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

Saturday, February 14th, 2026
	The Burlington Plank Road This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.No sooner did Iowa become a full-fledged state in 1846 than Iowans began to dream big dreams. None was grander, more…
	After a 2-decade ban, kites fill Lahore's skies during a Pakistani springtime festival People gathered on rooftops to enjoy flying kites for the first time in years, celebrating the spring festival of Basant. The activity had been banned due to injuries and deaths during past celebrations.
	Dear Life Kit: I officiated their wedding. Now I think they should get a divorce An NPR listener says they've become increasingly concerned by their friends' marriage and feels a sense of duty to fix their relationship problems. Can they tell them what they really think?
	ChatGPT promised to help her find her soulmate. Then it betrayed her ChatGPT sent screenwriter Micky Small down a fantastical rabbit hole. Now, she's finding her way out.
	Rubio reassures trans-Atlantic ties with Europe at Munich Security Conference U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a calm and reassuring message to America's allies in Munich, after more than a year of President Donald Trump's often-hostile rhetoric toward allies.
Friday, February 13th, 2026
	Lindsey Vonn says she will need at least 2 more surgeries following crash at Olympics KWQC spoke with Rock Valley physical therapist Ashley Schurr about Vonn’s road to recovery.
	Kewanee father arrested after infant found with severe injuries 30-year-old Armando Rosas is charged with two counts of aggravated battery and one count of endangering the life of a child.
	Tim Gleason elected as new Davenport City Administrator The council is expected to approve his contract on Feb. 25, 2026.
	Moline businesses prep for Valentine's Day Nothing says Happy Valentine's Day quite like a box of chocolates and a rose. Downtown Moline has plenty of each. Lagomarcino's, a confectionery with spots across the Quad Cities, has one location only a block away from Julie's Artistic Rose, a floral shop. A manager with Lagomarcino's says Valentine's Day is always lively. "It's a [...]
	Car accident knocks out power to hundreds Friday night in Colona Power was restored as of 7 p.m.
	Memorial concert to honor life of dedicated Quad Cities musician, teacher, Greg Hipskind A memorial concert is being held this weekend to honor the life of a dedicated Quad Cities musician who passed away at the beginning of this year.
	1 dead after Henry County, Iowa single-vehicle rollover crash A boy died in a single-vehicle rollover crash on Friday.
	Court upholds conviction for Iowa man serving life sentence in connection to death of Clinton man The Iowa Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of a man serving life in prison for the death of a Clinton man.
	Ballet QC dances new twist on classic “Romeo + Juliet” at Galvin One of the most famous love stories of all time will be danced by Ballet Quad Cities in Davenport, in a new version seen for the first time in its entirety since its debut 11 years ago.
	Davenport native shares Olympic bobsled team lead, coaching experience As Team USA’s bobsled team competes for gold, a Davenport native with Olympic coaching experience knows what it takes to succeed on the track.
	Federal government may seek removal of individual Alaskans from state voter rolls Reject stickers await ballot envelopes Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at the Division 1 office of the Alaska Division of Elections in Juneau, Alaska during counting for Alaska's special U.S. House primary election. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)When the state of Alaska turned over a copy of the state’s voter rolls to the Department of Justice in December, it also signed an agreement that allows the DOJ to ask the state to put individual Alaskans on track for removal from the state’s voter list. Officially labeled a “confidential memorandum of understanding,” the document was signed Dec. 19 by Carol Beecher, director of the Alaska Division of Elections, and U.S. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon. Alaska is one of at least a dozen states that have signed similar documents, even as more states continue to fight the requests in court. In part, the document says “the Justice Department will securely notify you or your state of any voter list maintenance issues … i.e., that your state’s (list) only includes eligible voters.” It goes on to state “that within forty-five (45) days of receiving that notice from the Justice Department of any issues … your state will clean its (list) by removing ineligible voters and resubmit the updated (list) to the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department” to confirm that the state is following federal law. Alaska’s signed agreement was obtained by the Alaska Beacon on Tuesday via a public records request. Beecher and Kelly Howell, chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, said the agreement does not allow DOJ to purge voters — a term that means removing them from the voter roll altogether. Instead, the DOJ’s picks, if any, would be placed on the state’s inactive voter list. Anyone on that list must provide ID and have their identity verified if they wish to vote. People on the inactive list are also placed on the state’s path to removal, a process that takes four years according to a timeline set by federal and state law. The agreement says in part that it was “entered into at your state’s request,” but by email, Dahlstrom’s office said that isn’t correct and that the Department of Justice provided the agreement. The lieutenant governor is in charge of Alaska’s elections, and in a cover letter dated Dec. 19, she said the memo was “entered at the request of the Department of Justice” and state law. That law, Dahlstrom said, “allows the Division of Elections to share voters’ confidential information with a federal government agency, such as the Department of Justice, provided it uses ‘the information only for governmental purposes authorized under law.’” If the Department of Justice were to seek faster removal of Alaskans from the voter rolls, it could violate that clause. Responding to questions from the Beacon, the lieutenant governor’s chief of staff said the state has not received any notices from the Justice Department about problems with its voter list, that no “ineligible voters” have been removed and that the state isn’t aware of any times when Alaska’s rolls were used for “pre-litigation or litigation purposes,” as defined in the agreement. Concerns about states’ rights being overridden The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the right of states to set the rules for local and state elections; changing voter rolls would represent a new expansion of powers by the Department of Justice. Former Democratic state Sen. Tom Begich, posting about the issue on social media, said he is “outraged” by the agreement between the state and the federal government. “That kind of federal interference threatens our constitutional right to run our own elections,” he said. He later issued a statement calling on the Alaska Legislature to investigate the issue. Dahlstrom, a Republican, is also a candidate for governor. Writing in an opinion column published by the Juneau Independent on Friday, former Alaska Attorney General Bruce Botelho, a Democrat, said “it is alarming that the federal government has demanded” the copy of the voter roll with personally identifying information. Nationally, at least 11 other states have signed agreements similar to the one signed by Alaska, according to federal court testimony in December over a lawsuit that challenged the state of California’s refusal to turn over its voter rolls to the federal government. The text of Alaska’s agreement is almost identical to ones previously disclosed in court and by the American Civil Liberties Union in a lawsuit by the federal government against the state of Colorado. “We will not comply with the Trump Department of Justice’s request for Coloradans’ sensitive voting information,” said Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, in December. “The DOJ can take a hike; it does not have a legal right to the information. Colorado will not help Donald Trump undermine our elections and hurt the American people.” Nationally, the federal government has sued more than two dozen states, including Colorado, that refused to send voter rolls to the federal government. Those states generally have provided copies of publicly available rolls, but the federal government is seeking more detailed information, including lists of personally identifying information that may include birth dates, driver’s license numbers and Social Security numbers in part or whole. “The manner in which the Department of Justice has acted makes clear that what is at stake is not voter integrity, but voter privacy,” Botelho said. The Justice Department has said that its requests are necessary to make sure that states are following federal laws that require them to regularly maintain their lists and keep noncitizens from voting. The Department of Justice has been sharing the voter rolls with the Department of Homeland Security, searching for noncitizens. As of this week, federal judges had ruled against the Department of Justice in lawsuits covering Oregon, California and Michigan. The department has not prevailed in any case so far. In the Oregon ruling, published on Feb. 5, Judge Mustafa Kashubhai wrote that the federal government cannot be trusted about its true motives. “When Plaintiff, in this case, conveys assurances that any private and sensitive data will remain private and used only for a declared and limited purpose, it must be thoroughly scrutinized and squared with its open and public statements to the contrary,” he wrote. Alaska-specific implications may be broad The national ACLU has opposed the federal government’s requests in general. When contacted Friday about the Alaska memo, the Alaska chapter of the organization said it did not have immediate comment and was still researching the issue. The agreement between the state of Alaska and the Department of Justice could have broad consequences here. Days before signing the agreement, the Alaska Division of Elections disclosed that dozens of noncitizens had accidentally been registered to vote by the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles. Under guidelines imposed by the Trump administration, those noncitizens could be deported, because federal law strictly prohibits noncitizens from registering to vote, and appearing on a voter list prompts special review when someone is attempting to become a citizen. The state has also criminally charged 11 American Samoa-born Alaska residents for voting in state elections. People born in American Samoa are American nationals, but not citizens, and thus are ineligible to vote. When the Alaska Beacon reviewed Division of Elections files that were turned over to the Department of Justice last year, it found 70 people labeled as noncitizens who either voted or attempted to vote in the state between 2015 and 2025. Those people were on the state’s inactive voter list, which was not provided to the Department of Justice. In addition, the violent federal crackdown against noncitizens in Minnesota and other states has ensnared many American citizens, indicating that the federal action is resulting in many false positives or is targeting Americans regardless of citizenship. Correction: The initial version of this article incorrectly stated that the memo would allow the Department of Justice to direct the purge of individual voters. It only permits DOJ to identify Alaskans for eventual removal and does not immediately prevent them from voting. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	Saukie Golf Course draws winter golfers as February temperatures climb into the 50s Unseasonably warm February weather brought golfers back to Saukie Golf Course, where players took advantage of 50-degree temperatures to shake off the winter rust.
	Miller-Meeks addresses next steps in Cascade Bridge reopening effort U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks spoke at a press conference about funding for the long-closed, historic Cascade Bridge.
	Clinton receives money for construction of traffic roundabout The Iowa Transportation Commission has approved $500,000 in Traffic Safety Improvement Program (TSIP) funding to support the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of 16th Street NW and Mill Creek Parkway, a news release says. The project is a major step forward in improving safety and traffic flow at one of Clinton’s most hazardous [...]
	Rock Island man arrested by East Moline police on burglary, battery charges When he was arrested on new charges on Friday, he was supposed to be on home confinement and GPS monitoring in a separate burglary case from earlier this week.
	City of Davenport selects Tim Gleason as city administrator; council to vote Feb. 25 The City of Davenport has announced the selection of Tim Gleason to serve as the next city administrator, according to a new release. The city council will vote during its regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 25 to formally approve Gleason’s employment contract. Gleason has served as interim city administrator since November 2025. He served as [...]
	QCCA Fishing, Hunting and Outdoor Adventure Show returns this weekend The Fishing, Hunting and Outdoor Adventure Show returns this weekend to the QCCA Expo Center.
	Iowa lawmakers miss school funding deadline as budget debate continues Iowa lawmakers missed their first deadline Thursday to agree on school funding levels for the 2026 school year
	More than 20 degrees above normal next week Warmer weather has been going on all week long with temperatures more than 15 degrees above normal through the week. But temperatures are only going to get warmer with potential 60s for next week and this weekend, leading to temperatures more than 20 degrees above average. Among those much warmer days is this upcoming Monday [...]
	Davenport firefighters investigate blaze in detached garage Friday morning Firefighters were sent to the 700 block of Farnam Street at about 9:20 a.m. on Friday.
	Highlight Zone: Week 6, high school basketball Watch all the highlights during the 10 p.m. newscast.
	Davenport selects new city administrator Davenport has selected their new city administrator.
	Davenport crews respond to garage fire Friday morning Fire officials said the garage was fully engulfed when they arrived. No one was injured.
	Olde Towne Bakery offers sweet treat if you shred a picture of your ex You can receive a free cookie or donut for shredding a pic of your ex, Friday or Saturday.
	Davenport names new city administrator Pending city council approval, Tim Gleason's contract will start on March 2.
	The Disappearance of Hailey Buzbee Federal prosecutors have charged 39-year-old Tyler Thomas with federal sex crimes after he allegedly abducted 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee in January.
	Davenport names Interim City Administrator Tim Gleason to the permanent role Tim Gleason has been serving as interim city administrator since November 2025.
	Man accused of East Moline vehicle burglaries now in custody: Police A 22-year-old man was in custody Friday after East Moline police responded to a report of vehicle burglaries, according to a news release. East Moline Police officers responded shortly after 12:30 p.m. Friday to reports of a person breaking into vehicles in the 1700 block of 10th Avenue in East Moline. Witnesses and video surveillance [...]
	East Moline police make arrest in connection to vehicle burglaries A man has been arrested in connection to an ongoing investigation involving multiple vehicle burglaries.
	Seton Catholic students share the meaning of Valentine's Day News 8's favorite Valentine's tradition is back! Shelby Kluver spoke to Seton Catholic students about the meaning of Valentine's Day.
	Hawkeye men's basketball sells out Carver-Hawkeye for the first time since 2024 The college basketball world knows how electrifying and hostile of an environment Carver-Hawkeye Arena. From the glory days of the 1990s for men's basketball to the current era of women's basketball, Carver-Hawkeye can get loud. The last few years of the Fran McCaffery era for the men's team left thousands of empty seats, even when [...]
	Ilia Malinin, figure skater favored for gold, finishes 8th Malinin, undefeated since 2023, stumbled and fell multiple times, landing far off the podium. Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan won gold in an upset that shocked even himself.
	Ilia Malinin, U.S. figure skater favored for gold, finishes 8th Malinin, undefeated since 2023, stumbled and fell multiple times, landing far off the podium. Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan won gold in an upset that shocked even himself.
	Man allegedly fought officers after being arrested for burglary in East Moline A man was arrested after several vehicles were broken into overnight in East Moline. Police said he allegedly fought officers at the station, resulting in injuries.
	Clinton, Burlington receive federal funding for infrastructure projects The funding includes $1 million for the North River Drive Connector Project in Clinton and $6 million for the Cascade Bridge in Burlington.
	Davenport garage fire under investigation The cause of a Davenport garage fire remains under investigation, according to a news release. About 9:20 a.m. Friday, Davenport firefighters were dispatched to a reported detached garage fire in the 700 block of Farnam Street. The first arriving units were on scene within five minutes and reported a fully involved detached garage with heavy [...]
	North Scott School District alerts community of sponsorship scam calls The North Scott Community School District is warning the community of scammers claiming to be searching for sponsorships for the district.
	Moline bakery lets you 'shred your ex' for Valentine's Day A Quad-City bakery is inviting residents to 'shred their ex' for Valentine's Day! In a post on its Facebook page, Old Towne Bakery is asking customers to come in and run a picture of an ex through a paper shredder. Patrons will then get a free cookie. Old Towne Bakery is located at 1824 7th [...]
	Scott Community College to be new home for Upper Iowa University location Upper Iowa University has a new location in the Quad-Cities at Scott Community College's main campus.
	Man flown to hospital after crash in Lee County Investigators found a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado crashed into a guardrail near Pump Factory Road and Arch Road on Thursday night.
	DHS says immigration agents appear to have lied about shooting in Minnesota Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis was shot in the leg during the incident. Another Venezuelan man was also accused of attacking an immigration officer.
	Meet the U.S. Army Soldier-athletes representing the nation in Italy (BPT) - Key takeaways:Nine U.S. Army Soldier-athletes and coaches, plus two alternates, are representing the country as they compete in bobsled, biathlon, Nordic combined and figure skating on the world stage.These Soldier-athletes are from the U.S. Army's World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), and apply the teamwork, discipline and resiliency learned in the Army to compete at the highest level.The Army has been training Soldier-athletes to compete on the world stage for more than 75 years and has sent more than 600 Soldier-athletes to compete, earning more than 120 medals.Nine U.S. Army Soldier-athletes and coaches and two alternates are representing the country in Italy, joining thousands of elite athletes competing on the world stage.For more than 75 years, the U.S. Army has sent more than 600 Soldier-athletes to compete on the world stage, earning more than 120 medals across various sports and disciplines. These Soldier-athletes are members of the U.S. Army's World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), an elite group of competitors who apply the teamwork, discipline and resiliency learned in the Army to compete at the highest level.Army honors its history in Northern ItalyThe backdrop of the competition is especially significant to these Soldier-athletes, as they honor the Army's rich history in northern Italy and alpine warfare. The Army's ties to this region date back to World War II, when the 10th Mountain Division — an elite alpine unit trained for mountain warfare — ascended critical terrain in northern Italy to secure a victory that shifted the momentum of the war. After returning home, many of these Soldiers went on to develop ski resorts nationwide that became the foundation of the modern ski industry. The Army's ties to [northern Italy] date back to World War II, when the 10th Mountain Division — an elite alpine unit trained for mountain warfare — ascended critical terrain to secure a victory that shifted the momentum of the war. Which U.S. Army Soldier-athletes and coaches are competing in Milan?As the Army is making history in this region once again, meet the Soldier-athletes who are building on this legacy of success and putting their training to the test:Lt. Col. Chris Fogt, Lt. Col. Garrett Hines and Sgt. 1st Class Shauna Rohbock lead bobsled for U.S.The Army's presence extends beyond the athletes, as Lt. Col. Chris Fogt, Lt. Col. Garrett Hines and Sgt. 1st Class Shauna Rohbock are coaches for the U.S. bobsled team.Three-time competitor and silver medalist, Lt. Col. Chris Fogt, is using his competition and Army experience to train the next generation of athletes as head coach of the U.S. bobsled team.Fogt — an active-duty Soldier, three-time Games competitor, silver medalist and current Head Coach — is hoping to lead the next generation of USA bobsledders to a podium finish. In reflecting on his journey, he says, "My two dreams were to join the Army and to be an athlete […] and the Army's support has allowed me to be successful in both."Rohbock, an active-duty Soldier and assistant bobsled coach, is a pioneer in the sport and a natural leader for the team. She is one of the first women to compete at the national level in bobsled, eventually earning the silver medal in the two-woman bobsled event in 2006. Hines, a reserve Soldier, is coaching his second Games, drawing from his experience as a member of the U.S. four-man bobsled team that brought home the silver medal in 2002. He believes that one of the best aspects of sports is the team dynamic, which he also values as part of his broader Army experience.Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin seeks a podium finish in biathlonVermont National Guard Soldier and biathlete Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin is returning to the world stage in February. This follows a historic performance in 2022 in Beijing, where she placed seventh in the 15-kilometer individual event, the highest ever for an American in the sport of biathlon.Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin hopes to bring the United States its first medal in biathlon, after a historic seventh place finish in 2022 in Beijing.Irwin secured her ticket to Milan at the 2025 Biathlon World Cup in Annecy-Le Grand Bornand, France, and now she hopes to bring the United States its first podium finish in biathlon — the only sport in which the country does not have a medal.With history on the line, Irwin is mindful of how she prepares for the competition and stays present in the moment by listening to what her body needs. "I like to make sure I check in with my energy levels and mental state on race days. If I need a nap, I'm not afraid to take one, and if I need a dance party to calm my nerves, I play my music out loud!" What artists earn a spot on her playlist? She says, "I love my throwback party songs from the early 2000s! Beyoncé, David Guetta, Taio Cruz, Rihanna, Pitbull. The list goes on!"After injury, Pfc. Spencer Howe makes Games debut in pairs figure skatingActive-duty Soldier Pfc. Spencer Howe is making history as the Army's only Soldier-athlete to participate in pairs figure skating at the Games with his partner, Emily Chan. Howe's journey to the world stage is a testament to the determination and resilience he learned throughout his Army training.Pfc. Spencer Howe used the resilience and determination he learned in the Army to battle back from injury, and make his Games debut.After suffering a shoulder injury in 2023, Howe underwent surgery and extensive physical therapy before returning to the ice. It was during this time that he learned about WCAP and enlisted in the Army as a Motor Transport Operator — successfully balancing his passion for service with elite competition.After attending basic training, Howe continued to battle for a spot on the team — a journey that culminated with a nail-biting performance at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis. After a disappointing short program, the pair rallied with a strong free skate and secured the final pairs spot. In Milan, Howe is tapping into the determination he fostered in the Army to overcome his biggest competition yet.Bobsledder Spc. Azaria Hill continues family legacy while paving the way for othersAfter being named to the team, active-duty Soldier and bobsledder Spc. Azaria Hill is not only continuing her family's legacy of elite competition, but she is also representing the growing number of women making their mark on winter sports. Spc. Azaria Hill continues her family's legacy of elite competition and is among the 47% of athlete quota spots allocated to women in Milan.As a collegiate sprinter, Hill had her eyes set on competing on the world stage, hoping to follow in the footsteps of her mom, three-time track and field medalist Denean Howard-Hill. But after discovering bobsled — a sport that surprisingly has many similarities to track and field — Hill realized her talent and love for the sport and joined the Army in 2024 to continue pursuing elite competition while also serving her country.At the Games, Hill is carrying on her family's history of competing at the highest level; however, this competition looks much different than the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles, when her mom won gold in track and field. Women now hold 47% of overall athlete quota spots at the Winter Games — a percentage that has doubled since 1984, symbolizing the rising presence of elite women athletes in international competition.Sgt. Ben Loomis attends third Games in Nordic combinedSgt. Ben Loomis is returning to the world stage for his third appearance, after attending the 2018 and 2022 Games for Nordic combined, a sport that combines ski jumping with cross-country skiing. Loomis was introduced to the sport through his brother and grew to love the endurance of racing mixed with the adrenaline of the jumps.Sgt. Ben Loomis is making his third appearance at the Games in Nordic combined, a sport that combines endurance with adrenaline.Loomis credits the Army with building the qualities and purpose to help him compete. "The honor, integrity and discipline required to be a Soldier directly improves my athletic career. The Army has given me a higher sense of purpose as an athlete and Soldier, and the privilege I have to represent the country as a Soldier-athlete is second to none."Sgt. Frank Del Duca returns for second Games in bobsledGrowing up in Maine, active-duty Soldier and bobsledder Sgt. Frank Del Duca always had a passion for winter sports, originally becoming a state champion in downhill slalom skiing during high school.Sgt. Frank Del Duca is making his second appearance at the Games and credits his physical readiness to the wide variety of training he experiences in the Army.Del Duca attended a bobsled combine in 2015, and after earning one of the highest scores of the group, he kicked off his career in the sport. He joined the Army in 2019 to continue training within WCAP, and the effort paid off with him making his Games debut in 2022 in Beijing.Del Duca qualified for his second appearance with the goal of leading the United States to a podium. He attributes his physical readiness to the diverse training methods he has experienced in the Army, including long-distance running, ruck marches, interval sprints and strength training.And when the workouts got tough, he learned to lean on his fellow Soldiers, noting, "I was around a great group of people, and that camaraderie pulls something out of you that is very special."Biathlete Spc. Sean Doherty competes in fourth GamesAfter qualifying for a spot in Milan at the 2026 IBU Biathlon World Cup in Antholz, Italy, Vermont National Guard Soldier and biathlete Spc. Sean Doherty is making his fourth Games appearance, tying the all-time record for appearances by an American in the sport.With Milan being his fourth appearance at the Games, Spc. Sean Doherty has tied the all-time record for appearances by an American in the sport.Doherty began biathlon at age 12 and soon rose in the sport's ranks to become an eight-time U.S. World Championship team member and competitor at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 Games. Looking to extend his longevity of competing, Doherty joined the Army in 2018 as a Carpentry and Masonry Specialist, providing him with access to the world-class training of WCAP, as well as continued career opportunities once he moves on from elite competition.Spc. Dana Kellogg (luge doubles) and Cpl. Hakeem Abdul-Saboor (bobsled) represent country and Army as alternatesSpc. Dana Kellogg is attending the Games as an alternate in luge doubles, a sport he was immediately drawn to during the 2010 Games. He began competing in 2013 and joined the Army in 2019 to continue his journey. He notes that one of the most important aspects of his training is mental work and visualization. When completing a luge run, the sled has the potential to move up to 80 mph with a minimum of 16 curves throughout the track — requiring significant mental preparation to ensure his body knows how to safely and efficiently operate the sled.Cpl. Hakeem Abdul-Saboor — a former basketball, football and track star — is attending Milan as an alternate in bobsled. Growing up, he had no intention of competing in bobsled and only discovered the sport after a strength coach recognized his natural athletic ability. His career in the sport took off, and he attended the 2018 and 2022 Games in the position of pusher.Tune in to cheer on these Soldier-athletes as they compete for the nation and learn more about the possibilities of Army service at GoArmy.com.
	Quad City Storm to host annual Hockey Fights Cancer game It will be a full house at Vibrant Arena at The MARK Friday night as the Quad City Storm prepares to host their annual Hockey Fights Cancer game.
	Augustana’s Dick Maloney to retire after 53-year career After more than five decades on the sidelines, Augastana College has announced that Dick Maloney will retire from coaching at the end of the month.
	Legislation aims to improve pay and safety for federal prisons Bipartisan legislation aims to raise pay for federal correctional officers and improve safety inside federal prisons, including facilities serving Illinois. A news release says the Federal Correctional Officer Paycheck Protection Act of 2026 (H.R.7033) would provide a 35% base pay increase for eligible Bureau of Prisons employees. The move is to address staffing shortages, mandatory [...]
	FBI releases description of suspect, increases reward in Nancy Guthrie case The FBI describes the armed man caught on Nancy Guthrie's camera as 5-foot-9-inches to 5-foot-10 and of average build. The 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie has been missing since Feb. 1.
	Davenport teen donates Legos collected from massive holiday display to kids at Stead Hospital Mildren said he began donating Legos when he learned that Legos can have a positive impact for children with autism.
	Grow Clinton hosts Education/Business Symposium Grow Clinton is hosting the third annual Education & Business Partnership Symposium on Thursday, March 5 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Northeast High School, 3690 IA-136 in Goose Lake. The symposium celebrates, strengthens and enhances relationships between local businesses and schools while giving students important workplace experiences throughout the bi-state region. The evening includes [...]
	3 big signals will shape the 2026 housing market after a volatile 2025 3 big signals will shape the 2026 housing market after a volatile 2025What was anticipated as a bounce-back year for the housing market in 2025 never materialized. Rate cuts from the Fed did not occur as early in the year as expected, policy uncertainty sidelined many buyers, and affordability constraints remained despite inventory in the new-home sector increasing.Given how the year transpired, builders and buyers alike are likely more than happy to put 2025 in the rearview mirror. Ahead of the 2026 spring selling season—typically the most active period of the year for home builders—several dynamics are shaping the market and how buyers will experience the home shopping experience.NewHomeSource parent company Zonda has pegged consumer confidence, the directional trend of mortgage rates, and federal policy changes as the three forces that will play an outsized role in shaping the housing market in 2026.1. Consumer ConfidenceEconomic uncertainty, looming tariffs, and the general strain of inflation weighed on consumers for much of 2025. These concerns were not aided by a slowing labor market, job security concerns, and rumors and employee layoffs at several large companies. At the same time, the overall cost of living crept higher while prices in the new- and existing-home markets remained elevated.Taken together, consumer confidence fell to its second-lowest reading on record in December, according to the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index.However, just because sentiment was weak in 2025 does not mean it will remain that way in 2026. A few positive jobs reports or the sense that inflation is softening for day-to-day items like groceries and gas could help shift sentiment in a more positive direction. More positive consumer sentiment will likely translate to more activity in the housing market. Should consumer sentiment remain where it has been, though, and activity will likely remain more muted.2. Mortgage RatesMortgage rates are notoriously difficult to forecast, and their fluctuation makes it difficult to draw conclusions on a week-to-week basis. While the general consensus is that mortgage rates will remain within a band of 5.75% and 6.6% in 2026, changes in rates will likely be driven by inflation, the labor market, Federal Reserve policy, the 10-year Treasury yield, and demand for mortgage-backed securities (MBS). There is also a growing sense that lower rates alone may not be enough to entice hesitant buyers off the sidelines. Lower rates coupled with improved consumer confidence, though, could re-accelerate the market. FreddieMac 3. Federal PolicyAt the onset of 2025, the focus of the administration appeared focused on streamlining regulations to encourage development by builders. As 2025 progressed, new things to watch were introduced as additional layers of uncertainty emerged in the housing market. Several policy discussions that emerged in 2025, including immigration reform, tariffs and Liberation Day, the proposal of a 50-year mortgage, and the claim that builders were driving unaffordability by sitting on lots, will spill over and impact the market in 2026.After a volatile 2025, the housing market remains sensitive to both economic signals and legislative shifts. Recognizing how these changes impact builders and fellow buyers will be important for consumers moving through 2026.This story was produced by NewHomeSource and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The housing ‘singles tax’: Why married buyers are coming out ahead The housing ‘singles tax’: Why married buyers are coming out aheadHousing has never been so expensive—and single people are feeling the strain the most. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of single people struggle to afford their regular rent or mortgage payments, compared with 39% of married people, according to a recent Redfin Real Estate survey. Redfin Real Estate Why single people struggle to afford housingAlong with ubiquitous rising housing costs, single people have a harder time affording housing than married people for four key reasons:Household income is lower for single people. Single people are stuck paying prices much better suited to a double-income on a single-income budget. 48% of single survey respondents reported earning a household income of less than $50,000 per year, compared with just 9% of married people. On the flip side, married people are three times more likely than single people to earn household incomes between $100,000 and $500,000 (62% versus 21%).Single people face more financial disadvantages. Married couples receive tax benefits that single people don’t get. And in many cases, married couples split the cost of other expenses like groceries, gas, and childcare, so each individual has a smaller financial burden.Single people tend to be younger than married people. That means they’re earlier in their careers and haven’t yet hit their earning peak—and they have had less time to build savings. Additionally, many Gen Zers and millennials are still paying off student debt. A recent Redfin report on homeownership by generation delves deeper into reasons why it is more difficult for young Americans than older Americans to buy homes.Zoning policies favor married couples. A majority of U.S. residential property is zoned for single-family housing, which tends to be less affordable for single people. Today, married couples make up a smaller share of U.S. households than they used to. To better meet Americans where they’re at, Redfin economists suggest that officials could consider zoning for ADUs and single-room housing, and cutting red tape to make it easier to build apartment complexes and condos.Single people pay the most in Washington D.C. and the Bay AreaWashington D.C. has among the highest populations of single people in the country, accounting for more than half of its adult population.The typical condo in the D.C. metro area costs $379,000. A buyer’s monthly payment would be $2,974, using current mortgage rates and assuming a $566 HOA fee. A single person living alone would cover the whole cost themselves, while a married or cohabitating couple may split the cost and pay $1,487 each. Annually, a single person would pay a double-digit “singles tax” of $17,844.Say you’re single and living alone in San Francisco, one of the most expensive housing markets in the U.S. The typical condo there costs $980,000, with a monthly payment of $6,950 (today’s mortgage rates and a $724 HOA fee, the local median). A single person would pay that alone rather than paying half ($3,475), giving San Francisco a “singles tax” of $41,700.Lack of affordability is keeping single people from movingSingle Americans are more likely than their married counterparts to cite lack of affordability as a reason they won’t be moving anytime soon.Single people are nearly twice as likely as married people to say they’re not moving because they can’t afford the type of home they want to move to. More than two in five (41%) single people say they’re not moving because moving is too expensive, compared with 27% of married couples. Redfin Real Estate Everyone is struggling to afford housingSingle people are bearing the brunt of the affordability crisis, but everyone is struggling. One-third of all homeowners—single or otherwise—struggle to afford monthly payments; for renters, this share jumps to 49%.Affordability has plunged in the past three years due to a combination of skyrocketing sale prices and mortgage rates. Home-sale prices have risen nearly 50% since before the pandemic, while rental prices have risen about 20%. Wages have increased, but not as much as housing costs. Add in rising costs for just about all other day-to-day expenses—and unprecedented economic uncertainty—and millions of families are left with little cushion.The bright side is that affordability slowly improved in 2025, as mortgage rates fell and sale price and rent growth slowed. As of December 2025, the typical homeowner had to spend $111,252 to buy a typical U.S. home, down from the $122,000 peak six months prior. The typical renter had to spend $76,000, down from $77,000 earlier in the year.Redfin economists predict that affordability will continue to improve in 2026 and beyond, marking the beginning of a recovery for the housing market as wages rise faster than home prices for a prolonged period of time.This story was produced by Redfin Real Estate and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	4 Your Money \| The Uncertainty Puzzle While there is significant uncertainty in the world right now, political and economic, it does not always translate to the markets. James Nelson, Financial Planner at NelsonCorp Wealth Management, compares sentiment data and reminds us that headlines should not drive investment decisions.
	Black History Month: Black Business Expo An organization called Together Making a Better Community (TMBC) at the Lincoln Resource Center in Davenport is behind a push to improve the QCA, hosting programs and events to enrich the community. Our Quad Cities News' Danielle Davis takes us to the Black Business Expo as we honor Black History. For more information, click here.
	Miller-Meeks to address next steps in Cascade Bridge reopening effort U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks will speak at a press conference about funding for the long-closed, historic Cascade Bridge.
	When love feels hard, here’s a therapist’s way of helping couples reconnect When love feels hard, here’s a therapist’s way of helping couples reconnectCouples often live inside a shared story: how they met, how they love and how they navigate challenges. Over time, that story can start to feel stuck. Arguments repeat, roles become rigid and partners may wonder how to rewrite the script.Couples therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process, according to LifeStance Health. There are many tools, frameworks and therapeutic approaches available, each designed to address different relationship patterns, communication challenges and emotional needs. But love maps and narrative therapy are commonly used approaches to help couples explore and reshape the stories that influence their relationship, especially when love feels hard, uncertain or stale.What is a love map?Love maps come from the Gottman Method, a widely used approach in couples therapy. They describe how well partners know each other’s inner world: their dreams, fears, values and daily experiences.Despite the name, a love map isn’t a physical document or a final plan. It’s a mental map. A deep, evolving understanding of your partner’s inner world that grows over time. In therapy, exploring each other’s stories can help rebuild and update these maps, offering stability as some couples navigate change.Why love maps matterLove maps are often used as a tool to support couples during times of change. When love maps are strong, couples may feel more emotionally connected, even during difficult times.Building love maps may help couples:Stay grounded during conflict by remembering what matters most about each otherMaintain emotional intimacy through life changes and stressSupport each other’s goals and values by understanding hopes, fears and prioritiesLove maps don’t replace communication skills or conflict resolution, but they often strengthen the emotional bond that makes those skills easier to practice.What is narrative therapy?Narrative therapy is based on a simple but powerful idea: You are not the problem. The problem is the problem.Instead of viewing each other as the source of pain, couples learn to externalize issues, such as criticism, control or mistrust, and see them as challenges they can face together. This shift may help move the dynamic from blame to collaboration and open space for curiosity and growth.Why stories matter in relationshipsOur lives are shaped by stories: patterns, routines and expectations that feel familiar. In relationships, these stories might sound like:“We always fight about money.”“You never listen.”“We’ve grown apart.”Over time, these narratives can become rigid, keeping couples stuck in repetitive loops. Narrative therapy helps loosen these structures and ask new questions, like:“What if we’re not bad at communicating, what if we never learned how to feel safe while being vulnerable?”“What if we’re not incompatible, what if we’re following a script we didn’t choose?”This process is known to create space for change by imagining a future that feels more authentic and connected.Five ways narrative therapy supports couplesNarrative therapy explores strategies that may help couples re-author their relationship story:Externalizing the problemInstead of saying, “You’re controlling,” a partner might say, “Control seems to be showing up between us, how can we respond differently?” This subtle shift can help reduce blame and create space for problem-solving together.Spotting cracks in the storyIn many relationships, including high-conflict ones, there are often moments of warmth, humor or collaboration. Narrative Therapy helps couples notice these unique moments and treat them as seeds for a new story.Re-authoring the relationshipAs new insights emerge, couples may begin exploring ways to reshape their shared narrative. Not as a fantasy, but as a more honest, hopeful reflection of who they are and who they want to become together.Respecting differenceNarrative therapy honors each partner’s story, including differences in background, beliefs and emotional needs. The goal isn’t to become the same, but to create a shared narrative that includes both perspectives.Letting go of inherited scriptsCultural and family expectations often shape the roles we think we should play. Narrative therapy invites couples to ask: Are these roles truly ours? This may be meaningful for LGBTQIALGBTQIA+ Community and Mental Health+ couples, intercultural relationships or those challenging traditional norms.Rewriting your relationship storyEvery relationship has a story, and it’s never too late to work toward creating a new chapter. Narrative therapy and love maps often work together to support couples in moving beyond rigid patterns and building a relationship that feels authentic, hopeful and connected.This story was produced by LifeStance Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Your Google ads playbook won’t work for ChatGPT ads. Here’s what will. Your Google ads playbook won’t work for ChatGPT ads. Here’s what will.OpenAI announced that ads are coming to ChatGPT, with testing starting in the coming weeks for free and Go-tier users in the U.S. With 800 million weekly active users, this is one of the most significant new ad channels to emerge in years.But ChatGPT operates differently. Users don’t type keywords and scan results. They explain problems, ask for help, and expect real answers. That mindset shift is why your Google Ads playbook won’t work here. In this article, WebFX breaks down what we know so far and how marketers can prepare.What we know about ChatGPT ads so farOn Jan. 16, 2026, OpenAI announced plans to start testing ads in ChatGPT. Here’s what we know:Who will see ChatGPT ads:Free-tier users in the U.S. (adults only)ChatGPT Go subscribers in the U.S. ($8/month)Who won’t see ChatGPT ads:Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu accountsUsers under 18, either self-reported or predicted by OpenAIWhere ChatGPT ads appear:Ads show up at the bottom of ChatGPT’s responses, clearly labeled as “Sponsored” and separated from the AI’s answer. They’re contextual, meaning they’re triggered by what you’re discussing in the conversation. WebFX What’s off-limits:OpenAI won’t show ads near sensitive topics like health, mental health, or politics.What you can control:You can dismiss any ads in ChatGPT, see why you’re being shown it, turn off personalization, and clear your ad data at any time.What OpenAI says about ad influence:Ads do not influence ChatGPT’s responses. Answers are based on what’s most helpful to you.OpenAI’s 5 ad principlesOpenAI is framing this rollout carefully. Before ads even go live, they published five principles guiding how advertising will work in ChatGPT:Mission alignment: OpenAI says advertising supports their mission to make AI accessible to everyone, including those who can’t or won’t pay for a subscription.Answer independence: Ads won’t influence ChatGPT’s responses. The AI optimizes for helpfulness, and AI ads are always separate and clearly labeled.Conversation privacy: OpenAI won’t share your conversations with advertisers and says they’ll never sell your data.Choice and control: You can turn off ad personalization, clear your ad data anytime, and there will always be an ad-free paid tier.Long-term value: OpenAI says they won’t optimize for time spent in ChatGPT. User trust and experience come before revenue.Whether these principles hold up once ad revenue starts flowing is another question. But for now, OpenAI is drawing a clear line: AI ads stay separate from answers. For marketers exploring ChatGPT advertising, that distinction matters.Why your Google Ads strategy won’t work hereHere’s where most marketers will get it wrong.Google Ads is built around keyword intent. Someone types “CRM for manufacturing,” and you bid on that phrase. You know what they’re searching for, and you serve an ad that matches.ChatGPT works differently. Users have conversations, not searches. They say things like, “My sales team keeps losing deals because follow-ups fall through the cracks. What should I do?”That’s a problem, not a keyword. And that shift changes everything about how ads need to work. WebFX On Google, your ad competes for a click. On ChatGPT, your ad appears after the AI has already tried to help. The user is in problem-solving mode, so an ad that feels like an interruption will get ignored. And an ad that feels like an extension of the solution might actually land.In the grand scheme of things, ChatGPT and Google behave in a contrary fashion. The brands that figure out conversational AI ads first will have a serious head start.The C.H.A.T. framework for ChatGPT adsSo if Google tactics won’t work, what will?The C.H.A.T. framework offers a way for marketers to think about advertising on conversational AI platforms. WebFX C = Context-awareMatch the problem being discussed. Your ad should feel relevant to the specific pain point the user just asked about. A generic product pitch won’t cut it. If someone is asking ChatGPT how to fix their email deliverability issues, an ad for “email marketing software” may lack relevance. An ad that speaks directly to deliverability problems feels like it belongs.H = Helpful firstSolve, don’t sell. Lead with value, not features. The user is in problem-solving mode, and the AI just tried to help them. Your ad needs to extend that helpfulness, not interrupt it. Think less “buy now” and more “here’s how we can help with that.”A = Answer-adjacentBe a natural extension of the AI’s response. If your ad feels like an interruption, you’ve already lost. The most effective ChatGPT ads will feel like a logical next step after the answer, not a detour from it.T = Two-way readyOpenAI said users will soon be able to ask follow-up questions directly within the ad unit. If that rolls out, brands with static landing pages will be at a disadvantage. Prepare conversational responses, not just one-way pitches. Create interactive demos or landing pages built for dialogue.Early reactions to ChatGPT ads from marketersChatGPT ads haven’t launched yet, but PPC professionals are already weighing in. The reactions range from skeptical to cautiously optimistic.The optimistSome marketers see this as a major opportunity. A new ad channel with 800 million weekly users doesn’t come around often, and early movers on platforms like Facebook ads and TikTok ads were rewarded for testing before the competition caught on.The skeptic’s viewOthers aren’t convinced. They raised concerns about ChatGPT users being in research mode, not buying mode. According to them, users are mostly asking questions, exploring options, and learning, and that’s a completely different mindset than someone typing “buy running shoes” into Google.The pragmatic testerThen there are marketers taking a test-and-measure approach. They’ll experiment, but with guardrails. Limited budget, clear performance benchmarks, and a willingness to stop campaigns if the numbers don’t add up.Reading between the linesThe jury’s still out. But one theme is clear across all these reactions. Treating ChatGPT advertising like search ads will likely deplete budgets before results show up. Forward-looking marketers are building a new approach from scratch.What marketers should do nowChatGPT ads aren’t live yet, but that doesn’t mean you should wait. Here’s how to get ahead before the platform opens up. WebFX Audit your ad creativeLook at your current Google ads and Meta ads. Are they keyword-led or problem-led? If your copy focuses on features and product names, start testing versions that lead with the pain point instead.Test your brand in ChatGPTOpen ChatGPT and ask it questions about your category. Are you mentioned? How does the AI describe your product or competitors? This gives you a baseline for how your brand shows up in conversational AI before ads even enter the picture.Build conversational landing pagesStatic pages with a form and a headline may be less effective if users expect to ask follow-up questions. Consider adding chatbot flows or FAQ sections that mirror how people ask questions in chat.Set aside a test budgetWhen ChatGPT ads open up, the brands that learn fastest will set the pace. Set aside a small portion of your paid media budget for early experimentation. Treat it like you would any new ad channel. Test, measure, iterate.Track AI referral traffic nowSet up UTM tracking and create a segment in your analytics to track AI traffic coming from ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other AI platforms. You’ll want a baseline before AI ads launch so you can measure incremental lift.Methodology:This story was compiled from OpenAI announcements and industry reports.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	RICWMA offers tips to safely recycle batteries National Battery Day is February 18 and Rock Island County Waste Management Agency (RICWMA) wants to remind residents about how to dispose of them safely. Lithium and rechargeable batteries of any kind should not be placed in a trash can or dumpster because they contain heavy metals that can damage the environment. They can become [...]
	A familiar move with a new twist: Trump tries to cut CDC funds he just signed into law A federal judge in Illinois quickly issued a restraining order after the Trump administration slashed more than $600 million in CDC grants to four blue states.
	DCFS report leads to arrests in Kewanee newborn injury case A Kewanee man is accused injuring his infant after police say his explanation didn’t match the severity of the infant’s condition.
	2 arrested in Kewanee after DCFS report on injured newborn Two people from Kewanee have been arrested in connection with a DCFS report about a severely injured newborn. A news release from the Kewanee Police Department says officers received a report on December 22, 2025 from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) about a newborn infant who had sustained severe injuries and [...]
	Davenport crews respond to garage fire Fire officials said with garage was fully engulfed when they arrived. No one was injured.
	Kewanee man arrested after infant found with severe injuries 30-year-old Armando Rosas is charged with two counts of aggravated battery and one county of endangering the life of a child.
	8 key benefits of a business bank account you should know 8 key benefits of a business bank account you should knowA dedicated business bank account isn't just a nice-to-have. It's the foundation of sound financial management for any company. When you're evaluating what to look for in a business bank account, you'll find that keeping business finances separate from personal funds helps startups and small companies maintain clarity and credibility in ways that matter.Many founders start out running everything through a personal checking account. It feels simpler at first. But as transactions multiply and the business grows, that simplicity becomes a liability. You end up spending hours untangling personal dinners from client lunches, and your accountant starts charging more just to make sense of the mess. The time you save by setting up proper financial infrastructure from the start pays dividends for years.A business bank account also signals something important to the outside world. Clients, vendors, and partners notice when payments come from a properly named business account rather than "John Smith Personal Checking." It's a small detail that communicates professionalism and permanence. Banks notice too, and that matters when you eventually need credit or want to compare business accounts for better terms.Below, Brex walks through eight key benefits of a business bank account. Each one contributes to smoother operations, legal protection, and a stronger financial position for your business. Whether you're just learning how to open a business bank account or considering switching business bank accounts to find better terms, these benefits explain why separation matters.1. Provides legal protection for personal assetsUsing a business bank account creates a clear boundary between your company's finances and your personal finances. This separation is key for legal protection, and it's one of the most important reasons to open a dedicated account from day one.If you've structured your company as an LLC or corporation, you're required to maintain separate business accounts. This isn't just a formality. It's what maintains the "corporate veil" that shields your personal assets from business liabilities. When you mix personal and business money, you risk piercing that veil. Suddenly, your home, savings, and other personal assets could be exposed to business creditors or lawsuits.Your business bank account functions as a legal barrier. In the event of business bankruptcy or legal judgments against the company, a properly maintained account helps demonstrate that your business is a distinct entity. Courts look at these details when deciding whether to treat your business as truly separate from you personally. Commingling funds is one of the fastest ways to lose that protection.The peace of mind alone is worth the effort of maintaining separate accounts. You're building a business to create opportunity, not to put your family's financial security at risk. A dedicated business account is one of the simplest ways to protect what matters most while you focus on growth.2. Builds credibility with clientsA business bank account adds professionalism to your enterprise in ways that aren't always obvious until you experience them. When customers make payments to an account under your company's name rather than your personal name, it reinforces their confidence that they're dealing with a legitimate operation.Invoices, checks, and payment receipts look more professional when tied to a business account. It's a subtle thing, but clients notice. They're more comfortable sending a $50,000 payment to "Acme Solutions LLC" than to "Jane Doe." That comfort translates into smoother transactions and fewer questions about where their money is going.Vendors and partners view a separate business banking setup as a sign of stability. It suggests you're organized, reliable, and serious about your venture. This perception can even help in negotiations. Some suppliers extend better terms to businesses that demonstrate sound financial management and infrastructure. When you're trying to negotiate net-60 payment terms or a volume discount, looking like a well-run company helps your case.Your business banking fees are an investment in this credibility. While some founders try to avoid them by sticking with personal accounts, the professional image you gain typically pays for itself through better relationships with clients and vendors. It's one of those areas where spending a little to look established actually helps you become established.3. Simplifies bookkeeping with cleaner financial recordsKeeping all financial transactions confined to a business bank account makes bookkeeping dramatically easier. You get a clear, singular view of your company's cash flow without personal expenses cluttering the picture.When everything lives in one account, you can review statements and immediately understand your financial position. How much came in last month? What went out? Where are the biggest expenses? These questions become easy to answer when you're not sorting through grocery runs and Netflix subscriptions to find the business transactions. This clarity helps inform better budgeting and spending decisions.Most business bank accounts integrate directly with top accounting software like QuickBooks and other bookkeeping tools. Modern accounts can automatically sync and categorize transactions, which saves hours of manual data entry every month. Your bookkeeper or accountant will thank you, and you'll spend less time on administrative work and more time actually running the business.Organized records also matter when audits or financial reviews come around. With all business income and outflows recorded in one account, you minimize confusion and errors in financial reports. You'll have a clean paper trail that backs up your financial statements and provides transparency when investors, lenders, or regulators need to see the numbers. A virtual business bank account can make this even easier by providing real-time access to transaction data and automated reporting features that traditional banks sometimes lack.4. Makes tax preparation faster with clear documentationA business bank account simplifies tax time in ways you'll appreciate every April. When all business transactions flow through one account, preparing taxes becomes straightforward rather than a multiweek headache.You can quickly compile your business income and expenses from bank statements without sorting through personal transactions. That dedicated account serves as a chronological record of your company's financial activity, which is invaluable when calculating quarterly estimated taxes or annual returns. Your accountant spends less time asking questions, and you spend less money on billable hours.Separating finances also means every deductible business expense is readily identifiable. Office supplies, travel costs, software subscriptions, and client meals are all easy to track and document when they're not mixed with personal purchases. This ensures you capture all eligible write-offs with proper documentation, potentially saving significant money while avoiding mistakes in your tax reporting.The IRS expects business and personal finances to be kept apart. When your financial records clearly show that you maintain proper boundaries, it demonstrates compliance and reduces red flags. Commingling funds can invite scrutiny and make it harder to substantiate your deductions if questions arise. A clean business account lowers the chance of errors and audit triggers because your records plainly support every business claim you make. Good liquidity management starts with knowing exactly what belongs to the business and what doesn't.5. Helps establish business credit for future financingEstablishing a business bank account is a critical step in building your company's credit profile. Without one, your business essentially doesn't exist in the eyes of lenders and credit bureaus.Opening a business bank account allows your company to start creating its own credit history, distinct from your personal credit. Lenders and credit bureaus see financial transactions under the business's name, which helps establish the company as an independent entity with its own credit profile. Over time, consistent banking activity can lead to a strong business credit score. That score determines whether you qualify for larger credit lines and what interest rates you'll pay.A well-maintained business account also fosters a positive relationship with your bank. Banks and lenders are more inclined to extend credit when they observe responsible money management and steady cash flow. By showing a track record of regular deposits, controlled expenses, and prudent balances, you increase your eligibility for business loans and credit lines. Many companies find that high-limit business credit cards become easier to obtain once they've demonstrated a few months of solid banking history.Having a dedicated account is often a prerequisite to qualify for financing at all. When you eventually need capital for expansion, equipment, or inventory, lenders will want to see that your financial house is in order. A business sweep account can further demonstrate sophistication by showing that you're actively managing excess cash rather than letting it sit idle. These details matter when you're asking someone to trust you with their money.6. Gives you access to specialized services for business paymentsBusiness bank accounts come with services and features tailored for commercial needs that personal accounts simply don't offer. These tools can make a real difference in how efficiently you run your day-to-day operations.Banks design business accounts with features suited for companies. You get access to online bill pay, mobile banking apps, wire transfers, and integrated invoicing systems that sync directly with tools like QuickBooks. Same-day ACH capabilities let you move money quickly when timing matters, whether you're paying a vendor on deadline or receiving funds from a client. This kind of integration makes managing receivables and payables far easier without manual reconciliation eating up your time.A business bank account also enables you to set up merchant services, allowing your company to accept debit or credit card payments from customers. This matters because meeting customer expectations for convenient payment options directly impacts sales. Personal bank accounts generally don't support merchant processing, which means you'd be leaving money on the table. By accepting card transactions both in-store and online, you can expand your customer base and potentially boost revenue. Customers tend to spend more when they can pay with cards instead of cash.Financial technology firms now offer digital-first business banking platforms that bundle many of these cash-management services into one package. Startups can access no-fee checking, fast electronic transfers, and merchant payment tools all through a single interface. As your company grows into more sophisticated corporate treasury management needs, having these foundational services in place makes the transition smoother.7. Streamlines payroll through better expense controlsFor companies with employees or team expenses, a business bank account simplifies payroll and expense tracking considerably. It enables efficient payment of wages and better control over employee spending, all while keeping personal funds entirely separate.With a dedicated business account, paying employees becomes straightforward. You can set up direct deposits for salaries and wages, ensuring your team is paid on time from business funds. This keeps payroll transactions in one place for easy reference. All employee paycheck outflows and any related tax withholdings are clearly documented in the account records, which simplifies bookkeeping and helps you stay compliant with employment regulations.Unlike a personal account, a business bank account often lets you grant access or specific permissions to trusted individuals like an accountant, cofounder, or finance team member. You can authorize employees to handle routine banking tasks without exposing your personal finances. For instance, you might allow your bookkeeper to view the account and initiate transactions while requiring dual approvals for larger transfers. Such controls let you delegate financial duties safely and maintain oversight without micromanaging every transaction.Many business banking providers offer all-in-one platforms that combine banking services with built-in expense management software. This means you can manage budgets, track team spending, and capture expense receipts through your banking interface. By using these integrated tools, companies can automate expense reporting and ensure every purchase through business credit cards or linked corporate cards is accounted for and categorized. The result is a smoother process for reimbursing team expenses and monitoring where money is going.8. Strengthens security through advanced fraud protectionBusiness bank accounts typically come with stronger security measures and fraud detection features to safeguard your company's money. Banks recognize that business accounts handle larger volumes and values of transactions, so they provide tools to monitor suspicious activity and protect against unauthorized access.Banks equip business checking accounts with automated fraud detection systems. You can set up alerts for unusual or large transactions so that any suspicious activity is flagged immediately. If someone tries to withdraw an atypically large sum or if an unexpected charge hits the account, you and the bank's fraud team are notified at once. Early detection is crucial in preventing losses, and these alerts help business owners act quickly if something is amiss.With a business account, you can expect strong login security such as multifactor authentication, frequent password change requirements, and the ability to segregate user roles. These precautions help ensure that only authorized personnel access the funds. Business banking platforms also use advanced encryption and monitoring to defend against cyber threats that target companies. Keeping your business funds separate also means that if fraud does occur, your personal account won't be simultaneously compromised.Some providers include extra layers of protection tailored specifically for businesses. You may have the ability to set spending limits on employee debit cards, enable positive pay services to prevent check fraud, or utilize virtual account numbers for online transactions. Many fintech banking platforms even offer team-wide spending controls and built-in fraud insurance or liability protections. By leveraging these tools, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of financial fraud and maintain greater peace of mind.Why a business bank account matters for long-term successOpening a business bank account is a critical move for any startup or growing company. It lays the groundwork for responsible financial management by separating and safeguarding your money, simplifying everyday processes, and building credibility with everyone you do business with.The eight benefits covered tell a clear story. Legal protection keeps your personal assets safe. A professional image helps you win and retain customers. Simplified bookkeeping saves time and reduces errors. Easier tax preparation means fewer headaches and lower accounting bills. Building business credit opens doors to financing when you need it. Specialized services help you accept payments and move money efficiently. Streamlined payroll and expense management keep your team running smoothly. And stronger security protects everything you've worked to build.These aren't theoretical advantages. They're practical realities that affect your business every day. The company that takes financial infrastructure seriously from the start is the company that scales without tripping over its own operations. When you eventually want to raise capital, negotiate with vendors, or simply understand where your money is going, you'll be glad you set things up properly.This story was produced by Brex and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Judge grants motion to stay in Trump lawsuit against pollster J. Ann Selzer Judge Scott Beattie ruled discovery and trial scheduling order are stayed, or paused, while the federal court rules on the press defendants' motion to dismiss.
	Matherville firefighters respond to early morning structure fire One person was in the home at the time of the fire. Officials say the person was flown to a hospital with 2nd and 3rd degree burns on their hands and face.
	Kitty cats and cloud hands - how U.S. Olympic snowboarders keep calm in competition U.S. snowboarders psych themselves up before competition with heavy metal and pop music, cat photos, and apparently many on the men's halfpipe team now do Qigong.
	Bill to regulate homeowners insurance rates could reemerge this session Illinois lawmakers are poised to make a second attempt at passing a bill that would give state regulators more authority to control the rising cost of homeowners insurance.
	Arkansas judge blocks state law increasing signature requirement for ballot measures Arkansans sign petitions in support of proposed ballot initiatives in Little Rock on July 2, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)An Arkansas judge on Thursday blocked implementation of a 2023 state law that increased the signature requirements for measures to qualify for the ballot. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Shawn Johnson’s ruling prevents the state from enforcing Act 236 of 2023, which increased the number of counties where ballot initiative groups must gather a minimum number of signatures from 15 to 50. Ruling expected soon in lawsuit over 2023 changes to Arkansas ballot measure requirements The League of Women Voters of Arkansas filed a lawsuit in 2023, arguing the measure violated the Arkansas Constitution. “We filed this lawsuit three years ago immediately following its passage and today we celebrate the striking down of this thinly veiled attempt to silence the voters,” Arkansas League President Bonnie Miller said in a statement. “This is a good day for the people.” Spokesperson Jeff LeMaster said the attorney general’s office has reviewed the court’s ruling and plans to appeal. Johnson said the law “clearly and unmistakably conflicts” with Article 5 Section 1 of the Arkansas Constitution, which requires sponsors of ballot measures to collect signatures from “at least fifteen counties of the state.” Act 236 changes the number to “at least fifty counties.” “In faithful adherence to the precedents of our appellate courts, this measure impermissibly restricts the right of the people to petition for initiated acts—a reserved power expressly guaranteed by the Arkansas Constitution,” Johnson wrote. Johnson also said the state’s argument that the case should be dismissed because of sovereign immunity lacked merit. Sovereign immunity is the legal doctrine that the state cannot be sued in its own courts. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 10:36 amThis story was updated with a comment from the attorney general's office. Courtesy of Arkansas Advocate
	The ‘it’ cities are out in 2025: The 2025-2026 migration report The ‘it’ cities are out in 2025: The 2025-2026 migration reportIn 2025, South Carolina topped inbound move searches compared to exits. And its coastal resort, Myrtle Beach, also won the city prize for the largest share of inbound searches in the country. But what other destinations are coming for the Palmetto State’s crown, and will they really threaten its dominance in 2026?MoveBuddha’s fifth annual migration report looks back on 2025 and analyzes half a million searches made in the moving cost estimator tool.Unlike Census data, which is often months or a year old, this data is forward-looking and indicates where people are planning to move and also where they are moving from. From this, moveBuddha analyzed high-level insights at the state and city levels — and also forecast what’s likely to come next in 2026.Here’s what moveBuddha found in 2025 and what that suggests for 2026 and beyond.Key FindingsMicrodestinations gain 10%+ in popularity in 2025. Don’t expect to see three or more in-moves for every exit anywhere in 2026.For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, no state pulls in double the number of in-moves as out-moves, but for a third year in a row, South Carolina is the #1 destination for in-moves compared to exits. It sees just shy of two newcomers for every exit.Alaska has seen the biggest percentage increase in interest in 2025, with its in-to-out ratio up 32.02% from 2024.With 3.28 in-moves per exit, #1 Myrtle Beach is a big part of South Carolina’s buzz, outpacing the state itself for in-moves versus out-moves.Five of the 10 most desirable cities of 2025 are in Florida, which lies outside the top 10 most desirable states. Ocala, Port St. Lucie, Palm Coast, St. Augustine, and Kissimmee, while its age-restricted enclave, The Villages, has seen the biggest decline in move interest.Goodbye ultratrendy cities, and hello to a sprawl of hotspots from Bellingham, Washington, to Port St. Lucie, cities that lie 2,680 miles apart.In 2026, moveBuddha forecasts Alaska’s north star will keep rising. It stands to pull in an average of 2.45 new neighbors for every Alaskan calling it quits. South Dakota will see the fastest-growing surge of interest.I. Moving Patterns: Americans Moved Less in 2025 — And Got PickierIn 2025, fewer Americans moved overall. Those who did found that there were no longer heavy-hitter destinations where “everyone” wants to go. Instead, the window is getting smaller, with less up-and-down swing as destinations find their trendiness evening out, spreading across a larger buffet of states.Microdestinations Gained 10% Popularity in 2025Today, microdestinations are beginning to edge out the big statewide winners. Think small cities and towns that attract lots of movers, even though their state is only middle of the pack.For instance, would-be movers are finding Fort Collins, Colorado, and Salem, Oregon, great places to buy a home (as well as catch a game).Cumming, Georgia, offers access to Lake Lanier lounging without suffering through Atlanta’s traffic.Georgetown, Texas, and Littleton, Colorado, offer big-city amenities nearby, with small downtowns and indie shops where breweries and small(er) town vibes reign.All these spots have grown in popularity by more than 10% in 2025. None of their states are in the top 10 for 2025 for in-to-out ratio.That means that, as popular Southern and Mountain West destinations get more crowded and unaffordable, newcomers are looking instead to replicate their favorite cities’ vibes in other places. And they’re more willing than ever to look out of state for that just-right destination. moveBuddha In-to-out move ratios aren’t necessarily getting lower; after all, when someone moves out of one destination, they put down roots in another, evening out the math of state-to-state moves. But move ratios are clustering closer together, with fewer states caught in the whiplash of extreme popularity (or facing an apocalyptic exodus).II. States – From South Carolina’s 3rd Year at the Top to Alaska’s Surge in 2025South Carolina keeps the crown for attracting the most interest from movers, followed by Idaho and North Carolina, while Alaska surges into the spotlight. Retirees, value seekers, and off-the-beaten-path trailblazers are steering state migration in 2025. Meanwhile, California and Illinois begin quiet comebacks, while Washington D.C. suffers the steepest decline in mover interest.What Were the Most Popular States for Movers in 2025? South Carolina, Idaho, and North CarolinaFor the third year in a row, South Carolina reigned supreme as Americans’ top move-to destination in 2025. Its staying power is remarkably stable, too. In 2024, just over twice as many movers flooded the state as left, while from 2020 to 2023, the number fluctuated between 1.9 and 2.11. moveBuddha So while South Carolina actually has a negative birth rate and limited appeal to international migrants, its population is growing due to migration from other states, leading to a housing crunch and mixed opinions on the costs of success.Its retirement climate is part of the appeal, with destinations best known among the golf-cart set surging strongest, and the percentage of residents over 65 rising from 13.75% in 2010 to 19.36% in 2024.While South Carolina holds steady, its 1.99 in-move ratio sits atop a national dampening of “trendy” moves: It’s the first year since the COVID-19 pandemic when no state saw double the number of in-moves compared to out-moves.Idaho takes second place in 2025, offering wide-open spaces, along with lower costs (compared to the home states of many movers who are looking to exit Washington and California markets).North Carolina ranks third. Like its southern neighbor, interest is highest among older generations. But locals note that affordability, economy, lifestyle, and remote work are also driving moves.New to the top 10 in 2025 are Alaska (debuting at #4), Delaware, and Alabama.They displace West Virginia, Wyoming, and Montana. moveBuddha What Were the Least Popular States for Movers in 2025? California, New Jersey, and ConnecticutCalifornia retains the #50 position, though it’s bleeding much less than in 2024; in 2025, 0.62 newcomers moved in compared to out — in 2024, that figure was 0.48. People are still leaving compared to arriving, but the gap is narrowing.New Jersey holds steady at #49, with comparable outflow to 2024. Along with California and New Jersey, 2024’s #47, Rhode Island, is one of the bottom states to see a lift in 2025.Seven of the bottom 10 wind up there due to worse performance in 2025. Take Connecticut, which takes a dip in 2025, landing in spot #47. In 2024, the state saw 0.72 in-moves for every move out, but in 2025, just 0.67 movers stayed for each outbound move.Other bottom states where more residents are heading out than in 2024, and which are all seeing more out-moves than newcomers, are Virginia, Massachusetts, Nebraska, the District of Columbia, Maryland, and New York.Alaska Saw the Biggest Jump in 2025Alaska’s big surge is the largest positive shock of 2025. Moving from #13 to #4, its ratio has surged from 1.30 to 1.62, the largest jump in ratio in the whole dataset, more than doubling the gains that other states have seen (with a 32% increase in move ratio). The end result? Alaska isn’t a niche destination for hunters and fishing industry workers anymore but a legitimate refuge for adventurers tired of the lower 48.The shift follows years of decline and gels with the advent of widespread remote work and a growing emphasis on lifestyle over big-city career ladders. moveBuddha Meanwhile, longtime out-migration locales like Illinois and California are staging quiet comebacks. That’s saying something, since just 15 states saw any improvement in their move ratio in 2025.The comeback cohort includes 2024’s #48 Rhode Island. The tiny seaside state bounced back with a 15.36% improvement in move ratio in 2025 — second only to Alaska.Moving from #43 overall to #31, Illinois has logged the biggest rank improvement in 2025, with a ratio moving from 0.82 to 0.94 (an 11.61% improvement). It’s still losing people, but it’s much closer to breaking even.Also notable is California’s 14.11% improvement. While it’s the third largest improvement in the nation year over year, that hasn’t dislodged the Golden State from its #50 spot overall…but it’s a start.Washington DC Led the Nation’s Steepest Drop in 2025 Move InterestThe biggest face-plant of 2025 comes from Washington D.C. The District has flipped from a 1.01 ratio to 0.74, the most significant drop in rank in the dataset, down 27.36%.Part of a group of dense, expensive cities that see residents leaving in droves, D.C. also saw the pattern compounded by the loss of some 200,000 jobs in 2025. Analysts concluded that the District’s fortunes “took a nosedive” in 2025 due to federal job losses that ricocheted throughout the local economy.Perhaps displaced workers are throwing in the towel and heading to the Last Frontier.But it’s important to contextualize the surges and slumps.2025 has seen fewer move actions than in years past, with far fewer Americans uprooting to new states than they did during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic. So while Alaska searches shifted from 1.30 to 1.62 in-moves for each exit, and D.C. tumbled from 1.01 to 0.74, South Dakota once saw its fortunes change from 5.4 in-moves per exit in the third quarter of 2023 to 1.44 the next.Today, we’re seeing the top “surge” and “slump” rates sit around 25-35%. That’s a far cry from the 73% swings we saw at the height of the migration boom.III. Cities – Myrtle Beach and Florida Retirement Hubs Dominated Inbound Interest in 2025Movers favor Myrtle Beach and other Southern retirement destinations in 2025, yet momentum increasingly flows toward small and mid-sized metros that mix nature, culture, and careers. Roseville, Kissimmee, Georgetown, Santa Fe, Asheville, Bellingham, Boulder, and Raleigh are turning second-ring and college-town appeal into move-to hot spots. Bakersfield and several California metros lead for exits, and long-time hot spot The Villages sees a major cool-down but retains a spot in the top 10.Which Cities Were Most Popular in 2025? Retirement Havens are Only Part of the StoryWith a 3.28 in-to-out ratio, Myrtle Beach is helping South Carolina stay on top when it comes to new neighbors. And who wouldn’t want to throw off their flip flops and dig their toes into miles of Atlantic beaches in the human-sized resort community of ~43,000 residents?Well, young people, for one.The “Grand Strand’s” appeal is highest among older adults, making it the fastest-growing metro for Americans over 65 in the country.In a similar narrative, the top move destinations in 2025 are all in the South, where warm climes and single-story homes traditionally beckon to those hanging up their office lanyards and heading for the nearest fishing hole. move #2 Ocala, Florida, is known as a top retirement destination, while #3 The Villages, Florida, was developed as an age-restricted community where older adults must occupy most homes, and children aren’t typically allowed to live permanently.It’s fair to assume families aren’t moving to The Villages for the schools and job opportunities.But retirement destinations aren’t driving the entire list.Small artistic communities with stunning nature with broad appeal, like Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Asheville, North Carolina, also make appearances in the top 25. College towns with mountain access, like Bellingham, Washington, and Boulder, Colorado, are there, too. And those college towns turned big-city economic powers, like Raleigh, North Carolina, attract not only those in search of a mild winter but a long-lived career.In other words, while perhaps older adults are driving America’s current top move-to cities, a more nuanced narrative stands out just under the “big” numbers: The rest of America is developing a taste for small and mid-sized cities with outdoor cred across the country.Which Cities Did Americans Want to Leave the Most in 2025? So Long, SoCalWhere are they leaving in favor of scenic and creative towns? More than any other city, Bakersfield, California, felt emptier in 2025. With an in-to-out move ratio of 0.48, the San Joaquin Valley city joined three other California cities as some of the least popular real estate in the U.S.: Long Beach, Riverside, and Fresno see the highest move-out interest (compared to in-migration) in America in 2025. moveBuddha Which Cities Were Surging Most in 2025? A Storm of New Moves Hits Florida TownsWhile South Carolina is the nation’s most popular overall, it didn’t face a tough climb for the top spot. As it basks in its popularity, other cities are quietly charging up the ladder for the number-one spot. moveBuddha Ocala, Florida, wasn’t the nation’s favorite in 2024, but in 2025, its in-to-out ratio rose 74%, from 2.39 to an astronomical 3.09. Maybe that’s because it has landed on lists showcasing how to retire on a strict budget or because its prices remain affordable compared to other Florida cities.#2 Port St. Lucie, Florida, and #3 Palm Coast, Florida, have also seen 70%+ rises in their move ratios. In the case of Port St. Lucie, its ranking has skyrocketed up 113 places. What do all three of Florida’s most popular have in common? They’re retirement havens, affordable compared to nearby alternatives, and off the beaten path — none are truly commutable to Florida’s largest economic centers.Shooting up 147 places to #4, Roseville, California, shows that California still appeals to movers from out of state. Like Florida’s surging cities, Roseville is still a retirement haven, but it’s also ranked as the best place to raise a family in California.Overall, hot cities in 2025 have been “second ring” locations outside the grip of urban price tags: Roseville — along with Cumming, Georgia Kissimmee, Florida and Georgetown, Texas — give movers access to airports and hybrid work arrangements even as they allow breathing room from the hustle and bustle of America’s economic centers. And that’s been a winning formula for retirees — but also many families.Which Cities Were Cooling Off in 2025? 2024’s Hot Spots Were (Mostly) Still Net PositiveFunnily enough, Florida’s The Villages is the top falling city in America in 2025. Where 2024’s meteoric popularity made it #1, in 2025 its in-to-out ratio has plunged 86%, leaving it barely bruised at #3 in the nation. Still one of the most popular cities, with 2.79 newcomers for every move out, The Villages has seen the apex of its popularity.Just two of the cities losing the most popularity in 2025 have landed in negative territory — both nearby major urban areas: New York City (which went from 1.38 in 2024 to 0.79 in 2025) and North Las Vegas, Nevada (moving from 1.08 to 0.64).Other big “losers” that remain net positive are often formerly trendy spots that still hold some appeal for movers. For example, Cary, North Carolina, has dominated move-to lists for years, along with Savannah, Georgia, and Olympia, Washington. Their fall from grace is likely less about their desirability than about oversaturation and rising prices.What are movers to do today? Look for the same vibes in other locations that haven’t caught on yet.IV. 2026 Forecast: Hidden Corners Will Beat Headline StatesAlaska’s spot at the top of moveBuddha’s 2026 forecasts is less about everyone moving there and more about what it represents: Americans are willing to trade status cities for carefully chosen corners that just fit. Whether it’s in places like South Dakota’s small towns or Knoxville, Tennessee, the next generation of hot destinations will be defined less by state borders and more by places that genuinely feel like home.Where Will Americans Go in 2026? From Alaska Auroras to Dakota PaychecksOne place with plenty of room for newcomers is moveBuddha’s #1 2026 pick, Alaska. Remote workers living out their cabin dreams can catch more auroras and commune with moose, bear, and king crab.Movers are also forecasted to take advantage of South Dakota’s low unemployment rate, which continues to attract new workers hoping to capitalize on high wages with low costs.Even West Virginia, which saw its popularity plummet in 2025, is looking like it could stage a comeback in 2026. moveBuddha America’s moving story isn’t all about 2025. So while moveBuddha pulled 2025’s move searches, eager to learn who wants to go from where to where in 2025, we couldn’t help but wonder, as the years go by, what do these searches show us about the moves that haven’t even been searched yet, let alone completed?Forecasting tells us that by the end of 2026, we’ll be looking at top in-to-out move ratios in Alaska, Idaho, South Carolina, Maine, and Arkansas. None of these states is forecasted to see fewer than 1.68 new in-moves per exit at any point in 2026, with Alaska hitting nearly 2.5 newcomers per outmove by the end of the year. moveBuddha South Dakota is the state where inbound interest is rising the fastest, followed by Maine and Arkansas. moveBuddha Higher slope means faster projected growth in mover interest from 2019 to 2026.Meanwhile, we’ll see the most outflow from California, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Kansas. None of these least popular states is forecasted to see positive inflow in 2026, with these outflow states ranging from 0.61 to 0.72 new move-ins per exit across the year.We’ve already forecasted 2026’s most popular cities (Knoxville, Tennessee, is #1). Interestingly, none are predicted to be in the nation’s top five most popular states. That split suggests that the next wave of hot destinations isn’t about picking the best state — it will be about picking the right little corner inside states that otherwise fly just under the radar.Americans Headed North…and South…in 2025When it comes to moving, 2025 represented a Great Cool-Down and Spread-Out.While classic retirement destinations are still some of the most popular states and cities in the country, they’re clearly seeing less action.But the idea of smaller, cooler, and more affordable — with strong lifestyle perks — is here to stay. More Americans are trading big-city prestige for mid-sized metros and even college towns that offer a mix of jobs, decent schools, and outdoor recreation.Though “return to office” headlines are everywhere, American movers haven’t gotten the memo. They’re still favoring less dense destinations, even taking the idea to the extreme. They’re looking into remote corners of Alaska and retiree suburbs that are a 90-minute drive from the nearest major downtown.In 2025, the country’s heartstrings are pulling residents in multiple but also opposite directions. Some people are chasing snow, though many others are eyeing the white sand beaches of Florida or South Carolina. Others are settling into college towns, Southern suburbs, and exurban havens that haven’t been popular before.Behind each of those choices is the same shift: Lifestyle is winning out when Americans decide where to move.MethodologyThe data used in this report comes directly from moveBuddha’s Moving Cost Calculator.This analysis takes into account searches made from Jan. 1, 2020, through Dec. 1, 2025.For state trends, moveBuddha only looked at state-to-state moves. For cities, moveBuddha limited the data to places with at least 100 inbound and 100 outbound move searches.Calculations used in this analysis include:In-to-Out Ratio In-to-Out = Count of Inbound Moves / Count of Outbound MovesRatios >1 indicate more inflow than outflow.Ratios <1 indicate more outflow than inflow.The in-to-out ratio is the proportion of inbound versus outbound moves for a city or state over the course of a calendar year.Ex: South Carolina in 2023 had a net migration ratio of 2.11 (also expressed as 211), meaning that for every 211 searches for moves in, 100 were searching to move out. In 2024, that ratio decreased to 2.05 (also expressed as 205), meaning that for every 205 inbound move searches, 100 were searching to move out.Ratio percentage-point change: Year-over-year in-to-out ratio percentage-point changePercentage-Point Change in Ratio = (In-to-Out Ratio 2025 – In-to-Out Ratio 2024) x 100Calculations based on year-to-year percentage-point change in migration were derived using the state migration ratio. This same method has also been used by LinkedIn data scientists and Bloomberg.A YoY percent-point change >0 indicates that there was an increase in the ratio of inflow from one year to the next.A YoY percent-point change <0 indicates that there was a decrease in the ratio of inflow from one year to the next.2026 forecast: MoveBuddha’s 2026 city forecasts were found using a random forest model.The model was trained on quarterly data from 2019 to 2025 that accounted for the last four quarters for momentum, the quarter of the year for seasonality, the calendar year for longer-term shifts, and a rolling 12-month average to smooth unusual spikes.QuestionsWhat are some hidden-gem U.S. cities that are starting to get a lot more attention from movers?MoveBuddha 2025 data points to a wave of smaller and mid-sized “second ring” cities quietly climbing the charts while big-name metros cool. A few standouts:Georgetown, TexasCumming, GeorgiaFort Collins, ColoradoSanta Fe, New MexicoAsheville, North CarolinaBellingham, WashingtonWhere are people moving in 2026?According to moveBuddha’s data forecast, the top city that will earn the highest ratio of inbound moves is Knoxville, Tennessee, and the top state is Alaska.Those predictions are based on moveBuddha’s mover search data collected using the Moving Cost Calculator. This provides insight into the cities rising and falling in interest, which can provide a math-backed answer to where people may be increasingly moving to and from in 2026.What actually drives where people are moving right now?While moveBuddha data doesn’t pinpoint motivation, the findings point to a simple truth: Most people move where they can make the money work. When looking at hundreds of thousands of moving cost searches, the strongest signals line up with jobs and housing costs, not bucket-list dream cities.Preference still matters, just not for everyone in the same way. Retirees with savings can chase warm weather and golf carts. Remote workers can prioritize mountain towns, coastal suburbs, or “hidden corner” cities with strong lifestyle appeal. Those moves show up in the rise of places like Myrtle Beach, Ocala, Alaska, and a spread of small and mid-sized metros. For the majority of movers, though, the first filter is simple: Can I find a job, and can I afford to live there once the moving truck pulls away?This story was produced by moveBuddha and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	A ghost town revival A ghost town revivalOn the first Saturday of each December, a small miracle occurs in the extreme northeastern Oklahoma town of Picher.Around 8:00 a.m., the first vehicles start arriving in the parking lot of an abandoned auction house at the corner of Connell Street and East 20 Road. Pickups pulling flatbed trailers, classic cars, and ATVs from the Quapaw Nation.People spill out and get to work: decorating, catching up, sipping coffee from mugs and McDonald’s cups.More show up. Tractors, a group of Harleys, police cars, and fire trucks. When the parking lot fills, they line the street beside what were once the youth sports fields. The area is overgrown, and only a deteriorating concession stand remains.School buses from nearby Quapaw and Wyandotte arrive, and marching band members climb out, instruments in hand and Santa hats atop their heads.A block south, Paula Suman and her husband, Phillip, pull their white single-cab Chevy 2500 in front of the Gary Building, a community building that was once a pharmacy owned by Gary Linderman, known as the “last man standing” in this place before he closed up shop and passed away.Suman climbs a step ladder into the bed of the truck, sets a small speaker onto the toolbox, and plugs in a microphone.Before long, the spectators begin to arrive, pouring in from the north and south, where Highway 69 turns into Connell Street. They pull off the road and create parking spaces in front of empty lots and dilapidated buildings. They get out, bundled against the wind, holding donuts and cigarettes. The kids bring bags they hope to fill with candy.Just after 10:00 a.m., sirens pierce the cold air, the crowd eases closer to the street, and Suman starts talking through her makeshift sound system.The Coming Home for Christmas parade has begun.For the next hour-plus, Picher, Oklahoma, exists again. The mining companies never packed up and left. The abandoned mines beneath the crowd aren’t filled with toxic groundwater. The government never had to offer buyouts. The tornado never hit.For one morning each December, the former residents of Picher bring a ghost town back to life. The Economic Hardship Reporting Project and Oxford American documented this annual tradition and the toxic legacy that scattered Picher's residents.The Tri-State mining district stretched along the southwestern flank of the Ozark Mountains, starting in Missouri, cutting across Kansas, and into Oklahoma. Production started in Missouri in the 1850s. While surface mining on the land along the Oklahoma-Kansas border produced lead shot during the Civil War, it wasn’t until 1913 that Picher emerged after a giant ore deposit was discovered on the property of Harry Crawfish, a member of the Quapaw tribe whose reservation sat on the land.Seemingly overnight, a town site was built around the workings and named Picher after O.S. Picher, the owner of Picher Lead Company.By the 1920s, the town had more than 14,000 residents, and Ottawa County was the world’s largest source of lead and zinc. After 1915, more than ninety percent of the ore mined from the entire district came from the Picher field.The field’s life was extended when, in the 1930s, modern mining practices, diesel trucks, and mechanized equipment reduced manpower costs. By 1950, the Tri-State district had surpassed $1 billion in total production.By 1967, however, all mining had ceased in Picher. What followed were a number of missteps that led to the town’s demise. More than 14,000 mine shafts remained, along with 70 million tons of mine tailings, creating a toxic sludge that sat below the streets and seeped into creeks and contaminated yards.The Tar Creek Superfund site was officially designated and added to the EPA’s National Priorities List in 1983. For years, Picher’s residents lived among one of the most toxic superfund sites in the nation. But in the 2000s, the government decided nobody should live there.Now in its 11th year, the parade unfolds like clockwork, crawling past the Gary Building where Suman announces each entry with the rural drawl that dominates this stretch of land between the Midwest and the South.Short, with wavy blonde hair and a kind smile, Suman is the unofficial face of the parade. She and a group of women planned the first parade through their now-nonexistent hometown in 2015. They call themselves the Chat Rats, a nickname that started as a kind of slur for those who grew up in Picher surrounded by the mountains of mine refuse, or chat, that towered over the town.When Suman was 6 months old, her family pulled a reverse Steinbeck and left California to come home to Oklahoma. She graduated from Picher High in 1984, the year the school football team became Oklahoma 1A State Champions. The winning season is memorialized by a large statue of a gorilla, the school mascot, that now sits across the street from the Gary Building as a monument to the town’s bygone days. After high school, Suman worked a handful of jobs, got married, and started a family. She went to work for the USPS and became postmaster for the Cardin office, just a mile down the road.The post office sat on the bottom of a handsome three-story brick building. A white lean-to was added to the east side to house the three cars used to deliver mail to the rural routes. The place was the focal point of the town.“It was where everyone came in the morning,” Suman said. “We didn’t have a coffee shop or anything. This was the anchor to the town. Everyone would come in and mingle and gossip.”By 2007, the postal service’s data showed it wasn’t feasible to keep the Picher or Cardin offices open. Federal buyouts had begun, but many Picher residents wanted to stay. They didn’t trust the government, and they didn’t think the hazards were great enough to leave their homes behind.But enough people had left. In 2009, both the Picher and Cardin postal branches would cease operations. Suman was tasked with holding a meeting to deliver the news. She stood under the fluorescent lights of the Picher Community Center on an early spring evening and felt dread. She had to tell the residents of Picher and Cardin—her friends and family—they’d no longer have their own post offices. Everything was being moved to Quapaw, the next town over. She looked at the faces in front of her, ones she’d known for years, and saw anger, sadness, confusion, uncertainty, and fear.“That’s what I remember the most, looking at these people and having to deliver yet another gut punch to them,” she said. “It felt like a big moment when people started to give up hope. Their own post office was all they had left.”Suman moved to the Quapaw office, where she served as postmaster for 15 years, retiring in September 2025. She lives just outside Quapaw too. One and a half miles from the lot where her house once stood. It’s the farthest she’s ever been from home.Decades of government missteps helped fuel Picher’s demise. The town’s empty streets now appear as warnings, as the Trump administration fast-tracks new mineral production projects. Dukas/Universal Images Group // Getty Images In March, the administration issued the executive order Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production, a move intended to “facilitate domestic mineral production to the maximum possible extent.”Picher is a testament to the myriad human and environmental casualties of rapid and expansive mineral extraction. The town sits on the land where the Quapaw tribe was relocated when they were forced from their Arkansas home. Mining companies paid tribe members to mine beneath their land, or they relied on the Bureau of Indian Affairs to deem the landowners incompetent and sign over the rights.Today, not far beneath the parade route, not far beneath pretty much any block in Picher, are monstrous caverns. The dark, seemingly endless voids were left behind by room-and-pillar mining, a relatively inefficient form of mining used to remove countless tons of ore, creating rooms supported by large pillars of untouched material.After undercutting the lead and zinc, miners began blasting and drilling away the valuable material. The metals were shipped off to become, among other things, more than 75 percent of the bullets used by the United States military in World War I.The rooms left behind after the material was removed were vast. A photograph taken somewhere below the Oklahoma-Kansas border, likely in the 1950s, gives an idea.A miner, dressed in heavy denim, looks up, the wheat lamp on top of his mining helmet pointed nearly vertically. He stands next to a heavy jumbo extension platform, its base sitting on a set of tracks that reach the miner’s waist.Follow his gaze up 10 feet or so. Then another 10. And another. Keep going. Seventy feet up, standing on a small platform, is another miner, only his face and the light from his wheat lamp visible. He’s trimming the roof of the mine, extracting every last piece of usable material.Behind the machinery, dimly lit, is a mountain of refuse, dwarfed by the size of the room’s walls.In a perfect world, once the rooms were mined, those walls and pillars were left intact, with enough material to safely support the ground, and town, above. But Picher didn’t exist in a perfect world.When profits began to plummet after World War II, the mining companies bolted, leaving the shafts open and taking with them the sump pumps that kept the mines free of runoff water.Down came the rain and scavengers. The scavengers went to work on the pillars, chipping away any last dollar they could see and, along with it, the support that the town above relied upon. The rainwater and runoff began to fill the open rooms, all 14,000 of them.The water rolled through the caverns, around and over the 70 million tons of mine tailings and 36 million tons of mill sand and sludge. The oxidized minerals began to dissolve, mixing with the water to create an acidic solution that reacted with the surrounding rock, further deteriorating the walls and pillars.The concentrations of heavy metals—iron, lead, nickel, zinc—formed a soupy orange river that coursed through the mines.In 1979, it reached daylight, seeping from the ground near Commerce. It started spilling from mine workings, abandoned mine shafts, and boreholes.It came to the surface around the chat piles, themselves already a major health concern.It flowed into Tar Creek, killing most of the biota and staining the bottom of the creek red with ferric hydroxide deposits. The creek, described in 1903 by a Carmelite nun visiting the Quapaw reservation as “a spring of the finest and clearest water,” was now a stream of orange toxicity.By 1994, an Indian Health Service test showed that 35 percent of native children living in the area had levels of lead in their blood that exceeded the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s threshold for health concerns.The evening before each year’s parade, with the sun hanging low in the west and the temperature dropping, Suman and the Chat Rats meet in the Gary Building to finalize parade plans and set up the merchandise they’ll sell the next day. Sweatshirts with “Chat Rats” across the chest, Christmas ornaments, and any kind of Picher-Cardin High School clothing you could imagine (all emblazoned with the school’s Gorilla mascot). Parade attendees usually buy most of it, with the proceeds going toward Picher’s all-school reunion and the next year’s parade. When tractor-trailers rumble by, the ground bounces just a bit, a reminder of the hollow caverns below. For years, trucks weighing more than twelve tons were banned from the highway over fears the ground would collapse beneath them.A 2006 Environmental Protection Agency report warned of more than 200 locations across the Tar Creek site that were in danger of collapsing.In the end, it was the instability that got to everyone. It’s what got to Suman.She and Phillip had decided in the early days of the buyout talks that they were staying in Picher. So they bought a small piece of land on the south edge of town and built their forever home. A 2,200-square-foot house. White with green shutters, custom countertops and cabinets, and tile in the kitchen. Just a few blocks away from Suman’s parents. Damn-near paid off. Staying was a foregone conclusion. But doubt started creeping in, threatening the foundation they’d put down on what had become unstable ground.The buyouts had begun with an emphasis on relocating families with kids under 6. Maybe 10 families moved away, and the effort to empty the town felt complete. The Suman’s had believed that normalcy would return.When another round of federal buyouts began, the EPA once again encouraged families with young children to relocate, pointing to a 2000 study by the agency showing that nearly 40 percent of Picher children had dangerous levels of lead in their blood. Another handful of families fled, leaving a sense of dread behind.For the Sumans, this departure felt different. They heard rumors that the whole town was on the verge of collapsing. It was all folks could talk about for a few weeks. If “the big one” ever hit the New Madrid fault—some 340 miles away in Eastern Missouri—the ground would open up, and Picher would disappear into a virulent orange lake.Officials began to warn that the town’s utilities were no longer a sure thing. They told Suman and the other residents gathered in the community building one summer Tuesday evening that they may not have electricity much longer. Also, they said, water and sewer services would likely be terminated. And wells weren’t exactly viable in a town where everything was built on hollow ground.The Sumans sat down at their kitchen table and talked it through. They wanted to stay, wanted to tell the government officials they were going to fight. But they felt beaten down—by rumors, threats, worry, and fear of the unknown. The loss of schools, the fire department, and the post offices. It was a snowball effect. The whole town seemed to be giving up.Suman looked at her husband. “We can’t win this anymore,” she said.They took the government buyout, only for the government to move the house three miles down the road and try to sell it back. What the Sumans had built for about $65 per square foot, the government was selling for $100 a square foot. They could rebuild for cheaper than that. Either way, they were falling back into debt.Two decades later, they’re still paying for the house in Quapaw, where they ultimately settled. Though Suman is happy where she is, the bitterness and pain of having to leave her hometown will never fully subside. “What I remember most is the sadness of it all,” she said. “The fear of the unknown. Losing everything. It was a whole lot of sadness. Just a lot of uncertainty around everyone.”By 2013, the municipality of Picher was officially dissolved. Many residents who were intent on staying ended up taking buyouts after a 2008 tornado hit the south end of town, destroying 160 homes and killing six people. The class of 2009 was the last to graduate from Picher-Cardin High School. All the remaining students were sent to Quapaw the next fall.Picher’s residents were scattered across the area. Some ended up in Commerce or Miami, just to the south. Some ended up across state lines, in Kansas or Missouri. Instead of daily conversations, they’d catch up when they ran into one another at Walmart.“People from the outside looking in didn’t know the kind of community Picher was,” Suman said. “You’d see someone at the store you hadn’t seen in a while, and you’d just hug and cry and ask them how their mother was doing.”A few years later, Suman and others started thinking of ways to keep Picher alive in spirit. The all-school reunion was great, but not everyone who lived in Picher went to Picher schools. That’s when the idea was first floated: What if we revive the Christmas parade?Suman and the Chat Rats began planning. Would it be a one-year deal? Who knew, but for one Saturday in December of 2015, at least, Picher was going to have a parade.The morning of the inaugural parade was as ideal as possible for December in the lower Midwest. Temperatures had dropped to the mid-30s overnight and hovered there as the committee gathered before dawn on North Connell Street to prepare. Clear skies began to take on light. Just a few clouds lingered.Bill Crawford didn’t have any tasks that morning. He’d turned 91 earlier that year and was there to mingle, observe, and support his daughter, Susie Jo Stone, one of the Chat Rats.Crawford, who died in 2019, was handsome, slender. A hard, square jaw sat below a face that looked almost youthful despite decades of hard labor. He stood straight with strong shoulders, solid as the rock he used to haul from beneath Picher. He wore what he did most every day—denim bib overalls over a blue plaid shirt. A navy-blue jacket shielded against the early morning air.He’d spent more than 50 years as a miner for Eagle-Picher, the company that operated the lead and zinc extraction facilities across the Tri-State district. He claimed he played a game of baseball with Mickey Mantle when the superstar returned to neighboring Commerce and worked the mines during the offseason.Crawford raised his family in nearby Cardin, an eight-block section on the southwestern edge of Picher that carried its own census designation. He built a house on one of the three lots he’d purchased with his mining salary. To protect against tornadoes, he and his wife dug a backyard cellar by hand.That house was home to Crawford until he finally buckled and accepted a government buyout after the 2008 tornado. He moved several miles south, past Commerce’s Mickey Mantle Boulevard, and settled in Miami. Every couple of weekends, he’d drive his blue Ford pickup to Cardin, just to walk the now-vacant lots he once owned.But he had somewhere to be that Saturday. He sat in a folding chair on a flatbed trailer as the inaugural Christmas parade committee scurried in the predawn light.Nobody knew how many people would show up. They’d gotten the band from nearby Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College to participate. Their bus would be pulling up at any moment. Law enforcement and first responders from Quapaw and Miami were there. A group of gray-bearded men representing Bikers Against Child Abuse had started to rumble in. Whether anyone else would show up to watch was still debatable.Stone, Suman, and the rest of the committee fought off nerves with busy work. They envisioned a grand procession crawling down an empty Connell Street, witnessed only by a few onlookers and the charred remains of businesses and scrubby lots.Stars still flickered in the western sky as a few wispy clouds on the eastern horizon caught the vibrant oranges that shine so brightly during a flatland sunrise.Suman had climbed onto the trailer to set up the PA system. Then, in her late 40s, she was the youngest member of the committee and the designated hype person and parade announcer. She was arranging speakers when Crawford slowly stood from his chair.“Just look at it,” he said, his eyes fixed southward toward the end of town, where Connell Street became Highway 69.“What is it, Bill?” Suman said, too busy to turn around.“Just look,” he said.The parade was still two hours away, but a string of amber headlights danced northward, toward Picher. A few at first, and then more, until the end of the line was too far away to see.Crawford’s eyes began to water in the cold air. “They’re coming home.”Co-published by The Economic Hardship Reporting Project’s James Ledbetter Fund and Oxford American.This story was produced by The Economic Hardship Reporting Project and Oxford American, and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Garage destroyed by fire in Davenport A garage was a complete loss in Davenport after a fire Friday morning. It happened before 10 a.m. in the 700 block of Farnam Street.
	Early voting underway in Henry County Early voting is underway in Henry County for the upcoming general primary election. Barb Link, Henry County Clerk/Election Authority, said in an email that early voting is underway in her office at the Henry County Courthouse, 307 W. Center Street in Cambridge Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The office will also [...]
	Iowa could ban fluoride in drinking water The Iowa House of Representatives introduced a bill that would ban fluoride in drinking water. House Bill 2395 would ban adding fluoride-based additives to public or private water sources. Iowa has been adding it since 1951 as a public health measure to prevent dental disease. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services says it [...]
	Iowa Bears? State senator speaks on Iowa's effort to attract the Chicago Bears Talks continue to lengthen about where the Chicago Bears will build their new stadium and effectively call home for the foreseeable future. The city of Chicago and Illinois are still working together to keep the Bears in Chicago, or at least in the suburbs. While those talks have been slow, cities in Indiana have stepped [...]
	4 date night movies to stream at home this Valentine’s Day Staying home with your special someone or kicking back solo are perfect ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day — so long as you have a good movie to watch! Here are four streaming movies to keep your heart full this weekend.
	Why have student test scores been declining for a decade in America? Why have student test scores been declining for a decade in America?It’s hardly breaking news that American students are behind academically from where they used to be.But the specifics can get lost in a haze of headlines and data points. Chalkbeat reviewed multiple pieces of testing data to find out where U.S. students stand on learning loss and recovery.In sum: Test scores have been trending down for over a decade. There are some signs of recovery in math, but not many in reading. Learning declines are not a distinctly U.S. phenomenon and are not even limited to schoolchildren. Researchers are only just beginning to wrap their heads around the causes of this.Confident claims about what’s going on here are unwarranted, though policymakers can’t wait for perfect evidence to act.“We should resist the notion of trying to put our finger on the one thing we can change that will solve this problem,” says University of Virginia researcher James Wyckoff, who recently released a paper on declining achievement. “I think it really results from many things in and out of school.”Here are some key takeaways from the review of the data.Learning declines have been substantial and pervasive.Consider one example from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP: In 2013, 74% of American eighth graders scored at the basic or above level in math, the highest figure since the test started in 1990. In the most recent round that number fell to 61%, hitting levels last seen in 1996. Scores have fallen in other grades and subjects, too.Despite a small handful of relative bright spots, these declines have been remarkably widespread. Eighth grade math scores fell in almost every single state during this period; no states saw increases. Although schools that were closed longer during the pandemic tended to experience bigger declines, even those that quickly reopened have been hit hard by learning loss. Cherry Salazar // Chalkbeat This trend started before the pandemic.Test scores, particularly in math, had generally been marching upwards for a few decades until about 2013. Then a period of stagnation and decline hit. The aftershocks of the Great Recession on families and school budgets may have been an initial cause. Yet even by 2019 there was still no sign of recovery. Then the bottom fell out further after the pandemic.Two groups have been hit hardest: low performers and girls.On a wide variety of tests, starting before the pandemic, the gap between the lowest- and highest-performing students has grown. That’s not because high performers have surged ahead but because low performers have fallen further behind.More recently, since the pandemic, girls’ scores have tended to fall more sharply than boys’.Some good news: Math scores are starting to trend up again.Every state with consistent testing data shows that more students are reaching proficiency in math now compared to 2021. Math results have also ticked up on the NWEA exam and on the fourth grade (but not eighth grade) NAEP. Still, most data indicates that these scores have not bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.There’s been inconsistent recovery at best in reading.Reading and math results have followed curiously different trajectories. On the most recent NAEP, reading scores actually fell even further. On state exams, reading achievement has been all over the map. Pennsylvania, for instance, has had solid recovery in math, but reading scores have kept sliding downward. Thomas Wilburn // Chalkbeat The U.S. is hardly alone in its achievement woes.Many other countries are grappling with falling test scores, too. This has shown up on an exam of 15-year-olds known as the PISA, as well as on the TIMSS, a math and science test of fourth and eighth graders. Relative to the rest of the world, the U.S. trends look a bit worse on TIMSS, but a bit better on PISA.The U.S. is unusual in its sharply growing gap between the highest- and lowest-performing students.Also, test scores may be lower among adults and very young children.Some data indicates that children who are just entering school are doing so with lower levels of readiness in reading and math. Another study of adult skills showed drops across the age distribution between 2017 and 2023 in literacy and numeracy.This adds a new wrinkle. “Factors outside of school might play a considerable role” in learning declines, writes Nat Malkus of the American Enterprise Institute in a report from last year.How concerned should we be? Pretty concerned!When children know more, as measured on tests, they tend to lead more productive lives. Countries with higher test scores tend to see stronger economic growth. These scores are incomplete measures of students’ skills, but they do matter.Test scores are not in entirely uncharted territory, though. A long-running test of 13-year-olds shows that math scores in 2023 were at the lowest point in recent decades but remain comparable to scores from the ‘80s and early ‘90s and higher than those in the ‘70s. Reading scores have dipped to levels last seen in the early 2000s.So what explains all this? Researchers aren’t quite sure.Two detailed analyses, by Wyckoff and Malkus, have tried to parse what is driving these trends. Neither concluded with definitive answers. “There is remarkably little understanding of the nature of either the sustained achievement gains prior to 2013 or the subsequent losses thereafter,” writes Wyckoff in his paper, titled “Puzzling Over Declining Academic Achievement.”That said, it’s very likely that the pandemic and its associated disruptions to life in and out of school played a significant role. Another theory is that easing off school accountability pressure — which research found drove learning gains in the early 2000s — has contributed to recent score declines.Perhaps the leading hypothesis is the proliferation of phones and screens, although Wyckoff notes that “direct causal evidence” on this question “is limited.” That’s beginning to change.One recent study linked school phone restrictions to better test scores.These learning challenges are not particular to American schools and may not even be largely caused by changes within schools. Yet they remain a challenge that schools and educators must confront.This story was produced by Chalkbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Everything you need to know about sticky bras Everything you need to know about sticky brasWe're in an open-back epidemic. You know how it goes: You’re shopping for a dress to wear for an event, you find the perfect outfit, and then you click to see the back, and it's ... not there. If you need lift and support, these styles may seem impossible to wear.That's where sticky bras come in. For many people, these adhesive wonders can provide enough lift and coverage to get them through an evening in a special backless ensemble. If you've never tried one before, Honeylove shares everything you need to know.What is a sticky bra?A sticky bra, also known as an adhesive bra, is a backless, strapless bra made with special adhesive material that sticks directly to the breasts. Most sticky bras are made of silicone or polyurethane, which creates a smooth, invisible look under clothing.Key features of a sticky bra include:Backless and strapless design: The adhesive allows the bra to stay in place without traditional straps or bands.Skin-friendly adhesive: High-quality sticky bras use medical-grade adhesives that are safe and comfortable on the skin.Shaping and support: Despite their minimalist design, sticky bras provide lift and support to enhance your natural shape.Sticky bras are ideal for wearing with backless, strapless, or low-cut clothing when you want a seamless, invisible look. They're also a great option for anyone seeking a wire-free, lightweight alternative to traditional bras.Can everyone wear sticky bras?If you have a larger cup size, you may find that sticky bras don't provide enough support for all-day wear. In those cases, you might be able to get a similar effect with boob tape. Also, the adhesive can be irritating for those with very sensitive skin, so always patch test before you wear it.Before you get started, use this bra size calculator to find your bra size. Then, evaluate your outfit to ensure your adhesive bra style will work with the neckline you're planning to wear.How to apply a sticky braSticky bras can have a bit of a learning curve, but with a little practice, they can be extremely easy to wear. Here’s a step-by-step guide:Start with clean, dry skin that's free of any oils, lotions, or moisturizers, as these can interfere with the adhesive.Remove the protective film from the adhesive on the bra cups.Bend forward slightly, and position the cups on the bottom of each breast.Press the cups onto your skin, smoothing them from the bottom up. Make sure the edges lie flat against your skin.Adjust the placement of the cups as needed to achieve your desired lift and shape.If your sticky bra has a front closure, secure it at this point for extra support and cleavage.To remove your sticky bra, simply peel the cups away from your skin slowly and gently. Never rip or tear the bra off, as this can damage the adhesive and your skin.How to wash a sticky braWith proper care, a high-quality sticky bra can last for many wears. To keep yours in top condition, follow these tips:Hand wash only: After each wear, hand wash your sticky bra with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh detergents or scrubbing too vigorously.Air dry: Allow the bra to air dry completely before storing it. Never put it in the dryer, as the heat can damage the adhesive.Reapply protective film: Once the adhesive is completely dry, place the protective film back onto the cups to prevent dust and debris from sticking to it.Proper storage: Keep your sticky bra in its original packaging or a clean, dry place when not in use.Replace your sticky bra after 30-50 uses, or when you notice the adhesive starting to degrade. With gentle use and care, you can extend the life of your bra and get the most value for your purchase.This story was produced by Honeylove and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why have student test scores been declining for a decade in America? Why have student test scores been declining for a decade in America?It’s hardly breaking news that American students are behind academically from where they used to be.But the specifics can get lost in a haze of headlines and data points. Chalkbeat reviewed multiple pieces of testing data to find out where U.S. students stand on learning loss and recovery.In sum: Test scores have been trending down for over a decade. There are some signs of recovery in math, but not many in reading. Learning declines are not a distinctly U.S. phenomenon and are not even limited to schoolchildren. Researchers are only just beginning to wrap their heads around the causes of this.Confident claims about what’s going on here are unwarranted, though policymakers can’t wait for perfect evidence to act.“We should resist the notion of trying to put our finger on the one thing we can change that will solve this problem,” says University of Virginia researcher James Wyckoff, who recently released a paper on declining achievement. “I think it really results from many things in and out of school.”Here are some key takeaways from the review of the data.Learning declines have been substantial and pervasive.Consider one example from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP: In 2013, 74% of American eighth graders scored at the basic or above level in math, the highest figure since the test started in 1990. In the most recent round that number fell to 61%, hitting levels last seen in 1996. Scores have fallen in other grades and subjects, too.Despite a small handful of relative bright spots, these declines have been remarkably widespread. Eighth grade math scores fell in almost every single state during this period; no states saw increases. Although schools that were closed longer during the pandemic tended to experience bigger declines, even those that quickly reopened have been hit hard by learning loss. Cherry Salazar // Chalkbeat This trend started before the pandemic.Test scores, particularly in math, had generally been marching upwards for a few decades until about 2013. Then a period of stagnation and decline hit. The aftershocks of the Great Recession on families and school budgets may have been an initial cause. Yet even by 2019 there was still no sign of recovery. Then the bottom fell out further after the pandemic.Two groups have been hit hardest: low performers and girls.On a wide variety of tests, starting before the pandemic, the gap between the lowest- and highest-performing students has grown. That’s not because high performers have surged ahead but because low performers have fallen further behind.More recently, since the pandemic, girls’ scores have tended to fall more sharply than boys’.Some good news: Math scores are starting to trend up again.Every state with consistent testing data shows that more students are reaching proficiency in math now compared to 2021. Math results have also ticked up on the NWEA exam and on the fourth grade (but not eighth grade) NAEP. Still, most data indicates that these scores have not bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.There’s been inconsistent recovery at best in reading.Reading and math results have followed curiously different trajectories. On the most recent NAEP, reading scores actually fell even further. On state exams, reading achievement has been all over the map. Pennsylvania, for instance, has had solid recovery in math, but reading scores have kept sliding downward. Thomas Wilburn // Chalkbeat The U.S. is hardly alone in its achievement woes.Many other countries are grappling with falling test scores, too. This has shown up on an exam of 15-year-olds known as the PISA, as well as on the TIMSS, a math and science test of fourth and eighth graders. Relative to the rest of the world, the U.S. trends look a bit worse on TIMSS, but a bit better on PISA.The U.S. is unusual in its sharply growing gap between the highest- and lowest-performing students.Also, test scores may be lower among adults and very young children.Some data indicates that children who are just entering school are doing so with lower levels of readiness in reading and math. Another study of adult skills showed drops across the age distribution between 2017 and 2023 in literacy and numeracy.This adds a new wrinkle. “Factors outside of school might play a considerable role” in learning declines, writes Nat Malkus of the American Enterprise Institute in a report from last year.How concerned should we be? Pretty concerned!When children know more, as measured on tests, they tend to lead more productive lives. Countries with higher test scores tend to see stronger economic growth. These scores are incomplete measures of students’ skills, but they do matter.Test scores are not in entirely uncharted territory, though. A long-running test of 13-year-olds shows that math scores in 2023 were at the lowest point in recent decades but remain comparable to scores from the ‘80s and early ‘90s and higher than those in the ‘70s. Reading scores have dipped to levels last seen in the early 2000s.So what explains all this? Researchers aren’t quite sure.Two detailed analyses, by Wyckoff and Malkus, have tried to parse what is driving these trends. Neither concluded with definitive answers. “There is remarkably little understanding of the nature of either the sustained achievement gains prior to 2013 or the subsequent losses thereafter,” writes Wyckoff in his paper, titled “Puzzling Over Declining Academic Achievement.”That said, it’s very likely that the pandemic and its associated disruptions to life in and out of school played a significant role. Another theory is that easing off school accountability pressure — which research found drove learning gains in the early 2000s — has contributed to recent score declines.Perhaps the leading hypothesis is the proliferation of phones and screens, although Wyckoff notes that “direct causal evidence” on this question “is limited.” That’s beginning to change.One recent study linked school phone restrictions to better test scores.These learning challenges are not particular to American schools and may not even be largely caused by changes within schools. Yet they remain a challenge that schools and educators must confront.This story was produced by Chalkbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The city where free buses changed everything The city where free buses changed everythingThe open-air central bus station in Dunkirk, France, feels like a Formula 1 pit lane. In the space of a few minutes, a dozen pink, green and blue buses speed in and out, with passengers descending and mounting through all available doors. The arrivals board, displaying destinations such as Grande-Synthe, Cappelle-la-Grande and Malo-les-Bains, ticks over so quickly it’s as if drivers are vying for a podium spot.As the C4 bus pulls in, a teenage girl with chunky headphones and a mother with a baby in a stroller are among those to board. But there are no beeps registering cards, nor the clink of coins used to pay for tickets. Because in this northern French city, no passenger pays.“It’s not bad, really not bad,” says Theo, a 23-year-old gardener in the city and a daily user of the service, in typical French understatement. “You never have to wait long. There’s less car traffic and less pollution because of it. And it’s free,” Theo tells Reasons to be Cheerful. Peter Yeung for Reasons to be Cheerful In 2014, Dunkirk made the decision to get on board with free public transit. Mayor Patrice Vergriete, who has a doctorate in urban planning, pledged during his election campaign that the city would become the largest in France to drop fares on local networks. Today about 150 vehicles — labeled “100% free bus, 7 days a week” — crisscross the city and its surroundings, giving 200,000 residents free access to 18 routes.“We made this decision to prioritize freedom [for residents] and really create a shock to improve mobility in Dunkirk,” says Jean-François Montagne, the deputy mayor of Dunkirk and head of the region’s ecological transition efforts.Proponents like Montagne say that making public transit free reduces carbon emissions, air pollution and traffic, and supports low-income households. They also argue that a funding model that relies on government subsidy rather than passenger fares is more resilient in the face of shocks like pandemics. But critics say that there are high costs linked to these policies — and that scaling them up to sprawling metropolitan hubs, just as New York City’s new Mayor Zohran Mamdani has pledged to do, is unlikely to be a smooth ride.In Dunkirk, it took four years — from 2014 to 2018 — for efforts to hit the road. First, authorities publicized the program in the media and on the streets, carried out surveys with residents, simplified and reworked timetables, improved the quality of vehicles, repositioned bus stops and increased the size of the fleet. In 2015, they launched free travel on weekends as a testing period, before rolling out the service seven days a week in September 2018.“You can’t just make buses free from one day to the next,” says Montagne. “If the service is underused, timetables not well understood, if buses are always late, and you don’t change people’s views of public transit, then it won’t work.”Central to Dunkirk’s strategy was reinventing the image of public buses, which were typically seen as overloaded, unclean and not particularly safe. Authorities now clean buses every day, and if a seat is broken, then it is replaced within a day. Each route, they decided, should have a scheduled arrival every 10 minutes. Smartphone applications also allow passengers to track where and how full their bus is.“These might seem like small details, but we worked a lot on this,” says Montagne.And just over a decade since Dunkirk kick-started its free bus program, the policy has hit top gear. According to Dunkirk city hall, the number of bus passengers has increased by 165% since the initiative was introduced.“In Dunkirk, it’s led to a huge rise in users, it’s revitalized the city and it works as a kind of social redistribution,” says Maxime Huré, a lecturer in political sciences at France’s University of Perpignan Via Domitia who has studied the program. Peter Yeung for Reasons to be Cheerful A 2019 study by the Observatory of Free Transport Cities, an independent body, found that the policy has led to residents making more trips to the city center, that about half of the new bus riders were taking bus journeys they previously made by car, and that the attractiveness and image of the city has improved.Separate research in 2021 found that free buses are helping young people in Dunkirk shift away from the “idealized” image of private car ownership. Indeed, according to Montagne, city hall figures show that 10% of Dunkirk bus users have abandoned their cars since 2018, cutting use of city parking lots by 30%.Monique, a 75-year-old retiree, stopped driving two years ago with her weakening eyesight and the ease of the free bus transport as an alternative. She’s pleased that there’s even a standalone night service akin to a city-run Uber service that can be ordered on demand at 10 p.m., taking her directly home for just 2 euros when she goes to the theater.“I think it’s really super, it’s very well serviced,” she says.In France, where the transportation sector accounts for 34% of greenhouse gas emissions, a growing number of authorities are getting on board with free public transit. Today more than 45 local authorities have made some form of public transport free for all passengers, including Aubagne, Compiègne and Montpellier. In the latter, where the policy applies only to permanent residents, bus ridership increased by 27% in just one year and the number of people being overexposed to nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant linked to road traffic, fell by 90%.And while Dunkirk has introduced completely free transit, others have adopted other models, such as age-based criteria — in Lille and Strasbourg, for example, bus travel is free for those under 18. Free weekend travel, meanwhile, is offered for everyone in Nantes, Rouen and Nancy.But France is far from the only nation to have introduced free public transit.According to a 2025 report by Italian researchers, fare-free public transit has been rolled out in 100 places across the world, notably in the U.S., Brazil and European countries such as Poland. Estonia’s capital Tallinn introduced free transit to its 450,000 residents in 2013, and Luxembourg became the first nation in the world where all public transportation is free (except for first class on trains) in 2020.Some of the oldest examples of fare elimination trace back to the U.S. The California city of Commerce pioneered free buses in 1962. A 1974 federal law provided $40 million for pilots in Denver and Trenton, New Jersey. More recently, Iowa City eliminated bus fares in August 2023 — paid for with a 1% increase in utility taxes and doubling most public parking rates. The two-year pilot led to ridership exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 18%, with emissions dropping by 778 metric tons of carbon dioxide a year.Yet opinions are divided on whether a major city like Paris, London or indeed New York City could successfully implement a fare-free model.Some critics say that free transport systems lead to loss of public income and divert money away from infrastructure upgrades.A report published in September 2025 by France’s Court of Auditors found that free public transport in smaller cities led to ridership increases at a limited cost, but in larger, already well-used networks, the introduction of free transit is “very costly” because it is accompanied by significant losses in fare revenue and additional costs related to the necessary reinforcement of the existing network, which is under greater strain.The report found that, in Montpellier, free public transport has primarily led to a surge in short trips, more at the expense of walking and cycling than driving. In Lyon, in contrast, where public transit fares have increased — to 90 euros (about $105) for a monthly subscription — the additional funds have made it possible to finance a wider range of transport services and reduce car traffic.But Dunkirk authorities defend the scheme. Montagne says the 17 million euro (roughly $19.9 million) annual cost — out of the city’s 500 million euro annual budget — for running the free buses is an important social investment. “The money serves the population, it helps workers, but also families, for leisure, to attend healthcare.”“[The Court of Auditors] claim that it devalues the service, but it’s totally the opposite — we have fewer crimes and issues than before.”Surveys during Dunkirk’s 2020 municipal elections even found that 99% of respondents ranked the free bus service as the most important public policy.Huré argues that, given the percentage of transit network income that passenger fares represent is broadly falling, making buses free is far less radical than it seems: Fare revenue has been declining almost universally. “But politically, it’s presented as a rupture,” he says.But whether free buses can work elsewhere depends on other factors such as the capacity of networks to deal with an increase in passengers and funding sources, according to Huré. In France, public transit systems are already partly funded by the versement mobilité, or mobility levy, which relies on a percentage of social security contributions paid by French employers.“It could work in large cities, but it depends on the context,” he says.The road ahead appears to show even more places treating buses and mobility as a public good and not a paid privilege. On Jan. 1 of this year, buses and regional trains became free across France’s Lens-Liévin, Hénin-Carvin and Béthune-Bruay metropolitan areas, making it the largest fare-free public transport network in France. Perhaps New York Mayor Mamdani, whose city already sees 1.4 million bus journeys a day, could take the trend to the next level.“There is strong demand for free transit,” says Huré, “and I believe it will continue.”This story was produced by Reasons to be Cheerful and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The warning signs someone isn’t who they say they are online (or in person) The warning signs someone isn’t who they say they are online (or in person)It was 2018. Laura Kowal, an Illinoisan and recent widower, was excited to start talking to potential romantic partners again, so she made a profile on Match.com, one of the most popular online dating websites. A few days later, “Frank Borg,” a financial advisor living in Sweden, started talking to Laura. Laura quickly fell for Frank and soon began a two-year flurry of financial activity that cost her an estimated $1.5 million.After Laura’s death (her body was found floating in the Mississippi River), the manner of which is still undetermined, her daughter found mountains of correspondence between her mother and Frank, a still-at-large scammer suspected to be operating from Ghana. Laura created fake LLCs and dating profiles, wired money to fraudulent companies, and even opened a line of credit against her mortgage—all under Frank's direction.Laura Kowal’s story is an extreme example of an all-too-common scheme known as romance fraud. It’s a $1.17 million-per-year problem, according to the Federal Trade Commission; true financial losses are undoubtedly more than what’s reported.The most common refrain from victims of romance scammers is a variation of “I never thought it could happen to me.” But victims cover every income bracket, educational level, race, sex, and age. That means it could happen to you, but a few tips and some crucial information about the practice can protect your heart and bank account. Here, PeopleFinders outlines the red flags to watch for and how to protect yourself.Looks Can Be Deceiving… and Sometimes Downright UntruthfulEven though “Catfish,” the popular TV show featuring online impersonators and romance scammers, has been around for nearly 14 years, romance scams remain prevalent. While many catfishers and romance scammers simply want attention or to live vicariously through a different avatar, others are after money.What these fraudsters have in common is the audacity to prey on rudimentary human emotions—love and belonging. Humans have been primed, after hundreds of thousands of years of evolution, to rely on others for support.Romance scammers often target people in emotionally vulnerable situations, such as recent widows and divorcees. After they get their victims emotionally invested in the “relationship,” they start asking for favors. Scammers might become increasingly aggressive over time to siphon more and more money. It’s little wonder that romance scams are, on average, the most financially devastating type of impostor fraud.5 Indications Your Online Flame Is a ScammerIt can be disheartening (at best) to realize the nice person you’re chatting with online may be a romance scammer. The earlier you find out, though, the better. Here are five red flags that often arise with romance fraud.1. They make a love declaration fairly early after the first message.Attraction between two people can happen rather quickly, but John Denver nailed it when he said that true love takes time. Early love bombing can signal that your online crush is much more interested in your finances than your actual self.2. Their messages persist no matter how disinterested you become.If the love bombing gives you pause, you might want to cool things off with your new friend. If they remain abnormally persistent in their efforts to worm their way into your heart or do not at least acknowledge your concerns, however, you should become even more skeptical. Romance scammers do not stop easily; fraud is their livelihood, after all.3. They continually decline video chats.Taking online chats to the next level usually involves live video calls. Seems natural, right?Romance scammers—especially catfishers—will make every excuse not to get on a video chat. Beware of someone whose video technology seems to always be “broken.” Extend the same skepticism to chatters who can never seem to find time to meet in person.4. The messages come out of nowhere.Nearly half of romance scams originate on social media. If a stranger flirtatiously messages you on Facebook or Instagram, proceed only with extreme caution. Although plenty of fraudsters go through dating sites, social media can be even more lucrative, as they lack many of the same verification procedures and safeguards.5. They ask for money or gift cards.More often than not, romance scammers are simply after your money. The variations on the I-need-money-desperately scam are endless, but they often coincide with a sudden emergency, such as legal trouble or a relative’s illness.3 Indications Your In-Person Date Is Up to SomethingSimon Leviev, more commonly known as the Tinder Swindler following Netflix’s popular 2022 documentary of the same name, represents one of the most extreme examples of in-person romance scams. Over the course of several years, he reaped nearly $10 million from dozens of people, mainly women he emotionally manipulated into believing he was their exclusive romantic partner.While relatively few romance scammers have the gall to meet their victims in person, you can never rule it out. Watch out for these behaviors.1. They seem overly eager about cohabitating.The more efficient romance scammers are, the more money they can pocket. If they believe they can get money out of you, they won’t waste any time moving the relationship to the next stage. Having easy access to your checkbook and other personal belongings makes the fraud that much easier.2. They change the subject when the talk turns to personal details.Romance fraudsters don’t want you to discover that (nearly) everything they’ve told you is untruthful. The more you dig into the details, the more their story falls apart. They’d rather talk about matters that can’t be verified—or not—online.3. They seem focused on investments or money-making opportunities.A common tactic in romance scams is to ask victims for financial help with fake investments. Scammers assure victims that the opportunities are sure bets and they’ll be able to repay them with the returns.Protecting Yourself From Romance ScamsUnfortunately, covering every known strategy used by romance scammers is not possible. Romance scammers will continue to evolve alongside technology, and constant vigilance is a must.Following these rules will give you a huge advantage over scammers, though:Don’t send money or personally identifiable information to people you’ve just met.If your chatting partner can’t come meet you in person, at least ask them to video chat. Constant refusals should raise your antenna for fraud.Ask a loved one for their opinion on your new friend; infatuation can sometimes cloud our logic.Verify their details using online people search tools.Reverse search their profile pictures online to find the images’ origins.Report suspected fraud to the FTC and your state attorney general.Guard Your Heart This Valentine’s DayTrue love, for most people, is worth risking a little heartache. Before you start spending your hard-earned money on someone else, though, it’s well worth searching up their name and verifying the information they give you.Scammers know how to take advantage of good-intentioned people and their natural longing for companionship. Fraud will always exist in some capacity, and it’s far better to understand the signs before it finds its way to your inbox.This story was produced by PeopleFinders and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	'Tot Time' at Musco Sports Center is fun for young kids Muscatine families with young children have a new indoor place to play at a reasonable price. The Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Musco Sports Center, is offering a new weekly drop-in program especially for young children and their families. “Tot Time” will be held every Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. [...]
	1 injured in Mercer Co. house fire Developing.
	How one state's hunters are taking aim at rural hunger How one state’s hunters are taking aim at rural hungerOn the outskirts of Savannah, Georgia, a line of large chest coolers waits outside Wise Brothers Processing. Inside them, skinned deer lie packed in ice, ready to be cut into cubes, ground up, or made into sausage, depending on the customer’s order. Once ready, the meat is wrapped and placed in the freezer for the hunters to take back home.This is all pretty standard for deer hunters, the way animals they shoot become meat to feed their families. But a lot of this meat isn’t going back to the hunters who brought it — it’s bound for a soup kitchen in the heart of Savannah.“The charity that we use, they feed 250-plus people, three times a day,” said Debra Wise, who runs the business along with the rest of her family. They’ve sent 500 pounds of ground venison to Old Savannah City Mission so far this year, she told Grist.The Wises are taking part in the Georgia Wildlife Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry program. Georgia hunters are allowed to kill up to 12 deer in a year, but many don’t have the freezer space to keep them all or don’t need that much meat to feed their families. Hunters for the Hungry allows them to donate the extra. The state recently increased funding to $350,000 annually, allowing the program to expand from six processors to 56 and add freezer trailers to store additional meat. This year, the program has set a goal of collecting 140,000 pounds of donations, which the state Department of Natural Resources estimates can feed 560,000 people.“They reached out to us and asked us if we would be interested in accepting the deer for the hunter program, and of course we jumped right on it,” Wise said. “Anything to help someone out, we’re all about it.”Each processor donates the meat and distributes it within their local community. Hunters for the Hungry isn’t specifically designed to address rural hunger, and some meat — including the Wise Brothers’ — goes to city-based charities. But since most processors are located out in the country, where the hunting is, a lot of the donations end up staying there.Across Georgia, nearly 15% of families are food insecure, meaning they have limited or uncertain access to adequate food, according to Feeding America. Some of the highest rates are in rural counties. Rural Hancock County, nestled between Atlanta and Augusta, has the highest rate in the country of children facing food insecurity, at 47%. Nationwide, 86% of counties with the highest food insecurity rates are rural.The hunger rates in rural areas stand in contrast to the amount of food produced there. For example, in Georgia agriculture is the biggest industry. The state is first in the country for broiler chickens, hatching eggs, and peanuts, and produces significant amounts of beef, dairy, corn, and blueberries. But most of that food is produced at a large scale to supply the wider U.S. food system, going to processors and distributors before reaching grocery stores, which means the majority of people who grow food and farm animals have to rely on grocery stores to buy their food just like people in big cities.“Not every county or not every region has all these different products, so we rely on a food system that is able, through processing and retail, to combine all these products for the benefit of consumers,” said University of Georgia professor Vanessa Shonkwiler, who studies local food systems. “But then back to our rural food insecurity — this food system is not necessarily able to reach everyone.”Collective reliance on that system also means impacts of climate change — even in other parts of the country or elsewhere in the world — can further undermine food security by disrupting supply chains and making prices more volatile.“There’s not necessarily a recipe that we can apply here and there,” Shonkwiler said. Because people are so spread out in rural areas, she added, typical solutions like food pantries aren’t always effective.“One size doesn’t fit all. And it’s really the collaboration between different entities that makes it work or doesn’t,” Shonkwiler said.Nonprofits, churches, universities, and other groups have taken many approaches to rural hunger. Some of Shonkwiler’s students recently conducted feasibility studies of different models, including a small neighborhood grocery store and a mobile grocery truck. Some nonprofits actually run small grocery stores. Another organization Shonkwiler works with is preparing to try out a model that’s worked in Europe, in which a self-service grocery store is set up in a shipping container for people to access essentials without the added expense of staffing.The common thread to efforts that succeed, Shonkwiler said, is the level of buy-in from local leaders and the community, who need to be invested in the solution for it to work.But even working models are now struggling after the 43-day government shutdown halted funding that food-aid organizations count on. “It’s directly the survival of the nonprofit here that is at stake,” Shonkwiler said.Some have had to shut down stores or programs that serve rural Georgia, at least temporarily, so they can keep feeding people in the long term. Other federal funding cuts have hit rural food programs, too. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Childcare Access and Nutrition Systems grant program, for instance, funded a food bank, a farmers market, a mobile kitchen, and other programs in rural southwest Georgia — but it was canceled earlier this year, according to Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff’s office.For people in food deserts, living at least 10 miles from any supermarket and struggling to make ends meet, that means resources they’ve come to count on may not be available this holiday season.But rural Georgians are finding other ways to help each other out. Beyond the state-sponsored Hunters for the Hungry program, Wise Brothers Processing often donates meat to families in need. Recently, Wise said, a local church contacted them about a family with a sick child who needed some help. They’ve sent the family venison, and plan to send more soon.“That brings joy to our hearts, to know that we’re able to help someone else when we’ve had to have help before, too,” Wise said. “It’s just, you know, the Lord has blessed us and we’d like to bless in return.”This coverage is made possible through a partnership between Grist and WABE, Atlanta’s NPR station.This story was produced by Grist and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Impulse buying: Why it happens and 9 smart ways to curb it Impulse buying: Why it happens and 9 smart ways to curb itYou’re scrolling through social media, something catches your eye, and before you’ve really thought it through, it’s already on its way to your door.Beyond Finance explains impulse buying in plain terms — what it is, why it happens, the signs it may be a problem and nine practical ways to curb these habits.What is Impulse Buying?Impulse buying means making a purchase that you didn’t plan ahead of time. An impulse buy could be made online or in-store. It could be a small item like some Skittles from the gas station or something larger, like a $5,000 elliptical machine you spotted on eBay.While impulse buying is often associated with online shopping, research suggests it happens even more in stores. A 2022 Kantar survey found that nearly 8 in 10 shoppers made an impulse purchase in-store, compared to just 58% online — with store aisles being the biggest trigger.Some impulse buys are not a problem — you see toilet paper, remember you’re low, and make that necessary purchase. But if you’re making impulse purchases too much, it can be a sign of a larger problem.Why Does Impulse Buying Happen?There are a lot of psychological factors that play into an impulse purchase. Some of them are external, meaning they come from the environment surrounding the purchase, and some are internal. The internal factors come from within and relate to our own state of mind, history and inclinations.The Idea of Getting a DealImpulse buying sometimes occurs because a person feels like they don’t want to miss out on a deal. Sellers play on this feeling by putting a time limit on a sale item or a discount and making it seem like it’d be the end of the world if you missed out. Even if someone didn’t particularly need the product or service, this strategy creates a sense of urgency that’s hard to pass by.Instant GratificationIt can feel really great to make an impulse purchase. This is because gaining something new provides a hit of dopamine — a chemical that makes you feel good — to the brain. There’s always an internal conflict between short-term rewards (that dopamine hit) and long-term rewards (having more savings) and many times the short-term gratification wins out. But if you’re not careful, this wonderful feeling you get from buying things can become an addiction.External StimuliMarketers are experts at knowing how and where to place items so consumers are most likely to buy. Specific smells piped into stores, attractive window displays, background music — all of this is carefully designed stimuli psychologically proven to trigger purchases. Even the way online shopping is curated feeds into this consumer behavior.Your Own HistoryIt’s possible you picked up impulse-buying behaviors from your parents or other influential figures in your life. Or you may never have been instilled with a healthy financial mindset that values saving or being thoughtful in making purchases. This doesn’t mean you should blame your family or your parents. They themselves may be victims of the same cycle of unhealthy spending habits.Signs that Impulse Buying is Becoming a ProblemIf any of these things resonate, it could be a sign that impulse buying is becoming a larger problem:You’re shopping when you’re bored.You have too many things.You buy things to keep up with (or feel more important than) other people.Your finances are in trouble.You buy things to celebrate.You buy things to feel better when you’re sad.If any of these things sound familiar, check out the next section to learn how to curb your impulse buying.How to Control Your Impulse Buying1. Make a Shopping List and Stick to ItWhatever you’re shopping for — groceries, clothes, or anything else — make a list and only purchase the things on that list. Try not to wander the aisles. You’re on a mission. If it helps, make it a game to grab the items you need and get to the cash register as quickly as possible.2. Don’t Join Email ListsEmail lists tend to be marketing ploys to sell, sell, sell. Don’t set yourself up to fail by exposing yourself to these never-ending sales pitches.3. Wait 24-48 Hours Before Making a PurchaseOften when you give yourself time to cool off from that initial excitement about something, your enthusiasm for it can diminish. Even if you feel really sure that you want something, give yourself some time for the logic side of your brain to kick in and the dopamine to subside. This will help you to make sure it’s something you really want.4. Bring an Accountability Shopping BuddyIt can help to go shopping with someone who has your best interests at heart. They may be able to help you put unnecessary things back on the shelf, or their very presence may be reminder enough to stay focused.5. Budget Some Money for Fun SpendingWhile it’s unwise to continually make unplanned purchases, you shouldn’t deprive yourself of some retail therapy every now and then if it’s something that truly brings you joy. Also, being overly restrictive with your impulses can force those impulses out in unhealthy ways. Lay out a budget each month for fun stuff and let that impulsive buyer side out, guided by some boundaries.6. Limit Your Social Media IntakeMichelle Giordano, a counselor at Live Another Day, an organization that provides addiction recovery resources, says that “the commercial culture and advertising that frequently promotes the notion that material items will bring happiness or prestige are … factors that contribute to impulsive buying. In order to feel good about themselves, people feel under pressure to buy new goods all the time. This can lead to a cycle of consuming.”To avoid falling into this trap, keep the time you spend on social media to a minimum. This will help to get rid of the temptation of targeted ads, and it’ll keep you from comparing what you have to what other people have. A “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality will lock you into perpetual disappointment because there’s always going to be someone who has something that you don’t.7. Avoid Shopping When You’re EmotionalFinancial therapist Nathan Astle says that “impulse buying is not an issue of impulse most of the time — it’s an issue of dealing with uncomfortable emotions.” Astle adds that we often buy things because “we are tired, hungry, stressed, sad, frustrated or overwhelmed, and we don’t know how to regulate those emotions. So if we can start to name those emotions, we can look for what they’re actually telling us we need — a rest, a hug, a self-care break, a conversation with someone or a cry.”8. Bring Cash and Leave the Cards BehindIt’s just too easy to swipe a card and forget about the consequences of spending that money. Avoid impulse buying by bringing only the cash you need on shopping trips and leaving your debit and credit cards behind.9. Remember Your Financial GoalsDo you want to be able to pay off your debt? Purchase a home in a few years? Build up enough savings to retire early? Focusing on these important personal finance goals can help you keep your eye on the prize and recognize that each unnecessary purchase is further distancing you from your financial dreams.Final WordsEvery once in a while, indulging in a “treat yourself” purchase is totally OK. As long as these indulgences are not too frequent or affecting your financial bottom line, it can even be a healthy outlet.But if you notice that your impulse spending is getting out of hand, you should start doing something about it. Whether you opt to follow one or more of the tips above, or enlist the help of a mental health professional, it’s important to do the following:Recognize the problem.Figure out where it’s coming from.Take the necessary steps to unlearn this behavior.Future you will thank you for it.This story was produced by Beyond Finance and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Man awaiting trial in sex abuse case arrest for allegedly sexually abusing child A 22-year-old Davenport man who is awaiting trial for allegedly sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl last year was arrested Thursday for allegedly sexually abused a child.
	What is heart rate variability (HRV)? What is heart rate variability (HRV)?As popular as the metaphor may be, a healthy heart doesn’t beat as regularly as a metronome. In fact, it changes its rhythm with each beat. Heart rate variability, or HRV, is a measure of the constant variation in milliseconds between your heartbeats.Some situations increase variation, leading to a higher HRV, while others cause the time intervals between beats to stay more consistent, leading to a lower HRV.While subtle, these variations reflect your heart’s ability to respond to different situations. HRV can react to stress and/or illness before your resting heart rate (RHR), which makes it one of your body’s most powerful signals—providing useful insights into your stress levels, recovery status, and general well-being.Here, Oura examines what HRV is and why it matters for your health. Oura HRV and Your Nervous SystemHRV is linked to your autonomic nervous system (ANS)—specifically, the balance between the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), also known as the rest-and-digest branch, and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), known as the fight-or-flight branch.By balancing the two forces, your ANS helps you respond to daily stressors and regulate some of your body’s most important systems, including heart rate, respiration, and digestion.Independently, your heart beats to its own rhythm thanks to a built-in pacemaker called the sinoatrial (SA) node. Your SA keeps your heart firing at around 100 beats per minute.However, your ANS greatly influences how your heart beats. Think of it this way: All the cells within your heart’s pacemaker have direct phone lines from both sides of your ANS. They give input, beat to beat, on a cellular level to your heart.The PNS, or rest-and-digest system, tells your heart to slow down, making room for variability between beats (higher HRV).The SNS, or fight-or-flight system, tells your heart to speed up, limiting space for variability (lower HRV).These two systems can be silent, active, or shouting over each other at any given time. That’s a lot of conversation, and it leads to a lot of variation.What Does Higher or Lower HRV Mean?As a rule of thumb:Higher HRV is associated with rest-and-digest, general fitness, and good recoveryLower HRV is associated with fight-or-flight responses, stress, illness, or overtraining Oura However, keep in mind that your HRV is highly unique to you. “High” and “low” HRV is relative for each person—it’s a very sensitive metric. Some individuals have steady HRV scores, while others fluctuate considerably.It’s normal to see daily and seasonal fluctuations in your HRV.Can You Improve Your HRV?Yes, you can improve your HRV by focusing on healthy lifestyle habits. However, there are certain factors outside your control, such as age or genetics.Factors You Can’t ControlGenetic factors: Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining your baseline HRV. Variations in genes mean you have a unique ANS, which leads to individual differences in HRV patterns. As a result, you may naturally have higher or lower HRV. While you can’t change your genetic predispositions, it can help you to understand your HRV baseline.Age: HRV changes with age. Generally, HRV tends to decrease as you get older. This decline is attributed to various age-related changes in the ANS and heart function. Nonetheless, even within specific age groups, individual differences in HRV exist.Hormone cycles: Hormone cycles, particularly in women, can influence HRV. Menstrual cycles and fluctuations in sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, can affect the ANS and, consequently, HRV. Changes in HRV during different phases of the menstrual cycle are not uncommon.Mental health and emotion: Positive emotions and relaxation have been shown to increase HRV, indicating a more flexible and adaptive ANS. Conversely, anxiety and stress can lower HRV, indicating a less resilient autonomic response.Illness: Certain illnesses and health problems, like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, or respiratory disorders, can impact HRV. During illness, HRV may decrease due to the body’s response to physiological stress.Factors You Can ControlSleep routine: Your internal biological rhythms, such as the circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle, can affect HRV. For example, a sleep-wake cycle that promotes adequate, restful sleep can result in better HRV, whereas sleep disturbances and sleep deprivation can lead to decreased HRV. The good news is that you can align your lifestyle with your body’s natural rhythm to enhance your sleep routine and, in turn, HRV.Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as air quality, temperature, and altitude, can influence HRV.Medications and substances: Various medications and substances can influence the ANS and, consequently, HRV. For instance, substances like alcohol, caffeine, or certain drugs may increase sympathetic activity and reduce HRV.Lifestyle: Your lifestyle choices, including your physical activity, sleep quality, stress management, as well as hydration, and dietary habits, all contribute to your distinct HRV patterns. This means that you have some control over your HRV balance.What Is a Normal HRV?A normal HRV for adults can range anywhere from below 20 to over 200 milliseconds.* The best way to determine your HRV normal range is to use a wearable that measures your HRV in a controlled setting, like sleep, and establishes a baseline over a few weeks. Oura Is It Normal For Your HRV to Fluctuate?Yes, HRV is a highly responsive metric.While some explanations of HRV oversimplify it by asserting that a high number is always good and a low one is always bad, it’s far more complex.In fact, there are situations where low HRV is necessary and even desirable. For example, during strenuous exercise, low HRV is a reflection of your fight-or-flight system appropriately dominating to get your heart rate up for activity. Your HRV will rebound afterward, as your rest-and-digest system takes over to help you recover.These fluctuations occur throughout the day, as different daily stressors continuously challenge your system. Simply being excited or moving from the couch to the bathroom can change your HRV at any given moment.By measuring your HRV during the day, you’re capturing your body’s response to these fleeting changes. If you want to understand your chronic physiological state, the best time to measure HRV is while you sleep.At night, your body is in a consistent state, without any confounding variables (e.g., food, social interactions, changing environment). Some wearables take the apples-to-apples approach when it comes to your measurements. They fail to caveat that daytime measurements might mask your underlying ANS balance.Monitoring your HRV can help you reach peak productivity, manage stress, and fine-tune your training regimen.A single nightly HRV reading can provide insights, like:A higher HRV score that reflects a rest day, cool bedroom, or “mindful” low/moderate intensity activities such as hiking or yogaA lower HRV score that results from dehydration, alcohol, a late meal or exercise, illness, a high-intensity workout, acute stress, or a hot bedroomYou may notice that your HRV varies greatly from day to day. If you’re looking for patterns, what matters is your HRV trend.HRV: Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is HRV?HRV refers to the natural, millisecond-by-millisecond variation in the time between your heartbeats. It’s a key indicator of your nervous system’s balance, showing how well your body adapts to stress and recovers.What is HRV ms?HRV ms is simply the measurement of your heart rate variability and the number you see is expressed in milliseconds (ms). It reflects the tiny, healthy differences in time between each of your heartbeats.What’s a good HRV?There’s no single “good” HRV score since it’s highly personal. Healthy HRV levels can range widely from person to person. The most important thing is to track your own average over time. But if you’re wondering what HRV is good or what a healthy HRV is, know that generally speaking, a higher HRV indicates a state of rest and recovery, while a lower HRV can signal stress, illness, or fatigue.What factors affect my HRV?Many factors influence your HRV, including those you can’t control, like genetics, age, and hormone cycles. However, you can positively impact your HRV through healthy habits. Getting enough quality sleep, managing stress, exercising regularly, and staying hydrated all contribute to a healthier HRV.Why does my HRV fluctuate?It’s completely normal for your HRV to fluctuate throughout the day and from one day to the next. These changes are a reflection of your body’s natural response to different activities and stressors. For example, your HRV will drop during intense exercise and then rebound as your body recovers.*This HRV range is based on data that includes independent academic studies, as well as Oura’s proprietary data. Academic studies are typically restricted to smaller or less diverse populations and, therefore, may not be representative of the general population in isolation. Oura’s goal in providing this broader range is to reflect the largest and most representative dataset possible. While it may be more common for HRV averages to cluster around certain numbers (e.g., 50 ms), there are individuals whose averages may not appear as frequently in the population but still represent their personal normal (e.g., 18 ms). The most effective way to analyze HRV is to compare your values to your personal baseline.This story was produced by Oura and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	It sure doesn't feel like February in the Quad Cities Unseasonably warm spring-like temperatures will dominate the weather across the Quad Cities this weekend into the middle of next week. Rain chances are very slim not only this weekend, but into the early part of next week. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Cook review: True-crime 'Investigation of Lucy Letby' is disturbing documentary This isn't the first documentary about one of the most notorious cases in British history in recent years. But it's one of the most accessible and the most popular. "The Investigation of Lucy Letby" has become a recent hit for streaming viewers. True-crime aficionados - and I am one of them - have followed this [...]
	Long-time Scott County Recorder Rita Vargas won’t run for reelection this fall Rita Vargas has served as Scott County recorder for 24 years.
	Iowa Court of Appeals upholds conviction in 2022 murder in Clinton Trevor Ward was convicted in in 2024 of having killed Dustin "Dusty" Doran in March of 2022.
	Geneseo honors business owner Ray Wirth, as well as two teenagers who saved a neighbor Mayor Sean Johnson said the two teens set the standard for being a neighborly city and were an inspiration to everyone.
	Clinton, Camanche, become Fiber-Connected Communities Clinton and Camanche are now Fiber-Connected Communities after the completion of ImOn’s100% fiber Internet network in the area, a news release says. The completed network delivers fiber-to-the-home and fiber-to-the-business Internet service tomore than 10,000 addresses in Clinton and 2,000 addresses in Camanche, with speeds up to 1 Gbps for homes and 10 Gbps for businesses. [...]
	A Simple Way to Support Heart Health Sorry, but your browser does not support the video tag. var bptVideoPlayer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayer"); if (bptVideoPlayer) { var cssText = "width: 100%;"; cssText += " background: url('" + bptVideoPlayer.getAttribute("poster") + "');"; cssText += " -webkit-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " -moz-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " -o-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " background-size: cover;"; bptVideoPlayer.style.cssText = cssText; var bptVideoPlayerContainer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayerContainer"); if (bptVideoPlayerContainer) { setTimeout(function () { bptVideoPlayerContainer.style.cssText = "display: block; position: relative; margin-bottom: 10px;"; var isIE = navigator.userAgent.match(/ MSIE(([0 - 9] +)(\.[0 - 9] +) ?) /); var isEdge = navigator.userAgent.indexOf("Edge") > -1 \|\| navigator.userAgent.indexOf("Trident") > -1; if (isIE \|\| isEdge) { fixVideoPoster(); } }, 1000); } var bptVideoPlayButton = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayButton"); if (bptVideoPlayButton) { bptVideoPlayButton.addEventListener("click", function () { bptVideoPlayer.play(); }, false); bptVideoPlayer.addEventListener("play", function () { bptVideoPlayButton.style.cssText = "display: none;"; }, false); } var mainImage = document.getElementById("mainImageImgContainer_sm"); if (mainImage) { mainImage.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var mainImage = document.getElementById("photo-noresize"); if (mainImage) { mainImage.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.getElementsByClassName("asset_gallery")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.getElementsByClassName("trb_article_leadart")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.querySelectorAll("[src='https://d372qxeqh8y72i.cloudfront.net/40658c23-7c17-416f-bca8-73ac4721c25c_web.jpg']")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } } function fixVideoPoster() { var videoPlayer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayer"); var videoPoster = document.getElementById("bptVideoPoster"); fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster, true); window.onresize = function() { fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster); }; videoPoster.onclick = function() { videoPlayer.play(); videoPoster.style.display = "none"; }; videoPlayer.onplay = function() { videoPoster.style.display = "none"; }; } function fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster, display) { setTimeout(function () { var videoPosition = videoPlayer.getBoundingClientRect(); videoPoster.style.position = "absolute"; videoPoster.style.top = "0"; videoPoster.style.left = "0"; videoPoster.style.width = videoPlayer.offsetWidth + "px"; videoPoster.style.height = (videoPlayer.offsetHeight + 20) + "px"; if (display) { videoPoster.style.display = "inline"; } }, 1010); } (BPT) - Small changes to your diet can make a real difference for your heart. Macadamia nuts, like those from Mauna Loa, are gaining attention for their heart-healthy fat profile and versatility.These nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats and have a balanced ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids — a combination that research links to improvements in cholesterol levels. Regularly adding macadamias to your diet may help lower total and LDL cholesterol, two important markers of heart health.They're also easy to incorporate into meals and snacks. A handful can be paired with berries, blended into hummus, or tossed into a tropical slaw. Whether eaten on their own or added to a recipe, macadamias make it easy to boost your intake of healthy fats without major changes to your routine.For more tips and recipes, visit maunaloa.com and discover simple ways to add heart-healthy nuts to your daily meals. Find Mauna Loa products on their website and nationwide at retailers like Walmart, Albertsons, Target and CVS.
	Aledo residents speak on trash troubles The city received more than 600 complaints from residents about Lakeshore Recycling Systems.
	Dispatches from Des Moines: Moments of reflection at the Iowa State Capitol During the legislative session, the Iowa State Capitol is a bustling hub of state lawmakers, lobbyists, staff and reporters. Whenever I get overwhelmed, I remind myself to just look up.
	Eight months on, investigation still 'extensive' after teens removed from Louisa County camp In June, Iowa and Louisa County authorities took 88 minors into protective custody at a faith-based substance abuse recovery camp near Columbus Junction.

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