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

Friday, May 8th, 2026
	Here's how you can celebrate mom in the Quad Cities region this weekend Mother's Day is this Sunday, and several local businesses and organizations are hosting special events to celebrate the women we look up to.
	Moline's Wharton Field House gets major interior refresh A major restoration project is underway as crews repaint the iconic gym’s ceiling while working to preserve the building’s historic character.
	Davenport man sentenced to 100 years in prison for sexually abusing four children A Davenport man who was found guilty by a Scott County jury of sexually abusing four children under the age of 12 has been sentenced to 100 years in prison.
	Clinton police arrest suspect after gunfire incident A 31-year-old man was being held Friday in Clinton County Jail after gunfire rang out in Clinton, according to a news release from the Clinton Police Department. Shortly before 2 p.m. May 6, Clinton police responded to a report of a gunfire in the 200 block of Main Avenue in Clinton. The preliminary investigation indicated [...]
	Mother's Day looks pretty good (weatherwise) in the Quad Cities It's a big weekend for moms all around the Quad Cities (and beyond) and the weather looks pretty good here at home! We'll see some sunshine and highs in the 70s Saturday and then in the 60s Sunday.
	Muscatine garage fire causes an estimated $30K in damage The Muscatine Fire Department responded to an unattached garage fire on the 1000 block of Lincoln Boulevard.
	78 Rock Island seniors to be awarded scholarships from Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation The scholarships are worth more than $215,000 in total.
	Monster Jam roars into the QCA You can see some of your favorite monsters trucks in action as they roar into the QCA! Grave Digger driver Matt Cody joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about Monster Jam at Vibrant Arena at The MARK. For more information, click here.
	Davenport police investigate shots fired incident near St. Ambrose University Davenport police are investigating a shots fired incident that occurred between two vehicles near the campus of St. Ambrose University on Friday.
	Muscatine to honor fallen officers on Peace Officers Memorial Day The City of Muscatine and the Muscatine police Department will be observing Peace Officers Memorial Day on Friday, May 15th. The day also falls on National Police Week which runs from May 10th to May 16th. The City will be honoring officers: Thomas D. Moore - A patrolman who passed at age 31 on July [...]
	Beaux Arts Fair spring edition returns to fairgrounds this weekend The spring edition returns to Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds on May 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking for the all-outdoor, pet-friendly show are free.
	Man charged after firing gun at vehicles twice in one week, police say Larry Stauffer, III, has been charged after police said he shot at two vehicles within the same week.
	Muscatine police arrest 13-year-old for burglary, criminal mischief On Thursday, May 7, a 13-year-old Muscatine boy was arrested by Muscatine police for crimes that occurred between April 25 and May 6, according to a news release from the Muscatine Police Department. The boy is accused of stealing alcohol from Maverik Convenience Store, 1429 Park Ave., about 10:38 p.m. April 25. He also is [...]
	Multiple upcoming events planned across the Quad Cities Civil War reenactment, Monster Jam, Taco and Margarita Festival, Putnam Palooza and Big Brothers Big Sisters’ annual plant sale to be held in the Quad Cities.
	Davenport flood mitigation project receives $3M in federal funding City officials say the project was developed after the historic flooding of 2019, when river levels came dangerously close to impacting the facility.
	Man arrested in Clinton after allegedly shooting 2 vehicles Larry Stauffer III has been charged with reckless use of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a domestic assault offender and intimidation with a dangerous weapon.
	Gunfire damages car in St. Ambrose, Davenport, parking lot A car in a St. Ambrose University parking lot at Gaines and Lombard streets, Davenport, was damaged by gunfire Friday afternoon, according to Davenport police. After the incident, which happened shortly before 3 p.m., students gathered around the four-door sedan to see the damage. Our Quad Cities News crew saw broken glass near the car. [...]
	Iowa researcher exploring how untreated anxiety can lead to moments of rage in parents Have you ever experienced 'mom rage'? It turns out you're not alone, and it can impact mothers and fathers. Here's what research has found that could help reduce it.
	Man sentenced to 100 years in prison on sex abuse charges Daryl Guinn, 55, was charged in 2024 with four counts of sex abuse in the second degree for the sexual abuse of four children.
	Bird's-eye views from across the Quad Cities region during the week of May 8, 2026 Sit back, relax and enjoy these scenes captured by the News 8 drone from across the Quad Cities region this week.
	Civil War reenactments and annual quilt show coming to Bishop Hill next weekend You can enjoy a weekend of quilts, music, speeches and Civil War reenactments May 15-16.
	Man arrested after Davenport stabbing 49-year-old Maruion McDowell has been charged with willful injury causing serious injury, domestic abuse assault and possession of a controlled substance.
	Big Brothers Big Sisters' annual plant sale returns Every purchase helps fund the nonprofit's youth mentoring programs across the QCA.
	Shots fired in St. Ambrose parking lot on Friday afternoon University officials said the incident appears to have been perpetrated by people not affiliated with SAU and was not targeting the college.
	Officials: ‘No ongoing threat’ after gunfire at St. Ambrose University Preliminary information shows the people involved are not connected to the university, officials said.
	First Army honors Quad Cities World War II hero with exhibit at RI Arsenal Museum First Army will honor one of the Quad Cities most respected World War II heroes with an exhibit worthy of his contributions to a grateful nation, according to a news release. The Henry Langrehr family will donate military items to First Army headquarters and the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, in honor of Henry Langrehr, who [...]
	Free summer meals available for kids in Bettendorf The school district and the city parks and recreation department are collaborating to provide free breakfast and lunch for kids while school is out.
	Davenport receives $3 million for wastewater flood protection project City officials say the project was developed after the historic flooding of 2019, when river levels came dangerously close to impacting the facility.
	Iowa’s Coach McCollum getting contract extension, ESPN reports Iowa’s success in the NCAA Tournament is reportedly earning Ben McCollum a new contract.
	4 Your Money \| Running on Empty For all the turbulence in the economy in recent months, American households have proved to be resilient but there are areas to watch. John Nelson, Financial Planner at NelsonCorp Wealth Management, shares the current auto loan delinquency rates that may indicate the first signs of consumer stress.
	UFO files spanning decades are released by Defense Department Cold War reports of mysterious rotating saucers; recent sightings of metallic elliptical objects floating in mid-air. Those and other reports of unidentifiable anomalous phenomena or UAPs — the military's term for UFOs — are described in documents released Friday.
	20th Cyclone Tailgate Tour comes to Davenport May 18 The 20th annual Cyclone Tailgate Tour comes to Rhythm City Casino, 7077 Elmore Avenue in Davenport, on Monday, May 18. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and a program from Iowa State staff and head coaches starts around 7 p.m. Each Cyclone Tailgate Tour stop is free and open to fans of all ages. These family-friendly events let [...]
	Man sentenced on indecent contact with a child, drug charges Robert Joiner, 48, was sentenced to 14 years in prison Wednesday on two indecent contact with a child charges and two drug distribution to a minor charges,
	Mike Ahrens retiring as Bettendorf swimming coach Mike Ahrens is retiring from coaching swimming and teaching after 32 years at Bettendorf High School. During his career, he coached teams to six state titles, was named national Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Iowa Hall of Fame earlier this year. His induction ceremony document says, in part, “Over the past 64 [...]
	Study: Most eastern Iowa parents reported symptoms of parental rage Have you ever experienced 'mom rage'? It turns out you're not alone, and it can impact mothers and fathers. Here's what research has found that could help reduce it.
	McDonough County sheriff: Public asked to avoid Good Hope, area school on soft lockdown This is a developing situation and details are limited. News 8 will update this story as more information is made available.
	East Moline Police request public's assistance finding missing teen The East Moline Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance locating a missing teen. According to a release, Matthew JM Theuninck, 15, was reported missing May 3. He was last seen at approximately 8:45 p.m. There is currently no information indicating Theuninck is in danger, but family and law enforcement are concerned for his welfare. [...]
	East Moline police ask for help locating missing teen East Moline police are asking for the public’s help locating 15-year-old Matthew Theuninck, who was last seen on May 3.
	Canvas is back online, but questions — and final exam disruptions — linger Some schools are warning users not to log back into Canvas yet, after a ransomware group claimed credit for a data breach. Half of North America's higher education institutions use the platform.
	"Stop the Scammers" fraud education event on Tuesday in Davenport “Stop the Scammers” fraud education event on May 12 in Davenport. Opportunity to hear from state leaders on scams impacting Iowans in the digital age.
	RDA awards grants totaling almost $2 million The Regional Development Authority (RDA) Board met at Rhythm City Casino Resort on May 7 to approve 54 grant awards totaling $1,975,156. These grants support a wide range of community development efforts in the Quad Cities region for economic development, arts & culture, human services, and education. The awards include payments for three Transformational Initiatives [...]
	Food & Water Watch protests Miller-Meeks outside MercyOne Genesis in Davenport On Thursday, advocates organized by Food & Water Watch protested in Davenport against U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ vote last summer on Medicaid cuts and their impact on water and health.
	Resignations, hirings and other Moline School District personnel news from April 27 See the personnel items from the April 27 agenda of the Moline-Coal Valley School District. The board met at the Moline Education Center, 1900 52nd Avenue in Moline.
	Stamp Out Hunger food drive returns Saturday across the Quad Cities United Way of the Quad Cities is teaming up with the U.S. Postal Service and other local partners this weekend to fight hunger—right from your own home.
	Colombia's rogue hippos could find refuge in India In Colombia, a plan to cull Pablo Escobar's invasive hippos is challenged by an Indian billionaire's offer to relocate dozens of the animals to India's wildlife reserve instead.
	Drivers: Traffic alerts for Scott County It's an Our Quad Cities News traffic alert. According to releases from the Scott County Road Department, Park View Dr. may be restricted to one lane of traffic between Scott Park Rd. and Manor Dr. for a roadway improvement project. The project is set to include curb replacement, pavement scarification and asphalt resurfacing. When restrictions [...]
	Dentist is charged with incompetence, sued for alleged malpractice The Aspen Dental clinic in Ankeny, Iowa. (Photo by Google Earth)An Ankeny dentist who is being sued for alleged malpractice is now facing disciplinary charges of professional incompetence. The Iowa Dental Board has charged Dr. Steven Yuan of Aspen Dental in Ankeny with failure to maintain a reasonably satisfactory standard of competency in the practice of dentistry, and with knowingly making misleading, deceptive, untrue, or fraudulent representations in the practice of the profession. As is customary with all of Iowa’s licensing board actions, the Iowa Dental Board has not publicly disclosed the alleged conduct that gave rise to the disciplinary charges, or stated when that conduct is alleged to have occurred. Board records indicate two investigations into Yuan’s conduct were initiated by the board at some point in 2023. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The board filed the charges against Yuan on Feb. 9, 2026, but they were only recently made public. A board hearing on the charges is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2026. Yuan and Aspen Dental are currently defendants in a civil lawsuit that was filed April 10, 2026, by Linda M. Clouser of Boone. The lawsuit alleges that on May 28, 2024, Clouser visited Aspen Dental in Ankeny and was examined by Yuan, who recommended the surgical extraction of all of her existing upper teeth in anticipation of a full upper-denture implant. The estimated cost of the treatment was $4,774 for tooth extractions and installation of the full upper denture. The lawsuit claims Yuan extracted 13 of Clouser’s teeth but failed to perform an adequate bone reduction or alveoloplasty to eliminate sharp, uneven bone so as to better ensure a stable, comfortable foundation for dentures. The lawsuit claims Clouser was left with painful and bloody gums that caused considerable distress and interfered with her ability to eat. The denture Yuan and Aspen Dental then provided Clouser interfered with her speaking, eating and swallowing; impeded her tongue movement, and “had an outrageous appearance,” the lawsuit claims. In June 2024, Yuan allegedly ordered a remake of the dentures to be fitted on July 1, 2024. However, the lawsuit claims, Clouser was in extreme pain and suffering from swelling in her mouth, and Yuan “would not see Ms. Clouser” when she arrived at the clinic that day. A different dentist, Dr. Marion Jane Blount, attempted to fit Clouser with the remade dentures but without success, the lawsuit claims, and then informed Clouser that Yuan said he couldn’t make any dentures of any kind for her “because her mouth was deformed.” The Aspen Dental staff had provided Clouser with a “CareCredit” account to pay for her dental procedures, although that expense was significantly increased by an interest rate of 19.90%, the lawsuit claims. Clouser allegedly asked for a refund from Aspen Dental but that request was denied. Clouser was later examined by other dental professionals who advised her that reconstructive oral surgery was necessary, the lawsuit claims. Yuan and his fellow defendants have yet to file a response to the lawsuit’s allegations, and a trial date has yet to be set. Yuan did not return messages Thursday from Iowa Capital Dispatch seeking comment for this story. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Your Weekly Michigan Political Brief Illustration by States Newsroom Endorsements State Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) on Thursday endorsed state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) in her race for the Democratic nomination to U.S. Senate. In addition to nailing down the endorsement of former U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow in her run for the Democratic nomination to U.S Senate, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) was also endorsed by the Detroit-based political organization the Original Eastside Slate, community leader Colleen Ochoa Peters and by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. Abdul El-Sayed, who is also seeking the Democratic endorsement for U.S. Senate, announced endorsements from Wayne County Commissioner Martha G. Scott and Detroit City Councilmember Denzel McCampbell. El-Sayed was also endorsed by The Black Slate, a group composed of members of the historic Shrine of the Black Madonna. The Michigan Education Association announced Monday its endorsements for Michigan’s congressional races, all Democrats. They include: Callie Barr in the 1st District, U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten in the 3rd District, state Sen. Sean McCann in the 4th District, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell in the 6th District, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink in the 7th District, U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet in the 8th District, former Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel in the 10th District, state Sen. Jeremy Moss in the 11th District, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib in the 12th District and state Rep. Donavan McKinney in the 13th District. The People’s Coalition announced endorsements this week for Kyle Blomquist as he seeks the Democratic nomination in the 1st Congressional District, William Lawrence as he seeks the Democratic nod in the 7th Congressional District and for U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib as she seeks reelection to the 12th Congressional District. Bath Township Supervisor Ryan Fewins-Bliss and Lansing City Councilwoman Clara Martinez endorsed Bridget Brink for the Democratic nomination in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. Indivisible Michigan 7th endorsed William Lawrence for the Democratic nomination in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) announced on Wednesday the endorsement of musician and Michigan native Ted Nugent as he seeks the Republican nomination for governor. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1564 has endorsed former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan in his independent bid for governor. Announcements Soummer Moore-Crawford officially launched her campaign May 1 for the Democratic nomination to Michigan’s 5th State House District, which is currently held by state Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park). In March, Weiss announced she would not seek a fourth term to represent the district, which is solidly Democratic and covers Northwest Detroit, Oak Park, and all of Royal Oak Township. Kiel Reid, Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 88th House District, will officially launch his campaign at a kickoff party at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 8. Reid is the sole Democrat in the August primary as he seeks to unseat incumbent state Rep. Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores) in November. Also of interest On Wednesday, Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball announced it shifted it’s race rating for Michigan’s 4th Congressional District from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican,” which the campaign of state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) says show “real momentum” as he seeks to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Holland Township). McCann is seeking the Democratic nomination in the August primary against former congressional staffer Diop Harris. Courtesy of Michigan Advance
	CDC hantavirus outbreak classification lowest emergency activation level: Report The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has activated its 24/7 emergency center and classified hantavirus as the lowest activation level, according to a new report on Thursday evening.
	Eastern Iowa Community Colleges impacted by Canvas attack Thousands of schools and universities across the nation were affected by a cyberattack on Canvas, an assignment and grade-tracking site, yesterday. Black Hawk College and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges are among thousands of schools that use the program. Brandon Lange, Associate Dean of E-Learning and Educational Technology at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, spoke with Our [...]
	Police: Man believed gun was empty before teenage boy was shot A 15-year-old boy was shot in Clinton Thursday.
	The complete guide to multi-pass welding The complete guide to multi-pass weldingWelding is a process used in many global industries, from construction and energy to aerospace and maritime. It’s a vital and nuanced skill, making it a highly respected profession that requires years of training.One particular welding nuance is multi-pass welding. Often used on heavier materials and when a superior weld is necessary, this technique allows welders to fuse materials that might otherwise not be fit for welding.This complete guide by Meritus Gas Partners explores multi-pass welding, its uses, and its benefits.What Is Multi-Pass Welding?Multi-pass welding is a process that deposits several weld metal layers to completely fill a joint and create a stronger weld than a single-pass weld could create. Multi-pass welding requires carefully controlled heat input to minimize distortion, which becomes more likely with multiple passes. Proper heat management also ensures that each layer properly fuses.There are different types of passes in multi-pass welding. The first pass is called the root pass, which fuses the root of the joint. The fill passes follow the root pass to build up the weld body until it reaches its required thickness and strength. The final passes are the cap passes. These are used to complete the joint and ensure the weld meets the required visual standards.Every pass adds more heat to the joint, so heat control is vital. Improper heat management can lead to distortion and hydrogen cracking. It could also compromise the base metals’ mechanical properties.What Is Multi-Pass Welding Used For?Multi-pass welding is used on joints that need a strong, durable weld. It’s often used on thick metals and is essential for any materials thicker than 3/8 inch (9.5 millimeters). It can be used to repair thicker materials or build up more material to fill an area. It’s also commonly used on materials that are more sensitive to heat, as multiple passes can allow for better temperature control than a single pass can. Courtesy of Meritus Gas Partners Industries that commonly require multi-pass welding include:Construction: Multi-pass welding is used in the construction industry to weld heavy beams and structural components.Oil and gas: Pipelines that have to be exceedingly strong, some of which are underwater, may require multi-pass welding.Power generation: Many parts in power generation facilities require the strength and flexibility that multi-pass welding delivers.Aerospace: Multi-pass welding is ideal for light materials that must withstand strong forces.Maritime: Thick, heavy materials used in maritime operations like shipbuilding can benefit from the additional strength that multi-pass welding provides.Benefits of Multi-Pass WeldingThe key advantages of this welding technique are:Compatibility with thicker materials: The main benefit of multi-pass welding is that it facilitates the joining of thicker materials that would otherwise be unsuited to welding. It does this by creating stronger welds that improve a joint’s durability and integrity. It even improves the joint on a microscopic level, reducing grain size and enhancing the microstructure. Each new layer normalizes the grain structure of the previous layer, which improves its mechanical qualities, durability and strength.Lower risk of defects: Multi-pass welding also reduces the risk of defects, as the welder has more control over heat input and other parameters. With the ability to evaluate and address any minor issues between each pass, there’s much less pressure for the welder to deliver a perfect single pass.Advanced designs: Multi-pass welding also allows for more complex shapes. Without this technique, many structures would be impossible to build.Challenges of Multi-Pass WeldingMulti-pass welding poses several challenges, such as:Distortion: The additional heat required in multi-pass welding can cause the metal to contract and expand, leading to warping. Distortion is more likely in thinner or larger pieces.Cracking: Incorrect heat management, improper preheating or high residual stresses can cause the weld metal to crack. Certain materials are at additional risk due to hydrogen-induced cracking.Undercut: Multiple passes increase the risk of undercut, where the base metal is melted but not sufficiently filled by the weld metal, resulting in a weakened material.Trapped porosity and slag: Insufficient cleaning between passes, incorrect travel speed or improper shielding can cause porosity or slag to become trapped.Lack of fusion: Caused by an incorrect torch angle, improper travel speed or ineffective heat management, the weld metal may fail to fuse to the previous layers or the sidewall, weakening the entire weld.Time and cost: Multiple passes require more time and resources than single-pass welding.Different Multi-Pass Welding TechniquesMulti-pass welding can use one of several techniques. Courtesy of Meritus Gas Partners MIG Welding (GMAW)Metal inert gas welding, also called gas metal arc welding, uses a wide electrode to heat the two metals to be joined. The electrode is fed through the welding gun at a continuous speed. As it’s fed through, it melts to form the weld metal. An inert gas is also used to create a shield around the weld. Argon, helium and carbon dioxide are commonly used.MIG is one of the fastest welding techniques with a high deposition rate, helping reduce the additional time that multi-pass welding demands. It’s also an efficient technique for filling larger joints and is commonly used on steel and aluminum. For the best results, MIG welding requires consistent travel speeds.TIG Welding (GTAW)Tungsten inert gas, or gas tungsten arc welding, uses gases to protect the weld material like MIG welding does, although MIG and TIG processes vary from there. Rather than a consumable electrode, TIG welding uses a nonconsumable tungsten electrode to create the arc that heats the metal. A separate weld material is then added.This technique requires excellent control and skill, and although TIG welding is slower than MIG welding, it delivers superior results. That’s why it’s often used for thin materials or applications where a superior weld is vital. Common uses of this technique include pressure vessels, airplanes and maritime applications. It’s also regularly used on steel or titanium.Stick Welding (SMAW)Shielded metal arc welding, commonly referred to as stick welding or arc welding, is a versatile technique. It doesn’t require a welding gun and instead uses a consumable electrode rod, which creates the arc and heat for the filler material to weld the materials. The electrode rod is coated in flux that produces carbon dioxide to prevent oxidation or contamination. Specifically, either E6010 or E6011 electrodes are used for the root passes, while E7018 electrodes are used for fill and cap passes.Since stick welding doesn’t require a welding gun, it’s seen as the most accessible welding technique and often chosen for outdoor welding. It’s also a simple — and usually less expensive — approach that doesn’t require as much skill as some other welding techniques.Flux Core Welding (FCAW)Fast and highly portable, flux core welding, also known as flux-cored arc welding, can operate at various voltage levels and angles. This is one of the most efficient welding techniques, with the joined metals cooling quickly. It is also commonly used outdoors, making it perfect for construction projects, particularly those operating in windy conditions.How to Multi-Pass Weld on Different Base MaterialsWhile the process doesn’t inherently change, you may have to adapt your technique to ensure you’re working with your base material’s unique properties in mind.Stainless SteelStainless steel is particularly sensitive to heat and can become sensitized if it gets too hot. Multi-pass welding can help reduce the heat used. Welding with a faster travel speed helps keep the temperature down, and multiple passes give the welder more control over the temperature. Clean the metal between passes to prevent contamination, and if necessary, allow the metal to cool.Carbon SteelSteel that has at least 0.3% carbon should be preheated before welding, and the temperature should be carefully monitored between each pass. For higher-strength grades of steel, use low-hydrogen welding techniques, such as TIG. Beware of hardening and distortion after each pass.High-Strength AlloysHigh-strength alloys can quickly lose their properties when they become too hot but can fail to fuse effectively if they’re too cold. That’s why it’s vital to stay within the narrow heat range specified for each base material.How to Plan and Execute Your Multi-Pass WeldA successful multi-pass weld requires proper preparation and careful execution.Select the welding technique: Decide which technique is best based on the location and application of the weld.Determine the number of passes: Evaluate the joint thickness and design, as well as the diameter of your electrode or wire, to estimate how many passes will be required.Consider preheat requirements: Certain materials, such as high-carbon steels or thicker metals, will require preheating.Create an effective sequence: Use back-stepping to minimize the risks of distortion or cracking. Apply balanced welding to maintain structural integrity and reduce warping.Prepare the joint: Create a smooth and clean bevel of the correct angle, ensuring that it’s free of any contaminants, such as oil, paint or rust.Root pass: Apply a weaving motion for open root joints using a smaller electrode or wire. Ensure proper penetration for the best results.Fill passes: Cover half of the previous pass with the next pass while maintaining good fusion with previous layers and sidewalls.Cap passes: Create a smooth appearance that meets the required visual standards by carefully controlling the weld. Maintain proper reinforcement, around 1/16-1/8 inch above base metal.Multi-Pass Welding Best PracticesWhile you may have to adapt your technique at times, some best practices can be applied to any multi-pass welding process.Choose the Right Welding TechniqueSome welding techniques are better suited to certain situations than others, so choosing the best technique can deliver better results. To find the right technique for your application, consider:What materials you’re welding.How thick the materials are.Whether speed or quality is a higher priority.Which weld properties are required.Adjust Parameters When NecessaryTo ensure the best results, remember that you may need to adjust your parameters from one pass to the next. After each pass, consider whether you need to adjust the voltage, current or travel speed of the next pass.Clean Between PassesFor a strong and smooth weld, clean the joint between each pass. Remove any slag with a wire brush and chipping hammer, paying special attention to the toe areas of the previous pass. Clean until bright metal is visible.Manage the TemperatureManaging the temperature is one of the most important steps to prevent distortion. Monitor the temperature of the joint after each pass with infrared thermometers or other temperature indicators. Typically, the temperature shouldn’t exceed 350-400 Fahrenheit, although this may vary from one application to the next. If the temperature is higher than desired, allow the metal to cool until it’s below the limit.Inspect Your WorkBetween each pass, check for undercut, porosity or incomplete fusion. It’s much easier to repair these defects immediately after they occur, rather than after you’ve made several more passes, so resolve any issues before moving to the next pass.Multi-Pass Welding FAQsSince multi-pass welding differs from single-pass welding in many ways, there are often questions on how to achieve the best results with this technique.How Many Passes Are Required in Multi-Pass Welding?The number of passes needed in multi-pass welding varies from one application to the next. A V-groove joint in a half-inch plate will likely need three to five passes, while the same joint in a 1-inch plate may need 10 or more passes. Other factors, such as the nature of the material, the angle, and the travel speed, will affect how many passes are needed.What Causes Defects in Multi-Pass Welding?Defects in multi-pass welding can be caused by many things, such as:Improper slag or contaminant removal between passes.Incorrect heat and parameter management.Incorrect method choice.Poor technique.Incorrect electrode or wire selection.Can All Welding Processes Be Used for Multi-Pass Welding?All common welding processes can be applied to multi-pass welding, although not every process can be applied to every application, just like with single-pass welding.What Is Porosity?Porosity occurs when gas pockets form in the molten weld metal. As the metal cools and solidifies, these gas pockets become trapped and create cavities in the weld. This weakens the weld and can compromise its integrity.These gas pockets can either be visible on the surface or hidden underneath it.How Do Multiple Passes Improve Weld Quality?Welding with multiple passes can improve the overall weld quality by giving the welder the opportunity to remove or fix defects after each pass. With single-pass welding, the welder can’t fix the defects or further strengthen the weld with additional metal layers. The welder can also control the temperature and other parameters more closely with multiple passes, allowing them to deliver a better final weld.Achieving Superior Welds With Multi-Pass WeldingMulti-pass welding is a vital process in many applications. With various techniques that can be applied to different scenarios to deliver the best results, multi-pass welding requires in-depth knowledge and skill to perform well. However, if applied correctly, multi-pass welding can offer many benefits and superior results, and help fuse materials that might otherwise not be suitable for welding.This story was produced by Meritus Gas Partners and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	QC 4-H members shine at state livestock judging contest Youth from Knox, Warren, and Henderson counties delivered standout performances at the 2026 Illinois 4‑H State Livestock Judging Contest, held April 27 on the University of Illinois campus, a news release says. This year’s contest saw 250 participants, marking a 38% increase from last year as interest in livestock evaluation continues to grow. Severe weather postponed the in‑person [...]
	Former Winnebago Co. deputy, Cherry Valley officer accused of stalking A former Winnebago County deputy and Cherry Valley officer turned himself in Friday in connection to a felony stalking investigation, according to state police.
	As federal government pulls back, Colorado charts independent course with vaccines As state leaders change laws to make vaccines more accessible, a coalition of doctors, public health advocates and everyday Coloradans is trying to start a public conversation about their importance.
	'Blue Film' is a disquieting sit for both characters and audience Blue Film is clearly designed to be unsettling. Its performances are haunting.
	Need readers? New tech-eyewear collaboration makes fashion functional (BPT) - If you're in the market for reading glasses to make your work and leisure activities easier, you might think you have to sacrifice style for practicality. The good news is, readers have come a long way. You can find more choices today than ever before — including the results of a new collaboration that merges technology that makes everyday life easier with the best in stylish eyewear design: Sharper Image x Foster Grant.Soft tech meets the soft life movementThis new partnership combines Foster Grant's proven expertise and originality in eyewear design with the innovative, user-friendly tech approach of Sharper Image. By joining forces, the brands have created elegant, everyday solutions for readers people need for work as well as for simply enjoying their daily lives. Their new readers are perfect not just for engaging with digital devices, but also for slowing down and reading, doing crafts or engaging in other hobbies involving near-vision tasks.Advanced technology that makes life easier These trusted leaders in their respective industries have developed four new collections of readers to meet the moment by satisfying both form and function, using cutting-edge tech and intentional design to combine ease of use with a definite sense of style.Reader with Flashlight Case: It will be easy to protect your wearable and slim new reading glasses, because they come with an efficiently designed, protective hard case. Even better, you'll help protect your vision thanks to the case's built-in compact flashlight that's perfect for reading in low lighting.Reader with Magnetic Sun Clip: You'll get double your value with these sleek clip-on sunglasses. Their quick-and-easy magnetic design makes it easy to switch from your readers to polarized shades while you're out and about.Compact Reader: When you're on the go, it's easy to worry about losing or breaking your readers. Worry no more, as these slim foldable readers come with an innovative, ultra-thin case. The glasses snap into the case for added security, making these glasses easy to carry — and they're great for travel.Tech Reader: Designed to tie back to the Sharper Image philosophy to make health and self-care effortless and intuitive in everyday life by merging thoughtful design with clever functionality, these stylish frames incorporate contemporary design with an emphasis on material and innovative frame features. Their memory metal and flex stainless steel elements ensure an optimal fit and comfort for wearers."We're always exploring new ways to push the limits of eyewear and meet the needs of the current moment, and we saw those same values reflected in Sharper Image," said Mark Flanagan, Director of Design, Foster Grant. "We combined Foster Grant's expertise in the eyewear space with the decades of experience Sharper Image has in integrating technology into everyday life and wellness. These new reader styles result from an optimal combination of technology and design, creating stylish, functional products to enhance your life."These new tech-enhanced options mean you'll never look at your readers the same way again. Learn more about the innovative features and seamless tech integration of the Sharper Image x Foster Grant collaboration, including where you can find these new readers, at https://www.fostergrant.com/collections/sharper-image-x-foster-grant.
	Why kids who love dinosaurs may be smarter than we think Why kids who love dinosaurs may be smarter than we think A child who falls completely in love with dinosaurs has a way of turning everyone around them into an accidental expert. Researchers who study early childhood development have been paying close attention to children who develop that kind of devoted interest in one subject. And what they are learning is helping explain why these early passions can offer important clues about how children begin building knowledge and confidence as they grow.Why Dinosaur Obsessions Are So CommonMost parents of a dinosaur-obsessed child can recall the exact moment they realized their 4-year-old knew more about prehistoric life than they did.The questions come fast, the facts come faster, and before long, family dinner sounds less like casual conversation and more like a nature documentary. And the appeal makes perfect sense. Dinosaurs are enormous, and they have been extinct for millions of years, which makes them endlessly fascinating to young minds eager to understand the world around them.Paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara, director of Rowan University's Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park, has talked about the particular pull these creatures have on children, pointing out that mastering dinosaur knowledge gives kids a rare sense of authority over something vast and complex.“Their parent may be able to name three or four dinosaurs, and the kid can name 20,” Lacovara told CNN, “and the kid seems like a real authority.” Experts say this combination of scale, mystery, and the thrill of knowing more than the adults around them helps explain why dinosaurs become such an all-consuming subject for many young children.Below, Sandbox VR explores how focused childhood interests can support learning and curiosity development.What Researchers Mean by ‘Intense Interests’Researchers who study early childhood development have a specific name for what parents often describe as an obsession, and it turns out there is real science behind it.They call it an "intense interest," and it refers to a focused, all-consuming passion for one particular subject that begins to shape nearly everything about how a child engages with the world around them, from the books they reach for to the questions they ask at the dinner table.Research from Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin found that somewhere between 30% and 50% of preschool-age children develop one of these strong interests at some point, with dinosaurs consistently ranking among the most common examples.Dr. Joyce Alexander, who led much of this research at Indiana University, found that these interests are not random. "The child's personal characteristics do have some effect on the kinds of interests these children develop, but parents clearly play a significant role," she noted, pointing to how the home environment shapes what a child feels free to explore and build on.How Dinosaur Interests Support LearningKnowing why a child locks onto a subject is one thing, but understanding what that focus actually does for their developing brain is where the research gets interesting.The 2008 study "The Development of Conceptual Interests in Young Children," conducted by Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin, found that children who sustain an intense interest show stronger memory, better attention spans, greater persistence, and more advanced language skills than children without a focused interest.Kelli Chen, a pediatric psychiatric occupational therapist at Johns Hopkins, told CNN that "asking questions, finding answers, and gaining expertise is the learning process in general." For young children, play is how that process happens, and an intense interest gives that play a much sharper sense of purpose.Dinosaurs as a Gateway to STEM ThinkingLoving dinosaurs turns out to be surprisingly good training for thinking like a scientist. Children who follow this interest naturally start sorting species by what they ate, how they moved, and when they lived, which is exactly the kind of organizing and categorizing that forms the foundation of scientific thinking.Dr. Richard K. Stucky, a curator at the Denver Museum of Natural History, has described dinosaurs and fossils as "the window through which most kids and many adults now get their first introduction to science," adding that paleontology "inspires a wealth of curiosity about ancient life."Sierra Lawrence builds on that idea about curiosity, pointing out that dinosaur-obsessed kids have “strong, abstract minds” because they are “fascinated by something they can’t see or touch.” She adds that these children “build a whole different world just from pieces of evidence,” and that “when parents encourage this kind of curiosity, it helps grow their kids’ imagination and love for learning.”Children exploring this subject are touching biology, earth science, and cause-and-effect thinking long before anyone formally introduces those concepts to them in a classroom, and they are doing it because they actually want to know the answers.Why Curiosity Matters More Than the Topic ItselfDinosaurs happen to be one of the most common subjects children lock onto, but plenty of kids channel that same level of focus into trains, insects, horses, space, or planes, and the developmental benefits appear to be just as strong regardless of the subject.Research from Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin found that the real value lies in the sustained curiosity itself, not the topic it happens to be attached to.Dr. Joyce Alexander, whose research tracked children from preschool through their early school years, found that early intense interests can shape how children see themselves as learners and can even influence the activities they pursue and the paths they consider later in life.For parents trying to understand where their child's passion comes from, her research suggests that it is rarely just one thing, noting that "it's realizing that these play patterns that we're seeing are just a reflection of this interesting confluence of child characteristics, home characteristics, and parental attitudes and beliefs."The Role of Immersive Learning ExperiencesGiven how much the environment around a child shapes their curiosity, many parents look for ways to build on that natural drive through experiences that bring a subject to life rather than just describing it.Museums, science centers, and hands-on exhibits give children a chance to engage with topics they love in ways that feel less like learning and more like exploration. And technology has since opened up a new layer of that entirely.Fully immersive, interactive experiences can now let children step into worlds they have only ever read about, such as exploring lifelike prehistoric environments alongside friends and family. Research on early childhood education shows that hands-on, interactive environments help children understand and retain information far better than passive forms of learning alone.Lucy Stirn, director of youth education at the International Spy Museum, has pointed out that education has become so focused on benchmarks and test scores that "we have moved away from remembering that not all children learn the same way and that learning can and should be fun."For curious kids, experiences that meet them where their interests already live tend to be the ones that stick.What This Means for ParentsFor any parent who has ever sat through a 40-minute explanation of why the Spinosaurus was bigger than the T. rex, this research offers something reassuring. A child's obsession with one subject, whether it is dinosaurs, trains, bugs, or space, is far more likely to be a sign of healthy, active learning than anything to worry about. Not every child who loves dinosaurs will grow up to be a paleontologist, and that was never the point. The real takeaway, according to researchers, is that the curiosity, persistence, and focus a child builds during these passionate early years tends to stay with them long after the interest itself fades.As Elizabeth Chatel, a marriage and family therapist, told CNN, "It's just that life gets busy and the world opens up, and other interests start to engage them." The obsession may pass, but simply sharing in a child's enthusiasm and showing real interest in what they love is often what keeps that curiosity alive the longest.This story was produced by Sandbox VR and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Free 'Stop the Scammers' roadshow comes to Davenport - sign up here The Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services’ “Stop the Scammers” roadshow, in partnership with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and AARP Iowa, will visit Davenport on Tuesday, May 12, according to a news release. The educational campaign and roadshow seeks to educate Iowans on scams impacting the state and how Iowans can best protect [...]
	New Mexico health officials reassure residents about hantavirus risk following cruise ship outbreak New Mexico public health officials say the deer mouse is one of the reservoirs and transmitters of hantavirus in New Mexico. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)Following a swell of interest in hantavirus after a cruise ship outbreak last week, New Mexico health officials seek to reassure residents that human-to-human transmission risk remains extremely low.SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A hantavirus outbreak sickened at least eight people on a Dutch cruise ship, according to the World Health Organization, resulting in three deaths. Health officials identified the virus as the Andes strain, which is found in Chile and Argentina. It is the only hantavirus strain to have documented person-to-person transmission, but spread is rare and usually linked to close contact over time. More than 30 strains of hantaviruses exist and can cause serious respiratory conditions after infection, according to New Mexico Department of Health officials. “Prevention is always important here in New Mexico because it does circulate in rodents here,” Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Erin Phipps told Source NM. “I do want to emphasize that the Sin Nombre virus, the virus that circulates in New Mexico, does not transmit person-to-person. It transmits only from rodents to humans.” So far, the state has reported only one case in 2026. Phipps said no New Mexicans were reported to be on the cruise ship, according to NMDOH. New Mexico leads the nation in hantavirus infections reported over years. Between 1975 and 2025, New Mexico reported 142 Sin Nombre hantavirus cases resulting in 55 deaths, according to the state’s health department. The disease was the cause of the high-profile death of Betsy Arakawa, the classical pianist married to actor Gene Hackman, who were both found dead in their Santa Fe home last year. Flu-like symptoms of the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome typically develop within one to six weeks from exposure, and can progress into a severe illness. There is no specific treatment for hantavirus, only supportive treatment to reduce fever and ease symptoms, Phipps said. The biggest threat to contracting hantavirus in New Mexico remains coming into contact with infected droppings or nests. The NMDOH has a step-by-step guide to preventing contraction of hantavirus, which includes always using a mask and gloves for contact with rodents and soaking nests and droppings with a disinfectant such as a 10% bleach solution before wiping them up with paper towels. The guide states to never vacuum or sweep up rodent droppings because that can spread virus particles, which can then be inhaled. “I think it’s important to make sure that we provide accurate information to the public so that they know how to best protect themselves,” Phipps said. Courtesy of Source New Mexico
	Court rejects Virginia redistricting in a blow to Democrats' counter to Trump, GOP Virginia voters approved redistricting that could help Democrats pick up four House seats. Democrats said it was to counter the gains that Trump and the GOP have picked up in Republican-led states.
	Rooted in nature, 'Silent Friend' will change the way you see the trees A new art-house drama tells three stories that span the century — and connect to one tree. Silent Friend will open your eyes to the beauty of the natural world.
	Who really needs life insurance in your household? The answer might surprise you Who really needs life insurance in your household? The answer might surprise youThe primary breadwinner always needs the most life insurance coverage — or so societal norms suggest. But this assumption may be contributing to the roughly 60 million uninsured or underinsured American households and the average coverage gap of $200,000.In the traditional breadwinner versus caregiver family structure, the top earner’s coverage is usually prioritized. According to LIMRA, 4 in 10 families would face financial hardship within six months if the primary earner passed away; 1 in 5 families says that it would occur within just one month.The problem is that prioritizing the breadwinner’s coverage usually leaves the other partner underinsured or lacking coverage altogether. While the loss of a higher-income partner would clearly reduce income and might cause financial strain, losing the family’s primary caregiver could create new childcare and household expenses.And with the average stay-at-home parent of two in the United States contributing about $4,500 of unpaid labor per month — roughly $54,000 annually, these new expenses could have a significant impact on the breadwinner’s income. Whatever the case, financial disruption is ultimately the outcome.Family roles don’t always tell the full story. As a result, household roles alone might not be enough to guide coverage decisions.Below, Everly Life explains how household roles influence life insurance coverage decisions and what factors families should consider when evaluating their needs.What Should Actually Drive Coverage DecisionsWhile household roles can influence how families purchase life insurance coverage, there are other effective drivers to consider, including:Financial obligations — Would mortgage payments, medical bills, or other outstanding debts require coverage to avoid a financial crisis?Income replacement — How much of a partner’s income might need to be replaced to maintain a normal standard of living?Future financial goals — Would future financial goals, like college tuition or retirement planning, need to be paused if one partner passes away?Health and lifestyle factors — Could current health concerns or lifestyle factors increase the amount of coverage needed to avoid financial turmoil?Childcare/caregiver costs — What resources would be required to ensure the children have the care they need?What's Behind the Barriers to Adequate Family CoverageAccording to Greenwald Research in 2024, 67% of married/partnered households are likely to have a coverage gap. So, what’s keeping families underinsured?The Gender Protection GapWomen’s household responsibilities are evolving. In 2023, Pew Research analyzed census data, and found that almost a third of women earn as much as their male spouses. Another 16% of households cite the wife as the primary breadwinner. Regardless, women are still more likely than men to remain underinsured or lack coverage altogether (49% versus 55%, respectively).Cost MisconceptionsLIMRA’s research shows that about 75% of Americans overestimate the cost of life insurance. With this mindset, it’s understandable that families who are already stretched thin financially or simply don’t want to incur an additional monthly expense may deprioritize buying the right amount of coverage. However, these cost misconceptions contribute to the growing number of families without adequate coverage — and put them at risk of financial hardship.Lack of KnowledgeEducation is key in determining how much life insurance coverage families need. According to LIMRA’s 2025 Insurance Barometer Study, 41% of U.S. adults say they are somewhat or not at all knowledgeable about life insurance. Furthermore, only 25% of consumers are confident in what they know about life insurance. This lack of education may be contributing to the number of families who lack the coverage they need.Moving Beyond Household Roles in Life Insurance CoverageModern family structures are shifting from traditional gender roles towards more collaborative partnerships. With this shift comes the need for a holistic approach to coverage decisions rather than focusing on salaries and chores.A holistic approach prompts partners to consider both their financial and non-financial impacts within the family. The result? Life insurance coverage that's more reflective of what families would actually need to navigate a loss.Moving beyond household roles in life insurance planning requires partners to broaden their mindset about what life insurance means. But it’s a joint effort; carriers also have a responsibility to educate and simplify coverage explanations to help families confidently close coverage gaps and minimize financial uncertainties.This story was produced by Everly Life and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Popular dessert recalled in Illinois over glass contamination Aldi is recalling a dessert sold in seven states over possible glass contamination.
	Warmer weather after a cold spell We have been seeing a lot of cooler weather in the Quad Cities over the past two weeks with some showing drastic shifts. We have been seeing a lot of 50s and 60s, especially when this past Monday was a high of 83, on to drop 27 degrees in 24 hours for a high of [...]
	How to streamline your food manufacturing process How to streamline your food manufacturing processMeeting rising demand, maintaining strict hygiene regulations, and prioritizing efficiency are growing pressures for food manufacturers. Many of these manufacturers are reducing manual operations, and their associated risks, to handle increasing order volumes.The goal of implementing automation is not to replace workers, but rather to streamline processes, help protect employees from workplace accidents, and increase reliability. Explore Ska Fabricating’s guide on productive methods for streamlining your food manufacturing process.How Does Automation Improve Production Speed and Consistency?Modern food production lines are under pressure to meet demanding targets, whether it is creating tighter profit margins or producing higher quantities of products. Introducing automated production helps you achieve a reliable speed to keep on top of demand.Automated food manufacturing works at your preferred speed and handles repetitive tasks with ease. Replacing manual processes with automation means you can meet these targets and maintain productivity. Other benefits of automation include safety and operational efficiency, primarily through: Courtesy of Ska Fabricating Consistent PerformanceEven if manual container handling eventually reaches certain speeds, fatigue and product demands can slow down production. Manual processing can only reach a certain level of efficiency. Trying to maintain a fast production line with manual operators can make satisfying client expectations difficult.FSMA ComplianceFood production manufacturers need to outline a safety plan, according to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The plan must include information on preventing hazards and the controls in place to lower the risk of contamination.Automation minimizes human contact through built-in controls, therefore limiting the risk of contamination. An automated process ensures your production line remains compliant, eliminating the need to manage potential barriers with human operators.Limiting Injury RisksA human-operated production line poses a high risk of workplace injuries, from lifting materials to operating and moving heavy machinery. Particularly with handling heavy materials and equipment, workers are at greater risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).Additional hazards leading to MSDs include poor posture and repeatedly lifting heavy materials, causing back injuries and sprains. Operating an automated production line reduces the risk of worker injuries and the potential liability for workplace accidents.Hygiene ControlMaintaining stringent hygiene rules while working with food is a time-consuming yet fundamental task. Federal regulations detail the protection measures under Good Manufacturing Practices, including maintaining a clean space and personnel requirements.Managing an automated production line eliminates the risk associated with human interaction and incorporates automated cleaning methods. Implementing ionized air rinsing effectively removes fibers and dust from containers.It is harder to reach the same hygiene standards as automation with manual processing.What Types of Automation Can Benefit Food Manufacturing Facilities?Introducing automation to your food production line saves on manual labor, offering consistency and speed. Various types of automation equipment are available to help your facility flourish and achieve high productivity:Automated depalletizers: Using an automated depalletizer enables you to remove containers quickly. The depalletizer transports products onto a conveyor for the packaging steps and processing stages.Conveyor and accumulation systems: Fitting a conveyor allows for the easy transportation of food products from one stage of the process to the next. Introducing an accumulation system helps maintain a smooth process.Sealing and case erectors: A case erector and sealing system work together to automatically assemble packaging and seal products during the automation process. This helps minimize errors in packaging.Filling machines: Using an automated filling system to fill packaging with precise amounts of food products helps control quantity levels and enhance consistency. Filling automation also limits waste.Verification and inspection: Incorporating a verification and inspection system helps maintain safety by automatically checking for product quality and correct labeling. Detecting issues early in the process allows you to rectify problems quickly.What Are the Different Types of Depalletizers?Finding the best depalletizers for food manufacturing is a significant challenge. Determining the right match involves understanding the key features of depalletizer models:Full-Height DepalletizersDesigned for fast-paced environments, full-height depalletizers efficiently unload pallets. The system lifts each pallet to align with the conveyor, allowing for layer-by-layer container removal.In automatic systems, pusher arms separate layers and remove tier or slip sheets. Manual models rely on operator assistance for this task.Automatic full-height depalletizers maximize throughput with minimal intervention, providing consistent, rapid unloading. Manual options offer flexibility and can be a cost-effective choice for varying demands or lower volumes.Their compact design makes them suitable for confined spaces and ideal for handling containers such as jars and cans.Half-Height DepalletizersFor operations using half-height pallets, specialized depalletizer models are available.Available in both manual and automatic configurations, half-height depalletizers gently sweep each layer of containers onto the conveyor system.Automatic half-height solutions provide controlled, repeatable performance for smaller-scale automation. Manual half-height depalletizers offer exceptional versatility, often being portable and easily storable when not in use.Their design also allows for easier servicing and maintenance due to enhanced accessibility.What Equipment Upgrades Can Streamline Food Production?If you currently manage a manual operation or an automated production line that needs a revamp, upgrading your equipment can improve efficiency in your business. Advancing to better technologies ensures your production line remains consistent and reduces the risk of faults. Courtesy of Ska Fabricating Some examples of these upgrades include:Adaptable handling: Upgrading your equipment to depalletizers that can handle multiple container types is essential for creating a consistent production line. Adaptable handling features enable quick product changeovers and eliminate restrictions where manual handling or outdated equipment falls short.Modern technology: Slow manual handling or outdated equipment may be why you are struggling to meet client demand. Older systems fall short when it comes to maintaining speed and handling various pallets because they are harder to maintain, more likely to break down, and less efficient than modern technology. Adding newer depalletizers to your facility creates a smoother production line and enhances overall productivity.Sensors and controls: Investing in newer depalletizer models is an opportunity to monitor real-time data to evaluate progress. Sensors and smart controls are valuable additions that enable the diagnosis of issues as they arise and identify areas for improvement.Flexible components: Incorporating depalletizers that can manage multiple production lines and various product materials helps keep up with demand. Flexible components allow you to make minor adjustments to meet client requirements without the need for continuous equipment upgrades.Prioritizing quality: Investing in additional machinery upgrades, such as sealing and labeling systems, allows your production line to maintain a competitive speed. Upgrading additional components also helps keep consistent quality across all areas.Choosing Depalletizers for Food ManufacturingIt is essential to remember that some depalletizers are more suitable for particular manufacturers than others. There are some key factors to consider before selecting a depalletizer for your operation:Flexibility: If you anticipate future changes to your production line, opting for portable depalletizers is a viable option. Portable depalletizers are typically half-height and are well-suited for use in small spaces. You can also use a pallet jack to move them.Accessibility and maintenance: Easy access to specific parts of an automated depalletizer for maintenance purposes limits downtime.Speed of production: Consider a depalletizer’s maximum number of cans per minute (CPM) to prioritize the speed of your production line. Choosing an efficient model to match your expectations is crucial to avoid disruption. Facilities with several production lines will require quick changeover speeds.Height and weight: The maximum weight capacity and height restrictions must meet your requirements. Think about your production line and whether it requires the capacity for full-sized pallets. Furthermore, take the average load weight into account.Material type: Assess the materials your production line works with and whether machinery that can operate various material types is a productive choice. Materials such as plastics and cans may need specific handling methods to avoid damage.Automation limits: Fully automated depalletizers require minimal operator direction. Manual depalletizers need operators to handle the controls. Evaluate the size of your production line and whether full automation is necessary.4 Methods for Prioritizing Food SafetyWhen selecting equipment, it is crucial to consider the food safety features and how they will enhance the production process. Understanding the mechanics behind automation allows you to realize the full potential of automation and streamlining food manufacturing:Washdown RatingsMachinery design and materials are essential for maintaining hygiene standards and determining sanitization processes for automated food production systems.While stainless steel offers corrosion resistance and withstands strong cleaning products, other materials, such as powder-treated mild steel, are also used, each contributing to optimal hygiene.A machine’s ability to withstand frequent water exposure is determined by its ingress protection (IP) rating, also known as the washdown rating. The higher the rating, the greater the protection against harsh chemicals and regular sanitation.Managing DunnageDunnage, such as slip or tier sheets, can lead to accumulation issues. Replacing manual dunnage removal with an automated system offers significant convenience benefits.Automated systems separate dunnage into distinct stacks for easier removal, eliminating the need for manual sorting. While cleanliness remains a factor, the primary advantage lies in streamlining the process.Manual dunnage handling can be cumbersome. Automated systems simplify management, enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining the entire process.Ionized Air RinsingEven if you follow strict cleaning and sanitation methods, your work environment can still be exposed to hygiene hazards, such as dust particles and other debris. Introducing ionized air rinsing removes the electrical charge that makes debris and dust stick to surfaces. Therefore, removing these hygiene concerns is easier than it would be with manual cleaning.Ionized air rinsing is beneficial for maintaining clean production lines, enabling repeated use in food manufacturing and meeting demand.Changeover EfficiencyEspecially for smaller food manufacturing facilities with just one production line, the ability to quickly manage product changeover is essential. Automated systems operate efficiently to meet specific requirements, such as following allergen advice to prevent contamination.Depalletizers can quickly change over product materials and adjust settings to limit downtime, a cause for concern with manual operations.How to Calculate Your ROIThe deciding factor for implementing an automated depalletizer system is the return on investment (ROI). A practical method for analyzing the potential effect of automated manufacturing is to compare predictive costs with current manual manufacturing costs:Labor costs: Consider the salary of an operator team and compare these costs to the price of purchasing an automated depalletizer. When you examine productivity differences, investing in a depalletizer is likely to enhance your production line. You may also save on hiring and training new employees to operate machines.Possible damage: Mistakes with manually handling manufacturing machinery can cause damage. Introducing automated depalletizers limits the risk of harm and reduces the costs for replacement parts. Additionally, there is a lower possibility of damaging food products.Automation speed: An automated depalletizer operation keeps machines running and eliminates the need for frequent breaks. Automation ensures consistent production line speed and meets rising demand.Limiting compliance issues: An automated depalletizer can help maintain compliance with hygiene and contamination standards. Manual handling carries a higher risk of contamination, potentially leading to product recalls.Scheduled maintenance: The efficiency and reliability of automated depalletizers indicate a lower chance of downtime and less frequent maintenance. Investing in reliable automated equipment keeps your production lines running and saves on costly emergency maintenance.A thorough analysis of the above factors helps you gain a clear understanding of the financial and operational benefits of automated manufacturing.Why Automated Depalletizers Keep Your Business GrowingWhen adapting to the changing landscape of higher demands, the switch to automated depalletizers for food manufacturing is a productive transition. Automation has the potential to enhance reliability, limit mistakes, and increase speed and productivity, allowing your business to thrive.Automated depalletizers can help combat the frequent challenges that arise from manual handling, such as maintaining clean production lines. The automated machinery can also perform repetitive tasks, including removing packaging materials and facilitating quick changeovers.You can experience a greater ROI to keep your production line competitive over time. Investing in automated depalletizers promotes consistency and a safer work environment.This story was produced by Ska Fabricating and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Missouri House backs bill linking struggling families with local resources State Sen. Jill Carter, a Granby Republican, sponsored a bill that would create a program to improve access to communication services for Missourians who are deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).A bill intended to connect Missourians in need with community resources passed the Missouri House Thursday, setting up a final vote in the state Senate that would send it to Gov. Mike Kehoe. The bill, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Jill Carter of Granby, would direct the Missouri Department of Social Services to set up the program. It would also create a program aimed at strengthening communication access services for deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing Missourians. The House passed the bill 125-9 with bipartisan support. Republican state Rep. Melissa Schmidt of Eldridge, the bill’s handler in the House, said the legislation could “reduce placement of children in foster care and provide a pathway for stronger, more self-sufficient Missouri families.” Schmidt said it could also decrease state spending on welfare programs, calling it “a budget reduction proposal.” The bill would direct the department to build a case management system to refer Missourians experiencing “barriers to self-sufficiency” to participating faith-based groups and nonprofits. The House also removed a provision, added onto Carter’s bill by Republican state Sen. Lincoln Hough of Springfield, that would have required the House and Senate budget chairs to approve any state contract worth $20 million or more. Carter did not respond to a request for comment on the House amendment. Democratic state Rep. Keri Ingle of Lee’s Summit, a former child abuse investigator for the Missouri Children’s Division, said a similar pilot program in Jackson County helped families find the resources they needed to address concerns of neglect and keep kids from being placed with strangers. In many cases of reported neglect, Ingle said, “these were simply resources that the family did not have.” “When [the child’s] safety can’t be ensured at home and we’ve got a potential family member we can place them with instead of putting a child in foster care,” Ingle said, “what if they don’t have enough beds? What if they don’t have car seats or reliable transportation?” When people found out about these needs, Ingle said, they “really leaped to that opportunity.” Carter’s bill is modeled on the “Hope Florida Foundation,” launched by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis in 2022. The initiative has been clouded by allegations uncovered by journalists that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis diverted a $10 million Medicaid settlement payment through the foundation to fund political committees opposing abortion and recreational marijuana ballot measures. Democratic state Rep. Wick Thomas of Kansas City, who voted against the bill, said they were concerned Carter’s bill could give rise to similar corruption. “I do hope that if it does go through, safeguards are put on it so that a situation like what happened in Florida can’t happen in Missouri,” Thomas said. The bill would also establish a one-year task force of lawmakers to oversee the program — a provision Schmidt said is intended to “ensure we ha[ve] solid guardrails in place.” Services for deaf Missourians A provision added to Carter’s bill by Democratic state Sen. Patty Lewis of Kansas City would create a program within the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to improve access to interpreters, translation services and open or closed captioning in businesses and state agencies. It would include a registry of communication access providers in the state and provide consultation and training to organizations working to improve their accessibility. The federal Americans with Disabilities Act requires businesses and public entities to provide free, timely communication services. But deaf and hard of hearing witnesses who testified during a House committee meeting in April said communication services are also absent. They said businesses often told them they couldn’t afford to hire interpreters. Speaking through an interpreter, Crystal Rush, an executive assistant at the commission, told lawmakers that when her father’s hospice care provider learned that her family would need an interpreter, they were told they’d have to wait a month for service. During that time, Rush said, her father’s health rapidly declined. “We didn’t have any idea if he was suffering,” Rush said. “We were left alone, and it wasn’t because there wasn’t help that existed. It was simply because there was no communication access available.” Rush’s father — the only member of her family who was hearing — died from dementia days before hospice providers were scheduled to arrive. When Rush and her family called 911, they struggled to communicate with emergency personnel. With an interpreter, Rush said, her family would’ve been supported through their shock and grief. “Communication,” Rush said, “is a human right.” Courtesy of Missouri Independent
	KY AG weighs in on abortion medication, asks SCOTUS to block telehealth prescriptions Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman (Kentucky Lantern photo by Mathew Mueller)Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, along with attorneys general from 21 other states, is asking the United States Supreme Court to require mifepristone not be sent through the mail. This comes after several flip-flops in mifepristone access, a medication that is used in conjunction with misoprostol to end a pregnancy before the 70-day mark, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can also be used to control high blood sugar in people who have Type 2 diabetes, the Mayo Clinic says. The FDA first allowed mifepristone to be prescribed via telehealth in 2021 and the decision became permanent in 2023. On May 1, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the 2023 U.S. Food and Drug Administration rule that allowed mifepristone to be dispensed without an in-person visit with a physician, Maryland Matters reported. Unpacking the fight over telehealth access to abortion medication On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily suspended the 5th Circuit decision so each side could file briefs with the court. “Rather than respect these States’ efforts to protect prenatal life, the federal government has often undermined them,” the brief Coleman joined said. It criticized the Biden administration for expanding access and “efforts to both maintain and expand access to mifepristone, including via telehealth prescription, which in turn facilitates the shipment of chemical abortion drugs across state lines—from proabortion States into those where abortion is more tightly regulated.” The Society of Family Planning says most abortions are obtained in person but telehealth accounts for about 27%. In a Friday statement, Colemand said “We’re asking the Supreme Court to recognize that Kentucky has the ability to protect the health and safety of our citizens.” Others who signed the brief are attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming. This story may be updated. Read the brief Mifepristone SCOTUS Stay Amicus SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Courtesy of Kentucky Lantern
	Gas prices have a $5 tipping point: New research shows when Americans start looking at EVs Gas prices have a $5 tipping point: New research shows when Americans start looking at EVsThere is a moment at the gas pump when the number staring back at you stops feeling routine.You expect the total to land somewhere familiar. And then, one day, it doesn't. Not dramatically higher. Just high enough to feel different. Enough to make you pause before tapping your card.According to new research from Hyundai Motor America, that moment is not hypothetical. For more than a third of American drivers, it has already happened. And for many, once it does, something shifts that does not quite shift back. Hyundai Motor America For 42% of Americans, pulling up to a pump now brings frustration or outright dread. Most have made peace with the routine, even if 39% describe their gas spend as “frustrating but expected.”The experience at the pump hasn't changed. The emotional weight of it has.Most drivers have a number in their head where the math shifts. For 23% of those surveyed, $5 per gallon is where they would seriously start considering alternatives to a gas-powered vehicle. Not everyone will be moved by price, and 29% say they would not consider alternatives based on gas costs at all. But for a meaningful share of Americans, the tipping point is specific. It is a number on a sign, and many have seen it before.More than one-third of Americans surveyed say a recent fill-up has already prompted them to research electric vehicles, and 23% say it has happened more than once. Hyundai Motor America What comes next is rarely dramatic. Some compare models or brands. Some search online. Some find themselves on an automaker’s website, further along than they expected to be. Most do not act on this impulse right away. But for a growing number, the pump is where the question starts.The shift is real but uneven. If gas prices rose significantly and stayed high, 46% of those surveyed say they would be likely to seriously research an EV. Yet most Americans are still somewhere between curious and committed. Hyundai Motor America The pitch for electric vehicles is simple. Never stop for gas again. Nearly half of Americans say they would absolutely take that deal.The transition is not frictionless. Charging access and range anxiety remain the top concern for 28% of potential buyers, and simple comfort with the status quo runs just as deep.The desire to leave the pump behind is real. So is everything standing in the way.The move toward electric vehicles is often framed as a long-term decision made with spreadsheets and incentive calculators, but for many Americans, it begins somewhere smaller. A routine fuel stop. A number that lands differently. A moment of hesitation before the receipt prints.MethodologyHyundai Motor America commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 1,000 adults throughout the United States. The margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Fieldwork was conducted between April 3 and April 6, 2026.Atomik Research, part of 4media group, is a creative market research agency.This story was produced by Hyundai Motor America and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Public hearings come to Kansas City as US ramps up plutonium production for nuclear weapons Ann Suellentrop, vice chair of PeaceWorks Kansas City, with other protesters outside the Kansas City National Security Campus at 14520 Botts Road in south Kansas City (photo submitted).After years of protests and a hard-won court battle, anti-nuclear activists in Kansas City will get a chance this week to tell the federal government why they oppose a plan to ramp up production of plutonium pits — the bowling-ball-sized cores of nuclear weapons. The National Nuclear Security Administration, a division of the Department of Energy, will hold a public hearing in Kansas City on May 7 to collect feedback on its report about the potential environmental and health consequences of increasing plutonium pit production to at least 80 per year by 2030. The country virtually stopped making plutonium pits at the end of the Cold War. Members of PeaceWorks Kansas City, a volunteer organization that has long protested nuclear weapons part manufacturing in the area, see the hearing — one of five scheduled across the country — as a rare opportunity to have a voice in the secretive nuclear weapons industry. PeaceWorks members have been handing out flyers encouraging the public to attend and are planning a “teach-in” the day before the hearing to help prepare the public to testify. The government contends that making more plutonium pits is necessary to modernize the country’s nuclear weapons stockpile. But environmental activists and some scientists argue the effort is unnecessary, dangerous and a thinly disguised effort to re-ignite nuclear weapons production. “It’s a new nuclear arms race,” said Ann Suellentrop, a retired pediatric nurse who serves as vice chair of PeaceWorks and on the national board of Physicians for Social Responsibility. “They’ve called it the modernization program. But it’s not to fix up and refurbish weapons that already exist. It’s to make new weapons.” Why is Kansas City involved? Congress mandated the 80-pit manufacturing goal in 2015. But the federal government launched an effort to upgrade the country’s nuclear program even earlier as a result of a compromise the Obama administration made with Republicans in Congress. In order to get Republican support for a nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia — a treaty the Trump administration let expire in February — the Democratic president agreed to begin updating the country’s nuclear weapons complex. That complex includes the Department of Energy’s National Security Campus in south Kansas City, which has been a clear beneficiary of the nuclear modernization push. The Kansas City facility, operated by Honeywell International Inc. at 14520 Botts Road, manufactures 80% of the nonnuclear parts used in the country’s nuclear bombs. The south Kansas City complex is in the midst of a 15-phase construction boom, which could reportedly cost $6.4 billion and is expected to add 2 million square feet of office and manufacturing space. The first phase of the project, a $200 million, 700-person office building and parking structure, is expected to open this month, according to a spokesperson. The government contracted with Promontory 150 LLC, a real estate developer affiliated with Terry Anderson of Platform Ventures, to purchase land and develop “build-to-suit” facilities immediately east of the existing location. In 2024, Missouri lawmakers adopted legislation to give the developer a tax break on the project. The building project will accommodate significant growth that has already happened at the weapons facility. When it relocated to Botts Road in 2014 from the Bannister Federal Complex — its home since 1949 — the plant employed 2,400 people. By 2024, it had 7,000 employees. The agency said in 2024 it expected to begin a new phase of the project every year for the next decade. “As we’ve said repeatedly over the last few years, our infrastructure needs to be more capable, flexible and resilient to meet our mission requirements for the next couple decades and beyond,” Jill Hruby, former administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, said in remarks during an Aug. 7, 2024, event celebrating the expansion. “I’d like to take a moment to put things into perspective,” she said. “The current campus was sized for one weapon modernization program in production and one modernization program in development.” But the workload has grown to seven warhead modernization programs and other “stockpile stewardship activities,” a 2024 press release said. In her written remarks, Hruby said the National Nuclear Security Administration had delivered more than 200 “modernized warheads” to the Department of Defense in 2023, the most since the end of the Cold War. The warheads are made primarily of nonnuclear parts coming out of Kansas City. “We expect that rate of production and delivery to continue to be demanding over the next decade,” Hruby said at the time. The Department of Energy did not respond to requests for comment before The Beacon’s deadline. In a written statement, Molly Hadfield, a spokesperson for the National Security Campus, said the plutonium pit production being discussed at the public hearing “will not change the type of manufacturing done” at the Honeywell campus, which includes “standard manufacturing processes, such as machining, welding and inspection technologies commonly found in the aerospace industry.” Increased push under Trump The weapons modernization plans have accelerated under the Trump administration. That includes the effort to significantly increase plutonium pit production, which is the subject of upcoming public hearings. The federal government argues that making more pits is a matter of national security. The pits need to be replaced for various reasons, it said, including age, safety and security advancements, global risk and weapons modernization. But manufacturing the pits is not a simple process, and observers believe ramping up to 80 a year by 2030 is extremely unlikely. They also question whether the government is prepared to deal with the resulting radioactive waste. While plutonium pits were once manufactured at the Rocky Flats Plant outside Denver, production was halted there in 1989 following environmental violations. The plant was shut down altogether in 1992. That left the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, which technically has the facilities to do the job, and the Savannah River Site in South Carolina, which is essentially starting from scratch. Protesters gather at the National Security Campus property line during the annual Memorial Day anti-nuclear weapons protest in 2023. (Cody Boston \| Flatland) According to a report from the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Los Alamos lab produced only one pit that was certified for use in 2024. Due to facility constraints, workforce issues and “a troubling accident history.” The report said the Savannah River Site could be 10 years away from producing even one pit. Dylan Spaulding, a senior scientist in the Union of Concerned Scientists’ global security program who wrote the report, said many outside scientists believe that producing additional pits is not necessary. “The warheads we have, we believe, are not at risk as a result of age,” Spaulding said. “They could be reliable for decades into the future.” Meanwhile, moving ahead with the plans to increase pit production could cost tens of billions of dollars, according to Spaulding’s organization, but the government has not established a master schedule or official cost estimate. That’s especially concerning, the group said, because previous attempts to revive pit production have failed “at enormous cost.” Overall, the federal government has said it plans a $1.7 trillion overhaul of the nuclear arsenal. That could include revitalizing missile silos, producing new warheads and arming new land-based missiles, bomber jets and submarines, according to reporting in The New York Times. Health dangers In addition to cost concerns, Spaulding said his group is concerned about the safety of manufacturing more plutonium pits. The radioactive man-made element, created from uranium in nuclear reactors, can lead to long-term health issues like cancer when inhaled, ingested or passed into the bloodstream through a wound. People who work with plutonium must handle it with special glove boxes that protect them from any exposure. It has an extremely long half-life, so if it is spilled into the environment, cleanup can be dangerous and difficult. Plutonium pits manufactured in New Mexico and South Carolina will have to be shipped, probably to Texas, where weapons are assembled. That leaves potential for human exposure across the country, experts said. “When you’re expanding so quickly, you just increase the risk of issues or accidents because humans are prone to error,” said Chanese Forté, a scientist with the Union of Concerned Scientists who studies population health and plans to testify at the Kansas City hearing. The organization is concerned that the National Nuclear Security Administration’s draft programmatic environmental impact statement on plutonium pit production doesn’t fully address the potential health and environmental hazards, including those associated with moving plutonium across the country. The draft also doesn’t adequately address new risks that will come about at the Kansas City facility as a result of the ramped-up manufacturing, the organization said. “It’s important for people to know what’s happening in their community,” Spaulding said. The impact statement “leaves Kansas City in the dark about what these changes are going to be, what the exposure is going to be and what the consequences are going to be to their community.” Kansas City has already had to absorb the environmental contamination left at the site of the former federal weapons plant. After Honeywell moved out of the 300-acre site at 1500-2012 E. Bannister Road, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources said contaminants in the soil and groundwater included: common industrial chemicals, solvents, paints, volatile organic compounds, PCB oils, diesel fuel, gasoline, low-level radioactive waste and hazardous and radioactive waste. And news reports have documented serious health concerns and premature deaths among former employees who worked at the complex. Lawsuit led to public hearings The only reason the draft impact report was written was that a group of environmental organizations — including two affiliated with PeaceWorks — sued the National Nuclear Security Administration, accusing the agency of violating the National Environmental Policy Act by not producing a new environmental impact statement before moving ahead with plan to increase plutonium pit production. Last year, a federal judge in South Carolina ruled that the agency had “neglected to properly consider the combined effects” of the pit expansion plan that would rely on production in New Mexico and South Carolina. A settlement required the agency to conduct an environmental impact study and required public engagement, including the five hearings, which will be held this week and next. Public comments raised at the public hearings or submitted in writing before July 16 must be addressed by the agency in its final report. Kimmy Igla, a founding member of No Nukes KC Coalition, said she wants to know why Kansas City has been called out as an impacted site. Information about Kansas City’s role in the pit production expansion, she said, is “wildly insufficient” in the draft report. “We need more information,” she said. “We’re being asked to comment on something that is already underway and we don’t even have sufficient information.” Without the court ruling, she added, the impact study wouldn’t have even been done. “If transparency were really the goal, then we would already be in the know for what their mission is,” Igla said. “Instead they had to get sued and be forced to do this.” Suellentrop, of PeaceWorks, is clear on what she wants to ask. “Why should we make more of this crap?” she said. “It’s a huge waste of our tax money. … The whole process of making them pollutes the United States.” Correction (May 6, 2026): This article has been updated to state that the Savannah River Site is 10 years away from producing a plutonium pit. The story originally stated that the Los Alamos lab was 10 years away from producing a plutonium pit. This article first appeared on Beacon: Kansas City and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Courtesy of Missouri Independent
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for May 8, 2026 The Knox County Courthouse will be closed due to sewer issues in the building, and portions of Crow Creek Park will be closed for construction.
	How businesses are navigating the promise and peril of AI How businesses are navigating the promise and peril of AIA new SoFi survey reveals that the AI revolution isn’t just coming — it’s already here. In SoFi’s Spring 2026 survey of more than 500 small business owners across the U.S., three-quarters of respondents reported that they’ve already adopted at least one AI tool.It’s not simply a matter of following trends: 95% of the adopters (and 78% overall) consider artificial intelligence to be at least moderately important to their business success. Interestingly, male business owners are much more likely than female entrepreneurs to rely strongly on AI (63% versus 43%).But enthusiasm doesn’t necessarily mean mastery. Only 41% of adopters consider themselves highly proficient; an additional 55% say they understand the basics. Survey results show that the more heavily a business depends on AI, the more likely the owner is to be an expert.Key PointsThree-quarters of small business owners have adopted AI tools, and 95% of those users consider AI moderately to extremely important for business success.Data analysis is the most common AI application, used by 51% of small businesses; in contrast, AI is used for sales and lead generation by just 18%, possibly due to AI’s limitations in relationship building.Looking ahead, more than two-thirds of small business owners (70%) believe AI will be very or extremely important to their companies’ success over the next few years.Security concerns top the list of worries, with 36% of business owners citing data breaches and leaks as their biggest AI-related fear, followed by steep learning curves.As AI increases productivity, workforce projections are mixed; almost half (47%) anticipate they’ll keep their current headcount, while about one-third (32%) expect to reduce staff.Most Small Business Owners Say AI Is A-OKSmall business owners — those with 500 employees or fewer — are relying on AI to help their businesses not only succeed but also compete with larger firms. More than half (56%) call AI “very” or “extremely” important to their current success. And more than 4 in 5 respondents (81%) say using AI is “essential” or “helpful” for their small business to stay competitive.Still, despite the general rush toward AI use, roughly 9% say their businesses don’t rely on AI now and that they don’t need to use it to compete against larger firms. More than twice as many women as men (14% versus 6%) feel this way. SoFi The discrepancy may be due to differences between the types of businesses women and men run. Women frequently own businesses in sectors like hospitality, retail, health care, and personal services, which tend to be hands-on. Male-owned businesses have long dominated industries like construction, transportation, warehouse, and tech/software.Managing the Machines: How Business Owners Use AIThe two categories of AI — generative and agentic — can support a wide variety of business functions. Generative AI typically relies on human prompting. It’s used for writing, content creation, and the crafting of images, video, and audio. It can also play a part in coding and software development. Agentic AI (aka AI agents) is the term for systems intended to perform multi-step actions without regular prompting. AI agents can improve productivity and automated processes while supporting specialized business tools.AI can quickly analyze huge, complex datasets and assess risk. And indeed, a large majority (66%) of regular AI users in the survey apply it to data analysis or financial reporting.AI can also facilitate less quantitative jobs. More than 60% of regular AI users — and nearly half of all respondents — deploy it for customer service, administrative, and/or marketing tasks. (Customer service-related AI functions might include chatbots or automated email. Administrative uses could involve scheduling meetings or summarizing notes.) SoFi One area where the new technology has yet to find a strong foothold is in sales and lead generation. Fewer than 1 in 5 (18%) respondents use AI tools for this function. Even among regular users, fewer than one-quarter (23%) apply AI to sales.This lag in AI adoption may relate to the nature of sales, which relies on personal relationships, trust, and good-faith negotiation. It could be that current AI tools aren’t well suited to such nuanced work.Facing the AI FutureFor all the AI hype, the success or failure of any technology depends on how humans use it. The small business owners who responded to the SoFi survey tend to be bullish overall. More than two-thirds (69%) of them say AI will be “very” or “extremely” important to their companies’ success in the next few years. The share of those who call AI unimportant at present (13%) drops by more than one-third (to 8%) when respondents look ahead a few years.Delivering ProductivityRespondents also expect to see increased productivity. Almost 9 in 10 (86%) respondents anticipate some rise in productivity; more than two-thirds (68%) think that the increase will be “moderate” or “significant.”Significant increase (36%)Moderate increase (32%)Slight increase (18%)Is Downsizing Unavoidable?Many business analysts and economists foretell job losses as AI systems replace human employees. The survey data bears that out, but the effect is muted. Almost half of all respondents (45%) expect that their head count will not change during the next five years. But almost one-third (32%) think they’ll need fewer employees.Broadly speaking, the more importance people think AI will have for their business success in the next few years, the more likely they are to anticipate a reduction in staff.Causality is impossible to pin down, but a rationale for these findings is easy to imagine. For example, business owners who expect AI to be very important to their future success may spend a great deal of money and time on AI systems. Owners may then cut payroll to cover the expense.By the same principle, owners who expect the technology to matter less to their success may not bother implementing AI systems that are advanced enough to supplant human employees.Reasons for Optimism and PessimismSmall business owners are excited about AI’s potential for greater efficiency, but worry about cybersecurity issues and the time-consuming effort of learning the tools. As suggested above, job loss isn’t among the top concerns. Only 11% of all respondents say the replacement of human jobs is their biggest AI worry.Overall, 9% of all respondents said they were “not optimistic about AI,” while 11% said they have “no concerns.”According to survey data, the top two reasons for optimism and pessimism are:AI will increase efficiency and automate repetitive tasks (37%).AI will improve marketing and customer outreach (24%).Implementing AI could lead to data privacy and security risks (36%).Learning AI tools will be complex and time-consuming (15%). SoFi Promise and PotentialEighty-one percent of all respondents say using AI is helpful or essential in keeping up with larger competitors. But competitiveness is rarely the top reason for optimism. Instead, AI’s ability to increase efficiency is the big draw.Here’s what small business owners are looking forward to most:Increasing efficiency and automating repetitive tasks (37%)Improving marketing and customer outreach (24%)Gaining new insights from our business data (13%)Enhancing customer service (e.g., chatbots) (10%)Keeping up with larger competitors (8%)Worst WorriesAmong respondents, the biggest cause for concern is the possibility of security breaches and data leaks (36%). The second-place choice — a steep learning curve for AI tools — gets fewer than half as many votes (15%).Here are the top sources of anxiety, according to survey data:Data privacy and security risks (36%)The time and complexity of learning the AI tools (15%)The risk of errors or “hallucinations” from AI (14%)The cost of implementation and software (13%)Fear of AI replacing human jobs (11%) SoFi Gender appears to affect how business owners identify and assess risk. For example, 14% of women are most concerned about AI replacing human jobs, while only 9% of men are. On the flip side, 16% of men are concerned about the cost of implementation and software, versus 9% of women.Need vs Know-HowSmall business owners’ willingness to adopt AI doesn’t necessarily translate into expertise. Even as 75% of all respondents report using AI technology regularly, only half (52%) rate themselves as competent, and about one-third (33%) say they are highly proficient.At the same time, the more important AI is to a business, the more likely its owner is to be highly proficient.Among the 154 owners (30% of all respondents) who consider AI “extremely” important to their businesses’ success, 62% are highly proficient.Within the subset of 136 business owners (26% of all respondents) who say AI is “very” important, 43% say they’re highly proficient with AI tools.The remaining 228 owners (44% of all respondents) label AI “moderately,” “slightly,” or “not at all” important; of that group, only 10% rate themselves as highly proficient. SoFi The connection is clear, but the direction isn’t. Some owners may have developed proficiency because their business required it, while others who were already proficient may have started or converted a business with AI tools.The survey also showed that employees’ proficiency with AI tools tends to track the owner’s level of proficiency.Of course, not every company can or should rely on AI. Businesses like massage therapy, house cleaning, or pet care can succeed regardless of the owners’ or workers’ AI proficiency.Everybody Hurts: Implementation Can Be Tough on Experts TooRegardless of how familiar they are with AI, large minorities report significant hurdles in putting the tools into action. More than one-third (35%) of people at all proficiency levels have faced challenges in implementation.Among owners who use AI tools in regular operations, more than 4 in 10 (42%) say they have stumbled somewhat with implementation.Even for owners who know their way around AI tools, setup and implementation aren’t always smooth. More than one-third (35%) of highly proficient people faced challenges, as did almost 2 in 5 (39%) competent ones.The fact that these percentages are so similar is noteworthy. This may reflect committed business owners adopting multiple tools or more complex systems. Also, as people gain competence, they may choose increasingly difficult or far-reaching applications.A few respondents don’t use AI yet report implementation challenges. Perhaps those challenges explain why these owners avoid AI tools.Toughest ChallengesAlmost two-thirds of respondents (65%), regardless of AI use or proficiency level, said implementation did not cause them any problems.Where people do cite challenges, the most common one (with 11% share of all respondents) is the time and effort needed to learn and manage AI tools. Among regular AI users, 34% of women and 31% of men call this their biggest obstacle.These challenges each vex 6% of respondents:Required training for staffCost of tools and implementationComplexity of finding the right toolsFew (4%) said that AI’s risks — including potential problems with privacy and accuracy — represent its biggest challenge for them.Demographics and DivergencesGender DifferencesMen are much more likely than women to strongly rely on AI (35% versus 20%). Among women, there’s an almost equal split between those who find AI extremely important for their business success (20%) and those who say it doesn’t matter (21%). Men’s disagreement is much more lopsided, with 35% calling AI extremely important and 9% saying it’s not important at all.Generational LeaningsThe younger the business owner, the more likely they are to rely on AI in their enterprise. In fact, business owners under 55 are more than six times as likely as their elders to consider AI very or extremely important (49% versus 8%). SoFi The TakeawayA solid three-quarters of small business owners have already jumped in and adopted AI tools, most believing AI is “moderately” to “extremely” important for their success. A massive 81% see AI as essential or helpful for staying competitive, but 36% of that same group admit they’re quite uneasy about threats to data privacy and security.Looking ahead, more than two-thirds are convinced AI will be critical to their company’s future. The survey also uncovered significant age and gender gaps, with men much more likely than women to embrace the new technology.This story was produced by SoFi and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Moline Regional Community Foundation awards scholarships to 56 students The Moline Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) has awarded 56 scholarships to Quad Cities area students, according to a news release. “It is with great pleasure that we announce this year’s 56 scholarship recipients. MolineRegional Community Foundation is honored to support the donors who established these awards, representing a collective investment of $108,000 in the future [...]
	State employees speak out against dropping Blue Cross from Kansas health plan Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, which is headquartered in Topeka, has been a health plan administrator for state of Kansas exmployees for more than 40 years. That may change this year as the state considers cost-cutting measures. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — Lydia Shontz-Hochstedler was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 at age 32. She accumulated thousands of dollars of medical debt that will take years to pay off. As a state employee, news that Kansas officials are considering dropping Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas as a health plan administrator raised “serious concerns,” she said in a letter to Kansas Reflector. Continuing costly care and ongoing prescription medications might be negatively affected if she is forced to change insurance carriers, Shontz-Hochstedler said. “While I have been enrolled with various insurance providers, I have never paid less for my medical care than when I have been enrolled in a BCBSKS plan,” she said. Lydia Shontz-Hochstedler is a state employee concerned about possible changes in health insurance if Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas is dropped. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and found that Blue Cross paid more than other insurance carriers. (Submitted by Lydia Shontz-Hochstedler) When news broke that the state could save nearly $240 million by choosing Aetna as the single health plan administrator and members of the Kansas State Employees Health Care Commission were considering the issue, state employees quickly expressed concerns. Currently, both Blue Cross and Aetna are health plan options, with 35,400 employees enrolled in the former and 4,500 in the latter. More than 100 state employees reached out to the Kansas Department of Administration about their health insurance, said spokesman Samir Arif. Sen. Brenda Dietrich, a Republican who represents more than 10,000 state employees in her Shawnee County district, said she has received multiple emails and phone calls asking her to object to changing health plan administrators. Others spoke out online. All but one of more than 150 comments on a Kansas Reflector story posted to Facebook opposed dropping Blue Cross. One person wrote that she switched to Aetna and saw no difference in quality of care. “Just because a bid is cheaper doesn’t mean it’s better. Over 35,000 state employees have BCBS vs just over 4,000 Aetna. What’s wrong with that picture?” one person wrote. “If you get rid of BCBS I can see state employees leave for companies who provide better insurance.” A woman who said she is a retired state employee posted, “Please compare by service and availability and not just by bottom line cost to the state. Respect your employees, both current and former.” Concerns about whether Aetna could expand its provider network quickly, especially for ancillary services like in-home care and physical therapy, were raised by many people. In comparing the networks of the two, commission members noted the primary difference was for those ancillary services. An Aetna provider at the meeting said the company immediately would begin to expand its network to be prepared by Jan. 1, 2027, when the contract begins. When asked about the company’s confidence in being able to strengthen its network, especially in rural Kansas, Aetna spokeswoman Shelly Bendit said by email that she couldn’t comment on behalf of the state “nor can we speculate about any decisions the state may make.” Shontz-Hochstedler said changing to a provider without a strong network will have long-lasting effects and ultimately cost the state more over time. “When coverage changes and costs go up, employees are more likely to delay care or skip prescriptions, causing health conditions to worsen,” she said. “This will lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, higher turnover, and ultimately greater long-term healthcare expenditure.” Access to care must be a “central priority” in making benefits decisions, Shontz-Hochstedler said. Aetna isn’t as widely accepted across Kansas, she said. “A shift to Aetna would leave these employees with fewer in-network options, longer travel for care, or higher out-of-pocket costs, which could lead to delaying or abandoning care entirely,” she said. “That is not expanding coverage, it is reducing access.” Dietrich said she understands the financial implications raised by the Health Care Commission but is opposed to state employees losing access to Blue Cross. “I’m very attuned to state employees, living in Shawnee County for as long as I have,” she said. “When we talk about giving state employees a 1% raise, that impacts my neighbors. We have got to value our employees. That would be the most disruptive decision that they could possibly make. People are very comfortable with Blue Cross Blue Shield.” The decision can’t be all about the cost, Shontz-Hochstedler said. “It is a truly uneasy feeling when healthcare decisions are reduced to ‘dollars and cents,’ while the real cost for the people affected is measured in health, security, and sometimes survival,” she said. Dietrich talked to Arif about what employees should do to have input on the process. He recommended that employees email Cristi Cain, who is the state employee representative on the commission, at Cristi.Cain@ks.gov, or the Health Care Commission at SEHPMembership@ks.gov. Ashley Jones-Wisner, Blue Cross spokeswoman, said the company hopes to retain its contract. “As a not-for-profit and only local Kansas plan, we are proud to serve the State Employee Health Plan,” she said. “To date, over 90% of state employees choose BCBSKS and have access to the state’s largest provider network.” Aetna is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	The salary you need to live comfortably in 100 US cities The salary you need to live comfortably in 100 US citiesTo truly understand the context of a household’s income, it must be compared to local costs and long-term goals, which both may fluctuate over time. For most people, the same pillars will make up the biggest nonnegotiables in their budget. These include basic necessities like housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation, and likely some discretionary spending on hobbies, activities, and other enrichment. In an attempt to secure this lifestyle for the future, many households aim to save some of their income for emergencies, investments, retirement, education, and other long-term goals. A common budgeting technique that encapsulates these three pillars is called the 50/30/20 rule: 50% of your post-tax income goes to needs, 30% to your wants, and 20% gets set aside for the future.With this in mind, SmartAsset assessed the salary needed to reach this 50/30/20 ideal — designated as a comfortable salary — based on the local costs in 100 of the largest U.S. cities.Key FindingsA single adult needs to earn $150,000 to live comfortably in these places. New York has the highest individual salary needed to live comfortably at $158,954. San Jose, California, follows closely at $158,080. Orange County cities Irvine, Anaheim, and Santa Ana require an estimated $151,965 in income for a single adult.These cities have the lowest salary needed to live comfortably. San Antonio has the lowest salary threshold for both single adults and families of four at $83,242 and $192,608, respectively. New Orleans has the second-lowest salary needed for a single adult to live comfortably at $84,406, followed by Memphis, Tennessee, at $86,320.The Bay Area is the most expensive place for a family to live comfortably. Bay Area cities make up the top four of the five places with the highest salary needed for a family of four to live comfortably. Incomes across two parents are projected at $407,597 in San Francisco, $402,771 in San Jose, and $371,488 in both Fremont and Oakland. Boston rounds out the top five at $368,742.Families in these Texas cities are closest to a comfortable salary. In Frisco, the median household earns $145,444 — substantially higher than the national median of $83,730. This figure also accounts for 63.1% of the $230,464 income a family of four in Frisco needs to live comfortably. In McKinney, the $124,177 median household income accounts for 53.9% of the $230,464 needed. SmartAsset 10 Cities With the Highest Salary Needed to Live Comfortably1. New York, New YorkSalary needed for a single adult: $158,954Salary needed for a working family of four: $337,875Median household income: $81,2282. San Jose, CaliforniaSalary needed for a single adult: $158,080Salary needed for a working family of four: $402,771Median household income: $148,2263. (tie) Irvine, CaliforniaSalary needed for a single adult: $151,965Salary needed for a working family of four: $327,226Median household income: $145,7313. (tie) Anaheim, CaliforniaSalary needed for a single adult: $151,965Salary needed for a working family of four: $327,226Median household income: $101,1453. (tie) Santa Ana, CaliforniaSalary needed for a single adult: $151,965Salary needed for a working family of four: $327,226Median household income: $95,1186. Boston, MassachusettsSalary needed for a single adult: $139,776Salary needed for a working family of four: $368,742Median household income: $97,7917. (tie) San Diego, CaliforniaSalary needed for a single adult: $136,781Salary needed for a working family of four: $312,915Median household income: $111,0327. (tie) Chula Vista, CaliforniaSalary needed for a single adult: $136,781Salary needed for a working family of four: $312,915Median household income: $105,1019. San Francisco, CaliforniaSalary needed for a single adult: $134,950Salary needed for a working family of four: $407,597Median household income: $139,80110. (tie) Fremont, CaliforniaSalary needed for a single adult: $134,410Salary needed for a working family of four: $371,488Median household income: $175,81610. (tie) Oakland, CaliforniaSalary needed for a single adult: $134,410Salary needed for a working family of four: $371,488Median household income: $102,23510 Cities With the Lowest Salary Needed to Live ComfortablySan Antonio, TexasSalary needed for a single adult: $83,242Salary needed for a working family of four: $192,608Median household income: $66,176New Orleans, LouisianaSalary needed for a single adult: $84,406Salary needed for a working family of four: $197,766Median household income: $58,821Memphis, TennesseeSalary needed for a single adult: $86,320Salary needed for a working family of four: $193,939Median household income: $52,679Oklahoma City, OklahomaSalary needed for a single adult: $86,861Salary needed for a working family of four: $213,325Median household income: $70,040Baltimore, MarylandSalary needed for a single adult: $87,485Salary needed for a working family of four: $224,224Median household income: $64,778Louisville, KentuckySalary needed for a single adult: $88,234Salary needed for a working family of four: $212,742Median household income: $67,251Tulsa, OklahomaSalary needed for a single adult: $88,317Salary needed for a working family of four: $215,238Median household income: $60,930Winston-Salem, North CarolinaSalary needed for a single adult: $88,442Salary needed for a working family of four: $205,421Median household income: $57,758Tucson, ArizonaSalary needed for a single adult: $88,899Salary needed for a working family of four: $218,400Median household income: $60,483Fort Wayne, IndianaSalary needed for a single adult: $88,982Salary needed for a working family of four: $233,126Median household income: $61,436Data and MethodologySmartAsset used MIT Living Wage Calculator data to gather the basic cost of living for an individual with no children and for two working adults with two children. Data includes the cost of necessities, including housing, food, transportation, and income taxes. It was last updated to reflect the most recent data available on Feb. 15, 2026.Applying these costs to the 50/30/20 budget for 100 of the largest U.S. cities, MIT’s living wage is assumed to cover needs (i.e., 50% of one’s budget). From there, the total annual wage was extrapolated for individuals and families to spend 30% of the total on wants and 20% on savings or debt payments. Median household income data for cities comes from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 1 Year American Community Survey for 2024.This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Muscatine Art Center presents wine, cheese, dessert fundraiser An evening of wine, cheese, dessert, and hands‑on creativity awaits as the Muscatine Art Center hosts Paintings and Pairings, a new fundraiser supporting the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14. Guests will begin the evening with four featured wines paired with local cheeses. Winemaker Josh Glasson, owner of Ardon [...]
	Monster Jam is revving up for another year of competition in Moline News 8 caught up with Angelina Nock, who will be steering the competition as Megalodon during the Monster Jam Championship this Saturday.
	Iowa schools, universities targeted by global Canvas cyberattack For the second time, a ransomware group has claimed to breach a learning system used by the University of Iowa, Iowa State and schools around the world, including local school districts like Iowa City, Des Moines and Marshalltown.
	Former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad sees highway named in his honor Former Gov. Terry Branstad received the Iowa Award in December. At that time, a 36-mile stretch of Highway 9 was dedicated in his name, honoring his 36 years of public service to the state.
	Muscatine celebrates Historic Preservation Month The City of Muscatine recognizes May as Historic Preservation Month, celebrating the community’s rich architectural heritage, cultural landmarks, and ongoing work to preserve the stories that define Muscatine’s character, according to a news release. Historic Preservation Month is observed nationally each May, but Muscatine’s deep roots make the celebration especially meaningful. From one of Iowa’s [...]
	Pleasant Valley School District principal retirement, resignations, hirings from April 13 school board agenda The following personnel items are from the April 13 of the Pleasant Valley School District. The School Board met at Belmont Administration Center at 525 Belmont Rd., Riverdale, Iowa.
	Iowa universities among thousands impacted by cyber attack DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and DMPS have confirmed they are among the thousands impacted by a cyberattack that powers Canvas. The breach was first reported by TechCrunch on Tuesday, stating hackers had stolen students' private information and that a member of the group shared a sample of the [...]
	Rethinking summer travel: 4 simple ways to get on the water close to home (BPT) - Key TakeawaysFind your calm with an on-demand escape to recharge and reconnect.Check out 4 ways to escape to the water and make the most of your summer.Visit DiscoverBoating.com to learn more and start planning your next adventure.Looking to make the most of summer? You don't have to travel far to find an escape from your daily routine. Boating delivers an accessible vacation on-demand, transforming an ordinary day into something memorable. "With rising travel costs, more Americans are exploring meaningful getaways closer to home and there's no better way to do that than getting out on the water," said Ellen Bradley, senior vice president and chief brand officer of Discover Boating. "When you're on a boat, it's an opportunity to unplug and reconnect with your loved ones, which is especially valuable in today's always-on, screen-driven world." There's a scientific connection between water and happiness — a major draw for the estimated 85 million Americans who take to the water each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Time on the water increases serotonin, lowers cortisol and reduces stress, triggering a calm, restorative state of mind, where it's easier to reset and recharge.When you're on a boat, it's an opportunity to unplug and reconnect with your loved ones, which is especially valuable in today's always-on, screen-driven world.— Ellen Bradley, Discover BoatingWhether it's a spontaneous afternoon cruise, a fishing adventure or simply floating on the water with family and friends, boating makes a day feel well spent. It delivers the kind of experience that shapes how kids remember their summers growing up. In fact, according to recent research from Ipsos, 73% of prospective boat owners say their fondest childhood memories involve being on or near the water, with nearly half recalling those moments before age 13. Boating is also more accessible than many people realize. You don't have to own a boat to enjoy the lifestyle. From rentals to boat clubs, there are flexible options to fit a range of budgets and interests. Discover Boating makes it easy to get started and, for those considering ownership down the road, offers tools and resources to help navigate the next step. Ready to dive in? Here are four ways to escape to the water close to home and make the most of your summer: Test the waters by renting. Rental options are available on most waterways and provide hourly, daily or weekly access to a variety of boat types. Rental outfitters provide tutorials on operating a boat, share safety instructions and offer suggestions on destinations. Another option is peer-to-peer boat sharing, which allows you to rent directly from boat owners and often includes the option to hire a captain.Join the club (literally). Boat clubs offer access to a variety of boats. You'll pay a monthly fee and can book your time on the water and boat type online. Most boat clubs take care of docking, cleaning, maintenance and boat training courses, so all you have to do is show up and go.Learn the ropes. If you're new to boating or want to build confidence, taking a class is a great place to start. From on-water training courses to watersports camps and youth programs, there are opportunities across the country to help you master the basics while having fun along the way.Chart your course to ownership. Ready to find your dream boat? DiscoverBoating.com offers a boat finder tool and boat loan calculator to help you find an option that fits your budget and interests. If you're considering buying a boat, make sure it is NMMA Certified. NMMA Certified boat and trailer manufacturers have been independently inspected to ensure they meet strict industry standards for safety and construction, as well as all federal regulations. Look for the NMMA Certified sticker near the helm of a boat. Visit DiscoverBoating.com to learn more and start planning your next adventure on the water. You can tag @DiscoverBoating and use #SeeYouOutHere to share your summer boating adventures.
	Not just Medicaid: Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill will strain all NV healthcare, lawmakers told (Photo: Ronda Churchill for Nevada Current)Nevada next year will begin losing out on hundreds of millions of dollars in supplemental Medicaid payments to the state’s hospitals, thanks to President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”. That is just one of the impacts administrators warned lawmakers the state will have to reckon with next year when setting the state’s next biennium budget. More than 147,000 Nevadans on Medicaid are set to be affected by the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” or H.R. 1, due to new work requirements for adults without children, limits on coverage eligibility for lawful immigrants, and higher co-pays for adults without children that begin Jan. 1 2027. Ann Jensen, the Nevada Medicaid administrator, told lawmakers that 70,000 people could lose Medicaid coverage, an estimate she gave based on other states that have reported a 50% drop off. Nevada already has the sixth highest uninsured rate in the nation, according to KFF. With the estimated 70,000 losing Medicaid coverage, the total number of uninsured Nevadans would reach almost 500,000. “We are about to step into an economic crisis with the amount of Nevadans that are going to be uninsured and kicked off of Medicaid in the coming years,” Nevada State Sen. Fabian Doñate, a Democrat, said during the legislative Joint Health and Human Services committee meeting. “There is no proposal that I am seeing right now to help with the coverage gap.” Doñate suggested the Nevada Health Authority (NVHA) and Legislature look at what it can do to keep people insured. He suggested there may be options through the state’s public option plans. NVHA Director Stacey Weeks noted that states are waiting on federal guidance due in June on how to proceed. “What we’ve seen from this federal administration is that if they don’t like a state funding a subsidy for a certain population, they will put it in guidance that if you do, you won’t get federal funding,” she said. The federal bill’s impacts will not be confined to Medicaid, but will ripple throughout the entire Nevada health care system, from hospital operating costs to patient wait times, administrators said. In 2023, Nevada’s private hospitals agreed to pay what’s known as a provider tax, a supplemental payment program that funds Medicaid and helps the state access additional federal matching dollars. The current rate brings Nevada around $830 million each year. This will change with the passing of H.R.1, which capped the provider tax rates states are allowed to charge. Nevada Hospital Association CEO Patrick Kelly told lawmakers last month that payment amounts are estimated to be reduced by $300 million in fiscal year 2028 and $507 million in fiscal year 2029. Nevada’s Fiscal Year 2028 begins in July 2027. Fifteen percent of the provider’s tax is allotted to behavioral health services that address mental health access in the state. “The overall impact is that we’re going to see a lot more uninsured people, and this is going to increase our uncompensated care costs.” said Kelly, adding that unreimbursed care costs for hospitals is already half a billion dollars annually. University Medical Center CEO Mason Van Houweling highlighted that UMC relies on federal reimbursement as nearly half of their total inpatients use Medicaid. These supplemental reimbursement payments make up 34 percent of UMC’s total revenue. Houweling told lawmakers that emergency departments will see the biggest impact with longer wait times due to non-emergency visits. Houweling listed the options that hospitals will have to consider as pressure is put on the hospital’s margins: reducing or eliminating services, cutting staff, and delaying replacement of equipment. Medical centers that are designed to provide care for Medicaid and uninsured patients will be hit hard as well. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) are required by federal law to serve all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. In 2024, FQHCs served 128,000 Nevadans, 30% of which were uninsured and 39% covered by Medicaid. “We’re dealing with a wide range of uncertainty,” said Steve Messinger, the policy director of the Nevada Primary Care Association that operates the FQHCs. Messinger estimated that 13,000 FQHC patients could lose Medicaid coverage, which would lead to Nevada FQHCs losing $17 million per year, or 11% of their operating revenue. This would increase the total of uninsured patients to 40%, which is not sustainable for most of the members of Nevada’s FQHC network, Messinger said. Without a replacement in Medicaid reimbursement and increased uninsured patients, overall services will be reduced. “We can’t afford to keep seeing so many people that are uninsured, so we end up seeing fewer people overall,” he said. An 11% loss in operating revenue, he added, translates to an estimated loss of 107 full-time jobs across Nevada’s FQHC network. Messinger highlighted that the uncompensated costs will ultimately fall on privately insured families and Nevada’s employers. “At the end of the day, there’s only so many people who are able to pay,” he said. “That’s your private insurers, that’s your employer’s premiums and employee premiums. That’s where we would expect a rise in uncompensated care to show up for the rest of us.” “We must decide whether uninsured residents receive care in costly emergency rooms or cost-effective FQHCs and fund accordingly,” Messinger said. Courtesy of Nevada Current
	Bettendorf Scholarship Night celebrates the hard work of scholars and high achievers Bettendorf High School seniors received scholarships for their dedication to academics, athletics and the arts.
	Long-stalled transgender healthcare bill set for vote in Trenton A long-stalled bill up for a vote Monday would provide criminal and civil legal protections for healthcare providers who offer services related to gender dysphoria in New Jersey and to their patients. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)New Jesey lawmakers will consider legislation to protect healthcare for transgender people and those who provide it, a measure first proposed nearly two years ago that supporters rallied to support earlier this year in Trenton. The Senate health committee is scheduled to take testimony and vote Monday on the bill, which would provide criminal and civil legal protections for healthcare providers who offer services related to gender dysphoria in New Jersey and to their patients. The measure also addresses legal protections for reproductive healthcare. The news was welcome to Jane Buchanan, an advocate with the Transgender Rights Coalition of New Jersey who has a son who is transgender. NJ hospital program credited as ‘game-changer’ for connecting people to services “We’re extremely excited that the bill is being heard,” Buchanan told the New Jersey Monitor. The coalition staged a rally in January at the Statehouse in Trenton to urge lawmakers to act. The bill would codify in state statute protections in an executive order former Gov. Phil Murphy signed in 2023. “We’ve been hoping, we’ve been advocating,” Buchanan said. “We’re happy it is moving.” Versions of the proposal in the state Senate and Assembly have amassed dozens of Democratic sponsors since it was introduced in June 2024, but it had yet to be posted for a vote in either house. The Senate bill is sponsored by Senate President Nick Scutari (D-Union) and Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex). Advocates say the legal protections are particularly important given ongoing efforts to block care by President Trump, who signed an executive order his first day in office declaring the federal government would only recognize two genders. His administration has threatened to withhold funding from hospitals that provide certain types of healthcare to transgender minors, an order that was blocked by a federal judge in March. The pressure led multiple hospitals around the country to suspend that care for young people, treatments that can include puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and mental health support. In New Jersey, several hospitals stopped accepting new patients and Atlantic Health told parents of trans kids already in treatment services would also be suspended, before reversing this decision. Ruiz has said the bill is necessary given the fear and uncertainty facing providers and patients nationwide. Bill sponsor Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-Middlesex) agreed. “Give the attacks from the Trump administration on both reproductive health care and gender affirming care, and what we are seeing with certain Republican-led states, it is time for New Jersey to step up and defend legally protected healthcare activities,” he told the New Jersey Monitor on Thursday. Vidhi Goel, a Central Jersey mom with a trans son, also welcomed news that the bill would be heard. “Reproductive health care and gender-affirming care are rooted in the same fundamental right — to make decisions about your own body and live as your full self. As a parent who has lived this, I know that when our kids have access to the care they need, they flourish,” she told the New Jersey Monitor in an email. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Courtesy of New Jersey Monitor
	Negotiations threaten Premera coverage for over 100K MultiCare patients in WA (Photo by Thomas Barwick/Getty Images)Starting in June, Washingtonians on Premera Blue Cross insurance may no longer pay in-network rates at MultiCare hospitals and clinics, if the insurer and healthcare organization can’t agree on reimbursements. The situation is the latest symptom of fragility in the healthcare system, as hospitals grapple with federal spending cuts while insurers and their customers struggle to keep up with rapidly increasing costs. With no agreement on how much Premera will reimburse MultiCare providers, the Mountlake Terrace-based insurer had to send notice to about 100,000 households that MultiCare services may result in out-of-network costs for patients. About 163,000 people on Premera have had claims in the MultiCare system in the past two years, said Bill Akers, executive vice president of sales and marketing for the insurer. Those on employer-sponsored and individual plans are covered under the contract subject to ongoing talks. For example, over 16,000 people who get insurance through the School Employee Benefits Board, or SEBB, received the notice from Premera, according to the state Health Care Authority. Based in Tacoma, MultiCare operates 13 hospitals and many other primary care and urgent care clinics. This includes Yakima Memorial Hospital, Tacoma General Hospital and Capital Medical Center in Olympia. While Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue is part of that system, it isn’t subject to the agreement currently under negotiations, so patients there will still be covered. There are also exceptions. Emergency care is covered in-network under federal law. Previously scheduled nonelective surgeries, as well as pregnancy-related or inpatient care already in progress, may be covered as well. Premera customers with Medicare Supplement plans won’t be affected. Hospitals across Washington are bracing for massive federal cuts to Medicaid that are expected to cost thousands of people their health coverage, and thousands more are no longer getting insurance through the state’s exchange under the Affordable Care Act after the loss of federal subsidies. Hospitals, especially those in rural areas or serving low-income patients, could be forced to close. A recent report from Public Citizen, a progressive think tank, found three MultiCare facilities are potentially at risk of shuttering. Meanwhile, the cost of hospital services has gone up over 270% since 2000, well outpacing inflation, according to federal data. The negotiations These negotiations with providers usually come every two or three years to hash out a new agreement, mostly on how much the insurers will pay hospitals for caring for policyholders. Akers noted getting this close to the deadline without a deal is “very rare.” And with less than a month to negotiate, the two sides are still “double-digit points apart,” he said Monday. “These deals usually get done,” Akers said. “This one feels a little different to me, so I wouldn’t bet on it. But I do know this, I think at the end of the day, whenever it happens, MultiCare and Premera have done a lot of things together, and I think both sides do want to have an agreement.” Both Premera and MultiCare are nonprofits. MultiCare declined an interview request, but noted in a statement that Premera’s reimbursement rates are “among the lowest” compared to other insurers. “Those rates have not kept pace with rising costs driven by inflation, workforce needs, and investments necessary to preserve services and ensure long-term stability for the communities we serve,” MultiCare said. Premera sees it as an affordability issue, as increased reimbursements would trickle down to higher premiums for enrollees, Akers said. “We appreciate and understand that running a hospital these days is not an easy task,” Akers said. “But it’s time for us to all take accountability for our portion of affordability on the customer’s behalf, and we need them to pay attention to that, too. It’s not just an endless supply of more money.” MultiCare said its “priority is to secure terms that allow us to continue caring for Premera members while also supporting the doctors, nurses, and teams who provide that care every day.” “MultiCare remains committed to ensuring our patients have access to high-quality, affordable care close to home,” MultiCare said. “That commitment is what guides our ongoing negotiations with Premera for a new agreement that would cover our entire health system.” The contract talks have been going since November. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Courtesy of Washington State Standard
	Race through time: The Kentucky Derby and the Supreme Court Jockey James "Jimmy" Winkfield aboard Alan-a-Dale, the winner of the 1902 Kentucky Derby. Winkfield was the last Black jockey to win the Derby. (Public domain photo via Wikicommons)I suppose you’ve got to love The Kentucky Derby, the chance for human peacocks and princesses of all ages and hues to don their finest 19th century finery, sip mint juleps and watch a horse race that’s called “the greatest two minutes in sports.” On Derby Day Saturday I stopped by The Royale Food and Spirits, my favorite St. Louis public house, because saloonkeeper Steve Smith is a friend and he hosts a Derby party which draws an interesting collection of devotees. I failed to don the Derby attire because my attendance was spur-of-the-moment, but in the spirit of The Royale, nobody cared. Earlier that day, an otherwise pleasant legal discussion brought into focus, with a tip of my imaginary Derby hat, the continuing restoration of the Confederacy occurring these days courtesy of the U.S. Supreme Court. That was the week that the Court’s backward-facing majority took the Voting Right Act, the legal horse whose leg the Court broke in 2013 and shot it. “Voting Rights Act” is an apt name for a racehorse whose winning days are behind him. Well, some “knowledgeable” observer said, the Voting Rights Act’s not completely dead because intentional racial discrimination remains illegal. But the overwhelming odds are the racing days for Voting Rights Act surely are over. He could be put out to stud, but who would bid? If your state does redistricting – which apparently can be done most anytime, at least here in Missouri — and split up the Black population sufficiently, you can create all or nearly all districts that are inclined to elect Republicans. Just don’t mention race, even though states with large Black populations can end up with all-white Congressional delegations. When challenged about this, a state’s legislature can say it did it for partisan advantage –nothing wrong with that, as far as the Supreme Court is concerned – and not as an act of intentional racial discrimination. No longer can a challenger look at the racial effects of gerrymandering; he or she must show intent. The Supreme Court majority thus may have set in motion the abolition of a goodly portion of the Congressional Black Caucus. Rest in peace, Voting Rights Act, you’ve had a helluva run. So, back to The Royale and the Kentucky Derby. The Royale that day had an exhibit of Derby history from 1875 to 1902. During slavery prior to the Civil War (also called the War of Northern Aggression), the enslaved had been various trainers, attendants and groomers for racing horses owned by the wealthy who also owned many of the trainers, attendants and groomers. With the freeing of the enslaved by the Emancipation Proclamation (1863) and the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery (1865), some of the formerly enslaved became jockeys. Did they ever. The Royale’s Exhibit listed the Black jockeys who won the Kentucky Derby between 1875 and 1902 – Black jockeys won half of the first 16 Derbys. In the first Derby in 1875, 13 of the 15 riders were Black. This period was also the end of Reconstruction, where Union soldiers who had protected Blacks in the South in the administration of President Ulysses S. Grant were removed after the election of 1876. There followed the continued rise of the Ku Klux Klan and measures that were designed to keep Blacks from voting, like poll taxes and literacy tests that were mostly administered to Blacks who tried to register to vote. This restoration of Confederate values, known as the Jim Crow era, continued well into the 20th century when statues of Confederate heroes were erected throughout states that participated in the rebellion, and Blacks were mostly eliminated from federal service during the administration of President Woodrow Wilson. The Jim Crow era did not bypass horse racing. “By the early 20th century,” the Royale’s exhibit explained, “prejudice and jealousy of Black jockeys’ success resulted in African American riders disappearing from horse racing. The Jockey Club was formed in the early 1890s to regulate and license all jockeys. Blacks were denied their license renewals and by 1911 they had all but disappeared. James (“Jimmy”) Winkfield was the last Black jockey to win the Derby (he won in 1901 and 1902). Not one Black jockey raced between 1921 and 2000.” The current Supreme Court majority professes to believe that the Constitution is color blind. Perhaps the same could be said for the Jockey Club’s licensing of jockeys, with about the same measure of truth. The current version of the nation’s highest court continues to have echoes of the Court’s most infamous decision, the Dred Scott case, where the majority opinion by Chief Justice Roger Taney recited as historical fact that Blacks “ had no rights which the white man was bound to respect” and could not – whether or not born in the United States — be considered citizens. It was the adoption of the 13th and 14th Amendments to the Constitution following the Civil War that explicitly established that Blacks were citizens and provided the protection that enslavement denied them. (Well, at least the Black men. Women would have to wait another 50+ years to gain the most important right of citizenship, the right to vote, which had been granted to Blacks – men only — by the 15th Amendment in 1870. American Indians would be fully recognized as citizens a few years after women got the vote.) The 14th Amendment says that all persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens. Today’s national administration disputes the plain wording of this “birthright” citizenship, and the current Supreme Court is thinking about it. The most surprising thing about the case is not what the decision may be – it’s the fact that the Court would even consider the question in the first place. When Chief Justice John Roberts was undergoing confirmation to be on the Court, he famously told the Senate and the public that as a judge he would merely be an umpire calling balls and strikes. Baseball fans should have known better. A strike is not a strike and a ball is not a ball until the umpire says it is. In Supreme Court cases, it takes at least five of those nine umpires in black robes. I’m glad I stopped at The Royale. I did not know the racial history of the Kentucky Derby. There’s now a lot of whitewashing of American history taking place at the behest of our current leadership. If we do not remember our past, we may be condemned to repeat it, as the philosopher George Santayana and many other wise spirits have reminded us. If we forget and thus repeat our past sins, does that make us great again? A longer version of this essay is posted online on Substack – WolffTracks: michaelwolff.substack.com. Courtesy of Missouri Independent
	Augustana College peer-led program helps those struggling with their mental health Augustana College students Addi Wessel and Morin Windle are not just students, they are providing trained peer support to their classmates dealing with mental health struggles.
	UAE reports drone and missile attack as Iran war ceasefire is challenged The Iran war's shaky ceasefire was further strained on Friday as the United Arab Emirates responded to a missile and drone strikes.
	Washington awaits Iran's response as the UAE reports another missile barrage The Iran war's shaky ceasefire was further strained on Friday as the United Arab Emirates responded to a missile and drone strikes.
	The U.S. awaits Iran's response as the UAE reports another missile barrage The Iran war's shaky ceasefire was further strained on Friday as the United Arab Emirates responded to a missile and drone strikes.
	Military drills on the edge: U.S. and allies test capabilities near Asia's flash points From drone boats to long-range missiles, the U.S. and its allies tested new military tactics in the Philippines, sharpening deterrence as tensions with China intensify.
	Oscar Wilde This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.No sooner had the dust of the Civil War settled than the fledgling cities around Rock Island decided to make something…
	Ribbon cutting ceremony for Black Resources Inc. on Monday Black Resources Inc. is a non-profit organization making its mark in Davenport. Ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 11.
	Prices are up, but Mother's Day still means brunch It's the biggest day for America's restaurants, and one of the biggest for flower sales. Despite anxieties over rising gas prices, people are ready to splurge to celebrate.
	Spain readies for evacuations as a hantavirus-hit cruise ship heads for Canary Islands Spanish authorities are preparing to receive more than 140 passengers and crew members on board a hantavirus-stricken cruise ship headed for the Canary Islands.
	What video got Kash Patel in the headlines this week? The quiz knows Plus: The Met Gala, GameStop, Canada and Banksy (again!).
	Dave Kietzman to serve as Bettendorf Middle School interim associate principal An interim associate principal has been selected for Bettendorf Middle School. According to a release from the Bettendorf Community School District, Dave Kietzman will serve in the position beginning in July 2026, pending Board approval. Kietzman will replace Rachael Dierickx, who is moving to the interim principal position at Herbert Hoover Elementary School. Kietzman currently [...]
	European countries emerge as NATO leaders as U.S. role recedes President Trump's decision to leave NATO in the dark before launching strikes on Iran has inflamed tensions and is putting new urgency on rethinking the alliance.

Friday, May 8th, 2026