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

Thursday, May 21st, 2026
	TSA's new 'Gold+' program looks to increase private security screening at airports The agency calls the program an update to the Screening Partnership Program, in which 20 U.S. airports currently use private security screeners rather than federal workers.
	Even as anxieties grow under Trump, these swing voters aren't ready to back Democrats Swing voters in North Carolina say they are frustrated with President Trump and the state of the economy, but aren't ready to abandon him or his party as the midterms inch closer.
	Spencer Pratt is 'winning the internet,' but can he become mayor of Los Angeles? Pratt, a former reality TV star, is flooding social media with edgy humor, AI slop and combative rhetoric as a way of grabbing attention and winning the vote of the very online. It's a strategy some political experts see as the future of online campaigning.
	A guide to converting your lawn into a wildlife friendly garden Turning your grass into a garden isn't as complicated as you think, but it will take time and effort. This step-by-step guide breaks down the process, from killing your lawn to picking plants to grow.
	Illinois in top 10 of highest gas prices Gas is over $4 in every U.S. state for the first time since the war in Iran began.
	Officers who defended Capitol from rioters sue to block payouts from fund Two police officers who helped defend the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot are suing to block anyone from receiving payouts from a new settlement fund.
	Ex-prosecutor charged with sending to herself report on Trump classified probe The former prosecutor faces federal charges over allegations that she sent a report on Jack Smith's investigation into President Trump's hoarding of classified documents to her personal email account.
	Ebola fears surge on the ground in Congo over rapid spread of a rare type Healthcare workers in eastern Congo said Wednesday they are underprotected and undertrained in a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak of a rare type of the virus in one of the world's most vulnerable places.
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
	Liberal U.S. mayors team up with European counterparts to fight authoritarianism Ten U.S. mayors from cities such as Chicago and Cincinnati have joined a pact with European mayors to defend democracy and progressive values and fight right-wing populists and authoritarianism.
	Davenport man charged in shooting arrested for alleged possession of child sex abuse materials Officers found the images while investigating a shots-fired incident that occurred earlier this month.
	Public gives input after officials narrow alternatives for Centennial Bridge The options for what will happen with the Centennial Bridge have been narrowed down. Read about what they are and what members of the public are saying.
	Community members sound off on future of Centennial Bridge Rehabbing, rebuilding, or adding a span are all but a no-go. The more likely option is that the Mississippi River would get an entirely new bridge.
	‘That final achievement’: Project SEARCH honors 7 interns at graduation Project SEARCH celebrated seven interns as they finished their internship program at a graduation ceremony Wednesday.
	Community members sound off on future of Centennial Bridge Rehabbing, rebuilding, or adding a span are all but a no-go. The more likely option is that the Mississippi River would get an entirely new bridge.
	Senate panel hears testimony on online sports betting, prediction markets Senate lawmakers grilled sports betting industry officials during a hearing focused on recent cheating scandals, companies' marketing tactics and regulatory battles.
	HVAC classes at QCA college supplement aging workforce Students at Eastern Iowa Community College are in their first week of a program focused on a labor shortage for heating and air conditioning companies. They're taking a nine-week program to learn the skills needed for the trade. Wednesday marked three days into the program. Students meet four hours a day, four days a week. [...]
	Open house gives opportunity for public input on the Centennial Bridge project Plans for the future of the Centennial Bridges got more attention on Wednesday. The Iowa and Illinois Department of Transportation held an open house for the public to give their input. It's part of the long process to determine whether to rehabilitate the 85-year-old bridge or replace it. The final three options are to rehab [...]
	Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse, Rock Island, will present 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' A joyous family musical and off-Broadway hit will make its debut at Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse when the Rock Island theater premiers Ogden Nash's "The Tale of Custard the Dragon." Hailed by Kennedy Center Vice-President of Education Derek Gordon as a show that “will delight both the young and the young at heart," this hour-long [...]
	When the school year ends, their paychecks do too. Lawmakers could change that The Illinois General Assembly is considering helping educational support staff workers like Taylor whose incomes dry up each summer by allowing them to collect unemployment benefits between academic terms beginning on June 1.
	Field of Dreams press box to be named in honor of Voice of the Hawkeyes Gary Dolphin The press box at the Field of Dreams ballpark under construction will honor the name of Gary Dolphin, the “Voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes.”
	Scott County using opioid settlement funds to expand addiction recovery resources Opioid care coordinators are paid entirely through settlement funds. They help connect those dealing with opioid use disorder to resources and treatment.
	Future of Centennial Bridge sparks debate as DOT narrows options A major decision about the future of the Centennial Bridge could reshape the Quad Cities skyline for generations as transportation officials narrow down alternatives for the aging structure.
	Sewer replacement, resurfacing projects continue in Bettendorf This week, crews will begin replacing the sewer from 14th Street to 18th Street in Bettendorf, according to a news release. To complete their work safely, 15th Street to 17th Street will be closed to through traffic with the rest of the section open to local traffic only. A detour will be in place using [...]
	Local researcher uses eDNA testing to search for endangered turtles in Milan Bottoms Are there Blanding's Turtles in the Bottoms? Elizabeth VanCamp thinks so. Here's how she's using new technology to try and prove it.
	Northeast Iowa sees continued black bear activity as populations grow nearby The Iowa DNR said an average of 2-3 black bears visit the state each year, especially the end of May. Iowa doesn't have any documented breeding populations just yet.
	Davenport schools launch QR code system to track students boarding, exiting buses Davenport Community School District is introducing PathWise Student Tracking, a new QR code system to monitor bus routes and enhance student safety.
	City of Bettendorf schedules Memorial Day observance The City of Bettendorf will honor and remember those who have served our country with a ceremony on Memorial Day, Monday, May 2, a news release says. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. at Bettendorf’s Veterans Memorial, in Veterans Memorial Park, 1645 23rd St. Guest speaker will be Col. William J. “Joe” Parker, of [...]
	Dip into pools around the Quad Cities area Summer is just around the corner, and pools are opening around the Quad Cities! Find out where you can go to beat the heat.
	Central Avenue resurfacing begins The resurfacing is expected to take five to six weeks.
	Over 500 college aviators take to skies at Quad Cities International Airport Visit Quad Cities and the Quad Cities International Airport are hosting the conference, known as SAFECON, which runs through Saturday.
	Muscatine proclaims May as Affordable Housing Month The City of Muscatine has declared May 2026 is Affordable Housing Month. The proclamation was made during the May 19 Muscatine City Council meeting. According to a release: Why Affordable Housing Matters in Muscatine - Community Stability — Safe, attainable housing helps families build long term roots and contributes to neighborhood resilience. - Workforce Support [...]
	Black Hawk College selects new VP for student services The new Black Hawk College VP for student services will join the school from Oklahoma.
	Sunsets getting later and later this month in the Quad Cities Have you noticed how long the days are this time of year? The sun comes up around 5:30 and doesn't set until almost 8:30! This gaining daylight trend keeps up for another month, until we hit the summer solstice on June 21st. Here's a look at the sunset specifically, it's heading toward the latest ones [...]
	Stephen Pearcy of RATT, May 29 Credited as a pioneer of the early '80s, Sunset Strip rock scene, and with his band's multi-platinum-selling smashes including Out of the Cellar and Invasion of Your Privacy, RATT founder and frontman Stephen Pearcy headlines a May 29 concert event at Davenport's Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center, RATT's hit singles including “Lay It Down,” “Way Cool Jr.,” “Wanted Man,” and top-five Billboard smash “Round and Round.”
	Chad Gray, May 29 Performing at the East Moline venue on his “30 Years of Mayhem” tour, Chad Gray headlines a May 30 engagement at the Rust Belt, this powerhouse vocalist behind Mudvayne and Hellyeah lauded for decades for the intensity and grit that helped define modern heavy metal.
	MercyOne announces new president/CEO After a nationwide search, Robert Baxter, FACHE, has been named the new president and CEO of MercyOne beginning Monday, June 22, according to a news release. He will succeed Michael Taylor, who has served in an interim capacity since the beginning of January. Baxter brings more than 30 years of health care experience, most recently [...]
	Brandon Santini, May 31 Revered for delivering high-energy performances, driven by searing harmonica and passionate vocals, Brandon Santini returns to Davenport's Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill in a concert co-presented by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society, his May 31 headlining engagement treating audiences to the artist whom Blues Blast magazine called "one of the best harp players in the blues scene today."
	Matt Barber & Friends, May 30 Fresh off his two-month tour of Southern California, Matt Barber returns to Davenport's Grape Life Wine Store & Cellar on May 30, the gifted crooner and Rock Island High School graduate performing a thrilling repertoire of jazz, pop, and '50s-'70s classics alongside Quad Cities musicians and brothers Kellen Meyers on keyboard and Logan Meyers on drums.
	Researchers looking for endangered Blanding's turtles in the Milan Bottoms Elizabeth VanCamp joined The Current to discuss the difficulties with finding the turtles and why people should care about their shelled friends.
	Mirah, June 1 Touring in support of her February release Dedication, an album in which, according to The Spill Magazine, "all the experience she has gathered so far as an artist is coming to full bloom," alternative-folk singer/songwriter Mirah headlines a June 1 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, her latest recording hailed by Pitchfork as a "wistful account of motherhood, gratitude, and grief" where "unabashed earnestness is its greatest strength."
	Water Is the Sun, May 30 Traveling the country in support of their acclaimed springtime release Ritual Fever, the experimental musicians of Water Is the Headline headline a May 30 concert at Rock Island's Rozz-Tox, Psychotropic Wonderland describing the group's recording as "an endlessly evolving balancing act between timeless, rustic, and haunted-sounding samples and alternately understated and epic-sounding synthesizer motifs.”
	Choral Dynamics: “Raising Spirits with Song,” May 29 through 31 Celebrating both the organization's 50th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the United States this May, the revered vocal ensemble Choral Dynamics presents its annual pre-summer show at the Orhpeum Theatre May 29 through 31, with Raising Spirits with Song boasting favorite choral tunes, patriotic numbers, and memories of the past 50 years in Galesburg.
	The Quire of Eastern Iowa: “Sincerely Yours, Pauli Murray,” May 30 Debuting their new cantata for the first time in Iowa, the vocal talents of the Quire of Eastern Iowa brings Sincerely Yours, Pauli Murray to the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts on May 30, celebrating the pioneering Civil Rights activist, lawyer, poet, and Episcopal priest whose work helped shape modern movements for racial and gender equality.
	‘Santa’ facing extradition after being accused of money laundering, police say A 73-year-old man who is known locally for portraying Santa Claus is facing extradition after being charged with several fraud and money laundering charges.
	MercyOne names Robert Baxter as new president and CEO MercyOne names Robert Baxter as new president and CEO, effective June 22. Baxter, a University of Iowa alum, joins from Bon Secours Mercy Health.
	“Riverdance 30: The New Generation,” June 3 Hailed by DC Metro Arts as “an exhilarating ride of pride and precision” and by the Chicago Tribune as “superbly and joyously performed,” the touring spectacle Riverdance 30: The New Generation comes to Davenport's Adler Theatre on June 3, this astoundingly choreographed sensation a show that, according to Broadway World, “will appeal to long-time fans and captivate a new audience.”
	Black bears becoming regular visitors in northeast Iowa Vince Evelsizer with the Iowa DNR joined The Current to discuss where the bears are being spotted and what you need to know to keep safe around them.
	“Called to Reckon: Replacing History & Reclaiming Mission at a Midwestern College” Discussion, June 2 Presenting a panel discussion on the new Jane E. Simonsen book about Rock Island's Augustana College, the Davenport Public Library's Eastern Avenue Branch, on June 2, hosts a talk on the fascinating nonfiction Called to Reckon: Replacing History & Reclaiming Mission at a Midwestern College.
	“PIEOWA: A Piece of America,” May 30 With her documentary hailed by the Los Angeles Times as "a soulful slice of Americana" that has been covered by national outlets including CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 and the Hallmark Channel's Home & Family, former Quad Citizen Beth Howard brings her film PIEOWA: A Piece of America to the Bettendorf Public Library, the May 30 screening featuring an appearance by the filmmaker and, fittingly, a bit of dessert, to boot.
	“Waking Life,” June 4 With Stephen Holden of The New York Times calling the film "so verbally dexterous and visually innovative that you can't absorb it unless you have all your wits about you,” Waking Life enjoys a June 4 screening at Rozz-Tox, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Richard Linklater's animated 2001 classic the latest presentation in the Rock Island venue's popular Filmosofia series.
	Advice for 2026 commencement speakers: Don't bring up AI Commencement speakers who bring up the sweeping changes that artificial intelligence is driving are facing boos from the Class of 2026.
	A sneak peek into the Memorial Day Weekend Just a couple of days now until the Memorial Day weekend here in the US, and for us here in the Quad Cities, it couldn't be any better. While temperatures have been a bit on the cooler side so far this week and will continue to remain that way through Friday, things are warming up [...]
	2026 Quad Cities Chalk Art Fest, May 30 and 21 With the eagerly anticipated weekend event hosted by Rock Island's Quad City Arts and taking place for the 10th time, glorious colors and imaginative designs will be gracing the pavement of Rock Island's Schwiebert Riverfront Park in the Quad Cities Chalk Art Fest, a May 30 and 31 pre-summertime fixture boasting free admission, beautiful artistic creations, live music, children's activities, food and drink vendors, and more than $2,000 in cash prizes.
	Elon Musk's SpaceX files paperwork for what's likely to be the biggest IPO in history The company is on track to pull off the largest IPO in history — making CEO Elon Musk even wealthier.
	Elon Musk's SpaceX IPO plans reveal blockbuster spending on rockets and AI The company is on track to pull off the largest IPO in history — making CEO Elon Musk even wealthier.
	Final major group of Iowa National Guard soldiers to return home soon Nearly 200 soldiers are now back in America.
	Former Dubuque Teacher facing federal child exploitation charges A former Dubuque high school teacher is charged with six federal charges connected with child exploitation allegations.
	ORA Orthopedics introduces first-in-the-nation weight-bearing CT scanner The Planmed XFI Cone-beam CT Scanner can take scans while patients are standing or seated, instead of only while laying down.
	Channel Cat Water Taxi to open for 2026 season with expanded experiences, live music series The Channel Cat Water Taxi, a Quad Cities summertime staple is opening for the 2026 season, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
	MercyOne announces new president and CEO An interim president and CEO has been leading the company since January.
	“The Rainmaker,” June 4 through 14 Hailed by the New York Daily Mirror as “a hit you must see” and by the Los Angeles Times as “a handsomely staged case for miracles,” playwright N. Richard Nash's 1953 classic The Rainmaker enjoys a June 4 through 14 run at Geneseo's Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, this optimistic charmer famed for its beloved 1956 movie adaptation starring Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn.
	Quad City Arts' Chalk Art Fest needs volunteers Quad City Arts needs volunteers for the 2026 Chalk Art Fest, taking place on May 30 – 31 in Schwiebert Park in Rock Island. Chalk Art Fest is a free, live outdoor arts festival that brings hundreds of artists together who spend hours transforming the cement pavement at Schwiebert Park into a museum of chalk [...]
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: GONKARNUE KPAN, 37, 6’2”, 182 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Wanted in Scott County for parole violation and escape on a conviction for indecent [...]
	Bettendorf man arrested after alleged rifle sale to undercover agent A Bettendorf man is accused of trying to sell a rifle to an undercover MEG agent. Read more about the case here.
	How to help children cope after shootings like the San Diego mosque killings Children closest to an incident of gun violence have the most risk of lasting psychological effects. Here's what all parents should know about how to buffer trauma.
	Channel Cat Water Taxi opens for the 2026 season this Friday New this season, local musicians will perform live on the boat during regular operating hours. Here are the details.
	Ascentra Credit Union to break ground in Rock Island on new branch Ascentra Credit Union is planning to add another branch to the Quad Cities community.
	3 QC men arrested, accused of selling drugs at work Three Quad Cities men have been arrested after Davenport Police say they distributed drugs at a business where they were employed. Criminal complaints filed in Scott County Court say the Davenport Police Department's Tactical Operations Bureau executed a search warrant on April 28 at the Breeze Market Shell, 3622 N Brady Street, regarding a marijuana [...]
	Death Notice: Louis Allers A Celebration of Life luncheon for Louis D. Allers Sr., 70, of Davenport, will be held at noon on Wednesday, May 27, at the Walcott American Legion. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 26, from 4-7 p.m. at the Runge Mortuary, Davenport. Mr. Allers died Monday, May 18, 2026. Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.rungemortuary.com. An obituary will appear in the May 27 edition of The NSP.
	The U.S. threatens to revoke the Palestinian U.N. ambassador's visa A leaked State Department memo shows the U.S. threatened to revoke Palestinian visas if they pushed for a senior United Nations post.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for May 20, 2026 Illinois and Iowa DOT officials are hosting an open house to discuss the Centennial Bridge project, and welding students are gearing up for an annual competition.
	Centennial Bridge future: DOTs narrow replacement options for 80-year-old span The Illinois and Iowa departments of transportation say they have narrowed the options as they weigh the cost of repairs and replacement of the Centennial Bridge.
	Meta slashes 8,000 jobs as it pivots towards AI Facebook and Instagram's parent company has been investing huge sums of money in AI, but it lags behind competitors.
	2026 Choose Iowa Passport Adventure launches The 2026 Choose Iowa Passport Adventure launched today, helping visitors find Iowa-sourced products and agritourism opportunities. Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to explain how the passport helps visitors find ag-related products and experiences in the state. “Today we launched the 2026 version of the Choose Iowa [...]
	After the Kars4Kids ad is banned in California, we check in on nostalgic jingles past A California judge has given Kars4Kids 30 days to either take its ads off the air or update them to disclose its affiliations to a Jewish charity based in the Northeast.
	U.S. grand jury indicts Raul Castro, ex-Cuban president The 94-year-old former leader of Cuba faces several charges, including four counts of murder for an attack on a humanitarian group more than 30 years ago.
	PHOTO GALLERY: Donahue digs in Last Thursday marked one of Donahue mayor Ken Schoenthaler's favorite days of the year. John Glenn fifth graders walked down to the fire station to plant flowers that will be placed around town. Schoenthaler said it's a great opportunity for students to learn small ways they can make a big impact on their community. NSP photos by Erin M. Gentz
	Davenport Democrats weigh experience, fresh voice in House District 97 primary Democratic voters in Iowa House District 97 will choose between Ken Croken and Adam Peters in the June 2 primary. Find more on the candidates and where they stand here.
	Bipartisan home affordability bill passes the House The bill is meant to encourage home construction, and would ban corporate investors from buying up more homes to rent out.
	Davenport man accused of sexual abuse A Davenport man is charged after an investigation into a sexual abuse that police said spanned several months.
	Beyond the diagnosis: Navigating life with pediatric low-grade glioma (BPT) - On any given day, Regina Karchner, MSW, LICSW, Social Worker at the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, meets with families at very different points in their journey. Some have just heard the words "brain tumor" for the first time. Others have been living with a diagnosis of pediatric low-grade glioma, or pLGG, for years. What connects them is not just the medical condition, but the way it reshapes daily life in ways few people on the outside fully see."While the shock of a brain tumor diagnosis is often acknowledged, the practical and emotional support families need in those early days doesn't always follow," says Regina. "Many families are left searching for someone who can slow down, answer questions and help them process what this diagnosis means for daily life."pLGG is the most common type of brain tumor in children. It is considered slow-growing, but its effects can be significant, depending on where the tumor develops in the brain. Some children experience vision problems, loss of balance or changes in energy levels. Others may face mood disorders or seizures.1From a clinical standpoint, the course of pLGG varies as well. Some tumors remain stable and are monitored through routine imaging. Others require surgery or targeted treatment.1 But the one constant across all of those impacted is that the experience extends far beyond what happens in a hospital or clinic."What many people don't realize," Regina explains, "is that this is often a long-term condition. Families aren't just dealing with a diagnosis. They're learning how to live with ongoing uncertainty."Much of the pLGG experience happens between appointments. There are the waiting periods between scans, when anxiety can quietly build. There are school days missed for appointments, and the challenge of helping teachers and classmates understand what a child is going through. There are shifts at home, as parents balance caregiving with work and siblings adjust to changes in attention and routine.2For children, the emotional impact can be just as significant as the physical.2"Even when children are able to return to school or social activities, many continue to struggle to make sense of something that's hard for even adults to process," Regina says. "Challenges aren't always visible, but they can affect friendships, participation in class and how children see themselves."This is where support and resources become essential. In addition to needing help to process the emotional weight of diagnosis, families also need practical support. That can include financial resources, coordination with schools or having conversations with children about their condition in an age-appropriate way. These needs constantly change as a child's journey continues. That's why it's critical that patients and families have access to a care team — not just a single point of contact. Social workers, Child Life Specialists and other care team members often collaborate closely with doctors and nurses to provide holistic care for the child and their family. In addition to treatment, the broader team focuses on helping children understand and cope with medical experiences and support the emotional and logistical needs of the entire family.3Together, this network helps families navigate not just treatment, but the realities of everyday life with pLGG.One of the most common challenges families face is isolation. Because pLGG can be a long-term condition, families may feel like others don't fully understand what they are going through.2Access to resources can help bridge that gap. Educational materials can make it easier for parents to explain the diagnosis in a way their child can understand. Support communities offer a sense of connection with others on a similar path.Additional tools are designed specifically for children and families, including books that help explain pLGG in age-appropriate ways and provide guidance for navigating uncertainty."I've seen how much it helps when families feel that they're not alone," Regina says. "Even small moments of understanding and connection can ease the burden. I encourage anyone navigating a pLGG diagnosis to seek out trusted resources and support networks that can help them feel informed, supported and less isolated."For more information on pLGG and resources for families, visit rethinkplgg.com.Sources:What is pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG)?. rethink pLGG from Day One Biopharmaceuticals. (2026). https://www.rethinkplgg.com/about-plggPediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. (2024, July 17). Voice of the Patient Report. Cure the Kids. https://curethekids.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PBTF-pLGG-Voice-of-the-Patient-Report.pdfScialla, M. A., Canter, K. S., Chen, F. F., Kolb, E. A., Sandler, E., Wiener, L., & Kazak, A. E. (2017). Implementing the psychosocial standards in pediatric cancer: Current staffing and services available. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 64(11). https://doi.org/10.1002/pbc.26634
	WATCH LIVE: RFK Jr. attends signing of Iowa MAHA bill into law Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is on hand as Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signs into law a bill inspired by his Make America Healthy Again movement.
	The San Diego mosque shooting victims remembered as 'heroes' for protecting children Amin Abdullah, Nadir Awad and Mansour Kaziha distracted and delayed two gunmen at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Their actions saved the many children and staff inside the mosque and cost them their lives.
	Greetings from Bali, where a kecak dance shows the triumph of good over evil The kecak dance involves a retelling of one of the stories in the Ramayana, the Hindu epic poem. At the story's climax, there is an eruption of fire as tufts of dried coconut husks are set aflame.
	ACLU, New Mexico lawmakers petition state Supreme Court to block infant-removal policy American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and two Democratic state lawmakers filed an emergency petition on May 18, 2026, requesting the state Supreme Court block a 2025 policy requiring state welfare officials to seek custody of drug-exposed infants. (Getty images)The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, along with two Democratic state lawmakers, filed an emergency petition this week urging the state Supreme Court to halt a child welfare directive requiring the removal of newborns exposed to alcohol or drugs. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. The directive stems from a July 7, 2025, order directing Children, Youth and Families Department staff to seek immediate custody of newborns with diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome or substance-exposure with “no exceptions.” The May 18 emergency petition argues that the order violates state laws already on the books and “invades the fundamental liberty interest of parents to the care and custody of their children.” Additionally, the directive fails to set standards for an individual investigation into the child’s safety; or consider any medical context, such as the mother using opioid-replacement drugs. The petition cited a December letter signed by more than 70 New Mexico providers saying that pregnant women may forgo prenatal care or treatment due to concerns of losing their children and called the directive “dangerous.” Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena (D-Las Cruces), who joined Sen. Linda López (D-Albuquerque) in filing the petition, told Source NM the policy is “patently unlawful.” “We have a state-sanctioned policy, when we are removing kids without an individualized finding, not based on what’s happening in their particular family, in their particular pregnancy, their circumstances, just a blanket policy that says, ‘if there was exposure in this pregnancy, we are automatically taking your child at birth,’” Lara Cadena said. “So for me, that’s a dangerous precedent; among other things, it’s going to push people further into the shadows.” Lara Cadena and López also said the order violates the Legislature’s authority. Lawmakers previously passed, and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed, the 2019 Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which refers families of drug-addicted newborns to voluntary support and treatment services. In 2025, legislators passed Senate Bill 42 in a near-unanimous vote to address the “substantive gaps” in the 2019 legislation. Changes include moving administration and oversight out of CYFD and into the Health Care Authority. That law is set to go into effect July 1. “People have substance abuse issues with alcohol or some of the other drugs that are out there, but to remove an infant and cause more trauma at that point in time, is not what New Mexico should be doing,” López told Source NM. “The governor essentially overstepped the Legislature, because we have a bill, with processes laid out on how to work with families.” Lujan Grisham and CYFD defended the practice, with officials saying that since the order has been in place, no drug-exposed infants have died. Michael Coleman, the governor’s director of communications, told Source NM in a statement that Lujan Grisham “stands firm in her conviction that protecting newborns from being discharged into dangerous environments is the right thing to do — and she is confident that this lawful directive is saving lives.” Coleman went on to say that law enforcement, in addition to CYFD, determine the risks of sending the babies home or requesting judicial intervention. Since July 2025, 213 infants have been reported to state welfare services, according to CYFD Communications Director Jake Thompson. Of those children, district court judges awarded custody to CYFD 127 times, denying five cases. All 127 children are placed in licensed foster homes, with 60% staying with relatives, Thompson said. For the 81 children not staying with relatives, 30 are in the court process of getting a relative to be their guardians; 29 are in supervised homes with non-offending relatives; 13 infants remain hospitalized; and Tribal governments invoked jurisdiction for nine infants. Thompson said the department is “keeping a pathway open” to engage with services and substance treatment. “The directive is working as intended and is keeping babies alive. Before the directive, too many substance-exposed newborn babies were dying, and others struggled to live,” Thompson said. Courtesy of Source New Mexico
	QCA gas station receives grant to sell Iowa-grown products With holiday travel just around the corner, the American Automobile Association (AAA) reports the national average for gas is just over $4.50. It's over $5 a gallon across Illinois. While Iowa sits at a little less than the national average at $4.31 per gallon, a Davenport gas station is using a grant to uplift small [...]
	Having trouble focusing on your book? Try immersive reading Reading text of a book while listening to the audiobook is gaining steam among online book communities.
	Convicted sex offender facing new sexual abuse charge A Davenport man is charged after an investigation into alleged sexual abuse.
	Channel Cat Water Taxi returns for 2026 season, including new live music sessions Read the story to see what changes are coming to the Quad-Cities river taxi this season.
	Davenport man arrested, charged with lascivious acts with a child A Davenport man is in the Scott County Jail on a $1 million bond after police say he committed lascivious acts with a 5-year-old. The criminal complaint filed in the case said between early summer 2025 and the end of December 2025, the defendant, identified as Alan Mendez Pablo, 18, committed second-degree sexual abuse and [...]
	Drake's target audience is you, whoever you are On three new albums — Iceman, Maid of Honour and Habibti — the streaming era's defining star doubles down on a strategy of abundance, no matter the creative cost.
	Caffeine doesn't create energy. Here's what it really does Caffeine doesn't create energy. Here's what it really doesCaffeine might be one of the most misunderstood molecules out there. What it does in your body and what most people think it does are two very different stories.Caffeine is packaged and sold as energy, described as energy, and can sure feel like energy, in the near term.But at the biochemical level, caffeine doesn't produce a single unit of energy. It blocks fatigue signals and cranks up neurotransmitter activity. That distinction matters more than most people realize.This article from LMNT will help you understand how caffeine works, so you can start using it strategically — optimizing for focus and performance rather than chasing the buzz and riding out the crash.Key TakeawaysCaffeine doesn't produce energy — it blocks fatigue signals. At the biochemical level, caffeine creates zero units of energy. It just mutes the chemical messenger telling your brain you're tired.Caffeine works because it looks like adenosine, the “sleepy” molecule. Its molecular structure is similar enough to slip into the same receptors — crowding out adenosine and blocking the fatigued signal.Feeling more alert after consuming caffeine is a downstream effect. With adenosine blocked, stimulating neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine may increase. That's where the focus, mood lift, and mental sharpness come from.The fatigued signals that were muted don’t disappear. Adenosine keeps building in the background while caffeine blocks the receptors. Once caffeine clears, you return to baseline plus everything that accumulated while caffeine was in your system.What Makes You Feel Tired: The Role of AdenosineThat sluggish feeling that creeps in throughout the day? It's the predictable result of a molecule called adenosine building up in your brain.Here's the basic biochemistry: Your body runs on adenosine triphosphate (ATP); think of it as cellular currency — and electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are what keep that currency in circulation. Every time your cells spend ATP to do something like retrieve a memory, contract a muscle, or fire a neuron, they leave behind a metabolic byproduct called adenosine. The longer you’re awake, and the more you’re doing, the more adenosine accumulates. For most folks, adenosine is lowest in the mornings and slowly builds over the day.Your brain has specific receptors for adenosine — think of them like docking stations — called A1 and A2A receptors. As adenosine builds, it binds to those receptors and progressively suppresses your brain’s alertness circuits that promote wakefulness and neuronal firing. The result is fatigue.“The more adenosine builds up, the sleepier you feel,” says neuroscience professor and sleep expert Matthew Walker, Ph.D. “Usually after about 16 hours of being awake, you feel enough sleep pressure to fall asleep.”Sleep hits the reset button. Overnight, enzymes recycle adenosine and free up receptors. After a good night’s sleep, you wake up refreshed. Then the cycle repeats.How Caffeine Keeps You AwakeCaffeine’s molecular structure is remarkably similar to adenosine, so similar that it can bind to A1 and A2A receptors. And that’s where things get interesting.By occupying those sites, caffeine effectively crowds out adenosine, blocking the signals that would normally make you feel tired.The result is:A relative surge in stimulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.Short-term increase in concentration.Short-term decrease in drowsiness.Dr. Walker offers an analogy to visualize this process in action. Picture a room full of chairs. Those chairs represent your adenosine receptors. Normally, adenosine molecules fill those chairs, and when they do, they send your brain a clear message: You're tired, go to sleep.But when you consume caffeine, it races into the room and — elbowing adenosine out of the way — fills the seats instead. Adenosine is still there in the room, waiting and accumulating, but it can't sit down. If it can't sit down, it can't alert the brain of your mounting fatigue.This explains why caffeine doesn’t create energy. “It essentially hits the mute button on your sleepiness,” says Dr. Walker.Only after your liver metabolizes the caffeine and it clears your system can adenosine reclaim its chairs — giving your brain the full, unfiltered signal that it's time to rest. And that's when you feel every hour of buildup that was quietly accumulating in the background.Downstream neurotransmitter effectsIn addition to making you feel more alert and awake, research suggests low to moderate doses of caffeine can:Sharpen attention.Help you stay mentally locked in on tedious tasks.Boost mood.Speed up mental processing and reaction time.Enhance other cognitive processes.So caffeine can be your friend, when used strategically. The key phrase here is low-to-moderate doses.The positive downstream effects all trace back to mechanisms of caffeine mentioned previously: It has the ability to block adenosine receptors and trigger a relative surge in the activity of stimulating neurotransmitters that impact cognition and perceived energy.Those neurotransmitters include:Dopamine: Involved in our reward system, it boosts mood, pleasure, arousal, and motivation, and aids in learning, concentration, and achieving that coveted “flow state.”Norepinephrine: It is key to the fight-or-flight response — too much can make you jittery, but the right amount enhances alertness, arousal, attention, decision making, and focus.Acetylcholine: An important player in the central nervous system, acetylcholine helps enhance memory, learning, motivation, arousal, and attention.When adenosine is blocked:Dopamine receptors become more responsive to the dopamine already there.There’s likely a modest bump in dopamine release itself.Other stimulating neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and acetylcholine rise too. Together, these shifts in brain chemistry are what produce the classic caffeine buzz: the mood lift, the mental sharpness, and the performance benefits.The caffeine crashGoing back to the analogy of a room full of chairs, remember:Caffeine temporarily steals adenosine’s seats, but it doesn’t kick adenosine out of the room.Instead, adenosine builds in the background, quietly stacking sleep pressure.Once your liver has metabolized and cleared the caffeine, adenosine can bind to its receptors again. What happens next?“You don't return to the same level of tiredness you had before consuming caffeine,” explains Dr. Walker. “You return to that level plus everything that continued to build while the caffeine was blocking the signal. That's the caffeine crash.”Of course, the crash isn't always dramatic. It depends on the amount of caffeine you consumed, when you consumed it, your unique metabolization rate, and other contributing factors like sleep debt, lifestyle choices, and amount of stress.How Caffeine Works is Only Half the StoryCaffeine doesn’t give you energy. It temporarily mutes your brain’s fatigue signals while increasing neurotransmitter activity that keeps you alert and focused.It can absolutely be useful, but only when used strategically. The best strategy is one that is unique to your individual health blueprint.The mechanisms of caffeine are universal. The experience is not. The same dose and timing can make one person feel “in the zone” and another anxious and shaky.The gap comes down to how your body handles caffeine once it’s in your system. When it comes to caffeine tolerance, one-size-fits-all caffeine advice falls short. You’ll need to experiment to find what works for you.This story was produced by LMNT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to adapt and future-proof your SEO strategy for AI search results How to adapt and future-proof your SEO strategy for AI search resultsFun fact: Generative AI traffic grew 796% from January 2024 to December 2025. That growth doesn’t mean search engine optimization (SEO) is going away, but it means your prospects are discovering brands in new ways.The question is: Does your brand show up when prospects ask AI tools for answers and recommendations in your industry? Businesses need to rethink how to adapt SEO for AI search.A strong SEO program still matters, but rankings alone don’t keep you top-of-mind. To build a future-proof SEO strategy, you need strong foundational SEO, content that answers real buyer questions, visible trust signals, and a way to measure your visibility in AI-generated answers.WebFX’s guide will walk through how to update your SEO strategy for AI search without abandoning the fundamentals that still drive traffic, leads, and revenue.Why AI search changes how businesses should think about SEOSEO still matters in the age of generative engine optimization (GEO). That’s because GEO requires content that’s accessible, useful, and trustworthy, which are foundations of search-optimized pages.The next step is building on that foundation. GEO adds another layer to SEO by helping your content become easier for AI systems to understand, reference, and cite.That matters because AI search can influence your prospect’s buying journey before they click through to your site. If your brand appears in an AI answer, you may earn awareness, trust, or shortlist consideration earlier. If a competitor appears instead, they may shape the conversation before your analytics platform records a session.How to future-proof your SEO strategy for AI searchTo future-proof SEO for AI search, don’t replace your current SEO program with a separate “AI search” checklist. Build on the SEO foundation you already have, then improve how your content answers questions, demonstrates authority, and supports AI visibility.Use these tips to strengthen your SEO strategy for AI search:1. Keep your SEO foundation strongStart with the basics that make your content accessible and useful. Technical SEO plays a major role here because search engines and AI-powered search experiences need to crawl, render, understand, and index your content before they can show it to users.That said, your SEO foundation also includes on-page SEO, authority signals, and off-page SEO. Technical SEO gets your content in the door, but helpful content and trust signals improve its visibility.Make sure your product, service, pricing, and other important pages:Can be crawled and indexedUse clean, descriptive URLsInclude helpful internal linksHave an accurate XML sitemapAvoid conflicting canonical tagsDon’t hide important content behind scripts, tabs, or blocked resourcesAlso, check your visibility controls. Tags and settings like nosnippet, data-nosnippet, max-snippet, and noindex can limit how your content appears in search. Use them on pages like thank-you and welcome pages that you intentionally want excluded from search results or limited in snippets.2. Answer the real intent behind a keyword or questionTo make your content more useful for traditional search and AI search, identify your audience’s search intent behind each priority keyword.For each priority page, ask:What question brought this person here?What decision are they trying to make?What concerns could stop them from moving forward?What would they ask next?What proof would help them trust the answer?For example, you’re marketing a heavy equipment rental company. If someone searches “excavator rental,” they may want to know which excavator size fits their project, how much the rental will cost, whether delivery is included, and whether renting makes more sense than buying.That means your page can include sections like “What size excavator do I need for a commercial site?” “How much does a weekly excavator rental cost?” and “Should I rent or buy for a six-month project?”This approach supports traditional search intent and AI answer inclusion because the page gives search engines and readers more complete information to work with.3. Put direct answers where AI tools and readers can find themAI search tools and busy prospects have one thing in common: They need answers they can find quickly.Place a short, direct answer near the top of important sections. Use clear headings, concise paragraphs, bullets, tables, and summaries when they make the content easier to scan.Then, expand the answer with the details readers need to make a decision, such as cost factors, examples, requirements, comparisons, or next steps.This structure helps readers get the answer quickly while still giving them enough context to make a business decision.4. Add original insight that matches your audience’s intentAI can summarize common advice. To stand out in a sea of AI-generated content, your content needs to add what generic summaries can’t provide — experience, audience-specific context, original data, examples, and trust signals.Lean into what Google’s AI Overviews want to deliver — helpful content with unique perspectives that users can trust.That means letting experience and human expertise inform the content, adding videos or custom graphics when they help users, and including trust signals like certifications, awards, and author biographies.This is also where audience context matters. Two businesses can cover the same topic and need very different content angles.For example, a single-location dental clinic and a large dental office chain may both write about dental implants. The local clinic may need to emphasize nearby availability, the dentist’s experience, financing options, and insurance questions.Meanwhile, a multi-location dental office chain may lead with broad service coverage, flexible scheduling, multiple locations, and the ability to handle several dental needs under one brand.AI-assisted content can help with research, drafting, and structure, but the finished piece still needs to provide real value. Add expert review, specific examples, accurate information, and brand-specific context before publishing.5. Cover the questions buyers ask before they purchase or convertA single page rarely answers every question a buyer has. That’s why future-ready SEO needs topic coverage across the buying journey.Build content clusters that support questions at each stage:Awareness: What problem does the buyer need to solve?Research: What options do they have?Comparison: How do different providers, services, or products compare?Evaluation: What proof, pricing, and implementation details do they need?Purchase: What should they do next?For example, a heavy equipment company could build a topic cluster around excavator rentals with pages about rental pricing, excavator sizes, delivery fees, rental vs. buying, operator requirements, maintenance responsibilities, and project-specific use cases.As AI search becomes more conversational, this strategy becomes important. If your site covers only the broad topic, competitors with deeper supporting content may have more chances to appear in AI answer engines.6. Make trust signals visible on the pageWhen a prospect lands on a high-value page, they should quickly understand why they can trust the information. Add relevant trust signals such as:Author biosExpert reviewersCertificationsAwardsCase studiesClient testimonialsFirst-party researchSource citationsProduct screenshotsIndustry experienceClear “last updated” dates7. Use structured dataStructured data helps search engines understand your page. It can also make your content eligible for certain rich results, depending on the page type and supported features.Use schema where it fits the page, such as:Article schema for blog posts or informational articlesOrganization schema for business informationLocalBusiness schema for location pagesProduct schema for product pagesBreadcrumbList schema for site navigationFAQPage schema when the page meets requirementsHowTo schema where step-by-step instructions fit the contentThat being said, don’t treat schema as a shortcut to AI visibility. Structured data doesn’t replace helpful content, technical accessibility, or trust signals.Make sure your structured data matches the visible page content. If users can’t see it, don’t mark it up as if they can.8. Improve page experience for users who click throughAI visibility can get your brand into the conversation, but your website still needs to turn that interest into action.Focus first on the page experience elements that affect whether visitors stay and convert:Fast load timesMobile-friendly designClear headingsUseful visualsHelpful navigationThen, remove friction from the rest of the experience by:Limiting intrusive pop-upsMaking navigation easy to followGiving visitors accessible forms, clear next steps, and simple ways to contact your businessFor example, if a buyer clicks from an AI answer to your “commercial roofing services” page, they should quickly see what you offer, where you operate, the types of roofs you handle, why your team is qualified, and how to contact the business.9. Refresh priority pages before they become outdatedRefreshing priority pages helps your strongest content stay useful, accurate, and competitive. Start with pages that already influence your visibility, leads, revenue, or sales conversations.Prioritize updates for pages that:Already rank wellDrive leads or revenueSupport important sales conversationsTarget fast-changing topicsContain statistics, pricing, or product detailsInfluence comparison or purchase decisionsA quarterly review works for many evergreen pages. Fast-changing topics, such as AI search, paid advertising platforms, or software pricing, may need more frequent updates.For each update, check the substance and the structure. Don’t only add the current year to the title. Refresh the advice, examples, sources, screenshots, internal links, and next steps.If a page includes old statistics or outdated pricing, update those details before they create doubt for readers.Common mistakes when future-proofing your SEO strategyAdapting SEO for AI search can help your business stay visible, but over-optimizing for AI can pull your focus from what truly matters: helpful content, strong technical SEO, trust signals, and business results.Avoid these common mistakes when building your AI-ready SEO strategy:Treating AI search as a separate strategyYour GEO efforts should support your SEO strategy. Your SEO, content, PR, and analytics teams should work with the same goals: visibility, qualified traffic, leads, and revenue.Focusing on prompt testing and brand appearances in AI answersWhen marketing teams rewrite content to get mentioned by AI tools, they risk ignoring other fundamental SEO practices, which might affect visibility in organic search results and other channels, or for important prompts. Fix your site’s technical, on-page, and off-page SEO first before trying to gain visibility in AI platforms.Publishing generic AI-written content without human reviewAI tools can help with research, outlines, summaries, and content gap analysis. However, AI tools shouldn’t replace subject matter expertise.Mass-producing generic pages to target search visibility can create low-value content that doesn’t help readers or support your brand. You can use AI to support your process, but have your team review and add expert insights, original examples, and business-specific context.Adding schema markup that doesn’t match visible contentStructured data should clarify your content and help search engines understand your page. If you add FAQ schema for answers that don’t appear on the page, or mark up reviews that users can’t see, you create a trust problem.Use structured data honestly, and validate it before publishing.Tracking only rankings and organic sessionsAdd AI visibility metrics to your reporting, such as AI mentions, AI citations, AI-referred traffic, assisted conversions, and lead quality.This helps you understand whether your brand shows up when buyers ask AI tools about your industry, products, services, and competitors.Updating content structure without improving substanceFormatting alone can’t earn you citations and readers’ trust. To gain your customers’ trust and enhance AI visibility, you must publish authoritative content.Add original data, expert insights, real-world examples, and stronger proof points so your audience, search engines, and AI platforms can consider you a reliable source in your niche.Assuming every AI answer will drive a clickAI visibility doesn’t always lead to immediate traffic, so don’t measure it solely by clicks. Track visibility, but keep tying your work back to qualified traffic, leads, pipeline, and revenue.What the future of SEO looks like with AIThe future of SEO is broader search visibility. Your prospects are still using Google search, but they may also discover brands through ChatGPT, Perplexity, YouTube, and review sites.Generative AI is becoming a strategic channel. Although it accounts for only 0.18% of traffic in 2025, conversions from AI-referred traffic increased by 6,432% YoY. This means visitors coming from AI sources are turning into leads, customers, or engaging with your brand.That doesn’t mean businesses should abandon traditional SEO, though. It means SEO strategies need to account for how people research and make purchase decisions today.Your content should help prospects find helpful answers, understand their options, and see why they can trust your business across search engines and other emerging channels.The future of SEO belongs to brands that can stay visible wherever prospects search.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Voice AI in healthcare: Strategy, safety, and deployment for health systems Voice AI in healthcare: Strategy, safety, and deployment for health systemsLeading healthcare organizations are deploying voice AI agents that handle hundreds of thousands of interactions monthly, driving patient satisfaction up while costs and no-shows go down. This guide from Quiq provides your strategic roadmap, from business case and safety to technical architecture and change management.Key TakeawaysVoice AI can transform access and operations, not just reduce costs. Health systems using AI voice agents for scheduling, reminders, and outreach reduce call-center volume, cut no-shows, and improve access without adding staff, all while building a differentiated patient experience.Start with high volume, low complexity calls for fastest wins. Appointment scheduling, rescheduling, and reminders often represent 40%–60% of inbound volume and can achieve 70%–80% containment with a well-designed AI voice agent.Robust safety and compliance unlock responsible innovation. HIPAA compliance, BAAs, explicit scope limits, and clear escalation rules make voice channels safe, which is critical for maintaining trust in healthcare.Generative AI improves patient experience at scale. Modern conversational agents understand natural language, adapt naturally to conversations, and personalize interactions, all within strict guardrails.Success requires a phased, governed rollout. The most effective systems start with a narrow pilot, validate, track KPIs, then expand use cases based on proven outcomes, mirroring a structured “pilot to scale” roadmap.Executive Summary for Health Systems and Health CareVoice AI is emerging as a core lever for health systems that need to improve patient access, stabilize staffing, and protect margins. Modern agentic AI agents understand natural language, connect to your Electronic Health Record, and complete nonclinical workflows like scheduling and outreach—24/7. Quiq Deployed well, voice AI can achieve 70%–80% containment on routine interactions, cut call-center costs by double digits, and significantly reduce no-shows through smarter reminders and easy rescheduling. Patients experience faster access and less friction; staff reclaim time for complex, high-value work.Because voice AI touches patient data and live patients, safety, privacy, and governance must be foundational. That means clear scope limits, HIPAA-grade security, and explicit escalation rules.Business Case: ROI for Call Centers and Health System OperationsBuilding your business case requires quantifying three key benefits: cost savings from automating routine interactions, staff time reclaimed for complex cases, and revenue protection from reducing missed appointments.1. Estimating Cost Savings from Call‑Center AutomationHealthcare systems’ access centers routinely handle hundreds of thousands to millions of calls annually. A large share are routine scheduling and basic information, which are ideal for automation.Consider this model: your access center fields 1.2 million inbound calls per year at a fully loaded cost of $5 per call. If 50% are routine scheduling and simple questions (600,000 calls costing $3 million), and a voice AI agent contains 75% of those, it automates 450,000 interactions—saving roughly $2.25 million in operational costs, minus platform fees.2. Quantifying Staff Time Reclaimed for Complex CallsYour healthcare workforce spends much of their day on low‑complexity work: straightforward bookings, “when and where” questions, and basic intake. When voice AI absorbs these predictable interactions, staff can redirect time to higher‑value tasks like supporting vulnerable or high‑risk patients, untangling complex issues, and collaborating directly with healthcare providers.Across a team of dozens of schedulers, automating hundreds of thousands of phone calls per year can free the equivalent of several full‑time roles, without additional hiring.3. Modeling Revenue Protection from Missed‑Appointment ReductionNo‑shows and late cancellations quietly erode revenue and access. Every empty slot means lost visit revenue and wasted provider time.Voice AI helps reduce no‑shows by delivering timely, personalized reminders, letting patients confirm or reschedule in natural language, and quickly backfilling cancellations from waitlists. For example, if your system runs 500,000 appointments annually with a 20% no‑show rate (100,000 missed visits) and earns $100–$250 net per visit, cutting no‑shows by 20% relative—from 20% to 16%—recovers 20,000 visits, protecting $2–$5 million in revenue each year and driving operational efficiency.AI Voice Agent Types and Use Cases in Health CareInbound Scheduling and Access ServicesScheduling and access questions represent the vast majority of inbound call volume, making them ideal for automation.Voice AI can handle variations like “Can I move my MRI to next week?” or “What time is my appointment and where do I go?” An AI voice agent can verify identity, check real‑time provider schedules, offer time slots, and confirm bookings.When it detects complexity or distress, it follows clear rules to escalate to a human agent with full context for a seamless handoff.Outbound Outreach and Patient EngagementInstead of generic robocalls, patient engagement voice AI can place personalized reminder calls:“You have an appointment with Dr. Patel this Thursday at 2 p.m. Can you still make it?”If the patient says no, the agent offers alternative times and reschedules.Similar workflows power proactive outreach for overdue screenings, chronic‑condition follow‑ups, and simple post‑discharge check‑ins.The same agent can continue the conversation over SMS or web chat, so outreach and rescheduling stay in sync across channels.Agentic AI for End‑to‑End WorkflowsAgentic AI agents go beyond handling a single question; they can autonomously complete multi‑step workflows by coordinating across existing systems.In scheduling, that might look like: verify the patient, check eligibility and visit type rules, search for appropriate providers and locations, present time options, book the visit, send confirmation and pre‑visit instructions.Voice AI platforms enable you to build these agentic workflows, while ensuring your agent adheres to your specific guardrails and escalation rules.Documentation and Clinical Intake SupportFor documentation, your agent can summarize scheduling and outreach calls, and push that information into your EHR or CRM. Access staff spend less time typing, and clinicians see clearer context when patients arrive.For patient intake support, your agent conducts structured symptom gathering under clinician‑approved scripts: what symptoms the patient is experiencing, when they started, and other relevant information.It clearly states that it collects information, does not give medical advice, and routes the call to clinical staff when appropriate.Conversational AI and Generative AI CapabilitiesModern large language models and generative AI give voice AI agents the ability to understand varied phrasing and accents, keep track of multi‑turn conversations, and respond in natural, empathetic language instead of rigid scripts. Human-like conversations are now possible at scale.When a patient says, “I had to cancel yesterday—my schedule is crazy next week. Anything after 3 p.m.?”, the agent can interpret both the need to reschedule and the preference for late‑afternoon slots, not just match keywords.For patient engagement, the goal is to lower friction and shorten waits: let patients say what they need in their own words, answer instantly 24/7, and avoid making them repeat information as the conversation progresses or hands off to a human. The agent should also adjust tone when it detects stress or confusion, and escalate quickly when a situation sounds sensitive or complex.Personalization must stay safe and nonclinical. That means remembering and referencing upcoming or recent visits, offering familiar locations or providers, and honoring language and channel preferences, without straying into diagnosis or treatment advice.Handling Complex Calls and Escalations in Call CentersAutomation has to stop the moment there is clinical risk. Healthcare voice AI should escalate as soon as a patient mentions red‑flag symptoms—chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke signs, suicidal thoughts—or when the system detects high distress or uncertainty.Clinical leadership should explicitly define, test, and approve those triggers and confidence thresholds.When escalation happens, the AI should pass relevant conversation context to the receiving nurse or scheduler—why the patient is calling, key details gathered so far, and any urgency flags—so the clinician can pick up without asking the patient to repeat themselves.If the voice assistants can’t confidently understand a request after one or two clarifications, they should simply acknowledge that, offer a human, and transfer the call with whatever context it has already captured.Triage and Warm Handoff WorkflowsFor pre‑triage, voice AI can follow clinician‑approved scripts to collect basic symptom information: what the patient is experiencing, when it started, how severe it is, and whether any alarming signs are present.The agent must clearly state that it is gathering information, not giving medical advice, and immediately escalate when certain phrases or patterns appear. When a nurse or clinician takes over, they should receive that structured intake—reason for call, key answers, and risk indicators—so they can focus on clinical decision-making rather than re‑collecting details. Quiq Technical Architecture for AI Voice in Health SystemsWhen evaluating voice AI systems for healthcare, technical excellence and clinical safety are non‑negotiable. Here’s what to look for in an enterprise‑grade solution:ASR Accuracy and Latency Requirements: Automatic Speech Recognition needs to reliably capture everyday language and common medical terms with high accuracy, typically 95%+ for general conversation and 98%+ for key clinical vocabulary. Latency from the end of a patient’s utterance to the AI’s response should stay under 300 ms to feel conversational, not stop‑and‑go.TTS Naturalness and Multi‑Voice Needs: Text‑to‑Speech quality shapes patient perception. Voices should be clear, natural‑sounding, and support the languages and dialects in your patient population, ensuring leading voice quality.Model Hosting Options: Most health systems deploy in HIPAA‑compliant cloud environments with SOC 2 Type II certification, encryption in transit and at rest, and regional data residency. Some may require hybrid or on‑premise components. Vendors should provide clear data‑flow diagrams and options that meet your security requirements.Integration with EHR, Telephony, and APIsVoice AI only delivers value if it connects seamlessly to the systems that run your operations today.Integration with your EHR should allow the agent to read relevant data and write back bookings, reschedules, and cancellations, keeping schedules accurate.On the telephony side, the platform should plug into your existing PSTN or SIP infrastructure, so inbound and outbound calls flow through the carriers and numbers patients already use, with support for routing rules, caller ID, high concurrency, and fallback to human queues if needed. This allows the system to handle thousands of calls simultaneously.Beyond EHR and telephony, integration with CRM, identity providers, and messaging channels let a single voice AI agent follow the patient from phone to text to live agent without losing context.Data Security, Privacy, and ComplianceMap regulatory requirements by jurisdiction: U.S. health systems must comply with HIPAA, HITECH, and state privacy laws. Multi‑national organizations face GDPR and varying rules across regions. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act sets the baseline.Before any PHI is processed, require a signed Business Associate Agreement.In addition, you’ll need security infrastructure that enforces encryption for patient data in transit and at rest, implements role‑based access controls and data retention policies, mandates comprehensive audit logging, and supports independent security and compliance audits on a regular basis. Patient consent must also be managed appropriately within these workflows.Safety, Validation, and Risk Mitigation for AI AgentsBefore deployment, health systems should run structured clinical validation with real but controlled scenarios to confirm that the agent stays within its nonclinical scope, follows approved scripts, and escalates appropriately when risk appears.Comprehensive Testing and Auditability: Testing should go beyond basic pass/fail checks. Save and rerun tests on demand to audit the entire AI agent chain—not just the final response, but how the ASR transcribed speech, which topic was detected, what data was retrieved, and why the agent made each decision. This end-to-end traceability is critical for catching edge cases and ensuring consistent performance over time.Confidence Thresholds and Real-Time Escalation: Implement confidence thresholds so the agent can analyze the conversation in real time. If confidence is low, the patient sounds upset, or the topic strays outside approved domains, the AI should escalate immediately, rather than attempt to continue.Human Review for Clinical Workflows: For workflows that approach clinical advice or triage—like symptom intake or post‑discharge check‑ins—escalation to a nurse or clinician isn’t optional; it’s the core safety mechanism that keeps AI assistive rather than autonomous in clinical contexts.Platforms should provide conversation history, decision logs, and analytics so that teams can validate behavior, diagnose issues, and refine prompts, flows, and escalation rules over time. This approach respects the need for human intervention when AI reaches its limits.Implementation Roadmap for Health Systems DeploymentsPhase 1 – Foundation: Assemble cross-functional team including executive sponsor, project owner, clinical leadership, access operations, IT/IS, compliance/privacy, and patient experience. Audit legacy IVR and access center systems—document existing call flows, call volumes, authentication methods, EHR integration points, and assess API availability.Phase 2 – Design and Prototyping: Prototype conversational flows. Script 3–5 core scheduling scenarios, involve frontline schedulers and nurses in workflow design, recruit 20–30 patients, conduct testing with real interactions, gather qualitative feedback through built-in analytics, and iterate based on findings.Phase 3 – Pilot Launch and Evaluation: Launch phased pilot with single high-volume use case—such as primary care scheduling—directing 5%–10% of calls initially for 60–90 days. Target patient satisfaction >60%, containment >70%, escalation accuracy >95%—all metrics trackable in real-time through insights. Collect daily dashboards showing AI agent performance and rapidly iterate based on real-world patient interactions.Phase 4 – Phased Rollout: Once pilot metrics hit patient experience and safety targets, schedule phased rollout by call volume priority through vertical scaling (10% to 100% traffic on the proven line), horizontal scaling by adding use cases, geographic scaling across facilities, and channel scaling to messaging platforms. Quiq Vendor Selection and Procurement for AI Voice AgentsWhen selecting a vendor, require clear evidence of SOC 2 and HIPAA alignment, plus willingness to sign a BAA.Ask for deployment architecture diagrams and data‑locality options, so you know where PHI lives and how it flows.Finally, evaluate how well the platform handles complex, multi‑turn calls and escalations—not just simple FAQs—including support for warm handoffs and troubleshooting when something goes wrong.Measuring Success: KPIs for Conversational AI and Call CentersTrack call containment rate weekly by use case and topic.Measure average hold time, and average work time, and speed to answer for both AI and human channels.Monitor clinical escalation accuracy to ensure escalations are appropriate and timely.Survey staff satisfaction and perceived workload changes quarterly to understand the impact of automation on your teams. These metrics provide actionable insights to refine the patient journey.Regulatory and Governance Considerations for Generative AIMap your Voice AI features against SaMD and clinical decision‑support boundaries to ensure the system stays clearly outside regulated diagnosis and treatment functions.Prepare documentation for post‑market surveillance, including incident logs, performance metrics, and change history. Establish a formal policy for AI models and prompt updates, with required approvals, testing, and audits before changes are promoted to production.Roadmap for Responsible AI Voice Adoption in Health SystemsHealthcare AI on voice is becoming a strategic lever for access and efficiency—but it has to be deployed responsibly.Early deployments commonly achieve 70%–80% containment on targeted scheduling lines, reduced wait times and abandonment, improved completion of screenings and follow‑up visits through outbound programs, and positive patient feedback on faster access and 24/7 availability.In summary:Prioritize Your Pilot Use Case: Start with high‑volume, low‑complexity lines like central scheduling and appointment reminders, where risk is low and results are easy to measure.Commit to Safety, Security, and Governance: Bake in clinical scope limits, escalation rules, and ongoing safety and privacy reviews from day one, and continue them as you scale.Pilot, Measure, Then Scale: Run a time‑boxed pilot with clear KPIs, collect clinician and patient feedback, tune based on real conversations, and then expand based on proven outcomes.The future of patient-centered care is conversational, intelligent, and always available. The goal isn’t replacing human care—it’s amplifying it, so your teams focus where they’re needed most.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)How do voice agents help with administrative load in the healthcare industry?Voice agents (also called virtual assistants) handle high-volume phone based tasks like insurance verification, prescription refills, and the ability to schedule appointments. By managing these automated systems in healthcare organizations, the AI reduces the cognitive load on healthcare providers and staff, allowing them to focus on direct patient care and treatment plans. Ultimately, voice AI agents improve patient outcomes.Can AI voice agents handle sensitive topics like mental health?While voice systems can assist with initial intake and schedule appointments for mental health services to reduce administrative burden, they must operate with strict guardrails. Advanced natural language processing in patient calls allows the agent to detect distress. However, patient trust and safety are paramount. If a patient indicates a crisis, the system should immediately transfer the call to a human professional, rather than attempting to manage the situation alone.Are healthcare AI voice agents used in clinical trials?Yes, voice agents are increasingly used in clinical trials for modern medicine to improve participant retention and data collection. They can conduct automated follow-up calls to check on healthcare services utilization or side effects, ensuring consistent performance in data gathering without placing a heavy burden on the research staff.What is the role of human interaction when using an AI voice agent?Human interaction remains the gold standard for complex medical care. The goal of an AI voice agent for healthcare organizations is not to replace humans, but to handle routine tasks via human-like conversations, so that staff are available faster and when they matter most. A well-designed system ensures a seamless handoff to a human when the request is complex or requires clinical judgment.This story was produced by Quiq and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Can you develop allergies later in life? Can you develop allergies later in life?If you've made it through childhood and young adulthood without sneezing, itchy eyes, or congestion, you might think you're in the clear. Unfortunately, that's not necessarily the case. While most people develop allergies during childhood, your immune system can still decide to overreact to previously harmless substances well into your adult years. Understanding adult-onset allergies can help you recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate treatment to maintain your quality of life as you age.Below, Doctronic examines adult-onset allergies, including common triggers, symptoms, and treatment options.Key TakeawaysAdult-onset allergies can develop at any age, even into your 60s and 70s.About 20% of allergies develop in adulthood, while 80% occur during childhood.Seasonal and perennial allergies have different triggers and timing patterns.Genetics play a role, but environmental factors and life changes can trigger new allergies.Proper testing and treatment are essential to prevent complications like secondary infections.Understanding Adult-Onset AllergiesAllergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances as dangerous invaders and launches an aggressive defense response. This overreaction produces antibodies that trigger the uncomfortable symptoms we associate with allergies, including sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. While about 80% of people with allergies develop them during childhood, the remaining 20% experience their first allergic reactions as adults.Healthcare providers regularly see patients developing new allergies in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and even 70s. These late-onset allergies can be just as severe and disruptive as those that develop earlier in life. The substances that trigger adult allergies are typically the same ones that affect children, including pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, certain foods, and environmental pollutants. What makes adult-onset allergies particularly challenging is that people often dismiss their symptoms as cold, sinus problems, or simply getting older, when proper essential life-planning tips should include awareness of changing health patterns.Seasonal vs. Perennial AllergiesAdult-onset allergies generally fall into two categories: seasonal and perennial. Seasonal allergies occur at specific times of the year when certain plants release pollen into the air. In most regions, there are three primary allergy seasons. Spring allergies typically peak in April and May when trees like oak, maple, and birch release their pollen. Late spring and early summer allergies occur from May through early July when grasses pollinate. Fall allergies strike from late August through early October when ragweed dominates the air.Perennial allergies, on the other hand, can cause symptoms year-round because they're triggered by indoor allergens that are always present. These include dust mites, pet dander, and indoor mold. Interestingly, perennial allergies often worsen during winter months when people spend more time indoors with windows closed, concentrating these allergens in living spaces. Outdoor mold can also cause year-round symptoms, particularly during wet periods and in late fall when decomposing leaves create ideal conditions for mold growth.The distinction between seasonal and perennial allergies is important for treatment planning. People with seasonal allergies might benefit from starting preventive medications before their allergy season begins, while those with perennial allergies need consistent, year-round management strategies. Some individuals develop both types, creating complex symptom patterns that require comprehensive evaluation and treatment approaches.Risk Factors and CausesWhile genetics plays a significant role in allergy development, having parents without allergies doesn't guarantee you'll remain allergy free throughout life. Family history of allergies increases your risk, but allergic tendencies can skip generations or manifest differently. You might develop completely different allergies from your relatives, such as developing a ragweed allergy even though your parent only reacts to tree pollen.Several factors can trigger the development of adult allergies. Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, can alter immune system function and sensitivity. Previous illnesses, especially respiratory infections, can sometimes trigger new allergic responses. Environmental factors like moving to a new geographic area with different allergens, increased pollution exposure, or changes in lifestyle can also contribute to adult-onset allergies.Stress, both physical and emotional, may weaken the immune system and make adults more susceptible to developing allergies. Some medications can also trigger allergic responses or make the immune system more reactive to other substances. While these factors don't guarantee you'll develop allergies, they can increase your risk, especially if you have a genetic predisposition. Understanding these risk factors can help you monitor for symptoms and seek early treatment when necessary, which is particularly important, given certain life expectancy trends and the importance of maintaining health throughout aging.Diagnosis and Testing OptionsRecognizing allergy symptoms in adults can be challenging because they often mimic other conditions like colds, sinus infections, or age-related changes. If you experience persistent sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, or fatigue that seems to follow seasonal patterns or occur in specific environments, allergies might be the culprit.Proper diagnosis requires professional evaluation. Your primary care provider can perform initial assessments and may recommend blood tests that measure specific antibodies to various allergens. These tests can identify reactions to common triggers like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods. For a more comprehensive evaluation, you might be referred to an allergist who can perform skin prick tests, where small amounts of potential allergens are introduced under the skin to observe reactions. Courtesy of Doctronic Getting tested is crucial because many conditions can mimic allergy symptoms. Proper diagnosis ensures you receive appropriate treatment rather than ineffective allergy medications for nonallergic conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications like secondary sinus infections, which might require more intensive care, potentially involving visits to urgent care facilities, where whether or not urgent care bills patients immediately or you later becomes a concern for those without insurance coverage.Treatment and Management StrategiesOnce allergies are properly diagnosed, several treatment options can help manage symptoms effectively. Environmental controls form the foundation of allergy management and involve reducing exposure to known triggers. During pollen seasons, keep windows closed and use air conditioning with high-efficiency filters. For indoor allergens, regular vacuuming with HEPA filters, washing bedding in hot water weekly, and maintaining low humidity levels can significantly reduce dust mites and mold.Medications provide symptom relief and include several categories. Antihistamines help control sneezing, itching, and runny nose symptoms. Nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation and congestion. Decongestants can provide short-term relief from stuffy noses, while eye drops address itchy, watery eyes. These medications work relatively quickly but typically need daily use during symptom periods.For long-term management, immunotherapy or allergy shots can be highly effective. This treatment involves regular injections of gradually increasing amounts of specific allergens, helping your immune system become less reactive over time. While immunotherapy requires a commitment of several years, it can provide lasting relief and potentially prevent the development of new allergies. Some people also benefit from sublingual immunotherapy, where allergen drops are placed under the tongue rather than injected. Severe allergic reactions require immediate medical attention, and in life-threatening situations, understanding advanced cardiac life support becomes crucial.Frequently Asked QuestionsCan stress cause adult-onset allergies?While stress doesn't directly cause allergies, it can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to developing allergic reactions. Chronic stress may also worsen existing allergy symptoms by increasing inflammation in your body.Are adult allergies usually less severe than childhood allergies?Not necessarily. Adult-onset allergies can be just as severe as those that develop in childhood. Some adults may experience more intense symptoms because their immune systems react strongly to substances they've been exposed to for years without problems.Can pregnancy trigger new allergies?Yes, hormonal changes during pregnancy can alter immune system function and potentially trigger new allergies. Some women develop allergies for the first time during pregnancy, while others may find their existing allergies improve or worsen.Do adult allergies ever go away on their own?While possible, adult allergies rarely disappear without treatment. However, symptoms may fluctuate in severity over time due to environmental factors, stress levels, and overall health. Proper treatment is usually necessary for effective symptom management.Can moving to a different climate cure my allergies?Moving might temporarily reduce symptoms if you're avoiding specific local allergens, but you may develop new allergies to substances in your new environment. Additionally, many allergens like dust mites and pet dander are present everywhere, making complete avoidance difficult.The Bottom LineAdult-onset allergies are more common than many people realize, and they can develop at any stage of life. While you can't prevent allergies from developing, recognizing symptoms early and seeking proper diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life. Environmental controls, medications, and immunotherapy offer effective management options for most people with adult allergies. Don't dismiss persistent cold-like symptoms as simply part of aging, and remember that some allergic reactions can be serious enough to require immediate medical attention, as seen with potentially life-threatening skin conditions. If you suspect you've developed allergies, consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment planning.This story was produced by Doctronic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Here's what social media is doing to your finances and mental health Here's what social media is doing to your finances and mental healthIn the beginning, social media was a place to people-watch, interact, and reconnect. But that initial premise was soon inundated with product placements — and now more than one-third of U.S. adults say they’ve purchased an item directly through a social media app.That means that using social media is no longer just a way to burn time and relax. And if you’re an active user, that means you’re at risk of being influenced into spending your hard-earned cash. This type of window shopping can take a toll — and not just on your wallet but on your mental well-being.Below, Beyond Finance examines how social media habits can influence spending behavior, stress, and overall financial well-being.The Emotional Price of Constant ComparisonSocial media isn’t designed to make you feel content. Everything your feed presents to you is a bid for your attention, money, or data. But there are subtle ways that social media can prey on your insecurities, costing you both money and self-esteem.Think of all the times you see videos of perfect homes, vacations, or bodies. Presenting you with an idealized version of reality is a great trick to try to sell you on the normalcy of excess — and for many, it works all too well.The gap between your reality and what you see online can trigger stress, anxiety, and even depression. And when you’re feeling down, it’s easy to chase comfort through spending. After all, buying something like what you saw online can make you feel closer to achieving the “ideal” — but that momentary belonging is usually all-too short lived.After the high of your purchase, you’re faced with the reality of your actual budget (or the debt and guilt that comes with overspending).How to Tell if Social Media Hurts More Than HelpsYou don’t need to abandon social media entirely to protect your peace, but it’s worth checking in with yourself (especially before you break out the credit card). Here are some warning signs for when you need to put down the phone and take a break:You feel anxious or “behind” after scrolling.Your spending has gone up — especially on nonessentials.You compare your progress or lifestyle to others often.You use shopping or scrolling to escape boredom or stress.Your sleep, focus, or mood has taken a hit.If these sound familiar, your “for you page” might be feeding more than just your attention — it might be fueling emotional burnout.How to Reclaim Your Focus and Your FinancesWe’re not Luddites — you don’t need to delete every app, put your phone into cement, and throw it into the closest body of water. The best thing you can do is to begin reevaluating your relationship with your news feed, and see where it serves you (and where it doesn’t).Refresh your echo chamber. Follow accounts that educate, uplift, or inspire gratitude instead of comparison.Build breaks into your day. Try screen-free mornings or no-scroll evenings to help your mind reset.Delay purchases. Give yourself at least 24 hours before buying anything that isn’t essential.Make a “value list.” Jot down a few things you already own or experiences that make you happy.Small steps like these build awareness — and over time, both your mental health and finances benefit.This story was produced by Beyond Finance and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	2024 compact SUVs compared: Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 vs. Nissan Rogue 2024 compact SUVs compared: Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 vs. Nissan RogueThere's a reason the compact SUV has become Americans' vehicle of choice. These SUVs can do everything from the daily commute to hauling the family on long road trips in comfort. The Toyota RAV4 is one of the bestselling vehicles in the United States thanks to its versatility, not to mention name recognition. But the RAV4 isn't the only game in town: The Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue are two of the RAV4's biggest competitors.Independent reliability tracker RepairPal says the CR-V is the most reliable of the three SUVs, with a lower annual repair cost than the RAV4 or Rogue, though not by a whole lot. The Rogue comes with the highest annual repair cost but is, on average, less expensive than the repair cost for either the RAV4 or CR-V.So, which compact SUV comes out on top? In this article, CarMax looks at the 2024 model for each SUV to find out.Toyota RAV4 BasicsToyota introduced this version of the RAV4 back in 2019 and has only tinkered at the margins since its debut. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available and comes standard on the off-road-friendly Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. The SUV offers seating for five, is easy to live with, and comes with lots of helpful standard tech features. A hybrid version of the RAV4 gets an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined, though it performed a little worse in Edmunds' testing at 35.2 mpg. Still, that's a big improvement over the nonhybrid RAV4.Honda CR-V BasicsThis version of the Honda CR-V debuted in 202,3, and the Japanese automaker added a new trim, the Sport-L, for 2024. Its roomy interior and large cargo space are standout features, though small-item storage is not as good as in competitors. The tech features inside the CR-V are plentiful and easy to use, and the standard engine makes for pleasant driving. A hybrid engine is available, though Edmunds found it to be noisy and lacking power while not being much more efficient than the regular engine.Nissan Rogue BasicsNissan introduced the latest generation of the Nissan Rogue in 2021 and introduced a new Google-based infotainment system in 2024. That system comes on SL and higher trim levels with the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, and Edmunds found it works well. The Rogue can often be a great bargain compared to the competition, packing in many features for the money.Compact SUV ShowdownLet's take a look at the features available on each of these SUVs.Passengers and cargoAll three compact SUVs offer seating for five, though passenger comfort is not created equal. The RAV4 has the smallest rear passenger legroom, though Edmunds' testing found those seats to be a bit more comfortable than the similarly small Rogue back row. Edmunds noted the CR-V for having a large, spacious interior that translates into great passenger comfort in the second row.How about room for the passenger's gear? The Honda CR-V wins here, offering 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. The RAV4 isn't far behind, delivering 37.5 cubic feet while the Rogue brings up the rear with 31.6 cubic feet. That's a couple of grocery bags worth of difference between the CR-V and RAV4, and more like half a dozen between the RAV4 and Rogue. If you plan on folding down the second row to open up the whole cabin for storage, the CR-V (76.5 cubic feet) and Rogue (74.1 cubic feet) come out on top, while the RAV4 lags behind (69.8 cubic feet).Both the CR-V and RAV4 can accommodate three car seats in the second row, though it will be a tight fit depending on the size of the car seats you're installing. The Rogue only has anchor spots for two car seats in the second row.VerdictThe Honda CR-V is the clear winner here. It's impressive how much interior space Honda provides for passengers without compromising on gear storage. Small-item storage is just okay on the CR-V, but Honda makes up for it everywhere else.Engine choicesYou get two choices of engine with the Honda CR-V: a regular 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Edmunds found that hybrid engine disappointing. It's noisy, not very powerful, and barely more efficient than the regular engine, so Edmunds recommends the regular engine.All Nissan Rogues come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that Edmunds' testing found to be plenty powerful. The transmission is just okay. It can feel like the engine takes a long time to respond in regular city driving, such as pulling away from stoplights. This is more annoying than anything else, but if you do a lot of driving around town, you should keep that in mind.The Toyota RAV4 is available in two flavors: regular and hybrid. The regular RAV4 engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which has enough get-up-and-go around town, though you may find the RAV4 lacking in power if you're trying to get up to speed quickly or if you're driving up a big hill. The hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving, but Edmunds was not able to replicate that number. Still, the 35.2 mpg the Edmunds test returned is a big improvement over the nonhybrid.VerdictThe edge goes to the CR-V. It has the most satisfying engine of the three, though if performance is really what you're after, you're best off looking at something like the Mazda CX-50.TechTech is a strength in all three of these compact SUVs. The Honda CR-V has the smallest of the three standard screens (7 inches vs. 8 inches for the Rogue and RAV4), but it works just fine, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features. Desirable driver aids like adaptive cruise control—which is cruise control that keeps a set distance between you and the vehicle in front of you—come standard and work very well on the CR-V.The standard 8-inch screen on the Rogue works fine, but the upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen (on SL trim Rogues and above) is great. It features a Google-based infotainment system and adds wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Getting the second-tier SV trim gets driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, though Edmunds' testing found these systems work just OK, especially in stop-and-go traffic.Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features on the RAV4, along with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and forward collision warning. These driver aids are some of the most impressive among compact SUVs, especially adaptive cruise control. But the touchscreen, outside of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, felt dated the moment it came out. The Toyota software is clunky and slow.VerdictThe Honda CR-V takes it here on the strength of a slightly better infotainment system.Choose WiselyOverall, the Honda CR-V wins out, though not by a whole lot. It's just a little bit better in most areas, except for cargo space, where it wins in a blowout. But as always, you know best what you need out of a compact SUV. If it's interior space and cargo, the CR-V is the obvious choice. But if you're shopping with a strict budget, the Rogue is definitely worth a look. And the RAV4's advanced driver aids make it a very compelling choice.This story was produced by CarMax and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	‘The Chosen’ director to Latter-day Saints: Loosen up ‘The Chosen’ director to Latter-day Saints: Loosen upThe director of the indie streaming hit “The Chosen” recently gave Latter-day Saints a bit of tough love when it comes to their worship style and portrayals of Jesus.“I feel like it’s OK for me to say this because, as you know, I’m the honored evangelical mascot of the LDS Church,” filmmaker Dallas Jenkins said in an interview on the podcast “followHIM.” “I would say that there’s such a reverence and there’s such a genuine respect for Christ, which is great. You guys probably do that better than evangelicals do.”Then came the pivot.“But,” Jenkins told his Latter-day Saint hosts, popular authors and speakers Hank Smith and John Bytheway, “sometimes it can lead to a formality.”The director didn’t say this kind of formality can be alienating. Nevertheless, the subtext was there, The Salt Lake Tribune reports.“I’ve seen it in paintings,” Jenkins said. “I’ve seen it in some of the LDS videos and portrayals of Christ. … He looks and sounds like he’s quoting the King James Bible, which he is. And again, this comes from a good place of honoring scripture.”In contrast, it’s the human moments — he and his hosts agree — that have made his show, a retelling of the New Testament’s Gospels, meaningful to a global audience who have taken up the challenge to “binge Jesus.”The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ view of reverence is hardly new, nor is it by accident. For decades, its youngest members have sung “reverently, quietly, lovingly we think of thee.”The church’s handbook for lay leaders uses “reverent” to describe how meetings ought to be conducted, connecting the term to “quiet prayer and pondering.”According to the late historian Ardis Parshall, then-apostle Spencer W. Kimball once complained that the Saints were guilty of singing church hymns too fast.Church-approved paintings of Jesus, meanwhile, for years were largely limited to the unsmiling and statuesque.That might be changing, with church-owned Deseret Book increasingly adopting diverse and down-to-earth portrayals of the religious figure and the adoption of a handful of spirituals into the faith’s ever-evolving new hymnbook.Apostle Patrick Kearon, a convert, has also prodded his fellow members to permit themselves a bit more, well, exuberance in meetings.“We are members of the church of joy!” the British leader encouraged listeners in a 2024 General Conference sermon. “And nowhere should our joy as a people be more apparent than when we gather together each Sabbath in our sacrament meetings to worship the source of all joy!”Jenkins agreed, especially when it comes to Christianity’s holiest day, Easter, the celebration of the resurrection.“I would say it’s OK to express as much joy, or more, in the resurrection of your Savior as it is the student that hit a half-court shot that I just saw at the [Brigham Young University] game on Friday,” Jenkins said. “I saw all these LDS folks just going crazy. So I know you can do it. It’s OK to do it in the context of the greatest moment in the history of the world.”This story was produced by The Salt Lake Tribune and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Driver of North Scott school bus issued traffic citation for crash with pickup Both drivers were taken to the hospital after the crash.
	How contagious is Ebola? And how worried should you be about the current outbreak? This outbreak is being called "the perfect storm." How did it start, what are the characteristics of the strain that's causing it and how much of a threat is it to global health?

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