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

Thursday, June 11th, 2026
	Deere hiring, calling back staff at Davenport, Dubuque Works Increased demand is leading John Deere Dubuque Works and Davenport Works to call back employees and hire others. Deere announced that it plans to hire 30 employees at its Dubuque Works facility after employee callbacks were completed. Davenport Works is calling back 20 employees to the facility. The hiring in Dubuque and callbacks in Davenport [...]
	Niabi Zoo hosting Pride Night Niabi Zoo is celebrating inclusion, community and conservation during Pride Night on Thursday, June 18, as part of its Zoo Nights summer event series. Pride Night will be co-hosted with Quad Cities Pride Alliance and allows guests to explore the zoo during extended evening hours while enjoying family-friendly entertainment, community activities and animal experiences. Visitors [...]
	Ariana Grande's new song debuts at No. 1, keeping a streak alive Ariana Grande is about to release her eighth album, Petal. With "Hate That I Made You Love Me," she continues an impressive and unusual streak on the charts.
	Need to generate some extra income? Your home may hold the keys Need to generate some extra income? Your home may hold the keysMost people think of their home as the place where their money is spent on rent or mortgage payments, maintenance and repairs, insurance, property taxes, etc. Fewer think of it as an income generator. But for a growing number of Americans, their home has become an important source of additional cash flow.You don’t need to buy a rental property, hire a property manager, or become a full-time landlord to generate income from real estate. In many cases, the opportunity is already sitting inside the home you live in, and it might be a spare bedroom, a driveway, or a patch of yard you never thought twice about.The strategy has a name: house hacking. It’s been around for decades, went viral during the Covid pandemic, and has since evolved into something more practical and accessible than its social media reputation suggests.Below, RentRedi reveals how house hacking can help you generate extra income from your home.Key TakeawaysHouse hacking allows homeowners to generate income by renting out parts of their home, such as bedrooms or driveways.The strategy gained popularity during the pandemic due to low mortgage rates and rising rents, making housing more affordable for many.House hacking remains relevant as home prices continue to rise, offering a way to reduce monthly mortgage costs and build equity.Creative options for house hacking include renting storage spaces, parking spots, or even unique properties for events.Modern technology simplifies management tasks, enhancing profitability and making house hacking a viable option even for those new to real estate.How house hacking became a household wordThe basic idea of house hacking — buying a property, living in part of it, and renting out the rest to offset your costs — isn’t new. Smaller, independent landlords have long known that a duplex or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can make owning a home far more affordable.In 2013, Brandon Turner, a prominent real estate investing influencer, wrote a blog post for BiggerPockets that outlined how to “hack” your home and get paid to live in it. The premise had mass appeal, because it offered a viable solution to the unaffordable housing crisis.The strategy found a devoted following in real estate investing communities throughout the 2010s, but the pandemic era took it to new heights. Historically low mortgage rates along with fast appreciation and rising rents made covering a mortgage payment with rental income genuinely achievable for many buyers. And thanks to content creators with large followings who promoted house hacking, the idea reached people who had never thought about real estate investing before.When interest rates climbed sharply starting in 2022, however, the math changed, and the conditions that made the pandemic-era version of house hacking so compelling narrowed considerably, turning the fast, outsized returns that social media had promoted into an outcome that was harder to replicate. The house hacking trend has since shifted to a more stable, long-term strategy for improving finances and building wealth.Why house hacking still makes senseHouse hacking has stayed relevant because of shifts in the housing market. Home prices rose about 45% between 2020 and mid-2025. During that same period, monthly mortgage costs on the median-priced U.S. home more than doubled, rising from roughly $1,200 to over $2,500. For many, the appeal of house hacking today is simpler than building a portfolio: A few hundred (or even thousand) extra dollars a month makes a meaningful dent in a mortgage. Over time, that income can help you pay down the loan and build equity faster. That opens up more real options to build on that momentum, such as renovating, selling, or buying something else.House hacking is especially appealing to those trying to enter the homebuying market for the first time. In fact, a 2023 Zillow survey found that 55% of Millennial and 51% of Gen Z homebuyers rated the ability to rent out part of their home as very or extremely important in their purchase decisions, up eight percentage points from previous years and compared to 39% of all homebuyers.Real estate investor Malika McCalla started house hacking just out of college, when she bought her first home for $155,000 and rented a room to another student while completing her graduate studies. The rental income helped her pay the mortgage, build equity, renovate the property and sell it for a profit. She then used that equity to invest in multifamily properties and scale to five rental units. “This is one of the best ways to get started in real estate,” she says, “if you are patient and consistent, results will follow.”Creative ways to rent out propertyTraditional approaches to house hacking involve renting out a bedroom, converted garage, finished basement, or ADU in your single family home, or purchasing a small multi-unit property (a duplex, triplex, or fourplex) and living in one unit while renting out the others. These are the most efficient ways to build cash flow quickly, but they aren’t always feasible or desirable options.If you don’t have the capital to purchase a property, or you simply don’t feel comfortable sharing living spaces with strangers, there are plenty of other ways to rent out property. Think creatively about what you already have that others might need. Even smaller spaces can generate impressive returns.Renting out parking spots, garages, or driveways offers steady, low-maintenance income. In big cities like New York, parking spaces average around $400 per month according to Spacer. Rates in smaller cities generally run between $150 and $300.Storage space rentals are another overlooked opportunity. If you have an unused attic, basement, or shed, you can rent it out for storage. Industry data from SpareFoot shows that, as of May 2026, the average monthly rent for a 10x20 ft. self-storage unit in the U.S. is $130. Prices vary widely by size and location, of course, and private rentals are typically priced somewhat lower than commercial units. So, for example, if you were to charge $100/month for each space, five spaces could bring in $500 monthly with minimal investment and management.Larger or more distinctive properties with expansive yards, gardens, pools, or unique architecture can be in high demand for filming locations, photoshoots, and events. Event venues typically earn $50–$275 per hour in 2026, while the average rate for a filming venue is $5,000 per day. Even home gyms and pools have found audiences among people who want access to equipment without a gym membership.Lady Landlords founder Becky Nova, who credits house hacking with launching her investing career, puts it plainly: “It is a fantastic way to tip your toe into being a landlord and is an amazing way to leverage finances to really pick up an asset that generates cash flow, even if you don’t have a lot of capital on hand.”Practical steps for getting startedIf you’re considering house hacking, here are a few things worth thinking through before you start:Check local regulations: Zoning laws, HOA rules, and short-term rental regulations vary widely. Make sure the type of rental you’re considering is permitted in your area before listing anything.Get the numbers right: Calculate what you’d realistically earn, factor in any costs (repairs, service fees, taxes), and make sure the income justifies the effort and any upfront investment.Start simple: You don’t need to convert a basement or build an ADU to start. Renting a bedroom or a parking space is a low-friction way to test the model and build confidence before scaling.Use the right tools: Property management software makes it easier to run things professionally from the start, which protects both you and your tenants and sets better habits for when you grow. Technology makes it more manageable (and more profitable)One reason people hesitate to rent out property is the management side: finding tenants, collecting rent, handling repairs. The reality is that property management apps have made most of those tasks much simpler, and the data shows the right tools also make rentals more profitable.RentRedi’s internal data found that tenants who went through a formal screening process paid rent 17 days faster and on time about 90% of the time. Landlords whose tenants use autopay see on-time payment rates of 99%, compared to 88% for those who don’t — a gap that holds even for tenants with weaker credit histories. That kind of consistency is the difference between rental income that reliably contributes to cash flow and income you’re constantly chasing.Beyond payments, modern apps handle lease signing, maintenance requests, income and expense tracking, and tenant communication from one place, and from your mobile phone. That’s a significant part of what makes house hacking a realistic option for people who aren’t looking to make landlording a second career. This story was produced by RentRedi and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport Schools cancel today's Summer Meals Program due to weather An email from Davenport Community School District says the Summer Meals Program scheduled for today, June 11, is canceled due to weather.
	John Deere hiring 20 workers back to Davenport John Deere will be hiring 20 workers back to Davenport Works
	The only states where you can find the last drive-in movie theaters in the US Michael Williamson // The Washington Post via Getty Images States with the most drive-in movie theaters Drive-in theaters evoke nostalgia, a step back to the 1950s. The first opened in New Jersey in 1933, when opening night drew people from at least 20 states to watch movies outdoors from their cars. Drive-ins reached their peak in popularity in the mid-1950s, with more than 4,000 operating across the country. But by the late 1970s, exploding property values, television, and large indoor theaters all lured movie fans away from the drive-in experience. "The decline of the drive-in was directly related to the movement away from Main Street America and towards the mall society, where convenience, times, weather and the idea of 'all-inclusive' became the popular way to enjoy a night out, pushing away the classic night out at the drive-in," John Stefanopoulos, the manager of the Hudson Valley Four Brothers Drive-In, told Fox Business. During the coronavirus pandemic, however, drive-ins saw a resurgence as pop-up outdoor theaters appeared to replace indoor ones that were closed, allowing moviegoers to stay outside. They even had a significant impact on the box office when most other theaters were shut down, with some experts speculating that the drive-in would be back for good. But the problems bedeviling drive-ins persisted, especially as the virus waned and traditional theaters reopened. Stacker examined County Business Patterns 2022 data from the Census Bureau, the most recent data available, to determine which states have the most drive-in movie theaters. Rankings were determined by the number of drive-ins per 1 million residents. In 2022, there were 177 drive-in theaters operating in 25 states. States with the highest number of drive-ins per capita are largely located in the Eastern and Midwestern United States. For the count, film festivals or other types of movie theaters were not included. Stacker Drive-in theaters becoming harder to find The pandemic gave drive-in movie theaters a spurt of new popularity as people were eager to be entertained but wanted to stay outside. But the difficulties drive-ins face are hard to overcome, from the need for often expensive land to having to buy pricey high-resolution projectors to show first-run movies. Alexander Tamargo // Getty Images for HBO #25. Florida - 0.2 drive-ins per 1 million people - 5 drive-ins total Drive-in theaters have long been popular in Florida, with the first opening in Miami in 1938. The Silver Moon in Lakeland has been in operation since opening in 1948, except for a few months in 1950 because of tornado damage. There are plenty of other spots where you can still pull up in front of a big screen: Ocala Drive-in in Ocala, the Ruskin Family Drive-in Theater in Ruskin, Joy-Lan Drive-in Dade City, and Nite Owl Drive-in in Miami. ullstein bild via Getty Images #24. New Jersey - 0.3 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total The first drive-in movie theater in the U.S. opened in Camden on the Pennsauken border in 1933. It promised that "motorists and their guests will see and hear talking pictures while they smoke, talk, or partake of refreshments without annoying others in the audience," Tyler Hoffman, a professor at Rutgers University told the South Jersey Times. Today one place you can watch movies in the open air is the Delsea Drive-in Theatre in Vineland—rain or shine! Paras Griffin // Getty Images #23. Georgia - 0.4 drive-ins per 1 million people - 4 drive-ins total The Starlight Drive-in Theatre on the outskirts of Atlanta has been in operation since 1949. The theater encourages you to make sure your car battery is strong enough to power the radio through the show, but if it fails, jump starts are available. Other spots for a movie under the stars: the Swan Drive-in Theater in Blue Ridge, whose name comes from the swans in England, the Tiger Drive-In Theater in Tiger—which had closed but reopened exactly 50 years after its first showing—and the Jesup Drive-in in Jesup, which opened in 1948. Michael Williamson // The Washington Post via Getty Images #22. Virginia - 0.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 4 drive-ins total The Family Drive-in Theatre in Stephens City advertises itself as the only drive-in theater in the Washington D.C. metro area. Also in Virginia are Goochland Drive-in in Sandy Hook (open only since 2009 but with a retro vibe), the Starlite Drive-in in Christiansburg, and the Park Place Drive-In in Marion. Carlos Avila Gonzalez // The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images #21. California - 0.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 18 drive-ins total The home of Hollywood, California fittingly has among the most drive-in theaters in the country. The Rubidoux Drive-in in Riverside once had a petting zoo and miniature railroad. Those are gone but it still has its art deco-styled original screen. In northern California, the West Wind Drive-ins have three locations: Concord, Sacramento, and San Jose. Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge // Getty Images #20. Missouri - 0.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total The aptly named Sunset Drive-In Theater in Aurora opened in 1951 and kept its original wooden screen until it burned down in 1979. The sound system was upgraded after it was struck by lightning in 2001. An old drive-in theater in Blomeyer was revitalized in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic and is now the Rock 'N' Roll Drive-In. Andrew Burton // Getty Images #19. Michigan - 0.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 5 drive-ins total A nod to the cherry harvest of northern Michigan, the Cherry Bowl Drive-in Theatre in Honor opened in 1954 and also features a playground, volleyball net, and a 1950s-style mini-golf course. The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In in Dearborn was once the country's largest drive-in-theater with nine screens and parking for 3,000 cars but has since reduced the number of screens to five, viewable by up to 2,500 cars. HUM Images // Universal Images Group via Getty Images #18. Washington - 0.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 4 drive-ins total The Skyline Drive-In Theater in Shelton featured "Lady and The Tramp" and "Billy Budd" on its opening night in 1964. The Rodeo Drive-in Theater in Bremerton was originally the "Rodeo Motor Movies," built in 1949 as part of the United Drive-Ins chain and claims it is the largest outdoor theater complex north of California. MARLIN LEVISON // Star Tribune via Getty Images #17. Minnesota - 0.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total The Long Drive-In Theater in Long Prairie is one of the few drive-in theaters that allows you to stay overnight. Because the movies run late and some people have driven long distances, tents and RVs are permitted with reservations. Other drive-ins in Minnesota: the Starlite Drive-In in Litchfield, Verne Drive-In Theater in Luverne, and Sky-Vu Drive-In Theatre in Warren. xradiophotog // Shutterstock #16. Texas - 0.6 drive-ins per 1 million people - 17 drive-ins total Drive-in theaters in Texas date to 1934 when only the third in the country opened in Galveston. At its peak, the state had more drive-ins than any other. On the one hand, there is the Big Sky Drive-In Theatre, its name celebrating the big sky of the West Texas Permian Basin between Midland and Odessa. On the other, there is The Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In in Austin, which accommodates only 15 to 40 cars per night. Canva #15. Colorado - 0.7 drive-ins per 1 million people - 4 drive-ins total The only original drive-in still open in the greater Denver area, the 88 Drive-In Theatre in Commerce dates to 1972. The Holiday Twin Drive-In in Fort Collins shows both classic and modern movies, and although pets are allowed, the theater notes: "Barking is disruptive." HUM Images // Universal Images Group via Getty Images #14. Oklahoma - 0.7 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total At the Winchester Drive-In Theatre in Oklahoma City, moviegoers are greeted by a vintage neon cowboy. The landmark has been in operation since 1968. The Admiral Twin Drive-In is just off Route 66 in Tulsa and was used for Francis Ford Coppola's famous drive-in movie scene in "The Outsiders." George Frey // Getty Images #13. Utah - 0.9 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total The Erda Dive-In in Tooele opened around the late 1940s or early 1950s (accounts conflict, according to its website). Whatever the year, it operated seasonally, from May to October depending on the weather. The screen had to be rebuilt in 1991 after it was destroyed by a tornado. lev radin // Shutterstock #12. New York - 0.9 drive-ins per 1 million people - 18 drive-ins total The state's first drive-in movie theater was on Long Island when the Sunrise Drive-In opened in 1938 in Valley Stream with a showing of "Start Cheering." It was demolished but the Finger Lakes Drive-In in Auburn retains its vintage charm now as New York's oldest open-air theater. It dates from 1947. HUM Images // Universal Images Group via Getty Images #11. Wisconsin - 1.0 drive-ins per 1 million people - 6 drive-ins total The Skyway Drive-In Theatre opened in 1950 and is now the longest continuously running drive-in found in Wisconsin. It remains a one-screen theater, the snack bar has not changed much, and it continues to show cartoon advertisements created decades ago before the movies. Another historic theater, Highway 18 Outdoor Theatre, 2 miles west of Jefferson, first opened in 1953 and then reopened in 2000. HUM Images // Universal Images Group via Getty Images #10. Kansas - 1.0 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total The Boulevard Drive-In says it was the first drive-in theater anywhere to install digital sound and 4K resolution digital projection. The original screen was made completely out of wood but a strong wind tore out about a third of it in 1971, which led to a replacement metal screen. The Kanopolis Drive-In in Kanopolis is located along the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway. Canva #9. Tennessee - 1.1 drive-ins per 1 million people - 8 drive-ins total The Stardust Drive-In Theatre in Watertown holds Retro Wednesdays. Coming up this summer are showings of "Steel Magnolias" from 1989, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" from 1982, and "Back to the Future" from 1985. The Parkway Drive-In in Maryville shows movies rain or shine but will keep its gates closed in the event of a tornado warning by the National Weather Service. HUM Images // Universal Images Group via Getty Images #8. Kentucky - 1.3 drive-ins per 1 million people - 6 drive-ins total The Knox Drive-In is located in Barbourville City Park. The local city council wanted to offer something different from neighboring cities, according to its website. The Sauerbeck Family Drive-In in La Grange notes that "unfortunately for those looking to catch a free show," it positioned its screens to minimize any view from the road. AProvchy // Shutterstock #7. Ohio - 1.4 drive-ins per 1 million people - 17 drive-ins total At the Field of Dreams Drive-In Theater in Liberty Center, free games such as putt-putt golf, corn hole, and sand volleyball are available before the movies begin. It opened in 2007 after the owners planted grass instead of crops on their property and added a second screen in 2010. The Toledo Blade once warned that the theater can be surrounded by so much corn by midsummer that you might miss its narrow entrance. Canva #6. Indiana - 1.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 10 drive-ins total The Georgetown Drive-In Movie Theater, established in 1951, opened for its 72nd season in May 2023. The Starlite Drive-In opened in 1955 and has had only five owners since then. And the Tibbs Drive-In, family owned and operated since 1967, is the last drive-in theater in Indianapolis. HUM Images // Universal Images Group via Getty Images #5. Pennsylvania - 1.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 20 drive-ins total The Mahoning Drive-In Theater, established in 1949 in Lehighton, offers a retro 35 mm film program, in which movies are shown reel-to-reel via the original 1940s Simplex projectors. "At the Drive-In" is a documentary about the theater. Becky's Drive-In was begun by William D. Beck, known as Becky. He started out showing movies outside at Uncle Charlie's Lunch in the 1930s. Karen Desjardin // Getty Images #4. Idaho - 1.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total In the history of the Parma Motor-Vu, Karen Dobbs Cornwell writes that the Dobbs family bought the Parma, New Plymouth, and Wilder drive-in theaters in 1944. Her father, Bill Dobbs, drove to Wilder each night while she and her mother, Gladys Dobbs, spent each night at the Parma. Gabe Souza // Portland Press Herald via Getty Images #3. Maine - 2.2 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total The Narrow Gauge Drive-In in Farmington opened the 2023 season with screenings of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie." The drive-in mixes movies with live music shows. The Skowhegan Drive-In, which opened in 1954, saw a surge in attendance during the pandemic, followed by a subsequent drop-off. But it has opened for the 2023 seasons. Gabe Shakour // Shutterstock #2. New Hampshire - 2.9 drive-ins per 1 million people - 4 drive-ins total The Milford Drive-In Theater was built in Milford in 1958, with several contractors from the area contributing labor and materials in the hopes of sharing in the profits, according to the theater's history. A group of local people owned the drive-in, which opened with a single 84-foot wooden frame screen. Also popular: Weirs Drive-In Theater at Weirs Beach, whose motto is "Let the popcorn fly." Canva #1. Vermont - 4.6 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total The Fairlee Drive-In Theater in Fairlee also has a motel. The theater came first in 1950 and six motel rooms were added a decade later in 1960. Bethel Drive-In in Bethel opened in 1954 and operates on weekends from early June to Labor Day. Sunset Drive-In in Colchester was established in 1948 and has four screens. Data reporting by Elena Cox. Story editing by Jeff Inglis. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. Photo selection by Elizabeth Ciano.
	Paid vs. unpaid interns: What small businesses need to know Paid vs. unpaid interns: What small businesses need to knowInternship wage laws are stricter than many people realize. For solopreneurs and small business owners, interns can meaningfully support their businesses during busy seasons. Although an unpaid internship helps students or early-career workers gain experience, it comes with trade-offs.The main issue when discussing the classification of internships is whether the internship primarily benefits the intern or the business. If an intern is doing work that directly supports daily operations, that suggests the intern may need to be paid. Misclassifying internships can lead to wage disputes and unpaid-work claims, causing major problems down the road.Legal requirements for unpaid internships are specific; this doesn’t mean that internships always need to be paid, but small businesses should be extra careful when posting a role or assigning work to ensure boundaries aren’t blurred. Rocket Lawyer explains what small businesses should keep in mind when classifying interns as paid or unpaid.The Difference Between Work ClassificationOne of the most important questions to ask when discussing internship classifications is whether the experience gained will be truly educational.In general, unpaid internships are more likely to comply with labor rules when:There is hands-on training similar to an educational program.The experience benefits the intern more than the employer.The intern is closely supervised.The role does not replace a paid employee.There is no promise of future employment.Problems often arise when interns take on regular business tasks without structured learning. This can mean that an intern manages customer emails, handles sales support, leads meetings, or consistently performs work that your business depends on; regulators may view that role as compensable work.Why Small Businesses Need to Be Especially CarefulLarger companies tend to have HR teams and structured internship programs, whereas solopreneurs and freelancers may rely on informal arrangements. These agreements, however informal, are not low risk.Sometimes, a simple misunderstanding about responsibilities or compensation can later lead to a wage dispute. In some cases, unpaid interns may later claim they should have received minimum wage or overtime.There are also operational considerations. If you are spending time training and supervising someone, you should ask whether a paid part-time role may ultimately create clearer expectations for everyone involved.Questions to Ask Before Bringing on an InternBefore you make any decisions, ask yourself a few key questions about the structure of the internship and the type of work involved.Is this internship primarily educational or primarily helping my business? Would the intern still benefit if they were not handling productive work?Will the intern perform tasks similar to paid employees? Could this role be viewed as replacing regular staff or paid contractors?Do I have a structured learning plan or supervision process? How will I document training, mentorship, or educational outcomes?Am I confident this internship complies with wage laws? Should I ask a legal professional to review the role before making an offer?What to Do NextA little planning up front can help you avoid confusion and reduce legal risk later.Write a clear internship description outlining learning goals, supervision, and expected responsibilities.Review federal and state internship wage laws before deciding whether the role should be paid.Consider whether a paid internship or temporary contractor arrangement may be a better fit for your business needs.Keep records of schedules, training activities, and communications with interns.Draft internship agreements and create role descriptions to clarify expectations.When the structure is clear from the start, an internship program can support both your business and early-career talent. The right setup will help you create meaningful opportunities while also protecting your business.This story was produced by Rocket Lawyer and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	YWCA Quad Cities hosting Summer Block Jam Kick off summer this weekend at the YWCA Quad Cities’ Summer Block Jam! The free, family-friendly event will be held on Sunday, June 14 from 1 – 4 p.m. and celebrates connection, community and the start of summer. Guests of all ages can enjoy an afternoon filled with food, entertainment and interactive activities as 17th [...]
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning until THU 10:30 AM CDT Severe Thunderstorms with Damaging Winds and Hail Expected Until 10:30 AM CDT
	University of Iowa's struggling Center for Intellectual Freedom faces required expansion due to law Iowa's Board of Regents faces challenges as the University of Iowa's Center for Intellectual Freedom must expand rapidly to meet a new law.
	Police: Gunfire reported at Milan apartment complex The incident remains under investigation.
	Are GLP-1s good or bad for your blood pressure? Are GLP-1s good or bad for your blood pressure? Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications that were initially approved to treat Type 2 diabetes. But since their discovery, the use of GLP-1s has expanded.GLP-1s are now FDA-approved to treat many conditions, including obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and metabolic-associated steatohepatitis. Some of these medications can also help with cardiovascular and renal health.There’s a growing number of FDA-approved GLP-1 medications, including:Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus)Dulaglutide (Trulicity)Liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda)Exenatide (Byetta and Bydureon)Tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound)Orforglipron (Foundayo)Some of these medications are given as injections, and others are taken by mouth.With so many new medications and ongoing research, it can be difficult to keep track of all the possible uses of GLP-1s.If you’re prescribed a GLP-1, you may want to know whether it’s safe to take if you have other conditions, like high blood pressure. So, GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, looked at how GLP-1s affect blood pressure and overall heart health.Key takeaways:GLP-1 medications have been shown to have benefits on cardiovascular health. But they’re not FDA-approved to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).GLP-1s are safe to take if you have high blood pressure.GLP-1s may lower blood pressure by facilitating weight loss and by acting on the kidneys and blood vessels.How do GLP-1s work?GLP-1 medications mimic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone made in the gut. These medications bind to the same receptors in the body, which allows them to produce similar effects. They act on GLP-1 receptors to increase insulin production, slow gastric emptying, and help curb appetite. That’s why these medications are so useful in treating Type 2 diabetes and obesity.GLP-1 medications also work on GLP-1 receptors in other parts of the body. For instance, in the kidneys, these receptors help regulate how much sodium is reabsorbed or excreted in the urine. These receptors also play a role in the immune system and help support blood vessel health. GLP-1 medications can interact with these receptors, which can lead to positive kidney and heart health effects.Are GLP-1s good for your blood pressure?Yes, there’s evidence that GLP-1 medications can have a positive effect on blood pressure.Weight loss can help lower blood pressure. So, by facilitating weight loss, GLP-1s can indirectly lower blood pressure. But weight loss alone doesn’t account for all of the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1s.There are other ways that GLP-1 medications can impact blood pressure:Reduced sodium intake: People taking GLP-1s may end up eating less salty foods because they eat less overall. Lower blood pressure is one benefit of a low-sodium diet.Direct action on the kidneys: GLP-1 medications signal to the kidneys to release more sodium into the urine. As sodium leaves the body, blood pressure can go down.Relaxing blood vessels: GLP-1s can also activate receptors on cells inside blood vessels, causing them to vasodilate (relax). And this effect has been shown to improve blood flow.Are GLP-1s approved to treat high blood pressure?GLP-1s aren’t FDA-approved for treating high blood pressure. That means that your healthcare team won’t prescribe these medications specifically to treat high blood pressure.But some GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in certain people with Type 2 diabetes or obesity. These approvals are based on studies showing that GLP-1s can improve several factors that affect heart health, including blood sugar, weight, and blood pressure.This means you might still be prescribed a GLP-1 to support your heart health. And, as your overall health improves, your blood pressure may come down, too. So, although GLP-1s aren’t used specifically to treat high blood pressure, they can still have a positive effect on it.Can you take GLP-1s if you have high blood pressure?Yes, GLP-1s are safe to take if you have high blood pressure. In fact, these medications may help lower blood pressure through their overall effect on weight and metabolism.But GLP-1 medications aren’t safe for everyone. You may not be able to take a GLP-1 medication if you have:A personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancerMultiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)A history of anaphylaxis (serious allergic reaction) to GLP-1 medicationsA history of pancreatitis or gastric paresisYou shouldn’t take GLP-1s if you’re pregnant or nursing.How do GLP-1s affect your heart rate?GLP-1s can cause an increased heart rate in some people. The change is usually small, only about two to four beats per minute. But some GLP-1 medications may have a greater effect on heart rate than others.Researchers are still studying why this happens. One possibility is that GLP-1s activate the sympathetic nervous system, which can raise the heart rate. Another is that they act directly on the heart’s natural pacemaker, called the sinoatrial node.Even though GLP-1 medications may increase heart rate slightly, there’s no evidence that they increase the risk of arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms).Frequently asked questionsWhat causes high blood pressure?For most people, a combination of factors leads to high blood pressure. Your age, genetics, and overall health all play a role in your blood pressure. Your diet and activity level can also increase the risk of developing high blood pressure.Can you take GLP-1s with blood pressure medication?Yes, you can take glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications (GLP-1s) and blood pressure medications at the same time. There are no known interactions between these two types of medications.If your blood pressure improves over time while you’re taking a GLP-1 medication, your healthcare team may need to lower your blood pressure medication.Can you take GLP-1s if you have heart failure?Yes, many people with heart failure can take GLP-1 medications. In fact, GLP-1s can be helpful for people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Your healthcare team can help you determine whether GLP-1s are safe for you.The bottom lineGlucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications (GLP-1s) aren't FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure. But they can still help improve blood pressure through their effects on weight, blood sugar, and heart health. Most people with high blood pressure can safely take GLP-1 medications. If you’re considering a GLP-1, your healthcare team can help you understand how it fits into your overall health plan and what benefits you can expect.This story was produced by GoodRx and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How AI can help write an email campaign How AI can help write an email campaignEmail marketing brings in an average return of $36 for every dollar spent, making it one of the best ways to connect with your audience. But crafting successful campaigns takes time. Strategy, copywriting, editing, and testing all need careful planning. That’s why marketing teams are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for help, using it to personalize customer experiences and automate repetitive tasks.AI isn’t meant to replace email marketers, but rather facilitate content creation so you can focus on strategy and results. This guide from Emma explains how AI can help you write email campaigns, from drafting your first subject line to refining your message until it’s perfect.Key takeawaysReady to get the most out of AI for your email campaigns? Here are the top things to keep in mind as you dive in:AI helps you beat writer’s block and simplify drafting.You can use AI to craft tailored messages and save valuable time.While AI can assist with content creation, your human oversight is essential.Clear prompts and careful human review are key to getting amazing, authentic results.Embrace AI to free up your schedule, not to take over, making your campaigns better and brighter.AI’s role in email campaign writingBefore diving into the “how,” let’s clarify what AI can and can’t do for your email campaigns. Knowing these boundaries helps you create a realistic plan and apply AI thoughtfully. When choosing your email marketing platform, awareness of AI capabilities becomes even more important.What AI can do for email copywriting Emma AI email marketing tools can significantly reduce email creation time by handling several key tasks:Create content from scratch: You provide a brief description of your goals, and AI creates complete email drafts in seconds.Rewrite and refine existing content: AI can improve clarity, adjust messaging, or shift tone from formal to conversational.Modify length for different formats: It can expand brief announcements into detailed newsletters or condense long content into quick updates.Fix grammar and spelling automatically: AI can catch mistakes that human eyes often miss, even after multiple reviews.Overcome writer’s block: It can generate multiple approaches to the same message when you’re stuck.Maintain brand consistency: AI can learn your preferred style and apply it across campaigns.What AI can’t replaceStrategic thinking and final decision-making still rely on human expertise, not AI:Campaign decisions: AI can’t determine which products to feature or the best time to launch.Audience insight: AI lacks deep insight and emotional intuition in customer relationships.Context and nuance: While it can personalize your message using data, it can’t fully grasp human context.Final judgment: Choosing the right subject line requires alignment with brand voice and goals.Creative direction: Groundbreaking ideas come from human imagination, not algorithms.Quality control: AI outputs need human review to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.Human-AI collaboration: The best results come from guiding AI and refining its output.Write your first draft with AIThe hardest part of writing any email campaign is getting started. AI email campaign tools help you move from a blank page to a working draft in minutes instead of hours.Create effective AI promptsWhen crafting your prompts, start with your core message and clearly tell the AI what you want the email to accomplish. Include key details like your target audience, the offer or information you’re sharing, and any specific points that must be covered to guide the AI effectively:Specify tone: Explicitly state if you want the email to sound professional, friendly, urgent, or educational.Define length: Mention your preferred word count, as whether you need 50 or 250 words significantly impacts the AI’s generation.Provide context: More details yield better results. For instance, rather than “Write about our spring sale,” you might say “Write a 150-word email for existing customers announcing our spring sale, highlighting 25% off home goods. Use a friendly, enthusiastic tone and include a clear call to action to shop now.” This level of specificity can yield drafts that require minimal revision.Draft email subject linesWhen drafting email subject lines, use AI to generate multiple options with a single prompt. Ask the AI for 5-10 variations, then review them to identify the strongest performers and test different approaches like questions, statements, or benefit-driven headlines:Vary the tone: Rewrite subject lines in different tones to discover what resonates best, recognizing that a casual subject line might not suit a formal context and vice versa.Prioritize opens: Remember that making your email copy effective begins with compelling subject lines designed to encourage opens.A/B test: Consider A/B testing AI-generated subject lines against your traditional methods.Combine approaches: You might find that AI-generated styles outperform your usual approach, or that a combination of AI suggestions and your own intuition yields the best outcomes.Write the email body contentTo write the email body, enter your key message and let the AI generate a complete draft. Create multiple versions to compare different approaches, such as more direct messaging versus narrative-driven content:Expand for detail: Expand bullet points into full paragraphs when you require more extensive detail.Condense for clarity: Convert dense paragraphs into scannable lists when clarity is prioritized over elaborate prose.Segment audiences: Generate variations for different audience segments without needing to start from scratch each time.Apply your expertise: Your expertise is crucial to transform these drafts into compelling and effective emails. Remember to treat AI-generated output as a draft rather than a final product.Use AI to improve clarityOnce you have a draft, AI can help you refine your message so it resonates with your audience. Effective email campaigns rely on clear, focused communication that readers can quickly grasp and act on. For robust email campaign optimization, here’s how AI helps with clarity:Adjust tone and voice: Shift formality levels with simple instructions. A draft written for executives can be rewritten for frontline staff in seconds. Test different tones like professional, personal, empathetic, or enthusiastic to see which connects best with your audience.Modify length and complexity: Shorten content for mobile readers who scan. Many readers access emails on their phones, making concise, scannable content essential. Expand messages when comprehensive information is needed, or simplify complex topics by requesting lower reading levels.Fix grammar and spelling: Automated error detection catches typos, punctuation mistakes, and grammatical issues before you send. This feature reduces manual proofreading time and ensures a professional product that reflects well on your brand.Personalize content at scalePersonalized emails typically deliver higher transaction rates, but creating unique content for different segments used to be prohibitively time-consuming. AI makes the process more efficient.Writing for different audience segmentsAdapt your core message for different audiences without rewriting it from scratch. For example, a message to new subscribers might focus on onboarding, while the same promotion for loyal customers could highlight exclusive benefits and early access:Maintain consistency: Create segment-specific variations that address each group’s unique needs and interests while keeping the overall message consistent.Use illustrative examples: A nonprofit, for example, might send a donation appeal to first-time donors emphasizing its mission. Meanwhile, long-term supporters would receive a version showcasing specific programs their past contributions have funded.Scale personalization: AI is instrumental in scaling personalization efforts without increasing your workload.Boost efficiency: With AI, you can generate dozens of segment variations in the same amount of time it would take to manually write just a few.Adapting content for different campaign typesWelcome emails need a different approach than newsletters. Event invitations require a different language from product launches. AI can shift style and structure to match campaign type while keeping your brand voice intact.Segmented campaigns can generate substantial revenue increases. Tailored and personalized emails often lead to stronger engagement and higher click-through rates. These improvements compound when you can efficiently create personalized content at scale.Different campaign types also benefit from different content structures. Welcome emails work best when navigation and next steps are clear. Newsletters need compelling headlines and scannable sections.Product announcements should lead with benefits before features. AI can adapt your content to match these structural needs while maintaining your core message.Overcome AI email marketing challenges Emma Every marketer faces similar hurdles when adopting AI for email writing. Here’s how to navigate the most common challenges.1. Add authenticity to AI-generated contentAI is a helpful starting point, but authenticity comes from human input. Always refine outputs to reflect your brand and customer relationships:Review and edit: Always check AI-generated content before sending.Add specificity: Include details unique to your customers, products, and brand story.Use AI as a foundation: Let AI handle structure and initial drafts.Prioritize human connection: Layer in personality and genuine tone to make the content engaging.Focus on experience: Be sure to prioritize authentic customer experiences, even when AI does the heavy lifting.2. Avoid generic or repetitive languageWithout variation, AI can produce repetitive or formulaic content. Actively guide it to keep messaging fresh and engaging:Vary prompts: Use different prompts, even for similar topics.Set boundaries: Tell AI which phrases or styles to avoid.Iterate outputs: Rewrite multiple times with new instructions to improve originality.Blend content: Combine AI-generated text with your own writing.Use diverse inputs: Varying inputs leads to more natural, less repetitive outputs.3. Know when to use AI vs. write from scratchAI isn’t necessary for every task. Knowing when to rely on it and when not to helps maintain quality and efficiency:Routine campaigns: Use AI for newsletters, product updates, and standard announcements.High-stakes emails: Start with human input for launches, crisis communications, and personal messages.Brainstorming support: Use AI to generate ideas and first drafts.Final decisions: Keep judgment and approvals human-led.Balanced approach: Start with AI for efficiency, and finish with human expertise for impact.4. Manage the learning curveAdopting AI tools takes time and practice. A gradual approach helps you build confidence without disrupting your workflow:Start small: Begin with one campaign type, such as a weekly newsletter.Practice prompting: Experiment with different prompts to learn what produces the best results.Save what works: Build a library of effective prompts.Expand gradually: Increase AI usage as your confidence grows.Prioritize skill development: Take a measured approach to integrate AI smoothly into your process.Best practices for your AI email campaignFollowing these best practices will help you get the most value from AI while maintaining the quality your audience expects.Start with clear objectivesDefine success before you begin writing. Know what you want your email to accomplish and what matters to your audience. Decide how you’ll track whether your AI-assisted approach is working.Clear objectives guide every decision you make, from prompt creation to final edits. An email designed to drive immediate purchases needs a different language than one designed to educate subscribers about a complex topic.Provide specific promptsMore detail produces better output. Include context about your audience, your brand, and your goals. Specify what you want and what you don’t want. Vague prompts generate vague content. Detailed prompts generate focused, relevant drafts that need less revision.Prompts are like creative briefs. The more information you provide up front, the closer the first draft will be to your vision. Include details like word count, tone, key points to cover, calls to action, and any phrases or approaches to avoid.Review and edit before sendingAI can make mistakes, so human oversight is nonnegotiable. Check for accuracy and brand alignment. Verify that the tone matches your intentions, adding personal touches that make the email distinctly yours. Ensure all links work correctly and dates are accurate.Human involvement is essential to ensure quality and contextual appropriateness. Never send AI content without a thorough review.Test and measureCompare AI-assisted campaigns to your baseline performance, and track which prompts generate the best results. Refine your approach based on data, not assumptions. What works for one audience might not work for another.Document what works. When a particular prompting strategy produces excellent results, save it for future campaigns. Over time, you’ll build a library of proven approaches that consistently deliver strong performance.Balance efficiency with authenticityUse AI to save time on drafting without eliminating human judgment. Let AI handle structure and initial language, while humans add the soul that makes emails connect emotionally with readers.Rather than producing more emails faster, the goal is to create better emails in less time. A streamlined process lets you focus more on strategy, testing, and building relationships with your audience.When to use AI for different campaign typesNot all campaigns benefit equally from AI assistance. Here’s when AI can help most and when to proceed with caution.Ideal use cases for AI-assisted writingAI usually delivers strong results for these common campaign types:Weekly newsletters: Their consistent format and recurring topics make them ideal for AI assistance.Product or event announcements: Straightforward information benefits from AI’s ability to structure content clearly.Welcome series: Onboarding sequences often follow predictable patterns that AI handles well.Seasonal campaigns: Holiday promotions and seasonal messaging can be generated quickly with appropriate prompts.When to apply extra cautionThese situations require more human oversight and involvement:Crisis or sensitive communications: Tone matters enormously, and AI can miss emotional nuance.High-stakes launches: Major product releases or strategic announcements need human strategic input throughout.Personal or emotional appeals: Fundraising for causes or addressing difficult topics requires an authentic human voice.The future of AI in email campaign writingAI capabilities continue to evolve, but the fundamental principle remains the same. AI enhances human creativity rather than replacing it.This technology is evolving rapidly in marketing, with smarter personalization and deeper data integration on the horizon:Advanced personalization: AI will learn individual customer preferences and history more precisely.Brand voice refinement: AI will improve consistency by learning nuanced communication styles.Analytics integration: AI will help determine not just what to write, but when to send and to whom.Data-driven insights: AI will handle complex analysis to inform smarter marketing decisions.Scalable personalization: AI will enable hyper-personalized campaigns at a previously impossible scale.Evolving team roles: Marketing teams will increasingly rely on AI for efficiency and strategic support.Building skills for the AI eraEffective collaboration with AI can help you succeed as an email marketer. Develop your prompting skills, and know what AI does well and where it falls short.Stay curious about new capabilities as they emerge. Your strategic thinking, audience insight, and creative judgment remain irreplaceable. AI gives you more time to apply those skills where they matter most. With the right approach, you can effectively use AI for email campaigns while maintaining an authentic voice that your audience trusts.This story was produced by Emma and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Jackson County plans session about data-centers ordinance The Jackson County Zoning Commission will hold a joint work session with the Jackson County Board of Supervisors to discuss the draft High-Density Computing Facilities Ordinance, also commonly referred to as data centers/data processing facilities, according to a news release. The session will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, June 15, in the Community Room, [...]
	Ollie's "Good Stuff Cheap" bargain outlet to open June 18 in Davenport Ollie's is bringing the "Good Stuff Cheap" to Davenport on Wednesday, June 18.
	Live updates: Severe weather impacting much of eastern Iowa, 60 mph winds expected Two rounds of storms are expected Thursday in the Quad-Cities. Follow along to live updates here.
	Moline 250 Celebration offers picnic, music, fun The City of Moline, along with Moline Centre and the Rock Island Arsenal, are celebrating America's 250th birthday at the free Moline 250 Celebration on Thursday, July 2, at Bass Street Landing, 1601 River Drive. The event features live music, line dancing, a community picnic, patriotic programming, vendors and fireworks over the Mississippi River. The [...]
	How to lose the company you built: Lessons from the Lululemon board battle How to lose the company you built: Lessons from the Lululemon board battle Founders can spend decades building a company and still discover, much later, that the terms governing control were settled long before any boardroom fight began. And Chip Wilson has become a vivid example of that tension. He founded Lululemon in 1998 and built it into one of the most recognized athletic apparel brands on earth, yet recently, he had to fight a months-long proxy battle just to earn two seats on the board of the company he created.The settlement granted Wilson two board seats in exchange for his agreement to refrain from public criticism of the company for approximately 18 months.For business formation and governance specialists, disputes like this bring attention back to the early documents founders often sign with growth on their minds, because those papers often define authority before investors and directors reshape the balance of power.The Lululemon case gives founders a rare public look at how those early decisions follow a company even after the founder's name becomes part of its identity.Many founders assume ownership automatically translates into control, but those are two very different things. The documents created during business formation often determine who ultimately holds decision-making authority years later. By the time a dispute arises, the outcome is frequently shaped more by governance structures than by ownership percentages.In this article, InCorp examines what the Lululemon board battle reveals about the gap between ownership and control and what that means for founders.Ownership Does Not Equal ControlWilson's fight with Lululemon was never really about whether he cared about the company. Few founders remain as publicly invested in a business after stepping away from leadership, and few still hold a stake as large as his. Yet ownership and authority are not the same thing, which is exactly why the dispute became so public in the first place.Wilson holds roughly 8.7% of the company's outstanding shares, making him its largest individual shareholder, and to most people, that sounds like a lot of power. Yet that stake alone did not give him enough voting power to reshape the board or redirect the brand without a fight.Lululemon's board called his views on diversity and inclusion "outdated" and pushed shareholders to vote against his nominees, and because Wilson did not control enough votes to override them, he had no path to force changes on his own.Shares give a founder a financial stake and a voice at annual meetings, but boards hold the authority to hire executives and set a company's direction. And because board seats are decided by votes, those votes are often governed by rules most founders never think to negotiate.One of the most common misconceptions is that founders focus heavily on equity ownership while paying less attention to governance rights. Voting structures, board appointment rights, and shareholder agreements can have just as much impact on future control as the percentage of ownership itself.The Decisions That Outlive the FounderA new company is usually surrounded by paperwork before it has much else going on, and most of those documents get signed with far more attention on building the business than on future control. But those early documents are doing something founders often do not fully understand until much later.Bylaws establish the ground rules for how a company handles director elections, while shareholder agreements set the terms for what happens when a partner wants out and who gets the first opportunity to buy their stake.Board nomination rights extend that influence further, giving specific people a guaranteed seat at the decision-making table regardless of how ownership changes over time. Columbia Law School has noted that shareholder agreements are often used to contract over the composition of the board of directors, giving certain investors rights that go beyond ownership alone.Each of these documents was drafted at a moment when everyone was working toward the same goal, and each one governs the company when interests no longer align. Wilson's recent fight suggests he did not have an automatic path back to Lululemon's board, since he had to run a proxy campaign and reach a settlement to secure representation.By the time the conflict arrived, the rules were already set, and a public fight became his only realistic way to regain influence.Formation documents are often signed during periods of optimism when everyone assumes interests will remain aligned. The reality is that businesses evolve, ownership changes, and priorities shift. Strong governance planning helps ensure those future transitions don't become costly conflicts.Why Tech Founders Often Keep More Control Than Retail FoundersNot every founder ends up where Wilson did, and the reason is not always tied to how successful the business became. Mark Zuckerberg holds roughly 13% of Meta's economic ownership, far less than most people would associate with control. But the shares he holds are not ordinary shares.They carry 10 votes each, while the shares sold to most public investors carry one. Those voting rights give him roughly 61% of Meta's voting power, making it nearly impossible for outside shareholders to remove him against his will.Alphabet follows a similar model, with its founder-held shares carrying 10 votes per share while ordinary public shares carry one. Snap went further at its initial public offering, selling public shares that carried no voting rights at all. Those companies built founder control directly into their share structures before public investors arrived.However, Wilson's position at Lululemon was different. His 8.7% stake carried standard voting rights, the same as any other shareholder, leaving him without the built-in voting power to reshape the board on his own. And once the dispute reached the public stage, the voting structure had already defined the fight.Most Founder Disputes Never Make HeadlinesMost companies never face a proxy fight, and most founders never end up fighting publicly with their own board. But nearly every business eventually reaches a moment of internal conflict, and when it does, the outcome depends almost entirely on what was written down years earlier.Cofounding partnerships break apart more often than business publications typically cover, and working out who keeps what and at what price gets complicated fast without a written agreement to anchor the process.Outside investors who came in early often develop very different ideas about a company's direction once growth slows or priorities diverge. And families that inherit a business together rarely agree on who should run it or how profits should be distributed.Most governance disputes never attract public attention, but they happen every day in privately held companies. Whether it's a disagreement between partners, a family-owned business navigating succession, or investors and founders pursuing different priorities, the underlying challenge is usually the same: expectations weren't clearly documented at the outset.Even a minority partner who finds an outside buyer for their stake creates a different kind of problem entirely when their founding documents give the remaining owners no say over who ends up holding that equity.Bloomberg Law has noted that disputes like these tend to escalate when founding documents fail to specify ownership percentages or how disagreements should be resolved.Lululemon made headlines because it is a public company, but the same pressure shows up wherever ownership and control begin to separate. And most founders give these documents very little thought after the day they sign them, leaving many disputes far more complicated once a disagreement forces everyone back to the fine print."The best time to address questions about control is before they become problems. Founders should periodically review their governance documents as the business grows, raises capital, adds partners, or expands into new markets. Decisions made early in a company's lifecycle often carry consequences far beyond the formation stage.The Future of Corporate ControlEvery founder signs their formation documents on a day when everything feels possible, and the partnership feels solid. Those same documents govern the company on the day when none of that is true anymore.Founders pour enormous energy into building their products and hiring the people who will help them grow, and the early paperwork is seldom the priority. But the operating agreement or corporate bylaws a founder signs decides what happens when a cofounder wants out, and the shareholder agreement decides whether an outside investor gets a say over decisions the founder never intended to share. And those answers are already locked in, years before anyone thinks to ask.By the time a conflict arrives, most founders have long since forgotten the pages they signed at the very beginning, and formation is the rare moment when founders still have the most say over what those terms will eventually decide.Disclaimer: This content is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. Every effort is made to keep the information current and accurate; however, laws, regulations, and guidance can change, and no representation or warranty is given that the content is complete, up to date, or suitable for any particular situation. You should not rely on this material as a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who can consider your specific facts and objectives before you make decisions or take action.This story was produced by InCorp and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How TV shows like 'Off Campus' are shaping conversations about dating after trauma How TV shows like ‘Off Campus’ are shaping conversations about dating after traumaTelevision gets credit for a lot of things it probably shouldn't and is criticized for a lot of things it actually does well. Relationship dramas have spent decades creating tension, often shaping what viewers expect love to look like before they bring those expectations into their own relationships.But "Off Campus" takes a more careful route by focusing on how trust is built inside a relationship.The new show, "Off Campus,” adapted from Elle Kennedy's bestselling novel series, opens with a familiar college setup between music student Hannah Wells and hockey captain Garrett Graham. The fake-dating premise is where it starts, but Hannah is a survivor, and "Off Campus" builds its central romance around the slow, difficult work of learning to feel safe with another person.BetterHelp, the world's largest online mental health platform, has shared how the portrayals of love that audiences absorb from entertainment may shape the expectations they carry into their own lives.And "Off Campus" fits directly into that concern. Giving younger audiences a romance that recognizes those patterns and sits with the harder parts of intimacy long enough to show why it has struck a nerve.Key takeaways"Off Campus" reflects a larger shift in romance storytelling, where emotional safety, consent, and communication are becoming just as central as chemistry.The show’s focus is not only on trauma itself, but on what comes after it: rebuilding trust, learning vulnerability, and feeling safe in connection again.Relationship dramas can help viewers name difficult emotions, but they should not be treated as mental health guidance or a substitute for professional support.No single story can represent every survivor’s healing process, which is why trauma-focused romance needs nuance, care, and room for different reactions.Content warning: Please be advised that the article below might mention trauma-related topics that include suicide, which could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Text or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7.The Rise of Emotionally Aware Relationship Storytelling on TVThe romance genre has always had a massive audience, but the version gaining more attention now feels less interested in chaos for its own sake. Modern relationship dramas are giving more space to consent and emotional vulnerability, with shows like "Off Campus" treating both as part of what makes attraction believable.Boundaries and open communication have become part of the suspense, especially for viewers who are tired of watching conflict get mistaken for chemistry."Off Campus" showrunner Louisa Levy was direct about the show’s priorities when she spoke to Refinery29. “The story is not about the trauma,” Levy said. “It’s about the survival after the trauma.” And streaming has pushed that conversation beyond the episode itself, giving fandom communities on TikTok and Reddit room to break these relationships down as they watch.Even younger viewers are analyzing these dynamics and debating them online, using those conversations to develop a sharper sense of what a healthy connection actually requires from both people.Why Audiences Connect With Stories About Trust and VulnerabilityFictional relationships often feel familiar even when the details of a viewer's life look nothing like what is unfolding on screen. The connection comes from emotional experiences that many people recognize in different ways, including the hesitation that comes with opening up or the uncertainty that follows broken trust.Stories like "Off Campus" give those moments space to unfold slowly, allowing viewers to sit with the discomfort of emotional connection and the effort it takes to communicate personal needs clearly.Psychologists describe this as a response to the emotional truth of a story, where people connect to the feeling behind an experience rather than the exact events themselves. Each viewer brings their own history into that connection, which is why the same relationship can land differently from one person to the next, even when the scene itself never changes.TV Can Spark Conversations, But It Isn’t Mental Health GuidanceA character working through fear of intimacy on screen and a person doing that same work in real life are operating on entirely different timelines, with entirely different tools. Television is built for storytelling first, and even shows that handle emotional subjects with care are still working within the rules of drama, not clinical practice.Paul Weigle, M.D., associate medical director at Natchaug Hospital, told Hartford Healthcare that while some shows raise awareness around difficult mental health conditions, they are often overshadowed by portrayals that reinforce stigma rather than reduce it.He pointed to "13 Reasons Why" as one case that drew concern, noting research that found the suicide rate among teenagers ages 10 to 17 rose nearly 30% within a month of its release.A story can help someone put language to what they are feeling, but support in real life still depends on trusted people and trained professionals when those feelings become difficult to manage alone.Consent, Boundaries, and Communication in Modern Dating ConversationsHonesty about personal boundaries and mutual respect have become part of what many people now expect from a healthy relationship, and the language around both has moved well beyond private conversations.Social worker Karen Salerno, LISW-S, told Cleveland Clinic that “healthy boundaries don’t assert control over someone else” but instead make personal needs clear enough for both people to feel respected.Television does not always get that balance right, especially when drama rewards pressure or confusion. But relationship-focused shows that handle it with care give audiences a shared reference for what open communication can look like in practice.Fandom platforms have carried that conversation further, with viewers using fictional relationships to examine real standards around consent and boundaries while recognizing that no two people will define safety in the same way.Social Media and the Rise of Shared Emotional ConversationsThe appeal of social media goes well beyond a shared reaction to a scene or a character. Platforms like TikTok and Reddit have turned television viewing into something collective, giving audiences a place to process what they watched alongside strangers who felt it the same way.Drea Letamendi, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist who advises entertainment media companies, told the American Psychological Association that “our relationship with media is bigger than the story itself.” Fandom communities have made that clear by using TV relationships as a starting point to examine trust and what real support between two people can look like.But online connections have limits, especially when one-sided digital bonds begin standing in for the harder work of building relationships offline.Support-Seeking and Emotional ReflectionGetting help is harder than most people admit. And many people spend a long time convincing themselves they are managing just fine before they ever ask someone to stay and listen without an agenda.Emotionally honest television can make that first admission feel less strange, giving audiences space to recognize what they have been carrying before they know how to talk about it. Research cited by Temple News found that people willing to be vulnerable tend to develop a deeper sense of belonging and that openness can build trust rather than weaken it.Strong support often starts with someone safe enough to hear the truth, whether that person is a trusted friend, a partner, or a mental health professional when the emotions involved need more care than a personal conversation can provide.Why Nuance Matters in Conversations About Trauma and DatingTrauma does not move along a predictable line, and no television relationship can substitute for the private work of processing it. Jenna Hennessy, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist at Columbia University, noted in Verywell Mind that “healing is not a linear process,” and survivor experiences vary too widely for any single narrative to account for all of them.Shows like "Off Campus" handle their characters’ histories with more care than most, but they still represent one path through one particular set of circumstances. A survivor watching any relationship drama may find parts of it close to their own experience and other parts far from anything they recognize, and both reactions deserve to be taken seriously.A better reading of any show is to see it as one version of one person’s experience, not a standard that every survivor is supposed to recognize or follow.The Future of Relationship Storytelling on TelevisionPeople have developed real expectations about how emotional depth shows up on screen, and television writers are learning that romance has to carry more than chemistry now. Shows that make room for vulnerability and honest communication have set a new standard for relationship writing, one that treats emotional growth as part of the relationship rather than a side plot.Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist at Temple University, told the APA that television will continue to explore relationships and anxiety and that the better work will come from getting those subjects closer to real human experience.Entertainment has always given people a way to escape the pressure of real life, and relationship dramas like "Off Campus" continue that tradition while bringing viewers into more emotionally honest territory. Research shows that media shapes how people understand love and connection, even when those portrayals are heightened for entertainment.So while television opens the door to reflection, it cannot walk someone through getting the help they need. Rather, real change begins when a person takes what the show stirred up and brings it to someone who can stay with them through it, whether that is a trusted person in their life or a professional trained to help them make sense of what they are carrying.This story was produced by BetterHelp and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	John Deere calling back 50 workers between Davenport and Dubuque With this latest hiring, more than 400 employees in Iowa and Illinois have either returned to work or been hired since January.
	Miss Iowa Scholarship Program competitions return to Davenport this week The Miss Iowa Scholarship Program will be held June 11–13 in Davenport, featuring statewide contestants competing for scholarships and the chance to advance to Miss America and Miss America’s Teen.
	Why banks pull back from lower-credit borrowers Why banks pull back from lower-credit borrowersMany households don’t think twice about their monthly subscription costs. Streaming services alone can total more than $100, but that doesn’t surprise anyone. Ask the same household to pay an annual credit card fee, and the reaction flips, even though it could be less than their subscriptions combined.A new study from the Digital Banking Report, sponsored by Credit One Bank and authored by industry strategist Jim Marous, found this very contradiction at the heart of consumers’ conundrum. If they’re willing to pay recurring fees for convenience, why does the same logic break down when the fee buys them access to a financial system?The data points to an unassuming answer. The pullback from lower-score borrowers isn’t about regulation, and it isn’t about profitability. It comes down to choice.The Bank Retreat Is RealLenders are walking away from a large slice of the population. A little over half (56%) of institutions reported a decrease in their willingness to lend to borrowers with credit scores below 670 over the last three years. Only 11% of banks increased lending. Specifically, 48% moderately decreased their willingness to lend, and another 8% cut it sharply.The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s 2025 Consumer Credit Card Market Report also shows this downward trend: The share of large-bank organizations lending to lower-score borrowers fell from almost a quarter (23.3%) in early 2022 to 16.4% in early 2025.On the other hand, the Financial Health Network’s Pulse 2025 research found that only 3 in 10 (31%) of households qualify as financially healthy. That means that more than two-thirds of the population sit in a vulnerable financial state.Supply is contracting at a time when more people need the product.‘We Can't’ Turns Out To Mean ‘We Choose Not To’The financial industry cites regulation as the reason for its retreat, yet the survey doesn’t support that explanation.When asked which factors held them back from lending to borrowers with lower scores, nearly 9 in 10 (87%) said expected credit losses. The second biggest reason was costs related to acquiring and servicing accounts, coming in at a little over half (57%). Regulation constraints were only mentioned by a third of institutions (32%).Additionally, nearly half of respondents see borrowers with credit scores below 670 as moderately higher risk; that perception increases steeply when scores fall below 600. Only about 1 in 5 (18%) institutions said they see borrowers with 670 credit scores as comparable to prime consumers.That changes the debate. The barrier is a decision the lender makes about how much risk it wants to pursue, not regulations.The Fee That Nobody ExplainsOver two-thirds (69%) of institutions said fees are essential or very important for sustainably serving higher-risk consumers. So fees are seen as the mechanism that makes lending to this group work. The problem, however, is that the industry has never bothered to explain why.The report states that the industry failed to clearly explain and promote why these tools exist. The annual fee, in particular, it states, carries a stigma that does not match how consumers spend their money elsewhere. Many don’t realize that an annual fee actually costs less per month, because it’s rarely ever framed that way.The report states that in a responsible approach, the institution should offer tools to support the consumer’s progress, with the product’s cost decreasing as the consumer’s profile improves.The Piece That's Still MissingThe data closes on a gap. When asked which strategies they actively use to improve outcomes for nonprime consumers, 8 in 10 (82%) institutions cited transparent pricing and disclosures, and nearly two-thirds (65%) cited credit education or financial literacy tools. Those are the easy, low-cost moves.The harder, more structural tools lag badly. Only a third (32%) use alternative underwriting data, another third (32%) use digital tools to encourage responsible usage, and just 1 in 5 (22%) offer gradual credit line increases tied to performance. Education and disclosure are foundations, but the survey suggests the industry has largely stopped there rather than building products that actively help people climb.The tools to close the gap exist, but mostly sit unused. Whether modest fees are the gateway the report calls them or a gateway that conveniently happens to be the sponsor's product, the report's sharpest point is the simplest one: nobody has bothered to explain what the fee actually buys.MethodologyThe central findings come from a survey the Digital Banking Report fielded in April 2026. Respondents spanned global, regional, and community banks, plus credit unions and fintech firms, sorted by asset size and portfolio size. The breakdown: 31% credit unions, 30% community banks, 18% global banks, 14% regional banks, and 7% fintech firms. Half reported assets between $1 billion and $10 billion.The report pairs that survey with outside data. CFPB figures on card originations, Federal Reserve household numbers, the Financial Health Network's Pulse research, and EverFi's work on financial confidence all show up as corroboration. One thing to keep in mind while reading the percentages: several questions let respondents pick up to three answers, so those totals run past 100%.This story was produced by Credit One Bank and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Getting married this summer? Here's what it could do to your finances Getting married this summer? Here's what it could do to your financesPaying the bills, cooking for one, and managing your personal finances as a single adult can be challenging and liberating. When you live alone, you’re in charge of your own destiny—and if you get into financial difficulty, your own debt relief, too.When you get married, you combine your personal finances with another person’s. At its best, marriage can be a financial safety net that helps you navigate everyday life and long-term money moves.Marriage can, with the help of a supportive life partner, make it easier to manage money and build wealth. Survey data from the University of Chicago shows that married people tend to be happier than unmarried people. Also, people in the top 20% of incomes tend to be happier than lower-income people. Marriage appears to have some big financial benefits. A Pew Research Center study in 2024 found that married people are less likely to be low-income than unmarried people.So, is marriage actually good for your financial health?There’s nothing wrong with staying single, and there’s no need to get married solely for financial reasons. But along with the joy of building a life with someone you love, marriage can bring some worthwhile benefits to your bank account, credit score, and more.Freedom Debt Relief explores a few reasons marriage can be good for your financial health.Key Takeaways:Surveys show that married people tend to be happier and are likely to have a higher income than unmarried people.Marriage to the right person could improve your financial health.Working together as a couple can bring health and wealth.Marriage and TaxesAfter you get married, the way you file your taxes is likely to be different than when you filed as a single person. As a married couple, you may choose to file jointly, instead of filing separate tax returns. This can provide a few helpful tax advantages for married couples.Is there a marriage penalty?Mostly, no. A “marriage penalty” happens when the two of you pay more in income tax as a married couple than you would have if you filed individually. That kind of penalty in taxes was reduced for most people after the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed. That new tax law widened the tax brackets, making the income limits for “married filing jointly” twice as high as for single filers. So just because you’re married, that doesn’t mean you’ll be in a higher tax bracket.There are still a few other types of marriage tax penalties. But according to the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, these are more likely to affect couples with incomes over $693,750 and couples with children (filing jointly) where both spouses earn about the same amount of income. That’s because married couples filing jointly can’t deduct as much of their income as two separate parents could. An unmarried couple with kids could have one partner file as “head of household,” which gets a higher standard deduction than a single filer would.Is there a marriage bonus?If one of you earns all or most of the income, you often receive a marriage bonus. That’s because the lower-earning spouse’s income can help put the higher-earning spouse into a lower tax bracket than they’d be in otherwise.Having 2 Incomes Provides Double BenefitsPerhaps the simplest financial advantage of being married is that many married households get the benefit of having two incomes. You get two people helping each other take care of the everyday expenses of life.Two incomes can provide double financial benefits to your marriage. First, you may be able to afford a better home by doubling your budget for rent or a mortgage payment. Second, you can double down on decreasing debt and reaching other financial goals.You might even discover that working together as a married couple can help you get energized and focused on reaching your biggest financial goals. What if you want to boost your credit score, move to a new city, take a dream vacation, and more? As a married couple working as a team, with two times (or more) the income that you used to have as a single person, all of these goals are hopefully within reach.Marriage Can Get You Talking About Money and MoreAccording to previous survey data from the Pew Research Center, married couples tend to have a more positive view of their relationship than couples who just live together. There may be something about being married that makes people a little more connected and hopeful about the future. This more optimistic outlook can jump-start a pattern of open communication about money. Planning together for a debt payoff strategy or starting an emergency fund can help you stick to your financial goals.Hopefully, you’ll find that it’s exciting, inspiring, and healing to open up about your finances with your partner. You’re building a new life together and sharing your resources. Combining your bank accounts and credit histories builds trust and communication. Together, you can decide how to manage your finances in a way that helps you both get more of what you want out of life.Here are a few questions to spark a conversation about money as a couple:Should you try to live off one income and save the other?What should you do about paying off any remaining student loans?Do either of you have credit card debt, and how soon can you pay it off? Who’s responsible for what?What if you want to open a new credit card—should you add the other spouse as an authorized user?Would it make sense to use one income for paying off debts or dealing with big bills like a mortgage, and the other for normal living expenses like food and entertainment?How much money should each person be able to devote to shared expenses, and how much should each person spend on their own hobbies, clothes, cars, and personal interests?What are some big dreams and life goals that you want to save for together, like vacations, new cars, buying a home, and retirement? Health Insurance CoverageBeing married could make it easier to handle the costs of health insurance and out-of-pocket medical bills. Marriage could inspire you to take better care of your health and the health of your spouse. If your spouse has better health insurance through their job than your current insurance, find out if you can get added to their plan. You might find that paying for a shared family health insurance plan’s premium is cheaper than paying for two separate premiums as single people.Managing your money as a married couple can also make it easier to save extra cash in a health savings account (HSA). If you qualify for an HSA through your health insurance plan, you can use this account to save for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars. A wide range of qualified medical expenses and out-of-pocket costs, like hospital bills, contact lenses, or cavity fillings, can be paid for with your HSA debit card. Ask your employer if this is a covered benefit.Retirement Benefits in a MarriageWhat’s better than one retirement nest egg? Two retirement nest eggs. You and your spouse can work together to max out your retirement benefits. You might look at the details of each person’s employer-sponsored retirement plan and figure out which one is the best. For example, make sure each spouse takes advantage of any employer match in a 401(k).In addition to employer-sponsored retirement plans, look for ways to contribute to an individual retirement account (traditional or Roth) and get tax advantages. Being a married couple with two incomes may mean you can put more money to work and build wealth for your shared future together.So, Is Marriage Good for Your Financial Health?Even though there are many financial advantages to marriage, most everyone gets hitched for reasons beyond the retirement savings and the tax breaks. Getting married is about love, commitment, and trust. It’s about all the everyday moments and the sometimes mundane work of running a home and building a life. Marriage can be hard, but most long-time married people will also tell you that with the right person, marriage is worth the effort.As you build loving memories, hopefully you’ll also build healthy financial habits and grow your wealth as you grow together.This story was produced by Freedom Debt Relief and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Japan reactor restart sparks fresh fears over nuclear waste storage The reboot highlights a dire problem for the country's nuclear program. Japan is running out of space to store spent nuclear fuel and lacks plans for radioactive waste disposal.
	74% of employees say financial stress has impacted their mental health. What can employers do to help? 74% of employees say financial stress has impacted their mental health. What can employers do to help?According to research for Spring Health’s 2026 Workplace Mental Health Annual Report, 74% of employees say financial stress has impacted their mental health.This isn't a fringe issue. And it's not just about compensation.Employee financial stress can create productivity and presenteeism for organizations while leading to employee burnout, sleep issues, and more for employees. And it can affect a wide swath of the employee population, no matter how much they’re paid.This is an organizational performance risk worth every organization’s attention.What is employee financial stress?Employee financial stress is the ongoing cognitive and emotional strain caused by debt, caregiving costs, housing and inflation pressures, income insecurity, and unpredictable expenses. Spring Health's research found that 59% of employees say their financial stress has increased over the past five years.From a clinical perspective, stress intensifies when people feel a lack of control. When employees believe their financial situation is uncontrollable, stress shifts from temporary to chronic. That chronic stress alters sleep, increases anxiety, impacts decision-making, and amplifies relational strain.How financial stress shows up at workFinancial stress rarely stays at home. It follows employees into meetings, inboxes, and decision cycles.Presenteeism: Employees may be physically present but mentally preoccupied. Ongoing worry about bills, debt, or caregiving costs consumes cognitive bandwidth. Over time, this “always-on” background stress leads to slower decision-making, reduced creativity, diminished focus, and sustained performance drag, even if attendance remains steady.Sleep disruption: Financial worry is a common driver of sleep issues, which was the top mental health challenge identified by employees in Spring Health’s survey. When someone experiences difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, mood regulation declines, focus narrows, and stress tolerance drops. The longer poor sleep persists, the more other symptoms escalate.Burnout acceleration: Chronic financial stress doesn’t just coexist with burnout. It compounds it. Employees already managing heavy workloads or caregiving responsibilities are more likely to feel emotionally drained when financial uncertainty is layered on top. What begins as worry can quickly become exhaustion.Productivity erosion: Over time, the combined impact of cognitive strain, poor sleep, and emotional depletion shows up in missed deadlines, reduced engagement or increased isolation, and a higher risk of leaves of absence. Financial stress becomes not just a personal burden, but a workforce stability issue.Populations that are vulnerable to financial stressInterestingly, household income seems to play very little role when examining the impact of financial stress. Coincidentally, within Spring Health’s research among U.S. employees, the same percentage responded saying they experienced financial stress with household incomes under $50,000 as did those whose household incomes were at least $150,000.Within Spring Health’s research, the following employee segments were among the highest reporting that financial stress was affecting their mental health:86% of respondents in the technology industry79% of respondents in the finance industry82% of all employees under the age of 4586% of respondents in India83% of respondents in MexicoWhy traditional EAP models fall shortTraditional EAPs often offer generic financial articles, provide short-term counseling without specialization, lack tailored provider matching, and require employees to self-navigate complex systems.Here's the clinical reality: If someone struggling with financial stress is matched to a provider who doesn't specialize in economic anxiety, debt-related shame, relationship strain tied to finances, or caregiving financial pressure, they're less likely to engage. Wrong-fit care drives drop-off.What helps? A precision-based approach to financial stress1. Early identification through quick assessmentMental health stigma is real. That’s why leading employers offer brief, clinically validated assessments that identify financial stress as a driver of anxiety or depression early. This prevents escalation into employee burnout, leave of absence, and crisis intervention.2. Personalized provider matchingThis is critical. Employees facing financial stress need providers who specialize in financial anxiety, stress tied to debt or economic instability, relationship strain connected to money, caregiver-related financial overwhelm, and high-acuity conditions that financial stress may exacerbate.Provider matching matters. If a female employee struggling with financial stress and food insecurity is sent to a provider whose background or specialty is unrelated (such as substance use in a different population), engagement drops. Precision matching increases trust, follow-through, and symptom improvement.Among employees who said financial stress was impacting their mental health, 58% said in Spring Health’s survey that they had met with a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, in the past year.3. Integrated financial guidance and mental healthcareFinancial stress is both practical and emotional. Support should include:Budgeting or financial navigation resourcesWork-life financial servicesTherapy with clinicians trained in financial stress dynamicsCoaching for habit and resilience buildingRetirement-planning coaching and resources4. Reducing friction with a single front doorFinancial stress already creates cognitive overload. If accessing help requires multiple phone calls, searching portals, and explaining your situation repeatedly, engagement drops.Leading employers provide one clear starting point, route employees to appropriate care quickly, and coordinate paperwork and administrative burden. This restores a sense of control.What leading employers are doing differentlyThey track financial stress as a workforce risk signal. They move beyond generic EAPs. They invest in precision mental healthcare with measurement-based outcomes. They choose AI-native mental health solutions that match employees to providers who specialize in their needs.They treat financial stress as an upstream risk, not a downstream crisis.And the proof is in the data. In Spring Health’s survey, employees who said they lacked access to adequate mental health support from their employer were 52% more likely to say they experienced financial stress.Employees can't control inflation, market shifts, debt obligations, or caregiving costs. But employers can control whether:Financial support is easy to accessProvider matching is thoughtful and specializedEmployees feel guided or left to navigate aloneEmployee financial stress may be unavoidable. But unmanaged financial stress doesn't have to be.This story was produced by Spring Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What happens when a town governs from the future? What happens when a town governs from the future?When Mikiko was first asked to envision herself in the year 2060, she was skeptical. The instructions were clear: Imagine you could time travel 40 years into the future of Yahaba Town and live there at your present age. Then, provide ideas for policies that should be implemented now that would represent the interests of that generation. As a 40-something-year-old woman who’d lived in the charming Japanese town for a decade, Mikiko didn’t see anything wrong with the way things were currently, and she couldn’t imagine she’d have any issue with it 40 years down the line, either.A young woman about two decades her junior changed her mind. The woman expressed dissatisfaction with the way things were and a desire for a better tomorrow, which reminded Mikiko of her own decision to leave home at a young age. Mikiko wanted Yahaba Town to be different—a place where young people wanted to stay and build. After some discussion, she reconsidered her vision for the town’s future. Maybe things needed to change, after all.Gathered in a small room at Yahaba Town Hall, Mikiko, the young woman, and a handful of other local citizens of disparate ages had agreed to engage in these imaginative discussions as a part of a budding new movement called Future Design. As members of the inaugural Future Design workshop, participants like Mikiko were later interviewed about their experience in a study published by researchers Yoshinori Nakagawa and Tatsuyoshi Saijo (interviewee last names were omitted).While Mikiko and her groupmates mentally stepped into the future, a separate intergenerational bunch inside the town hall had been tasked with discussing and designing their own set of policies—but as their current-day selves. After months of ongoing conversation, the two groups of Yahaba Town locals came together in a debate—future versus present—to share their ideas on topics like climate change, infrastructure, and healthcare investment.This is the crux of the Future Design framework, which Atmos explores in this article. Proposed by Japanese economist Saijo, the methodology uses these roleplay exercises to address our disregard for the well-being of forthcoming generations. Indigenous “seventh-generation” traditions have long championed thinking in this way, formally considering those who will inherit the world up to seven generations from the present in their major decision-making discussions. Inspired by this method, Saijo designed his own experiment where the future and present would negotiate with one another, finding that those in the imaginary future group consistently invested in the future at higher rates.In a politically chaotic and short-sighted world, considering the priorities of future people could offer a more holistic path forward for governance at the local, federal, and international levels.World leaders should embrace this framework the most, says Future Design Consortium founder and neuroscientist Dr. Tsuyoshi Okamoto. In reality, however, such an unconventional idea might struggle to gain traction in a group known to change slowly.“That’s why I’ve focused on engaging young people—those who are likely to become the leaders of tomorrow,” Okamoto said. “By experiencing Future Design early on, they can begin to develop habits of thinking and acting for a better future society.”Okamoto is an associate professor at Kyushu University, where a Future Design-based course is now part of the required curriculum for approximately 2,700 first-year undergraduate students. It’s believed to be the largest implementation of Future Design education in the world.During class, students are asked to vividly imagine what daily life would be like in the future and to describe it using present-tense, definitive language. In Japan, the intense effects of climate change are already being felt through extreme heat and flooding, leading young people to envision a dystopian future, Okamoto explained. Through the Future Design process, they’re encouraged to imagine the future freely without preconceived notions, and therefore develop a genuine desire not to let this dystopian future happen.“At that point, they begin to see the issue as personal, and start to seriously consider what actions are truly necessary. I believe that the more people who carry that mindset—and can turn it into action—the more our society will begin to change for the better.”Okamoto has gone so far as to test brain activity on those engaging with Future Design-style thinking. His preliminary observations suggest a trend: Future Design participants tend to make more sustainable decisions, which is reflected in corresponding changes to their brainwave patterns. The Future Design methodology doesn’t require any major conscious psychological shifts in the participant; rather, participants experience a shift naturally by fully embracing the act of roleplaying.Young people tend to be more enthusiastic and open to this, although both Okamoto and Saijo acknowledge a gap in imaginative capacity between them and older generations. A lack of life experience can prevent younger generations from being able to see how dramatically things could change in just a few decades; whereas older people can activate the same part of the brain used to think about their storied pasts to envision a more expansive future.Both perspectives are necessary for change, which is why intergenerational dialogue is a key tenet of the Future Design methodology.Five thousand miles away in the Bay Area, California, climate activists Jayden Wan, 17, and Clint Wilkins, 79, have fully embraced this form of collaboration.Wan and Wilkins have been working together for the past two years on Future Design workshops, materials, and training. As a duo that is feeling their way to solutions, they’ve gained traction in their charge to spread the Future Design framework and help people connect with the generations that are alive today, while taking into account the generations that are on their way.“We are combining our strengths and forgoing our weaknesses for the sake of a better future. That’s something that I can get on board with, and that I also want my peers to get on board with,” said Wan.There are three main generational buckets Wan and Wilkins categorize people in: youth, midlifers, and elders. As Wilkins explained, each generation has an essential role to play: “We elders are the conveners, the midlifers can actually get things done, and the youth are kind of justice-seekers in training.”Last year, with the help of climate organization Elders Action Network, the two were able to gather 56 people of various ages and disciplines—ranging from local elected officials to high school students—for an official Future Design retreat. They discussed a real California ballot measure that was up for a vote: Prop 4, which proposed authorizing a $10 billion bond for climate spending in the state. Participants followed the present versus future role play framework, splitting into intergenerational groups and negotiating how much money should be invested into mitigating future climate change events.The most common feedback from the retreat was in praise of the intergenerational structure: Participants felt as though it was a safe environment for everyone to share their thoughts and perspectives, regardless of age. This sort of solidarity across generations is precisely what Wan and Wilkins believe will cultivate empathy for unseen future generations as well as encourage government officials to recognize that safeguarding the future is popular among all ages.“The idea we’re trying to manifest is that if we bring together the youth, the elders, and the folks in between, and get them all in a room, advocating for the same policies, it can really make a difference when it comes to how decision-makers perceive their own policies,” Wan said.Back in Yahaba Town, where the first-ever Future Design workshops were held, these strategies have paid off. The mayor officially declared it a Future Design Town in 2018, and subsequently formed a Future Division, where members design the present from the perspective of the future. Currently, over 80% of the town’s policies are made by citizens who’ve become Future Designers. Now, when Mikiko walks through the charming streets, she tends to look a bit closer at what the town might need for its future to flourish.Redesigning and transforming governance in a way that considers our future kin might seem like an uphill battle. After all, empathy for those rendered invisible—whether it’s marginalized peoples, nonhuman entities, or future generations—seems to be constantly sacrificed for self-satisfaction. Still, love for the next generations remains the number one motivator for support of climate action, whether those actions are implemented by policymakers or not.There’s no denying that the stakes are high. Perhaps with a new political design, the future could be seen more clearly—enough to give its beings a fair shot to continue to protect the Earth, pass the torch forward, and look back to tell their ancestors, “Thank you.”This story was produced by Atmos and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Pay It Forward \| Providing support for Parkinson's disease Step inside the Knox County YMCA, and people may pass by a group called "Rock Steady," an organization geared towards patients with Parkinson's.
	East Moline residents recover following strong storm system Across our viewing area, residents were hit by multiple rounds of strong winds and severe rain.
	Rock Island-Milan promotes Washington dean to assistant principal She has been the dean at Washington Junior High School for the past year.
	Davenport City Council approves new agreement with Humane Society of Scott County The one-year contract will have the humane society providing the city's animal protection and shelter services.
	Greetings from a Seoul museum, where Buddhist masterpieces offer calm away from city bustle The National Museum of Korea is home to the Room of Quiet Contemplation, which features two of South Korea's most treasured artworks: gilt-bronze bodhisattva statues from the 6th and 7th centuries.
	Geneseo faces three options with out of service wind turbine The city faces three options: replacing the generator, decommissioning the turbine or repowering with a new turbine that would potentially produce more energy.
	Davenport approves solar farm ordinance; land purchase for future animal shelter Under the rules approved by the city council Wednesday night, solar will be limited to just industrial and agricultural zoned land, with further location limitations as well.
	5 things to know about the $10 billion-dollar data center campus proposal near Clinton A proposed data center campus near Clinton is drawing sharp debate. Here are five key things to know about the project, the concerns and what's next.
	More severe storms Thursday Severe weather is possible this morning across the Quad Cities area from storms moving out of Nebraska and western Iowa. More widespread severe weather is likely this afternoon. After a few more warm days, cooler weather settles in late weekend into early next week. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	A look at Wednesday's strong to severe storms Several tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued Wednesday afternoon and evening for the Quad Cities area. We had many reports of strong, damaging winds and very heavy rain. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	100 years later, Grant Wood's 'Corn Room' mural harvests new attention Conservators have restored Grant Wood's century-old 'Corn Room' mural, bringing new life to one of Sioux City's most significant works of art. The mural now anchors a new exhibition that explores Wood's legacy and the changing story of rural America.
	Alabama Attorney General threatens legal action against six abortion pill providers Mifepristone is one of two drugs that can be used before 10 weeks to terminate a pregnancy and to treat miscarriages. The Alabama Attorney General's Office on Tuesday threatened legal action against six companies that distribute the medication to consumers in the state that has a near-total abortion ban. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Key points The Alabama Attorney General’s Office on Tuesday threatened legal action against six companies it said were advertising or distributing medication to induce abortions, citing Alabama law that makes performing or attempting to perform an abortion a felony. The office cited a study from a conservative think tank on abortion pill complications that has drawn criticism over its methodology. A reproductive rights advocate said the letter was “an enormous commercial” for the companies. The letters were signed by Deputy Attorney General Katherine Robertson, who is competing in next week’s Republican runoff for attorney general and who has been criticized by her opponent, former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell, for accepting contributions from a man who has criticized Alabama’s near-total abortion ban. The Alabama Attorney General’s Office on Tuesday threatened legal action against six companies that it said were advertising or distributing abortion-inducing medication to Alabamians. “Alabama’s law is clear, abortion is illegal in this state. These companies are not only breaking the law, they are deceiving Alabama consumers about the very real dangers of these drugs. That stops now,” Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement. “Anyone who tries to exploit Alabamians for profit while flouting our laws will be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by law.” In doing so, the office effectively advertised where Alabamians seeking an abortion can get medication, said Robin Marty, executive director of the West Alabama Women’s Center, which provided abortion care before Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022. “As a person who is heavily involved in reproductive access for all people, I am surprised that he does not realize that what he has done has essentially provided an enormous commercial for these companies,” Marty said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Alabama’s near-total ban on abortion, passed in 2019, went into effect in 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal abortion protections in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, with exceptions for when the mother’s life is in danger. A performed or attempted abortion is a Class C felony under the ban, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, but the person seeking the abortion is not civilly or criminally liable. Marty said the Attorney General’s Office’s press release told Alabamians where they could get medication for an abortion, which is something she cannot do as a provider. “That has now improved the ability for people to find out where they can access abortion in a way that we were never able to actually let people know before, which is ironic, since we had been told that telling people where these companies were was in fact a criminal conspiracy,” she said. The cease-and-desist letters were sent to Plan C, Southern Woven, ybycmeds, Abortion Pills in Private, Red State Access and Cambridge Reproductive Health Consultants. The letters demand the companies stop all advertising, sale and delivery of abortion-inducing drugs to Alabama consumers. Failure to do so, according to the statement, will result in an investigation and potential legal action. Messages seeking comment from the companies were sent Tuesday afternoon. According to the Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA), the combination of drugs is safe to use up to 70 days of gestation. A 2015 study published by Dr. Michael Creinin, an OB-GYN at the University of California Davis Health who has researched the safety of mifepristone since studies first began in 1992, found that severe outcomes from mifepristone use requiring blood transfusion and hospitalization occurred in less than 1% of cases. Rhetoric versus reality: Facts about the abortion pill The letters from the Attorney General’s Office cite a 2025 analysis by the Ethics and Public Policy Center, a D.C.-based think tank that applies “the riches of the Jewish and Christian traditions to contemporary questions of law, culture, and politics,” found that 10.9% of women that took the medication experienced sepsis, infection or hemorrhaging within 45 days of taking it. The center partners with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative organization that brought the Dobbs case. Experts dispute that the center defines a serious adverse event the same way the FDA does, as a condition requiring hospitalization; threatens the life of a patient or causes disability and permanent damage or death. Creinin also criticized the methodology used by the center, saying in some cases it double-counted issues experienced by one patient. The letters are signed by Deputy Attorney General Katherine Robertson, who is in the Republican runoff for Attorney General. Through the campaign, Robertson’s opponent Jay Mitchell, a former Alabama Supreme Court Justice, has criticized Robertson for accepting a $150,000 donation from Hugh Culverhouse Jr., a philanthropist who donated $250,000 to Planned Parenthood Southeast in 2019. Messages seeking comment from the Robertson and Mitchell campaigns were left Wednesday afternoon. According to reporting from Alabama Daily News, the University of Alabama’s law school was once named for Culverhouse but the school parted ways after Culverhouse was critical of the state’s abortion ban. In a 2019 Wall Street Journal ad, Culverhouse called for a boycott of the state because of the “unconstitutional and barbaric law.” The Attorney General’s Office on Wednesday joined 13 other states in a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling for tighter controls on mifepristone. Marshall said in a statement that as medical waste from the medication is discarded, it contaminates drinking water. “There is a booming black-market for drug-inducing abortions operating completely outside of lawful medical oversight, and it has created a serious public health crisis. This is not just for those obtaining and using these illegal and dangerous drugs,” Marshall said. Multiple states have considered legislation to create environmental restrictions around the drug or bills requiring providers to instruct patients to collect fetal tissue in medical waste kits and return it to the provider rather than flush it. The EPA may also conduct a review that could be used to restrict access in the future. In 1996, the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research issued a finding of no significant impact on the water supply from mifepristone. Marty said that while the press release helped patients in a way that providers legally cannot, the state is focused on the wrong things when it comes to women’s health. Alabama infant mortality rate improves, but remains higher than national average “They’re not doing anything to improve health care access for the people who are not getting abortions. There have been no moves to improve maternal health care in this state. There has been no moves to improve access or provide more support for contraception in this state,” she said. “At this point it seems that they are far more interested in making sure that nobody is able to access a safe abortion than they are making sure that our hospitals are not letting Black women die in childbirth.” According to state data for 2020-2021, the maternal mortality rate for white mothers was 28.2 deaths per 100,000 live births. The maternal mortality rate for Black mothers was 77 deaths per 100,000 live births. Only 30% of Alabama’s rural hospitals have labor and delivery units, leaving many expectant parents to drive long distances for care. Providence Hospital in Mobile announced on May 14 that it is closing its labor and delivery unit this summer. Key points box was written by Editor Brian Lyman. Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	Meredosia This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Had the Illinois Department of Transportation been better historians, they never would have tangled with the women of…
	Trump's pick for intel chief could imperil a key U.S. spy tool. Who is Bill Pulte? Pulte's appointment has scrambled talks to renew a spy tool known as FISA 702, as lawmakers in both parties have been vocal about his lack of national security experience and role as a Trump loyalist.
	SpaceX is poised for blastoff with an IPO likely to break records Elon Musk's rocket company, recently merged with xAI, is aiming to raise $75 billion in its initial public stock offering. It's the first of a trio of mega-IPOs from AI companies expected this year.
	880K Honda vehicles recalled; drivers could lose control due to faulty parts The vehicles were sold in 22 states and the District of Columbia.
	Cook review: 'Lurker' gets under your skin with its perspective on celebrity, hangers-on What would you do to grab onto the coattails of a rising star? That's the question that "Lurker" answers. Matthew (Theodore Pellerin) works in a Los Angeles boutique where celebrities occasionally shop. Oliver (Archie Madekwe, who also appeared in "Saltburn," which has similar themes) is an up-and-coming musician - Matthew recognizes him the second he [...]
	Amnesty accuses Israel's government of 'ethnic cleansing' of West Bank Palestinians The London-based rights group says the Israeli government is deliberately trying to annex the Palestinian territory.
	Police blast water cannons at protesters amid unrest over stabbing in Belfast Protesters in Northern Ireland set small fires and hurled bricks and bottles at the police during a second night of violence over a stabbing in Belfast. The incident sparked anti-immigrant violence.
	Knicks rally from 29 points down and beat Spurs for 3-1 NBA Finals lead The New York Knicks made a record comeback from 29 points down and moved to the brink of their first championship since 1973 by beating the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 on Wednesday night.
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
	Feds order a Florida power plant to keep burning dirty coal The Orlando Utilities Commission was on the verge of shutting down its 39-year-old coal-fired power plant at the Stanton Energy Center when Energy Secretary Chris Wright ordered it kept open for at least 90 days. (Photo via Orlando Utilities Commission)Walt Disney World is supposed to be the Happiest Place on Earth. It’s certainly the most popular tourist destination. Fifty million people, some from Florida but most from elsewhere, flock to the rodent-themed amusement park every year to spend big bucks seeking a good time. Now imagine all those people coming down with big coughing fits. Sing it with me, Mouseketeers: “It’s a foul world after all! It’s a foul, foul world!” This is what popped into my head last week when I heard that the U.S. Department of Energy had ordered the Orlando Utilities Commission to keep burning stinky old coal in its 39-year-old Stanton Energy Center Unit 1 power plant. Orlando air quality on June 5 via screen grab. I checked the Orlando air quality for that day. It was officially listed as “poor.” The decrepit old coal plant had been slated for a shutdown this month. But the DOE said “N-O!” — which means the tourists will get no relief from the onslaught of air pollution. Susannah Randolph via Sierra Club. “Obviously, this is a clear federal overreach by the Trump administration to tell a local government what they can and can’t do,” said Susannah Randolph, an Orlando resident who leads the Sierra Club’s Florida chapter. Why, you may ask, would a federal agency issue such an order? Because the feds have decided that there’s a looming energy emergency in Florida. But it’s not driven by the need to keep the ghosts afloat in the “Haunted Mansion,” or to maintain the Monorail moving around, or to keep all the lights on in Cinderella’s Castle. Heck, this emergency isn’t even Disney-related. “Although Florida is at ‘normal risk’ for long-term energy adequacy, the unit near Orlando needs to remain online partly to help serve potential data centers in the state, the department said,” a power industry publication called “Utility Dive” reported. Considering the widespread Florida opposition to new power-hogging, water-guzzling data centers, that DOE edict benefiting “potential data centers” isn’t going to be a popular decision. I contacted the Orlando power commission to ask whether this keep-coal-and-carry-on command is something it requested or something it plans to fight. Except for saying it didn’t ask for it, a spokeswoman for the utility that calls itself “the Reliable One” told me the commission had nothing to say. It is going to comply and keep quiet. The acronym for the Orlando Utilities Commission is OUC, but I think its lack of resistance to this dopey DOE order requires the utility to add another word to its name — Helpless? Hapless? HeckWithYou? That way, its 288,000 customers can call it “OUCH.” Because that’s what they’re going to say about their declining air quality and rising utility bills. Wright is wrong If I ran the Game Show Network, there’d be a new program called “The Prevaricators.” The theme song would be the Eurythmics singing “Would I Lie to You?” Contestants would listen to government officials make statements and then see if they can sniff out all the bat guano. Chris Wright via Linkedin. I think the debut of such a show would have to feature the sitting secretary of the Department of Energy, Chris Wright, because most of what he says is wrong. He’s a former oil company executive, so he’s got a certain, shall we say, point of view. For instance, here’s what Wright has said about the growing threat of climate change: “There is no climate crisis… (sic) We have seen no increase in the frequency or intensity of hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts or floods despite endless fear mongering of the media, politicians and activists.” Of course, we Floridians know first-hand that that’s some Pulitzer-level fiction. We’ve seen a LOT of evidence of hurricanes growing more intense and doing so more rapidly. And we’ve seen more and worse flooding than ever before thanks to sea level rise. Now check out Wright’s explanation for forcing the Orlando area to keep inhaling the smoke from burning coal. “Taking reliable generation off the grid compromises energy reliability and needlessly raises energy costs for Americans,” he said, according to a Department of Energy press release. “During peak summer demand, Floridians deserve continued access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy to power and cool their homes.” This is a colossal load of what experts call “hooey.” OUC wasn’t simply shutting down one of its two coal-fired plants. It spent about $100 million three years ago to buy a gas-powered plant in Osceola County that was idle. OUC planned to put that one online to replace the coal-powered plant. There would be no gap in the amount of power available. The other problem with Wright’s statement is calling coal power “affordable.” Raymer Maguire via Linkedin. “Coal is the most expensive form of electricity,” said Raymer Maguire of the CLEO Institute, a nonprofit that offers educational information on climate issues (sounds like Wright could use some). Maguire pointed out that the expense is a big reason why the state’s largest utility, Florida Power & Light, gets less than 1% of its power from coal, while the No. 2, Duke Energy gets 9%. The OUC, by contrast, has been generating about a quarter of its power from coal — but it would like to stop. The OUC’s own financial statements show that coal costs more than its other sources of fuel. You can see why the OUC wanted to switch, but now it can’t. Ted Kelly via Environmental Defense Fund. “Forcing this coal plant to remain open past retirement will needlessly jack up electricity bills for Central Florida families and businesses, right as they’re struggling with high energy costs,” said Ted Kelly of the Environmental Defense Fund. But Wright doesn’t care about driving up energy prices in our increasingly unaffordable state. He also doesn’t care that coal is the dirtiest fuel. In fact, his department keeps calling it “beautiful, clean coal.” As any contestant on “The Prevaricators” could tell you, that’s at least another gigaton of hogwash. Think of the children Coal is the most polluting fuel for generating electricity. Its carbon-loaded emissions are bad news for our rapidly warming planet, of course — assuming Gov. Ron DeSantis will let us talk about that. But what I want to point out right now is coal’s dire health effects. In 2023, the National Institutes of Health released a report about how “air pollution from coal power plants is associated with greater mortality than previously thought.” Specifically, the NIH researchers “estimated that between 1999 and 2020, 460,000 deaths would not have occurred in the absence of emissions from the coal power plants.” Liz Scott via American Lung Association. Burning coal is particularly bad for infants, children, and teens, said Liz Scott of the American Lung Association. “Their lungs are still developing,” she explained. “They breathe more air for their body size than adults and they’re frequently exposed to outdoor air.” Her organization has calculated that air pollution in Orange County is responsible for creating 22,000 pediatric asthma cases, 710,000 cases of chronic pulmonary disease, and 97,000 cardiovascular disease cases. Continuing the life of that ancient coal plant won’t help any of those folks. And we haven’t even talked about alllll the ash that’s produced. Not far from the Stanton Energy Center, there’s a 175-foot-tall mountain of coal ash that has the neighbors worried about what it’s doing to their air and water. But the DOE doesn’t care about that, either. The only health issue it’s concerned about is resuscitating an industry that’s already on life support. A gig for DEVO The OUC order isn’t the only one of its kind. The DOE has issued similar orders to keep coal plants alive in Michigan, Indiana, Colorado, and Washington, too. Michigan and Illinois have joined forces to sue, calling the order illegal. The plant in Michigan, which has already cost ratepayers an extra $180 million, partially broke down after the DOE order. So did the two in Indiana. That’s not unusual, especially given the age of some of them. Despite the expense and the breakdowns, DOE wants all of these plants to keep pumping out dirty emissions for one reason and one reason only. “They want to keep the coal mines open,” Kelly explained. In recent decades, the coal mining industry has been in a long, slow decline. It was the largest source of fuel for energy production in 1984, but since then it’s fallen out of fashion like big shoulder pads on women’s jackets. By 2024 it accounted for just 10% of the nation’s total energy output. You can feel sad for all the Loretta Lynn relatives losing their dangerous livelihood, but according to free-market conservatives, that’s how capitalism works. Good government doesn’t pick winners and losers, right? Yet now we have a president who’s been frantically giving the coal industry CPR, trying to turn that loser into a winner. He’s been so intent on reviving coal, I keep expecting him to announce that the first band to play in his renovated White House Ballroom will be DEVO doing “Working in a Coal Mine.” Just last week, he announced plans to spend $700 million of our tax dollars on giving the industry a big boost, including creating two new coal-fired plants. His favors for the coal industry don’t stop there, either. As ProPublica reported this week, the convicted felon in the Oval Office also killed a federal criminal investigation into the coal empire owned by Sen. Jim Justice, a Republican from West Virginia who happens to be one of his close allies. Of course, just as you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs, so you can’t prop up a heavily polluting industry without killing thousands of people via respiratory problems. But those are the breaks, kids! Welcome to Tomorrowland Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, whose campaign is backed by AI tech titans, says he fully supports the DOE order to Orlando to keep burning coal. But he’s about the only one. In Orlando, the order is going over about as well as you might expect. Lead balloons exhibit greater buoyancy. State Rep. Anna Eskamani via Florida House. The Orlando Sentinel, in its story on this, quoted state Rep. Anna Eskamani, now running for mayor of Orlando, who made it clear she’s no fan of the feds. “They are spending public money to subsidize the dirtiest, costliest form of power we have — the exact thing we should be moving away from — while working families foot the bill,” she said. I hoped to get a similar fiery quote from the sitting mayor, Buddy Dyer. In 2017, when our anti-science chief executive pulled the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement, Dyer joined more than 80 other mayors across the country to make a commitment to switching to clean energy by 2050. Mayor Buddy Dyer via City of Orlando. “I am proud to support a vision of transitioning entirely to 100% clean and renewable energy in our city,” Dyer said then. But when I contacted the mayor’s office this week, that defiance appeared to have dissipated. His spokeswoman told me the mayor would leave commenting to the folks at OUC. I pointed out that OUC was keeping mum. Unfortunately, that was the end of our conversation. So, apparently, unlike the folks in Michigan, Orlando officialdom does not plan to sue the DOE to overturn this order. The decree lasts 90 days, so maybe Dyer & Co. think they just have to keep quiet until it expires. But I bet when that September expiration date rolls around, Wright will simply renew it for another 90 days, then another 90 after that. That’s what he’s been doing in Michigan. Heck, he’ll probably do the same thing for the Stanton Energy Plant’s No. 2 coal plant, which is supposed to switch to natural gas next year. Meanwhile, guess who’s completely rejected the use of fossil fuels for power generation? Walt Disney World. This is one place that’s embraced the idea of being Tomorrowland. “Hidden Mickey” solar farm near EPCOT via Disney World. “At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, solar energy plays an especially significant role,” the theme park reported recently. “In total across four sites, the resort now has 212,000 kilowatts of solar capacity, with over 600,000 solar panels — generating roughly enough energy to power over 19,000 Florida homes for one year.” Disney’s four Florida solar farms include one near EPCOT that’s in the shape of its widely recognized corporate symbol. Together, the four “can now produce up to 100% of the resort’s daytime power needs, helping support one of the largest vacation destinations in the world.” Maybe I’m wrong, but it sure seems to me that between solar-friendly Disney and the coal-drunk DOE, the second one is the real Mickey Mouse operation. Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Historic Allendale mansion heads to auction in Moline Built in 1906 and donated to the school system in 1931, Allendale is now up for sale with a minimum bid of $20,000.
	Coal Valley daycare closes after group texts between director and staff leak to social media A mom whose kids were enrolled in Playtime University saw texts showing the former director insulting her daughter.
	A summary of todays storms With two separate rounds of severe storms, we saw a lot of activity with heavy rain and strong thunderstorm winds. Some areas are still being hit with flash flooding tonight from more heavy rain and we saw severe thunderstorms that were generating winds of close to 80 mph.
	New Ollie's discount store opening in Davenport The store will open to bargain hunters on Thursday, June 18. It's located in Davenport's Village Shopping Center in the former JoAnn Fabrics location.
	Moline supportive housing complex breaks ground The Moline Housing Authority broke ground on the Parkview Apartment Complex, thanks to the former landowner offering up his property.
	Opioid overdose deaths decline in Rock Island County, but challenges remain Rock Island County has recorded 57 opioid overdose deaths since 2020. Health professionals say prevention efforts are helping, but risks remain.
	Davenport City Council votes to extend services with Humane Society of Scott County Animal control and sheltering services has been a hot topic in Davenport since early this year.Some contracts to change the way Davenport manages its animal control services were approved by the Davenport City Council. City council approved a deal to extend the services with the Humane Society of Scott County. The city is set to [...]
	Groundbreaking takes place for Moline affordable housing project Property in Moline that once belonged to area realtor Rick Simpson will be part of the second phase of an affordable housing project. City leaders hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the project at the site of a home from the late-1800s. Some historic items were salvaged from it. The spot right across from Kiwanis Park [...]
	Driver hospitalized after car strikes home in Davenport The passenger of the vehicle was also transported to a local hospital for evaluation of non-life-threatening injuries.
	Culver’s barn in Beaver Dam destroyed after storms The iconic blue Culver’s barn in Beaver Dam was severely damaged after strong storms on Wednesday.
	‘Very concerning,’ Sen. Grassley calls higher inflation Sen. Chuck Grassley said that he is concerned about the rising inflation rate but still believes that it will fall after the war with Iran ends.
	A flood watch in effect as more storms move in tomorrow After being hit with a round of strong and severe storms for today that has caused some flash flooding and strong winds, we are not drying out yet. Another round of strong to potentially severe thunderstorms is expected tomorrow morning that will linger through tomorrow evening. A flood watch will remain in effect until Thursday [...]
	Traffic Alert: Crews clear scene after semi overturns on I-280 Update.
	Rock Island-Milan School Board approves new assistant superintendent Rock Island-Milan School District will have a new assistant superintendent of teaching and learning starting this July. She joins the district from Freeport.
	Official rules for Mississippi Valley Fair Concert Ticket Giveaway Official rules for this sweepstakes
	Traffic Alert: Semi overturned on I-280 A traffic alert for drivers on I-280.
	Severe weather brings power outages across the QCA Severe weather is making its way across the QCA, and many households are experiencing power outages. For updates on power outages in your area, click here or use the following links: MidAmerican Energy Ameren Illinois Alliant Energy
	Thousands of people in the Quad Cities without power as severe weather rolls through MidAmerican Energy has identified widespread outages around Davenport and Blue Grass.
	Official rules for Jump into Summer Giveaway Sweepstakes Official rules for this sweepstakes
	Thousands in Iowa, Illinois Quad Cities without power Thousands of MidAmerican Energy customers are without power in the Iowa Quad Cities as severe weather moves through the area.
	Soccer study finds mental, cognitive benefits for young adults with developmental disabilities News 8 spoke with the University of Iowa researcher behind the study and what he hopes these findings mean for our communities, especially as the World Cup begins.
	Kansas City area boosted infrastructure for FIFA World Cup. Now, the games begin. Kansas City is the smallest host city for the North American 2026 FIFA World Cup. A promotional sign appears on Jan. 13, 2026, outside the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — An estimated 650,000 visitors will flood the Kansas City area over the course of the monthlong FIFA World Cup, which chose Kansas and Missouri as the home for four teams and at least six matches. The event catalyzed a major transportation expansion, created temporary diplomatic offices and established dedicated health care infrastructure to support Kansas City visitors. The area is one of 11 American host cities for the North American tournament. The first match between Mexico and South Africa begins Thursday in Mexico City. Kansas City’s first match is scheduled for June 16 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, between Argentina and Algeria, both of which will be based in the Kansas City area for the tournament’s duration, along with the teams from Netherlands and England. KC2026, the area’s nonprofit World Cup planning organization, estimated Kansas City could see more than $650 million in economic activity. As home to the tournament’s smallest host city, the states of Kansas and Missouri and local governments will be looking to recoup $111 million in public investments dedicated to the tournament. Combined with federal funds, almost $200 million in public money has laid the foundation for the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City. Salma Aouam, a former Fulbright Scholar and graduate student at Kansas State University, said the Kansas City area has the opportunity to capitalize on the predicted tourism influx by promoting surrounding attractions beyond the World Cup. “They’ll visit national parks in Arkansas, visit bison farms in Missouri and hike prairies in Kansas. They’ll experience that classic version of Midwest America, and it’s something they’ll remember long after the tournament,” Aouam said on June 4, citing her graduate research, which examined the effect of major sporting events on urban mobility. KC2026 brought in 200 new buses to create three new bus service systems: A regional service that will connect riders to area attractions, a stadium service that will act as match-day transportation for ticket holders, and an airport service that runs between the Kansas City International Airport and downtown Kansas City every 15 minutes. The bus systems exist on top of existing bus, car and streetcar transportation. Aouam said the expanded park-and-ride bus options should be implemented long term, if they prove successful. She encouraged KC2026 to continue its work after the tournament to provide long-lasting transportation solutions to the region. “All of these are big ‘ifs,’” Aouam said. “We may see a lot of confusion when international tourists land in Kansas City for the World Cup and find out they can’t walk to the stadium, like they might in other big cities or in their home countries.” The planning committee established in Overland Park a Consular Services Center, which provides temporary diplomatic and citizen support services for Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Ecuador and Netherlands and Curaçao. The countries’ governments expect the World Cup to draw “significant numbers of visitors” to the Kansas City area, according to the committee. Algeria, Argentina, England and Netherlands have base camps in the Kansas City area. The consulates will be located at the Overland Park Convention Center. They are equipped to help with emergency passports and travel documents, citizen registration, welfare checks and coordination during legal or medical emergencies, according to the committee. “Providing direct access to consular support services helps ensure visitors feel informed, supported and connected while they are here in our region,” said Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026. The University of Kansas Health System is the designated medical provider for the World Cup, offering first aid and medical care planning. Leading up to kickoff, the health system has published a series of short, informational videos under the banner “Before the First Kick” discussing firework and burn injuries, mass casualty events, heat illness, and the difference between urgent care and emergency care. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Democrat representing a Kansas City-area congressional district, delivered remarks Monday on the U.S. House floor, commemorating the start to the tournament. “The matches will bring excitement, visitors and economic opportunity to the Kansas City metro area. And the impact won’t end when the final whistle blows,” Davids said. “The investments we’ve made in infrastructure, transportation, safety, and community development will benefit Kansas City and our surrounding communities for generations to come.” Davids founded the Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus, which helped lead federal preparations. The federal government allocated $625 million to the country’s host cities for safety and security costs and $100 million for transit operations. Her office estimated the tournament will generate 185,000 jobs and $17.2 billion in GDP. But that depends on visitors actually arriving, staying and spending the projected amount of money in host cities. A May report from the American Hotel and Lodging Association that surveyed hoteliers across the country warned of hotel bookings trailing expectations. Between 85 and 90% of Kansas City-area respondents reported bookings were below expectations, falling short of a typical June or July without any major events, the report said. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	NC ban on ‘addictive’ social media for children under 14 one vote away from governor’s desk N.C. Sen. Dana Jones (R-Forsyth) speaking on the state senate floor on June 10, 2026. (Photo: Claire Michal/NC Newsline)The North Carolina Senate unanimously passed a bill Wednesday barring children under 14 from creating accounts on social media apps the state deems “addictive,” opening platforms up to fines and litigation if they fail to comply. House Bill 301 sets out various criteria for whether social media should be considered addictive, including whether 10% of users under 16 are spending two or more hours a day on the app, as well as whether it offers features like infinite scrolling and “like” and “share” metrics. In addition to banning users who are 13 and under, the bill would also restrict access for 14- and 15-year-olds, requiring parental consent before they can create accounts on the platforms. “This legislation really is a simple truth — that our children need protection, and our parents need additional tools in the toolbox to protect their children,” said Sen. Dana Jones (R-Forsyth), who introduced the bill. NC members of Congress call on Google, OpenAI to address chatbot involvement in mass shootings The bill also instructs the State Board of Education to set AI literacy standards and to require training on AI use as part of the computer science curriculum for K-12 schools. Democratic lawmakers put forward four amendments to enact additional social media safeguards, protect users’ data, and provide $5 million in new funding to support new AI educational requirements enacted in the bill. All were rejected by Senate Republicans. Among those rejected amendments was a proposal by Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch (D-Wake) that would have required parental approval for social media users aged 16 and 17 and imposed additional protections relating to generative AI. Republican lawmakers did signal a willingness to give those ideas further consideration in the future. NC Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch (D-Wake) pushed unsuccessfully to raise the age limit for required parental approval for social media accounts, June 10, 2026. (Photo: Claire Michal/NC Newsline) “The addiction at older ages is actually even more palpable,” Batch said. “This is an earthquake in the developing minds of our children, who will have long-term consequences if we don’t act.” Speaking to reporters after the Senate session, Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) praised the bill’s passage. “Parents need to be actively aware of what’s going on with their kids,” he said. “I think it helps raise awareness of some concerns that are out there amongst people that are already paying a lot of attention, and maybe some parents aren’t as aware of.” The bill, which originated in the House, will now return to it so members can vote on the changes enacted by the Senate, including an amendment by the Senate Judiciary Committee to prohibit the sale of child users’ data. Courtesy of NC Newsline
	Vehicle crashes into Davenport home; two transported for injuries Two were transported to a local hospital for injuries following a Davenport crash. According to a release from the Davenport Police Department, Davenport Police, Fire and Medic EMS responded to the area of W. 61st St. and Hillandale Rd. in reference to the report of a vehicle that had crashed into a home June 10 [...]
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning from WED 6:23 PM CDT until WED 7:15 PM CDT Severe Thunderstorms Bringing Destructive Winds Until 7:15 PM CDT
	Iowa taxpayers overcharged $100 million according to state audit A new state audit is raising questions about how pharmacy benefit managers handle prescription drug payments in Iowa Medicaid.
	2 injured after car crashes into Davenport home Two people are hurt after a car crashed into a Davenport home.
	Pa. DHS official throws cold water on the latest push to rein in PBMs — this time by hiring one Proponents of the plan point to successes in other states. Ohio reportedly saved $140 million over a two-year period while benefitting pharmacists. (Whitney Downard/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)More than 1,000 pharmacies have shuttered across Pennsylvania since 2020 – and for years, a group of state lawmakers has been working to stem the closures through legislative action. Their efforts have largely focused on regulating middlemen in the pharmaceutical supply chain called pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, which pharmacists say are squeezing them out of business. The latest proposal, put forward in a bill sponsored by Rep. Rob Matzie (D-Beaver) seeks to empower the state to rein in PBMs by hiring one of their own. His bill would direct the state Department of Human Services to hire a single PBM to manage the prescription drug side of Medicaid plans offered by the commonwealth. As it stands, each insurance company that offers a Medicaid plan generally contracts a PBM to oversee prescription benefits. By consolidating all plans to a single PBM, the state would gain more control and could allow pharmacists to receive more money for the drugs they dispense. Proponents of the plan point to successes in other states that have done the same. Ohio, for example, implemented a single PBM model for their Medicaid plans in 2022, and reportedly saved $140 million over a two-year period while benefitting pharmacists. But that strategy might not yield the same success in Pennsylvania and could even cost the state millions, according to Sally Kozak, the deputy secretary of the Department of Human Services’ Office of Medical Assistance Programs. “Moving to a single [pharmacy benefit administrator] would only add cost, time and risk without seeing the savings that some other states have seen,” Kozak told lawmakers in a House Health Committee hearing Wednesday . “In addition, a Medicaid PBA would only reach a small share of the prescriptions that Pennsylvanians fill, so it alone can not solve the pressures that the pharmacies that are closing are seeing.” Rep. Robert Matzie (D-Beaver) But others testifying before the committee, and a number of supportive lawmakers, pushed back on Kozak’s claims, and highlighted the potential benefits for community pharmacies. “This will not be a pilot program. Other states have moved in this direction and the numbers don’t lie,” Matzie said. “Beyond the dollars and cents, we all know that some PBMs for a variety of reasons pick winners and losers. And the losers, so to speak, have been not only community pharmacies, but some of our chain pharmacies. Rite Aid is a great example.” He added that his bill would “move us even closer to protecting pharmacy access, curbing the influence of costly middlemen and ensuring every Pennsylvanian can get the care they need.” For many Pennsylvanians, pharmacies offer a crucial access point to the healthcare system, where they can seek free medical advice from professionals without appointments. ‘Real challenges’ PBMs are hired by insurance companies to manage the prescription benefit sides of their healthcare plans. In that role, they establish lists of covered medications called formularies, often negotiating deals with drug manufacturers that net them kickbacks in exchange for approving their products. At the same time, they sign agreements with pharmacies that influence how much they’re paid for dispensing drugs. Pharmacies purchase their medication supply from wholesalers, but their agreements with PBMs dictate how much they’re reimbursed when a patient uses their insurance to cover a script. But many pharmacists say those reimbursement rates have been shrinking for years, to the point where they’re struggling to profit even as their businesses grow or hold steady. Prescription for trouble: Pennsylvania pharmacists say PBMs are driving pharmacy closures That’s in part because of the companies’ size. Just three PBMs —CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and Optum Rx — handle an estimated 80% of all prescription drug claims in the U.S., according to a 2024 Federal Trade Commission report. Pharmacists say that means they’re faced with a choice: either accept the reimbursement rates offered by those companies, or be unable to accept a large portion of their patients’ insurance. Plus, each of the three largest PBMs are part of healthcare conglomerates that also own major insurance companies, as well as brick and mortar or mail order pharmacies. CVS Caremark, for example, is owned by the same company that owns CVS pharmacies and the health insurance giant Aetna. CVS Health ranks sixth on the Fortune 500 list of top U.S. companies ranked by revenue. OptumRx is owned by UnitedHealth Group, which ranks third. Cigna, which owns Express Scripts, ranks 14th. Pharmacists and regulators have accused those PBMs of engaging in anti-competitive practices that benefit affiliated pharmacies and steer patients towards them, while overcharging and aggressively auditing independent stores. Those practices were addressed in a bill signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2024. However, the provisions of that bill mostly applied to just employer-funded health insurance plans, which operate under a different regulatory framework as Medicaid plans. The bill also did not directly address the issue of low reimbursement rates, which advocates say is arguably the largest issue driving pharmacies out of business. Though PBMs say there are larger issues. “There’s no question that independent pharmacies face real challenges, such as consumer use of mail order and online pharmacies and big box stores taking away market share,” said Greg Lopes, a spokesperson for the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, a trade group that represents PBMs. “However, putting a tax on every prescription dispensed in Pennsylvania will result in much higher drug costs for Pennsylvania patients.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE He added, “We can’t do our work without pharmacies. That’s why PBMs offer innovative, transparent reimbursement programs, provide higher reimbursement to rural pharmacies, and build pharmacy networks to support independent pharmacies in Pennsylvania. Together, these approaches can reduce strain on the broader health care system while delivering high-quality care.” Matzie’s bill directing DHS to hire a single PBM for its Medicaid plans would allow the state to set reimbursement rates based on the actual price of drugs and the cost of dispensing them. A 2020 study commissioned by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the National Association of Specialty Pharmacies and the National Community Pharmacists Association found the average cost to a pharmacy of dispensing a drug — which includes employee time, and materials like bottles and labels — was around $12.40. It’s not uncommon, however, for PBMs to offer dispensing fees as low as $1.00 or less. Scott Newton, the owner of Gaughn’s Drug Store in Warren County, told lawmakers the average cost of filling a prescription in his pharmacy is around $12. But he estimates his pharmacy only nets around $8 on those he fills through Medicaid. “After accounting for staffing, technology, keeping our lights on, all those kinds of things, we’re losing money on a majority of those prescriptions,” he said. “It’s not a sustainable model that we have today. Most people assume that if a pharmacy’s busy, it must be doing well financially. Unfortunately that’s no longer true.” Sally Kozak, deputy secretary of the Department of Human Services’ Office of Medical Assistance Programs, testifies before the House Health Committee on June 10, 2026 (Photo from livestream) According to Kozak, it’s unclear whether the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would approve the state government setting rates for Medicaid providers. Since the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has been less likely to approve state-mandated minimum drug payments through the Medicaid program, which would require federal signoff, she said. Kozak also pointed out that the DHS has already taken steps to cut administrative costs across Pennsylvania Medicaid plans that states like Ohio did not take before implementing a single PBM model, meaning the commonwealth might not see the same savings. Rick Seipp, the president of Value Drug Company based out of Duncansville, Blair County, said the plan could still benefit Pennsylvania pharmacies. “Each one of the MCOs has their own hurdles, their own rules, prior authorization processes, provider services, audit requirements… Centralization of just having one PBM actually simplifies that process. It’s essentially one oversight from the department, from the state, and also one place where a pharmacy and provider can go and have those conversations,” he said. He also noted that Minnesota recently received authorization from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to set a reimbursement floor for pharmacies through their own single PBM program. ‘One of many ways to help’ Matzie’s bill would only give the state more control over prescriptions filled by people insured through Medicaid. Just 12% of prescriptions filled in Pennsylvania are covered by state Medical Assistance Programs, according to DHS estimates. But some pharmacies, especially in urban areas like Philadelphia, have patient bases that are much more likely to be insured through Medicaid than other parts of the state, according to Rob Frankil, executive director of the Philadelphia Association of Retail Druggists. “It would make a huge difference to them,” he told the Capital-Star. Rep. Jessica Benham (D-Allegheny) is also pushing for another proposal that would require larger reimbursements for PBMs working with employer-sponsored plans, which cover another 35% of prescriptions filled in Pennsylvania. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Benham told the Capital-Star she plans to introduce a bill that would require PBMs representing those plans to reimburse pharmacists based on the average cost of acquiring a drug, plus a dispensing fee of more than $10. But she says that proposal, along with Matzie’s bill, need to be parts of a larger, multi-pronged approach to help pharmacies. “In my view, [the single PBM bill] is one of many ways to help pharmacists in Pennsylvania,” she said in an email. “We need a dispensing floor in both Medicaid and commercial insurance spaces. We need greater transparency. We also need federal action because there’s only so much we can do on the state level.” A recent report by the state Insurance Department found that requiring a minimum reimbursement rate for commercial plans based on average drug costs and a $10.49 dispensing fee would have increased drug spending by roughly $55.7 million between 2022 and 2024, which would have accounted for less than 1% of drug spending in Pennsylvania. They also found it would have netted independent retail pharmacies an estimated $14 million annually, and primarily benefit pharmacies not affiliated with PBMs. Courtesy of Pennsylvania Capital-Star
	Live updates: Thousands without power as tornado warning expires in the Quad-Cities The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for the Quad-Cities as another storm moves into the area.
	Bettendorf approves new housing project near downtown The Bettendorf City Council approved plans for a new housing project near downtown during a special meeting. The council gave approval to apply for a workforce housing grant with the Iowa Economic Development Authority for the project. It would be built near the riverfront west of the I-74 Bridge. The complex would be similar to [...]
	70% of Quad Cities businesses raised prices last quarter, survey finds Rising costs continue to put pressure on businesses across the Quad Cities, with many owners saying they have been forced to raise prices while customers become more selective about how they spend their money.
	FBI seizing evidence at California plant where chemical tank overheated Federal authorities served a search warrant on Wednesday at a Southern California aerospace facility where a chemical tank overheated last month, forcing 50,000 residents to evacuate because authorities feared an explosion.
	Study finds soccer provides mental, cognitive benefits for young adults with disabilities News 8 spoke with the University of Iowa researcher behind the study and what he hopes these findings mean for our communities, especially as the World Cup begins.
	U.S. military says it's striking 'multiple targets' in Iran in 2nd day of renewed fire The escalating attacks threatened to derail efforts to end the war, with President Trump warning that Tehran would "pay the price" for stalled negotiations.
	State board approves up to $30 million in rebated taxes to help Sioux Falls pork plant’s move Smithfield Foods in Sioux Falls, as seen from the city bike trail. The company is receiving state, local and private aid for a relocation to the northern part of the city. (Photo by John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)A South Dakota board approved rebating up to $30 million in sales taxes to Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. for construction costs associated with its move from downtown to northern Sioux Falls, raising total state support of the project to $42 million. Governor’s Office of Economic Development Commissioner Bill Even said in a news release Wednesday that the company’s construction of a new slaughtering and processing facility is “the largest private capital investment in South Dakota history, and reinforces the critical role agriculture and food processing play in our economy while supporting thousands of South Dakota families and producers.” Even has a pork-industry background that includes farming, leading the state Department of Agriculture, and serving as the CEO of the National Pork Board. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. The state’s Reinvestment Payment Program allows companies to earn a rebate on sales taxes paid for upgrading equipment or constructing a new building or expansion in South Dakota. The program is limited to building projects over $20 million or equipment upgrades over $2 million. Companies must meet certain expectations — such as the number of jobs created, wages paid and physical footprint — laid out in the plan to qualify for the rebate. The state Board of Economic Development approved the application for up to $29,975,400 in rebates associated with Smithfield’s estimated $1.29 billion project. Deal to move pork plant from downtown to northern Sioux Falls includes $50 million Sanford gift The new facility will replace Smithfield’s existing downtown Sioux Falls operation “and will incorporate advanced automation and modern processing technology,” said the press release. The new site is near the intersection of Interstates 29 and 90. The state previously committed $12 million in grants from its Future Fund to the Sioux Falls Development Foundation to help with the project. The money will help reimburse the foundation for the land where the new plant will be located, and for costs associated with preparing it for construction. Meanwhile, T. Denny Sanford, a philanthropist and owner of First Premier Bank and Premier Bankcard, both headquartered in Sioux Falls, is donating $50 million to the development foundation to acquire and demolish structures at the downtown 120-acre Smithfield site for future redevelopment. The Sioux Falls City Council approved a $90 million Tax Increment Financing district for the project, although opponents have sued the city over the project and TIF approval. A TIF allows a city to use new and higher property tax revenue generated by a development to finance eligible project costs. Smithfield is part of the publicly traded WH Group, based in Hong Kong. Other board actions The state board also approved a $7.5 million loan from the Revolving Economic Development and Initiative Fund, known as the REDI Fund. It offers low-interest loans to startup firms, businesses that are expanding or relocating, and local economic development corporations. The loan is for Elevate Rapid City to purchase and develop 128 acres just north of the Uptown Rapid Mall into a new business park in Rapid City, according to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Additionally, the board awarded a $500,000 grant from the state’s Local Infrastructure Improvement Program to Lake County to support reconstruction of County Road 17. The project will improve transportation infrastructure serving the Dakota Ethanol facility near Wentworth and “accommodate increased commercial traffic generated by the company’s ongoing expansion,” the state development office said. The board also canceled a $1.3 million Reinvestment Payment Program incentive for Gevo Inc., because the incentives are contingent on completion, and the company did not build its project. Gevo had withdrawn its application. Gevo is a Colorado-based renewable fuels company that aimed to build a sustainable aviation fuel plant near Lake Preston. The project depended on Summit Carbon Solutions’ carbon sequestration pipeline project, which would have captured carbon dioxide from the plant and other ethanol plants and transported it for underground storage in North Dakota. Summit was denied a permit by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, and South Dakota lawmakers approved a ban on eminent domain for carbon pipelines. Gevo has since shifted its focus to projects in North Dakota. Courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight
	Services announced for five victims of Muscatine shootings Services for family members slain in Muscatine will be held in the coming days.
	Happy Joe’s raises money for family after house fire kills artist, volunteer Happy Joe's in Davenport hosts a fundraiser for the family of Mark Fick, a beloved local artist and volunteer who was killed in a tragic house fire.
	Child on electric scooter hit by vehicle A child riding an electric scooter was hit by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon.
	Supporters say state action can reduce pregnancy-related deaths of Black women in NC NC Sen. Natalie Murdock (D-Durham) speaks at a news conference on June 10, 2026, surrounded by supporters of legislation aimed at reducing pregnancy-related deaths among Black women. (Photo: Lynn Bonner/NC Newsline)Healthcare providers, advocates and politicians gathered in Raleigh Wednesday to push for state laws and grant programs they say would reduce pregnancy-related deaths among Black women. In North Carolina, the Black maternal death rate was 61.4 for each 100,000 births from 2019-2023, according to America’s Health Rankings. The maternal mortality rate for white women was 22.3 per 100,000 births. Nationally, Black women die from pregnancy-related complications and conditions at about three times the rate of white women. Speakers pointed to implicit bias, inadequate support for women after they give birth, and lack of access to doulas and midwives as reasons Black mothers are more likely to die. Dr. Michele Benoit-Wilson, an OB-GYN in Raleigh, presented vignettes to illustrate the potentially deadly consequences of inadequate postpartum care, lack of access to addiction specialists, and doctors dismissing Black women’s reports of worrying symptoms. An NC police officer died during pregnancy. Her family says it didn’t have to happen. Most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable now “with the policies, the funding, and the moral imperative that we, as citizens of this state, owe to every family who calls it home,” Benoit-Wilson said. A 2025 state report on maternal deaths in North Carolina from 2018-2020 found that 87% were preventable. But legislation filed in North Carolina aimed at preserving Black women’s lives faces new hurdles in an era of anti-diversity and anti-equity policies. Sen. Natalie Murdock (D-Durham), sponsor of bills to reduce the Black maternal death rate, said “individuals who want to ignore data” have created the obstacles. Murdock has filed versions of a Momnibus bill for several sessions. The latest version would have the state establish a required implicit bias training program for healthcare professionals, set up a grant program aimed at improving the health of pregnant Black women, establish a training program to recruit a diverse lactation support workforce, and expand access to medical care in maternity care deserts. The Senate’s Republican leadership has never granted the bills a hearing. Still, it’s important to continue to talk about the high Black maternal death rate and to offer solutions despite the political climate, Murdock said. “We are making strides, but we still have a very long way to go,” Murdock said. “Now more than ever, we have to continue beating the drum as some people want to ignore the data. The data is here.” Courtesy of NC Newsline
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning from WED 5:30 PM CDT until WED 6:30 PM CDT Severe Thunderstorms Bringing Strong Winds and Hail Until 6:30 PM CDT
	Knox College announces renovations at T. Fleming Fieldhouse Renovations began on June 8 and is expected to last approximately 10 weeks.
	Bettendorf developer seeking state tax credits for apartment building west of I-74 bridge The proposed apartment building is part of the city's years-long goal to redevelop the area west of the I-74 bridge since the completion of the new bridge.
	Iowa Court of Appeals sides with Iowa 80 Truckstop over value of property The Iowa Court of Appeals sided with the owners of Iowa 80 Truckstop in a legal battle with Scott County over the value of the company's property. It all started when the Scott County assessor increased the assessed value of the 19 parcels of land that make up the 'world's largest truck stop.' Iowa 80 [...]
	Medicare phone scam targets Idaho seniors, attorney general warns Idaho's Attorney General Raúl Labrador is warning residents about Medicare phone call scams that attempt to steal personal information for fraudulent expenses related to Medicare services and supplies. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)Attorney General Raúl Labrador issued a consumer alert on Wednesday warning Idaho seniors of Medicare phone scams targeting Social Security numbers, Medicare identification and date-of-birth information. Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador (Photo courtesy of the Idaho Attorney General’s office) The notice comes after a surge of reports, received by Idaho’s Consumer Protection Division, where scam callers use “professional” phone scripts to draw sensitive information from victims. The scammers “spoof” phone numbers to appear local, a technique used to falsify caller information, and they then claim recipients’ Medicare card has expired, been lost or requires account verification. Once scammers receive personal information, they can use it to charge bills for fraudulent or nonexistent Medicare services and supplies, according to Labrador’s press release. Although Labrador’s alert did not mention the exact number of reported scam cases, the release said Medicare scams can result in million-dollar losses. “We want seniors and their families to know how these scams work before they become victims,” Labrador said in the press release. “No one from Medicare will ever call you to ask for your number.” According to the release, official Medicare information is only delivered through U.S. postal mail and should never be requested through a phone call. Like other kinds of sensitive information, such as a Medicare card number, should not be shared unless at a trusted healthcare provider or pharmacy. Other telltale signs of potential scammers include phone-directed charges for Medicare card replacements or demands for payment with gift cards, cryptocurrencies, wire transfers or cash. What should I do in case of receiving a Medicare scam call? If you receive suspicious calls claiming to be from Medicare, officials recommend the following: Do not provide your Medicare number, Social Security number, or date of birth. Do not make any payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or wire transfer. Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE directly to verify information. Additionally, confirm what type of Medicare plan you currently hold. Scammers often blur the line between Medicaid and Medicare, according to the release. Medicare insurance applies to people 65 years of age or older and those with certain medical conditions. Medicaid is a federal and state program that helps cover medical costs for people with limited incomes. If you have received a suspicious call or believe you have been targeted by Medicare fraud, report it at ReportScamsIdaho.com or contact local law enforcement. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Idaho Capital Sun
	Idaho adds requirements for animal entry in response to U.S. New World screwworm cases Idaho agriculture officials declared stricter restrictions for animal entry after New World screwworm cases were reported in the U.S. last week. (Photo by Preston Keres/USDA)The Idaho State Department of Agriculture instated additional state entry requirements for animals on Wednesday following detections of New World screwworm — a flesh eating parasite — in Texas and New Mexico. The parasite, first confirmed in the U.S. on June 3, would pose a serious threat to Idaho’s livestock industry, should it spread to the state. The screwworm’s larvae burrow into, and feed on, the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, with the potential to cause severe wounds, pain and bleeding. The agriculture department’s Wednesday administrative order requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection granted, at most, five days before arrival for all warm-blooded animals entering Idaho from states with New World screwworm infestations. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE For animals arriving from a designated screwworm-infested zone, the state agriculture department has mandated that a copy of the movement permit from the state-of-origin allowing the animal to depart must be presented. As of Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has only declared screwworm-infested zones in southern Texas. State officials are also encouraging Idahoans to refrain from taking their pets to states with New World screwworm cases to help mitigate the spread of the disease. “Dogs and cats are just as susceptible to the pest as livestock, but pet owners may be less aware of the importance of thoroughly inspecting their pets for fly larvae that are very small and easy to miss,” said Scott Leibsle, Idaho state veterinarian. “Owners who do decide to travel with their pets to states affected by NWS will be required to get a health certificate, from a veterinarian in that state, within 5 days of their return to Idaho.” Chanel Tewalt serves as the director of the Idaho Department of Agriculture. (Photo courtesy of Idaho State Department of Agriculture) Spurred by significant losses of cattle to the screwworm, the USDA began efforts to combat the parasite in the 1950s and achieved full eradication in 1986. Cases recurred in Florida in 2016, but the screwworm was dispelled by early 2017. The consequences of a outbreak of the New World screwworm among cattle is especially serious for Idaho, as cattle and dairy production are the largest two sectors of the state’s agriculture industry. “Idaho has been preparing for the possibility of New World screwworm reaching the United States, and we are well-positioned to respond,” said Chanel Tewalt, the state’s Department of Agriculture director. “We are coordinating closely with USDA officials and our counterparts across the West.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Idaho Capital Sun
	City of Muscatine approves Hot-Mix Asphalt Overlay Project The Muscatine City Council approved the Hot-Mix Asphalt Overlay Project during a meeting Tuesday night.
	29-year-old dies after shooting in Bettendorf Tuesday evening A suspect in the shooting has been arrested.
	How you can celebrate Pride Month in the QCA June is Pride Month, and there are countless opportunities across the QCA this month to celebrate inclusivity and acceptance in our community. Tyler Mitchell from The Project of the Quad Cities joined Our Quad Cities News with details on how you can celebrate Pride Month in the Quad Cities. For more information, click here.
	Celebrate equality with the NAACP at the Freedom Fund Banquet The Rock Island County branch of the NAACP is gearing up for its biggest fundraiser, a celebration and call to action for equality in the QCA and the U.S. Bonnie Ballard and Thanolia Hudson spoke with Our Quad Cities News with details on the Freedom Fund Banquet. For more information, click here.
	More severe storms for later today After already being hit with a round of strong thunderstorms producing heavy rain and 60 mph winds, we are tracking another line for later this evening. We are seeing a severe thunderstorm watch and an updated tornado watch for our area as a second round of storms is looking to move in later this evening. [...]
	QCA torch run honors Special Olympics Illinois Law enforcement officers from Rock Island County carried the torch for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. The tradition supports athletes in Special Olympics Illinois. The Summer Games begin June 12. Dozens ran in honor of the athletes competing in Special Olympics Illinois. The goal of the run is to raise finds and awareness for Special Olympics [...]
	Details on funeral arrangements for 6 killed in Muscatine tragedy Officials and family members have shared details on funeral arrangements for the six killed in a shooting on June 1 in Muscatine.

Thursday, June 11th, 2026

Wednesday, June 10th, 2026