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

Thursday, August 27th, 2026
	Official leading Trump's Gaza ceasefire effort criticizes Israel for its attacks The official in charge of President Trump's ceasefire plan for Gaza criticized Israel for its attacks on the Palestinian territory and warned that the alternative to the U.S. proposal is the next war.
	Be Ready QC Emergency Resource Fair returns to Bettendorf Sunday The fourth annual Be Ready QC Emergency Resource Fair will take place Aug. 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center, offering free family‑friendly activities, hands‑on training, information booths and preparedness resources from more than 30 organizations.
	Hot rods, custom cars and live entertainment set for QC Nationals weekend The NSRA Quad Cities Street Rod Nationals return Aug. 28–29 to the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds with two days of classic cars, custom builds, live entertainment, contests and family activities for automotive fans.
	Bring festive cheer with Heartfelt & Handmade competition Area creators are invited to bring holiday magic! According to a release from the City of Muscatine, local and regional artists, makers and crafters can share their talents in the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center Heartfelt & Handmade Ornament Competition. The festive fundraiser supports art education programs for all ages. Here's how you can [...]
Wednesday, August 26th, 2026
	Yayoi Kusama, high priestess of polka dots, has died The Japanese artist has died at age 97. Kusama's polka dotted pumpkins, "Infinity Rooms," and other repetitive and dreamlike artworks have been shown in museums and galleries worldwide.
	Iowa AG, Miller-Meeks host Bettendorf event to help seniors spot scams In Bettendorf's public library, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird gave seniors information on how to recognize and stop scams.
	Davenport City Council approves plans for permanent speeding fix at River Drive intersection Now that the plans are approved, the city will move to take bids and award a contract.
	Davenport city council approves hiring freeze for ‘non-budgeted’ positions To plan ahead for tighter budgets, officials passed guidelines to put a freeze on hiring “non-budgeted” positions Wednesday night.
	DeWitt library honors Dolly Parton’s legacy with book display DeWitt Community Library honors Dolly Parton's Imagination Library legacy, mailing free books monthly to children from birth to age five.
	How Iowa families could benefit from $136 million settlement with Meta Meta Platforms, Inc. agreed to pay nearly $17 billion in settlement following allegations regarding kids' use of Facebook and Instagram platforms.
	Free Film at the Figge presents award-winning films Free Film at the Figge will present a selection of distinguished, award-winning films that depict the essential roles that persistence and perseverance play in our everyday lives, according to a news release.. Viewers can socialize and discuss the film afterward with a complimentary glass of wine in this series underwritten by Barb Zimmerman. 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5. [...]
	Man enters plea agreement in Scott County child sex abuse case A man formerly from Davenport has entered into a plea agreement with Scott County prosecutors by pleading guilty to lesser charges.
	Illinois confirms first human West Nile virus case of 2026 The Illinois Department of Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in the state for 2026, involving a resident of Piatt County.
	JFK Catholic School holds Little League watch party Davenport’s Northwest baseball team had a big game Wednesday, and their peers and mentors came out to cheer them on.
	Knox County sheriff urges caution after grocery delivery incident A Galesburg grocery delivery driver is facing charges after Knox County deputies say he sexually abused an older woman while making a delivery to her home.
	‘The Driftless’ puts a horror spin on Iowa’s scenic Driftless Area A Dubuque filmmaker started the script as a way to cope with the pandemic. The film has earned awards at festivals across the country and will now show in Davenport.
	Bettendorf event highlights risk of scams targeting seniors Community members are urged to check on older relatives and neighbors who may be more prone to being scammed.
	Tip leads to arrest of Iowa man accused of possessing child sex abuse materials A tip has led to the arrest of a Bryant, Iowa, man who is facing child sex abuse materials charges.
	Cyclists ride the Mississippi River in remembrance of September 11 In remembrance of the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, in the 250th year of the country, two cyclists are riding 2,500 miles down the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. "It was the perfect time for us to do 2,500 miles in honor of all of the people who keep us [...]
	Sherrard Football pivots to Monday nights and rebuilding strategy amid roster dwindle Sherrard High School cancels Varsity football season for 2026.
	Pleasant Valley students host free car wash fundraiser for St. Jude On Saturday, Aug. 29, you're invited to Green Buick GMC in Davenport for a free car wash. In return, the students are asking for a donation to their fundraiser.
	Meta settlement could send nearly $903 million to Iowa and Illinois for child safety The lawsuit accused Meta of contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features that addict children to its platforms.
	Some hot weather on the way this weekend It has been a very nice start this week with lots of sunshine and temperatures staying close to normal in the mid 80s. More sunshine and 80s is expected for the rest of the work week but we could see some more 90s coming up this weekend and early into next week right at the [...]
	‘There’s a huge need for that in the community:’ Hartig Drug Store to close in Prophetstown The closure comes on the heels of a soon to be vacancy in the pharmacist position.
	Augustana's engineering program earns accreditation Augustana College’s Bachelor of Science degree program in Engineering has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, a nonprofit, ISO 9001-certified quality assurance organization, a news release says. Through the accreditation of academic programs, recognition of credentials and assessment of student learning, ABET supports excellence in education worldwide. “ABET accreditation gives students confidence [...]
	Texas Roadhouse breaks ground in Moline There isn’t a date yet for when the location is expected to open.
	Quad Cities Hy-Vee stores to donate balloons to local autism treatment centers Hy-Vee said the balloons will be distributed in late September.
	Pleasant Valley students holding car wash for St. Jude Tripp Barclay and Kamran Foad operate their own car detailing business and are giving back with a car wash, benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
	Iowa, Illinois receiving portion of Meta settlement over teen social media addiction The lawsuit accused Meta of contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features that addict children to its platforms.
	Kinley Rasmus breaks the record for hits by a girl at the Little League World Series Twelve-year-old Kinley Rasmus set a record for hits by a girl at the Little League World Series while tying historic strikeout marks.
	Davenport students cheer classmates playing in Little League World Series Eight students from John F. Kennedy Catholic School in Davenport are playing in the Little League World Series this week.
	Officials break ground on future Moline Texas Roadhouse An opening date for the restaurant has not been announced.
	Nevada beats Iowa in Little League World Series; Iowa to play Thursday in elimination game Nevada beat Iowa 14-6 on Wednesday in the Little League World Series.
	Clinton City Council to discuss potential changes to data center regulations The work session is open to the public and will be at 5 p.m. at Eagle Point Park Lodge on North 3rd Street.
	Senior Star Elmore Place holds slip and slide for residents It's an annual tradition that allows all their residents to be a kid again.
	Eastern Iowa filmmaker bringing his new horror movie 'The Driftless' to Davenport Dubuque filmmaker Tim Connery's third film takes place in the region along the Mississippi in northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, called The Driftless.
	Des Moines man sentenced to 20 years in prison for placing cameras in middle school portable toilets Tyler Boyd Pavlik was convicted of three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material.
	Rock Island Arsenal bridges, viaducts to close intermittently Aug. 29-Sept. 1 Several bridges and viaducts to the Rock Island Arsenal will have intermittent closures Aug. 29 through Sept. 1.
	Scott County Jail corrections officer injured by inmate, sheriff says A Scott County Jail correctional officer is in an Iowa City hospital after being attacked by an inmate early Wednesday, Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane said.
	QCA seniors learn tips to avoid scams Quad-City seniors and their families learned tips for to spotting and avoiding scams. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird hosted a scam awareness event for seniors in Bettendorf. The FBI and area law enforcement also took part, discussing scams targeting seniors, including Medicare, Amazon and social media scams. They also shared tips [...]
	Drugstores say Medicare's $50 obesity drug program is catching on The Bridge program, which began July 1, makes some Medicare beneficiaries eligible for obesity drugs for $50 a month. CVS and Walgreens say they've each already filled 100,000 such prescriptions.
	Illinois attorney general joins suit against Postal Service over mail voting rules The Supreme Court’s ruling came exactly one month before mail balloting is set to begin in Illinois for the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
	New Illinois law establishes rules for electronic bikes, scooters New rules governing who can use electronic bikes and scooters, including where and how fast they go, will go into effect next year.
	Illinois’ first 2026 human case of West Nile Virus confirmed The first human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Illinois for this year by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
	Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey speaks at Tyson plant Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey spoke about the Tyson closure outside the plant in Joslin on Wednesday.
	Texas Roadhouse to open in Moline in May 2027 After 24 successful years in Davenport, the popular restaurant chain Texas Roadhouse will finally open in Moline, in May 2027.
	Government Bridge intermittently closing due to inspections Rock Island Arsenal Directorate of Public and bridge inspectors from the Army Corps of Engineers will conduct an inspection of the Government Bridge that will cause intermittent closures: Flagmen and signage will be in place during the lane closures. There may be intermittent additional closures on Sept. 2 in the event of weather events over [...]
	Suzy Bogguss remembers Dolly Parton Music fans across the world are remembering the life of Dolly Parton, who died on August 26 at the age of 80. Many performers who worked with her are sharing their memories of the country music legend. Suzy Bogguss spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to talk about the woman she said gave [...]
	Davenport senior center beat the heat with slip-n-slide Senior Star residents in Davenport beat the heat with a backyard slip-and-slide event designed to encourage active living at any age.
	Rock Island Arsenal bridges to close for inspections There will be intermittent closures on Rock Island Arsenal bridges starting this weekend.
	Immigration arrests soar, hitting 50,000 in July Since taking over in March, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has pivoted from the confrontational style of immigration enforcement of his predecessor, Kristi Noem. The latest data is reflective of a strategy that is working
	Luxury watch brands that hold their value Luxury watch brands that hold their valueLike cars, watches have been known to lose their value the minute they leave the showroom. While this is largely true, some luxury watch brands retain value well, and some actually appreciate in value. Trying to discern the future value of a luxury watch is nearly impossible, but making informed decisions based on past patterns can help you identify which watch brands generally hold their value. Below, BriteCo looks at eight watch brands to consider if you’re in the market for a timepiece.RolexA pioneer in watchmaking since 1905, Rolex is the manufacturer of some of the best investment watches. Some of the best choices include Submariner, Oyster Perpetual, and Deepsea, because of their resale value.Patek PhilippeWith a legacy lasting almost two centuries, Patek Philippe is associated with class, sophistication, and exclusivity. Using intricate techniques, the brand assembles different components in-house using professional artisans. These make their products extremely valuable in the market. For the best picks, go for the Chronograph, Philippe Nautilus, and Aquanaut.Cartier ParisCartier Paris has reached heights of fashion and status in watchmaking, and its timepieces definitely stand the test of time. A new Cartier watch in the U.S. starts around $5,000-$7,000 for smaller steel/quartz models and rises to between $7,000 and $15,000 for iconic steel automatic or two-tone pieces. Solid-gold, diamond-set, skeleton, and high-jewelry models range from roughly $15,000 to $50,000+, with rare complications reaching much higher.Lange & SohneThis luxury German watch brand has been perfecting its craft since 1945 and believes in self-sufficient work practices. Every component is designed and developed in-house using either silver or nickel. Expert artisans carefully assemble each piece with care to ensure perfection. Though newer models don’t retain their value in the short run, older models resell quite a lot.Jaeger-Le CoultreThis is another well-known watch brand that features beautiful designs. Watch collectors consider the brand a fantastic investment. The company has manufactured some of the most highly prized and respected watches in the market. Jaeger-LeCoultre models that are very likely to hold their value include Duoplan, the Atmos, Master Control, and Memovox Polaris.TAG HeuerEstablished in 1860, TAG Heuer is a luxury watch brand known for its diverse variety of watches as well as its foolproof marketing. Chris Hemsworth and Elvis Presley are just a few personalities who have owned a TAG Heuer watch. Their watches maintain a unique vintage quality, as well as a functional design that is very consumer-friendly. When it comes to holding value, the recommended models include Monaco, Monza, Carrera and vintage Heuer, select Autavia references.OmegaOmegas are a popular watch brand that holds value well, while not being as costly as some of the other brands discussed. Buzz Aldrin wore an Omega watch for the first moon landing, and Omega still continues to manufacture high-quality, in-house assembled watches. Recommended models for investment include Speedmaster, Omega Seamaster or the Constellation.Richard MilleRichard Mille is a Swiss brand established in 2001 that has since become associated with renowned athletes, particularly race car drivers. The company has pioneered various watch-making technologies, like sapphire crystals, carbon nanofiber baseplates, as well as a complex G-force sensor. The price tag for Richard Mille watches ranges from $120,000 for entry level to over $3 million.If you are smart, strategic, and aware of the trends in the watch market, you can invest in timepieces that can reap rewards over time.This story was produced by BriteCo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport Northwest to face Nevada in Little League World Series Davenport Northwest takes on Nevada today at the Little League World Series, with the winner advancing to the U.S. championship game.
	Bettendorf to expand bike trail, Middle Road construction starts next week Middle Road in Bettendorf will close between Hopewell Avenue and Forest Grove Drive for two weeks during sewer work and trail expansion.
	Greetings from Karbala, Iraq, where millions gathered for a Shia pilgrimage Pilgrims came to Iraq from all over the world in August. Many Iraqi and Iranian pilgrims walked hundreds of miles in extreme heat to mark the event. Outside the shrines, the atmosphere is almost festive.
	Group trips are stuck in the chat. Here's why it might pay to finally book one. Group trips are stuck in the chat. Here's why it might pay to finally book one.Group chats are where trips often begin. But the vast majority never make it beyond that chat.Eighty-four percent of American travelers have seen a group trip dwell in chat limbo for months without being booked, according to new data from KAYAK.But there may be a good reason to finally turn “we should” into “we booked.”Vacation rental search data shows the average price for vacation rentals for groups of five or more has fallen 12% compared to last year, while searches for properties of this size are up 20% over the same period.In other words, more travelers are looking to get the group together, and doing it could come with some savings.Can group travel help cut costs?Dividing accommodations, rental car prices, gas and even food amongst friends can unlock significant savings. Traveling with five people requires five calendars, five opinions and at least one person who refuses to answer the poll. With travel costs higher than last year, Americans are finding smart ways to make their getaways happen:25% are traveling with a group to share the costs.31% are opting for cheaper accommodations.36% are choosing more affordable destinations.That large villa overlooking the ocean looks a lot less intimidating once the nightly rate is divided five, six or more ways.The trick is knowing where to go.The best value destinations for group getawaysKAYAK’s ranking of vacation rentals for five travelers or more highlights where groups can share a vacation rental for some of the lowest per-person costs.Top 5 US best value destinations for a group of 5+ travelers:Here are the top five best value destinations in the U.S. for a group of five travelers, along with the average price per person per night: KAYAK Vegas for five? Maybe not such a gamble. At an average price of $157, Las Vegas comes out as KAYAK’s lowest-priced U.S. destination, followed by Myrtle Beach at $243 for beach lovers, while Nashville gives groups looking for live music and a shared place to stay another more wallet-friendly option.Pricey destinations don’t always stay pricey when the bill is split. The number that matters isn’t the sticker price but the per-person cost.Top 10 best value international destinations for a group of 5+ travelersHere are the top 10 best value international destinations for a group of five travelers, along with the average price per person per night: KAYAK International group travelers can find particularly strong value in Oranjestadt, where the average vacation-rental cost is $207 per person. Athens, Madrid, Tokyo, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Rome combine major cultural attractions with shared experiences.If your group trip has spent the last six months collecting thumbs-up emojis instead of confirmation numbers, now might be the time to pick the dates.MethodologyThe results are based on vacation rental searches made on KAYAK and associated brands in the period between March 1, 2026, and June 11, 2026, for travel days between July 1, 2026, and Dec. 31, 2026. They were compared to the same search and travel period in 2025. All prices are the average cost per person, for one room and night in vacation rentals for groups of five or more. Prices may vary and are subject to change.This story was produced by KAYAK and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How hotter summers are changing the way Americans get dressed How hotter summers are changing the way Americans get dressedSummers across the United States have always been hot, but Climate Central reports that average summer temperatures have risen across 97% of the 243 U.S. cities it analyzed since 1970. More recently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recorded July 2026 as the warmest month across the contiguous U.S. since recordkeeping began in 1895.So getting dressed has become harder to get right, especially when people are trying to stay comfortable through hotter stretches of weather without giving up the clothes they normally wear.Cornell fiber scientist Larissa Marie Shepherd told The Washington Post that dressing for summer heat is more complicated than simply wearing less, since uncovered skin absorbs more heat from the sun and burns more easily.And the same focus on comfort is showing up across apparel, where Felina has examined how construction affects comfort in clothing worn close to the body. So with hotter days harder to ignore, people are looking more closely at what their clothes are actually made of.The Fabric Choices That Matter More When Temperatures RiseFashion has always been and will always be about self-expression, but during the relentless heat of summer, it also comes down to function and comfort. As temperatures climb, the fabric touching the skin becomes much harder to ignore, and even small irritations can make a hot afternoon feel much longer.Guowen Song, who directs Iowa State University's Lab for Heat and Thermal Protection Research, told Time that "we human beings really need to balance heat and moisture to feel good." His observation helps explain why linen and cotton remain common warm-weather choices, even though neither performs the same way for every person or every climate.Georgia Tech materials scientist Sundaresan Jayaraman offers a closer look at why linen gets so much attention, noting that it moves moisture vapor faster than cotton or polyester, while its natural stiffness helps keep it from clinging to the body.Song also explained to Time that engineered textiles can move moisture away from the skin and dry quickly, making some synthetic blends another practical option for hotter conditions. Still, higher humidity or more activity can make these differences easier to notice, especially as fabrics respond differently to air and sweat.Breathability vs. Moisture ManagementAmong the comfort-related properties of fabrics, how the material handles moisture from the skin ranks near the top.Breathability describes how easily air and water vapor pass through the small openings in a fabric, and research published in the journal Materials points to fabric structure, especially porosity, as a major influence on that movement.Moisture management begins once sweat reaches the fabric as liquid, where wetting and wicking affect how quickly it spreads and moves away from the skin.The two processes do not always perform equally well in the same material, since a fabric that lets vapor escape easily may still struggle to move liquid sweat efficiently.Glen Kenny, a physiology professor at the University of Ottawa, told The New York Times that “there’s a misguided belief that wicking away that sweat from the skin is somehow going to keep the body cool.” His warning helps explain why airy fabrics and fast-drying fabrics can feel very different during the same hot day.The Rise of Lightweight Layering and More Flexible WardrobesLayering is usually associated with colder weather, but summer heat has given the same idea a different purpose. Rather than adding warmth, lightweight pieces give people more control over what they wear as the day changes.Stylist Heather Newberger told The Washington Post that lighter summer fabrics bring back some of the flexibility people rely on during colder seasons, and this is especially true when clothing needs to be adjusted throughout the day.Thin cardigans and lightweight overshirts fit naturally into that approach, since either can be added or removed without rebuilding an entire outfit. And having that option makes a flexible wardrobe easier to rely on during daily routines that move through different settings.The Air-Conditioning ParadoxThere is nothing wrong with wanting to wear less in the summer heat, but indoor air conditioning can make that choice harder to rely on for a full day.USA Today reports that 78 degrees is commonly recommended as a summer thermostat setting, yet a 2024 Consumer Reports survey found that many Americans set their thermostats closer to 73 degrees during the day and 72 degrees night.So summer dressing now has to account for two very different temperatures within the same workday. And experts who study indoor comfort account for that tension by looking at both room temperature and the clothing people wear.Activity is also part of how they judge comfort, making clothing directly relevant to how a person feels inside a cooled space. So, with clothing affecting comfort across both settings, the question of what to wear before leaving home becomes harder to separate from how the day will feel.Comfort Is Becoming a Bigger Part of Fashion DecisionsComfort has always influenced what people wear, but hotter weather has made it harder to overlook. One sign of this comes from McKinsey’s State of Fashion 2026 report, which says consumers are placing more value on well-being in their daily lives. And clothing has become part of that conversation, especially as people look for pieces that still feel good several hours after getting dressed.Experts on hot-weather dressing point to looser fits as more comfortable, helping explain the move toward relaxed silhouettes and clothing that feels less restrictive. The same desire for more ease extends to underlayers, including bras, where the need for breathable designs and a less confining fit become harder to ignore.Hotter Summers Are Changing Seasonal Fashion CyclesThe beauty of fashion is that it is always changing, and much of that change has traditionally followed seasons on the calendar. But hotter summers are making those dates harder for retailers to rely on.Industry analysis notes that autumn collections can arrive while shoppers are still experiencing summer temperatures, leaving heavier clothing waiting for demand that has not arrived yet.But a sudden drop in temperature can create the opposite problem, bringing demand forward before stores are ready. And with shoppers buying earlier or later than retailers expected, stores have to rethink launch dates and how much transitional clothing they keep available.The same uncertainty is also making a more seasonless wardrobe feel practical, since clothes that work across several months are easier to keep wearing as temperatures change. And as more people dress this way, apparel companies have to plan for clothing that stays useful when the weather does not follow the retail calendar.Conclusion: What Climate Adaptation Could Mean for the Future of ApparelThere's no way around it: Summers are getting hotter and lasting longer, but recent decades also show that clothes can evolve to meet warmer conditions. One place that progress is already visible is in research on clothing for extreme heat, where lighter, more breathable construction has been shown to help reduce skin and core temperatures.And those results give designers a practical place to start, with textile development offering new ways to make everyday clothing more comfortable through longer periods of heat.Similar thinking is already appearing in intimates, where breathable fabrics and flexible construction are being used to make clothing worn close to the body feel less restrictive. But clothing alone cannot protect someone from extreme heat. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance still emphasizes staying hydrated and spending time somewhere cool when temperatures become dangerous.Even so, clothing will still be part of how people respond to hotter summers, with more people choosing what to wear based on how hot the day will actually feel rather than what season the calendar says it is.This story was produced by Felina and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Muscatine surplus auction offers city bus, bidding ends Wednesday Bidding closes Wednesday afternoon for a retired MuscaBus offered through an online surplus auction by the city of Muscatine.
	Top 25 fastest-growing software startups of summer 2026, according to Brex spend data Top 25 fastest-growing software startups of summer 2026, according to Brex spend dataFourteen of the 25 fastest-growing software vendors on the Brex Benchmark report this summer — more than half the list — sell infrastructure for building artificial intelligence products, not AI products themselves. Six more are AI products built on those stacks.Behind No. 1 — Together AI, which rents access to open models — sit the databases, graphics processing units (GPUs), caches, and sandboxes that agent products get built on. The last time a Benchmark list looked like this, the products on top were mobile apps, and the infrastructure was Amazon Web Services (AWS). The fastest-growing line items on startup card statements are the plumbing of the agent economy, and how startups buy that plumbing shows what they're building.The summer Benchmark goes deep on the two categories driving the list, AI compute and databases, whose purchase patterns answer questions nobody outside the vendors can measure. When do startups start running open models? Does open compute replace Big Lab bills or grow alongside them? And what happens in the 90 days after a founder prompts an app into existence?These rankings capture growth acceleration and are the companies pulling away right now, not ones already large. Vendors that are publicly traded, valued above $30 billion, or past $1 billion in annual recurring revenue (ARR) graduate off the list, along with their subsidiaries. The data is real credit card and bill pay activity from tens of thousands of the finance platform’s customers, recency-weighted.The highlighted vendors in the ranking below marks all 14 startups as the building blocks for shipping AI products. Source: Brex data Startups go direct for compute in their first yearTogether AI sells access to open-source models. The model is freely available but everything required to turn those files into a working product is not, and a whole category of vendors now sells that work preassembled.What is Together AI actually selling?An open-weight model is free to download: tens to hundreds of gigabytes of numbers that do nothing on their own. Turning them into a product takes GPUs big enough to hold them, an inference engine like vLLM, and a serving layer that batches web requests into efficient GPU work. A whole category now sells that work preassembled. GPU clouds rent the raw machines. Serverless platforms like Modal and Runpod add containers, auto scaling, and per-second billing. Then at the top, Together AI, DeepInfra, Baseten, and Fireworks serve popular open models behind compatible end points. Change one line of configuration, and the model becomes DeepSeek or Kimi, at whatever price the hosts are currently competing down to. The newest rung, Thinking Machines Lab's Tinker application programming interface (API), sells managed fine-tuning, where you shape an open model to your data without touching a GPU. Brex Why rent open compute when you already pay for tokens?A Nvidia H100 rents for around $3.40 an hour, down from roughly $8 in 2023, and batched well it produces tokens from midsize open models for pennies per million. Closed frontier APIs list at up to $5 per million input tokens and $25 to $30 per million output. For the workloads that dominate a token bill (tagging and routing data, extracting structure from documents, speech-to-text, image and video generation), an open model is usually good enough, and the gap runs five to 20 times over. A whole merchant category grew up to arbitrage GPU-hours against token prices. Scope note: Card and bill-pay data sees the self-serve layer, not invoiced enterprise GPU contracts. That's a census of what startups do, and startups are where new stacks get chosen.New Startups are moving first to Open Source Models on Compute PlatformsAfter building a product-market fit (PMF) AI app with a Big Lab API, the costs can balloon as usage scales. Moving to an open source model (OSM) hosted in the cloud can cut costs 80% overnight. Companies are adding their first open-compute vendor within five months for their first Big Lab API bill, twice as fast as in 2024, according to Brex data. Brex Brex Trend 2: The database customer is no longer humanMeasured within each company's first 12 months on Brex, Supabase adoption grew by roughly 17 times between the 2022 and 2025 startup cohorts; nearly 1 in 10 companies that joined in 2025 paid for it in their first year. Vendor telemetry explains the new default: Neon, a Postgres company (part of Databricks, ineligible here), reports that AI agents, not people, create more than 80% of its new databases, and Supabase independently reports more than 60% launched by AI tools. The majority customer of a database company is now software.Why do agents need a different kind of database?A classic cloud database couples compute and storage on one machine: minutes to provision, billed while idle, nerve-racking to copy. The new generation splits it into disposable compute over durable storage built on a replicated log. A new database becomes a seconds-long metadata operation, an idle one suspends to near zero, and a copy is a pointer, not a transfer. Brex None of it was designed for agents; it fits them perfectly. Agents work at machine speed, so a minutes-long provision is a blocking failure. Agents are prolific: A coding agent or app builder like Lovable, Bolt, or Replit provisions a database for each app it generates, thousands a day, most of which sit idle. Near-zero idle cost makes that pattern economically boring instead of absurd, and it's already the norm: Replit's agent runs its backend on Neon, and Retool manages more than 300,000 Postgres instances there with a single engineer. And because the training corpus is saturated with Postgres, large language models (LLMs) speak it fluently, turning the category's decade-old Postgres bet into an advantage nobody planned.What the buying data showsBrex data shows what happens when this machinery meets startups:The default flipped. Among first-ever database purchases, Supabase's share went from about 15% in 2023 to 38% in 2026, the most common first pick. Pinecone, the retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) wave's default entry point, went from 22% to under 2% over the same window. Vector search didn't die; it moved inside Postgres. This measures which brands startups pick when choosing a database on its own merits.)The compounding isn't one vendor. The 17-time cohort curve that opened this section repeats down the category: Neon's first-year adoption grew about 60 times from a tiny base over the same period, and PlanetScale's roughly five times.The vibe-code funnel is real. Among companies whose first prompt-to-app-builder purchase (Lovable, Replit, or Bolt) came in 2025 or 2026, 9.6% added a paid database within 90 days (more than an order of magnitude above the base rate), and 8.2% chose Supabase or Neon. Among companies that add one, the median gap from first app-builder charge to first Supabase or Neon charge is 106 days: just over a quarter from "prompted an app into existence" to "paying for a production back end." App-builder adopters attach databases at a higher rate than users of professional AI coding tools: net-new demand, and a conversion no single vendor can see. Source: Brex data Source: Brex data Entry-tier bills are flat or falling: The median is tens of dollars a month (Supabase's Pro plan is $25; Neon meters usage with no minimum), and Railway's median bill halved even as its paying customers grew by nearly eight times. The revenue engine is count, not contract size: Millions of tiny databases created by software, priced like a utility, growing with every app an agent generates. The database industry spent 30 years selling to database administrators. The companies winning the entry point in 2026 sell to other people's software.The infrastructure layer is where the agent race gets fundedSpring's trend was abstraction: value accruing to whoever sits in front of a fragmenting market. Summer's trend is what those abstractions run on. Every voice agent, coding agent, and generative media product on this list resolves into the same two purchases, compute to run models and databases to hold state. Startups now make both in their first year, at small dollar amounts, by the tens of thousands. Those two purchases are the earliest reliable signal for which agent-era companies are becoming real businesses.Methodology and privacyAll analysis conducted for this report that uses Brex internal customer data is anonymized and aggregated for privacy.This story was produced by Brex and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why independent truck owners are feeling the pressure of rising repair costs Why independent truck owners are feeling the pressure of rising repair costsIndependent drivers and fleet owners alike are feeling the squeeze of rising truck repair costs in 2026. Inflation and supply chain disruptions are making both buying a new diesel truck and keeping an old one on the road increasingly more expensive. Without rates rising to match costs, small operators are being left with fewer financial options for keeping their trucks in shape and avoiding downtime.The recent jump in diesel truck repair costs has been well-documented. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) in their 2026 Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking, the industry-average cost to operate a truck in 2025 was 3.4% higher than in 2024. The second-largest gain in a particular category, after tolls, was an 8.6% leap in repair and maintenance costs.Vehicle manufacturers, commercial fleet operators, and safety organizations such as the PrePass Safety Alliance recommend preventive maintenance for owner-operators looking to reduce the frequency of repairs over time. Diesel truck maintenance resources range from general guidance from the Universal Technical Institute and recommended practices from the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council to specialized guidance on complex emissions components.Below, DPF Super Store, a truck parts supplier, examines the issue of rising repair costs and offers tips on how the industry can adapt.Why Repair Costs Are Rising in the First PlaceRising diesel truck repair costs are driven by a combination of more complex equipment, higher parts prices, and increasing labor costs. Together, these factors can raise repair bills while also extending the amount of time trucks spend out of service.DiagnosticsWithout full access to OEM diagnostic information and tools, troubleshooting faults can become more time-consuming and complex for independent repair shops. Professional-grade heavy-duty diagnostic tools can cost thousands of dollars, adding expense before physical repairs even begin.PartsHeavy-duty truck supply chain disruptions have transformed from simple "pandemic-era delays" into a more complex, structural crisis. Even as data from the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) and Decisiv shows combined parts and labor costs fell 3% in Q1 2026—the second consecutive quarterly decline—material shortages, tariffs, and uneven parts availability continue to put pressure on prices and repair timelines.LaborChronic understaffing plagues the repair sector, with studies from the American Transportation Research Institute showing that over 65% of diesel shops were understaffed in 2025. That shortage can extend repair backlogs and downtime as shops struggle to fill open positions.On top of the issues with labor, diagnostics, and parts, mandated advanced emissions systems, such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) infrastructure, add thousands of dollars to standard maintenance intervals. These systems are prone to sensor replacements, component failures, and severe thermal and soot stress that requires extensive routine cleaning, adding to already inflated repair and maintenance costs.The Aging Truck ProblemAlthough Heavy Duty Trucking recommends replacing trucks before the seven-year mark, when operators face maintenance cost increases of more than 15% year over year, many are extending replacement cycles as they wait for market conditions to improve. There are several reasons, including the high expense of new commercial trucks, high interest rates, and difficulties getting a loan.Since modern trucks last longer and run well past their mileage limits, many owners and fleet operators are opting to fix trucks rather than buy new ones, keeping older trucks that are more likely to need extensive repairs on the road longer.Downtime and Lost RevenueWith older trucks more prone to breakdowns and repairs delayed by issues with sourcing parts and labor, independent owner-operators and small fleet owners face costly downtime. This stops their work and cuts off their income, creating heavy financial stress.Since trucks and parts are so expensive right now, the trucking industry is also experiencing a distinct tightness in available working equipment. Rather than keeping "spare" or backup trucks on hand for surge capacity or quick replacements, many fleets have adopted lean, replacement-only purchasing strategies. Without a second car or truck available, a trip to the shop means zero earnings while bills keep piling up.The Bigger Economic PictureThe bottom line for the trucking sector in 2026 is that costs are high while spot rates are volatile, which squeezes profit margins and makes it more difficult for small operators to stay in business. Beyond maintenance, operating expenses are high, with diesel, insurance premiums, and toll prices increasing, regardless of shipping demand.For fleet managers, finding and keeping qualified drivers requires higher wages and better benefits. All of the costs are adding up, leaving little room for error when unexpected repairs or delays happen, especially for small fleets and independent operators.Additionally, the public infrastructure that the transportation industry relies on is aging, and public spending often lags behind the real-time needs of heavy freight corridors. Decaying roads and bridges on key routes can slow transit times, burn extra fuel, and disrupt inventory flow, making carriers miss deadlines, break down more frequently, and miss out on needed income.Forward Outlook: How Can the Industry Continue to Adapt?Efforts to reduce repair costs are happening at both the industry and operator levels. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has pushed Congress to extend right-to-repair protections to commercial vehicles. The original REPAIR Act would give truck owners and independent repair shops greater access to vehicle-generated repair data and tools, potentially expanding where and how owner-operators can have their trucks serviced.In May 2026, the House Energy and Commerce Committee incorporated a narrower version of those protections into the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, which has been reported to the full House for consideration. If enacted, the legislation would put existing heavy-duty repair-information agreements into federal law, giving independent operators a more enforceable basis for accessing repair information outside OEM service networks.Operators are also turning to data-driven prevention rather than waiting for breakdowns and performing reactive fixes. Real-time fault data through telematics systems and early-warning alerts can support preventive maintenance, while mobile repair services can reduce time spent waiting at a shop. Aftermarket parts may also give operators more options when OEM components are expensive or difficult to source.None of these measures can eliminate the pressure of rising repair costs, but they can give independent operators more control over when, where, and how repairs happen. As trucks remain in service longer and operating margins stay tight, reducing unexpected downtime and expanding repair options may become increasingly important to keeping small trucking businesses on the road.This story was produced by DPF Super Store and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	NEEKO boutique opens in Davenport NEEKO offers a selection of clothing, jewelry, candles, and other curated goods.
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: KELLY LICK, 46, 5'7", 184 pounds, green eyes, brown hair. Wanted by Davenport Police Department for theft 1st degree, theft 2nd degree and financial [...]
	Henderson County ambulance crisis: Proposed 911 contract costs could force tax hikes Henderson County faces severe 911 ambulance strain as a proposed Burlington contract and $1,000 tiering fees threaten local departments with bankruptcy.
	America, rediscovered: 6 timely tours to take in the United States right now America, rediscovered: 6 timely tours to take in the United States right nowWhen it comes to planning vacations, Americans are showing a strong interest in exploring their home nation's history and landscapes. According to a May 2026 survey of 1,200 respondents in the U.S. and Canada from EF Go Ahead Tours and Qualtrics Research, 73% of U.S. travelers said they'd be interested in tours specifically focused on American history. Per the EF Go Ahead Tours Traveler Index: Volume II, only 16% expressed diasinterest in history-focused travel. For the former group, the interest in American history isn't passive; it shapes the trips they plan. In the wake of America 250 celebrations, would-be travelers in the U.S. are looking to their own vast and diverse country as the backdrop for their next trip. The nation's semiquincentennial is reshaping domestic travel in real time, drawing travelers to the founding cities, battlefields, and landscapes that shaped the republic. Among survey respondents interested in U.S. history tours, 48% said the American Revolution era appealed to them most. Civil War and Civil Rights history follow closely, and the Gilded Age and World War II round out the list.Yet, the data also reveals a striking gap between intent and experience. While 70% of the most active American travelers have visited New York City and 65% have visited Washington, D.C., only about half have been to Boston or Philadelphia, the cities where America’s independence was debated, declared, and won. Fewer than one in five have visited Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; Lexington or Concord, Massachusetts; or Yorktown, Virginia. For most Americans, the founding landscape of the United States remains unexplored territory.That gap between interest and personal experience in America’s key historical locations inspired EF Go Ahead Tours to recommend these six U.S. itineraries that turn historical curiosity into lived experience across national parks, island paradises, glacier-carved wildernesses, and the storied streets of colonial New England. Albert Nowicki // Shutterstock 1. U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to YellowstoneThe American West is a geologic time machine. This itinerary sweeps through seven national parks across six states, including the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Yellowstone, tracing the volcanic activity, wind and water erosion, and other natural phenomena that have sculpted the North American continent over millions of years. At the Grand Canyon, stand on the South Rim and watch the light shift across a mile of exposed geological history. At Bryce Canyon, wander through an otherworldly landscape of sky-scraping hoodoos. At Yellowstone, witness Old Faithful erupt against a backdrop of bison and boiling mud. pinggr // Shutterstock 2. Hawaii: Oahu, the Big Island and MauiHawaii is one of the world's most storied crossroads. The archipelago's history runs from Polynesian seafarers who navigated thousands of miles of open Pacific by stars and swells, to the kingdom's annexation in 1898, to the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor that brought the United States into World War II. On Oahu, the USS Arizona Memorial marks the resting place of the sailors and Marines killed on the battleship during the attack. On the Big Island, Volcanoes National Park tells an even older story: the raw creation of land itself, with lava still flowing where the island continues to grow. Maui's Road to Hana winds past waterfalls and ancient fishponds. This itinerary deserves more than a week to visit three islands, each with its own distinctive layers of geology, history, culture, and coastline. Courtesy of EF Go Ahead Tours 3. Alaska's National Parks: Denali and the Kenai FjordsThe 49th state defies easy description. Alaska is larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined. It’s a place where grizzlies fish rivers in view of snow-capped peaks, glaciers calve into frigid fjords, and the northern lights, given the right season and latitude, fill the sky with curtains of green and violet light. From Fairbanks, travel south through Denali National Park, home to North America's tallest mountain, then on to the tidewater glaciers and sea otters of Kenai Fjords National Park near Seward. Alaska entered the Union in 1959, but its history stretches back millennia through the Athabascan, Yup'ik, and Tlingit peoples, who shaped this land long before statehood. For travelers who believe that history is written in landscape, Alaska is essential reading. Don Donelson // Shutterstock 4. Canada and New England: Quebec City, Vermont, Massachusetts and MaineAlthough it starts in Quebec City, rooted in French culture, this itinerary takes travelers on a deep dive into New England and sheds light on the origins of the United States. Start the New England portion with a relaxing stay at the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in the Green Mountains of Stowe, Vermont. The itinerary continues on to Boston and its surrounding suburbs, visiting the very terrain where the American experiment was conceived and first tested. Walk the battle road at Lexington and Concord, where, on April 19, 1775, the first shots of the Revolution were fired; explore the cobblestoned streets of Boston’s North End, keeping your taste buds peeled for hunting the perfect pizza slice, pasta dish, lobster roll, and cannoli; see where Samuel Adams and Paul Revere organized resistance in the early days of the American experiment. If you have time, continue North to trace the rugged Maine coast where early colonists scratched out a living centuries before the republic existed. CO Leong // Shutterstock 5. Fall Foliage Tour: Vermont to MassachusettsThere’s a reason New England’s fall foliage draws visitors from around the world every October: It is, by any measure, one of the most spectacular natural events on the continent. Maples, oaks, and birches in the hills of Vermont and the Berkshires of western Massachusetts ignite in shades of crimson, amber, and gold. This Itinerary captures the peak of that transformation, visiting Stowe, Vermont's postcard-perfect village beneath Mount Mansfield; the artists' enclave of Woodstock; and the historic college towns of the Pioneer Valley. It also weaves in the deep history of the region—the Puritan settlements, the witch trials, the abolitionist movements—that give New England's beauty its complicated, compelling weight. UVL // Shutterstock 6. America’s National Parks by Train: Rocky Mountains, Arches and ZionThe railroad didn't just connect America—it created it. The transcontinental railroad, completed at Promontory Summit, Utah, in 1869, stitched the continent together and made the West accessible in ways that forever changed the country. This itinerary honors that legacy by combining train travel through the Rocky Mountains with visits to Arches and Zion National Parks—a journey that mirrors the routes taken by 19th-century explorers and settlers through terrain that seemed, to those from the country’s eastern reaches, almost otherworldly. Float the Colorado River through Castle Valley. Ride a Hummer through Moab’s red-hued canyons at sunset. Hike the canyon floor of Zion Narrows. EF Go Ahead’s survey found that 57% of today’s travelers prefer a mix of cities and natural landscapes. This itinerary delivers both, with the added romance of the rails.The Bigger PictureThe traveler sentiment survey paints a portrait of an American travel public that is looking to plan trips. In the face of global uncertainty, 75% of high-intent travelers surveyed confirmed plans to travel in the next one to two years, and 58% say that learning about the history and culture of the places they visit is very or extremely important to them.America's 250th anniversary gives that curiosity a focal point. The founding battle sites and historic cities, the glaciers and geysers, the dramatic shorelines—they're all waiting. The only question is where to go first.MethodologyThe EF Go Ahead Tours Traveler Index Vol. II was conducted in May 2026 in partnership with Qualtrics Research (n=1,200 U.S. and Canadian high-intent travelers).This story was produced by EF Go Ahead Tours and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Getting started with points, miles and credit cards to travel Getting started with points, miles and credit cards to travelUsing points and miles instead of cash to pay for flights and hotels sounds like a dream come true for any frequent (or even semifrequent) traveler. Actually taking your first steps into this hobby, however, can feel daunting.It’s easy to put off using the points and miles you’ve accumulated, since the ways to redeem them can feel overwhelming.There are innumerable guides out there about credit cards, earning and redeeming points and miles, maximizing award travel and more. Trying to digest it all is a great way to burn out as a beginner and turn yourself off from ever actually getting into points and miles.That's where this guide from The Points Guy comes in. If all you know about award travel is that you can use credit card rewards to book travel, you're in the right place. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to get started, so you can get your feet wet without diving in headfirst.What are points and miles?You've probably heard of points and miles, but what are they exactly? Points and miles are types of reward currencies offered by many credit cards. The only difference between a "point" and a "mile" is in the name, but they function the same.Airline award tickets and hotel award nights each cost a certain number of these points or miles.If you have enough rewards to cover the cost, you can redeem them for flight tickets and hotel nights without paying the full cash price (though you’ll usually still pay taxes and fees). When you do this, the ticket you receive or the hotel night you book is referred to as an award ticket or award night.For example, you could book a one-way flight on American Airlines from New York City to Miami for 9,500 miles and $5.60 in taxes and fees.Points and miles enthusiasts often use the term "transferable rewards" when discussing award travel. Major credit card issuers, such as Chase, American Express, Citi and Capital One, offer cardholders the ability to earn points or miles via their credit cards that can be sent to their airline and hotel partners.Not all points and miles work this way. You can also earn rewards directly with airlines and hotels, but these currencies are typically tied to a single program. In most cases, they can’t be transferred to other brands in the same flexible way as credit card points and miles.Why points and miles are worth caring aboutWhen you ask an award travel enthusiast why they do it, a likely answer you'll receive is: "Because without points and miles, I wouldn't be able to afford to travel as I do."Multinight stays in higher-end hotels or business-class flights often cost thousands of dollars. Points and miles allow you to experience them without paying much, if anything at all, out of pocket.Even if you prefer to travel in economy class and stay in budget hotels, points and miles can save you a lot of cash. Paying just a few dollars in taxes and fees for a one-way domestic flight, for example, is a world away from paying a few hundred dollars for the same ticket.How to earn points and milesThe easiest and most efficient way to earn points and miles is through credit card spending. You'll earn the most rewards at once from earning a welcome bonus.Issuers offer welcome bonuses on their credit cards to encourage new applications. For the majority of cards, you'll need to spend a certain amount of money in a certain time frame to earn the welcome offer.After earning a card's welcome bonus, you can continue to earn more points or miles by spending on your card. Each card earns points or miles at a different rate, so it's important to pick one that matches your spending habits.You can also earn airline points and miles and hotel points by spending with that airline or hotel brand. Earning airline or hotel rewards through your spending is a great way to supplement what you earn from credit card welcome bonuses and spending, so you should learn how this works for your chosen airline's or hotel's loyalty program.Finally, it's worth noting that shopping portals and issuer offers can also net you extra rewards. For example, you can opt to earn American Express Membership Rewards points (if you hold a Membership Rewards-earning card) or Bilt Points through Rakuten.Individual airlines and credit cards also offer shopping portals with elevated earning rates, as long as you shop through their links.Issuers often offer bonus rewards for purchases made with select merchants, such as through Amex Offers or Chase Offers. You need to opt in to these offers manually, so make sure to check your account regularly for new options.How to redeem points and milesOnce you have a good stash of points or miles on hand, it's time to redeem them for part or all of a trip. If the rewards you've earned are directly from an issuer, your best bet is to transfer them to one of that issuer's travel partners.Issuers don't have the same exact transfer partners, so make sure to do your research before investing in earning points or miles from a certain bank.Let's use Citi as an example. Say you earned a welcome offer on a Citi ThankYou Rewards earning credit card. You could transfer these bonus points to one of Citi's 21 transfer partners, such as American Airlines AAdvantage.Once you've transferred your points to AAdvantage, they'll turn into AAdvantage miles. When you find a preferred flight that costs the same number of miles that you have (or fewer), you can redeem the miles in your AAdvantage account.Transfers like this are always one-way, so you should wait until you have a specific redemption in mind before transferring.If you've earned points or miles from an airline or hotel co-branded card, you won't need to worry about transferring the miles to use them effectively.Instead, you can skip straight to finding a flight or hotel booking that fits in your rewards budget.The process of finding a great award flight or hotel stay is the most complicated part of the points and miles hobby, but there are various tools and apps that can help in your search.If transferring points and miles feels too complicated at this stage, no need to worry. You can always redeem your points or miles through the issuer's travel portal. This usually won't give you as much value as transferring them, but sometimes simplicity is better than anything else.What are points and miles worth?Valuations can provide a snapshot of how much points and miles are worth across major airline, hotel and credit card loyalty programs.As always, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The value you get from your points and miles depends on how you redeem them, but valuations can give you a realistic target when planning your travel.Transferable currencies continue to deliver some of the strongest value, generally landing around 1.6 to 2.2 cents per point or mile, while most airline points and miles fall in the 1.1 to 1.6 cents range. Hotel points tend to come in lower, often under 1 cent apiece, though programs like World of Hyatt still stand out.Bottom lineAward travel can be intimidating, but it isn't difficult to get into once you understand a few key fundamentals, whether it’s how to pick the right credit cards for your spending, issuer transfer partners or how to redeem rewards for maximum value.And before you know it, you'll be enjoying your first lie-flat business-class seat or checking into an incredible luxury hotel that would've cost you thousands out of pocket without the help of points and miles.Editor’s note: This content is accurate as of the posting date. Offers are subject to change.This story was produced by The Points Guy and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Tim Curry, who defined 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' has died Curry will be most remembered for his role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the tyrannical gender-bending alien scientist in both stage and screen versions of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He was 80.
	Rock Island Arsenal bridges to see closures over weekend, into next week Starting this Saturday, Aug. 29, the Rock Island Arsenal Government Bridge, Viaduct and Moline Bridge will see temporary closures due to bridge inspections and work.
	Can bed bugs live in your car? Can bed bugs live in your car?In most cases, insects aren’t too unsettling to find roaming your vehicle. Whether it is a trapped fly buzzing through the interior or a sleepy honeybee hitching a ride on a windshield wiper, most automotive insect sightings aren’t a cause for concern. However, catching a bed bug scurrying between the upholstery of your seats doesn’t fall into the same unalarming category.Bed bugs can’t live in a car, right? While most commonly found in dirty homes or contaminated hotel bedding, these aren’t the only areas where these pests can thrive. In this feature, Husky Liners covers everyone’s least favorite creepy crawly—the bed bug—and answers the question of whether or not they can live in your car.Can Bed Bugs Live In a Car?While vehicles are not these bed bugs’ preferred habitat, considering they don’t play well with extreme temperatures and require a consistent food source, they won’t hesitate to take an extended vacation in your upholstery while hitching a ride from one place to the next.How’d They Get There?Bed bugs are commonly picked up while staying at hotels and in contaminated areas. While the common assumption is that bed bugs only thrive in filthy environments, that’s simply not true. Infestations can happen anywhere, regardless of how upscale or expensive your hotel is.These insects commonly hitch a ride on luggage or clothing, where they’ll move into a vehicle. However, your car or truck is likely more of a vessel to get from one hospitable area to another rather than a permanent residence.How Long Can Bed Bugs Live in a Car?While bed bugs prefer an area with a consistent food source, don’t assume leaving your car unattended for a week will starve them all. Studies have found that most adult bed bugs can survive for two to three months without food and, in rare instances, up to a year.Bed bugs are also sensitive to temperatures below 46 degrees Fahrenheit and above 113 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning they’ll likely die off while your vehicle is parked outside in winter or summer. However, if conditions are right and temperatures remain mild for an extended period, your vehicle can be hospitable to bed bugs for months.How Can You Tell if Your Car Has Bed Bugs?Bed bugs are champions of hide-and-seek, allowing them to go undetected in homes for weeks. While your vehicle is far smaller, it’s still not uncommon for an infestation to go undetected for some time. If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your car, look for these telltale signs.Bites or irritation after driving: Bed bugs are hematophagous insects that consume blood to survive. They acquire this blood by biting humans and other mammals, leaving behind red, itchy bites similar to fleas. If you find red, itchy spots on your skin after a drive, you may be experiencing a bed bug infestation.Red stains on upholstery: Due to their diet, bed bugs often produce reddish-brown stains when crushed. If you happen to find minor, reddish-colored stains on your vehicle’s upholstery, this may be symptomatic of a bed bug infestation.Small, black spots on upholstery: Bed bugs, like any insect, produce waste. This waste presents in the form of tiny black spots, similar to black pepper. Watch for these small specs, which may indicate a bed bug infestation.Shedded skins: Bed bugs shed their skins during growing cycles, leaving behind the previous stage’s exoskeleton. If you spot even a single bed bug molt in your vehicle, it’s likely a sign of a larger problem.Unpleasant scents: Another symptom of a bed bug infestation is a musty, unpleasant odor. Like cockroaches, bed bugs can produce a particularly unpleasant scent when nesting in large numbers.How to Treat Your Car for Bed BugsIf you’ve determined that your car is infested with bed bugs, it’s time to act. Patience isn't a proper solution since these insects can survive for months without a food source. Instead, try out these solutions to rid your vehicle of bed bugs quickly and effectively.Treat the Car with Diatomaceous EarthDiatomaceous earth is a common remedy for most insect infestations, including bed bugs. This fine powder comprises millions of fine, ground-up shell remnants with microscopic sharp edges. This remedy works by causing multiple microabrasions to the bed bugs' exoskeleton, leading to significant moisture loss, dehydration, and death.Diatomaceous earth is widely considered one of the safer solutions for pests because it contains no pesticides. However, this solution requires direct contact with the insects. Diatomaceous earth can also irritate skin, so it’s recommended that you vacuum any DE from your vehicle’s upholstery before driving.Treat with HeatHeat is another solution for a bed bug infestation, as these insects can’t survive for prolonged periods above 113 degrees Fahrenheit. In the dead of summer, parking in direct sunlight for several hours may be enough to address the issue. However, you can also use an industrial-grade heater or direct heat application with a heat gun to ensure no living insects or eggs remain.Treat with FumigationArguably, the most effective treatment is fumigation, which involves placing an insecticide fogger inside the vehicle with the doors closed and windows up. This high pesticide concentration will kill the bed bugs and eggs, eliminating the live infestation. Once the fogger has finished releasing chemicals, thoroughly air out the vehicle, vacuum up any remnants of the infestation, and wipe down any surfaces that may have come into contact with the chemical.Preventing Bed Bugs in Your CarUltimately, the most effective form of bed bug treatment is prevention. After all, if you don’t pick up any insects on your clothes or luggage, you can’t transport them into your car. When staying at a hotel, inn, or even a cruise ship, scan the cabin or room for bed bugs. Inspect under couch cushions, beneath the bed sheets, and in the crevices of the room to ensure it’s free from bed bugs. If all checks out, you should be safe.Additionally, if you pick up bed bugs while traveling or find an infestation in your home, try not to transfer them into your vehicle. If you are transporting infested luggage, try to keep the items outside of your vehicle, or, if unavoidable, consider bagging your luggage to prevent the insects from migrating into your car.If you follow these tips and steps, managing and preventing a bed bug infestation in your vehicle should be easily surmountable.This story was produced by Husky Liners and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	NFL season is back. So is one of the riskiest times to be on the road. NFL season is back. So is one of the riskiest times to be on the road.NFL and college football season is about to kick off. That means game day gatherings, trips to the stadium, and tailgate parties are right around the corner. But so are higher risks for drivers and homeowners due to the increased likelihood of intoxicated motorists and spectators, road rage, distracted driving, and the possibility of accidents during or after your watch party.This fall promises plenty of fun and excitement as you cheer on your favorite teams. But just remember to take precautions and check on your insurance coverage before attending or watching any gridiron showdowns. With the right policy protections in place, you can focus on pigskin priorities like winning the office pool and what condiments you’re going to put on your halftime hot dog.The Two Hours After the Game Are the Most RiskyFan tension may be high during the closing minutes of a neck-and-neck game. But the most concerning time is actually the two-hour window following the final whistle.“Large numbers of drivers leave stadiums, bars, restaurants, and watch parties at roughly the same time. Traffic congestion, distracted driving, impaired driving, and heightened emotions can increase the likelihood of accidents during this period,” cautions Janet Ruiz, director of Strategic Communication for the Insurance Information Institute.Consider that most NFL venues accommodate between 61,500 and 82,500 people, all of whom have to head home. When there are more drivers on the road, the risk of accidents goes up.This is also the time when impaired driving incidents tend to spike, as many overserved spectators and intoxicated armchair quarterbacks irresponsibly get behind the wheel to head home.“Most people consume alcohol during these events, so they need to not drive and should have a game plan to get home safely. Skip the alcohol or assign a designated driver, and avoid distracted driving,” advises Michael Barrett, co-principal and agent with Barrett Insurance Agency.What a DUI Actually Costs YouGetting pulled over for driving under the influence is just not worth it. In addition to risking personal injury and harm to others, a DUI can raise your car insurance rates by around 90%, per TheZebra.com’s 2026 State of Insurance data, and it can negatively impact your premiums for three to five years.“The financial hit isn’t a one-time thing: You could be paying elevated rates for years. And depending on other rating factors, the increase could be even steeper,” says Beth Swanson, insurance analyst with The Zebra. “Depending on your driving record, it might be much more difficult to find insurance coverage in the future, as well.”While there are nonstandard carriers who offer options for high-risk drivers, policies are often much costlier and options more limited.Parking Lot Problems Easily OverlookedStadium parking lots are another common source of auto insurance claims. Even if you stay sober and drive defensively following the game, it’s no guarantee that drivers around you can be trusted. Common claims in stadium parking lots include backing-up accidents, hit-and-runs, door damage, and theft.“Vandalism can also occur when people are consuming alcohol,” Barrett continues. “And in parking lots, people often throw footballs or other items around. What if one hits your car and breaks a window?”Remember: If you only have your state’s minimum liability coverage, that just protects someone else’s and covers injuries you are liable for, but it doesn’t safeguard your own vehicle.“If something happens to your car in a crowded stadium lot, and someone leaves the scene or is uninsured, you’re on the hook for repairs yourself,” Swanson adds.That’s why it’s smart to have both comprehensive and collision coverage in place.Additionally, lock your doors, hide or remove valuables, make sure your vehicle’s mirrors and backup camera are working properly, and consider investing in a dashcam to help you remain aware of your surroundings and gather evidence in case you’re involved in a disputed fault claim or hit-and-run.Away Games and Road TripsIf you’ll be driving out-of-state to catch the big contest, be aware of car insurance rules and limitations.“Your auto policy should cover you across the United States, its territories, and even into Canada, although there is no coverage in Mexico. So if you are from Connecticut and you go to a game in New York, your policy would still be in place,” says Barrett.However, if you have roadside assistance coverage, note that free towing may be capped at a particular distance limit, such as 100 miles from the breakdown location.Also, renting a vehicle to drive to an out-of-state football game could trigger unexpected mileage or geographic restrictions. Check with the rental agency on the rules, and make sure anyone who might drive is added as an authorized driver; allowing an unlisted motorist to drive could void any car insurance coverage that applies to the rented vehicle.Hosting a Watch Party? Follow This Game PlanYou’ve invited friends and family over to your house to watch this Sunday’s game. But are you prepared for a potential disaster that has nothing to do with the final score? What if one of your guests trips over your dog and breaks his leg, or gets in a car accident after drinking at your party?“Hosts may face liability if a guest is injured on the property or if circumstances lead to allegations that serving alcohol contributed to harm,” Ruiz says.Fortunately, most homeowners policies automatically include social host liability coverage. This protects you financially if your guest becomes inebriated at your event and causes injury or property damage to someone else after leaving. But this coverage will not protect you if you knowingly provide alcohol to a minor.“Homeowners should review their homeowners insurance liability limits and consider personal umbrella insurance if exposure levels justify additional protection,” suggests Ruiz.Draw Up a Winning PlayTo compete for a shot at the Super Bowl, teams need a good defense. So do drivers and homeowners. To better protect yourself this season and beyond, follow these tips:Confirm car insurance and roadside coverage before traveling.Always avoid impaired driving; designate a sober driver.Plan your transportation to and from the game in advance.Review your homeowners insurance liability limits before hosting.When hosting, keep walkways and gathering areas safe and clear, and monitor guest safety.Arrange rides for impaired guests.This story was produced by TheZebra.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	A picture of average American debt, according to Credit Karma data A picture of average American debt, according to Credit Karma data A new report provides a snapshot of average American debt, based on a July 2026 study of more than 107.3 million Intuit Credit Karma members with a combined overall debt of more than $10.6 trillion. The report is not a comprehensive view of debt across the entire U.S. population. Overall debt is defined as any type of debt noted on a member’s credit report. This includes credit card, mortgage, student loan, medical loan, auto lease and auto loan debt.Below, Intuit Credit Karma shares key insights from the report.Credit Karma Statistic Snapshot Intuit Credit Karma How much debt does the average American have?Average overall debt continued to climb in the first half of 2026. Between April and June 2026, average overall debt among Credit Karma members rose to $60,112, a 2.38% increase from October through December 2025. Average debt increased in three of the four major debt categories in Q2 2026, with student loan debt growing the most (6.30%) once again.Gen Z continues to see the fastest-growing average debt; data points to increased financial hardshipGeneration Z again posted the fastest-growing average debt of any generation between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the second quarter of 2026, leading all generations in debt growth for:Student loans (10.47%)Auto loans (2.98%)Mortgage debt (2.64%)Notably, Gen Z’s average credit card debt was essentially flat (-0.18%), indicating they may be pulling back on card usage as their debt in other categories grows. This generation also saw a slight uptick in average open collections.Average student loan debt saw the sharpest jump of any categoryAverage student loan debt accelerated, rising 6.3% in the first half of 2026 — an increase nearly equal to the 7.59% year-over-year growth in Q4 2025. Debt among subprime borrowers grew the most: up 9.76% in Q2 2026 from Q4 2025. Intuit Credit Karma How much credit card debt does the average American have?In the second quarter of 2026, more than 102 million Credit Karma members with at least one credit card held a total of approximately $615.6 billion in credit card debt, up 4.5% from about $589 billion in Q4 2025. Average credit card debt fell to $7,685 in Q2 2026, down 2.30% from $7,866 in Q4 2025 — the only debt category with a decline in the first half of the year. Intuit Credit Karma Average auto loan debt in AmericaIn the second quarter of 2026, nearly 74 million members with at least one open auto loan held more than $1 trillion in loan debt. The average auto loan balance among members rose to $26,359 in Q2 2026, a 2.14% increase from $25,806 in Q4 2025. Intuit Credit Karma Average mortgage debt in AmericaFrom April through June 2026, nearly 40 million members with at least one mortgage held a total of more than $8.09 trillion in mortgage debt. The average mortgage balance among members rose to $274,987 in Q2 2026, a modest 0.96% increase from $272,382 in Q4 2025. This represents the smallest increase across the four debt categories. Intuit Credit Karma What is the average student loan debt?Nearly 34 million Credit Karma members with at least one open student loan held a total of more than $825.6 billion in student loan debt in the second quarter of 2026. The average student loan balance among members rose to $36,217 in the first half of the year — up 6.30% from $34,072 in Q4 2025. This represents the largest increase across the four debt categories, driven in large part by Gen Z (up 10.47% in Q2 vs. Q4). Intuit Credit Karma What is the average credit score?The average VantageScore 3.0 credit score for members with debt rose to 676 in the first half of 2026, up three points from 673 in Q4 2025 — a reversal of the year-over-year decline in Q4 2025. Average scores rose for every generation except the Silent generation, which slipped one point. Intuit Credit Karma Accounts in collectionsAmong Credit Karma members with accounts in collections, the average number of open accounts remained relatively flat, with slight increases for the younger generations and members in the prime score band.For this report, accounts in collections are any credit card, mortgage, student loan, medical loan, auto lease or auto loan accounts that have been sent to collections agencies, according to members’ credit reports. Creditors may have different standards for when they transfer debt to collections, but the typical cutoff is 120 to 150 days past due. For this report, researchers were able to determine if an account is in collections, but not how many days past due.Keep in mind that this measure only looks at members who have open accounts in collections, not the member population as a whole. That means that it only captures people who are already potentially struggling with their finances. Intuit Credit Karma Average credit inquiriesFor this report, credit inquiries are applications for new credit, such as credit cards or loans. In the second quarter of 2026, average inquiries fell slightly or remained flat across generations and score bands, continuing a years-long trend that suggests Americans are pulling back on new credit applications as they manage rising debt and an uptick in collections. Intuit Credit Karma MethodologyThis report drew on insights from the aggregated reports of roughly 107.4 million Credit Karma users. All aggregate data analyzed was pulled on July 13, 2026, from members’ TransUnion credit reports. Averages were based on information from the previous 90 days.This story was produced by Intuit Credit Karma and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Ranked: The cheapest and most expensive car insurance for teen drivers, by state in 2026 Ranked: The cheapest and most expensive car insurance for teen drivers, by state in 2026One of the most daunting parts of your teen learning to drive is sitting beside them as they merge into highway traffic at 65 miles per hour. But next is waiting to see how much your car insurance rate will increase.On average, adding a teen driver to your insurance policy could increase your annual premium by $3,721, or about 125%, according to 2026 CarInsurance.com rate data. But this amount varies widely by state.Teen drivers cost the most to insure in Louisiana, where adding a teen to your policy nearly triples your average annual rate from $4,091 without a teen to $11,212 with one.The overall cost of insurance in your state is one factor that affects teen insurance rates, and differences in state insurance regulations are another. If you live in Vermont, for example, adding a teen to your policy costs an average of $3,064 per year.With a teen driver in the household, knowing what to expect when it’s time to purchase car insurance can help you budget for the added cost and choose a policy that fits your family. This guide explores the cheapest and most expensive states for teen car insurance.Why does your teen pay more than everyone else on the road?Your teen’s car insurance rate is based purely on an insurance company’s risk calculations. It’s not personal. CarInsurance.com's teen rate data show that insurers charge about 195% more to insure an 18-year-old ($7,593) than a 40-year-old ($2,578).“That’s because 18-year-olds have a very short track record of successful driving, and they’re four times more likely to be involved in a car accident per mile driven, according to crash data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS),” said Laura Longero, editor-in-chief of CarInsurance.com.If you’ve ever been in the passenger seat as a teen driver navigates unfamiliar roadways, you’ve seen how age and inexperience can lead them to underestimate hazards and overestimate their abilities. Insurance companies base their rates on the statistical likelihood that this combination will result in a crash.Are you being overcharged for your teen's car insurance?Where you live drastically affects the cost of teen car insurance. In Vermont, the average annual full-coverage rate for an 18-year-old is $4,354, according to CarInsurance.com rate data. In Hawai‘i, it’s cheaper still — about $1,885, but that’s a special case: Hawai‘i state law prohibits car insurance companies from using age or experience as a rating factor.In Louisiana, the rate averages $13,127, or about three times higher than in Vermont, for the same level of coverage.Your teen’s gender can also affect their car insurance rate. Going back to the examples above, the average rate for a male 18-year-old in Vermont is $4,645, about $600 per year higher than the rate for a female 18-year-old, which is $4,064.In Louisiana, an 18-year-old female driver pays an average of $12,178 per year, compared to $14,076 for an 18-year-old male driver. In other words, a teen girl in Vermont pays an average of $10,000 less than a teen boy in Louisiana.Which states cost the most to insure a teen driver?The most expensive states for car insurance for teen drivers are Louisiana, Nevada, Michigan and Rhode Island, where the average cost exceeds $11,000 per year. Florida rounds out the top five, with average rates that are 43% higher than the national average. CarInsurance.com It’s worth noting that these are also among the most expensive states for car insurance overall, regardless of age. The average base rate in Michigan is $4,769, which is already nearly double the national average. Nevada’s average base rate is $4,611, and Louisiana’s is $4,091, while the national average cost for a 40-year-old driver is $2,578, according to this rate analysis.Which states cost the least to insure teenagers?If you live in Vermont, Ohio or Pennsylvania, adding your teen driver to your policy will cost you much less. Vermont is the cheapest state to insure a teen driver, at $4,354 a year. In Ohio, the average cost is $4,635, and in Pennsylvania, it’s $5,066, or about 33% less than the national average.Hawai‘i is technically the cheapest state at $1,885 for a teen driver, but it’s not a state where a driver’s age impacts the rate.And while it costs about $660 more to insure a male teen driver in Ohio compared to a female teen driver, parents of boys in Pennsylvania can relax knowing that there’s no gender-based difference in the average rate — teen boys and teen girls both pay the same on average. CarInsurance.com Does your state allow insurers to charge your teen more based on their age or gender?Not all states allow age or gender as rating factors for insurance, although most do. Six states prohibit insurers from using gender to set insurance rates: California, Hawai‘i, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.The count had been seven until recently, but Montana once again allows it. Montana had banned gender as a factor since 1985, then reversed that decision in 2021, and that reversal was upheld in court in March 2026.Two states, Hawai‘i and Massachusetts, also exclude age from the rating question entirely.Should you add your teen to your policy, or buy them their own?For most families, it makes more financial sense to add a teen driver to their existing coverage. Nationally, it costs about $3,700 less to add a teen to a parent’s policy than it would be for the teen to purchase coverage on their own, based on CarInsurance.com’s analysis of teen car insurance rates.Weigh the pros and cons of adding your teen driver to your policy before you make the decision.Pros and cons of adding to your policyPros: Lower combined household costs in nearly every state; you may qualify for multi-car discountsCons: Your premium goes up, sometimes sharply (see the Louisiana example above); your teen’s driving record is tied to your policy as long as they’re covered by itPros and cons of a stand-alone teen policyPros: Keeps their driving and insurance records separate; if they don’t live at home, this may be your only optionCons: Substantially more expensive, on average; it’ll be difficult for your teen to shop for competitive rates with little or no driving history; teens can’t get their own policy until they’re the age of majority in their stateSee the average cost by state of a stand-alone teen policy compared to adding them to your policy in the table below. These rates are for 18-year-old drivers, using a blended average of rates for male and female drivers. CarInsurance.com Note: An individual policy is what a teen pays to insure a car in their own name. And the cost of adding a teen is the difference between a parent's policy with and without them on it. Hawai‘i is technically the absolute cheapest at $1,885 for a teen driver, but it’s not a state where a driver’s age impacts the rate.Notice the price difference for adding a teen driver vs. buying them their own policy varies across states, which is why it’s important to compare rates for both options.For example, California ranks a respectable No. 16 in cost for a stand-alone teen policy ($8,698). But when adding a teen to an existing driver’s policy, California ranks No. 3 for the sharpest increase, with an average jump of $5,482 in your rates.Similarly, in Georgia, a teen’s individual policy averages $9,521, placing the state at No. 9 for cost. But adding that teen to your policy costs an additional $5,356, on average, which puts Georgia just two stops behind California, at No. 5.Meanwhile, it’s relatively cheap for Vermont teens to purchase a standalone policy; the state is second-cheapest overall with an average rate of $4,354. But add that teen to a Vermont parent’s policy, and the state drops all the way down to No. 36, with an average additional cost of $3,064.“Adding a teen to an existing policy is typically more cost-effective than purchasing a separate policy, as insurers assess the overall household risk rather than only the new driver. This combined-risk approach can result in savings, even in high-cost states such as Louisiana,” said Brent Buell, lead data analyst at CarInsurance.com.Young teens can’t purchase their own policyAn important point to note is that, in most states, your 16- or 17-year-old driver is most likely a minor, meaning they legally can’t buy their own insurance or sign contracts. So, until your teen reaches your state’s legal age of adulthood (18 in most places), they’ll typically have to be added to your policy anyway. In Alabama and Nebraska, the age of majority is 19, and in Mississippi, it’s 21, so in those states, they’ll likely be on your policy even longer. Emancipated teens are an uncommon exception.Teenagers who have been granted emancipation are treated differently from other minors since emancipation gives them the legal right to look after some contracts and financial responsibilities by themselves. This could involve buying motor vehicle insurance in their own name, depending on state law and insurer requirements.“An emancipated teen may have more independence when buying and insuring a car, but being a young driver can still significantly affect insurance cost,” said Shivani Gite, contributing writer and researcher at CarInsurance.com.How much cheaper will car insurance get as your teen gets older?The biggest single-year drop in rates happens at age 19. Average rates fall every year starting at 19, and they’re down by more than half — about 59% — by age 25, so there’s relief on the horizon. By that time, the national average car insurance rate reaches $3,044, just 18% off from the $2,578 a typical 40-year-old pays.See the average annual rate by age and the change from the year prior in the table below. CarInsurance.com As you wait for age and experience to work their magic on your car insurance premiums, maintaining safe driving habits is one of the best things you can do to keep your rates from jumping further.The bottom lineAs your teenager gains driving experience and maintains a clean record, their rate should generally decrease each year. Right now, though, the number that matters is what adding them would cost your household today, and that depends on your teen's age, your car and any discounts you qualify for, not just your state's average.Online calculators like CarInsurance.com's InsureMyTeen, can help you get an estimated cost of adding your teen in a couple of minutes, with no personal information required.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy is car insurance so expensive for an 18-year-old?Insurers base car insurance prices largely on driving experience, and 18-year-olds don’t have a long driving history to pull from. Teenage drivers are statistically more likely (about four times) to be involved in a crash. Insurers evaluate that risk when pricing their policies.What state has the cheapest car insurance for teen drivers?The cheapest insurance for teen drivers is in Hawai‘i, with an average annual rate of $1,885. However, the state does not use age or driving experience as a rating factor. Of the states where age affects the price, Vermont is the cheapest, with an average annual rate of $4,354 for teen drivers.Is it cheaper to add your teen to your policy or to buy them their own policy?It’s almost always cheaper to add your teenage driver to your policy instead of buying them their own coverage. Adding your teen driver will save you roughly $3,700 per year on average compared to a stand-alone teen policy. However, your premiums will almost assuredly go up, sometimes significantly.At what age does car insurance go down for teens?Fortunately for parents footing the insurance bill, rates continue dropping every year after 18, with the steepest single-year decline at 19 (24%). That means you won’t have to wait until they turn 25 for some rate relief.Can insurance companies charge different rates based on gender?Most states allow insurers to use gender as a rating factor, so teen boys typically pay more for car insurance than teen girls. Six states prohibit gender in insurance rates: California, Hawai‘i, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.Does car insurance really drop at 25?Rates do typically drop at age 25, but average rates fall faster at ages 19 and 21.Why is car insurance so cheap for teen drivers in Hawaii?Hawai‘i is one of only two states, along with Massachusetts, where insurance companies cannot use age as a rating factor when setting rates. That’s likely to have a greater impact on teen insurance rates than the state’s no-fault insurance system or factors such as its size and climate.MethodologyCarInsurance.com conducted a comprehensive analysis using billions of data points to provide accurate, insightful information on how rates vary for teen drivers and how much it costs to add a teen to your policy.To ensure consistency, calculations are based on male and female drivers aged 18 carrying a full coverage policy, with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 collision/comprehensive deductibles. The driver has a 12-mile commute, an annual mileage of 10,000 miles and maintains a clean driving record with no accidents or violations.This story was produced by CarInsurance.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	A picture of average American debt, according to Credit Karma data A picture of average American debt, according to Credit Karma data A new report provides a snapshot of average American debt, based on a July 2026 study of more than 107.3 million Intuit Credit Karma members with a combined overall debt of more than $10.6 trillion. The report is not a comprehensive view of debt across the entire U.S. population. Overall debt is defined as any type of debt noted on a member’s credit report. This includes credit card, mortgage, student loan, medical loan, auto lease and auto loan debt. Below, Intuit Credit Karma shares key insights from the report. Credit Karma Statistic Snapshot Intuit Credit Karma How much debt does the average American have? Average overall debt continued to climb in the first half of 2026. Between April and June 2026, average overall debt among Credit Karma members rose to $60,112, a 2.38% increase from October through December 2025. Average debt increased in three of the four major debt categories in Q2 2026, with student loan debt growing the most (6.30%) once again. Gen Z continues to see the fastest-growing average debt; data points to increased financial hardship Generation Z again posted the fastest-growing average debt of any generation between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the second quarter of 2026, leading all generations in debt growth for: Student loans (10.47%) Auto loans (2.98%) Mortgage debt (2.64%) Notably, Gen Z’s average credit card debt was essentially flat (-0.18%), indicating they may be pulling back on card usage as their debt in other categories grows. This generation also saw a slight uptick in average open collections. Average student loan debt saw the sharpest jump of any category Average student loan debt accelerated, rising 6.3% in the first half of 2026 — an increase nearly equal to the 7.59% year-over-year growth in Q4 2025. Debt among subprime borrowers grew the most: up 9.76% in Q2 2026 from Q4 2025. Intuit Credit Karma How much credit card debt does the average American have? In the second quarter of 2026, more than 102 million Credit Karma members with at least one credit card held a total of approximately $615.6 billion in credit card debt, up 4.5% from about $589 billion in Q4 2025. Average credit card debt fell to $7,685 in Q2 2026, down 2.30% from $7,866 in Q4 2025 — the only debt category with a decline in the first half of the year. Intuit Credit Karma Average auto loan debt in America In the second quarter of 2026, nearly 74 million members with at least one open auto loan held more than $1 trillion in loan debt. The average auto loan balance among members rose to $26,359 in Q2 2026, a 2.14% increase from $25,806 in Q4 2025. Intuit Credit Karma Average mortgage debt in America From April through June 2026, nearly 40 million members with at least one mortgage held a total of more than $8.09 trillion in mortgage debt. The average mortgage balance among members rose to $274,987 in Q2 2026, a modest 0.96% increase from $272,382 in Q4 2025. This represents the smallest increase across the four debt categories. Intuit Credit Karma What is the average student loan debt? Nearly 34 million Credit Karma members with at least one open student loan held a total of more than $825.6 billion in student loan debt in the second quarter of 2026. The average student loan balance among members rose to $36,217 in the first half of the year — up 6.30% from $34,072 in Q4 2025. This represents the largest increase across the four debt categories, driven in large part by Gen Z (up 10.47% in Q2 vs. Q4). Intuit Credit Karma What is the average credit score? The average VantageScore 3.0 credit score for members with debt rose to 676 in the first half of 2026, up three points from 673 in Q4 2025 — a reversal of the year-over-year decline in Q4 2025. Average scores rose for every generation except the Silent generation, which slipped one point. Intuit Credit Karma Accounts in collections Among Credit Karma members with accounts in collections, the average number of open accounts remained relatively flat, with slight increases for the younger generations and members in the prime score band. For this report, accounts in collections are any credit card, mortgage, student loan, medical loan, auto lease or auto loan accounts that have been sent to collections agencies, according to members’ credit reports. Creditors may have different standards for when they transfer debt to collections, but the typical cutoff is 120 to 150 days past due. For this report, researchers were able to determine if an account is in collections, but not how many days past due. Keep in mind that this measure only looks at members who have open accounts in collections, not the member population as a whole. That means that it only captures people who are already potentially struggling with their finances. Intuit Credit Karma Average credit inquiries For this report, credit inquiries are applications for new credit, such as credit cards or loans. In the second quarter of 2026, average inquiries fell slightly or remained flat across generations and score bands, continuing a years-long trend that suggests Americans are pulling back on new credit applications as they manage rising debt and an uptick in collections. Intuit Credit Karma Methodology This report drew on insights from the aggregated reports of roughly 107.4 million Credit Karma users. All aggregate data analyzed was pulled on July 13, 2026, from members’ TransUnion credit reports. Averages were based on information from the previous 90 days. This story was produced by Intuit Credit Karma and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Ranked: The cheapest and most expensive car insurance for teen drivers, by state in 2026 Ranked: The cheapest and most expensive car insurance for teen drivers, by state in 2026One of the most daunting parts of your teen learning to drive is sitting beside them as they merge into highway traffic at 65 miles per hour. But next is waiting to see how much your car insurance rate will increase.On average, adding a teen driver to your insurance policy could increase your annual premium by $3,721, or about 125%, according to 2026 CarInsurance.com rate data. But this amount varies widely by state.Teen drivers cost the most to insure in Louisiana, where adding a teen to your policy nearly triples your average annual rate from $4,091 without a teen to $11,212 with one.The overall cost of insurance in your state is one factor that affects teen insurance rates, and differences in state insurance regulations are another. If you live in Vermont, for example, adding a teen to your policy costs an average of $3,064 per year.With a teen driver in the household, knowing what to expect when it’s time to purchase car insurance can help you budget for the added cost and choose a policy that fits your family. This guide explores the cheapest and most expensive states for teen car insurance.Why does your teen pay more than everyone else on the road?Your teen’s car insurance rate is based purely on an insurance company’s risk calculations. It’s not personal. CarInsurance.com's teen rate data show that insurers charge about 195% more to insure an 18-year-old ($7,593) than a 40-year-old ($2,578).“That’s because 18-year-olds have a very short track record of successful driving, and they’re four times more likely to be involved in a car accident per mile driven, according to crash data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS),” said Laura Longero, editor-in-chief of CarInsurance.com.If you’ve ever been in the passenger seat as a teen driver navigates unfamiliar roadways, you’ve seen how age and inexperience can lead them to underestimate hazards and overestimate their abilities. Insurance companies base their rates on the statistical likelihood that this combination will result in a crash.Are you being overcharged for your teen's car insurance?Where you live drastically affects the cost of teen car insurance. In Vermont, the average annual full-coverage rate for an 18-year-old is $4,354, according to CarInsurance.com rate data. In Hawai‘i, it’s cheaper still — about $1,885, but that’s a special case: Hawai‘i state law prohibits car insurance companies from using age or experience as a rating factor.In Louisiana, the rate averages $13,127, or about three times higher than in Vermont, for the same level of coverage.Your teen’s gender can also affect their car insurance rate. Going back to the examples above, the average rate for a male 18-year-old in Vermont is $4,645, about $600 per year higher than the rate for a female 18-year-old, which is $4,064.In Louisiana, an 18-year-old female driver pays an average of $12,178 per year, compared to $14,076 for an 18-year-old male driver. In other words, a teen girl in Vermont pays an average of $10,000 less than a teen boy in Louisiana.Which states cost the most to insure a teen driver?The most expensive states for car insurance for teen drivers are Louisiana, Nevada, Michigan and Rhode Island, where the average cost exceeds $11,000 per year. Florida rounds out the top five, with average rates that are 43% higher than the national average. CarInsurance.com It’s worth noting that these are also among the most expensive states for car insurance overall, regardless of age. The average base rate in Michigan is $4,769, which is already nearly double the national average. Nevada’s average base rate is $4,611, and Louisiana’s is $4,091, while the national average cost for a 40-year-old driver is $2,578, according to this rate analysis.Which states cost the least to insure teenagers?If you live in Vermont, Ohio or Pennsylvania, adding your teen driver to your policy will cost you much less. Vermont is the cheapest state to insure a teen driver, at $4,354 a year. In Ohio, the average cost is $4,635, and in Pennsylvania, it’s $5,066, or about 33% less than the national average.Hawai‘i is technically the cheapest state at $1,885 for a teen driver, but it’s not a state where a driver’s age impacts the rate.And while it costs about $660 more to insure a male teen driver in Ohio compared to a female teen driver, parents of boys in Pennsylvania can relax knowing that there’s no gender-based difference in the average rate — teen boys and teen girls both pay the same on average. CarInsurance.com Does your state allow insurers to charge your teen more based on their age or gender?Not all states allow age or gender as rating factors for insurance, although most do. Six states prohibit insurers from using gender to set insurance rates: California, Hawai‘i, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.The count had been seven until recently, but Montana once again allows it. Montana had banned gender as a factor since 1985, then reversed that decision in 2021, and that reversal was upheld in court in March 2026.Two states, Hawai‘i and Massachusetts, also exclude age from the rating question entirely.Should you add your teen to your policy, or buy them their own?For most families, it makes more financial sense to add a teen driver to their existing coverage. Nationally, it costs about $3,700 less to add a teen to a parent’s policy than it would be for the teen to purchase coverage on their own, based on CarInsurance.com’s analysis of teen car insurance rates.Weigh the pros and cons of adding your teen driver to your policy before you make the decision.Pros and cons of adding to your policyPros: Lower combined household costs in nearly every state; you may qualify for multi-car discountsCons: Your premium goes up, sometimes sharply (see the Louisiana example above); your teen’s driving record is tied to your policy as long as they’re covered by itPros and cons of a stand-alone teen policyPros: Keeps their driving and insurance records separate; if they don’t live at home, this may be your only optionCons: Substantially more expensive, on average; it’ll be difficult for your teen to shop for competitive rates with little or no driving history; teens can’t get their own policy until they’re the age of majority in their stateSee the average cost by state of a stand-alone teen policy compared to adding them to your policy in the table below. These rates are for 18-year-old drivers, using a blended average of rates for male and female drivers. CarInsurance.com Note: An individual policy is what a teen pays to insure a car in their own name. And the cost of adding a teen is the difference between a parent's policy with and without them on it. Hawai‘i is technically the absolute cheapest at $1,885 for a teen driver, but it’s not a state where a driver’s age impacts the rate.Notice the price difference for adding a teen driver vs. buying them their own policy varies across states, which is why it’s important to compare rates for both options.For example, California ranks a respectable No. 16 in cost for a stand-alone teen policy ($8,698). But when adding a teen to an existing driver’s policy, California ranks No. 3 for the sharpest increase, with an average jump of $5,482 in your rates.Similarly, in Georgia, a teen’s individual policy averages $9,521, placing the state at No. 9 for cost. But adding that teen to your policy costs an additional $5,356, on average, which puts Georgia just two stops behind California, at No. 5.Meanwhile, it’s relatively cheap for Vermont teens to purchase a standalone policy; the state is second-cheapest overall with an average rate of $4,354. But add that teen to a Vermont parent’s policy, and the state drops all the way down to No. 36, with an average additional cost of $3,064.“Adding a teen to an existing policy is typically more cost-effective than purchasing a separate policy, as insurers assess the overall household risk rather than only the new driver. This combined-risk approach can result in savings, even in high-cost states such as Louisiana,” said Brent Buell, lead data analyst at CarInsurance.com.Young teens can’t purchase their own policyAn important point to note is that, in most states, your 16- or 17-year-old driver is most likely a minor, meaning they legally can’t buy their own insurance or sign contracts. So, until your teen reaches your state’s legal age of adulthood (18 in most places), they’ll typically have to be added to your policy anyway. In Alabama and Nebraska, the age of majority is 19, and in Mississippi, it’s 21, so in those states, they’ll likely be on your policy even longer. Emancipated teens are an uncommon exception.Teenagers who have been granted emancipation are treated differently from other minors since emancipation gives them the legal right to look after some contracts and financial responsibilities by themselves. This could involve buying motor vehicle insurance in their own name, depending on state law and insurer requirements.“An emancipated teen may have more independence when buying and insuring a car, but being a young driver can still significantly affect insurance cost,” said Shivani Gite, contributing writer and researcher at CarInsurance.com.How much cheaper will car insurance get as your teen gets older?The biggest single-year drop in rates happens at age 19. Average rates fall every year starting at 19, and they’re down by more than half — about 59% — by age 25, so there’s relief on the horizon. By that time, the national average car insurance rate reaches $3,044, just 18% off from the $2,578 a typical 40-year-old pays.See the average annual rate by age and the change from the year prior in the table below. CarInsurance.com As you wait for age and experience to work their magic on your car insurance premiums, maintaining safe driving habits is one of the best things you can do to keep your rates from jumping further.The bottom lineAs your teenager gains driving experience and maintains a clean record, their rate should generally decrease each year. Right now, though, the number that matters is what adding them would cost your household today, and that depends on your teen's age, your car and any discounts you qualify for, not just your state's average.Online calculators like CarInsurance.com's InsureMyTeen, can help you get an estimated cost of adding your teen in a couple of minutes, with no personal information required.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy is car insurance so expensive for an 18-year-old?Insurers base car insurance prices largely on driving experience, and 18-year-olds don’t have a long driving history to pull from. Teenage drivers are statistically more likely (about four times) to be involved in a crash. Insurers evaluate that risk when pricing their policies.What state has the cheapest car insurance for teen drivers?The cheapest insurance for teen drivers is in Hawai‘i, with an average annual rate of $1,885. However, the state does not use age or driving experience as a rating factor. Of the states where age affects the price, Vermont is the cheapest, with an average annual rate of $4,354 for teen drivers.Is it cheaper to add your teen to your policy or to buy them their own policy?It’s almost always cheaper to add your teenage driver to your policy instead of buying them their own coverage. Adding your teen driver will save you roughly $3,700 per year on average compared to a stand-alone teen policy. However, your premiums will almost assuredly go up, sometimes significantly.At what age does car insurance go down for teens?Fortunately for parents footing the insurance bill, rates continue dropping every year after 18, with the steepest single-year decline at 19 (24%). That means you won’t have to wait until they turn 25 for some rate relief.Can insurance companies charge different rates based on gender?Most states allow insurers to use gender as a rating factor, so teen boys typically pay more for car insurance than teen girls. Six states prohibit gender in insurance rates: California, Hawai‘i, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.Does car insurance really drop at 25?Rates do typically drop at age 25, but average rates fall faster at ages 19 and 21.Why is car insurance so cheap for teen drivers in Hawaii?Hawai‘i is one of only two states, along with Massachusetts, where insurance companies cannot use age as a rating factor when setting rates. That’s likely to have a greater impact on teen insurance rates than the state’s no-fault insurance system or factors such as its size and climate.MethodologyCarInsurance.com conducted a comprehensive analysis using billions of data points to provide accurate, insightful information on how rates vary for teen drivers and how much it costs to add a teen to your policy.To ensure consistency, calculations are based on male and female drivers aged 18 carrying a full coverage policy, with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 collision/comprehensive deductibles. The driver has a 12-mile commute, an annual mileage of 10,000 miles and maintains a clean driving record with no accidents or violations.This story was produced by CarInsurance.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	3 in 4 US shoppers blame tariffs for shortages they personally encounter 3 in 4 US shoppers blame tariffs for shortages they personally encounterNearly three-quarters of American shoppers blame tariffs for shortages they personally encounter, while only one in five blame tariffs for shortages overall, according to a new survey by inFlow Inventory.In the June 2026 survey, 1,000 U.S. adults were asked about shortages in two ways. When asked what’s responsible for shortages in general terms, only 22% of respondents blamed tariffs, citing manufacturing shortages, retailer mismanagement, supply chain disruptions, and price gouging as bigger issues, inFlow Inventory reports. Yet when asked about a shortage they’ve personally experienced, 73% blamed tariffs, and nearly a third ranked them as the single biggest cause. inFlow Inventory No matter where shoppers lay the blame for the shortages they experience, the store takes the hit. Out of the 82% of shoppers who eventually got what they wanted, over three-quarters trusted that seller less than before. Only slightly over two out of 10 shoppers said the experience changed nothing.The results are costly. Nearly a quarter of shoppers have permanently switched stores after a stockout, and 21% have completely dropped a brand. inFlow Inventory For shoppers who want their products, most would rather spend more to get them than wait. Seventy-one percent said they would pay for premium shipping, while 73% said they already have.These actions aren’t taken lightly, though: 32% said they have resented paying extra.To accommodate the inconvenience, retailers have invested in back-in-stock alerts and restock estimates. However, the data shows the shoppers do not want these. When asked what would help most with stockouts, a quarter of shoppers wanted a recommended alternative, two in 10 wanted reliable visibility into nearby stock, and only 14% wanted an accurate restock date.Timing may help explain why shoppers want these responses. Over six in 10 shoppers don’t find out about a stockout until they are placing an order, and by then, it’s too late for a promise of next week. inFlow Inventory MethodologyInFlow, a Toronto-based inventory software company, surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults in June 2026. The survey was fielded by Audience Align and balanced to Census targets on age, gender, region, and income. One screening detail matters for reading every number: All 1,000 respondents had hit at least one stockout in the previous 60 days, so the results describe people with recent stockout experience, not the general public. A subset of 365 bought the missing item for work, and 109 bought a substitute.This story was produced by inFlow Inventory and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	3 in 4 US shoppers blame tariffs for shortages they personally encounter 3 in 4 US shoppers blame tariffs for shortages they personally encounter Nearly three-quarters of American shoppers blame tariffs for shortages they personally encounter, while only one in five blame tariffs for shortages overall, according to a new survey by inFlow Inventory. In the June 2026 survey, 1,000 U.S. adults were asked about shortages in two ways. When asked what’s responsible for shortages in general terms, only 22% of respondents blamed tariffs, citing manufacturing shortages, retailer mismanagement, supply chain disruptions, and price gouging as bigger issues, inFlow Inventory reports. Yet when asked about a shortage they’ve personally experienced, 73% blamed tariffs, and nearly a third ranked them as the single biggest cause. inFlow Inventory No matter where shoppers lay the blame for the shortages they experience, the store takes the hit. Out of the 82% of shoppers who eventually got what they wanted, over three-quarters trusted that seller less than before. Only slightly over two out of 10 shoppers said the experience changed nothing. The results are costly. Nearly a quarter of shoppers have permanently switched stores after a stockout, and 21% have completely dropped a brand. inFlow Inventory For shoppers who want their products, most would rather spend more to get them than wait. Seventy-one percent said they would pay for premium shipping, while 73% said they already have. These actions aren’t taken lightly, though: 32% said they have resented paying extra. To accommodate the inconvenience, retailers have invested in back-in-stock alerts and restock estimates. However, the data shows the shoppers do not want these. When asked what would help most with stockouts, a quarter of shoppers wanted a recommended alternative, two in 10 wanted reliable visibility into nearby stock, and only 14% wanted an accurate restock date. Timing may help explain why shoppers want these responses. Over six in 10 shoppers don’t find out about a stockout until they are placing an order, and by then, it’s too late for a promise of next week. inFlow Inventory Methodology InFlow, a Toronto-based inventory software company, surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults in June 2026. The survey was fielded by Audience Align and balanced to Census targets on age, gender, region, and income. One screening detail matters for reading every number: All 1,000 respondents had hit at least one stockout in the previous 60 days, so the results describe people with recent stockout experience, not the general public. A subset of 365 bought the missing item for work, and 109 bought a substitute. This story was produced by inFlow Inventory and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	An overlooked eating disorder is emerging during menopause. Here's what to watch for. An overlooked eating disorder is emerging during menopause. Here's what to watch for.Eating disorders are still widely assumed to be a teenager's condition, not something that surfaces in a 52-year-old woman juggling a career, children, aging parents and the physical whiplash of menopause. That blind spot helps explain why this illness is so often overlooked in midlife. Online, people have begun calling it “menorexia”: disordered eating that surfaces, or comes roaring back, during the menopausal transition. It’s not a formal diagnosis, but the experience behind the word is increasingly recognized and too often mistaken for a harmless midlife diet.LifeStance Health explains what menorexia is, why it can emerge during menopause and what coordinated care often looks like at this stage of life.What is menorexia?Menorexia is a colloquial term, a blend of “menopause” and “anorexia,” used to describe an eating disorder that either develops, intensifies or relapses during midlife, particularly across perimenopause and menopause. It’s not an official clinical diagnosis, and it’s not limited to anorexia; the word is used broadly to cover restriction, bingeing, purging and other forms of disordered eating that emerge in the ‘40s, ‘50s and beyond.Disordered eating is more common in this age group than many people realize. A 2023 analysis published in Menopause estimated the prevalence of eating disorders in midlife at roughly 3.5%, with individual disordered-eating symptoms reported by a far larger share of women. For some, menorexia is a first-time struggle. For others, it’s the return of an illness that began decades earlier and never fully resolved. Women are affected most often, but midlife men experience it too, and their symptoms are even more likely to be overlooked.Why menopause raises the riskEating disorders tend to emerge when biological, psychological and social pressures collide, and midlife brings an unusual number of them at once.Hormones are part of the story. As estrogen declines through perimenopause, the body changes in ways that can feel sudden and outside a person’s control. Researchers describe this stage as a window of vulnerability for eating pathology, drawing a parallel to puberty, when shifting estrogen is also associated with elevated risk. Symptom severity appears to matter more than menopausal stage on its own: Women with more severe menopausal symptoms tend to report more disordered eating and greater body dissatisfaction.Life stage may add fuel. Divorce, an empty nest, caregiving for aging parents, chronic illness, grief and the steady sting of ageism can all intensify body dissatisfaction and a search for control. When those stressors land on top of hormonal change and a culture obsessed with “anti-aging,” the result can be a perfect storm.Menorexia signs and symptomsOne reason menorexia is missed so often is that its warning signs are easy to file under menopause or “just getting older.” Behaviors worth paying attention to include:A growing preoccupation with food, weight or shapeRigid food rules or cutting out whole food groupsSkipping meals or fastingExercising to compensate for eatingEpisodes of bingeingSecrecy or shame around foodWithdrawing from meals and social events that involve eatingEmotional signs can be subtle: frequent body-checking, avoiding mirrors, harsh self-criticism about aging or distress that feels out of proportion to the actual changes. Physical effects like fatigue, sleep disruption and digestive issues are often chalked up to menopause itself, which can delay recognition.Orthorexia, an obsessive focus on “clean” or “healthy” eating, can be especially hard to spot in midlife because it hides behind the language of wellness. A shift from flexible, nourishing eating toward anxious, all-or-nothing rules — and real distress when those rules are broken — is a meaningful red flag. None of these signs is a diagnosis on its own, and a professional evaluation is the only way to know what's actually happening. Rebuilding a steadier relationship with food and body image is a common focus of that work.Diet culture vs. disordered eatingMuch of the pressure that can contribute to menorexia is dressed up as self-improvement. Midlife women are marketed “meno belly” fixes, restrictive plans and GLP-1 medications as tools to fight the way their bodies are changing. Wanting to feel healthy is not a disorder. The concern is the drift from flexibility to rigidity: when eating becomes governed by fear, when food choices dominate a person’s thoughts and when breaking a rule triggers guilt or compensatory behavior. The cultural task is to move away from “managing” aging bodies through the latest diet and toward supporting them with compassion. Letting go of long-held eating disorder myths, including the belief that these illnesses only affect the young, is part of that shift.Health risks of menorexiaEating disorders carry serious medical and psychological consequences at any age, and midlife bodies can be more vulnerable. Bone density is already declining during menopause, so under-nutrition can compound the risk to bone and heart health. Disordered eating also frequently travels with anxiety and depression, and the distress can deepen the longer the illness goes unaddressed. The encouraging reality is that these conditions are treatable and recognizing them is often the hardest and most important first step.Coordinated care for healthy agingBecause menorexia sits at the intersection of mental health, nutrition, hormones, metabolism and aging, treatment is strongest when clinicians coordinate care instead of working in silos. A mental health professional can address anxiety, depression, trauma, body image distress and rigid food rules, while a registered dietitian can help rebuild a flexible, nourishing relationship with food. A primary care clinician, gynecologist or functional medicine provider may also be involved in evaluating medical risk, reviewing medications and monitoring symptoms that can overlap with menopause, under-nutrition or chronic stress.Several pieces often work together in that bigger picture:Lab work, such as blood tests, can be especially important when eating patterns have been restrictive or inconsistent. Depending on the person’s symptoms and medical history, a clinician may consider labs related to iron status, vitamin D, B vitamins, thyroid function, metabolic health, inflammation, bone health and other nutrient or hormone markers. These results should be interpreted by a qualified medical provider and used to guide care, not to create another set of rules or numbers for the individual to obsess over.Supplements may also have a role, but they should be individualized rather than treated as a universal anti-aging plan. For example, calcium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, protein support or targeted micronutrients may be discussed when labs, diet history, bone health or medical conditions suggest a need. The goal is to support the aging body safely, not to replace balanced meals, encourage unnecessary restriction or add to wellness anxiety.Healthy eating in recovery should emphasize adequacy, consistency and enjoyment. For many midlife individuals, this means eating enough throughout the day, including protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, healthful fats, calcium-rich foods and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, while also allowing room for flexibility and pleasure.When mental health professionals, dietitians and medical providers communicate clearly, individuals are more likely to receive care that supports both recovery and healthy aging without reinforcing diet culture.This story was published by LifeStance Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Cook review: 'Coyote vs. Acme's is full of courtroom 'drama,' action, and hilarity I don't remember a movie having such an ... animated ... (sorry) history before it hit the big screen. "Coyote vs. Acme" was among the completed Warner Bros. Discovery movies - including a Scooby-Doo holiday movie and "Batgirl" - that ended up on a shelf because of cost-cutting measures and the company's pursuit of tax [...]
	Will Trump's latest beef plan make your hamburger cheaper? Not much, experts say The proposal comes weeks before the midterm elections, when food prices and the cost of living are expected to be major issues on voters' minds.
	New Federal ‘Harvest to Hallways’ School Lunch Initiative Falls Short for Iowa Farmers New Harvest to Hallways initiative from the department of agriculture strides to bring local harvests to school cafeterias.
	How AI is being used for couples therapy How AI is being used for couples therapy Have you ever texted through an argument? Sent a meme or reel to break the ice after a confrontation? Used a dating app? Digital tools and technology are already part of relationships today, so it may not come as a surprise to learn that artificial intelligence (AI) is also entering the field of therapy. Couples are increasingly using it to navigate communication issues and conflicts and foster connections with their partners.AI-assisted couples therapy platforms use tools such as chatbots, relationship apps, and AI-guided check-ins. If you’re intrigued by how AI is being used for couples therapy, what it can (and can’t) do, and what you should know before trying it, keep reading. Talkspace explores everything you need to know about AI couples therapy.How AI Is Being Used in Couples TherapyAI-assisted couples therapy and marriage counseling are becoming resources. AI offers new, cost-effective ways to support couples. AI tools such as chatbots like ChatGPT and smart apps can help you communicate and grow with your partner. So, how exactly is AI therapy used for relationships?Chatbot-based pre-therapy assessmentsAI-powered bots create an easy way to engage with the therapeutic process. You can ask chatbots questions about your relationship, communication habits you’re struggling with, or areas where you have conflict.A chatbot’s assessment of your concerns can be less intimidating than working with a real therapist for the first time. You can share information upfront in a low-stakes way, and chatbots can clarify your goals and even offer tools you might find beneficial.Communication tracking and conflict pattern analysisIt’s common to feel like you’re on a hamster wheel when it comes to arguments and conflict in your relationship.If you constantly have the same argument over and over, AI tools might be able to identify patterns leading up to or contributing to your issues. The insights these kinds of tools offer can help to identify triggers, track emotional responses, and develop healthier communication skills.AI-assisted relationship coaching appsRelationship coaching apps powered by AI provide on-demand support. This can be useful for couples who struggle to express their feelings or navigate difficult conversations. These kinds of apps use natural language processing (NLP) to understand tone and intent. This allows them to provide personalized feedback and tips that can promote meaningful, healthy connections.Examples of AI-Assisted Relationship Coaching AppsGuided conversation prompts and journaling toolsIt can be easy for partners to fall into a rut, especially when it comes to patterns of miscommunication. Guided prompts and journaling are tools that can help to break the cycle.AI-driven tools and conversation starters can help you and your partner reflect, clarify, and discuss sensitive topics with empathy and grace. These tools can be useful before real therapy sessions, helping you organize your thoughts, so your time is more productive. They can also allow you to process what happened in an argument, so you can move forward in healthy ways and stop repeating the same mistakes.Hybrid models (AI plus human therapists)The AI component offers real-time feedback, and interaction with a licensed, qualified mental health professional can offer more in-depth insight into your issues.For example, AI can analyze communication patterns and suggest effective communication exercises for couples, and a therapist can then use the data you provide to tailor sessions to address the more complex problems you’re facing.Benefits of Using AI For Couples CounselingAI couples therapy isn’t a magic fix, but research and reviews indicate that it can provide meaningful and impactful support that enhances and strengthens relationships.“The implementation of AI as a tool for helping couples therapy can be beneficial. It’s about how to meld the information given to you through AI and using your own voice with it,” licensed mental health counselor and Talkspace therapist Minkyung Chung, M.S. explained. “For instance, you may want to communicate an issue that isn’t a ‘big issue’ but something that needs to be addressed. You can use AI to help craft a template that may sound neutral but also informative of the situation. Adding your own spin to it helps it be more personable. It does not replace the need to talk and use your own voice. AI statements can sound robotic and emotionless because they are.”Here’s how AI is impacting couples therapy.Accessible: AI-powered tools are accessible 24/7. You can find support when you need it. Even if it’s late at night after an argument or during a busy workday, AI is there. If you can’t afford therapy, AI also offers a free alternative.Personalized feedback: AI can analyze unique communication patterns in seconds. It can offer insights and effective strategies that will address the heart of your issues.Real-time support: Especially during heated moments, AI tools provide immediate feedback, which can prevent things from escalating further. It can suggest calming exercises or remind you to stop and listen before responding.Enhanced self-reflection: Apps that offer journaling tools and conversation prompts help you become more aware of your emotions, feelings, and triggers. They can also help you improve self-understanding and develop empathy toward your partner.Low-stakes entry point: If you’re hesitant about seeing a therapist or are unsure of how to start therapy, AI can be a safe, nonintimidating first step.Convenience: AI can be a convenient option if you’re new to therapy, have time constraints, or are in a long-distance relationship that makes traditional couples counseling more challenging.Risks and Limitations of AI for Couples TherapyAI tools for therapy are not entirely without risk. AI isn’t going to be the perfect solution for every relationship, and there are limitations to consider before you commit to using AI for advice in your love life.AI can misinterpret emotional nuance between partnersOne area where AI excels is identifying patterns, but it struggles with some of the more subtle emotional cues that shape interactions with your partner.For example, ChatGPT and other chatbots often miss sarcasm, and they can’t see body language, both of which are essential context clues a therapist can use to get to the root of your relationship issues.Chatbots also don’t know the history behind an argument or repeated problems you continue to encounter. Deeper layers of your relationship can go unnoticed, including unspoken words or resentments that have developed over a long period.Chung notes, “With the use of AI, we can forget that the information we receive isn’t from a person because of the way it communicates the information that was found. However, it is important to remember that the information given through AI is a broad search of material on the internet, given to us in a way that is easier to read. So the information may be accurate, but the emotional question asked may not be truly addressed. Sometimes, it’s not about the information given but the reaction given that is important. AI can’t discern the difference.”Generic advice may oversimplify complex relationship issuesYour relationship is unique and deeply personal. It’s shaped by factors like culture, values, and life experiences—not just with your current partner, but also from past relationships. While AI can share effective strategies a lot of the time, it often relies on more general advice that may not fit your exact situation. This can become a problem when you’re dealing with things like trauma, broken trust, or cultural or religious differences that demand a deeper understanding and a more empathic approach.Lack of human mediation can escalate conflictIf you're dealing with an escalated conflict or deep-seated problem in your relationship, you might need more than the script or prompt AI can provide.Sometimes, a human response is necessary to navigate the really tough conversations. If you’re relying on AI-guided discussions, you might feel misunderstood or unheard. While trained therapists can read between the lines, pick up on body language, and understand your history, AI might not provide the same level of emotional safety you need to heal or grow in your relationship.“Couples therapy is important when the two partners are struggling within the relationship,” Chung said. “It isn’t just about advice about the situation, but also the counselor’s ability to see the nuances of the situation to understand how to de-escalate a situation or even provide insight based on observation. AI, like ChatGPT, can’t do that. There is no ability to observe the situation. Rather, relying solely on AI to help with relationship issues can be like reading a script and hoping it will make sense.”Privacy concerns around shared conversationsAI therapy is new enough that privacy concerns understandably exist surrounding its use. Couples counseling involves being vulnerable and sharing deeply personal details you probably wouldn't feel comfortable telling just anyone. Some tools promise confidentiality and safekeeping of your personal information, but they’re not bound by the same ethical standards and laws that human therapists have.Data breaches and questionable retention and sharing practices can put sensitive information at risk. It’s crucial to explore the privacy statements of any platform or tool you’re considering to ensure your data is protected.Not suitable for crisis or high-conflict relationshipsIf your relationship is at a crisis point or you’re dealing with high-conflict dynamics, AI might not be the best tool for you. This becomes even more critical if safety or mental health concerns are evident. Situations like these should be handled by a licensed and trained mental health professional who can utilize their expertise, knowledge, and empathy to provide effective support.Will AI Replace Traditional Couples Therapy?Technology will continue to evolve, and the power of AI in couples therapy will likely grow with it. The truth is, no one really knows exactly how AI will transform couples therapy, or how AI and mental health will evolve in general. What we do know is that human connection is irreplaceable when it comes to therapy. AI can complement the process, but it can’t replace the empathy, adaptive insight, and real-time emotional presence a therapist offers. Human-led therapy remains the gold standard for couples therapy, especially if you’re dealing with complex relationship issues.Therapy is more than just advice. It’s about being seen and heard by someone who understands and can help you do the deeper work necessary to heal and grow.This story was produced by Talkspace and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	4 grilling recipes for a memorable Labor Day barbecue 4 grilling recipes for a memorable Labor Day barbecueThere’s no better way to celebrate the unofficial end of summer than gathering around the grill with great food and even better company. This Labor Day, move beyond traditional burgers and hot dogs to create a menu that showcases the season's best flavors, such as grilled blackened Santa Maria tri-tip and vibrant chicken and vegetable skewers paired with charred corn pasta salad and buttery grilled garlic potatoes. These recipes from Wildfire Outdoor Living are designed to elevate your backyard barbecue while making the most of summer ingredients.Blackened Santa Maria Tri-Tip This Blackened Santa Maria Tri-Tip (pictured above) offers bold flavors and a meal that’s meant to be shared. The recipe features a rich, spiced rub that creates the perfect caramelized crust. This tri-tip is juicy, tender, and perfect for serving family and friends. Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 20 minutes resting)Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutesServings: 4Ingredients2-pound tri-tipSanta Maria Seasoning (see recipe below)Oil, for the griddleSanta Maria Seasoning2 teaspoons kosher salt2 teaspoons black pepper2 teaspoons garlic powder2 teaspoons paprika1 teaspoon onion powder1 teaspoon dried rosemary, ground or chopped1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)InstructionsSeason the Tri-TipAdd the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried rosemary, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl and stir until fully combined.Sprinkle and rub the Santa Maria Seasoning all over the tri-tip.Let the meat sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.Preheat the GriddleSet to low heat and preheat for 20 minutes.Cook the Tri-TipDrizzle oil onto the griddle.Place the tri-tip onto the griddle and cook for about 15 minutes.Sprinkle more seasoning on the other side.Flip once a nice dark crust has formed and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes.Rest and ServeRemove from the griddle and let the tri-tip rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.Slice the tri-tip against the grain into thin pieces and serve.Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers DronG // Shutterstock Bright and full of fresh summer flavor, these Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs are a crowd-pleasing addition to any Labor Day gathering. Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a blend of lemon, garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs threaded onto skewers with zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion. Designed for sharing, these delicious grilled chicken kabobs are the perfect addition to your Labor Day menu. Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1-4 hours marinating)Cook Time: 12-15 minutes Servings: 6Ingredients2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 zucchinis2 bell peppers (red, yellow or orange)1 large red onion8 ounces. cremini mushroomsLemon Herb Marinade1/3 cup olive oil2 lemons, juiced Zest of 1 lemon 3 cloves garlic, minced2 tablespoons Dijon mustard1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepperBasil leavesInstructionsMarinate the Chicken In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, parsley, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper.Add the chicken and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.Prepare the GrillPreheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450 F).Lightly oil the grill grates to help prevent sticking.Assemble the SkewersThread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating ingredients for an even mix of color and flavor. Leave a small amount of space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Grill Place the skewers over direct heat.Grill for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are lightly charred and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165.Finish and ServeTransfer the skewers to a serving platter.Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and basil leaves.Parmesan Garlic Grilled Potatoes Cavan-Images // Shutterstock No Labor Day barbecue is complete without a potato side, and these Parmesan Garlic Grilled Potatoes are sure to become a favorite. Tender baby potatoes are tossed with melted butter, garlic, and herbs before being wrapped in foil and grilled until perfectly soft and crispy. Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 30-35 minutesServings: 6-8 Ingredients 2 pounds of baby Yukon gold potatoes (halved or quartered if large)4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted3 cloves garlic, minced2 tablespoons olive oil1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese1 tablespoon chopped parsley1/2 teaspoon dried thyme1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper1/2 teaspoon paprikaFresh parsley for garnishInstructionPrepare the PotatoesPreheat your grill to medium heat (375-400 F).In a large bowl, combine the halved potatoes with the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated. Assemble the Foil PacketLay out two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Transfer the potatoes to the center, then fold the foil tightly to seal the packet. GrillPlace the foil packet over indirect or medium heat. Close the lid and cook for 30-35 minutes, carefully flipping the packet halfway through cooking. To check for doneness, open the foil (watch for hot steam) and pierce a potato with a fork. It should be tender with lightly browned edges.Finish and ServeOpen the foil packet and pour potatoes onto a serving dish. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and enjoy. For crispier edges, leave the packet open on the grill for 3-5 additional minutes. Santa Fe Grilled Corn Salad from my point of view // Shutterstock Fresh, colorful, and bursting with Southwestern flavors, this Santa Fe Grilled Corn Salad is a perfect side dish for your Labor Day cookout. Sweet corn is grilled until lightly charred, then tossed with black beans, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, avocado and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. Prep Time: 20 minutesCook time: 10-12 minutesServings: 6-8 IngredientsFor the salad5 ears fresh sweet corn, husks removed1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved2 red bell peppers, diced1/2 red onion, finely diced1 large avocado, diced1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (optional)1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro For the lime Dressing1/4 cup olive oilJuice of 2 limes1 teaspoon lime zest1 tablespoon honey1 teaspoon ground cumin1/2 teaspoon chili powder1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika1 clove garlic, minced1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepperInstructionsGrill the CornPreheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450F)Lightly brush the corn with olive oil and place directly onto the grill grates. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.Remove from the grill and let cool slightly before slicing kernels from the cobs.Prepare the DressingIn a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, honey, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Assemble the SaladIn a large serving bowl, combine the grilled corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, cilantro and Cotija cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to gently combine.Fold in the diced avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and intact.ServeTaste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper or fresh lime juice as desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.This story was produced by Wildfire Outdoor Living and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	4 grilling recipes for a memorable Labor Day barbecue 4 grilling recipes for a memorable Labor Day barbecue There’s no better way to celebrate the unofficial end of summer than gathering around the grill with great food and even better company. This Labor Day, move beyond traditional burgers and hot dogs to create a menu that showcases the season's best flavors, such as grilled blackened Santa Maria tri-tip and vibrant chicken and vegetable skewers paired with charred corn pasta salad and buttery grilled garlic potatoes. These recipes from Wildfire Outdoor Living are designed to elevate your backyard barbecue while making the most of summer ingredients. Blackened Santa Maria Tri-Tip This Blackened Santa Maria Tri-Tip (pictured above) offers bold flavors and a meal that’s meant to be shared. The recipe features a rich, spiced rub that creates the perfect caramelized crust. This tri-tip is juicy, tender, and perfect for serving family and friends. Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 20 minutes resting)Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutesServings: 4 Ingredients 2-pound tri-tip Santa Maria Seasoning (see recipe below) Oil, for the griddle Santa Maria Seasoning 2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons black pepper 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons paprika 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, ground or chopped 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Instructions Season the Tri-Tip Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried rosemary, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl and stir until fully combined. Sprinkle and rub the Santa Maria Seasoning all over the tri-tip. Let the meat sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Preheat the Griddle Set to low heat and preheat for 20 minutes. Cook the Tri-Tip Drizzle oil onto the griddle. Place the tri-tip onto the griddle and cook for about 15 minutes. Sprinkle more seasoning on the other side. Flip once a nice dark crust has formed and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. Rest and Serve Remove from the griddle and let the tri-tip rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Slice the tri-tip against the grain into thin pieces and serve. Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers DronG // Shutterstock Bright and full of fresh summer flavor, these Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs are a crowd-pleasing addition to any Labor Day gathering. Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a blend of lemon, garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs threaded onto skewers with zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion. Designed for sharing, these delicious grilled chicken kabobs are the perfect addition to your Labor Day menu. Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1-4 hours marinating)Cook Time: 12-15 minutes Servings: 6 Ingredients 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 zucchinis 2 bell peppers (red, yellow or orange) 1 large red onion 8 ounces. cremini mushrooms Lemon Herb Marinade 1/3 cup olive oil 2 lemons, juiced Zest of 1 lemon 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Basil leaves Instructions Marinate the Chicken In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, parsley, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours. Prepare the Grill Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450 F). Lightly oil the grill grates to help prevent sticking. Assemble the Skewers Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating ingredients for an even mix of color and flavor. Leave a small amount of space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Grill Place the skewers over direct heat. Grill for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are lightly charred and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165. Finish and Serve Transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and basil leaves. Parmesan Garlic Grilled Potatoes Cavan-Images // Shutterstock No Labor Day barbecue is complete without a potato side, and these Parmesan Garlic Grilled Potatoes are sure to become a favorite. Tender baby potatoes are tossed with melted butter, garlic, and herbs before being wrapped in foil and grilled until perfectly soft and crispy. Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 30-35 minutesServings: 6-8 Ingredients 2 pounds of baby Yukon gold potatoes (halved or quartered if large) 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon paprika Fresh parsley for garnish Instruction Prepare the Potatoes Preheat your grill to medium heat (375-400 F). In a large bowl, combine the halved potatoes with the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated. Assemble the Foil Packet Lay out two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Transfer the potatoes to the center, then fold the foil tightly to seal the packet. Grill Place the foil packet over indirect or medium heat. Close the lid and cook for 30-35 minutes, carefully flipping the packet halfway through cooking. To check for doneness, open the foil (watch for hot steam) and pierce a potato with a fork. It should be tender with lightly browned edges. Finish and Serve Open the foil packet and pour potatoes onto a serving dish. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and enjoy. For crispier edges, leave the packet open on the grill for 3-5 additional minutes. Santa Fe Grilled Corn Salad from my point of view // Shutterstock Fresh, colorful, and bursting with Southwestern flavors, this Santa Fe Grilled Corn Salad is a perfect side dish for your Labor Day cookout. Sweet corn is grilled until lightly charred, then tossed with black beans, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, avocado and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. Prep Time: 20 minutesCook time: 10-12 minutesServings: 6-8 Ingredients For the salad 5 ears fresh sweet corn, husks removed 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 2 red bell peppers, diced 1/2 red onion, finely diced 1 large avocado, diced 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (optional) 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro For the lime Dressing 1/4 cup olive oil Juice of 2 limes 1 teaspoon lime zest 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Instructions Grill the Corn Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450F) Lightly brush the corn with olive oil and place directly onto the grill grates. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes until the kernels are tender and lightly charred. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly before slicing kernels from the cobs. Prepare the Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, honey, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Assemble the Salad In a large serving bowl, combine the grilled corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, cilantro and Cotija cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to gently combine. Fold in the diced avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and intact. Serve Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper or fresh lime juice as desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature. This story was produced by Wildfire Outdoor Living and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Class-action lawsuit claims UnityPoint Health shortchanged hourly workers A potential class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of employees of UnityPoint Health alleges the hospital chain has violated wage-and-hour laws by rounding down workers’ actual hours.
	Work on new Bettendorf recreational trail starts Sept. 1 Work begins on Middle Road from Hopewell Avenue to Forest Grove Drive on Tuesday, Sept. 1 as crews construct a new 10 foot recreational trail on the east side of the roadway. The first phase of this project includes installing a new storm sewer culvert under Middle Road. Middle Road will be closed from Hopewell [...]
	Why are so many Senate battlegrounds running on out-of-state money? Why are so many Senate battlegrounds running on out-of-state money?Campaign fundraising in the 2026 Senate battlegrounds has become overwhelmingly nationalized, leaving most high-stakes candidates far more reliant on out-of-state donors than the voters they hope to represent.Continuing a decades-long retreat from locally sourced campaign money, an OpenSecrets analysis of 17 candidates across nine key battleground states shows that two-thirds of the $289 million in individual contributions raised through mid-July came from out-of-state donors. Fourteen candidates received the majority of their individual contributions from beyond their borders.“Most House and Senate races are fairly nationalized anyway,” Kenneth Miller, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas, political science professor who has researched the trend, told OpenSecrets. “The notion that all politics is local … that was probably never true in the first place.”The findings highlight how increasingly uncommon home-state donor dominance has become in modern Senate races — reinforcing a pattern that has sharpened across recent election cycles. Several structural forces are driving the shift. Experts point to limited donor bases in less-populated states from Maine to Alaska, the rise of online fundraising platforms like WinRed and ActBlue, and a national donor class focused on controlling congressional majorities rather than backing local candidates.While Democrats tend to lean more heavily on national donor networks, and Republicans balance local roots with national party infrastructure and support from deep-pocketed outside groups, the issue is far more complex than a simple red-vs.-blue divide. And with razor‑thin margins in Congress and only a handful of states dictating the balance of power, the nationalization of campaign finance is likely to intensify — forcing candidates to navigate a delicate balance between the out-of-state donors fueling their campaigns and the local voters filling the ballot boxes.“Everybody understands that a senator’s primary responsibility is to their state, and then probably to their political party and what’s happening nationally,” Northeastern University political science professor Costas Panagopoulos told OpenSecrets. “But there’s a steep price to pay for ignoring one’s electorate. And so elected officials will think very carefully about the interests and priorities of their states or districts. They will be top of mind in any decisions these individuals make. But oftentimes, the views of those constituencies — or, at least, those that supported them … are often aligned with what the donors nationally are expecting of them or hoping for, in terms of how they vote.”OpenSecrets’ data includes both itemized contributions and unitemized small‑dollar donations reported through the WinRed and ActBlue platforms through July 17. The analysis focused on 17 of the 18 leading candidates in the nine Senate races that the Cook Political Report rates as competitive. The exception is Troy Jackson, who was nominated by Maine Democrats to replace Graham Platner on July 25, weeks after the campaigns filed their quarterly reports with the Federal Election Commission. OpenSecrets Those candidates with established fundraising profiles combined to raise $288.8 million in individual contributions through June 30. Of that, $194 million came from out-of-state donors.Of the eight other Democrats in those races, seven raised more money from out-of-state than they did in their states — and for four of them, that out-of-state rate was 75% or higher. Nearly 90% of the $12.7 million raised by former Rep. Mary Peltola of Alaska came from the other 49 states. Sen. Jon Ossoff, who has pulled in almost $52.9 million from outside Georgia, is scheduled to headline a fundraiser on Nantucket in Massachusetts later in August.One explanation is the calendar. The party that dominates in a presidential election year — in 2024, the Republicans — frequently faces a backlash in the midterms two years later.“The party that does not hold the presidency tends to be the most energized,” Jake Grumbach, an associate professor at the University of California, Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy, told OpenSecrets. “That midterm gap in energy shows up in voter turnout and also in campaign contributions. This is especially true when the sitting president is unpopular, as is happening right now.”Miller drew a parallel to 2018, the previous midterm of a Donald Trump presidency, when Democratic donors flooded races with money.“When they’re out of power, that’s when ideological donors really get their hackles up,” Miller said. “Part of that dynamic is, angry, ideological money sometimes is a little bit less rational, and angry, ideological money loves to search out, what we call in political science, surrogate representation. Like, ‘I’m going to purchase more representation by supporting candidates that align with my ideals out of state.’ And individual donors especially do that a lot when they’re out of power.”But midterm energy is only part of the story. Out-of-state fundraising isn’t confined to one party. It’s shaped just as much by state size and donor capacity. The highest rate of out-of-state fundraising belongs to a Republican — nearly 93% of incumbent Susan Collins’ contributions have come from outside Maine — and three of the top four are from the GOP.They also have something else significant in common: They’re running in states with small populations. Collins, Peltola, Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and New Hampshire Republican John Sununu are all competing in states that ranked 40th or lower in population in the 2020 U.S. Census — and each raised at least 85% of their individual donations from outside those states.Conversely, the three candidates who raised more money from in-state donors — Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio), former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) — are each running in states with top 10 populations.As a result, it doesn’t take much for a candidate in a smaller state to max out the donor base.“It’s not so much that candidates or campaigns want to go out of state to solicit these funds, but they often have no choice,” Panagopoulos said. “When you have candidates spending $60 [million] to $80 million in a place like Maine, you know, where’s that money going to come from? And oftentimes, they have no choice but to rely on out-of-state donors.”Federal political campaigns are subject to contribution limits and must raise money from far more donors to counter spending by outside groups that face no such limits. As of June 30, no super PAC had a larger war chest than the GOP-aligned Senate Leadership Fund, which held nearly $239 million in cash on hand — nearly twice as much as the $126.5 million held by the Democrats’ Senate Majority PAC.“If more of the total campaign resources are coming through super PACs and 501(c)s, and less from individual donors on the Republican side, that would mechanically make Republicans a little bit less out-of-state reliant,” Miller said. “Whereas Democrats are a little bit more of an individual donor finance system than the Republican side. And Democrats have this long history of having great swaths of ideological donors that zoom into races all around the country.”Controlling the Senate is ‘really what the goal is’Another key reason national money is flowing into these races is straightforward: Donors believe these contests are winnable. When control of the Senate hinges on a handful of states, national spenders aren’t investing in races they’re certain to lose — especially when the choices made by those voters carry massive implications for the balance of the chamber.In Alaska and New Hampshire, national donors make up more than 80% of the combined individual contributions for the remaining candidates. And in Iowa and Michigan, well over half of the individual contributions received by both candidates came from out of state — underscoring how heavily outside money flows into states viewed as decisive for Senate control.“These campaigns have no choice but to go to other states, particularly wealthier states with larger numbers, or wealthy donors who can contribute to advance not necessarily an individual candidate’s goals, but to try to achieve, say, a congressional majority,” Panagopoulos said. “That’s really what the goal is — not to get any specific Senate candidate elected or defeated, per se, but to work to advance a national agenda in terms of majority status or a composition of a chamber.”That dynamic leaves the candidates walking a fine line — appealing to the voters they hope to represent while also responding to the national donors fueling their campaigns. Miller pointed to two strategies a candidate might employ. One approach, he said, is to raise money out of state and spend it persuading local constituents to support them.“The competing notion is that all of [the] campaign rhetoric, all of the campaign communications are fully transparent and it bleeds across these lines,” he continued. “And so, the topics that are brought up, the issues that are engaged, even within the campaign communications, are geared towards that national donor class instead of appealing to the constituents themselves.”The key variable, Miller said, is how competitive the race is projected to be. He expects candidates who are heavy favorites to “be doing a little bit more appealing nationally than locally.” Conversely, those in tighter races “might get a little bit more concerned about differences between local preferences [and] national preferences.“But the reality is,” he continued, “a lot of times, they really are the same.”That national money also comes with risk — an opponent could weaponize it.“The impact … often comes down to what a candidate’s opposition makes of it,” Panagopoulos said. “If they make it an issue in this race, and they can convince voters that politicians’ loyalty will be beholden to those donors over their local constituencies because of the degree of the out-of-state contributions in those races, then that has the potential to put candidates on the defensive and potentially to hurt them.”OpenSecrets reached out to campaigns across these battleground races with specific questions about their fundraising strategies. None provided an on‑the‑record response from a spokesperson identifiable by name, and none directly addressed those questions. Instead, campaigns touted favorable statistics about their own candidates or attacked their opponents, without engaging with the broader nationalization trend.‘No end in sight’ to nationalization trendThe trend has grown only more pronounced over recent election cycles — and scholars say there is no sign it is slowing.“We don’t see anything on the horizon that suggests the ship is turning,” Miller said.The trend reached historic levels in 2024, with an OpenSecrets analysis finding that Senate candidates most reliant on national dollars more frequently won their races while those with the highest percentage of in-state dollars raised were overwhelmingly more likely to lose. The trend was most apparent in smaller states — mirroring and reinforcing the pattern observed in the current cycle.“I think it’s in full force and there’s no end in sight,” Panagopoulos said.One reason, Grumbach said, is the internet. The online ActBlue and WinRed platforms enable prospective donors to give to any candidate with a few mouse clicks. And the drop in ad revenue for newspapers as a result of advertising shifting to the internet led to less news coverage of local issues. That created an information vacuum filled by nationally focused political media, fueling both intense interest from activists more likely to donate and “this kind of national tug-of-war between the red and blue teams,” he said.Panagopoulos pointed to two other reasons that work in harmony: A relatively small number of competitive races in states and districts that could tilt the balance of power, and a tight margin between the parties in both chambers — particularly the Senate, where the outcomes of only a few races can flip the GOP’s current 53-47 advantage.“I think the only time we can expect this nationalization and this intensification of national effort to slow down is if there were a larger number of places with competitive races and a situation in which the congressional majority were not so evenly divided between the two major parties,” he said. “Now, with razor-thin margins for Republicans in both chambers of Congress and such a small number of places that can influence what happens in November, all of the attention and all of the focus nationally is on those places — and they’re getting attention from prospective donors all over the country.”This story was produced by OpenSecrets and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	States where home insurance got cheaper, and what they're doing right States where home insurance got cheaper, and what they're doing rightAlthough homeowners insurance rates have been rising significantly across the nation, new Insurance.com data shows that 16 states saw average annual premiums fall from 2025 to 2026.There’s no single reason for these decreases. In some states, targeted resilience grants, insurance discounts, and a slower-than-normal storm season in 2025 may have helped, while others may be benefiting from increased competition or changes in insurers' pricing.As many states continue to face rate increases, are there lessons to be learned from those where homeowners are seeing some rate relief?Key takeaways:Arkansas (-$538), North Carolina (-$256), and Missouri (-$196) saw the largest decreases in home insurance rates.Many states offer grants for homeowners to strengthen their homes against wind and severe weather damage.North Carolina approved two 7.5% base-rate increases from 2025 to 2026, but actual home insurance rates went down.Which states saw home insurance rates go down in 2026?States with the largest decreases in annual home insurance premiums are Arkansas (-$538), North Carolina (-$256), Missouri (-$196), North Dakota (-$136), and Mississippi (-$131). D.C. (-$98), Rhode Island (-$98), Pennsylvania (-$74), South Carolina (-$64), and Vermont (-$46) have shown more moderate decreases.However, not all states are seeing relief from high home insurance rates. Some states have seen significant rate increases, including Nebraska (+$960), New Mexico (+$628), Colorado (+$548), and Florida (+$543).These are the top 10 states for homeowners insurance increases and decreases from 2025 to 2026. Insurance.com The map below shows the percentage change in home insurance rates in every state and D.C. from 2025 to 2026. Rates are based on coverage of $300,000 dwelling, $300,000 liability, a $1,000 deductible, and a 2% hurricane deductible, where applicable. Insurance.com Arkansas case study: Where rates fell $538Arkansas had the largest annual home insurance premium reduction, at $538. Although Arkansas has historically had high home insurance rates due to severe weather risks, such as tornadoes and hail, it saw the steepest decline in premiums from 2025 to 2026.The decline could reflect a combination of factors, including fewer storm losses, insurer repricing, and changes in underwriting.“There is a very high probability that it's just that it is the first signs that the market is starting to soften again,” said Julie Shiyou-Woodard, president and CEO of Smart Home America. “It was expected to start softening this year, and so it may be that there's just an overall softening of the market, which just means that some of the elevated premiums are going to start coming down.”Arkansas homeowners may see rates lowering even more through the Strengthen Arkansas Homes Act, a grant program that helps homeowners upgrade their homes to prevent wind and hail damage. Homeowners can receive $15,000 to replace a roof on an existing home or up to $7,500 toward a FORTIFIED roof on new construction. The program officially began in January of 2026, but applications are not yet open. It receives $12 million each year from insurance premium tax revenue to fund home improvements that meet the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety's (IBHS) FORTIFIED Home standards.Homeowners must use certified contractors, meet eligibility requirements, and maintain wind and flood insurance to qualify. Grant payments go directly to contractors after the home earns its FORTIFIED certification.Additionally, the law requires insurers to offer rate discounts for qualifying FORTIFIED homes. Homeowners can also choose a policy endorsement that allows them to upgrade to a stronger, FORTIFIED roof after a covered loss.North Carolina case study: Rates are down $256 despite rate filing increasesNorth Carolina had the second-largest rate decrease from 2025 to 2026, at $256, despite rate filings showing planned 7.5% increases on June 1, 2025, and June 1, 2026.The contradiction comes down to the difference between state-approved base rates and actual premiums. A rate filing sets the maximum base rates insurers can charge, but it doesn't determine what every homeowner ultimately pays.Premiums also reflect discounts, underwriting changes, home characteristics, windstorm mitigation efforts, and insurer competition. As homeowners switch carriers, qualify for new discounts, or make upgrades that reduce their risk, average premiums can move in a different direction than statewide rate filings.Additionally, North Carolina has invested in reducing homeowners’ claims risk, in part through grant programs administered by the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association. North Carolina ranks second in the country for FORTIFIED-certified roofs. According to a study by the N.C. State University, homes with FORTIFIED roofs were 34% less likely to file an insurance claim and experienced 22% less damage when claims did occur.The state also committed $40 million to its Strengthen Your Roof and Strengthen Your Coastal Roof programs, providing grants of up to $10,000 and $6,000, respectively, to help homeowners install more resilient roofs. If these upgrades reduce claims and damage, they could help lower insurers' expected losses and offset approved rate increases.“They've been doing that a while now, so they have enough FORTIFIED-designated structures in their marketplace that would positively affect the overall premiums within the state,” said Shiyou-Woodard.Other factors include more homeowners shopping for coverage and more insurers offering policies. Even when statewide base rates rise, homeowners who compare quotes can often find lower premiums by switching carriers or taking advantage of new discounts.North Carolina indicates that approved rate increases don’t always reflect what you pay when your policy renews. Rate filings reflect the regulatory process, but premiums depend on your home’s risk profile, discounts, and insurer pricing.Mississippi case study: A hurricane-prone state is down $131Insurance.com data shows that average home insurance rates in Mississippi declined by $131 from 2025 to 2026. This rate drop is notable given the state's exposure to hurricanes, severe storms, and costly wind losses.While there is no direct cause for the premium decrease, the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association's free FORTIFIED roof endorsement, coastal mitigation incentives, and an easier storm season could all play a part.The Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association's (MWUA) free FORTIFIED Roof endorsement allows eligible homeowners to rebuild to the IBHS's FORTIFIED standard after a covered roof loss at no additional cost. The program encourages stronger roof construction, which has been shown to reduce damage and insurance claims during severe weather.Mississippi has also invested in coastal mitigation efforts designed to strengthen homes against hurricanes and windstorms. For example, the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program provides up to $15,000 in wind mitigation assistance. As more homeowners harden their homes and qualify for mitigation discounts, insurers may see lower expected losses over time.While the exact reason for Mississippi's decline in home insurance premiums isn't clear, it likely reflects a combination of mitigation efforts and insurer pricing rather than a single catalyst.What do states with falling home insurance rates have in common?States seeing falling home insurance rates typically offer home-hardening grants, discount programs, and increased market competition. While insurance rates could be decreasing due to mitigation efforts, a slow storm season in 2025 with no storms making landfall and other background factors may also be contributing to the declines.Home-hardening grants and discount programsMany states offer grants to help homeowners improve their homes’ resistance to severe weather and require insurers to offer discounts for homes with these improvements. Examples include:North Carolina's Strengthen Your Roof and Strengthen Your Coastal Roof: Programs offer grants of up to $10,000 and $6,000, respectively, for eligible homeowners who install wind-resistant roofs.South Carolina's SC Safe Home: Coastal homeowners can receive a grant of up to $7,500 for storm-resistant upgrades, such as a new roof or storm shutters.Mississippi's MWUA endorsement: Allows homeowners to rebuild after a covered loss with a FORTIFIED roof instead of replacing the traditional roofArkansas's Strengthen Arkansas Homes offers grants of up to $15,000 to replace a roof on an existing home or up to $7,500 toward a roof on new construction, to help homeowners meet IBHS FORTIFIED Home standards.It is worth noting that Florida has home-hardening programs, but insurance rates are still rising. Not all states and insurers are quick to offer discounts and lower rates for home upgrades.“This is still a work in progress, as most insurers are still asking for more proof and verification about risk reduction activities and effectiveness before they'll give discounts or renew property owners who've invested in risk reduction home improvements,” said Amy Bach, executive director at United Policyholders.“It's a bit of a circular problem — property owners are reluctant to invest time and money in replacing roofs that aren't leaking or taking out plants and trees that provide shade and aesthetic value without assurances that their insurer will reward them, but insurers don't want to promise rewards until they see more proof that the steps have been completed,” Bach said.Market competition: More home insurance optionsStates with more insurers offering home insurance can see lower rates as homeowners shop around for coverage. When new carriers enter historically strained markets, they can reduce average quoted premiums even where filed base rates rise.A state-approved rate increase doesn't mean every insurer will charge the same amount, nor does it prevent carriers from competing through underwriting, discounts, or pricing. If more insurers are willing to write policies in a state, homeowners may have more opportunities to find lower premiums, even as the state's overall rate filings continue to show increases.What can homeowners do to get lower rates?Homeowners in all states can look for mitigation grants and discounts, shop around for cheaper premiums, and watch for insurance reforms and rules.Ask about FORTIFIED/mitigation grant eligibility in your state. You may get grants to help you make your home more wind- and weather-resistant, or find insurers who offer discounts for FORTIFIED certification, a newer roof, impact-resistant materials, or other mitigation measures.Don't assume a state's base-rate headline predicts your personal premium. Each insurer makes its own formula for rate calculations and discounts. Compare rates and discounts to find the best insurer. Shop around and ask specifically about mitigation discounts.Monitor state legislative sessions for tort reform and insurer recruitment efforts. Changes such as tort reform, catastrophe-mitigation funding, and efforts to attract new insurers may improve market conditions before consumers see the effect in their renewal notices.Will decreases in home insurance rates spread to other states?The states seeing the biggest declines tend to have a combination of more resilient homes, mitigation incentives, and a competitive insurance market. However, that doesn't mean those efforts will immediately translate into lower premiums or that what works in one state will work everywhere. Insurance costs are heavily influenced by catastrophe losses, reinsurance costs, claims, and the number of insurers willing to write coverage in a particular market.North Carolina is an important indicator that approved base rates can increase while the average premium homeowners pay decreases. While state-approved rate increases can lead to higher premiums, homeowners can improve their homes and earn discounts to keep premiums low.MethodologyInsurance.com commissioned homeowners insurance rate data through its data partner, Quadrant Information Services, in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., in 2025 and in 2026.National and state home insurance averages are based on the following parameters:An HO-3 homeowners policySingle-family home, 2 stories, 2-car attached garageBuilt in 19972,000 square feetFrame construction with composition roofingGood creditCoverage limits are set at:$300,000 in dwelling coverage$300,000 in liability coveragePersonal property coverage of $150,000 (50% of dwelling coverage)Other structures coverage of $30,000 (10% of dwelling coverage)Loss of use coverage of $30,000 (10% of dwelling coverage)Medical payments coverage of $5,000A $1,000 deductibleA 2% hurricane deductible in applicable statesThis story was produced by Insurance.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	States where home insurance got cheaper, and what they're doing right States where home insurance got cheaper, and what they're doing right Although homeowners insurance rates have been rising significantly across the nation, new Insurance.com data shows that 16 states saw average annual premiums fall from 2025 to 2026. There’s no single reason for these decreases. In some states, targeted resilience grants, insurance discounts, and a slower-than-normal storm season in 2025 may have helped, while others may be benefiting from increased competition or changes in insurers' pricing. As many states continue to face rate increases, are there lessons to be learned from those where homeowners are seeing some rate relief? Key takeaways: Arkansas (-$538), North Carolina (-$256), and Missouri (-$196) saw the largest decreases in home insurance rates. Many states offer grants for homeowners to strengthen their homes against wind and severe weather damage. North Carolina approved two 7.5% base-rate increases from 2025 to 2026, but actual home insurance rates went down. Which states saw home insurance rates go down in 2026? States with the largest decreases in annual home insurance premiums are Arkansas (-$538), North Carolina (-$256), Missouri (-$196), North Dakota (-$136), and Mississippi (-$131). D.C. (-$98), Rhode Island (-$98), Pennsylvania (-$74), South Carolina (-$64), and Vermont (-$46) have shown more moderate decreases. However, not all states are seeing relief from high home insurance rates. Some states have seen significant rate increases, including Nebraska (+$960), New Mexico (+$628), Colorado (+$548), and Florida (+$543). These are the top 10 states for homeowners insurance increases and decreases from 2025 to 2026. Insurance.com The map below shows the percentage change in home insurance rates in every state and D.C. from 2025 to 2026. Rates are based on coverage of $300,000 dwelling, $300,000 liability, a $1,000 deductible, and a 2% hurricane deductible, where applicable. Insurance.com Arkansas case study: Where rates fell $538 Arkansas had the largest annual home insurance premium reduction, at $538. Although Arkansas has historically had high home insurance rates due to severe weather risks, such as tornadoes and hail, it saw the steepest decline in premiums from 2025 to 2026. The decline could reflect a combination of factors, including fewer storm losses, insurer repricing, and changes in underwriting. “There is a very high probability that it's just that it is the first signs that the market is starting to soften again,” said Julie Shiyou-Woodard, president and CEO of Smart Home America. “It was expected to start softening this year, and so it may be that there's just an overall softening of the market, which just means that some of the elevated premiums are going to start coming down.” Arkansas homeowners may see rates lowering even more through the Strengthen Arkansas Homes Act, a grant program that helps homeowners upgrade their homes to prevent wind and hail damage. Homeowners can receive $15,000 to replace a roof on an existing home or up to $7,500 toward a FORTIFIED roof on new construction. The program officially began in January of 2026, but applications are not yet open. It receives $12 million each year from insurance premium tax revenue to fund home improvements that meet the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety's (IBHS) FORTIFIED Home standards. Homeowners must use certified contractors, meet eligibility requirements, and maintain wind and flood insurance to qualify. Grant payments go directly to contractors after the home earns its FORTIFIED certification. Additionally, the law requires insurers to offer rate discounts for qualifying FORTIFIED homes. Homeowners can also choose a policy endorsement that allows them to upgrade to a stronger, FORTIFIED roof after a covered loss. North Carolina case study: Rates are down $256 despite rate filing increases North Carolina had the second-largest rate decrease from 2025 to 2026, at $256, despite rate filings showing planned 7.5% increases on June 1, 2025, and June 1, 2026. The contradiction comes down to the difference between state-approved base rates and actual premiums. A rate filing sets the maximum base rates insurers can charge, but it doesn't determine what every homeowner ultimately pays. Premiums also reflect discounts, underwriting changes, home characteristics, windstorm mitigation efforts, and insurer competition. As homeowners switch carriers, qualify for new discounts, or make upgrades that reduce their risk, average premiums can move in a different direction than statewide rate filings. Additionally, North Carolina has invested in reducing homeowners’ claims risk, in part through grant programs administered by the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association. North Carolina ranks second in the country for FORTIFIED-certified roofs. According to a study by the N.C. State University, homes with FORTIFIED roofs were 34% less likely to file an insurance claim and experienced 22% less damage when claims did occur. The state also committed $40 million to its Strengthen Your Roof and Strengthen Your Coastal Roof programs, providing grants of up to $10,000 and $6,000, respectively, to help homeowners install more resilient roofs. If these upgrades reduce claims and damage, they could help lower insurers' expected losses and offset approved rate increases. “They've been doing that a while now, so they have enough FORTIFIED-designated structures in their marketplace that would positively affect the overall premiums within the state,” said Shiyou-Woodard. Other factors include more homeowners shopping for coverage and more insurers offering policies. Even when statewide base rates rise, homeowners who compare quotes can often find lower premiums by switching carriers or taking advantage of new discounts. North Carolina indicates that approved rate increases don’t always reflect what you pay when your policy renews. Rate filings reflect the regulatory process, but premiums depend on your home’s risk profile, discounts, and insurer pricing. Mississippi case study: A hurricane-prone state is down $131 Insurance.com data shows that average home insurance rates in Mississippi declined by $131 from 2025 to 2026. This rate drop is notable given the state's exposure to hurricanes, severe storms, and costly wind losses. While there is no direct cause for the premium decrease, the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association's free FORTIFIED roof endorsement, coastal mitigation incentives, and an easier storm season could all play a part. The Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association's (MWUA) free FORTIFIED Roof endorsement allows eligible homeowners to rebuild to the IBHS's FORTIFIED standard after a covered roof loss at no additional cost. The program encourages stronger roof construction, which has been shown to reduce damage and insurance claims during severe weather. Mississippi has also invested in coastal mitigation efforts designed to strengthen homes against hurricanes and windstorms. For example, the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program provides up to $15,000 in wind mitigation assistance. As more homeowners harden their homes and qualify for mitigation discounts, insurers may see lower expected losses over time. While the exact reason for Mississippi's decline in home insurance premiums isn't clear, it likely reflects a combination of mitigation efforts and insurer pricing rather than a single catalyst. What do states with falling home insurance rates have in common? States seeing falling home insurance rates typically offer home-hardening grants, discount programs, and increased market competition. While insurance rates could be decreasing due to mitigation efforts, a slow storm season in 2025 with no storms making landfall and other background factors may also be contributing to the declines. Home-hardening grants and discount programs Many states offer grants to help homeowners improve their homes’ resistance to severe weather and require insurers to offer discounts for homes with these improvements. Examples include: North Carolina's Strengthen Your Roof and Strengthen Your Coastal Roof: Programs offer grants of up to $10,000 and $6,000, respectively, for eligible homeowners who install wind-resistant roofs. South Carolina's SC Safe Home: Coastal homeowners can receive a grant of up to $7,500 for storm-resistant upgrades, such as a new roof or storm shutters. Mississippi's MWUA endorsement: Allows homeowners to rebuild after a covered loss with a FORTIFIED roof instead of replacing the traditional roof Arkansas's Strengthen Arkansas Homes offers grants of up to $15,000 to replace a roof on an existing home or up to $7,500 toward a roof on new construction, to help homeowners meet IBHS FORTIFIED Home standards. It is worth noting that Florida has home-hardening programs, but insurance rates are still rising. Not all states and insurers are quick to offer discounts and lower rates for home upgrades. “This is still a work in progress, as most insurers are still asking for more proof and verification about risk reduction activities and effectiveness before they'll give discounts or renew property owners who've invested in risk reduction home improvements,” said Amy Bach, executive director at United Policyholders. “It's a bit of a circular problem — property owners are reluctant to invest time and money in replacing roofs that aren't leaking or taking out plants and trees that provide shade and aesthetic value without assurances that their insurer will reward them, but insurers don't want to promise rewards until they see more proof that the steps have been completed,” Bach said. Market competition: More home insurance options States with more insurers offering home insurance can see lower rates as homeowners shop around for coverage. When new carriers enter historically strained markets, they can reduce average quoted premiums even where filed base rates rise. A state-approved rate increase doesn't mean every insurer will charge the same amount, nor does it prevent carriers from competing through underwriting, discounts, or pricing. If more insurers are willing to write policies in a state, homeowners may have more opportunities to find lower premiums, even as the state's overall rate filings continue to show increases. What can homeowners do to get lower rates? Homeowners in all states can look for mitigation grants and discounts, shop around for cheaper premiums, and watch for insurance reforms and rules. Ask about FORTIFIED/mitigation grant eligibility in your state. You may get grants to help you make your home more wind- and weather-resistant, or find insurers who offer discounts for FORTIFIED certification, a newer roof, impact-resistant materials, or other mitigation measures. Don't assume a state's base-rate headline predicts your personal premium. Each insurer makes its own formula for rate calculations and discounts. Compare rates and discounts to find the best insurer. Shop around and ask specifically about mitigation discounts. Monitor state legislative sessions for tort reform and insurer recruitment efforts. Changes such as tort reform, catastrophe-mitigation funding, and efforts to attract new insurers may improve market conditions before consumers see the effect in their renewal notices. Will decreases in home insurance rates spread to other states? The states seeing the biggest declines tend to have a combination of more resilient homes, mitigation incentives, and a competitive insurance market. However, that doesn't mean those efforts will immediately translate into lower premiums or that what works in one state will work everywhere. Insurance costs are heavily influenced by catastrophe losses, reinsurance costs, claims, and the number of insurers willing to write coverage in a particular market. North Carolina is an important indicator that approved base rates can increase while the average premium homeowners pay decreases. While state-approved rate increases can lead to higher premiums, homeowners can improve their homes and earn discounts to keep premiums low. Methodology Insurance.com commissioned homeowners insurance rate data through its data partner, Quadrant Information Services, in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., in 2025 and in 2026. National and state home insurance averages are based on the following parameters: An HO-3 homeowners policy Single-family home, 2 stories, 2-car attached garage Built in 1997 2,000 square feet Frame construction with composition roofing Good credit Coverage limits are set at: $300,000 in dwelling coverage $300,000 in liability coverage Personal property coverage of $150,000 (50% of dwelling coverage) Other structures coverage of $30,000 (10% of dwelling coverage) Loss of use coverage of $30,000 (10% of dwelling coverage) Medical payments coverage of $5,000 A $1,000 deductible A 2% hurricane deductible in applicable states This story was produced by Insurance.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Dolly Parton didn't just write hits — she created an American songbook Parton, who died at 80 on Tuesday, had charm, depth, beauty, wit and radiant goodness. She was also a songwriter whose work told the story not just of country music but of the country itself.
	How Dolly Parton wrote the story of a changing America Parton, who died at 80 on Tuesday, had charm, depth, beauty, wit and radiant goodness. She was also a songwriter whose work told the story not just of country music but of the country itself.
	California says states, Meta agree to $17 billion settlement in child safety trial The social media giant also agreed to make sweeping changes to Instagram and Facebook.
	Meta, states agree to $17 billion settlement in child safety trial The social media giant also agreed to make sweeping changes to Instagram and Facebook.
	More than 1 in 3 Americans went into debt to pay for their latest move More than 1 in 3 Americans went into debt to pay for their latest moveMoving can mean a fresh start, but for many Americans, it comes with a financial hangover. A July 2026 survey from Intuit Credit Karma of 1,029 American adults found that more than a third of American adults (35%) who’ve moved in the past five years took on debt to do so. The figure climbs to half of millennials (50%).Key takeawaysMore than a third (35%) of Americans took on debt to move in the past 5 years, including half of millennials. Roughly one in six (16%) say they are still recovering financially from their last move.4 in 10 (40%) say their move ended up costing at least twice as much as they expected, including 55% of millennials. New furniture (27%) was the most common budget-buster.40% say the financial burden of moving made it difficult to enjoy their new place at first, and roughly half of Gen Z (49%) and millennials (53%) admit they would’ve made different financial decisions had they known the true cost of moving.Nearly a third (32%) say money-related stress from their move caused conflict with a partner or family member, rising to 46% of millennials and 40% of Gen Z.More than half (53%) would rather live paycheck to paycheck somewhere they love than live comfortably somewhere they don’t. To stay where they want, 22% live in a smaller space than they would like, and 11% put up with pests like roaches or mice, including 22% of Gen Z.The true cost of moving, and the stress it causesAccording to the survey, three in 10 movers (30%) spent $5,000 or more on their most recent move, and 15% spent $10,000 or more. Here’s the full breakdown:$1,000-$2,499: 23%$2,500-$4,999: 23% (26% of Gen Z and millennials)$5,000-$9,999: 15% (19% of millennials)$10,000 or more: 15%Four in 10 movers (40%) say their move ended up costing at least twice as much as they originally expected, a figure that rises to 55% among millennials.It’s not surprising, then, that 47% say the move itself was cheaper than getting settled afterward, with new furniture topping the list of expenses that ended up costing them more than expected.For many movers, the financial stress starts before they even find a place to live. Finding affordable housing in the first place is the top challenge for Gen Z (38%), and even once a place is found, saving enough money to cover the move ranks among movers’ biggest stressors overall (28%). Layer on the upfront costs (e.g., deposits, down payments, first and last month’s rent), and it becomes the most financially stressful part of the process for movers as a whole (32%).Sacrifices Americans make to afford a moveWhile one third of movers (33%) cut back on non-essential spending to afford their move, that wasn’t enough for everyone. A quarter (25%) had to dip into savings or an emergency fund, while 18% cut back on essentials like gas and groceries. The approach also varied by generation: Nearly a third of millennials (31%) admit to charging more to their credit cards than they normally would, while 42% of Gen Z worked extra hours or overtime.Covering costs with creditMore than a quarter of movers (28%) put moving costs on a credit card. Personal loans (10% overall) were more common among younger generations, used by 15% of millennials and 14% of Gen Z, as were buy now, pay later services (9% overall, 13% among both Gen Z and millennials). All told, 35% took on some form of debt to move, and despite the cost, a majority (55%) say it was worth it.The financial hangover lasts monthsFinancial recovery from a move rarely happens on a fixed timeline. Asked how long it took to feel financially recovered from their move — meaning savings were restored and moving-related debt was paid off — only 19% said less than a month. A quarter of movers (25%) said it took three to six months, rising to 31% among Gen Z and 32% among millennials, and 16% say they’re still recovering.That recovery period often comes at the expense of other financial priorities. Movers say their moving costs delayed saving for a vacation (23%), building an emergency fund (22%), paying off existing credit card debt (21%, 26% of millennials), saving for retirement (19%, 24% of Gen Z), saving for a down payment on a home (17% of Gen Z and 16% of millennials), and paying down student loans for 15% of Gen Z.The emotional toll of a financially stressful moveThe financial strain of moving doesn’t stay contained to a bank account. Four in 10 movers say the financial burden made it hard to enjoy their new place at first, and the same share (40%) admits they would have made different financial decisions had they known the true cost of moving going in, including about half of Gen Z (49%) and millennials (53%).For some, the financial strain bled into their relationships — nearly a third (32%) say money-related stress from their move caused conflict with a partner or family member, rising to 46% of millennials and 40% of Gen Z.And for some, they had no choice —13% of Gen Z say their home had unsafe or unlivable conditions, such as mold or pest infestation.The price of living where you want to liveDespite the strain, many movers don’t regret their decision. Just over a quarter (27%) say their move hurt their finances but improved their quality of life, and 28% say it improved both. For some, that tradeoff is a calculated one: 58% of millennials and 47% of Gen Z moved to an area with a higher cost of living specifically for a job opportunity or better school district.That tradeoff often comes with compromise. To live somewhere they wanted, movers say they have lived in a smaller space than they would like (22%), paid more than 30% of their income on rent or mortgage (21%), accepted a longer commute (19%, rising to 25% of Gen Z and 24% of millennials), taken on roommates they wouldn’t have otherwise chosen (13%, 20% of Gen Z), or tolerated pests like roaches or mice (11%, 22% of Gen Z).Even so, plenty of people say it’s worth it. More than half (53%) would rather live paycheck to paycheck somewhere they love than live comfortably somewhere they don’t, and 62% say the financial premium of living where they currently do is worth it (71% of millennials).At the same time, many people feel boxed in by circumstances beyond their control. Four in 10 (40%) say that if they could earn the same salary somewhere cheaper, they’d move tomorrow, and roughly a third (34%) feel financially “stuck” where they live or say the cost of moving has kept them in a home they wanted to leave.Furnishing on impulseFor many movers, a new address becomes justification to buy things they don’t necessarily need. Nearly a third (32%) admit that moving is an excuse to replace furniture or decor they didn’t actually need to replace, climbing to 41% among Gen Z and 49% among millennials.That impulse can come with regret: 35% say they’ve made an impulse furniture or decor purchase after a move that they later regretted, including 48% among Gen Z and 51% among millennials. Yet, some people prioritize speed over cost – 32% would rather overpay to get their new place done fast than take their time and save money, rising to 51% among millennials.Social media plays a major role for young people furnishing a new home. Half of Gen Z (50%) and 56% of millennials say social media influenced purchases they made when or after moving.To furnish their new place, movers turn most often to retailers like Target, Walmart, and HomeGoods (37%), followed by Amazon (35%). IKEA draws 19% overall but skews younger, pulling in 25% of Gen Z and 32% of millennials, while 14% of Gen Z say Instagram or TikTok ads directly shape where they shop.MethodologyThis survey was conducted online within the United States by Qualtrics on behalf of Intuit Credit Karma between July 22 and July 24, 2026, among 1,029 American adults who have moved within the past five years.This story was produced by Intuit Credit Karma and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How one city's Black neighborhoods are finally getting better pools How one city's Black neighborhoods are finally getting better poolsOn one hot, humid Saturday earlier this month, children lined up at the Greater Model public pool in West Baltimore’s historically Black neighborhood of Poppleton. The youth adjusted their goggles and swim caps, then dove into the crisp water to meet their opponents on the other side.The citywide swim meet — the first one organized by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks in a decade — was held at one of the city’s five newly renovated public pools. Next City examined how those renovations are part of a major effort by the city to close its long-standing gap in access to pools for Black residents.For decades, Baltimore’s predominantly Black neighborhoods have received less than one-third as much investment as surrounding white communities. It’s a legacy that’s been driven by segregation, discriminatory lending, and unequal capital flow.Pools — an affordable summer pastime for families, especially in an area where temperatures regularly exceed 90 degrees during the summer — are no exception. The aquatic amenities in West and East Baltimore are aging, unevenly maintained, and frequently closed. Most of the pools are more than 50 years old and have seen few if any upgrades in that time.Recreation and Parks Director Reginald Moore Sr., who joined the city department in 2017, says the neglect cost the city more money over time than renovations would have.“We had pools where the motors date back to the ‘80s,” Moore told Next City. “To get those pumps or motors, it was not like you [can] go to the nearest pool supply store and grab one off the shelf. I remember we had to pay one time for a motor to be overnighted from California, which was not cheap for our agency.”Some families would take three buses in hopes of reaching a functioning pool, only to find out it was still closed, he says.“If you don’t invest in assets, communities lose faith in the system, because they don’t know if it’s going to be open today,” Moore said. “The kids may go there for a couple days, then it’s broken, and they’re disappointed — they won’t want to go back.”One pool patron told The Baltimore Banner that the old Towanda Pool in Park Heights would be closed some summers. The deep end was a meager 4 feet, he said, and residents were forced to bring their own lawn chairs to sit at the pool, surrounded by empty bottles and trash. Repair became more costly than replacement, and the city closed both the Towanda and Greater Model pools in 2019 for reconstruction.Last year, the city opened the new Towanda Recreation Center — featuring an 8-foot-deep pool with starting blocks and lap lanes, a walk-in pool with sprinklers and waterspouts, a large partial shade covering, reclining chairs and umbrella-covered tables — as part of a $20 million investment in three neighborhood aquatic facility upgrades.This year, the $8 million Greater Model Aquatic Center opened its doors just in time for the summer heat. The ribbon cutting for a fifth renovated aquatics facility, City Springs, is expected in about two years. Access to the pools is completely free.Mayor Brandon Scott’s administration has funded the reconstruction effort through $41 million in federal COVID-19 pandemic relief money, part of the $641 million that Baltimore received under the American Rescue Plan Act. The city expects to tap into its own capital improvement program plus state funding to cover ongoing repairs and maintenance for the pools.Undoing deep-rooted segregationFor decades, Baltimore’s Black residents were only permitted to use one of the city’s seven public pools. Paul S Henderson, Courtesy of the Maryland Center for History and Culture Druid Hill Park pool “No. 2” opened in 1921, tucked beside the park’s maintenance yard. The pool was roughly half the size of the adjacent whites-only pool, and patrons said it was so overcrowded that swimmers had to be admitted in shifts. The other six pools were well-maintained, but closed to the nearby Black families.The site now hosts a memorial for “No. 2” by artist Joyce J. Scott, depicting what it was like to swim in segregated America. She recounted that this pool’s water was filtered, while Pool No. 1’s was not, to “de-negroize” the city’s water supply.In 1953, three Black children drowned in a single summer due to swimming in unsafe or restricted areas because of lack of access to city-operated pools. Following resident outcry and an NAACP lawsuit, the city in 1956 opened every public pool to all patrons, regardless of race.The policy change did not bring equal access, however. De facto segregation continued in some Baltimore pools. And across the country, cities and suburbs responded to legal desegregation by draining pools, selling them to private neighborhood associations, or simply never building them. By 1971, the Supreme Court affirmed that a city could shutter a public facility rather than integrate it.In Baltimore County, the parks department drafted a plan in 1953 for public pools at elementary schools, then abandoned it. By 1966, some 150 private swim clubs were operating there instead — some bound by covenants barring Black and Jewish members. To this day, the county has no public pools.Inside the city line, the pools stayed public but stopped being maintained. Decades of disinvestment in the same redlined neighborhoods — the “Black Butterfly” of East and West Baltimore — left their aquatic facilities running on mid-century mechanical systems.“Honestly, the ugly, dark history is something that no one wants to continue to relive,” said Moore, of the recreation and parks department. “For me, it’s motivation that we focus on how we address the needs of our communities.”Today, Baltimore has 22 public pools. The city hired architecture and design firm CannonDesign to focus on five pools in the worst condition. CannonDesign says the city’s facility condition assessment found every single neighborhood pool had reached the end of its lifespan, but the firm isn’t currently contracted to update the other 17 pools.“They all need to be replaced or have extensive work done, so we said, ‘Okay, we need to design a system that can potentially be adapted and reused all over the city,’” explained CannonDesign design leader Monica Pascatore. Her team designed the five aquatic facilities around a “kit of parts” — a bathhouse, a pump house, two bodies of water and a security fence — meant to be affordable and adaptable enough to drop onto remaining sites.When the City Springs site’s original blueprint showed that the facilities wouldn’t accommodate the same two-pool layout as the others, the team adjusted its designs until it could deliver that second pool.“If you flip the site, we can actually build both pools,” Pascatore said. “If one neighborhood has two pools, every neighborhood should get two pools. Nobody gets shortchanged.”Investing in Black safety and joyVacshon Brown is the manager of the newly renovated Greater Model pool. His earliest memory of being in a public pool was with his swim instructor, Miss Judy. He was nervous, like any kid staring at a 5-foot-deep pool without knowing how to swim. But he remembers how soft and gentle and reassuring she was with him.“I’ll never forget Miss Judy,” Brown said. “Without the pool, I probably would have never met Miss Judy. That’s someone I can call a friend.”He tries to pass that same level of comfort on to the kids he instructs now, because he remembers how it felt to have to jump when he was most afraid.Were the pool to close again, it would hurt local youth, he says.“The neighborhood would lose a safe haven,” Brown said. “Especially the kids. I know a lot of them by first name.”Greater Model was his father’s childhood pool, and Brown remembers his dad’s face when he heard it was coming back. “He was even more excited when he saw the rebuilt version,” Brown said. “We got two amazing bodies of water. We got chairs and tables on our deck. I’ve never seen anything like it as far as community pools in the city.”The Greater Model pool now averages about 150 visitors a day; the old pool design saw only up to 60 patrons. The recent renovations have resulted in a record-breaking first five weeks of the 2026 season for the parks department, with 200,000 visitors citywide. Moore and Pascatore say that attendance doubled compared to the same period in 2025 during a multiday extreme-heat stretch.Those numbers are exciting local leaders who hope the increased access will increase public health and safety for Black Baltimoreans, too.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared drowning the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1 to 14 years old. A recent CDC report on drowning disparities notes that in swimming pools, Black children ages 10-14 years drown at rates 7.6 times higher than white children. Black young adults, too, drown at 1.5 times the rate of their white counterparts.An estimated 64% of Black children have little to no swimming skills, as compared to 40% of white children. In households under $50,000, some 79% of children cannot swim.Moore says the parks department is actively combatting these statistics, including through its elimination of access fees in 2020 and its investment in learn-to-swim, swim meet, and lifeguard programs, including peer-to-peer training and a skills competition. To further aquatics accessibility, the department is offering free lifeguard training and certification directly to swim team members at the age of 15.But upgrades had to come first, he says.“How are we going to teach them if I have one body of water, and it goes from 3 feet to 6 feet deep?” Moore asked. “Can you imagine if you’re in the middle of the training and the system goes down? I didn’t want to implement other strategies until we had facilities that were not going to be an operational issue.”With the new swim meets and Lifeguard Club, Moore said Baltimore’s kids are receiving a stronger sense of community and camaraderie.“That’s what warms my heart,” Moore said. “They’re coming from predominantly Black communities, and these opportunities were not previously afforded to them. It’s not always about the competition — it’s all about networking and connections, and growing our young people to have relationships outside their neighborhoods, around their community.”This story was produced by Next City, a nonprofit newsroom covering solutions for equitable cities, and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	'Life of M' constructs a portrait of how stardom hides a person's core Like much of Rachel Cusk's work, Life of M is driven by her concern with conditions that impede self-definition -- for writers, artists, and women in particular.
	Survey: How health tracking is affecting Americans' sleep and mental health Survey: How health tracking is affecting Americans' sleep and mental healthFrom step counts and sleep scores to protein intake and microplastic exposure, Americans have more access to personal health data than ever before. But when does healthy self-awareness become unhealthy self-monitoring? To understand what that access is actually doing, Naturepedic partnered with North Star Inbound to survey 2,009 adults across the U.S. about the metrics they track, how often they track them, and what that tracking is doing to their mental well-being and sleep. The results point to something the study calls “optimization anxiety” — and sleep, it turns out, may be where it shows up the most.What the Survey FoundAcross respondents, the pattern was consistent: More tracking doesn't always mean less worry. Some people use the data to build genuinely better habits. Others end up watching a number so closely that the number itself becomes the problem, which those suffering from orthosomnia (aka, disrupted sleep due to sleep tracking) can confirm.Health and Sleep Tracking: Key Findings64% of Americans track at least one aspect of their health every day.58% feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of health and wellness advice online.More than 1 in 3 Americans have stopped tracking a health metric because it made them feel worse mentally.More than half of U.S. adults are tracking their sleep, and 2 of the top 5 tracked metrics relate to sleep.Dallas and Austin, Texas, rank highest in the country for optimization anxiety.Weight (81.5%) and steps (71.9%) are the two most commonly tracked health metrics.What Is Optimization Anxiety?Optimization anxiety is the stress, overwhelm, and/or self-doubt that builds when health tracking starts working against the goal it was meant to serve. Also referred to as health optimization anxiety, it describes what happens when the pressure to monitor, improve and optimize becomes its own mental health burden.Is America Becoming Obsessed With Wellness Tracking?Across the board, Americans are watching their numbers: 64% of people say they track at least one aspect of their health daily, whether that's logging steps, weighing in, or checking a sleep score before they've even gotten out of bed. Naturepedic Health Metrics Americans Are MonitoringWeight tops the list, with 81.5% of people saying they track it in some form, whether that's a daily scale check-in or a long-term trend on an app. Steps and physical activity come in second at 71.9%, followed by water intake (63.8%), sleep duration (60.3%), and sleep quality (47.4%). Calories, protein, and heart rate round out the top eight, each tracked by close to half of respondents.What Is the Top Health Metric People Track?Weight, steps, and water lead the list, but sleep isn't far behind — sleep duration and sleep quality both rank in the top five most-tracked metrics in the country. Naturepedic What Environmental Factors Do Americans Monitor?The data shows that it's not just personal health metrics people are tracking. Americans are also keeping tabs on what's around them. Sun exposure is the most-monitored environmental factor (45.5%), followed by air quality (42.8%), food additives (40.2%), and water quality (39%). Roughly a quarter of people track chemicals like PFAS (27.3%) and microplastics (26.6%) specifically — a sign that concern about everyday chemical exposure has moved well beyond food and skincare and into how people think about their homes. Naturepedic Which US Cities Have the Highest Health Optimization Anxiety?The survey scored 40 U.S. cities on an optimization anxiety scale from 0 to 100, factoring in which metrics residents track, how often they track them, and how frequently that tracking produces stress or worry. Here's how the most health-anxious cities in America stack up.Dallas, Texas — 99.74Dallas ranks first in the country for health optimization anxiety, with 90% of residents tracking at least one health metric every week and the highest rates of protein, hormone, and mindful-minutes tracking in the nation.Austin, Texas — 97.06Austin comes in second, with 3 in 4 residents tracking something about their health every single day — one of the highest daily tracking rates of any city surveyed.Phoenix, Arizona — 95.24Phoenix ranks third and leads all cities in social influence on tracking: Nearly 1 in 4 residents say family and friends are most likely to influence their motivation for monitoring their health.Houston, Texas — 95.08Houston ranks fourth and is the city most likely to produce an unwanted discovery — residents here are more likely than those anywhere else to say tracking revealed something about their health they wish they hadn't known.Washington, D.C. — 93.85D.C. ranks fifth and leads the country in one category that matters most: Residents are more likely than those in any other city to feel anxious, stressed, or worried as a direct result of tracking their health.San Jose, CA — 93.45San Jose ranks sixth nationally and first for sleep tracking, with residents more likely than those in any other city to monitor both sleep duration and sleep quality. Naturepedic The Downside of Doing Too Much: Wellness BurnoutTracking more doesn't always mean feeling better: 58% of Americans say they feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of health advice and optimization trends circulating online, and that overwhelm has a breaking point.More than 1 in 3 Americans stopped tracking a health metric because it made them feel worse, according to the survey.If optimization anxiety is the process — the slow build of pressure that comes with constant monitoring — wellness burnout or wellness fatigue is the outcome. It's the point where tracking stops feeling useful, and people opt out entirely, even when the original goal was a healthier life. Naturepedic Does Tracking Sleep Help or Hurt?Sleep is one of the most heavily tracked areas of health in the country: 60% of Americans track sleep duration and 47% track sleep quality, putting sleep among the top five most-monitored metrics overall. With that much attention on a single number, it's worth asking: Is checking your sleep score every morning actually helping you rest — or is it doing the opposite? Naturepedic What Is Orthosomnia?Orthosomnia is a condition in which anxiety about achieving a perfect sleep score disrupts the very sleep a person is trying to optimize. The term was coined by sleep medicine researchers in 2017 to describe people whose pursuit of a "perfect" sleep score was, ironically, making their sleep worse.Can Sleep Tracking Actually Make Sleep Worse?Yes, in people who develop orthosomnia. Whether someone is using an Oura Ring, Apple Watch, Fitbit, or another wearable, sleep researchers describe the same feedback loop: Someone becomes so focused on hitting a "good" score that the anxiety about the score itself raises stress and makes it harder to fall or stay asleep, which can then lower the very score they're chasing. The preoccupation with what the tracker says is the problem.How Common Is Orthosomnia?A 2024 study in the journal Brain Sciences surveyed 523 adults and found that, depending on how strictly the condition was defined, somewhere between 3% and 14% of the general population may show signs of orthosomnia. Roughly 36% of that study's participants used a sleep-tracking wearable regularly, and those who did showed measurably higher sleep-related anxiety than non-trackers. Pair that with Naturepedic's data showing 60% of Americans tracking sleep duration and 47% tracking sleep quality, and the overlap between sleep tracking and sleep-related anxiety becomes hard to ignore.What to Do When Wellness Becomes a Source of StressSleep tracking works well for plenty of people — it can highlight real patterns and help people make genuinely useful changes. The issue is when the data becomes the goal instead of a tool. For many people, the better question isn't how to track more precisely but whether tracking is the right tool for them at all.Here are a few evidence-based ways to step back without giving up on better sleep:Limit checking your score, especially right before bed or first thing in the morning.Prioritize sleep hygiene fundamentals — a consistent bedtime, reduced screen time, and a dark, cool room — over chasing a specific number.Try a tracker-free week to see how you feel without the data.Optimize what you can control in your environment, rather than the data you can't fully control.That last point is where a clean sleep environment comes in. Remove the variables you can control, like reducing screen exposure before bed. If anxiety around sleep is a recurring pattern for you, take steps to ease sleep-related anxiety, such as keeping a consistent sleep schedule and a predictable wind-down routine.Less tracking doesn't have to mean less intentional.MethodologyIn this study, Naturepedic set out to learn how Americans view health optimization. To do this, they surveyed 2,009 people across the U.S. and asked a variety of questions about the areas of health they track, how frequently they track, what concerns worry them most, what concerns they feel most pressured to optimize and more.Points were awarded for each metric tracked as well as responses that represented anxiety related to health optimization. Next, the average score was calculated by city and adjusted on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 representing the most optimization anxiety.FAQsWhat is optimization anxiety?Optimization anxiety is the stress, overwhelm or self-doubt that builds when health tracking, which is meant to help, becomes a source of pressure instead. According to a 2026 Naturepedic/North Star Inbound survey, 58% of Americans feel overwhelmed by the volume of health and wellness advice online.Is wearable health tracking making us healthier or more anxious?It depends on the person. Tracking genuinely helps some people build healthier habits, but for others, it adds pressure rather than relief. More than 1 in 3 Americans have stopped tracking a health metric specifically because it was making them feel worse mentally.How many Americans track their health daily?Sixty-four percent of Americans track at least one aspect of their health every day, whether that's weight, steps, sleep, or another metric.What health metrics do Americans track most?Weight is the most commonly tracked metric (81.5%), followed by steps or physical activity (71.9%), water intake (63.8%), and sleep duration (60.3%).Can tracking your sleep make your sleep worse?Yes, for some people. When someone becomes preoccupied with hitting a perfect sleep score, the anxiety around that goal can itself disrupt sleep — a pattern sleep researchers call orthosomnia.How can I improve my sleep without tracking it?Focus on the fundamentals a tracker can't measure: a consistent bedtime, less screen time before bed, and a sleep environment built for rest.What environmental factors do Americans monitor?Beyond personal health metrics, Americans track environmental exposures, too. Sun exposure is most monitored (45.5%), followed by air quality (42.8%), food additives (40.2%), and water quality (39%).Which U.S. cities have the highest health optimization anxiety?Dallas, Texas, ranks highest in the country for optimization anxiety (99.74 out of 100), followed by Austin, Texas (97.06) and Phoenix, Arizona (95.24).This story was produced by Naturepedic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Everything you need to know about car warranty scams Everything you need to know about car warranty scamsYour caller ID shows you a local number, and you pick up to a guy named “Brian” — who suspiciously sounds a lot like he’s calling from a busy office in Kolkata — with some important news about your car warranty. Do you listen, or bail out?While most people are generally going to hang up immediately, some people might be a lot more susceptible to this common type of scam call. In fact, these sketchy calls have topped the Federal Communications Commission complaint list in recent years. It seems like as long as cars exist, so too will car warranty scams.Spokeo details what to look for so you know exactly when to pump the brakes.What Are Car Warranty Scams?The most common car warranty scam takes the form of a phone call, and the contents of that call can range from crude to convincing. At the lower end of the spectrum, an automated voice — reading from a script but claiming to be your car dealer, manufacturer, or insurer — tells you that your car warranty is due to expire soon (or something along those lines). They then ask you to follow a few button prompts to get more information and, of course, eventually make a payment. Spoiler: That payment will not be going to anyone remotely responsible for your vehicle’s warranty.The trickier, more subversive phony car warranty calls come from real, human callers (i.e., scammers) who might even share accurate details about your car’s make, model, mileage, insurance, and current warranty. Using high-pressure sales tactics and some simple social engineering, they’ll typically ask you to confirm your private information (such as your social security number, credit or debit card details, or other banking info) and try to get you to purchase something like an “extended warranty.”These human con artists will often use emotional tactics to drum up guilt or pile on pressure. They’ll often claim to have already sent you numerous requests by mail or urge you to seize a tempting “one-time-only” offer that you can cancel easily — or they may threaten to close your file altogether. No matter the tactic car warranty scams employ, it’s all a ruse to get the private information or money that the scammers ultimately want out of you.Car Warranty Calls: Red FlagsThe bad news is that car warranty scams are a tale as old as phone scams themselves. The good news is, when a scam is this played out, we know all of the regular red flags that give it away as a con. Sketchy car warranty calls share a lot of red flags in common with general scam and phishing calls, but they also have some specific traits to keep an ear out for.If you don’t have an auto warranty to begin with, hang up immediately. If you’re shopping for one, it’s safer for you to make the call to them.Be wary of any automated messages claiming to be from your car dealer, insurer, auto loan company, or manufacturer. It’s virtually unheard of for any of these organizations to request payment from you via a robocall.Likewise, note any suspicious generalities. If it’s a real car warranty call, it’ll tell you exactly what company it’s coming from, rather than a generic, completely unbranded call “regarding your warranty.”That said, don’t take caller ID at face value. Sophisticated scammers sometimes use simple tech known as spoofing tools to display local numbers, or even the number or company name of trusted warranty providers, on caller ID.As always, if a deal you’re being offered sounds too good to be true, it probably is.Buckle Up Against Car Warranty ScamsFor the most part, you can stay safe from car warranty scams in the same ways as you can from similar phishing attacks or general scam calls.Let suspicious or unknown numbers (or even car warranty calls in general, given the proliferation of the scam) go to voicemail.Cross-reference the information in said voicemail — like the number, the name of the company, your warranty’s expiration dates, coverage, and other details — with the real deal in your contract or the warranty provider’s website.Ignore instructions from robocalls that prompt you to press a number on your keypad, as this is often a tactic used by scammers to confirm that they’ve reached an active number ripe for the taking.The golden rule is: Never give out your valuable private information over the phone unless you’re absolutely certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’re talking to the legit business entity you’re trying to give money to.What To Do If You Miss the ExitAt the peak of their dubious popularity, criminals made about 13 billion scammy car warranty calls per year. While that number has fallen to the single-digit millions in recent times, it’s still an incredibly popular scam, which is all to say that there’s nothing to be ashamed of if you fall victim to it. Rest assured, you’re not alone.If you realize you’ve given out your private financial information or otherwise made a payment to scammers, contact your bank immediately. In most cases, especially if you haven’t abused the privilege in the past, they’ll allow you to stop an in-progress transaction or reverse a charge that has already gone through once you explain the situation. Even if there’s a fee involved, it’s likely that fee is cheaper than paying whatever the scammers ransomed from you.Your bank can also advise you on whether or not it’s necessary to put a freeze on your bank account or debit card, or to change your account numbers. Additionally, you can file a complaint with the FCC online. Sharing your story might just help others avoid the same hassle in the future.Stay Safe Down the RoadOnce you’ve confirmed a number as a car warranty scam, block the number and mark it as spam. Likewise, don’t forget to dive into your phone’s settings to make sure that your scam call protection features are fully enabled (here’s how to do it on Android and on iOS). These features get more effective at filtering out bogus car warranty calls and all sorts of other phishing attacks and grifts as time marches on, so don’t sleep on them.And if you’ve got a phone number for a car warranty call that seems a little fishy, a reverse phone lookup tool can help you determine who the number belongs to.This story was produced by Spokeo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Survey: How health tracking is affecting Americans' sleep and mental health Survey: How health tracking is affecting Americans' sleep and mental health From step counts and sleep scores to protein intake and microplastic exposure, Americans have more access to personal health data than ever before. But when does healthy self-awareness become unhealthy self-monitoring? To understand what that access is actually doing, Naturepedic partnered with North Star Inbound to survey 2,009 adults across the U.S. about the metrics they track, how often they track them, and what that tracking is doing to their mental well-being and sleep. The results point to something the study calls “optimization anxiety” — and sleep, it turns out, may be where it shows up the most. What the Survey Found Across respondents, the pattern was consistent: More tracking doesn't always mean less worry. Some people use the data to build genuinely better habits. Others end up watching a number so closely that the number itself becomes the problem, which those suffering from orthosomnia (aka, disrupted sleep due to sleep tracking) can confirm. Health and Sleep Tracking: Key Findings 64% of Americans track at least one aspect of their health every day. 58% feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of health and wellness advice online. More than 1 in 3 Americans have stopped tracking a health metric because it made them feel worse mentally. More than half of U.S. adults are tracking their sleep, and 2 of the top 5 tracked metrics relate to sleep. Dallas and Austin, Texas, rank highest in the country for optimization anxiety. Weight (81.5%) and steps (71.9%) are the two most commonly tracked health metrics. What Is Optimization Anxiety? Optimization anxiety is the stress, overwhelm, and/or self-doubt that builds when health tracking starts working against the goal it was meant to serve. Also referred to as health optimization anxiety, it describes what happens when the pressure to monitor, improve and optimize becomes its own mental health burden. Is America Becoming Obsessed With Wellness Tracking? Across the board, Americans are watching their numbers: 64% of people say they track at least one aspect of their health daily, whether that's logging steps, weighing in, or checking a sleep score before they've even gotten out of bed. Naturepedic Health Metrics Americans Are Monitoring Weight tops the list, with 81.5% of people saying they track it in some form, whether that's a daily scale check-in or a long-term trend on an app. Steps and physical activity come in second at 71.9%, followed by water intake (63.8%), sleep duration (60.3%), and sleep quality (47.4%). Calories, protein, and heart rate round out the top eight, each tracked by close to half of respondents. What Is the Top Health Metric People Track? Weight, steps, and water lead the list, but sleep isn't far behind — sleep duration and sleep quality both rank in the top five most-tracked metrics in the country. Naturepedic What Environmental Factors Do Americans Monitor? The data shows that it's not just personal health metrics people are tracking. Americans are also keeping tabs on what's around them. Sun exposure is the most-monitored environmental factor (45.5%), followed by air quality (42.8%), food additives (40.2%), and water quality (39%). Roughly a quarter of people track chemicals like PFAS (27.3%) and microplastics (26.6%) specifically — a sign that concern about everyday chemical exposure has moved well beyond food and skincare and into how people think about their homes. Naturepedic Which US Cities Have the Highest Health Optimization Anxiety? The survey scored 40 U.S. cities on an optimization anxiety scale from 0 to 100, factoring in which metrics residents track, how often they track them, and how frequently that tracking produces stress or worry. Here's how the most health-anxious cities in America stack up. Dallas, Texas — 99.74 Dallas ranks first in the country for health optimization anxiety, with 90% of residents tracking at least one health metric every week and the highest rates of protein, hormone, and mindful-minutes tracking in the nation. Austin, Texas — 97.06 Austin comes in second, with 3 in 4 residents tracking something about their health every single day — one of the highest daily tracking rates of any city surveyed. Phoenix, Arizona — 95.24 Phoenix ranks third and leads all cities in social influence on tracking: Nearly 1 in 4 residents say family and friends are most likely to influence their motivation for monitoring their health. Houston, Texas — 95.08 Houston ranks fourth and is the city most likely to produce an unwanted discovery — residents here are more likely than those anywhere else to say tracking revealed something about their health they wish they hadn't known. Washington, D.C. — 93.85 D.C. ranks fifth and leads the country in one category that matters most: Residents are more likely than those in any other city to feel anxious, stressed, or worried as a direct result of tracking their health. San Jose, CA — 93.45 San Jose ranks sixth nationally and first for sleep tracking, with residents more likely than those in any other city to monitor both sleep duration and sleep quality. Naturepedic The Downside of Doing Too Much: Wellness Burnout Tracking more doesn't always mean feeling better: 58% of Americans say they feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of health advice and optimization trends circulating online, and that overwhelm has a breaking point. More than 1 in 3 Americans stopped tracking a health metric because it made them feel worse, according to the survey. If optimization anxiety is the process — the slow build of pressure that comes with constant monitoring — wellness burnout or wellness fatigue is the outcome. It's the point where tracking stops feeling useful, and people opt out entirely, even when the original goal was a healthier life. Naturepedic Does Tracking Sleep Help or Hurt? Sleep is one of the most heavily tracked areas of health in the country: 60% of Americans track sleep duration and 47% track sleep quality, putting sleep among the top five most-monitored metrics overall. With that much attention on a single number, it's worth asking: Is checking your sleep score every morning actually helping you rest — or is it doing the opposite? Naturepedic What Is Orthosomnia? Orthosomnia is a condition in which anxiety about achieving a perfect sleep score disrupts the very sleep a person is trying to optimize. The term was coined by sleep medicine researchers in 2017 to describe people whose pursuit of a "perfect" sleep score was, ironically, making their sleep worse. Can Sleep Tracking Actually Make Sleep Worse? Yes, in people who develop orthosomnia. Whether someone is using an Oura Ring, Apple Watch, Fitbit, or another wearable, sleep researchers describe the same feedback loop: Someone becomes so focused on hitting a "good" score that the anxiety about the score itself raises stress and makes it harder to fall or stay asleep, which can then lower the very score they're chasing. The preoccupation with what the tracker says is the problem. How Common Is Orthosomnia? A 2024 study in the journal Brain Sciences surveyed 523 adults and found that, depending on how strictly the condition was defined, somewhere between 3% and 14% of the general population may show signs of orthosomnia. Roughly 36% of that study's participants used a sleep-tracking wearable regularly, and those who did showed measurably higher sleep-related anxiety than non-trackers. Pair that with Naturepedic's data showing 60% of Americans tracking sleep duration and 47% tracking sleep quality, and the overlap between sleep tracking and sleep-related anxiety becomes hard to ignore. What to Do When Wellness Becomes a Source of Stress Sleep tracking works well for plenty of people — it can highlight real patterns and help people make genuinely useful changes. The issue is when the data becomes the goal instead of a tool. For many people, the better question isn't how to track more precisely but whether tracking is the right tool for them at all. Here are a few evidence-based ways to step back without giving up on better sleep: Limit checking your score, especially right before bed or first thing in the morning. Prioritize sleep hygiene fundamentals — a consistent bedtime, reduced screen time, and a dark, cool room — over chasing a specific number. Try a tracker-free week to see how you feel without the data. Optimize what you can control in your environment, rather than the data you can't fully control. That last point is where a clean sleep environment comes in. Remove the variables you can control, like reducing screen exposure before bed. If anxiety around sleep is a recurring pattern for you, take steps to ease sleep-related anxiety, such as keeping a consistent sleep schedule and a predictable wind-down routine. Less tracking doesn't have to mean less intentional. Methodology In this study, Naturepedic set out to learn how Americans view health optimization. To do this, they surveyed 2,009 people across the U.S. and asked a variety of questions about the areas of health they track, how frequently they track, what concerns worry them most, what concerns they feel most pressured to optimize and more. Points were awarded for each metric tracked as well as responses that represented anxiety related to health optimization. Next, the average score was calculated by city and adjusted on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 representing the most optimization anxiety. FAQs What is optimization anxiety? Optimization anxiety is the stress, overwhelm or self-doubt that builds when health tracking, which is meant to help, becomes a source of pressure instead. According to a 2026 Naturepedic/North Star Inbound survey, 58% of Americans feel overwhelmed by the volume of health and wellness advice online. Is wearable health tracking making us healthier or more anxious? It depends on the person. Tracking genuinely helps some people build healthier habits, but for others, it adds pressure rather than relief. More than 1 in 3 Americans have stopped tracking a health metric specifically because it was making them feel worse mentally. How many Americans track their health daily? Sixty-four percent of Americans track at least one aspect of their health every day, whether that's weight, steps, sleep, or another metric. What health metrics do Americans track most? Weight is the most commonly tracked metric (81.5%), followed by steps or physical activity (71.9%), water intake (63.8%), and sleep duration (60.3%). Can tracking your sleep make your sleep worse? Yes, for some people. When someone becomes preoccupied with hitting a perfect sleep score, the anxiety around that goal can itself disrupt sleep — a pattern sleep researchers call orthosomnia. How can I improve my sleep without tracking it? Focus on the fundamentals a tracker can't measure: a consistent bedtime, less screen time before bed, and a sleep environment built for rest. What environmental factors do Americans monitor? Beyond personal health metrics, Americans track environmental exposures, too. Sun exposure is most monitored (45.5%), followed by air quality (42.8%), food additives (40.2%), and water quality (39%). Which U.S. cities have the highest health optimization anxiety? Dallas, Texas, ranks highest in the country for optimization anxiety (99.74 out of 100), followed by Austin, Texas (97.06) and Phoenix, Arizona (95.24). This story was produced by Naturepedic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Muscatine will honor 9/11 victims with Moment of Silence, stair climb Muscatine first responders and community members will once again gather to honor the victims and heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks during Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance, a news release says. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic events that reshaped the nation and demonstrated extraordinary [...]
	8 dead, hundreds missing as Nepal avalanche triggers flash floods The disaster is linked to climate change, with experts noting the region's vulnerability to extreme weather.
	SpeedyPie, 24/7 pizza vending machine, rolls out in Bettendorf The Quad-Cities’ pizza vending machine serves fresh, made-to-order pies around the clock and is already selling out often.

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