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

Friday, April 24th, 2026
	Trains and Planes This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Several times a day, airplanes descend over Rock Island, riding the wind down toward the airport, one or two hundred…
	Why Trump wants to spend $1 billion on Great Salt Lake Utah's Great Salt Lake has been labeled an "environmental nuclear bomb" and it has the attention of the president of the United States.
	After 2 failed votes, Mike Johnson unveils new plan to extend key U.S. spy powers With an April 30 deadline fast approaching, Johnson unveiled his latest proposal to extend the controversial surveillance program known as FISA 702.
	Heated socks sold at Costco recalled after wearers report second-degree burns The recall covers roughly 207,800 pairs of 32 Degrees-branded socks which the CPSC says are tied to at least 14 "heat-related incidents." Thirteen of those incidents involved burns.
	2 young people arrested in alleged plot to attack Houston synagogue Two young people have been arrested in an alleged plot to attack a Texas synagogue that involved driving through the congregation to "kill as many Jews as possible," according authorities.
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning until FRI 12:45 AM CDT Severe Thunderstorms with Damaging Winds Expected Overnight
	Trump administration vows crackdown on Chinese firms 'exploiting' U.S. AI models The Trump administration is vowing to crack down on foreign tech companies' exploitation of U.S. artificial intelligence models, singling out China at a time that country is narrowing the gap with the U.S. in the AI race.
	EU approves a $106 billion loan package to help Ukraine after Hungary lifts its veto The European Union on Thursday approved a $106-billion loan package to help Ukraine meet its economic and military needs for two years, ending months of political deadlock.
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
	Tornado Warning until FRI 12:30 AM CDT Tornado Warning: Immediate Action Required in Southeastern Cedar, Scott, and Clinton Counties
	Wiffle-ball wizards: Quad-Cities robotics team heads to world championship The team qualified for the championship at the 2026 State of Iowa Championship, according to a media release.
	Drake Relays: April 23rd Local athletes were in action for the first day of Drake Relays. Burlington junior Kylee Hill won the shot put championship at the Drake Relays on Thursday
	PV girls soccer pick up win, North and Assumption boys soccer tie Pleasant Valley girls soccer defeated Central DeWitt in DeWitt 2-0. Davenport North boys soccer hosted Assumption and tied 0-0
	Geneseo softball defeats Alleman 5-1 making it programs 1,000th win Geneseo softball picked up the program’s 1,000th win Thursday defeating Alleman 5-1.
	Storms weakening as they approach Quad Cities Thursday night As expected, storms are weakening quite a bit as they approach the Quad Cities late Thursday night. There's still a chance for a few t'storms around midnight, but widespread severe weather is not expected tonight. Rain wraps up early Friday morning.
	Putnam Museum fundraising to bring triceratops skeleton to museum If secured, the triceratops would be the first permanent dinosaur skeleton in Iowa.
	Libraries in the Quad Cities offering seeds as well as books Residents can pick up free packs of seeds from the library and grow them in their own backyards!
	Derby Day at the Mansion returns to Rivermont Collegiate You can watch the Kentucky Derby in style with food, drinks & contests on May 2 at the historic Bettendorf Mansion. The money raised will support Rivermont students.
	Quad City Animal Welfare Center seeking hospice home for calico cat Born in 2017, Luna has a pituitary tumor and requires some extra care, but shelter officials said she still has plenty of love to offer.
	Quad Cities runner completes 50 marathons in 50 states Danny Fleener is one of very few people to ever complete 50 marathons in 50 states.
	102-year-old WWII veteran to go on 65th Honor Flight Officials said it’s been several years since a World War II veteran has volunteered to go on a flight.
	Ride the rails for historic trains in the QCA All aboard! Area locomotive enthusiasts are on track for an unforgettable adventure discovering historic trains. Our Quad Cities News photojournalist Mike Colón takes us for a ride with Railroading Heritage of Midwest America at Silvis Train Days. For more information, click here.
	'Is AI Coming For Your Job?' \| Free public forum on May 8 As part of the Quad Cities Civic Conversations, the talk in Rock Island will explore both the promise and disruption tied to AI, particularly in the classroom.
	Quad City Animal Welfare Center seeking hospice home for calico cat Born in 2017, Luna has a pituitary tumor and requires some extra care, but shelter officials said she still has plenty of love to offer.
	City of Rock Island, Augustana College, plan public meeting about Southwest RI Wetlands The City of Rock Island and Augustana College will co-host a public information meeting on their partnership to study the Southwest Rock Island Wetlands and the status of the proposed Land and Water Reserve of 550 acres. Through the partnership, Augustana students and faculty will contribute applied research and data analysis to help inform the [...]
	Wildfires rage in Georgia, Florida \| In The News Now Wildfires burning across Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida have destroyed dozens of homes and forced evacuations. Historic drought is fueling the flames.
	Davenport man sentenced to federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon He was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty in December.
	USDA cuts create worries for family farms The Trump Administration has proposed an almost $5 billion cut to USDA programs aimed to help small family farms, bringing worries for those who use the programs.
	Michael Beane named Eastern Iowa Community Colleges vice chancellor Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) has named Michael Beane as its next vice chancellor of student services. According to a release from EICC: According to the release, Beane will lead student services across the district and support ongoing work to strengthen how students are served. He will transition into the role over the next few [...]
	U.S. soldier charged with suspected Polymarket insider trading over Maduro raid It's the first time suspected insider trading on Polymarket has led to criminal charges in the U.S.
	U.S. soldier charged with using classified information to bet on Maduro's removal It's the first time suspected insider trading on Polymarket has led to criminal charges in the U.S.
	The Heart of the Story: For the love of cars Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. Bringing old classic cars back to life is [...]
	This is the ‘hard cap’ vs. ‘soft cap’ difference delaying property tax deal Two Iowa Republican leaders are optimistic about a property tax reform deal this year despite several differences on policy.
	Iowa bill would ban warrant resolution clinics A bill in Iowa could make things a bit more complicated when it comes to resolving low-level warrants without arrest. House Study Bill 780 would ban warrant resolution clinics, defined as any formal or informal gathering that allows people with outstanding warrants to resolve them without being arrested. The first-ever warrant resolution clinic in Iowa [...]
	1 billion pounds recycled at Scott Area Recycling Center The Scott Area Recycling Center has sorted 1 billion pounds from the Quad Cities area since curbside collection started in 1995, according to a media release.
	Rock Island and Augustana College to host public meeting on future study of wetlands The city and Augustana College are partnering on the project, giving students a chance for hands-on experience studying the wetlands.
	New USPS vehicles making their way to the Quad Cities More than 100,000 of the new postal service delivery trucks are rolling out, and they've been spotted on the streets of Rock Island.
	New USPS vehicles making their way to the Quad Cities More than 100,000 of the new postal service delivery trucks are rolling out, and they've been spotted on the streets of Rock Island.
	French police probe suspected weather device tampering after odd Polymarket bet The incident is the latest eyebrow-raising bet on Polymarket, as allegations of rigging and manipulation continue to haunt the popular prediction market site.
	When to expect tonight's storms After a long week of some very nice weather with temperatures reaching into the 80s with lots of sunshine, things are changing for tonight. We are expecting a line of some showers and thunderstorms moving in later tonight that will be hitting the Quad Cities by midnight. These showers and thunderstorms do have a chance [...]
	Sherrard Schools honors retiring teachers, trains next generation As teacher shortages continue to impact districts across the country, Sherrard Schools is highlighting why some educators have stayed for decades — and how the district plans to prepare the next generation to step in.
	American Lung Association data says Quad Cities among most polluted area for smog in the country The report points to smog levels that can worsen breathing problems for children, older adults and those with lung conditions.
	Alabama active voter numbers down ahead of May primaries Booths await voters at the Pennington County Administration Building during early voting on Jan. 19, 2026, for a municipal election in Rapid City, South Dakota. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)With less than 30 days until primary elections, new statistics show that the number of active voters in Alabama has decreased since 2022. Voter statistics for March that were given to the Voting Registration Advisory Board members during its meeting on Thursday show Alabama has 3.29 million active voters. This is a 17,000 person decrease from four years ago, when the state had 3.31 million active voters. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen said in a statement that “Alabama boasts one of the cleanest and most accurate voter files in the country.” The state also saw an increase in inactive voters going from 392,000 in 2022 to over 500,000 last month. Voter Registration Advisory Board Chairman John Lackey said after the meeting “there are fluctuations in voter numbers at different times during elections.” Inactive voters are still able to vote in person if they fill out the proper paperwork. “If they show up at the polls where they’ve been voting, we let them vote, or we send them to where they need to vote, but we hand them an update from them, and just say, fill that out and go vote,” Lackey said. Board member Sydney Dean said after the meeting voters are able to check their status by visiting the Alabama Secretary of State website. “It’s very easy. They just put in their name and address, and actually it’ll populate even a little map that shows them where to go vote with their precinct,” she said. “When you go inactive, there’s been an issue and we’re just saying to the voter when they come into the polls, please complete an update for them because nine times out of 10, it’s a situation like that.” Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	Davenport Municipal Airport holds Kid in Aviation Day Local preschoolers got a neat opportunity to tour the airport and experience some on-the-ground airplane exploration.
	Rock River near crest, draws crowds to Moline business The Rock River is right near its crest in Moline, spilling into riverfront areas and drawing crowds to Len Brown's North Shore Inn & Marina to watch the high water.
	Sherrard School District tackles teacher shortage The Sherrard School District is taking the nation-wide teacher shortage issue on. A new program is on the way for students who want to pursue a career in education. "I think some of these people don't understand the work a really good teacher has to put in to be a successful teacher," says Lori Arnold, [...]
	Iowa water monitoring system faces funding uncertainty Iowa has around 60 sensors that monitor for chemicals and toxins in drinking water, including nitrates.
	T'storm chances return Thursday night After some much needed dry weather lately, the chance for t'storms is back later tonight. Storms are on track to weaken as they approach the Quad cities around midnight. A line of storms will move in from the West and should be falling apart a bit as it approaches the Quad Cities. That being said, [...]
	Davenport passes $271M budget as tax rate dips, fees rise Davenport’s new $271M budget is set. Here’s what to know about tax rates, rising home values and fee changes for residents.
	Rock River near crest, draws crowds to Moline business The Rock River is right near its crest in Moline, spilling into riverfront areas and drawing crowds to Len Brown's North Shore Inn & Marina to watch the high water.
	Woman opens Sam’s Club account with stolen identity, racks up $6K in charges Police said on April 1 a woman stole someone’s identity to open a credit account then charged $6,000 of merchandise to it.
	Crime Stoppers: Woman wanted for failure to appear, parole violation Lynsey Benham, 40, is wanted in Rock Island County for failure to appear in court on a charge of delivery/possession with intent to deliver meth.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted for failure to appear on meth charge Lincoln Moon, 49, is wanted in Rock Island County for failure to appear in court on a delivery/possession with intent to deliver meth charge.
	Freight House Farmers' Market returns to Davenport In a sure sign of warmer weather ahead, a tradition returns to Davenport. Missy Carter and Sean Ryan talked with our Quad Cities News about the Freight House Farmers' Market. For more information, click here.
	Millionaire tax amendment fails to gain enough support from House Democrats A “millionaire tax” proposal floated in the Illinois House failed to gain enough traction in Springfield this week, making it increasingly unlikely that voters will be asked to approve the measure in November.
	Cambria Hotel Bettendorf to be converted to Holiday Inn Express The Cambria Hotel at 5061 Competition Drive in Bettendorf opened in 2019 and will undergo a $3 million renovation as a Holiday Inn Express.
	The FDA gives the green light to the first gene therapy for deafness The treatment, developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, is for a very rare form of deafness. But it represents a medical milestone.
	Too much sun exposure? Treatments for sun-damaged skin If you see brown spots or crusty red patches, there are some treatments that might help improve the appearance of your skin.
	Mississippi River at Rock Island to crest at moderate flood stage Friday before falling The Mississippi River at Rock Island will crest at about 16.1 feet on Friday, reaching moderate flood stage before falling below that level into the weekend.
	Augustana Prison Education Program holding fundraiser trivia night to raise money for student supplies The Augustana Prison Education Program (APEP) is currently teaching 36 students at the East Moline Correctional Center (EMCC) in its fifth year. One student who was released from the EMCC is finishing their degree at Augustana College and will graduate in May, along with 10 other EMCC students.
	Expert: Artemis II proves spacecraft readiness for longer space travel It's been two weeks since the Artemis II astronauts returned. An Iowa expert explains what they learned, what the purpose of their journey was and what's next.
	Meta will lay off 10% of its staff The cuts follow losses in two pivotal court cases and the company's push to invest in artificial intelligence.
	Bettendorf Police launch child abuse prevention patch to support local nonprofit Bettendorf Police are selling a child abuse prevention patch in April, with proceeds benefiting a local advocacy center serving children in eastern Iowa.
	Expert: Artemis II proves spacecraft readiness for longer space travel It's been two weeks since the Artemis II astronauts returned. An Iowa expert explains what they learned, what the purpose of their journey was and what's next.
	Airlines in Europe slash thousands of flights as Iran war cuts jet fuel supplies The soaring cost of jet fuel is forcing European airlines to cancel tens of thousands of flights, while energy authorities warned of a possible jet fuel shortage if supplies aren't replenished soon.
	Virtual parole hearing bill dies after Alabama Legislature fails to act on governor’s changes Gov. Kay Ivey enters the Alabama State Capitol ahead of the State of the State address speech on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Montgomery, Ala. A bill that would have allowed parole applicants, crime victims and law enforcement to participate remotely in parole hearings died after the Legislature failed to act on changes proposed by Ivey before adjourning. (Estela Muñoz for Alabama Reflector)A bill that would have allowed parole applicants, victims and law enforcement to virtually address the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles died after lawmakers failed to act on an executive amendment from Gov. Kay Ivey on the final day of the 2026 legislative session. SB 240, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road had bipartisan support and went to Ivey on April 7. However, Ivey proposed a change to the bill that Gina Maiola, a spokeswoman for Ivey, said was “necessary” in a statement on Wednesday. “It would have changed the effective date to coincide with the fiscal year and required General Fund support to make sure this was not an unfunded mandate,” the statement said. Ivey wanted the General Fund money to pay for technology to implement the law and change the effective date of the act from March 2027 to October 2027. The Legislature did not act on the amendment before adjourning, killing the legislation. A message was sent to Barfoot on Thursday seeking comment. Parole reform SB 240 was one of three bills that lawmakers approved that dealt with parole reform. One allows the parole board greater discretion for deciding whether to revoke parole while a second codified into law that members of the parole board must factor the education classes and employment history of someone who is incarcerated when deciding whether to grant parole for an applicant. Those other two bills passed. “It is unfortunate, particularly given the broad support that it received from the Legislature,” said Jerome Dees, policy director for the Southern Poverty Law Center, in an interview on Thursday. “It is rare that we see in the Alabama Legislature a bill that receives that kind of support in both chambers.” A’Niya Robinson, policy director for the ACLU of Alabama, said she was disappointed. “It is a bipartisan bill, and this was something that groups from across the spectrum had been working on for years,” she said. With the bill dead, the parole board will not be able to address applicants directly during their parole hearings and instead will rely on written statements submitted by the applicants, their families and any others who support them getting granted parole. “What we have seen historically is that those documents are not always read over and thoroughly viewed,” Dees said. “There have been instances in the past of the parole board denying parole to deceased individuals, folks who have died while in custody in between their application and the actual hearing. If they are going through that process and denying those folks, not even knowing that they are no longer alive, I think that speaks to the lack of thoroughness that is sometimes given to that review process.” For Robinson, it halted progress on criminal justice reform. “We did see some strides this year,” she said. “We did see the passage of SB 254 and HB 86, and we also had some lively Joint Prison Oversight Committee hearings, so there is definitely an appetite for criminal justice reform in this state.” Victims and their families will also have to drive to address the board. “As a prosecutor, I have done that before for parole hearings,” said Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, a supporter of the bill, in an interview on Wednesday. “You have to get up at 5,6, in the morning on state time. You have to drive up here in a state vehicle, pay for gas. You would just pay for a television and internet connection. It is not that hard.” New technology SB 240 would have not changed the current parole process writ large but instead would have established the rules and incorporated the technology to allow participants to partake in the proceedings virtually. Under SB 240, the parole board would have been required to allow applicants to participate in the hearing virtually, be that by phone, video conference or other similar manner. It also would have required victims and their supporters to either hear or see the statement from the applicant and would have required the two parties separated so they do not see one another if requested. Lawmakers had been trying to enact the same bill for the past three years but have continued to fall short of getting it enacted into law. Cam Ward, director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, said the technology is available to allow for that, and that it would replicate the process used by other states. Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, brought up the issue during the Joint Prison Oversight Committee meeting on Wednesday. “Right now, inside the facilities, you have the technology, and if you don’t, you do what is necessary to accommodate them so they can have their virtual hearing with the judge,” he said to Charles Williams, deputy commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections at the meeting. Williams said ADOC will accommodate a virtual hearing, if possible, in some circumstances because the technology is available at some Corrections facilities but not all. At times when it is not possible for people to speak with the judge virtually, people who are incarcerated are transported to the hearing. England asked who provided the technology. Williams said it was the ADOC that was responsible for the technology. England then asked if Corrections provided tablets to make it possible for people to participate in court hearings virtually. Williams said he would look into it. “For them to kill that bill because of money when, as you heard them testify, that we have the infrastructure all over our system to provide virtual access for inmates to their judge for virtual hearings for court but then turned around and say that we do not have the money for parole, is just being disingenuous,” England said. Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	The Scandinavian sleep method: Why couples who use two duvets sleep better together The Scandinavian sleep method: Why couples who use two duvets sleep better togetherForget fighting over the covers, disturbing each other's sleep or opting to sleep separately. The Scandinavian sleep method is an individual approach to making the bed that helps couples sleep better together by creating a peaceful and personalized experience for both partners.Want to sleep like a Scandinavian? Keep reading as Naturepedic shows the way.The Scandinavian Sleep Method at a GlanceThe method: two separate duvets on one bed.Designed for couples with different sleep preferences.Helps to reduce nighttime disruptions.Allows for individualized comfort and temperature.Common in Sweden, Denmark and Norway.What is the Scandinavian Sleep Method?Here’s the scoop: The Scandinavian sleep method is a sleep arrangement where couples sleep under separate duvets on the same bed, rather than sharing one large duvet.This method is popular in Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Denmark and Norway, where it is believed to promote better sleep by reducing disturbances caused by tugging the blanket or differences in temperature preferences.The practice stems from the region's unique culture, which encourages comfort and practicality in daily life, and reflects the broader philosophy behind Scandinavian design: functionality and simplicity. And while it may be unconventional, the Scandinavian sleep method really does help some couples to maintain consistent, quality sleep and ultimately contributes to healthier relationships and better intimacy.4 Benefits of the Scandinavian Sleep Method1. Improved Sleep QualityThe Scandinavian sleep method eliminates the common disturbances of blanket tug-of-war, reducing night-time disruptions and promoting a more restful sleep for both partners. By ensuring everyone stays comfortably covered throughout the night, it fosters better sleep hygiene and a more peaceful, uninterrupted rest.2. Better Temperature RegulationBy using individual duvets, each person can choose the warmth level that suits them best. Hot sleepers might like cooling bedding made out of organic fibers such as cotton percale or linen, while cold sleepers might opt for cozy sateen bedding versus percale bedding or wool duvet inserts. This personalized approach prevents overheating or getting too chilly during the night, and it helps both partners to maintain their optimal sleep temperature, keep cozy and wake up feeling refreshed.3. Individualized Sleep SpaceNo two people sleep the same, so why should your bedding be the same? If you prefer different warmth levels, textures or weights, chances are you may prefer different bedding materials, too. You don’t have to compromise with the Scandinavian sleep method.4. Avoid Sleeping in Separate BedsSleeping separately doesn’t exactly promote intimacy, and there are so many important benefits to cuddling the one you love, like increased REM and a reduction in stress. The Scandinavian sleep method helps avoid the dreaded sleep divorce of sleeping in separate beds and can ultimately improve your relationship. Well-rested partners are more patient, affectionate and connected, allowing for better communication and deeper emotional bonds. You can still achieve that cozy, co-sleeping experience without having to share the covers.How to Make Your Bed Scandinavian StyleCreate a close and cozy co-sleeping environment with just a few simple steps. Here’s how to make your bed using the Scandinavian sleep method.1. Start with a Fitted Sheet: Cover your mattress with a fitted sheet, ensuring it's smooth and wrinkle-free. Consider forgoing a top sheet.2. Add Two Twin Duvets: Instead of one large duvet, use two twin-sized duvets. Place them side by side, each covering half of the bed.3. Add Pillows: Place your pillows at the head of the bed, arranging them as you like.4. Finish with a Bedspread: This part’s optional. You can add a light bedspread or blanket over the duvets to mask the dividing line.And there you have it — your bed is now ready for the ultimate Scandinavian sleep experience. With each side tailored to individual comfort, you can snooze soundly without disturbing your partner.FAQs About the Scandinavian Sleep MethodStill have questions? Here are a few quick answers to help you get started with the Scandinavian sleep method.Can You Cuddle With the Scandinavian Sleep Method?Yes. The Scandinavian sleep method doesn’t prevent closeness; it just changes how you sleep. Couples can still cuddle or share a duvet at the beginning of the night, then separate into individual duvets for uninterrupted sleep.Why Do Germans Also Have Separate Duvets?It's not just a Scandinavian thing. In Germany and other parts of Europe, separate duvets are common because bedding is designed for individual use rather than shared use. Many beds are made with two single duvets instead of one large comforter, which makes it easier for each person to control their own warmth and avoid disruptions during the night.What Size Comforter Do I Need for the Scandinavian Sleep Method?The Scandinavian sleep method typically uses two twin or twin XL duvets on a shared bed. On a queen mattress, two twin duvets usually provide enough coverage. On a king mattress, two twin XL duvets offer a better fit. The goal is for each person to have a fully separate blanket.Do You Use a Top Sheet With the Scandinavian Sleep Method?Most Scandinavian sleep method setups skip the top sheet. Instead, each person uses a duvet with a removable, washable cover. However, a top sheet can still be used if you prefer — do whatever works best for you.Can You Use the Scandinavian Sleep Method on a Queen Bed?Yes. The Scandinavian sleep method works well on a queen bed using two twin duvets placed side by side. You don’t need a larger mattress to try it.This story was produced by Naturepedic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Chicago Bears want changes to megaprojects bill approved by Illinois House approves The measure, which passed 78-32, is ostensibly a step toward keeping “the pride and joy of Illinois” from bolting for Indiana, where Hoosier lawmakers have tried to lure the NFL’s founding franchise with the promise of more than $1 billion in public subsidies to build a football palace just across the state line in Hammond.
	Inspired by Coachella to hire influencers? What your contract should cover Inspired by Coachella to hire influencers? What your contract should coverInfluencer marketing surges around big events like Coachella, with brands sponsoring or paying for even just a mention. But not every sponsorship works out because sometimes a clear contract is not in place. Clear agreements help both parties avoid confusion, explain expectations and deliverables, and stop you from wasting budget.Big events like Coachella highlight how powerful influencer marketing has become. Sure, they are great places to listen to live music and grab a drink, but they are called the influencer olympics for a reason. Many small businesses have started hiring influencers to promote launches, pop-ups, or seasonal campaigns to compete in a shifting marketing landscape.It can be a smart move, but without a clear agreement, these partnerships can quickly lead to missed posts, unclear expectations, or disputes over payment and content.If you’re working with a limited budget and a small team, every partnership matters, and having a simple, well-structured agreement in place is essential to make sure your business is protected.Rocket Lawyer outlines what small businesses should include in an influencer agreement to avoid common issues.Influencer Agreement and What They Should Actually CoverAn influencer agreement is essentially just a written understanding of what each side is responsible for. It is not meant to be overly complex; it just needs to be clear.Here are a few key areas to define:1. Deliverables (What They Need To Do)Be as specific as possible. Will the influencer post an Instagram reel? Four IG stories? A TikTok video about your business? Vague expectations like “post about the event” leave room for misunderstandings and bad interpretations.2. Timeline (When Deliverables Need To Happen)Tie the deliverables to due dates. For example: “Two posts during the event and one recap within 48 hours after.” This tends to matter even more for time-sensitive events like Coachella-style campaigns, where timing drives visibility. If the timeline is missed, your chance to be relevant in the space might be as well.3. Payment or CompensationHow are you compensating them for their work? Are you paying cash, offering free products, or both? Make sure you outline exactly what you are giving them in exchange for the deliverables. Include the amount/value, payment timing, and what happens if the deliverables aren’t met.4. Content Usage (Who Will Own the Content)Many businesses assume they can reuse influencer content in ads or on their website; however, that’s not always the case. If you want to reuse content, you need to explicitly state that in the contract. It can cause big issues down the road if you don’t write this out.Common Gaps in an Agreement That Lead to ProblemsSmall businesses often rely on informal agreements: DMs, emails, texts, or verbal deals. That can cause major issues down the line.Here are a few common risks to watch for:Missed or low-quality posts or brand misalignment: The influencer delivers something different from what was expected, or it doesn’t align with your brand because there were no specific deliverables agreed upon.Late content: Posts go live after your event or promotion window because the timeline wasn’t set.Payment disputes: Confusion about what was promised versus delivered, and payment was either sent prematurely or didn’t go out at all.These issues are more often than not avoidable with clearer legal agreements. Make sure you protect your business and what you've built by creating a legally binding agreement, rather than taking the easy route of an informal agreement.Questions SMBs Should Ask Before Hiring InfluencersBefore you hire an influencer, take a moment to step back and ask a few key questions:What exactly do I want from this partnership? Do I have clear deliverables, or am I relying on general expectations?How am I handling compensation? Am I offering payment, free products, or both? And is that clearly documented?What happens if the influencer doesn’t deliver? Do I have a clause in place if timelines or quality aren’t met?Can I reuse the content they create? Have I defined usage rights, or do I need to ask a legal professional to help clarify this?Ask these questions before you hire an influencer to minimize risk and prevent potential issues.How to Get StartedYou don’t need a complicated system to get started. Just make sure you start with a structured approach.Write down your expectations and what you are hoping to gain from this agreement before reaching out. Define the deliverables, timing, and compensation so you’re clear on the agreement outline from the beginning.Use an agreement for every collaboration. Even a short and simple contract is better than relying on messages or verbal promises.If you have had past influencer partnerships, review them. Look for patterns. See what worked, what didn’t, and where expectations were unclear.If you are unsure, get help. You can reference online legal resources to draft a basic influencer agreement or talk to a legal professional to make sure your terms are solid.Working with influencers is a powerful way to grow your business, and with the right structure in place, you can make sure your business stays protected through it all.This story was produced by Rocket Lawyer and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	OpenAI just launched its own ads manager. The $50K entry point is the smallest part of the story. OpenAI just launched its own ads manager. The $50K entry point is the smallest part of the story.As of April 10, OpenAI’s ChatGPT ad pilot is officially self-serve. That means advertisers can now track impressions and clicks in real time without routing through OpenAI's sales team. Additionally, the minimum spend dropped from somewhere between $200,000 and $250,000 down to $50,000, making it much more accessible for smaller organizations. This price cut will get attention from anyone watching the channel, but for a performance marketer or DTC brand weighing whether to actually test this, the number that matters more is 1.5.TL;DR: OpenAI's new self-serve ads manager lowers the barrier to entry for ChatGPT advertising, but the pilot is still limited, and access isn't guaranteed. The more important question is whether the channel's conversion data justifies getting in now, and for the right product categories, it absolutely does.Floodlight, a programmatic ad solutions provider, examines what OpenAI's self-serve ads manager means for advertisers and whether the conversion data justifies getting in early.What the Ads Manager Actually ChangesPrior to April 10, buying ads on ChatGPT meant going through OpenAI's sales team directly or working with a certified partner. Digiday reported that the new self-serve tool gives advertisers real-time visibility into impressions and clicks without that intermediary step. Advertiser sources have described the interface as being similar to Google Ads in terms of layout. That's not an accident. It’s no surprise that familiar tools get adopted faster, and OpenAI needs adoption to build the revenue case ahead of its expected IPO later this year.Currently, ads appear at the bottom of ChatGPT responses for free and Go tier users in the U.S., labeled as sponsored and visually separated from the organic answer. OpenAI has stated that ads do not influence what ChatGPT says and that conversation data is not shared with advertisers. The ad inventory itself has been live since February 2026, but as mentioned before, the minimum spend and barrier to entry were very high. What changed on April 10 is that measuring and managing those placements got significantly more accessible.Why LLM-Referred Traffic Converts 50% BetterCriteo joined the ChatGPT ad pilot in March 2026, bringing roughly 17,000 commerce advertisers with it. Digiday named Criteo as OpenAI's first certified ad tech partner. The aggregated U.S. client data Criteo has published shows that users arriving from an LLM referral convert at approximately 1.5 times the rate of users from other referral channels.Take a typical Google search. Someone types "running shoes" or "dinner ideas" and gets back a page of sponsored listings, Google Shopping carousels, Business Profiles, and 10 blue links all competing for the same click. The user will desperately tab, compare pages, and try to concoct a trustworthy answer from sources that all have some reason to sell them something. It's a process that asks the user to form their own opinion, and plenty of people give up or second-guess themselves before they ever buy.On ChatGPT, instead of typing "running shoes," the user types something along the lines of: "I have wide feet, my knees have been hurting on longer runs, and I mostly train on pavement. What running shoes should I look at?" ChatGPT doesn't return ten links. It synthesizes what it knows about stability shoes, drop height, and wide-toe-box options and gives a direct answer built around that person's specific situation. The user didn't have to do the comparison work. ChatGPT did it for them. Users understand the power of ChatGPT and know that it can crawl data from across the internet to give them the “perfect” answer. It makes complete sense why LLM referral converts at ~1.5 times the rate of other channels.A 1.5 conversion lift at the referral stage changes the unit economics of a test campaign. Media cost per click is still uncertain and will likely vary by category and competition. But if a channel consistently delivers traffic that closes at that rate, it warrants a budget allocation even before the cost structure is fully understood.What $50K Actually Gets YouWhile the spend minimum has come down substantially, brands still need to reach OpenAI's sales team or a certified partner to participate. Meeting the spend threshold is a prerequisite. It does not guarantee access.The most direct path in right now is through Criteo, which brought its existing commerce network into the pilot. For brands already running performance campaigns through Criteo's platform, that's worth a conversation with their account team.This is also early enough that the Criteo conversion data, while directionally promising, reflects a thin sample. The 1.5 times figure comes from aggregate behavior across a limited pilot. Category performance will vary. Some product types will outperform that benchmark, while others won't get close.The IPO ContextOpenAI's IPO is expected later this year. The company is projecting $2.5 billion in ad revenue for 2026, with projections to reach past $100 billion by 2030. Those may prove to be lofty goals since ad industry forecasts at the early stage of a new channel have a consistent history of revision. The 2030 number in particular should be read as an aspiration, not a guarantee.Regardless of whether those numbers hold, OpenAI is clearly building ads into its core business. That means more inventory, better tools, and a lot more competition over time. Early testers will have a head start when access opens up. The ones who wait will be learning the hard way while paying higher rates to do it.How to Prepare Before the ChatGPT Ads Pilot Opens FurtherMatch Categories to the FormatChatGPT ads are better suited to high-consideration purchases. Products that people research before buying, where the decision involves some complexity, and where a detailed ChatGPT answer might include a recommendation or a comparison.Categories like home improvement, skincare, supplements, and apparel where fit actually matters are a natural match. People research these before spending money, and ChatGPT is increasingly where that research happens. Impulse purchases don't work as well here. If someone buys it without thinking twice, they're probably not asking an AI about it first.Rethink the Creative BriefThe ChatGPT interface isn't a feed where people are browsing. It’s where someone asked a question, got an answer, and your ad is the next thing they see. This is a completely different experience from an Instagram ad interrupting someone’s scroll, and the creative should reflect that.Audit the Attribution StackBefore spending anything, make sure ChatGPT traffic shows up as its own source in your analytics. If it gets lumped in with everything else under "referral," you won't be able to tell what's working. The whole point of an early test is learning something, and that only happens if the data is clean enough to read.The brands that win here won't be the ones who threw the most money at it first. They'll be the ones who came in knowing what they were testing, picked the right products, and set up their tracking before they spent a dollar. None of that is complicated. It just has to happen before the channel gets crowded, and there's still time to do it.This story was produced by Floodlight and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How AI is reshaping how parents think about their kids' futures How AI is reshaping how parents think about their kids' futuresAs artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries and redefines what it means to have a stable, successful career, American parents are paying close attention, and many are changing course.According to a new study conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Intuit Credit Karma, among 921 U.S. adults ages 18 and older who are parents of kids in K-11 (referred to as “parents” throughout), more than two-thirds (69%) say that thinking about their child’s future career feels more stressful than it used to be because of AI. And a majority (86%) feel parents today need a different playbook to prepare their children for the future.Key takeaways:86% of parents agree that parents today need a different playbook to prepare their children for the future, as AI reshapes what it means to have a stable, successful career.76% worry that by the time their child enters the workforce, the rules for success will have changed, specifically the education, skills and experience traditionally needed to secure a stable, good-paying job.89% have already made changes to how they are preparing their child for the future as a result of AI, spanning academics, extracurriculars, career exploration and financial independence.78% of parents are making changes to their own financial planning due to concerns about AI's impact on their child's future, including teaching their child financial independence earlier than planned.75% believe AI will open up career opportunities for their child's generation that don't even exist yet, suggesting that, despite the worry, many parents are cautiously hopeful about what AI could mean for their child’s future.Why parents are worried about AI and job securityWhen it comes to their kids’ future careers, what parents want above all else is stability. Half of parents (50%) say job stability and security are among the most important factors when thinking about their children’s future careers. That is likely what’s making AI a source of concern for many parents.Nearly all parents (97%) say they have heard at least something about AI’s impact on jobs, and it’s more than just background noise. In fact, 8 in 10 (81%) say AI has changed how they think about their children’s future careers.The more parents tune in, the more unsettled they become. More than three-quarters of parents (76%) worry that by the time their children enter the workforce, the rules for success—the education, skills, and experience traditionally needed to secure a stable, good-paying job—will have changed.It also has them questioning the status quo. More than three-quarters of parents (78%) say AI makes them question whether traditional "good jobs" are still as secure as they once seemed, with 68% worrying that some of today’s most prestigious careers (e.g., lawyer, engineer) may become less secure over time.It’s not just the job market that parents are worried about. Roughly 8 in 10 (79%) say AI is changing faster than schools can keep up, raising doubts about how well kids are being prepared for the future of work.Parents are taking actionDespite the concern, most parents aren’t standing still. Nearly 9 in 10 parents (89%) have already made changes to how they are preparing their child for the future as a result of AI, spanning academics and skill-building, and financial independence.Rethinking the academic path: Roughly 4 in 10 (41%) are encouraging their children to explore different subjects in school, such as STEM, robotics, and math. Meanwhile, 24% say they are adjusting their expectations about their children attending a four-year college. This suggests the traditional four-year college path is no longer the expected route for certain families.Building skills that stand the test of time: Parents are doubling down on skills they believe will remain valuable regardless of how AI evolves. More than a third (37%) are encouraging exploration of different extracurricular activities such as debate, trade programs and AI camps. They are also placing greater emphasis on soft skills like communication and adaptability (35%), encouraging exploration of skilled trades or vocational paths such as electricians and HVAC technicians (35%), and exposing their children to a wider variety of career options through things like job shadowing and informational interviews (35%).Betting on independence: For a generation that may face a less predictable job market, parents are laying the financial and entrepreneurial groundwork. More than a third (37%) say they are focusing more on teaching their child financial literacy and independence, such as budgeting and investing, and 34% are encouraging their child to explore entrepreneurship or self-employment, such as starting a small business or learning “business basics.”Raising AI-fluent kids: Some parents are meeting AI head on. More than a quarter (28%) are having their kids focus more on AI literacy by actively teaching them how to use and understand AI tools.Top skills parents believe will matter in an AI-driven futureThe changes parents are making tell a consistent story about what they think will actually count in an AI-driven world. When asked which skills will matter most for their children’s future, parentsâ€™ answers looked a lot like the changes they’re already making:Critical thinking/problem solving — 43%Adaptability (e.g., willingness to keep learning new skills) — 35%Financial literacy/money management — 28%Communication — 28%Technical/AI skills (e.g., knowing how to implement AI tools) — 26%Leadership — 25%Hands-on/trade skills (e.g., fixing, making things) — 24%While AI skills made the cut, parents seem to believe that the most durable skills are still deeply human.AI concerns meet financial planningThe potential implications of AI are driving household financial decisions. Nearly 8 in 10 parents (78%) say they are making changes to their own financial planning due to concerns about AI's impact on their children’s future:42% say they are thinking more about teaching their children financial independence earlier than they had planned.41% are thinking more seriously about building generational wealth to provide their children with a financial cushion.34% are saving more overall to give their children a financial cushion.For parents who are reconsidering the four-year college path, the financial implications may already be showing up in how they save. More than a quarter (27%) say they are rethinking how much they need to save for their children’s education overall as a result of concerns about AI’s impact on their children’s future, and 15% have already reduced how much they are saving for college, saying they are less certain it will be worth the cost.Not every parent is moving at the same pace, and for some, that’s an intentional choice. Among the 77% of parents who say something is preventing them from making all the financial changes they want to make due to concerns about AI’s impact on their children’s future, the most common barrier is the conscious decision to wait. More than one-third (38%) say they are holding off until their child is a bit older to see where things stand with AI and the job market. And 21% say they aren't entirely confident AI will change things enough to warrant action right now.For others, the hesitation is less about choice and more about circumstance. A quarter (25%) of parents say they have other obligations that are taking priority, 17% say they cannot afford to make the changes they want to make, and 15% don’t know where to start.Parents see the opportunity, not just the threatStill, worry hasn’t eclipsed hope. Three-quarters (75%) believe AI will open up career opportunities for their children’s generation that don't even exist yet, while 67% say it will lower the barriers to starting a business, making entrepreneurship more accessible, and 63% believe it will make their children’s generation more productive in the workplace than generations before them.Parents aren't just worried about AI; they're actively adapting, prioritizing flexibility, financial literacy, and resilience over traditional career paths."AI is shifting how parents think about their children's futures, and while many are feeling the pressure, they’re not standing by,” said Courtney Alev, consumer financial advocate at Intuit Credit Karma. “Parents are rethinking everything from the subjects their kids study to the extracurriculars they encourage, but what stands out to me is how much they’re rethinking their approach to finances. They’re starting money conversations with their kids earlier, thinking seriously about generational wealth, and teaching their kids how to be financially independent. In a world being reshaped by AI, the ability to understand and manage finances may be one of the most future-proof skills you can give your children.”MethodologyThis survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Credit Karma from April 3-10, 2026, among 921 U.S. adults ages 18 and older who are parents of kids in K-11. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 4.6 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.This story was produced by Intuit Credit Karma and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	EPA launches a ‘back-to-basics’ blueprint to help rural drinking water systems EPA launches a ‘back-to-basics’ blueprint to help rural drinking water systemsThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a technical assistance program for water infrastructure in early March 2026, designed to help rural communities update and repair aging water utilities and get into compliance with federal regulations.The program, called the Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) initiative, rescinds a Biden-era memorandum that the Trump administration criticized for prioritizing storytelling and climate change mitigation projects rather than practical water infrastructure updates that could be more applicable to rural communities.Rural water experts say the Trump-era changes are a welcome revision to the previous iteration of the program. “It’s not that those programs were not well thought out or didn’t have good intentions, but they moved away from compliance,” said Charles Stephens, senior executive policy director at the National Rural Water Association, which is a trade group with 50 state associations under its umbrella.“A lot of [rural] communities don’t need big, expensive projects; they need help making what they already have work better, or help getting into compliance with [federal] regulations,” Stephens told The Daily Yonder.RealWaterTA will connect rural communities with experts like those at the National Rural Water Association to help them repair water utilities or help them apply for loans and grants through USDA’s Rural Development. While the program itself will not provide money for these efforts, Stephens said it will act as an “extra pair of hands” for rural communities that lack the staffing cities often have.“If somebody’s having a problem, they call us (we’re already being paid through EPA), so there’s no charge to the community,” Stephens said. “And then we can go in and do the full gamut.”The full gamut usually relates to three major drinking water problems Stephens sees rural communities face. The first issue is getting rural water utilities into compliance with new EPA regulations, like maximum contaminant levels for dangerous chemicals.“In a small community, they may have one to five employees running the entire utility, and so every time there’s a new regulation or new rule, that just stretches them further,” Stephens said.The second issue is aging infrastructure, which can be more challenging for rural communities with smaller budgets and more obstacles to get federal funding. A long history of federal disinvestment ails rural America, leaving critical systems like water utilities without the proper maintenance funds.As a 2025 report from the Brookings Institute put it, “Competitive infrastructure grant and loan programs also generally require highly complex technical applications with specialized engineering requirements — and such technical expertise and assistance is both costly and difficult to find in rural communities.”That expertise is the third issue Stephens worries about: Many rural water operators are in their 50s and 60s, which means they will soon be eligible for retirement. But there are not enough trained staff in rural areas to replace these operators, which could lead to big problems in the future for the management of rural water utilities.“More than 60% are going to be eligible to retire in the next 10 years, so [the National Rural Water Association] is taking a lot of steps to try to recruit and train the next group of water operators,” Stephens said.The RealWaterTA initiative is meant to address some of these issues. The 2026 memorandum highlighted eight goals: helping rural water utilities maintain compliance, focusing on both traditional and innovative water infrastructure, defining what technical assistance entails, strengthening management, empowering the rural water workforce, expanding access to financial assistance, reducing costs, and defining clear objectives for the program.Eligible communities can apply for technical assistance.This story was produced by The Daily Yonder and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Viral Idaho delivery driver inspires Domino's and Coca-Cola to launch nationwide promo code Domino's and Coca-Cola are honoring Dan with a nationwide promo: use code DANTHEMAN when ordering online from April 30 through May 3 to get a free 20 oz Coke.
	New owners revive Pebble Creek Golf Club, reopening set for Friday Pebble Creek opens Friday with new owners, new leagues and house-made pizza, called “pebble pies,” on the menu.
	Is there a best allergy medicine for seniors? Safe medications and which ones to avoid Is there a best allergy medicine for seniors? Safe medications and which ones to avoidThere are some medications that older adults should avoid due to their risk of side effects. This includes some of the most well-known allergy medications. But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid all allergy medications if you’re over the age of 65. There are plenty of treatment options that are still safe and effective for older adults with seasonal allergies.In this article, GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, explains which allergy medications are considered safer for older adults and which ones to avoidKey takeaways:Preferred allergy medications for older adults are corticosteroid (steroid) nasal sprays, such as Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate), and antihistamine nasal sprays, such as Astepro (azelastine). Nondrowsy oral antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine), are also safe options.NasalCrom (cromolyn) nasal spray and antihistamine eye drops, such as Zaditor (ketotifen), are also safe for older adults. But they may be less effective for managing allergies.Older adults should avoid antihistamines that cause drowsiness, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), and oral decongestants, such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). These come with a risk of serious side effects, such as a higher risk of falls or high blood pressure.There are ways to save on your allergy medications. Many options are available as lower-cost generics.6 of the best allergy medicines for seniorsThere isn’t just one best allergy medicine for older adults. You have a choice between lots of safe, effective options. Let’s take a look at safe over-the-counter (OTC) allergy treatment options. GoodRx 1. Steroid nasal spraysCorticosteroid (steroid) nasal sprays are a first-choice option for treating allergies and are safe for older adults. They’re the most effective option for treating multiple allergy symptoms, including eye symptoms. But you’ll need to use them daily, and it may take up to two weeks to see their full effects. So if you know when your allergies tend to start, you should begin using a steroid nasal spray about two weeks before to help prevent symptoms.OTC steroid nasal sprays include:Flonase Allergy ReliefFlonase Sensimist — a finer, gentler spray than regular Flonase Allergy ReliefNasonex 24HR AllergyNasacort Allergy 24HRRhinocort Allergy — brand name no longer available2. Astepro nasal sprayAstepro (azelastine) is the only antihistamine nasal spray available OTC, and it can be a first-choice option for treating allergies. It works fast — within 15 to 30 minutes — and is safe for older adults. It treats multiple allergy symptoms and may work better than oral antihistamines, especially for treating congestion.It’s unclear how Astepro compares to steroid nasal sprays. Some studies show they’re similarly effective, while others suggest Astepro works better.Good to know: Astepro can cause drowsiness for some people who use it. Make sure you use it when you don’t have to drive or perform tasks that require attention until you know how it makes you feel.3. Nondrowsy or less-drowsy oral antihistaminesNewer, second- and third-generation antihistamines are also first-choice options for treating allergies. They’re generally considered safe for most older adults. They start working about one to three hours after you take them and last for about 24 hours. They treat multiple allergy symptoms but may be less effective than the nasal sprays listed above for chronic symptoms.Nondrowsy or less-drowsy antihistamine pills and liquids include:AllegraClaritinXyzalZyrtecJust be sure to avoid any products that have a “-D” after their name, such as Allegra-D (fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine). These contain an oral decongestant. And as this article details later on, oral decongestants aren’t considered a safe allergy medicine for older adults.Good to know: Even though these are labeled as nondrowsy antihistamines, they can still cause mild sleepiness for some people. This is especially true for Zyrtec, which is more likely than the others to cause drowsiness. Consider trying Allegra first, as it’s the least likely of all antihistamines to make you sleepy. 4. NasalCrom nasal sprayNasalCrom nasal spray is a safe choice for older adults when it comes to preventing and treating allergy symptoms. But it’s less effective than other options and may take up to six weeks to be fully effective. It’s recommended to start it at least a month before you expect allergy symptoms to start. It may be an option if you can’t tolerate the medications discussed above.5. Antihistamine eye dropsSometimes allergy symptoms only affect the eyes (called allergic conjunctivitis). If you’re just treating red, itchy eyes, consider trying an antihistamine eye drop. These drops are also sometimes labeled as “antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer” eye drops since they work like both antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer medications.Examples of antihistamine eye drop brands include:AlawayPataday (comes in three different doses)ZaditorWhen choosing an allergy eye drop, look out for combination products. These often include a decongestant. Decongestant eye drops only treat red-looking eyes, not allergy symptoms. And they should only be used for up to three days in a row. Using them longer than this can cause redness to be worse when you stop using them (“rebound redness”).6. Decongestant nasal spraysShort-term use of decongestant nasal sprays is generally considered safe for most older adults. But they only treat congestion, not other types of allergy symptoms. They work very fast (within 10 minutes). But you should only use them for up to three days in a row. After that, there’s a risk of rebound congestion, which is worsening congestion when you stop using them.Consider saving decongestant nasal sprays for just when you have severe congestion. You can find them OTC under many brand and generic names. A few popular examples are:AfrinNeo-SynephrineSinexGood to know: There’s conflicting information on whether decongestant nasal sprays raise blood pressure. To be safe, ask a healthcare professional before using one if you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure or other heart problems.Which allergy medications aren’t recommended for older adults?Steer clear of older, first-generation antihistamines that you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine). These older antihistamines don’t work any better than newer ones. And they come with more drug interactions and side effects, such as dizziness and a higher risk of falls.Older adults should also avoid oral decongestants, such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). Decongestant pills and liquids aren’t recommended for older adults because they can raise heart rate and blood pressure. They can also be risky if you have certain health conditions, such as thyroid problems, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate.Can you treat allergies without medication?Yes, there are some medication-free options for managing allergies. If possible, avoid or limit your exposure to allergens. Strategies for this might include more frequent vacuuming, using air purifiers, or keeping the windows of your house closed to keep pollen out.Nasal saline can also help soothe nasal passages and clear mucus. You can find it OTC in many forms, including nasal sprays, rinses, or drops. Any type of nasal saline can be helpful. And since it doesn’t contain medication, you can use it as often as needed. Just be sure to use distilled water if you’re using a saline rinse (neti pot). Using tap water can lead to infections.For eye allergies, consider using artificial tears. These don’t contain medication and can be used to rinse out allergens and soothe irritated eyes. Other tips for eye allergies include wearing sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors to prevent allergens from getting into your eyes.Frequently asked questionsCan Allegra cause diarrhea?Allegra shouldn’t cause diarrhea. This isn’t a listed side effect for the medication. But it’s possible that you may be sensitive to one of the inactive ingredients in the product.If you experience diarrhea after taking Allegra, try switching the dosage form you’re taking, such as switching from tablets to capsules. Or try changing to a different manufacturer, such as switching from brand-name Allegra to generic fexofenadine. Different products may contain different inactive ingredients. And you may tolerate one better than others.Can Claritin cause nosebleeds?People taking Claritin have experienced nosebleeds. But this doesn’t mean that the medication definitely caused it. Nasal congestion due to allergies is a common cause of nosebleeds. There are also other medications that are more likely to cause this side effect, such as steroid nasal sprays.Using a saline nasal spray or gel can help keep the nasal passages moist. This can help limit or prevent nosebleeds. If you’re experiencing frequent nosebleeds or they last for longer than 10 minutes, contact a healthcare professional. This isn’t typical, and you should be evaluated.Why do allergies get worse as you get older?If your allergies seem to be worse now than when you were younger, you’re not alone. Many people develop new or worse allergies as they get older. This happens because of how your immune system changes with age. Some immune functions, such as responding to vaccinations, decrease over time. But others, such as reacting to allergens, can increase.The bottom lineCorticosteroid (steroid) nasal sprays, such as Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate), are some of the best allergy medicines for older adults. Astepro (azelastine) nasal spray and nondrowsy oral antihistamines, such as Allegra (fexofenadine), are also first-choice options. All of these allergy medications are safe for older adults.NasalCrom (cromolyn) and antihistamine eye drops, such as Zatidor (ketotifen), are also safe but may be less effective. Older adults should avoid older antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), and oral decongestants, such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). They have a greater risk of more serious side effects.This story was produced by GoodRx and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Half of Americans expect AI to replace their financial advisor, yet trust remains elusive Half of Americans expect AI to replace their financial advisor, yet trust remains elusiveFinancial advisors have been around for decades. They’ve guided people through tough money decisions, like talking them off the ledge when the market dips, or how to invest for the long term. However, with the rise of AI tools, people are looking to tools for advice rather than other humans.A 2026 survey from Credit One Bank found that 51% of U.S. consumers believe that AI will replace financial advisors within the next 10 years. While they may not be wrong about that assumption, the reality is that they are not fully ready for it, either.1 in 5 Americans Have Already Let AI Make the CallThe AI bots are already staking a claim on the financial advisory world. Twenty percent of the survey respondents said they’ve made a significant financial decision based on AI recommendations. Keep in mind, these are not budgeting tweaks or rounding up spare change. These are huge financial decisions with long-term consequences.But not all generations treat AI the same. Twenty-nine percent of millennials have relied on AI for a major money move. Thirty-one percent of Gen Z have done so, the highest of any generation, though still a minority. Even among baby boomers, 12% report doing so.And, even when they use the technology, consumers do not give up accountability. Forty percent of respondents said they would hold themselves responsible for bad AI decisions. It seems that consumers are not blindly following algorithms, even if there is widespread adoption. The data suggests that they treat AI as a second opinion, not the final say.The Trust Problem: Privacy and Accuracy Are Still Deal-BreakersDespite the usage of AI in finance, there are speed bumps. Thirty-six percent of consumers say data privacy and security are their top concerns, while another 33% worry about accuracy.The level of details people are asked to share with an AI tool is high: income details, debt levels, investment holdings, and spending habits. These details are linked to financial identity and can be detrimental to financial safety in the case of a data leak.Only 31% of consumers would feel comfortable sharing all financial data with AI for personalized advice, reflecting privacy concerns.A gender gap does stand out, showing a striking difference between how men and women use AI. Forty-one percent of men say they would be comfortable sharing their complete financial picture with AI, compared to 25% of women. Similarly, 15% of men say they trust AI more than a human advisor, versus 10% of women. Not everyone is equally willing to adopt AI, so financial services must address these gaps to achieve broad adoption.Younger Generations Are Leading the Shift (But Not by as Much as You’d Think)Unsurprisingly, the younger generations show more interest in AI financial tools. According to the survey, 34% of millennials sought advice from an AI app or chatbot last year. Additionally, 65% of all respondents perceive Gen Z as the group most likely to trust AI over human advisors, even if actual AI adoption remains lower.However, even Gen Z, the most digitally native group, has not fully embraced AI. Less than a third (31%) have relied on AI for serious financial decisions. Growing up with technology does not always mean trusting it with your 401(k).This turns the perceptions of generational AI adoption on its head. While yes, younger consumers are experimenting more freely with AI, they are not all-in. The relationship between age and AI trust is more of a sliding scale. The assumption that “young people will just use it” oversimplifies how trust forms around high-stakes decisions.The Institutional Trust ShortcutIf consumers are cautious about using AI, there is one thing that will restore confidence: a recognizable brand name. Sixty percent of consumers say they are more likely to trust AI financial advice if it is backed by a big financial institution. This shows that brand trust is still important in 2026, even with growing skepticism around corporations and their motives.It also matters who advises them to use the tool. Fifty-four percent of consumers say they would use an AI financial planning tool if it were a free benefit from their employer. That sidesteps a lot of trust friction. People trust their employer to have their best interests in mind, and having them vet the product eases a lot of concern.This is the short of it: AI’s entry into the financial advising world will rely heavily on bridging the trust gap. While many expect AI to replace human advisors, what will actually win over consumers is the gradual adoption through reputable institutions.SummaryThe Credit One Bank study shows a country caught between two financial worlds. On one hand, 26% of consumers have used an AI-powered app or chatbot for financial advice in the past year. One in 5 (20%) went further, making a significant financial decision based mainly on an AI tool's recommendation.Still, most (63%) sought advice from family or friends, and only 31% would feel comfortable sharing all financial data with AI for personalized advice.Trust in AI is growing, but it comes with guardrails. Consumers are experimenting with AI like someone testing a new restaurant, willing to try it but not ready to host Thanksgiving dinner there.MethodologyThe survey was conducted with Pollfish, polling 1,000 U.S. adults nationwide. Participants answered questions about sources for financial guidance and trust in AI tools versus human advisors. They also shared whether they had acted on AI advice for major financial decisions. The survey asked about privacy, accuracy, and data security concerns.Responses were sorted by age, income, gender, and ethnicity. This helped surface generational trends, trust gaps, and differences in adoption across groups.This story was produced by Credit One Bank and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	7 ways Canberra, Australia’s bush capital, is surprisingly like Washington DC 7 ways Canberra, Australia’s bush capital, is surprisingly like Washington DCWhether you’re a vacationer who craves relaxation or a backpacker who delights in digging into history, one of the most enriching ways to understand a country is to visit its capital. Capital cities act as windows into a nation; they reveal what a country values, who has power, and how history intertwines with culture to birth a cohesive identity. But not all capitals are the same: Some arise out of aspiration, like Brasília, which Brazil built to encourage inland expansion and grow the economy. Others accumulate around long-standing seats of power, like London’s monarch palaces, or build up around historic trade hubs, like Tokyo, which started as a small fishing village. Australia’s capital, Canberra, and the United States’ Washington D.C., possess some remarkable similarities, despite being on opposite sides of the globe. Below, VisitCanberra explores seven surprising parallels between Australia's capital and D.C. VisitCanberra They were both carefully plannedAt the time of their construction, Canberra and D.C. were newly independent colonies. The U.S. was trying to unify northern and southern states after the Revolutionary War, while Australia, which gained independence from Britain in 1901, wanted to mitigate rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne. In 1790, seven years after U.S. independence, Pierre Charles L’Enfant laid out D.C., carving out a federal district on swampy land along the Potomac River where two Native American villages—Nacotchtank, a major trading center, and Nameroughquena, on the river’s opposite bank—had thrived. L’Enfant imagined a modern capital reminiscent of his native Paris. He mapped out broad avenues, open public spaces, and a well-organized grid layout with the Capitol building at its heart. Over a century later, in 1908, Australia selected Canberra as the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), on the homeland of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. After winning a competition, an American husband-and-wife architect duo named Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin earned the bid to design the city. “The fact that Canberra was co-designed by a woman is remarkable—far as we know, no other capital city in the world can make that claim,” says Sita Sargeant of She Shapes History, a walking tour company that highlights women’s contributions to history. VisitCanberra They both give water the spotlightIn both capitals, water is a central focal point. Located along the mighty Potomac River, D.C.’s Tidal Basin and Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool frame some of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks. Similarly, Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin is the city’s centerpiece, around which public parks and national attractions are laid out. Like horses to a well, both cities attract outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers who congregate around the water. In Washington, bikers cruise greenways like the Mount Vernon Trail while professionals and students from across the globe walk in clusters between museums and embassies. Joggers trace paths around monuments mirrored in the glassy reflection, and kayakers glide along the Potomac. Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin also draws cyclists, runners, and walkers along its shores. You might see families picnicking in parks while photographers catch reflections of the National Sculpture Garden. Around the lake, visitors can let kids run wild at the Boundless Playground, a fully accessible play space with slides, climbing structures, and swings, or visit memorials along the National Triangle, the city’s symbolic layout of the capital with the Australian Parliament House at its tip. You might also hear the resonant bells of the National Carillon, a towering landmark housing 57 bronze bells where weekly concerts are held outdoors. In late 2025, two Finnish-style wood-fired saunas opened on a pontoon in Lake Burley Griffin. Each Floating Sauna room holds six people and heats to 90 degrees Celsius (194 Fahrenheit) using traditional Finnish methods. After the sauna, visitors can jump into the lake or take a quick shower while looking out at nearby monuments and green hills. VisitCanberra They both reflect national ideals in their designsIn both D.C. and Canberra, you can see a nation’s priorities written in stone—or perhaps even grass. In Canberra, known affectionately as the “bush capital” for its surrounding forests, nature is part of the design. Australian Parliament House, for example, has a grassy roof visitors can walk on that blends into the environment. The unique, walkable roof is said to symbolize that people are above the government. Washington, by contrast, borrows symbols of power from various European cultures. Irish architect James Hoban designed the White House, completed in 1800 and modeled after Dublin’s Leinster House. Its neoclassical style, with tall white colonnades and commanding symmetry, reflects the civic virtues of ancient Greece and the authority of Rome, a predictable combination for a young, secular democracy asserting both ideals and power. VisitCanberra They both come alive in spring (but during different months)Spring comes at different points in the year between the two capitals. In Washington, it runs from late March through May. The National Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the Tidal Basin with fluffy pink blooms that make those long winter days seem almost worth the suffering. Australia’s spring begins in September and lasts through November. While nearly 200,000 international visitors visit Australia for festivals, the biggest spring festival happens in Canberra with Floriade, Australia’s largest spring flower festival. The free event runs from mid-September to mid-October in Commonwealth Park. Visitors can see more than 1 million blooms, attend concerts, take part in workshops, and buy food at stalls. Blossoms are also on display across local parklands, celebrated with the likes of the Canberra Nara Candle Festival at Lennox Gardens in October each year. And like D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Festival, the Nara Festival commemorates Canberra’s diplomatic relationship with Japan via its sister city, Nara. VisitCanberra They both make culture easy to accessFor travelers, both capitals reward a full day of culture. Washington offers 17 free Smithsonian museums near the National Mall; Canberra clusters 13 national attractions within easy walking distance. At the center is the National Gallery of Australia, where First Nations art anchors a collection spanning contemporary Australian work and one of the largest holdings of American art outside the U.S. “We have the base of our First Nations culture, which is the longest surviving culture of more than 65,000 years,” explains Director Dr. Nick Mitzevich. Sergeant says she also notes Aboriginal history during her walking tours: “We talk about Pat Etock, who was the very first Indigenous woman to ever run for Federal Parliament in Australia. She ran in 1972, but it wouldn't be until 2013 that the first Indigenous woman got elected.” That woman was Linda Burney, who became one of three Indigenous Parliamentarians. Nearby attractions—including the National Library of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, Questacon: National Science and Technology Centre, and the Royal Australian Mint—expand on the cultural enrichment you’ll get after a visit to the National Gallery. "Start at the National Gallery and work your way west," says Mitzevich. "Within about a mile, you can see a dozen cultural attractions." Most are free, making Canberra's rich cultural marathon as accessible as it is ambitious. VisitCanberra They both are melting potsWashington and Canberra present their multiculturalism on the plate. In D.C., restaurants serving Ethiopian injera and Peruvian ceviche reflect a city stamped by global migration. In Australia's capital, Southeast Asian and European influences define the dining scene, from modern sushi at Raku to omakase at Mu, alongside pan-Asian marketplace Tiger Lane and Verity Lane Market, an upscale dining hall where you can find everything from mouthwatering Latin restaurants to the authentic Indonesian operation Rasa Rosa. "Australia is such a multicultural melting pot," says Mitzevich, who says he splits his loyalties between Italian & Sons on Lonsdale Street and Ottoman, a Turkish restaurant less than a mile from the gallery. In both capitals, a walk between neighborhoods doubles as a world food tour—proof that identity lives as much in the kitchen as in the museum. VisitCanberra They are both a short drive from nature (only one has kangaroos)Washington’s visitors can often find white-tailed deer and red foxes at Rock Creek Park, the U.S.’s third federally designated national park. And just a short ride beyond D.C.’s limits, bald eagles and great blue herons soar above the Potomac at Great Falls, while black bears and rattlesnakes emerge in Shenandoah National Park, roughly two hours out. Shortly beyond the bush capital, Canberra's largest wildlife reserve is 40 minutes away—though nature is seen well throughout the city. "The capital is nestled into a rural setting," says Mitzevich. “We regularly have a high number of bird life and kangaroos in the inner city, which makes Canberra so distinct,” he says. He added that he recently saw a mob of “about 30 kangaroos in the front yard of the vice-regal residence of the governor general.” About 40 minutes outside Canberra at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, kangaroos, multiple wallaby species, koalas, platypus, potoroos, and bandicoots live across 24 trails, including the Sanctuary Loop—a paved 2-kilometer path accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. “Every time you go out to the bush, you're going to see something different,” says Jessica Ward, manager of the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre. “That’s the magic of it.” Ward says the southern brush-tailed rock wallaby, Canberra's critically endangered mammal and one of the only breeding populations in Australia, also lives there alongside the northern corroboree frog, estimated at just 50 individuals remaining in the wild. The reserve has maintained active conservation programs since 1936, which has, over the years, increased the number of animal sightings visitors can expect. "The wildlife really reveals itself when you're patient, when you're observant,” she says. For more nature adventures near Canberra, Australia’s alps—known as the Snowy Mountains region—are about 2.5 hours away, and Mount Stromlo Observatory, some 30 minutes from Tidbinbilla, puts on regular public stargazing sessions. A bit closer to the city, visitors can also soak in a view of the stars along the tranquil Murrumbidgee River, which runs diagonally, from northwest to southeast, through the ACT. So, there you have it. For travelers used to skipping capital cities on the itinerary, places like D.C. and Canberra make a compelling case for reconsidering the habit—starting with the mob of kangaroos hopping around the front lawn. This story was produced by VisitCanberra and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	LNG Canada exceeds estimated 2024 global record for burned gas LNG Canada exceeds estimated 2024 global record for burned gasAn LNG facility in Western Canada burned more gas in 2025 than any other liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility on record in 2024, raising concerns about Canada’s claim that it’s producing the cleanest LNG in the world.Burning excess methane gas, or flaring, is a normal safety procedure at liquefaction facilities. It releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide as well as emitting dangerous pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and small particulate matter, which affect human health. The LNG Canada facility in British Columbia flared 350 million cubic metres of gas in 2025, according to figures submitted to the provincial regulator and analyzed by The Narwhal in partnership with U.K.-based journalism organization Point Source. That means Canada’s first major LNG facility is one of the highest sources of LNG flaring emissions globally, The Narwhal reports.Key TakeawaysLNG Canada burned 350 million cubic metres of gas in 2025, more than the estimated highest source of LNG flaring emissions in the world in 2024.The high levels of flaring call into question environmental claims made about the facility, which government officials have repeatedly said produces the cleanest LNG in the world.Ongoing problems at the plant, which hopes to double production by building a second phase, could persist for three to five years.The flaring volumes reported by LNG Canada to the regulator are around 50% higher than estimates for the world’s most polluting LNG export terminals in 2024, according to data that was used as the basis for the World Bank’s most recent Global Gas Tracker report.The data was published by the Earth Observation Group at the Colorado School of Mines, a research team that specializes in producing nighttime satellite imagery to track gas flaring.According to the group’s estimates, Nigeria’s Bonny Island LNG terminal was the highest-flaring facility of 2024. It burned an estimated 234.4 million cubic metres of gas, closely followed by the Arzew-Bethioua terminal in Algeria, which burned 233 million cubic metres.Global flaring data from LNG facilities operating in 2025 have not yet been published, but the Canadian facility will be among the world’s top sources of flaring at LNG terminals, according to Mikhail Zhizhin, a researcher at the Payne Institute for Public Policy in Colorado. Zhizhin was instrumental in the development of technology to monitor gas flaring from space.“If the flaring data that has been supplied by LNG Canada to the regulator is accurate, it puts the facility amongst the highest flaring LNG facilities in the world,” Zhizhin said in an interview.In an emailed statement, LNG Canada attributed the flaring to the facility being at an early phase and said it will be infrequent during normal operations.The high volume of flaring from the $40-billion Canada-based facility raises new questions about ongoing problems with some of the terminal’s key mechanical components — and concerns about what it could mean for the local community, Kitimat, B.C.According to government data, LNG Canada flared a minimum of 127,900 cubic metres of gas every day in 2025, with the daily average being much higher: almost one million cubic metres. The worst month for flaring was June 2025, when the facility burned almost 110 million cubic metres. The data show 3,648 million cubic metres of gas were sent to LNG Canada last year, meaning almost 10% of all gas transported to the terminal was burned off without being used for power or exported.“This is definitely high,” Christopher Doleman, an LNG and gas specialist at the U.S.-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, said. “Proponents may argue that it is regular during commissioning, but the several instances of unplanned flaring by the company suggest that this is out of the ordinary.”Some of those unplanned flaring events included flames reaching heights of 90 metres, roughly the size of London’s Big Ben, along with plumes of black smoke settling over the community. Marty Clemens // The Narwhal The export plant sent its first shipment of LNG overseas on June 30, 2025.Flaring at LNG Canada has consistently exceeded allowable amounts permitted by the provincial government. According to the regulator, LNG Canada — owned by Royal Dutch Shell, Petronas, Korea Gas, PetroChina and Mitsubishi — has been flaring at levels that are “not consistent” with government permits, meaning the facility has been breaking provincial regulations for several months.In January, The Narwhal revealed an “integrity issue” with the facility’s flaring equipment, which resulted in LNG Canada burning significantly more gas than expected — and it could take three to five years to fix. The issue was identified shortly after the LNG plant started testing its equipment in late 2024, but the government regulator did not learn about the problem until April 2025.Company officials have since met with local politicians but have failed to provide the public with details of why the issue might take so long to fix.LNG Canada declined to answer this question, though the spokesperson said “we continue to tune the equipment to real-world conditions.”“In normal operations at LNG Canada, flaring will be related to infrequent activities such as maintenance, planned turnarounds and facility upsets,” the spokesperson wrote.‘Completely untrue’: experts question environmental claims about Canadian LNGAnalysts believe the high flaring levels at LNG Canada raise serious questions about environmental claims that have been made about the facility.Last summer, the premier of British Columbia, David Eby, said gas processed at the Kitimat terminal is the “lowest-carbon LNG in the world.”Discussing why energy-importing countries would benefit from purchasing fuel processed at the facility, he said: “They should be using Canadian LNG that’s produced ethically, that promotes environmental protection, as well as high-quality labour standards and safety standards.”Shell CEO Wael Sawan similarly said last year that LNG Canada would be “one of the lowest carbon projects anywhere in the world.”Speaking in India in March, Prime Minister Mark Carney said: “Canada is well-positioned to contribute as a reliable supplier of the world’s lowest-carbon, responsibly-produced LNG from our West Coast.”Eby declined an interview request and did not respond to questions about the current state of the facility. Shell did not respond to questions. Carney also declined an interview request and referred questions to the federal Energy Ministry, which did not respond by publication time.Doleman said the new information calls these environmental claims into question.“This flaring data undermines the claims that are being made about the facility producing low-carbon LNG,” he said in an interview. “Statements that have been made by officials saying that the LNG is the cleanest in the world now seem to be completely untrue.”LNG Canada said high levels of flaring are normal during the start-up phase of a project of this type. The spokesperson said air quality data recorded in Kitimat show levels of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide remained “consistently low” in 2025.“LNG Canada continues to prioritize the safety of its people, the community and its assets, to support safe and responsible operations,” the spokesperson wrote. Marty Clemens // The Narwhal There is significant uncertainty about the true volumes of global gas flaring due to the difficulty of measuring emissions via satellite. Recent research by the Colorado School of Mines has suggested the true levels of flaring from the world’s LNG facilities may be significantly higher than previously estimated, Zhizhin said.The fact that LNG Canada flared a significant volume of gas every single day in 2025 is unusual, according to researchers. A peer-reviewed paper published last September found LNG terminals in a start-up phase have a 90 per cent chance of flaring less than six days a year and only a 10% chance of flaring for as many as 255 days in a single year.Laura Minet, lead author of the paper and head of the Clean Air Lab at the University of Victoria, in British Columbia, explained “the probabilities are based on what has been happening in other facilities around the world between 2012 and 2022.” She said the frequency of flaring at LNG Canada does not appear to be typical, especially compared to LNG facilities that have moved from commissioning into regular operations. But, she said, because companies around the world aren’t required to track how much gas is flared, getting accurate data can be challenging.“The fact that LNG Canada is saying the technical issue is going to take three years to fix is concerning,” Minet added. “It raises questions over what is getting prioritized and where the likely environmental and health impacts from this pollution fit into those priorities.”Doleman agreed.“The operators and project proponents should tell people why this plant is flaring so much and tell them exactly how they are going to address this issue,” he said.LNG markets subject to instability as U.S.-Israel war on Iran continuesThe ongoing global energy crisis in the wake of the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran in late February has seen the price of LNG more than double for some importers and led to windfall profits for some exporters.A second phase of the LNG Canada project, which would double output from the plant, was recently given federal support and placed on a list of projects deemed to be of national importance. The consortium of companies behind the facility is actively seeking investment in the expansion.The U.S. is currently the world’s largest LNG exporter, followed by Australia and Qatar. Geopolitical instability caused by the war in the Middle East — which saw Qatar halt LNG production in March — could influence importing countries like South Korea and Japan as they balance energy needs.However, the current wave of high prices could have lasting impacts on demand for LNG as importing nations look to cheaper alternatives, Doleman said. Recently, a planned LNG import terminal in China was cancelled by state-owned Sinopec, which reallocated its investments to the development of domestic gas reserves. In New Zealand, plans for an import terminal are being reconsidered as the country’s government weighs the financial risks.“The current high price environment is killing long-term demand for LNG around the world and it is going to be interesting to see how things pan out for the [Canadian] facility over the coming years,” Doleman said.This investigation is a collaboration between The Narwhal and Point Source, a U.K.-based investigative journalism organization.This story was produced by The Narwhal and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Can a mentalist trick Trump? Oz Pearlman will try in a room full of journalists The White House Correspondents' Dinner will be headlined by a mentalist instead of a comedian. Oz Pearlman tells NPR he hopes to unify, delight and puzzle the crowd — but can't reveal how.
	Man sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for gun charge A Davenport man was sentenced Wednesday to more than 11 years in prison for having a gun as a felon.
	House moves ahead with stricter crypto kiosk regulations Representatives listen to a speech by Rep. Keith Ammon, of New Boston, on Thursday, April 23. An amendment authored by Ammon and recommended by the Republican majority of the House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Affairs failed to pass that morning, but the underlying Senate bill on cryptocurrency kiosks moved forward. (Photo by Molly Rains/New Hampshire Bulletin)House lawmakers broke with the House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ majority recommendation on Thursday, Apr. 23, to advance an earlier version of a bill intended to prevent cryptocurrency scams. Senate Bill 482, from prime sponsor and Merrimack Republican Sen. Tim McGough, passed Thursday morning after debate, 214-140. The Republican majority of the House Commerce Committee had recommended a version of the bill with an amendment from Rep. Keith Ammon, a New Boston Republican, but that amendment was defeated Thursday. An ATM where cryptocurrency can also be purchased stands in the corner of a convenience store. (Photo by Molly Rains/New Hampshire Bulletin) Both versions of the bill sought to prevent scams conducted through cryptocurrency kiosks, machines that allow users to purchase difficult-to-trace digital currencies with cash in person. Scams involving the kiosks sometimes cost victims their life savings and are rampant in New Hampshire, law enforcement officers and a victim said in a hearing and interviews earlier this month. The Senate version of the bill set an indefinite limit of $2,000 per day in transactions for customers using the machines and mandated a two-week refund period. Ammon’s amendment did not include a permanent limit, but did require customers to be subject to a “new customer period” during which their first transaction would be held for three days and capped at $3,000. The amendment also prevented municipalities from enacting their own stricter regulations, and provided some legal immunity for crypto operators in certain cases. Those were among the reasons critics said the committee’s amendment protected the kiosk industry at the expense of New Hampshire residents. During floor debate on Thursday, Nicholas Bridle, a Hampton Republican, said more than $2.6 million had been reported lost to crypto ATM scams by Hampton residents. He spoke against the amendment, which he said made kiosk operators “untouchable.” The amendment “makes New Hampshire more attractive to scammers and criminals,” Bridle said. Ammon disputed that. He said figures cited by the opposition were overblown and said his amendment contained important privacy protections. “I think the intent is to ban this industry,” he said. “In New Hampshire, do we ban industries, or do we make sure that only good actors are behaving in that industry?” The amendment failed, 220-135. SB 482 will now be referred to the House Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety. Courtesy of New Hampshire Bulletin
	New Mexico Primary 2026: NM House of Representatives, District 66 Following the 2026 retirement of state Rep. Jimmy Mason (R-Artesia), three Republicans are vying for the New Mexico House of Representatives District 66 seat, where much of the state’s oil and gas operations operate. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM)Three Republicans are competing to represent a sprawling district in southeast New Mexico where much of the state’s oil and gas production occurs. All three candidates, running to replace Rep. Jimmy Mason (R-Artesia), who retired earlier this year, said if elected, they hope to be a voice in Santa Fe on behalf of the state’s oil and gas epicenter, which has supported record state budgets crafted by Democratic majorities. House District 66 covers parts of Eddy, Lea and Chaves counties, a roughly 4,700-square-mile area. The three candidates — LeAnne Gandy, Dan Lewis and Trinidad Malone — are all new to politics and have roots in oil and gas production. No Democrat is running in the election this year. Republicans have held the seat since at least 2000, and they often run unopposed, according to Secretary of State data. Source NM asked all three candidates about why they’re running and their visions for the district. Their answers below have been edited for length and clarity. LeAnne Gandy LeAnne Gandy says her background in agriculture, education and oil production make for a “trifecta” that qualifies her to represent House District 66. (Courtesy LeAnne Gandy) LeAnne Gandy is a retired teacher and former superintendent at Lovington Municipal Schools. She comes from three generations of oil field workers and was born and raised on a ranch. “I decided to join the race because I believe that southeastern New Mexico needs a strong voice in Santa Fe, and I have the trifecta of real-world experiences in energy, education and agriculture,” she said. “And I feel passionate about all three of those areas.” What do you see as the biggest issue in House District 66? Of course, energy is the livelihood in District 66. So we need to make sure we protect the oil and gas industry and stand up for the workers in that field. Oftentimes, that energy is misunderstood. My family has been in that industry for 76 years here in southeastern New Mexico, so I know the importance of this industry to our community. What’s the most important issue facing New Mexico? Energy is what powers our state. It’s what funds our state. So we need to make sure we’re talking and have all perspectives at the table. Also education is a primary factor in New Mexico. Our children deserve only the best. I am a retired superintendent from Lovington. I’ve worked at the state level advocating for education, and I understand the real-world issues in education, so I want to be an advocate for our community about empowering our local teachers and educators to work together and collaborate and find real solutions to have better outcomes for our children. If you’re elected, what is the first bill you would introduce? I’m going to listen to my constituents and make sure that I hear their voices and understand everything that is involved with a quality way-of-life in our area, and make sure to advocate for that. So I’m going in with the agenda to make sure I’m your voice for our community. I will be a strong listener for our voters, and make sure their perspectives are alive and well in Santa Fe. I was born and raised on a ranch, so agriculture is in my blood. I understand that way of life and that heritage and will stand strong for water rights, farmers and ranchers, and the Second Amendment. What’s your top choice for a committee? I’m passionate about education, and I believe we need a superintendent voice, an education voice from our part of the state in Santa Fe. So I would love to be involved in education in a big way, also in energy. I’m also passionate about agriculture. What’s your strongest skill that makes you the best candidate for the race? I’ve had lots of relationships throughout the state, have made a lot of very strong connections and I am a good communicator. I believe in listening to others and making sure that our voice is heard, but I will be an excellent collaborator with everyone there. Do you support paying state lawmakers, and would you accept a salary? I’m not running for a salary. I’m running to make sure that I am representing the voters who send me to Santa Fe. Dan Lewis Dan Lewis says his financial background and history as a college football referee make him knowledgeable and level-headed. (Courtesy Dan Lewis) Dan Lewis has worked for 38 years for the Yates family, a major oil and gas dynasty in southeastern New Mexico, including as chief financial officer for over 50 companies it controls. He also spent 30 years officiating college football before deciding that was a job for someone “younger and skinnier.” “That kind of left a little more time in my schedule. About that time, Jimmy Mason decided he was not going to run again, and that got the wheels turning,” he said. “Then a couple of local people that are pretty big in the political party here in southeastern New Mexico encouraged me to run.” What do you see as the biggest issue in House District 66? In our district, we always feel like a lot of the revenue that funds the state and education system comes from the oil and gas industry, and we think Santa Fe’s trying to do everything they can to fight the hand that feeds them with all the regulations. Let’s just say we don’t feel really appreciated as far as what Southeast New Mexico brings to New Mexico and the economy for New Mexico. What’s the most important issue facing New Mexico? I’m a little worried about the governor’s race and someone who is very, very left wing, and going to push a lot of left-wing agendas down our throats in Southeast New Mexico. We are clearly in the minority again and don’t have the power to stop a lot of things. There’s more conservative Democrats that were able to block some issues, Senate Bill 17 for the gun rights and then Senate Bill 18 regarding CO2 emissions. It really would have devastated a lot of the oil gas industry in New Mexico If you’re elected, what is the first bill you would introduce? This is my first experience here, and if I get elected, I’m gonna lean on the people around me. It’s kind of like if a new person comes as a new CFO of a company, you don’t want to immediately go in there and make changes. You want to be on the ground and understand what’s going on. What’s your top choice for a committee? I definitely would like to be on the Energy Committee. I’d definitely like to be on a budget committee. Judicial would be one that I would be interested in too, just because my wife [Fifth Judicial District Court Judge Anne Marie Lewis] is in that field. What’s your strongest skill that makes you the best candidate for the race? I think I’m levelheaded. I’ve got all aspects in my game, whether you need someone to play good cop or bad cop. As a referee for college football, you learn to have a level head when everybody else is going crazy. Do you support paying state lawmakers, and would you accept a salary? That is a tough one, because I know a lot of the local people and Southeast New Mexico are against it. Part of me is like, well, it would give other people a chance. My wife and I, we’ve done well enough. But there’s some people that they’re automatically out of the race because they can’t afford to go to Santa Fe for two months without getting paid. I would vote no on it [in November], but if it was successful, then I would accept the salary. Trinidad Malone Trinidad Malone touts his entrepreneurial skills and military background as he seeks to win the District 66 Republican primary. (Courtesy Trinidad Malone) Trinidad Malone, 37, owns multiple companies — including real estate, a towing company and oil and gas-related businesses — as well as two nonprofits supporting veterans and helping low-income families afford funeral expenses. He was raised in the district and worked in the oilfields after high school before enlisting to fight in the Afghanistan War, where he served for 10 years. “It’’s just time for my generation to get involved,” he said about his decision to run for office. What do you see as the biggest issue in House District 66? It’s just going to be communication. District 66 is, you know, agriculture, oil and gas. So I think, from what I’ve gathered since I decided to run, [is] communication prior to the bills being proposed or implemented [is vital]. So it’s making sure that all District 66 is aware of what’s trying to be proposed and what’s possibly going to be implemented, so that local communities can better adapt. What’s the most important issue facing New Mexico? Can’t speak on it. Stuff that faces New Mexico, it doesn’t involve me in the aspect of Eddy, Lea or Chaves County. So I don’t worry myself about stuff that doesn’t pertain to me or my area. The only other thing as far as New Mexico is, I guess, if you want me to say something, it’s going to be how they spend their money here in this state. I don’t care if it’s up north or down south, but in general, there needs to be better checks and balances here. If you’re elected, what is the first bill you would introduce? I mean, I won’t be introducing anything, but I can be the voice for everybody. What’s your top choice for a committee? Agriculture, veteran-based and oil and gas industry. What’s your strongest skill that makes you the best candidate for the race? I was raised in the fields, from alfalfa to picking produce, watermelons, chile, branding cattle, I did 10 years in the military. I’m a businessman, first and foremost, and my entrepreneurship, my integrity and my leadership is going to be my biggest attribute. Do you support paying state lawmakers, and would you accept a salary? No. Courtesy of Source New Mexico
	Is energy the real AI bottleneck? What investors need to know Is energy the real AI bottleneck? What investors need to knowBefore the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. energy demand was fairly predictable: It was driven by steady population increases and economic growth. According to Energy Information Administration (EIA) data, U.S. electricity consumption increased by an average annual growth rate of just 0.1% from 2005 to 2020. But the insatiable energy appetite of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers has carved an ever-growing wrinkle in that formerly predictable model.Occasional updates to aging infrastructure are no longer good enough. The energy demand from AI data centers is real, large, and structurally constrained — but the bottleneck creates opportunity.The Motley Fool examines the energy demands of AI data centers, the infrastructure bottlenecks slowing the build-out, and what the dynamics mean for investors.Key PointsAI energy consumption is reshaping the U.S. energy landscape.Producing more energy only addresses part of the challenge.The AI data center power grid will likely remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels through at least 2030.How much energy do AI data centers use?U.S. data centers consumed an estimated 177 to 192 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2024 — roughly 4% to 5% of all U.S. electricity — and could consume 9% to 17% by 2030 under scenarios developed by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). The updated range is about 60% higher than EPRI's own projections from 18 months earlier. But most of that energy usage is from conventional data centers.A hyperscale AI data center uses as much power as 100,000 homes — and the largest under construction uses 20 times that. A conventional data center is 10 to 25 megawatts (MW). But hyperscale AI data centers are often classified as 100 MW or higher, which is enough energy to power 100,000 homes. The largest hyperscale data center currently under construction exceeds 2 GW, and the largest planned is 5 GW, says the International Energy Agency (IEA). That is a staggering 20 times a hyperscale data center and 200 times the high end of a conventional data center.Data centers are growing in size because AI is far more energy-intensive than basic search. Consider that a single ChatGPT AI query uses 10 times as much electricity as a traditional Google Search, according to the EPRI. GPT-4 training required around 42.4 GWh over 14 weeks, equivalent to the daily electricity use of about 28,500 households in advanced economies, says the IEA. Training AI models and chat-based use are already challenges for the grid, but the real constraints are the widespread adoption of AI agents and the increased use of AI inference, which involves applying what an AI has been trained to do. Key chip designers, such as Nvidia and Broadcom, are developing specialized AI chips and networking solutions for inference applications. According to IEA data, the B200 GPU, which is part of Nvidia’s Blackwell architecture, is 60% more energy efficient per FLOP/watt than its H100, which is 80% more efficient than the A100.Efficiency improvements in IT equipment represent the greatest opportunity to reduce AI data center usage. IT equipment accounts for 40% to 50% of data center energy, cooling for 30% to 40%, and auxiliary for 10% to 30%, says the EPRI. Data centers are growing in size not just because of increased use of models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude models, Alphabet-owned Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot, but because inferencing is broadening the scope of AI’s role in business and daily life.Investors should pay attention to three structural factors: the accelerating scale of the AI data center build-out, energy demands for computing power (especially inference), and efficiency gains that history suggests won't keep pace with these new energy demands. These factors point to durable, structural growth in electricity demand, not a cyclical spike.How much energy will AI data centers require?Data centers could consume 9% to 17% of U.S. electricity by 2030. However, the range depends on how many planned projects actually get built. The EPRI’s latest forecast is 60% higher than its 2025 estimates and represents a double to quadruple increase from 2024 levels. EPRI 2026 notes its 2030 range is broadly consistent with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) data through 2028, despite different methodologies. LBNL is forecasting 325 to 580 TWh of data center electricity demand by 2028, which would be 6.7% to 12% of total projected U.S. electric demand. The Motley Fool How will more energy be provided?Despite massive investment in solar photovoltaic (PV), onshore and offshore wind, battery energy storage, and nuclear energy, fossil fuels still dominate the U.S. energy mix.Natural gas fills the near-term data center energy gap; renewables lead after 2030. According to 2025 IEA data, natural gas accounts for 40% of U.S. data center electricity usage, making it the largest single source, ahead of 24% from renewable energy, 20% from nuclear, and 15% from coal. As of the fourth quarter of 2024, the IEA projects U.S. utility-scale additional gas-fired capacity to increase by 84 GW by 2030 and wind and solar to increase by 260 GW. It’s worth noting that the gas-fired forecast is 32 GW higher than end-of-2023 plans, while renewables are 20 GW lower, underscoring that energy availability remains a priority — even over sustainability. Shifts in federal policy account for part of the reason for the renewables slowdown.EPRI data projects higher wind and solar buildouts due to Inflation Reduction Act tax credits that were since curtailed under the 2025 budget bill. Natural gas capacity is now expected to increase by 6.6 to 13.7 GW/year from 2025–2030, above the 5.7 GW/year historical average, says the EPRI. Even with the higher-than-anticipated natural gas build-out, low-emissions sources are projected to account for at least 55% of U.S. data center electricity by 2035, according to the IEA.Globally, renewables are expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 22% from 2024 to 2030 to meet approximately 50% of additional global data center demand by 2030. Interestingly, natural gas and nuclear are both expected to add 175 TWh by 2035 to meet data center demand. Already, up to 25 GW of small modular reactor (SMR) capacity globally has been accounted for, with the first SMRs expected to be operational by around 2030. SMRs can help take the pressure off of utility-scale nuclear power plants. For example, Southern Company’s Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant in Georgia recently announced an expansion that increased its total power capacity to a mind-numbing 4.8 GW — enough to power 2 million homes and businesses. The Motley Fool Investors should focus more on total energy demand rather than renewables versus fossil fuels in the energy mix. Over the long term, solar, wind, battery energy storage, and nuclear will likely make up a higher proportion of the electricity mix than natural gas and coal, but natural gas consumption could still be far higher five to 10 years from now than today, given AI’s outsize energy demands.Will the AI revolution hit an energy bottleneck?AI-driven energy demand is causing bottlenecks across the supply chain. Gas turbine deliveries are reportedly delayed by several years, and transformer backlogs are up by at least 30%, while transformer prices are up 1.5 times since 2020, says the IEA. According to EPRI 2026 data, information technology (IT) and power equipment, as well as skilled labor, are both regional and national challenges. Infrastructure development timelines paint an uncertain future for AI data center energy capacity.Data centers take one to three years to build, but new transmission lines take four to eight years, and new-generation plants take two to 15 years, depending on the type. And that’s not even factoring in the previously discussed specialized industrial machinery bottlenecks.20% of planned data centers could face grid delays by 2030 — and the pipeline is bigger than anyone realized. And 50% of U.S. data centers under development are in existing large clusters, raising the risk of local bottlenecks, says the IEA.Virginia, Northern Europe, and Japan are already hitting connection limits. North Virginia connection queues have ballooned to seven years, compared to five to seven years for the U.K., up to 10 years for the Netherlands, and a full-blown pause for Ireland, according to the IEA.These bottlenecks, paired with developers that are racing to bring more power to the grid, are sparking a surge in behind-the-meter (BTM) energy generation and storage focused on bringing power directly to a data center rather than relying on the constrained grid.Bridging the gap between planned and operating AI data center projects takes more than just funding and next-generation chips. Access to networking, IT equipment, and specialized industrial machinery is equally important. Similarly, the energy bottleneck isn’t just about producing more energy. Transmission, permitting, and regulatory hurdles are also worth considering. Therefore, it may be useful for investors to think about the AI infrastructure build-out as an interconnected circulatory system with multiple arteries that could get blocked by various factors, rather than a single pathway.Adjacent opportunities: Cooling, grid infrastructure, backup power, and efficiencyWith the grid constrained by supply chain bottlenecks and connection hurdles, batteries, cooling solutions, hardware/software efficiency, grid connections, and backup power are poised to benefit from the demand-driven tailwinds of AI data centers.Beyond the data center: The cooling, grid, and efficiency markets the AI build-out is creating. Power usage effectiveness (PUE) measures the energy efficiency of data centers by dividing total facility energy, such as cooling, lighting, and power distribution, by IT equipment energy. A PUE of 1 would indicate 100% of electricity is consumed solely by IT equipment. According to the IEA, the global weighted-average PUE is expected to improve from 1.41 to 1.29 between 2024 and 2030, saving 90 TWh of energy. The U.S. is already ahead of the curve, with PUEs averaging 1.32 in 2024. According to 2026 EPRI data, large hyperscale facilities with liquid cooling currently under construction could achieve PUEs of 1.1.Batteries, transformers, and cooling: the infrastructure layer investors may be underweighting. Battery energy storage plays a supporting role in enabling higher renewable matching for data centers. It remains eligible for investment tax credits under current policy, says the EPRI.Investors should pay close attention to battery energy storage, as it arguably offers the best antidote to the AI energy bottleneck. Battery energy storage is a uniquely positioned renewable energy solution that can power AI data centers without relying on the constrained grid through site-specific and BTM options. Utility-scale solar paired with battery energy storage offers an alternative to fossil fuels while addressing solar's intermittency when the sun isn’t shining.What the energy data tells investorsThe AI data center build-out is moving faster than initially anticipated, leading to upward revisions to projections.Here are five things to watch:Hyperscale capex is the driving force behind data center development. If capex growth rates cool, grid and energy supply constraints will likely ease.Industrial machinery backlogs and power constraints could become a greater bottleneck than AI chips and networking equipment.Despite the development of utility-scale renewable energy projects, the U.S. energy mix remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, though nuclear energy could make a significant impact after 2030.Hyperscale data center PUE improvements could reduce energy needs.Increased AI adoption creates opportunities for grid infrastructure (transformers, cables, transmission), cooling systems, backup power, efficiency hardware, and demand-flexibility technology.Backlogs in chip production are straining data center availability and access, but energy is an equally important limiting factor. AI computing challenges can be solved by producing more chips and building data centers, but energy is more nuanced. Even if the energy market could flip a switch to increase supply, there are still environmental and regulatory hurdles to overcome. Perhaps the biggest challenge is aligning supply with forecasted demand, especially given that those forecasts have changed so much in the last two years.FAQsHow much energy does AI use?According to 2026 EPRI data, U.S. data center electricity consumption in 2024 was 177 to 192 TWh, which is approximately double 2021 levels.How much energy does an AI data center use?New data centers range from 100 to 1,000 MW, which is equivalent to the load of 80,000 to 800,000 average homes. This data is consistent across EPRI 2024, EPRI 2026, and IEA data.How much energy will the AI data center build-out require?2026 EPRI data estimated U.S. data center annual electricity consumption will range from 383 TWh by 2030 on the low end to a medium scenario of 596 TWh to a high scenario of 793 TWh. IEA 2025 data projects global data center electricity consumption to range from a base-case 945 TWh in 2030 to 1,260 TWh under the lift-off case.What types of energy are used to power AI data centers?The electricity mix of U.S. data centers is currently 40% natural gas, 24% renewables (mostly solar PV and wind), 20% nuclear, and 15% coal, according to 2025 IEA data.This story was produced by The Motley Fool and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	FSSA seeks return of $200 million in improper payments to attendant care providers Mitch Roob, secretary of the Family and Social Services Administration, discusses the agency's finances, including Medicaid costs, and upcoming challenges on Aug. 6, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Photo by Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is seeking $200 million in improper payments from Indiana’s five largest attendant care providers after an audit of Medicaid claims found errors in nearly all claims reviewed. FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob said the audits, which reviewed claims submitted to Medicaid between Jan. 1, 2022 and March 31, 2025, were initiated following a $150 million surge in Medicaid claims submitted between 2021 and 2022 he says could not be explained by changes in member need or program structure. “If you bill taxpayers, you must be accurate,” Roob said. The agency used statistically valid random sampling to review 625 claim lines. The audit uncovered errors in nearly all claims reviewed from Guardian Care, Healing Hands Personal Services, Help at Home, Tendercare Home Health and Team Select Home Care, according to FSSA. The companies have various locations around the state. Errors include billing for clinical tasks not covered by attendant care, insufficient documentation and misaligned authorizations. The agency sent a letter to the providers Wednesday seeking the return of improper payments, though the providers are likely to appeal. Roob said FSSA will expand audits to other attendant care providers and begin prepayment reviews for the five companies identified by FSSA to prevent improper payments from Medicaid. The agency intends to enhance electronic visit verification reviews and provider education on the rules for attendant care as well. “For every dollar that is improperly claimed, we will seek full recovery,” Roob told reporters Thursday morning. The audit also uncovered a pattern of incomplete, missing, undated or late background checks of attendant caregivers, who enter the homes of senior and disabled Hoosiers to provide non-medical care like bathing and cooking. “That’s not just a compliance issue,” Roob said. “It’s a direct threat to safety and represents a complete breakdown of the most basic protections we owe the people we serve. When combined with those safety failures, the $200 million in improper payments, missing documentation, prohibited tasks and service plans that didn’t match the services bill — you see a system that is being misused at a staggering scale.” This story will be updated. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Indiana Capital Chronicle
	Davenport man sentenced to 11+ years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon A news release from the Department of Justice (DOJ) said a Davenport man was sentenced to 137 months (almost 11.5 years) in federal prison on April 22 for possessing a firearm as a felon. Public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing showed that Ricky Edward Kirk, Jr., 39, fled from officers during an attempted traffic [...]
	Weekend Rundown with WLLR \| April 23, 2026 There are many family-friendly events going on this weekend, and we've brought in Dani Howe from WLLR to break it down.
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	Maryland could have identified fraudulent lead inspections sooner, auditors say A legislative audit of the Maryland Department of the Environment Thursday hit the agency on several issues of spending and oversight, particularly its oversight of lead paint inspection. (Photo by Bryan Sears/Maryland Matters)A legislative audit released Thursday said deficiencies in Maryland’s inspection program for lead paint in rental homes made it easier for a string of fraudulent inspections to go undetected for several years. The Maryland Department of Environment fired back, arguing that auditors asked for closer scrutiny on inspections than the law currently requires. They noted that agency officials were the ones to identify the problematic inspector ultimately held responsible for about 1,500 falsified inspections. But auditors said the problem could have been caught sooner if the state had more robust procedures to scrutinize inspections. The state later discovered that some children living in homes that were not properly inspected had elevated lead levels in their blood. The audit of MDE also found delays and backlogs associated with other types of environmental inspections, on polluting facilities and medical X-ray machines. Several audit findings also focused on questionable spending decisions made by “senior management employees,” which auditors evaluated following a whistleblower complaint. Auditors pointed to a poorly justified decision to give a senior executive’s assistant a 14% raise, and a decision to pay a $25,000 membership fee to a California-based nonprofit that named Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain to its advisory board. They also highlighted a possible violation of state ethics law, because an agency employee was overseeing a contract with a state university where they also worked — alongside the very same researcher performing the job. That matter was referred to the Maryland State Ethics Commission. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE While auditors found shortfalls with MDE spending procedures, they did not deem any of the behavior criminal — and did not make any referrals to the attorney general’s office as a result of their findings. It’s the second damaging audit for MDE in a year. In July, auditors took issue with the lease deal signed for the agency’s headquarters, at a converted warehouse in Baltimore. The state signed an abnormally long 20-year lease, with cost escalations each year, in order to pay for $10 million of renovations to the privately held building — for new cubicles, solar panels and an updated office suite for the secretary. State payments, oversight draw auditor’s attention Auditors raised questions about a $25,000 payment to Veloz, a California nonprofit that engages in nationwide advocacy for electric vehicles — a nonprofit that named McIlwain to its public policy advisory board in 2023. The February 2025 payment was to be a supporting member of Veloz. But MDE employees could not show auditors any documentation that showed the department analyzed benefits of the membership before sending the money. The audit does not name Veloz, but an invoice obtained by Maryland Matters show the MDE made a $25,000 payment to Veloz in February 2025, matching the audit’s description. “The lack of this documentation combined with the management employee serving on the public policy board for the organization … raises concerns about the propriety of the payment,” auditors wrote. Auditors were told the payment was for Maryland to be included in a national marketing campaign to promote the use of electric vehicles. But auditors noted that that “was not consistent with the invoice, which indicated the payment was to become a supporting member of the organization.” In a written response to auditors, the agency argued that there is no set policy for memberships, but that it had developed a form for staffers to use in order to assess the benefits of joining, rejoining or exiting an organization. Auditors also flagged a potential violation of state ethics law at the department, involving a management employee who oversaw a memorandum of understanding with a state university, valued at $189,600, while also working at that same university, as a research partner to the university employee performing the work. Maryland environment dept. lease scrutinized for costs, office renovations Maryland ethics law bars state employees from having secondary employment that would impair their impartiality. Before the contract was signed in early 2023, state ethics officials warned that the MDE employee could not participate in matters involving coworkers at the university. “Senior management personnel at the Commission advised us that the management employee’s secondary employment and participation in this MOU could potentially violate certain provisions of State ethics law,” auditors wrote. State officials argued that they immediately conducted an internal review upon learning of the arrangement, and submitted an expedited request to the State Ethics Commission, seeking ethical guidance. The state also noted, in response to the audit findings, that the employee served in a “junior, non-decision-making capacity” when the MOU was approved. Lead paint woes continue During the audit, investigators found that the environmental agency had no “documented process to independently verify the lead-free inspections, even on a test basis.” The agency does not require lead inspectors, who are chosen by individual property owners — not the department — to submit evidence along with their inspection results, only to retain that documentation for review upon request. That lack of documentation made it difficult for MDE to quickly detect that one inspector, Rodney Barkley of Green Environmental LLC, had been falsifying reports from January 2017 to April 2024, auditors found. And after MDE discovered the investigators’ behavior, it did not notify property owners and tenants very expeditiously, according to the audit. In response to the audit, MDE said that while it appreciates the recommendations “to review policies that could enhance its ability to verify third-party data, MDE currently operates in full alignment with existing statutes and regulations,” and received a positive review from the Environmental Protection Agency in fiscal 2025, which called its lead inspection program “one of the most robust in the country.” MDE also stated that it “maintains multiple oversight mechanisms” to review inspectors’ performance, including random biweekly audits of inspection activity, and audits conducted when inspectors’ accreditation is renewed every two years. Though MDE suspended the errant inspector’s license in April 2024, and referred the matter to the attorney general’s office, “virtually all” of the relevant property owners and renters didn’t receive a notification about the issue until February 2025, according to the audit. The inspector ultimately pleaded guilty to falsifying the inspections in October 2025. In February he was sentenced to five years in prison, all suspended, and two years of supervised probation. Last July, MDE notified all of the property owners that their homes would need to be reinspected by a state-accredited inspector within 30 days. But the agency didn’t ensure that those inspections took place. By December, only 299 of the roughly 1,500 properties had been reinspected. That July 2025 notification also suggested that children be tested for elevated lead levels, but auditors found that MDE “did not attempt to follow up with the tenants to ensure they received the letter, or to help ensure children residing in these properties obtained the recommended lead blood-level test.” “This is significant, because … children residing in these properties tested positive for high lead levels,” read the audit. Delayed pollution and radiation inspections persist In 2022, amid concerns about environmental permitting delays during Gov. Larry Hogan’s (R) administration, the Maryland General Assembly passed a law requiring the environmental agency to clear a permit backlog for polluting facilities, by issuing renewed permits to each facility by December 2026. As of April 2025, the department still had a backlog of 120 permit applications from Maryland facilities that release polluted wastewater into the environment. While the applications sit in the queue, the facilities’ permits are “administratively continued,” and they are allowed to continue operating as normal. Environmentalists have nicknamed them “zombie permits.” Of the 120 backlogged permits, more than half had been administratively continued for more than one year, and about 16% had been administratively continued for more than three years — and some up to nine years. MDE argues that it “inherited a significant backlog” from Hogan’s administration, and that it is still on schedule to clear the queue by December. In the meantime, all of the facilities with so-called zombie permits are in compliance according to their monthly reports to the environmental agency, MDE said. As of last April, the state environmental agency was also lagging behind on inspections of polluting facilities, according to the audit. Auditors found that inspections for 224 facilities were at least seven months overdue. Some 39% of those inspections were five years overdue. The department argued that it is on pace to eliminate inspection backlogs by the end of 2026 as well, and that since fiscal 2023, the department has increased inspections by 38% and filled key vacancies. MDE is also in charge of inspecting radiation machines, such as X-ray machines in hospitals, dental offices and veterinary practices, and those inspections are backlogged as well, auditors argue. Auditors found more than 1,300 machines, mostly at dental offices, that were overdue for an inspection by seven months to four years. “The lack of timely inspection could result in unnecessary radiation exposure for facility employees and patients,” auditors wrote. Courtesy of Maryland Matters
	B2B buyers have moved their vendor research inside AI tools: Here’s how to stay visible B2B buyers have moved their vendor research inside AI tools: Here’s how to stay visibleB2B buyers are now researching vendors inside Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Gmail, and Outlook. They’re asking Copilot to draft vendor comparisons and prompting Gemini to summarize their options. Google is no longer the only discovery layer, and for many B2B buyers, AI tools now shape vendor shortlists before a traditional search ever happens.The B2B research phase has moved, and strategies are evolving to maintain visibility, WebFX reports.Why B2B buyer research is shifting inside AI toolsIf this were a forecast, it might be possible to wait. But it’s not. The infrastructure is live, the adoption numbers are accelerating, and your B2B buyers are already immersed in these AI tools.Microsoft Copilot: 15 million paid enterprise seatsIn January 2026, Microsoft reported 15 million paid Microsoft 365 Copilot seats during its Q2 FY2026 earnings call, representing 160% year-over-year growth. Those seats sit inside a broader base of over 450 million Microsoft 365 commercial users. WebFX Copilot is embedded directly in Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint. When a B2B buyer asks Copilot to “draft a vendor comparison for CRM platforms” inside Word, the AI pulls from web data, Microsoft Graph (emails, files, meetings), and its training data to generate the response. That buyer never opens Chrome.And Microsoft is accelerating adoption. CEO Satya Nadella noted on the earnings call that daily active Copilot users increased 10x year-over-year, with average conversations per user doubling. Organizations like Publicis (95,000 seats), Fiserv, NASA, and Westpac have deployed Copilot at scale.Google Gemini: AI inside Gmail for 3 billion+ usersOn January 8, 2026, Google announced that Gmail is entering the “Gemini era,” embedding AI features directly into the inbox for its more than 3 billion users. WebFX The key feature for B2B marketers is AI Overviews inside Gmail search. Just like Google Search’s AI Overviews, Gemini now generates summarized answers when users search their inbox. Ask “What’s the latest status of the Acme contract?” and Gemini synthesizes the answer from across your email threads.Then on February 19, 2026, Google rolled out “Help Me Write” with personalization for business users, allowing Gemini to draft emails by pulling context from past emails, chats, and Google Drive files. According to Fortune, 70% of enterprise users who use “Help Me Write” in Gmail or Google Docs accepted Gemini’s suggestion. And 85% of users said they want more personalized AI in Gmail.The implication of this for B2B brands is significant. When a buyer prompts Gemini to “draft a response about which project management tools to recommend,” that AI is pulling from their inbox history, Drive files, and web data. If a brand’s content is structured and authoritative, it has a shot at influencing that draft.The data on B2B buyer behavior confirms the shiftThe Copilot and Gemini numbers don’t exist in a vacuum. They’re part of a broader behavioral shift that multiple research firms have corroborated:6sense (2025): 94% of B2B buyers use LLMs during their buying process. 83% define purchase requirements before ever speaking with sales.Responsive (2025): Nearly two-thirds of B2B buyers now use generative AI as much as or more than traditional search when researching vendors. For tech buyers specifically, that number jumps to 80%.G2 (2025): 79% of software buyers say AI search has changed how they conduct research.TrustRadius (2025): 72% of buyers encountered Google’s AI Overviews during research, and 90% clicked through to cited sources.That said, B2B buyer research is no longer exclusively Google-first. It is increasingly AI-first, and it’s happening inside the tools your B2B buyers use every day.What this shift means for your business strategyIf B2B buyers are evaluating vendors inside AI tools, that changes how discovery works, how content performs, how success gets measured, and how marketing supports sales. Here’s what that means for your business strategy:The discovery layer has changedFor years, “getting found” meant ranking on Google. Now, discovery also happens inside Copilot when a buyer asks it to draft a vendor shortlist, and inside Gemini when someone searches their Gmail for past vendor conversations.This doesn’t mean Google is irrelevant. Google still processes over 5 trillion searches each year, and AI Overviews themselves cite web sources. But it means Google is no longer the only, or even the primary, discovery layer for many B2B buyers.The content bar has risenGeneric thought leadership and gated whitepapers don’t perform in the AI era. AI models need structured, definitive content to generate accurate citations. Content that talks about your product in vague superlatives without measurable outcomes gets ignored. Content that says “[Brand] is a [category] platform used by [notable clients] to achieve [specific outcome]” gets cited.The measurement gap is realMost B2B brands have zero visibility into whether Copilot, Gemini, ChatGPT, or Perplexity are recommending them, ignoring them, or getting their product wrong. Traditional analytics dashboards don’t capture this. You need a new layer of measurement to track your brand’s presence in AI-generated responses.Sales and marketing alignment is more urgentWith 83% of B2B buyers defining purchase requirements before ever speaking with sales, your content is doing the selling long before a rep gets involved. Marketing and sales teams need to align on what buyer prompts look like, what information AI tools are surfacing, and whether the brand’s content is structured to support that invisible research phase.How B2B brands can adapt: The I.W.O. frameworkThis shift in B2B buyer behavior is well-documented, and it requires a new approach to stay visible. So what should B2B brands do next? The In-Workflow Optimization (IWO) framework is one method for B2B brands adapting to this reality. WebFX I = Inventory your content assets.Reviewing top-performing whitepapers, case studies, data sheets, and product pages helps determine if they are machine-readable. AI assistants need clear headers, explicit outcome statements, and structured comparisons to cite your content. A beautifully designed PDF with text embedded in images is invisible to Copilot. A case study behind a gated form is something Gemini will never find.W = Witness how AI sees you.Using ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini to compare vendors in a specific category can reveal where a brand appears, whether the AI gets the value proposition right, and where competitors show up instead.O = Optimize for citation, not clicks.AI tools don’t serve links to click. They generate answers and cite the sources they pulled from. The goal is to be one of those cited sources. Content with definitive language, high entity density, structured data, and third-party validation across platforms like G2, LinkedIn, and Reddit is more likely to get cited.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Michael Tilson Thomas, renowned conductor and composer, dies at 81 Thomas led the San Francisco Symphony from 1995 to 2020, helping to establish its reputation as a world-class orchestra. In 2021, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, a type of brain cancer.
	How mosquitoes — and malaria — helped shaped the whereabouts of early humankind A new study looks at an unexpected force that helped played a critical role in shaping the lives of ancient humans.
	Bureau of Motor Vehicles launches mobile branch to expand services in rural Maine The Bureau of Motor Vehicles mobile unit, called BMV4ME, offers monthly services in rural Maine towns. (Photo courtesy of the Maine Department of the Secretary of State)Maine’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles launched a mobile branch on Thursday that aims to expand access to rural parts of the state that lack services. The portable unit, branded BMV4ME, offers the BMV’s most common services, such as issuing driver’s licenses and learner’s permits, as well as handling name and address changes. “This modernization improves our customer service,” Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said in a statement, “We can’t wait to take it on the road to service not only Maine’s most rural communities but also senior living facilities, veterans’ homes and other sites where Mainers would most benefit from the convenience of in-person BMV service.” Unveiled in Augusta, the unit hit the road Thursday for a ribbon cutting in Belfast, one of four towns where mobile services will initially rotate and accept walk-ins. In Belfast, the mobile unit will be at the United Methodist Church on the second Thursday of each month. In Dover-Foxcroft, the unit will be at the Piscataquis Community Center on the first and last Wednesday of each month. The unit will also stop at the Houlton Plaza Shopping Center on the fourth Thursday of the month and at the Machias Telecommunications Center on the first Tuesday of the month. The unit won’t provide all of the services a traditional branch does. However, Mainers can use the unit for license services such as REAL IDs and out-of-state non-commercial driver’s license transfers. It will also offer limited learner’s permit services, including issuance with a driver education completion certificate or processing applications for a knowledge exam appointment. New applications and renewals for disability placards can also be handled through the mobile service. Courtesy of Maine Morning Star
	Moline High students competing at International Thespian Festival Two students from Moline High School (MHS) have earned prestigious spots at the International Thespian Festival (ITF) this June at Indiana University in Bloomington. Seniors Emmersyn Pettit and Nicholas Betts will represent both their school and the state of Illinois on the international stage. Pettit secured her place at the festival after receiving a Superior [...]
	Bump(ing) up your budget: A financial guide for expecting parents Bump(ing) up your budget: A financial guide for expecting parentsBaby on the way? Congrats! You're probably busy decorating the nursery, deciding on names and getting everything you need from bottles to a bassinet. Amid all the excitement, you may also notice the bills and costs are already adding up. Fortunately, with some pre-planning, you can take steps to help financially ease into your new family structure.Below, Ally Financial outlines a trimester-by-trimester financial checklist for expecting parents.First flutter finances: Setting the stage (Weeks 1-13)The first trimester is a good time to start building a solid financial foundation.Assess your current finances: Review your income, existing expenses and any outstanding debts to get a clear snapshot of your current financial situation. Understanding current cash flow helps identify areas to adjust your budget for new baby costs.Review parental leave: Research both your and your partner's parental leave policies to understand the length of time you'll have, as well as what is paid and unpaid.Draft a baby budget: Outlining a baby budget this early doesn't need to be perfect, but it helps shift financial priorities. Start by estimating all baby-related costs, both short-term and long-term, from prenatal care co-pays and car seats to childcare and diapers.Fortify your emergency fund: Unexpected costs are inevitable with kids. A robust emergency fund, ideally covering three to six months of living expenses, offers a critical safety net for unforeseen costs. If you don't have an emergency fund, start building one—every little bit gives you that much more peace of mind.Strategize debt repayment: If you carry credit card debt or other loans, make a plan to tackle them. Reducing high-interest debt now frees up future cash flow for baby essentials.Mid-bump money moves: Second trimester savvy (Weeks 14-26)As pregnancy progresses, the second trimester is ideal for deeper planning and research.Research childcare: Childcare can be one of the largest ongoing expenses. Now is the time to research childcare options in your area to understand costs, availability and waitlists.Optimize insurance coverage: Your insurance needs will notably change. Review your health insurance policy to understand maternity coverage and the process for adding your baby to your plan. This is also a good time to evaluate if life insurance is right for you, as it can provide vital financial protection for your family should the unexpected occur.Plan long-term: It's never too early to consider saving for your child’s future, and there are a variety of ways to do that.Set up a 529 college savings plan: These tax-advantaged investment accounts help plan for future educational expenses. Starting early can help leverage compound interest.Open a custodial savings account: A Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA) custodial account allows an adult to help manage assets for a minor. These funds will eventually be transferred to the child when they become an adult, according to their state’s age of majority.Prepping for the main event: Third trimester fine-tuning (Weeks 27-40)The final stretch often ignites nesting instincts and a desire to finalize preparations. Now's the time to focus on practical readiness and tie up loose ends.Connect with a financial advisor: If you don’t have a financial advisor, now may be a good time to establish a relationship with one, as they could help you navigate future planning and expenses.Refine your baby budget: Revisit your baby budget, debt repayment and savings goals you reviewed in your first trimester to make any final adjustments.Prep for your hospital homecoming: The first few weeks with a newborn can be a whirlwind, so make it as easy as possible by batch-cooking freezer meals. You can also buy certain non-perishable essentials in bulk, such as diapers, wipes or formula.More than 9 months: A flexible approach to parenthood and financesThe financial journey through pregnancy and new parenthood is dynamic. Be prepared to adjust your budget and plans as your family's needs evolve. The goal isn't perfection, but rather establishing a stability that allows you to cherish every moment with your new little one.This story was produced by Ally Financial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Burnout vs compassion fatigue: Key differences Burnout vs compassion fatigue: Key differencesMany people working in caregiving roles or high-pressure environments face emotional and physical exhaustion. Two terms often used to describe these experiences are burnout and compassion fatigue. Although they share similarities, they are not the same. In this article, Doctronic explains why knowing the difference between burnout and compassion fatigue is essential for managing stress and maintaining mental health.Key TakeawaysBurnout and compassion fatigue are distinct but related conditions affecting caregivers and professionals in high-stress roles.Burnout results from chronic workplace stress, while compassion fatigue stems from exposure to others’ trauma and suffering.Recognizing symptoms early can improve well-being and job performance.Effective strategies include self-care, boundary-setting, and seeking professional support.Understanding these differences helps individuals and organizations provide better support and maintain healthier work environments.Defining Burnout and Compassion FatigueBurnout is a state of chronic stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy. Compassion fatigue, on the other hand, is the emotional residue or strain of exposure to working with those suffering from the consequences of traumatic events. Both can severely impact a person’s ability to function effectively at work and in daily life.Causes and Risk Factors in Caregiving ProfessionsUnderstanding the nuances between these two conditions is crucial for caregivers, including healthcare workers, social workers, and first responders. For instance, while burnout may stem from a lack of resources, overwhelming workloads, or a perceived lack of control, compassion fatigue often arises from the emotional toll of empathizing with clients or patients who are experiencing significant distress. This can lead to feelings of helplessness and a diminished capacity to provide care, which can further exacerbate the cycle of emotional depletion.Recognizing Symptoms and Early Warning SignsThe symptoms of burnout and compassion fatigue can manifest in various ways. Individuals experiencing burnout may find themselves disengaged from their work, exhibiting irritability, or experiencing physical symptoms like headaches and gastrointestinal issues. In contrast, those suffering from compassion fatigue might display heightened anxiety, intrusive thoughts about their clients' suffering, or a sense of isolation from their peers. Recognizing these symptoms early is vital, as it allows individuals to seek support and implement coping strategies before the conditions escalate into more severe mental health issues.What Is Burnout?Definition and CausesBurnout occurs when workplace demands exceed an individual's capacity to cope over a prolonged period. It is often linked to factors like excessive workload, lack of control, unclear job expectations, and insufficient rewards. Burnout is not just feeling tired after a long day; it is a deeper exhaustion that affects motivation and engagement.Common Symptoms of BurnoutChronic fatigue and low energyDetachment or cynicism towards workReduced productivity and feelings of ineffectivenessPhysical symptoms such as headaches or gastrointestinal issuesDifficulty concentrating or making decisionsBurnout can lead to serious health problems if left unaddressed, including depression and cardiovascular disease. It is crucial to recognize these signs early and take steps to manage stress.What Is Compassion Fatigue?Definition and CausesCompassion fatigue is sometimes called secondary traumatic stress. It arises from the emotional toll of caring for or being exposed to people who have experienced trauma or suffering. This is common among healthcare workers, social workers, therapists, and emergency responders.Unlike burnout, which is related to workplace stress broadly, compassion fatigue specifically results from the emotional burden of empathizing with others' pain. It can develop suddenly or gradually and may worsen if the caregiver does not have adequate support.Signs and Symptoms of Compassion FatigueEmotional numbness or feeling overwhelmed by others' painReduced empathy or compassion for patients or clientsIntrusive thoughts or images related to traumaSleep disturbances and irritabilityFeelings of helplessness or hopelessnessCompassion fatigue can make caregivers feel disconnected from their work and question their ability to help others, which can be deeply distressing.Key Differences Between Burnout and Compassion FatigueSource of StressBurnout stems from chronic workplace stressors such as workload, organizational culture, and job demands. Compassion fatigue is specifically caused by exposure to others’ trauma and suffering.Emotional ImpactBurnout often leads to feelings of cynicism, detachment, and exhaustion. Compassion fatigue results in emotional numbness, decreased empathy, and trauma-related symptoms.Onset and ProgressionBurnout develops gradually over time, while compassion fatigue can occur suddenly after a traumatic event or accumulate with repeated exposure.Who Is Affected?Burnout can affect anyone in a high-stress job, whereas compassion fatigue primarily impacts those in caregiving or trauma-exposed professions.Managing Burnout and Compassion FatigueSelf-Care PracticesBoth burnout and compassion fatigue require intentional self-care. This includes regular physical activity, adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, and mindfulness practices. Taking breaks and setting boundaries around work hours are essential to prevent exhaustion.Seeking SupportTalking with colleagues, supervisors, or mental health professionals can provide relief and perspective.Organizational StrategiesPromoting a supportive workplace cultureProviding training on stress management and resilienceEnsuring manageable workloads and clear expectationsOffering access to employee assistance programs and counselingSupporting Caregivers and ProfessionalsCaregivers and professionals facing burnout or compassion fatigue should not feel alone. Understanding these conditions helps reduce stigma and encourages seeking help. Organizations and individuals can work together to create healthier environments that promote resilience and sustainable caregiving.Remember, taking care of your own health is not a luxury but a necessity.Taking Steps Toward Healthier CaregivingBurnout and compassion fatigue affect many people who dedicate themselves to helping others. Understanding the differences between these conditions empowers individuals to recognize symptoms and seek appropriate care.Frequently Asked QuestionsCan burnout and compassion fatigue occur at the same time?Yes, it is possible to experience both simultaneously. Burnout can make someone more vulnerable to compassion fatigue, especially in caregiving roles.How long does it take to recover from burnout or compassion fatigue?Recovery time varies depending on the severity and individual circumstances. With proper support and self-care, many people begin to feel better within weeks to months.Are there any warning signs I should watch for?Common warning signs include persistent exhaustion, irritability, decreased empathy, and feelings of hopelessness. Early recognition helps in seeking timely help.Can lifestyle changes help prevent burnout and compassion fatigue?Yes, maintaining a balanced lifestyle with regular exercise, rest, social connections, and mindfulness can reduce the risk of developing these conditions.The Bottom LineBurnout and compassion fatigue are serious but manageable challenges for caregivers and professionals in high-stress roles. Recognizing symptoms early and taking proactive steps can protect long-term mental health and job satisfaction.This story was produced by Doctronic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Great Sounds Promotions marks 30 years with music celebration Great Sounds Promotions is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special two-day music celebration on May 8–9 at Rivermont Collegiate, 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf. The event will feature nationally recognized artists and highlight the organization’s commitment to presenting quality live music, cultural programming and youth arts education throughout the Quad Cities region. Click here [...]
	Open Market Season at the Freight House Farmer's Market Open Market Season at the Freight House Farmer's Market begins May 2nd and 3rd.
	Why home insurance claim payouts can feel disappointing Why home insurance claim payouts can feel disappointingWhy the Payout Isn't What You Might ExpectImagine you discover a serious leak from your ceiling that causes major floor and drywall damage. No problem, you think: I’ll just file a claim with my insurance company and the repairs will be covered. But then the insurance estimate arrives, and it’s thousands less than the contractor’s repair quote.Welcome to a common homeowner reality check. Especially during storm season, homeowners are often surprised that claims result in a smaller check from your insurer than you expected. Truth is, your carrier likely didn’t cheat or shortchange you. Instead, you may have overlooked coverage limits or exclusions, depreciation, scope disagreements or a deductible that wasn’t met.Here, TheZebra takes a closer look at why home insurance claims often result in less-than-desirable payouts, what you can expect after filing a claim, and what you can do if you’re still not satisfied.Why Your Insurance Payout Can Be Lower Than the Repair BillJanet Ruiz, director of strategic communication for the Insurance Information Institute, explains that your repair bill can exceed your claim payout because insurance policies pay according to the policy’s defined valuation methods, coverage limits, depreciation and deductibles; not simply the contractor’s invoice.“For example, if storm damage causes $25,000 in roof repairs, but your insurer determines the roof had depreciated to an actual cash value of $16,000 while you had a $2,500 deductible, the initial payout may be only $13,500,” she says.Realize that an insurer’s first estimate is typically based on the damage they can actually see and confirm right away. This initial estimate may be less than what they end up paying in total.“If, say, your roof suffers storm damage, your insurer may later pay even more if a code-required upgrade is covered and actually completed and you furnish proof of the repair,” notes Beth Swanson, insurance analyst for The Zebra.Actual Cash Value vs Replacement CostInsurance policies use either actual cash value (ACV), which pays what your used item or materials are currently worth minus age and wear, or replacement cost (RCV), which covers the price of replacing them brand new. If your policy covers ACV, you can expect a lower claim check.“If a 10-year-old roof that originally cost $15,000 to replace has depreciated by 50%, an ACV policy will only pay you $7,500 versus an RCV policy that pays closer to the full replacement cost,” says Irena Martincevic, an industry analyst with Fixr.com. “Many homeowners don’t discover which type they have until they are already filing a claim, and that’s a costly moment to find out.”Be aware that many policies will initially pay ACV but release the remaining replacement cost after repairs are completed and documented.Why Roof Claims Often Feel Especially FrustratingNow that spring is here, we can expect a lot more extreme weather, including storms, hail and tornadoes. It’s a time of year when roofs are particularly vulnerable. Roof claims are where homeowners most often run into depreciation surprises, wind or hail deductibles that need to be met, age-related limitations, and disputes over whether the full roof needs replacement or just repair.“Insurers will factor in the roof’s age and wear heavily. Fixr research shows that roofs less than 10 years old are generally more likely to receive fuller coverage, while older ones are subject to significant depreciation deductions,” adds Martincevic.“Also, insurers draw careful lines between storm damage and wear and tear, and they will only pay for what they can attribute to a specific covered event. And partial damage doesn’t automatically mean a full replacement, either. If only one section of the roof was damaged, the company may only cover patching the roof, even if the materials don’t match perfectly.”Attorney K.C. Williams points out that, in recent years, carriers have been given more flexibility to limit recovery on older roofs through policy changes and endorsements that reduce benefits to ACV, regardless of what the rest of the policy may say.“What policyholders rarely understand is that the insurer’s adjuster and the independent engineer they hire are both working toward the same conclusion,” he says. “Getting a different result may require an independent roofing expert who can document storm causation, establish the date of loss, and support a scope of repair that reflects what the damage actually requires.”Why Water Damage Claims Are Often Partial PayoutsLet’s say your dishwasher line suddenly bursts and damages the kitchen floor and cabinets. The good news is your policy may cover sudden and accidental water damage. The bad news is that it likely won’t cover long-term leaks, seepage, poor maintenance or flood damage. So one part of your claim may be covered while another part is denied or limited.“Everything comes down to two questions: Where did the water come from, and when did the damage actually occur? Policies don’t cover damage that builds up over time, a slow leak behind the drywall, seepage through the foundation, or moisture that has accumulated over months,” continues Williams. “If the insurer decides the damage looks long-standing, the claim gets cut or closed.”Even when the water loss is covered, your payout may still be lower than expected for several other reasons.“There may be a specific limit in your policy for hidden leaks, seepage or mold, tear-out and remediation costs may be treated differently and some damage may be considered maintenance-related,” Swanson says.The Deductible Can Take a Bigger Bite Than People ExpectYour deductible can minimize your claim settlement more than you anticipate because the deductible applies per claim, not per damaged item, and it must be subtracted from the total covered loss. Also, some weather-related deductibles are percentage-based rather than flat-dollar.“If you have a separate wind or hail deductible, for example, it can be calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value. That means a 2% deductible on a $400,000 home would require you to absorb $8,000 before your insurance pays anything,” Ruiz cautions.Why You May Not Get All the Money at OnceAs mentioned earlier, your insurer may issue an initial payment based on ACV, then release additional funds (recoverable depreciation) after repairs are completed and documented.“Assume your covered kitchen floor damage would cost $10,000 to replace. The estimated depreciation is $5,000, and your deductible is $1000. That means your first payment might be just $4,000,” says Swanson. “But if the repairs are completed and the policy allows it, your insurer may later release $5,000 in recoverable depreciation.”Also, be aware that, if you have a mortgage loan, the payout check can also be made payable to both you and your mortgage company, especially if it’s a major claim. Your mortgage lender may also send their own inspector to ensure repairs have been completed.Why Your Contractor’s Quote and the Insurer’s Estimate May Not MatchInsurers and contractors often calculate repair estimates differently. They may disagree on labor rates, materials, code upgrades, waste removal, matching issues or how much damage the covered event actually caused. But a disparity between their estimates doesn’t automatically mean one side is acting dishonestly.“Contractor quotes and insurance estimates often differ because they rely on different assumptions, scopes of work and pricing standards,” Ruiz explains. “Insurers typically use standardized estimating software and may exclude upgrades or non-covered items, while contractors may include code upgrades, overhead, profit or materials outside the policy’s scope.”If your contractor offers an itemized estimate and documentation showing that something was missed or underpriced by the insurer, your insurer may adjust the claim via a supplemental payment process.Filing a DisputeAgain, what you may regard as lowball compensation from your carrier doesn’t necessarily mean they’re in the wrong. It’s important to carefully review the cause of the loss, valuation method, line-item scope, exclusions and deductibles.Also, be sure to:Compare line items, not just totals.Check whether depreciation was withheld.Confirm whether the claim was settled at ACV or replacement cost.Ask whether additional damage can be submitted as a supplement.When a Disappointing Payout Is Normal vs Worth DisputingAfter doing your homework, you may determine that it’s worth challenging your insurer’s numbers.“Insurers can miss damage. Adjusters work quickly, often in the immediate aftermath of a storm when conditions make a thorough inspection difficult. What gets documented on day 3 is not always what a careful inspection reveals on day 30,” Williams says. “What I look closely at is whether the evaluation behind the payment was accurate and whether the policy was applied as written.”Ruiz agrees.“It may be worth pushing back if the insurer overlooked documented damage, misapplied coverage, or failed to consider local building requirements. You can request a detailed explanation, provide photos that back up your dispute, or seek a reinspection,” she recommends. “You can also send a complaint to your state’s department of insurance if you are unable to get a satisfactory answer from your insurer.”Remember: A disappointing payout can still be a legitimate payout.Take the time to understand how your claim was calculated, where any adjustor and contractor gaps came from and whether there is room to dispute the scope, provide more documentation or recover withheld depreciation.While you’re at it, carefully review your current coverage and consider changing coverage levels to better suit your current needs. And don’t be afraid to ask your agent or insurer questions about anything in the policy you don’t understand.FAQsStill have questions? Here’s a deeper dive to answer some common remaining queries.Why is my deductible so high after a storm?Deductibles are often higher after storms because many policies apply special wind or hail deductibles that are percentage based rather than flat-dollar amounts. These provisions shift more of the financial burden to the homeowner, especially during or following widespread catastrophic events.Why did my insurance only pay actual cash value?Your carrier may only pay actual cash value – which is what your used item or materials are currently worth minus depreciation for age and wear – if your policy does not include replacement cost coverage for that item or if repairs have not yet been completed.Why would a claims payout check be made out to both my mortgage company and me?If your home is being financed by a mortgage company, your lender has a financial interest in your property. That means your claim check from the insurer can be made payable to both you and the mortgage company, particularly if it’s a major claim.This story was produced by TheZebra and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	City of East Moline invites residents to learn about drinking-water improvements The City of East Moline invites residents to attend an open house to learn about a major initiative to improve the community’s drinking water, a news release says. The open house will provide information on two key efforts: Replacing all lead and galvanized service lines citywide, and upgrading the water treatment process to reduce the [...]
	Man sentenced to more than 25 years in prison for meth charge Jason L. Ringold, 47, sold more than 600 grams of meth in Burlington between April and June 2024, according to court documents.
	The happiest cities in America in 2026, ranked across 11 factors The happiest cities in America in 2026, ranked across 11 factorsHappiness may not be easy to quantify, but some qualifiers may make a person more likely to feel satisfied in life. A reasonable degree of financial freedom can alleviate worry about day-to-day costs and the occasional unexpected expense. Similarly, good relationships, overall health and longevity, basic conveniences, and privacy can go a long way in keeping stress down and contentment up. While none of these things alone are the secret to happiness, they may all individually contribute to a life geared toward wants rather than needs — freeing up time and resources for individuals to explore and build a life on their own terms.With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked 85 of the largest U.S. cities with available data based on 11 happiness factors spanning personal finance, physical and mental well-being, and quality of life factors.Key FindingsArlington, VA, ranks as the happiest city for 2026. Arlington ranks among the top five cities for a variety of happiness metrics, including life expectancy (83.9 years), household earnings over $100,000 (64.3%), mentally healthy days (84.9%), adults getting exercise (83%), and access to activity spaces (100%).Fremont, CA, households outearn their peers. Ranking second overall for happiest cities, 70.7% of Fremont households earn over $100,000, the most studywide. This pairs with the lowest poverty rate of 4.7%. However, 18.1% of households in Fremont end up spending 50% or more of their income on housing. In tandem, the population maintains the highest rate of health insurance coverage and marriage, at 98.1% and 63.8%, respectively.Austin, TX, has the least traffic. The traffic volume per meter in Austin, Texas — a practice ground for many autonomous vehicle companies — is lowest studywide at 42.1. This pales in comparison to Boston, which has over 40 times the traffic volume per meter at 1753.9. The average traffic volume per meter is 299.Residents have the most mentally healthy days in Honolulu. Ranking 16th happiest overall, Honolulu residents feel mentally healthy for 85.2% of days. San Jose, California, follows closely at 85% mentally healthy days. On the other end of the spectrum, the residents of Toledo, Ohio, have the worst mental health ranking, at 78.2% of days spent mentally healthy.These California cities have the most overcrowding in housing. Privacy and space can go a long way in making a person comfortable in their own space, and can be indicative of financial resources. In Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Fresno, just over 10% of households are home to more than one person per bedroom. Laredo, Texas, also falls into this category of high overcrowding. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has the lowest rate of overcrowding at 0.9%. SmartAsset Top 25 Happiest CitiesArlington, VAHouseholds earning $100k+: 64.3%Poverty rate: 8.3%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 14.2%Poor mental health days: 15.1%Life expectancy (years): 83.9Percent of adults getting exercise: 83%Population with health insurance: 93.9%Marriage rate: 44.2%Traffic volume per meter: 540Access to activity space: 100%Overcrowded households: 3.4%Fremont, CAHouseholds earning $100k+: 70.7%Poverty rate: 4.7%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 18.1%Poor mental health days: 17.8%Life expectancy (years): 82Percent of adults getting exercise: 81.2%Population with health insurance: 98.1%Marriage rate: 63.8%Traffic volume per meter: 683Access to activity space: 99.6%Overcrowded households: 7.7%San Jose, CAHouseholds earning $100k+: 64.2%Poverty rate: 8.1%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 15.7%Poor mental health days: 15%Life expectancy (years): 83.8Percent of adults getting exercise: 80.9%Population with health insurance: 95.6%Marriage rate: 48.6%Traffic volume per meter: 626.4Access to activity space: 99.4%Overcrowded households: 7.9%Seattle, WAHouseholds earning $100k+: 57.1%Poverty rate: 9.4%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 15%Poor mental health days: 16.6%Life expectancy (years): 81.1Percent of adults getting exercise: 86.7%Population with health insurance: 96.3%Marriage rate: 39.5%Traffic volume per meter: 333Access to activity space: 97.9%Overcrowded households: 3.9%Raleigh, NCHouseholds earning $100k+: 43%Poverty rate: 13.3%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 12%Poor mental health days: 15.7%Life expectancy (years): 81Percent of adults getting exercise: 84.2%Population with health insurance: 92.9%Marriage rate: 38.8%Traffic volume per meter: 111.6Access to activity space: 98.6%Overcrowded households: 2%Boise, IDHouseholds earning $100k+: 39.9%Poverty rate: 12.9%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 10.9%Poor mental health days: 17.1%Life expectancy (years): 79.7Percent of adults getting exercise: 82.4%Population with health insurance: 93.1%Marriage rate: 44.2%Traffic volume per meter: 116.7Access to activity space: 91.6%Overcrowded households: 1.9%Lincoln, NEHouseholds earning $100k+: 33.5%Poverty rate: 13.4%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 12.6%Poor mental health days: 15.3%Life expectancy (years): 79.1Percent of adults getting exercise: 78.9%Population with health insurance: 93.4%Marriage rate: 47%Traffic volume per meter: 211.1Access to activity space: 95.4%Overcrowded households: 2.2%Anchorage, AKHouseholds earning $100k+: 53.9%Poverty rate: 8.3%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 13.2%Poor mental health days: 16.3%Life expectancy (years): 76.3Percent of adults getting exercise: 80.1%Population with health insurance: 90.6%Marriage rate: 48.7%Traffic volume per meter: 152.3Access to activity space: 93.9%Overcrowded households: 4.5%San Francisco, CAHouseholds earning $100k+: 61%Poverty rate: 11.3%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 16.9%Poor mental health days: 16.6%Life expectancy (years): 82.4Percent of adults getting exercise: 83.6%Population with health insurance: 97.2%Marriage rate: 39.1%Traffic volume per meter: 794Access to activity space: 100%Overcrowded households: 6.8%Minneapolis, MNHouseholds earning $100k+: 40.3%Poverty rate: 15.1%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 13.4%Poor mental health days: 16.1%Life expectancy (years): 79.5Percent of adults getting exercise: 83.3%Population with health insurance: 94.3%Marriage rate: 34%Traffic volume per meter: 304.6Access to activity space: 99.1%Overcrowded households: 2.7%Colorado Springs, COHouseholds earning $100k+: 41.6%Poverty rate: 8.8%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 14.4%Poor mental health days: 18.4%Life expectancy (years): 76.2Percent of adults getting exercise: 81.5%Population with health insurance: 91.5%Marriage rate: 52.6%Traffic volume per meter: 140.9Access to activity space: 89.8%Overcrowded households: 2.5%Aurora, COHouseholds earning $100k+: 46.4%Poverty rate: 10.7%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 15.6%Poor mental health days: 17.1%Life expectancy (years): 79.1Percent of adults getting exercise: 82.4%Population with health insurance: 85.6%Marriage rate: 44.9%Traffic volume per meter: 215.2Access to activity space: 97.5%Overcrowded households: 3%Charlotte, NCHouseholds earning $100k+: 43.7%Poverty rate: 11.9%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 14.3%Poor mental health days: 16.3%Life expectancy (years): 78.8Percent of adults getting exercise: 81.1%Population with health insurance: 87.9%Marriage rate: 40.4%Traffic volume per meter: 165.5Access to activity space: 88.7%Overcrowded households: 2.3%Omaha, NEHouseholds earning $100k+: 35.5%Poverty rate: 14.2%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 13.1%Poor mental health days: 15.9%Life expectancy (years): 77.7Percent of adults getting exercise: 75.7%Population with health insurance: 91.2%Marriage rate: 44.3%Traffic volume per meter: 214.9Access to activity space: 97.4%Overcrowded households: 2.1%Chula Vista, CAHouseholds earning $100k+: 52%Poverty rate: 9.6%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 20.8%Poor mental health days: 17.3%Life expectancy (years): 80.3Percent of adults getting exercise: 81.7%Population with health insurance: 94.8%Marriage rate: 50.2%Traffic volume per meter: 440.1Access to activity space: 97.5%Overcrowded households: 6.9%Honolulu, HIHouseholds earning $100k+: 44.5%Poverty rate: 10.5%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 19.4%Poor mental health days: 14.8%Life expectancy (years): 81.7Percent of adults getting exercise: 77.8%Population with health insurance: 96.8%Marriage rate: 45.1%Traffic volume per meter: 536.2Access to activity space: 96.6%Overcrowded households: 8.7%San Diego, CAHouseholds earning $100k+: 55.3%Poverty rate: 10.4%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 20.8%Poor mental health days: 17.3%Life expectancy (years): 80.3Percent of adults getting exercise: 81.7%Population with health insurance: 94.3%Marriage rate: 43.9%Traffic volume per meter: 440.1Access to activity space: 97.5%Overcrowded households: 6.9%Lexington, KYHouseholds earning $100k+: 34.2%Poverty rate: 12.1%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 14.7%Poor mental health days: 17.4%Life expectancy (years): 76.7Percent of adults getting exercise: 77.1%Population with health insurance: 91.9%Marriage rate: 42.5%Traffic volume per meter: 163.7Access to activity space: 97.4%Overcrowded households: 2.2%Mesa, AZHouseholds earning $100k+: 41.9%Poverty rate: 10.8%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 14.2%Poor mental health days: 18.2%Life expectancy (years): 77.5Percent of adults getting exercise: 78%Population with health insurance: 89%Marriage rate: 48.5%Traffic volume per meter: 244.2Access to activity space: 92.8%Overcrowded households: 4.4%Pittsburgh, PAHouseholds earning $100k+: 33.2%Poverty rate: 20.1%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 11.9%Poor mental health days: 17.9%Life expectancy (years): 76.9Percent of adults getting exercise: 79%Population with health insurance: 96%Marriage rate: 33.6%Traffic volume per meter: 202.3Access to activity space: 93.3%Overcrowded households: 0.9%Denver, COHouseholds earning $100k+: 46.8%Poverty rate: 12.1%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 16.3%Poor mental health days: 18.3%Life expectancy (years): 77.4Percent of adults getting exercise: 78.8%Population with health insurance: 90.7%Marriage rate: 40.5%Traffic volume per meter: 415.7Access to activity space: 99.1%Overcrowded households: 3.1%Oakland, CAHouseholds earning $100k+: 51.2%Poverty rate: 11.9%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 18.1%Poor mental health days: 17.8%Life expectancy (years): 82Percent of adults getting exercise: 81.2%Population with health insurance: 94.1%Marriage rate: 38.3%Traffic volume per meter: 683Access to activity space: 99.6%Overcrowded households: 7.7%Spokane, WAHouseholds earning $100k+: 38.4%Poverty rate: 12.7%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 13.9%Poor mental health days: 19.9%Life expectancy (years): 76.9Percent of adults getting exercise: 79.6%Population with health insurance: 93.7%Marriage rate: 41.9%Traffic volume per meter: 150.4Access to activity space: 87.6%Overcrowded households: 2.1%Atlanta, GAHouseholds earning $100k+: 45.4%Poverty rate: 15.8%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 17.3%Poor mental health days: 15.9%Life expectancy (years): 77.5Percent of adults getting exercise: 80%Population with health insurance: 91.4%Marriage rate: 31.8%Traffic volume per meter: 384Access to activity space: 93.8%Overcrowded households: 2%Henderson, NVHouseholds earning $100k+: 48.3%Poverty rate: 8.8%Households spending >50% of income on housing: 18.5%Poor mental health days: 18.4%Life expectancy (years): 76.6Percent of adults getting exercise: 73%Population with health insurance: 94.2%Marriage rate: 48%Traffic volume per meter: 196.6Access to activity space: 95.7%Overcrowded households: 4.4%Data and MethodologyEighty-five of the largest U.S. cities for which data was available were evaluated across three categories: personal finance, well-being, and quality of life. Data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau 1-Year American Community Survey for 2024 and the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps for 2025.Personal finance metrics included:Percent of individuals earning $100,000 or more.Percent of households that spend 50% or more of their income on housing.Percent of residents below the poverty level.Well-being metrics include:Average percentage of days spent with poor mental healthLife expectancy in years.Percentage of residents getting exercise.Percentage of residents who have health insurance.Quality of life metrics include:Marriage rate.Average traffic volume per meter of major roadways in the county.Percentage of population with adequate access to locations for physical activity.Percentage of households with overcrowding, defined as more than one person living in a room.This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

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