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

Friday, February 6th, 2026
	Ronald Hicks to be installed as 11th archbishop of New York Ronald Hicks, a former Illinois bishop chosen by Pope Leo XIV to replace the retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan, is set to be installed as New York's 11th archbishop
	Iran and US set for talks in Oman over nuclear program after Tehran shaken by nationwide protests Iran and the United States could hold negotiations in Oman after a chaotic week that initially saw plans for regional countries to participate in talks held in Turkey
	New Jersey's special Democratic primary too early to call With more than 61,000 votes counted, Mejia led Malinowski by less than 1 percentage point. The Democratic winner will face the Republican primary winner Joe Hathaway in April.
	Argentina and US sign a major trade deal to slash tariffs and boost political alliance The deal slashes hundreds of reciprocal tariffs between the two countries.
Thursday, February 5th, 2026
	QCBR Home Show marks 49 years with expanded features The 49th show is happening Feb. 13–15 at the Bend XPO, featuring 227 booths, family activities, and the latest in home improvement from more than 100 local businesses.
	Monmouth College professor, former NBC News producer dies A Monmouth College professor and former producer at “NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokow” has died, according to his obituary.
	‘A surprise for us’ Davenport ends agreement with Humane Society of Scott Co. Davenport ended its contractual agreement with the Humane Society of Scott County.
	Quad Cities athlete Roger Craig inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame Craig is a Davenport Central grad who went on to play for the San Francisco 49ers.
	New data shows high chance for tornadoes in the Quad Cities There's an 80% chance a tornado will touch down within 25 miles of your location every year, according to new data.
	City of Davenport ends animal control agreement with Humane Society of Scott County The animal control and sheltering agreement will expire at the end of 2026.
	New data shows high chance for tornadoes in the Quad Cities There's an 80% chance a tornado will touch down within 25 miles of your location every year, according to new data.
	Quad Cities athlete Roger Craig inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame Craig is a Davenport Central grad who went on to play for the San Francisco 49ers.
	What the Super Bowl weekend is looking like After some colder weather from last week, we are finally getting a break with temperatures in the 40s for the end of the week. As we look ahead toward a big weekend with Super Bowl Sunday this weekend, the weather is looking to hold out. Temperatures at first are going to be cooling down on [...]
	White House unveils TrumpRx website for medication discounts Under Trump administration deals to lower drug prices, pharmaceutical companies are offering some of their drugs at discounted prices through a new website called TrumpRx.gov.
	Two Illinois Quad-City men sentenced to federal prison on gun and drug charges Two Quad-City Illinois men who pleaded guilty to federal weapons and drug charges have been sentenced to federal prison.
	Davenport native Roger Craig elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame; Ken Anderson passed over From Davenport to Canton, 49er’s legend Roger Craig has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
	Muscatine Fire Department says 2025 was busiest year on record The department released its annual report documenting a record number of calls for service in 2025.
	GOP lawmakers condemn Kris Mayes for warning about masked agents and stand your ground Attorney General Kris Mayes on the opening day of the 2025 Arizona Legislature. (Photo by Gage Skidmore/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)Republican state legislators claim that Democrats and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes are choosing violent immigrants over U.S. citizens, but Democrats say it’s a campaign ploy from the Republican leader of the state Senate who wants Mayes’ job. The Arizona House of Representatives on Thursday passed a resolution along party lines that censured Mayes and called for her resignation over her comments about masked federal immigration agents and stand your ground laws during a Jan. 23 interview with 12 News. The Senate took a similar action last week In the interview, Mayes described the “combustible situation” that could be created if federal immigration agents in plainclothes and masks attempt to enter the property of an armed Arizonan who fears for their life and doesn’t realize the agents are law enforcement officers. She made similar remarks that same day to KTAR, explaining that Arizona’s “stand your ground” law permits the use of deadly force in many situations, and she was worried it would lead to violence against immigration agents. “(Stand Your Ground) is really expansive and it says, ‘If you reasonably believe that your life is in danger and especially if you are in your home or automobile, … you can use lethal force to protect yourself,’” she told the radio station. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Republicans and many law enforcement agencies claimed that Mayes’ comments fomented violence against federal immigration officers and called for her to resign. Even Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs called for Mayes to retract her statements. “Republicans in the legislature are attacking Attorney General Mayes because she is one of the most effective attorneys general in the nation,” Richie Taylor, a spokesman for Mayes, said in a statement. “For weeks, they have twisted her words to deflect from what we can all see — that Donald Trump’s lawless immigration enforcement is trampling our Constitution and making everyone, including law enforcement, less safe.” The resolutions, which were passed along party lines and do not carry any legal weight, were sponsored by Rep. Joseph Chaplik in the House and Sen. John Kavanagh in the Senate. House Resolution 2004 and Senate Resolution 1036 call on Mayes to retract her statements and clarify the laws she commented on, confirm her support for law enforcement — including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — and to resign because she has “lost the trust of Arizona law enforcement officers.” Before voting against the resolution on Thursday Rep. Kevin Volk, D-Tucson, called it “unserious.” “Well, it must be an election year,” he said. “I oppose this bill because there are people all across Arizona in the country who think that all we do in the legislature, whether it’s here or federally, is talk about political talking points and do non-binding resolutions that are all about political posturing for the purposes of campaigning.” Last week, before the Senate approved its resolution, Senate President Warren Petersen said that he is “currently not running” against Mayes and that he would never use Senate resources for a campaign stunt. Petersen clarified that he is running in the contested Republican primary for attorney general and that he only hopes to face Mayes in November. That’s technically true, but Petersen’s only major opponent in the Republican primary is perennial candidate Rodney Glassman, who has never won an election as a Republican. Virtually all of Petersen’s campaign communications target Mayes as his opponent. “We need to support our ICE agents as they face threats to their lives and livelihoods over their work to enforce our laws – not promote violence against police,” the Petersen campaign said in an email following Mayes’ comments. “I’m thankful for President Trump’s persistence in setting a high standard for immigration enforcement across the country, and I’m grateful for our ICE agents putting their lives on the line in defense of our freedoms. As the next Arizona Attorney General, I will always stand with law enforcement.” During a long and fiery discussion about SR1039 in the Senate last week, Petersen equated Mayes and Democrats’ opposition to the Trump administration’s federal immigration enforcement efforts to siding with violent criminals who are in the country illegally over U.S. citizens and law enforcement. “I find it extremely disturbing that we have not mentioned all of the women and girls who have been murdered and raped by illegal immigrants,” Petersen said. “These are the people that ICE is protecting us from.” He went on to list the names and ages of women and girls who were brutally raped and killed by immigrants who lacked legal status, including grisly details of the attacks. “These girls got no attention. They had no vigils,” Petersen said. “And our attorney general is opposed to the law enforcement agency that is removing these evil, sick people from our country. I will not apologize. I will absolutely not apologize for standing up for these girls and these women.” He said that the attacks on these women and girls could not be equated to immigration officers shooting and killing protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota last month. Their slayings, both caught on camera, prompted nationwide backlash and protests after the Trump administration repeatedly declared the two dead Americans were violent terrorists. “If you break the law, if you are armed and you engage with law enforcement, and you’re breaking the law, and you’re struggling and fighting, you’re putting your life in a very deep, dangerous situation,” Petersen said, referring to immigration agents shooting Pretti. “These are innocent girls who did absolutely nothing wrong. You cannot equate those two.” Numerous cell phone videos of Pretti’s shooting on Jan. 24 show a group of border patrol agents wrestling Pretti to the ground, beating him and removing his holstered gun before shooting him 10 times. Sen. Brian Fernandez, D-Yuma, said that while their attacks were “really bad,” none of the women and girls that Petersen mentioned were killed via state-sanctioned violence, and that’s what prompted a national uproar. President Donald Trump campaigned on the promise that he would deport the “worst of the worst” immigrants who lack legal status, but data shows that he’s done the opposite. The Cato Institute found that of people booked into immigration detention facilities between Oct. 1 and Nov. 15, 73% had no criminal convictions and 5% had been convicted of a violent crime. The most recent data shows that 75% of those currently detained by ICE have no criminal record. Cato also found that between Jan. 1 and July 28 of last year, 67% of those arrested by immigration enforcement officers had never been convicted of a crime. Chaplik on Thursday said that he unequivocally supports law enforcement. “We do not want Minneapolis, Minnesota-style violence here in our cities,” he said, calling Mayes’ comments “a disgrace” and adding that if she was a member of the House, she would be expelled for her comments. (Expulsion requires a two-thirds supermajority, something Republicans couldn’t achieve without Democratic support.) While Republicans in the House of Representatives condemned Mayes, numerous Democratic representatives parrotted the same message: “AG Mayes is the best and most effective attorney general in the United States.” They detailed her work in going after big corporations — including Apple, Google and Temu — when they took advantage of Arizonans, her efforts to tamp down drug trafficking from Mexico and to protect the state’s water from foreign industries. Throughout the discussion, Republicans called for Republican Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro to stop Democrats from speaking about Mayes’ accomplishments as attorney general, which they said weren’t relevant to the resolution. Rep. John Gillette, R-Kingman, called for Montenegro to bar Democrats from calling Mayes “the best” attorney general, saying that an Arizona Capitol Times headline “Kris Mayes’ won-and-lost record is abysmal” refuted that. The headline and accompanying article, published last February, before Mayes had joined other AGs in 30 of her 35 lawsuits against the Trump administration, was an opinion piece authored by Tim La Sota, an attorney who often represents Republican politicians and groups in court. He has represented many GOP lawmakers in election matters and is a former attorney for the Arizona Republican Party. After some discussion, Gillette withdrew that request. Taylor told the Arizona Mirror in a statement that Mayes will not give in to Republican demands that she resign. “They know Arizonans don’t support this administration’s shredding of our Constitution, so they’ve resorted to passing meaningless resolutions to avoid talking about ICE’s abuses of power,” he said. “They know Attorney General Mayes speaks for the people of this state in rejecting the tactics used by the Trump administration. That is why they want to silence her.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Arizona Mirror
	Job's Daughters International youth organization will reopen Job’s Daughters International, Bethel 5, will reopen at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at Davenport Masonic Center, 511 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Davenport, a news release says. Job’s Daughters is a youth organization for girls ages 8-20 that focuses on leadership development, community service, and personal growth. Through its programs, members also gain opportunities for international networking and scholarships. For more [...]
	Western Illinois native helps U.S. women’s hockey team to victory in Olympics opener Western Illinois native Tessa Janecke recorded two assists as Team USA beat Czechia 5-1 in the Olympic women’s hockey opener in Milan. Next up: Finland on Saturday.
	What to watch at the 2026 Olympics NPR journalists are at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Join host A Martinez and correspondents Becky Sullivan, Brian Mann, and Rachel Triesman as they talk about what's coming up.
	Remains found in Clinton identified Remains found in a wooded Clinton area have been identified, according to a news release. On Dec. 31, 2025, Clinton police received information of possible remains in a wooded area near railroad tracks in Clinton. Officers found an area that had a previous fire and found remains, which were removed and sent to the State of Iowa [...]
	Meet the Davenport native who became an Olympic Bobsled team lead, coach Dave Juehring competed with the U.S. national bobsled team as an athlete, then as a team lead and coach for the Olympics, from the 90s to the early 2000s.
	Davenport high school students receive John Deere Scholarships Students at Davenport Central got a big surprise thanks to a local partnership.
	Inside Iowa Politics: Why candidate says it’s ‘good vs. evil’ Adam Steen, a Republican candidate for governor, explained why he uses "good versus evil" in his campaign.
	The Heart of the Story: Walk on the wild side Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. Gary Metivier takes us to Savanna as elementary [...]
	Driver gets conditional discharge after failing to report fatal crash in Lee County An Illinois woman was sentenced to conditional discharge after pleading guilty to failure to report a crash tied to a fatal Lee County pedestrian case.
	87 of 99 Iowa counties report higher cancer rates than national trend, new research shows Iowa ranks second highest in new cancer cases in the country, and new findings from a state team of cancer researchers expect that number to stay the same or grow in future years.
	Meet the Davenport native who became an Olympic Bobsled team lead, coach: Part 2 Dave Juehring competed with the U.S. national bobsled team as an athlete, then as a team lead and coach for the Olympics, from the 90s to the early 2000s.
	Meet the Davenport native who became an Olympic Bobsled team lead, coach: Part 1 Dave Juehring competed with the U.S. national bobsled team as an athlete, then as a team lead and coach for the Olympics, from the 90s to the early 2000s.
	Tax credits allowing biofuel producers to make sustainable aviation fuel For farmers, the rules open a whole new market for corn and soybeans.
	Rob Sand delivers 'Public Innovations and Efficiencies' Award to Louisa-Muscatine School District The PIE Awards recognize organizations that slash waste and save tax dollars.
	2 Quad Cities men sentenced on drug, firearm charges Two Quad Cities men were sentenced on Jan. 27 to federal prison for firearms and drug crimes.
	2 Davenport men charged with stealing 60 shopping carts from Sam's Club Two men face felony charges after investigators say they stole dozens of shopping carts from a Davenport Sam’s Club and sold them to a recycling business.
	Muscatine credits co-responder program for reduction in service calls A mental health profession rides with officers and helps people in crisis where mental health help is needed more than law enforcement.
	Bounce House Extravaganza canceled due to Illinois regulations The QCCA Expo Center said Illinois regulations prohibit the event but did not specify what those regulations are.
	Davenport police officer saves nine-month-old puppy, then adopts him Doug Scroggins and his new puppy, Odin, went back to the spot they first met, at a young bare tree, surrounded by full pine trees, in the field next to Kennedy Elementary School. On Christmas Day, Odin was left tied to that tree, abandoned. He didn't know that his eventual new best friend was already [...]
	Clinton police identify skeletal remains Police are now giving an update on the ID.
	Officials identify skeletal remains found in Clinton Skeletal remains found on Dec. 31 near railroad tracks in a wooded area have been identified.
	Silvis store raising money to help pet owners get veterinary care Officials with Rescued Boutique say they've donated more than $1 million back into the community to cover veterinary costs.
	Lee Enterprises closes strategic investment, welcomes David Hoffmann to board The investment was led by David Hoffmann with participation from other existing investors in Lee.
	Man arrested in Muscatine stabbing investigation Police say a 19-year-old has been arrested in connection with a stabbing in Muscatine. The victim is expected to recover.
	Davenport students surprised with scholarships from John Deere to attend University of Iowa Twenty Davenport students were surprised with John Deere scholarships covering college costs at the University of Iowa.
	Crime Stoppers: Woman wanted by Bettendorf police Brittany Owens, 29, is wanted by Bettendorf police for possession of contraband inside a correctional facility.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office on 3 warrants Juan Paniagua-Herrera, 44, is wanted by the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office on three warrants for failure to appear.
	Officials investigating arson after car destroyed, garage damaged A video shared by Crime Stoppers shows three people next to a car before it bursts into flames.
	Pleasant Valley School board approves new superintendent The Pleasant Valley Community School District School Board has formally approved the district’s new superintendent
	Celebrate along the Rock River at Flock to the Rock Spread your wings for a celebration along the Rock River! Melinda Jones from Rock Falls Tourism spoke with Our Quad Cities News with details on Flock to the Rock. For more information, click here.
	Two QC men sentenced for firearm and drug charges Two Quad-City men were sentenced to federal prison for firearm and drug crimes. According to a release, Jewahn Walton, 28, and Preston McDowell Jr., 26, threw loaded firearms from a vehicle driven by Walton while attempting to elude law enforcement in June 2024. In July 2024, McDowell possessed another firearm in Davenport. McDowell is prohibited [...]
	A 'Jane Doe' in the R. Kelly trials is ready to share her real name. And her story A once anonymous R. Kelly survivor, Reshona Landfair is now ready to reclaim her voice.
	Man charged in connection with Muscatine stabbing Kaleb Allen Sosa, 19, was arrested and charged with willful injury, a Class D felony, according to a media release.
	Resignations, hirings and other personnel news from East Moline School District on Jan. 26 The following personnel items are from the Jan. 26 agenda of the East Moline District 37 Board of Education.
	Retirements, hirings and personnel news from Rock Island-Milan School District for January The following personnel items are from the Jan. 27 agenda of the Rock Island-Milan School District. The School Board met at Earl Hanson Elementary.
	Quad City area residents conducting bald eagle survey in response to a proposed cannabis dispensary and truck stop development adjacent to the Milan Bottoms Four Quad City residents are conducting a two-month bald eagle survey amid the construction of a cannabis dispensary and a truck stop adjacent to the Milan Bottoms floodplain forest wetland complex in Rock Island.
	North Scott School District resignations, hirings and other personnel news for Jan. 27 The following personnel items are from the Jan. 27 agenda of the North Scott School District. The School Board met at Administration Office.
	Why keyboard materials are gaining attention in competitive gaming Why keyboard materials are gaining attention in competitive gamingIn competitive esports, discussions around keyboard performance often focus on speed. Faster reaction times, higher polling rates, and lower latency are frequently cited as decisive advantages. While these metrics remain important, they represent only part of how a keyboard performs under competitive conditions. Increasingly, designers and players are examining a less visible factor that influences consistency and control during play: materials.This shift is reflected in recent industry developments and research. In this article, ATTACK SHARK finds that while the market has long been dominated by electronic specifications, a new frontier in performance is emerging through material science. By exploring alternative construction materials and internal structures, these developments highlight how physical design choices—rather than just polling rates—fundamentally affect stability, tactile feedback, and long-term usability during high-intensity gaming.The physical dimension of performanceModern gaming keyboards have reached a level of electronic sophistication where performance differences are often measured in extremely small increments. Polling rates in the thousands of hertz and response times measured in fractions of a millisecond are increasingly common across the market. As these figures converge, physical consistency becomes more noticeable to users.Materials influence how force travels from finger to switch and how energy disperses across the keyboard surface. Even minor flex or uneven vibration can subtly change how inputs feel, particularly during repeated actions such as strafing, rapid tapping, or controlled bursts in FPS games. Over time, these small variations can affect comfort and perceived control.As a result, material selection and structural design have become more prominent considerations in competitive keyboard development.Carbon fiber and lightweight rigidityCarbon fiber is widely used in industries such as aerospace and motorsports because it offers a rare combination of high stiffness, low weight, and natural vibration damping. In the context of esports peripherals, these physical characteristics align closely with how competitive players actually use their equipment.High-level esports play often involves rapid, repetitive inputs over extended periods, particularly in FPS games where movement control and timing precision are critical. A rigid keyboard structure helps maintain consistent switch alignment during high-frequency keystrokes, reducing subtle variations in actuation feel that can occur when a keyboard flexes under uneven or sustained pressure. This consistency becomes more noticeable during intense sequences such as rapid strafing, counter-strafing, or repeated micro-adjustments.At the same time, overall weight plays a role in player comfort during long sessions. Research in gaming ergonomics suggests that peripheral weight has an optimal range. A study published in The International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics (via CDC Stacks) found that optimized device weight can reduce muscle load in the forearm, specifically in the extensor carpi radialis, and improve movement efficiency during repetitive tasks. For esports players who practice or compete for several hours at a time, minimizing unnecessary muscular strain can help sustain performance and reduce fatigue.By using carbon fiber, manufacturers can achieve the structural stability typically associated with heavier materials while avoiding the drawbacks of excessive mass. This allows keyboards to remain stable during high-intensity play without increasing the physical effort required to reposition or adjust the device. In high-pressure competitive scenarios, where consistency and tolerance for error are limited, this balance between rigidity, weight, and damping can contribute to a more predictable and controlled input experience.Aluminum and composite constructionMetal components, particularly aluminum, are another common feature in modern keyboards. Aluminum frames or internal plates can reinforce structural integrity and improve resistance to torsion. When combined with composite materials, these elements allow designers to balance strength, durability, and weight.Composite construction also enables greater flexibility in tuning how a keyboard feels and sounds. By layering materials with different densities and damping characteristics, manufacturers can influence how vibration moves through the device. This layered approach is commonly used in mechanical engineering and audio equipment to manage resonance and reduce unwanted feedback.Sound, vibration, and comfortSound is often discussed in subjective terms, but it has practical implications as well. Excessive resonance or hollow acoustics can be distracting during long sessions or in shared environments. More importantly, uncontrolled vibration can translate into physical feedback that some users find fatiguing over time, particularly during high-frequency input common in competitive play.To further manage sound and vibration, some keyboards combine carbon-based structures with multi-layer internal damping systems using foam, silicone, or insulating films. These layers absorb residual vibration and help stabilize keystrokes. While player preferences vary and some users enjoy audible feedback, controlled damping can support a more predictable and consistent input experience.For players who practice or compete for several hours a day, reducing both structural resonance and transmitted vibration may help minimize hand fatigue and improve comfort. In high-pressure esports environments, where sustained focus and precision matter, this type of material-driven vibration control can contribute to long-term usability rather than short-term performance claims.Precision and input consistencyImproved structural stability also supports advances in switch technology, particularly in keyboards that use magnetic or analog switches capable of detecting extremely small changes in key travel. In these designs, the rigidity of the underlying platform plays a critical role in how accurately movement is measured.A rigid carbon fiber-based platform, such as a carbon fiber positioning plate, helps maintain consistent switch geometry during use. By limiting flex under rapid or uneven input, this type of structure reduces micro-deformation that could otherwise affect how precisely a magnetic sensor interprets key movement. This stability is especially relevant when actuation and reset points are measured at very fine tolerances.In competitive first-person shooters, players rely on precise timing for actions such as stopping movement before firing or making fine adjustments while tracking targets. Under these conditions, even small mechanical variations can become more noticeable. Professional players have noted that improved input consistency can help reduce unintended variation during high-pressure sequences, where accuracy and timing are tightly coupled.Rather than promising better outcomes, these design approaches aim to reduce mechanical unpredictability. By providing a more stable and consistent sensing environment, rigid materials such as carbon fiber allow player skill and decision-making to remain the primary determinants of performance.An emerging industry directionAcross the gaming hardware industry, manufacturers are increasingly re-evaluating material choices as a way to differentiate beyond conventional performance metrics. In particular, carbon fiber and carbon-based composites are gaining attention as designers look for alternatives to traditional plastic or steel structures that can offer higher rigidity, lower weight, and improved vibration control.Recent keyboard designs reflect a broader trend toward hybrid construction, combining carbon fiber components with metal reinforcement and layered internal structures. This approach mirrors practices seen in other performance-driven industries, where composite materials are used to manage stress, reduce resonance, and maintain structural consistency under repeated load.These developments suggest a growing recognition that physical construction, especially the use of advanced composite materials such as carbon fiber, plays a meaningful role in how keyboards perform during competitive play. As esports equipment continues to evolve, material engineering is becoming an increasingly important part of the design conversation alongside electronics and software. ATTACK SHARK What this means for playersFor players, the increasing focus on materials reflects a broader innovation trend in esports hardware, particularly the growing adoption of carbon fiber and other advanced composites. As these materials move from niche applications into mainstream keyboard design, players are seeing a wider range of options that balance rigidity, weight, sound control, and long-term comfort. Understanding how different constructions affect feel and consistency can help players select equipment that better matches their play style and playing environment.At the same time, this shift points to a more holistic approach to performance. As competitive gaming continues to mature, improvements are often incremental and depend on how electronics, software, and physical construction work together rather than on any single specification.Some recent esports keyboard designs illustrate this direction by combining carbon fiber composite bases with multi-layer damping systems. This approach aims to balance structural rigidity with vibration control, addressing core competitive needs such as input consistency during high-frequency play and comfort during extended sessions.Materials alone do not determine success, but they influence how reliably a keyboard translates intent into action. In an environment where consistency matters as much as speed, innovations in materials such as carbon fiber are becoming an increasingly important part of the performance conversation.This story was produced by ATTACK SHARK and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	2 Davenport men charged with stealing 60 shopping carts from Sam's Club Two men face felony charges after investigators say they stole dozens of shopping carts from a Davenport Sam’s Club and sold them to a recycling business.
	Pleasant Valley School District principal retirement, resignations, hirings from Jan. 26 school board agenda The following personnel items are from the Jan. 26 of the Pleasant Valley School District. The School Board met at Belmont Administration Center at 525 Belmont Rd., Riverdale, Iowa.
	New $12M film production studio in Rock Island near the goal line Backers of Rock Line Studios -- to be built at 5th Avenue between 20th and 22nd streets, just blocks from the Fresh Films offices at 428 19th St. – have raised about $9 million so far, for the long-planned $12-million project. It’s led by Fresh Films, an Emmy-nominated film production and training organization, founded in 2002 with national reach and headquartered in the QC, that creates kids and family film and TV shows while training young people for jobs in film and growing digital content.
	Survey: Small business profitability forecasts dropping nearly 50% year over year Survey: Small business profitability forecasts dropping nearly 50% year over yearSince the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses have been tackling a growing number of challenges outside their control. Prices keep climbing, consumer appetites keep changing, and the labor market is evolving rapidly, thanks in part to artificial intelligence.To understand how small business owners (SBOs) are feeling during a difficult time for small businesses across the country, Bluevine conducted a survey of over 1,000 company owners, founders, CEOs, and other executives with polling partner Centiment. (Previous iterations of the survey, published in early 2024, mid-2024, and 2025, were conducted with Propeller Insights and Bredin.) Read on to learn more about where the small business economy stands today, how it’s changed over the past year, and where it’s headed in 2026.Key takeaways:Only 30% of SBOs say their profitability was above expectations in 2025, down nearly 50% from the previous year.Several years of high inflation may have impacted profits. Eighty percent of SBOs say inflation is challenging for their business, functionally unchanged from 81% in our 2025 report.Business owners are doing more with the tools at their disposal. In 2026, 42% of SBOs plan to increase efficiency/productivity, 37% will launch new products/services, and 32% plan to improve financial operations.Inflation remains a challenge, and many business owners didn’t meet their goals in 2025, but 78% of SBOs are optimistic about their profitability forecast for 2026.The percentage of SBOs who surpassed their profit goals dropped nearly 50% YOYWhether you’re a new business owner or a seasoned one, you’ve probably noticed higher prices on everything from your groceries to your rent.More than one-third (34%) of SBOs say the rising cost of supplies has impacted their business in the last year. A similar percentage (31%) said ongoing inflation has specifically impacted them.Now, years of rising prices have cut into small business profits. According to our survey data, only 30% of business owners say they finished the year with profitability above expectations, down from 57% at the end of 2024. Bluevine Amid persistent inflation, business owners are saying they plan to do more with what they already have, instead of growing their operations. Around 1 in 3 (34%) SBOs reduced expenses in 2025 to adapt to changes in the economy. Similarly, 28% raised prices to offset higher costs.Inflation isn’t only impacting business owners now. In the 2025 BOSS Report, the majority of SBOs said their business was impacted by inflation, and more than half (55%) of those business owners raised prices to help counter inflationary pressure. In that report, we also found that more than half of SBOs expected to spend more year over year on most major expenses.The good news is inflation isn’t as high as it was a few years ago. Federal data shows that the nationwide inflation rate hasn’t budged much since December 2024. That means prices are still increasing, but they’re not rising much faster than they did a year ago.Business owners are sacrificing their own finances, personal lives to stay afloatEven in boom years, there’s no denying that owning a small business takes a toll on owners physically, emotionally, and financially. Now, many SBOs may be starting 2026 on empty.To keep their business running, more than three-fourths (77%) of SBOs sacrificed something last year, like personal health and wellness, time with family or friends, or financial stability.For most business owners, the struggle is worth it for a better future. But today, 49% of SBOs question whether entrepreneurship or running their own business is worth it at least monthly. Some (18%) question it daily.Even in boom years, running a small business requires a complex juggling act of trying to grow your business, wrestling with taxes, and balancing your budget. Factors outside your control, like inflation, make that juggling act even harder.Putting yourself first can be difficult when you’re worried about your business. But when you take care of both your health and your work, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re creating a sustainable business for the years to come.Don’t be afraid to lean on your resources, including your community, financial partners, and friends and family.SBOs plan to make small changes to their current operation, not major movesRegardless of whether they struggled in 2025 or breezed through the year, most SBOs plan to make changes this year:42% plan to increase efficiency and productivity, such as implementing new software and automating workflows.37% plan to launch new products and services, such as diversifying their product line or adding a new service offering.32% plan to improve financial operations, such as reallocating their budget, pursuing higher yields, or investing.Striving for more efficiency and launching new products are largely tried-and-true methods to reduce costs and increase margins. It’s part of the larger trend of SBOs saying they want to do more with what they have, not make dramatic changes.Relatively few SBOs plan to expand in 2026 by increasing hiring, and even fewer plan to consolidate their operations or downsize staff.Business owners remain optimistic, despite high pricesBusiness owners have more stressors today than they did just a few years ago, but they’re not going down without a fight. More than 3 in 4 (78%) SBOs are optimistic about their profitability forecasts for 2026, nearly unchanged from last year’s number of 77%.With inflation still making a major impact on operations, business owners are commonly hoping that either inflation and the cost of goods fall (49%) or that demand increases (46%). Bluevine Whether it’s massive economic shifts or a local supply hiccup, SBOs will undoubtedly have to tackle challenges in 2026. But they told us they’re ready to handle those challenges, and may even come out of the year stronger than ever.Interest in accessing capital is up 66% after years of tight marginsWith profitability short of business owners’ expectations, ongoing economic pressures may be leading far more business owners to look for funding to keep them afloat.Nearly 2 in 3 (63%) SBOs say they plan to seek more capital by early 2026—a 66% increase from the 38% of respondents who signaled interest in accessing capital the year before. (Another 14% said they were unsure last year.) In a sign of business owners’ cash crunch, more than 1 in 4 (26%) SBOs say they plan to use the new funds to strengthen their cash reserves or emergency funds. Twenty-five percent say they plan to build inventory or purchase in bulk to reduce costs.High interest rates are affecting SBOs, too. Historically, credit cards have been a popular way for SBOs to get new capital for their business. More than 2 in 5 (44%) SBOs seeking capital specifically plan to take out a new business credit card in late 2025 or early 2026.That’s a steady decline from 2024 and 2025, when 53% and 47% of SBOs seeking capital said they were taking out a new business credit card, respectively. Bluevine Despite their need for funding, a declining interest in business credit cards makes sense in the broader context of the reality of small business ownership. As mentioned in previous Bluevine surveys, nearly 4 in 10 business owners think interest rates remain too high, and credit cards typically carry a higher interest rate among other forms of business capital.Earlier this year, President Donald Trump called for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates starting in late January. However, he didn’t pass official legislation mandating the change, and, as of this writing, no major credit card company has announced they would slash rates, according to USA Today. Average credit card rates are still well over 20%.Between AI advancements, persistent economic pressures, and other challenges outside their control, business owners will have a lot to consider this year. But our research suggests that SBOs aren’t letting the challenges keep them from making their business thrive. With a bit of innovation and outside help, they’re seeking financial security for themselves and their families. For more on this survey, read here.Methodology2026 Survey: Centiment Audience conducted this survey of 1,067 company owners, founders, partners, CEOs, presidents, or managing directors of U.S. businesses with annual revenue between $50,000 and $5,000,000 for Bluevine between Nov. 4-10, 2025. Data is unweighted, and the margin of error is approximately +/-3% for the overall sample with a 95% confidence level.2025 Survey: Bredin, an independent market research firm, conducted a 15-minute online survey of 1,200 respondents across the U.S. between Nov. 14-27, 2024. Respondents are company owners, founders, partners, CEOs, or presidents of businesses with annual revenue between $100,000 and $5,000,000. Survey respondents include a broad cross-section of industries, business and respondent ages, and geographical locations.2024 Survey: Propeller Insights, an independent market research firm, conducted a survey of 1,197 respondents across the U.S. between Dec. 11, 2023, and Jan. 25, 2024. At the time of data collection, all respondents were required to be (a) business owners, (b) with up to 50 full-time and/or part-time employees, and (c) have companies with an annual revenue between $100,000 and $5,000,000. Respondents represented a broad cross-section of demographics, including age, gender, industry, and geographical location across the U.S. Based on the population being surveyed, the results have a margin of error of +/- 3% with a 95 % level of confidence.This story was produced by Bluevine and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	AI-generated text is overwhelming institutions – setting off a no-win ‘arms race’ with AI detectors In 2023, the science fiction literary magazine Clarkesworld stopped accepting new submissions because so many were generated by artificial intelligence. Near as the editors could tell, many submitters pasted the magazine’s detailed story guidelines into an AI and sent in the results. And they weren’t alone. Other fiction magazines have also reported a high number of AI-generated submissions. This is only one example of a ubiquitous trend. A legacy system relied on the difficulty of writing and cognition to limit volume. Generative AI overwhelms the system because the humans on the receiving end can’t keep up. This is happening everywhere. Newspapers are being inundated by AI-generated letters to the editor, as are academic journals. Lawmakers are inundated with AI-generated constituent comments. Courts around the world are flooded with AI-generated filings, particularly by people representing themselves. AI conferences are flooded with AI-generated research papers. Social media is flooded with AI posts. In music, open source software, education, investigative journalism and hiring, it’s the same story. Like Clarkesworld’s initial response, some of these institutions shut down their submissions processes. Others have met the offensive of AI inputs with some defensive response, often involving a counteracting use of AI. Academic peer reviewers increasingly use AI to evaluate papers that may have been generated by AI. Social media platforms turn to AI moderators. Court systems use AI to triage and process litigation volumes supercharged by AI. Employers turn to AI tools to review candidate applications. Educators use AI not just to grade papers and administer exams, but as a feedback tool for students. These are all arms races: rapid, adversarial iteration to apply a common technology to opposing purposes. Many of these arms races have clearly deleterious effects. Society suffers if the courts are clogged with frivolous, AI-manufactured cases. There is also harm if the established measures of academic performance – publications and citations – accrue to those researchers most willing to fraudulently submit AI-written letters and papers rather than to those whose ideas have the most impact. The fear is that, in the end, fraudulent behavior enabled by AI will undermine systems and institutions that society relies on. Upsides of AI Yet some of these AI arms races have surprising hidden upsides, and the hope is that at least some institutions will be able to change in ways that make them stronger. Science seems likely to become stronger thanks to AI, yet it faces a problem when the AI makes mistakes. Consider the example of nonsensical, AI-generated phrasing filtering into scientific papers. A scientist using an AI to assist in writing an academic paper can be a good thing, if used carefully and with disclosure. AI is increasingly a primary tool in scientific research: for reviewing literature, programming and for coding and analyzing data. And for many, it has become a crucial support for expression and scientific communication. Pre-AI, better-funded researchers could hire humans to help them write their academic papers. For many authors whose primary language is not English, hiring this kind of assistance has been an expensive necessity. AI provides it to everyone. In fiction, fraudulently submitted AI-generated works cause harm, both to the human authors now subject to increased competition and to those readers who may feel defrauded after unknowingly reading the work of a machine. But some outlets may welcome AI-assisted submissions with appropriate disclosure and under particular guidelines, and leverage AI to evaluate them against criteria like originality, fit and quality. Others may refuse AI-generated work, but this will come at a cost. It’s unlikely that any human editor or technology can sustain an ability to differentiate human from machine writing. Instead, outlets that wish to exclusively publish humans will need to limit submissions to a set of authors they trust to not use AI. If these policies are transparent, readers can pick the format they prefer and read happily from either or both types of outlets. We also don’t see any problem if a job seeker uses AI to polish their resumes or write better cover letters: The wealthy and privileged have long had access to human assistance for those things. But it crosses the line when AIs are used to lie about identity and experience, or to cheat on job interviews. Similarly, a democracy requires that its citizens be able to express their opinions to their representatives, or to each other through a medium like the newspaper. The rich and powerful have long been able to hire writers to turn their ideas into persuasive prose, and AIs providing that assistance to more people is a good thing, in our view. Here, AI mistakes and bias can be harmful. Citizens may be using AI for more than just a time-saving shortcut; it may be augmenting their knowledge and capabilities, generating statements about historical, legal or policy factors they can’t reasonably be expected to independently check. Today’s commercial AI text detectors are far from foolproof. Fraud booster What we don’t want is for lobbyists to use AIs in astroturf campaigns, writing multiple letters and passing them off as individual opinions. This, too, is an older problem that AIs are making worse. What differentiates the positive from the negative here is not any inherent aspect of the technology, it’s the power dynamic. The same technology that reduces the effort required for a citizen to share their lived experience with their legislator also enables corporate interests to misrepresent the public at scale. The former is a power-equalizing application of AI that enhances participatory democracy; the latter is a power-concentrating application that threatens it. In general, we believe writing and cognitive assistance, long available to the rich and powerful, should be available to everyone. The problem comes when AIs make fraud easier. Any response needs to balance embracing that newfound democratization of access with preventing fraud. There’s no way to turn this technology off. Highly capable AIs are widely available and can run on a laptop. Ethical guidelines and clear professional boundaries can help – for those acting in good faith. But there won’t ever be a way to totally stop academic writers, job seekers or citizens from using these tools, either as legitimate assistance or to commit fraud. This means more comments, more letters, more applications, more submissions. The problem is that whoever is on the receiving end of this AI-fueled deluge can’t deal with the increased volume. What can help is developing assistive AI tools that benefit institutions and society, while also limiting fraud. And that may mean embracing the use of AI assistance in these adversarial systems, even though the defensive AI will never achieve supremacy. Balancing harms with benefits The science fiction community has been wrestling with AI since 2023. Clarkesworld eventually reopened submissions, claiming that it has an adequate way of separating human- and AI-written stories. No one knows how long, or how well, that will continue to work. The arms race continues. There is no simple way to tell whether the potential benefits of AI will outweigh the harms, now or in the future. But as a society, we can influence the balance of harms it wreaks and opportunities it presents as we muddle our way through the changing technological landscape. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Bruce Schneier, Harvard Kennedy School and Nathan Sanders, Harvard University Read more: More than half of new articles on the internet are being written by AI – is human writing headed for extinction? The apocalypse that wasn’t: AI was everywhere in 2024’s elections, but deepfakes and misinformation were only part of the picture Will AI take your job? The answer could hinge on the 4 S’s of the technology’s advantages over humans The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
	The Winter Olympics in Italy were meant to be sustainable. Are they? Italy's Winter Olympics promised sustainability. But in Cortina, environmentalists warn the Games could scar these mountains for decades.
	Before special ed, there was the school-to-asylum pipeline. How one lawsuit helped end it Before special ed, there was the school-to-asylum pipeline. How one lawsuit helped end itThe moment, Thomas Gilhool would tell a historian decades later, “seemed providential.”It was 1969. Two men from the Pennsylvania Association of Retarded Children made an appointment to meet with the young lawyer with a reputation for taking pie-in-the-sky cases more experienced attorneys wouldn’t touch. Gilhool was five years out of Yale Law School, practicing out of an office that was no wider than his desk — barely large enough to receive the visitors.Wedged in sideways, the men handed him a report they had commissioned on conditions at the Pennhurst State School and Hospital, the state’s notoriously overcrowded asylum for the mentally retarded. They were hoping to use the courts to better the lives of the people confined there. (In the interest of historical accuracy, in portions of this article, The 74 uses terminology now recognized as offensive.)Gilhool had never heard of the organization, now known as The Arc of Pennsylvania, but he knew more than most people about Pennhurst. At the time, children could be deemed retarded for a host of reasons: for having an intellectual disability, but also for seizure disorder, cerebral palsy, birth defects, bad behavior, or even not speaking fluent English.Public school was often the first stop on a short path to institutionalization. Children would enroll, quickly be deemed “ineducable” and consigned to places like Pennhurst, where forced labor, neglect and violence often cut their lives short.Gilhool’s brother Bob had been committed to the asylum, the attorney told his stunned guests.By the meeting’s end, Gilhool had taken the case — never mind that the three were still uncertain exactly what the case would be. The lawyer asked for a little time to think. Nine months later, he reappeared, grand design in hand.Eventually, they should ask the courts to close the facility. But the first task, Gilhool told his new clients, was to establish disabled children’s right to an education.Prohibiting schools from using asylums as dumping grounds was the initial step toward shutting down the pipeline of new residents and triggering the creation of alternatives — including the classroom instruction that would help children fulfill their potential.Providential, indeed.The cultural and political waters had been warmed up by a decade of Kennedy family activism. Rosemary Kennedy, sister to John F., Robert F. Sr. and Ted, had been born with a developmental delay, lobotomized as a young woman to a tragic result and institutionalized. JFK had used his presidency to push for a new era for people with intellectual disabilities. The Bettman Collection via Getty Images Indeed, upon touring New York’s notorious Willowbrook asylum in 1965, RFK Sr. called for a sea change. “We have a situation that borders on a snake pit,” he said. “The children live in filth … many of our fellow citizens are suffering tremendously because of lack of attention, lack of imagination, lack of adequate manpower. There is very little future for these children who are in these institutions.”The Arc, the Council for Exceptional Children and other organizations pushing for more humane conditions knew it was time — and that the moment called for someone with an audacious vision.“They knew they needed a lawyer who was prepared to imagine with them, and dream,” Gilhool, who died in 2020, recalled in a series of interviews that are preserved as an oral history at the University of California, Berkeley’s Bancroft Library. “And act on those dreams with them to kick over the traces and to restructure the world which had so thoroughly confined them.”The 1971 case Gilhool filed and won, PARC vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was swiftly copied by disability advocates in dozens of states. The settlement — which anticipated the sundry ways in which children like Bob Gilhool were excluded from school — became the template for one of the strongest of the era’s civil rights laws, enacted by Congress in 1975.Fifty years after the passage of what is now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, it’s hard to overstate the law’s impact. Originally titled the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, but better known as Public Law 94-142, it said no child could be declared ineducable. Advocates celebrated the end of the school-to-asylum pipeline.Today, however, people with disabilities see flashing warning lights. In the sweeping proposals advanced by President Donald Trump, they see the start of a new era of institutionalization. And in the dehumanizing descriptions of disabled children made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — who grew up visiting his aunt at her asylum — they hear echoes of past rhetorical justifications. The same groups that tapped Gilhool half a century ago today are suing to protect the law. The Pennhurst Memorial and Preservation Alliance Pennhurst was not built to care for people who could not live independently. Like most asylums, the motive for its construction was crystal clear: eugenics.The era’s dominant belief was that disability, poverty and race were matters of poor breeding. In the parlance of the time, “normal” children needed protection from exposure to disordered ones. “Idiotic, imbecile or feeble-minded persons” should be prohibited from reproducing, the Pennsylvania legislature proclaimed. State after state mandated confinement, and many went so far as to order the sterilization of anyone deemed defective.Conditions at Pennhurst were wretched.“Large numbers of retarded persons have been herded together to live as animals in a barn, complete with stench,” said the report that The Arc leaders gave to Gilhool. “Many are forced into slave labor conditions; deprived of privacy, affection, morality; suffering the indignities of nakedness, beatings, sexual assaults and exposure. Some are doped out of reality with chemical restraints while others are physically deformed by the mechanical ones. Many are sitting aimlessly without motivations, incentives, hopes or programs.” Irving Haberman // IH Images/Getty Images The squalor was hardly a secret. But without services to help care for their children or classrooms where they could learn, families struggled to stand up to authorities who pushed institutionalization, which is how Bob Gilhool ended up at Pennhurst.The third child born to Tom and Mary Gilhool, Bob was social and curious. As a result, he was not diagnosed as intellectually disabled until it turned out he was also slow to talk and toilet train. For a little while, he went to a special school, but only for two hours at a time, twice a week. The rest of the time, he was home.At the time, a child’s developmental disabilities were viewed as the parents’ deficit. “The diagnosis was very wrenching to my mother and father,” Gilhool would tell the UC Berkeley oral historian. “The learned understanding that it was, of course, the parents’ fault; that these things were genetic … and that they should be embarrassed and ashamed and feel guilty.”Gilhool’s father was taunted and shamed at work for having a disabled child, to the point that he had what was then called a nervous breakdown. Still, the family resisted experts’ recommendations to institutionalize Bob, who was 10. A few years later, dying of pancreatic cancer, the older Tom urged his wife to consider sending her youngest away.“Probably, you’d have to look around and find a place for Bobby,” Gilhool recalled his father telling his mother one night. “Because surely … you will not be able to keep him at home.”It was 1954, and Tom Gilhool was 13. Gilhool later recalled that as a child, he believed it was his job as an older brother to set aside his anger at what was happening and focus on keeping his mother’s spirits up.Whatever Bob understood, he did not complain.During the nine months when attorney Tom Gilhool was exploring ways for The Arc to take on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, he heard, over and over again, including via materials distributed by governmental councils, about the role schools played in funneling children to Pennhurst.Like Mary Gilhool, sometimes parents were simply unable to provide around-the-clock care unassisted. But often, families would enroll their children in school, only to have them rejected. Commitment, social workers and other experts would argue, wasn’t just in the best interest of the retarded children; it was to protect their siblings and spare their parents experiences like that of Gilhool’s father.A Catch-22 for ParentsIn 1955, around the time Bob Gilhool was being institutionalized, Minneapolis Public Schools opened an experimental school in a former orphanage and polio hospital. A report on The Sheltering Arms’ first five years provides a vivid illustration of how school was frequently the first step toward confinement in an asylum.Today, to guard against children languishing, IDEA requires schools to assess individual students’ needs, identify strategies for meeting them and document progress, or lack thereof. But in 1960, Sheltering Arms’ administrators were free to dismiss pupils they believed were neither “educable” or “trainable” for a variety of general and subjective reasons.An outburst-prone 8-year-old, for instance, was dropped for being “unable to adjust” despite having gained six IQ points during his seven-week school trial period. “His family situation was also a ‘problem’ one,” evaluators wrote, so they called in county welfare officials to arrange “institutional placement.”Another 8-year-old was excluded for behaviors that included wanting “maternal-style closeness” with his teacher. During his trial, he learned to “play happily” with other children and formed “some meaningful social relationships” with adults. But in the evaluators’ opinion, “These gains seemed too small to justify the time and attention he was consuming in the classroom.”Though they were often vague when it came to documenting their own efforts, the Sheltering Arms evaluators were quick to scrutinize students’ home lives in search of justifications for institutionalizing a child.In administrators’ opinion, parents who said they faced minimal issues at home often were in denial: “Their discrimination will also be affected by the degree of their defensiveness about the fact of the retardation,” the program report explained. “A parent unable to accept this emotionally may very well proceed, in her diary, to deny all problems and describe the child as ‘perfectly alright.’”Sometimes, children were excluded because evaluators felt the break their family got while they were in class only postponed a painful, inevitable decision. “This was a situation in which we felt that school attendance was permitting the family to just barely survive the situation so that, in effect, a disservice rather than a service was being done to the whole family unit,” Sheltering Arms reported in one case. “These parents were highly realistic and competent people, and his exclusion from school led to institutional placement rather promptly.” Minnesota Department of Administration The report declared the overall effort a success. Children gained independence, communication and socialization skills and behaved better. Still, it recommended institutionalization as the long-term outcome for most “trainable” children, and parent education as key to achieving it.“We think that great harm is done by the casual provision of classroom experience for children with no effort to interpret to parents in what ways and for what reasons this experience differs from that which their normal children are having in school,” they wrote. “We see this kind of provision as a step backward.”Of the 54 children enrolled in the five-year experiment, 23 were subsequently confined to institutions in Minnesota, while 16 were sent home with no possibility of future education.PARC v. Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaOn Jan. 7, 1971, Gilhool filed a federal class-action lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and 13 school districts with the backing of numerous advocacy groups, most notably the Council for Exceptional Children, the American Association on Mental Deficiency and the National Association for Retarded Citizens.Gilhool’s goal was to get the court to outlaw the classification of any student as “ineducable.” To that end, the stories of the 13 children named as plaintiffs were representative of the array of excuses schools used to justify their exclusion.Citing Brown v Board, in 134 numbered paragraphs, he argued that the state’s failure to educate all children violated the U.S. Constitution’s due process and equal protection clauses: The 74 On Aug. 12, the court was scheduled to hear preliminary statements from seven witnesses. In the afternoon, after just four had testified, the three-judge panel hearing the case stopped the proceedings. Gilhool and his opposing counsel agreed to turn their efforts to drafting an order for the court to approve. On Oct. 7, the judges signed off on the document.“This landmark agreement commits the state to a program of identifying, locating, evaluating and placing of all children adjudged to be retarded,” Gov. Milton J. Shapp said at a news conference the next day. “In the long run, this agreement will save the taxpayers money because it is a known fact that many children adjudged to be retarded can lead normal and productive lives if given the proper kind of educational assistance early enough. In the short run, this agreement seeks to put as many children as feasible into the public school system.”The New York Times weighed in with an editorial: “The court ruling is humane and socially sound. Whatever the cost of educating retarded children, the cost of setting them adrift in the world without giving them the means to lead useful lives is far higher.”The suit and settlement were quickly copied by advocates in 26 other federal court cases, pressuring Congress to act. In 1975, lawmakers passed what was then known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, guaranteeing the right to a free, appropriate public education for all students, including those with severe disabilities.On Dec. 2, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed the bill, but reluctantly, noting both that Congress promised states more money than it actually appropriated and complaining, in essence, that Gilhool’s checks and balances — the oversight required by the law to keep schools from shirking their obligations — were burdensome.“Everyone can agree with the objective stated in the title of this bill — educating all handicapped children in our nation. The key question is whether the bill will really accomplish that objective,” he wrote. “It contains a vast array of detailed, complex and costly administrative requirements which would unnecessarily assert federal control over traditional state and local government functions.”Ford was right about the first part. Congress promised to fund 40% of IDEA’s average per-pupil cost but has never appropriated anything close to full funding. Right now, states get 13%.But as for the checks and balances, Gilhool was correct in anticipating that states and school districts — historically poor enforcers of civil rights — would need continuous federal oversight to deliver on the law’s central tenets: that children with disabilities have a right to a “free and appropriate public education” in the “least restrictive environment” possible.Creating Special EducationBy the time the PARC case went to trial, Brown v. Board of Education had been the law of the land for 17 years. Yet from coast to coast, communities had to return to court to try to force districts to take even baby steps toward integrating schools racially.Anticipating similar resistance to desegregating students with disabilities, Gilhool asked the court to give the Pennsylvania defendants one year to find kids who were not being served by schools — and to continue to identify children who might have unmet needs.The clause became one of IDEA’s most important provisions, a duty known as Child Find. It requires school systems to seek out and evaluate students who may need special education services — no excuses. It applies to children from birth to age 21, whether they are being homeschooled or are enrolled in a private school, are migrants or are without homes.When IDEA became law, Linda Stevens, pictured below, was one of a very small number of educators trained to work with children with disabilities. A speech pathologist with a master’s degree — rare for a woman at the time — she taught a class of “18 educable mentally retarded students” in Florida’s Alachua County Public Schools. Council for Exceptional Children “So much of retardation can be attributed to a language problem,” she was quoted as saying in the April 1974 newsletter of the local chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children. “If you can get the students to master the oral skills first, the difficulty of other tasks is then reduced.”To that end, her class played phonics-heavy games with puppets and enjoyed homemade books on tape. Stevens’ efforts were so admired that the University of Florida sent special education teaching candidates to learn in her classroom.When the federal law passed, Stevens and an art-teacher neighbor were tasked with figuring out how to fulfill the district’s Child Find obligations, according to her daughter, Elizabeth Clark, now a teacher in the same school system and a member of the Council for Exceptional Children. Working together, Stevens and her neighbor canvassed the community, showing up at doctors’ offices, PTA meetings and other places families congregated.“At the dinner table, my mother would talk about having spent the day going door to door … to let families know that their kids with exceptionalities, moderate to severe, were not only now allowed to come to school, but would have supports,” says Clark.The shame of having a child with an intellectual disability that had visited the Gilhools was still prevalent, so the women had to do a lot of coaxing. If a family wouldn’t agree to a home visit, Stevens would invite them for coffee. After each conversation, she would ask whom else she should reach out to.The hardest part of the job was persuading people that schools would heed the law instead of finding justifications to exclude their children. “Sometimes she would have to visit with a family three times to convince them,” says Clark. “People were in disbelief.”Once, a parent got up mid-sentence and called a relative: “There’s a lady here that says so-and-so can go to school even though he can’t use the toilet by himself,” the father said. “And that he’s going to be okay.”At the same time, in Illinois, Pam Gillet was using every conduit she could think of to find families with children who were not in school. She placed announcements in newspapers and tacked handwritten notes on grocery store bulletin boards.A member of the Council for Exceptional Children, Gillet, too, talked to parents who were reluctant to tell a stranger they had a disabled child, but also many who had tried to register their kids for school, only to be turned away.“Now we were going back to those parents trying to build trust with them to say, ‘Now we’re going to welcome you,’” she recalls. “We capitalized on the legal mandate that the parent must be an equal partner in the planning process and must agree to what the school district was recommending.”Unlike before, a district could not say it lacked the resources to meet individual students’ needs. If a service was included in the Individualized Education Program, or IEP, that parents and teachers agreed to, the school must find a way to provide it.Just as Gilhool had hoped, Child Find put bottom-up pressure on the entire school system to find the classrooms, research the strategies and recruit and train the staff to be able to offer meaningful opportunities. Even as they were trying to find their sea legs, educators like Stevens and Gillet got pressed into service to envision and build out entire programs.Of the 33 fourth graders Gillet taught in 1968, her first year in the classroom, five had the word-recognition skills expected of first graders, while another five had some ability to read but not to comprehend. Often, kids who were behind academically were funneled into vocational programs in eighth grade, so there wasn’t much fuss when students were allowed to languish.Gillet turned to her principal for help, but didn’t get much. The school had an after-school program, but it was an informal effort, organized by concerned teachers, working without pay. Often, they grouped children according to where each was academically and assigned them to an educator who was strong in that subject.Frustrated, Gillet enrolled in a new university program that promised to train teachers to work with children with disabilities: “I thought, ‘Well, even if I don’t get a master’s in special education — because I wasn’t even sure what all that was — I’d at least maybe get some help with the children I was going to have for the rest of the year.’”Fast-forward six years to IDEA’s passage, and Gillet found herself running a federally funded initiative to train general educators to teach special ed. Using empty classrooms in a school in the northwest part of Cook County, near Chicago, the program enrolled 20 to 25 teachers per term for two semesters.During the first term, they would take intensive classes with instructors from five area universities. For the second, the teachers would work alongside highly qualified special educators. The goal was two-fold: to be able to staff special ed classrooms quickly and to expose faculty from different teacher preparation programs to colleagues with expertise in a variety of areas.Federal officials were watching. Every three years, the Office of Special Education Programs — a division Congress created to provide expertise and monitor IDEA’s implementation — would visit every school in the district. Still trying to figure out how to get the right staff in the right places to meet students’ varied needs, Gillet valued the feedback from the visits.As newly trained special educators opened classrooms throughout Illinois — rising to the challenge of educating children whom schools had never before attempted to accommodate — she sat back and considered how much had been built, and how quickly. “All of those evenings and weekends that we all spent together, and all of the tough times that we said, ‘We’ll never be able to do this,’ we did it,” she recalls thinking. “Kids are in school, they’re learning. They’re having opportunities that some never had and may not have had if it had not been for this law.”Ignoring the ExpertsThe doctor who diagnosed Brianne Burger as deaf at age 2 warned her parents that she was unlikely to graduate from high school. They ignored him, becoming zealous advocates out of necessity.About 1 million U.S. children under 18 are blind, have limited vision, are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind. Laws requiring publicly funded programs to educate them date, in one case, to the 1800s. Services are expensive, however, and states are quick to target them for cuts when budgets run lean. Because of this, the money, oversight and technical expertise required to keep them running are laid out in IDEA.Burger is living proof both of states’ tendency to try to restrict access to costly programs and of disabled children’s academic and career potential. When she was diagnosed in the early 1980s, her family lived in Stamford, Connecticut, 90 minutes’ drive from the state’s only school for deaf children — and the only option state officials offered.Burger’s parents, however, were unwilling to put a toddler on a bus for three hours a day. By word of mouth, they learned of two schools for the deaf in New York. One was just 15 minutes from their home. Connecticut had to pay the New York tuition.Burger got an excellent education there. When her family moved to Massachusetts, long a disability-friendly state, she was placed in a general-education classroom where her parents advocated for her to have an interpreter.She ended up at a California university with strong services for deaf students, and later at Emerson College for graduate school. After a stint in vocational rehabilitation, helping people with disabilities find and settle into jobs, she went to work managing federal grants for Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.Her timing could not have been better. President Barack Obama had pledged to increase the number of people with disabilities employed by the government. Burger worked in disability policy for several federal agencies, landing at the U.S. Department of Education in 2016.For nine years, she monitored a number of congressionally mandated institutions that provide expertise or services states don’t have: the American Printing House for the Blind; the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center; Gallaudet University; the Helen Keller National Center for the DeafBlind; and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.In March, despite the fact that the law requires her position to be filled, Burger was one of more than 1,300 Education Department employees fired as Trump attempted to close it. Since his second inauguration, millions of dollars in funding for at least a dozen programs to support deaf and blind students have been eliminated.Shortly after Burger’s firing, South Dakota Republican Sen. Mike Rounds introduced legislation to transfer the department’s responsibilities to other federal agencies. Under the bill, oversight and support for the organizations she oversaw would be assigned to the Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Labor.During the Great Recession of the late 2000s, Rounds — then governor of South Dakota — attempted to close the state’s residential school for the deaf, which was established in 1880. Federal stimulus funds saved it, albeit in a drastically curtailed form.A task force appointed by Rounds recommended that its functions be assigned to individual districts, which can draw on the school for support. But without the pressure to staff a residential school, services have ebbed. In 2016, for example, the last university degree program for deaf educators closed, choking off the supply of interpreters able to work in regular schools.This year, schools that serve deaf and blind students and universities that train their educators have been cut back or threatened with closure in numerous states. At the same time, offices like Burger’s — created to ensure states and districts don’t shirk their obligations — have been hollowed out.In March, a group of educators, school districts and public-sector unions sued Trump, hoping to stop the Education Department’s dismantling and reverse the mass firings. (The Arc of the United States has since joined the suit.) A Massachusetts judge issued an order halting the administration’s efforts, pending further legal proceedings, but in July, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed that ruling, at least temporarily allowing the dismantling of the department to proceed.Education Secretary Linda McMahon has since laid off more of the department’s employees, although some have been temporarily rehired. Win McNamee // Getty Images If Trump and McMahon eventually succeed, the department’s Office of Civil Rights, which investigates violations of disabled students’ rights, will have shrunk from 446 employees to 62. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services — one of the divisions Congress explicitly required in IDEA — will retain just 14 of its 135 employees.Echoes of a Dark PastOver the last year, disability advocates have repeatedly warned that the Trump administration’s policies — and the president’s use of the slur “retarded” — open the door to a return to the dark past. Most visibly, as health and human services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has repeated false claims about the causes of autism and promoted an unproven “cure.”“These are kids who will never pay taxes, they’ll never hold a job, they’ll never play baseball, they’ll never write a poem, they’ll never go out on a date,” he said in April about autistic children. “Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted.” Alex Wong // Getty Images Indeed, one of Kennedy’s first moves was to eliminate the Administration for Community Living, the HHS division that oversees programs that help people with disabilities and older populations be as independent as possible. The office’s responsibilities, he announced in March, will be handled by other parts of the agency.Perhaps ignorant that Pennhurst and other asylums forced residents to grow their own food, Kennedy has also proposed the creation of “work farms,” where hard labor will supposedly heal people struggling with addiction, mental health issues and even attention deficit disorder.In July, Trump opened the door to reinstitutionalization with an executive order titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.” It calls for “the reversal of federal or state judicial precedents and the termination of consent decrees” that limit broad institutionalization, threatening to withhold federal funds from states and municipalities that don’t adopt and enforce “maximally flexible” commitment standards.Like the laws that justified confining in asylums people perceived as dangerous, the edict proposes to “restore public order” via the “civil commitment of individuals with mental illness who pose risks to themselves or the public or are living on the streets and cannot care for themselves in appropriate facilities for appropriate periods of time.”A statement from the American Bar Association raises the same legal arguments Gilhool used to frame PARC: “The order raises serious constitutional and civil rights concerns — particularly regarding due process under the Fourteenth Amendment and the rights of individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Its proposed standard for commitment — encompassing not only those who pose a risk to self or others but also those who are merely unable to care for themselves — falls short of established constitutional safeguards.”Hoping “to assure that we never go back,” in 2010 a group of advocates and former residents formed the Pennhurst Memorial and Preservation Alliance with the intent of acquiring the abandoned facility and turning it into a national museum of disability history.But a businessman by the name of Robert Chakejian beat them to it, paying the state of Pennsylvania $2 million for Pennhurst in 2008. Chakejian was struggling to turn a profit on a composting business he had started on the grounds when his teenager suggested he convert the asylum — and its abandoned cribs, beds, wheelchairs and an electric shock chair — into a haunted house.After they sued and lost, advocates tried to persuade the entrepreneur to at least populate the attraction with vampires and monsters instead of mental patients. But when the haunted house opened in September 2010, it had an asylum theme, complete with a fictional backstory involving a made-up Austrian scientist (named Dr. Chakajian, an intentional misspelling of the owner’s name) who experimented on Pennhurst’s prisoners.These days, there’s a late-night paranormal tour — complete with actors in gory makeup who lunge at visitors — and holiday events like “Crazy Christmas” and “Bloody Valentine.” Because it’s too scary, children and pregnant women are not allowed to tour. Active members of the military get discounted admission.Between 1908 — when Pennsylvania built what was originally called the Eastern State Institution for the Feeble Minded and Epileptic — and 1987, nearly 11,000 people were confined to Pennhurst. About half died there, historians estimate.After Pennhurst’s closure, some 150,000 people moved out of institutions nationwide. Since then, an estimated half a million have been spared institutionalization.In one of the longest-running disability studies to date, researchers at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Temple University stayed in touch with 1,156 people who were at Pennhurst in 1978. Each got a visit once a year, aimed at answering a single question: “Are the people better off than they were at Pennhurst?”They were. None wound up homeless or in jail. They lived an average of six years longer than those confined had, and their care cost 15% less than in the institution. Many moved into small group homes in the community.Bob Gilhool was among those who eventually lived independently. Long after the trial that began the process of emptying the asylum, Tom Gilhool asked whether his brother wanted to tag along on a visit the lawyer was making with a group of Japanese disability activists.No way, was the quick response Tom Gilhool told an interviewer compiling an oral history for Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities. But he was proud.“As Bob tells me often,” Gilhool said, beaming, “‘You and I closed Pennhurst.’”This story was produced by The 74 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Humane Society of Scott County responds to end to contract agreement with Davenport In a statement to KWQC, Humane Society leaders said it has been in ongoing discussion with city officials but no formal agreement was reached.
	Cheapest gas stations in every state Feb. 5, 2026 Irene Miller // Shutterstock Cheapest gas stations in every state Feb. 5, 2026 Anyone who drives a car understands the sting of having to fill up their tank and pulling into the gas station, only to discover that gas prices have skyrocketed. Paying extra for gas means you have less to spend on other things, which, over time, can really put a crimp in your budget.Cheap Insurance explored some of the reasons behind major changes in gas prices, and compiled a list of the cheapest gas stations in every state using data from Gas Buddy.Gas prices fluctuate based on several factors, including the cost of the key ingredient, crude oil, as well as the available supply and demand for gasoline. If the price of oil rises, a major refinery goes offline, or more drivers are hitting the road, for example, then the cost will increase.In the first half of 2022, a unique confluence of events led to a surge in gas prices. The increased demand stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and a slowdown in oil production all contributed to a national all-time high of $4.93 per gallon on average in June 2022.Seasons also affect gas prices. Demand tends to drop in winter, but the cost also falls because gas stations switch to a different blend of gasoline that's optimal for lower temperatures—and has cheaper ingredients.Location also matters. The South and Midwest tend to have the lowest gas prices, while the West, including Hawai'i, has the highest. Californians, in particular, pay more for gas on average than any other state. That's because of its high state excise taxes; its isolation from the country's major pipelines, which causes supply issues; and its requirements that mandate a more environmentally friendly blend of gas that costs more to produce and adds to the price per gallon.No matter where you live, read on to see if you can get a deal on gas near you.Alabama#1. Grub Mart (186 N Gay St, Auburn): $2.25#1. Shell (1714 Finley Blvd, Birmingham): $2.25#1. Marathon (1900 Finley Blvd, Birmingham): $2.25Alaska#1. Costco (48 College Rd, Fairbanks): $2.95#1. Speedway Express (99 College Rd, Fairbanks): $2.95#3. Speedway (2110 Peger Rd, Fairbanks): $2.99Arizona#1. Costco (1650 E Tucson Marketplace Blvd, Tucson): $2.29#1. Sam's Club ( 4701 N Stone Ave, Tucson): $2.29#1. Shell (405 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson): $2.29Arkansas#1. Brookshire's (1310 Constitution Ave, Ashdown): $2.06#2. Sam's Club (7700 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith): $2.11#3. Walmart (8600 US-71 S, Fort Smith): $2.15California#1. Pit River Gas & Mini Mart (20258 Tamarack Ave, Burney): $3.29#2. Quick Stop II Food Mart (952 Nord Ave, Chico): $3.39#3. ARCO (1916 N Riverside Ave, Rialto): $3.45Colorado#1. Valero (11010 E 120th Ave, Henderson): $1.99#2. Sinclair (9171 E Arapahoe Rd, Greenwood Village): $2.05#2. Conoco (6515 S Dayton St, Greenwood Village): $2.05Connecticut#1. Pit Stop (458 Berlin Tpke, Berlin): $2.53#2. BJ's (75 Spring St, Southington): $2.54#3. BJ's (1589 Main St, Willimantic): $2.55Delaware#1. BP (1 JAY DR, New Castle): $2.59#2. Costco (900 Center Blvd S, Newark): $2.63#2. BJ's (2131 Kirkwood Hwy, Elsmere): $2.63Florida#1. BP (6450 HOLLYWOOD BLVD, Pembroke Pines): $1.99#2. Marathon (302 Garrison Ave, Port St. Joe): $2.41#3. Fla Conv (698 N Ferdon Blvd , Crestview): $2.43Georgia#1. Costco (100 Cobb Pkwy, Ringgold): $2.19#2. Shell (1201 W 4th St, Adel): $2.22#3. Marathon (16 Bracketts Way, Blairsville): $2.25Hawaii#1. Costco (4589 Kapolei Pkwy, Kapolei): $3.59#1. Costco (94-1331 Ka Uka Blvd, Waipio): $3.59#1. AAFES (500 Kolekole Ave, Schofield Barracks): $3.59Idaho#1. Spirit (701 E Sherman Ave, Coeur d'Alene): $2.46#2. Maverik (6415 North Ramsey Road, Coeur d Alene): $2.48#2. Maverik (5525 North Government Way, Coeur d'Alene): $2.48Illinois#1. Sam's Club (700 N 54th St, Quincy): $2.28#2. Shell (1201 Chicago Ave, Evanston): $2.29#3. Thorntons (15925 W 159th St, Lockport): $2.32Indiana#1. Mobil (615 N Washington St, Kokomo): $2.22#2. Speedway (2668 CR-600 W, Greenfield): $2.35#2. BJ's (14490 Lowes Wy, Carmel): $2.35Iowa#1. Murphy USA (906 W. Bell Ave., Knoxville): $1.97#1. Casey's (1201 E Main St, Knoxville): $1.97#1. Casey's (1007 N Lincoln St, Knoxville): $1.97Kansas#1. Sam's Club (3010 Larue St, Garden City): $1.98#2. Walmart Neighborhood Market (2424 N Taylor Ave, Garden City): $2.03#3. Maverik (3795 Solar Ave, Garden City): $2.04Kentucky#1. Sam's Club (5240 Frederica St, Owensboro): $2.18#2. Sam's Club (140 Kohl's Dr, Nicholasville): $2.26#3. Super USA (2300 Breckenridge St, Owensboro): $2.27Louisiana#1. Murphy USA (925 E. Keyser Avenue, Natchitoches): $1.79#1. Brookshire's (5696 LA-1 Byp, Natchitoches): $1.79#3. Exxon (10391 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge): $2.03Maine#1. BJ's (110 Mount Auburn Ave , Auburn): $2.52#2. Walmart (94 Mount Auburn Ave, Auburn): $2.54#3. Fabian (363 Western Ave, Augusta): $2.64Maryland#1. Sam's Club (5702 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville): $2.49#2. Liberty (7588 Annapolis Rd , Landover Hills): $2.53#2. Carroll Motor Fuels (12600 Twinbrook Pkwy, Rockville): $2.53Massachusetts#1. BJ's (901 Technology Center Dr, Stoughton): $2.44#2. Cumberland Farms (1634 Tpke St, Stoughton): $2.46#2. Prestige (1580 Tpke St , Stoughton): $2.46Michigan#1. CITGO (27350 Eureka Rd, Taylor): $2.15#2. Sam's Club (1707 E Sherman Blvd, Muskegon): $2.26#2. Quality Car Wash & Marathon (1931 E Sherman Blvd, Muskegon): $2.26Minnesota#1. Members Carwash and Fuel (9950 Rockford Rd Service Dr, Plymouth): $2.24#1. Holiday (635 S Main St, Cambridge): $2.24#1. Speedway (11027 Crystal Lake Rd, Merrifield): $2.24Mississippi#1. Sam's Club (715 Bonita Dr, Meridian): $2.02#2. Murphy USA (905 Hwy 16 W., Carthage): $2.09#2. Murphy USA (1313 Second St South, Meridian): $2.09Missouri#1. Bullseye (N MO-64, Pittsburg): $1.96#2. Sam's Club (3536 Hammons Blvd, Joplin): $2.15#3. Buc-ee's (3284 N Beaver Road, Springfield): $2.17Montana#1. Maverik (211 E 1st Ave, Plentywood): $2.52#2. Costco (3220 N Reserve St, Missoula): $2.59#2. Cenex (1803 N Merrill Ave , Glendive): $2.59Nebraska#1. Casey's (2640 W Norfolk Ave, Norfolk): $2.17#1. Casey's (1020 W Benjamin Ave, Norfolk): $2.17#1. Casey's (1001 Veterans Ave, Stanton): $2.17Nevada#1. Maverik (1020 North Florence Way, West Wendover): $2.15#1. Pilot (1200 W Wendover Blvd, West Wendover): $2.15#3. One9 Fuel Stop (791 10th St, Carlin): $2.48New Hampshire#1. Monster gas North (1010 US Highway 1 Byp, Portsmouth): $2.49#1. Monster Gas South (981 US-1 BYP, Portsmouth): $2.49#1. Monster Gas (72 Crystal Ave , Derry): $2.49New Jersey#1. Gas and Diesel (145 NJ-10 E, East Hanover): $2.49#2. Conoco (1196 Anderson Ave, Fort Lee): $2.51#3. BJS (831 NJ-10, Whippany): $2.52New Mexico#1. Valero (580 Unser Blvd SE, Rio Rancho): $2.09#2. Valero (2401 Rio Rancho Dr SE, Rio Rancho): $2.13#3. Murphy USA (2919vn White Sands Blvd, Alamogordo): $2.14New York#1. Two Eagles (852 Bloomingdale Rd, Basom): $2.40#2. Jan's Smoke Shop II (383 Bloomingdale Rd, Akron): $2.41#3. Shell (412 Fort Salonga Rd, Northport): $2.53North Carolina#1. Speedway (3110 Sandy Ridge Rd, Greensboro): $2.34#1. Circle K (8400 Norcross Rd, Greensboro): $2.34#3. Murphy USA (2391 N. Center St, Hickory): $2.35North Dakota#1. ARCO (3202 33rd St S, Fargo): $2.21#2. Fleet Farm (3730 36th St S, Fargo): $2.23#3. Flying J (3150 39th St S, Fargo): $2.24Ohio#1. Shell (5300 Warrensville, Maple Heights): $1.99#2. Sam's Club (1150 Greely Chapel, Lima): $2.19#2. Gold Star Gas (701 W North St, Lima): $2.19Oklahoma#1. Walmart (4900 S Sooner Rd, Oklahoma City): $1.95#2. Murphy Express (5655 S.E. 15th St, Midwest City): $1.96#2. Casey's (9001 Se 29th St, Midwest City): $1.96Oregon#1. Town Pump (330 Ivy St, Junction City): $2.69#1. Mobil (1225 Ivy St, Junction City): $2.69#3. Mobil (1115 OR-99 N, Cottage Grove): $2.79Pennsylvania#1. Pit Stop (2311 Darby Rd, Havertown): $2.55#2. Costco (6717 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg): $2.61#2. USA GAS (998 Carlisle St, Hanover): $2.61Rhode Island#1. BJ's (1450 Hartford Ave, Johnston): $2.51#2. Roadrunner (2862 Hartford Ave, Johnston): $2.53#3. Mutual (296 Armistice Blvd, Pawtucket): $2.62South Carolina#1. Exxon (3370 US-601 N, Pageland): $2.18#2. Crossroads Express (13829 SC-101 S, Gray Court): $2.19#3. Dodge's Store (1801 Old Edisto Dr, Orangeburg): $2.22South Dakota#1. Goode To Go (1301 River Dr, North Sioux City): $2.20#2. Costco (3700 S Grange Ave, Sioux Falls): $2.26#2. Sam's Club (3205 S Louise Ave, Sioux Falls): $2.26Tennessee#1. Murphy USA (145 Walton Dr, Waverly): $2.09#2. Murphy Express (310 Winfield-Dunn Pkwy., Sevierville): $2.15#2. Walmart (1185 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville): $2.15Texas#1. Fresh by Brookshires (3121 N Eastman Rd, Longview): $1.91#1. Sam's Club (3310 N 4th St, Longview): $1.91#3. Murphy USA (301 E. Loop 281, Longview): $1.94Utah#1. Sam's Club (1055 W Hill Field Rd, Layton): $2.27#2. Costco (573 W 100 N, West Bountiful): $2.29#3. Costco (5201 S Intermountain Dr, Murray): $2.35Vermont#1. Shell (129 Main St, Ludlow): $2.59#2. CITGO (510 South St, Bennington): $2.63#3. Cumberland Farms (111 Northside Dr, Bennington): $2.68Virginia#1. Liberty (1039 Millwood Pike, Winchester): $2.34#1. Mobil (1026 Millwood Pike, Winchester): $2.34#3. Patriot Fuels (3952 US-23 N, Gate City): $2.39Washington#1. Costco (301 5th St, Clarkston): $2.69#2. Wheelers Smoke N Gas (7453 Sunnyside Mabton Hwy, Mabton): $2.85#3. Wheeler's Kountry Korner (2421 W Wapato Rd, Wapato): $2.93West Virginia#1. Sam's Club (1100 Grand Central Ave, Vienna): $2.24#2. Walmart (2900 Pike St, Parkersburg): $2.32#3. Speedway (2893 Pike St, Parkersburg ): $2.33Wisconsin#1. Costco (W162N9235 Pershing Ave, Menomonee Falls): $2.18#1. Costco (443 Pewaukee Rd, Pewaukee): $2.18#1. Sam's Club (8050 N 124th St, Milwaukee): $2.18Wyoming#1. Maverik (59 Uinta Drive, Green River): $2.18#2. Sinclair (818 S 3rd St, Laramie): $2.19#2. Tumbleweed Express (4700 Bluebird Ln, Laramie): $2.19This story was produced by CheapInsurance.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	‘Why is this happening to us?’ Daily number of kids in ICE detention jumps 6x under Trump ‘Why is this happening to us?’ Daily number of kids in ICE detention jumps 6x under TrumpThe number of children in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention on a given day has skyrocketed, jumping more than sixfold since the start of the second Trump administration. The Marshall Project analyzed data obtained by the Deportation Data Project and found that ICE held around 170 children on an average day under Trump. During the last 16 months of the Biden administration, ICE held around 25 children a day. The Marshall Project The Marshall Project’s analysis found that on some days, ICE held 400 children or more. The data covers September 2023 to mid-October 2025, meaning it does not include the surge of arrests from recent immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota. Nor does the data include children in the custody of the Border Patrol or the Office of Refugee Resettlement, where children are held without a guardian.The Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas is the main facility for family detention. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro spent two-and-a-half hours inside Dilley on Wednesday, visiting parents and children. He said that the 1,100 detainees housed at the facility included a 2-month-old infant. “They are literally being treated as prisoners,” said Castro, a Democrat from San Antonio, in a live-streamed video. “This is a monstrous machine.”In 2021, Biden largely halted the practice of family detention, and the Dilley facility, which had mostly housed families, closed in 2024. But the Trump administration revived the practice last year, and the facility, which is located about 75 miles outside of San Antonio, reopened.The detainment of children by ICE has led to protests in recent weeks, both inside and outside Dilley. On Wednesday, state police used pepper spray on people protesting outside.Immigration attorney Eric Lee was visiting clients at the facility on Saturday when staff abruptly told him to leave. Outside, he could hear a large group of children and women detained inside chanting, “Let us out.” Lee said he later learned that families inside the detention center had gotten news that people across the country were protesting the detainment of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, whose story went viral amid the backlash against the Trump administration’s recent immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota.Javier Hidalgo, legal director at the Texas-based immigration advocacy group RAICES said he’s seen many young children like Liam in Dilley. “That’s very much the norm,” Hidalgo said. “That’s what the government is spending taxpayer money on.”A previous Marshall Project analysis found that ICE has booked at least 3,800 children into detention since Trump took office last year. At least 1,000 children were held longer than 20 days, a court-ordered limit on child detention.“Every single day that a kid is in a place like this, they deteriorate,” Hidalgo said. “I’ve seen [them] withdraw. They lose weight; they just get physically worse.”Children being detained with their families as part of immigration raids has become a common occurrence across the country. According to school officials in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, four children, including Liam, have been detained from their district during recent raids.A 7-year-old in Portland, Oregon, was taken from a hospital parking lot in January with her family, after her parents took her to the emergency room, according to Oregon Live. As ProPublica reported, a 6-year-old boy in Chicago was detained with his mother in a large apartment raid during “Operation Midway Blitz.”The Marshall Project spoke with three different lawyers representing children who were held with their families at Dilley. They said their clients were often taken into detention during in-person check-ins and had pending cases that could result in them remaining in the country legally. The lawyers believe their clients were detained not because of any danger they posed, but because the Trump administration is trying to deport as many people as possible.“They’re probably the easiest catch for a lot of immigration officials,” said Veronica Franco Salazar, a Houston-based immigration lawyer.In court documents, families have described horrific conditions while detained with their children in Dilley. They reported moldy, worm-filled food and foul-tasting, undrinkable water. With little for children to do, some resorted to playing with rocks. Parents worried about the psychological toll of detention, describing children hitting themselves in their faces or wetting themselves despite being potty-trained.During his visit, Castro said that he heard many families talk about the psychological toll of detention. He spent half an hour with Liam, and said Liam’s father, Adrian Conejo Arias, told him Liam has been depressed and sleeping a lot. Liam remained asleep in his father’s arms during the visit with Castro. Arias said Liam had been asking about his classmates and the bunny hat he was wearing when detained. The congressman said he told the father that children at Liam’s school were still saving a spot for him at his desk.CoreCivic, the private company running the Dilley facility, declined to answer a detailed list of questions. “Our responsibility is to care for each person respectfully and humanely while they receive the legal due process that they are entitled to,” Brian Todd, a public affairs employee at CoreCivic, told The Marshall Project in an emailed statement. Todd referred all questions to ICE, which did not respond to emails.Kristin Kumpf, coordinator for the National Coalition to End Family and Child Detention, explained that the public may see videos or photos of the moments people are taken from their homes or snatched off the street, but there is less attention to the conditions children endure in the black box of detention.“It’s only a matter of time before we see a child die within Dilley or another facility,” Kumpf said.Hayam El-Gamal and her five children, including 5-year-old twins, have been locked inside Dilley for eight grueling months. Lee, who represents the family, said they’ve received poor medical care and are suffering from psychological stress.“They’re calling me crying every day,” Lee said. “It’s an unmitigated horror show, and there’s no other way to put it.”El-Gamal’s husband, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is facing charges for attacking people at an event in Colorado supporting Israeli hostages in Gaza. At least 13 people were injured in the attack, and one person died, according to prosecutors. Soliman told detectives his family knew nothing of the attack, according to court documents, and an FBI agent testified they were not involved. The family’s lawyer said they are being unfairly punished for crimes they had no part in.Lee recounted how one of El-Gamal’s children had appendicitis while in detention and “was left writhing on the floor of the facility screaming and in pain.” Lee said facility staff just gave him Tylenol, and it was only when he started vomiting that the child was taken to urgent care. Courtesy of Eric Lee, Lee & Godshall-Bennett, LLP “Why is this happening to us?” El-Gamal’s eldest daughter, 18-year-old Habiba Soliman, asked in a handwritten statement provided to The Marshall Project by Lee. “It’s very easy to see the truth about this place and about us. The people need to be truthful to themselves and follow the facts.” Courtesy of Eric Lee, Lee & Godshall-Bennett, LLP Courtesy of Eric Lee, Lee & Godshall-Bennett, LLP Courtesy of Eric Lee, Lee & Godshall-Bennett, LLP Courtesy of Eric Lee, Lee & Godshall-Bennett, LLP Lee said he believes ICE is retaliating against Habiba Soliman for speaking out about her family’s long detention. She was recently moved to a different area of the facility. Lee said the timing of the move, many months after her 18th birthday, but shortly after she spoke to the press about her long detainment, suggested it was punishment. ICE did not respond to questions about the reason for the separation. Lee said she has faced threats of being moved to a different facility altogether if she didn’t behave.“I will never forget the look of fear and helplessness on my mother’s face as she watched me being taken away and couldn’t do anything to prevent it,” Habiba Soliman wrote in her statement. “We need everyone to step up and say that detaining families for indefinitely long periods should be illegal.”This story was produced by The Marshall Project and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The side hustle tipping point: When a gig becomes a real business, and what happens if you wait too long to formalize The side hustle tipping point: When a gig becomes a real business, and what happens if you wait too long to formalizeThe nine-to-five is no longer the sole financial engine for millions of Americans. As living costs climb and job security feels less certain, side hustles have shifted from optional extras to essential income streams.Even professionals with full-time roles are selling products online, consulting after hours, or building creator platforms to close the gap. And that shift is accelerating.Platforms like Etsy, Amazon, Shopify, and TikTok Shop have normalized small‑scale commerce, while the creator economy has turned personal brands into revenue channels almost overnight."We're seeing a surge in people turning to side hustles as a way to build financial stability in these uncertain economic times," Kira Caban, flexible work expert and head of communications for Instawork, told FOX Business.What starts as supplemental income often scales quickly, and so do the stakes.The IRS now scrutinizes sponsorships, tips, affiliate revenue, and other gig income, even when no 1099 is issued. And while the 1099-K threshold returned to $20,000 and 200 transactions, creators and sellers still face rules that can quietly convert a casual hobby into a business. The tipping point isn't always obvious. But missing it can be costly.What defines the transition from "side hustle" to "business"?The line separating casual income from commercial activity remains frustratingly unclear. No single moment marks the shift. Instead, it emerges gradually through operational changes that many only recognize in hindsight.Revenue patterns offer the most visible indicator. "The first big sign your side hustle has turned into a legitimate business is when revenue starts to look less like ‘extra’ money and more like a paycheck," notes DBI Agency.The second sign often follows quickly, as customers begin expecting consistency rather than availability, which forces deeper commitments.Earnings that once covered personal expenses start flowing into inventory, tools, and marketing. Social posts turn into deliberate branding strategies supported by professional websites and paid campaigns. And verbal agreements harden into contracts with clients and vendors.At that point, the IRS focuses on profit motive, assessing whether the activity reflects genuine business intent beyond casual activity or personal enjoyment. By the time all of that is in motion, many founders have already crossed into business territory long before the paperwork reflects it."Most side hustles don't cross into ‘business’ territory with a dramatic moment. The shift happens quietly, as revenue stabilizes, customer expectations rise, and money starts flowing back into operations. By the time many people realize they're running a business, the legal and tax obligations have already kicked in." - Yuliya Pearson, Director of Product at InCorp Services Inc. InCorp What legal and tax triggers force the issue?The IRS treats all income from self-employment as taxable, even if it begins casually. Once net earnings exceed $400, individuals are generally required to file taxes and pay self-employment tax, including Social Security and Medicare contributions.Meanwhile, platform reporting is expanding. Form 1099-K is only issued when sellers exceed $20,000 in gross payments and 200 transactions. But that doesn't exempt income below those thresholds. "Social media income is taxable—no matter how casual the content," said the Head of Client Solutions at Clear Start Tax. "The IRS now receives 1099s from most creator platforms. If your return doesn't match what they see, you could get flagged."Expense deductions introduce another layer of risk, particularly when losses are reported year after year, since that can call "profit motive" into question. At the state level, even small-scale product sales may create a sales tax nexus, requiring permits, local registration, or ongoing filings that many informal sellers overlook.Why are enforcement and compliance pressures increasing now?These triggers now activate faster than ever before due to fundamental changes in how income flows and gets tracked.Platform-based commerce creates automatic digital records that replace the cash transactions and handshake deals that once kept side income invisible to tax authorities.Payment processors like PayPal, Venmo, and Stripe operate within regulated financial systems that require reporting above certain thresholds, transforming informal arrangements into documented economic activity.That documentation feeds directly into IRS data-matching systems that cross-reference reported income against platform-issued forms. "The IRS is using algorithms and AI to flag unreported digital income, and creators are getting caught off guard," notes the Head of Client Solutions at Clear Start Tax. "Even small streams of income can add up fast."The shift represents infrastructure modernization rather than aggressive enforcement, as government agencies simply gained visibility into transactions that previously occurred beyond their view.What changed wasn't the law itself but the technological capacity to enforce existing rules at scale across millions of casual earners who never viewed themselves as running businesses.What risks come with operating informally for too long?Personal liability stands as the most immediate exposure, as informal operators lack legal separation between business debts and personal assets. For example, a freelance designer accepting payments through personal accounts can be held personally responsible when sued, an outcome legal experts describe as preventable.Then comes the financial tangle. Commingled funds make clean books impossible, which increases the odds of missed deductions, audit flags, and retroactive penalties."If your personal and business finances aren't separated, it can take hours to go through your checking account statements and see what was personal and what was business," says Kaylyn M. Houston, business banking client manager at U.S. Bank.That confusion often leads to retroactive cleanup, requiring forensic accounting to untangle years of mixed transactions and triggering taxes on funds that have long been spent. Those same gaps also limit scale.For instance, a crafter who runs all Etsy revenue through a personal account may struggle to secure a small business loan or wholesale agreement because there is no formal structure or reliable financial history. For buyers, vendors, and banks, that's often a dealbreaker.How the creator and platform economy have changed expectationsThe creator economy, valued at roughly $205.25 billion in 2024, now imposes business infrastructure almost from the start.Sellers and creators who are still testing ideas are pushed to manage inventory, marketing, tax compliance, and fulfillment with the discipline of small enterprises. As that operational weight builds, monetization stops being a distant milestone and becomes the default expectation.Platforms like TikTok, Etsy, and YouTube offer tools for payouts, performance analytics, and tax reporting from day one, treating users less like hobbyists and more like operators of lean digital enterprises.As The Successful Founder notes, "Technology has made the barrier to entry disappear," which means younger creators are professionalizing sooner, or being forced to, as audiences, brands, and platforms judge even modest gigs as real businesses.Forward-looking perspectiveThe formalization pressures now reshaping creators and sellers signal a broader economic turn. Side hustles are no longer fringe pursuits but foundational income streams where traditional employment feels less secure.The distinction between extra income and enterprise continues to collapse, pushing formalization into the core of entrepreneurial literacy.In fact, surveys confirm 92% of workers expect side hustles to become the new normal, evidence that supplemental income has evolved into a pillar of household stability.That shift lays the groundwork for businesses born structured rather than formalized by hindsight. The tipping point is no longer theoretical. It is shaping how modern work is built.Disclaimer: This content is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. Every effort is made to keep the information current and accurate; however, laws, regulations, and guidance can change, and no representation or warranty is given that the content is complete, up to date, or suitable for any particular situation. You should not rely on this material as a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who can consider your specific facts and objectives before you make decisions or take action.This story was produced by InCorp and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Their film was shot in secret and smuggled out of Iran. It won an award at Sundance Between war, protests and government crackdowns, the filmmakers raced to finish and smuggle their portrait of Tehran's underground arts scene to the prestigious film festival.
	Snowstar Ski Resort to host Olympic watch party The party is from 6 p.m. to close Friday at Peak’s Tavern, according to a Facebook post.
	WATCH: Eagle released back into the wild in the QCA Hog Capitol Wildlife Rescue and Rehab, a Kewanee animal rescue, treated an eagle for relatively minor injuries and released it back into the wild. Our Quad Cities News photojournalist Gabe Zwierzynski was there and caught the moment on camera when the eagle was set free.
	On day 5 of the search for Nancy Guthrie, here's what we know Arizona officials say they believe Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was taken by force from her Tucson area home this weekend. The family has pleaded for her safe return home.
	Day 5 of search for Nancy Guthrie: 'We still believe Nancy is still out there' The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the recovery of Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
	How to align CRM and email marketing for better customer relationships How to align CRM and email marketing for better customer relationshipsCustomer relationship management and email marketing operations are more deeply interconnected than you may expect. When these systems work in isolation, businesses miss critical opportunities to engage customers meaningfully.Proper alignment between CRM and email marketing transforms how organizations nurture relationships, manage data, and execute campaigns.Here’s Nutshell’s guide to creating that alignment through strategic people, process, and data governance planning.Key TakeawaysAlignment requires three pillars—not just technology: CRM and email integration isn’t purely a technical problem. Success depends equally on people alignment (shared workflows between sales and marketing), process alignment (connecting workflows logically), and data governance (establishing clear rules for how data moves and who owns it). Technology alone won’t solve the problem if teams and processes aren’t aligned.Top-performing workflows generate nearly 9x more revenue per recipient: Automated email workflows built on clean CRM data generate $16.96 per recipient compared to $1.94 for standard email sends. This dramatic difference comes from relevance and timing—when your systems work together, you can trigger messages based on actual customer behavior and life cycle stage rather than sending generic broadcasts to everyone.Start with data governance, not integration tools: Before implementing integration technology, establish clear rules around data ownership, field mapping, and quality standards. Many organizations rush to buy middleware or build integrations without first defining how data should flow. A solid governance foundation prevents duplicate records, sync failures, and misaligned expectations—and makes any integration (simple or complex) more likely to succeed.Understanding the CRM marketing tool alignment gapMost organizations view their CRM system and email marketing platform as separate operational functions. Sales teams use the CRM to manage relationships and track interactions, while marketing teams execute campaigns through their email platform. This compartmentalization creates real business costs.According to recent research, 45% of companies cite automation as their top CRM priority, followed closely by integration at 36%. The fact that more than one in three companies identifies integration as a critical need signals widespread recognition of the problem.When customer data lives in disconnected systems, teams face several challenges:Duplicate customer records develop as the same person gets entered differently in each systemMissed contextual information leaves marketers unaware of sales interactions and customer service issuesRedundant follow-ups occur when sales and marketing don’t realize the customer has already been contactedInaccurate reporting results from metrics that can’t be properly attributed across platformsWasted time on manual reconciliation as team members manually sync data between systemsThese gaps don’t just create inefficiency—they directly impact revenue. When your team can’t see the complete customer picture, email campaigns lack relevance, sales follow-ups miss important context, and customers experience disjointed interactions instead of cohesive journeys.That’s why it’s so vital to integrate your CRM with email marketing campaigns. Of course, there are steps you need to take to set your strategy up for success first.Aligning CRM with email marketing: 3 key pillars for successEffective alignment requires attention to three distinct but interconnected areas: the people who manage these systems, the processes that govern their interaction, and the data structures that support them. Nutshell People alignmentSales and marketing teams must establish shared understanding and communication patterns. This means:Defining who owns which customer interactions in each systemCreating clear handoff procedures for leads moving through the sales funnelEstablishing regular sync meetings between team leads to discuss workflow challengesSetting expectations for how quickly leads should be contacted after actions like email opens or form submissionsWithout people alignment, even technically perfect systems fail. Teams need to understand not just what data goes where, but why those decisions matter for customer experience.Process alignmentYour workflows should connect logically across both systems. Practical examples include:Automatically syncing contact information from form submissions to the CRMCreating email sequences that trigger based on CRM fields like lead source or opportunity stageLogging all email opens and clicks back to customer records for a complete interaction historyEstablishing automated lead scoring that combines both CRM activity and email engagementProcess alignment prevents gaps where information exists but doesn’t flow to the people who need it. A customer service team might resolve an issue that marketing was unaware of, leaving marketing to send irrelevant offers days later. Proper process design ensures that interaction occurs in both systems, creating institutional memory.Data governance alignmentThis is the organizational framework that determines how customer data moves between systems. Core elements include:Defining the source of truth: Which system is the primary record for customer contact information, and how often does it sync to the other?Establishing field mapping standards: When the CRM’s “Customer Status” field needs to match the email platform’s “Segment,” clear mapping rules prevent confusionCreating data quality guidelines: What makes a record complete enough to export to email campaigns? What fields are required?Setting access permissions: Who in each department can view, edit, or export customer data?Documenting data retention policies: How long is customer information kept, and what happens when a customer unsubscribes?According to best practices documentation on data synchronization, organizations that implement formal data governance see significant improvements in data quality metrics and report substantially fewer duplicate records. Data governance often feels like an administrative burden, but it’s the foundation that makes alignment actually work.Managing customer data across email marketing and CRM systemsCustomer data sits at the heart of both CRM and email marketing operations. When managed well, this data enables personalization and efficiency. When managed poorly, it becomes a liability. The fundamental requirement is establishing a single source of truth for customer information.This doesn’t necessarily mean that all data lives in a single platform, but rather that a clear hierarchy exists, specifying which system owns which data elements. Many organizations designate the CRM as the primary record for contact information, while treating the email platform as a specialized tool that receives curated data.Real-time data synchronization between systems is the ideal state, although it’s not always technically feasible. At minimum, establish regular sync cadences—perhaps daily for active contacts and weekly for less engaged prospects.Research on data synchronization best practices emphasizes that synchronization lag time should be monitored continuously, with most systems aiming to keep lag times within a few seconds to minutes for mission-critical data flows.Approaches that support data consistency include:Use native integration tools when your CRM and email platform provider offer themEmploy middleware platforms that specialize in connecting disparate systemsImplement scheduled batch syncs during off-peak hours if real-time isn’t possibleMonitor sync jobs regularly to catch failures before they impact your teamMaintain backup procedures in case data flows are disruptedCustomer data also needs regular hygiene maintenance. This means removing duplicates, correcting incomplete records, and removing opt-outs across both systems. Many teams discover that their first alignment project reveals data quality issues that have accumulated over months or years. Plan time and resources for this cleanup—it’s an investment in long-term accuracy and reliability.Building efficient CRM email marketing workflowsEmail marketing combined with CRM data enables automation that delivers messages at precisely the right moments. Rather than sending the same message to everyone on a list, you can create sequences that respond to specific actions.Automated emails achieve an average of 230% more clicks than non-automated messages, and top-performing email workflows generate $16.96 per recipient compared to $1.94 for standard email flows. This dramatic difference isn’t coincidental—it reflects the power of relevance and timing.Effective workflows typically rely on triggers from CRM data. Common examples include:Welcome series: When a contact is added to the CRM, trigger an automated welcome email sequence over the next weekEngagement-based sequences: If a contact opens more than 50% of emails, move them to a deeper nurturing trackLife cycle stage progression: When a lead’s status changes to “qualified,” trigger a sales enablement email with relevant resourcesRe-engagement campaigns: When a contact hasn’t opened an email in 60 days, send a win-back message asking if they want to stay on the listPost-purchase follow-up: After a deal closes in the CRM, trigger onboarding emails from the email platformFor these workflows to function properly, your CRM and email system need to share field definitions. If your CRM designates a contact’s status as “Marketing Qualified Lead” but your email platform refers to it as “MQL,” create explicit mapping so that status changes in one system are automatically reflected in the other.Research on trigger-based marketing reveals that behavioral triggers—such as cart abandonment or product page visits—combined with precise timing and relevant messaging, achieve significantly higher open rates and engagement levels than static email campaigns. The key is to ensure that your CRM captures the behavioral data that email systems need to accurately fire these triggers. Nutshell Overcoming common CRM marketing tool integration challengesDespite the clear benefits, CRM and email marketing integration encounter real obstacles. Most of these challenges have solutions, but they require planning rather than hoping integration will “just work.”Data silos and disconnected systemsThe most frequent problem occurs when integration was never implemented or failed after being partially deployed. Data flows in one direction, but not the other, or updates to one system don’t reflect in the other.The solution requires either implementing proper two-way synchronization or accepting the limitations and training teams to manually sync critical data points. Some organizations use platform-agnostic tools, such as Zapier, to bridge systems that lack native integrations.Sync delays and data freshnessEven with integration, a delay may exist between when data changes in one system and when it is reflected in another. For time-sensitive campaigns (like abandoned cart reminders), these delays matter significantly. Evaluate whether your integration architecture supports the speed your business requires.Deliverability concernsEmail reputation deteriorates when poor data management causes duplicate sends, invalid addresses, or excessive unsubscribes. Ensure your CRM-to-email sync includes validation that removes suppressed addresses and invalid email formats before sending.Field mapping complexityWhen systems use different field names or field types for the same information, mapping errors occur. Invest time in documenting exactly which CRM fields map to which email platform fields, and audit these mappings quarterly as systems are updated.Access and permissions issuesSome team members need to view all customer data, while others should only see specific segments. Misaligned permission structures can either expose sensitive data inappropriately or leave team members unable to perform their jobs effectively.Measuring email marketing and CRM alignment successHow do you know if your CRM and email alignment efforts are working? Several metrics provide clarity.Email engagement metrics: These reveal whether your campaigns have become more relevant. Personalized emails achieve a 44.30% open rate compared to 39.13% for non-personalized emails. Similarly, click-through rates and conversion rates should improve as your targeting becomes more precise.Data quality metrics: Use these metrics to assess the cleanliness of your customer information. Track the percentage of records that are complete (all required fields filled), the number of duplicate records, and the frequency of sync failures. A monthly improvement in these areas indicates that governance is working.Sales productivity metrics: Monitoring these metrics tells you whether improved data access is enhancing your sales team’s performance. Measure how long it takes to get from lead creation to first contact, whether sales reps are finding the customer context they expect, and whether duplicate outreach has decreased.Lead-to-customer conversion rates: This metric often improves when alignment reduces the friction in handoffs between marketing and sales. Compare these rates before and after implementing your alignment initiatives.Most importantly, establish feedback loops that allow team members to report when the system isn’t meeting their needs. Conduct regular check-ins with sales representatives and marketing specialists to identify friction points that metrics may miss. Then, prioritize fixes based on their impact on work.CRM email marketing FAQs1. How long does it typically take to align CRM and email marketing systems?Most organizations complete alignment within four to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the system. Initial setup (four to six weeks) covers auditing data, identifying integration requirements, and mapping fields. Testing and training take two to four weeks. Going live and optimization takes another to 4 weeks. Remember that alignment is an ongoing process—plan quarterly reviews and annual audits as your business evolves.2. What’s the difference between one-way and two-way data synchronization?One-way sync pushes data from CRM to email (or vice versa), but doesn’t bring it back. This is simpler but creates incomplete records. Two-way sync enables data to flow in both directions—email engagement is returned to the CRM, and CRM activities are reflected in email histories. Two-way requires more careful data governance but delivers far better results and eliminates the need for manual data entry.3. Do we need to hire someone dedicated to managing CRM and email integration?Small teams (under 50 people) can manage alignment as part of existing marketing or sales operations roles. Medium-sized teams (50 to 500 people) typically benefit from having one person dedicate 10 to 20 hours weekly to maintenance and monitoring. Larger enterprises may need a dedicated specialist. Start by assigning responsibility to an existing team member and reassess if the workload consistently exceeds 10 hours per week.4. What should we do if our CRM and email platform don’t have a native integration?Middleware platforms like Zapier, Make, or PieSync can connect most systems affordably (ranging from $20 to $100/month) without requiring custom coding. These handle standard needs, such as syncing contacts and logging activities. Only pursue custom API integration if the middleware doesn’t meet requirements after two to three months of testing. Avoid overcomplicating integration until you know exactly what you need.5. How do we handle data privacy and compliance when integrating CRM and email systems?Understand your compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR and CCPA) before integrating with the platform to ensure seamless integration. Ensure that unsubscribes sync across systems and deletions occur simultaneously on all platforms. Document your data flow, implement role-based access controls, and conduct a privacy impact assessment before implementation. Then, review the process annually. Proper governance actually enhances your privacy posture by providing visibility into where customer data resides.Using CRM marketing tools to create a competitive advantageAligning CRM and email marketing requires a coordinated effort across three key areas: establishing people alignment so that teams understand how to work together, designing processes that move information where it needs to go, and implementing data governance to ensure quality and consistency.The business case is clear. When these three components work together, customers experience more timely and relevant communication. Sales teams have complete visibility into customer interactions. Marketing teams can target with greater precision. And organizations gain the efficiency advantage that comes from automation and reduced manual data wrangling.This alignment doesn’t happen by accident. It requires initial planning, ongoing monitoring, and a willingness to refine processes as your organization learns what works. But the investment—measured in data quality improvement, time saved, and ultimately in customer relationships—delivers lasting value.This story was produced by Nutshell and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What's ahead as alcohol is removed from some Moline businesses? Some gaming businesses in Moline won't be able to sell alcohol after this year as the city eliminates the Class K liquor licenses they need to have. Our Quad Cities News reporter Gavin Waidelich looks at what could happen as these establishments have five years to either change their business model or leave.
	Illinois HIV funding: Black leaders call for equity as racial disparities persist Health advocates are calling on Illinois lawmakers to address what they call a major funding gap in HIV prevention and care. The push for House Bill 4707 comes ahead of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and would direct more resources to communities hit hardest by the epidemic.
	What is a grace period for payments and how does it work? What is a grace period for payments and how does it work?When someone gives you grace, they’re giving you a special favor or allowance. In the financial world, a grace period gives you more time to pay before certain consequences kick in.Achieve explains what a grace period is and how you could use your grace period to your advantage when you need to.Key takeaways:A grace period gives you time to pay before certain fees and charges kick in.Lenders are not required to provide a grace period, although most do.If you’re worried that you might miss a payment, the best move is to contact your lender.A free debt evaluation can help assess your overall financial status.What is a grace period?A grace period is a specific amount of time after a deadline when you can still take action without incurring a penalty.On a credit card, the grace period is typically the time between the end of your billing cycle and your payment due date. During this time, many creditors don’t charge interest on purchases. If your credit card works this way, you could avoid interest charges on purchases if you always pay off your balance by the payment due date, even if you made the purchases weeks earlier. Note that not all credit cards have a grace period.On a loan, the grace period is typically the time after your payment due date but before you’re charged a late fee. If you pay during the grace period, there is no negative consequence.The grace period on an insurance policy is similar to the grace period on a loan. Some insurers allow you to avoid late fees if you pay within the grace period. An additional risk of missing the grace period is that your carrier might cancel your policy. How does a credit card grace period work?When you use a credit card, your grace period typically applies only to purchase transactions. When you use a card for a cash advance or use a check issued by your credit card company, there is no grace period and you’ll be charged interest starting on the transaction date.Imagine that it's September 1 and your child's soccer fees are due. Payday is still a few days away, so you pay league fees using a check provided by your credit card issuer. Interest starts accruing on that day and continues to build until you pay the balance. Paying interest is one of the things that could make getting out of credit card debt so challenging.However, if you charge the fee to your credit card, you have until the payment due date to pay the balance without incurring interest. That buys you more time.In a nutshell, with credit cards and other types of revolving debt, the grace period for purchases typically lasts from the last day of a billing cycle until the payment due date.How does a loan grace period work?With installment loans—like mortgages, auto loans, and other non-educational installment debts—the grace period lasts a set number of days after the due date. The length of the grace period can vary by lender, but many installment loans give you an extra 15 days to get your payment in.Let’s say your vehicle payment is due on the 10th of the month. Your lender may give you until the 25th to make your payment without penalty.In a nutshell, installment loans typically allow a certain number of days beyond the due date to make payment without penalty.How does a student loan payment grace period work?Student loan grace periods may also vary by loan type—federal or private.Federal student loan grace periodImagine you've spent years in college and racked up federal student loan debt. Most lenders allow you a six- to nine-month grace period before your first monthly payment is due. That's because lenders realize that you may not immediately land a job that enables you to make regular monthly payments.Private student loan grace periodSome private student loans require students to make payments while still in school, while others provide a grace period. If a grace period is important to you, check with the lender before submitting a loan application.In a nutshell, some student loan lenders (but not all) give borrowers a six- to nine-month grace period before their first student loan payment is due.What happens if you miss the grace period?Missing the grace period is not the end of the world, but it can pinch a bit. Here are some things that could happen when a borrower fails to make a payment before the grace period ends.Late fees. Late fees vary by loan type and lender, but all late fees make a loan more expensive.Interest rate change. On credit cards, lenders could end the promotional interest rate if you pay late. Or a penalty interest rate that’s even higher than the card’s regular rate could kick in.Loss of grace period. Depending on the lender, you may lose the grace period on future payments.Credit score impacted. All of your activity on a credit account, from on-time payments to defaulting on a loan, could be reported to the three credit reporting bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. Late payments show up as a scar on your credit report and are likely to lower your credit score.If you think a payment may be late, your best bet is to contact your lender and let them know what's happening. If there's a good reason, like hospitalization or job loss, they may be willing to work with you and preserve your credit score.Tips to make the most of grace periodsHere are a few tips to help you gain the most benefits from a grace period:Whether it's a credit card, installment payment, or student loan debt, some lenders don’t offer a grace period. Before assuming there’s a grace period, find out if your lender provides one and how it works.A student loan grace period gives you time to get on your feet financially if you've just graduated. Before graduation day, sketch out a monthly budget to see how much you'll need to earn to repay your student loans and cover the rest of your monthly expenses. That way, you can hit the ground running by the time the grace period ends.If you have multiple debts and several are due around the same time, see which grace periods might allow you to spread out payments a bit.If you're going to take advantage of grace periods, make a plan. Remember, late payments can be costly. Set up automatic payments with your bank so you never have to worry about a late fee or damage to your credit standing.This story was produced by Achieve and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to tell if your dog really loves you How to tell if your dog really loves youYour dog loves you, and not just because you’re the one who fills the food bowl every day (though that certainly doesn’t hurt). Dogs are social creatures and hard-wired to connect with humans. Over thousands of years, they’ve learned to read our emotions, respond to our cues, and form real emotional bonds. So that attachment you feel to your pup? It’s genuine—and reciprocated.You probably already recognize the obvious signs of love: the tail wags when you walk in, the happy spins, the face licks. But there are also plenty of science-backed ways your pup shows they care. Below, Ollie breaks down the signs your dog loves you, what’s happening in their brain and body, and how everyday care—like feeding and play—helps that bond grow even stronger.Core signs of affectionIf you’ve ever wondered, “How do I know if my dog loves me?”—these behaviors are some of the clearest, science-backed signs your dog is bonded to you.The gazeIn humans, babies bond with their parents through sustained eye contact. With dogs, it’s surprisingly similar, which gives new meaning to the idea that dogs are part of the family. If your dog holds your gaze for several seconds in a relaxed way, it’s a strong sign of trust and attachment. And that’s because of oxytocin.Oxytocin is well-studied in humans as a hormone linked to emotional closeness. And its presence is also a key indicator of bonding in your relationship with your dog. A study from Azabu University in Japan found that when dogs and their owners engage in sustained eye contact, oxytocin levels increase in both species. In science, this is known as a positive feedback loop. And in real life, it means that every time you and your dog share a moment of eye contact, you’re building up that mutual, trusting bond.The eyebrow liftPuppy eyes are a real thing, and they’re more than just cute. Like humans, dogs use facial expressions to communicate and convey how they feel. One of the most telling is the eyebrow raise, which gives dogs that adorable, wide-eyed, expressive look.Another study from Japan’s Azabu University found that dogs raised their left eyebrow significantly more when looking at their owners than when looking at strangers. Interestingly, no extra eyebrow movement was detected when dogs were shown toys. You can take that to mean what you’re hoping it means: a sign that your dog loves you even more than their favorite stuffed animal.Physical touchDogs can’t hug you or hold your hand, but they have their own ways of showing affection. When your dog leans against you, rests their head on you, or chooses to lie next to you, it’s a sign of deep trust. Leaning puts dogs in a more vulnerable position physically, which means they only do it when they feel safe and secure. Sometimes, leaning can indicate your dog wants something (like food, especially around mealtime).Contagious yawningYawning is famously contagious among humans, but here’s a fun fact: It can also happen with your pup, too. Research from the University of Tokyo found that dogs were more likely to yawn after seeing their owners yawn, versus after watching a stranger yawn. This suggests that dogs are emotionally attuned to the people they’re bonded with, and may even experience a form of empathy. So, catching your yawn doesn’t mean your dog is tired. It’s a subtle sign your dog loves you and, on some level, shares your emotional state.Deep dive: bonding vs. imprintingWhen people talk about dog imprinting signs or signs your dog is bonded to you, they’re usually describing the same thing: that deep emotional attachment you and your pup share. Scientifically, however, imprinting and bonding aren’t the same.Imprinting, also called filial imprinting, happens with certain animal species where a newborn forms an attachment almost immediately after birth. Some birds, for example, imprint on the first moving figure they see, regardless of species. (That’s why you see all those cute videos online of baby ducks imprinting on humans.)With dogs, though, it doesn’t work the same way. Instead, they form attachments gradually through a process known as bonding. Puppies are especially receptive to bonding during the socialization period between about 7 and 12 weeks of age, when they’re learning who makes them feel safe and cared for. But that window isn’t a deadline. Dogs adopted later in life, including rescue dogs, are fully capable of forming strong and secure bonds.So while hormones like oxytocin play a role in the strength of your relationship with your pup, shared routines and everyday care are just as important. Think of it as mutual “acts of service.” On your part, that could include going on walks, plenty of playtime, and feeding them nutritious food that supports their specific health concerns. And for your dog, that can mean bringing you their favorite toy, seeking out physical closeness, sleeping near you, or wagging their tail the second you walk into the room. These aren’t just random habits. They’re signals of trust, safety, and connection—and clear signs your dog really does love you.The mood-food connectionScience shows that a healthy dog is a happier dog. What’s in your pup’s bowl doesn’t just affect their physical health. It affects their mood and emotional well-being, too. A poor diet can lead to all sorts of issues, including sluggishness from weight gain, itching and discomfort from food sensitivities, or energy highs and crashes from imbalanced nutrients.That’s why feeding your dog food that’s thoughtfully tailored to their individual needs matters. When your pup is getting the right nutrients and feels good in their body, they have the energy to be themselves—whether that’s playing, learning, or spending time with their favorite human (you!).FAQsDoes my dog know when I kiss them?Your dog probably doesn’t understand what a kiss is in the same way that humans do. But they do learn what it means. Over time, your dog associates kissing with moments of affection: your tone of voice, your attention, your gentle touch. Since kisses usually happen during positive interactions, dogs learn to interpret them as a loving gesture.Why does my dog follow me to the bathroom?If you feel like you have a constant shadow, you’re not alone. Many pups operate on a strict “no closed doors” policy and don’t understand the concept of privacy.Dogs are pack animals, and staying close to the people they’re bonded with feels safe and natural. Following you from room to room—including into the bathroom—is often just another sign your dog is bonded to you. Mild separation anxiety can play a role for some dogs, but curiosity does too. Bathrooms are full of interesting smells, sounds, and sights.Do dogs feel “guilt” or just “love”?Dogs experience emotions, but not with the same complexity as humans. Most experts believe dogs feel emotions roughly comparable to those of a 2-year-old child.But what about that “guilty look” you see after your dog gets into the treats? It’s likely not guilt or shame, but an expression of fear or anticipation of punishment based on past experiences. What dogs do clearly feel is affection, trust, and attachment, which is why the signs your dog loves you are consistent and easy to recognize once you know what to look for.This story was produced by Ollie and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Bettendorf program to help homeowners fix sewer lines A new program in Bettendorf will help homeowners fix their sewer lines. City council approved the sanitary sewer lateral assistance program February 3. These sewer systems connect homes and businesses to the main sewage line. Repairing and replacing these lines can run into the thousands of dollars for property owners.The program will alleviate some of [...]
	Where are all the protest songs? Protest requires people to take a stand and hold firm. Pop songs are designed to appeal across demographic lines. In music, as in the rest of the world, resistance takes place closer to the ground.
	Driving Skills Worth Gold: How Americans View Competitive Driving (BPT) - Just as maintaining a smooth golf swing or preparing for competitive winter sports requires precision, timing and consistency, proper car care does too. A golfer knows that every detail, from grip to stance, affects performance, much like a skier fine-tunes every movement on the course. Similarly, your car needs that same attention to detail: regular maintenance, the right tires for the season and a bit of polish to keep it in top form. Whether it's a finely waxed race ski, a gleaming car engine or a "pre-shot routine" on your next 18-hole endeavor, performance thrives where maintenance meets passion.As golf events like Tomorrow's Golf League (TGL) and international winter sports begin new competitions, Hankook Tire's latest Gauge Index Survey takes a fun look at how Americans view the perfect drive.Winter Driving Deserves RecognitionWith international competition top of mind, Americans are weighing in on which driving skills should earn competitive status. Nearly half (44%) of Americans believe driving through snow or ice deserves its own sporting event, given the level of driving precision and requisite ability to navigate inclement weather. Nearly as many Americans (42%) consider parallel parking a worthy driving skill. Much like the biathlon, drivers must be able to glide in smoothly, stop precisely, avoid panicking under pressure and nail the one moment that really counts.Drivers also want to see tires take on the snow or ice-covered grounds. More than one-quarter of Americans (28%) would want to see a snow-adventure-themed driving event where driver and vehicle compete across a series of winter elements designed to test traction, handling and, of course, speed. One-quarter (25%) of drivers also expressed enthusiasm for a drifting stage, designed to test the limits of car control, where careful throttle or steering inputs on a surface that demands precision and can separate gold-level performance from DNF.How do everyday drivers compare themselves to the professionals? When it comes to their own competitive abilities, nearly one-fifth of drivers (18%) rate their winter driving skills at an elite level, demonstrating complete confidence in any driving condition. However, the majority (39%) place themselves at a "National Team" level — competent and prepared, but realistic about their limits. Millennial drivers are the most confident, with 22% claiming elite winter driving prowess, compared with just 11% among Boomers.From the Race Course to the Golf CourseThe competitive spirit carries over to the golf course, where driving takes on a different meaning. Most drivers (41%) say their behavior behind the wheel of a golf cart mirrors how they drive a regular car, suggesting that safety-conscious habits often translate from fairways to freeways.That said, thoughtful "course management" isn't universal, as nearly one-quarter (24%) admit they play a more aggressive game behind the wheel of a golf cart, pushing higher speeds and braking harder than they'd attempt on the road. A smaller population may benefit from an "all-terrain" option on their cart, as 7% of players venture off the paved path in search of their errant shot, only to get their cart stuck in the process.A sport defined by centuries-old tradition is now embracing a new era of expression: while a quarter (25%) of drivers still favor classic whitewall tires that mirror golf's enduring reverence for heritage, nearly as many (23%) are drawn to bold, colorful options — reflecting the influence of modern, high-energy formats like TGL that invite personalization and a more dynamic on-course experience.As Hankook Tire serves as the first-ever Official Tire Sponsor and co-Founding Partner of TGL, the Gauge Index Survey findings underscore Americans' desire to see different forms of competition at the highest level. Whether competing on an international race track or advancing to the 18th hole, drivers want tires engineered for performance, safety and reliability, and Hankook is committed to supporting the precision and passion that define American drivers.
	Trump officials propose testing a citizenship question amid a push to alter the census The Trump administration proposes to include a question about U.S. citizenship status in this year's field test of the 2030 census, as Republicans push to alter the counts behind voting maps.
	Some Public Health Service officers quit rather than serve in ICE detention centers A special corps of health care workers have been called in to work with detained immigrants and many feel deeply conflicted about the assignment, saying they're not able to provide good care.
	This heart health test spots risks better than cholesterol This heart health test spots risks better than cholesterolYou’ve likely heard plenty about LDL (“bad”) and HDL (“good”) cholesterol. But there’s another heart-health marker worth knowing: ApoB. This lesser-known blood test can offer a more accurate picture of whether the fats circulating in your bloodstream are likely to turn into artery-clogging plaque—and raise your risk of heart disease.“ApoB may be a better marker for heart disease risk since it reflects all of the bad particles that can drive heart disease, rather than just looking at LDL cholesterol,” says cardiologist Trent Orfanos, M.D.Hone Health explains what ApoB is—and how to lower it.What Is ApoB?ApoB (pronounced AY-po-bee) stands for apolipoprotein B. It’s a protein that attaches to every cholesterol particle that can clog your arteries. As a “transport” or “carrier” protein, ApoB helps move cholesterol and fat through your bloodstream.“ApoB carries around all of the ‘bad’ lipid particles that can cause damage to the arteries and circulatory system,” Orfanos says.Each artery-clogging particle has exactly one ApoB attached. So when you measure ApoB, it’s like counting how many delivery trucks are on the road carrying bad cholesterol. The more trucks you count, the higher the risk of plaque building up in your arteries.ApoB is measured with a blood test but isn’t included in a standard lipid panel. Instead, it’s considered an optional add-on, according to the National Lipid Association. Your doctor may be more likely to order it if you have a family history of heart disease or other cardiovascular risk factors.What Elevated ApoB Levels Can SignalHigher ApoB levels are linked to several cardiometabolic risks, including:Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by plaque buildup.Insulin resistance is a metabolic condition that increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.ApoB tests vs LDL testsCompared to a standard LDL test, an ApoB test gives a more complete picture of cardiovascular risk.LDL cholesterol measures how much cholesterol is in your blood—but it doesn’t show how many LDL particles are carrying it, says cardiologist Kimberly Campbell, M.D. That distinction matters because LDL particles vary in size. A smaller number of large particles can carry the same amount of cholesterol as a larger number of small particles. Having more particles increases the chances that some will slip into artery walls and form plaque.This helps explain why some people develop heart disease even when their LDL levels appear normal. And it’s exactly why ApoB testing can be an early warning system.Because each LDL particle—large or small—carries one ApoB protein, measuring ApoB reveals the total number of cholesterol-carrying particles in the bloodstream, which is more closely tied to cardiovascular risk, Campbell adds.ApoB testing also captures other plaque-forming particles, including very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), chylomicrons, and lipoprotein(a). All of these have been linked to cardiovascular disease.Why early ApoB testing mattersApoB plays a growing role in cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention. Knowing your level early can prompt lifestyle changes that slow or prevent disease progression.“Ninety percent of cases of heart disease are preventable,” Routhenstein says. “The earlier you know these numbers, the more opportunity you have to reduce your risk.”Heart disease risk increases with age in both men and women. Men often delay focusing on heart health until midlife, while heart disease risk increases for women in menopause and perimenopause as estrogen levels decline.But plaque buildup can begin years—or even decades—before symptoms appear. Identifying elevated ApoB early gives you and your doctor a clearer opportunity to intervene long before serious problems develop.How to Lower ApoBLowering ApoB often involves the same lifestyle habits that protect heart health overall—but some matter more than others.1. Cut back on saturated fatDietary sources of saturated fat raise LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. One of the biggest contributors is red meat. Registered dietitian Jenna Stangland, R.D.N., recommends cutting back on fatty cuts like ribeye.“You don’t have to eliminate red meat entirely,” she says. “Just opt for leaner cuts like round steak or sirloin tip.”It also helps to limit foods made with palm oil—found in some ice creams, chocolates, cereals, and peanut butters—which is high in saturated fat.Instead, aim for more lean proteins, such as fish, along with plant-based proteins like beans, nuts, and seeds.2. Increase healthy fats and fiberMonounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. Heart-healthy options include Mediterranean diet staples like extra virgin olive oil, avocados, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.Fiber is also key. “Soluble fiber helps bind cholesterol and other substances the body doesn’t need, while insoluble fiber helps move them out through digestion,” says registered dietitian Michelle Routhenstein, R.D.N.Soluble fiber is found in foods like oats, potatoes, cauliflower, and the skins of fruits such as apples and pears. Insoluble fiber is abundant in beans, lentils, blueberries, and nuts.“Oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber and beta-glucans, which research has shown can specifically reduce ApoB levels,” Stangland says.Fiber-rich complex carbohydrates—such as oats, quinoa, barley, and broccoli—also provide nutrients like magnesium, B vitamins, and folate that help reduce oxidative stress, Routhenstein adds.“Once ApoB enters the arterial wall, LDL becomes oxidized as part of the plaque-forming process,” she explains. “If ApoB levels are high and oxidative stress is also high, plaque can form more aggressively.”3. Get movingRegular exercise helps lower cardiovascular risk, but the type of movement matters.In a study published in the European Heart Journal, strength training alone didn’t reduce cardiovascular risk in participants who were overweight or obese with high blood pressure. Cardio exercise—or a combination of cardio and strength training—did.The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Moderate activity means you’re breathing harder but can still carry on a conversation, Campbell says.4. Prioritize sleep and stress managementStress and poor sleep don’t directly raise ApoB, but they can worsen the conditions that lead to heart disease.“When sleep quality is low, oxidative stress increases, which can promote LDL oxidation and worsen heart health,” Routhenstein says.Being overtired and stressed also makes it harder to maintain healthy eating habits. That’s because sleep deprivation and chronic stress increase cravings for less heart-healthy foods.5. Add medication when neededDiet and lifestyle changes can significantly improve ApoB levels—but they aren’t always enough.Statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, ezetimibe, and bempedoic acid are medications that can effectively lower ApoB, Orfanos says.Medication works best alongside lifestyle changes, not in place of them. “Sometimes both approaches together are the solution,” Routhenstein says.What is a Normal ApoB level?There’s no single “normal” ApoB level for everyone. However, Campbell notes that an ApoB level of 130 mg/dL or higher is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.For people with additional risk factors—such as a strong family history of heart disease or a prior cardiac or vascular event like a stroke—doctors often aim for lower targets.Your physician will personalize any treatment plan based on your overall risk, not just one number.This story was produced by Hone Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Weekend Rundown with WLLR \| Feb. 4, 2026 There are many family-friendly events going on this weekend, and we've brought in Dani Howe from WLLR to break it down.
	From chips to dips: What fans are serving for the Big Game From chips to dips: What fans are serving for the Big GameEach year, the Big Game ranks among the most food-centric events in the United States. In fact, Americans consume more on this day than on any other day of the year, besides Thanksgiving.Millions of households will be preparing snacks for watch parties, and dips in particular have become a centerpiece of game day spreads, as party hosts are looking for shareable foods that are easy to serve and require minimal preparation.Daisy Brand examines how refrigerated dips fit into football food traditions, what ingredient labels can reveal about these products, and why convenience and familiar flavors continue to shape consumer choices during large at-home gatherings.Big Game food trendsOn Feb. 8, 2026, it is estimated that more than 213 million Americans will be tuning in to the Big Game, and nearly 114 million of them will be hosting or attending a party.Food is an essential element for any game day gathering. From snacking staples like chips and dip to hearty fan favorites like chicken wings and pizza, a football party should include an abundance of easy-to-eat items that fans can enjoy the entire game.Menu items may vary across different regions of the United States, but there is one item that is sure to be in demand everywhere: dips. According to Instacart’s 2026 Snacktime Report: What Americans are Craving for the Big Game, orders for dips will be up 227% over the yearly average. According to the report, ranch is king: It is ordered 53% more than any other dip during the weekend. Other significant surges include queso (+196%) and French onion dip (+146%).The versatility and shareability of dips make them an obvious go-to menu item, but not all dips are created equal. The ingredient list should be carefully considered before purchasing.What consumers should look for at the storeHosting a game day party doesn’t mean all concern about nutrition and ingredients goes out the window. There has been a shift toward ingredient transparency in recent years, and research is showing that consumers have a preference for recognizable ingredients over preservatives and artificial flavors.According to a 2025 consumer survey from NSF, a trusted, third-party authority for health standards, Americans are more carefully looking at food labels. The survey of 1,000 Americans found that 83% of U.S. consumers read food labels before making purchase decisions. In addition, the ingredients are one of the first things consumers look for when reading food labels. Adults first look for the expiration date (86%); then, ingredients list (79%); health claims (78%); allergen warnings (77%); and country of origin (77%).This increasing interest in what goes into the packaged food we eat has resulted in a demand for transparency from the food industry. That means a desire for clean label products: ingredient labels that contain only real ingredients that consumers are familiar with (i.e., those you can find in your own kitchen).The problem is that many dips contain those added ingredients consumers are trying to avoid, including preservatives like potassium sorbate or thickeners like sodium phosphate.Before you choose the items to serve at your Big Game gathering, take a close look at the food labels. Make sure you’re serving family and friends food that will taste great, without all of the preservatives and additives you normally stay away from.Planning the Game Day menuNow that you know what to buy (and what not to buy), start planning the menu with items that will feed a crowd but won’t keep you sidelined in the kitchen.Utilizing a slow cooker for menu items like chili or pulled pork will allow hosts to prep in the morning and have time for other tasks throughout the day.Every good party has a wide variety of snacks for guests. Opt for popular pairings like tortilla chips and salsa, potato chips and French onion dip, and crudité with ranch dip; snacks that will feed a crowd, but are quick and easy to prepare. These familiar flavor profiles will be fan favorites, and with no cooking or lengthy prep involved, they’re also major time-savers. Daisy Brand Another way to take some pressure off of hosting is by presenting a combination of homemade and store or restaurant-made foods. One practical option? Focus on the drinks, snacks and sides, and place a delivery order for pizza and wings.If you’re feeling creative, plan a featured baked dish: something that you’ve made before and know will be a crowd-pleaser. A warm tray of loaded tater tots or homemade spinach-and-artichoke dip are two dishes football fans will be sure to cheer about. These baked dishes can be prepared ahead of time and warmed up just in time for kickoff.When it comes to hosting a watch party for the Big Game, the recipe for success is simple: stick with foods that feel familiar, are easy to serve, and taste great; dips check all of those boxes.Whether they’re scooped straight from the fridge or mixed into an easy, homemade-style recipe, refrigerated dips offer that “made-at-home” feel without extra prep, which is exactly what hosts are looking for. It’s no surprise dips keep earning their spot on Big Game tables year after year.This story was produced by Daisy Brand and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Home repairs, replacements and insurance: What homeowners need to know Home repairs, replacements and insurance: What homeowners need to know If you own a home, eventually you’re going to experience some breakdowns, damage and disrepair. Homes tend to age quietly but expensively, and needed fixes can cluster at the worst times. If you’re not well prepared, the unexpected bills associated with repairs and replacements can quickly escalate and overwhelm your finances. Homeowners insurance has your back in some of these instances, but it’s not designed to automatically safeguard you against mechanical breakdowns, system failures and other costly events. Car and home insurance comparison platform The Zebra explores how neglected home repairs can be a threat to your finances, what insurance covers and does not cover, why regular maintenance is important and insurance tips for homeowners. Common Major Home Expenses Homeowners Face Make no mistake: Home repair and upgrade expenses are climbing fast. Per Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies data, 49% of all home improvement spending is now devoted to routine maintenance and repairs, including non-discretionary fixes like replacing a roof or HVAC system. And according to Angi's 2026 State of Home Spending Pulse Report, as financial concerns grow, 71% of homeowners are prioritizing preventive maintenance to avoid future spikes in spending, even as 62% express greater worry about affording upkeep than they did in 2024. Additionally, 48% report that stress from mandatory repairs has intensified since January 2025. TheZebra “The cost of home repairs has risen significantly in recent years, driven by higher material and labor prices,” says Beth Swanson, insurance analyst for The Zebra. “Homeowners with brand-new houses may be protected by a builder warranty for the first year, or an optional home warranty, but most major repairs eventually become out-of-pocket expenses.” Roof replacement A roof replacement or repair is usually one of the biggest bills. “Costs for a new roof can vary, often ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the size of the home,” cautions Michael Barrett of Barrett Insurance Agency. HVAC systems HVAC systems are another expensive fix, with replacements often ranging between $7,000 and $15,000. While some fixes are minor, depending on the age of the system, the cost to repair may exceed the cost of buying a new unit. Plumbing and electrical Pipe fixes, electrical rewiring and water leakage damage are other significant expenses. Plumbing replacement can cost you more than $20,000. And if a water pipe bursts causing major water damage to your home, mold remediation expenses can put your repair bill in the tens of thousands,” says Jordan Blake, with Shoreline Public Adjusters, LLC. What Homeowners Insurance Does and Doesn’t Cover Homeowners insurance can safeguard your finances from specific covered losses, such as fire, windstorms, hail, theft and sudden water damage from internal systems. But it doesn’t cover gradual wear and tear, mechanical breakdowns or system failures. “Wear and tear happens to anything exposed to the elements or used regularly over time. Deterioration from age or normal use is not considered accidental damage, which is why it is not covered by homeowners insurance,” Swanson adds. Repairs can be covered by a homeowners policy, but a covered loss usually must occur first that triggers the needed repair. “Insurance will cover sudden losses, but it never functions as a service contract for old equipment or materials,” says Rami Sneineh, vice president of Insurance Navy Brokers. “Homeowners often forget that residential structures deteriorate at a steady rate of about 1% of the property value every year. Many mistake normal wear and tear for sudden damage because they don’t track decay over time.” Case in Point: Your Roof To illustrate that last point, consider the roof of your home. If a large tree limb falls on and damages your roof due to a windstorm (one of the perils likely named in your homeowners insurance policy), your insurer will be required to pay for the needed repairs to your roof as well as any inside ceiling damage (after you meet your deductible). But if you have a leaky roof where the culprit is 30-year-old shingles, this would not be considered an accidental event or covered peril, which means the repair costs are your responsibility. “When a homeowner makes an insurance claim for roof damage, their insurer will check if the damage was a result of a covered peril, such as wind or hail, or if it was caused by natural wear and tear,” Blake explains. “This is why insurers often inquire about the age of your roof before issuing a policy.” How Depreciation Affects Insurance Payouts Even if a repair or replacement is covered, you have to factor in depreciation, which is the gradual diminishing of the value of your home’s components over time due to age, wear, condition and remaining useful life. “Older components receive lower insurance payouts because carriers assume part of the loss reflects normal aging rather than sudden damage. Also, depreciation may apply even when coverage exists, unless replacement cost coverage and specific endorsements are in place,” notes Dennis Shirshikov, a professor of finance and economics at City University of New York. If your homeowners policy provides actual cash value coverage, that means it covers the replacement cost minus depreciation for age and condition. But if your policy provides replacement cost coverage (which usually means a higher premium), your carrier will pay the full current market price to repair or replace the damage with new materials of similar quality and kind, without any depreciation deduction. How Maintenance Affects Insurability The upkeep of your home affects more than just repair costs: It can also directly affect your ability to get and keep insurance coverage. “Insurance companies have a financial stake in the condition of your home,” says Swanson. “If they are agreeing to insure it and potentially pay for major losses in the future, they expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to maintain their property.” Neglected roofs, plumbing, HVAC equipment or electrical systems, for example, can lead to coverage denials, higher premiums, non-renewals, or claim denials if damage is linked to known issues that were not addressed earlier. That’s why it’s best to keep up with recommended maintenance and be honest with your carrier when they ask questions about home components. Planning Ahead for Major Repair and Replacement Bills A wise homeowner knows that nothing lasts forever. Eventually, you’ll need a roof tear-off, the furnace will require upkeep, and the water heater will need to be replaced. That’s why it’s best to be prepared for both the anticipated and unanticipated. “Homeowners need to stop seeing big repairs as shocking or unexpected things that just happen to their house without warning or explanation. Instead, think of your house as another member of the family — a family member that requires care and planning,” advises Blake. “Thus, major repairs should be factored into your household budget and planning, just as you would with medical or retirement expenses.” Think of insurance as a financial backstop, not a maintenance plan. “Homeowners insurance was created to protect people from major, unexpected losses that would be difficult or impossible to afford on their own, and that purpose has not changed,” adds Swanson. “Maintaining your home is your responsibility, while insurance is there to step in when something truly catastrophic happens.” It’s a smart financial habit to have an emergency fund set aside to at least cover your deductible and possibly your depreciation. Additionally, consider purchasing a separate warranty or maintenance plan that can provide a financial cushion for predictable breakdowns or problems. Other Best Practices for Homeowners Here are some other tips for best practices to not be surprised or left in the lurch by sudden and expensive home repairs. Shop Around and Compare Take the time to conduct a homeowners insurance checkup, at minimum annually or at the time of renewal, especially if you have an aging home that’s at least 10 to 15 years old. That means scrutinizing your policy and/or shopping around among different carriers for better rates and coverage levels. Review Your Policy “Remember that coverage needs to change as systems age and renovations are completed,” says Shirshikov. “Carefully review roof endorsements, deductibles, replacement cost options, renovation updates, and policy exclusions before a claim might arise, which can help you avoid surprises and ensure that your coverage aligns with current risk exposure.” Know Your Coverage “Understand the concept of depreciation, roof schedules, and exclusions well before any damage occurs. This means you’ll have more power over the financial result,” Blake says. The biggest mistake you can make is to wait until after a loss to read and comprehend your policy. Adjust Your Deductible Additionally, determine the right deductible amount for your budget. “Make sure you are comfortable with that first dollar expense,” recommends Barrett. “If you have a $1,000 deductible versus a $500 deductible, ensure you can swing that cost if a loss occurs.” Wrapping Up Home repairs are like death and taxes. No home stays in perfect condition forever. The best thing you can do is budget for repairs so you’re not caught off guard by maintenance and fixes that home insurance doesn’t cover. And keeping up on maintaining your home will help prevent more expensive repairs down the road. This story was produced by TheZebra and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Healthy aging habits by decade: Your wellness blueprint for aging Healthy aging habits by decade: Your wellness blueprint for aging What's the best age to start a healthy aging routine? Whatever your current age happens to be, of course. Whether you've just graduated college or are enjoying your retirement years, there's no time like right now to start your longevity strategy. Getting a head start is always ideal, but if your youth involved more partying and processed foods than mindfulness and fresh kale, it's never too late to turn things around, according to Stephen Tapanes, PhD, scientist at Life Extension. "Staying healthy is a multidimensional effort that stems from the pillars of optimal health," Dr. Tapanes explained. People of every age can benefit from those five pillars: Sleep Nutrition Exercise Stress management Regular blood work Pursuing healthy aging, however, is going to look a little different for a 20-year-old than it will for a 60-year-old. Not to worry: Dr. Tapanes has a decade-by-decade health guide designed to support vitality, today, tomorrow, and for many years to come. At a Glance Explore longevity tips to help your body age gracefully, whether you're in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond. Stress, hormonal and cognitive changes can impact your health as you age. Quality sleep, stress management, balanced nutrition, and staying active are crucial habits for longevity, regardless of your age. In your 20s: Build a strong foundation Your 20s are a time of growth, change, and self-discovery. It's also the perfect opportunity to lay the foundation for long-term health. Here's what Dr. Tapanes recommends: Create your sleep routine: Now that you're no longer pulling all-nighters to cram for exams, you can start establishing good sleep hygiene. "Aim to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. It allows your body to rest and renew, which is important to help recover and keep your body going," advised Dr. Tapanes. "Setting a regular wake/sleep schedule, even on weekends, is crucial to a healthy nighttime routine." Build a consistent exercise schedule: Make sure your weekly workouts include cardio, mobility and strength-training. "Each week, aim to get 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, or a combination of the two," recommends Dr. Tapanes. "And doing two or more days of resistance training to tone and maintain muscle groups." You can complement your efforts with fitness supplements that help support muscle mass and encourage healthy recovery. Get baseline lab work: Get physicals every year, and schedule annual lab tests to start tracking your blood count, chemistry panels, thyroid function and hormone balance. Make a plan to meal plan: Takeout is convenient, but being your own chef means you control what goes into each meal—more delicious, nutrient-rich, whole, organic foods and minimal sugars and processed ingredients. Batch cook on weekends so that you can brown-bag healthy lunches all week long. Build stress resilience: "Supporting a healthy stress response is imperative for your health span," Dr. Tapanes explained. Finding ways to manage stress in your 20s is key to aging well. Spend more time in nature, journal, meditate, cuddle your dog, take a dance class—whatever helps you feel at peace. "Adulting" means excellent oral hygiene: It's not just about having a pretty smile. Did you know oral health has been linked to heart health? Visit your dentist biannually and don't forget to brush and floss. Limit habits that negatively impact well-being: While it's tempting to drink alcohol, binge junk food, and forgo sleep, it's in your best health interests to limit the experiences that don't support wellness. Your future self will thank you. In your 30s: Don't let stress derail your routine Ah, the 30s: that pivotal decade. Your career and family life likely are suddenly in sharp focus, and you might feel like you no longer have free time for exercise and meal prep—but don't give up now. "In your 30s, you'll want to buckle down on the habits you've built," Dr. Tapanes noted. In addition to keeping up with the routines you've already established (or starting them back up again, if you let them lapse), you'll want to add these to the list: Quality sleep is still your goal: Sleeping seven to nine hours every night remains key to your overall well-being. Of course, if your 30s include parenting little ones and/or work stress, this may no longer seem feasible, but don't lose sight of this goal. Dr. Tapanes recommends pairing off nighttime childcare responsibilities with your partner so you each have a time to catch up, and consider sleep support such as melatonin if the issue isn't kids but run-of-the-mill occasional sleeplessness. Maintain the meal prep: It's not uncommon for busy thirtysomethings to give up on healthy meal prep, picking at their kidsâ€™ macaroni and cheese, or splitting a pizza with their roommate or partner instead of eating a balanced dinner. Rather than throwing in the towel (or apron), this is the time to finesse your culinary chops, Dr. Tapanes advised. Try new options that appeal to picky palates and get the whole household involved in batch-cooking. "Train your kids to be your sous chefs." he added. Be more intentional with your workout routines: Women should make sure they're getting strength training in addition to cardio to keep those muscles (and bones) strong. Men, on the other hand, tend to focus on strength, but should be careful not to neglect mobility. Functional exercises are a great way to tone muscles and develop a full range of motion. Put a focus on fertility: This is true whether you're trying to conceive or are actively avoiding pregnancy, because your fertility reflects your overall health status. For women, irregular cycles and spotting can let you know when something's amiss. If babies are on the agenda, start taking a prenatal vitamin, ideally before you conceive. In your 40s: Be proactive A new decade, a new set of potential pitfalls: your 40s are a time when life's demands and some beginning signs of aging can make you feel off-kilter. That's why taking proactive actions early is so important for people approaching mid-life, according to Dr. Tapanes. Keep up with your longevity routine and make room for some new healthy habits: Build muscle mass for metabolic health: Your muscles play a critical role in how your body burns energy, stores fat, and balances blood sugar levels, Dr. Tapanes explained. Strength training, like powerlifting, targets all areas of your body, helping you tone and maintain muscle mass. Add resistance bands or a weighted vest to your routine to engage muscle function. Care for your joints: Full range of motion is lotion for your knees and joints. Consider taking joint supplements for additional nourishment. Dr. Tapanes recommends building warm-ups and cool-downs into the start and finish of your workouts. Get serious about fiber: "People often ignore the gut's need for fiber," Dr. Tapanes said. But having adequate fiber intake helps you maintain your weight, supports digestive health and may even benefit your heart health. Add more leafy greens, nuts and seeds, legumes, and berries to your meal plan. A fiber supplement is also a great way to get your daily dose. Ladies, prepare for perimenopause: "At 40, it's common for women to not feel like their usual selves," said Dr. Tapanes. Changes in sleep patterns, sex drive, and an onset of uneasiness are to be expected, as the body prepares for menopause in later years. Now is an excellent time to explore hormone balance supplements with the guidance of your gynecologist. In your 50s: Health screenings galore Once you're in your 50s, it's time to kick your longevity strategy into high gear. "This is the decade when you want to partner with your doctor and get screenings, and if anything is concerning, be proactive about treatment," Dr. Tapanes advised. Don't skip life-saving tests: Between colonoscopies, mammograms, stress tests, and other routine exams ordered by your physicians, you may feel much of this decade is spent being poked and prodded. "Early detection is key to staying healthy in your 50s and beyond," Dr. Tapanes pointed out. Mind your vision and hearing: Protect your hearing by steering clear of loud music, venues and noises. Make sure your eye prescriptions are up to date, as this is a decade when your vision may change. Check in on your bones: Screenings for bone density are extremely important for women. Take bone supplements to keep standing tall. Build a menopause strategy: Menopause brings physical and mental changes that infringe on your sleep, sex drive, metabolism and overall health. Your gynecologist can help you adjust lifestyle habits, and explore options for hormone replacement regimens and menopause support supplements. Male hormone health matters, too: "At 50, men may feel that keeping up with good sleep, exercise, and stress management is more challenging," said Dr. Tapanes. Speak with your doctor about hormone replacement regimens and adding a testosterone supplement to your routine. Keep the number on the scale in check: "For some people in their 50s, maintaining a healthy weight can be challenging," said Dr. Tapanes. While healthy eating habits (reducing sugar, increasing protein and fiber), regular exercise, staying hydrated and sufficient sleep are crucial. Your doctor or dietitian can also help you understand your body composition, and lifestyle changes that can help you stay on track. In your 60s and beyond: Keep your brain in the game As you enter your 60s, cognition is key to living your golden years in the best light—and so is community, which is important for your mental health and sense of purpose. Challenge your brain: "Keeping the brain active enhances your mental health and productivity," explained Dr. Tapanes. Volunteer, enroll in online courses, join a book club, or download a mentally challenging puzzle app to keep your noggin sharp. Adopt a mindfulness or gratitude practice to keep a positive outlook in life. Stay social: "The importance of cultivating close, meaningful relationships is often overlooked," Dr. Tapanes stated. "Maintaining healthy social connections and a social circle can help support brain health." In fact, numerous studies have found an association between social networking and cognitive health and function. Manage stress in novel ways: Stress doesn't exit stage left as soon as you hit retirement, unfortunately. Consider activities like yoga, tai chi and even forest bathing to ensure you're keeping an even keel—and as a bonus, meeting new people. Support healthy testosterone levels: "At 60, men experience a significant change in testosterone levels," said Dr. Tapanes. This hormonal change can impact everything from mood to muscle mass, to weight and energy levels, so it's crucial to monitor testosterone and other sex hormones. Focus on nutrition and lifestyle habits and speak with your doctor about testosterone-supporting supplements to help promote healthy testosterone levels. Healthy aging supplements by decade As your age changes, so do your nutritional needs. "We can support different aspects of our health by curating our dietary supplement strategy," Dr. Tapanes explained. Here's a chart of age-specific supplements that can help you stay healthy each decade. Life Extension Core Supplements for Every Decade While age-specific vitamins and supplements are worth noting, Dr. Tapanes recommends making these dietary supplements non-negotiable in your healthy aging routine. Vitamin D3: The sunshine vitamin is crucial for brain, heart and bone health, and helps promote a robust immune system. Magnesium: From nerve to muscle health, to heart, brain and bone support, magnesium is an essential supplement for aging well at every decade. Fish oil: To help maintain already-healthy cholesterol levels (pivotal for a healthy ticker), cognitive function and joint comfort, you want to keep omega-3 fatty acids in your healthy aging routine. B vitamins: Keep your body energized and your mind sharp with B vitamins (all eight of them). Choose a B-complex supplement that delivers biologically active forms to help your body get the "Bs" it needs to thrive. CoQ10: Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that's involved in mitochondrial function and cellular energy production, but levels decline over time. Fuel high-energy organs, like your heart, brain, liver and kidneys with a CoQ10 supplement. At what decade do you age faster? The field of healthy aging is still new, but it provides insight into when aging accelerates. While more research is needed, one study showed that rapid periods of change average around the ages of 44 and 60. But, as Dr. Tapanes explained, aging is an amalgamation of physiological changes that directly impact our overall health. "Understanding the changes our bodies go through as we age is a critical step in potentially extending our health span," he added. What is biological vs. chronological aging? Your chronological age is based on the number of years you've traveled around the sun. It's an unchangeable number (boo). However, as Dr. Tapanes explained, biological age reflects the accumulated biological stress on your DNA and body and can be changed for the better with lifestyle and diet choices (yay). Ditching alcohol, smoking and sugars, swapping processed foods for a whole-foods diet, getting uninterrupted sleep, exercising regularly, nurturing relationships, and adding supplements to support your telomeres (the protective ends of your chromosomes), can all swing the pendulum positively for your biological age. What is the #1 predictor of longevity? While there is no singular predictor of lifespan, certain assessments can paint a clearer picture of the years to come. Factors like social connections, self-rated health, exercise fitness and VO2 max testing (the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense physical activity) have all been studied and considered predictors of longevity. Of course, what you eat also matters. "Nutrition is a crucial piece of the aging-well puzzle," Dr. Tapanes said. "Adding longevity foods, which are nutrient-rich foods that support health span, is an excellent way to help add more life into your years." How to tell if you're aging well If you're staying engaged, intentional and connected—mentally and physically—chances are you're on the path to aging gracefully. The state of your skin, the balance between your mental and gut health, the speed you heal, and your physical activity level are also great indicators. And finally, regular bloodwork and other tests done by your doctor can all point to how you're progressing decade by decade. Key Takeaways It's never too early or too late to start a healthy aging strategy. Restful sleep, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and social connections are imperative factors in aging well, especially as we reach our older decades. Balanced nutrition and lifestyle choices, including stress management supplements, can positively influence our biological age, adding more life into our years. This story was produced by Life Extension and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	'More relevant every day' in the U.S.: A filmmaker documented Russia's journalists Julia Loktev's documentary My Undesirable Friends follows young independent journalists covering Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
	How to automate customer service: The ultimate guide How to automate customer service: The ultimate guideFrom graph databases to automated machine learning pipelines and beyond, a lot of attention is paid to new technologies. But the truth is, none of it matters if users aren’t able to handle the more mundane tasks of managing permissions, resolving mysterious errors, and getting the tools installed and working on their native systems.This is where customer service comes in. Though they don’t often get the credit they deserve, customer service agents are the ones who are responsible for showing up every day to help countless others actually use the latest and greatest technology.Like every job since the beginning of jobs, there are large components of customer service that have been automated, are currently being automated, or will be automated at some point soon.Quiq explores customer service as a discipline and examines how agentic AI can automate substantial parts of the standard workflow.What Is Customer Service?Customer service is more or less what it sounds like: serving your customers, users, or clients as they go about the process of utilizing the product. A software company might employ customer service agents to help onboard new users and troubleshoot failures in their product, while a services company might use them for canceling and rescheduling appointments.Over the prior few decades, customer service has evolved alongside many other industries. As mobile phones have become firmly ensconced in everyone’s life, for example, it has become more common for businesses to supplement the traditional avenues of phone calls and emails by adding text messaging and chatbot customer support to their customer service toolkit. This is part of what is known as an omni-channel strategy, in which more effort is made to meet customers where they’re at rather than expecting them to conform to the communication pathways a business already has in place.Naturally, many of these kinds of interactions can be automated, especially with the rise of tools like large language models, which will be discussed later in the story.Why Is Customer Service Important?It may be tempting for those writing the code to think that customer service is a “nice to have,” but that’s not the case at all. However good a product’s documentation is, there will simply always be weird behaviors and edge cases in which a skilled customer service agent (perhaps helped along with AI) needs to step in and aid a user in getting everything running properly.But there are other advantages as well. Besides simply getting a product to function, customer service agents contribute to a company’s overall brand, and the general emotional response users have to the company and its offerings.High-quality customer service agents can do a lot to contribute to the impression that a company is considerate and genuinely cares about its users.What Are Examples of Good Customer Service?There are many ways in which customer service agents can do this. For example, it helps a lot when customer service agents try to transmit a kind of warmth over the line.Because so many people spend their days interacting with others through screens, it can be easy to forget what that’s like, as tone of voice and facial expression are hard to digitally convey. But when customer service agents greet a person enthusiastically and go beyond “How may I help you” by exchanging some opening pleasantries, they feel more valued and more at ease. This matters a lot when they’ve been banging their head against a software problem for half a day.Customer service agents have also adapted to the digital age by utilizing emojis, exclamation points, and various other kinds of internet-speak. We live in a more casual age, and under most circumstances, it’s appropriate to drop the stiffness and formalities when helping someone with a product issue.That said, you should also remember that you’re talking to customers, and you should be polite. Use words like “please” when asking for something, and don’t forget to add a “thank you.” It can be difficult to remember this when you’re dealing with a customer who is simply being rude, especially when you’ve had several such customers in a row. Nevertheless, it’s part of the job.Finally, always remember that a customer gets in touch with you when they’re having a problem, and above all else, your job is to get them what they need. From the perspective of contact center managers, this means you need periodic testing or retraining to make sure your agents know the product thoroughly.It’s reasonable to expect that agents will sometimes need to look up the answer to a question, but if they’re doing that constantly, it will not only increase the time it takes to resolve an issue, but it will also contribute to customer frustration and a general sense that you don’t have things well in hand.Automation in Customer ServiceFor all intents and purposes, “automation” simply refers to outsourcing all or some of a task to a machine. In industries like manufacturing and agriculture, automation has been steadily increasing for hundreds of years.Until fairly recently, however, the technology didn’t yet exist to automate substantial portions of customer service worth. With the rise of machine learning, and especially large language models like ChatGPT, that’s begun to change dramatically.Keep reading to dive into this in more detail.Examples of Automated Customer ServiceThere are many ways in which customer service is being automated. Here are a few examples:Automated question answering – Many questions are fairly prosaic (“How do I reset my password”), and can effectively be outsourced to a properly finetuned large language model. When such a model is trained on a company’s documentation, it’s often powerful enough to handle these kinds of low-level requests.Summarization – There have long been models that could do an adequate job of summarization, but large language models have kicked this functionality into high gear. With an endless stream of new emails, Slack messages, etc., constantly being generated, having an agent that can summarize their contents and keep agents in the loop will do a lot to boost their productivity.Classifying incoming messages – Classification is another thing that models have been able to do for a while, and it’s also something that helps a lot. Having an agent manually sort through different messages to figure out how to prioritize them and where they should go is no longer a good use of time, as algorithms are now good enough to do a major chunk of this kind of work.Translation – One of the first useful things anyone attempted to do with machine learning was translating between different natural languages (i.e., from Russian into English during the Cold War). Once squarely in the purview of human beings, this is now a task that machines can do almost as well, at least for customer service work.Should We Automate Customer Service?All this having been said, you may still have questions about the wisdom of automating customer service work. Sure, no one wants to spend hours every day looking up words in Mandarin to answer a question or prioritizing tickets by hand, but aren’t we in danger of losing something important as customer service agents? Might we not automate ourselves out of a job?Because these models are (usually) finetuned on conversations with more experienced agents, they’re able to capture a lot of how those agents handle issues. Typical response patterns, politeness, etc., become “baked into” the models. Junior agents using these models are able to climb the learning curve more quickly and, feeling less strained in their new roles, are less likely to quit. This, in turn, puts less of a burden on managers and makes the organization overall more stable. Everyone ends up happier and more productive.So far, it’s looking like AI-based automation in contact centers will be like automation almost everywhere else: Machines will gradually remove the need for human attention in tedious or otherwise low-value tasks, freeing them up to focus on places where they have more of an advantage.If agents don’t have to sort tickets anymore or resolve routine issues, they can spend more time working on the really thorny problems, and do so with more care.Strategies for Implementing Automated Customer ServiceOnce you’ve decided to bring automation into your customer service strategy, the next step is implementation. Here are some key strategies to help you get started and ensure a smooth transition that benefits both your team and your customers.Assess Your Current Customer Service NeedsStart by reviewing your support data. Which questions pop up most often? Where do your agents spend the most time? Identifying these patterns will help you pinpoint which tasks can—and should—be automated. Look for high-volume, repetitive inquiries that don’t require much nuance. These are prime candidates for automation that won’t sacrifice the quality of your customer experience.Choose the Right Automation ToolsNot all automation tools are created equal. Consider solutions like AI agents, automated ticket routing, or self-service portals. The key is to choose platforms that work well with your existing CRM and communication tools, so everything stays connected. Look for tools that are flexible, scalable, and easy for your team to manage over time.Develop a Knowledge Base and Self-Service OptionsA well-organized knowledge base can deflect tickets before they ever hit your queue. Build out FAQs, how-to articles, and video tutorials that answer your customers’ most common questions. Use AI-powered search features to surface the right content quickly. And don’t forget to update your content regularly based on feedback and emerging issues—your knowledge base should evolve alongside your customers.Set Up Automated Responses and WorkflowsAutomation isn’t just about answering questions—it’s about streamlining entire workflows. Set up automated messages for order updates, appointment reminders, or common troubleshooting steps. Use branching logic and triggers to guide customers through resolutions, and ensure these flows are intuitive. The goal is to help customers solve issues faster, without needing to wait on hold.Balance Automation With Human SupportEven the best bots have their limits. Make sure customers can easily escalate to a live agent when necessary—especially for complex or sensitive issues. Train your human support team to step in smoothly when automation reaches its edge. And whenever possible, personalize the experience by using data to greet customers by name or tailor responses based on their history.Monitor Performance and Continuously OptimizeThe work doesn’t stop after launch. Keep an eye on key metrics like resolution time, deflection rate, and customer satisfaction scores. Collect feedback from users to understand where automation is helping—or where it might be falling short. With the right data, you can train your AI and machine learning models to recognize patterns, refine workflows, and improve response accuracy—so your automated service keeps getting smarter with every interaction.Moving into the FutureLike most other professions, customer service agents are being impacted by automation. Where the rubber of technology meets the road of real-world use cases, customer service agents can be valuable. They not only make sure customers can use a company’s tools, but they also contribute to the company’s brand through their tone, mannerisms, and helpfulness.This story was produced by Quiq and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	County Manor Memory Care will present memory-care talk Country Manor Memory Care, a free-standing memory care community at 900 W. 46th St., Davenport, will host a Love-Themed Memory Care Talk from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, a news release says. The public is welcome to this short talk on how people can support loved ones living with memory loss. "This is a great [...]
	Pay It Forward: Quad City-area 'flag benches' waving support to first responders and veterans LeClaire resident LaVonne Zahn paints the benches with patriotic colors in support of first responders while including a gold-plated 'thank-you message.'
	Measles continues to spread in the US, but with some letup As South Carolina's outbreak grows to 876 confirmed cases, vaccinations in the state surged in January. Cases have also been reported in two ICE detention facilities.
	Palmer College looks to spruce up Brady Street entrance, parking; add academic building Palmer officials presented proposed amendments to its 10-year campus master plan Tuesday to the Davenport Planning and Zoning Commission for its consideration.
	Moline man sentenced to seven years in federal prison on drug and gun charges A 24-year-old Moline man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to gun and drug charges.
	Pay It Forward: Quad City-area 'flag benches' waving support to first responders and veterans LeClaire resident LaVonne Zahn paints the benches with patriotic colors or designs in support of first responders while including a gold-plated 'thank-you message.'
	Illinois voters offered an early opportunity to skip March primaries Illinois residents looking to participate in early voting should find their local election authority office and bring in two forms of ID.
	Fresh Films plans $12 million Rock Island studio expansion to grow local film industry Since 2016, Fresh Films has taught teens and adults the fundamentals of filmmaking and is now planning a major expansion in the heart of Rock Island
	Fresh Films plans $12M Rock Island studio expansion to grow local film industry Since 2016, Fresh Films has taught teens and adults the fundamentals of filmmaking and is now planning a major expansion in the heart of Rock Island.
	New tornado probability map shows shift in tornado alley patterns New data shows increased tornado activity annually in the QCA.
	Iowa lawmakers consider making first-time animal torture a felony, aligning with national trend Iowa may soon upgrade first-offense animal torture to a felony. Advocates argue this aligns with national trends and addresses severe cases more effectively.

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