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

Friday, August 7th, 2026
	4 injured after truck pulling horse trailer strikes SUV broadside on Highway 218 A Highway 218 crash involving a truck pulling a horse trailer and a broadsided SUV leaves four people hospitalized on Friday afternoon in Iowa.
	20th Mutt Strut planned for Camden Park during Milan Harvest Festival The Quad City Animal Welfare Center will hold the 20th Annual Mutt Strut from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Camden Park in Milan during the Milan Harvest Festival, according to a news release. Register here. Chief Meteorologist Andy McCray from Our Quad Cities News will be the master of ceremonies. Your registration [...]
	Thrill of a lifetime: Fans meet Keith Urban at the Mississippi Valley Fair You never know when you'll come across some magic at the Mississippi Valley Fair. Residents from the Prophetstown S.T.R.I.V.E. facility had the thrill of a lifetime when they got to meet country superstar Keith Urban after his performance at the fair. They say it was a great honor the meet Urban, and they were blown [...]
	Muscatine street closes for railroad crossing work It's an Our Quad Cities News traffic alert. According to a release from the City of Muscatine, Canadian Pacific–Kansas City Rail (CPKCR) will perform repairs on the railroad crossing on E. 2nd St. east of Oak St. on Tuesday, August 11. Both lanes of E. 2nd St. will be closed during this work. The release [...]
	Cubs-Royals broadcast on KWQC-TV6 prompts temporary programming shift Cubs and Royals baseball on KWQC this Friday night means a temporary schedule shift for NBC primetime programming this weekend.
	Quad City Rollers celebrate 20 years of women’s roller derby and doing good The fearless, fun-loving women of the Quad City Rollers are celebrating 20 years of the nonprofit, a close-knit family that not only has a blast on the track, but works to help the community.
	Resident deaths at two Iowa nursing homes lead to state sanctions Nursing homes in Cedar Rapids and Newton are facing sanctions for alleged quality-of-care violations tied to resident deaths.
	Illinois House begins investigation into indicted Rep. Carol Ammons Carol Ammons investigation begins as an Illinois House committee starts examining federal misconduct allegations against the indicted state representative.
	Iowa man charged after allegedly shining spotlight at medical helicopter A Henry County, Iowa, man is charged after deputies say he shined a powerful spotlight at a Med Force medical helicopter, illuminating the cockpit during flight.
	Spokane Fires: Beyond the Burn Behind every fire are stories that are just beginning. We explore what sparked the fires and the people forever changed by this tragedy.
	Davenport Fire Department seeks public input as it forms 5-year strategic plan A survey is open through Aug. 21, where residents can leave feedback on topics such as emergency response, fire prevention and community education programs.
	Celebrate Atkinson's 170th anniversary at Heritage Days Celebrate Atkinson’s 170th anniversary with a classic Midwestern community festival. Atkinson Heritage Days will be held on Friday August 21 and Saturday August 22 in Atkinson, Illinois. This year’s event marks 170 years of Atkinson and honors America’s 250th birthday. Festival organizers have expanded every part of the weekend, with more attractions, more vendors, live [...]
	Trump renews push to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook Trump is once again threatening to fire Cook over unproven allegations of mortgage fraud after an earlier effort to remove Cook was struck down by the Supreme Court.
	4 Your Money \| Profits, Not Promises Recent market commentary has focused on whether the current AI-driven investment boom bears similarities to the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s. Nate Kreinbrink, Financial Planner at NelsonCorp Wealth Management, joins us to share if that is a fair comparison and if investors should be concerned.
	Teen farmer shares love for agriculture at Mississippi Valley Fair While many kids are enjoying the rides, one 15-year-old is spending fair week teaching visitors about agriculture and caring for a 1,200-pound Charolais heifer.
	Kid's Market showcases young Burlington entrepreneurs Some of Burlington’s youngest entrepreneurs will be on Jefferson Street during the 4th annual Kid’s Market on Thursday, August 13, from 4:30 – 7 p.m. as part of the Jefferson Street Farmers Market. Shoppers are encouraged to visit the market, meet the young business owners, and shop their creations, encouraging the next generation of small [...]
	Davenport man found guilty in Moline double-homicide requests acquittal or new trial A Davenport man who was found guilty of the 2024 murder of two Moline teenagers is asking a judge to either acquit him or set a new trial.
	Criminally charged massage therapist now faces disciplinary action Several months after he was criminally charged with sexual abuse and assault, an Iowa massage therapist is now facing sanctions from a state licensing board.
	Another court blocks White House ballroom work, teeing up a Supreme Court review A federal appeals court says above-ground construction cannot continue without approval from Congress, siding with historic preservation advocates.
	Todd Noack named membership director for Association for Peer Support The executive director of Life Connections has a new job. Todd Noack is the new membership director for the Association for Peer Support. He spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to talk about his new job, which he started on July 6, and its work with the recovery community. “The membership of the [...]
	Biz Bytes: UnityPoint – Trinity receives national recognition, Vibrant Credit Union expands equipment lending and more business news UnityPoint Health – Trinity nationally recognized
	Senate passes Russia sanctions bill that was long championed by Lindsey Graham The bill is meant to stifle Russia's economy by allowing for tough new tariffs against major importers of Russian energy. The legislation was led by Lindsey Graham before his unexpected death in July.
	Lt. Gen. Mark H. Landes retires from Army after 36 years of service Landes was named the 41st commander of First Army on Sept. 6, 2024.
	4 injured in Highway 34 crash near New London Four people were injured, including one flown by medical helicopter, after a crash on Highway 34 near New London on Thursday, Aug. 6.
	King's Harvest Pet Rescue waives adult dog and cat adoption fees due to overcrowding Due to overcrowding conditions, King's Harvest Pet Rescue is waiving adoption fees for adult dogs and cats. According to a Facebook post: Adoptions have slowed to a crawl, while the phone never stops ringing with people wanting to surrender their pets. We don’t understand why so many animals are losing their homes, and it’s heartbreaking [...]
	Davenport man tied to shots-fired incident charged with intimidation and drug offenses He is accused of shooting into a crowd in July, as well as a number of drug possession offenses.
	Cyclospora outbreak: More than 270 cases in over half of Iowa’s counties The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services says there were 46 more cases of cyclospora confirmed in the state this week.
	Renovated Hoover museum tells immersive story of former president's life and service The legacy of former President Herbert Hoover and Lou Henry Hoover is on display at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, open now for the first time since January 2025.
	Woman airlifted to hospital after 2-vehicle crash on Highway 34 Henry County car crash on Highway 34 leaves three hospitalized, including a woman airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospitals on Thursday afternoon.
	Bettendorf man accused of firing shot, threatening people outside neighboring home A Bettendorf man is accused of threatening three people, including a child, with a handgun before firing a shot into the air Thursday evening.
	Colombia's new president vows to remake the country — and challenge its fragile peace A new political era for Colombia: a hard-right president promises order, growth and confrontation.
	2nd detention hearing delayed for Quad Cities man in ‘Predator Poachers’ case He faces 30 counts of possession and dissemination of child pornography.
	French companies are inviting unhoused people to sleep in their offices French companies are inviting unhoused people to sleep in their officesFor several years, when Pierre-Yves Loaëc left his office in Nantes in the evenings, he passed a woman sleeping rough in the parking lot near Nobilito, the marketing agency he runs. The contrast nagged at him. Outside, she huddled near a parking garage vent for warmth during the winter. “My office had heat, a kitchen, sofas, a shower, toilets, but was sitting empty all night,” he recalls to Reasons to be Cheerful. Yet he never spoke to her, unsure how he could help.Instead, Loaëc became interested in a broader question: Why were so many offices sitting empty every night while thousands of people lacked a safe place to sleep? The answer became Bureaux du Coeur (“Offices of the Heart”), a nonprofit that turns unused office space into temporary overnight accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.Today, the initiative works with 400 companies in 40 cities across France, and beyond, in Lisbon, Barcelona, and Brussels. Since its founding in 2019, Bureaux du Coeur has helped more than 1,000 people and provided roughly 160,000 nights of shelter. Its ambition is even larger: to expand across Europe as cities grapple with two parallel crises — a persistent rise in homelessness and a glut of underused office space following the shift to remote and hybrid work.Bureaux de Coeur’s solution remains remarkably simple: When employees go home, offices become homes.Loaëc did not arrive at the concept alone. He is president of the Nantes chapter of the Centre des Jeunes Dirigeants (CJD), a longstanding French business leaders’ movement founded on the principle that economic activity should serve society. “I always imagined the solution collectively,” he says. “I knew I couldn’t do it alone.”When he first presented the idea to around 15 fellow business leaders, “many people thought I had lost my mind,” Loaëc says with a laugh. Some immediately listed potential problems — security concerns, insurance issues, liability risks, property damage. Others focused on the practical question that would ultimately define the initiative: How could it actually work?The group developed a model that companies could realistically adopt. To qualify for Bureaux du Coeur, candidates must meet strict criteria: They must be adults, without children or pets, reside legally in France, use neither alcohol nor drugs, and not suffer from severe physical or mental health issues. Also, every candidate must participate in accompanying measures to help them reintegrate into a job or vocational training.Naturally, these criteria exclude a large number of those in need. “We can’t accommodate everybody,” Loaëc acknowledges, noting that roughly 350,000 people are homeless in France. That limitation disappointed him at first, but he says participating companies are not equipped to provide medical treatment, addiction support, or intensive social care. Their role is to offer space while partner organizations select participants and provide professional support.Each company takes only one guest at a time. The “guests,” as Loaëc insists on calling them, sleep in meeting rooms, break areas, or spaces that are temporarily converted into bedrooms each evening.The first host was Loaëc himself. In 2019, he welcomed Elisabeth, a woman fleeing domestic violence who had been sleeping in her car despite holding a job. She stayed in his office for three weeks while securing longer-term housing.A second guest, known as Booba, stayed during the COVID-19 pandemic, practically alone in the building throughout the country’s first lockdown. At the time, emergency shelters were among the most significant clusters of coronavirus transmission in Nantes. “Knowing he was safe in the agency and away from that risk was important,” Loaëc says.The breakthrough came in May 2020, when France’s largest regional newspaper, Ouest-France, published a story about the initiative. Companies and social-service organizations from across the country began calling. “The response was completely crazy,” Loaëc remembers.What had started as a local experiment became a national movement. The initiative now employs 12 staff members and coordinates approximately 270 volunteers nationwide. Funding comes from foundations and private donations.Participants consistently describe the experience as life-changing. Samy, a Sudanese trainee electrician, struggled to find stable accommodation while pursuing vocational training. “I feel a little bit at home here,” he said during his stay. “I feel a little freer.”The comments reveal a reality that social workers know well: Homelessness is not only a lack of shelter. “People spend their days wondering where they will sleep, whether they will be safe, where they can shower, charge a phone, store their belongings, or simply rest,” Loaëc says. “You can’t keep a job if you don’t have a roof over your head. The mental burden becomes enormous.”The apparent simplicity of Bureaux du Coeur masks a carefully structured system. Every placement involves three parties: the host company, the guest, and a partner social service organization, which selects the participants.All parties sign a formal agreement. Guests commit to searching for long-term housing and employment opportunities. Social service partners provide guidance and monitoring. Companies provide accommodation. Once a month, everyone involved meets to review progress.One of the initiative’s less obvious effects is its ability to challenge assumptions. Loaëc admits he used to carry many common stereotypes. “A homeless person is not necessarily someone who begs, doesn’t wash, and drinks a lot of alcohol,” he realized. What surprised him most was the number of working people struggling with housing insecurity. Others are apprentices, students, refugees, or people recovering from sudden crises such as domestic violence. Their biggest obstacle is often not unemployment but the lack of a stable place from which to rebuild.One former guest, Souleymane Diarra, emphasized the emotional significance of being welcomed into a workplace. “Here, people don’t judge me for the hardships I’ve been through,” he said. “People here lift me up. It encourages me to move forward.”That sense of belonging extends beyond the guests themselves. They are not expected to pack up before the employees arrive every morning. On the contrary, Loaëc hopes they will share a coffee and a conversation.Alain, a formerly homeless man hosted by Bureaux du Coeur at the company Haxoneo in northern France, describes how depression led to the collapse of his life. He lost his job, home, car, partner, and child. During the time he was homeless, he says he was largely ignored or treated with hostility: “For two years, people either shouted at me, ‘Get out of here,’ or a police officer would shine a flashlight into my eyes and say, ‘Do you think that guy is dead?’”The employees at Haxoneo and Bureaux du Coeur were the first people who actually had conversations with him. What transformed his situation was not only a safe place to sleep but ordinary human interaction, being spoken to as a person, and regaining confidence. During his stay, he found employment and began preparing for independent housing.“Having a coffee with him sounds trivial, but for him, who had coffee with him over the last two years?” a Haxoneo employee reflects. “What’s great is that beyond making our offices available, it created this social bond.”For companies, Loaëc believes Bureaux du Coeur strengthens social cohesion at a time when remote work and flexible schedules have weakened many workplace relationships. “What we promise companies is an experience of community,” he says. Hosting a guest, he argues, often does “much more than bungee jumping and other [traditional corporate] team-building events” to unite employees.According to an impact study commissioned by the organization, between 85% and 90% of participants leave the program with both housing and employment after an average stay of four and a half months.Loaëc is careful not to claim credit for achievements that belong to partner organizations. Yet housing stability appears to be the missing piece that allows other interventions to succeed. “It’s a transition solution,” Loaëc says. “Our role is simply to put a roof over someone’s head so the rest becomes possible.”The model is also comparatively inexpensive. According to figures provided by the organization, a place in a traditional emergency shelter costs public authorities roughly 10,000 euros per year. A place through Bureaux du Coeur costs less than 2,000 euros because the infrastructure already exists, and much of the support network relies on volunteers.Things can go wrong. One guest became isolated and stopped receiving adequate support, eventually leaving the accommodation in poor condition. Another drove away with a company vehicle. Yet such incidents remain rare. Among more than 1,000 guests, Loaëc estimates only four or five placements have resulted in serious problems. The common factor in those cases, he says, is that host companies ignored established guidelines.Insurance companies have adapted to support the model. Firms such as AXA have modified commercial policies to allow businesses to host people overnight in office buildings, removing what was initially a significant obstacle.The guests usually stay for a maximum of three to six months, but Loaëc’s company just accommodated a guest for 18 months, until the young man could enroll in a job training program. “I’m the boss, I can break the rules,” Loaëc says with a laugh.Despite its rapid growth, Loaëc insists there is nothing revolutionary about the concept. He sees it as reviving an older tradition of hospitality that modern society has forgotten. For centuries, farms, workshops, and family businesses routinely provided temporary shelter to workers, travelers, and people in need.Modern offices simply became detached from that tradition.The woman who first inspired the project still sleeps outside. Loaëc still sees her sometimes.But the question she forced him to confront has now produced a network that has sheltered more than a thousand people and provided hundreds of thousands of nights of safety.Every evening, across France, office lights switch off, and employees head home. And in hundreds of buildings, someone else arrives carrying a key.This story was produced by Reasons to be Cheerful and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Will late rent payments tank your credit score? Will late rent payments tank your credit score?For most tenants, rent is one of their biggest monthly expenses. But do late rent payments affect credit? If your rent is due soon and you can’t pay, or you’re looking to build your credit score, you might be asking this question.In 2026, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It all hinges on rent reporting software, your landlord’s workflow, and how long you leave the debt unpaid. Additionally, tenant screening and collections agencies can create long-term consequences.While a single late payment doesn’t usually hurt your score, it can. Here’s a TurboTenant guide explaining when late rent matters, how it shows up on your credit report, and what tenants can do to protect their credit and rental history.The Short Answer: Does Late Rent Hurt Your Score?So, do late rent payments affect credit? Not usually — at least not immediately like a missed credit card payment. However, the answer depends on several factors. Here’s what tenants need to know about digital rent payment trends:Most private landlords don’t report rent payments to credit bureaus themselves. So if you pay rent a few days late once, you shouldn’t see any change in your score. But if your landlord uses a property management company or automated software, the risk increases.Many corporate property managers use systems to report rent payment history to credit bureaus. In this case, missed payments are more likely to affect your credit.Keep in Mind: Most software offers rent reporting as a reward-based incentive to tenants, not a punishment for late or missed payments.To get a definitive answer, consider reaching out to your landlord and asking about their reporting practices. Private landlords typically handle matters personally, so late rent typically only results in late-payment penalties under your lease. On the other hand, corporate landlords generally use reporting systems that impact your credit quickly.As a best practice, always communicate early if you won’t be able to pay your rent on time. Reach out to your landlord in writing and keep a copy of the communication. To help you avoid payment delays, consider setting up an automatic rent payment.How Landlords Report Payments in 2026Next, let’s take a closer look at how landlords report to credit bureaus.Generally, small, private landlords can’t report rent directly to a credit bureau. Instead, they have to use a third-party service. That’s where rent collection software with built-in rent reporting tools comes in.These services submit a record of the tenant’s payment to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. In 2026, the credit bureaus will use newer scoring models that consider rental data, including:FICO 9: In this recent FICO model, positive on-time rent payments boost your score while late or missed payments hurt your score.FICO 10 T: As the newest version of FICO, this 2026 update looks at trends over a long period of time instead of a single snapshot. The new model analyzes patterns, and recurring late payments matter more than in the FICO 9 model.VantageScore 4.0: The three major credit bureaus developed this score to consider rent and utility payments submitted by landlords or third-party services. Recent payment data makes a bigger impact than older information. Similar to FICO 10 T, VantageScore 4.0 also looks at trends and habits.So, does not paying rent affect a credit score? As you can see, it depends on your landlord’s reporting practices. However, landlords generally must inform tenants that they’re reporting their payments to credit bureaus. If your lease agreement doesn’t mention it and your landlord didn’t inform you in writing, they’re most likely not doing it.When Does a Late Payment Become a Credit Mark?In most cases, your score doesn’t suffer immediately if you miss your first payment. But when do late rent payments affect credit? Keep the following timeline in mind:Day 1-5: The Grace PeriodMost landlords include a grace period in their lease agreements, giving tenants some wiggle room when making their monthly payments. Landlords won’t apply any late payment penalties outlined in their lease until the grace period expires. Typically, grace periods are around five days, but they vary by lease and local guidelines.Many states require landlords to offer a grace period, but the rules vary depending on local regulations. Here are a few examples:New York: Five-day grace period (N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 238-A(2))Oregon: Four-day grace period (Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.260)North Carolina: Five-day grace period (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46(a))Washington: Five-day grace period (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.170)Pro Tip: Check your lease agreement or your state’s guidelines to see whether your landlord offers a grace period.If you still haven’t paid your rent by the time the grace period ends, your landlord may charge late fees, but it won’t affect your score.Day 30: The Credit Reporting ThresholdIf you haven’t paid your overdue balance after 30 days, you risk your landlord reporting the debt to credit bureaus. Most landlords call this the 30-day rule. Landlords or property managers who report rent payments to credit bureaus can officially mark your account as late. At this point, the late payment may appear on your credit report.Remember, private landlords may not report rent payments, but most corporate property managers automate the process.Day 60+: Collections TerritoryAfter 60 days, the landlord may send your rent debt to collections. A collections agency can cause significant credit damage, which can lower your score for years.If you’re approaching the 60-day threshold, it’s wise to reach out to your landlord or negotiate a payment plan. Most agencies charge landlords a 25%-50% contingency fee, so the landlord may prefer to settle matters between the two of you before involving a third party.After a landlord sends your rent debt to collections, verify the amount. You have the right to dispute errors with both the agency and credit bureaus.Keep in Mind: A late fee and a credit mark aren’t the same thing. Landlords charge fees as a financial penalty based on their lease agreement. However, landlords only cause a credit mark when they report the late payment to credit bureaus or send it to collections.How Long Do Late Payments Affect My Credit Score?How long late payments affect your score depends on the reporting method. The short answer is up to seven years. If you pay late and resolve the issue before your landlord sends it to collections, you may only see a slight change. But if the debt goes to collections, the agency can drop your score by 50-100 points or more.The good news is that newer credit models, including FICO 10T, use trended data. As a result, credit models consider recent behavior as more important than older claims. If you make one mistake and pay late, maintaining regular on-time payments can lessen the blow. Scoring models call this the “recency bias.”Do late rent payments affect credit? In many cases, yes. However, a consistent pattern of late payments is much worse than a single slip-up.Beyond The Credit Score: Tenant Screening and Eviction RecordsWhen you pay your rent late, you risk more than just a drop in your FICO score. The next time you submit a rental application, late payments may show up on your tenant screening report. Landlords view negative payment history as a major red flag, which hurts your chances of approval.When rental owners run a background check, they generally see any history of late payments, non-payment judgments, and eviction filings. Landlords call this a “shadow record,” which tracks your rental behaviors beyond traditional credit history.For example, if you paid rent late and your landlord pursues eviction, tenant databases may record it even if it never impacted your credit score. Rental owners use this information to assess your responsibility, reliability, and risk.The key takeaway is that your credit score isn’t the only thing to worry about. Protecting your rental history is just as important to set you up for success when you apply for your next property.What To Do If You’re Late on RentThere are best practices to follow when you’re in a financial pinch.Falling behind on your monthly payments can feel stressful. Always be proactive and respond quickly. Take these steps to prevent small issues from spiraling into major problems:1. Communicate ImmediatelyNever ignore the situation or avoid your landlord’s calls. Instead, be transparent and honest.Take the first step and contact your landlord as soon as you know you’ll be late. When you practice clear, proactive communication, you can prevent late fees from escalating into collections, evictions, and long-term disputes.2. Offer a Payment PlanYour landlord might agree to create a custom payment plan based on your needs.When you reach out to your landlord, propose a solid payment plan to catch up with your unpaid balances. Most landlords prefer to accept partial payments over a few weeks rather than go through the collections process. If you agree to an action plan, document the details in writing and have both parties sign the agreement.But make sure you can keep your promises. Don’t set up an unrealistic payment plan that doesn’t align with your financial situation.3. Ask for a “Pay for Delete” (If In Collections)If your rent is already in collections, try to negotiate with the agency.You can ask the agency to remove the record from your tenant screening or credit report once you pay. Because most agencies are only paid if they collect the rent debt, they’re often motivated to meet in the middle. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s worth requesting.4. Write a “Goodwill Letter” to the Landlord or Credit BureauAfter a landlord reports your payment to credit bureaus, consider writing a polite letter explaining the situation.An honest letter helps when it’s a one-time issue, and you have a solid record of on-time payments. In the best case, you might convince the credit bureau or landlord to remove the mark from your credit report.All in all, communication is your best strategy. In today’s market, silence generally doesn’t work in your favor.The Flip Side: Use Rent Reporting to Build CreditInstead of waiting for a late rent payment to shift your credit score, consider using rent reporting services to build your credit. Rent reporting services can turn one of your largest recurring bills into a positive credit-building tool.Over time, you can see major improvements to your credit score. If you already pay your rent on time every month, you deserve the benefits. After all, it can help you qualify for a loan to buy your first house or a new car.Do Late Rent Payments Affect Credit? FAQsCan a landlord report late rent without telling me?A landlord can report late rent without warning if it is included in the lease agreement or if they send it to collections. However, most rent reporting services require tenants to opt in and pay a monthly fee.Always check your rental agreement to understand your landlord’s process, or reach out with specific questions.Does a three-day late payment affect credit?No, not usually. Tenants typically must be 30 or more days late before it impacts their credit.Do all landlords report to credit bureaus?No, but corporate landlords often do. Private landlords usually only offer rent reporting if they use property management software.This story was produced by TurboTenant and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	East Moline partners with Retail Strategies consulting firm Situated along the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities region of northwest Illinois, East Moline has selected Retail Strategies, a national retail recruitment and economic development consulting firm, as its partner for retail recruitment, a news release says. East Moline is a powerhouse in heavy industrial and advanced manufacturing, and that strong economic base has [...]
	Davenport Fire Department asks for public input on strategic plan development The Davenport Fire Department is asking for public feedback to guide its strategic plan development for the next five years. Residents can complete a brief survey to give input on how the Davenport Fire Department can best serve the community in the future. Questions ask for feedback on emergency response, fire prevention and community education [...]
	International Clown Week: Juggling! August 1-7 is International Clown Week, and we're looking at some of the skills clowns can use in their clowning. Brian Weckerly dropped by Our Quad Cities News to show us some of the basics of learning to juggle.
	The most efficient way to run your window unit The most efficient way to run your window unitWindow air conditioners can be lifesavers during the hot summer months, especially in older homes or apartments without central air.But while they offer targeted cooling, they can also drive up your energy bill fast if they’re not used efficiently. The good news is a few smart strategies can keep your space cool and your costs low. HomeServe broke down the best ways to run your window air conditioner efficiently.Start With the Right-Sized UnitEfficiency starts before you even hit the power button. If your window unit is too small, it’ll run constantly and still leave you sweating. Too big, and it’ll short-cycle, cooling the air quickly but not running long enough to properly remove humidity. This results in a clammy, uncomfortable environment and wasted energy.To find the right size, look at the unit’s British thermal unit (Btu) rating. For example, a 150- to 250-square-foot room generally needs a unit with about 6,000 Btu, while a 350- to 450-square-foot room may need 10,000 Btu. Energy Star has helpful guides for selecting the right size based on room dimensions, insulation and sun exposure.Set It and (Mostly) Forget ItThe sweet spot for both comfort and efficiency is to set your thermostat at about 78 F (25.5 C) when you’re home. This is the recommended setting from the U.S. Department of Energy — cool enough to feel comfortable, but not so low that your unit is working overtime.When you leave the house, you can bump the temperature up by 5 to 7 degrees, especially if no one is home. If your window unit doesn’t have a built-in timer or smart controls, consider plugging it into a smart outlet or external timer so it can automatically power down and back up based on your schedule.Use ‘Eco’ ModeMost newer window air conditioners come with an “eco” or “energy-saver” mode. Unlike the standard cooling setting, which keeps the fan running continuously, eco mode cycles the fan on and off along with the compressor. When the room reaches your desired temperature, the whole unit shuts off and only comes back on when the temperature rises again.This setting is more energy-efficient than leaving the fan running nonstop. While it might feel a bit less consistent in terms of airflow, it can significantly cut down on electricity use without sacrificing overall comfort.Don’t Neglect Air CirculationCeiling or oscillating fans are a perfect companion to your window AC. Fans help distribute cool air throughout the room, reducing the need to crank the AC lower than necessary. Since fans use far less energy than an air conditioner, you can often raise the thermostat setting a few degrees and still feel just as comfortable.Also, make sure your furniture isn’t blocking airflow from the unit. If it’s tucked behind a curtain, sofa or shelf, that cooled air may not reach the center of the room, causing the AC to work harder.Keep Doors and Windows SealedEven the best air conditioner will struggle if you’re losing cool air through gaps or pulling in hot air from outside. Check for drafts around your unit and window frame. Use foam insulation or weather stripping to seal any leaks and keep the cold air in.And while it may seem obvious, always keep doors and windows closed when the unit is running. Otherwise, your AC is trying to cool an ever-expanding space, which is a fast track to high energy bills.Clean or Replace the Filter RegularlyOne of the biggest factors affecting your window unit’s performance is a dirty air filter. A clogged filter forces the unit to work harder to pull in air, reducing its cooling efficiency and potentially damaging internal components.During peak summer use, check and clean the filter every two weeks. Most filters can be rinsed under warm water and dried before reinserting. If your model uses replaceable filters, make sure to change them as directed — typically every one to two months.Close Curtains and Blinds During the DaySunlight streaming through your windows might look pretty, but it’s also heating up your room and making your AC work harder. Block out the sun with blackout curtains, reflective shades or even just tightly closed blinds, especially on south- and west-facing windows.This simple trick can reduce indoor heat gain by as much as 33%, giving your window unit a much easier job.Upgrade to an Energy Star ModelIf your unit is more than 10 years old, it might be time for an upgrade. Newer models with the Energy Star label are certified to use less energy while delivering the same cooling power. Some also come with smart features that let you control them from your phone and automatically adjust to save power when you’re not home.You may also be eligible for rebates or energy-saving incentives through your utility provider or local government when you upgrade to a more efficient model.Don’t Cool Rooms You’re Not UsingIf you’ve got a window AC in a guest room, home office or other space you don’t use regularly, turn it off when the room is unoccupied. Unlike central systems, window units don’t benefit from zoning — they cool exactly where they’re installed. Save your cooling power (and your dollars) for the rooms that need it.This story was produced by HomeServe Editorial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why people keep talking to people we’ve lost, and why therapists say that’s okay Why people keep talking to people we’ve lost, and why therapists say that’s okayEveryone experiences loss at some point in their life, but it's how they process that loss and adapt to a new reality that defines their grieving journey. Part of that journey often includes a habit few people discuss openly, as many still speak to someone they can no longer call or visit.Some save old voicemails or send texts to numbers no one will answer, while others write letters or say a name aloud while driving home, turning ordinary moments into private conversations with someone they still miss.And those private conversations often carry the unsaid thoughts that bring real emotional relief when put into words, BetterHelp reports.Key takeawaysTalking to someone who has died can be a normal and healthy part of grieving.Continuing bonds, such as keeping traditions or speaking to a loved one, may provide comfort and connection.Grief does not require forgetting, detaching, or “moving on” in a specific way.These practices are generally considered adaptive when they help a person process the loss and continue with daily life.Therapy may help when grief feels overwhelming, lasts intensely, or begins to interfere with sleep, work, relationships, or everyday functioning.The same relief shows up in clinical guidance, with Dr. Alison Forti telling Teen Vogue that speaking aloud to a loved one who has died helps many people process grief.And her point opens a larger question grief researchers have studied for years: whether speaking to someone who is gone helps a person carry the loss or holds them back from moving forward.How the understanding of grief has changedHistorically, the dominant belief in psychology was that healthy grief required a person to break their ties with the deceased.This belief ran through the older grief models of the day, each pushing closure and moving on as the true mark of healing. And Sigmund Freud helped set that tone in 1917, describing mourning as the slow work of withdrawing love from the person who died and giving it to someone living.While influential at the time, this model is now viewed as incomplete, as later research suggests that maintaining an ongoing connection with a loved one can be a normal and adaptive part of grief.But later research has pushed back on that judgment, as psychologists who studied mourners found that most healthy people keep an ongoing connection with the one they lost. Their work settled the debate in favor of connection, showing that a loved one's death ends a life without ending the relationship that lives on.The psychology of continuing bondsIn the clinical world, experts define continuing bonds as the ongoing inner relationship a person keeps with a loved one after that person dies. Naming it this way helps grieving people understand that their bond is not unusual, since death ends a life without erasing the love or the memories that came with it.The idea gained wider attention in 1996, when Dennis Klass, Phyllis Silverman and Steven Nickman challenged the belief that healthy grief required people to detach from the dead.Their research helped show that staying connected to the person who died could be part of healthy adaptation rather than a sign of trouble. And the bond often shows up in small, familiar habits, such as silently weighing a late parent’s advice before a hard decision or cooking a loved one’s favorite meal on their birthday.Therapists often view these acts as a normal part of grief, while also exploring whether they continue to bring comfort or have begun to contribute to distress or make daily life more difficultWhy people feel the need to keep talkingGrief tends to leave a person with a pile of unsaid words and nowhere to put them, and saying those words aloud gives that ache somewhere to go. Dr. Sherrie Campbell, a licensed counselor, told Teen Vogue that death leaves people holding onto "things left unsaid, emotions and experiences we want to share."Speaking to the one who died lets a grieving heart release that buildup instead of holding it in alone. John Bowlby, who built attachment theory, traced this need straight back to love, calling grief the natural cost of caring deeply, with the pain running as deep as the bond.At the same time, not everyone feels the desire to continue talking to someone after they've died, and that experience can be just as valid. Grief is deeply personal, and people find different ways of maintaining a connection or honoring a loved one after a loss.For those who do experience it, his work helps explain why keeping that conversation alive holds a sense of belonging in place when a familiar voice leaves daily life. But the need can feel even stronger at milestones, such as a wedding or the birth of a child, when the person who died would have been among the first to celebrate.How grief rituals have evolved in the digital ageNow more than ever, grief has followed people onto their screens, where remembrance now often lives beside photos, messages, and everyday updates. Social media profiles can outlive their owners, and memorial pages give friends and family a place to keep writing on birthdays or hard days.Dr. Marianne Trent, a clinical psychologist and author of The Grief Collective, has observed that people often search for emotional connection after a loss, either with the person who died or with others who understand the pain. And researchers expect that pattern to grow, with one projection finding that Facebook could hold nearly 4.9 billion profiles of the deceased by 2100.Beyond those public pages, people have often held onto the private pieces a phone keeps, saving old voicemails and videos to hear a familiar voice again. But taking those private memories is now allowing people to use them in a more public version, which took shape in Ōtsuchi, Japan, where the wind phone began as a disconnected phone booth built by garden designer Itaru Sasaki in 2010.After the 2011 tsunami, neighbors came to use the phone for words they still needed to say. And Andy Langford, clinical director of Cruse Bereavement Support, has noted that this technology helps them connect with the memories of the person who died.What therapists say about ongoing communicationTherapists do not usually treat talking to someone who died as a problem on its own. They look at whether the practice helps the grieving person understand the loss, express hard feelings, and keep moving through daily life. But when it does, many clinicians see the conversation as part of mourning rather than a sign of illness.Grief counselors have long pointed to expression as a way of easing what bereaved people may otherwise hold inside, especially through writing, journaling, or spoken remembrance. And research on after-death communication experiences also describes many of these moments as supportive for the people who report them.But clinicians still watch for distress that begins to interfere with daily life, since grief does not look the same for every person. The difference often rests in whether the practice helps the mourner live with the loss or keeps the loss in charge of the life around it.When grief may require additional supportGrief looks different from one person to the next, and clinicians often describe it as a spectrum that can run from ordinary sorrow to pain that takes over daily life.Deep sadness and sudden crying can be normal after a death, and neither reaction means a person is grieving the wrong way. But clinicians watch more closely when the pain stays intense and daily life begins to break down.The American Psychiatric Association describes prolonged grief disorder as intense and lasting grief that interferes with daily life after at least 12 months for adults. But that clinical line is not meant to shame ordinary sorrow, since many people feel pain for years after someone close dies. It helps clinicians notice when grief remains so persistent and consuming that it significantly interferes with daily functioning, relationships, or a person's ability to participate in life.Deep isolation can raise the same concern, especially when a person keeps withdrawing from people who would normally help carry the pain. In that place, seeking support becomes a reasonable step toward living with loss rather than being overtaken by it.The role of therapy in processing lossIt’s not always easy to know what to do with grief when the same pain keeps circling back through an old memory or the date on a calendar. Therapy gives that returning ache a guided place to be named out loud, especially during the stretches when it sits too heavy to carry alone.Dr. Sherrie Campbell told Teen Vogue that when a relationship is ripped away through death, it takes the heart time to let go, and that slow work is often what counseling helps a person move through.Professional grief guidance builds on the same idea, noting that therapy helps people make sense of the loss and learn ways to cope with the parts of grief that hurt the most.And those coping skills matter most on the hard days, like a birthday or a wedding, when the absence of the person is felt all over again. So little by little, that work helps a person live beside the memory of someone they loved without the grief feeling like it must define every part of daily life.Grief researchers have moved away from the old belief that healing means forgetting, and they no longer treat recovery as a matter of erasing the past or cutting a deep relationship loose.Speaking to someone who is gone or keeping their traditions alive does not mean a person has stayed stuck, since clinicians often see these habits as signs of love continuing after the physical relationship has changed.TakeawayHealing does not require forgetting or severing the bond; it often means finding a way to stay connected while continuing to engage with life. When grief begins to disrupt daily functioning or feels too heavy to manage alone, a therapist can offer support and help make space for both the loss and the life that continues around it.This story was produced by BetterHelp and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Traffic alert: Harrison Street reduced to 2 lanes as crews replace lead service lines Work to follow until Aug. 17.
	Murkowski will oppose Blanche nomination, narrowing his path to confirmation The Alaska Republican said the country needs an Attorney General who will "check the worst impulses of this administration," adding that she doesn't have confidence that Todd Blanche can achieve that.
	Blanche's path to confirmation appears clear after winning key Republican's support A key Republican senator, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, said he would back Todd Blanche's nomination as attorney general, smoothing the path for his ultimate confirmation by the Senate.
	International dekhockey tournament takes over Crow Creek Park Quad City DekHockey hosted 62 teams from across the U.S. and Canada for a week of skateless floor hockey.
	TikTok kitchen: How viral cooking videos changed what we actually own TikTok kitchen: How viral cooking videos changed what we actually ownFor centuries, American cooking habits were shaped by word of mouth and print media. When food television debuted in the 1940s, new cuisines and kitchen hacks were broadcast to consumers for the first time. As cable and the internet boomed, food television became increasingly popular.After social media launched, food bloggers dominated food media. Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram all provide platforms for creators to easily share recipes and kitchen hacks, generating frequent traffic and thousands of likes.In 2016, TikTok landed. One viral video can generate millions of views within a day, creating global food trends overnight. The “TikTok effect” encourages people to re-create recipes at home and share their results. Consumers even rush to buy new kitchen tools and cookware to make these viral dishes. HexClad explored how one TikTok video can now influence how we cook and what we buy.From Recipe to Retail: How Viral Trends Drive PurchasesTikTok’s personalized algorithm, highly engaging visual format, and global popularity are designed to launch food trends. Eye-catching food videos generate engagement, encouraging people to reshare and save videos so they don’t lose recipes. In fact, 75% of those asked in a 2024 food and beverage trends survey said they were somewhat or very likely to try a viral food or beverage trend after seeing it on social media. People document their re-creations on TikTok or use the comments section to ask questions, share their substitutions and review recipes.Viral food trends directly drive retail purchases. A 2026 national consumer study found that 71% of consumers have purchased or considered a product because it went viral. Viral TikTok recipes can even impact the supply chain. After Dubai chocolate went viral in 2024, global suppliers struggled to meet the sudden demand for pistachios.TikTok food trends often require specific kitchen tools: Smashburgers are made on griddles or cast-iron pans. Cottagecore baking trends highlight Dutch ovens or bread-making tools, while potato waffles require a waffle maker.Social media doesn't just inspire people to try new recipes; it also influences what they buy for their kitchens. Nearly half of Americans have purchased kitchen products endorsed by chefs or food creators, while viral recipes regularly inspire consumers to experiment with new dishes: cute matching jars for perfectly portioned dot cakes, a new baking pan from which to eat dumpling bakes, or a pretty glass jar to reveal the colorful layers of strawberry matcha.Why People Buy More Than Just IngredientsEngaging videos of mouthwatering edible items evoke emotional responses, but it’s TikTok’s community and approachability that encourage viewers to buy.Food creators promote an aspirational lifestyle. TikTok’s informal video format lets people connect to creators, building loyalty and trust. Users chat in the comments and become a part of the conversation and community. As a result, people feel like they are part of the trend when they make the same recipes as their favorite creators.TikTok food content, dubbed #FoodTok, simplifies cooking. TikTok’s video format shows people how to cook, not just what to make. Creators demonstrate how to use products that make cooking fun and easy. Recent studies show that consumers are more likely to buy products they perceive as useful and low-risk. Repeatedly seeing people recommend products on TikTok builds trust and interest, driving purchases.The Rise of the "Everything" KitchenFood and beverage trends can create demand for entire categories of kitchen equipment. Meal prepping videos made simple high-protein recipes and nifty Tupperware go viral, but they also made workstation sinks and fridge organizers a trend.Instant gratification or a low price is not a reason to buy, according to recent TikTok studies. Consumers are also considering if a product is impactful. They want a fully equipped kitchen that can support the many facets of their daily life, from weekly meal prep to hosting friends and family.More and more people are beginning to make what they want at home and are willing to invest in products to do so. The “cafe-at-home” trend reflects this, with more consumers investing in equipment to re-create specialty coffee drinks at home. After single-dose grinders went viral on TikTok, sales grew 22%.How Social Platforms Are Reshaping Product DiscoveryMost social platforms enable brands to sell products through direct links or through their designated shop feature. TikTok Shop reached 150 million viewers when it launched in 2023. By comparison, the total number of shoppers across all United States social commerce sites at the time was 107 million.People can find products while scrolling on any social platform, but TikTok is uniquely positioned for influential product discovery. Its personalized algorithm purports to promote the “right” content to the “right” audience. Eighty-five percent of TikTok users engage with the content on their “For You” page. The majority of TikTok users rarely post, but actively use the app to view content.People frequently discover products on TikTok, but studies show users' trust in TikTok product reviews has the strongest impact on purchasing behavior. TikTok is a go-to source for people to discover and vet products before buying.What Makes a Kitchen Product Go Viral?“Cooking hacks” is one of TikTok’s top 2026 trends. Kitchen products that simplify the cooking process, are easy to use, or serve multiple purposes, are more likely to go viral.According to TikTok, people are more apt to buy intentionally instead of impulsively. As trends come and go faster than ever, consumers want proof that a product is worth buying. When creators can successfully show the value of a kitchen product in a 30-second video, it’s more likely to gain traction online. Kitchen products with high perceived usefulness can often go viral and drive retail sales.Are Viral Food Trends Changing How We Cook Long-Term?Viral food trends are a relatively new concept, but they influence how and what people cook. TikTok videos make cooking accessible for people who don’t have much time or cooking experience. The app’s food content supports demand for quick, simple recipes with minimal ingredients and equipment.These trends often focus on experimental recipes. Influencers encourage viewers to experiment and get creative in the kitchen. Viral recipes also help people discover new ingredients and cuisines, expanding people’s food preferences and dietary knowledge.While TikTok food content features eye-catching dishes, recipes still feel approachable and low-stakes. Seeing how others display dishes or use new gadgets generates excitement. People may feel more confident to try new recipes and equipment.Research suggests that TikTok can influence users' dietary preferences and eating habits, though its effect on long-term behavior varies. While viral food trends often inspire people to try new recipes or ingredients, it's still unclear whether they'll lead to lasting changes in how people cook.The Kitchen as a Reflection of Internet CultureKitchens will increasingly reflect internet culture if brands adapt to online trends. TikTok shows steady user growth and remains a popular source for new recipes and kitchen products. TikTok’s ability to show how products work and review them in real-time has a significant impact on consumer purchasing behavior. As algorithms become more personalized, product recommendations should improve, driving more consumers to buy.One might conclude from all this that people are hungry for meaningful products that make their lives easier. While trends come and go, kitchen products that save time and simplify the cooking experience will endure.This story was produced by HexClad and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Survey: Retirement still feels achievable for Millennials and Gen Z Survey: Retirement still feels achievable for Millennials and Gen ZDespite living in a time of economic turbulence, Gen Z and Millennials feel positive about retirement, according to a new survey by SoFi. Gen Z is particularly bullish on retirement. Fifty-seven percent say it’s achievable with a plan in place, compared to just 45% of Millennials who feel the same.To find out how Gen Z (ages 18 to 29) and Millennials (ages 30 to 45) are thinking about retirement in the current economic landscape, SoFi surveyed 761 adults who are actively planning for retirement. They discovered that while the concept of retiring is as popular as ever, the definition of what it means to be retirement ready is undergoing a seismic shift as these two generations balance trying to save for the future with the high cost of housing; rising health care expenses; growing debt; and economic, political, and societal uncertainty.Retiring is no longer about leaving the workforce at one certain age, Gen Z and Millennial survey respondents say, but about being flexible, financially resilient, and open to opportunities.Read on to learn about the new reality of retirement for Millennials and Gen Z — and the creative paths they’re forging to get there.Key Survey Findings59% of SoFi survey respondents ages 18 to 45 are actively contributing to a retirement or long-term savings plan.31% are balancing debt or immediate expenses while trying to save whatever they can.77% are very or somewhat confident they can retire comfortably and maintain their desired lifestyle.53% cite inflation as one of their biggest retirement concerns; 48% are most concerned about running out of money.Among those saving or trying to save, 64% have reduced or paused retirement contributions at least occasionally due to financial stress over the last 12 months.32% say economic or market uncertainty is their biggest psychological barrier to saving more.63% say everyday costs or housing payments are the biggest factor affecting their ability to save for the future.The Retirement Divide: Attainable (Gen Z) vs. Uncertain (Millennials)While Millennials and Gen Z are commonly referred to as today’s younger generations, they are distinguished not only by their birth years — 1981-1996 and 1997-2012, respectively — but by their formative experiences. Millennials experienced the 2008 Great Recession firsthand, while Gen Z witnessed the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, retirement is looming larger for the older Millennials.It’s no surprise that the two groups have different viewpoints on retirement. It’s notable, however, that both groups feel hopeful about retirement.Nearly 3 out of 5 Gen Zers and nearly half of Millennials feel retirement is still achievable as long as they have a plan to make it happen. SoFi 51% say retirement is achievable with planningMore than half of SoFi survey participants say retirement is attainable if they take steps to achieve it. For many respondents, preparing for retirement includes putting money in a retirement account, such as contributing to a traditional or Roth individual retirement account (IRA), and/or participating in a 401(k) plan at work.Gen Z is more likely than Millennials to say retirement is achievableGen Z has a far rosier view of retirement than Millennials do. Fifty-seven percent of Gen Z respondents say retirement is achievable with a plan in place, while just 45% of Millennials say the same. And Millennials are twice as likely as Gen Z to describe retirement as uncertain but possible.Still, 43% feel optimistic overall about retirementBoth Millennial and Gen Z survey respondents equally choose “optimistic” over every other answer when it comes to their feelings about retirement. SoFi 32% expect to retire by age 55Millennials and Gen Z even have an age in mind for when they’ll give up the 9-to-5 grind: 32% of all survey participants expect to retire between the ages of 55 and 64, while 31% say they’ll retire in the age 65-to-70 time frame. Almost one-quarter (24%) envision themselves retiring before age 55. Just 4% say they don’t think they can ever retire.Thirty-three percent of respondents expect their retirement to last for 25 years or more. SoFi Yet Despite Their Goals, 49% Have Less Than $25,000 Saved for RetirementEven as they plan to build their retirement savings, however, many SoFi survey respondents still have a long way to go. SoFi 21% have less than $5,000 saved for retirementOf those respondents saving or trying to save for retirement, approximately 1 in 5 say they have less than $5,000 in savings, while 28% report that they have $5,000 to $24,999 socked away.79% have $99,999 or lessMost survey participants have less than $100,000 in their retirement accounts. Nearly half of respondents have an account balance that’s less than $25,000, while 30% have $25,000 to $99,999 saved up.21% have $100,000 or moreOnly about 1 in 5 savers in the survey has hit the six-figure mark: 14% have $100,000 to $249,999 in retirement savings, while 7% have $250,000 or more.Meanwhile, Some Respondents Are Maxing Out AccountsMost respondents who have employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s, and those with IRAs are making the most of their retirement plans by contributing the maximum amounts allowed.75% of employer-sponsored plan users are contributing the maximum amountThree-quarters of respondents with employer-sponsored plans know how much they can contribute annually to their workplace plans, and they make sure to do it.64% of IRA users are maxing out contributionsAlmost two-thirds of those with IRAs are contributing the maximum amount allowed to save more for retirement.However, 36% aren’t maxing out their IRA contributions or say they’re not sure. Individuals can calculate how much they can contribute to an IRA annually so they can see if contributing up to the limit is within their budget.Social Security Is Part of the Plan, But Not the Whole PlanRegardless of predictions that Social Security may be depleted by 2033, according to a report from the Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees, SoFi survey respondents are pretty optimistic about the program’s future. But they are also pragmatic. Most respondents expect Social Security to be just one small piece of their retirement income, while workplace retirement plans, IRAs, and other investment accounts fund the bulk of it.59% are fairly sure Social Security will provide them with retirement incomeThirty-three percent are very confident that Social Security will provide them with meaningful retirement income when they retire, and 26% are somewhat confident. However, 22% are not very confident or have no confidence at all that Social Security will be there for them when they need it.23% expect Social Security to fund the majority of their retirementAlmost one-quarter of respondents think Social Security will be their main funding source. But they’re in the minority: 62% percent of Gen Z and Millennials believe that most of their retirement funding will come from employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s or from personal investment accounts like IRAs or brokerage accounts. Nine percent say continuing to work in some capacity is what will cover their retirement. SoFi Their Retirement Planning Is Not Without Some Trade-offsWhile younger generations are getting a jump start on building their nest egg, they do have some obstacles to overcome, particularly Millennials. SoFi 59% are contributing to a retirement or long-term savings planThe majority of these respondents (almost 60%) are putting money away for retirement. But there is a big generational difference, with Gen Z much more likely to be contributing to a retirement savings plan.Millennials are more likely than Gen Z to be balancing debt and immediate expensesThe Millennial generation is trying to meet the challenge of paying their immediate expenses and debt, while saving for retirement at the same time. This group is in their prime child-raising years, and they likely have more financial obligations. Gen Z, which is under age 30, may have fewer — or smaller — expenses and debts.The difference between the two generations is significant.77% are confident they can retire comfortablyMore than three-quarters of respondents feel they can retire and maintain their desired lifestyle. Millennials and Gen Z feel almost equally confident about this at 78% and 80%, respectively.Survey responses suggest: Gen Z is more positive about retirement and they’re actively planning for it. Millennials are uncertain what the future holds, but they believe a comfortable retirement is possible, and they’re trying to save for it as best they can. Still, saving is a struggle for both generations — almost half of all savers have less than $25,000 in their retirement accounts.Uncertainty Is the Biggest Psychological Barrier to Saving for RetirementGen Z and Millennials are living in unstable times economically, geopolitically, and socially, and that volatility can influence how they handle their finances. Among the survey respondents already saving for retirement, uncertainty about the future is preventing them from directing more money to their retirement savings. SoFi 32% of savers worry that the economy or market will change significantly before they retireFrom a psychological standpoint, economic and market anxiety is by far the number-one savings roadblock for Millennials and Gen Z. In a distant second place is the sense that they’re falling short in retirement savings when compared to others tied with feeling overwhelmed by the number of different investment options available.Millennials are slightly more likely than Gen Z to worry about uncertaintyThirty-four percent of Millennials say economic or market unpredictability is their biggest psychological barrier to saving more for retirement, compared to 32% of Gen Z.For Gen Z, how to invest and what to invest in is a greater obstacle: 21% of respondents in this age group say they feel overwhelmed by the number of investment options available versus 15% of Millennials.Inflation Is Rewriting the Retirement ScriptAccording to the most recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation was 4.2% in May 2026, up from 3.8% in April — the highest it’s been since 2023. It dropped to 3.5% in June.As inflation rises and prices surge, saving for retirement becomes more challenging for both Gen Z and Millennial survey respondents.64% say inflation is causing them to save lessRespondents who are saving for retirement (or trying to) report that inflation is limiting their ability to contribute to their retirement plans. Thirty-nine percent are saving somewhat less because of inflation, while 25% say they are saving significantly less.Inflation is the top retirement concernIt isn’t just the current inflation rate that worries SoFi survey respondents — inflation during retirement is the biggest source of apprehension for Millennials and Gen Z alike. SoFi 63% say everyday costs or housing payments are the biggest barrier to savingAs a result of inflation, the high cost of living expenses, including groceries and utilities, as well as rent or mortgage payments, are taking a big bite out of savings budgets. SoFi 10% aren’t yet savingOne in 10 of all survey respondents describe themselves as not yet saving for retirement or opening an IRA. The main obstacle: affordability. This group feels they don’t have enough extra money to make saving worth it.Some Savers Forced to Pause or Reduce ContributionsFinancial stress has taken a toll on many SoFi survey respondents — literally. Almost two-thirds of those saving or trying to save have had to temporarily stop contributing to their retirement plan, or lower their contribution amount, at least once in the last 12 months.64% have reduced or paused contributions at least occasionallyOf those who had to pull back on retirement plan contributions, 36% did so once or twice, and 28% paused or reduced their amounts three or more times over the past year.Housing Both Hurts and Helps Retirement SavingOwning a home is part of the American dream, but these days, it comes with a steep price tag. The average price of a home in the U.S. at the end of 2025 was $486,000, according to the Urban Institute’s Affordability Tracker. The average rent is $1,890 per month.It’s no wonder then that more than one-third of SoFi survey respondents worry that the cost of housing will put a squeeze on their savings in retirement. Yet at the same time, half of respondents also believe their home will be a significant factor in funding their retirement.34% cite housing affordability as a top retirement concernThe cost of housing ranks as the fourth biggest retirement worry for survey respondents after inflation, running out of money, and health care costs.50% say owning a home will play a major role in funding retirementDespite what it may cost them in mortgage payments, half of all survey respondents expect their home to be instrumental in helping them build their retirement fund. Gen Z is especially likely to call their home a retirement asset: 57% of them believe owning a house will play a major role in funding their retirement, compared to 46% of Millennials who say the same.Survey responses suggest: Affordability, housing costs, and rising prices are a major worry for Gen Z and Millennials now and in the future. As they see how inflation currently curtails their ability to save for retirement, they fear it may also reduce their purchasing power in retirement and effectively make their savings worth less.Gen Z Prioritizes Wealth Acceleration, While Millennials are Security FocusedMany younger adults see the path to retirement as branching out in different directions, rather than one straight road. For them, the years leading up to it, and retirement itself, are a chance to embrace new opportunities. SoFi 37% say their top retirement goal is passive incomeAcross the board, the respondents to SoFi’s survey say their primary retirement goal is to have enough passive income coming in to ensure that they never have to work again.Gen Z feels particularly passionate about passive income: 40% say it’s their number-one retirement goal versus 35% of Millennials who feel that way.Gen Z is slightly more likely than Millennials to choose building net worth as fast as possible as their top retirement goal. Millennials prefer to reach a basic level of security for retirement.In Spite of the Challenges, Market Volatility Has Not Pushed Most Savers Off CourseAlthough they are clearly concerned about what the future might hold, the ups and downs of the stock market have not caused respondents to change their original long-term investment strategy.38% have remained true to their original investment planMost believe that consistency is key and have stayed to the investment roadmap they first mapped out. Twenty-two percent reported increasing their contributions to take advantage of lower prices.Only 9% have temporarily pulled back due specifically to market volatilityA small group of respondents say they have momentarily paused or reduced their contributions because of ups and downs in the market, while 20% have moved some of their assets into more conservative or stable options.Side Hustles Are Helping Some Save Extra for RetirementTaking on extra work allows some Millennials and Gen Zers to save more money for retirement, but overall, most survey respondents are trying to build their nest egg with earnings from their primary job.32% of savers have a job on the sideAmong respondents who are saving or trying to save for retirement, almost one-third say they use income from a side hustle or freelance work to boost their retirement savings.Another 10% use cash-back rewards or microinvesting apps to increase their savings for retirement, and 5% use passive income they make from rental properties or dividends.53% rely solely on their primary salaryStill, more than half of savers use only their main source of income to increase their retirement savings. Some savers consider automating their finances as part of their approach.The TakeawayOverall, Gen Z and Millennials are hopeful about retirement and believe they can achieve it with a plan in place. Many of them have started to save, and while the amounts in their retirement accounts may be modest, they are on the path to building wealth for the future.At the same time, both generations are facing a multitude of financial challenges, including inflation, economic uncertainty, high housing costs, health care expenses, and debt. Many have had to temporarily pause or stop spending at least once because of financial pressures.But still, they are flexible and resilient, and ready to pivot when need be. The majority of respondents are contributing to a retirement plan, and some have taken side gigs to boost their retirement contributions. While many are counting on passive income streams to help power them through retirement, others plan on working into their golden years. Millennials and Gen Z are recreating what it means to be retired and how to achieve their financial goals.About the SurveyFindings are based on an online survey of 761 U.S. adults aged 18 to 45 who are actively involved in retirement planning/saving. The survey was conducted in March 2026. Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding, and select questions allowed multiple responses.This story was produced by SoFi and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	New Iowa County poultry processor fills gap for Eastern Iowa farmers A new poultry processing facility in Iowa County is giving Eastern Iowa farmers a closer option for getting their birds ready to sell, ending drives that once stretched more than two hours each way.
	Iowa State Fair vendors set up early around rain delays With rain expected Friday afternoon in Des Moines, vendors and campers were out on the Iowa State Fairgrounds setting up on Thursday.
	What are private markets and how can you invest? What are private markets and how can you invest?When it comes to investment opportunities, publicly traded securities like stocks and bonds dominate the conversation. However, private holdings offer intriguing prospects for investors looking to diversify their portfolios and tap into unique opportunities. They also make up a huge universe of investments beyond the publicly traded markets. For example, while there are 4,000 public companies with annual revenues over $100 million in the U.S., there are over 17,000 private companies of the same size. In this guide, Wealth Enhancement explains what private markets are and what you need to know before you invest.What Are Private Markets?Private markets refer to investments that are not listed on public exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ. Instead, they involve assets and securities that are privately held and traded among select investors. These markets encompass a broad range of asset classes.Unlike public markets, private markets are characterized by their illiquidity and limited transparency. Investors in private markets typically commit capital for extended periods, and transactions are conducted privately, often through direct negotiations rather than open market bidding.Private markets can be broadly divided into several major categories:Private Equity: Investments made in privately held companies, either to support growth, restructure operations, or facilitate buyouts. Private equity firms pool capital from investors to acquire stakes in these companies, and some strategies may include co-investments alongside a lead sponsor.Venture Capital: Private equity focused on early-stage, high-growth startups. Venture capitalists invest in young companies with innovative ideas and high growth potential. However, this type of investment also comes with significant risk.Private Debt or Private Credit: Loans provided directly to companies or projects, often as an alternative to traditional bank financing. Private credit can include direct lending, mezzanine financing, asset-based lending, distressed debt, specialty finance and venture debt.Real Estate and Infrastructure: Investments in physical assets like commercial properties, residential developments, private/non-traded real estate investment trusts (REIT) and infrastructure projects such as toll roads, utilities and airports.Secondaries: Investments that involve buying existing interests in private funds or private companies from other investors. Secondaries may offer exposure to more mature assets, though pricing, liquidity and transparency can still vary.How investors can access private marketsWork with professional fund managers through private equity, venture capital, private credit, real estate or infrastructure funds.Consider registered or semi-liquid vehicles such as interval funds, tender-offer funds, business development companies (BDC) or private/non-traded REITs when appropriate.Explore co-investments, secondaries or online platforms if they fit your goals, eligibility, risk tolerance and liquidity needs.Private Markets vs. Public Markets Wealth Enhancement Pros and Cons of Investing in Private MarketsPrivate markets have unique features with several potential benefits that help differentiate them from public markets. However, private markets are not without their fair share of challenges and risks, so whether or not you should include this type of investing in your portfolio is something you should discuss with a financial advisor.Here are some of the positive aspects of investing in private markets:Diversification. Private markets provide access to asset classes and strategies that are not typically available in public markets, like alternatives, real estate and venture capital. Investing in these types of assets can potentially help you mitigate risk by spreading investments across different sectors and regions.Higher Returns. Over the last 25 or so years, private markets have delivered strong returns compared to public markets—particularly in private equity and venture capital. By investing in private companies with high growth potential, investors may achieve significant gains.Strategic Investment. Investors in private markets often work closely with the companies or projects they fund, providing strategic guidance and support. This active involvement can contribute to the success of the investment.Access to Unique Opportunities. Private markets enable investors to participate in cutting-edge innovations, transformative projects, and other ventures that may be unavailable to the general public.Here are some potential risks of investing in private markets:Illiquidity. Investments in private markets are typically long-term commitments, with capital tied up for years. Unlike public markets, where assets can be sold quickly, private market investments require patience.Volatility and Risk. While private markets are less susceptible to day-to-day market fluctuations, they are not immune to economic downturns or shifts in industry dynamics. Poorly timed or improperly vetted investments can result in substantial losses.Limited Transparency. Private market transactions often lack the regulatory oversight and transparency of public markets. Investors must rely on detailed due diligence to assess the viability of an investment opportunity.High Entry Barriers. Many private market investments have high minimum requirements, making them less accessible to smaller investors. Additionally, these opportunities are often limited to accredited investors or institutional funds.Private Market Due Diligence Checklist Wealth Enhancement How Can You Invest in Private Markets?If you’re intrigued by the idea of investing in private markets, here are a handful of steps to help you get started:Step 1: Assess Your Investment GoalsBefore diving into private markets, evaluate your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. As mentioned above, private markets often require a long-term commitment, so be prepared for your money to be tied up for a long time.Step 2: Understand Accreditation RequirementsIn many countries, private market investments are restricted to accredited investors—individuals or entities meeting certain income, net worth, investment, asset or financial sophistication thresholds. Seek out help from a financial advisor to check your eligibility and ensure you meet the criteria before investing. You should also review whether the investment aligns with your broader financial plan, including investment management, tax strategies, retirement income planning, estate planning and risk management.Step 3: Partner with Professional Fund ManagersMany private market opportunities are accessible through specialized funds managed by professionals. Consider investing in private equity funds, venture capital funds, private credit funds, real estate funds, infrastructure funds, secondaries funds or co-investment opportunities. Morgan Stanley notes that alternative investment offerings can span private equity, private credit, real assets, infrastructure, co-investments and secondaries, with vehicle types ranging from private placements to semi-liquid and registered funds.Step 4: Leverage Alternative Investment PlatformsIn recent years, online platforms have emerged to provide wider access to private markets. These platforms connect investors with opportunities such as startups, real estate projects, and private lending.Investors may also encounter interval funds, tender-offer funds, business development companies, private or non-traded REITs and other semi-liquid structures. Morgan Stanley describes registered funds and evergreen vehicles as structures that can provide broader access to alternatives, while Investor.gov explains that interval funds typically repurchase shares only periodically and may limit how much shareholders can redeem at one time.Interval funds and tender-offer funds may offer periodic liquidity, but they do not provide the same liquidity as publicly traded stocks or ETFs. BDCs may provide exposure to private credit or middle-market lending, while private or non-traded REITs may provide real estate exposure with limited liquidity. Each structure should be reviewed carefully before investing.Step 5: Conduct Due DiligenceThorough research is vital to succeeding in private markets. Evaluate the management team, financial health, growth prospects, and industry conditions before making a commitment.The due diligence process should also include a review of liquidity terms, fees, lockups, capital calls, valuation practices, tax reporting, manager experience, conflicts of interest and how the investment fits within your overall portfolio.Who Can Invest in Private Markets?Many private market investments are limited to accredited investors, qualified purchasers, institutional investors or other eligible investors because they are offered through exemptions from public registration. According to the SEC, individuals may qualify as accredited investors if they have net worth over $1 million, excluding a primary residence, income over $200,000 individually or $300,000 with a spouse or partner in each of the prior two years with a reasonable expectation of the same for the current year, or certain professional credentials such as Series 7, Series 65 or Series 82 licenses. Some registered funds or listed vehicles may be available to a broader investor base, but they still require careful review of liquidity, fees, risks and suitability.Final ThoughtsPrivate markets represent an exciting frontier for investors seeking to diversify and access unique opportunities. While they usually come with higher risks and entry barriers, they may offer substantial rewards for those willing to commit the time and resources necessary to navigate their complexities.Frequently Asked Questions About Private Markets1. What are private markets?Private markets are investments that are not listed or traded on public exchanges like the NYSE or Nasdaq. They can include private equity, venture capital, private credit, real estate, infrastructure and secondaries. Unlike public stocks and bonds, private market investments are usually accessed through select funds, managers, platforms or direct investment opportunities.2. What is the difference between private markets and public markets?The main difference is access and liquidity. Public market investments, such as listed stocks, bonds, ETFs and mutual funds, are generally available to everyday investors and can often be bought or sold more easily. Private market investments are not publicly traded, may have limited transparency and often require longer holding periods, lockups or restricted redemption windows.3. How can investors access private markets?Investors can access private markets through private equity funds, venture capital funds, private credit funds, real estate funds, infrastructure funds, secondaries, co-investments, interval funds, tender-offer funds, business development companies, private REITs and certain online investment platforms. The right access point depends on eligibility, investment minimums, liquidity needs, risk tolerance and overall portfolio fit.4. Who can invest in private markets?Many private market investments are limited to accredited investors, qualified purchasers or institutional investors. Under SEC criteria, an individual may qualify as an accredited investor by meeting certain income, net worth or professional credential standards, such as net worth over $1 million excluding a primary residence, or income over $200,000 individually or $300,000 with a spouse or partner in each of the prior two years with a reasonable expectation of the same for the current year.6. Are private market investments risky?Yes. Private market investments can involve significant risks, including illiquidity, limited transparency, valuation uncertainty, higher fees, capital calls, tax complexity and the potential loss of some or all of your investment. Investor.gov notes that private placements can be highly illiquid and may involve increased risk, including the possibility of total loss.7. Are private markets a good way to diversify a portfolio?Private markets may help diversify a portfolio by providing exposure to companies, loans, real assets or strategies that are not available through traditional public markets. However, diversification does not eliminate risk, and private markets may not be suitable for every investor. Before investing, it’s important to evaluate liquidity needs, fees, tax impact, manager experience and how the investment fits into your broader financial plan.This story was produced by Wealth Enhancement and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs in a sign of a wilting labor market U.S. employers cut 23,000 jobs in July, and job gains for the two previous months were weaker than initially reported, according to a report Friday from the Labor Department.
	Best and worst states for drivers: 2026 study Best and worst states for drivers: 2026 studyCar ownership consumes a major share of many household budgets. Between loan payments, maintenance, fuel, and auto insurance, the cost of owning and operating a vehicle now averages more than $11,000 per year. Even as U.S. cities and counties increase investment in public transportation, more than 90% of American households own or lease at least one vehicle.SmartAsset set out to determine which states are best for drivers and which are most challenging for car ownership. The analysis examined four metrics in each state: traffic fatalities per 100 million miles driven, the share of interstate highways in good condition, gasoline costs relative to median household income, and auto insurance costs relative to median household income. The metrics were combined into a composite score used to rank each state.Key FindingsMassachusetts ranked as the best state for drivers. While Boston may be known for difficult parking and heavy congestion, Massachusetts ranked No. 1 overall in the analysis.The state that pioneered the modern freeway system is one of the worst for drivers. California helped pioneer modern freeway design with the opening of the Arroyo Seco Parkway in 1940, but high gasoline and auto insurance costs and below-average highway quality pushed the state into the bottom quartile at No. 39.Gasoline costs look different when adjusted for income. Regular gas is the most expensive by pump price in California, Hawai‘i, and Washington, where it averages more than $5 per gallon. But relative to median household income, gasoline costs are highest in Mississippi, Nevada, and West Virginia.Rhode Island has the lowest traffic fatality rate. Rhode Island had the lowest traffic fatality rate in the study, at 0.5 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. West Virginia had the highest rate, at 1.6 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. SmartAsset SmartAsset 10 Best States for Drivers1. Massachusetts—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.28%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 3.08%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 0.6—Interstate highways in good condition: 69%2. Minnesota—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.33%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 3.46%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 0.6—Interstate highways in good condition: 71%3. New Jersey—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.54%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 3.08%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 0.7—Interstate highways in good condition: 70%4. North Dakota—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.17%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 3.77%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 0.8—Interstate highways in good condition: 81%5. Utah—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.26%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 3.47%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 0.7—Interstate highways in good condition: 67%6. Connecticut—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.49%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 3.44%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 0.7—Interstate highways in good condition: 73%7. New Hampshire—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 0.98%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 3.22%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 0.9—Interstate highways in good condition: 60%8. Wisconsin—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.22%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 3.88%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 0.8—Interstate highways in good condition: 71%9. Indiana—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.36%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 3.69%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 0.9—Interstate highways in good condition: 71%10. South Dakota—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.43%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 3.96%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 1—Interstate highways in good condition: 84%10 Worst States for Drivers1. Louisiana—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 3.08%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 4.62%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 1.3—Interstate highways in good condition: 22%2. Mississippi—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 2.24%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 4.79%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 1.4—Interstate highways in good condition: 57%3. West Virginia—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.91%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 5.19%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 1.6—Interstate highways in good condition: 78%4. Hawai‘i—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 0.94%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 4.14%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 1.3—Interstate highways in good condition: 15%5. Montana—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.49%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 4.31%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 1.4—Interstate highways in good condition: 40%6. Oregon—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.41%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 4.50%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 1.2—Interstate highways in good condition: 40%7. Arizona—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.75%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 4.21%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 1.4—Interstate highways in good condition: 51%8. Maine—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.15%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 4.19%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 1.1—Interstate highways in good condition: 21%9. New Mexico—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.82%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 4.43%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 1.4—Interstate highways in good condition: 61%10. Arkansas—Insurance premium, as a percentage of median annual household income: 1.98%—Price of a tank of gas, as a percentage of median weekly household income: 4.63%—Auto fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 1.3—Interstate highways in good condition: 69%* Insurance affordability reflects the latest available state-level per-vehicle premiums relative to the estimated 2026 median household income. Results are comparative estimates, not current premium-to-income ratios.MethodologyFour variables were selected to evaluate each state: average retail gasoline price from AAA as of June 3, 2026; average per-vehicle auto insurance premium from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ 2022/2023 Auto Insurance Database Report, published in December 2025; the share of interstate highway pavement rated good in the most recent year available from the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Performance Monitoring System; and the traffic fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s early estimate for the first half of 2025. Insurance premiums were adjusted relative to each state’s median household income. The estimated current median household income was calculated by adjusting each state’s 2024 median household income from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey one-year estimates using growth in the Employment Cost Index for private-industry wages and salaries from the 2024 annual average through the first quarter of 2026. Gasoline costs are presented as the estimated price of a 15-gallon tank. Annual median household income was divided by 52 to express gasoline costs as a share of weekly household income. Because comparable state-level insurance data are released with a lag, insurance affordability reflects the latest available premiums relative to the estimated 2026 income. Results should be interpreted as comparative estimates rather than current premium-to-income ratios. Each state’s values were normalized and combined into a composite index using weighted aggregation. Source data providers are not affiliated with, and do not endorse or sponsor, this study or its findings.This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Vending machines with free public health supplies help fight opioid overdoses Vending machines with free public health supplies help fight opioid overdosesIn the scrum of the Knicks ticker-tape parade in Lower Manhattan two weeks ago, an off-duty EMT volunteer spotted a stranger showing signs of a drug overdose.Acting fast, Simone Kelly found someone in the crowd who happened to be carrying naloxone, an over-the-counter drug used to quickly reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, and administered the nasal spray. The man did not die.New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin relayed this anecdote in June in Staten Island as he and community health leaders announced the arrival of two vending machines that stock “public health” supplies like naloxone kits, also known by the brand name Narcan. Everything in the machine is free.“Were it not for that individual, and were it not for that Narcan, this person may not be here with us today,” Martin said outside the A Chance in Life health nonprofit, in front of one of the new machines, per Healthbeat’s reporting. “The public health vending machines make it more likely that those kinds of life-saving scenarios will happen again in the future.”The machines have been installed in Staten Island’s North Shore neighborhoods after Adrienne Abbate, executive director of Partnerships for Community Wellness, submitted a proposal to obtain funding from the city’s opioid settlement fund. The pool of money is providing $12 million to expand drug prevention, treatment, and recovery services, as well as harm reduction services, in Staten Island. Trenton Daniel // Healthbeat Brooklyn and Queens had already had two machines each since 2023, and Abbate had seen a stark need for the machines in the North Shore area, where fatal overdoses had outnumbered other parts of the borough.Mirroring nationwide trends, New York City began to see a spike in fatal drug overdoses around 2014 and then peaked in 2022. That year, the city recorded 3,070 fatal drug overdoses, a figure that has since dropped significantly, according to a city Health Department report in October 2025.The decline was noticeable in Staten Island. After recording the city’s second-highest overdose death rate, the borough dropped to the second-lowest overdose death rate in 2024, according to the city’s Health Department.Experts attributed the drop in death rates to a combination of factors, including wider availability of naloxone, expanded access to medication, and investment in harm reduction services.The highest rates of fatal overdoses in the city persist in parts of the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Central Brooklyn, according to recent data from the city Health Department.Today, first responders carry naloxone and so do local pharmacies — for around $25 — and almost all public institutions in New York state are required to carry naloxone on their premises, according to the Health Department. Every school in New York City stocks naloxone, and school nurses are trained to administer treatment.But the cost and location can be barriers, especially during an emergency, and the new machines aim to make naloxone more readily available.“No matter the time or day of the week, community members will have a chance to come grab free supplies and start carrying the tools to protect our neighbors — on the bus, walking on the street, or driving in the car,” Abbate said. “No insurance or appointment needed.”In addition to naloxone, the machines provide emergency contraception pills, condoms, and socks. Users of machines are asked to enter a ZIP code, which is logged.Abbate said the decisions about what to stock in the machines come from research that included conversations with people in recovery and others still using drugs.This story was produced by Healthbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Can Role Model move past his viral moment by leaning into authenticity? The singer, who had a viral hit last year with "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out," filled his follow-up album, Chuck Timely & The Hourglass, with dive bar jukebox melodies and live instrumentation.
	Culver's in LeClaire opens Monday with ribbon-cutting ceremony The first 50 customers who make a purchase on grand opening day will each receive a surprise prize from MJP LeClaire.
	A new vaccine could vanquish a major cause of deadly diarrheal disease Over 1 million people a year die from diarrheal disease. Nearly half are kids under age 5. A new vaccine in trials offers great hope.
	Showers and storms possible later today After a stretch of comfortable temperatures, hotter weather is in the forecast later this weekend. Showers and storms are possible this afternoon and we'll see a daily chance into the middle of next week. There will be many dry hours, too. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	'No more family Christmases': How I reported on farm succession planning Talks on life, death and legacy directed my connections with Illinois farmers and strengthened my reporting to close out 10 weeks in the Quad-Cities.
	Life, death and taxes: How Illinois farmers navigate passing down family farms Talking about death is challenging, but farmers are engaging in the discussion more and more while the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history looms.
	World Tour This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.If you're on a tight budget and can't afford that nine-thousand-dollar cruise around the world in 80 days, drop over to…
	East Moline receives $5 million sewer infrastructure expansion grant The City of East Moline received a $5 million Capital Ready Grant. According to a release, the grant came from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Regional Site Readiness Program. It will be used to extend sanitary sewer service to the I-80/I-88 Industrial Site. East Moline received the maximum award available through the [...]
	Rock Island receives $120,000 industrial economic development grant The City of Rock Island received a $120,000 Regional Site Readiness grant. According to a release, the grant came from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. It will be used to prepare a 53-acre site along Illinois 92 south of Sunset Park for industrial economic development. City council members approved rezoning the acreage [...]
	Kalshi and Polymarket bets on clinical trials criticized as 'ghastly' Researchers warn betting on clinical trials could incentivize insider trading and interfere with drug development. But Kalshi and Polymarket say they provide valuable information to patients.
	Everyone's talking about hormone therapy for menopause. Should I be on it? For years doctors advised women against hormone therapy for women in the menopausal transition. Now everyone's talking about how great it is. Is it really a wonder drug that women should all be on?
	When tragedy strikes, America's wildland firefighters ask, was it 'somebody that we loved?' Deaths and close calls while fighting wildfires have strained an already on-edge workforce. They've also raised questions about policies and priorities amid an intense wildfire season.
	Who or what is 'taking a step back from visibility'? The quiz knows Plus, if you know what "TMZ" stands for, you'll get at least on question right this week!
	Amid cost of living stress, many parents are supporting children well into adulthood Polls show most Americans think young adults today have it harder financially than past generations. A majority of parents help their grown children with expenses, even if it hurts their own finances.
	Why Andy Cohen is a Deadhead for life Over the last decade, reality TV mogul Andy Cohen has been spotted dancing at concerts for Dead & Company. But his ties to the Grateful Dead go much farther than that.
	Salmonella vs. cyclosporiasis: How to tell what you have Thousands of people have been infected with foodborne illnesses so far this year.
	Cook review: 'One Night Only' rom-com is a sometimes-funny uneven mess Remember when romantic comedies drew in mass audiences? That was before horror and sequels seemed to take over the box office. Some of them were formulaic, but viewers knew what to expect with a meet-cute, some kind of challenge that seems insurmountable, and a sweet ending in which the couple ends up together. This has [...]
	Student shoots multiple people at a high school in Thailand, authorities say The shooter was a student and deaths and injuries were reported.
	Student kills at least 6 in a shooting at a high school in Thailand, authorities say Authorities said the motive was still being investigated.
	Court orders Instagram and Facebook's Meta to pay $567M to address kids' mental health online Judge Bryan Biedscheid said in a ruling late Thursday that the bulk of the money will be used for treatment services for young people.
	WQPT partners with Rock Island native to bring “Forgotten Quad Cities” to screen WQPT PBS is partnering with former Quad Cities resident Jared Howe to launch a new original local history series, “Snapshots Presents: Forgotten Quad Cities.”
Thursday, August 6th, 2026
	Collette's dueling piano bar will not reopen The bar closed in April due to plumbing issues, and owners said a number of problems since then have made it impossible to reopen.
	Crow Creek Park hosts international dekhockey tournament Quad City DekHockey hosted 62 teams from across the U.S. and Canada for a week of skateless floor hockey.
	"American Pickers'" Rob Wolfe hosts antique swap and auction in the QCA An event for fans of antique items and collectibles is taking place at the Bend XPO Center. The Rust Belt Americana Antique Swap and Auction is in East Moline at 922 Mississippi Parkway, from August 6th through August 8th. The event is presented by Rob Wolfe who is best known for his work in the [...]
	Herbert Hoover Museum and Library reopens after major renovations After the first major renovations in over three decades, the Herbert Hoover Museum and Library reopened on Thursday. The museum was closed since January 2025. Now it is a completely reimagined look at the life and legacy of Herbert Hoover. "This an extraordinary update and modernization of Herbert Hoover and Lou Henry Hoover's story," said [...]
	Roger Craig’s Quad Cities chiropractor helped align Hall of Fame career Chiropractic physician Mitch Mally helped Roger Craig rarely miss a game during his 11 NFL seasons.
	Augustana College sees record transfer enrollment Augustana College expects to enroll around 80 transfer students in 2026, nearly double the number from five or six years ago, officials said.
	Teammates for life; the story of Roger Craig & Jamie Williams Before Roger Craig was the big man on campus at Davenport Central high school, he was the new kid at Jefferson Elementary after moving from Mississippi to the Quad Cities.
	Davenport police arrest New Jersey man on kidnapping and child sex abuse materials charges Davenport police arrested a New Jersey man accused of hindering a girl from leaving and allegedly possessing child sex abuse materials.
	Step way back in time to Dino Days at the Putnam Take a step way back in time to Dino Days! According to a release, Dino Days is back at the Putnam Museum and Science Center. Dinosaur lovers of all ages can embark on a prehistoric adventure as the Putnam transforms into a dinosaur-filled destination featuring hands-on activities, family entertainment, educational experiences, and blockbuster dinosaur-themed films. [...]
	Lane closures on I-280 Mississippi River Bridge begin Aug. 10 IDOT said the closures are for routine inspections.
	Orion 6-year-old named Iowa Kid Captain after rare disease journey Harlow Taube has already undergone 300+ infusions at Stead Family Children's Hospital. She'll be honored at the home opener on Sept. 5.
	The Heart of the Story: The drive to succeed Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies, and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. A young drag racer is carrying on a [...]
	Sam Hunt, Bailey Zimmerman coming to the Mississippi Valley Fair in 2027! The Mississippi Valley Fair has announced country stars Bailey Zimmerman and Sam Hunt as grandstand acts for the 2027 fair.
	Illinois Quad Cities projects receiving over $7M in state funding East Moline, Rock Island and Galesburg were all awarded a portion of $35 million that the state is distributing to 22 sites across the state.
	Iowa governor’s race puts term limits debate in spotlight The race for Iowa governor is drawing new attention to whether state lawmakers should face term limits, a change that would require those same lawmakers to approve restrictions on their own time in office.
	High school athletic trainer charged for inappropriate relationship with student, deputies say A high school athletic trainer has been charged after deputies said she had an inappropriate relationship with a student, deputies say.
	Fire officials sound alarm about battery facility proposed near Milan The facility would include 200 battery units, each the size of a semi-trailer.
	Man convicted in Moline double-homicide wants new trial Martinez’s lawyer filed a motion for acquittal or a new trial on July 27, according to court documents.
	Trump signs 2 immigration actions to curb 'birth tourism,' limit birthright citizenship Additional details weren't provided, but Trump said he thought his latest actions would be constitutional.
	News 8 Sports Director Kory Kuffler previews 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction Kuffler and photojournalist Cesar Sanchez made the drive to Canton to Roger Craig's induction.
	Meet one of the 3 local kids chosen for this year's Iowa Kid Captains: Harlow Taube Six-year-old Harlow Taube of Orion will be honored during Iowa's game against Northern Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 5.
	Des Moines Planned Parenthood is last in Iowa offering in-person services Officials with Planned Parenthood said other states may feel the burden as those seeking care can no longer travel to their Iowa City clinic.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted in RI Co. for man facing drug, weapon charges Crime Stoppers is looking for Juan M. Paniagua-Herrera, wanted in Rock Island County for failing to appear on meth and weapon possession charges.
	Crime Stoppers: Davenport police search for 3 suspects in July assault Davenport police are asking for help identifying three suspects wanted in connection with an early morning assault in July.
	Crime Stoppers: Fugitive escapes from work release The Iowa High Risk Unit is searching for 32-year-old Michael Noe after he escaped from a Davenport work release program. Tips are anonymous.
	Land of 10,000 Stories \| Driven Differently: Roadtrips with a Twist Most people have been on a roadtrip, but these people take roadtrips to a whole new level.
	I-80 and Middle Road interchange in Bettendorf to reopen Friday afternoon City officials said weather caused a slight delay in work on the Gateway Bridge, but the interchange should still be open before the Friday evening commute.
	Iran aims to ban U.S. and Israeli ships from Strait of Hormuz and charge others a toll Iran's parliament is reviewing a plan to ban ships linked to the U.S., Israel and other "hostile countries" from transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration has rejected the plan.

Friday, August 7th, 2026

Thursday, August 6th, 2026