QCA.news - Quad Cities news and view from both sides of the river
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 | |
 |  Memorial Day travel could set record in 2026: AAAFor many, Memorial Day serves as the kickoff to the summer season, leading to millions throughout the United States traveling for weekend getaways. |
 |  Stephen Colbert and late night hosts strike again as his show nears finaleStephen Colbert invited his "best television friends," fellow late night hosts John Oliver, Seth Meyers and the two Jimmies— Kimmel and Fallon— to join him, as his final show on CBS is set for May 21. |
| |  Israeli lawmakers set up tribunal, allow for death penalty for October 2023 attackersThe measure passed 93-0 in the 120-seat Knesset, or parliament, reflecting widespread support for punishing those found responsible for what was the deadliest attack in Israel's history. |
| |  Craig Morton, former quarterback for Cowboys and Broncos, dies at 83Craig Morton, who spent 18 years in the NFL and became the first quarterback to start the Super Bowl for two franchises — the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos — has died. He was 83. |
Monday, May 11th, 2026 | |
 | Nonprofits back bill providing stopgap funding after new SNAP requirements go into effectThe call for funding comes as officials with the River Bend Food Bank said they've seen a four-year high in their requests for need. |
| | Quad City Animal Welfare Center forever foster cat thriving in his new homeQCAWC will cover vet bills for its forever foster. The fosters just provide the food and the love. |
| | Quad City Animal Welfare Center forever foster cat thriving in his new homeQCAWC will cover vet bills for its forever foster. The fosters just provide the food and the love. |
| |  Iowa passes animal torture billTorturing animals in Iowa is now a felony on the first offense. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed House File 2348 into law. Iowa joins the rest of the country to classify animal torture as a felony. Until recently, it was a serious misdemeanor. Anyone convicted can get up to five years in prison. First offenses can [...] |
| | OQC Crime Watch: Dinkins faces more charges; 'pigeon drop' scam: Episode 65Watch crime reporters Linda Cook and Sharon Wren talk about crime and courts in our area with the latest episode of the Our Quad Cities Crime Watch Podcast. In this episode Linda and Sharon discuss: updates on: Henry Dinkins faces charges again, this time in connection with a 2003 Clinton County sexual assault of a [...] |
 | Over 1250 without power in Illinois Quad Cities, power restoredMore than 1250 people were without power in the Illinois Quad Cities Monday night. |
| | Over 1250 without power in Illinois Quad CitiesMore than 1250 people are without power in the Illinois Quad Cities Monday night. |
| | Project NOW will provide senior services in Henry CountyThe Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging (WIAAA), in coordination with Project Now/Rock Island County Senior Center, has announced a transition in the delivery of Community Focal Point services within Henry County, according to a news release. Effective Oct. 1, Project NOW/Rock Island County Senior Center will assume designation as the Community Focal Point for [...] |
| |  Galva man sentenced to 15 years for possession of child sexual abuse materialsA Galva man was sentenced to 15 years in prison Monday in Henry County Court after pleading guilty to three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. |
| |  Trump taps former FEMA director to lead the disaster agency againCameron Hamilton led FEMA briefly in 2025. He was removed by the Trump administration after telling Congress that the agency should continue to exist. Now, he's been nominated to lead it once again. |
| |  Cops ‘n Kids Book Drive at KWQC slated for June 5The drive encourages the community to drive up to 805 Brady Street to donate children’s new (or gently-used) books or make monetary donations. The books are then made available to kids for Davenport police to hand out at community events, schools, and calls. |
| |  Nonprofit sues the federal government over plans to paint Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blueThe Cultural Landscape Foundation, a nonprofit advocacy organization, is asking a federal judge to halt President Trump's plans to resurface the reflecting pool on the National Mall. |
| | 4-year-old Whiteside County bicyclist injured in collision with car on U. S. Route 30A 4-year-old child was injured after a bicycle-car crash in Whiteside County, according to a news release from Whiteside County Sheriff John F. Booker. Shortly after 11:45 a.m. Saturday, May 9, Whiteside County deputies responded to a report of a crash involving a vehicle and a 4-year-old bicyclist on U. S. Route 30 near Blue [...] |
| |  QCA parrot rescue relocates; volunteer help still neededA Quad-City parrot rescue is growing, and they need volunteers to help. Owners of the Land of Illinois Parrot Rescue bought a traveling ICU unit, something they've been focused on getting since the beginning of the year. They also moved to a new space to help more exotic birds around the region. These are just [...] |
| |  Mother mourns toddler killed on Mother’s DayA 3-year-old child was fatally shot during a hostage rescue attempt at a Bureau County mobile home park on Mother’s Day. The family shares memories. |
| |  Getting in gear: What you need to know for Bike to Work WeekRiding your bike to work this week? Here's a couple ways to stay safe. |
 |  Real estate agent arrested in Davenport narcotics investigationHe was the listing agent for some of Andrew Wold’s properties after the 2023 Davenport building collapse. |
| |  The Waiting Child: Kam’Ron loves robotics; waits for a Big Brothers Big Sisters ‘Big’More than 200 kids in the area are on the waiting list for a ‘Big.’ Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley needs volunteers to spend time with them. In this week’s The Waiting Child, Our Quad Cities News' Eric Olsen introduces us to Kam’Ron, a lover of robotics and coding. Kam’Ron shares what [...] |
| | Traffic Alert: One-way traffic only on East Ridge Drive due to reconstructionCrews will reconstruct the road from Woodfield Drive to 3340 East Ridge Drive, according to a Facebook post. |
| |  Rock Island Arsenal launches self-guided historical tourExplore the history of the Rock Island Arsenal with a new self-guided tour featuring 13 stops. You can register through Visit Quad Cities to win prizes. |
 | US Supreme Court overturns 2023 Alabama map ruling, clearing the way for redistrictingThe U.S. Supreme Court, pictured April 9, 2026. The court on Monday vacated a 2023 order preventing Alabama from using a map it had ruled racially discriminatory, sending the case back to lower courts. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)The U.S. Supreme Court Monday overturned a 2023 ruling blocking use of a congressional map the courts ruled as racially discriminatory, which could open the way for Alabama to use new district lines this year. The order from the nation’s highest court in the case, known collectively as Allen v. Milligan, came about a week before the state’s May 19 primaries and about a week and a half after the court significantly weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prevents racial discrimination in voting laws, in a case known as Louisiana v. Callais. The ruling said plaintiffs challenging maps under Section 2 must show intentional discrimination to prevail. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX As is common practice, the majority did not provide an opinion with Monday’s order. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented in the order, joined by justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, saying there is no reason to reconsider Alabama’s case. “In addition to holding that Alabama’s 2023 Redistricting Plan violates [Section] 2, the district court held, in one of the three cases before this Court, that Alabama violated the Fourteenth Amendment by intentionally diluting the votes of Black voters in Alabama,” Sotomayor wrote. “That constitutional finding of intentional discrimination is independent of, and unaffected by, any of the legal issues discussed in Callais.” The state currently uses a congressional map drawn by a special master appointed by a federal court in 2023, after the courts ruled a congressional map approved by the Alabama Legislature in 2021 discriminated against Black voters in the state by not giving them a full chance to select their preferred leaders. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the ruling in 2023, after delaying its implementation for over a year, past the 2022 midterms. A new map drawn by the Legislature in 2023 was also ruled a violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Under the current map, the 2nd Congressional District, currently represented by U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, has a Black Voting Age Population (BVAP) of about 49%, while the 7th Congressional District, represented by U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, has a BVAP of about 50.6%. Section 2 was considerably weakened by the U.S. Supreme Court in April in Louisiana v. Callais, which said plaintiffs challenging congressional maps had to prove intentional discrimination, a far higher bar than the previous standard of showing discriminatory effects. “The Court’s decision interferes with the ongoing election and puts the validity of the votes of thousands of early voters into doubt,” said Deuel Ross, director of litigation at the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), which represented the plaintiffs in the Milligan case. “We will consider all of our options for protecting the rights of voters and reinstating the court ordered map. A message seeking comment from Gov. Kay Ivey was left Monday evening. Marshall said federal courts had “punished” the state for drawing its own maps, but the Supreme Court “vindicated the state’s long held position.” “For too long, unelected federal judges had more say over Alabama’s elections than Alabama’s voters. That ended today,” Marshall said in a video posted to social media. “My job in this office was to put the Legislature in the best possible legal position to draw a congressional map that favors Republicans 7-0.” Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen said in a statement Monday that the ruling was a “historic win” for Alabama. “The May 19 primary election will proceed as scheduled,” the statement said. “My office will remain in close contact with the Governor’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office as this situation continues developing.” Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, said in a statement Monday that the court ruling “has cleared the path for Alabama to hold free, open, and fair elections using the constitutional maps drawn by the Legislature rather than the unconstitutional maps forced upon the state by activist federal judges.” “The Supreme Court’s action removes the thumb from the scale in legislative and congressional elections and allows Republicans to once again have a fair chance to compete,” the statement said. Republicans control all statewide elected offices; both of the state’s U.S. Senate seats; five of its seven U.S. House seats; 76 of its 105 state House seats and 27 of its 35 Senate seats. Kim Bailey, president of the League of Women Voters of Alabama, said Monday that the decision was “deeply disappointing and creates uncertainty and confusion for voters about the 2026 elections.” “We encourage voters not to become disillusioned or discouraged,” the statement said. “Your vote matters. Your voice matters. And voter turnout will remain one of the most powerful tools we have to shape our future and defend representative democracy.” ‘An inextricable, permanent feature of this case’ U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, leaves the lectern after speaking to an Alabama Senate committee on May 7, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. House and Senate committees moved two bills that would reschedule primaries should courts allow the state to use congressional and legislative maps previously ruled discriminatory. The committee votes were preceded by protests from audience members who said the Legislature was denying Black Alabamians proper representation. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) “The Supreme Court has upended our election jurisprudence and done so in a way that severely, and systematically, disadvantages Black voters,” said Dev Wakeley, worker policy advocate with Alabama Arise. “The idea that this is a more level playing field, or that the safeguards against discrimination that we previously had until Callais were ready to be lifted, is absurd.” The court Tuesday sent the case back to the three-judge panel with instructions to reconsider its ruling in light of the Callais ruling. Using the 2023 map would likely throw the re-election of U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, from the 2nd Congressional District into doubt. Figures in a statement Monday called the court’s action “an incredibly unfortunate decision” and said the conservative justices “just literally substituted themselves in to be the defense lawyers for the state of Alabama.” “I ran for this seat to be a voice for all of Alabama, and I’m not backing down from that mission now,” the statement said. “The fight must and will go on. Beyond the courts, we know what has to be done. We will organize, we will register, and we will turnout people in record numbers at the polls.” Sotomayor noted that the court in Callais said its ruling in Allen v. Milligan — upholding a finding of racial discrimination in congressional maps — remained “good law.” “This Court’s finding of racially discriminatory vote dilution is an inextricable, permanent feature of this case, and Alabama’s willful decision to respond by entrenching rather than remedying that dilution is, as the District Court correctly recognized, evidence of discriminatory intent,” Sotomayor wrote. After the session A group of people hold their fists aloft to protest SB 1, a bill that would allow new primaries for for two Montgomery-area Senate districts if a federal court allows it, in the Alabama Statehouse on May 6, 2026 in Montgomery, Alabama. The Senate passed the bill on Wednesday amid flooding in downtown Montgomery. (Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama Legislature last week approved two bills allowing new primaries to be held in districts that would be affected by the court overturning its prior orders. Lawmakers carried through with the process despite protests throughout the week that culminated with one person getting removed from the statehouse on the final day of the special session. Plaintiffs in the Milligan case filed briefs on Monday said the injunction should stand because the remedial map currently in does not consider race. “The district court never held that Section 2 required Alabama to adopt a majority-Black district or otherwise draw districts on the basis of voters’ race,” the plaintiffs said in their response. “The district court’s remedial plan is proof positive: it does not contain a second majority-Black district, and it was ‘prepared race-blind.’” Opponents have said the primary laws passed by the Legislature last week could be unconstitutional under a 2022 amendment that requires election law changes to be made no later than six months before an election. The date this year was May 3; the special session began on May 4. Republicans said last week the amendment applies to general elections and not primaries. This is a breaking news story. Updated at 5:58 p.m. with additional background; at 6:11 p.m. with comment from Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman; at 6:25 p.m. with comments from Secretary of State Wes Allen and plaintiffs’ filings in the Milligan case; at 6:48 p.m. with comments from U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile; and at 7:11 p.m. with comments Attorney General Steve Marshall from a video posted to social media. Allen v Milligan order May 12 2026 Courtesy of Alabama Reflector |
| | A slow start to May when it comes to rainThings have been a little bit slow in terms of rainfall here in the Quad Cities for the month of May, but we are looking to see some relief. Throughout the next 7 days we are forecasted to receive anywhere from an inch to an inch and a half of rain in the Quad Cities. [...] |
| | Work progresses on Bettendorf’s pedestrian bridgeWork is rapidly progressing on Bettendorf’s $14.5M pedestrian bridge near the TBK Bank Sports Complex. |
| |  Explore Mental Health Month with the Rock Island Public LibraryMay is Mental Health Month, and there are plenty of great resources available from the Rock Island Public Library! Karrah Kuykendall joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about what's happening at the library. For more information, click here. |
| | Recapping major bills from Iowa's legislative sessionThe Iowa legislative session has concluded. We recap major bills that passed both chambers and those that did not make it through. |
| | Suspect shot by police in Peoria during domestic disturbance callIllinois State Police said a suspect was shot while Peoria police responded to reports of a domestic disturbance. |
| |  Why cruise ship passengers with possible hantavirus exposure went to NebraskaThe University of Nebraska is home to the only federally funded quarantine unit in the U.S. and a separate biocontainment unit that can treat people exposed to infectious diseases. |
| |  Eastern Iowa Community Colleges launches HVAC training programAs demand for HVAC workers continues to grow, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges is launching a new program aimed at training future technicians for the industry. |
| | Man arrested after shots fired at St. Ambrose parking lot on FridayA 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with shots being fired at one of St. Ambrose University's parking lots on Friday, May 8. |
| | Rock Island National Cemetery seeking volunteers to place flags for Memorial DayArsenal officials said the event will happen on Thursday, May 21 at 4 p.m., rain or shine. |
| | Illinois politics latest: Expulsions for sexual assault, Evidence-Based Funding, budget deadlineIllinois lawmakers have until May 31 to finalize the state's budget. Plus, we discuss a bill that would expel students who commit sexual violence at school. |
| |  Celebrate the U.S. Armed Forces at Armed Forces Day at the Rock Island ArsenalCelebrate the U.S. Armed Forces at the Rock Island Arsenal! Col. Joe Parker and Victoria Kline joined Our Quad Cities News with details on Armed Forces Day. For more information, click here. |
| | New Rock Island Arsenal Trail launchesThe virtual trail is self-guided and takes visitors across 13 stops exploring the Arsenal's history. |
| | Iowa governor's race, immigration and the economy: News 8 This Week - May 10, 2026News 8's Jon Diaz speaks with Adam Steen, a Republican running for governor. Plus, a U of Minnesota researcher on the impacts of immigration and the economy. |
 | Flocking Awesome: “The Sheep Detectives,” “Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard & Soft: The Tour Live in 3D,” and “Mortal Kombat II”The Sheep Detectives is kind of like Babe meets Paddington meets The Wild Robot meets Agatha Christie … which means, unexpectedly yet delightfully, it's also kind of perfect. |
| |  United Way QC and River Bend Food Bank seek Illinois support for food benefitsLocal communities are bracing for the effect new federal work requirements will have on food security for hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans. |
| | QC students earn honors in WIU Undergraduate Research Day competitionThe Western Illinois University Centennial Honors College has announced Quad-City area winners of the 23rd annual Thomas E. Helm Undergraduate Research Day, which was held April 15, a news release says. A total of 44 scholarly presentations were delivered by 131 students, spanning 15 majors. Podium competition First Place: Ryan Vance (senior, electrical engineering student [...] |
| |  New poll finds a majority of Americans unsure if attempts on Trump's life were realWhen given the options of "true," "false" or "not sure," and asked whether each of the incidents "was staged," a majority of respondents said they thought each event was either staged or were unsure. |
| |  Abortion pill by mail allowed for at least 3 more days, the Supreme Court saysFull access to the abortion pill mifepristone, including through telemedicine and the mail, will continue for at least three more days, the high court said on Monday. |
| | Iowa auditor Rob Sand discusses Truer Better Agenda: News 8 This Week, April 19, 2026Iowa gubernatorial candidate and state auditor Rob Sand discusses his Truer Better Agenda with News 8’s Jonas Evans. |
| | 7 things to know about Foundayo, a next-generation weight-loss pill7 things to know about Foundayo, a next-generation weight-loss pillThere’s always a media buzz when a new weight-loss drug hits the market. Or when new data shows that a medication can effectively lower body weight.If you've been exploring medication options to help you manage your weight, you may have stumbled across injections, such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide). For some, the thought of regularly giving yourself injections may seem overwhelming or uncomfortable.New weight-loss pills are hitting the shelves as alternative options to injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Oral Wegovy (semaglutide) tablets started the trend in December 2025, and Foundayo (orforglipron) tablets followed suit in April 2026.GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, covers seven things to know about Foundayo for weight loss.Key takeaways:Foundayo (orforglipron) is a new prescription weight-loss pill. It’s FDA-approved for adults who are considered obese, or overweight with at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.Foundayo is an alternative to injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like Zepbound (tirzepatide). It’s part of a growing class of oral GLP-1s, including oral Wegovy (semaglutide), that offer a needle-free approach to weight loss.Foundayo is a convenient, once-daily pill. You can take it with or without food, unlike other oral options.Phase 3 study results for Foundayo found that the medication helped people lose an average of about 11% of their initial body weight with the highest dose after 72 weeks. Its side effects are similar to those of injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists.1. Foundayo is FDA-approved for certain adults with a larger body sizeFoundayo is FDA-approved to help adults lose excess body weight and maintain weight loss long term. It’s approved for adults who are considered obese, or overweight with at least one weight-related health condition. Examples of qualifying conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and obstructive sleep apnea.If you receive a prescription for Foundayo, you should take it along with a reduced-calorie diet and routine physical activity. Lifestyle changes like these give Foundayo the foundation to be successful.Foundayo is made by Eli Lilly, the same company that makes Zepbound (tirzepatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and many other diabetes medications.2. Foundayo is a convenient, once-daily medicationFoundayo is a once-daily oral tablet. It comes in six-tablet doses, ranging from 0.8 mg to 17.2 mg. You can take Foundayo with or without food, and it doesn’t have food or water restrictions. This flexibility is different from medications such as oral Wegovy.When you first start Foundayo, you’ll slowly increase your dose over time. This is done to help lower the risk of stomach-related side effects. The typical starting dosage is 0.8 mg once daily. After at least 30 days, the dose is increased to 2.5 mg once daily, then to 5.5 mg once daily after at least another 30 days. If needed, the dose can be increased stepwise to 9 mg, 14.5 mg, or 17.2 mg after at least 30 days at each dose. This will be based on your response and how well you tolerate the dose. The maximum dosage is 17.2 mg once daily.You should swallow the tablets whole. Don’t break, crush, or chew them. You shouldn’t take Foundayo with another GLP-1 receptor agonist, either.3. Foundayo is part of a new class of ‘glipron’ medications“Gliprons” are a new group of GLP-1 medications used for weight loss. Their name comes from the ending of their generic names. They don’t end in “tide” like other GLP-1s because they aren’t peptides.They do work like other GLP-1s, though. They mimic the effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone that helps regulate blood glucose (blood sugar) and appetite, among other effects.Foundayo is the first approved medication in this group. There’s another possible glipron on the horizon, called aleniglipron. This medication is still being studied and isn’t approved yet.Good to know: Try not to confuse gliprons with gliptins. Gliptins are a different group of Type 2 diabetes medications. Januvia (sitagliptin) and Tradjenta (linagliptin) are two common gliptins.4. Foundayo isn't a peptide like other GLP-1 medicationsFoundayo is similar to other GLP-1 receptor agonists, generally speaking. But it's made using different materials and processes.Traditional GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Wegovy, are peptides (chains of amino acids) that resemble the GLP-1 hormone. This hormone plays a role in digestion and blood glucose (sugar) regulation. These medications mimic GLP-1’s natural effects, helping you feel fuller for longer and lessening your appetite. This often leads to weight loss.But these peptides can’t travel through your stomach very well due to their size. Plus, enzymes (proteins) and acids in your gut can break peptides apart, rendering them ineffective. This is why they’re typically made as injections, not pills. Oral options, such as Rybelsus (semaglutide) and oral Wegovy, are made with absorption-enhancing ingredients and have specific instructions for use.Gliprons, which are not peptides, address this issue. Like many other medications, they’re small-molecule drugs made using chemical synthesis rather than specialized processes like recombinant DNA technology. They’re able to start working after you swallow a dose and don’t generally need to be timed around meals. Dubbed “nonpeptide” GLP-1 receptor agonists, they activate GLP-1 in their own way.As an added bonus, small-molecule drugs tend to be easier and cheaper to produce in bulk compared to peptides. This may translate to additional savings at the pharmacy.5. Foundayo is an effective treatment for weight lossSeveral clinical trial results are available for Foundayo. Here’s what studies say about its effectiveness so far.Foundayo weight-loss benefitsRecent results from Foundayo’s phase 3 ATTAIN-1 trial showed that people taking the highest dose for 72 weeks (about 17 months) lost an average of about 11% of their initial body weight.Foundayo may also be a good option if you want to switch from an injectable GLP-1 medication to a pill. In clinical studies, people who switched from Zepbound or Wegovy were able to keep off the weight they had already lost.Foundayo Type 2 diabetes benefitsEli Lilly reported that Foundayo met its main goals in phase 3 trials for Type 2 diabetes. It lowered hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels more than comparison treatments and also supported weight loss.For instance, in one head-to-head study, the highest dose of Foundayo lowered A1C by 2.2% compared to 1.4% with Rybelsus. People taking the highest dose of Foundayo lost about 20 pounds on average, too. Some people noticed benefits within the first four weeks of starting Foundayo.In addition to weight loss and lower A1C, several people also saw improvements in cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.Eli Lilly plans to seek FDA approval for Foundayo to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity in 2026.6. Foundayo’s side effects are similar to those of other GLP-1 receptor agonistsAll medications can cause side effects, including Foundayo. Clinical studies suggest that Foundayo has similar side effects to injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists. Nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain are all possible complaints.Common or mild Foundayo side effects include:Nausea or vomitingConstipationDiarrheaIndigestionStomach painHeadacheBloatingFatigueHeartburnGas (flatulence)Hair loss or thinningRare but serious Foundayo risks include:Thyroid C-cell tumors, including a boxed warning about possible thyroid tumors.Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).Severe stomach or digestive problems.Kidney problems, especially from dehydration.Low blood sugar, especially if taken with insulin or certain diabetes medications.Worsening eye problems for people with Type 2 diabetes.Gallbladder problems (such as gallstones).Food or liquid entering the lungs during surgery or procedures that require anesthesia.Contact your prescriber if you develop any bothersome side effects at any point. But if anything feels severe, listen to your body. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER right away.7. Certain people shouldn’t take FoundayoCertain people shouldn’t take Foundayo. It’s not recommended if you have:A personal or family history of a rare thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma.Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, a rare genetic disorder.Severe gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying).A serious allergy to orforglipron or any of its inactive ingredients.You should stop taking Foundayo if you become pregnant, as it may harm a developing fetus. It can also make birth control pills less effective. If you take oral contraceptives, talk to your care team. They may advise you to switch to a non-oral method (like an implant) or to use a barrier method (like condoms) for 30 days after starting Foundayo and for 30 days after each dose increase.Children or teens should not take Foundayo. It’s currently only approved for adults.The bottom lineFoundayo (orforglipron) is an oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It’s FDA-approved for adults with obesity or adults who are overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.Unlike traditional GLP-1 receptor agonists, Foundayo is a small molecule drug — not a peptide. It’s an effective treatment option for weight loss, and it may be approved for Type 2 diabetes later on.This story was produced by GoodRx and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | Who is running for Scott, Muscatine, Clinton county offices?Republicans will vote in competitive primaries for Scott County Supervisors, and Clinton and Muscatine county recorder. |
| |  PBS KIDS' Summer of Adventure tour comes to QCA libraries, eventsQCA families can enjoy stories, crafts and PBS KIDS programming during its “Summer of Adventure” tour at library storytimes and community events throughout the area. Communities that are on the tour for 2026 include Blue Grass, Rock Island, Moline, Colona, Sterling, Coal Valley, Davenport, Silvis, Cordova, Morrison, Geneseo, Galesburg, Bettendorf, Sherrard, LeClaire, Port Byron and [...] |
| | Man arrested after shots fired at St. Ambrose parking lot on FridayA 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with shots being fired at one of St. Ambrose University's parking lots on Friday, May 8. |
| | 5 important student loan dates are approaching5 important student loan dates are approachingIn the world of federal student loans, it seems the only constant lately is change. The next few years are no exception, with important dates approaching that may impact your repayment plans, borrowing limits, and access to financial aid. Whether you’re currently repaying student loans or planning to borrow in the future, College Ave shares five important dates for federal student loans to mark on your calendar in 2026 and beyond.1. FAFSA closes on June 30, 2026, for 2025-26 School YearThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) unlocks the door to federal financial aid, including grants, student loans, and work-study. The final deadline to submit the FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year is June 30, 2026.This FAFSA deadline is too late for most students, as the school year is probably already over. Many types of funding may also have run out, and state-based financial aid deadlines are typically set much earlier.It could still be worth applying, though, if you’ll be taking summer classes that count toward the 2025-26 year. Plus, it’s possible to receive a Pell Grant if you’re eligible, and the school can apply it to your bill retroactively.Mark your calendar if either of these scenarios apply to you. Most students, though, should aim to submit the FAFSA much earlier than this federal deadline, as some aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.2. Major overhaul of student loan system starts July 1, 2026This summer will bring major changes to the federal student loan system as a result of the Republican-led One Big Beautiful Bill Act that was passed in July 2025. These changes will primarily apply to new borrowers who take out their first federal loan on or after July 1, 2026.The changes include:Revised repayment plans. The current repayment plans will be replaced by two new plans: a Standard Repayment Plan that spans 10 to 25 years, depending on your loan amount, and an income-driven Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), which spans up to 30 years.Adjusted borrowing limits. There will be new annual and lifetime borrowing limits if you’re heading to grad school — lower limits for graduate programs and slightly higher limits for professional programs, such as medical and law school.Elimination of Grad PLUS loans. The bill eliminated the Grad PLUS loan program for future borrowers, which let graduate students borrow up to the cost of attendance of their programs, minus other financial aid received.If you borrow student loans before that date, you can keep using the current repayment plans and borrowing limits, at least temporarily. Today’s graduate students, for example, can continue under the existing rules for three more years or until the end of their program, whichever comes first.But new graduate students will face different borrowing limits and not have the option of a Grad PLUS loan. If you find yourself with a gap in funding, you may consider other ways of paying for your degree, such as grants, scholarships, work-study, income from a part-time job, or private student loans.3. FAFSA opens on Oct. 1, 2026, for the 2027-2028 School YearThe FAFSA for the 2027-28 academic year will open by Oct. 1, 2026. That’s the first day you can apply for federal grants, work-study, and student loans for the upcoming school year. Many schools and states also rely on the FAFSA to award institutional and state-based aid.Some types of financial aid are doled out on a first-come, first-served basis, so submit the FAFSA as soon as you can. To hit the ground running, prepare ahead of time by gathering tax returns, financial records, and other important information you (and your parents, if you’re a dependent student) need for the form.The FAFSA covers one school year, so you’ll need to submit it each year you’re in school and want to receive financial aid. FAFSA renewals typically take less time to fill out, since you can auto-populate some of your information from the previous year.4. Deferment and forbearance rules change on July 1, 2027The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also contains changes to deferment and forbearance guidelines, which will apply to federal student loans borrowed on or after July 1, 2027. Specifically, the changes include:No more economic hardship or unemployment deferment.Forbearance restricted to a maximum of nine months over a 24-month period.Both deferment and forbearance let you postpone payments temporarily if you have a qualifying reason. They offer a temporary safety net for struggling borrowers, but most loan types keep accruing interest while payments are paused.The new rules will mean federal loan borrowers have fewer options to pause payments and may need to explore other options for relief. If you have private loans, your lender may offer deferment and forbearance for certain circumstances.Rules vary by lender, so reach out to yours if you’re having trouble affording payments.5. Some income-driven repayment plans will sunset by July 1, 2028If you’re on an income-driven repayment plan, you may need to switch to a new one in the next few years. Due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and ICR plans will be eliminated by July 1, 2028.The SAVE plan will also disappear by that date or sooner. SAVE has been under legal fire since 2024, and the Department of Education recently announced a proposed settlement that would end it completely, pending final approval.If your student loans are on SAVE, your loan servicer may move them to another plan as early as this year. Alternatively, you can move them to another plan yourself. This Federal Loan Simulator tool can help you compare your options.Anyone who’s on PAYE, ICR, or SAVE and wants to stay on an income-driven repayment plan after July 1, 2028, will have two choices: the Income-Based Repayment plan or the Repayment Assistance Plan. Your payments will likely change on either plan, so review your options early to avoid surprises and adjust your budget.Mark your calendar with these key student loan and FAFSA deadlinesWhether you’re applying to college or already managing student loans, there are several key dates to keep track of in 2026 and the coming years. Marking important dates on your calendar can help you stay on top of deadlines and adjust to any changes that may impact your borrowing limits or repayment plan options. Plan ahead so you can make informed decisions around financial aid and student loans.This story was produced by College Ave and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| |  Fire hydrant struck in Davenport incidentSeveral vehicles were damaged in an incident at E. River Drive and Pershing Street in Davenport today. Officials told an Our Quad Cities News crew that a vehicle lost control during an altercation inside the vehicle, causing it to strike three other vehicles and a fire hydrant. The hydrant struck one of the vehicles and [...] |
| | Holistic treatments for trauma healingHolistic treatments for trauma healingOvercoming trauma is challenging. Thankfully, it's possible to recover and heal after a devastating ordeal and lift the heaviness that's weighing you down. Sometimes, you can move past trauma with self-care and minimal intervention. Yet, some circumstances call for a more in-depth approach to process and address the root of the trauma and treat yourself holistically, from the inside out.This guide from The Sanctuary at Sedona provides an overview of evidence-based holistic trauma treatments. Learn about their role in facilitating comprehensive mental, physical and spiritual trauma recovery.How Trauma Affects an IndividualThe American Psychological Association (APA) defines trauma as an emotional, psychological or physical response to a distressing experience that results in long-lasting negative effects on a person's behavior, attitude and ability to cope or function. Everyone experiences, responds to and copes with trauma differently, making it as unique as the person facing it. Some people experience delayed responses, while others face immediate effects. There's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dealing with trauma and its aftermath.Many scenarios or situations can cause trauma, such as:Violence and abuse: Physical, sexual or emotional abuse or domestic violence, bullying and neglect.Disasters and accidents: Situations that involve natural crises, car accidents and disasters.Medical or life-threatening events: Scenarios related to combat, terrorism, abduction and life-threatening illnesses or surgeries.Sudden loss: Unexpected events such as the death of a loved one, emotional betrayal or job loss.These disturbing and emotionally impactful events disrupt your sense of safety and leave lasting effects on your psychological and physical health. Often, these events lead to a range of emotional, behavioral and physical changes that create deep-seated issues with self-worth and trust.Trauma can affect different aspects of your self: Courtesy of The Sanctuary at Sedona Emotional and mental: Chronic anxiety, depression, irritability, hypervigilance, numbness and outbursts are psychological responses to trauma.Physical: Trauma can be carried within your body and present as chronic pain, headaches, exhaustion, nausea and a high heart rate.Behavioral: These changes can show as avoidance, substance misuse, withdrawal, self-sabotage, strained relationships and changed eating habits.Cognitive: Cognitive effects might include struggles with intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares and difficulty concentrating.Trauma often needs time to heal. If it's not handled correctly and with care, symptoms can develop into chronic conditions in the long run, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, mood disorders and addiction.9 Holistic Trauma TreatmentsEffective holistic treatments for trauma healing use a comprehensive approach to treat the underlying causes of trauma rather than only managing symptoms. They focus on helping you heal holistically across various dimensions, while fostering meaningful, long-term recovery and coping skills. Each therapy offers a range of benefits and areas of focus, ensuring you receive in-depth recovery that covers all aspects of your being.Below are nine holistic treatments to support your ongoing journey to trauma recovery. Courtesy of The Sanctuary at Sedona 1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)For some people, talking through feelings, thoughts and concerns helps navigate and process their painful experiences and trauma. CBT is a clinically validated, goal-directed psychotherapy that addresses maladaptive thought patterns through structured, individualized sessions with a licensed behavioral health professional. CBT is often used and highly effective for PTSD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and addiction.CBT has two types of therapy practices, including:Pure cognitive therapy: Focuses on unhealthy or counterproductive thought patterns and helps adjust the way you think.Rational emotive therapy (RET): Centers on negative emotions and attitudes that endanger or damage your overall well-being.What makes this treatment effective is how it addresses distressing events, teaches problem-solving skills, identifies feelings and boosts self-esteem through positivity and empowerment.2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)In many cases, trauma happens so suddenly that the brain doesn't know how to process it, which leaves you in a “stuck” state, reliving the traumatic event repeatedly in your mind. This makes trauma recovery slow and difficult, often affecting your everyday functioning and activities. EMDR uses special techniques to reverse the trauma-related symptoms by helping the brain reprocess disturbing memories, making them feel less vivid and distressing.Using guided eye movements known as bilateral stimulation, this treatment engages both sides of the brain and reduces the emotional charge of distressing memories. This treatment can be effective if you're struggling with post-event symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, lowered self-esteem, and a lack of enjoyment or fulfillment in life or activities.While primarily used for PTSD treatment, EMDR is also useful in treating panic attacks, anxiety, phobias, depression and addiction.3. Nutritional TherapyYou need to nourish your mind and body with a variety of nutrients to maintain your health and energy. A targeted diet can improve mood, support brain adaptability and counteract metabolic stress. To improve your diet and support weight management, immune function and detoxification, nutritional therapy is a useful tool. It helps you build a healthier connection between your body and mind while laying a strong base for recovery.Nutritional therapy emphasizes targeted dietary interventions to provide essential macronutrients and micronutrients — such as protein, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and antioxidants — to support neurobiological resilience and emotional well-being.These nutrients offer various benefits in the recovery process:Omega-3 fatty acids: Reduce inflammation caused by stress and promote brain health and emotional balance.Protein: Supports tissue repair, blood sugar regulation and cognitive function.Magnesium: Promotes healthy nerve and muscle functioning and reduces anxiety.Antioxidants: Counteract oxidative stress in the body.Nutritional therapy can also be supported with additional oral supplements to reverse the effects of nutrient deficiencies.4. Bodywork TherapyThe body-mind connection is greatly affected by trauma. If there's a disconnect between the body and mind, many physical symptoms can show. Chronic pain, stress, muscle tension, inflammation, digestive problems, disturbed sleep, headaches and body aches are all linked to the effects of trauma stored in the body.Bodywork therapy is a hands-on approach to reduce pain and tension buildup through physical touch, sensations and techniques that enhance relaxation and ultimately lead to healing. It uses massage to lower cortisol levels, ease muscle pain, and improve sleep and mental clarity, while also stimulating circulation, body awareness and safety restoration.Other bodywork treatments are used to relieve stress and pain caused by trauma, such as:Acupuncture: Inserts thin needles into the skin to stimulate nerves and muscles.Sauna: A heated room to induce sweating to release toxins.Cupping: Suction cups on the skin to increase blood flow and alleviate pain and muscle tension.Reiki: An energy-healing technique that uses gentle touch to improve relaxation.Herbal baths: Soaks in cleansing salts or herbs to detoxify the body. 5. Somatic Experiencing (SE) TherapyWhile bodywork therapy helps heal the physical effects of trauma on the body, somatic experiencing therapy relieves the mental impact of trauma through body awareness. This trauma-focused psychotherapy uses verbal guidance and internal sensation awareness to acknowledge a traumatic experience and learn how to live with it.The goal of somatic experiencing is to guide the body in releasing stored trauma energy and building resilience by paying attention to bodily sensations like shaking, tension and heat.Somatic experiencing can heal trauma through listening to the body. Techniques include:Grounding exercises: Techniques such as the 5-4-3-2-1 method keep you present — for example, list five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things you can touch, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste.Bodily awareness: Focus on how your body feels, noticing each part from head to toe.Detailed descriptions: Say an anchoring statement out loud to keep you present in the moment. For example, “I am safe in this moment. My feet are on the ground, and I can feel the chair beneath me.”Visualization: Think of a loved one, a favorite place or a happy memory to distract you from intrusive thoughts and flashbacks. 6. Mindfulness Meditation and BreathworkMindfulness allows you to focus on the present moment while practicing nonjudgment and acceptance. It involves immersing yourself in the now, acknowledging your thoughts, feelings, sensations and surroundings. When combining this state of mind with the relaxation and clarity of meditation, you reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being.Breathwork often plays a role in mindfulness meditation. Controlled breathing patterns and techniques are used to access the unconscious and enhance the overall stress-reducing, mood-improving and calming qualities of mindfulness meditation. Practices like deep breathing, body scanning and guided meditation improve emotion regulation. They give you an opportunity to slow down and avoid becoming overwhelmed by your trauma.7. Yoga and Physical Movement TherapyExercise and movement are natural mood and energy boosters. Have you ever noticed feeling happier after jogging or going on a scenic walk? That's the basis of movement therapy. Being active benefits both your physical and mental health. It strengthens the connection between body and mind, acting as an outlet for stored trauma, tension and stress. It also fosters inner peace and resilience.Movement comes in many different forms and levels of intensity. You can enjoy the slow, intentional movements of yoga or break a sweat by doing a full exercise regimen.There are other movement therapies in addition to yoga and exercise, such as:Pilates: Involves control, concentration and breathwork while you focus on body structure, alignment, muscle movement and posture.Tai chi: Combines meditative techniques and movements to promote strength and relaxation.Qigong: Focuses on breathing and movement to circulate qi throughout the body.Feldenkrais: Uses movement exploration to do somatic learning. 8. Creative and Expressive Arts TherapyExpressing your emotions and thoughts through creativity is a beneficial tool in trauma recovery. Sensory-based and nonverbal, expressive art therapy helps you process and release stored emotions, lower stress, and rebuild a sense of security and self-regulation. This method highlights the creative process rather than the finished artwork, and guides you in communicating your feelings when words fail. It also gives you the opportunity to explore self-discovery and improve emotional health.Various types of art are used in this form of therapy, including:DrawingPaintingWritingReadingJournalingSculptingPerformingYou can also choose to express yourself through music therapy by playing a musical instrument, listening to soothing songs, writing music, singing and dancing. Whichever creative mode you use, it can help you identify and analyze the emotions and problems you encounter during the creative process.9. Lifestyle ChangesCoping with trauma is challenging, but intentional and small changes in your lifestyle can make recovery manageable. Changes such as creating a routine, grounding exercises, strengthening your support system and practicing mindfulness all help with healing and rebuilding a sense of safety after an ordeal.Lifestyle changes are personal, which means you can choose what you want to include in your long-term recovery. Each person is different and has their own methods of processing and letting go of traumatic experiences. What matters is what makes you feel comforted and safe while working toward being yourself again.Lifestyle changes can include:Setting personal boundaries to protect your psychological well-being.Prioritizing sleep to manage nightmares and insomnia related to trauma.Connecting with family and friends to strengthen relationships and build a support system for when you need help.Starting a creative hobby as an outlet to process emotions and memories.Establishing a routine to provide a sense of control and stability.Practicing self-compassion and patience during the recovery process.Joining aftercare programs for continued support and guidance as you navigate trauma recovery.Healing for the Body, Mind and SoulMany people will experience trauma at some point in their lifetime. Painful experiences and effects will vary from one person to the next, shown in a range of symptoms that disrupt their mental, emotional and physical state. Some people recover within a short period of time, while others experience longer-term traumatic effects.Addressing trauma is essential for your overall well-being and health, and often requires professional help if it's severe or difficult to overcome. If left untreated, it can lead to bigger health concerns over time. While healing might require traditional medications to treat the symptoms of trauma and PTSD, you can integrate alternative holistic therapies into your recovery to achieve deep, long-term healing. Therapy and self-care practices can help you manage ongoing trauma symptoms on your own terms, giving you an active role in improving your quality of life.The most effective holistic treatments for trauma healing involve therapies that heal you as a whole through body, mind and soul, providing a way to move forward. It's vital to restore peace and clarity so you can get back to living your life with calmness, joy and resilience. Finding an approach and treatment that works best for you may take time and involve trial and error. But with dedication and motivation, you'll find the right path to rebuilding your self-worth, sense of safety and inner peace.This story was produced by The Sanctuary at Sedona and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | Rock Island Arsenal Trail helps visitors explore area historyThe Rock Island Arsenal Trail officially launched on May 11. The self-guided trail uses a free mobile pass and allows visitors to explore 13 points of interest. They can enjoy scenic views of the Mississippi River, outdoor recreation, historic landmarks and moments of patriotism. The pass is active for one year from the date of [...] |
| |  Minnesota man pleads guilty to selling stolen cattle in northeast IowaA Minnesota man has been convicted for stealing at least $150,000 in cattle and grain from a farmer, then moving and selling those goods in northeast Iowa. |
| | Drug companies involved in TrumpRx boosted lobbying by 23% ahead of program’s launchDrug companies involved in TrumpRx boosted lobbying by 23% ahead of program’s launchThe 17 pharmaceutical companies anchoring TrumpRx, the White House’s new prescription drug-pricing program, poured more than $130 million into federal lobbying in 2025 — a nearly 23% surge that outpaced the broader industry as the plan was being shaped behind the scenes.Those companies accounted for more than a quarter of the record $457.3 million spent on lobbying last year across the pharmaceutical and health product industry. And while newly filed 2026 first-quarter reports show no slowdown — industry-wide spending topped $131 million, a 5.7% year-over-year increase — the most consequential lobbying push came in 2025, ahead of TrumpRx’s February launch.“All I can say is that they’re spending a ton of money,” Olivier Wouters, an associate professor at Brown University who has researched the industry’s lobbying efforts, told OpenSecrets.Among those participants in President Donald Trump’s flagship “most favored nation” drug-pricing initiative, the 2025 spending spree was nearly universal: 15 increased their year-over-year totals, and eight — including Regeneron, which didn’t join until April 23 — boosted spending by at least 25%, an escalation that coincided with the plan’s final negotiations.The two companies with the steepest increases market blockbuster medications that saw deep price cuts in 2026.Bristol Myers Squibb, maker of the anti-clotting drug Eliquis, nearly doubled its lobbying spending — an 84% jump to more than $10 million, one of the sharpest increases by any company in any sector. The surge came as Eliquis, which generated $13.3 billion in worldwide revenue in 2024, became subject to a 56% negotiated discount for Medicare Part D enrollees, dropping to $231 for a 30-day supply.And AstraZeneca hiked its federal lobbying spending by more than 55% to nearly $5.8 million as the negotiated price of its diabetes and heart- and kidney-disease drug Farxiga — an $8.4 billion product in 2025 — was slashed 68% to $178.50 under the Inflation Reduction Act. OpenSecrets TrumpRx offers brand-name drug discounts indexed to lower international prices. In exchange for offering these most-favored-nation rates to cash-paying customers, the administration granted participating drugmakers multi-year exemptions from new import tariffs.Citing national security concerns, Trump issued a presidential proclamation April 2 imposing a 100% tariff on imported patented drugs and pharmaceutical ingredients from countries without a qualifying security agreement. The proclamation also created a carve-out for companies that enter most-favored-nation pricing and onshoring agreements — core components of the TrumpRx platform — allowing them to pay a 0% tariff through Jan. 20, 2029, a concession potentially worth billions.Another function of the program allows manufacturers to sell high-volume medications, including popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, directly to patients while bypassing insurance gatekeepers.Health care has long dominated Washington’s K Street, as the lobbying industry is known. In 2025, 2,632 clients lobbied health-related issues — breaking the 2021 record of 2,624, according to OpenSecrets data. Federal lobbying reports do not indicate whether a company supported or opposed a bill, or how much of its total spending was directed toward an issue.Omer Unsal, an associate professor at Merrimack College who has studied pharmaceutical lobbying trends, said he’s seeing steady growth across the board: more money being spent, more bills being lobbied, and more “revolving door” lobbyists cycling in from positions in government.“Overall, the trend is upward, and I think there has to be some benefit in exchange for those lobbying expenditures,” Unsal said.Twelve of the industry’s top 15 spenders were among those firms, including Genentech, which accounted for $10.4 million of the $11.4 million spent by parent company Roche Holdings. However, these firms were already among the industry’s biggest spenders — 11 ranked in the top 15 in 2024 — and simply increased their totals in 2025.In all, the 17 firms spent nearly $134 million on federal lobbying in 2025 — up almost 23% from $109 million the year before, outpacing the industry’s 15% increase.That tally does not include the industry’s leading trade group, the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America, which represents many of the same companies. PhRMA spent a record $38.2 million in 2025 — trailing only the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Realtors — and lobbied on 73 separate pieces of legislation. Its disclosure reports include dozens of references to most-favored-nation drug pricing.A May 2025 executive order directed federal agencies to implement most-favored-nation pricing — an effort to force U.S. prices down to levels seen in other developed nations. PhRMA has publicly opposed such mandates, calling them a “bad deal” that imports prices from “socialist countries,” even as TrumpRx has become the administration’s primary voluntary channel for companies to adopt those prices in exchange for trade concessions. After the 2022 passage of the Inflation Reduction Act — which allowed Medicare to negotiate prescription-drug prices — three companies, including AbbVie and AstraZeneca, left the trade group. AstraZeneca rejoined last year.Several other companies are represented by another trade group, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. However, companies including Pfizer, AbbVie and GSK left in recent years, and the group’s lobbying spending fell sharply — to $5.6 million in 2025, a decrease of nearly 58% in four years.“The pharmaceutical industry is dominated by large companies,” Unsal said. “The larger the company, the more resources you have to lobby. But eventually, it goes back to how much government benefit you receive in exchange [for] your lobbying.”The ‘pill penalty’ fightThe TrumpRx coalition placed significant lobbying attention on a pair of bills targeting how Medicare negotiates prices.Small-molecule drugs — typically pills or capsules — become eligible for price negotiation four years earlier than biologics, which are derived from living organisms and often treat complex or rare diseases. The Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures Act would eliminate that disparity, giving drugmakers an additional four years before negotiations can begin.Calling the current structure a “pill penalty,” Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.), a urologist, introduced the House version. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) sponsored the Senate bill.How frequently a bill or issue appears is often a signal of a company’s priorities. In this case, 13 of the drugmakers lobbied the House version. Eight also lobbied the Senate version. Together, the bills were referenced in 117 quarterly disclosures filed by TrumpRx-aligned companies. PhRMA mentioned them 75 additional times.Novartis — whose portfolio includes small-molecule drugs such as Kisqali (breast cancer) and Scemblix (leukemia) — was the most active, citing the bills in 24 total reports.“That makes sense to me, that [drugmakers are] going after that quite aggressively as well, because they are the ones that have a more material impact on revenues, right?” Wouters said. “I’m not a lobbyist, but you have to pick your battles, and so you’re going to go after the bills that really hit you where it hurts.”The GLP-1 lobbying boomTwo of those drugmakers also focused heavily on legislation affecting their most popular, and lucrative, products: GLP-1 drugs often used to help with weight loss.Eli Lilly & Co. — maker of Mounjaro, Zepbound and the newly approved Foundayo pill — increased its lobbying spending nearly 33% in 2025 to $11.2 million. Novo Nordisk, which produces Wegovy and Ozempic, hiked its spending by more than 37% to over $7.23 million, a total that does not include spending by subsidiary Novozymes North America.Both companies lobbied the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, which would allow Medicare Part D to cover weight-loss drugs, specifically those GLP-1s. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a gastroenterologist who chairs the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, sponsored the Senate version; Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) sponsored the House bill.Lilly, the most active pharmaceutical company lobbying on the legislation, referenced the Senate version in six reports and the House version in four. Novo Nordisk mentioned each version twice.Those companies also hired the same lobbying firm: Checkmate Government Relations, which under close Donald Trump Jr. associate Ches McDowell has quickly become a power player on K Street. In the first year of Trump’s second term, Checkmate’s federal lobbying revenue exploded from $70,000 in 2024 to $22.5 million in 2025.Eli Lilly paid the firm $400,000 for six lobbyists while Novo Nordisk paid $360,000 for five. Four lobbyists worked for both drugmakers, including McDowell; Chris LaCivita Jr., the son of a top Trump 2024 campaign adviser; and Frederick “Fritz” Vaughn, a former House senior counsel and deputy assistant Treasury secretary.In November 2025, the White House announced a “historic” agreement with both drugmakers that cut the price for several GLP-1s to roughly $350 — and to $150 for oral versions — through TrumpRx. The deal also allows Medicare and Medicaid to cover those drugs for the first time — a policy shift the industry has long tried to achieve.Overlapping lobbying networksCheckmate is just one of several lobbying firms hired by multiple TrumpRx participants. Some represent a staggering number of them. OpenSecrets Of the more than 500 lobbyists representing the 17 companies, more than 60% were revolving-door lobbyists. That outpaces the 51% revolver rate across the broader pharmaceutical and health-products industry.Among the participants, that influence is highly concentrated: 166 represented multiple drugmakers, including 17 who represented 10 or more.Twelve of the 17 companies hired at least one of four firms with the closest ties to the Trump administration: Checkmate, Miller Strategies, BGR Group or Ballard Partners.Ballard Partners was founded by Brian Ballard, a former Trump Victory PAC chair, and counts White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles as a former lobbyist along with former Attorney General Pam Bondi. BGR Group is led by former Trump campaign adviser David Urban and previously employed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Miller Strategies is headed by Jeff Miller, the finance chair for the Trump-J.D. Vance inauguration.Another major lobbying hub for the firms is the Todd Strategy Group. Paul Edattel, former chief health counsel for the House Energy and Commerce Committee, represented 15 clients — the most of any single lobbyist — across 13 of the companies. Firm founder Dan Todd and Eric Bergren, former chief of staff for Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), each represented 13 clients across 12 companies.Several former lawmakers appear across the firms’ rosters. Former Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) lobbied for five drugmakers — Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Sanofi and Bristol Myers Squibb. Former Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) worked for Gilead, Johnson & Johnson and Genentech. Additionally, former Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) lobbied for Novartis.“Presumably, the folks that are going to be really useful lobbyists come at a higher price,” Wouters said. “I worry that the interests represented by those with much deeper pockets, if they have a bigger say in these legislative debates, I worry about the outcomes and if all interests are represented. Same thing with the revolving door. … I worry that it’s just not a level playing field.”This story was produced by OpenSecrets and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | Gen Z increasingly skeptical of, and angry about, artificial intelligenceGen Z increasingly skeptical of, and angry about, artificial intelligenceWhile some might envision Gen Z welcoming artificial intelligence into their lives, a new Gallup survey found that people between the ages of 14 and 29 are becoming increasingly skeptical of — and downright mad at — AI.Compared to a similar Walton Family Foundation-Gallup survey conducted in April 2025, they’re less excited and hopeful about the change it could bring and more angry at its existence, citing concerns about AI’s impact on their cognitive abilities and professional opportunities. Gallup Respondents said they used AI at nearly the same rate they did before — they reported only a slight increase in daily and weekly exposure — but when asked how it makes them feel, the answers revealed growing misgivings.Thirty-one percent said it made them angry, up 9 percentage points from 2025. And just 22% said it made them feel excited, down 14 percentage points from last year. Only 18% of respondents said it made them feel hopeful, marking a nine-point drop. Forty-two percent said it made them feel anxious, roughly the same as last year.Zach Hrynowski, senior education researcher at Gallup, said the switch was swift.“One of my working theories is that (it’s) the high schoolers, who are in their senior year, or especially those college students, who are maybe thinking, ‘AI is taking my job. I just went to college for four years: I spent all this money, and now it’s turning my industry upside down,” he told The 74.Only 46% of respondents believed AI would help them learn faster, down from 53% the prior year, Gallup found. Fifty-six percent of respondents said it would help them to expedite their work compared to 66% last year.Hrynowski also noted that users’ unease wasn’t entirely tied to the amount of time they spend engaging with AI.“Year over year, among that super user group, they’re much less excited, they are much less hopeful — and they are more angry,” he said. “So this is not a case of some people who are adopting it and loving it and some people who are just avoiding it and feel negatively about it.”Nearly half of the respondents said the risk of the technology outweighs the benefits in the workforce. Just 37% believed it would help them find accurate information, down from 43% the prior year, and only 31% believed it would help them come up with new ideas compared to 42% in 2025. Gallup The survey also notes some disparities by age and race. For example, older Gen Zers are more likely than younger ones to voice concerns about AI’s impact on learning in general.Asked how likely is it that AI designed to mainly complete tasks faster will make learning more difficult in the future, 74% of K-12 respondents said it was “very likely” or “somewhat likely” compared to 83% of Gen Z adults who said the same. Men and Black respondents were also less concerned about learning impact than their peers overall.The results were based on a survey of 1,572 people spread throughout every state and Washington D.C. and conducted between Feb. 24 and March 4, 2026. It was commissioned by the Walton Family Foundation and GSV, Global Silicon Valley. Together, the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup are still conducting ongoing research into Gen Z’s attitudes toward AI.Hrynowski believes there might be a link between recent revelations about the harmful nature of social media and AI-related distrust: Many of the respondents came of age, he noted, just as former surgeon general Vivek H. Murthy called for a warning about its use.Generative AI shapes the user experience in social media. Just last month, a California jury found social media company Meta — owner of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads — and YouTube injured a young woman’s mental health by design in a landmark case that could encourage untold others.This was the second of two critical decisions: Just a day earlier, a New Mexico jury found Meta knowingly harmed kids’ mental health — and hid what it knew about child sexual exploitation on its platforms.“I’ve always been very impressed from the start of this work with Gen Z that across the board, not just with AI, they are keenly aware of the risks of technology, whether it’s social media, whether it’s AI or screen time,” Hrynowski said.They are not the only generation to harbor these worries. A growing number of parents of K-12 students are pushing back on their screen time, not just at home, but at school.Despite respondents’ skepticism about AI, they’re also readily aware that the technology won’t be walked back: 52% of respondents acknowledge that they will need to know how to use AI if they go to college or take classes after high school, while 48% think they will need to know how to use AI in the workplace.An earlier Gallup study, released in April 2026, showed 42% of bachelor’s degree students have reconsidered their major because of AI.Gen Z, in its reluctant acceptance of the technology, wants help in how to navigate it, both in an academic setting and in the workplace. Schools are stepping up, the survey revealed: The share of K-12 students who say their school has AI rules moved from 51% in 2025 to 74% this year.Disclosure: Walton Family Foundation provides financial support to The 74.This story was produced by The 74 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | What a roommate can save you in 100 US cities: 2026 studyWhat a roommate can save you in 100 US cities: 2026 studyNew college grads, transplants from other cities, and others might find myriad advantages in including a roommate in their housing plan — one of those being cost savings. Particularly in high cost-of-living areas, an extra cushion in the budget could make a big difference in discretionary spending, paying off debt, or investing for the future. Across large U.S. cities, splitting a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate versus living alone in a one-bedroom apartment could save the average renter about $541 per month, or nearly $6,500 per year. In many cities, the average savings climb much higher.With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked 100 of the largest U.S. cities based on the percentage of monthly rent saved by sharing an apartment with a roommate.Key FindingsAdding a roommate gets you the best value in Cleveland, Ohio. Splitting a two-bedroom with another person saves you nearly 48% compared to renting a one-bedroom alone. The average cost of one-bedroom rent in Cleveland currently sits at $1,150, nearly identical to the average two-bedroom rent of $1,200.The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is only $900 in this city. Shreveport, Louisiana, has the lowest two-bedroom rent out of 100 large cities. With an average one-bedroom price of $790, it ranks 10th overall with a savings of 43% with a roommate, or $340 rent savings per person per month.In NYC, a roommate saves you $1,730 per month. The average one-bedroom rent in New York City is $4,380, while two roommates could split the average $5,300 two-bedroom rent for $2,650 each. Neighboring Jersey City, New Jersey has the second-highest raw monthly dollars saved with a roommate at $1,490 — or 46.7% savings over living alone.A roommate saves you the least in the cities. Relative to local housing costs, sharing your space is least cost effective in Scottsdale, Arizona, where splitting a two-bedroom nets you a 26.0% discount, or a $440 monthly discount. Seattle (28.2% savings; $550 per month) and El Paso, Texas (29.4% savings; $250 per month), also are most budget-friendly to singletons. SmartAsset Top 10 Cities With the Most Savings With a RoommateCities are ranked based on the percent saved in rent between splitting the average two-bedroom apartment with a roommate and living in a one-bedroom apartment alone.Cleveland, OHPercent savings with a roommate: 47.83%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $550One-bedroom rent: $1,150Two-bedroom rent: $1,200Baton Rouge, LAPercent savings with a roommate: 46.88%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $450One-bedroom rent: $960Two-bedroom rent: $1,020Jersey City, NJPercent savings with a roommate: 46.71%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $1,490One-bedroom rent: $3,190Two-bedroom rent: $3,400Memphis, TNPercent savings with a roommate: 46.24%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $430One-bedroom rent: $930Two-bedroom rent: $1,000Boise, IDPercent savings with a roommate: 45.49%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $605One-bedroom rent: $1,330Two-bedroom rent: $1,450Augusta, GAPercent savings with a roommate: 45.00%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $450One-bedroom rent: $1,000Two-bedroom rent: $1,100New Haven, CTPercent savings with a roommate: 44.89%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $835One-bedroom rent: $1,860Two-bedroom rent: $2,050Chattanooga, TNPercent savings with a roommate: 44.44%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $520One-bedroom rent: $1,170Two-bedroom rent: $1,300Virginia Beach, VAPercent savings with a roommate: 43.94%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $725One-bedroom rent: $1,650Two-bedroom rent: $1,850Shreveport, LAPercent savings with a roommate: 43.04%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $340One-bedroom rent: $790Two-bedroom rent: $900Top 10 Cities Where It’s Most Cost Effective to Live AloneCities are ranked based on the percent saved in rent between splitting the average two-bedroom apartment with a roommate and living in a one-bedroom apartment alone.Scottsdale, AZPercent savings with a roommate: 26.04%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $440One-bedroom rent: $1,690Two-bedroom rent: $2,500Seattle, WAPercent savings with a roommate: 28.21%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $550One-bedroom rent: $1,950Two-bedroom rent: $2,800El Paso, TXPercent savings with a roommate: 29.41%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $250One-bedroom rent: $850Two-bedroom rent: $1,200Albuquerque, NMPercent savings with a roommate: 29.47%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $280One-bedroom rent: $950Two-bedroom rent: $1,340Denver, COPercent savings with a roommate: 29.69%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $475One-bedroom rent: $1,600Two-bedroom rent: $2,250St Louis, MOPercent savings with a roommate: 30.11%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $280One-bedroom rent: $930Two-bedroom rent: $1,300Dallas, TXPercent savings with a roommate: 30.28%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $430One-bedroom rent: $1,420Two-bedroom rent: $1,980San Francisco, CAPercent savings with a roommate: 30.47%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $1,155One-bedroom rent: $3,790Two-bedroom rent: $5,270Fort Lauderdale, FLPercent savings with a roommate: 30.85%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $580One-bedroom rent: $1,880Two-bedroom rent: $2,600St Petersburg, FLPercent savings with a roommate: 31.33%Monthly rent savings with a roommate: $470One-bedroom rent: $1,500Two-bedroom rent: $2,060Data and MethodologyThis study examined data from 100 U.S. cities, comparing the average rents for one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments between March 2025 and March 2026 based on data from Zumper. Specifically, the cost of a one-bedroom was compared with half the cost of a two-bedroom for each city, assuming each roommate pays equal rent.This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| |  Learn about the latest scams at 'Stop the Scammers' event in DavenportThe Iowa Department of Insurance and Fraud Services is bringing its “Stop the Scammers” roadshow to the River Center, 136 E. Third Street in Davenport, on May 12 at 5 p.m. to educate Iowans on the latest scams. In 2025, the Stop the Scammers roadshow helped stop $2.7 million from being sent to scammers and [...] |
| | How to build a learning culture that outpaces the competitionHow to build a learning culture that outpaces the competition“An organization’s ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive advantage.” — Jack Welch (former General Electric CEO)This quote is especially true today, as new tech and AI applications enter the marketplace on a seemingly daily basis.The companies that thrive in the ever-evolving market aren’t always the ones with the most resources or the longest history. They’re the teams that can learn and adapt the fastest.When learning is woven into the way you work, it becomes the edge that sets teams apart. So how do you actually make learning part of the everyday rhythm?WebFX shares a few simple wins that help turn learning into your team’s competitive advantage!The competitive advantage of a learning cultureConsider the principle of compound interest.The earlier and more consistently you invest, the faster your money grows. The growth builds on itself.Learning works the same way. It’s an investment that compounds over time.Every lesson your team captures and applies doesn’t just pay off once. It builds on the last, multiplying its value over time.When learning is built into the way a team operates, knowledge doesn’t just live in a playbook or with a handful of experts. It infuses and multiplies results across the organization.5 habits of teams that learn (and win) fasterMost companies agree learning matters, but putting it into practice means more than sending a few training invites.True learning shows up in how fast knowledge moves, how openly it’s shared, and how well it’s applied.Here are five ingredients that make the difference in building a team that outlearns the competition. WebFX 1. Encourage knowledge sharing over knowledge hoardingLearning loses its power when it’s locked up with a handful of people.This often happens by accident. People get busy, teams work in silos, or someone assumes their insights aren’t worth sharing.The best teams multiply knowledge by spreading it quickly and openly, turning individual learnings into collective growth.How to encourage it:Close huddles with a lightning round where each person shares one big idea in 60 seconds to keep fresh ideas flowing.Bring in guest presenters from other departments, so learning doesn’t happen in “silos” (marketing regularly hears from sales, sales from client teams, etc.).Celebrate and empower “multipliers” — teammates who regularly share learnings to level up the team.The real value of knowledge sharing comes when lessons shape the next decision, not just documentation.2. Move knowledge fasterAs the famous saying goes, knowledge is power. And it also compounds, but only when it is shared quickly. Too often, insights lose power because they sit in inboxes, reports, or someone’s head.When one person runs a test today, and the insight is in everyone’s hands tomorrow, knowledge won’t go stale. That speed of learning multiplies results, and that turns individual wins into team-wide advantages.Ways to make this happen:Share lessons in formats people will actually use. This could be a 2-minute explainer video, a checklist, or a mini case study. And if it takes longer to find than to read, trust that it won’t get read at all.Work test results into your next sprint planning session. This way, findings become action items, not archive items.Push insights up and across, not just within your team. A win in one department can save another department weeks of guesswork when shared.Speed matters more than volume here, because a team that acts on one insight this week will outperform a team that catalogs ten insights and reviews them “eventually.”3. Turn lessons into leverageIf you’ve ever opened a post-mortem doc six months later and thought, “Why didn’t we do this sooner?” then you already know how easily good lessons get lost.Walk the talk because learning without application is just information. In reality, most companies have plenty of data sitting in shared drives, buried docs, and Slack threads, but nobody revisits them.You’ll witness the difference when teams actually close the loop. When every experiment, project, or campaign feeds the next one, that’s where the compounding kicks in.How you can put that into practice:End every post-mortem by naming one carry-forward decision. That is one specific change that has to show up in the next project. If you skip this step, then the retro was merely a waste of everyone’s time.Don’t wait for quarterly reviews to update a workflow. If you learned something on Tuesday that makes your process better, change it right away on Wednesday. Context fades fast, and if you keep putting off the update, you can expect that half of it is already gone.Test new ideas while they’re fresh. Waiting for the “right time” usually means the insight loses its edge. “We should try that sometime” is usually where good ideas get forgotten.The real advantage here is making the application automatic. When putting lessons to work is part of the process, you stop losing ground between what you learned and what you need to do next.4. Unlock the power of unlearningThis one is harder than it sounds. People easily get attached to processes, especially the ones that worked before. Teams hang onto a tactic for months past its expiration date because “it crushed it in Q2,” even though Q4 tells a completely different story.Getting good at learning is just a portion of the puzzle, as you also have to get comfortable throwing things out if they’re no longer serving their purpose.What this looks like day to day:Do a playbook audit every quarter. Any tool or process that hasn’t pulled its weight in six months, put it on the chopping block and be ruthless about it.Ask your newest hires what feels outdated during their first few weeks. They haven’t been around long enough to accept “that’s just how we do it” as a reason for anything, so try to maximize it to gain insights.Ask yourself and your team: If we were starting from zero today, would we build it this way? Most of the time, the honest answer is no. And then you can pivot from there.Retiring old tactics may sometimes feel wasteful, but truth be told, carrying dead weight feels worse once you realize how much it has been slowing you down.5. Spark micro-learning momentsIf you’ve been in the industry long enough, you’d instantly agree that not every lesson needs a formal training session or a 40-slide deck. Some of the sharpest lessons can come from a quick Slack post or a 5-minute segment before the end of a team call.When those small moments of knowledge-sharing become normal, you get to eliminate unnecessary friction, and cognition moves faster and actually sticks.What you can try with your team:Pick one notable learning each week and pin it in your team channel. Do it right then and there, and not in a folder somewhere no one else can see.Use your 1-on-1s for more than status updates. Try asking what’s working and what broke, as those answers are gold and they disappear fast if nobody captures them.Ask every person in the room to share one sentence about what they’re taking away at the end of any training. This is a good way to see right away what landed and what missed.Small, consistent learning always beats big, occasional training. If you make it part of how the day already works, then it stops feeling like an extra effort.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | Quad-Cities gas jumps 25 cents in one week, up 55 cents from last monthPrices in the Quad-Cities are 55.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.37 per gallon higher than a year ago. |
| |  Homeless, pregnant asylum-seeker in Iowa sues Homeland SecurityA Des Moines asylum-seeker is suing the DHS after waiting over 750 days for work authorization, leaving her homeless and pregnant without healthcare. |
| |  Zach Galifianakis cultivates plenty of laughs in 'This Is a Gardening Show'In the course of his delightful Netflix series, Galifianakis learns how to graft apple trees, make richer compost and generally self-sustain. "The future is agrarian," he says in every episode. |
| |  U.S. Senate leader promotes Hinson’s Senate campaign, touts GOP’s tax cuts at campaign eventSenate Majority Leader John Thune and Rep. Ashley Hinson visited Des Moines to discuss how 2025 GOP tax cuts are supporting Iowa workers and families. |
| | 4 cross-border challenges for growing e-commerce brands and how to solve them4 cross-border challenges for growing e-commerce brands and how to solve themSmall businesses are a major driver of the global economy, but a lot of smart, ambitious brands don’t stay “small” for long. With international customers easier to reach than ever, more e-commerce brands are expanding across borders earlier in their journey. The opportunity is there, but so are the challenges that come with it.Once you start going global, everything from pricing to customer experience needs a second look. Passport breaks down the biggest hurdles to clear when scaling internationally and how to get through them.The 4 Biggest Small Business Challenges When Going GlobalSelling across borders introduces more complexity than you might expect. What works in your domestic market doesn’t always translate to another, so you’re suddenly managing multiple regions, expectations, and systems, all of which require new approaches across core functions.The brands that succeed are the ones that address this early and put the right strategies in place.The challenges small brands face in going international can be summed up in four broad categories:Customer experienceShippingPaymentsComplianceChallenge 1: Maintaining the Small Business ExperienceConsumers love supporting small businesses in the U.S. and around the world. But even those who prefer to shop small have their limits. Too much confusion or too little convenience, and even your enthusiasts will take their money elsewhere.So, how do you deliver the personal feeling of shopping at a small business from another country?Depending on the market, your considerations may include:Website and packaging translationDelivery expectationsRegional competitorsCurrency conversionCultural differencesFor example, customers in Europe typically expect prices to include all taxes upfront. If you're targeting the U.K., you may want to convert your storefront's currency to pounds, while E.U. countries expect euros. The E.U. also spans a diverse cultural landscape, with no unified language, which adds another layer of complexity to messaging.Getting all these details right isn’t easy when you're competing against other established local and international brands. Shoppers are far more likely to convert when your site feels familiar—local currency, clear duties, and realistic delivery timelines all play a role.Small businesses often struggle to deliver this level of attention due to limited resources or fragmented systems. However, since customer experience is a fundamental driver of e-commerce conversions, adaptations are necessary.Customer Experience Solutions: Small Business LocalizationGlobal success is built at the local level. In the context of international commerce, localization means adapting the shopping experience to market expectations.Effective strategies include:Building market-specific web pages.Converting prices to display the local currency.Aligning checkout and delivery options with regional expectations.Adjusting delivery timelines and messaging to set realistic standards.True localization requires end-to-end adjustments across your sales funnel. Thankfully, small business owners have access to more accessible software solutions than ever, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in e-commerce.Honing the customer experience is about more than service excellence; it directly impacts lifetime value and will guide your response to each of the following challenges.Challenge 2: Cross-Border Shipping ComplexityOne of the earliest hurdles to face is the added complexity of shipping internationally. Unlike domestic fulfillment, cross-border delivery often involves multiple carriers, longer transit times, and greater variability in delivery windows.Slow order fulfillment, unexpected delays, lackluster return policies, and high shipping prices all add to customer frustration. For small teams without dedicated logistics expertise, managing these moving parts can quickly become overwhelming.Visibility is another common friction point. If customers can’t easily track their orders or don’t know where their package is, they’re far more likely to contact support or hesitate to order again.Returns add another layer of complexity. Sending products back across borders is expensive, slow, and requires extra steps to claim refunds on import taxes. Without a clear strategy, businesses either absorb the extra costs or avoid offering returns altogether—both of which can harm profitability.Especially for ecommerce-driven stores, shipping and returns are fundamental for driving conversions and repeat customers. Unexpected duties or high delivery costs at checkout are one of the top reasons for cart abandonment in cross-border ecommerce.Shipping Solutions: Simplifying Small Business LogisticsSmall businesses have a range of options for streamlining their shipping.In the spirit of localization, consider your approach to each region's shipping policies individually. You may find that multiple countries can use a shared model, but this isn't a safe assumption until you run the numbers and validate landed costs.For example, a small business in the U.S. may be able to offer free returns to customers in Canada and Mexico but find it unfeasible to do the same in a European market.However, there are common best practices that any business can benefit from:Landed cost calculators help businesses estimate the actual cost of order fulfillment. These tools are a great starting point for evaluating an international market and the shipping terms you can provide.International shipping providers minimize carrier handoffs and often improve delivery consistency and speed, especially if they also manage returns. Fewer hands on a delivery lowers your risk and can reduce the total vendor count.Delivered duty paid (DDP) shipping terms are widely preferred for e-commerce compared to delivered duty unpaid (DDU). DDP shipping is simpler for customers and typically offers quicker, frictionless deliveries.Small business software solutions—from ecommerce platforms to cross-border management portals—can centralize your fulfillment, tracking, and inventory workflows. Beyond its convenience, this option is often more cost-effective than increasing your headcount or bogging down your team with complex routing tasks.As your international demand grows, you can consider an in-country order fulfillment strategy to scale and save costs.Building a foundation for international commerce often starts with a clear shipping strategy that informs pricing and product selection in your chosen market.Challenge 3: International Payments, Pricing, and ProfitsInternational expansion introduces some unavoidable costs—from longer-haul shipping to new taxes and added processing fees. Without clear visibility into these line items, small businesses may underprice products or absorb more fees than they can afford.Pricing often needs to be adjusted to account for these added costs, requiring a balance between margin and competitiveness in each market.Selling internationally often means expanding beyond a single currency or payment processing system to accept payments but also to optimize for conversion. Preferred payment methods vary widely by market, and missing even one popular option can impact sales.International transactions may also involve longer processing times, currency exchange rates, and cross-border network fees. Your business may need to integrate new payment methods to cater to your customers' preferences (e.g., digital wallets).Other payment challenges small businesses face include:Fluctuating exchange rates that impact pricing and margins.Market-specific financial regulations.Slower payment settlement times.Global growth should drive profitability and revenue. Without cost clarity, businesses risk sluggish growth or losses.Payments Solutions: Powering Smart TransactionsOne of the most important shifts you can make is estimating and tracking contribution margin per product, the revenue each item yields after variable costs. This metric is essential for deciding which products to sell and how to price them.Multiplied by projected sales volumes, you can estimate each product's total contribution, the funds left to cover fixed costs, and generate profit. Understanding these figures is key to projecting how much you can profitably invest in selling any given product.For the actual transaction, there are several measures small businesses can take to smooth out their international checkouts:Multicurrency software solutions can automate the conversion and exchange processes so small businesses can effortlessly display prices in a customer's local currency.E-commerce platforms with integrated payment systems can enable a wide range of payment methods for your international audience. Functionality varies by platform, so confirm this early.Integrated landed cost displays are another valuable feature to have in your toolkit, enabling you to show customers accurate and transparent prices at checkout.When pricing is clear, businesses typically see higher conversion rates and fewer abandoned carts.Challenge 4: Duties, Customs, and ComplianceInternational sales add considerable exposure to taxes, regulations, and product restrictions. Each transaction spans at least one additional government on top of international trade laws and customs processing.All that added compliance can overwhelm a team in the midst of a cross-national expansion.Common regulatory frameworks small businesses must navigate include:Duties and tariffs: taxes charged on imports.Customs: international shipping, documentation, and taxation procedures.Consumption taxes: collected at checkout, common varieties include value-added tax (VAT) and goods and services tax (GST).Product regulations: restrictions specific to every country.These requirements vary widely by market and can change frequently.For small businesses, keeping up with these rules is difficult without specialized knowledge or tools. Missteps—such as under-declaring value or missing documentation—can lead to delays, penalties, or even shipment seizures. Without strong compliance procedures, businesses risk financial losses and damage to their brand.Compliance Solutions: Reducing Risk for Small BusinessManaging compliance manually is rarely sustainable for small teams.Savvy business owners adopt solutions that simplify or outsource complexity:Seller of Record (SOR) models—where a partner manages tax registration, filing, and remittance on a brand’s behalf—allow brands to offload tax registration, filing, and remittance to a trusted partner.Tax and duty calculation tools ensure accurate pricing at checkout and smooth processing at customs when professionally managed and regularly updated.Third-party compliance support is a cost-effective alternative to increasing your headcount, critical for small businesses navigating multinational laws without a dedicated compliance team.Customs software, such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's ACE portal, can help businesses access shipment data and stay on top of import activity.These solutions allow businesses to expand into new markets without complicating their internal operations.Key Takeaways: Small Business Solutions to Global ChallengesExpanding globally introduces complexity across the board, but each hurdle can be addressed with the right systems and strategy.Global commerce is more accessible and competitive than ever. However, even small businesses can succeed internationally when they treat cross-border expansion as a strategic priority, rather than just an extension of domestic operations.By addressing the challenges early, you'll build a sturdy foundation for sustainable growth. Passport Small International Business FAQsGlobal commerce can be an intimidating but rewarding challenge for small businesses. It's natural to have questions, and Passport's international ecommerce experts have answers.What changes when a small business expands internationally?Expanding internationally introduces new costs, regulations, and complexities. Domestic operations must become nuanced multimarket strategists, often requiring coordination across several partners and software solutions.What are the biggest challenges for small e-commerce businesses scaling globally?The biggest challenges typically fall into four areas: customer experience, shipping, payments, and compliance. Each introduces operational friction, but also opportunities for advanced solutions that unlock global growth.What are the most important small e-commerce business solutions for expanding internationally?Brands should prioritize solutions that enable localization, simplify logistics, streamline checkouts, and maintain compliance. These pillars are key to international growth. Specific solutions of common value include multicurrency payment systems, global shipping providers, storefront localization tools, and compliance models—such as Seller of Record—that reduce regulatory burden.This story was produced by Passport and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| |  Will Sharpe imagines Mozart's day-to-day in 'Amadeus'Sharpe played a newly rich tech bro on vacation in The White Lotus. Now he's starring as Mozart, a musical genius who struggles to "read the room" in a new limited TV series. |
| | Death Notice: Fred Van HoosierA funeral service and Mass of Christian Burial for Frederick D. "Fred" Van Hoosier, 94, of Eldridge, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 18, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Davenport. The Mass will be livestreamed by visiting Fred's obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com. Burial with military honors will be in Rock Island National Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, May 17, from 2-4 p.m. at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. Mr. Van Hoosier died Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Davenport. Memorials may be made to the Donahue American Legion or to the Quad Cities Veterans Outreach Center. Online condolences may be made at www.hmdfuneralhome.com. A full obituary will appear in the May 13 edition of The NSP. |
| |  4-year-old airlifted after crash on U.S. 30 in Whiteside CountyOSF Life Flight responded to the scene and transported the 4-year-old to an area hospital for medical treatment. |
| |  KWQC partnering to host US Senate Democratic Primary debateThe debate will air live at 7 p.m. May 14 on KWQC Cozi 6.3 and will be livestreamed on the KWQC apps. |
| |  Ped Mall shooting suspect arrestedIowa City Police say the suspect in the Ped Mall shooting has been arrested. |
| | How to increase profitability without impacting customer satisfactionHow to increase profitability without impacting customer satisfactionAs a founder, increasing profitability is always top of mind, and you’re often searching for strategic ways to strengthen the financial footing of your business. But is raising prices the way to do it?If you’ve built a solid customer base full of people who love your products or services, you might think, “They won’t mind paying a little more, right?” Although you can certainly increase your prices anytime, that decision does carry the risk of eroding trust and loyalty among your existing customers. A better approach can be to find ways of improving customer satisfaction while also strengthening your profit margin.In this article, Mercury, a fintech platform that offers business and personal banking services*, shares practical strategies to increase profitability for startups, beyond just raising prices. This includes why early-stage startups struggle with profitability and common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of which profitability levers you’ll need to pull to reach your business goals.What increasing profitability actually means (beyond ‘raise prices’)When the subject of how to increase profits comes up, many founders are quick to jump to raising prices. Your pricing strategy can absolutely influence your profit margin, but there’s so much more you can do beyond charging your customers more money.When prices increase, sales often decline because customers who adore your products and services may not want to pay a higher rate, and they may start looking for a more competitive option. To avoid this scenario, focus on improving customer satisfaction and retention, and increasing profitability by getting more value out of the revenue you already have. To do so, you’ll need to run a more targeted, efficient business by improving unit economics, increasing value for customers, and strengthening revenue quality. This way, you’ll keep customers happy and loyal, while also improving profitability for your company.Why early-stage startups struggle to improve profitabilityFor early-stage founders, the priority is often the immediate survival of the business, rather than long-term financial optimization. You know profitability matters, but how to improve it isn’t always clear for several reasons:Growth mindset takes center stage. Founders are concerned with capturing market share, validating demand, and building momentum, which can lead to aggressive marketing spend and massive product discounts, as well as shrinking profit margins.Unit economics are still murky. Metrics — like customer acquisition cost (CAC), lifetime value (LTV), and contribution margin — aren’t stable or may not even be tracked.Front-loaded costs are high. Early-stage founders often need to invest in the business, including sorting out infrastructure, tools, and staffing, before revenue has a chance to catch up.Product-market fit is in flux. In the early stages, startups often offer heavy customization options or provide extensive support, which can increase product delivery costs and erode margins.The startup profit equation: How to increase profitability by optimizing revenue, costs, and customer experienceHow might a business attempt to increase profitability without damaging customer relationships? If you’re looking to make sustainable profit improvements, you’ll need to examine the foundational elements of who your business serves and how it operates.The following strategies can help you increase profitability and ensure that both you and your customers are getting what they want out of the business relationship.Strategy 1: Refine your ideal customer profile (ICP)Many founders initially want to serve anyone and everyone, but not all customers are the right ones. Some customers negotiate on prices, others require more support, and some generate higher churn. It’s typically more advantageous to serve fewer customers, who are a better fit.To determine who the right customers are for your business, you can define your ICP using AI tools and pinpoint which segment of customers generates the most value for your business. Look at buying behavior, budget levels, and use cases, as well as demographic patterns. For example, for a SaaS startup, customers who require less time and help with onboarding may be the best ones to target, since they’ll carry lower support costs.Strategy 2: Increase prices the right wayIf you’re intent on increasing prices, you’ll need to carefully plan for a smooth rollout and be sure to inform customers and avoid backlash.Here are a few options to consider:Increase prices for new customers first. Consider increasing prices for new customers first, instead of implementing a blanket increase for all existing customers.Offer tiered plans. You may also want to introduce tiered plans, so customers have options and can find a level that works for their budget. For instance, if your subscription is $10 per month, add a premium tier at $17 per month that includes additional features and benefits and a “light” tier for $7 with just the essentials. This approach improves margins while maintaining the goodwill of your existing customers.Highlight value. Always clearly communicate the added value associated with any price increase, so customers don’t feel duped or taken advantage of. Plus, if you’re making improvements alongside the pricing change, make sure the benefits are super clear to drum up enthusiasm among loyal customers.Strategy 3: Improve unit economics before scaling growthIf your unit economics are weak, scaling can amplify the problem and worsen profitability. So, focus on strengthening CAC, LTV, gross margin, and contribution margin, before working on growth.For example, you may notice that customers acquired through email campaigns become repeat buyers, but customers acquired through social media ads typically only buy once. In order to improve CAC and LTV, you could funnel more resources into email campaigns and offer referral incentives. Improving unit economics in this way enables your business to grow while maximizing profit.Strategy 4: Reduce operational drag and hidden costsOperational inefficiencies and friction can eat away at profit before you even realize what the problem is. Early-stage founders often overspend on software, travel and entertainment, freelancers and contractors, and agency retainers.If you want to increase profitability, focus on better managing and reducing operating expenses. For instance, if your startup uses separate tools for online banking, expense management, and bill payments, your staff may have to manually transfer financial data between the systems.Strategy 5: Increase average revenue per customerIncreasing average order value and expansion revenue are excellent tactics for improving profit margins, since you can do so without increasing customer acquisition costs. If you’re using this strategy, focus on nurturing existing customer relationships.Consider offering free add-ons, introducing product bundles, and creating premium product and service tiers. For example, an e-commerce store could bundle popular products together or offer a free, lower-cost product with a high-value purchase. For customers, this is alluring because it’s a way to save money while getting more value from the business. And, for your business, it’s a way to increase profit margins.Strategy 6: Use retention as a profit multiplierAcquiring a new customer costs more than retaining an existing one. When you have higher customer retention rates, you’ll see higher customer lifetime value, better revenue predictability, and stronger profit margins.To use retention as a profit-increasing lever, determine how you can lower churn and keep customers returning. Strategies include:Investing in customer education and onboarding.Building customer habit loops.Solving multiple problems for the same customer.Rewarding repeat customers with loyalty benefits.Common mistakes founders make when trying to increase profitsWhen margins are tight, your instinct might be to cut costs or raise prices, but both can backfire with your market. Here are common pitfalls to avoid:Raising prices without improving perceived value: Clear value framing is key to a price increase.Cutting costs that impact customer experience: Don’t lower service or product quality. Customers will notice.Not considering customer segments: Identify high-value customer segments as well as those with long-term revenue expansion potential.Chasing new customers while neglecting existing ones: Growth alone will not solve your profitability problems.Sweeping operational issues under the rug: Even small operational inefficiencies, like unused software and redundant processes, add up. Create a win-win for you and your customersImproving profitability isn’t a quick financial adjustment. It requires careful consideration and thoughtful strategy, so both your business and your customers benefit. For better margins that increase customer satisfaction, it’s important to strategically target customers, frame pricing around value, focus on unit economics, and fix operational issues.FAQsHow can startups increase profitability without raising prices?Instead of charging customers more, refine your ideal customer profile, improve unit economics, solve operational inefficiencies, and focus on customer retention.How can startups increase prices without upsetting customers?Frame the added value of the price increase clearly. Other strategies include adding premium tiers or applying increased pricing to new customers only.Why is customer retention important for profitability?Customer acquisition costs are usually high and can erode profitability. Retained customers generate revenue without additional customer acquisition costs, which increases lifetime value and profitability.* Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.This story was produced by Mercury and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| |  Trump wants to suspend the federal gas tax as prices soar amid war with IranSuspending the federal gas tax would require an act of Congress. |
| | State responds to Tennessee NAACP lawsuit challenging redistricted mapA redrawn U.S. House district map shows Memphis split into three separate districts. Photographs by John Partipilo/Tennessee LookoutState attorneys are asking the court to deny the NAACP Tennessee chapter’s request to stop a redrawn congressional map from going into effect before the 2026 election. NAACP Tennessee President Gloria Sweet-Love and the NAACP Tennessee State Conference filed an emergency petition in Davidson County Chancery Court on May 7, hours after Gov. Bill Lee signed into law the new U.S. House district map — which carved up the state’s only majority-Black, majority-Democrat district in Memphis. State attorneys contend that the governor and the Tennessee General Assembly, both named as defendants, do not conduct elections and have sovereign immunity, and are therefore “immune from this suit,” according to a response filed Friday by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti’s office. The Tennessee Legislature’s Republican supermajority proposed and passed the new map in a three-day special session called by Lee at President Donald Trump’s instruction after a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision weakened part of the Voting Rights Act. To do so, legislators first had to repeal a long-standing Tennessee law that forbade mid-decade redistricting. The NAACP’s lawsuit argues that Lee did not specifically state that the special session’s purpose included repealing that law. State law requires special legislative sessions to be limited to the purpose stated in the governor’s proclamation. The law’s repeal was lawful, the state argues, because it was captured under the special session’s purpose of “making statutory changes that are necessary” to redraw Tennessee’s congressional districts. The NAACP and Sweet-Love contend that “the Governor didn’t use just the right magic words to describe the exact election laws he hoped to change when he convened the Special Session, and so any legislation resulting from the special session is ‘void,’” Skrmetti’s filing read. “Plaintiffs take an all too jaundiced view of the Tennessee Constitution and the Governor’s Proclamation that began the Special Session.” The lawsuit also challenged a provision that suspends residency requirements for candidates in the newly drawn districts, similarly stating that this was not included in Lee’s proclamation prior to the special session. The state’s response said the lawsuit fails to identify “imminent harm.” “With the recent changes to the qualifying requirements, the state has relaxed barriers to becoming a candidate,” the filing said. “In such circumstances, Plaintiffs can assert no imminent harm from that expansion of the potential candidate pool.” State attorneys also wrote that the lawsuit does not provide evidence of election administration problems. Rather, the Division of Elections has already begun to implement the new plan for the 2026 election, including the changes to districts and candidate qualifying and residency requirements, becoming the “status quo.” The state pointed to Purcell v. Gonzalez, a 2006 case in which the U.S. Supreme Court decided rules should not be changed too close to an election to avoid causing confusion. Notably, opponents of the redrawn maps also cite the so-called Purcell Principle in arguments that the new map should not be implemented for the 2026 election. The lawsuit’s proceedings are on pause while the Tennessee Supreme Court determines whether it will convene a three-judge panel to handle the case. The state hired three attorneys from Arlington, Virginia-based law firm Consovoy McCarthy to work on the case. 2026 NAACP Redistricting Lawsuit_Defendant Response Courtesy of Tennessee Lookout |
| | Rock Island Arsenal trail launches, connecting visitors to historyThis new experience connects the past to the present and invites visitors to explore 13 points of interest. |
| | NMDOJ touts statewide progress with new ‘crime gun’ data tracking initiativeKyle Hartsock, director of the New Mexico Department of Justice's Special Investigations Bureau, explains how the department's new Crime Gun Intelligence Center will help law enforcement officials across the state identify common links between shell casings and firearms they recover at crime scenes during a Dec. 15, 2025, presentation announcing the statewide initiative. (Joshua Bowling/Source NM)New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez on Friday announced that his state Department of Justice’s nascent effort to trace firearms used in multiple crimes across the state is already paying off.SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Torrez first announced the Crime Gun Intelligence Center in December and said it would help law enforcement agencies across the state to quickly and accurately scan evidence such as spent shell casings and recovered guns and check a national database of guns linked to crimes for potential matches. Officials at the time said giving law enforcement agencies around New Mexico machines that can access the federal database would be an important step in tracking weapon trafficking and repeat offenders. Since launching the initiative, law enforcement agencies around New Mexico have uploaded more than 700 shell casings into the database and linked 31 recovered guns to 74 shootings. Nearly half of the guns analyzed were used in crimes in multiple jurisdictions. “New Mexico didn’t wait to act, we built a first-in-the-nation model that is already delivering results,” Torrez said in a statement. “By centralizing this work within our office and partnering with agencies across the state, we are giving investigators the tools they need to connect the dots, solve cases faster, and prevent future violence.” Nationally, gunfire is the leading cause of death for children and teenagers, and New Mexico’s firearm mortality rate of 26.6 per 100,000 residents is among the highest in the nation, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Before the New Mexico Department of Justice brought this technology to rural police departments and sheriff’s offices — including those in Gallup, Roswell and San Juan County — officers typically would have to travel several hours to access the database through a machine located in the Albuquerque Police Department. The initiative has since grown, according to an NMDOJ announcement. The Ohkay Owingeh Police Department joined the program in April. “Every casing entered, every firearm traced and every lead generated represents a step toward safer communities,” Torrez said in a statement. Courtesy of Source New Mexico |
| | 4-year-old bicyclist airlifted after being hit by vehicle in Whiteside CountyOn Saturday morning, the Whiteside County Sheriff's Office responded to a traffic crash involving a 4-year-old bicyclist on U.S. Route 30. |
| | Child shot during response to hostage situation, police sayA child died during an incident early Sunday between officers and a person who was reported to be armed and holding several people hostage in Princeton, according to a news release from the Illinois State Police. It happened just before 3 a.m. Sunday. Officers with the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office and Princeton Police Department responded [...] |
| |  Celebrate Louie Bellson's music in Rock FallsThe 5th Annual Bellson Music Fest will be held on Saturday, June 6 and celebrates the legacy of Louie Bellson (1924-2009), the Rock Falls native who became a world-renowned drummer, composer, band leader and six-time Grammy nominee. Rock Falls Tourism, along with Bellson’s widow Francine Bellson and music director Josh Duffee, are hosting the festival. [...] |
| | Morrisey asks WV Supreme Court to uphold Raleigh County school vaccine ruling(Greenleaf123 | Getty Images)West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has asked the state’s highest court to affirm a Raleigh County Circuit Court ruling that found that — without religious exemptions — the state’s school vaccine policy violates a 2023 religious freedom law. West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey filed an amicus brief on Morrisey’s behalf in the state Supreme Court case Board of Education v. Guzman. The school board is appealing Judge Michael Froble’s November ruling that schools must allow children to attend school with a religious exemption to the vaccine requirements. “West Virginia law protects religious freedom, and that law must be followed,” Morrisey said in a statement Monday. “Parents should not be forced to choose between their sincere religious beliefs and their child’s right to an education. The Equal Protection for Religion Act is clear, and my administration will continue fighting to ensure that religious liberty is respected across state government.” States generally require school children be vaccinated against a number of infectious diseases, like measles, polio and chickenpox. West Virginia is one of only a handful of states with laws that do not allow families to opt out of vaccinations because of philosophical or religious objections to the shots. Morrisey issued an executive order his first day in office requiring the state to allow religious exemptions. The order is based on the 2023 Equal Protection for Religion Act. The governor did not rescind the order, even after lawmakers rejected a bill in the 2025 legislative session that would have codified the religious exemptions. The state school board has directed county boards not to allow religious exemptions. Two Raleigh County families filed a lawsuit against the state and county school boards. Froble ruled in the families’ favor. The school board formally appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court in March. In the amicus brief, the governor argues that the EPRA was “largely ignored” until he “brought life” to the law with his executive order. The law applies to the vaccine policy, he argues. “Respondent Miranda Guzman is one of those harmed by the Board’s resistance to EPRA,” the brief says. “She holds sincere Christian beliefs that prohibit her from vaccinating her daughter, A.G. She obtained the exemption the law provides, through the process the Governor established, from the agency the Legislature designated. She did everything right — but Petitioners turned her away anyway.” Besides the governor’s, other amicus briefs have been filed in the Supreme Court case. The League of Women Voters of West Virginia and the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia joined several health-related organizations and Education West Virginia in backing the state school board in the case. Attorneys for the families in the case are expected to file their argument in the case this week. The school board will then have until June 1 to file a reply brief, after which the court may decide the case on its merits or set the case for oral arguments before handing down a ruling. “This case is not about whether vaccines are effective or whether families may choose them,” Morrisey said in the statement. “It is about whether the government can ignore a law designed to protect sincere religious exercise. West Virginia must be a state where families of faith are not pushed out of the classroom because they exercised rights protected by law.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of West Virginia Watch |
| | Crime Stoppers solved: Man was wanted by Rock Island policeOfficials said Kutzman was wanted by the Rock Island Police Department on a warrant for possession of a stolen vehicle. |
| |  4-year-old airlifted after crash with car while riding bicycleDeputies responded to a crash at 11:43 a.m. on U.S. Route 30 near Blue Goose Road, according to the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office. |
| | New survey: 4 in 5 couples say privacy is nonnegotiable on romantic tripsNew survey: 4 in 5 couples say privacy is nonnegotiable on romantic tripsThe 2026 travel conversation keeps returning to one idea: slow down. Couples fresh off months of wedding planning are rejecting packed itineraries in favor of stillness, privacy, and trips that feel personal.Travel advisors, hotel brands, and destination marketers have all started using the phrase “quiet honeymoon” to describe what newlyweds want.Couples are gravitating toward destinations and properties designed for quiet, locations surrounded by nature, and resorts that offer space to settle in rather than rush between stops.A March 23, 2026 survey from JayWay Travel puts numbers behind the shift. Based on responses from 1,000 U.S. adults across generations, income levels, and education backgrounds, the data paints a detailed picture of what romantic and relaxing means to today’s couples.The central finding is clear: More than 4 in 5 (83.2%) respondents say privacy is extremely or very important on a honeymoon or romantic anniversary trip.The desire for calm is nearly universal. Where it gets interesting is how different groups define calm, what they are willing to pay for it, and where their visions collide.The survey also exposes generational differences. Gen Z and Baby Boomers agree that romantic trips should feel private. They disagree on nearly everything else, from the role of social media to the ideal setting, the right pace, and what couples are willing to pay for solitude.The Quiet Honeymoon Is Here, and 83% of Couples Agree on What It MeansKey Findings:83.2% of respondents say privacy is extremely or very important on a romantic trip, with Gen Z leading the “extremely important” category at 50%.32.8% of Gen Zers want a trip that looks great on social media, compared to 8.7% of Baby Boomers.61.2% of couples chose a private villa or suite with a pool or hot tub as the most romantic, quiet honeymoon experience.42.7% of couples prefer one home base, while 42.2% prefer two or three thoughtful stops. Women were more likely than men to favor staying put (46% to 40%).44.1% of Gen Zers say stunning views and scenery matter most, while 65.2% of Baby Boomers say quiet and privacy matter most.56.9% of respondents are very willing to spend more for a truly private romantic trip. Among men, that reaches 61.7%.87% of Baby Boomers say family-focused resorts with children everywhere are a hard no for a honeymoon.60.9% of Baby Boomers want no schedule at all on a romantic trip. Only 23.1% of Gen Z feel the same.76.6% say it is extremely or very important that their romantic trip feels unique or off the beaten path.Privacy Is the One Thing Every Generation Agrees OnWhen respondents were asked how important privacy is on a honeymoon or romantic anniversary trip, 83.2% said extremely or very important. That number held firm across age groups, income levels, and gender.It is the closest thing to a consensus the survey produced. What stands out is that Gen Z leads the consensus. The generation most associated with sharing and social connection valued privacy as “extremely important” at 50%, ahead of every other age group.This tracks with a broader cultural shift. Fox News reported on the growing demand for quiet travel in 2024, noting that people want to escape the busyness of everyday life and spend vacations in more relaxed settings that allow time for silence and introspection.Although they value privacy, that doesn’t mean avoiding people online. In fact, Gen Z’s relationship with social media on romantic trips tells a different story entirely.Gen Z Wants The Instagram Trip, But Boomers Are Running From ItAbout a third (32.8%) of Gen Zers said they actively want a honeymoon that looks great on social media. Among men overall, 31% said the same, compared to 19% of women.On the other end of the spectrum, 47.8% of Baby Boomers said they do not care about social media at all and would rather have an authentic experience.The generational gap here is close to 40 points. For Gen Z, this is more than vanity. It is how they process and share meaningful life events.A 2025 Marketing Dive survey found that two-thirds of Gen Z travelers use social media for trip inspiration, and over 70% pick accommodations based on how photogenic or unique they are, according to research from visa platform Atlys.For a generation that grew up documenting milestones on Instagram and TikTok, the visual story of a honeymoon is part of the honeymoon itself.For Boomers, sharing is a distraction from the experience itself. Neither group is wrong; they are only operating based on their different relationships with technology.The data does raise a planning question for couples with mixed feelings about social media: How do you design a trip that feels both private and shareable? That tension is real, and it requires more thoughtful planning than most couples expect. JayWay Travel The Private Villa Dream Is UniversalWhen asked to name the most romantic quiet honeymoon experience, 61.2% of respondents chose a private villa or suite with their own pool or hot tub. No other option came close. The second-place answer (a countryside escape) drew less than a third of the votes.The dream is shared across demographics, including income level.Less than $25,000: 58.3% chose the private villa.$25,000 to $49,000: 58.3% chose the private villa.$50,000 to $99,000: 57.5% chose the private villa.$100,000 to $249,000: 69.7% chose the private villa.$250,000+: 76% chose the private villa.The preference tells us this: Couples across the board want the same type of experience. Higher earners have easier access to private villas, but the demand is not limited to them.That creates a real opportunity for travel companies to build private villa packages at a range of price points, meeting couples where they are rather than treating this as a luxury-only segment.Women Want 1 Home Base While Men Want Multiple StopsThe survey asked couples whether they prefer one beautiful location with optional day trips or two to three thoughtful stops on a romantic trip. The overall results were nearly tied: 42.7% chose the single home base, while 42.2% preferred two or three thoughtful stops.The gender split told a more specific story. Women leaned toward one home base at 46%, compared to 40% of men. Men were more likely to favor two or three thoughtful stops.Women’s preference aligns with what the travel industry calls the unpack once philosophy, a slow-travel approach that favors comfort, reduced stress, and deeper immersion by staying in one location for several nights rather than hopping between hotels.It minimizes the hassle of constant packing and checking out, maximizes time to enjoy a destination, and creates a home-away-from-home feeling.Men, on the other hand, lean toward variety and movement. That difference creates a planning tension that has nothing to do with budget or taste. It comes down to how each person recharges.For couples planning a romantic trip together, the negotiation between rooting down and roaming is often the first real conversation, and the data suggests women and men tend to start that conversation from different places.His Honeymoon and Her Honeymoon Are 2 Different TripsThe survey revealed a consistent gender divide on the type of setting that feels most romantic. Women chose a coastal resort with private beach access at 29.2%, compared to 20.4% of men.Men preferred a secluded countryside villa at 25.1%, compared to 20% of women. Remote cabins and treehouses skewed women at 17%, compared to 9.7% of men.The setting choices reinforce the split in the itinerary. Men were more likely to favor two or three thoughtful stops on a romantic trip, while women leaned toward a single home base.A coastal resort with beach access lends itself to relaxing and unwinding in one place. A countryside villa suggests a more active pace with movement and exploration.Men appear to envision a honeymoon built around discovery and changing scenery. Women appear to envision one built around stillness and comfort. Both want escape, but the energy level in each person’s version of romance looks different.For couples planning together, this is where the early conversations matter most. The data suggests women and men often start from different definitions of what a relaxing trip feels like. JayWay Travel Most Couples Will Pay a Premium For SolitudeMore than half (56.9%) of respondents said they are very willing to spend more for a truly private romantic trip. That number is high on its own, but gets higher among specific groups: 61.7% of men said the same, compared to 51.2% of women.Among $250,000+ earners, willingness to pay for privacy reached 76%. The willingness to invest in solitude reflects the value couples place on uninterrupted time together, especially after the stress of a wedding or during a milestone celebration.Men expressing a stronger willingness to pay is notable. It suggests that for many men, the quality of a romantic trip is closely tied to exclusivity and seclusion.For the travel industry, this points toward a pricing opportunity: Couples are looking for the option that delivers the most protected, personal experience, whether or not that is the cheapest option.Baby Boomers Don’t Want Kids, Crowds, or Noise Anywhere Near Their HoneymoonEvery generation in the survey agreed that family-focused resorts are something they would avoid on a honeymoon.But no group expressed it as forcefully as Baby Boomers: 87% said a resort where children are everywhere is what they would most want to avoid. It was the single highest avoidance rate for any group on any item in the entire study.The pattern goes beyond kids’ resorts. Baby Boomers showed strong avoidance across every high-stimulation option in the survey:78.3% want to avoid large tour groups.65.2% want to avoid overcrowded tourist attractions.56.5% want to avoid destinations known for bachelor or bachelorette parties.52.2% want to avoid party destinations with heavy nightlife.34.8% want to avoid all-inclusive mega resorts.30.4% want to avoid cruise ships.The through line is clear. Baby Boomers are rejecting any environment that feels loud, crowded, or overstimulating. For this generation, romance is defined by the absence of chaos.A quiet restaurant, an empty beach, a villa with no one else around. The data suggests that when Boomers say they want privacy, they mean it in the broadest sense: no kids, no crowds, no tours, no noise.Adults-only properties have seen rising demand in recent years, and this data helps explain why. Among older travelers, the demand for calm is not a preference. It is a requirement. JayWay Travel Boomers Don’t Want a Schedule. Gen Z Wants a Loose Plan.When asked what would make them most relaxed on a romantic trip, 60.9% of Baby Boomers chose having no schedule at all: complete freedom each day.Among Gen Z, only 23.1% felt the same. The most popular answer for Gen Z was a loose itinerary with key experiences built in, at 44.1%. This is another area where the generational divide comes down to how people define relaxation.For Boomers, relaxation means the absence of structure. For Gen Z, it means having a plan they do not have to build themselves. Both approaches lead to the same destination: less stress. They arrive there differently.This finding matters for travel advisors who specialize in romantic trips. The same couple, depending on their ages, needs a completely different level of structure to feel at ease.Off the Beaten Path Is the Standard Now, Especially for MenMore than 3 in 4 (76.6%) respondents said it is extremely or very important that their romantic trip feels unique or off the beaten path. That makes off the beaten path less of a preference and more of a baseline expectation.Men led the “extremely important” category by a wide margin at 38.8%, compared to 27.5% of women. Women were nearly twice as likely as men to say they are happy visiting classic romantic destinations. The desire for something different is widespread, but the intensity varies.For men, the discovery element of travel appears to be more central to the romantic experience. For women, a familiar destination done well holds its own appeal.Destinations like Croatia, Slovenia, and Portugal’s Alentejo region have all attracted attention in 2026 as alternatives to crowded classics, and travel companies that specialize in European itineraries are seeing that demand firsthand.The data suggests the audience for these lesser-known places is large and growing, with men often leading the change toward the unfamiliar.What the Data Tells Us About Romance in 2026The survey’s 1,000 responses paint a consistent picture. Couples in 2026 want romantic trips that feel private, personal, and unhurried. They are willing to pay for that experience. They largely agree on what to avoid: crowds, children’s resorts, and overscheduled itineraries.Where they diverge, often along gender and generational lines, is in the details: the setting, the structure, the role of social media, and how much planning feels like too much.The Quiet Honeymoon trend that travel media flagged at the start of 2026 is not a passing mood. This data confirms it is a measurable shift in what couples expect from romantic travel. Romantic does not mean one thing anymore.A Gen Z couple saving for a villa with a view and a Boomer couple booking a last-minute countryside escape are both chasing the same feeling. They want time together without interruption. The packaging looks different. The core need is the same.For anyone planning a romantic trip, the best starting point is an honest conversation between two people about what peace looks like to each of them.MethodologyTo understand how Americans approach romantic travel and honeymoon planning, JayWay Travel surveyed 1,000 adults across the country who are currently in a relationship or married.Participants answered a series of questions about privacy preferences, ideal accommodations, travel pacing, social media, willingness to spend, and what they most want to avoid on a romantic trip.Responses were analyzed by demographic groups, including gender, age, household income, and education level, to identify trends and disparities.This story was produced by JayWay Travel and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | 1 juvenile dead after shots fired during reported hostage situationIllinois State Police say shots were fired during a domestic disturbance call on the 2700 block of East Street on Sunday. |
| | 1 juvenile dead after shots fired during reported hostage situation in Princeton, ILIllinois State Police say shots were fired during a domestic disturbance call on the 2700 block of East Street on Sunday. |
| | 4-year-old bicyclist airlifted after being hit by vehicle in Whiteside CountyOn Saturday morning, the Whiteside County Sheriff's Office responded to a traffic crash involving a 4-year-old bicyclist on U.S. Route 30. |
| | Kansas abortion rights advocate hoping for encore defeat of constitutional amendment in August voteSandy Brown, president of the Kansas Abortion Fund, answers questions for the Kansas Reflector podcast during a May 8, 2026, interview at her Lawrence home. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)LAWRENCE — Kansas Abortion Fund president Sandy Brown wants Kansans to show up in August and repeat their 2022 decision to defeat a constitutional amendment that could upend abortion rights in the state. Four years ago, voters by a 59-41 margin defeated a proposal to overturn a Kansas Supreme Court ruling that established the right to terminate a pregnancy. This year, the proposal would eliminate the merit-based system for selecting state Supreme Court justices and make them elected positions instead. Proponents of the amendment, including Senate President Ty Masterson, see it as a way of electing conservative justices who will provide more partisan rulings on issues like abortion and school finance. “People need to stand up like they did before in 2022 and just ram it down their throats,” Brown said on the Kansas Reflector podcast. “Put up your yard signs, make a donation, get online.” Brown has led the all-volunteer, Lawrence-based nonprofit for the past 13 years. The Kansas Abortion Fund brings in about $400,000 in grants and donations each year to cover the costs of Kansas women seeking an abortion, regardless of their financial status. In 2025, they served 1,328 individuals — about 27% of the total number of Kansas women who received an abortion. “They probably wouldn’t know about us, the person who is pregnant and needs help, until they go to the clinic, and we work directly with the clinics,” Brown said. The organization began in 1996 as a small group of women in Lawrence who had a phone tree and helped women who needed an abortion. For a while, it was known as the Peggy Bowman Second Chance Fund, in honor of a prominent advocate for women’s rights. Bowman was a lobbyist for George Tiller, the Wichita abortion provider who was murdered in 2009 in his church by an anti-abortion zealot. When Bowman died of heart failure in 2016, her obituary read: “Her condition was undoubtedly aggravated by the catastrophe known as Sam Brownback and Kris Kobach.” Brown said the work of the Kansas Abortion Fund evolved after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The ruling, just weeks ahead of the Kansas vote in 2022, left decisions about reproductive health care up to individual states. The most recent data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment shows that three-fourths of the 19,000 women who received an abortion in Kansas in 2024 were from out of state. The Kansas Abortion Fund only helps in-state patients, but Brown said the organization can connect out-of-state patients with other resources. Brown said she “wasn’t surprised at all” by the 2022 vote, even though it was an unexpected landslide for most political observers. “We had the polling and we had the energy behind us,” Brown said. “I wasn’t really surprised. Relieved, yes.” Kansas voters, she said, are “the salt of the earth, and you start talking about taking precious rights away from us, like bodily autonomy, you know, that’s just going way overboard for us.” This time, however, she said it is more of a challenge to inform voters about what’s at stake with the Aug. 4 ballot question. She said the wording of the proposed constitutional amendment is complicated. It reads: “The citizens of Kansas who are qualified electors shall have the right to elect the justices of the supreme court. The rules applicable for such elections and the designation of position numbers shall be provided by law. Justice positions 1, 2 and 3 shall be elected at the general election in November of 2028, justice positions 4 and 5 in November of 2030 and justice positions 6 and 7 in November of 2032, and every six years thereafter, respectively. Any vacancy occurring on the supreme court for an unexpired term shall be filled at the next even-year election for the remainder of such term by election as provided by law.” The amendment also strikes other parts of the constitution, including a prohibition against justices engaging in political activities. In simple terms, according to Brown: “It turns our justices into campaigning politicians. It’s terrifying.” The Marion County Record in December reported that Masterson, the Senate president from Andover who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor, told a Patriots for Liberty group that electing justices would reverse Supreme Court decisions on abortion rights. “But you can’t go out there and say it because they’ll say that if you elect your Supreme Court, you won’t have any right to abortion anymore,” Masterson said. He added: “If we elect our Supreme Court, they won’t force you to spend money on schools.” Brown said supporters of the amendment have an advantage when it comes to messaging. If someone asks, “Hey, you want to vote,” most people will say, “Sure,” she said. But she remains optimistic that voters will understand what’s at stake as the election gets closer. “I know that Kansans will rise to the occasion, and they will understand that this is about overturning abortion protections,” she said. “This is about electing Supreme Court justices where big money will be thrown in. And we all know what that what that’s going to look like. It’s going to get ugly.” Courtesy of Kansas Reflector |
| |  Man arrested in connection with shooting in St. Ambrose University parking lotA Davenport man is accused of shooting at a driver in a St. Ambrose University parking lot, police said. |
| | The burnout-proof office: 7 workplace design changes that protect employee mental healthThe burnout-proof office: 7 workplace design changes that protect employee mental healthEmployee burnout has moved from a human resources concern to a business crisis. The WHO estimates 12 billion working days are lost each year to depression and anxiety. Gallup’s 2026 State of the Global Workplace report found global employee engagement fell to 20% last year (its lowest level since 2020), costing the world economy an estimated $10 trillion in lost productivity.More than half of employees surveyed in DHR Global’s 2026 Workforce Trends Report point to burnout as being something that reduces engagement, up from 34% in 2025. Burnout has held steady year on year at 83%, which means its effect is intensifying. Deloitte's 2025 Workforce Intelligence Report found mental fatigue, cognitive strain, and decision friction now outrank hours worked as the leading drivers—not symptoms of working too hard, but working in environments that provide no refuge or recovery.Offices are actively depleting workers. Cubicle farms and open-plan floors under buzzing fluorescent tubes, windowless conference rooms, and constant interruptions.Two decades of environmental psychology, biophilic design research, and organizational science point to something foundational: the physical space where work happens, and how we engage socially within it. Look to how modern coworking spaces have designed spaces to allow professionals across diverse industries to ideate, connect, and relax in design-forward environments with thoughtful event programming.Here, CANOPY shares seven ways to redesign your workplace to reduce burnout and boost engagement.1. Let the Light In With Intention.Natural light is perhaps the most well-documented lever available to workplace designers, especially considering most Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. One 2024 study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that participants working under natural light had lower cortisol levels and reported feeling more relaxed than those working under artificial light. A Cornell University study of 313 office workers across five U.S. locations found that workers in daylit environments reported an 84% drop in eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision, all indications of cognitive fatigue-causing disengagement. That said, office design needs to account for and even control light levels when necessary. Sun blazing through large windows can create unwanted heat, excessive glare, and intraoffice thermostat battles; drawing blinds or shades to reduce light immediately cuts all benefits of inviting natural light in. But solutions abound: auto-tinting "smart" windows, movable shade panels, and layouts that draw natural light deep into the floor plate."After two decades of studying how and where people work, one thing is clear: the most effective spaces are those that adapt to people—not the other way around," says Janet Pogue McLaurin, global director of Workplace Research at Gensler.2. Bring the Outside In: The Case for Biophilic DesignBeyond light, the presence of living and natural things in the workspace is proven to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and enhance physical and mental well-being. The Human Spaces research group found that employees in workplaces with strong biophilic features reported lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to those working in conventional office environments, and found creativity jumped by 15%.Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly's Science Summit in 2024, researchers from global design firm Perkins+Will identified natural light, biophilic design, and acoustic management as the three pillars of what they termed "brain-positive design,” spaces that actively restore cognitive function rather than merely avoid depleting it.There are myriad ways to incorporate the natural world in our artificial office spaces. Fern walls and succulent gardens, water features, and the use of natural materials such as wood and stone all contribute to what environmental psychologists call "restorative environments,” spaces that allow the prefrontal cortex to recover from the sustained cognitive load of modern knowledge work.3. Design for Quiet: Acoustic Well-Being Boosts ProductivityOpen-plan offices were widely adopted in the 2010s on the assumption that proximity fuels synergy and collaboration. The cost in concentration has been steep. According to a World Green Building Council report, background noise in open offices—phone conversations, keyboard activity, footsteps, and HVAC systems—can reduce productivity on cognitive tasks by up to two-thirds, creating constant auditory distractions that make deep work nearly impossible."After any interruption—including noise-driven ones—workers take an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to fully return to their original task," notes Dr. Gloria Mark of the University of California, Irvine. A worker who is interrupted just four times in a morning loses nearly an hour and a half of productive time solely to recovery.The antidote is zoning: a design language that provides collaborative areas and quiet retreats achieved through sound-absorptive wall panels, acoustic ceiling baffles, soft furnishings, and spatially separated focus zones. Salesforce's San Francisco offices include mindfulness areas and a library-inspired quiet zone on every floor. Microsoft's Building 83 in Redmond, Washington, designed by Bora and ZGF Architects, features acoustically insulated nooks and softly lit alcoves for private, distraction-free work alongside open collaborative areas.4. Move More, Sit Less: Ergonomics as Mental Health StrategyThe connection between our physical posture and mental state flows both ways. Chronic sitting—often in furniture poorly suited to how our bodies actually move—can cause physical stress, fatigue, mood dysregulation, and reduced ability to concentrate. Thankfully, ergonomic chairs and sit-stand desks, modular open-plan layouts, and dedicated relaxation and socialization areas are becoming standard, and some designers are pursuing ergonomics with rigor.Yves Béhar, the San Francisco-based founder of fuseproject, designed Public Office Landscape for Herman Miller around the belief that the more people connect, the better they work. The modular system reimagines personal, group, and circulation desks as collaborative hubs that can be ergonomically configured—the inviting social chair can accommodate multiple workers and sitting postures and links to other chairs, desks, and storage units. Workers switch fluidly between deep-focus individual work and spontaneous conversations, meetings, and teamwork as they move through the office space. Ideas flow more quickly and with greater insight.Béhar has described the result after his team relocated to a larger studio: "Having a variety of spaces to work and meet is great. This really speeds things along in our office, without sacrificing the exuberance and spontaneity of our old start-up space."5. Create Community by Design, Not by DefaultLoneliness is now a public health crisis. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. workers say they have felt lonely at work, and 1 in 4 employees report not having a single friend in the workplace, a number even higher among women. Research from Cigna estimates that loneliness costs U.S. employers $300 billion each year in lost productivity, higher turnover, and increased healthcare expenses.Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has framed the stakes plainly: "At work, loneliness reduces task performance, limits creativity, and impairs other aspects of executive function such as reasoning and decisionmaking."Conversely, research consistently shows that workers who feel socially connected to colleagues are more engaged, more resilient, and significantly more likely to stay. Nearly two-thirds of employees say having friends at work makes them more likely to remain in a job. While periodic team-building events can help workers feel more connected, redesigning your floor plan around community—lounges, shared kitchens and dining spaces, meditation and yoga areas—creates space for connection all day, every workday.6. Restore Autonomy Through Flexible Scheduling and SpacesWhen workers feel they have no agency over when, where, or how they perform their best work, stress compounds rapidly. Slack's Future Forum 2022 survey of 10,000 workers across six countries found that employees with rigid work schedules are 26% more likely to burn out than those with flexibility.7. Invest in Wellness As Core InfrastructureAs 2026 takes shape, how we frame health and wellness, in work and life, is evolving, expanding beyond disease prevention and treatment to focus on longevity, performance, and quality of life. It tracks that wellness programming must move beyond reactive intervention and into the physical and social architecture of our workday.In 2022, Gallup found that employees who believe their employer genuinely cares about their wellbeing are 69% less likely to seek another job, while teams with high engagement see 51% lower turnover and 23% higher productivity. Patagonia offers on-site and off-site yoga, an organic café at their headquarters, 100% college tuition reimbursement, and on-site childcare—financial concerns, physical health, and family support are interconnected. The data suggest that a comprehensive, strategically designed investment in employees’ social, mental, and physical health pays off. In 2010, Harvard Business Review reported that Johnson & Johnson’s leaders estimate that wellness programs cumulatively saved the company $250 million on health care costs in the previous decade; from 2002 to 2008, the return was $2.71 for every dollar spent. In Wellhub's 2024 Return on Wellbeing Report, 91 percent of HR leaders reported that healthcare benefit costs decreased as a result of their wellness program, 98 percent said their program reduces employee turnover, and more than half (56%) see $2 returned for every $1 invested.This story was produced by CANOPY and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | Thinking about renting out your home? Here are 10 things you should knowThinking about renting out your home? Here are 10 things you should knowDeciding to rent out a property is an exciting step. Whether you are inheriting property, turning a former home into a source of income, or getting started in real estate investing, becoming a landlord is more straightforward than you might think, even for first-timers who have never managed a property before.You don’t need a property manager to do it well. With the right preparation and a few solid systems in place, independent landlords successfully manage their own rentals every day, keeping more of their income and staying in control of their investment. This guide from RentRedi for first-time landlords walks through the most common questions for new rental owners. You’ll learn about how to build steady cash flow, reduce turnover, and keep more of your profits from day one, so you can start your rental journey with confidence.1. Should I Form an LLC for My Rental?This is a question worth discussing with both a real estate attorney and a tax professional, since the answer depends on your specific situation. That said, it is worth understanding the basics before you become a landlord.Forming a limited liability company (LLC) creates a legal separation between your personal finances and your rental business. If a liability issue were to arise related to the property, an LLC can help protect your personal assets. Many landlords find this separation valuable as their portfolio grows.The trade-offs are worth knowing upfront. Forming an LLC involves filing fees that vary by state and some ongoing administrative requirements, and lenders sometimes have different financing terms for properties held in an LLC. Whether it makes sense depends on your specific situation. A quick conversation with a professional can help you decide.On the tax side, it is also worth knowing that rental property owners can take advantage of depreciation, a deduction that lets you write off a portion of the property’s value each year, which a tax professional can help you set up correctly from the start.2. What Do I Need to Do Before Listing the Property?Getting the property ready before listing sets the tone for the entire rental experience. A well-prepared unit attracts well-qualified tenants and gives you a stronger foundation for the landlord-tenant relationship.Begin with a thorough walkthrough of the property. Check that electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems are all functioning correctly. Test every lock, inspect for any signs of mold or pests, and confirm smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working. Many municipalities require landlords to obtain a rental permit or pass a local safety inspection before a unit can be legally occupied, so checking in with your city or county office early is a worthwhile first step.After any necessary repairs, a professional deep clean goes a long way. A move-in-ready property justifies your asking price but also signals to prospective tenants that you take property management seriously, which is exactly the kind of first impression that attracts reliable renters.3. How Do I Know What to Charge for Rent?Pricing your rental well is one of the most important decisions you will make, and there are good tools to help you get it right.Start by researching comparable properties in your area: units with similar size, features, and location currently listed on rental platforms. Tools like Rentometer let you enter your property’s address and see how a proposed rent stacks up against nearby listings, giving you a data-backed starting point in minutes.From there, your strategy depends on your goals. Pricing slightly above market gives you room to adjust while gauging interest. Pricing at market value tends to generate steady, reliable demand. Pricing slightly below market is a useful approach if you want to move quickly and have your pick of a larger applicant pool. All three are legitimate approaches; the right one simply depends on your timeline and priorities.4. How Do I Find and Screen Tenants?Finding great tenants starts with a compelling listing. Use high-quality photographs, highlight the property’s best features and amenities, and post across both national and local rental platforms. You can explore different property management software options, which can syndicate your listing across multiple major sites from one place, making it easy to maximize your reach without extra legwork.Once applications come in, a consistent screening process helps you select tenants with confidence. Conduct a thorough review that covers five key areas: credit reports, criminal records, eviction history, income verification, and asset verification. All together, these metrics paint a complete picture of an applicant’s reliability and financial stability.As a general benchmark, most landlords look for tenants whose gross monthly income is at least three times the monthly rent. They may accept a tenant who makes less with a cosigner who makes the required amount.When calling prior landlords for references, ask specific questions: Was rent paid on time? How did the tenant leave the property? Were there any neighbor complaints? Would they rent to this person again? Those questions give you a much clearer picture than a simple yes-or-no verification.Fair housing law applies throughout this process. The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. Many states and cities add further protections. Whatever criteria you establish, applying them consistently to every applicant keeps your process both fair and legally sound.5. What Should I Know About the Lease Agreement?A well-crafted lease protects both you and your tenant by setting clear expectations from day one. Your lease should cover rent due dates, accepted payment methods, late fee policies, the security deposit amount and conditions, maintenance responsibilities, pet policies if applicable, and the process for ending the tenancy early.Laws around lease requirements, security deposits, and tenant rights vary meaningfully from state to state. State and local government websites typically have dedicated landlord-tenant law sections, and federal resources through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are a useful reference as well. State-specific lease templates are widely available as a starting point, and having the document reviewed by a real estate attorney before use is highly encouraged.Reviewing the key terms with your tenant before they sign, rather than simply handing over a stack of pages, builds trust and reduces misunderstandings down the line. After signing, keep digital copies accessible to both parties so that neither side has to hunt for the agreement when a question comes up later.6. How Do Security Deposits Work?A security deposit protects your property by giving you a financial cushion in the event a tenant causes damage beyond normal wear and tear. The amount you can collect, how you must hold it, and the timeline for returning it are all governed by state law and vary widely, so look up your state’s rules before collecting anything.Walk through the property with a detailed checklist before the tenant takes possession. Photograph every room, appliance, wall, and floor. A video walkthrough is even more valuable, as it captures things a photo cannot, such as the sound of a sticking door or a flickering fixture. Have the tenant sign the checklist to confirm the property’s condition at move-in.When the tenant moves out, repeat the process before returning the deposit. Normal wear and tear, such as minor scuffs, small nail holes, or ordinary carpet wear, is part of renting and generally cannot be deducted. Clear documentation from both ends of the tenancy means both parties have a fair, shared record to refer to.7. How Should I Collect Rent?Setting up a clear, efficient rent collection process before the first payment is due makes everything easier for you and your tenant. The lease should spell out the due date, any grace period, the late fee structure, and the accepted payment methods.Mobile rent payment platforms have transformed this part of the business for independent landlords. Tenants can pay from their phones, set up automatic recurring payments, and receive reminders before rent is due — all without a single paper check changing hands.On your end, you can track incoming payments in real time and set up automatic late fees that calculate and apply themselves, so you do not have to chase anyone down. Advanced features like autopay make a measurable difference: units rented by tenants using autopay have a 99% on-time payment rate, according to RentRedi data since January 2020.One small scheduling tip worth noting: Aligning your rent due date a few days before your own mortgage payment gives you a comfortable buffer between the two.8. What Is the Best Way to Handle Maintenance?Staying on top of maintenance is one of the best investments you can make in your rental business, both for your property’s long-term value and for your relationship with your tenants. Proactive inspections two to four times per year, with proper advance notice to your tenant, let you catch small issues before they develop into bigger ones. Addressing a minor plumbing issue early is far less costly than the water damage it can cause if left unattended.For incoming requests, a response within 24 to 48 hours is a reasonable and professional target, and some states even set legal requirements in that range.Building a short contact list of trusted contractors for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and general repairs before you need them puts you in a strong position when something comes up. And keeping written records of every request (what was reported, when, and how it was resolved) is good practice for both parties.9. How Do I Keep Good Tenants Once I Have Them?Retaining a reliable tenant is one of the best financial decisions a landlord can make. Every renewal from a tenant who pays on time and takes care of your property is a win for your income stability and your peace of mind.Consistent, proactive communication goes a long way. Reaching out before issues arise, responding to maintenance requests promptly, and treating the rental as a long-term relationship rather than a transaction are habits that make tenants want to stay.Offering practical benefits helps too. Reporting on-time rent payments to credit bureaus, for example, helps tenants build their credit scores, and according to a 2024 TransUnion report, 84% of renters saw their scores improve after their payments were reported. RentRedi’s own data shows that tenants are 13% more likely to pay rent on time when credit reporting is in place, which is a win for landlords and tenants alike.10. How Can Property Management Technology Help Me Do This Without a Property Manager?One of the most common questions first-time landlords have is whether they can manage a rental property on their own without it consuming all of their time. The answer is yes, and modern property management technology is a big reason why. Self-managing is far less expensive than hiring a full-service property manager, who typically charges 8% to 12% of monthly rent.Property management platforms are built specifically for independent landlords who want to run their rental like a business without the overhead. From a single dashboard, landlords can list vacancies, screen applicants, collect rent, manage maintenance requests, and generate tax-ready financial reports, all without juggling multiple tools or platforms. Tenant apps can make the experience equally seamless on the other side when mobile rent payments, autopay, and maintenance submissions are built in.For first-time landlords who want to do this themselves and do it well, having the right tools in place from the start makes all the difference.You Are More Ready Than You ThinkBecoming a landlord for the first time does not require years of experience or a team of professionals behind you. Good preparation, a few reliable systems, and a willingness to learn as you go are key.The steps involved — setting up your business, preparing the property, pricing it right, screening carefully, drafting a solid lease, collecting rent efficiently, staying on top of maintenance — are all entirely manageable with the right approach.Thousands of independent landlords successfully self-manage their properties, build meaningful income, and hold onto great tenants year after year. With a clear plan and the right tools, you are well positioned to do the same.This story was produced by RentRedi and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| |  'Atlanta Journal-Constitution' chief steps down as bold goals yield to tough realitiesThe owners of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution invested $150 million to reinvent the paper. The changes have been significant. Three years in, the payoff has been modest. |
| | How to use artificial intelligence to enhance the retail experienceHow to use artificial intelligence to enhance the retail experienceThe AI retail market is projected to reach $24.1 billion by 2028, a significant rise from $15.4 billion in 2023. This growth underscores the urgency for retailers to move from experimentation to strategic implementation.For retailers, the challenge is not simply acknowledging AI’s potential but navigating its complexities to unlock real, measurable value. With new tools emerging constantly, knowing where to invest can be a significant hurdle. This article from Driveline Retail Merchandising provides a roadmap for understanding and implementing AI to enhance the retail experience, improve efficiency, and boost profitability.Key TakeawaysAI enhances customer experience through personalization, 24/7 support, and improved in-store environments.AI optimizes retail operations by improving demand forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain efficiency.A successful AI strategy requires clear business objectives, data readiness, and the right AI tools and partners.The future of AI in retail includes agentic AI, which is expected to further revolutionize the industry.Understanding the AI Revolution in RetailTo effectively use AI, it’s essential to understand its current impact and the core technologies driving its adoption. It’s about separating the hype from the tangible applications that can drive your business forward today.AI has moved from a competitive advantage to an essential part of retail infrastructure for many companies. The modern consumer expects personalized experiences, instant support, and a frictionless shopping journey across all channels. AI is now required to manage this complexity and meet heightened consumer expectations. The cost of inaction is high, potentially leading to decreased customer loyalty and a loss of market share to more agile, data-driven competitors.The data speaks for itself. According to an NVIDIA survey, in 2024, 69% of AI adopters report increased annual revenue, and 72% experience reduced operating costs. Furthermore, 42% of retailers claimed to be using AI, with another 34% piloting initiatives, indicating a clear industry-wide shift.Understanding the Core AI Technologies Transforming RetailSeveral key AI technologies are at the forefront of the retail revolution. Understanding their functions is the first step to harnessing their power:Machine learning and predictive analytics: By analyzing vast datasets, algorithms identify patterns to inform strategic decisions. These patterns range from demand forecasting to dynamic pricing, where prices are adjusted in real time based on demand, competition, and other variables. Supervised learning models can be trained on historical data to predict future outcomes, while unsupervised learning can uncover hidden patterns in customer behavior.Natural language processing (NLP): NLP powers advanced chatbots and virtual assistants, enabling them to understand customer queries and provide helpful, contextually relevant responses. NLP technology can be the difference between a frustrating, dead-end bot interaction and a helpful, humanlike conversation that can resolve complex issues and even offer personalized advice.Computer vision: This technology enables AI to interpret the physical world. In retail, computer vision is used for inventory management through shelf-scanning robots, loss prevention by detecting unusual behavior, and in-store analytics that track customer traffic patterns. It provides a rich source of data on how customers interact with the physical store environment.Generative AI: The technology behind tools like ChatGPT, generative AI can create new content, such as marketing copy, product descriptions, and even personalized email campaigns. It powers innovative customer experiences like AI-driven styling suggestions and virtual try-ons. Beyond content creation, it can also generate synthetic data to train other AI models, helping retail companies overcome challenges of data scarcity. Elevating the Customer Experience with Artificial IntelligenceAI’s most visible impact is on the customer experience. AI can improve customer engagement and enable a new level of personalization. Courtesy of Driveline Retail Merchandising Personalization at Scale With AI-Powered Recommendations and MarketingAI algorithms are instrumental in transforming vast amounts of customer data into personalized experiences.Data collection and processing: AI systems gather data from multiple touchpoints, including e-commerce interactions, in-store purchase history, and loyalty program activity. The systems then use this data to create a holistic, 360-degree view of each customer.Predictive analytics: By analyzing consumer data, AI can predict future customer behavior and preferences with a high degree of accuracy, anticipating their needs before they even arise.Behavioral tracking and modeling: AI creates individual customer profiles that evolve in real time. This capability allows for highly relevant customer interactions, such as sending a push notification with a special offer on a product a customer has been browsing.A deep understanding of the customer enables a range of powerful applications:Product recommendations: AI systems suggest products a customer is likely to be interested in, based on their past behavior and similar user profiles. The personalized approach improves the customer experience and increases average order value.Targeted promotions: With the help of AI, retailers can deliver personalized offers and discounts that are most relevant to each customer, increasing the likelihood of conversion and building customer loyalty.Tailored marketing messages: Customizing the content, timing, and channel of marketing communications helps maximize consumer engagement and increase conversion rates.Retailers must be transparent with customers about how their data is being used and provide them with control over their data. Building trust is essential for the long-term success of any personalization strategy.The Rise of Conversational AI in RetailAI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants have evolved into sophisticated conversational agents that can handle a wide range of customer interactions, offering significant benefits:Providing 24/7 customer support: This always-on technology handles customer inquiries around the clock, reducing the need for after-hours staffing and minimizing wait times — a critical factor in customer satisfaction.Answering FAQs: Chatbots provide instant, accurate answers to frequently asked questions about delivery, returns, and store policies, freeing up human agents to handle more complex, high-value interactions.Guiding customers through their purchasing journey: By providing tailored product suggestions and proactive engagement, conversational AI helps customers find what they need and complete their purchase with ease and confidence.The integration of voice-activated AI assistants, such as Alexa and Google Assistant, is another growing trend. Customers can now use voice commands to create shopping lists, search for products, and even make purchases, creating a truly hands-free and convenient shopping experience.Enhancing the In-Store Experience With AIThe impact of AI is not limited to the digital realm. In physical stores, AI is being used to create a more efficient, engaging, and personalized shopping environment.Smart shelves: Shelves automatically track inventory and detect out-of-stock items.Physical AI: Robotics-assisted scanning system in store to track inventory, predict OSA and phantom inventory.Cashier-less checkout systems: Eliminate wait times and create a truly frictionless experience.AI-powered store analytics: Provide insights into customer behavior through space mapping systems, heat mapping, and queue management.Augmented reality (AR): Another technology that is enhancing the in-store experience. For example, some retailers are using AR apps that allow customers to visualize how a piece of furniture would look in their own home before they make a purchase.Optimizing Retail Operations Through AIBeyond customer-facing applications, AI is a powerful tool for optimizing back-end operations, improving efficiency, and driving profitability.One of the most powerful applications of AI in retail is its ability to dramatically improve demand forecasting and inventory management. Accurate forecasting is critical for profitability. AI-powered predictive analytics offers a level of precision that traditional methods cannot match.Advanced Demand ForecastingAI goes beyond simple historical sales data to create a more nuanced and accurate picture of future demand, through:Diverse data integration: AI models can simultaneously analyze a wide range of variables, including historical sales figures, current market trends, upcoming holidays, and even local events or weather patterns that could impact purchasing behavior.Identifying hidden patterns: Machine learning algorithms can identify subtle correlations and patterns that would be harder for a human analyst to spot. For example, AI might find a link between a local sporting event and an increase in sales of specific snack items, allowing for proactive inventory adjustments.Social media sentiment analysis: AI can monitor social media and other online platforms to gauge public sentiment and identify emerging trends. A sudden spike in online conversations about a particular product can be an early indicator of a future surge in demand.Intelligent Inventory OptimizationMore accurate forecasting directly leads to more efficient inventory management, which has a significant impact on the bottom line. AI helps retailers achieve this through:Reduced overstocking: By having a clearer picture of future demand, retailers can avoid ordering excess inventory that leads to costly markdowns, storage fees, and waste, particularly for perishable goods.Minimized stockouts: Conversely, AI helps prevent stockouts of popular items, which can lead to lost sales and frustrated customers. The system can automatically trigger reorder points to ensure shelves remain stocked.Automated replenishment: AI-driven systems can automate the entire replenishment process, from identifying the need to placing an order with the supplier, reducing the manual workload on employees and minimizing the risk of human error.Effective Returns ManagementAI can also bring a new level of intelligence to product returns, a significant challenge for many retailers. AI can help with:Predicting return rates: By analyzing historical return data, AI can predict the likely return rate for different products. This information can be used to adjust inventory levels and inform product descriptions and marketing strategies to reduce the likelihood of returns.Identifying fraudulent returns: AI can analyze patterns in return data to identify and flag potentially fraudulent activity, such as organized return fraud rings or individuals who consistently abuse return policies. This capability can significantly reduce losses associated with return fraud.The Role of AI in Logistics and Warehouse AutomationAI is also transforming retail supply chain optimization. Here’s how:Optimizing delivery routes: AI can analyze real-time traffic data, weather conditions, and delivery schedules to determine the most efficient routes, reducing fuel costs and delivery times.Automating warehouse processes: Autonomous mobile robots and other AI-powered automation solutions can streamline warehouse operations, from picking and packing to inventory control, leading to faster order fulfillment and fewer errors. The rise of “dark stores,” which are dedicated to fulfilling online orders, is a testament to the power of warehouse automation.Improving overall supply chain efficiency: AI provides end-to-end visibility into the supply chain, enabling more accurate demand planning and a more agile response to disruptions. This focus on supply chain efficiency is a key area where AI can deliver significant ROI.A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your AI StrategyDeveloping a successful AI strategy requires a thoughtful, systematic approach. Here is a five-step guide to help you get started. Courtesy of Driveline Retail Merchandising Step 1: Identify Your Business Objectives and AI OpportunitiesThe first step is to clearly define what you want to achieve with AI. Rather than chasing the latest technology, start by identifying your key business challenges and opportunities. Whether it’s improving customer satisfaction, reducing operational costs, or increasing sales, your AI strategy should be directly aligned with your business goals.Step 2: Ensure Data Readiness and QualityData is the lifeblood of AI. To get the most out of your AI initiatives, you need to have high-quality, accessible data. Invest in robust data governance and preparation processes to ensure your data is accurate, complete, and unbiased. Creating a single source of truth for your customer and operational data is a critical first step. Effective data collection is a crucial part of this process.Step 3: Choose the Right AI Tools and PartnersThere are a vast number of AI tools and platforms on the market. When evaluating vendors, look for partners with a deep understanding of the retail industry who can provide a comprehensive solution that meets your specific needs.Step 4: Integrate AI With Your People and ProcessesTo be successful, you need to integrate AI with your existing workflows and support your employees with new tools and insights. This process requires a focus on change management and employee training. The right partner will help you integrate AI into your existing workflows and support your team through the process.Step 5: Measure, Learn, and IterateAI implementation is an ongoing process of improvement. It’s essential to establish a framework for monitoring AI model performance and using the insights to make continuous improvements. This iterative approach will allow you to adapt to changing market conditions and customer behaviors and ensure your AI initiatives continue to deliver value over the long term.This story was produced by Driveline Retail Merchandising and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | Third Missionary Baptist Church pastor retiresRogers Kirk Jr. has led the Davenport congregation for more than 30 years. |
| |  Child dead after hostage situation ends in officer-involved shooting, troopers sayIllinois State Police responded to a domestic disturbance Sunday in the 2700 block of East State Street, according to a news release. |
| | How do no preset spending limit credit cards work, and who qualifies?How do no preset spending limit credit cards work, and who qualifies?A no-limit credit card refers to a card with no preset spending limit. These cards offer flexibility by letting your spending power adjust based on factors like income, credit history, and payment behavior.Unlike traditional credit cards with fixed caps, a no-limit card’s available credit changes over time. While they can make large purchases easier, they also carry risks if your cash flow is inconsistent. Below, Ramp delves deeper into the benefits and drawbacks of these credit cards, their various types, the qualifications for approval, and more.Note: The cashback percentages, limits, fees, and other figures mentioned in this article are for illustrative purposes only. They do not represent guaranteed or expected rates. Actual terms, credit limits, rewards, and approval criteria vary by card issuer and may change at any time. Readers should verify current details directly with each issuer before applying.What is a no-limit credit card?A no-limit credit card doesn’t have a fixed spending cap. Instead, your limit adjusts from month to month based on your credit score, income, and payment history. Consistent spending and on-time payments can increase your limit, while missed payments, lower profitability, or reduced income may shrink it.The term “no-limit” is also sometimes used to describe cards with exceptionally high limits, such as invitation-only black cards that require steep fees and strong financial profiles.Types of no-limit credit cardsNo-limit cards fall into a few main categories:Charge cards: Charge cards don’t have preset limits, but you must pay the full balance each month. Your spending power shifts based on income, credit history, and payment behavior.Credit cards with no preset spending limit: These let you carry a balance, unlike charge cards, but your available limit still changes with your payment history, cash flow, and overall credit profile.Invitation-only black cards: Often seen as status symbols, these cards come with very high spending power and steep fees. The best-known example is the American Express Centurion Card, which charges a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee.How do no-limit credit cards work?No-limit credit cards don’t have a fixed cap; your spending power changes over time based on how the issuer evaluates your profile. Common factors include:Income and cash flow: Higher revenue usually allows more flexibility.Credit score and history: Strong credit signals responsible usage and may unlock higher limits.Payment history: On-time payments can increase your spending power, while late payments may reduce it.Recent usage: Large charges or rapid spending changes can temporarily tighten your limit.Having no preset limit doesn’t mean you can spend without restrictions. Your available credit adapts to your financial situation. Some cards require payment in full each month (charge cards), while others let you carry a balance.No preset spending limit vs traditional credit limitHere are the key differences between a traditional credit card and a card without a credit limit: Courtesy of Ramp Pros and cons of no-limit credit cardsNo-limit credit cards can offer more flexibility than traditional cards, but they also carry unique risks.ProsFlexibility to make large purchases without rigid limits.Potential for higher limits with a strong payment history.Protection against rising operational costs.Rewards on large purchases, such as cashback, points, or miles.ConsSome cards require payment in full each month; others charge high interest if you carry a balance.Variable, undisclosed limits that may change from month to month.Higher risk of overspending without a fixed cap.Complex fees and often higher annual costs than regular cards.Who should consider a no-limit credit card?No-limit credit cards work best for businesses with high or seasonal expenses, especially if you need the flexibility to cover large purchases or frequent business travel. They’re a good fit if you have steady cash flow, disciplined financial habits, and want access to premium rewards tied to higher spending.They’re less suitable if cash flow is tight, budgeting is a challenge, or you tend to carry balances. Many of these cards require payment in full each month or charge higher fees, which can make them risky if your finances aren’t stable.How to qualify for a no-limit credit cardQualifying for a no-limit credit card requires stronger credentials than a standard business credit card. Issuers usually expect excellent personal credit (a FICO Score of 700+), steady business revenue, and a history of paying vendors and creditors on time. They may also weigh your company’s operating history, profitability, and available cash reserves.To improve your chances, maintain consistent revenue and keep clear financial records that demonstrate cash flow stability. Paying vendors, lenders, and credit accounts on time builds a solid business credit profile. Separating business and personal expenses also strengthens your credibility with issuers.This story was produced by Ramp and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | Inflatable Fun Day scheduled for family fun at Musco Sports Center, MuscatineThe Musco Sports Center will roll out the first Inflatable Fun Day from May 16-17 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Families, children, teens, and anyone looking to burn off some energy can enjoy an indoor playground of inflatable bounce houses, an obstacle course, and open‑play activities including soccer, football, and more, a news release [...] |
| | South Rock Island Township hosting free giveawayThe South Rock Island Township, 4330 11th Street, is hosting a free giveaway of household items. Free clothes, household items, coats, jackets, kitchen utensils, furniture, a sewing machine and more will be distributed on Tuesday, May 12 from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Items will be available both inside and outside and all items are [...] |
| | How to optimize Amazon listings for Rufus AIHow to optimize Amazon listings for Rufus AIOnline sellers should know that Amazon's Rufus AI will recommend your competitor if your listing fails to answer a shopper’s question clearly. This becomes visible when browsing a product and asking Rufus basic fit and use-case questions.When a product doesn't meet a specific requirement, Rufus doesn't stop there. Rufus immediately offers to surface competing products that do meet the stated criteria.That moment changes how businesses should think about Amazon optimization. Rufus is not just helping shoppers understand your product; it is actively rerouting them when your listing falls short.This is not hypothetical. It is already happening inside live product detail pages.To stay competitive, sellers need to understand how Rufus evaluates listing content, what it trusts, and how to structure listings so they consistently answer shopper questions before Rufus looks elsewhere.Below, Intero Digital examines how Amazon's Rufus AI evaluates listing content.What Is Rufus, and Why Does It Change Shopper Behavior?Rufus is Amazon’s AI shopping assistant that answers product questions in real time using your listing content and supporting signals. It lives directly on product pages and allows shoppers to ask natural-language questions like they would in a conversation.Instead of scanning your listing manually, shoppers can now ask:“Will this fit a king-size bed?”“Is this durable for outdoor use?”“Does this work with iPhone 16 Plus?” Rufus then synthesizes answers using multiple inputs, including your listing copy, structured attributes, reviews, Q&A, and other contextual signals.This creates a fundamental shift: Your listing is being interpreted and summarized. If your content does not clearly answer a question, Rufus fills the gap or redirects the shopper.However, it does not treat every part of your listing equally. Rufus relies on a clear hierarchy of trust and understanding that hierarchy is the key to optimization.How Rufus Reads Your Listing: The 3-Tier HierarchyRufus evaluates listing content using a hierarchy that prioritizes clarity, structure, and authority. It is not scanning for keywords; it is scanning for answers it can confidently use.Tier 1: Primary Sources (Highest Trust)Tier 1 content is where Rufus looks first because it is brand-controlled, structured, and easiest to interpret. This includes your product description, A+ Content, and structured attributes like size, material, compatibility, and fit.When written well, these elements provide direct answers with minimal ambiguity. That makes them the foundation of every Rufus-generated response. If your Tier 1 content is incomplete or vague, Rufus has to rely on less reliable sources or move on entirely.Tier 2: Validation Sources (Context and Reinforcement)Tier 2 content helps Rufus validate and refine what it finds in Tier 1. It does not usually define the answer, but it heavily influences how that answer is framed.This includes customer reviews and the Q&A section. For example, if a shopper asks whether a backpack is waterproof for heavy rain, Rufus may combine:A listing claims that it is “water-resistant.”Reviews indicate it performs well in light rain but fails in downpours.The result is a nuanced answer that reflects both the brand’s positioning and real-world performance. This is why vague Tier 1 content is risky. If your listing does not clearly define the claim, Rufus leans more heavily on reviews, which you do not control.Tier 3: Low-Clarity Sources (Limited Influence)Tier 3 content has minimal impact on Rufus because it is harder to interpret and less structured. This includes images without readable text, backend search terms, and hidden metadata.These elements still matter for conversion and traditional search, but they rarely drive AI-generated answers unless the information is explicitly clear and extractable. If critical product details only exist in images or backend fields, Rufus will likely ignore them.Rufus Content Trust Hierarchy at a GlanceRufus prioritizes content based on how reliable and easy it is to interpret. The table below shows how each tier functions and what it means for your optimization strategy: Courtesy of Intero Digital The takeaway is simple: If your most important information is not in Tier 1, you are relying on weaker signals to carry your listing.What Rufus Rewards: The 3 Signals That Determine VisibilityRufus surfaces content that is easy to match to a question, rich in concrete detail, and reinforced across sources. If your content lacks these qualities, it is far less likely to be used.Directness: Clear Answers WinRufus prioritizes content that directly answers a question without interpretation.“Fits iPhone 16 Plus” is immediately usable.“Designed for modern smartphones” is not.The difference is clarity. Rufus needs a clean match between the question and the answer. Write your content as if every line is responding to a specific shopper query.Specificity: Vague Language Gets IgnoredRufus favors concrete, verifiable claims over general marketing language. Statements like “premium quality” or “built to last” do not provide usable information. In contrast, details like materials, dimensions, compatibility, and certifications give Rufus exactly what it needs.Specificity reduces ambiguity, which increases the likelihood that your content will be surfaced.Redundancy: Reinforced Claims Gain TrustRufus assigns more confidence to information that appears across multiple sources. If a key claim is present in your bullets and description and then echoed in reviews, it becomes a stronger signal. This corroboration makes it easier for Rufus to trust and present that information.Your most important product facts should appear in more than one place. Single-point claims are weaker and easier to overlook.The Mindset Shift: From Keywords to Answer CoverageRufus shifts Amazon optimization from keyword placement to answer coverage. The goal is to ensure your listing can answer real shopper questions completely and clearly.The old model focused on placement and density. The new model focuses on completeness. Instead of asking, “Did I include this keyword?” the better question is “If a shopper asked Rufus this question, would my listing answer it clearly?”This requires mapping the most likely shopper questions (fit, compatibility, durability, and use case) and making sure each one is addressed directly in your Tier 1 content.Keywords still matter for traditional search. Rufus does not replace that system; it adds a new layer on top of it. But listings that ignore answer coverage will develop gaps, and Rufus is designed to fill those gaps with competing products.How to Optimize Your Listing for RufusYou can optimize for Rufus by identifying answer gaps, rewriting Tier 1 content, and reinforcing key claims across your listing. The process is structured and repeatable.Start by thinking like a shopper. Identify the most common questions someone would ask about your product.Use a tool like ChatGPT to analyze current listings for question-and-answer coverage and to help generate other potential customer questions.Then, review your listing and check whether each question is answered clearly and directly.Next, replace vague language with concrete claims. Each bullet point should serve a purpose and answer a specific question.Then, look at your Q&A and reviews. Repeated questions and consistent feedback reveal exactly what shoppers (and Rufus) care about. If your listing does not address those points directly, you have a gap.Finally, reinforce your most important claims. Make sure critical product details appear in multiple places across your Tier 1 content so Rufus can validate them with confidence.The New Standard: Answer-Complete Listings WinRufus will recommend a better product if your listing can’t fully answer a shopper’s question. That is not a flaw; it is the intended behavior. The sellers who adapt will focus on completeness instead of visibility.Winning listings in a Rufus-driven environment are structured to answer questions clearly, consistently, and confidently across multiple sources. If you want to stay competitive, audit your top listings now. Because Rufus already is.This story was produced by Intero Digital and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | City of Moline hosts 2nd annual Bike to Work DayThe celebration is in partnership with the Quad Cities Bicycle club and will be from 6 to 9 a.m. on May 11 at Bass Street Landing. |
| | How to insure an engagement ringHow to insure an engagement ringIf your ring is worth over $1,000, it is a good idea to get it insured sooner rather than later. Engagement ring insurance protects your investment if the ring is damaged, lost, stolen, or falls victim to a mysterious disappearance. The best part? Insuring your ring is much easier than you might think. Today, BriteCo walks you through how to insure engagement rings and factors that impact ring insurance costs. Whether it’s engagement ring insurance or wedding ring insurance, having coverage for your valuable jewelry is essential.What Is Engagement Ring Insurance?Engagement ring insurance is a tailored insurance coverage designed to protect your engagement ring from unforeseen circumstances, ensuring its sentimental and monetary value remains intact. This specialized standalone jewelry insurance protects against potential risks such as loss, theft, or damage, allowing you to enjoy your engagement without worrying about the “what ifs.”Why Do You Need Engagement Ring Insurance?Here’s why you might want to think about getting some jewelry coverage:Accidents and Loss: Let’s face it, life can be unpredictable. Your ring might accidentally slip off your finger while doing something as mundane as washing dishes or playing your favorite sport.Theft: Insuring your engagement ring means that if the unthinkable happens, such as theft, you won’t have to bear the entire financial burden alone.Damage: If your engagement ring needs repairs or refurbishment due to unforeseen damage, you won’t have to break the bank to restore its sparkle.Replacement: Maybe your engagement ring is a unique, one-of-a-kind family heirloom. Standalone jewelry insurance can cover the cost of recreating a similar piece if the original is lost or damaged beyond repair. BriteCo How Much Is Insurance For An Engagement Ring?If you’re asking yourself, “How much is it to insure an engagement ring,” then you should know that it can vary depending on factors such as the jewelry coverage limits, your location, and the intricacies of each policy:Ring Value: Unsurprisingly, the more your engagement ring is worth, the higher your insurance premium will likely be. Insurers calculate the cost based on the appraised value of your ring.Location: Believe it or not, where you live can impact insurance rates. Urban areas may experience higher rates due to increased risk factors like theft and loss.Deductibles: Like any insurance policy, engagement ring insurance coverage often comes with a deductible. This is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Opting for a higher deductible might lower your premium, but you’ll pay more if you ever need to make a claim.Personal Factors: Your history can play a role. Factors such as credit score and prior claims may influence your insurance rate.Does Diamond Ring Insurance Cost More?While diamonds might be a precious stone, the short answer is no, diamond ring insurance does not cost more. Jewelry insurance is based on the overall cost of the item, and does not depend entirely on the stone. Enjoy your diamond, and rest easy knowing insurance will be simple, affordable, and provide the protection you need.Step 1: Choose Your Jewelry Insurance ProviderA common option is to add your ring to your homeowner’s insurance policy. However, when finding the best engagement ring insurance policy, consider insuring with a top-rated specialized jewelry insurance provider.Step 2: Get an Engagement Ring Insurance QuoteOnce you choose your provider, you can get a quote telling you the available policy options and their cost. There are a few pieces of information you’ll need to submit to an insurance company to receive an accurate quote, including:Engagement Ring Appraisal — An appraisal is a detailed description of the ring, including the approximate cost of replacing the ring. This information needs to be updated, which isn’t typically a problem for recently engaged couples looking into how to insure a ring. If, however, you want to insure a ring you’ve had for many years, you may need to get it reappraised before you can do so.Basic Information About the Policy Holder — An insurance provider will ask for basic contact information about the policyholder and the person wearing the ring if they are not the same person.Other Information Required by the Jewelry Insurance Provider — Insurance companies may ask additional questions about your occupation, prior claims, criminal history, and more to create a customized policy.Step 3: Choose Your Jewelry Insurance PolicyNow, you may be wondering, how much is engagement ring insurance? A widespread but mistaken belief is that insuring your jewelry items comes with a hefty price tag, but that’s not true.Fortunately, there are policies available to fit various budgets so that you can keep your ring safe regardless of the ring insurance cost. When shopping for a jewelry insurance policy, be sure to note coverage limits, deductibles, and limitations to ensure the ring insurance cost is worth the price you’re paying. Additionally, consider whether the policy is a blanket or scheduled policy and review the settlement terms. These policy components greatly determine the ring insurance cost. In general, a blanket policy costs more than a scheduled policy. Although the latter requires more documentation, since it is the most common jewelry policy.The settlement terms have to do with the claims process and whether you receive actual cash value or replacement cost should your ring be stolen, misplaced, or damaged. While replacement cost policies may increase your overall ring insurance cost, they do provide higher-quality coverage.How Much Does Engagement Ring Insurance Cost?When you’ve invested in a beautiful piece of jewelry like a diamond engagement ring, it’s important to consider your insurance options. Insuring your ring may not be the first thing you think of, but it’s an essential step to protect your valuable piece. One option is to add it to your homeowners insurance policy or renters insurance policy. However, the coverage limit for jewelry items on a typical homeowners policy or renters insurance policy might not be enough to cover the cost of the ring. In that case, you might need a standalone jewelry insurance policy for more comprehensive coverage.Different factors determine your actual engagement ring insurance cost, including the value of your ring, the specifics of your policy, and your risk factors. The annual cost of insuring your ring will typically range from 1% to 3% of the appraised value.A deductible is the amount that an insured must pay in the event of a loss before the insurance company contributes. In other words, it is a certain amount of agreed-upon money that you will pay upon a claim. When a claim is made, and say your deductible is $500, you will only be responsible for paying up to $500 toward the cost of that claim. However, most customers prefer policies with no deductibles.You should get your ring insured as soon as possible after purchasing it (even before you propose). A business that specializes in jewelry insurance will provide you with the best value for a ring insurance policy. The actual amount will be determined by numerous factors, as previously said, including where you live and the cost of the ring. This means that you should expect to pay between 50 cents to $1.50 for every $100 of value.Engagement ring insurance is a risk-mitigation strategy in the event of loss, theft, damage, or mysterious disappearance. Preventative maintenance may also covered by ring insurance from a specialized jewelry insurance provider.How To Insure An Engagement RingWhen you’ve determined that insurance for your engagement ring is the right step, here’s how to proceed:Research Jewelry Insurance CompaniesWhile adding your ring to your homeowner’s insurance is a common choice, exploring a specialized insurance company for optimal coverage is advisable.Ask For An Engagement Ring Insurance QuoteOnce you’ve chosen an insurance company, the process typically involves getting a quote. Most jewelry insurance providers enable you to get an initial quote online in a matter of minutes with some basic information This quote outlines the available policy options and their associated costs. To receive a final, accurate quote, you’ll be required to provide certain additional information:Engagement Ring Appraisal: This involves a comprehensive report of the ring, encompassing the estimated cost for replacement.Basic Information: When setting up a jewelry insurance policy, the provider will ask for your basic information, such as your address and the best way to contact you. Suppose someone other than the policyholder is going to be wearing the ring. In that case, the provider will also ask for their information.Additional Details: You should also expect inquiries about your occupation, claims history, background, and more as insurance companies seek to tailor a customized policy to your specific needs.Pick A Jewelry Insurance Policy Tailored To Your NeedsThere’s a common misconception that protecting your jewelry comes at a steep price, but that’s not the case.There are affordable jewelry insurance options that allow you to keep your ring secure without breaking the bank. When you’re on the hunt for a standalone jewelry insurance policy, pay attention to details like coverage limits, deductibles, and any restrictions to ensure the cost aligns with what you’re getting.Do I Need To Purchase Engagement Ring Insurance?When protecting your engagement ring, the decision to get insurance isn’t always as clear-cut as saying, “I do.” Here are two key questions to ask yourself:Is your engagement ring a family heirloom, or does it have a high monetary value?Are you prone to misplacing things or working in an environment where your ring faces potential damage?If so, standalone jewelry insurance can offer you greater peace of mind.FAQsHow much is insurance on an engagement ring?Engagement ring insurance cost relies on several factors, such as the ring’s appraised value, the chosen provider, and the coverage. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from 1% to 3% of the ring’s value annually for insurance coverage.How much is diamond ring insurance?The cost to insure an engagement ring with diamond stones varies based on factors such as the ring’s appraised value, coverage limits, and the provider, so it’s best to obtain quotes for specific pricing.How much do engagement rings cost?The cost of engagement rings varies widely, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars or more. The average cost of an engagement ring in the U.S. in 2025, for example, was around $6,000.ConclusionEngagement ring insurance provides financial protection for your valuable symbol of love, covering potential loss, theft, or damage, something worth considering if you’re about to propose or have already exchanged the famous “I do’s.”This story was produced by BriteCo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | Furlough vs. layoff vs. termination: What's the difference?Furlough vs. layoff vs. termination: What's the difference?If you're worried about losing your job, you're not alone. Today's economy is tricky. Costs are still rising because of tariffs, and many people are worried that companies will reduce their headcounts to reduce costs or as they transition to AI.The loss of a job, no matter how it comes about, could make it difficult to keep up with your bills, resulting in debt and necessitating debt relief. But the way you lose a job could have an impact on the benefits you're entitled to afterward. That's why it's important to understand the difference between furlough, layoff, and termination.In a nutshell, the difference between furlough, layoff, and termination is as follows:Furlough is a temporary, unpaid leave from work.Layoff is a permanent loss of a job, not due to an employee’s actions.Termination is a permanent end to a job, often (though not always) for a specific reason.It’s important to know what rights you have if any of these things happen to you, so Freedom Debt Relief took a closer look at each one.Key Takeaways:Employers sometimes cut labor costs with furloughs, layoffs, or terminations.A furlough is an unpaid, temporary interruption in work, but you keep your job and benefits.Layoffs and terminations are permanent. Layoffs are usually no-fault, and terminations (firings) are typically for a reason.Understanding the Legal and Financial Implications of Losing Your JobFurlough, layoff, and termination all result in the loss of your paycheck. But the difference between layoff and termination, for example, could influence whether you're entitled to collect unemployment benefits.Generally speaking, if you're furloughed or laid off from your job, you're entitled to unemployment benefits. If you're terminated for cause, you can't collect unemployment. Your state will ask you why you're no longer working.What makes things tricky is that there's such a thing as a “no-fault” termination. From an unemployment standpoint, a layoff and a no-fault termination are virtually the same, in that you should be able to collect benefits as long as you meet your state's requirements.There's also a difference between voluntary and involuntary termination. Voluntary termination is when you decide to leave your job, whether it’s to take a new one, to retire, or for another reason. Involuntary termination is when your employer decides to eliminate your job.With a voluntary termination, you're not entitled to unemployment benefits. With involuntary termination, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits if it's considered a no-fault termination.Most U.S. companies operate on an at-will employment basis. This means your employer can terminate your job at any time, as long as it’s for a legal reason. (It’s illegal for an employer to terminate your job based on race, religion, sexual orientation, age, or gender, for example.)The difference between layoff and termination could also be a factor when you’re looking for a new job. A layoff may not make it harder to find work again, as you can simply explain in interviews that your job was eliminated through no fault of your own.Being terminated for cause, on the other hand, could make it harder to get hired again. If you're terminated for cause, be prepared to explain what steps you're taking to avoid ending up in a repeat situation.What You Need to Know About a FurloughA furlough, or mandatory suspension from work without pay, is as brief or as long as your employer needs it to be, provided they follow certain rules. If you’re furloughed, it’s generally because your employer doesn't want to lay you off but also can’t keep paying your wages in the near term. While there’s no standard time period for a furlough, they’re usually short.Here are some things to know about being furloughed.You shouldn’t work without payAs a furloughed employee, you shouldn't do any work for your employer. According to the Department of Labor, if you answer work-related phone calls or emails or engage in any other work-related tasks, your employer must pay you for the time you worked. This holds true whether you’re a salaried or an hourly employee.You get to keep your benefitsIf your employer gives you benefits in addition to your salary, you typically keep them while you’re furloughed. So if you depend on your employer for health insurance, retirement accounts, life insurance, or other benefits, you probably won’t lose them during this time. However, you might still be required to contribute toward things like health insurance premiums, despite not getting a paycheck.It’s also common for employers to offer matching contributions to employee retirement plans. You generally won’t get those matching contributions while you’re furloughed, though, because you’re not getting paid, and therefore aren’t contributing to your retirement plan yourself.You can seek new employmentIf you’ve been furloughed and are technically still someone’s employee, you can still look for a new job. Many furloughed employees take temporary jobs during their furlough period so they can bring in some income. If your goal is to return to your job, you may want to turn to the gig economy for flexible work in the meantime. Earning at least some money could help you avoid the need for debt solutions.You can collect unemployment benefitsYou can usually collect unemployment benefits as a furloughed employee. The amount you’re eligible to receive depends on your wages, as well as your state—each state has a maximum weekly unemployment benefit. If you return to work, your unemployment benefits end.In some cases, when you're furloughed, your hours and paycheck are reduced, as opposed to being paused completely. In this situation, you may be eligible for partial unemployment benefits. Most states use a formula to reduce unemployment benefits based on how much money you're earning while furloughed and working part-time.Your employer should communicate with you regularlyBecause a furlough is not permanent, your employer should keep you updated on when you may be able to return to work. When your company is ready for you to come back, you usually receive a formal recall notice with a return date.At that point, you have the right to not return to work (such as if you've found a new job). But if you don't go back to work, you generally stop being eligible for unemployment benefits, since the situation becomes a voluntary termination.It’s important to manage your finances carefullyAlthough a furlough may only be temporary, you may end up going weeks or months without a paycheck. It’s important to avoid debt as much as you can during that time.Aim to reduce your expenses, and if you have an emergency fund, now’s the time to tap it before charging expenses on a credit card. Furthermore, if you’ve been furloughed and have an installment loan you’re paying off, like a mortgage or personal loan, you may want to see if your lender will let you pause your payments temporarily. You may also be eligible for credit card forbearance.What You Need to Know About a LayoffIn a layoff, you’re let go from your job due to no fault of your own. It could be that your company’s needs have changed, and they’re downsizing their staff. Or that money is tight, and your employer needs to cut its headcount. It’s possible to be rehired after a layoff, but it’s not something to bank on. Here are some things to know about layoffs.You should seek unemployment benefitsIf you’ve been laid off, file an unemployment claim as soon as possible in the state where you worked. If you receive severance pay from your employer, you might not be eligible for unemployment benefits right away, but it’s still a good idea to file your claim so it gets processed. In some states, no benefits are paid for the first couple of weeks after you file, so get that waiting period started.You may need to apply for new health insuranceTypically, when you’re laid off, you lose your workplace benefits right away, including health insurance. You could sign up for COBRA, a program that continues your health insurance while you’re furloughed or laid off. But typically, you have to pay the portion of your insurance that used to be covered by your employer. That could be quite expensive.You may be better off finding a more affordable alternative through the Affordable Care Act marketplace (healthcare.gov). Medicaid may also be an option if you qualify based on income. Or you may be able to secure health coverage from a spouse’s job.You need to understand your severance packageYour employer may offer you a severance package when they lay you off. It may be a one-time payment or several payments spaced out over time. Your severance may be based on the length of your employment.To get paid, you may also have to sign a severance agreement in which you give up certain rights. It could pay to review that agreement with an employment lawyer before you sign it. Your severance package and agreement may be negotiable, so you could end up with better terms.Even if you’re not entitled to severance, it’s important to get the details of your layoff in writing in case your unemployment claim is denied. It’s also important to understand what benefits you’re entitled to (if any) as part of your layoff, such as being paid for accrued vacation or sick days.You should know what rights you haveLayoffs often come out of the blue. But depending on the size of your company, your employer may be required to give notice of a layoff.The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act generally requires companies with 100 or more full-time employees to give proper notice (usually 60 days), particularly for mass layoffs. If your company violates this rule, you may want to speak to an employment attorney.You should try to leave on good termsIt can be difficult not to take a layoff personally, even when it’s clear that you aren’t being fired for cause. But one thing you generally don’t want to do is express anger toward your employer. You never know when your employer’s situation might change and when a job may open up for you, whether it’s the one you’re losing or a new opportunity. So it’s worthwhile to leave on good terms and maintain a professional relationship with your employer even after you’re collecting a paycheck. You also might need to ask your employer to be a reference for a future job.What You Need to Know About TerminationWhen you’re terminated from a job, it typically means you’re being let go for cause. However, that’s not always the case. Some companies offer voluntary termination, meaning an employee resigns, usually in exchange for some type of payment. And it’s also possible to have a no-fault termination, which is similar to a layoff.Keep in mind that even though most U.S. employment is at-will, you may have grounds for wrongful termination if you're let go for an illegal reason. That includes:Discrimination based on your race, nationality, gender, religion, or age.Retaliation for reporting a safety violation or harassment in the workplace.Letting you go because you took leave you were entitled to, or filed a workers’ compensation claim.Here are some additional things to know about termination.Don’t expect unemployment benefitsUnemployment benefits are generally available to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. If you’re terminated for cause, whether because of issues with your performance or for violating your employer’s rules, you usually can't claim unemployment benefits. If you file a claim, your employer will likely contest it and say that you're not entitled.However, you may be able to argue that you're eligible for unemployment due to “constructive dismissal.” Constructive dismissal is when an employee feels compelled to leave their job because their workplace environment is intolerable. This concept may apply if your workplace or manager was hostile, if your working conditions were unsafe, or if your office was unsanitary.You may or may not be entitled to severanceIf you’ve been terminated from your job, your employer may still offer you severance benefits. If not, you may be entitled to payment for accrued but unused sick or vacation time. Talk to your human resources representative to learn more.Whether you're eligible for severance or not, it's important to request documentation detailing the terms of your termination. That includes:Your employment end date.The status of your final paycheck.The reason for your termination in writing. Prepare to lose your benefitsWhen you’re terminated, you typically lose your workplace benefits. As is the case with being laid off, you may need to find a new source of health insurance. However, you may also be eligible to get coverage under COBRA for a period of time (though the cost means it’s often better to consider other options, such as the Affordable Care Act marketplace).If you have a workplace retirement plan, it’s important to understand your options. You may be allowed to keep your money in your existing plan. But even if that’s the case, rolling it into a new retirement plan could be a better option.Start your job hunt as soon as possibleIf you’ve been terminated, you probably can’t get unemployment benefits. That could make it difficult to pay your bills and lead to credit card debt. You might also blow through your emergency savings quickly without a job.Look for work as soon as possible. Here are a few job search tips that could help you out.Network online. Join professional groups on Facebook and LinkedIn, and make it known that you’re in the market for a job in your industry.Bolster your skills. The more skills you learn and develop, the more options you may have. You can also consider free courses and certification programs.Prepare for interviews. If you were at your most recent job for a while, your interview skills may, understandably, be rusty. Practice in front of a mirror to boost your confidence, or find a friend or family member to do mock interviews with you so you get more comfortable.How Employers Handle Furloughs, Layoffs, and TerminationsWhen you're furloughed, laid off, or terminated, you're often called into a meeting with your manager and a representative from your company's human resources department. If it's a mass layoff, you may simply be notified by email.Your employer should provide you with information that includes:The details of a furlough, such as whether your hours are being reduced versus cut completely.The nature of your termination, such as whether you're being let go for cause.Your final employment date.Your final paycheck date.What benefits to expect, if any.The terms of your severance agreement.How to return company property, such as a laptop or cell phone, you use for your job.If you’re being terminated for cause, you may be asked to leave immediately. In that case, you may be escorted by a human resources representative to collect your belongings from your workspace. This may also happen if you’re being laid off through no fault of your own and your job is ending right away.Furlough vs Layoff vs Termination: Key Differences at a GlanceThere are a number of key differences between a layoff and a termination, and being furloughed. Here’s a summary for easy reference. Courtesy of Freedom Debt Relief It’s important to have a clear understanding of the nature of your job loss, as it could impact your eligibility for benefits, among other things.Protecting Your Finances After Furlough, Layoff, or TerminationLosing your job, no matter how it happens, could impact your personal finances. If you find yourself out of a job, take these steps.Assess your emergency fundSee how many weeks or months of bills you can pay out of your savings. If your essential bills come to $2,400 a month and you have $6,000 in savings, you could cover 2.5 months of bills without resorting to debt. And that doesn’t include any money you might get from severance or unemployment benefits.Review your budgetThere may be expenses you can cut back on while your job situation is in flux. Comb through your budget carefully, and try to pinpoint a few bills to reduce. Make sure to prioritize your essential bills like rent, car payment, and food. Consider canceling extras like streaming services temporarily, then resubscribe once your financial situation improves.Get relief from your debtIt can be hard to pay a mortgage or make minimum payments on your credit cards when you’re out of work. Contact your lenders and credit card issuers to see what options you have. You may be able to pause some of your payments or negotiate the terms of a loan to lower your monthly payments. You can also find out how debt relief works if you feel your debts are no longer manageable.Unfortunately, the loss of a job could lead to more debt, since you may need to rely on credit cards or loans if you're not getting a paycheck. But you may be eligible for debt settlement.Figure out your most affordable path to health insuranceLosing a job often means losing your health coverage. Going without insurance could result in catastrophic bills if you need surgery or emergency care, so it’s important to research your options. Depending on your situation, you may be able to join a spouse’s insurance plan at a cost, or you may qualify for subsidies that make an ACA plan more manageable for a time.Find out if you qualify for government assistanceDepending on your financial situation, you may qualify for government assistance beyond unemployment benefits. You may be eligible for:SNAP, which provides food benefitsHousing assistanceMedicaidUtility bill assistanceEligibility for these programs generally varies by state.Losing a job can be a harsh blow, whether it’s temporary or permanent, and whether you did something wrong or not. Don’t hesitate to turn to family and friends for support as you figure out your next steps.This story was produced by Freedom Debt Relief and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | Redefining Plastic Surgery Standards in the Social Media Age(BPT) - With celebrities and influencers openly sharing their surgical tweaks and procedures, there's never been a more candid conversation around plastic surgery and beauty ideals. With this new emphasis on transparency, the taboo around plastic surgery has shifted, but with it, the standards around patient care have become murky.In our social media-driven world, doctors can post altered before-and-afters, controlling their image in a way that doesn't reflect their work and leaving it hard for patients to know who to trust. Across Rowe Plastic Surgery's offices in New York, New Jersey and Palm Beach, FL, the consistent results and 5-star reviews give patients confidence that these are doctors they can trust. Founded in 2003 by renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Norman Rowe, Rowe Plastic Surgery specializes in a full range of surgical procedures from facial aesthetics to body and breast reshaping, especially after weight loss and pregnancy. They can seamlessly refer patients within the group to ensure the best possible care and results. With a "one-ring" policy for all incoming calls, Rowe Plastic Surgery is redefining the industry standards one patient at a time: warm, elevated and most of all, accessible.Beyond aesthetics, many of the procedures that the Rowe team performs are life-changing and medically necessary, from reconstructive procedures after breast cancer, to necessary skin removals and breast reductions. For one Rowe Plastic Surgery patient, her breast reduction reduced her pain and allowed her to start running. Always advocating for and in full support of this quality of life improvement, the Rowe team sponsored her running group for a marathon last year. These types of long-standing and recurring patient-doctor relationships are not uncommon across the Rowe Plastic Surgery offices."As a true patient-centered practice, we work with each patient on a personalized approach to their treatment," shares Dr. Rowe. "There is no one-size-fits-all."What should you look for when choosing a plastic surgeon? Dr. Rowe recommends the following factors.5 Things to Look For in a Plastic SurgeonBoard CertificationNot all cosmetic providers are board-certified plastic surgeons. Patients should look for credentials, extensive surgical training, and a proven track record of safety and results.Consistent, Natural-Looking ResultsA great surgeon doesn't create the same look on every patient. Results should feel balanced, individualized and aligned with the patient's anatomy and goals.Transparency: Online and In PersonIn today's social media landscape, heavily edited before-and-afters can make it difficult to know what's real. Patients should look for honest communication, authentic patient outcomes and realistic expectations from the very beginning.A Personalized ApproachThere is no one-size-fits-all approach to plastic surgery. The right surgeon takes time to understand each patient's lifestyle, concerns, goals and long-term vision before recommending treatment.A Reputation Built on TrustBeyond photos, patient experience matters. Reviews, referrals, long-term patient relationships and consistent care are often the clearest indicators of a practice patients can truly trust.To see the difference for yourself and read Rowe Plastic Surgery's patient testimonials (including reconstructive and post weight loss cases) click here. |
| | That Sound of Loose Coins Jingling in Pant Pockets? It’s Illinois’ Tax Relief “Special Payment” for Home Owners.Before the House passed the megaprojects bill last month, we were told that the drafters didn’t want to just do some symbolic or “token” property-tax relief. After the chamber passed the bill, we were told the property-tax component will provide meaningful statewide relief for home-owners. |