the pieces you’re missing.Once you start shopping, it’s important to keep track of how well you’re sticking to your Halloween budget. Whether you use a budgeting app, a spreadsheet, or just jot down expenses in a notebook, keeping an eye on your savings will help you stay on track.3. Line Up Your Finances in AdvanceOnce you have an idea of how much Halloween will cost, think about how you’ll cover those expenses before you start shopping. Consider what you can comfortably pay from your regular budget or savings, and whether you need to set aside money ahead of time.If you need additional funds, take some time to look at your financing options before you spend. Depending on your situation, that could include a credit card, personal loan, or line of credit. Compare the costs and repayment terms so you understand what each option could mean for your budget.4. Be a Smart ShopperWhen you have several Halloween purchases to make, now is the time to get serious about shopping smarter. Here are some easy ways to cut down your Halloween bill:Use coupons and store discounts – Even small savings add up over time.Join a store’s loyalty program – Many stores offer discounts and cashback for frequent shoppers.Compare prices – Don’t assume that your usual store has the best deal; sometimes, shopping at a discount chain or warehouse club makes a big difference.Skip name brands – Store brands are often just as good and much cheaper.A little bit of effort in checking sales and discounts can make a big difference in keeping your Halloween bill under control.5. Give Costumes and Decorations a Second LifeBefore buying a new costume or another box of decorations, take a look at what you already have.Kids grow out of costumes quickly, which also means there are plenty of costumes out there that have only been worn once. Check thrift stores, Buy Nothing groups, Freecycle groups, or local marketplaces before paying full price for something your child may wear for just one night.You can also swap costumes with friends or other parents. Your child might be completely over last year’s costume, but another kid may be thrilled to wear it.The same goes for decorations. Pull out what you already own first, then decide if you really need anything else.Disclaimer: Information in this article, including references to third parties, is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement or individualized financial or legal advice.This story was produced by CreditFresh and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	7 e-commerce mistakes that can slow peak season growth Peak sales season is one of the year’s biggest challenges and opportunities.A wave of demand can help e-commerce businesses increase sales, attract new customers, and strengthen existing relationships. But the same surge can push otherwise manageable weaknesses to the point of collapse.Beyond preparing to process higher order volumes, teams can align forecasting, inventory, storefronts, marketing, fulfillment, and customer service to make the most of increased demand.Peak season readiness, therefore, requires a comprehensive view of the customer journey and each operational step along the way.Passport discusses seven mistakes that can slow e-commerce growth during peak season and what to do instead to turn a temporary surge into lasting progress.Mistake 1: Waiting Too Long to PrepareThe conventional holiday rush has become considerably less predictable in recent years.Beyond the trend of holiday sales creeping earlier into the calendar, U.S. import data reveals that some businesses began stocking inventory for the 2026 season as early as May in response to tariff concerns.Likewise, inflationary pressures have encouraged consumers to spend more carefully, prompting many to shop for gifts earlier and look for deals sooner.These factors have fundamentally rescheduled the sales calendar, leaving teams with less time than ever to prepare.For importers, building inventory ahead of time can help businesses prepare for an earlier sales spike. At the same time, brands can overcorrect and incur extra carrying costs when excess inventory remains unsold.Instead of relying on bulked-up inventory, dedicate time to making your processes efficient, flexible, and scalable.A readiness review should cover:Marketing analytics and social media planningInventory management and fulfillment proceduresRisk assessment and quality assurance measuresCustomer experience optimizationContingency and scenario planningTesting operational updatesSorting through these details under normal conditions is typically much more productive than addressing them once seasonal pressures have begun.The pre-peak period is also particularly valuable for polling or engagement campaigns that can provide fresh feedback from your audience.Preparation should not sit with operations alone. Marketing, finance, and IT teams need a shared understanding of peak season expectations and escalation procedures. Cross-functional alignment positions everyone for success.Ultimately, channeling peak season sales into meaningful growth is about resilience, not just capacity. The goal is to enter peak season with enough information and flexibility to react in real time.Mistake 2: Over-Relying on Historical ForecastsHistorical sales data is an important input for peak-season planning. But planning for the same patterns to repeat can create new problems.The National Retail Federation forecast for 2026 points to ongoing uncertainty stemming from supply chain disruptions, consumer shifts, and widespread AI adoption.TikTok Shop reflects this shifting landscape; its unconventional, AI-integrated model engages younger audiences and reinforces the growing connection between social media and e-commerce.Beyond the digital landscape, trade wars and geopolitical conflicts reinforce the need to monitor change rather than assuming previous patterns will hold.A stronger forecast should combine historical data with current market and performance indicators. Sales forecasts should also be broken down by channel and market rather than relying on company-wide projections.That distinction becomes particularly important for brands selling internationally. Demand in one country may follow a very different trajectory from domestic demand. When pursuing cross-border growth, country-level signals are more insightful than treating international demand as a single category.Scenario planning can promote greater flexibility, helping teams prepare to pivot as conditions change.Mistake 3: Leaving Space for Checkout FrictionPeak-season shoppers often arrive with strong purchase intent, but even minor obstacles can derail that momentum. When competition is high and shoppers have alternatives, a complicated or restrictive checkout can turn demand into abandonment.Common examples include:Overloading the checkout pageRequiring an account before completing a purchaseHiding shipping costs until the endOffering limited payment methodsIgnoring mobile optimizationUnexpected costs are particularly damaging. A shopper who reaches checkout expecting one price and suddenly sees another may reconsider the purchase. Even when shipping costs are calculated at checkout, clearly explain any price changes and why they vary.Making the total cost as transparent as possible before the customer commits can reduce uncertainty and support a smoother transaction.Before peak traffic arrives, e-commerce teams should review the entire checkout flow. That includes the number of steps, required fields, payment methods, shipping choices, and mobile experience. Any intentional friction points should be evaluated through a cost-benefit analysis.Reducing checkout friction is ultimately about removing uncertainty and unnecessary complexity. A straightforward experience makes it easier for high-intent shoppers to move from consideration to conversion.Mistake 4: Overlooking International CustomersInternational expansion is one of the main growth levers available to e-commerce businesses. But that opportunity depends on your store’s ability to meet local expectations.Treating international e-commerce as a simple extension of your domestic store can introduce barriers at every stage of the customer journey.Localization, or adapting your store to reflect local market expectations, is key to international success. Stores should be presented in terms that customers recognize, rather than requiring them to adapt to your existing format.Language, payment preferences, and checkout expectations can all influence whether a shopper feels confident completing an order.The cost of international shipping needs special attention. Where appropriate, brands should show landed costs—including all applicable taxes and fees—during checkout rather than leaving customers to discover those charges after the purchase.Unexpected costs can erode conversions and create dissatisfaction even when the underlying product meets or exceeds expectations.Compliance is another key part of the cross-border equation. Product selections, classifications, tax rates, and regulatory requirements need to be confirmed before launching in a foreign market. Problems in any of these areas can lead to customs delays, unexpected costs, and disappointed customers.Peak season can even provide an opportunity to test demand in new markets, but your infrastructure needs to be capable of supporting those customers once they engage.For e-commerce brands pursuing cross-border growth, the objective is not to expand everywhere at once. It’s to create an experience that accounts for the expectations and operational realities of each market.Mistake 5: Making Delivery Promises You Can’t KeepDelivery expectations are part of the purchase decision, especially during the holidays when shoppers are buying gifts for a specific deadline.While an attractive delivery promise at checkout can lift conversions in the short term, failing to meet it undermines trust. A missed delivery date can turn an otherwise successful order into a poor experience and a negative review.Delivery estimates should reflect the realities of the entire fulfillment process, including processing time, transit, customs clearance for cross-border orders, and the variability that comes with major holidays.Providing realistic delivery windows sets accurate expectations upfront. If anything, under-promising and over-delivering is preferable.However, according to a 2026 survey conducted by the Baymard Institute, slow delivery is one of the top preventable reasons for abandoned purchases, second only to surprise costs.Finding the balance between speed and accuracy is best done before sales begin to rise. It’s also wise to review delivery performance by destination and service level before peak season. This gives your team an opportunity to identify underperforming lanes and address issues proactively.International orders require extra caution. Customs clearance and multi-carrier handoffs introduce more room for variability.Rather than promising the fastest delivery possible, set expectations that you can reliably meet.During peak season, accuracy and transparency can protect customer trust when delivery conditions become less predictable, turning first-time buyers into long-term customers.Mistake 6: Neglecting the Post-Purchase ExperienceFrom the customer’s perspective, placing an order is only the beginning of their journey. Though they’ve submitted payment, they may not yet be fully committed to your brand.Tracking plays an important role in the delivery experience. Accurate, timely updates give customers visibility into their orders and reduce uncertainty, which can limit delivery status questions for customer service. This becomes increasingly valuable as order volumes rise and support teams face greater demand.For international orders, that visibility is particularly important. Customers often need assurance after committing to a cross-border purchase.The order tracking experience can also influence how customers perceive your brand. Merchants can strengthen that relationship by creating a consistent, branded experience.Instead of sending shoppers to a third-party tracker, presenting your logo and personalized messaging throughout the process creates a more cohesive and recognizable brand experience.Returns deserve similar attention. After the holidays, gift recipients exchange and return products in large numbers, making clear and convenient policies a powerful trust signal. Returns management is especially critical to cross-border e-commerce, which must account for complex reverse logistics.When done right, post-purchase service can turn one-off transactions into lasting customer relationships.Mistake 7: Underestimating Inventory and FulfillmentAggressive preparation and marketing campaigns can’t compensate for a product being unavailable when a customer is ready to buy.During peak season, stockouts mean lost revenue, missed acquisition opportunities, and frustrated shoppers who may not return.Having enough of every SKU is only part of the equation. Inventory planning needs to be coordinated with fulfillment capacity so that adding more product doesn’t simply move the bottleneck somewhere else.Warehouse capacity, pick-and-pack processes, carrier handoffs, cutoff times, and international fulfillment workflows should all be reviewed before order volume increases.Fragmented processes can become detrimental when volume spikes. Confusion across carriers, inefficient handoffs, and disconnected fulfillment workflows can create problems exactly when teams need the most consistency.As brands determine which foreign markets warrant deeper investment, they can pivot to in-country fulfillment to reliably and affordably fulfill orders at scale.Key Takeaways: How to Turn Your Peak E-commerce Season Into Lasting GrowthPeak-season growth depends on more than increasing sales. E-commerce brands are better positioned to turn seasonal volume into sustainable growth when each step is planned as part of a coordinated customer and operational experience.Here’s your playbook for turning seasonal demand into sustainable growth:Prepare early – It’s never too soon to start looking toward the next peak, especially with the sales calendar starting earlier each year.Balance historical data with current trends – Changing market conditions make past data less reliable and current signals more important.Remove checkout friction – Keep the transaction simple, transparent, and attuned to local expectations.Plan for international demand – Localization, compliance, and consistent fulfillment can help turn cross-border interest into an engaged audience.Set realistic delivery expectations – Accurate delivery windows and proactive communication are more valuable than attractive offers you can't deliver on.Extend the experience beyond checkout – Tracking, communication, customer support, and returns can influence satisfaction and determine whether a holiday shopper becomes a repeat customer.Bolster inventory and fulfillment systems – Stockouts and operational bottlenecks can prevent brands from capturing hard-fought traffic.How to Grow E-commerce Sales and Other FAQsWhat is the best way to use holiday demand to grow my e-commerce business?Create a consistent customer experience across all your active markets. Reduce friction throughout the checkout, fulfillment, and post-purchase experience.How can I increase my average order value (AOV) during the peak season?Peak season creates opportunities for strategic upsells, add-ons, and bundle offers. Consider setting a free shipping threshold above your current AOV to encourage larger purchases. Other incentives can include complimentary gifts or tiered savings promotions.What are the best e-commerce platforms to help increase online sales?The platform itself is only one part of the equation. The best platform depends on your business model, growth goals, and operational needs. All-in-one services, such as Fulfillment by Amazon, can be an easy entry point, but they may take a significant portion of your profit margin.Platforms like Shopify provide a flexible foundation with integrations that expand their capabilities. Established brands may prefer to build their own sites for greater control over the customer experience and profit margins.What are the most common e-commerce mistakes during peak season?Common mistakes include preparing too late, relying only on historical data, creating checkout friction, overlooking international customers, making unrealistic delivery promises, neglecting the post-purchase experience, and underestimating inventory and fulfillment needs.How can I prepare my e-commerce business for peak season?Start by reviewing your forecasts, inventory, fulfillment capacity, checkout experience, delivery timelines, and post-purchase support. Testing these areas before demand increases can help you identify issues early and create a smoother experience for customers.How can I reduce cart abandonment during peak season?Make checkout as simple and transparent as possible. Show shipping costs and delivery windows upfront, offer familiar payment methods, optimize for mobile, and avoid introducing unexpected fees at the final step.This story was produced by Passport and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Duck Creek rises more than 6 feet as prolonged rain causes flooding throughout the metro The Quad Cities NWS expects Duck Creek to continue rising overnight into Friday, but levels should be helped by dry weather in the upcoming forecast.
	A rare win in Indian Country: How tribes drove out a mining company in one week When two Oglala Lakota scouts heard drilling was expected to begin on Pe’ Sla, the sacred prairie in the Black Hills of South Dakota, they set out on back trails. They needed to find out where. That’s when they saw a deer break ahead, and a red-tailed hawk soar above them — less like coincidence than being led, the scouts said. Over a rise, they came upon a road freshly cut to the dirt. They followed it, past a parked truck. “Oh my god,” one of them said, seeing a drill turning. “They’re drilling now!”What happened next was something that almost never happens in Indian Country: A coalition of tribes and organizers banded together and drove out a mining company in a matter of days.“We’re just not used to winning,” said Dr. Valeriah Big Eagle, who directs the Black Hills work of NDN Collective, an Indigenous-led advocacy nonprofit based in Rapid City. “We’re a people used to being screwed over by the government, at every level,” she told the The Economic Hardship Reporting Project and The Guardian.The fight to protect ancestral land from mining is a common one, and the struggles are often long, hard and lost. In March, the government handed Oak Flat, an Apache holy site in Arizona, to a copper company to gouge out one of the largest mines in North America — a transfer the tribe is still in court trying to reverse. In April, the Senate voted to strip protections from Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, a watershed in Ojibwe treaty territory where the bands still hunt, fish and gather; the battle has since moved to the statehouse. The consequences of losing aren’t abstract: poisoned water, sacred ground turned to open pit and the lasting health toll extraction leaves on Native land while the profits flow elsewhere.But at Pe’ Sla, what the Great Sioux Nation calls the “heart of everything that is,” the coalition broke the pattern, moving on every front at once. It was a lesson, they said, in what organized power can still win.The threat arrived the way these things usually do: as paperwork. On Feb. 27, the U.S. Forest Service quietly approved exploratory drilling by Pete Lien & Sons, a local mining and construction-materials company. They could drill 18 boreholes on national forest land, at least ten of them inside a 2-mile buffer around the central meadow that the tribes and the agency had agreed to protect. It was waved through with a “categorical exclusion” that skipped environmental review on land prayed over for thousands of years.Pe’ Sla holds a sacred place in the world of the Great Sioux Nation. Wizipan Little Elk Garriott — the president of NDN Collective and a former Interior department official — describes it beginning with the sky. It is where Fallen Star came to earth, and where, in a world scoured by fire and water, the people went inside to survive and later emerged. It’s also where traditionally foraged plants like the timpsula, the prairie turnip with its short spike of purple flowers, grow, and its root, high in calcium, is the real gift. Pe’ Sla is a church, a pantry and a pharmacy at once — the ceremony, the food and the medicine all right there in the ground, the ground that was almost drilled open.What the company was drilling for only sharpened the insult. Graphite is a “critical mineral” of the energy transition, the stuff in electric-car batteries. Which means the drills boring into the birthplace of a people were there to help save the planet.“It’s to set a precedent to attack all sacred sites,” Big Eagle said. “This isn’t happening just here — it’s happening all over the country.” For the organizers, the graphite is almost beside the point: Once a company has the right to drill, it can look for whatever else is down there.The clean economy keeps pulling the minerals of a green future out of the same colonized ground as coal and oil. More than 75% of the nation’s lithium, copper and nickel reserves lie within 35 miles of a reservation, and the communities in their path are among the most under-invested in the country. Oglala Lakota County, home to the Pine Ridge reservation, has a poverty rate above 50%.Even though the permit drew broad opposition — from tribes, local officials and the public — the Forest Service granted it anyway. So the coalition of tribal nations, the NDN Collective and two environmental groups escalated.The legal front moved first: In early April, NDN Collective, the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance and Earthworks sued the Forest Service, and nearly every tribe in the Dakotas filed a second suit of their own. But the courts were slow, and the company was quick. When Pete Lien & Sons learned a restraining order had been filed, it went to round-the-clock drilling, boring as many holes as it could before a judge ruled.The organizers couldn’t wait for the courts. That’s when the two Oglala Lakota scouts went out to find where the drilling had gone.Before dawn on April 30, organizers sent up a drone and found the company had moved overnight, its crews now on two lit pads across the highway. The convoy had already set out — a caravan of about a dozen vehicles strung along the highway under a high, bright moon. With the ground still frozen, they climbed the Forest Service roads. At the only road in, some 40 of them blocked the way behind them and put their bodies on the drill pads so no rig could run.“It was supposed to be one day, to make a statement,” Robert Bordeaux, a Sičáŋǧu Lakota poet who joined the occupation, told me for Peace & Riot. “It went so well we decided to stay.”For seven days, they lived on those pads — intergenerational by design: a youth council out front and elders anchoring the camp. They held it through helicopters overhead, three lines of police and private security, and a night that fell to ten degrees with no fires because the hills were experiencing a drought. They stayed warm with hand warmers and each other. Even then, the scouts said, the camp felt strangely calm — held, protected — as if the relatives they’d prayed to were with them.“The only weapons we had were our prayers,” Big Eagle said — steady and warm, the big sister of the camp.Ceremony wasn’t a pause from the strategy. It was the strategy. There were altars on both drill pads. And when the local news called them “armed and dangerous,” they live-streamed their own version of events. They knew it was bad optics to drag an Indigenous prayer camp off a mountain on camera.On May 4, a federal judge halted the drilling, finding the plaintiffs were likely to prove that the Forest Service had unlawfully waved through a supposedly under-a-year project whose permit required three years of work. Still, the organizers didn’t leave — they didn’t trust a company that could pay a fine to stop.Days later, Pete Lien & Sons wrote to the Forest Service, withdrawing its plan and saying it would not file another. The company never said why, but organizers believe the company would lose this round in court, and starting over could take years. For a family limestone-and-concrete business, an unproven graphite prospect likely wasn’t worth the fight. (Pete Lien & Sons did not respond to the Guardian’s requests for comment.)For the next community staring down a similar drill permit, the lesson isn’t any single tactic — it’s the stacking of them. A lawsuit alone is slow; an occupation alone is easy to clear; a good story alone changes nothing without leverage behind it. Pe’ Sla worked because the pieces protected each other.That coordination reached into the law: The coalition treated Indigenous sovereignty not as symbolism but as a legal instrument — nine nations in federal court is a force no advocacy group can supply. The rest is homework: Somewhere in the government’s own paperwork, on almost every rushed permit, is the shortcut it took to get there. At Pe’ Sla, it was a one-year exemption stretched over a three-year project.“None of this moves forward without all of us working collectively,” said Anissa Martin, who leads NDN’s Black Hills Land Back campaign. “Everybody had a role, and we understood that.”This is just one of many fights the Great Sioux Nation has waged for generations, from mining claims to oil pipelines. The aim is a full mineral withdrawal and the Sacred He Sápa Restoration Act, endorsed by all nine of South Dakota’s tribes, to return the region’s public lands.Ask Martin what winning finally looks like, and she thinks bigger than any bill. “Maybe NDN won’t even exist anymore,” she said softly, “because our people will be liberated. The land will be liberated.”Months later, on the reclaimed ground where the grass is coming back, her words didn’t sound like a slogan. They sounded like a plan. And they had just, against every odd, worked.Co-published by The Economic Hardship Reporting Project and The Guardian.This story was produced by The Economic Hardship Reporting Project and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Exclusive: Hybrid schools open new legal front for choice Most homeschoolers now piece together a variety of classes and outings for their kids. In the north Pittsburgh area, that often includes enrolling in Roots Learning Academy.Known as a hybrid program, Roots serves roughly 150 families who split their time between home instruction and on-site academic or extracurricular courses in rented church spaces. But the state officials who conducted a surprise inspection in March didn’t like what they saw.“They started questioning my teachers and then asking me a bunch of questions: how many students we had, the ages,” Katy Duckstein, a homeschooling mom of five who founded the program in 2023. To keep operating, the inspectors said, Roots would need to become a certified childcare program. Duckstein said such a requirement would fundamentally alter parents’ relationship with the program by adding background checks and training mandates.She wasn’t surprised a couple weeks later to receive a cease and desist letter from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning. But she’s not fighting it alone.The Institute for Justice, a leading libertarian law firm, has taken her case. The attorneys argue that Roots is not childcare but rather a leading example of what the state encourages homeschoolers to do, like join co-ops and “band together for sharing resources, ideas and planned activities.”As the demand grows for nontraditional learning arrangements, many, like Roots, don’t fit a traditional public, private or homeschooling mold.“We’re seeing this square peg, round hole problem where the government is forcing these new models into old regulatory boxes,” Michael Bindas, senior attorney, said in an interview with The 74.With its action in Pennsylvania, the firm is launching a new Education Entrepreneurship Project after handing its state-level work off to EdChoice in 2023. The fact that Bindas, who argued and won a major private school choice case before the U.S. Supreme Court, has now turned his attention to start-up education providers reflects the rapid expansion of such models since the pandemic. In many states, education savings accounts, which allow parents to take an a la carte approach to their kids’ learning with state funds, have fueled the growth of microschools and hybrid programs. But those ventures often run into regulatory obstacles, such as building codes, zoning rules and in Duckstein’s case, childcare regulations.In 2021, Bindas represented families who sued Maine for preventing religious schools from participating in a private school choice program. The 6-3 victory in Carson v. Makin “empowered parents to make the decisions that best for their kids,” he said. But now, the “supply side is restricted by these irrational and outdated laws.”Pennsylvania doesn’t see it that way.“A childcare center is defined as any premises in which childcare is provided simultaneously to seven or more children who are not relatives of the operator,” the letter said.Duckstein said the biggest obstacle to becoming a licensed childcare program is that the rules require all parents, who are expected to volunteer with the program, to pass background checks, become CPR certified and complete six hours of annual training.Parents at Roots help with drop off and pick up, organize field trips and even teach some classes related to their professions. The requirements, she said, would deter many families from participating.The state offers exemptions for summer camps, programs that teach single subjects and those that operate only two hours a day. But Roots operates three days a week from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers a full academic curriculum.“It’s utterly irrational to insist that Katy get the childcare license while all of these other activities that are so similar to what she does are exempt,” Bindas said.‘Bypass safety standards’ Pennsylvania doesn’t have an education savings account. But in states that do, research from Doug Harris, a Tulane University economist, shows that ESA programs have contributed to a small increase, about 3% to 4%, in private school enrollment. Most of that growth has been in very small schools.Before the pandemic, Harris and his wife even considered a microschool for their daughter, a rising middle schooler. It operated out of a storefront, featured project-based learning and let kids have a say in school policies. They ultimately chose a more traditional school, but years later, his research touches on how these small private schools are impacting the education sector.He compared this current period with microschooling to a wave of legislation in the early 1990s that made it easier for parents to homeschool.“It took awhile to get to a new equilibrium of policies and I think that’s just the situation we’re in now,” he said. Some states may “carve out a new category” for microschools, he said. West Virginia was the first to do so in 2022. But for now, they are “either childcare or private schools. I can’t imagine that they wouldn’t be in one of those categories.”Some observers expect the new federal tax credit scholarship, starting next year, to spur even more growth in micro and hybrid programs in states that opt in. That could also mean more clashes over regulations.“The whole intention of this federal voucher program is to incentivize private schools,” said Weadé James, senior director of K-12 policy at the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank. The organization has called for tighter regulations on microschools. “Will those schools be able to bypass safety standards and zoning regulations to set up shop?”She pointed to Florida as one example of a state that has changed regulations to accommodate the small programs. The 2024 law now allows private schools to occupy nontraditional spaces, like museums and movie theaters, without local government approval.“If these smaller models of schooling become more widespread, what should those environments look like?” James asked. “What oversight does the state need to have in place to make sure you know safety standards are comparable to that which we have for traditional public schools?”But they’re not traditional, argues Don Soifer, CEO of the National Microschooling Center, an advocacy organization. In his role, he hears almost daily from school leaders who are negotiating business licenses and safety codes or have been told they must make expensive renovations to be in compliance.“There is a need to modernize or update the whole regulatory regime to acknowledge that these microschools are serving school-age kids in non-traditional ways,” he said.‘Don’t have a reserve’In some cases, programs facing regulatory and financial challenges are forced to shut down, leaving parents and staff scrambling for other options. That’s what happened with Burbrella, a North Carolina microschool serving neurodivergent students that The 74 first featured two years ago.Originally operating out of a mall, founder Dominque Burgess wanted a larger space to allow for more nature-based education. She received an $800,000 loan to purchase a commercial space that straddled the county line. Inspectors from both counties told her the facility wasn’t suitable for a school and she would need to make $280,000 worth of renovations.“We don’t have a reserve. We don’t have a large board. We don’t have donors that can support us in times like this,” she said.The complications didn’t end there. When the facility didn’t pass inspection, the state stopped paying for students who were on Opportunity Scholarships, the private school choice program. She had to lay off staff, temporarily operate only as a tutoring center and couldn’t pay what she still owed the mall.“We had to lose a lot of families who needed full-day learning that we couldn’t offer in this building,” she said. “We received tons of phone calls and emails from the [state] Department of Labor because of staff complaints.”She’s been working with the John Locke Foundation, a conservative think tank, to get some zoning regulations changed at the state and local level, but the experience has also changed her views of ESA programs.“We’re always pushed to take the vouchers. We’re always pushed to become ESA-friendly,” she said. “But when we don’t meet the parameters or requirements to continue to get ESA, this is what happens.”Now she’s thinking about moving into the charter sector to secure more reliable funding.Historical case lawIn Pennsylvania, Duckstein is also thinking about the sustainability of the hybrid program if state officials, she said, were to “hunker down” and not exempt Roots from regulations.Her other option is to register as a private school, which would require Roots to operate 180 days a year and treat the time kids learn at home as virtual learning days. But she thinks some families would be turned off by that structure.“I know we would lose families,” she said.Roots is not the only program getting some legal assistance from the Institute for Justice.The firm also represents Karli Kemper, a microschool leader in Pinal County, Arizona, who is seeking a special zoning permit to run a program for students with disabilities out of her home. The county’s Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the permit.For Bindas, the new area of work is a chance to highlight historical cases that dealt with similar issues. More than a century ago, Robert Meyer was arrested for teaching German to children at a Lutheran school in Nebraska. In 1923, the Supreme Court struck down the state’s law prohibiting anyone from teaching a foreign language to children in eighth grade or younger.In Pierce v. Society of Sisters, the court ruled unanimously that an Oregon law requiring parents to send their children to public schools was unconstitutional. The Society was a Catholic congregation that ran an orphanage and operated schools.“They were the education entrepreneurs of their day,” Bindas said. “The Supreme Court was ready to protect their rights to offer their services to willing parents. We anticipate that it will offer the same protections to the rights of today’s education entrepreneurs.”This story was produced by The 74 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Cloaked in anonymity, Israeli soldiers describe mass civilian killings in 'NAZA' NAZA is an acronym for nezek agavi, Hebrew for "collateral damage." It refers to the number of civilian casualties the Israeli military deems acceptable. The documentary is made by Israeli filmmakers.
	Money is Americans’ top source of stress, and it’s taking a toll on their mental health Roughly seven in 10 people (69%) say improving their finances would have the biggest impact on their overall happiness, and more than half (56%) say the right tools and guidance could make managing money less stressful.Note: This study was conducted among 1,006 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. Throughout this article, respondents are referred to as “Americans.”Key takeaways:Money is the number one source of stress for Americans (43%), ahead of the state of the world (18%) and work and career (12%), and 62% say it’s one of the biggest stressors in their life right now, including 71% of Gen Z.For many, money and mental health are inseparable. Roughly six in 10 (61%) say their financial situation has a direct impact on their mental health, including 68% of Gen Z and 67% of millennials.When finances are in order, people feel in control of their lives. Eight in 10 (80%) say so, and 69% say improving their finances would have the biggest impact on their overall happiness.For younger Americans, coping can deepen the cycle. 65% of Gen Z spend money to lift their mood or manage stress.The right tools could make a difference. More than half (56%) say the right tools and guidance would make managing their finances feel less stressful, including seeing their full financial picture in one place (26%).Money has long ranked among the biggest sources of stress in American life. Ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the connection between financial strain and mental well-being deserves a closer look.New data from Intuit Credit Karma finds that for many Americans, money stress extends well beyond their finances, affecting their mental health and how they navigate everyday life.Money tops the list of what’s weighing on AmericansWhen asked to name their single biggest source of stress, Americans point to money by a wide margin. More than four in 10 (43%) say finances are their top stressor, far ahead of the state of the world and current events (18%) and work or career (12%).That pressure is widespread, but it’s heaviest for younger adults. Almost two-thirds of people (62%) say money is one of the biggest sources of stress in their life right now, rising to 71% of Gen Z. The strain also shows up in how people describe their own financial situations: “Stressed” is the most common feeling (22%) overall, while “overwhelmed” tops the list for Gen Z (22%).When it comes to what’s driving that stress, Americans point to the cost of everyday life. The rising cost of living, including household essentials, tops the list at 43%, followed by not having enough saved (29%) and keeping up with bills and expenses (28%).Money stress often reaches far beyond finances. Roughly six in 10 Americans (61%) say their financial situation has a direct impact on their mental health, including 68% of Gen Z and 67% of millennials.Money impacts sleep, relationships and focusThe effects of financial stress bleed into nearly every aspect of daily life. Asked which areas of life it affects, Americans most often name their ability to relax or enjoy free time (46%) and their mental health (46%), followed by their sleep (43%), social life (29%) and eating habits or appetite (28%).The connection is particularly clear when it comes to sleep: Nearly two-thirds of Americans (62%) have lost sleep over money in the past month. The strain extends into relationships and work, too. More than a third of people (36%) say financial stress has taken a toll on their closest relationships, rising to 48% of millennials, and financial stress has hurt work performance for 41% of millennials and 36% of Gen Z. It also makes it hard to focus on anything else. Nearly half of Americans (48%) say they can’t focus on other parts of their life when they don’t feel they have a grasp on their finances, rising to 54% of Gen Z and millennials.When people describe how money stress affects them mentally and emotionally, the most common effects are worrying about the future (43%), feeling anxious or on edge (36%) and feeling mentally exhausted (33%). Many also carry a sense of guilt, with 30% saying they feel guilty about spending money.For some, the effects go beyond day-to-day stress and begin shaping bigger decisions. In the past year, more than a third of Americans (35%) skipped social activities or plans because of financial stress, rising to 42% of Gen Z, while nearly a quarter of Gen Z and millennials (23%) put off major life milestones.Money worries become a constant mental loadPart of what makes financial stress so draining is how little it lets up. Half of Americans (50%) think about their finances at least several times a day, including 28% of Gen Z, who say money is on their mind constantly.For younger adults, that mental load may be about more than a bill or expense. More than a quarter of Gen Z (27%) say what stresses them most is never feeling like they have enough.Older Americans get more relief from the noise. While just 13% of Americans overall say they rarely or never think about their finances, that jumps to 27% of Boomers, another sign that the mental weight of money falls hardest on younger generations still establishing themselves.When stress hits, Gen Z spendsNearly half of Gen Z (49%) admit they sometimes spend money to cope with stress or lift their mood, compared with 34% of Americans overall, and 16% of Gen Z do so often.That impulse also plays out in specific behaviors. Nearly three in 10 Gen Z (29%) say they’ve made an impulse purchase to feel better in the past year. When they need to unwind, they’re also more likely than others to go out for drinks, dinner or entertainment (23%), spend on self-care like a massage or nails (20%), or turn to retail therapy (14%).Across all generations, the most common responses to money stress are more practical: Fifty-six percent cut back on spending and 35% make a budget or plan. However, avoidance is common too. Four in 10 Gen Z and millennials (40%) say they avoid checking their finances, whether their bank balance, bills or accounts, because they’re worried about what they’ll see.Younger Americans are more willing to talk about moneyPlenty of people open up about their money worries, primarily turning to a spouse or partner (39%), a family member (31%) or a friend (22%). Gen Z is especially likely to lean on family (37%) and friends (29%).Still, a meaningful share stays quiet, especially older adults. Roughly one in five people (21%) say they don’t talk to anyone about their money worries. Boomers are the most likely to keep those concerns to themselves (36%), compared with just 13% of Gen Z and millennials.Among those who don’t open up, a third (33%) don’t want to burden other people, 32% feel money is too personal to discuss, and a quarter (25%) feel embarrassed or ashamed, including 36% of millennials.The money secrets Americans keep from their partnersThe reluctance to talk openly about money shows up inside relationships, too. Nearly a quarter of Americans (24%) say they’ve kept a financial secret from a partner – something often referred to as financial infidelity — rising to 32% of millennials.Here are the financial secrets people have kept from their partners: Credit Karma Americans want help making money feel more manageableMany Americans believe the right support could make a difference. More than half (56%) say the right tools and guidance would make managing their finances feel a lot less stressful, rising to 68% of Gen Z and 63% of millennials.What people say would help most comes down to greater visibility, a sense of progress and more confidence in their financial decisions. More than a quarter (27%) want progress tracking that shows their situation is improving, 26% want to be able to see their full financial picture in one place and 25% want greater confidence that they’re making the most of their credit cards and money, rising to 34% of Gen Z.When finances feel on track, life does tooIf financial stress drags down mental well-being, the reverse is just as true. Eight in 10 Americans (80%) say that when their finances are in order, they feel in control of the rest of their life.And 69% say improving their finances would have the biggest impact on their overall happiness, a sentiment that’s even stronger among younger adults, including 75% of Gen Z and 77% of millennials.“Money and mental health are deeply connected, and for a lot of people, financial stress touches nearly every part of life, from how well they sleep to how present they can be with the people they love,” said Courtney Alev, consumer financial advocate at Intuit Credit Karma. “The flip side is that feeling more in control of your money gives you a greater sense of control overall. And that doesn’t mean having every aspect of your finances figured out. You don’t have to solve everything at once. Even just knowing where you stand can make your finances feel less overwhelming. ”MethodologyThis survey was conducted online within the United States by Qualtrics on behalf of Intuit Credit Karma between August 31, 2026 and September 2, 2026, among 1,006 American adults.This story was produced by Credit Karma and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	In a drier world, some infectious diseases are unexpectedly thriving The world has become hotter and, in many places, drier than ever before in recorded history. Just this summer, as some U.S. states battled over rights to the Colorado River, major reservoirs were at historically-low levels. In Puerto Rico, extended drought exacerbated an infrastructure crisis, leaving residents to suffer weeks-long stretches without water. In Europe, the Danube and Rhine rivers reached record lows, causing nuclear plants to shut down, devastating crops, and revealing long-lost relics from WWII. More than 60% of farmland in Italy is affected by critical drought.Emerging research shows that a drier world is often a sicker one, too, Grist reports. A new paper, published in August in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution, takes stock of nearly 100 scientific studies of diseases found throughout the animal kingdom — from humans to large mammals, fish, amphibians, and insects — to reveal how drought can help deadly infections and parasites spread.The majority of human parasites and many pathogens need water to thrive. And while cases of some infectious diseases — like schistosomiasis, a dangerous flatworm infection also known as snail fever, and malaria — sometimes fall dramatically when ponds and lakes dry up, others — like cholera, West Nile virus, and dengue — end up booming.This is called the “drought-disease paradox,” said Tara Stewart Merrill, an aquatic disease ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and coauthor of the paper. “It’s so counterintuitive,” she said. “We think a water-borne disease should thrive only when there’s plenty of water, but in some cases they thrive when there’s less water.”She and her collaborator and coauthor, Pieter Johnson, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, became interested in how drought would affect these pathogens several years ago while studying parasites in pond ecosystems in California. Suddenly, Stewart Merrill said, more than half of their study sites dried up.“Beyond drought screwing up our study, we then started having conversations about how drought might be shaping disease transmission in ecosystems around the planet,” Stewart Merrill said.Research on climate change and infectious disease is a relatively young but fast growing field. Until recently, many studies focused on how rising temperatures, but not drought, affect the spread of diseases, Stewart Merrill said.Now, their paper shows how scientists are beginning to untangle the complexities of diseases and the water cycle. Understanding how drought affects the spread of certain diseases could also help scientists better predict which diseases will spread and be the most problematic for humans in the future.As fossil fuels warm the planet and change the climate, the hotter atmosphere sucks more water from the landscape and holds onto it longer, leading to more intense and prolonged droughts. According to a United Nations report, 77 percent of the world is drier than it was three decades ago.The consequences for human health have already been felt. Droughts in California throughout the 2000s led to thousands of excess cases of valley fever, and in 2014, a superdrought contributed to the state’s second-highest cases of West Nile virus. In 2017, a drought in Somalia led to nearly 80,000 cases of cholera, which killed more than a thousand people. And in Brazil, where millions are afflicted with dengue each year, researchers have found that the risk of infection can rise a few months after drought.Tracking disease is fundamentally about the movement of animals that carry it, said Georgia Titcomb, a wildlife disease ecologist and assistant professor at Colorado State University.“Throughout history, living things have been moving to get water, and so when there are massive changes to the way water is distributed on the landscape, we’re going to also expect big changes in the ways animals move to access that water,” she said. “That’s going to remove some opportunities for transmission, and introduce new ones too.”For example, Titcomb said, picture watering holes in the African savannah, surrounded by animals like zebras, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. During droughts, some of them dry up. More animals crowd around the remaining pools. These crowded areas are also full of dung from those animals, making it easier for parasites that lay their eggs in feces to spread and thrive, and more likely that the animals will encounter parasites.Titcomb’s paper, included in the new review, found that after periods with less rainfall, parasites thrived — with more than 100,000 eggs found per each kilogram of dung.Research in other areas has found similar dynamics: When drought results in fewer bodies of water, birds carrying West Nile virus can come into closer contact with mosquitos, resulting in more mosquitos that carry the disease and can infect humans. Drought can also make bodies of water warmer, creating conditions in which some dangerous mold, algae, and bacteria can thrive.In other cases, drought can diminish disease. Hotter, saltier, and less oxygenated water can become unsurvivable for certain pathogens, bacteria, fungus, and parasites, the paper found.The severity of the drought also matters. Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria that infects oysters and causes 80,000 cases of food poisoning in the United States each year, initially spreads during a drought but can be eliminated entirely if it goes on long enough.And heavy periods of precipitation can also make an outbreak worse when a drought eventually comes, said Samantha Sambado, a biologist and postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University who was not affiliated with the study. This phenomenon, known as ‘weather whiplash,’ is becoming increasingly common as the planet warms.The fungus that causes valley fever, for example, grows during wet winters, and then dries and spreads as wind-borne dust in the summer, she said. “It’s a classic case of, climate change will make this worse,” she said.The new paper sheds important light on these dynamics, Sambado said. “It’s going to be really foundational for how we teach disease ecology,” she said.In the coming years, improvements in satellite monitoring technology could make it easier for scientists to track water as it shifts around the planet, she said. Paying attention to how humans respond to drought and manipulate the movement of Earth’s water will become increasingly important, too: Building dams or using more irrigation on crops can create conditions that spread or foster disease. Increasingly unpredictable weather can make it harder for communities to manage their water with disease prevention in mind.“Water touches almost every aspect of life,” Sambado said. “How do we manage this resource, knowing the future will be warmer?”This story was produced by Grist and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Could plastic-eating robots clean up our oceans? In Los Angeles, in Mumbai, in Kuala Lumpur and in several other cities around the planet, autonomous plastic-eating robots are taking over the waterways. They are, in one form or other, chomping up and extracting masses of the manmade garbage.This may sound like a far-flung scene from science fiction. But these waterborne “interceptors” — monitored using drones, GPS trackers, remote-sensing cameras and time-lapse surveys — are on the frontlines of the fight to stop plastic from entering our oceans.“We are tackling the global environmental crisis of plastic pollution in oceans and rivers,” says Boyan Slat, founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, the tech startup based in the Netherlands that is producintg these plastic-removal machines.“Trillions of plastic pieces threaten marine life, ecosystems, and impact the lives and livelihoods of millions of people as plastics degrade into microplastics that enter the food chain.”Today The Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit organization that has received tens of millions of dollars in funding, including from Deloitte, JP Morgan, the Korean car company Kia and the Dutch government, is perhaps the most prominent project in the world when it comes to removing plastic from aquatic environments, whether they be rivers or oceans. The visually compelling process has earned it a huge social media following, too: The Ocean Cleanup’s TikTok account has 2.6 million followers, with its most popular video racking up over 50 million views and many others over six figures.The Ocean Cleanup has the ambitious goal of removing 90 percent of all floating plastic from the ocean by 2040, Reasons to be Cheerful reports. That includes the interception of plastic waste in rivers and the extraction of legacy plastic from the ocean as well as on-land sweeps to remove plastic pollution from coastlines and nearby areas.The startup, founded in 2013 by the then-18-year-old Dutch aerospace engineering student Slat, has begun to make progress — even if the haul remains a drop in the ocean, relatively.It claims it removed over 27,000 metric tons of plastic trash in 2025. The total figure is now over 66,000 tons thanks to dozens of interceptors that are deployed across 11 countries. The Ocean Cleanup employs a team of about 200 people.“We remain ambitious and optimistic, with significant progress made in both technology and scale,” adds Slat.The plastic pollution crisis is one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues. Annual global plastic production has skyrocketed from 1.5 million metric tons in 1950, when the industry took off, up to 430 million tons in 2024. Much of that is not recycled or properly managed. In turn, every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers and lakes. And if current trends continue, global plastic waste is set to triple by 2060, with around half ending up in landfill and less than a fifth recycled, according to estimates by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.There is a clear consensus among leading plastic waste experts on the single best way to address this crisis: by reducing humanity’s jaw-dropping levels of plastic production.“We have to focus on strategies to turn off the tap,” says Richard Thompson, a professor of marine biology and director of the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth. “Preventing plastics from entering the environment simply has to be the priority, by far.”Arturo Castillo, assistant professor of geosciences at Utrecht University and former leader of the Ocean Plastic Solutions Network at Imperial College London, agrees.“For every euro that is not spent in prevention along the life cycle, the amount of plastic in the environment will also grow exponentially and it will always be a multiple of what you could have cleaned up with that same euro,” he argues. Courtesy of The Ocean Cleanup But Thompson, who authored a 2024 report on the removal of plastics from aquatic environments for the Royal Society, the U.K.’s national academy of sciences, concedes that “some amount” of plastic removal will be necessary to reduce the risk of harm to wildlife, ecosystems and potentially humans. Plastic takes from 20 to 500 years to decompose, depending on the product — and even then only partially, into microplastics, which are harmful in different ways.“There is a place for clean-up efforts always within a broader strategy, of which it needs to be a small part,” adds Castillo.Slat, for his part, admits that “stopping plastic at the upstream source is essential.”In order to maximize impact, The Ocean Cleanup carried out research into how and where plastics are entering the seas. A study, commissioned by the organization and published in the journal Science Advances in 2021, estimated that just 1,000 of the world’s three million rivers act as the pathway for 80 percent of plastics that reach the ocean. Hence, its decision to deploy interceptors in rivers. Courtesy of The Ocean Cleanup The startup has developed a number of models.Some are U-shaped and anchored at the mouths of small rivers to capture waste, others are better-reinforced cross-river barricades that can withstand strong currents and even tsunamis (as, they say, has been needed in Guatemala). Courtesy of The Ocean Cleanup Yet the most common interceptor deployed by The Ocean Cleanup is an autonomous, solar-powered boat with a conveyor belt to gather the plastic.This model is currently deployed in several countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, the U.S. and Thailand. Courtesy of The Ocean Cleanup Another model, which is being used in the ocean to tackle the Great Pacific Garbage Patch — the largest accumulation of ocean plastic in the world, located in the waters between Hawaii and California and three times the size of France — can clean an area the size of a football field in five seconds, according to the organization.“Legacy plastic already in the ocean must also be addressed to protect marine life and ecosystems,” adds Slat.The Ocean Cleanup points to already observed negative impacts such as the fact that animals mistake plastic for food and the deadly entanglements caused by “ghost” fishing gear, as well as less visible damage: As plastics begin to break down into microplastics, they become impossible to remove and can enter the food chain, likely contaminating seafood and disrupting oceanic carbon sequestration, with losses ranging from an estimated 15 to 30 million metric tons of carbon a year. Courtesy of The Ocean Cleanup Recovered plastic is recycled and, in some cases, used in products. For example, plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch has been used by Kia to make a car trunk liner as well as a limited edition LP by the band Coldplay, another partner with the project.More recently, the organization has been ramping up its efforts in urban rivers. In June 2025, following a pilot in Kingston, Jamaica, it announced a program to roll out in 30 key cities in Asia and the Americas. It claims this could prevent up to a third of all plastic from flowing from the world’s rivers into the ocean by the end of the decade.Before deployment in a new location, The Ocean Cleanup conducts a “Smart River Survey,” which involves research on local river conditions, pollution sources and flow patterns across metropolitan areas. Aerial drones, AI-powered image analysis and GPS-tagged “dummy” plastics are used to chart waterways and track how waste moves “from streets to sea.” In response to this information, interceptors are adapted to local conditions. According to Slat, the design and deployment strategy in Los Angeles differed from Kuala Lumpur due to differences in river size, flow and waste composition.Alongside intercepting new plastic, the urban rivers program will also remove debris from nearby coasts, mangroves and coral reefs.The prioritization of rivers is likely to be a more effective strategy when it comes to plastic removal, argues Thompson. “The further back upstream we can go, as close to source as possible, away from tidal zones, the better,” he says. “It’s much more effective to do this work in rivers. Mechanical devices in the ocean are never going to help us address the problem.”But The Ocean Cleanup’s approach has faced considerable criticism.The initiative got off to a rough start wrought with technical difficulties and setbacks. In September 2018, it sent off a device with a boom and net design to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, aiming to tackle half of its debris in five years. But within a few months, the device had to be towed back: It had broken in two.While the models have improved significantly since then, there are also concerns about the impact that the interceptors could have on biodiversity, including trapping and killing animals and disrupting ecosystems.“This is the first design constraint not just for Ocean Cleanup but for all companies developing any on-environment cleanup or remediation technology,” says Castillo, who points to the fact that cleanups will need to be done close to the shore, where biodiversity is most abundant. “They will intercept wildlife and harm biodiversity. But that may be necessary to an extent to remove some plastic. It’s important to have a sober debate about that fact.”Research commissioned by The Ocean Cleanup found that its operations in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch were less harmful to marine life than plastic pollution. But the damage was not negligible: During two and a half years of operations, for example, 47 sea turtles entered the machinery and while most were unharmed, 11 died.And while The Ocean Cleanup says that it has systems to process the captured plastic, Castillo casts doubt on what will happen when the scale ramps up. “If we were able to fish everything out of the ocean, what would we do? Where will it end up? Many scientists are uncomfortable with recycling,” he says. They believe that in reality plastic can be recycled far less than is commonly thought due to the different kinds of chemical used in different plastic products.The Ocean Cleanup openly admits that its efforts cannot address the significant issue of microplastics that are already in the ocean either. Nor can it tackle the plastics that sink rather than float. Securing the permits to install interceptors can also “take time,” according to Slat, and adapting to diverse local conditions in river projects is a “key challenge.”In the bigger picture of plastic waste, talks aimed at curbing the production of plastic — which is almost entirely made using fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal — have been in deadlock for years. Experts like Thompson argue that any agreement should include financing for lower-income countries to ensure a “just” transition away from plastics.He also says that accountability for tech initiatives must improve. “We can’t rely on the industry to be its own police force,” he elaborates. “We need independent data.”Thompson, meanwhile, highlights the benefits of a much simpler solution than plastic-eating robots: community-driven beach cleanups, which are low-cost, effective, scalable and sustainable.At the same time, Thompson sees hope for the world’s oceans now that recognition of the plastic crisis has genuinely begun to materialize. “The situation has changed during my career,” he says. “We actually have consensus over the problem, in industry, policy and society.” This story has been co-published by Reasons to be Cheerful and the Outrider Foundation.This story was produced by Reasons to be Cheerful and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Heavy rainfall causes wastewater backups, runoff across Iowa IOWA -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources said it has received several reports of wastewater entering waterways statewide. After multiple days of heavy rainfall, many communities across the state are experiencing flooding impacts. One such impact, the DNR said, is wastewater collection systems becoming overloaded and causing sewage water to back up into basements, [...]
	Things drying out after a lot of rain! After the past couple of days of non-stop rain in the Quad Cities, a lot of us are looking forward to a dry period. The Quad Cities from Wednesday and Thursday received around 3-5" of rain which led us to be more than double the average rain for September, and already halfway through the average [...]
	Food-rescue groups in Canada turn to processing facilities to respond to waste and insecurity Food-rescue organizations are investing in processing facilities to meet growing demand while finding innovative ways to reduce waste.Second Harvest estimates that Canada wastes about 46.5% of its food.In an effort to reduce this figure, the nonprofit — which is one of Canada’s largest food-rescue organizations — announced the opening of a new facility that will work with local farmers to provide prepared fruits and vegetables to 28,000 students.Located in the Etobicoke area of Toronto, the processing plant will begin operating later this month as a social enterprise, with revenue from the sale of its products being reinvested into Second Harvest’s programming.The launch of the processing facility comes at an important moment for Canada’s food system, according to Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest.“The federal government’s newly announced National Food Security Strategy identifies increased domestic food-processing capacity, innovation and stronger food-system resilience as priorities for building a more self-sufficient Canadian food system,” she told Future of Good.“At the same time, Canada’s National School Food Program is expanding access to nutritious food for children across the country,” Nikkel added.Students are at the center of this announcement, with Second Harvest working in partnership with the Toronto Foundation for Student Success to deliver packaged vegetables to schools, saving student-nutrition programs hours of food-preparation time.“The reality is that some programs don’t have enough volunteers or facilities to prepare foods like celery and carrot sticks. This will make those foods much more accessible,” said Catherine Parsonage, CEO of the Toronto Foundation for Student Success.This school year, more than 440 schools in Toronto will receive the additional food through the partnership.“As food prices continue to rise, many families in our city are food insecure. What this means is more kids are walking through the school doors hungry, and it’s vital that nutritious food is available for them,” Parsonage added.Across Canada, nonprofits are finding new ways to give surplus a second life.In British Columbia, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank has begun repurposing excess fruits and vegetables for resale through vending machines, turning what might have been discarded into a source of revenue through its social enterprise model.In Manitoba, a similar approach was announced in September, with Maple Leaf Foods investing $100,000 in Harvest Manitoba’s Food Transformation Centre.The facility would increase Harvest Manitoba’s ability to recover and process surplus food and then distribute it through Harvest’s network of more than 400 food banks and community organizations.The center would also provide a permanent home for its Warehouse Training Program, which offers hands-on training and employment support to Manitobans facing barriers to employment.Harvest Manitoba is currently looking for a site for the center. If it secures enough funding, the facility would open in 2028.This story was produced by Future of Good and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What 1,000 Iowans have to say about the impact of factory farming The professor of political science remembers the neighbors emptying the waste from thousands of birds onto fields. She and her brother would break out into rashes.An Independent voters organization co-founder and farm owner remembers his dad, who raised beef cattle and hogs, calling the smell of manure “the smell of money.” It was the smell that never seemed to wash off, off his hands, off his clothes.For so many Iowans, factory farms color formative memories. And then there are the Iowans living this now: the polluted private wells and the cancer crisis, the neighbors and the workers, those fighting and campaigning for clean water and the companies themselves, and the people who make their living working for them.Sentient wanted to know what the state with the most factory farms and agricultural waste really thinks about the large-scale, industrial animal agriculture operations that have come to define Iowa. Factory farms, as they are often informally called, are more formally known and defined by regulators as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs. They are characterized by the large number of animals they house, as well as the pollution that shapes the surrounding landscapes and water and air quality. These large systems also indirectly drive some of the row crop agriculture that can have other negative effects on the environment.With the help of a company called SimpleOpinions, Sentient this spring conducted a 10-minute online survey of a representative sample of 1,051 Iowans about their opinions on factory farming and its role in shaping Iowa’s environment, economy and other facets of life.Their answers show commonalities between people across the state, and help illustrate why water quality is becoming a defining issue of the upcoming election this fall. But they’re also riddled with contradictions. Some answers fall along expected party lines or demographic qualities like gender, geographic location and education level, but others don’t. Many Iowans aren’t sure how they feel — some because they’re of two minds about the issue, others because they’re ignorant of it.So to make sense of the results, Sentient sent the survey to professors, community groups and politicians running for and currently holding office at the state and federal level. The outreach to state and federal leaders included contacting the press teams of gubernatorial candidates Rob Sand (Democrat; currently serving as Iowa state auditor) and Zach Lahn (Republican), Senate candidates Josh Turek (Democrat; currently serving in the Iowa House of Representatives) and Ashley Hinson (Republican; currently serving in the U.S. House of Representatives), House of Representatives candidates Christina Bohannan (Democrat) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (incumbent Republican), candidates for secretary of agriculture Chris Jones (Democrat) and Mike Naig (incumbent Republican) and Iowa state Senator Catelin Drey (Democrat), whom Sentient has profiled. Lahn and Jones responded to requests for comment.What Sentient found is an Iowa at a unique moment in its history, with more of its citizens becoming aware of the vast power and environmental toll exerted by factory farming, and yet with many still unaware of or disengaged from that fact. It’s a moment that experts described as ripe for education and change.Karen Kedrowski is the political scientist who would break out in hives as a kid, a professor at Iowa State University. She tells Sentient that the longer she lives in Iowa, the more she thinks it’s like the rest of the country. What is unique, she believes, is how attached Iowans can be to their homesteading origins.“I think we are bound together by that sort of mythology, even though that is not really reflective of the reality of Iowa today,” she says.The Key FindingsThe average Iowan in the survey rated Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs, just below a five out of 10 (46.5 out of 100) when asked to give an overall favorability score. Forty-three percent of respondents scored them exactly five out of 10, meaning they were neither in favor of nor against them. A smaller number of respondents, in about equal numbers, have more polarized views in favor or against CAFOs. Sentient Republican or Independent voters (and those who identify as Republican-leaning) generally show more support for CAFOs than Democrats, according to the survey. But the differences along party lines are only moderate. The average Republican voter gave CAFOs a favorability score of 51.1 out of 100, compared to 48.2 for Independents and 41.3 for Democrats. Gender is also important: Women tend to show less support for CAFOs than men (other genders took part in numbers too small for the results to be reliable), and this effect remains after adjusting for the fact that women are more likely to vote Democrat.David Peterson, a political science professor at Iowa State University, tells Sentient he had expected Iowans to view agriculture more positively, since it’s so important to the state. But the survey also revealed that many have seen, felt and smelt the consequences of CAFOs, with over half of those surveyed (53%) experiencing a drinking water advisory at some point. People who have experienced at least one negative effect from a CAFO — namely a drinking water advisory, contamination of a private well, livestock odors or manure runoff on their property — are, on the whole, less likely to support them.Peterson has noticed that “concerns with water are really breaking through in this state,” which he says isn’t necessarily a partisan issue. Other public opinion research has substantiated that, with a Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future-commissioned survey of 800 Iowans from July of this year finding more than half each of Republicans, Independents and Democrats were concerned about water quality. In the Sentient survey, those who lacked confidence in the safety of their drinking water were also far less supportive of CAFOs. Sentient These worries reflect wider health concerns about factory farming in Iowa. It has the second highest cancer rate of all U.S. states — a fact that may be linked to agricultural pollution from pesticides or nitrates from manure runoff. Although it can be difficult to prove definitively that specific environmental factors cause cancer, evidence does suggest an association between nitrates in drinking water and the development of certain cancers.The environmental and health impacts of factory farms touch everyone, says Katie Roth, co-founder of All Votes Count Iowa, an organization that advocates for Independent voters.“I think universally, some of these issues that people are concerned about are really across the board. I don’t think they’re identified with Republicans or Democrats. I mean, who can not be concerned about rising cancer rates?” Roth tells Sentient. Sentient Another strong predictor for support of CAFOs was the respondent’s degree of trust in regulators like the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Those who trust the DNR ‘a lot’ to enforce environmental regulations on livestock facilities were far more likely to support CAFOs (62.2 favorability out of 100) than those who do not trust it at all (24.1).What’s Behind Iowa’s ‘Neutral’ Stance on Factory Farms?While many Iowans appear to be on the fence about CAFOs — with 43% of people being exactly five out of 10 in favor — behind that are some mixed feelings.There’s a recognition of the real environmental hazards, but also of the jobs and economic benefits they can bring in a state so centered on agriculture. Over a quarter of survey respondents (29%) said they believed industrial livestock operations were essential to Iowa’s economy and a further 22% said they were somewhat beneficial. People living within 10 miles of CAFOs were somewhat more positive about their economic role. And people with someone in their household working in the agriculture or food processing industries were more supportive of CAFOs in general, although only slightly (51.1 average favorability compared to 46.5 across all respondents). Sentient “I think affordability is top of mind for a lot of people, and so the idea of cutting the ag[ricultural] economy down in some way makes people reluctant to push for changes,” Michael Schmidt, general counsel for the Iowa Environmental Council, tells Sentient. Schmidt doesn’t see a productive farm economy and a healthy environment as mutually exclusive. “But how we get there is not something that I think most people think about very much. And so then it’s kind of this split that they have in their mind.”That split comes through in some respondents’ answers to open-ended questions about why they gave CAFOs a certain favorability score. “I know the benefits of [them] but I still am unsure of whether [they are] safe or not,” one survey taker wrote on factory farms. “They have benefits for some and provide jobs but diminish air quality,” wrote another.A spokesperson for Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn writes to Sentient that “we can have clean water and a prosperous farm economy at the same time,” and that cleaning up Iowa’s water quality issues is one of the main reasons Lahn got into the race.“It’s like looking at a forest that is dry, that’s just waiting for a match,” agricultural and antitrust expert Austin Frerick, author of the book “Barons,” tells Sentient. “This production model is directly impacting people’s lives in a negative way, and they feel it. At some point, someone’s going to come along and tap into it.”Why So Many Iowans Just ‘Don’t Know’Although many Iowans were ambivalent about CAFOs, plenty of others wrote that they simply didn’t have enough information about them to form an opinion. Those who live closer to CAFOs were, unsurprisingly, more likely to say they knew something about them — and tended to have stronger opinions either for or against. But about half of people overall (49%) considered themselves ‘not knowledgeable’ about CAFOs or had never heard of them.When somebody responds that they “don’t know” or “aren’t sure” how they feel, data can’t always explain the reasoning behind that, says Andreas Jozwiak, an assistant professor at Grinnell College who studies comparative politics.“We think in political science a lot about the median voter, and this means that that middle person, that pivotal vote, doesn’t know how they feel about this,” Jozwiak tells Sentient. He thinks that suggests “a lot of potential for political messaging to influence” how Iowans and Midwesterners broadly feel about CAFOs.Democratic Iowa agriculture secretary candidate Chris Jones says it’s common at campaign events to have to define CAFOs to his audience. He says the system has been in Iowa for so long that many people have forgotten what was there before, what he describes as a smaller patchwork of pastoral animal farms.“I’m trying to communicate these things effectively, and right now at this point in my life, a political campaign was the best way to do that,” Jones says.It’s a gap that matches with survey respondents’ dissatisfied views on the media. A majority didn’t think local or national media adequately covers factory farms, with 25% saying local media coverage of nitrate pollution is adequate, and that number dropping to under 17% for national media. This contrasted with other environmental issues like road construction (58% thought local coverage is adequate) or water quality more generally (42%).“I think that in the public debate about water quality, the people who are concerned about water quality have not drawn a clear line to the massive amount of waste — animal waste — that contributes to water quality issues,” says Kedrowski, noting that factory farms have been lumped into a broader category of agricultural practices. “I think that if they did, then you would begin to see more questioning.”And not all those living with polluted water know it, either, says Diane Rosenberg, executive director of Iowa community education nonprofit Jefferson County Farmers and Neighbors. She pointed out that while the survey shows 23% of people have experienced private well contamination, which is often caused by manure runoff, only a small fraction of those wells are tested, according to research from the Iowa Environmental Council and Environmental Working Group.Barb Kalbach, a retired nurse who has fought against CAFOs with the organization Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, writes to Sentient that the survey matches her lived experience. She sees CAFOS playing a central part in the high nitrate levels in waterways, “but it has flown under most Iowans’ radars,” Kalbach writes.But she thinks it’s possible that reality is changing, as water quality and cancer become prominent issues in the midterms — which Jozwiak says have potential to “reshuffle and reorient Iowa politics.” Multiple experts expressed a desire to see another round of survey questions, this time in the fall.It’s a shift Jones has seen through his campaign. “I think there’s an increasing interest for sure. I mean, the fact that I have a chance of winning here tells you a lot,” Jones tells Sentient. “I think there is an awareness of the consequences of livestock production here in Iowa.”“If people aren’t ready for a change now, I don’t know when it would be,” Jones says.This story was produced by Sentient and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Public 'read-out' of banned, challenged books scheduled for Rock Island The Rock Island Public Library and Midwest Writing Center will partner to celebrate the freedom to read, with a public “read-out” of banned or challenged books during Banned Books Week Oct. 4-10. The 2026 Banned Books Read Out will begin with a social time at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at the Rock Island Public [...]
	The U.S. added only 29,000 jobs in September as job market lacks spark U.S. employers added 29,000 jobs in September as the unemployment rate inched up to 4.2%. Job gains for July and August were revised down by a total of 60,000 jobs, extending a lackluster run for the job market.
	Police: Man shot at vehicle several times near football stadium The shooting happened Thursday night.
	11 smart ways to pay off student loans Student loan debt affects millions of borrowers. Although it can be a burden, it's also an opportunity to establish a positive credit history.Making progress towards paying down your student loan debt is possible no matter where you start. This guide from Freedom Debt Relief covers 11 smart ways to pay off student loans, from simple payment tweaks to federal programs that could lower your balance. Each strategy below is practical and easy to put into action, so you can find the ones that fit your situation.Key Takeaways:Make extra payments to pay down the principal and speed up loan payoff.Explore loan forgiveness programs for federal loans, which may cancel your remaining balance after a set number of qualifying payments.Use debt snowball or avalanche methods to stay motivated and minimize interest.Confirm your loan balances and servicer before you choose a payoff strategy.Find Your Loans and Loan ServicerBefore you choose a payoff strategy, confirm exactly what you owe and who services each loan. Log in to StudentAid.gov to find your federal loan balances, interest rates, and servicer. Check your account statements or credit report to identify private loan balances and lenders, since private loans don't show up on StudentAid.gov.Your loan servicer handles your payments, so contact them directly with account questions or to ask about repayment programs. Beware of repayment scams. Legitimate servicers don't ask for payment through gift cards and don't guarantee loan forgiveness in exchange for an upfront fee. Confirm the servicer contact information against your official loan documents before you share personal or financial information.A full loan picture also helps you compare the 11 strategies below and choose the ones that fit your budget and your loan type.1. Make Extra Payments on Your Student LoansIf you want to pay off your student loans more quickly, one of the best ways is to make extra payments toward your loans. You could potentially shave years off your repayment plan.Ask your loan servicer to put the money toward the loan principal. Otherwise, your servicer might use the money for the next month's payment. If you have multiple loans, pick one to focus on.Here's how to make extra payments on your student loan:Log in to your online portal to make a payment.Select custom or manual allocation.Select the loan you want your extra payment to go toward.Tip: Biweekly payments could help you pay off loans even faster.2. Refinance Your Student LoansRefinance or consolidate student loans to streamline your finances. When you refinance, you combine your existing loans into one new loan.If you have private student loans, you might lower your interest rate by refinancing. If you have federal loans, your interest rate generally stays the same. That means private student loans are generally better candidates for refinancing than federal ones.You could benefit from refinancing if you have:A good credit score (above 670)Predictable, consistent incomeLow debt-to-income ratioPrivate student loans with high interest ratesFederal student loans are typically only worth refinancing if you don't forfeit the benefits that come with those loans. Federal and private loans should generally stay separate. When you fold federal loans into a private loan, you lose government benefits such as access to income-based repayment programs and potential loan forgiveness in the future.3. Use the Debt Snowball Method for Quick WinsStudents often get out of school with multiple student loans. The total may add up to an amount that seems impossible to budge, but when your loan balance seems frozen, you may be able to get it rolling with the debt snowball method. This method targets the loan with the smallest balance first.How to use the debt snowball:List your debts from smallest to largest balance.Make the minimum payment on each of those debts.Put any extra funds you can find toward the smallest debt (in addition to the minimum payment).After clearing the smallest debt, roll its payment and any extra funds into your payment on the next smallest debt.Repeat.The debt snowball strategy rewards you with quick wins—it's the fastest path towards reducing the number of debts you have.4. Save on Interest With the Debt Avalanche MethodThe debt avalanche strategy could help you pay less interest. This method targets the debt with the highest interest rate.How to use the debt avalanche method:List your debts from highest to lowest interest rate.Pay the minimum on each of those debts.Put all your extra cash toward the debt with the highest interest rate, in addition to its minimum payment.Once you pay off the highest-interest debt, move that entire payment to the debt with the next-highest rate.Repeat.The avalanche strategy could help you clear your most expensive debt first and save on interest over the long run. Reducing interest costs can be a path to paying off your total debt sooner.5. Set Up Autopay for Smart DiscountsThe Federal Student Aid government website suggests you set up autopay, also called automatic debit, to save money. Autopay is smart because it helps you avoid missed payments, which can result in late fees.Some loan servicers reduce your interest rate by 0.25% when you automate payments.How to enroll in autopay:Log in to your loan servicer's website or mobile app.Find an "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" section.See if there's a discount for enrolling in autopay.Follow the prompts to set up your automatic payments and choose your payment method.6. Make Interest-Only Payments Before GraduationFederal loans for undergraduates come in two flavors: unsubsidized and subsidized.On subsidized loans, interest doesn't begin to accrue until after graduation.On unsubsidized loans, interest accrues from the day you get the loan. It continues until you pay off the entire balance.So, for example, if you took an unsubsidized loan out your freshman year, interest accrues on that loan throughout your time in college, even during times when payments aren't required. When your loan status changes to repayment status (usually at the time you graduate), your servicer capitalizes any interest that accrued on unsubsidized loans. Capitalized interest means your servicer adds the unpaid interest to your loan balance. Then you'll pay interest on the new, higher amount.Capitalized interest increases the total amount you repay.You could reduce the impact of interest capitalization by paying at least enough to cover the interest charged each month, even before you graduate. These small payments could leave you with significantly less debt after graduation.For example, say you take out a $10,000 unsubsidized loan with a 5% interest rate in your freshman year. After you graduate in four years, you'll owe the original $10,000 plus $2,000 in interest that accrued during your time in college. This would leave you with a total debt of $12,000, as shown below: Freedom Debt Relief It would cost just under $42 a month to cover those interest payments while you're in school. This would leave you with $2,000 less debt when you graduate.7. Stick to Standardized Student Loan Repayment PlansDepending on your loan, you may be eligible for a plan that allows you to pay off your loan over a longer time, resulting in lower payments. While those payments may be easier to afford from month to month, an extended repayment period will mean being in debt longer and is likely to cost you more in interest charges in the long run.The 10-year standard repayment plan pays off loans faster than extended plans, which run up to 30 years and increase total interest. The standard plan works well if you have a stable income.Federal repayment plans changed under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, effective July 1, 2026. Newer federal loans use a Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), an income-driven option, or a tiered standard plan with a repayment period between 10 and 25 years.If you already have federal loans and don't take out new ones after July 1, 2026, you may be able to keep your current plan. Borrowers in the SAVE, PAYE, or ICR plan must switch to an eligible plan by July 1, 2028. Check your servicer account for the plans available to you, since eligibility depends on when you took out your loans.8. Build a Budget That Supports Your Loan PaymentsA budget shows exactly how much you have available for loan payments each month. First, list your income and fixed expenses, such as rent, utilities, and groceries. Subtract those totals from your take-home pay to find what's left for debt payments and savings.Small changes add up. Cut a subscription or another recurring expense by $20 to $50 a month to free up cash for your loan principal, on top of your regular payment. Review your budget every few months, since your income and expenses change over time.A budget can also help you decide how to spend any financial windfalls or extra earnings.9. Spend Windfalls on Student LoansPut some of the money from raises, bonuses, tax refunds, or side hustle earnings towards loan payments. Any amount helps, even an extra $20 a week from walking dogs, or a portion of your holiday bonus if you get one.10. Ask if Your Employer Helps With Student LoansFind out from HR if your company has a student loan assistance program.Employer assistance is a smart way to pay off student loans, and it benefits both you and the employer. Employers get a tax break for offering these benefits.Employers might offer up to $5,250 annually in tax-free student loan repayment and tuition assistance per employee. This benefit no longer has an expiration date, and the IRS will adjust the amount for inflation starting in 2027.11. Explore Smart Loan Forgiveness ProgramsFederal student loans offer several forgiveness programs that private lenders don't provide.Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Work full-time for a government or nonprofit job, make 120 qualifying payments, and you could apply to have the remaining balance on your Direct Loans forgiven.Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan. Payments are based on your income and family size for 20 or 25 years, depending on the plan. The plan forgives any balance that remains after that.Teacher Loan Forgiveness. Teach five years straight at a low-income school, and you could get up to $17,500 knocked off your Direct or FFEL Loans.Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge. If a serious disability stops you from working, the government may discharge (forgive) your Direct, FFEL, or Perkins loan. You'll need proof from the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, or a doctor.Military Service Benefits. Military folks get benefits like a 6% capped interest rate and deferments, courtesy of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Your service generally also counts toward PSLF.Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Complete a term of service with AmeriCorps to receive cash toward your loans. The award amount changes each year. It was $7,395 for a full-time term completed in 2024. Completing a term of service might also help with PSLF.Visit StudentAid.gov and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for more information about federal loan forgiveness programs.Student Loan Debt ReliefDebt relief may be available even if you only have private student loans. Private loans don't qualify for federal programs, and you can't consolidate them into federal loans. Private student loans are unsecured debt, so options like private debt consolidation or a debt settlement program are worth exploring.Consider the range of private student loan debt relief options before you commit. Options exist for a wide variety of circumstances, and many borrowers find a debt relief method that fits their situation.Debt settlement may negatively impact your credit.Take the Next Step With Your Student LoansReal progress on student loan debt is possible, no matter where you're starting. Explore the debt relief options above to find the ones that fit your situation, whether you're managing high credit card balances, several tradelines, or just your student loans.This story was produced by Freedom Debt Relief and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Trump has promoted AI in education. His FCC may end school internet subsidies. Like many parents, Arielle Roth has concerns about her children’s screen time at school. But unlike her peers, she’s in a position to influence the issue at nearly every school in America.Roth heads an obscure federal agency within the Commerce Department that serves as the president’s top policy adviser on telecommunications issues. In that role, she’s called for more scrutiny of federal policies that support technology in the classroom, convened listening sessions with screen-skeptic parents, and coordinated between federal agencies. She calls the struggle “deeply personal.”“It’s hard enough to manage at home,” Roth, a mom of six, said at a luncheon last year with a free-market think tank. “But it’s even harder when screens have become inescapable at school.”Now the Federal Communications Commission — citing Roth’s work and riding a broader backlash to education technology — is conducting a wide-ranging review of federal school internet subsidies that could lead to their elimination, or new requirements for schools to restrict screen time or allow parents to opt out in order to receive the money.The changes under consideration could be financially devastating and deeply disruptive to classrooms and daily school operations, district leaders and education advocates say.Paid for through fees on telephone bills, the roughly $3 billion a year E-Rate program covers between 20% and 90% of schools’ internet expenses. The nearly 30-year-old program is the fifth largest source of federal support for schools, according to an analysis by E-Rate advocates.FCC Chair Brendan Carr asked whether E-Rate has served its purpose. He said the FCC’s review will consider “educational opportunity,” as well as whether “additional safeguards, refinements, or updates are needed to better protect kids online.”The review comes even as the White House remains an enthusiastic booster of AI in education and as schools are under conflicting pressures to limit screen time and prepare kids for a job market that depends on artificial intelligence.In an interview with Chalkbeat, Roth, administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, said it’s time to ask “what E-Rate has meaningfully accomplished and how it has affected behavior.”“Subsidies are not neutral,” she said. “Subsidies can encourage greater consumption. Understanding how the program has changed educational practice is really important.”But E-Rate first and foremost supports schools’ access to a modern utility, said Noelle Ellerson Ng, chief advocacy and governance officer at the School Superintendents Association.“Screen time is a curriculum and a content question,” she said. “The FCC is not the body to regulate those things.”Schools use E-Rate for security, finances, and instructionWhen Congress approved E-rate in 1996, just 14% of U.S. schools had internet access. Then-FCC chair Reed Hundt hailed the program as “the biggest single national effort to change education in classrooms K-12 in the history of our country.”A 2014 overhaul set bandwidth targets and made more money available for WiFi and internal building connections. The hope was that better internet would support more personalized learning — though within five years, school technology directors were warning that schools needed even faster internet to support the expansion of ed tech.Still, school district leaders say that access really has been transformative.Thanks to E-Rate, high school students in the Alaska Gateway School District, where many schools can’t be reached by road for most of the school year, can take virtual career-technical courses to prepare for apprenticeships, Superintendent Patrick Mayer said. The internet also allows Indigenous language teachers to tap online Athabaskan language resources.“Connectivity is very important for us because it is our lifeline to the outside world,” he said.It’s not just instruction. Schools use the internet for everything from school security and HVAC systems to attendance and payroll.But has internet access improved student learning? An influential 2006 study found no improvements in California. More recent studies have found mixed results.Meanwhile, student test scores are at historic lows, and concerns that screens have hurt attention spans and cognition have led schools to ban laptops and YouTube, as well as restrict AI use.At a listening session Roth’s agency convened in September, parents discussed how dysregulated their children became after hours on tablets, how shallow and rote the learning felt, and how difficult it was to opt out. Their comments will be shared with the FCC, which is accepting public comment on E-Rate through Oct. 13.“Facilitating screen time is effectively the choice to harm our kids,” said Peter Ryan, a parent activist and co-founder of the Center for Responsible Technology. “To do so is to give them a digital drug.”That same week, the Education Department hosted a convening called “From Screentime to Screen Value,” put on by an educator group that supports tech in the classroom. The Education Department and the FCC did not respond to questions about their role in the E-Rate review.Screen time concerns have helped conservatives revive longstanding critiques of E-Rate and other federal affordable internet programs.Among the more vocal critics is U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, where Roth previously worked on telecommunications policy. Cruz sponsored legislation that would have conditioned E-Rate on screen-time policies, but it stalled in Congress.“Good policy occasionally takes the scenic route,” Cruz wrote in a post on the social media site X praising the FCC E-Rate review.FCC puts parental opt-out policies on the tableThe FCC’s E-Rate review sets the stage for commissioners to vote on major changes to the program. Without published draft rules, advocates are left reading between the lines as to what those might be.The issues that concern school districts the most are the FCC’s views on whether E-Rate should end, whether E-Rate should be limited to rural communities, and whether schools should have to adopt technology limits and opt-out policies to participate.Ending E-Rate — a possibility the FCC downplayed this summer and which many advocates don’t believe is within the FCC’s authority — would be catastrophic, district leaders said.E-Rate provides more than $700,000 a year for Alaska Gateway, about 7% of the district’s budget, Mayer said. In larger districts, it can be worth many millions. Because schools can’t go without internet, they’d have to find that money elsewhere in their budgets.“The school districts that are more affluent would continue to have modern schools, and those that serve less affluent areas would be the ones making the toughest choices,” said LaTonya Goffney, president of the School Superintendents Association and superintendent of the Aldine Independent School District, a high-poverty district in Houston.But mandatory opt-out policies would also be disruptive, district leaders said, because they would require teachers to develop alternative lesson plans and potentially single out students with disabilities who rely on technology for accommodations.Parents know what’s best for their own child, Ellerson Ng said, but “superintendents are responsible for every child in their district and all of their diverse needs.”Roth, though, said robust opt-out provisions could encourage a bigger conversation about school internet use and would be consistent with the Trump administration’s focus on parental rights.“The same conditions that give parents an escape valve could also serve as a check on the subsidy to make sure school districts aren’t using more than they need,” she said.But with E-Rate on the line, even some advocates for stricter screen time limits are nervous.“All of these questions they’re asking about screen time and the education efficacy of technology and families’ input on what happens in schools are the right questions,” said Haley Hinkle, policy counsel at Fairplay, a group that fights the influence of tech in children’s lives. “We’re concerned about tying these questions to the provision of internet.“In the modern world, schools need internet, and kids need internet.”This story was produced by Chalkbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Are GLP-1 users eating out less, or just ordering less? An estimated 11% of U.S. adults now take a GLP-1 medication for weight loss, up from 3% in 2024, according to Gallup's 2026 polling.In August 2026, Toast surveyed 850 U.S. adults who currently take a GLP-1 and buy at least one restaurant meal a week. The survey asked what changed after they started on GLP-1: how often they go out, what they order, which foods have lost their appeal, and what would make them pick one restaurant over another.The survey reveals that while GLP-1 users continue to visit restaurants, their table choices have shifted.Are GLP-1 users eating out less often?According to the survey, 51% say they eat meals from restaurants less often than before starting a GLP-1, while 21% say they eat out about the same amount.At the same time, 28% say they're eating restaurant meals more often than before. Toast What shifts more than frequency is the order itself: 62% say they order less food when they eat out, and 51% say they spend less on a typical restaurant meal.What are GLP-1 users ordering less of?According to the survey, the biggest change in ordering involves desserts. A vast majority of respondents have altered their ordering habits, with just 2% reporting no changes at all. Surveyed guests are ordering less:Desserts: 70%Large entrées: 52%Appetizers: 50%Sides or fries: 48%Soft drinks: 48%Alcoholic beverages: 44%Pre-meal bread or chips: 44%Value or combo meals: 34%These reductions primarily target add-ons rather than main courses. Desserts, appetizers, sides, and drinks were each cut by 44% or more of respondents, while combo or value meals, the closest option here to a complete dish, saw the lowest rate at 34%. Toast What are GLP-1 users ordering more of?The increases primarily concentrate in fresh produce, protein-dense options, and smaller portion sizes. Specifically, surveyed guests are ordering more:Salads: 69%Grilled or lean protein: 57%High-protein items: 56%Soups: 38%Appetizers as a full meal: 34%Sparkling or flavored water: 30%Kids' menu items: 21% Toast Does taking a GLP-1 change how food tastes?Most respondents experience some change in how food tastes: 36% say foods they used to love no longer appeal to them, and 32% say food tastes blander or less flavorful. Only 28% report no change at all.Certain categories have become actively unpleasant for a large share:Fried or greasy food: 57%Spicy food: 38%Large portions of anything: 30%Sweet desserts: 30%Rich or creamy sauces: 26%Alcohol: 26%Carbonated drinks: 23%What still appeals skews simple and lightly prepared, led by fresh fruit (76%), simple grilled or roasted protein (49%), and soups and broths (49%).What do GLP-1 users do differently at restaurants?Since starting a GLP-1, 94% of respondents have modified how they order, with only 6% reporting none of the following:Ordered an appetizer as a main meal: 44%Split an entrée with someone: 44%Left more than half their food: 41%Asked for a to-go box at the start of the meal: 36%Ordered from the kids' menu: 30%Skipped a drink they would have ordered before: 27%Because smaller portions are rarely an explicit menu option, diners rely on workarounds: ordering off the kids' menu, sharing entrées, or boxing food in advance. Only 12% consistently finish their entire order, while 29% rarely or never do.Would GLP-1 users order smaller portions if restaurants offered them?Overwhelmingly. 87% of respondents say they'd be likely to order a smaller-portion version of a regular menu item.Asked what they'd want a restaurant to do:Add smaller portions at a lower price: 39%Allow patrons to order a half portion of anything, not just a few items: 33%Offer more shareable small plates instead of entrées: 14%Keep things as they are: 14%Per the survey, 72% want a smaller-portion option of some kind, and a matching 72% say they've already chosen a restaurant because it had options that fit a smaller appetite, including 31% who say they do it often.What menu features make GLP-1 guests choose one restaurant over another?The survey asked how much five specific menu features would influence choice of restaurant. The options are ranked below by the share saying each would influence them "a lot": Toast Counting everyone influenced at least somewhat, half portions at a lower price is the strongest draw at 95%, and a good non-alcoholic drink menu is the weakest at 75%. Every option tested cleared 75%.How should restaurants adapt their menus for GLP-1 guests?The order changes more than the visit doesCutting back on desserts, appetizers, sides, and drinks runs well ahead of cutting back on going out, according to the survey.Consider keeping an eye on how often desserts, appetizers, and drinks are selling, not just how many guests are coming in. A busy dining room can hide the fact that people are ordering less once they sit down.Portion flexibility is the clearest askPer the survey, 87% of respondents say they'd order a smaller portion, and 72% say they've already chosen a restaurant because it had smaller-appetite options. Guests who can't find one assemble it themselves out of appetizers and the kids' menu.Consider offering half portions at a lower price on a handful of high-volume entrées and printing them on the menu rather than leaving them to be requested. Roughly a third of respondents want the option on every menu item, not just a few items.Protein grams matter almost as much as portion sizeForty-seven percent of respondents say listed protein grams would influence their restaurant choice a lot. Publishing accurate figures takes nutritional analysis and consistent portioning, so it isn't free, but it doesn't require changing a recipe or adding a menu item.Consider listing protein grams on items where the number is already strong, such as grilled proteins, bowls, and salads, instead of running the analysis across the full menu at once.How a dish is prepared matters as much as how big it isFifty-seven percent of respondents now find fried or greasy food unpleasant or upsetting to their stomach, and 81% say a milder version of a dish would influence where they eat at least somewhat.Consider offering a grilled preparation of one or two popular fried items, noting on the menu where a dish can be made milder, and making sure the menu has at least one simply prepared protein and one soup or broth without heavy sauce.Frequently Asked QuestionsDo GLP-1 users eat out less often?About half of those surveyed do. Fifty-one percent say they eat restaurant meals less often than before starting the medication, while 21% report no change and 28% say they eat out more often.Do GLP-1 users spend less at restaurants?Fifty-one percent of respondents say they spend less on a typical restaurant meal for themselves, and 62% say they order less food when they eat out.What do GLP-1 users order less of at restaurants?Among surveyed guests, desserts lead at 70%, followed by large entrées (52%), appetizers (50%), sides or fries (48%), soft drinks (48%), bread or chips before the meal (44%), and alcoholic drinks (44%). Only 2% report no change.What do GLP-1 users order more of?Surveyed guests report ordering more salads (69%), grilled or lean protein (57%), high-protein items (56%), soups (38%), appetizers as a full meal (34%), and sparkling or flavored water (30%).Would GLP-1 users order smaller portions if restaurants offered them?In this group, yes. Eighty-seven percent of respondents say they'd be likely to order a smaller-portion version of a regular menu item, and 72% say they've already chosen a restaurant specifically because it had options fitting a smaller appetite.What menu features make GLP-1 guests choose one restaurant over another?Among surveyed guests, half-portion options at a lower price lead, with 50% saying it would influence them a lot, and only 5% saying not at all. Protein grams listed on the menu follow at 47% "a lot," then small plates designed for sharing (41%), a good non-alcoholic drink menu (36%), and milder, less spicy versions of dishes (34%).Do GLP-1 users want protein grams listed on restaurant menus?Forty-seven percent of respondents say listed protein grams would influence their restaurant choice a lot, and another 42% say somewhat, for 89% combined.Methodology: Toast conducted a blind survey of 850 U.S. adults ages 18-plus who currently take a GLP-1 medication and purchase at least one restaurant, café, or delivery meal in a typical week. Respondents had been taking the medication for at least one month. The survey was fielded in August 2026. Respondents were not made aware that Toast was fielding the study. Using a standard margin of error calculation, at a confidence interval of 95%, the margin of error on average is plus or minus 3%-5%. Numbers in the article are rounded and may not equal 100.This story was produced by Toast and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Bad travel advice from AI: From bogus bars to visa fails Planning a vacation isn't anywhere near as fun as grabbing your passport and going away, so the concept of outsourcing the hard graft to AI bots like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude may sound ideal.This shortlist from Bodog highlights some of AI's most spectacular fails, and it might just inspire you to stick to the old-fashioned approach of consulting Google Maps, guidebooks, and common sense thinking.What Happens When an AI Travel Planner Gets It WrongFor some, the allure of chucking in your interests, a rough budget, and a set of available dates into a chatbot to be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation sounds too good to be true. Yet, you may be risking your life based on some automated travel advisory, as these cautionary tales reveal.The Peruvian Tourist Attraction That Never ExistedNow, being sent to a fictitious attraction in downtown Manhattan would be considered inconvenient; doing so in the Andes Mountains in Peru based on an AI recommendation is another matter entirely. As was the case when two intrepid hikers embarking on a trek to one of Peru’s best-kept secrets were warned by a local guide just as they set off that the place actually doesn’t exist.Believing they had found a true Peruvian bucket-list destination and having forked out an extra $160 for the privilege, the unassuming tourists were all set to hike to the epic-sounding "Sacred Canyon of Humantay," the guide, an owner of a travel agency, told The BBC. Fortunately for them, fate saved them that day, as this particular AI travel tip would have left them stuck 4,000 meters above sea level with no oxygen supply and no phone signal to alert rescuers either.ChatGPT Said No Visa Required But Chilean Customs Officers Said Think AgainAnother example of flawed AI travel planner advice going awry happened to Australian marketing strategist and author Mark Pollard, who unwittingly trusted ChatGPT's assurances regarding his visa requirements to enter Chile. This decision reportedly left him stranded in Mexico City after he was unable to board his flight to Chile, meaning he missed the conference he was due to attend.The incident turned out to be serious enough for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to publicize the blunder, warning travelers of the dangers of blindly following AI travel responses.A Relaxing 1,400-kilometer "Day Trip" in VietnamIn this instance, a Singaporean traveler explained on TikTok how she tasked Notion AI with building an exciting 12-day travel itinerary for her trip to Vietnam, which, on the face of it, looked impressively comprehensive. The only problem was that her AI guide had scheduled a quick day trip to Ba Na Hills while she was based in Hanoi… the only thing is, it’s 1,400 kilometers (nearly 870 miles) there and back.The Magical Restaurant That Vanished into Thin AirFortunately, the next AI-inspired indiscretion was rather more comical than it was concerning, as one travel writer, Jordan Waller, discovered upon requesting recommendations during a magic-themed getaway to Lisbon, Portugal. In a story for The Points Guy, Waller explained that all seemed well until ChatGPT suggested the writer try out the Palácio do Mago in the heart of the city, a popular haunt where local magicians were regularly said to perform.The only problem was that this particularly apt Lisbon travel tip turned out to be nothing more than a wild ChatGPT hallucination — a startling revelation the chatbot eventually conceded to after being pressed for more details of the establishment’s dazzling credentials.Other Humorous AI Travel Planner FailsNot every AI travel foible will leave you stranded in the Andes Mountains or having to share screenshots with Chilean immigration officials to justify your visit, but there are several chatbot gaffes that have gone viral, if only because of the rather hilarious circumstances involved.One of the more glaringly obvious examples of this was Layla AI Trip Planner’s suggestion that, for a time, Paris’ Eiffel Tower was actually located in Beijing, China.Another was a laughable dining recommendation made by restaurant as a glamorous suggestion: hardly suitable for infants to start with, but made worse because it had since relocated across the water to Greenland.Even the Biggest Travel Firms Have Suffered from Major AI Goofs TooAirlines and global travel companies have also fallen foul of AI’s unwittingly Machiavellian suggestions.A case in point was Air Canada, which was ordered to pay compensation to a customer after its own AI chatbot had declared he was eligible for a refund in relation to the airline's discounted bereavement fare — which turned out not to be the case.Similarly, in countering these types of AI-infused errors, leading online booking platforms like Airbnb and Expedia now have dedicated disclaimer pages stating that machine-generated responses may be inaccurate and prone to making mistakes: handy to know ahead of purchasing your airline tickets in future.Planes, Trains and AI Travel HallucinationsWhy is travel such a difficult problem for AI? The fundamental problem with AI chatbots is that while they are ultra-efficient in generating suggestions at the drop of a hat, sometimes the resources they draw from can be misconstrued or, more often than not, simply out of date. At the same time, their inspiring travel-themed suggestions are superbly worded to sound very convincing, even when the underlying claim may be totally nonsensical.Worse still, in an effort to please, if AI can’t distinguish an actual answer, as with Palácio do Mago, it has a really bad habit of making things up. This is all well and good when you turn up at an address, and the restaurant you had planned to eat in doesn’t exist, but it’s an entirely different matter when AI recommends climbing an active volcano.The Things You Really Shouldn’t Leave to an AI Travel PlannerWhether you’re planning a dream Caribbean vacation or attending an event following the latest sports tourism trend, the number one rule when utilizing an AI travel planner to help plan your trip: Always independently check every aspect of your itinerary. This can range from basic chatbot advice like hotel and restaurant recommendations to more complex matters such as travel insurance, vaccinations, visa requirements — not to mention the terms and conditions of any booking policies. Bodog If you don’t verify the info and something is incorrect, in the best-case scenario, you’ll have a funny travel anecdote to share when you get home, but in the worst case, you may be risking your life or putting yourself at risk of legal jeopardy while abroad.This story was produced by Bodog and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	September weather was warmer and wetter than normal; record for Oct. 1 rainfall set September was warmer and wetter than normal. Gorgeous forecast for the weekend and next week.
	5 common mistakes homeowners make refinishing hardwood floors (BPT) - Key takeaways:Hardwood floors are valued for their beauty, warmth and endurance.Refinishing protects the lifespan, appearance and value of hardwood floors.Zack Clavin, Bona's "Floor Doctor," recommends waterborne floor finishing systems, and hiring an expert to do the job right the first time.Bona's Waterborne System provides durable, low-odor, low-VOC products (including finishes, sealers, stains, cleaners and more) designed to work together to restore, beautify and protect hardwood floors.Hardwood floors have an enduring appeal few other flooring materials can match. Beautiful, durable and unique, each floor brings the warmth and character of natural wood into a home, creating a surface that evolves and lasts for generations. In fact, a 2026 Bona survey found that 87% of homeowners rank flooring among the home features they're most willing to invest in.Over time, even well-maintained hardwood floors can begin to show signs of everyday wear. Scratches, fading, worn areas or a dull finish that regular cleaning can't address may signal that it's time to consider refinishing. More than a cosmetic refresh, refinishing restores the floor's appearance and protective finish, while bringing new life to the natural beauty of the wood and helping it stand up to years of use."By refinishing floors, you're preserving their durability and restoring their beauty, which is an investment in the long-term value of this vital part of your home," said Bona's "Floor Doctor," Zack Clavin. "You can even use Bona waterborne finishes to adjust the color and sheen of the floor while helping them wear better."Where to start when thinking of refinishing your hardwood floorsReady to bring your worn hardwood floors back to life, but not sure where to start? You're not alone. Bona found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of homeowners experience at least moderate anxiety about floor refinishing projects.With autumn being an ideal time to refresh hardwood floors, Clavin shares five common refinishing mistakes homeowners make — and how to avoid them.Refinishing helps preserve the durability of your hardwood floors while restoring their natural beauty, protecting an investment that can add value to your home for years to come.1. Thinking refinishing is a DIY jobYou can find countless TikTok and YouTube videos on how to refinish your floors, but this is one home improvement project where going the DIY route can quickly become a costly mistake. Improper sanding, uneven stain application or rushing drying times can lead to disappointing results that take even more time and money to correct.For your floor refinishing project, work with a trained flooring professional who understands the precision and craftsmanship it requires, as well as how the right products and techniques work together to get the job done right the first time, saving homeowners added stress, time and expense.2. Hiring a contractor at randomDeciding to hire a professional is just the first step. Finding the right one matters just as much. Not every contractor brings the same level of skill and expertise to a refinishing project, so Clavin recommends looking beyond a quick online search for a flooring professional with proven experience, proper training and a track record you can trust. Bona Certified Craftsmen, for example, are hand-selected, highly skilled professionals trained in the latest refinishing techniques, giving homeowners confidence that their floors are in experienced hands from start to finish. Find a Bona Certified Craftsman near you to ensure your floor will be properly and beautifully refinished.3. Selecting the wrong productsThe products used to refinish your hardwood floors can make all the difference in how they look, perform and hold up over time. Rather than selecting a stain, sealer or finish in isolation, Clavin recommends using a complete system designed to work together throughout the refinishing process."It's a common misconception that waterborne finishes aren't as durable as oil-based finishes," said Clavin. "However, Taber tests prove Bona waterborne finishes withstand wear and tear better than oil-modified finishes."Bona has pioneered durable, sustainable waterborne floor finish technology, with the complete Bona Waterborne System bringing together stains, sealers and finishes designed to work together to restore, beautify and protect hardwood floors. The system delivers durable performance even in high-traffic environments while preserving the natural beauty and color of the wood without ambering over time."Beyond durability, homeowners don't have to choose between performance and a more comfortable refinishing experience," added Clavin. "Bona waterborne finishes are low-odor, low-VOC and GREENGUARD certified, meaning there's less disruption to your home during the process."From refinishing through ongoing maintenance, the Bona Waterborne System provides a complete approach to bringing worn hardwood back to life and helping protect that investment for years to come.4. Choosing the cheapest materialsSelecting the least expensive refinishing option may save money upfront, but it can come at the expense of durability, and lead to refinishing again sooner than expected. Homeowners recognize that tradeoff: Bona found that 60% prioritize balancing cost and durability when making home improvement decisions, while 55% are willing to spend more upfront for long-term quality.Investing in high-quality products can help that investment go further. Bona's waterborne finishes can provide durable protection for well over a decade with proper care, helping extend the time between refinishing projects."A waterborne finish may cost more upfront, but is better for your home and the environment," Clavin said. "The investment you put into refinishing your hardwood floors today will pay off in the long run."5. Forgetting about drying and cure timesA refinishing project doesn't end when the final coat goes down. Dry and cure times determine when you can safely walk on your floors, move furniture back and return to everyday life. On top of that, temperature, humidity and the type of finish can all impact timing, which is one reason fall's typically the best season to refinish floors.The products you choose can also make a significant difference. Oil-modified and acid-cured finishes can take two to three times longer to dry and cure than waterborne options. Bona Traffic HD, for example, dries within two to three hours before floors can be walked on in socks and fully cures in just three days, helping homeowners get back to enjoying their space sooner.Understanding these timelines upfront can help you plan around furniture, family, pets and guests while giving the floor time to properly cure.Frequently Asked Questions:How durable are waterborne finishes? High-quality waterborne floor finishes often last well over 10 years, depending on use and maintenance. Bona waterborne finishes are so durable that they've been chosen for use on some of the top sport floors in the world.Can I change my floor's color when refinishing? Yes! Refinishing lets you update your home with a stain color and sheen level reflecting your design style. For example, Bona Chroma comes in 9 base shades which can be custom mixed to create your desired hue.Do I need to leave the house while hardwood floors are refinished? If your contractor uses a waterborne finish, you can stay in your home during the process.What's the best time of year for floor refinishing? Humidity levels are often lower in the fall, making it easier for the finish to dry and cure. This timing also gives you a beautifully refreshed home ahead of holiday hosting.Learn more about hardwood floor refinishing and care at Bona.com.
	Why Preventive Care Matters for Healthy Aging Sorry, but your browser does not support the video tag. var bptVideoPlayer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayer"); if (bptVideoPlayer) { var cssText = "width: 100%;"; cssText += " background: url('" + bptVideoPlayer.getAttribute("poster") + "');"; cssText += " -webkit-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " -moz-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " -o-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " background-size: cover;"; bptVideoPlayer.style.cssText = cssText; var bptVideoPlayerContainer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayerContainer"); if (bptVideoPlayerContainer) { setTimeout(function () { bptVideoPlayerContainer.style.cssText = "display: block; position: relative; margin-bottom: 10px;"; var isIE = navigator.userAgent.match(/ MSIE(([0 - 9] +)(\.[0 - 9] +) ?) /); var isEdge = navigator.userAgent.indexOf("Edge") > -1 \|\| navigator.userAgent.indexOf("Trident") > -1; if (isIE \|\| isEdge) { fixVideoPoster(); } }, 1000); } var bptVideoPlayButton = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayButton"); if (bptVideoPlayButton) { bptVideoPlayButton.addEventListener("click", function () { bptVideoPlayer.play(); }, false); bptVideoPlayer.addEventListener("play", function () { bptVideoPlayButton.style.cssText = "display: none;"; }, false); } var mainImage = document.getElementById("mainImageImgContainer_sm"); if (mainImage) { mainImage.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var mainImage = document.getElementById("photo-noresize"); if (mainImage) { mainImage.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.getElementsByClassName("asset_gallery")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.getElementsByClassName("trb_article_leadart")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.querySelectorAll("[src='https://d372qxeqh8y72i.cloudfront.net/90ae9054-0010-4575-b692-2f769eec2c48_web.jpg']")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } } function fixVideoPoster() { var videoPlayer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayer"); var videoPoster = document.getElementById("bptVideoPoster"); fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster, true); window.onresize = function() { fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster); }; videoPoster.onclick = function() { videoPlayer.play(); videoPoster.style.display = "none"; }; videoPlayer.onplay = function() { videoPoster.style.display = "none"; }; } function fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster, display) { setTimeout(function () { var videoPosition = videoPlayer.getBoundingClientRect(); videoPoster.style.position = "absolute"; videoPoster.style.top = "0"; videoPoster.style.left = "0"; videoPoster.style.width = videoPlayer.offsetWidth + "px"; videoPoster.style.height = (videoPlayer.offsetHeight + 20) + "px"; if (display) { videoPoster.style.display = "inline"; } }, 1010); } (BPT) - As the year comes to a close, this is an important time for older adults to take stock of their health and make sure they're up to date on important preventive care appointments. Spending a little time on prevention now can help identify potential health concerns early and support healthy aging.Routine primary care is a key aspect of maintaining health and independence for older adults. In fact, adults in the U.S. who have a primary care provider have 19% lower odds of premature death than those who only see specialists for their healthcare. Furthermore, Americans who reach age 65 can expect to live an average of nearly 20 more years — making preventive care an important investment in your overall health."It's best to be proactive about your health, rather than waiting until you don't feel well to seek care," said Adult Nurse Practitioner Jean Reidy, Oak Street Health. "Maintaining regular wellness visits, vaccinations and screenings are all positive steps you can take today, to help you stay healthier tomorrow."Here are Reidy's tips for taking better care of your health this time of year.Schedule your annual wellness visitOne of the most important appointments Medicare beneficiaries can schedule is their Annual Wellness Visit with their primary care provider. These appointments give older adults an opportunity to sit down with their care team, update their personalized care plans, review their medical history and check key health indicators such as blood pressure."The annual wellness visit can also help healthcare providers identify concerns that aren't always easy to spot, including changes in mood or memory," said Reidy.Get caught up on vaccinations Being up to date on recommended vaccinations remains one of the most effective tools for staying healthy, especially as flu season begins. Older adults should talk with their healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for them, including influenza (flu), COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, RSV and other age-appropriate immunizations.Ask about preventive screeningsBecause many serious conditions may not cause noticeable symptoms early on, keeping up with preventive screenings is vital. Depending on age, risk factors, plus medical and family history, older adults may need screenings for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, osteoporosis and other health conditions.Don't forget about mental healthTaking care of mental health deserves as much attention as physical health. Especially heading into the darker winter months, older adults should be aware of any changes in their mood, increased isolation or symptoms of depression."Addressing any of these types of changes with your healthcare provider early can make it easier to find the right support and resources," added Reidy.Where to find preventive careAt Oak Street Health, care teams take a team-based approach to preventive care. In addition to primary care providers, patients have access to behavioral health specialists, social workers and other team members who help address their physical, emotional and social needs all in one convenient location."Staying on top of your health can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be," said Reidy. "The best place to start is by scheduling your annual wellness visit, which can help you better understand your health needs and create a personalized care plan for the year ahead."Visit OakStreetHealth.com to learn more and find location near you.
	5 tips for traveling when you have a chronic disease (BPT) - Finding out you have a chronic illness is challenging, but it can be particularly traumatic when it happens far away from home. That's exactly what happened to Gretchen when she was 23 years old during what was supposed to be a dream international trip.A cruise across the Mediterranean took an unexpected turn when Gretchen suddenly became severely ill, experiencing decreased appetite and dehydration. She thought she might have a minor travel-related sickness or infection and visited the ship's physician for care. After running a battery of tests, the doctor delivered a surprising diagnosis. Gretchen had Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and, at that moment, was experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition that occurs in people with diabetes when ketone levels are too high. For people living with diabetes, their ketones reach dangerously high levels when their body is not able to use glucose as fuel due to a lack of insulin, so instead, the body breaks down fat too quickly, which in turn produces ketones in the blood stream.1 A DKA event, like the one Gretchen experienced, is how many people find out they have T1D, which accounts for about 20% to 40% of DKA cases.1Ambiguous DKA symptoms can delay treatmentFor people with diabetes who use insulin, elevated or high ketone levels can lead to DKA, a serious health condition that is on the rise.1 A study showed that between 2017 and 2024, DKA prevalence among people with Type 1 diabetes increased approximately 24%,2 rising from 50 to 62 cases per 1,000 individuals.2 DKA is particularly dangerous because in severe cases it can lead to a coma or death.1 Unfortunately, many patients don't detect it early enough, mistaking their symptoms for other, more common illnesses like the flu, dehydration or food poisoning.4,5,6According to Eden Miller, DO, a family practitioner and diabetologist, there are clear reasons behind this alarming trend. "Part of the problem lies in how difficult it can be to distinguish DKA symptoms from less serious, run-of-the-mill medical conditions," said Dr. Miller. "The other part is the underutilization of ketone monitoring methods. While glucose monitoring has advanced, ketones and glucose do not always rise together, and current monitoring tools don't provide continuous visibility into rising ketones. Together, these issues can delay critical treatment."This trend highlights a clear gap for people living with diabetes. Instead of patients feeling equipped with the insights they need to be proactive and prepared, they are left in a reactive state."Improving awareness of DKA and helping people understand what to do when ketones are rising are important opportunities to help reduce DKA risk," said Miller.Getting treated and gaining confidenceInitially overwhelmed by the diagnosis, once back in the U.S., Gretchen visited an endocrinologist who introduced her to modern diabetes management tools — like Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor which continuously measures her glucose levels — and helped guide her through the initial steps of how to live with diabetes. While learning the basics of living with diabetes, Gretchen also learned about ketones, the importance of recognizing DKA symptoms and how to act quickly during a DKA event. "My diagnosis was a wake-up call, but it wasn't a stop sign. Managing a chronic condition like diabetes doesn't mean shrinking your world; it just means packing a little smarter. By taking control of my health and having a proactive plan, I've reclaimed my love for travel. I want other people to know that living with chronic illnesses shouldn't keep you from making plans, booking trips and living fully."Tips to keep diabetes management top of mind for travelGretchen's experience during her European holiday inspired her to create her own diabetes travel guide to help herself and others living with diabetes proactively plan and diligently monitor their condition, so their vacations stay on track. Below are her top tips for traveling safely and confidently with diabetes.Always stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially when traveling in warm weather and during physical activity like walking through new cities.Pack smart and double up: It's always a good idea to carry extra medications and supplies. This includes insulin, pumps, needles, automated insulin delivery (AID) infusion sets and ketone testing supplies — including blood or urine test strips. Be sure to check the expiration date before packing! Also, bringing a doctor's note can help too in case you get stopped or questioned while traveling with your supplies.Monitor more, adjust often: Travel means changes to your routine. To make sure you stay on top of your diabetes management, check your glucose monitor, pumps and sensors more frequently.Know the signs, act fast: Signs that you may be experiencing a DKA event include extreme thirst, frequent urination, nausea, abdominal pain or fruity-smelling breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, check your glucose and test for ketones immediately.Seek care: When traveling, find the nearest pharmacy or urgent care in case you need medical attention during your trip.Don't let fear of managing diabetes keep you from seeing the world. Using these tips, you can stay prepared to explore new horizons safely and confidently.If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, work with a healthcare provider to create a proactive DKA plan so you can feel confident in knowing what to do when ketones are rising or you are not feeling well. For more information about DKA, go to RisingKetones.com.Sources:The views expressed in this article should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary.For U.S. residents - Important Safety Information Product for prescription only, for Important Safety Information please visit FreeStyleLibre.us.Cleveland Clinic. Diabetes-Related Ketoacidosis (DKA). Accessed July 2026 from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21945-diabetic-ketoacidosis-dka.SHERR, J., WYSHAM, C., MEHTA, S., & VIRDI, N. (2026). 2977-LB: Trends in the prevalence of Diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes. Diabetes, 75(Supplement_1). https://doi.org/10.2337/db26-2977-lbUmpierrez, G. E. Diabetes Care (2024). https://doi.org/10.2337/dci24-0032Dhatariya, et al. Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2026): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41381175/Virdi, N. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics (2023). https://doi.org/10.1089/dia.2023.0149Nguyen, K. T. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology (2022). https://doi.org/10.1177/19322968211042656

Saturday, October 3rd, 2026

Friday, October 2nd, 2026