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

Friday, July 24th, 2026
	Robotic prostate treatment launches at UnityPoint-Trinity Rock Island UnityPoint Health in Rock Island introduces Hydros Robotic System, offering minimally invasive aquablation therapy for an enlarged prostate.
	Proposed Coal Valley sports complex draws concerns from neighbors The mayor says economic growth is important for the tax base. People living near the site worry about noise and traffic.
	I-80 Cafe is temporarily closed I-80 Cafe announced the temporary closure for family vacation.
	RAGBRAI Day 6 takes riders to Dyersville Keep following KCRG’s Joe Winters and Rebekah Vaughan as they bike across the state.
	From Winterset to London, Rebecca Fons thinks art house cinema is for everyone Rebecca Fons knows art house cinema when she sees it. The Iowan has spent nearly two decades in independent film exhibition and now works in London as a film curator. Ahead of Art House Theater Day on July 30, she shared what it means to bring independent movies to cinemas across the world.
	Our QC Crime Watch: Davenport man faces child-pornography charges: Episode 74 Watch crime reporters Linda Cook and Sharon Wren talk about crime and courts in our area with the latest episode of the Our Quad Cities Crime Watch Podcast. In this episode Linda and Sharon discuss: updates on: Why a Quad Cities bar had its license revoked A Davenport man who faces charges involving child pornography. [...]
	California Burritos in Davenport to relocate "Come get your fix in Bettendorf while we cook up our next move!"
	Resignations, hirings, other Central DeWitt School District personnel news from July 20 The following personnel items are from the July 8 agenda of the Central-DeWitt School Board.
	Trump threatens Iran escalation as tit-for-tat airstrikes continue The U.S. continued airstrikes in Iran while Tehran launched retaliatory attacks on U.S. targets in the Gulf as the region braced itself after President Trump said he was close to deciding whether to launch "a massive attack".
	Trump threatens Iran with further escalation as tit-for-tat airstrikes continue The U.S. continued airstrikes in Iran while Tehran launched retaliatory attacks on U.S. targets in the Gulf, as President Trump said he was close to deciding whether to launch "a massive attack."
	Trump threatens a major escalation in Iran as the war rounds its 4th month The U.S. continued airstrikes in Iran while Tehran launched retaliatory attacks on U.S. targets in the Gulf, as President Trump said he was close to deciding whether to launch "a massive attack."
	Trump threatens a major escalation in Iran as the war nears the end of Month 5 The U.S. continued airstrikes in Iran while Tehran launched retaliatory attacks on U.S. targets in the Gulf, as President Trump said he was close to deciding whether to launch "a massive attack."
	Heat and humidity build back in for the weekend One more comfortable day for the Quad Cities before it turns hot and humid again. A few showers are possible today and tonight, but many of us will stay dry. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	The Professor and Capitalism This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Even in ancient Greece, professors were accused of having their heads in the clouds. Their places of work are still…
	What animal is the deformed-but-adorable Jimothy? The quiz knows — do you? Also: Ryan Gosling's regrets, Zohran Mamdani's exhortations and the Smithsonian's alleged wokeness.
	Trump refuses to give up on tariffs - a pillar of his economic legacy The administration timed a new set of tariffs on all of its largest trading partners to take effect at the same time the old, global tariff ended.
	Indian activist Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike as 'Cockroach' protesters vow to press on Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike on Friday that helped galvanize a youth movement that's become one of India's largest protests in recent years, but demonstrators vowed to continue until the education minister resigns.
	Rubio says U.S. is ready to help end war in Ukraine but no quick deal ahead Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, said that President Trump was committed to the work "if conditions and factors have changed to make that possible."
	10 movies you can watch for free to celebrate Christmas in July While Christmas isn't until December 25, many folks celebrate Christmas in July as a festive and fun way to escape from the summer heat and enjoy a taste of holiday traditions long before the winter holidays. Here is a list of 10 holiday movies and specials you can watch for free to celebrate Christmas in [...]
Thursday, July 23rd, 2026
	Illinois residents needed for food waste survey University of Illinois Extension is seeking input from Illinois households to better understand food waste and develop practical, community focused solutions. According to a release from University of Illinois Extension: Research shows that one third of the U.S. food supply was not purchased or eaten in 2023. While some surplus food is donated or recycled, [...]
	Justice Dept. drops 'New York Times' subpoenas under pressure from judge The Justice Department is dropping the subpoenas it filed demanding grand jury testimony and phone records from New York Times journalists after sharp questioning Thursday from a federal judge.
	Geifman Group acquires Quad-City Times building The company says it plans to transform the property into a multi-tenant commercial building while still preserving its history.
	Neighbors raise concerns about proposed Coal Valley sports complex The mayor says economic growth is important for the tax base. People living near the site worry about noise and traffic.
	Iowa lt. gov. candidate addresses marijuana legalization concerns during addiction treatment facility tour Iowa Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Dave Muhlbauer was asked about his running mate’s marijuana legalization position during a tour of a substance use disorder treatment facility Wednesday.
	The Heart of the Story: In search of baby foxes 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. Good things come to those who wait, and [...]
	Davenport man faces child sexual abuse material, drug possession charges A Davenport man has been charged with possession of child sex abuse material and drugs.
	Bix Beiderbecke Museum reopens in new downtown Davenport location The Bix Beiderbecke Museum reopens in a new downtown Davenport location after 2023 flooding, with more space, new exhibits, and free admission for Bix race participants.
	Central DeWitt Community School Board approves SAVE bonds resolution The Central DeWitt Community School District is one step closer to moving it’s students to a single campus.
	Man sentenced to probation in Scott County case involving inappropriate contact with a child A Scott County man on probation in a Delaware County sex case is sentenced to probation in a Scott County case involving inappropriate contact with a child.
	Geifman Group buys former Quad-City Times building in Davenport Geifman Group has bought the former Quad City Times building at 500 E. 3rd St., Davenport. Steve Geifman, managing partner/president of the Geifman Group, on Thursday confirmed the sale with Our Quad Cities News. "It looks a bit different from our original drawings last month," Geifman told Our Quad Cities News. "We have most of [...]
	Doctors warn Andy Biggs’ record on healthcare, abortion should alarm Arizona voters U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs on July 21, 2026, after he was declared the winner of the Republican primary election for governor. (Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/Arizona Mirror)Arizona doctors and progressive organizations are warning voters that Republican gubernatorial nominee Andy Biggs has a long record as an elected official of attacking access to healthcare and abortion care. Biggs will face off with Gov. Katie Hobbs in November to determine who will lead the state for the next four years. Among the stark policy differences between the two are healthcare and abortion rights. Hobbs ran in 2022 on a vow to preserve access to abortion, at a time when court rulings ricocheted the state between a 15-week gestational ban and a near-total prohibition from 1864. The Democrat has spent her first term doing just that, vetoing anti-abortion proposals from the GOP-majority legislature and issuing an executive order that prevented county attorneys from prosecuting abortion patients or doctors while the restrictive laws, which carried criminal penalties, were still in play. On the other side of the ideological divide, Biggs was a staunch supporter of Arizona laws to restrict abortion access while he was a state lawmaker, and since going to Congress, he has co-sponsored federal legislation that could effectively ban the procedure nationwide four times, including in 2025, months after Arizona voters chose to make abortion a fundamental right in the state. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. During an online news conference hosted by the Committee to Protect Health Care, local doctors called on voters to reject Biggs in November, saying that his track record shows he will undermine the ability of Arizonans’ to receive the healthcare they need. The organization represents medical providers across the country and advocates for accessible and affordable healthcare. Biggs’ campaign did not respond to a request for comment or answer emailed questions. Dr. Danielle Allen-Herried, an OBGYN in Chandler, said that voters shouldn’t be complacent about the legality of abortion in Arizona, even though the procedure is enshrined as a right in the state constitution. In 2024, voters passed Proposition 139, which guarantees the right to obtain an abortion until fetal viability, generally considered to be between 23 and 24 weeks of gestation, and forbids the state from enforcing or adopting policies that interfere with that right. But that hasn’t stopped Arizona’s Republican congressional delegation from continuing to back a federal ban or deterred Republican state lawmakers from passing measures designed to circumvent the abortion rights amendment. Reproductive rights advocates fear that awarding the governor’s seat to Biggs would usher in even more attacks on the procedure from GOP lawmakers, this time without a veto buffer. “I’m grateful that the voters of our state passed Proposition 139 back in 2024 to protect the right of reproductive care into our Constitution,” Allen-Herried said. “But we have to be vigilant against attempts from state leaders to chip away at that right.” Allen-Herried lambasted the political push to restrict abortion access, saying that it only serves to hurt and endanger women. She shared that, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion in 2022 and Arizona was vacillating between bans, one of her patients was forced to carry a pregnancy to term, despite a fetal diagnosis of anencephaly, a fatal condition in which parts of the brain and skull aren’t formed. Awarding Biggs the governorship, Allen-Herried said, would have devastating consequences for women across the state. “Arizona deserves a governor who believes that healthcare should be more accessible, more affordable and guided by medical evidence, not by political ideology,” she said. Dr. Eve Shapiro, a Tucson pediatrician who has worked with Arizona families for more than 40 years, highlighted the healthcare cuts Biggs has supported as proof that he is the wrong choice to lead the state. Last year, Congressional Republicans successfully negotiated a sweeping tax and spending package, dubbed “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” that slashed Medicaid spending and failed to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that have proved critical for millions of Americans to afford their health insurance coverage. Biggs voted for the funding plan and vocally opposed reviving the insurance premium tax credits, falsely claiming that the program was rife with abuse. The fallout from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has been deeply felt across the country. In Arizona, more than 121,000 people dropped their health insurance plans after the tax credits expired, and that number is expected to keep growing. The impact of the $880 billion cut to Medicaid is less immediately visible, in large part because the funding reduction is slated to start in earnest next year, but health policy experts project that they will lead to the closure of hundreds of hospitals and the loss of coverage for more than 11 million low income Americans. As many as eight Arizona hospitals are at risk of shutting their doors or dramatically reducing their services because of the funding loss. Shapiro, who said many of the families she works with rely on federally funded aid programs, like the premium tax credits or the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the state’s Medicaid program, said that making it harder for people to afford their health insurance leads to a harmful domino effect. “Health insurance means cancer is caught earlier, diabetes is managed before complications develop,” she said. “Children…get care for asthma, allowing them to be able to run and play safely with their friends, they get vaccines that keep them from getting preventable diseases.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Arizona Mirror
	Scott County taxpayers spent $1.3M on outside jail beds as sheriff urges Iowa prison expansion to ease county costs Scott County spent $1.3 million housing detainees elsewhere in FY2025 as its sheriff called for more Iowa prison space.
	Emergency responders extricate man from car at crash site on Route 150 Emergency responders are at the scene of a crash that happened shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday about halfway between Coal Valley and Orion on Route 150, which was completely blocked at 7 p.m. Our Quad Cities News crew saw a car and a pickup truck, which may have been pulling a trailer, at the scene. [...]
	Brady Street Sprints ring in Bix 7 weekend The 3rd annual Hilltop Brady Street Party is going on before the race kicks off.
	Bettendorf School Board hears public reaction to recent superintendent moves The Bettendorf School Board heard praise, questions and criticism of recent leadership decisions, including a settlement agreement with the former superintendent and the hiring process for the interim superintendent.
	Short-term workforce programs now eligible for Pell Grant funding As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, these career training programs are now eligible for money that had traditionally only been available to undergraduates.
	Sharp monthly drop in Nebraskans receiving public food aid sounds alarm for advocates Data shows that Nebraska has about 25,000 fewer people receiving grocery assistance through the SNAP program since last July. Shown here are grocery shoppers at a Walmart store in Ohio.(Photo by Marty Schladen/Ohio Capital Journal)LINCOLN — The number of Nebraskans receiving public food aid has declined nearly 17%, or by about 25,000 people, since last July when Congress approved a massive 2025 tax and spending cuts package, according to newly released data from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. May through June marked the sharpest single month participation drop — nearly 6,000 — since at least 2014, says watchdog group Nebraska Appleseed. That’s when DHHS started sharing performance metrics on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as food stamps. The entrance to a Big Lots store in Portland, Oregon. (Stock photo by hapabapa/Getty Images) Groups that advocate for low-income families call the slide in SNAP participation alarming. They tie it not only to the act President Donald Trump calls big and beautiful, but also to what they view as stepped up state verification tactics that make applying more difficult. “While that is happening we haven’t seen economic conditions improve, but we have seen grocery prices and inflation go up,” said Eric Savaiano, Appleseed’s manager for food and nutrition access. He said he sees more stress on Nebraska families, emergency food systems and communities. Angie Lauritsen, director of Nebraska For Us, a nonprofit formed to monitor economic issues and federal legislation, said that “making matters more challenging” are longer SNAP application processes. The recent data, for example, shows that Nebraska’s average time to process an expedited SNAP application was more than five days in June, compared to just over three days in May and nearly three days in April. The state goal is three days or less, whereas the federal standard is seven days. The report also showed that total calls to customer service centers handling SNAP and other state economic assistance benefits jumped beyond 80,000 in June, compared to about 61,000 the month before. Wait time went up from about 13 minutes a call in May to almost 23 minutes in June. “Roadblocks and cuts are happening by design,” said Lauritsen. She noted that all the Nebraska congressional delegation voted for Trump’s tax and spending measure. Ask your neighbor? The latest DHHS report shows Nebraska SNAP enrollment at 124,299 individuals, down from nearly 150,000 last July. Officials and advocates had anticipated that eligibility changes and stricter work requirements in the new tax and spending law would reduce the number of refugees, veterans, homeless and people recently aged out of foster care who receive public food assistance. Afghan refugee, father of 10 in Nebraska, faces hunger under ‘big beautiful’ law Supporters of more stringent restrictions argue that the changes will increase accountability, self-sufficiency and help cut government spending. DHHS also has noted that Nebraska is mandated to enforce changes in the food assistance program funded by the federal government. The Department of Agriculture covers the cost of benefits. States administer the program and share those costs with the feds. In a statement Thursday, DHHS spokesman Jeff Powell said the agency is closely monitoring participation trends and their impact while also ensuring compliance with the federal law. But Savaiano says Nebraska DHHS workers more recently started asking for more detailed financial and medical information that he believes has led to unnecessary burdens and loss of food assistance to qualified Nebraskans. He said, for example, that some new and renewing SNAP applicants have had to get signed confirmation from a neighbor about who eats in their household. “The state is now requiring verification for absolutely everything,” Savaiano said. “It’s making it harder and harder for people to apply and receive SNAP.” In a tent, under a bridge Savaiano applauded Nebraska for keeping its payment error rate below 6% — one of only nine states to do so, which keeps them from having to pay for a bigger portion of SNAP benefits it pays out, starting next October. The federal government has fully paid for those benefits, but that is changing with Trump’s tax and spending bill. But he said the effort to hold down the error rate shouldn’t come at the expense of Nebraskans qualified to receive grocery assistance. The DHHS statement, while not addressing specific techniques, said SNAP recipients are able to verify eligibility through a variety of options. Powell said the agency has implemented verification options permitted under federal Food and Nutrition Administration guidelines. “These verification practices were developed using approaches that have been successfully implemented in other states and are designed to ensure eligibility determinations are accurate while complying with federal requirements,” said Powell’s statement. Malissa Lang says food aid benefits for her and her husband were cut off as she waits for his medical diagnosis. (Photo courtesy of Nebraska Appleseed) Of SNAP application times, he said applications increase substantially during summer months and that the state is “working aggressively” to address the workload while keeping “benefit accuracy” a top priority. “DHHS is committed to ensuring the correct benefits are distributed to those eligible, payment errors are minimized and any new potential financial penalties are avoided,” Powell said. Malissa Lang and her husband Dillion Taylor are among Nebraskans who said their SNAP benefits have been cut. Lang, who said she has been without the aid for six months, was among a group of homeless people who met in Lincoln on Thursday with Savaiano. Lang, 37, said she’d been receiving public food assistance as she cared for her husband, who she said has been mostly deaf since childhood. The couple lives in a tent under a bridge. She said the state wants an updated diagnosis but her husband has had a lengthy wait to get proper medical checks and documentation. Meanwhile, she said, the state required her to work and she said it was too tough to leave her husband alone, with his disability. She said they now get their food at pantries or dumpsters. “They gave me time to fix it, we just couldn’t get the documentation,” Lang said. “We’re trying, and waiting.” New statistics on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program were released this week by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. (Courtesy of DHHS) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Nebraska Examiner
	Geifman Group closes on purchase of former Quad-City Times building The nearly 123,000-square-foot space was the headquarters for the Quad-City Times from the building's construction in 1989 until late last year.
	Senate Democrats criticize AG’s office for not disbursing opioid settlement money Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird touts the Billion Pill Pledge as an effective part of the state's crusade against the opioid crisis. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Iowa Senate Democrats criticized the state attorney general’s office Thursday for not distributing money from the Opioid Settlement Fund to organizations focused on opioid addiction treatment and prevention services. Iowa has received $365 million in settlement funds through several lawsuits led by the state AG’s office against opioid manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies and other parties related to the opioid crisis. The state has control over $186 million of this settlement, with the remaining $179 million of funds going directly to Iowa counties. This funding is being released between fiscal years 2021 through 2039. For the state’s portion, lawmakers established the Opioid Settlement Fund in order to distribute funds in 2022, and in 2025, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law House File 1038, a measure allocating this funding. While earlier versions of the measure had legislators designating specific organizations to receive money, the 2025 law directs the settlement money to be distributed by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and state attorney general’s office. Iowa HHS is set to control 75% of the funds and the AG’s office controls 25% — an amount that the AG’s office stated represents about $20 million by June 30, 2030. While some funds designated to HHS oversight have began to flow out to organizations providing opioid addiction treatment and prevention services in Iowa, Senate Democrats released a statement Thursday criticizing Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird for not disbursing money through the Opioid Settlement Fund more than a year after the law passed. “For over a year now, Attorney General Brenna Bird has failed to distribute even a single cent of the millions of opioid settlement dollars appropriated to her office,” Iowa Sen. Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines said in a statement. “These funds are meant to help Iowans in need, but they’re just sitting in the attorney general’s coffers gathering dust.” Petersen said not distributing these funds for support, recovery and prevention services means people struggling with substance abuse and addiction related to opioids are not getting the help they need. “There are real Iowans suffering real consequences from the opioid crisis. They need the help these dollars can provide, but the attorney general is sitting on her hands,” Petersen said. “It’s long past time to send these resources to the places where they can prevent addiction and save lives.” In a statement to Iowa Capital Dispatch, Jennifer Green, communications director for the AG’s office, said the attorney general and office staff are conducting meetings with “law enforcement, treatment facilities, care providers, and prosecutors across Iowa to hear about projects that will benefit the state and improve the lives of those dealing with addiction” as they make decisions on how to distribute the funding. But she said this process takes time. “Determining who will receive awards is a thorough process that we do not take lightly,” Green said in a statement. “We built our distribution process from scratch with the goal of fiscal responsibility and meaningful impact, and we intend to deliver on that goal.” Green said the office anticipates distributing awards “in the coming weeks” as the office’s team concludes current work to review submitted applications for the funding. She also noted that “unlike other grant administrators, our review and granting of awards will be made on a rolling basis until the conclusion of the guidelines established in HF1038.” Questions about Opioid Settlement Fund distributions can be directed to opioid.funding@ag.iowa.gov, Green said. Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Once a hostel, a new mental health group home for women opens in Salt Lake City Kearra Clark, left, and therapist Lani Gailey sit in a common area of Stonebridge, a new group home for women with mental illness, after a ribbon cutting ceremony for the facility in Salt Lake City on July 23, 2026. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch)Kelly Cockrell said when her son was killed in a car crash at the age of 24, “I just spiraled.” Cockrell, 49, said she started using drugs, lived on the streets of Salt Lake City for about five months, and attempted to take her own life before she was hospitalized. But she eventually got help from Odyssey House, a nonprofit that provides services for substance use issues, mental health and medical care for people in need. While in Odyssey House’s program, Cockrell and her best friend, Kearra Clark, 38, have been living in a sober living and mental health transitional home in Sugar House. But this week, both Cockrell and Clark will be moving into a new home that will give them and 27 other women long-term housing stability and support as they continue to heal. “It means a lot to have a safe place to come to,” Cockrell said. “It’s going to be a great opportunity, I think, for all of us to be able to have a safe space … and be able to live here for as long as we need to be here.” Kelly Cockrell checks out her bedroom at Stonebridge, a new group home for women with mental illness, after a ribbon cutting ceremony for the facility in Salt Lake City on July 23, 2026. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) State and local leaders on Thursday celebrated a ribbon cutting for Stonebridge, a 29-bed group home in Salt Lake City for women with severe mental illness that Odyssey House purchased and renovated using about $3.3 million, which included a mix of donations and funding from both the state and Salt Lake County. “It’s a miracle,” Clark said, eyes brimming with tears. Clark said she experienced homelessness after struggling to afford rent, and she’s looking forward to moving into a home where she won’t have to stress about where she’ll be living long term. “It means a lot to me,” she said. To fund Stonebridge, the Salt Lake County Council approved $1.4 million out of the county’s Medicaid reserves, according to the mayor’s office. The state Office of Homeless Services contributed $1.4 million, and Utah philanthropist Gail Miller donated about $500,000 from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. State and local leaders celebrate a ribbon cutting for Stonebridge, a new group home for women with mental illness in Salt Lake City on July 23, 2026. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, Salt Lake County Council member Aimee Winder Newton, State Homeless Coordinator Tyler Clancy and Gail Miller all spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony, lauding Stonebridge as filling a critical need, especially for people who end up living on the streets due to a lack of mental and behavioral health resources. Before it was purchased by Odyssey House, the Stonebridge building was a youth hostel. Now with newly installed air conditioning, fresh paint, a commercial kitchen, new furniture and a window in every bedroom, state and local leaders hope the bright blue building will be a place not just for recovery and healing, but community. “What makes this project so meaningful is that it recognizes the simple truth that people do better when they have both a place to live and a community to support them, and that believes in them,” Gail Miller said. The women who will live at Stonebridge, Wilson said, often haven’t lived in “safe environments.” “If we can provide a reset, that’s what we need to do,” the mayor said. “I’m excited for the futures of these incredible women, to see where this beautiful home and this safe environment can take them.” A bedroom is pictured inside Stonebridge, a new group home for women with mental illness, in Salt Lake City on July 23, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Tony Pizza with the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness) Cockrell and Clark picked rooms next door to each other. They told Utah News Dispatch in an interview after Thursday’s ribbon cutting that they’re looking forward to moving in — and they’re especially grateful that they’ll continue to receive support from their therapist, Lani Gailey, who encouraged them to attend Thursday’s festivities and stayed right by their side the whole time. “I’ve never had a close relationship with a therapist like I do with Lani,” Cockrell said. “You can text her on weekends, late at night, and she always responds. And that really means a lot.” That close support is key for the success of Stonebridge and its clients, said Adam Cohen, CEO of Odyssey House. “When these 29 women move in, they’ll have much more than a place to sleep,” he said. “They’ll have 24-hour support from caring professionals. They’ll have nutritious meals every day. They’ll have safety, stability, dignity, and a community that believes in them. Most importantly, they’ll have a place to call home, and be surrounded by people who genuinely care about them.” Gailey, the clinical director of Odyssey House’s Assertive Community Treatment Team — which provides intensive treatment, rehabilitation and support services for people with severe and persistent mental illness — said the waiting list for services averages about four to six months Visitors sit in a common area of Stonebridge, a new group home for women with mental illness, after a ribbon cutting ceremony for the facility in Salt Lake City on July 23, 2026. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) “So Odyssey adding 30 more beds, and also more down the line, is huge,” Gailey said. In coming months, two additional group homes are expected to open, Cohen said, including a 45-bed home for men and a third operated by Clinical Consultants. Together, the three homes will bring on a total of 90 new beds — which he said will “easily double” existing capacity for people with needs for substance use treatment and mental illness. “It’s huge,” he said, not just to help a population that doesn’t have enough resources, but for every individual client who has been “suffering on the street for many years, cycling in and out of the hospital, cycling in and out of jail. … This will be life changing for them.” Clients living at the group home will be referred by the Assertive Community Treatment Team, and are eligible for Medicaid to pay for their treatment. Those Medicaid dollars will pay for the facility’s ongoing costs of roughly $1.5 million a year, Cohen said. Salt Lake County’s part in making Stronebridge possible stems from the county’s Behavioral Health and Justice Action Plan, built with recommendations from the Leifman Group, a consulting group made up of national experts in behavioral health and justice system reform. Adam Cohen, CEO of Odyssey House, speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony for Stonebridge, a new group home for women with mental illness, in Salt Lake City on July 23, 2026. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) Winder Newton said one of her constituents had a son who was “dealing with schizophrenia and other severe mental health conditions, and she watched as her son’s life just deteriorated so quickly.” “It was devastating to watch the effect on him and his family,” Winder Newton said. “As our behavioral health team has been looking at the right way to help these individuals with severe mental illness, these group homes have become the answer.” The county’s $2.8 million contribution also counts toward the Utah Legislature’s local match requirement on state funding approved earlier this year as part of Gov. Spencer Cox’s administration’s efforts to improve the state’s homeless system, with a special focus on mental and behavioral health and “high utilizers” of shelters, jails and emergency rooms. “This is exactly the type of project that the state wants to prioritize going forward,” state homeless coordinator Tyler Clancy told Utah News Dispatch after the ribbon cutting. “When counties are not only prioritizing saying, ‘We want to participate,’ (but also) ‘We’re going to show our values by putting forward money,’ it’s a huge thing. We want to bring leaders from other counties here, and see what’s possible, and we think this can grow.” Kelly Cockrell, left, and Kearra Clark walk through Stonebridge, a new group home for women with mental illness, after a ribbon cutting ceremony for the facility in Salt Lake City on July 23, 2026. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Utah News Dispatch
	Road closures, forecast and more: What to know ahead of the Quad-City Times Bix 7 this weekend What started with just 84 runners in 1975 has grown to thousands of participants. Here's a look at what's in store.
	Muhlbauer defends Sand campaign’s marijuana plan at kids’ recovery facility Dave Muhlbauer, Democratic candidate for Iowa lieutenant governor, tours Ember Recovery, a rehabilitation and recovery facility in Cambridge, July 23, 2026. (Photo by Kadin Luhmann/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Dave Muhlbauer, Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, defended the Sand campaign’s cannabis legalization plan and discussed the importance of accessible behavioral health treatment for children Thursday during a campaign visit to the Ember Recovery facility in Cambridge. Ember Recovery, located in Cambridge, is part of YSS, a nonprofit organization in Ames that serves children who are facing mental health challenges, substance use and addiction, family conflict, crises and homelessness or unstable housing. Muhlbauer defends Sand’s marijuana plan Dave Muhlbauer, Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, tours Ember Recovery, a rehabilitation and recovery facility, guided by YSS president and CEO Andrew Allen, Cambridge, July 23, 2026 (Photo by Kadin Luhmann/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Andrew Allen, president and CEO of Ember Recovery, told Muhlbauer that he is concerned about the Sand campaign’s plan to “legalize, tax and regulate” recreational cannabis for adult-use in Iowa. Muhlbauer is Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand’s running mate. Allen said children can be exposed to cannabis at extremely young ages, and the legalization of recreational marijuana in Iowa could potentially lead to more issues. “It’s something that you know causes some concern to us, especially as it relates to the perception of risk for young people,” Allen said. “I’m guessing we can all agree that young people should not be smoking marijuana.” Allen cited that 1 in 6 people struggle with substance abuse in their lifetime, with 90% of those people’s addictions beginning during their teenage years. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. “If someone is exposed to drugs or alcohol before age 14, it’s almost a 50% chance that they’re going to have an issue,” Allen said. “If you can keep them until age 18 from first exposure, it’s like 5%, so the longer we can delay the first exposure to drugs or alcohol, the better off all families are going to be. Our concern is that legalized recreational marijuana means a reduced perception of risk, more kids potentially using and more investments that we’re going to have to make as a state from a treatment standpoint.” Muhlbauer said young people accessing cannabis is not the “intent” of the Sand campaign, and if elected, Sand plans to regulate marijuana similarly to alcohol. “The plan is to treat it much like alcohol, limit the marketing, and the advertising and put a framework and structure on it for those people that are already doing it,” Muhlbauer said. Muhlbauer added that it is a focus of the Sand campaign to ensure young people will not be “enticed” by the legalization of cannabis. “I’m here today because I realize that behavioral health and substance use is a crisis in Iowa, and we want to do our part as well to make sure that we better treat our youth, so they have a brighter future,” Muhlbauer said. Mulhbauer cites family connection to Ember facility Muhlbauer said one of his children was admitted to the facility nearly one year ago during a crisis. Muhlbauer said he only knew of the facility because of a connection and would not have known where to go for help otherwise. Democrat Dave Muhlbauer, candidate for Iowa lieutenant governor, speaks to reporters July 23, 2026, after touring Ember Recovery in Cambridge, Iowa. (Photo by Kadin Luhmann/Iowa Capital Dispatch) “Last fall, we were harvesting corn, and later that evening, my wife met me at the door with our kids because we were in a crisis moment,” Muhlbauer said. “The uncertainty of where your family is at, the future of one of your kids, and knowing that they need help, but not knowing exactly where to go, it’s nerve-wracking.” Muhlbauer said his fears went away when he walked into the Ember Recovery facility, as the comforting environment led him to believe that the family was in “a good place.” Muhlbauer participated in a tour of the facility, and a roundtable discussion, where he and four others discussed gaps in Iowa behavioral health treatment for children, and what the Rob Sand for Iowa campaign can do to address the issue. “I’m here today because I realize that behavioral health and substance use is a crisis in Iowa, and we want to do our part as well to make sure that we better treat our youth, so they have a brighter future,” Muhlbauer said. During press availability after the roundtable, Muhlbauer praised Ember Recovery’s efforts in helping young Iowans. “The takeaway is the passion. There’s a genuine passion here to help young adults and youth get on the right path and see a brighter future,” Muhlbauer said. “Andrew has a bigger vision of Iowa being in a better place in these crisis areas, and you’re seeing that through their actions that are reaching people, and we’d like to help them reach more people and put us in the right direction.” Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Day 5 of RAGBRAI is winding down Today's 87-mile ride from Marshalltown to Independence is the longest of this year's ride.
	Trump to impose double-digit tariffs on dozens of countries The United States will slap taxes of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries accounting for 99% of U.S. imports, charging that they have inadequately enforced bans on goods produced by forced labor.
	Fewer Florida residents are receiving federal food benefits Florida has seen one of the largest dips in the number of people receiving food benefits in the last year. (Getty Images)The number of Florida residents who receive federal food assistance dropped by 23% during the past year, state data published this month show. There were 2,285,099 residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in June, down from the 2,970,283 in June 2025, data maintained by the Department of Children and Families show. That’s about a 23% reduction. SNAP enrollment dropped steadily in each of the past 12 months. Although significant, the decrease was outpaced by the 26.1% reduction in financial assistance awarded, from nearly $541 million in June 2025 to about $399 million last month. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Enrollment in social services programs such as SNAP is countercyclical, meaning it increases as the economy worsens. But the drop-off in SNAP enrollment occurred even as the state’s unemployment rate increased during the year, U.S. Bureau and Labor Statistics data show. The number of enrollees in SNAP was dipping before the July 2025 enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act but increased as the law took effect. The law slashes spending on the food security program by $187 billion over a decade. To accomplish those costs savings, Congress required states with SNAP payment error rates of more than 6% to contribute toward the costs of the food beginning next year. Under the law, states with error rates of 10% or more would have to contribute 15% toward food costs, which puts Florida on track to have to pay upward of $1 billion to maintain food benefits at existing levels. Payment error rates measure the accuracy of each state’s eligibility and benefit determinations and include overpayments and underpayments. The federal law also: Limited the categories of lawfully present immigrants who could qualify for benefits. Extend work requirements to older adults aged 55 through 64 and parents with children aged 14 and older. Eliminated work requirement exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young people who recently aged out of foster care. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); SNAP provides nutritional support for low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes. Although funded by the federal government, SNAP in Florida is administered by DCF’s Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency, which is responsible for determining eligibility. National trend Florida is not the only state to see a reduction in SNAP enrollees, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, but it experienced one of the more noticeable dips. Nationwide, SNAP participation fell by more than 4.5 million people, or about 11%, since the federal budget bill took effect, the nonpartisan research and policy institute reports. Arizona saw a 44% reduction in its SNAP participation from July 2025 to June 2026 and Louisiana had a 21% reduction. The center put Florida’s reduction rate at 21% and Oklahoma’s at 18%. The center relied on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Federal data differ from state data due to differences in state and federal reporting protocols. The atrophy in enrollment occurred despite a double-digit increase in the number of requests for assistance, which from June 2025 to June 2026 jumped by 15.2% Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Crime Stoppers: Woman wanted by high risk unit for escape from Iowa work release program Fugitive Brieanna Summers, 37, is wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections' High Risk Unit for escaping a work release program, officials say.
	Crime Stoppers: Suspects burglarized Galaxy Vape in 32 seconds Moline police are searching for two men who broke into Galaxy Vape on Avenue of the Cities and stole THC products in just 32 seconds on Tuesday.
	Crime Stoppers: Iowa High Risk Unit searching for wanted sex offender registry violation Brian J. Hamilton, 34, is wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections' High Risk Unit for a second-offense sex offender registry violation.
	Pleasant temperatures ahead of dangerous heat & humidity Pleasant weather settles in, cooler through end of work week
	Suspect wanted in Henry County, Iowa hit-and-run The suspect's vehicle is believed to be a white Ford Escape. Anyone with information about the driver is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff's Office.
	Students able to use federal Pell Grant dollars for eligible workforce programs Both Illinois and Iowa have some form of approval process for the programs open right now.
	Davenport businesses ready for Bix 7 surge Business owners told News 8 that the Bix weekend is the busiest of the year.
	Alabamian tests positive for measles; no exposure in state, says ADPH A woman scratches a measles rash. An Alabamian living and working outside the state tested positive for measles, the Alabama Department of Public Health reported Thursday. (Getty Images)An Alabamian living and working outside the state has tested positive for measles, but is not related to any known exposures in the state, the Alabama Department of Public Health said Thursday. The individual was unvaccinated, according to ADPH. The department was unable to release any other identifying information on Thursday afternoon. “However, it serves as a reminder that unvaccinated individuals can be exposed to measles while traveling within the United States or internationally and may unknowingly bring the virus home, where it can be spread to others,” a statement from the department said Thursday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. As of Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 2,260 cases reported by 44 states of the highly contagious virus. In 2025, there were 2,289 cases reported by 45 states. There was one confirmed case of measles in Alabama in 2025: an unvaccinated child in the northern part of the state who was under five years old. The child later recovered. Symptoms of the disease can take seven to 14 days to present after infection, and can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes and a rash. ADPH said the best way to prevent measles is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children should get the first dose of the vaccine between 12 and 15 months, and the second dose between 4 and 6 years old before starting school. Adults should get one or two doses depending on individual risk factors, according to the department. “Measles is a serious, highly contagious viral respiratory illness that spreads through droplets sprayed into the air when someone with measles sneezes or coughs. If exposed, unvaccinated people have a 90 percent chance of becoming infected,” the department’s statement read Thursday. According to the CDC, 95.2% of Alabama kindergarteners were vaccinated against the disease for the 2024-25 school year. In the 2023-24 school year, 93.8% of kindergarteners were vaccinated. Herd immunity against the disease is reached at 95% vaccination. Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	Arkansas unveils new app aimed at protecting food stamp recipients from scammers Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of County Operations Director Mary Franklin presents an updated version of the agency's app that manages food stamp benefits at a news conference on July 23, 2026. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)The Arkansas Department of Human Services will launch a new app next week that will better protect food stamp beneficiaries from scammers, the agency announced Thursday. The ebtEDGE New app will launch Monday as part of DHS’ switch from Conduent to Fidelity Information Services as the vendor that manages the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Electronic Benefit Transfer system, known as SNAP EBT. Division of County Operations Director Mary Franklin said the state switched vendors as part of DHS’ regularly scheduled competitive re-procurement process. While Arkansas was changing vendors, Arkansas’ SNAP benefits were targeted for theft, Franklin said in a news conference. She said she did not know exactly how many EBT cardholders were targeted. “Earlier in the summer, we saw a large number of suspicious transactions, which caused us at that time to work with our current EBT vendor and [enact] a reset of all the PIN numbers for those cards,” Franklin said. Fidelity Information Services’ app has extra safety features to prevent fraud, such as blocking out-of-state purchases with EBT cards and locking a card when not using it, according to a DHS news release. SNAP recipients can download ebtEDGE New only from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store or by visiting ar.gov/snap. Arkansas launches mobile app to navigate new food stamps junk food ban The new app is DHS’ second in a month related to SNAP. The agency in June launched AR SNAP Companion, which allows users to scan grocery items with their phone cameras to learn whether a product can be purchased with food stamps. Arkansas is one of several states that received federal permission to ban the use of SNAP funds to purchase soda, candy, juices with less than 50% natural juice and other highly processed foods. The ban went into effect July 1. Experts have raised concerns that the increased digitization of SNAP, including the use of apps, makes food aid more difficult for senior citizens and other technologically challenged groups to access. Courtesy of Arkansas Advocate
	Former JI Case Plant demolition underway Crews are tearing down the former JI Case Plant in Bettendorf.
	Another cyclospora outbreak not linked to lettuce under investigation: FDA At least 72 cases have been linked to this outbreak.
	Davenport woman charged in connection with suspected heroin overdose death A Davenport woman has been charged following the suspected overdose death of a man in May.
	NLRB board certifies union election of St. Mary’s Hospital nurses in Madison Nurses at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison have petitioned for an election to vote on joining the Service Employees International Union. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner)The union election of nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison was certified Wednesday after a regional office of the National Labor Relations Board overruled the objections of the hospital’s parent company, SSM Health. On June 11, nurses at the hospital voted 89% to form a union. It was the largest representation election in Wisconsin in at least a quarter century. The nursing staff at St. Mary’s previously told the Wisconsin Examiner that they were seeking to form a union over concerns about procedures, staffing and compensation and a lack of responsiveness from hospital management. The St. Louis-based SSM Health had objected to the election, arguing that charge nurses at the hospital should not be allowed to vote or join the union because they hold a supervisory role. At the nearby Meriter Hospital in Madison, charge nurses are part of the union. The company had filed its objections about the charge nurses prior to the election but the NLRB had decided to delay ruling on the question and the charges nurses were allowed to vote but their ballots were kept separate. The hospital system’s objections included claims that the delayed decision affected the election results, that charge nurses engaged in pro-union electioneering, that the union caused disruptions to the hospital’s human resources staff, that a pro-union staffer brought cookies to the voting area and that union supporters tried to enter the voting area. Jennifer Hadsall, the director of the NLRB region that includes Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and parts of Iowa, wrote in her ruling that for most of the objections, the system did not include proof of the complaint or that the activity affected the election results. “I have concluded, for the reasons set forth in this decision, that the offer of proof produced by the Employer is not sufficient to meet its burden of showing that the proffered evidence would be grounds for setting aside the election if introduced and credited at a hearing,” Hadsall wrote. While the election was certified, the board has still not ruled on the question of charge nurses joining the union. After the ruling, nurses at the hospital celebrated the decision and urged hospital management to stop working to prevent the unionization and instead start bargaining. “The Labor Board has spoken, our community has spoken, elected leaders have spoken, St. Mary’s nurses have spoken, and we have resoundingly declared that it’s time for SSM to respect our union vote so we can start working on solutions for our patients,” Zach Zahalka, a nurse in the hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab, said in a statement. “As nurses, this work is a calling, and our primary role is to be our patients’ advocates. Forming our union is an extension of that patient advocacy, and we urgently have to solve the crisis of understaffing and loss of experienced nurses at St. Mary’s.” “SSM needs to stop trying to undermine our union,” he added, “and instead focus all their resources on engaging with us productively so that together we can create real solutions for better staffing and retention to provide the best care.” Lisa Adams, a spokesperson for the hospital, said in a statement that the hospital is reviewing the decision. “SSM Health respects the federal labor law process. We have received the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) staff decision and are reviewing it,” she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Wisconsin Examiner
	Nick Gow named Muscatine Parks and Recreation Director Muscatine has a new Parks and Recreation Director. The city has named Nick Gow as the new Parks and Recreation Director, effective July 22. City Administrator Matt Mardesen announced the appointment after a competitive selection process that highlighted Gow’s leadership experience, operational knowledge and commitment to community‑focused recreation services. Gow graduated from Iowa State University [...]
	How to keep an ancient text interesting to students? Make it a summer blockbuster English teachers are excited to have a new adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey to use to get students excited about the epic poem.
	New Mexico court officials report positive early data from new competency, diversion law New Mexico’s largest jail, the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center, has often functioned as one the state’s largest mental healthcare providers. (Source NM file photo)Officials with New Mexico’s Administrative Office of the Courts on Thursday told a panel of state lawmakers that they’re seeing encouraging preliminary results from a 2025 law that expanded judges’ abilities to order defendants to undergo treatment if they’re found not competent to stand trial.SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the law last year at the same signing ceremony as the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act, which seeks to rebuild the state’s behavioral healthcare system. At the time, she said the two pieces of legislation would work together to combat the state’s outsized rates of crime and mental health crises. At an interim Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee hearing in Las Vegas on Thursday, court officials said that the law has already appeared to lead to fewer repeat arrests, although they noted the data is preliminary. Previously, if a felony-level defendant was found to be dangerous and not competent to stand trial, judges could only order them to be committed at a psychiatric facility, according to the state Legislative Council Service. The new law allows judges to order treatment at community-based programs in addition to psychiatric facilities, and includes defendants charged with misdemeanors, as well. While the law was working its way through the Roundhouse in the 2025 legislative session, behavioral healthcare advocates expressed concerns over the lack of a statewide competency restoration program. To that end, AOC’s Senior Statewide Behavioral Health Program Manager Stacey Boone told lawmakers that the courts have piloted assisted outpatient treatment programs in three of the state’s 13 judicial districts since early 2025. “We have served over 400 individuals through our competency diversion pilot program,” Boone said, adding that she and her colleagues are working to expand eligibility to defendants who do not have a history of being found not competent to stand trial. “We want them to get diverted out so that they don’t have to develop that history to be eligible for these types of initiatives.” Diversion efforts, which offer treatment rather than prosecution to defendants with severe mental illnesses, have so far been effective, Boone said. For instance, early data shows that defendants who go through a diversion program have “significantly lower odds” of new criminal activity. One lawmaker on the committee, Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces), countered that the data could be misleading. Those people might still be committing crimes and just not getting arrested, he said. “They haven’t been caught committing new crimes,” he said. “I’m not saying they are. I’m saying we don’t know.” Discussion at the Thursday morning hearing focused on the overlap between the so-called competency law and a broader effort — led by officials from the Administrative Office of the Courts, the New Mexico Health Care Authority and behavioral health experts — to rebuild the state’s behavioral health network, Cervantes also questioned whether these entities are the right ones to oversee the effort. New Mexico lawmakers express frustration with long process to rebuild behavioral health system An executive committee has overseen the effort in which local leaders from 13 behavioral health regions in the state, mirrored after the 13 judicial districts, file plans with the state detailing the behavioral health gaps and priorities in their communities. So far, the committee has approved two of those regional plans and expects to vote on the majority of those still outstanding at an August meeting. Recently, some lawmakers have criticized the committee for not yet adopting a comprehensive statewide plan to address these needs. On Thursday, however, Cervantes, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, told his panel of fellow lawmakers that he was concerned the judicial branch was taking on matters outside of its scope. “I think the judiciary should not become social workers — and that’s what’s happening,” he said. Courtesy of Source New Mexico
	Henry County, Iowa, Sheriff needs help finding hit-and-run suspect The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help finding a hit-and-run suspect Thursday afternoon.
	Chick-fil-A warns cyberattack may have exposed customer data in Iowa, other states Some Chick-fil-A loyalty members may have had their personal information exposed following a recent cyberattack, the company said.
	Trump allies could weaken historic preservation rules to fast-track federal projects A council packed with Trump appointees is poised to rewrite historic preservation rules. Critics say that could help him build his D.C. arch faster — and endanger important sites across the country.
	Trump allies are poised to weaken protections for historic sites — not just in D.C. A council packed with Trump appointees is poised to rewrite historic preservation rules. Critics say that could help him build his D.C. arch faster — and endanger important sites across the country.
	Davenport family to host 8th annual gun violence prevention walk The public is invited to the walk this Saturday at 10 a.m. from the intersection of 4th and Warren streets to the Davenport police station.
	Gov. Pritzker signs bill to honor Emmett Till and his mother Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 4323 to designate July 25 as Emmett Till Day in Illinois, honoring the legacy of the young civil rights icon and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley.
	Sprints set to kick off Thursday ahead of weekend’s signature road race The MercyOne Brady Street Sprints begin tonight at 7 p.m. in Davenport, featuring runners racing up the iconic hill.
	MVF's General Manager talks 'Tiger King' and Grand Stand on the Getting To Know Podcast Mississippi Valley Fair General Manager Shawn Loter joined Chief Meteorologist Andy McCray on the Getting to Know Podcast to discuss the logistics, costs, and upcoming plans for the 2026 fair.
	Temperatures to increase next week. Oklahoma City Zoo shortens hours in response A Sumatran tiger cub climbs on a log at the Oklahoma City Zoo on May 1, 2026. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice)OKLAHOMA CITY — Intense heat is expected to continue around Oklahoma as triple-digit temperatures increase in the next week. The National Weather Service in Norman forecasts it will feel like between 105 to 110 degrees next week across Oklahoma. Actual temperatures are expected to reach 100 to 105 degrees. John Pike, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said he expects heat advisories to continue to be issued around the state as temperatures rise. Pike says next week’s temperatures are expected to be higher than normal for this time of the year, which are usually between the mid-to-upper 90s. He recommends Oklahomans limit time outside, especially from afternoon to sundown, stay hydrated and be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include dizziness, thirst, nausea and weakness. Oklahoma City news station KFOR reported Wednesday emergency medical services system EMSA has responded to 80 heat-related illness calls in Oklahoma City this month and transported 58 patients to nearby hospitals for heat-related illness complications. Ahead of the temperature hikes, the Oklahoma City Zoo announced that beginning Sunday the zoo’s public visiting hours will be shortened to 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The abbreviated schedule will run through Thursday though its summer camps and preschool program will continue as normal. The zoo encouraged visitors to use water refill stations and find shaded areas around the park. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Oklahoma Voice
	Roadway improvements close part of 12th Street, Rock Island Rock Island has a new roadway improvement project starting next week. A news release from the city’s Public Works Department said 12th Street between 7th Avenue and 10th Avenue will be closed to traffic for roadway improvements, starting on Monday, July 27. Drivers should expect delays in the area and are encouraged to plan alternate [...]
	Registration open for Bettendorf’s Citizen Academy Officials said students will get an in-depth look at how the city government works by exploring all 12 city departments.
	Unemployment unchanged in Illinois Quad Cities: Report New numbers show that unemployment in the Illinois Quad Cities has not changed since last year, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over the year, total nonfarm jobs increased in five metropolitan areas, including seven consecutive months of year-over-year job growth for [...]
	Nearly 4 in 5 homeowners worry about summer energy bills. Most haven’t done one big thing that could help Nearly 4 in 5 homeowners worry about summer energy bills. Most haven’t done one big thing that could helpFor many Americans, summer doesn't just bring higher temperatures—it also brings higher electricity bills.A new HarrisX survey commissioned by Palmetto finds that concerns about the cost of keeping homes cool are widespread. Nearly 8 in 10 U.S. adults (79%) say they are concerned about their home energy bills this summer, while 75% are worried specifically about the impact heat waves could have on those costs.The findings come as much of the United States experiences prolonged periods of extreme summer heat and many households continue to grapple with higher living costs. Utilities across the country have sought electricity rate increases in recent years, while hotter temperatures have driven greater demand for air conditioning, making energy affordability an increasingly important issue for homeowners.Despite these concerns, many homeowners have yet to make home improvements that could help lower their long-term energy use.Homeowners recognize the value of energy-efficient HVAC systemsHeating and cooling are among the largest sources of residential energy use, particularly during the summer months. As older air conditioning systems become less efficient, they can consume more electricity while providing less effective cooling.The HarrisX survey found that homeowners understand the potential benefits of upgrading. More than 4 in 5 homeowners (83%) believe installing a more energy-efficient HVAC system would help make their homes more efficient.Yet only 30% say they have upgraded or replaced their HVAC system with a more energy-efficient model.That disconnect suggests that while homeowners recognize the value of efficiency, many face obstacles that prevent them from taking action. Palmetto Upfront cost remains the biggest barrierFor homeowners who have not upgraded their HVAC systems, the largest obstacle is financial.Among respondents who have not made an energy-efficient HVAC upgrade, 42% say the upfront cost is the primary reason they have delayed doing so.Replacing a heating and cooling system often represents one of the largest investments homeowners make. Although newer systems may reduce monthly operating costs over time, the initial expense can be difficult for many households to absorb, particularly as budgets remain under pressure from higher prices across many categories.The survey suggests that affordability remains a key factor shaping homeowners' decisions about energy improvements.Many homeowners need more information before getting startedCost is not the only challenge homeowners face.Among those who have not upgraded their HVAC systems:12% say they do not know enough about the benefits of energy-efficient systems.12% say they are unsure where to begin.10% say navigating the installation or upgrade process feels too complicated.These findings indicate that many homeowners may benefit from clearer information about available technologies, installation options, rebates, tax incentives and financing opportunities before deciding to move forward with a project.Reducing complexity may be just as important as reducing cost in helping more households make energy improvements.Small improvements can also make a differenceWhile replacing an HVAC system is one of the largest energy-related investments a homeowner can make, experts generally recommend starting with improvements that reduce overall energy demand.Sealing air leaks, improving insulation, installing programmable or smart thermostats, replacing air filters regularly, and scheduling routine HVAC maintenance can all help improve system performance and reduce energy consumption. For homeowners ready to replace aging equipment, newer high-efficiency air conditioners and heat pumps may provide additional savings while improving indoor comfort.The right approach will vary depending on a home's age, location, climate, and existing equipment, but reducing wasted energy can often help lower cooling costs over time.Energy efficiency is increasingly about affordabilityThe survey findings point to a broader shift in how Americans think about home energy improvements.While energy efficiency has often been associated with environmental goals, homeowners today increasingly view it through a financial lens. Rising utility bills, hotter summers, and ongoing cost pressures are making efficiency a practical household budgeting strategy as much as a sustainability consideration.As temperatures continue to climb and energy demand remains high, many homeowners appear ready to reduce their energy costs. The challenge is no longer convincing them that energy efficiency works—it's helping them overcome the financial and informational barriers that stand between intention and action.Methodology: The HarrisX survey on behalf of Palmetto was conducted online among 1,070 adults in the United States between June 5, 2026, and June 8, 2026.Respondents were recruited through opt-in, web-panel sampling. Recruitment occurs through a broad variety of professional, validated respondent panels to expand the sampling frame as wide as possible and minimize the impact of any given panel on recruiting methods.The sampling margin of error of this survey is +/- 3 percentage points. Margins of error for subgroups are larger and vary depending on sample size. Results were weighted by gender, age, race/ethnicity, region, and income, where necessary to align with the demographic composition of the U.S. adult population.This story was produced by Palmetto and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Moore Caffeine in Silvis to hold ribbon-cutting on Saturday The shop has an array of new and unique energy drinks, inspired by cultures around the world.
	Iowa’s newest rock climbing destination takes climbers to new heights A new outdoor climbing area in Jackson County is the first of its scale to open in the state in more than a decade. Volunteers passionate about opening more access to climbing in Iowa developed the site earlier this summer.
	For a 2nd time, House approves resolution to end the war in Iran in a rebuke to Trump Four Republicans joined Democrats to approve the measure. And while it is not legally binding, the resolution represents growing frustration inside Congress over the war.
	Here’s how often jewelry should be appraised Here’s how often jewelry should be appraisedHow often should jewelry be appraised for insurance or other purposes? Experts recommend updating your jewelry appraisal every two to three years. You should also do this sooner if you upgrade the piece, prices shift significantly, or your insurer asks for updated documentation.Older appraisals can become outdated as replacement values change over time, and if you don’t have an up-to-date, accurate appraisal, it could mean your insurance coverage is likewise inaccurate, complicating your claims.So, how often should you appraise jewelry?Reappraise every two to three years in general.Update your appraisal sooner if you make changes to the piece or the market changes.Keep a copy of your latest appraisal stored in a safe, easily accessible place.Below, BriteCo explains how to determine whether your current appraisal is outdated and how to update it.Key Considerations for Appraisal FrequencyWhen deciding how often to get jewelry appraised, the two- to three-year rule is a safe bet. That being said, some situations do justify updating your appraisal sooner, e.g., if current market conditions change, your insurance company requests it, or you change the piece in some way, such as upgrading the gemstone quality.Factors that can influence how often to appraise jewelry include:Insurance requirements: An insurance provider may require updated appraisals every two to three years to ensure your coverage reflects current replacement value.Market trends: Significant changes in the price of precious metals like gold or platinum, or diamonds, can justify a reappraisal, so that your documented appraised value remains realistic. Heavier, high-gold-content pieces may need more frequent adjustments, and because gold and silver prices have fluctuated significantly in recent years, maintaining them can cost more over time.Significant alterations: If the piece has been resized, reset, upgraded, engraved, or otherwise changed, it should be reappraised promptly.Condition changes: If the item is damaged, scratched, or has loose stones, a new appraisal can better document its current condition.Why Appraisal Timing MattersReappraisal timing matters because an outdated appraisal may no longer reflect your jewelry’s current replacement cost. If your insurance coverage does not reflect the true replacement value, you may end up paying out of pocket for a replacement or repair when making a claim, due to the lack of accurate coverage.Keep in mind:Replacement costs often change over time.Older documents may be questioned when you make a claim.Regular updates and having an up-to-date appraisal ensure your insurance documentation is actually useful.While it’s true that automatic annual insurance value updates that some companies offer can help keep coverage aligned with market changes between formal appraisals, they still do not replace the appraisal jewelry needs after material changes to the piece.The goal is not just to have an appraisal report. Rather, it’s to consistently have one that’s current enough to make sure you have proper insurance coverage.When You Should Update an Appraisal SoonerYou should get a new appraisal sooner than two to three years if something significant changes about the jewelry or its replacement value.For example, jewelry values can be impacted by factors such as:A stone carat weight or setting upgradeA reset or major repairChanging market prices for the piece’s gemstone or metal typeAll of these necessitate a fresh appraisal, but you should also consider getting a more recent appraisal if you inherit an older piece that hasn’t been appraised in a while, or simply if your insurer asks for one.So, if you had a family heirloom engagement ring upgraded for a new proposal, get a new appraisal. Inherited an heirloom piece with incomplete or outdated paperwork? New appraisal.How to Tell If Your Current Appraisal Is OutdatedHere are five signs your previous appraisals are outdated and you need to get your jewelry appraised ASAP:The appraisal is more than two to three years old.The value seems outdated based on your knowledge of the market.The jewelry has changed in any way.The appraisal report is missing a detailed description and/or photos.You would hesitate to rely on the appraisal for insurance or replacement purposes.While an appraisal doesn’t come with a strict expiration date, older appraisals are more likely to be less accurate and, thus, less useful.Does Every Piece of Jewelry Need the Same Appraisal Schedule?The two- to three-year rule helps determine the value of most insurable jewelry, but some pieces deserve closer attention, such as engagement rings or heirloom pieces.Here’s what jewelry owners need to know about picking an appraisal schedule based on jewelry type. BriteCo What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Reappraise Jewelry?Waiting too long to reappraise jewelry can leave you with paperwork that no longer matches the piece’s retail replacement value based on current market demand. Your piece may be underinsured, or the carrier may reject the appraisal and require a more recent valuation.If your appraisal doesn’t match your item’s true market value, you could run into issues such as:Inaccurate insurance coverageHassles when trying to prove valueMissed chances to catch condition issues during routine reviewsFor example, if a ring was appraised at $5,000 a few years ago but now the cost to replace it is $7,500, that outdated paperwork and valuation could leave the owner $2,500 short at insurance claim time.Remember, a sales receipt or GIA diamond certificate is not the same as a jewelry appraisal. Only a formal appraisal provides the documentation insurers usually need regarding the monetary value.Where to Update Your Jewelry AppraisalIf it’s time to update your appraisal, the simplest options are a local trusted jeweler, an independent professional jewelry appraiser, or an online appraisal services provider.Who’s the right appraiser for you?Choose a local professional appraiser for convenience.Find an independent, uniquely qualified jewelry appraiser for specialist evaluations.Go with a trustworthy online jewelry appraiser for a faster, more budget-friendly appraisal.FAQs About How Often Jewelry Should Be AppraisedWhen should you get jewelry appraised?A reliable frequency is every two to three years.Is every two to three years the right rule for most jewelry?Yes, experts advise scheduling regular appraisals for your jewelry every two to three years to ensure an accurate assessment of its true worth for insurance purposes in case it is lost, stolen, or damaged.Should I get my jewelry appraised soon after an upgrade?Yes, if your jewelry is ever upgraded (e.g., you invest in more expensive metals and gemstones, or larger diamonds), get a new appraisal that will reflect the updated true value and cost of your piece to ensure it’s fully protected.How long is a jewelry appraisal good for?Jewelry appraisals do not have strict expiration dates, but experts advise getting a new appraisal every two to three years.Does an old appraisal still work for insurance?An old appraisal, such as that which might come with a family heirloom, is not ideal for insurance, as it likely does not reflect the piece's current value.Jewelry Appraisal Timing: Quick Recap and Next StepReappraise jewelry every two to three years as a default, and sooner if the piece changes, the value of the jewelry market changes, or the current paperwork is outdated. If your appraisal is already past that window, update it now and keep the newest copy somewhere easy to access.This story was produced by BriteCo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Hotel sustainability and revenue: What a 2026 industry report found Hotel sustainability and revenue: What a 2026 industry report foundSustainability stopped being a hotel's side project the moment it became a booking filter. Eco-certified properties now see up to 24.5% higher booking share than uncertified competitors, and travelers say they'll pay a premium to stay somewhere with credible environmental credentials.Uniqode's 2026 report, Sustainability in Hospitality: The Operational Playbook for Hotels, digs into what's driving that shift. The report, based on publicly available data on sustainability in the hospitality industry from 2021 to 2026, also examines where hotels lose guest trust by overclaiming, and how going paperless is one of the rare sustainability investments that pays for itself through reduced operating costs and first-party guest data. The gap between what properties are doing and what they communicate is where revenue leaks to competitors. Below, Uniqode explores this report’s findings and how to address that gap directly.Key takeawaysEco-certified hotels see up to 24.5% higher booking share and travelers report willingness to pay a 5% premium for eco-certified stays, but the report's real warning is about the gap between what properties do and what they say.67% of travelers say they've encountered misleading environmental claims during a hotel stay. Greenwashing risk usually comes from a documentation gap between what was claimed and what can be verified.A three-tier framework (quick wins, operational investments, structural commitments) gives any property, regardless of ESG budget, a place to start and a way to build credibility in sequence.Specific, dated, measurable claims outperform vague ones. "We eliminated 40,000 single-use plastic items" converts better at the booking stage than "we're committed to sustainability."Going paperless is the report's most measurable recommendation.Sustainability claims need to show up at three separate moments in the guest journey (pre-stay, in-stay, post-stay).Why sustainability now moves RevPAR, not just reputationThe report leads with specific numbers: According to Green Key Global 2025 data, eco-certified hotels see a 24.5% increase in booking share compared to uncertified properties, and travelers report willingness to pay a 5% premium for eco-conscious accommodation. Sustainable properties reportedly achieve 12% higher average daily rate (ADR) and 23% better occupancy.Consider a 150-room property operating at 70% occupancy with a $200 ADR. Annual room revenue is roughly $7.6 million. For the estimated 20% of bookings from eco-conscious guests, a 12% ADR premium adds approximately $184,000 in additional annual room revenue. Uniqode Demand spans every generation. Millennials represent an estimated $200 billion in spending power and 82% say they want vacations with minimal environmental impact, while Gen Z travelers show even stronger preferences for sustainable, experience-driven stays. Baby boomers, meanwhile, are more likely to translate sustainability values into daily behaviors like reducing waste and shopping locally. The opportunity spans the entire guest base.Pro tip: Any sustainability investment needs a measurable connection to RevPAR to survive a conversation with a CFO, so you should frame every initiative around a measurable business outcome.The greenwashing trap (and why honest hotels fall into it anyway)The report also notes that greenwashing in hospitality is rarely deliberate. It's usually a documentation gap between a well-meaning claim and the evidence needed to defend it. A marketing team describes a pilot program as if it were company-wide, or promotes an aspirational goal as a current achievement.That gap is expensive. According to the report, 67% of travelers have encountered misleading environmental claims during a hotel stay, and when a claim doesn't hold up, guests start questioning the brand. That shows up in online travel agency (OTA) reviews, loyalty enrollment, and repeat bookings.In March 2024, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets ruled that Booking.com's "Travel Sustainable" program was a possibly misleading claim, since the underlying label wasn't sufficiently substantiated. Booking.com discontinued the program and shifted toward third-party certifications instead. The lesson is that sustainability claims now require evidence that holds up under regulatory and consumer scrutiny. If one of the largest OTAs in the world couldn't defend a self-assessed sustainability label, individual properties cannot afford to rely on ones they cannot independently verify.The three-tier framework for real sustainabilityThe report organizes sustainability into three tiers, ordered by complexity and the trust each one builds. Uniqode Uniqode The goal is to start where the property is today and build momentum over time. The properties that succeed convert sustainability initiatives into measurable outcomes and evidence guests can see and verify, regardless of ESG budget size.Green Key comes up as the most accessible certification entry point, recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, without the cost and complexity of larger certification programs like LEED.Measuring and reporting: The six metrics that matterThe report's fourth chapter treats measurement as a competitive advantage that most properties leave unused. Six metrics anchor the scorecard: paper reduction, energy per room per night, food waste diverted, local sourcing percent, carbon per room night, and guest participation rate. Uniqode The report recommends anchoring carbon measurement to the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI), water to the Hotel Water Measurement Initiative (HWMI), and waste to the Hotel Waste Measurement Methodology (HWMM). All three are industry-standard methodologies that make a property's numbers comparable rather than self-defined.It also breaks reporting into three moments in the guest journey: pre-stay (certification badges on OTA listings, booking-confirmation callouts) to influence the decision; in-stay (QR Code impact pages, menu sourcing callouts) to reinforce the experience; and post-stay (impact summaries, loyalty communications) to extend the story past checkout.How to talk about it without sounding like a press releaseFour principles run through the report's communication chapter, and each comes down to the same point: Specificity beats sentiment.Numbers beat adjectives. "We eliminated 40,000 single-use plastic items last year" outperforms "We're committed to reducing our environmental footprint." The difference matters every time.Translate operations into guest impact. "We reduced water consumption by 18%" is a fact. "Your towel reuse saves 18 liters of water per stay" is a story the guest is part of.The physical space outperforms the website footer. A QR Code on a dining table linking to a sourcing story is more credible than a paragraph buried in a website footer, because it meets the guest at the moment they're receptive.Third-party signals beat self-reported claims. Certification logos displayed at the booking stage are the strongest trust signal most properties already have and the most consistently underused. Uniqode The paperless property: The report's most measurable winThe report's final chapter makes the case that going paperless is the single most measurable sustainability initiative available to hotels, because it cuts costs, generates first-party guest data, and produces a guest-facing story in one motion. A 150-room property generates paper across menus, in-room directories, event programs, receipts, loyalty forms, and feedback cards. Every one of those carries both a printing cost and a reprinting cost every time something changes.Printed menus can become QR Code digital menus, in-room compendiums become a single QR Code in-room hub, and printed loyalty cards become scan-to-join enrollment with a captured opt-in. Digital menus capture item-level engagement data, while in-room hubs can cover information ranging from Wi-Fi and service requests to local guides. Wi-Fi passwords typed at the front desk become a single Wi-Fi QR Code that guests scan without asking staff for the password.First-party data matters beyond the paper savings. As third-party cookies and OTA data-sharing both tighten, every QR Code touchpoint a property owns, including menus, in-room hubs, and checkout receipts, becomes a proprietary data channel. Uniqode research found 83% of consumers are willing to share information after scanning a QR Code when data collection is transparent, and QR Codes generated nearly 27 million scans in hospitality in 2025 alone.Every step in this playbook feeds the next one. Start with a paper touchpoint audit, display the certifications you've already earned wherever booking decisions happen, and replace one touchpoint with a digital alternative. Measure the outcome, communicate it honestly, and repeat the process.Frequently Asked Questions1. Does sustainability actually affect hotel revenue, or is it just a reputation play?The report ties it directly to RevPAR: eco-certified hotels see up to 24.5% higher booking share, a reported 12% higher ADR, and 23% better occupancy versus uncertified properties. For a 150-room hotel, that can translate to roughly $184,000 in additional annual room revenue from eco-conscious guests alone.2. What is greenwashing, and how do most hotels fall into it accidentally?Greenwashing is making an environmental claim that can't be substantiated. Most greenwashing in hospitality stems from a documentation gap: the distance between what a property claims and what it can verify.3. What's the fastest, lowest-cost sustainability win for a hotel to start with?According to the report, it’s replacing paper touchpoints (menus, directories, receipts, feedback cards) with QR Codes. It cuts printing costs immediately, requires no capital project, and generates first-party guest data as a byproduct.4. How should a hotel report sustainability progress without sounding promotional?Use specific, dated, quantified claims rather than adjectives: ”We eliminated 40,000 single-use plastic items” is more credible than “we're committed to sustainability.” Communicate across all three points in the guest journey: pre-stay, in-stay, and post-stay.This story was produced by Uniqode and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How restaurants can increase value despite inflation How restaurants can increase value despite inflationThe environment for restaurant operators continues to shift quickly. Inflation has moderated from its peak, but remains structurally higher than pre‑pandemic levels, keeping pressure on food, labor, insurance, occupancy and other operating costs. In this environment, focusing on restaurant revenue growth and long-term restaurant value has become increasingly important as operators look for ways to strengthen profitability and remain competitive, Fifth Third Bank reports.Consumers are still showing a strong interest in eating out, particularly at limited‑service, fast‑casual and experience‑driven brands. At the same time, consumer behavior has become more discerning, with spending increasingly split by income level. In many cases, higher‑income consumers are still spending and even trading up while lower-income consumers pull back.Another factor restaurants need to watch closely is the relationship between grocery prices and menu prices. As of 2025, average restaurant menu prices have increased roughly 31% since February 2020, while grocery prices increased about 25% over the same period. This brings the relative value equation back into sharper focus for consumers.Increase restaurant value beyond priceTo win in this increasingly complex and competitive environment, restaurant operators will need to find ways to attract consumers beyond deals and discounts.“One thing we continue to see is that value is perception, not just price,” said Jeff Poe, managing director and head of restaurant and franchise with Fifth Third Corporate and Investment Banking. “Consumers are willing to pay for indulgence, quality ingredients, speed, accuracy and experience when it’s executed consistently.”Many of today’s strongest performers are brands that deliver a compelling value experience for the money. Companies such as Taco Bell, 7 Brew, Culver’s and Jersey Mike’s share common traits that support growth, strengthen profitability and contribute to higher restaurant valuation:Clear menu authoritySpeed and executionConsistent experienceStrong culture and brand ethosOngoing menu innovation supported by digital and social engagementFor beverage‑led brands like 7Brew, the combination of price, drive‑through speed, customizable menu and an energetic, friendly experience has been especially effective.What this means for M&AFor operators and brands considering growth, the takeaway is clear: Driving consumer traffic comes first. As restaurant operating costs continue to rise, businesses that deliver value to consumers in a disciplined, differentiated way are often better positioned to protect margins, strengthen financial performance and attract M&A interest.“When strong operations, smart growth strategies and the right capital come together, that’s when we see the best outcomes,” said Charles Hurt, managing director and head of consumer M&A with Fifth Third Corporate and Investment Banking.Moving forward for growthInflation continues to challenge the restaurant industry. Operators that establish menu authority, deliver compelling value without over‑relying on discounts and stay disciplined on execution are better positioned to grow and to remain attractive in an active M&A market.This story was produced by Fifth Third Bank and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Sprints set to kick off tonight ahead of weekend’s signature road race The MercyOne Brady Street Sprints begin tonight at 7 p.m. in Davenport, featuring runners racing up the iconic hill.
	Home-selling surges in summer. Smart financial advisors turn it into a conversation Home-selling surges in summer. Smart financial advisors turn it into a conversationAs financial professionals gear up for their summer vacations, one surprising topic isn’t quite ready to take a break. Data from the Jump 2026 Financial Advisor Insights Report, which tracked the frequency of topics in conversations with financial advisors over the course of a year, shows a late-spring/early summer surge around the topic of home-selling. The same report shows that conversations about buying homes tend to peak around February, mirroring broader market seasonality and affordability pressures.Here’s what this data from Jump means, and how financial professionals can take advantage of the summer spike in home-selling conversations.Peaks and valleysThe summer slump in conversation volume around tax, estate, and retirement comes after the spring surge, the busiest season for advisors, when planning conversations dominate. Home-selling activity has followed a similar seasonal rhythm for years, which means it's a pattern advisors can reliably plan around rather than a quirk of any single market cycle.According to the report, a rising share of clients telling advisors they were listing their home reliably predicted a rise in housing inventory about a month later, as measured by Zillow's reported inventory levels. Jump The summer selling trend seems to be showing up again this summer: Zillow's June 2026 report found home sales up 9.2% month over month, a sign that sellers are re-entering the market right on schedule. For advisors, this means they’re picking up on market signals before the data catches up. In this case, advisor-client conversations appear to be genuinely predictive of broader trends, and being aware can keep advisors strapped in and ready for what’s to come when they’re back from vacation.What this means for advisors1. Be ready for the summer home-selling conversation, even mid-vacation planning.Just because tax and retirement planning go quiet in summer doesn't mean the phone stops ringing. Home-selling conversations are exactly the kind of unscheduled, non-transactional touchpoint worth leaning into, not waiting for something urgent to check in. A client mentioning they're listing their house is a natural opening to reconnect, even if it has nothing to do with their portfolio.2. Talk to clients about what happens to the proceeds.A home sale is an opportunity to have a conversation about capital gains, reinvestments, and surface bigger-picture topics like retirement and estate planning. If a client mentions they're listing their house, it’s an opening to talk through tax implications and where those proceeds might go next. The Jump Insights report shows that advisors who lead in moments like this with high emotional intelligence — embodied by asking open-ended questions, noting significant life events, and approaching key topics proactively — saw client sentiment rise by nearly 18% over the course of their meetings. Advisors who treat the sale itself as the end of the conversation are leaving the more valuable part of it on the table.3. Treat home-selling mentions as a major decision and market intelligence, not small talk.While home-selling conversations may take center stage in summer, there can still be opportunities to discuss other planning topics. Estate planning in particular dips after its February spike, then builds steadily from spring through fall. A summer home sale can be a natural prompt to revisit those estate planning conversations: A major asset changing hands is often exactly the moment clients start thinking about what happens to their estate. A simple check-in question, like asking whether a client has a will or estate plan in place, can open the door. And it's never too early to start, even for clients who seem years away from needing one.This story was produced by Jump and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	2026 Google Ads benchmarks: Is your account healthy or just burning budget? 2026 Google Ads benchmarks: Is your account healthy or just burning budget?Every Google Ads account looks healthy until you hold it against the benchmark.Google Ads benchmarks are the average results advertisers earn across Google’s search, display, and shopping campaigns, and they tell you in seconds whether your campaigns lead or lag the field. In 2026, the headline numbers to know are a 3% to 5% search click-through rate (CTR), a $2 to $4 search cost per click (CPC), and a $50 to $80 cost per acquisition (CPA). This guide from WebFX covers those plus every other metric that moves profit: click-through rate, cost per click, conversion rate, cost per acquisition, return on ad spend, and more.What are the average Google Ads benchmarks in 2026?The average Google Ads benchmarks in 2026 are a 3% to 5% search CTR, a $2 to $4 search CPC, a 3% to 5% conversion rate, and a $50 to $80 CPA. These Google Ads metrics benchmarks give you a practical starting point for judging whether your account runs ahead, on track, or too expensive for the return.Google Ads benchmarks are the average performance ranges for paid search, display, and shopping campaigns, used to measure whether your own results are competitive, ahead, or falling behind. WebFX This snapshot is your master reference for the rest of the page. Each section below breaks these Google Ads metrics benchmarks down by network and business model, then tells you what to do when your figure lands on the wrong side of the average.Google Ads cost benchmarks: CPC, CPA, and CPMGoogle Ads cost benchmarks in 2026 center on a $2 to $4 search CPC, a $50 to $80 CPA, and a $2 to $10 search CPM. What counts as expensive depends on your industry and deal value, so read each number against your own economics, not the flat average. WebFX CPC is the price you pay each time someone clicks your pay-per-click (PPC) ad. Search clicks run $2 to $4, while display clicks come in far cheaper at 50 cents to $1. Legal and insurance keywords routinely cost $50 to $100 or more per click, because the value of one converted client justifies the bid.CPA is what you pay to win one conversion. The cross-account average runs $50 to $80, with B2B services higher at $100 to $300 and e-commerce lower at $20 to $50. A high CPA is not automatically a problem, since a $250 CPA pays for itself when a closed deal is worth $20,000.Cost per thousand impressions (CPM) is what you pay for 1,000 ad views. Search CPM runs $2 to $10, and display runs 50 cents to $2, and it matters most for awareness campaigns, where you buy reach rather than clicks.The diagnostic read:Good: Your CPC and CPA fit your margin, lead value, and close rate.Watch: CPC creeps above your industry norm while Quality Score holds steady, a sign that competition is rising.Fix: CPC climbs while conversions stay flat. That is wasted spend, and it usually traces back to weak targeting or a low Quality Score.How to act on it:Judge your CPA against your average deal value and margin, not the cross-industry average.Audit your keyword match types and Quality Score first when CPC rises faster than the market, since a low score inflates cost regardless of competition.Shift budget toward the network and keywords that convert, not the ones that only collect clicks.Google Ads performance benchmarks: CTR, conversion rate, and ROASGoogle Ads performance benchmarks in 2026 come down to a 3% to 5% search CTR, a 3% to 5% conversion rate, and a 200% to 400% ROAS. These numbers show whether ads earn attention, turn clicks into customers, and provide a return on investment. WebFX CTR measures the share of impressions that become clicks. Search ads average 3% to 5%, with top performers reaching 7% to 10%, because they appear when users actively look for something. Display ads run far lower at 0.05% to 0.1%, and shopping ads land between the two at 0.8% to 1.2%.Conversion rate (CVR) measures the percentage of clicks that result in the target action. The average sits at 3% to 5%, but it varies sharply by model: E-commerce converts at 2% to 3%, B2B services at 5% to 10%, and lead generation at 7% to 12%.Return on ad spend (ROAS) measures revenue earned per dollar spent. The average runs 200% to 400%, meaning $2 to $4 back for every $1 in, while e-commerce accounts often target 400% to 600%.The diagnostic read:Good: Search CTR above 5%, conversion rate at the top of the model’s range, ROAS above 400%.Watch: CTR in the 3% range with a steady conversion rate. This indicates room to optimize.Fix: Strong CTR but weak conversion rate. This suggests the landing page may not be meeting the expectations set by the ad.How to act on it:Compare your CTR by network, never against one blended number, since search and display live in different worlds.Find your segment in the conversion table before judging your rate. A 4% conversion rate is strong for e-commerce and weak for lead generation.Read your Google Ads performance benchmarks alongside margin and lifetime value before scaling spend, and use ROAS as the fast profit check.Google Ads account health benchmarks: Quality Score and impression shareGoogle Ads account health benchmarks in 2026 center on a Quality Score of 5 to 7 and an impression share of 60% to 80%. These metrics shape what you pay and how often you appear, so they quietly drive every cost and performance number above them. WebFX Quality Score is Google’s 1-to-10 rating of how relevant your keyword, ad, and landing page are to the search. The average account runs 5 to 7, and pushing into the 8 to 10 range reduces your CPC and improves your ad position.Impression share is the percentage of eligible auctions your ads actually enter. Most accounts capture 60% to 80%, and top advertisers aim for 85% or higher on branded terms, where conceding visibility hands competitors a shot at your own audience.Ad rank threshold decides top-of-page placement, which the average account reaches in 20% to 30% of auctions. View-through conversions account for 10% to 20% of total conversions, which matters when you judge display and video campaigns that influence buyers without an immediate click.The diagnostic read:Good: Quality Score of 8 or higher, impression share above 80%, branded impression share at 85%+.Watch: Quality Score in the 5 to 7 band. Workable, but you leave CPC savings on the table.Fix: Impression share dropping on branded terms. A competitor is bidding on your name and winning visibility you should own.How to act on it:Raise Quality Score by tightening ad relevance and improving landing page experience before you raise bids.Protect your branded impression share first, since it is your cheapest, highest-intent traffic.Credit view-through conversions when you evaluate awareness and remarketing campaigns.Search vs. display: Google Ads benchmarks by networkGoogle Ads benchmarks split sharply by network: Search wins on intent, while display wins on low-cost reach. Grading both with one scorecard is the fastest way to misread your account. WebFX Search wins on intent. People who search are actively looking to buy, which is why search delivers five to 10 times better CTR and conversion rates than display. You pay more per click, but the clicks are worth more.Display wins on awareness. Display CPCs run about 70% lower than search, which makes the network efficient for building reach and feeding retargeting. The tradeoff is a 0.5% to 1% conversion rate, since most viewers are browsing, not buying.How to act on it:Judge each network against its own benchmark, never against a blended account average.Lean on search for bottom-funnel, high-intent conversions.Use display to build awareness and feed retargeting.How to use Google Ads benchmarks to improve your ROIUse Google Ads benchmarks as a diagnostic, not a target. Find the benchmark gap that affects revenue, then fix the campaign element most likely to move that number.Benchmark before you optimize. Pull your CTR, CPC, conversion rate, CPA, and ROAS, then compare each against the 2026 averages above. You cannot measure improvement without a starting point.Contextualize by funnel, network, and vertical. A $250 CPA looks brutal until the average B2B deal runs $20,000, and a 0.1% display CTR sits within range for awareness. Read every number against your own economics.Fix Quality Score to lower CPC. Moving from a 5 to 7 Quality Score into the 8 to 10 range cuts your cost per click without touching your budget. Start with the high-spend keywords sitting below 7.Size CPA to margin and deal value. Calculate the most you can profitably pay per acquisition based on gross margin and average order value, then judge your $50 to $80 benchmark against that ceiling.Tie every click to revenue. These Google Ads metrics benchmarks only help once you can measure your own numbers against them. A tracking system provides a single source of truth that connects ad spend to booked revenue, so you know which campaigns drive your bottom line and which only look busy.Re-check your Google Ads benchmarks numbers each quarter. Costs climb as competition, seasonality, and auction pressure shift, so a quarterly review catches rising CPCs before they harden into your new normal.Data sources and methodologyThe benchmarks in this guide come from proprietary, aggregated, and anonymized WebFX Google Ads campaign data across search, display, and shopping campaigns in the U.S. market. Metrics include click-through rate, cost per click, conversion rate, cost per acquisition, return on ad spend, Quality Score, impression share, and cost per thousand impressions. Data was last updated in June 2026.These benchmarks serve as directional planning ranges. Individual results vary by industry, competition, budget, bidding strategy, and account maturity.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The time to act on Alzheimer’s is now with support for treatment, prevention, caregivers More than 7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease. (Photo by Halfpoint Images/Getty Stock photo)Every family hopes to grow old with the people they love most. But for millions of Americans, Alzheimer’s disease slowly takes those moments away. It steals patients’ memories, identities, and independence while caregivers carry much of the burden. As the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s continues to grow, we can no longer afford to treat this as tomorrow’s problem. Alzheimer’s disease must become one of today’s top public health priorities. Today, more than 7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the only disease among the nation’s top 10 leading causes of death without a cure. Unless we act, the number of Americans with the disease is projected to double in the coming decades, placing even greater strain on families, caregivers, and our healthcare system. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Alzheimer’s is on track to cost the United States over $780 billion a year if we don’t do something about it. The growing human and economic toll make clear that addressing Alzheimer’s disease can no longer be delayed. Preventative healthcare must become a priority for Alzheimer’s disease. Research consistently suggests that physical activity, healthy eating, quality sleep, and social engagement can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes are also associated with a lower risk of dementia. Encouraging healthier lifestyles and greater access to preventive healthcare can improve quality of life while reducing long-term healthcare costs. Investing in prevention is a decision Congress can make for individuals, families, and taxpayers. Every dollar invested in prevention saves taxpayers several times that amount in future Medicaid and Medicare spending. Alzheimer’s disease begins long before symptoms appear. Changes in the brain develop years before memory loss becomes noticeable. Fortunately, clinical tools are rapidly changing. Blood-based biomarker tests can detect Alzheimer’s earlier than ever, allowing patients time to make informed decisions and consider treatment options before significant cognitive decline occurs. Early diagnosis also gives patients the opportunity to adopt healthier habits that research shows may help reduce the risk of dementia. Access to a timely Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment should be available to every person with Alzheimer’s. They deserve the right to know important information about their own health, and physicians should have the tools necessary to provide the best care to their patients. Congress has introduced the ASAP Act, bipartisan legislation designed to modernize Medicare by covering routine, FDA-approved blood-based biomarker tests for Alzheimer’s disease. Medicare should also ensure that patients can access FDA-approved therapies without unnecessary administrative barriers that can interrupt care. We also cannot overlook the caregivers who make it possible for loved ones with Alzheimer’s to feel supported and safe. For every patient, there is generally more than one caregiver. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease requires a strong support system. Caregivers often sacrifice their own careers and financial security to take care of their loved one with Alzheimer’s. Taking care of your own mental and physical health is just as vital as managing your loved one’s medical needs. Supporting caregivers through offering resources, education, and respite services is just as important to invest in. Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that affects families, caregivers, and healthcare systems long before most people realize the damage it causes. We owe it to families and future generations to invest in science, expand access to care, and support the caregivers who give so much of themselves every day. Congress has an opportunity to change the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease. Investing in prevention, earlier diagnosis, and caregiver support today will spare millions of families from greater hardship in future years to come. Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	How to choose the best fire feature for your backyard How to choose the best fire feature for your backyardA well-designed outdoor space is about more than beautiful furniture and landscaping; it’s about creating an environment that people naturally gravitate toward. Your backyard should feel like an extension of your home, a place where every evening feels like an opportunity to unwind and relax. One of the easiest ways to elevate an outdoor space is by incorporating a fire feature. Whether you want to create a cozy patio retreat or a spacious entertainment area, the right fire feature can become that natural focal point that brings everyone together.But choosing the right fire feature can be overwhelming, as there are many different options. You’ll want to consider how you use your outdoor space, your backyard layout, and the atmosphere you want to create. From the versatility of a fire table to the modern presence of a fire bowl to the timeless appeal of a gas log fire pit, each fire feature offers its own unique way to transform your outdoor living space, Grand Canyon Gas Logs reports.Fire Table Grand Canyon Gas Logs For homeowners who love to entertain, a fire table creates an inviting place for guests to gather around naturally. A fire table blends the warmth of a fire feature with clean lines and a contemporary design. A rectangular shape makes this style well-suited for larger patio seating arrangements, such as sectionals and conversation seating, making it both functional and appealing.Fire tables are available in a wide variety of styles, materials, heights, and finishes that make it easy to find an option that complements your outdoor aesthetic. From sleek modern designs to rustic finishes, this fire feature helps create a dream outdoor space that feels welcoming year-round.Fire Bowl Grand Canyon Gas Logs A fire bowl brings warmth and elegance with its rounded design. Rather than serving as a centerpiece of a conversation area, its form enhances the overall landscape. The fire bowl adds depth and visual interest to patios, pool decks, and garden spaces. The circular silhouette, in particular, offers softer design elements, making it complementary to both modern and traditional outdoor spaces.Available in a range of sizes and colors, fire bowls offer versatility that allows homeowners to create an inviting atmosphere from intimate patios to backyard retreats.Gas Log Fire Pit Grand Canyon Gas Logs There is something undeniably comforting about a traditional fire pit. A gas log fire pit recreates the experience of a bonfire with its realistic ceramic logs and vibrant flames, without the smoke, ash and constant upkeep. This results in a fire feature that feels familiar and comforting.Gas log fire pits are a natural fit for backyards designed around comfort and connection. Whether surrounded by chairs to create a classic fireside setting or paired with bricks or stones to complement the surrounding landscape, they add character to any outdoor space.The perfect fire feature isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest flame or boldest design, but the one that complements the space that you have created. By considering your space and the atmosphere you want to create, you can choose a feature that elevates your experience. This story was produced by Grand Canyon Gas Logs and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Kansas cases of illness causing explosive diarrhea jump to 289 A national outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal infection, topped 7,400, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Kansas is reporting 289 confirmed cases, and the state health agency said they are connected to the national outbreak. (Photo courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)TOPEKA — Kansas cases of an infection that causes gastrointestinal illness increased to 289 over the past week, and the state’s health agency said they are connected to a national outbreak. The state’s cyclosporiasis cases are part of more than 7,400 cases reported nationally and are linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce, which was voluntarily recalled from restaurants and grocery stores on Friday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said in a news release Wednesday. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website reported the agency is aware of more than 7,400 cases nationally, with 4,173 confirmed cases. There have been 308 hospitalizations from the outbreak and no deaths. KDHE reported that of the state’s total cases of cyclosporiasis, an infection caused by the organism Cyclospora cayetanensis, 114 were domestically acquired, 24 were likely linked to international travel and six could not be classified. The remainder are pending classification. Taylor Farms de Mexico  voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market, which includes Marketside-brand products sold at Walmart:  Marketside 12-oz and 24-oz Iceberg Salad with Best if Used By dates of July 18 to Aug. 3.  Marketside 8-oz and 16-oz Shredded Lettuce with Best if Used By dates of July 18 to Aug. 3.  Other Taylor Farms lettuce products are sold for food service, KDHE said. The parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis is commonly found in tropical or subtropical countries and spread by food or water contaminated with feces, KDHE said. Cyclosporiasis isn’t known to spread from person to person, KDHE said. Symptoms occur two to 14 days after exposure and may include: Frequent watery diarrhea. Loss of appetite. Weight loss. Abdominal cramps and bloating. Nausea. Less common symptoms include vomiting and low-grade fever. KDHE said anyone experiencing sudden gastrointestinal illness should be evaluated by a health care provider. The disease is usually treated with an antibiotic, the agency said. “Cooking fresh produce before consuming or avoiding fresh produce all together during periods of increased cyclosporiasis activity are the safest options and are the preferred prevention methods for those who have a higher risk of dehydration or weakened immune systems,” the KDHE release said. That includes people on chemotherapy and organ transplant recipients, as well as infants, young children and elderly people. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	Hy-vee Fast & Fresh celebrates 24/7 with first responders Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh stores are showing appreciation for first responders on Friday, July 24, by offering them a free medium coffee or medium fountain drink for 24/7 Day. All first responders, including firefighters, police officers, paramedics and more, can receive their free coffee or fountain drink at all Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations. 24/7 [...]
	60% of search journeys now involve AI. Here is what that means for brand visibility. 60% of search journeys now involve AI. Here is what that means for brand visibility.Thirty percent of consumers now use AI for product research. A year ago, that figure was 12%. At the same time, roughly 40% of Google results include an AI Overview, according to a Brainlabs analysis of internal SEOClarity data, meaning people are reading AI-generated answers without actively choosing to. Add those two things together and the share of search journeys that involve AI in some form is already closer to 60%, according to Brainlabs research. The same research projects that figure will reach 80% within twelve months, based on current growth rates. As Brainlabs reports below, that changes how to think about almost everything in organic search.How many people are actually using AI search?Brainlabs' survey data splits consumers into three groups. Traditionalists, around 69% of consumers, use established search engines exclusively. Augmenters, around 30%, use both Google and AI platforms at different points in a single research journey. Dissenters, fewer than 1%, use only AI platforms. The augmenters are where the growth is. They have not abandoned Google. They have added AI as a research layer for complex queries, and that behavioral shift is what makes the aggregate 60% figure significant.Why AI SEO is not just a rebrand of traditional SEOThe two disciplines are similar enough right now that teams do not need to tear up their roadmaps, but different enough that the gap is widening faster than most have adjusted for. There is not one AI search. There are at least four major platforms with different models, different guidelines, and a different relationship with Google's index.The figure worth pausing on is Gemini's 15% overlap with Google's top 10 results, according to a Brainlabs analysis of internal SEOClarity data. Gemini is a Google product, yet it only cites pages from Google's top 10 results 15% of the time. An SEO strategy built entirely around top-10 rankings does very little for Gemini or ChatGPT visibility. And the overlap keeps shifting. AI Overviews used to have a 76% overlap with Google's top 10. In 2026, that figure has roughly halved.How LLMs actually decide what to citeUnderstanding why an obscure page ends up cited in a Gemini answer while a major brand's content is ignored requires understanding how LLMs generate responses, which works differently from how Google ranks pages.When Gemini receives a prompt, it first determines whether it needs external data or can rely on training data alone. For most product research queries, it needs external data. From there, the LLM generates dozens of related micro-questions from the original prompt, sometimes tens of them running simultaneously for complex queries. For each micro-query, it searches Google's index across the top 100 results and beyond, not just the top 10. That is the first major divergence from traditional SEO.The LLM then looks for direct answer blocks, headings matching the micro-question, hard statistical data, and freshness signals such as a recent last-updated date. Sources with low consensus compared to higher-authority references get filtered out. A page that answers a specific micro-question very directly can outcompete higher-authority pages that bury their answer in editorial prose.In practical terms, three optimization approaches have produced the most consistent results across Brainlabs client work. First, studying query fan-out: The micro-questions LLMs generate are knowable, and FAQ sections built around them drive measurable citation increases. Second, running embedding similarity analyses to measure how closely content resembles what is already being cited, an approach that has produced an average 140% increase in AI citations across Brainlabs client tests. Third, treating content freshness as a technical requirement rather than a nice-to-have, with monthly refreshes of high-demand pages as a minimum for time-sensitive topics.Measuring AI search performance is hard. Here is why.No first-party data from any major AI platform is available at scale. Access to Google and Bing data on AI performance has begun to open up, but it remains limited. Google Search Console's Generative AI report provides impressions but not the data most useful for optimization decisions: queries and clicks. Impressions and page performance are useful for establishing baselines and tracking direction, but they leave significant questions unanswered: What are customers actually searching for, what are their follow-up questions, and what is happening in standalone apps like Gemini?The current standard approach is to convert keyword data into likely prompts, track them across one of the thirty-plus third-party AI tracking tools available, and measure brand visibility over time as a proxy for real-world performance. The data is noisier than it looks. Across models, only 23% of citations remain active after 14 days. There is only around 45% agreement between platforms on which brand to recommend first. And fewer than 5% of query sets show perfect consensus across all major platforms.Practical measurement approaches that work within these constraints include running 100 related prompts per category four times each, which produces equivalent reliability to running one prompt 400 times with richer category insight. Tracking AI referral traffic in GA4 and running correlation analyses against existing Google search demand data provides directional signal. Published AI demand studies, including high-quality data from SEOClarity, can be used alongside sensible adjustments to existing Google volume estimates. Any AI traffic estimate will be questioned by leadership, so documenting the methodology and making the reasoning defensible is as important as the number itself.Agentic search: the next shiftEverything so far sits within the current paradigm, where AI is a layer on top of search. The next shift is larger. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has described plans to transform search into an "agent manager," where AI agents do the research and decision-making on a consumer's behalf. In this emerging agentic model, an AI agent researches in seconds, filters to a recommendation, and facilitates the transaction, all without the consumer leaving the AI platform. ChatGPT already has Instant Checkout. Google has its Universal Commerce Protocol.The agents still need to do research, and they will still need information that has to come from somewhere. The question is what content and data sources they will trust enough to cite and act on. Three approaches are worth building toward now.Restructuring content for agent consumption is the starting point. Agents look for explicit conclusions, unambiguous recommendations, precise structured data, and clean HTML. Burying the recommendation in the third paragraph does not work at machine speed.Thinking about data as an asset agents will want to connect to is the second. B2B API access, consumer-facing authentication, and tiered licensing with AI platforms are all plausible commercial models that do not require waiting for the market to fully mature.The third is considering building rather than just feeding. Brands with genuinely valuable expert content have the ingredients to become agentic platforms in their own right, with commerce rails so users can act on recommendations immediately.Where to startStart with measurement. Set up AI referral tracking in GA4, pick two or three priority categories, and begin tracking 50 to 100 related prompts at low frequency. The data will not be perfect, but it will be directional.Next, audit priority content against the signals LLMs look for: freshness dates, direct-answer formatting, structured data, and heading-level relevance to likely micro-questions. A targeted refresh of high-demand pages applying these principles will indicate whether the changes move citation rates before scaling further.Then build the roadmap for divergence. The overlap between traditional SEO and AI SEO is decreasing. In order to be best positioned in two years, teams should be building those capabilities now. The window to get ahead of it rather than chase it is shorter than it looks.MethodologyThe original survey data around consumer AI search behavior was taken from this Brainlabs study. The survey data showed that ~80% of all search journeys use established search engines (Google, Bing, Amazon) at some point when researching a product. If at least 40% of results now have an AI answer e.g. an AI overview or equivalent then Brainlabs maintains that the data saying 30% of consumers are using AI search is under-stating the scale of usage.This story was produced by Brainlabs and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How CRM dashboard customization turns your pipeline data into decisions How CRM dashboard customization turns your pipeline data into decisionsThere’s an endless stream of data coming into your CRM. But the true value lies in how your company chooses to utilize that data. The last thing you want is for your team to spend their time deciphering and digging through that data. That’s why a CRM dashboard customized to your business objectives is essential.The goal of an optimized CRM dashboard is to channel your team’s focus. Customizing a CRM dashboard creates a visual reporting structure within the CRM that shows the right metrics to the right audience in the right configuration. This way, the dashboard evolves from a report into a tool that drives real business decisions.This Nutshell guide on CRM customization and reporting explores how companies turn their CRM data into a genuine competitive advantage. And the dashboard is where that competitive edge shines.Key takeawaysA customized CRM KPI dashboard that serves role-specific needs eliminates the need to hunt for answers.Determining the ideal visual format for your data type separates a genuinely useful CRM dashboard from an unnecessarily cluttered one.Solid reporting automation is what bridges the gap for confident decisions from real-time data.What is CRM dashboard customization?CRM dashboard customization is the tailoring of the reporting module within a CRM to align with the required pipeline views, metrics, and data visualizations needed by teams to meet their respective goals.Standard dashboards are useful, but they’re built with every user in mind and aren’t optimized for any specific role. A well-customized dashboard is a display that aligns with the key decisions a particular role is concerned with.For instance, a sales manager’s dashboard and a marketing manager’s dashboard should not be the same. Their roles and objectives differ, so the metrics that matter to them differ as well.Customizing your CRM dashboards is also something you’ll revisit at intervals. It’s an ongoing process because your business objectives change, your team expands, and additional data sources become available, which means the metrics you track change.Why does your dashboard design determine your decisions?There is a direct relationship between the visibility of data and the performance of a business. According to research conducted by Forrester in 2026, established analytics programs consistently give businesses between two and five times ROI related to revenue growth, reduced risk, and cost efficiency.Those returns are directly influenced by visible and relevant data, easily accessible by the person who needs to see it.The most successful teams see dashboard customization as part of their overall strategy. These teams determine exactly which decisions their dashboards should inform, and design their dashboard visualizations accordingly.An effective CRM dashboard keeps up with the natural flow of your business. It represents how your business really runs, integrates the most important KPIs, and shifts as your business priorities change.Which KPIs belong on a CRM dashboard?KPIs included in an effective CRM dashboard should relate directly to the decisions and actions teams take in their daily work.The best dashboards include a mix of leading and lagging KPIs. Lagging KPIs show past results, and leading KPIs predict future outcomes. An example of a lagging KPI is the win rate, while a leading KPI example is the number of weekly demos scheduled. Both types of KPIs are necessary to gain a full understanding of performance.The role of the user is vital here. A single dashboard serving teams across all departments ultimately serves no one well.Here's a practical starting framework to build an ideal role-focused CRM dashboard: Nutshell Bear in mind that your CRM dashboard is not meant to function as a scoreboard. See it as more of a navigational tool, intended to show users the opportunities and risks related to their work in order to prompt them to take action.One useful rule to follow is to limit dashboard views to between seven and 10 KPIs. Displaying more KPIs than this typically leads to information overload and less insight.What types of data visualization work best in CRM reporting?CRM data visualization involves translating customer and pipeline data into visual formats, like charts and graphs, to help users identify data trends and patterns quickly.The most effective visualization format depends on the type of data being displayed. Selecting an unsuitable format for the data creates friction. Even the highest-quality data will be hard to read if a mismatched visual format is chosen.The following table offers some guidance on how to best match your data with a suitable visualization format for an effective custom CRM dashboard: Nutshell Modern CRM platforms have built-in reporting tools and visualization capabilities. Teams requiring greater functionality can typically integrate more specialized reporting tools that offer a broader spectrum of visualizations.A well-known dashboard design test is the five-second test. This gauges how quickly and easily a person viewing the CRM dashboard can find and interpret the insight. If this takes longer than five seconds, then the visualization is too complex and needs to be simplified.How does reporting automation sharpen decision-making?Reporting automation refers to the setting of rules and scheduling to automate the delivery of CRM data to the individuals most impacted by those insights, without the need for them to create or run a report.The value of CRM data is its timeliness. For example, an alert indicating the status of a deal three days after it stalled is far less useful than an alert that comes through as soon as the lead goes silent. Automation ensures that the gap is closed.Examples of automation in reporting for CRM systems include:Scheduled pipeline digests: Summaries sent to sales managers or executives on a daily or weekly basis.Threshold alerts: Notifications are set to a specific threshold to alert managers of a transaction that has stalled, decreased in value, or moved backward in a transaction pipeline.Role-based report distribution: Automated role-specific reports provide each report recipient with only the information relevant to their role.Forecast roll-ups: Individual pipeline contributions to team and organizational forecast levels are automatically consolidated.Forrester's research confirms that organizations that connect their analytics to their strategic KPIs outperform organizations that rely on manual reporting cycles.How to build a CRM dashboard that teams actually useAn effective CRM dashboard is designed to direct users to the actions that need to be taken. It's important to remember that sophistication in its design isn’t what drives dashboard adoption. What makes the difference is knowing what decisions users need to make and building the dashboard to address those decisions.A practical four-step frameworkStart with the question, not the metric: Ask what decisions need to be made and what data is required to support those decisions. Build your dashboard visualization around the metrics that directly support those decisions.Design for roles, not departments: Although sales operations, sales reps, and sales managers are in the same department, they're each accountable for different decisions. Custom role-specific CRM dashboard views allow them to remove the clutter and only see what’s relevant.Apply the seven to 10 metric limit: Including only the most important metrics allows the dashboard to maintain focus and clarity. Anything beyond the necessary KPIs becomes noise.Build in a quarterly review cadence: Shifting business priorities can make a dashboard obsolete for the goals that it was designed to address from one quarter to the next. A quick quarterly dashboard review can realign the strategy and reporting environment to current business priorities.The best customizable CRM platforms offer the flexibility to optimize dashboards as needed without the need for a developer. Users should consider the dashboard as a living tool that requires updating as their priorities change.The dashboard is where CRM data becomes a decisionCRM dashboard customization isn't reserved for enterprise teams with dedicated analytics staff. It can be done by any company, and the benefits can be seen in sales, marketing, and leadership decisions thereafter.Companies that benefit the most from their CRM data don't necessarily have the most data. They’re the companies that decided what’s important, built their dashboard around that, and used those data insights to decide their next steps.Ensure the right metrics are matched to the right roles, present them clearly, and get them delivered automatically so that the insights come through when needed. That’s the discipline that will take a CRM from sitting in the background to actively driving company and revenue growth.FAQs1. What is the difference between a CRM report and a CRM dashboard?A CRM report is a static or generated output of data for a specific time period or query. A CRM dashboard is a live, visual interface that displays multiple metrics simultaneously and updates in real time. Dashboards are built for ongoing monitoring. Reports are built for deeper, point-in-time analysis. Both have a role. They just serve different moments in the decision-making process.2. How many KPIs should a CRM dashboard display?Most dashboard design frameworks recommend seven to 10 metrics per view. Fewer metrics means each one gets more attention, and more useful attention. Teams that start with fewer, high-impact KPIs consistently find it easier to act on their dashboards than teams that try to surface everything at once.3. Can small businesses benefit from CRM dashboard customization?Yes. Often more immediately than larger organizations. Small businesses typically have less tolerance for wasted time and misdirected effort, which makes having the right metrics visible at a glance especially valuable. Many CRM platforms designed for small and midsize businesses offer dashboard customization without requiring technical expertise to set up or maintain.4. What CRM platforms offer the most dashboard customization?Platforms vary significantly in their customization depth. The right choice depends on the team’s technical resources and how deeply they need to customize their reporting environment.5. How often should a CRM dashboard be updated or reviewed?A quarterly review cadence works well for most teams. This allows enough time to assess whether current metrics are driving useful decisions, while catching misalignments before they compound. Dashboards tied to specific campaigns or initiatives should be reviewed at the close of each campaign cycle.This story was produced by Nutshell and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why you smell worse after a long car ride and how to fix it Why you smell worse after a long car ride and how to fix itYou start the day clean, packed, and ready to go. A few hours into the drive, something changes. The air feels heavier, your clothes start to cling, and that not-so-fresh feeling kicks in. It’s not your imagination.Long drives create the perfect setup for body odor. Add heat, traffic stress, and hours of sitting in one position, and things can get sticky quickly. In this article, Dove Men+Care shares how to stay fresh, comfortable, and dry from hitting the road to when you arrive.Even when you’re just sitting, your body is still working. It’s regulating your temperature, responding to stress, and producing sweat the whole time.The difference on a road trip is that sweat doesn’t get a chance to evaporate properly. Your back presses into the seat, your legs stay folded, and airflow is limited. Heat and moisture get trapped against your skin. This creates a warm, damp environment where odor-causing bacteria can build up.The real cause of body odorSweat is mostly odorless. The smell actually comes from bacteria on your skin breaking down the sweat. “There are two types of sweat, one that is watery and occurs all over the body,” says Unilever R&D scientist Matt Annecharico. “The second sweat is found in areas such as the groin and underarms, which is an oily sweat. This oily sweat is the main contributing factor to body odor.”During long drives, both types of glands are active. Throw in the stress of a traffic jam or trying to reach a destination on a tight schedule, and apocrine sweat increases, making odor more noticeable. Dove Men+Care The main odor zonesWhen you’re in the car for hours, odor doesn’t just show up in one place. Some areas tend to take the hit more than others:Chest and back, where your shirt presses into the seatUnderarms where heat and moisture build quicklyInner thighs and groin, because of friction and limited airflowFeet inside closed shoesThese areas hold moisture longer, giving bacteria more time to do their thing.What makes body odor worseSome typical road-tripping factors can ramp up odor without you even realizing it:Heat and poor airflow: Car interiors warm up fast. Even with air conditioning, certain areas of your body can get warm and sweaty.Seat friction: Constant contact with the seat creates friction, which can irritate your skin and increase sweat production.Tight or heavy clothing: Clothes that trap heat and moisture keep sweat close to your skin.Dehydration: Taking in less water means more concentrated sweat, which can smell stronger.How to prep before you hit the roadA little preparation goes a long way when you’re spending hours in the car. Starting fresh helps you stay comfortable, manage sweat, and keep odor under control. Here’s a simple checklist to get you road-trip ready:Take a showerStart with a clean base to remove sweat and odor-causing bacteria from your skin. A good body wash helps control odor without drying you out. Focus on areas that tend to sweat more, like your underarms, chest, groin, and feet.Take a moment to really work in your body wash so your skin is fresh and ready for the products you apply next. Dry off thoroughly, since damp skin can lead to odor building up faster.Choose your productYour choice of deodorant or antiperspirant comes down to how much you sweat and the level of protection you need. Deodorants target odor directly, helping neutralize it as it forms, especially in high-friction areas.If sweat is your main concern, antiperspirants are the better option. They work by reducing the amount of sweat your body produces, which means less moisture for odor-causing bacteria to feed on.Apply correctlyApply your antiperspirant or deodorant before getting dressed. If you want longer-lasting protection, apply an antiperspirant the night before your road trip so it has time to settle into the skin.What about sensitive skin?When you’re sitting for hours, your skin is under more pressure than usual. Friction, heat, and moisture can make it more sensitive, especially in areas like the inner thighs or armpits. Aluminum-free formulas work with your skin to help manage odor without drying or irritating it.On the road tipsOnce you’re on the road, it’s all about staying ahead of sweat and odor before they build up. A few clever choices along the way can make a big difference in how you feel after hours in the car.Smart clothingClothing can either help you stay comfortable or make things worse. Go for breathable fabrics that allow air to move and choose materials that wick moisture away from your skin. Keep it simple with light layers so you can easily remove one if the temperature changes.Watch what you eat and drinkFood and drink show up in how your body smells. “Eating certain foods can result in more intense body odor, such as garlic, onions, red meat and even alcohol,” says Annecharico. Heavier meals can also affect your natural scent. Eat lighter meals for long travel days.Drinking water regularly can help keep your body temperature stable and dilute sweat. Try to sip throughout the drive instead of waiting until you feel thirsty.Car tipsYour environment matters too. Let fresh air in when you can. Even cracking a window open or switching to fresh-air mode helps reduce trapped odors. Clear out trash and food wrappers regularly, since those smells can build up.The quick refreshWhen you stop to stretch your legs, take a moment to freshen up for the next part of your journey.Use cleansing wipes on your underarms, chest, and back.Dry before reapplying deodorant.Swap out socks and underwear if needed.Apply a gentle whole-body deodorant to key areas.When to take a closer look at body odorIf your body odor suddenly changes, becomes much stronger, or doesn’t improve with good hygiene, it might be worth checking in with your doctor. Excessive sweating, hormonal shifts, or certain medications can affect how your body smells.FAQsWhy do I smell worse after a long car ride?Sitting for hours traps heat and sweat against your skin. Bacteria break down that sweat, creating an odor that builds up.Does sitting for hours increase body odor?Yes. With limited movement and airflow, sweat and bacteria stay on your skin longer, increasing odor.Is whole-body deodorant safe for sensitive areas?Yes, but make sure to use gentle, alcohol-free formulas. They’re kind to skin that’s prone to irritation.What is the best way to stay fresh on a road trip?Start with a good cleanse before you drive, use antiperspirant or deodorant, wear breathable clothing, stay hydrated, and stop off to take a few minutes to refresh.Long drives are part of the adventure. With a bit of prep and a few smart moves along the way, you can keep odor in check and stay comfortable mile after mile. It all adds up to feeling good in your own skin, so you can focus on the journey, the destination, and everything in between.This story was produced by Dove Men+Care and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	If business ownership is the American dream, are you building the business you actually wanted? If business ownership is the American dream, are you building the business you actually wanted?For many entrepreneurs, owning a business isn't the end goal: It's the path to something bigger. It’s the start of what many call the American Dream. And for many business owners, that dream means having more control over their future.A recent Rocket Lawyer-commissioned survey of small business owners reflects this shift. More than 83% of small business owners said owning a business is part of the American Dream, while nearly 79% said they feel more fulfilled now than they did before becoming business owners.Still, business ownership itself isn't what matters most to entrepreneurs. The survey found that they associated the American Dream with freedom and flexibility (53.9%), financial independence (43.9%), homeownership (43.7%), and providing for their families (39.8%). These results raise the question: Is your business helping you reach those goals, or is it becoming another source of stress?Success Isn't Just About RevenueGrowing your business is important, but growth isn't the only measure of success. Many owners start a business because they want greater control over their schedule, finances, and overall future. As your company grows, take some time to assess whether your business is still serving your goals, or if you have inadvertently lost the freedom you once sought.The Biggest Obstacles May Not Be What You ThinkThe survey identified several practical challenges for small business owners. Finding customers (41.4%) was the primary barrier, followed by economic conditions (39.8%), access to funding (31.4%), and uncertainty regarding next steps (28.7%).While you can't control the economy, you can build a stronger foundation to help your business adapt. Success doesn’t come from avoiding challenges, but from establishing the business foundation to handle them effectively. Reviewing customer agreements, improving payment practices, planning for slower periods, and regularly evaluating your growth strategy can make your business all the more resilient.Practical Questions to Ask Yourself About Your American DreamBefore planning your next stage of growth, it’s important to ask yourself a few practical questions about where your business is today and where you want it to go.Is my business giving me the freedom I hoped it would? Or am I spending all my time solving day-to-day problems instead of leading the business?Are my contracts helping my business grow? Could clearer payment terms or deliverable agreements reduce future disputes?What's preventing my next stage of growth? Is it customer acquisition, cash flow, funding, operations, or something else?Should I review my business strategy with an attorney? Are there legal or operational risks I could address before they become larger problems?What to Do NextTake some time this month to evaluate whether your business is moving you toward the life you wanted when you first started.Review your customer contracts, vendor agreements, and payment terms to identify areas that could reduce risk or improve cash flow.Look at your biggest bottlenecks, and identify one or two changes that would give you more time to focus on growth.If you're preparing for expansion or facing recurring business challenges, consider speaking with an attorney to review your contracts and long-term plans.Ultimately, building a successful business isn't just about working harder; it's about making the proper preparations to enjoy more freedom and security for years to come.MethodologyRocket Lawyer surveyed 883 U.S. small business owners through the UserTesting platform from June 9-26, 2026. Respondents were screened to confirm that they owned a small business. The survey explored views on business ownership and the American Dream, motivations for starting a business, barriers to growth, personal fulfillment, financial independence, family opportunity, and demographic and business characteristics. Read the survey announcement and full survey report.This story was produced by Rocket Lawyer and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The Fun Station shares plans for its first outdoor attraction What’s considered “Iowa’s largest indoor adventure park” is venturing outside for its next attraction.
	Rock River Hospice & Home closing after 40+ years A hospice center in Sterling is closing its doors next week. Rock River Hospice & Home announced it will close on August 1 after over 40 years of serving patients and families throughout the Sauk Valley and surrounding communities. Rock River Hospice & Home has provided expert hospice and end-of-life care focused on comfort, dignity and quality [...]
	What is a hardship loan? What is a hardship loan?Life’s unexpected challenges often lead to surprise expenses. If you’re navigating a sudden shift in finances without the safety net of an emergency savings account, you might consider a hardship loan — a personal loan you can use to offset financial challenges. With a personal loan, you could get the money you need to cover essential costs and regain your financial footing.OneMain Financial explains what hardship loans are, how they work, and when they may be worth considering for unexpected expenses.What is a hardship loan?A hardship loan is a personal loan that can be used to help you cover expenses during a financial setback, such as a job loss.What is considered a hardship loan may vary from one lender to another. Many banks, credit unions, and lenders offer personal loans you can use for expenses during financial hardships. Once you receive the money, you can spend it on what’s most pressing — whether that’s an urgent home repair or a medical bill.To receive a personal loan for hardship, some lenders may require you to prove you are facing significant financial difficulties. Many lenders do not.How do hardship loans work?If you’re considering a personal loan to help with a financial hardship, you’ll apply with a lender, bank, or credit union. If your application is approved, the lender will send you the funds. You typically must repay the loan in equal monthly installments over a set repayment term. In addition to the amount you borrowed, which is called the principal, you will also have to pay interest, which is the cost of borrowing money. Some personal loans may also have fees.Personal loans may be secured, meaning they require collateral, or unsecured, which do not. Collateral is something of value that you possess, such as a car, that you use to back the loan. If you default on the loan, the lender may take possession of your collateral to offset the cost of what you owe. Collateral could boost your borrowing power, potentially helping you get a lower interest rate or more favorable repayment terms.In some cases, lenders may ask you to prove that you’re experiencing financial hardship. Depending on the lender, some may require you to show documentation about your situation.When to consider applying for a hardship loanJust like any other loan, you’ll need to repay the money you borrow, generally with interest and sometimes with added fees. Before committing to a hardship loan, it’s important to understand:When you’ll need to repay the loanHow much it will cost to borrow the money after interest and any feesWhether you can afford the monthly paymentsWhether there are any fees for paying off your loan earlyIf you’re confident that you can afford to repay what you borrow, a personal loan due to hardship may be worth considering.What to do before applying for a hardship loanHere are some actions you can take before applying for a personal loan due to hardship.Review your financesTake some time to add up the expenses or debts you need to pay. Having a clear understanding of your financial needs makes it easier to identify areas where you may need additional support and how to receive it. It can also be helpful to create a budget and track your spending, so you can find additional places to save.Reach out to creditors and service providersIf a serious illness or other hardship has left you short on money to pay your monthly debts and bills, consider reaching out to current creditors, lenders, and service providers. You may find that many are willing to work with you to find options that help you get back on track, like temporary lower interest rates, loan deferments, or reduced payments.Consider nonprofit and government assistanceIf you’re unable to pay for basic needs, like food or shelter, local nonprofits and government assistance programs may help you access resources before you consider taking on new debt. Your state or local government may offer general assistance programs and other potential emergency aid.Borrowing alternatives to hardship loansA personal loan may be useful in many circumstances, including a time of hardship, but you may consider other borrowing options.Borrowing from friends or familyA family loan could help you access the money you need with little to no interest and more flexible repayment terms. However, it’s best to borrow from friends and family with caution. Owing money to loved ones could cause unnecessary strain on your relationship, especially if you aren’t clear about the terms of the loan. Have an open conversation about your situation, and work together to develop a repayment plan that works for both parties.Home equity loan or home equity line of creditIf you own your home, you may be able to borrow against its equity through a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and how much you have left to pay on your mortgage.A home equity loan, also known as a second mortgage, allows you to borrow a lump sum of money based on the amount of equity you have in your home and then repay it in fixed monthly payments. A HELOC is a line of credit that permits you to borrow up to a specified limit, but you only pay interest on the amount you actually borrow, like a credit card. While these borrowing options differ somewhat, both use your home as collateral. If you’re unable to repay what you borrow, the lender could take ownership of your home.401(k) hardship withdrawal or early withdrawalDuring times of financial difficulty, you may be able to withdraw money from your 401(k) retirement plan, either through a hardship withdrawal or an early withdrawal. Each of these options has its own requirements and tax implications. For a hardship withdrawal, you’ll need to prove you have “immediate and heavy financial need.” You may only use the funds for certain purposes defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).Hardship withdrawals and early withdrawals may also impact your long-term retirement savings, so it’s important to consult with a financial expert before taking this step.How to apply for a hardship loanThere are several steps involved in applying for a personal loan when facing hardship.1. Check your eligibilityEvery lender has their own way of evaluating applicants. For example, lenders may consider your credit score, income, and ability to repay the loan.One way to check your eligibility is to prequalify for a loan. Prequalification lets you consider your options and budget before you commit to a loan. It’s typically a quick and easy process, but timing does depend on the lender. Prequalifying has no impact on your credit score.2. ApplyMost lenders allow you to fill out and submit a personal loan application online. However, you may also be able to apply for a loan by phone or in person, if you prefer. When you apply for any type of loan, the lender will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may have a small, temporary impact on your credit score.3. Gather your documentsAfter applying, you’ll usually need to provide some important documents, including:Proof of identity (driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, or available third-party verification service)Proof of residence (such as a driver’s license with current address, utility bill, or signed lease)Proof of income (such as pay stubs or tax returns)Some lenders may also ask for documents that show why you need a hardship loan. You may need to provide additional items based on your personal situation.4. Wait for review and approvalThe lender will review your application to decide if you’re approved for the loan. Depending on the situation, the lender may contact you for more information to finalize your loan.5. Review the loan offerIf you’re approved, you’ll receive a loan offer that explains the amount, interest rate, any fees, and the repayment terms. Before accepting any loan, make sure you understand all the details. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure about anything.6. Receive your fundsOnce you accept the loan offer and sign the loan agreement documents, it’s time to receive your funds. Some lenders may send your funds the same day your loan is approved. Others may take more time, depending on whether you choose to receive the money via direct deposit or a paper check.Get the money and relief you needFinding financial balance may seem impossible in a time of hardship, but a setback doesn’t have to define your future. By exploring your resources and making borrowing decisions that work for your needs, you can regain control and build more stability to help you face whatever surprises life holds.This story was produced by OneMain Financial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How housing alternatives are giving the traditional starter home its comeback How housing alternatives are giving the traditional starter home its comebackWatch nearly any classic movie from the early 2000s, and you'll always find one family in a picture-perfect home. It’s the never-changing white picket fence, the nicely mowed grass, and three different generations under one roof every holiday season. For decades, the starter home has been the entry point to that picture. Today, for millions of Americans, that entry point has nearly disappeared, leaving first-time buyers priced out and older Americans stuck in homes they can no longer afford to leave.Nestment, a platform that guides first-time homebuyers through the homebuying process using traditional and alternative pathways to ownership, offers insight into the death of the starter home and how non-traditional pathways to homeownership might help bring some version of the popular home model back.It’s Hard Out Here for a First-Time BuyerThe starter home was born alongside the Federal Housing Administration in 1934. The model was typically defined as the cheapest homes priced in the lower third of the market and sized at 1,400 square feet. It was built for working families as a deliberate on-ramp to stability and safety. It wasn't built solely to impress, it was built to work — and work it did.Now falling somewhere close to 90 years old, the starter home survived the post-WWII suburban boom, the 2008 financial crisis, and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Owning a home meant building equity, establishing financial stability, and participating in the common joys of the consumer. While these homes quickly moved from just a starter to an important asset, many Americans were excluded from the benefits, including singles, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with disabilities. As of 2026, the gap has only continued to widen.A record 242 U.S. cities now have starter homes worth more than $1 million, according to Zillow. That’s an increase of 80 cities prior to the pandemic. Meanwhile, first-time buyers accounted for about 1 in 5 of all home purchases last year, the lowest share the National Association of Realtors has recorded since it began tracking the data in 1981. It’s little wonder why many Americans have turned to renting or living with parents to lessen financial burdens. It’s not for lack of trying either. According to research conducted by the Economic Innovation Group, first-time buyers spend nearly 26% of their income on housing. Many are even choosing between retirements and weddings to afford a home.And the squeeze runs in both directions. A Redfin analysis found that baby boomers who are empty nesters own roughly twice as many large, three-bedroom homes as millennial families raising kids. Many older owners aren’t reluctant to sell their homes as much as they can’t. Increased mortgages and thinner inventory of smaller homes have left older Americans inside the same home they bought decades ago.Lawmakers have taken notice and are desperate to close the gap, with varying results. Massachusetts has rolled out Starter Home Zoning Districts, a voluntary program offering state incentives to towns that allow smaller, denser homes by right. Minnesota and Arizona have each tried, and so far, have been unable to pass their own versions of a Starter Homes Act following pushback from cities over local zoning control. And Detroit developers are experimenting with new construction that blends pricier and cheaper models on the same block to make modest homes that work out financially.While a strong step for interested homeowners, these efforts haven’t closed the gap on their own, which leaves millions of Americans asking: What’s next?The AlternativesAlternatives to traditional homeownership have existed for decades. Since the early 1990s, families have pooled resources together with other families and neighbors to afford a home or shared apartment buildings. By the 1970s, community land trusts were helping low-income buyers get a foothold, while the Equal Credit Opportunity Act finally allowed women to obtain mortgages without a male co-signer.For years, these models sat on the sidelines, underused by the very market that was pricing out buyers. However, rising costs, growing families, and tight inventory are pushing more people toward pathways that were once considered unconventional. Now, they might be the next step to normalcy. Co-buying: buying a primary residence with three to four co-borrowers or housemates.Shared equity: using funds from investors as a portion of the down payment in exchange for proportional ownership in the home’s equity.Cooperative communities: creating shared ownership structures through increased residential density, including multi-unit or cooperative housing arrangements.House hacking: purchasing a multi-unit primary residence and using rental income from the additional units to help offset monthly housing costs.Rent-vesting: acquiring equity in rental properties while continuing to rent a primary residence.The starter home is dead. It’s not coming back in its old form and, potentially, never will. Instead, it’s reemerging as something more flexible: an ADU tucked behind a main house, a condo or converted duplex, or a co-op.Condos have long been dismissed on the homeownership ladder, but recent policy has given them an opportunity to shine. In March 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac issued coordinated updates to their condo lending rules, easing costly insurance requirements and dropping the cap that made building with heavy investor ownership harder to finance. The Federal Housing Finance Agency framed the move as a way to lower monthly payments and put more first-time buyers in a position to own a home. The changes could make condos one more viable alternative for first-time buyers again.The ComebackThe traditional starter home, the white picket fence, the 1,400-square-foot space with a guaranteed path to equity, is effectively gone from most of the country. Yet, the gap it left behind hasn’t closed; it’s just changed shape. Co-buying arrangements, shared-equity programs, primary multi-family homes, and newly accessible condos are some of the many alternatives that are trying to offer everything the starter home once promised.Separately, they can’t give the classic holiday moving feeling, and they can’t restore the “American Dream” version of homeownership many Americans grew up hoping for. But together, they make clear that the dream isn’t dead. It just looks different. For generations, for millions living just out of reach of the traditional home, this version may be the better alternative. It just might be the new starter home worth chasing.This story was produced by Nestment and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Republicans urge Justice Department to investigate former prosecutor Jack Smith The former special counsel led two criminal investigations of President Trump and has been a frequent target of Trump's ire on social media.
	Missouri maternal deaths remain mostly preventable, sixth state report finds From 2019 to 2023, 340 Missourians died while pregnant or within a year after pregnancy, according to the sixth annual Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review published by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (Oscar Wong/Getty Images).From 2019 to 2023, 340 Missourians died while pregnant or within a year after pregnancy. Of those, 108 deaths were classified as pregnancy-related — meaning caused or aggravated by the pregnancy itself — and nearly 80% of them were preventable. The findings were part of the sixth annual Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review, published this month by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Cardiovascular disease and mental health and substance use disorders remain the leading causes of pregnancy-related mortality in Missouri. Infections, hemorrhage and amniotic fluid embolism are among the other less-common causes of death. Missouri has long ranked among the states with the worst outcomes for infant and maternal health. “Preventing maternal deaths in Missouri is complex. Health disparities, the opioid crisis and lack of access to healthcare all impact the health of moms across the state,” this year’s report concludes. “ … Studying maternal mortality cases is the first step in helping Missouri moms have healthy pregnancies and postpartum outcomes.” The latest report does not yet account for deaths in 2024 and 2025, at which point the state began rolling out several programs and initiatives aimed at reducing poor maternal outcomes. While the latest data virtually holds steady to the numbers seen in years prior, Martha Smith, the Missouri maternal child health director for the health department, is confident that the outcomes will soon start improving. “Sometimes there’s not a magic bullet, so to speak,” she said. “Sometimes it is more of this process, and systems work to build the infrastructure and then train everybody and get everybody on board to use the same framework and build on the same infrastructure enough when you can really start the massive push to see a shift. I kind of think of it like a tidal wave to create that momentum to really change how things are done.” While the statewide efforts are expansive — bringing together government, hospitals, researchers, providers and community health workers — maternal health advocates on the community level worry how budget cuts at the state and federal levels could impact the work in years to come. Across Missouri, maternal health deserts are expanding and safety net care is shrinking. “Community based organizations are struggling to provide basic care that they’ve been providing as safety nets, they’re just being cut, and the projected policies that are on the ballot are lined up to do even greater harm,” said Lora Gulley, chief operating officer at Generate Health, a St. Louis-area nonprofit focused on addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health. “So we do have our work cut out for us in advocacy.” The warning comes as the money behind that work is thinning. State funding for maternal health services was cut in half in this year’s budget, lawmakers eliminated the capital gains tax last year and a measure on the Aug. 4 ballot would begin phasing out the state income tax — pressures advocates fear will fall hardest on the community groups already working with less. Mental healthcare All of the 24 deaths in the report associated with mental health conditions, including severe postpartum depression and substance use disorders, were found to be preventable. Kyra Betts-Patton, a community-based maternal health strategist in St. Louis, said she wasn’t diagnosed with postpartum depression until she was 13 months postpartum with her first child. Five months later she was pregnant again, and on her third type of antidepressant medication after the first caused gastric issues and the second caused insomnia. For Betts-Patton, who is also a doula and a PhD student studying public health at Washington University, the experience only reinforced how difficult it can be to identify and then treat mental health disorders postpartum. “We are starting to get some providers who have some perinatal behavioral health training,” she said. “Not enough, not enough for the number of us that experience the severe depression and anxiety that leads to maternal mental health being one of the leading causes of maternal death.” This year’s report identified several contributing factors to the mortality rates, while also noting that without autopsy results for a majority of the cases, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of death. Only 36% of the women in the report had an autopsy performed. The report recommends that autopsies be performed in all cases. Betts-Patton said the lack of an autopsy lets systems and providers off the hook. For example, she said, a woman battling a severe infection postpartum might take additional pain medication to cope. If her death is then documented as an accidental overdose, then it might overlook the infection as an underlying cause. Where more information was available, the board determined that a failure of a provider to complete a health assessment, including a postpartum mental health screening, factored into 38 of the deaths. Other provider-level contributing factors include failure to provide quality care, such as failure to treat hypertensive disorders; failure to coordinate continuity of care, such as failure to coordinate prescription changes in pregnancy; and discrimination, including dismissed symptoms. Lack of knowledge of risk factors or warning signs was listed as the most prevalent risk factor for patients, factoring into an estimated 26 deaths. The report also highlighted system-level contributing factors in the women’s deaths, including barriers to accessing care, such as an inability to afford care, or a lack of reliable transportation to get to that care. Statewide efforts to reduce deaths Black women continue to die at 2.5 times the rate of white women, according to the report. Women enrolled in Medicaid were nearly 3 times as likely to die as those on private insurance, a rate that has decreased since a 2022 report, which encompassed maternal deaths from 2017 to 2019, found women on Medicaid were eight times more likely to die than those on private insurance. In 2023, the Missouri legislature expanded Medicaid coverage through the first year postpartum. About 40% of women in Missouri who give birth are on Medicaid at the time of delivery. This is one of several recommendations by the board over the past several years that has since been rolled out. Other efforts include support for doula training programs and coverage of doula services for pregnant women on Medicaid beginning in 2024, followed by an expansion of those services that was signed into law this year. Also signed into law this year was a statute expanding the scope of the mortality review board to include studying the state’s maternal healthcare deserts, tracking the level of prenatal and postnatal care given to women who die in childbirth or postpartum and making recommendations to combat racial inequities in maternal deaths. Childbirth left a Missouri mother paralyzed. Childcare access helped her heal In 2024, the Missouri Perinatal Quality Collaborative launched the Ask Me 5 Campaign aimed at establishing more trust between providers and patients while discussing critical health and safety information. The state is currently in the process of implementing the Postpartum Pathway program published late last year that aims to create standardized postpartum care across the state. The initiative was the result of state funding spurred by the mortality board’s previous findings. Gulley said the report proves it’s possible to “create space where collaboration can happen between and amongst both those that are providing those critical care and services and families that are trying to access them so that we’re in alignment.” It also proves there’s no one lynchpin to be found. “When we talk about listening to community, that better helps us understand what things we need to address or tackle,” she said. For example, among the new recommendations this year was an urging by the board for local housing authorities to create policies prioritizing housing for pregnant and postpartum women. The board also called on local governments, state agencies and community-based organizations to invest in community violence intervention programs with the goal of reducing the number of pregnant and postpartum women killed in homicides. “We know there’s a direct correlation with stress and cortisol in your body. It’s not an ideal environment for a baby to be growing in.” Gulley said. “That leads to hypertension, it leads to preeclampsia. It can lead to other chronic illnesses that stress exacerbates.” It’s often community organizations working on the ground to address social determinants of health, like housing and food insecurity, violence and environmental hazards. The task is made all the more difficult when investment dollars start drying up. In 2023, Gov. Mike Parson signed off on a budget that invested $4.3 million in improving quality and access to maternal health services. That funding was cut in half in the budget signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe for the 2027 fiscal year, Smith said, but they still have some continued funding. Some of the state programs also rely on federal grants as well as MO Healthnet funds. Betts-Patton said she fears how budget line items like the doula training program might fare in leaner years, despite research showing their effectiveness in improving maternal outcomes. “There have been people in this work for over a decade, still advocating before there was a PAMR report,” she said. “There were still people who had that anecdotal community level experience that something was happening. Is still happening.” Courtesy of Missouri Independent
	6 ways to cut costs and save money 6 ways to cut costs and save moneyFeel like there’s not enough money at the end of the month? You’re not alone. Affordability and the cost of living are among most people’s top financial concerns.Getting more out of your money may seem like wishful thinking, but slashing everyday expenses and putting extra cash in your pocket may be more doable than you think. Finder.com explores 10 ways to lower your costs and save money.1. Slash unnecessary bank feesAre all the bank account features you pay for worth the fees? If you rarely use your account for anything other than everyday spending and money transfers, it may be worth looking into no-fee bank accounts.Spending $5 to $15 a month to maintain your account doesn’t sound like much. But over a year, that’s $60 to $180—enough to cover an unexpected expense or one or two fillups at the gas station.If you need the features that come with a paid account, see if you can open one that waives the monthly fee if you meet certain criteria, like setting up direct deposits or holding a minimum balance. Keep an eye out for new account offers to score an extra bonus for your savings.You wouldn’t throw physical cash down the drain, so stop wasting money on unnecessary account fees.2. Transfer your credit card balance to get a lower rateDon't commit to endless credit card interest payments. Lower or eliminate the cost of your debt by transferring your balance to a card with a lower rate.Credit card interest rates are currently around 21%, and the average cardholder is carrying a total balance of just over $6,500. That means the average cardholder is paying over $113 per month—or over $1,350 per year—in interest alone.Switching to a card with a low or 0% balance transfer offer helps you pay off debt faster, because more of your monthly payment will go towards slashing down the principal you owe.But balance transfer offers expire, after which, higher standard rates kick in. So, it may be worth switching to a credit card with a low standard rate instead.3. Negotiate your existing loan termsBorrowing comes with a price tag. But it may be easier to manage debt like auto loans, personal loans and mortgages by adjusting factors like the loan term and payment frequency to suit your budget.Stretching out your loan term will lower your payments and free up room in your budget. However, you’ll pay more in the long run.One trick for paying off debt faster is to switch from monthly to biweekly payments (that is, every two weeks).You’d think making two payments per month would mean 24 payments a year. But one year actually contains 26 two-week periods. So, you’re sneaking in the equivalent of an extra monthly payment, which, over the life of a mortgage or car loan, can save you a lot in interest.Interest isn’t the only cost to avoid. Stay away from other charges that drive up loan costs like optional insurance coverage and fees for late or missed payments.Whether your goal is lowering your payments or reducing the cost of borrowing, stay focused on your goal and don’t get sidetracked by unnecessary add-ons.4. Round up your transactions and save or invest the differenceSaving for tomorrow may not feel right when you’re struggling to make ends meet today. Fortunately, there are ways to put aside a little here and there without significantly impacting your budget.Some banks offer a “round-up” feature that rounds your purchases to the nearest dollar and deposits the difference into your savings. Micro-investing apps do the same thing, but deposit the difference into an investment account instead for potentially greater returns.If you’re willing to spend $2.49 on a cup of coffee twice a week, why not round up to $3 and put 51 cents into savings? After a year, you’ll have over $53. The effect is even greater if you round up all your transactions, including groceries, gas, online purchases and eating out.Most banks also let you schedule automatic transfers to your savings to ensure you’re regularly setting aside money. It doesn’t matter how much you transfer—every dollar counts.5. Streamline your streaming servicesCompared to your rent or mortgage payment, the cost of streaming may seem like a mere drop in the bucket.However, reality paints a different picture. Deloitte reports that the average American household spends $69 per month on video streaming services. That’s a whopping $828 per year.Setting your subscription payments on autopilot increases the likelihood that you’re paying more than you think. Prices may have risen since you last checked, or you may be shelling out for platforms or multi-user packages you no longer need.Taking an hour to review your subscriptions could save you hundreds of dollars annually.You don’t have to bid a permanent farewell to your favorite movies and shows if you subscribe to services on rotation, so you’re only ever paying for what you’re watching right now.6. Cut down food wasteFood waste adds up more than you think. ReFED estimates that the average American spent over $760 on uneaten food in 2024.A study by Love Food Hate Waste Canada estimated that Canadian households waste $1,300 worth of food per year. Even worse, the organization estimates that 63% of discarded food is actually fit to be eaten.Avoid spending money on food you won’t eat by planning your meals and buying only what’s on your shopping list. Cook smaller portions, combine leftovers to create new meals and freeze anything you can’t consume within a few days.Bottom lineWhen you need a little breathing room in your budget, free up funds by migrating to lower-cost financial products, shedding wasteful spending and auto-saving when you make purchases. Thinking outside the box may help you balance your budget and make money more easily than you realize.This story was produced by Finder and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The 25 books startups and founders bought most in the first half of 2026, according to Brex spend data The 25 books startups and founders bought most in the first half of 2026, according to Brex spend dataIf founder mode says the pure people manager is finished, that means the founder has to build the thing and negotiate the deal, close the skeptical buyer, deliver the feedback nobody wants to give, and more. That's a lot to learn. So, how are founders doing it? They’re hitting the bookstore.In this article, Brex examined book spend data across all of its customers, and one thing was consistent: Founder mode was written all over the receipts.A year ago, operating manuals were the most-purchased books. In the first half of 2026, a biography of Alex Karp, the cofounder and CEO of Palantir, tops the list, followed by a wave of books about the work founders won't hand off.Leaders are going full founder mode by devouring books about builders who are changing the world, from defense systems to restaurant empires to battlefields.The 25 books founders bought the mostData is for the first half of 2026, with “Movement” indicating the change in rank compared with the same period a year earlier (H1 2025), and “NEW” indicating no appearance in the rankings during H1 2025. Brex Honorable mentionsA few titles sitting just outside the top 25 that belong in this story:“The Technological Republic” (Alex Karp and Nicholas Zamiska). The most-purchased business book of 2026 is about Karp, and his own book — the argument for what Silicon Valley owes the country that built it — is knocking on the door of the same list.“The Infinity Machine” (Sebastian Mallaby): The AI-builder bookshelf is growing. First, the oral history of AI landed at #10, and now the biography of the man behind DeepMind is climbing right behind it.“Zero to One” (Peter Thiel). Published in 2014 and back in the top 40 after a year off, it still resonates with the founder's worldview: Don't compete, don't copy, and build the thing only you can see.“An Elegant Puzzle” (Will Larson) and “The Art of Doing Science and Engineering” (Richard Hamming). Two more Stripe Press hardcovers are within arm's reach of the top 25 list.Founders are reading books by and about foundersStartup readers want to learn from the founders themselves. A playbook might tell you how to run the company, but the biographies tell you who you have to become to run it.These founder and CEO biographies trended up this year:#1, “The Philosopher in the Valley” (Michael Steinberger). The Karp biography reveals that he has no business or computer-science background. He’s severely dyslexic, allergic to the standard CEO script, and reliably willing to say things in public most operators wouldn't whisper. The book showed up in November 2025 and went straight to the top of this list by a wide margin.#9, “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” (Ben Horowitz). At 12 years old, this book is up 41% from a year ago, climbing five spots into the top 10. No book is more honest about how ugly building a company gets, and apparently, every new cohort of founders figures that out on schedule.#13, “High Output Management” (Andrew Grove). This book defined how Silicon Valley ran teams for four decades. It rose 59% and climbed 12 spots. This is the book that started founders sharing their opinionated views on how companies should run. Founders are reading Grove and the biographies simultaneously to develop their own mix of methods.The skills you can't delegateThe first wave of founder-as-personal-project reading hit a ceiling. Everyone bought “Atomic Habits,” everyone built a morning routine, and a lot of those routines faded. The whole optimize-yourself shelf lost ground at once:A year ago, “Atomic Habits” was the #3 book on this list. Today it's #11, down 31%.“Extreme Ownership” fell from #10 to #19.“What the Heck Is EOS?” slid six spots.What's pulling away: hard feedback, skeptical buyers, and coaching conversations. These are the skills of someone who does the work, not someone who manages it.“Never Split the Difference”: up four spots to #7, up 57% from a year ago.“Crucial Conversations”: up 20 spots to #14, up 76%, the biggest climb on the list.“The Challenger Sale”: up 50%, now #5. “Radical Candor”: up 35%, inside the top 10.“Dare to Lead” and “The Coaching Habit”: up 13 and 16 spots, respectively.The #3 book startups buy“The Scaling Era,” Dwarkesh Patel's oral history of how the models actually got built, with Dario Amodei, Demis Hassabis, Ilya Sutskever, Mark Zuckerberg, and others, debuted at #10. And “Designing Data-Intensive Applications,” a 700-page distributed-systems textbook, is tied for third, up 44% from a year ago. A systems engineering textbook is the #3 book among founders.The people running companies are reading the deep technical material themselves, because in founder mode, there's no layer between them and the machine.Stripe Press has won the startup bookshelfStripe launched its press in 2018 with a handful of titles a year, betting that operators would pay for beautifully made hardcovers about science, economics, and technology. Books for "an audience that is global, fiercely curious, and extremely high-agency," in their own words. A leading global payments company is now outperforming 200-year-old publishers.Three of the top 25 are Stripe Press hardcovers, and two more are in the honorable mentions:#10, “The Scaling Era” (Dwarkesh Patel, NEW)#12, “Scaling People” (Claire Hughes Johnson, +17% from a year ago)#21, “The Origins of Efficiency” (Brian Potter, NEW)Just outside the top 25: “An Elegant Puzzle” (Will Larson) and “The Art of Doing Science and Engineering” (Richard Hamming)Founder mode has animated two years of podcasts, panels, and essays, and for good reason. It's a leadership idea that came from the founders themselves, not the theory shelf. The Brex data adds something new to that conversation: Whatever founders say, they also vote with their corporate cards. They've picked up the founders who came before them, the story of how the machines they now command got built, and they're still reading Grove while they do it.So compare your bookshelf to the list. Are you operating the way the data says founders operate now, or are you still reading the faders?MethodologyRankings come from anonymized Brex card purchases of books tagged by ISBN. The ISBN-level detail comes from L2/L3 card data that Brex uses to auto-generate itemized receipts on purchases like these. Cardholder purchases per month were counted and summed across each period. For momentum, each title's rank in H1 2026 was compared with the same window a year earlier, which controls for the seasonality of when companies buy books.This story was produced by Brex and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	For Yukon River residents, salmon shortages have health consequences Migrating summer chum and chinook salmon swim on July 7, 2007, below the U.S. Bureau of Land Managment's fish weir on the Tozitna River, Alaska. The Tozitna is a tributory of the Yukon River. (Photo by Jason Post/U.S. Bureau of Land Management)When 26-year-old Tirzah Bryant was a kid, she knew how to watch the cottonwood trees along the Yukon River for the sign that it was time to fish for salmon. “We know that the fish are coming when the cotton’s flying from the cottonwood,” she said. But run collapses and successive fishing closures along the river have rendered the cottonwood signal meaningless. “I remember that first summer that we couldn’t fish, watching the cotton flying and being like …what it felt like, I was drifting. I’m like, ‘What am I doing?’” she said. That drifting feeling includes interactions with members of her extended family who had moved to cities but used to gather in Galena during fishing season. “They don’t have a reason to come home now,” she said. Bryant described that odd feeling during a presentation in March at an Anchorage tribal environmental conference. A 2025 graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Center for One Health Research master’s degree program, which focuses on the human-animal-environmental health connections in Alaska and the Arctic, she described the One Health concept as fitting perfectly with her family’s traditions. “Everything is related. So a healthy environment equals healthy animals, which equals healthy humans,” said Bryant, who also holds a biology degree from UAF and is now the environmental and education coordinator for the Louden Tribe, the Galena-based tribal government. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. That makes the collapse of runs in the Yukon River — where Indigenous residents’ culture is tied to communal salmon harvesting, preparation and eating — “very detrimental to our people,” she said. On the Yukon River, salmon runs that used to support a thriving and lucrative commercial harvest have collapsed. The runs of Chinook, also called king salmon, that have been in steady decline since the early 2000s, took a nosedive in recent years; by 2022, Chinook abundance was down 81% below its long-term average, according to fishery biologists. Harvest closures that began in 2020 were extended, and in 2024 an Alaska-Canada agreement established a seven-year moratorium on Chinook salmon fishing in the river to preserve Canadian-origin stocks. Runs of chum salmon, a species that is generally more abundant in the river, suffered a similar but more sudden crash. A series of chum-harvest closures, even for subsistence purposes, started in 2020, and by 2022 abundance had fallen 92% below the long-term average. Several factors, working in combination, are blamed for the declines. Scientists cite multiple climate change effects in both the ocean and freshwater bodies used by salmon. Those changes have not only affected the raw numbers of fish but also contributed to the shrinking size of salmon, resulting in smaller egg loads carried to spawning grounds by females. Tirzah Bryant of Galena and elder Betty Huntington after giving a presetnation on One Health issues on March 25, 2026, at the Alaska Tribal Conference on Environmental Managmeent in Anchorage. Bryant is the environmental and education coordinator for the Louden Tribe, the Tribal govenrment in Galena, a community on the middle Yukon River. Huntington is also from Galena. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) Other factors cited are interceptions at sea by trawlers targeting groundfish species like pollock, changes forced by increasing loads of Asian hatchery fish in the ocean, past fishery management practices and the parasite Icthyophonus, which thrives in warmer conditions and has a more detrimental effect on Yukon Chinook than on any other type of salmon. Salmon-protection activists say there is not much that can be done in the short term in Alaska to address those factors, other than to adjust fishery management to cut down on at-sea interception, also known as bycatch. ‘We are truly fish people’ Tribal representatives have made that argument repeatedly to fishery managers. Among them was Brian Ridley, chairman of the Tanana Chiefs Conference, a consortium of Interior Alaska tribal governments. Ridley, in testimony to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council at its February meeting in Anchorage, spoke about salmon-related health issues in terms similar to those Bryant used. He discussed Athabascan salmon traditions that go back millennia — as far back as 10,500 years ago, according to archaeologists’ discoveries of Yukon River fish camps. “So we are truly fish people,” he said. The approximately 20,000 people who live in the Texas-sized area covered by the Tanana Chiefs Conference need more protections to repair the Yukon River’s weak salmon runs, he said. “I’ve got to do the best I can for them, and that’s why we’re fighting so hard to try to get our fish back,” he told the council. A dietary staple, salmon had — until recently — been the main source of protein for Indigenous people who live along the Interior Alaska river systems. Traditionally, salmon has made up about a third of the wild food that rural Alaskans eat, according to the state Department of Fish and Game, and along the Yukon River basin, the percentage was much higher, at least in the past. Store-bought substitutes, in addition to being expensive and of limited availability in rural Alaska villages that lack any outside road access, do not provide the same quality proteins and vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids, tribal organizations say. The Tanana Chiefs Conference says effects of salmon shortages are seen in medical records. In October 2024, it said there had been a 24.6% increase in diabetes and a staggering 70% increase in prediabetes among tribal members since 2019. Concerns in Alaska about adverse health impacts from reduced salmon consumption fit into a larger pattern of problems around the circumpolar North as wild and nutrient-rich foods traditional in Indigenous diets have been gradually replaced by less-healthful store-bought foods. In Western Siberia, for example, climate change has shortened the seasons in which the Indigenous Nenets people harvest fish and reindeer, resulting in less overall consumption of those dietary staples and higher rates of hypertension, according to a 2021 study by researchers from Russian and Chinese institutions. In Arctic Canada, a long-term transition away from what in local vernacular is called “country food” — wild foods such as fish, marine mammal meat and berries — has coincided in Inuit populations with rising obesity and related chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, according to a Canadian report published online in 2020 that summarized the findings of 162 studies. Subsistence fishing on the Yukon River (Photo provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game) A 2024 Canadian study calculated the expected increases in heart attack risks over the coming decades for First Nations members in British Columbia. A traditional foods comeback Despite challenges around the Arctic, there have been successes in resurrecting traditional diets, which experts say are important for both physical and mental health. At the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, for example, traditional Native foods are served regularly, with supplies donated by community members. Traditional foods are “healing, nourishing medicine for our people,” says the hospital’s website. Donated traditional foods are served at other tribal health care facilities, too, such as the Maniilaq long-term care center in Kotzebue. Count last summer’s culture camp organized by Eva Burk and other tribal leaders in the Interior Alaska community of Nenana as part of the healing process. Burk is a scientist, local food activist and Indigenous representative on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s advisory panel. Nenana is located on the Tanana River, a Yukon River tributary. Burk and other members of the Nenana Native Association gathered local kids to teach them how to harvest and prepare salmon in the traditional Tanana Athabascan ways, along with other Indigenous skills. For their activities, they used a smattering of locally caught chum salmon, also known as dog salmon because it was traditionally fed to sled dogs, that was available through a very limited harvest opened last summer specifically for cultural camp purposes. In all, they used 25 locally caught chum and 25 locally caught coho salmon for the camp, Burk said. Camp activities relied mostly on sockeye salmon sent from the Bristol Bay region, where runs remain abundant. The Bristol Bay fish are not as much to Burk’s liking as the fish that used to be plentiful in the Nenana River and other Yukon tributaries. Bristol Bay salmon tastes a bit different, and the traditional smoking techniques she learned from her family don’t work quite as well, she said. While they were grateful for the donations, they were especially grateful for the ability to harvest salmon from their own river, Burk said. As she described it, catching, preparing and eating the local salmon was something of a healing process. Special care was taken to serve some of it to appreciative elders, she added. “We scored them and smoked them for a day and cooked them over a fire and served them at a potlatch,” she said. “Fish that we would have normally cut for dog fish we were treating with the utmost care and respect, and savoring every last bit.” The Nenana Native Association has scheduled another culture camp this summer to start in late July, and there is another special allowance for culture camp harvesting this year, Burk said. Eva Burk cuts salmon during a culture camp held by the Nenana Native Association in August of 2025, (Photo provided by Eva Burk) This article was produced as a project for USC Annenberg’s Center for Health Journalism and Center for Climate Journalism and Communication 2025 Health and Climate Change Reporting Fellowship. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Alaska Beacon

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