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

Thursday, June 11th, 2026
	One dead following officer-involved shooting in Ottumwa, investigation ongoing A man dies in officer-involved shooting in Ottumwa Iowa
	Another chance for some severe weather After some severe weather from yesterday, with heavy rain and thunderstorms we are watching another one for today. We already saw a lot of the heavy rain and storms from earlier this morning with severe thunderstorms and tornadoes and are looking to see more tonight.
	LIVE BLOG: Severe weather continues into Thursday The First Alert Weather team is tracking unseasonable warmth, humidity and strong to severe thunderstorms Thursday.
	Illinois launches statewide digital library resource program Illinois is launching a statewide digital library resource program. Illinois residents now have free access to trusted online resources, including e-books, journals, magazines, newspapers and research databases. Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias says the program helps ensure residents have access to high-quality information regardless of where they live or financial resources. For [...]
	Historic Walcott building gets new life A historic downtown building in Walcott is getting a new lease on life as a new café and event venue prepares to open its doors.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Iowa Department of Corrections for parole violation Robert Carson, 41, is wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections High Risk Unit for a parole violation for domestic abuse.
	Crime Stoppers: Reward upped to $7K for arrest in fatal motorcycle crash Crime Stoppers says a $7,000 reward is being offered for the arrest of 41-year-old Alex Uthoff.
	1,000+ businesses commit to new Iowa anti-human trafficking coalition A new group announced efforts to combat human trafficking in Iowa.
	Davenport mayor delivers State of the City address The City of Davenport hosted its State of the City address at the Putnam Museum and Science Center. Gordon focused on a $9 million grant to help with flood mitigation efforts. He also talked about other grants improving the Eastern Ave. bridge and fire equipment. Additionally, Gordon’s speech focused on major projects and initiatives and [...]
	Celebrate Celtic culture in the QCA at Celtic Night Out The Scottish American Society of the Quad Cities is bring the sights and sounds of Celtic culture to the QCA! Mary Gloeckner-Bouljon and Henry Marquard joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about Celtic Night Out. For more information, click here.
	John Deere bringing back 20 workers to Davenport Works John Deere will be hiring 20 workers back to Davenport Works
	ISBE zeroes in on improving math education in Illinois The Illinois State Board of Education formally adopted a plan Wednesday aimed at improving math instruction and boosting student math scores throughout the state.
	Scott County road to close for utility work It's an Our Quad Cities News traffic alert. According to a release from the Scott County Road Department, 230th Ave. may be closed to through traffic to allow utility crews to repair power lines from recent storms. The work is expected to run through June 19, depending on weather, field conditions and repair progress. Drivers [...]
	Abandoned East Moline building collapses An abandoned building in the 1400 block of 9th Street in East Moline collapsed into the street. 14th Avenue is closed due to debris in the road. Crews are planning to bring in equipment to demolish what remains of the building on Friday --weather permitting.
	John Deere hiring 30 workers in Dubuque, bringing back 20 employees in Davenport The additions are expected to begin this month and are intended to support increased production needs at both facilities.
	Nearsightedness: treatments to keep it from getting worse Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming much more common in children, and it can raise the risk of long-term eye problems as they grow.
	Trump now says a peace deal will be announced 'soon,' cancels further strikes President Trump had previously been amping up his rhetoric against Iran.
	Trump names Jay Clayton to serve as director of national intelligence The announcement follows Trump's decision to nominate an ally and political attack dog to serve as acting director. The pick sparked a backlash that doomed efforts to renew a key intelligence tool.
	Bad Momz of Comedy playing Rhythm City Casino Bad Momz of Comedy is bringing mom/female comics to delight fans at Rhythm City Casino’s Rhythm Room on Friday, July 10. Tickets are on sale now; click here to purchase. The show is for ages 21+. Bad Momz of Comedy was founded by Chicago-based comic Orly K.G. in 2022 and features a small showcase of talent from its [...]
	New local history mural to be done at Davenport’s MLK Park Friends of MLK has chosen nationally recognized artist and muralist Cbabi Bayoc to create a new public next to the Martin Luther King Jr. Interpretive Center, 501 N. Brady St., in downtown Davenport.
	Fallen tree damages 2 East Moline homes during Wednesday storms High winds during Wednesday's storms knocked a tree onto power lines in East Moline, tearing down electrical pipes and causing minor damage to homes.
	Davenport and Scott County Humane Society reach new temporary animal control agreement Davenport reached a transitional agreement with the Scott County Humane Society as the city prepares to take its animal control services in-house.
	Ebola testing has improved in DRC, but still isn't nearly enough The DRC has improved testing capacity for Ebola, with two facilities operating in or near the epicenter. But this still may not be enough to keep up with a rapidly expanding disease.
	Socioeconomic factors are becoming 'biologically embedded' in children's brains A study of more than 2,300 9- to 10-year-olds found that socioeconomic factors explained most differences in the preteens' brain development.
	Davenport Mayor Jason Gordon gives first State of the City speech In his first State of the City address, Mayor Jason Gordon highlighted infrastructure projects, housing and other recent and upcoming changes for the city.
	White House response to hantavirus and Ebola contrasts with COVID criticisms The administration imposed mandatory quarantine orders on two passengers from the cruise ship hit by hantavirus and is blocking Americans who catch Ebola from returning home for treatment.
	Off Point Pub of Davenport set to close later this month Brenda Milam, owner of Off Point Pub in Davenport, announced she is closing her bar on June 29. Events are still scheduled until the final farewell.
	Deere hiring, calling back staff at Davenport, Dubuque Works Increased demand is leading John Deere Dubuque Works and Davenport Works to call back employees and hire others. Deere announced that it plans to hire 30 employees at its Dubuque Works facility after employee callbacks were completed. Davenport Works is calling back 20 employees to the facility. The hiring in Dubuque and callbacks in Davenport [...]
	Niabi Zoo hosting Pride Night Niabi Zoo is celebrating inclusion, community and conservation during Pride Night on Thursday, June 18, as part of its Zoo Nights summer event series. Pride Night will be co-hosted with Quad Cities Pride Alliance and allows guests to explore the zoo during extended evening hours while enjoying family-friendly entertainment, community activities and animal experiences. Visitors [...]
	Ceremony marks Joint Munitions Command's move under Army Sustainment Command The colors of Joint Munitions Command will remain enclosed in glass following a casing of colors ceremony on Wednesday, June 10.
	Ariana Grande's new song debuts at No. 1, keeping a streak alive Ariana Grande is about to release her eighth album, Petal. With "Hate That I Made You Love Me," she continues an impressive and unusual streak on the charts.
	Need to generate some extra income? Your home may hold the keys Need to generate some extra income? Your home may hold the keysMost people think of their home as the place where their money is spent on rent or mortgage payments, maintenance and repairs, insurance, property taxes, etc. Fewer think of it as an income generator. But for a growing number of Americans, their home has become an important source of additional cash flow.You don’t need to buy a rental property, hire a property manager, or become a full-time landlord to generate income from real estate. In many cases, the opportunity is already sitting inside the home you live in, and it might be a spare bedroom, a driveway, or a patch of yard you never thought twice about.The strategy has a name: house hacking. It’s been around for decades, went viral during the Covid pandemic, and has since evolved into something more practical and accessible than its social media reputation suggests.Below, RentRedi reveals how house hacking can help you generate extra income from your home.Key TakeawaysHouse hacking allows homeowners to generate income by renting out parts of their home, such as bedrooms or driveways.The strategy gained popularity during the pandemic due to low mortgage rates and rising rents, making housing more affordable for many.House hacking remains relevant as home prices continue to rise, offering a way to reduce monthly mortgage costs and build equity.Creative options for house hacking include renting storage spaces, parking spots, or even unique properties for events.Modern technology simplifies management tasks, enhancing profitability and making house hacking a viable option even for those new to real estate.How house hacking became a household wordThe basic idea of house hacking — buying a property, living in part of it, and renting out the rest to offset your costs — isn’t new. Smaller, independent landlords have long known that a duplex or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can make owning a home far more affordable.In 2013, Brandon Turner, a prominent real estate investing influencer, wrote a blog post for BiggerPockets that outlined how to “hack” your home and get paid to live in it. The premise had mass appeal, because it offered a viable solution to the unaffordable housing crisis.The strategy found a devoted following in real estate investing communities throughout the 2010s, but the pandemic era took it to new heights. Historically low mortgage rates along with fast appreciation and rising rents made covering a mortgage payment with rental income genuinely achievable for many buyers. And thanks to content creators with large followings who promoted house hacking, the idea reached people who had never thought about real estate investing before.When interest rates climbed sharply starting in 2022, however, the math changed, and the conditions that made the pandemic-era version of house hacking so compelling narrowed considerably, turning the fast, outsized returns that social media had promoted into an outcome that was harder to replicate. The house hacking trend has since shifted to a more stable, long-term strategy for improving finances and building wealth.Why house hacking still makes senseHouse hacking has stayed relevant because of shifts in the housing market. Home prices rose about 45% between 2020 and mid-2025. During that same period, monthly mortgage costs on the median-priced U.S. home more than doubled, rising from roughly $1,200 to over $2,500. For many, the appeal of house hacking today is simpler than building a portfolio: A few hundred (or even thousand) extra dollars a month makes a meaningful dent in a mortgage. Over time, that income can help you pay down the loan and build equity faster. That opens up more real options to build on that momentum, such as renovating, selling, or buying something else.House hacking is especially appealing to those trying to enter the homebuying market for the first time. In fact, a 2023 Zillow survey found that 55% of Millennial and 51% of Gen Z homebuyers rated the ability to rent out part of their home as very or extremely important in their purchase decisions, up eight percentage points from previous years and compared to 39% of all homebuyers.Real estate investor Malika McCalla started house hacking just out of college, when she bought her first home for $155,000 and rented a room to another student while completing her graduate studies. The rental income helped her pay the mortgage, build equity, renovate the property and sell it for a profit. She then used that equity to invest in multifamily properties and scale to five rental units. “This is one of the best ways to get started in real estate,” she says, “if you are patient and consistent, results will follow.”Creative ways to rent out propertyTraditional approaches to house hacking involve renting out a bedroom, converted garage, finished basement, or ADU in your single family home, or purchasing a small multi-unit property (a duplex, triplex, or fourplex) and living in one unit while renting out the others. These are the most efficient ways to build cash flow quickly, but they aren’t always feasible or desirable options.If you don’t have the capital to purchase a property, or you simply don’t feel comfortable sharing living spaces with strangers, there are plenty of other ways to rent out property. Think creatively about what you already have that others might need. Even smaller spaces can generate impressive returns.Renting out parking spots, garages, or driveways offers steady, low-maintenance income. In big cities like New York, parking spaces average around $400 per month according to Spacer. Rates in smaller cities generally run between $150 and $300.Storage space rentals are another overlooked opportunity. If you have an unused attic, basement, or shed, you can rent it out for storage. Industry data from SpareFoot shows that, as of May 2026, the average monthly rent for a 10x20 ft. self-storage unit in the U.S. is $130. Prices vary widely by size and location, of course, and private rentals are typically priced somewhat lower than commercial units. So, for example, if you were to charge $100/month for each space, five spaces could bring in $500 monthly with minimal investment and management.Larger or more distinctive properties with expansive yards, gardens, pools, or unique architecture can be in high demand for filming locations, photoshoots, and events. Event venues typically earn $50–$275 per hour in 2026, while the average rate for a filming venue is $5,000 per day. Even home gyms and pools have found audiences among people who want access to equipment without a gym membership.Lady Landlords founder Becky Nova, who credits house hacking with launching her investing career, puts it plainly: “It is a fantastic way to tip your toe into being a landlord and is an amazing way to leverage finances to really pick up an asset that generates cash flow, even if you don’t have a lot of capital on hand.”Practical steps for getting startedIf you’re considering house hacking, here are a few things worth thinking through before you start:Check local regulations: Zoning laws, HOA rules, and short-term rental regulations vary widely. Make sure the type of rental you’re considering is permitted in your area before listing anything.Get the numbers right: Calculate what you’d realistically earn, factor in any costs (repairs, service fees, taxes), and make sure the income justifies the effort and any upfront investment.Start simple: You don’t need to convert a basement or build an ADU to start. Renting a bedroom or a parking space is a low-friction way to test the model and build confidence before scaling.Use the right tools: Property management software makes it easier to run things professionally from the start, which protects both you and your tenants and sets better habits for when you grow. Technology makes it more manageable (and more profitable)One reason people hesitate to rent out property is the management side: finding tenants, collecting rent, handling repairs. The reality is that property management apps have made most of those tasks much simpler, and the data shows the right tools also make rentals more profitable.RentRedi’s internal data found that tenants who went through a formal screening process paid rent 17 days faster and on time about 90% of the time. Landlords whose tenants use autopay see on-time payment rates of 99%, compared to 88% for those who don’t — a gap that holds even for tenants with weaker credit histories. That kind of consistency is the difference between rental income that reliably contributes to cash flow and income you’re constantly chasing.Beyond payments, modern apps handle lease signing, maintenance requests, income and expense tracking, and tenant communication from one place, and from your mobile phone. That’s a significant part of what makes house hacking a realistic option for people who aren’t looking to make landlording a second career. This story was produced by RentRedi and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport Schools cancel today's Summer Meals Program due to weather An email from Davenport Community School District says the Summer Meals Program scheduled for today, June 11, is canceled due to weather.
	Kansas Democratic women’s club evaluates U.S. Senate candidate who put ‘fetal personhood’ into law Sen. Patrick Schmidt talks to the Capital Area Democratic Women club about abortion policy and political rivals on his campaign for the U.S. Senate Democratic nomination. (Photo by Baya Burgess/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — Democrats questioned U.S. Senate candidate Patrick Schmidt’s position on abortion Wednesday at a Capital Area Democratic Women meeting in Topeka. Schmidt, a Democratic state senator from Topeka and the meeting’s guest speaker, defended an amendment he made last year to legislation establishing “fetal personhood” by allowing child support orders for pregnancy-related costs from the date of conception. He said he was trying to sabotage the bill. “If you watched the YouTube video from that day in session last year, the Republicans start scurrying about because they realize exactly what I’m doing, and they don’t want it to pass,” he said. Fetal personhood can establish human rights and protections to unborn fetuses and embryos, which could challenge future pro-choice legislation. Schmidt’s amendment allows all pregnant parents to claim an unborn child on their tax return. The bill advanced on a 30-9 party-line vote, with all present Republicans in favor of the amended bill. Vic Miller, a former state House representative and minority leader who lost the state Senate seat to Schmidt in the 2024 Democratic primary, pointed out Republicans voted for the amendment but Democrats did not. “We weren’t able to get it stopped, but there was nothing that passed on that bill as a result of my actions that changed the outcome for women’s health care in Kansas,” Schmidt said. Stacey Cooper, a Democrat from Topeka, disapproved of Schmidt leaving his state Senate seat before serving a full term. “You came and talked to me on my porch and we sat for like 30 minutes,” she said. “I specifically asked if you were going to run and stay in Kansas if you won, or if you were going to then turn around and run for U.S., and you said you wouldn’t do that.” Schmidt said his greatest concern is with the Iran War and election security under the Trump administration. “As bad as you think it is with this war, it is worse,” he said. “And what you’re seeing right now, where this administration is trying to claim voter fraud in California, they don’t give a damn about voter fraud in California. They are trying to lay the predicate to mess with this election and every election moving forward.” Schmidt is one of 11 Democratic candidates running for the nomination to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall. Schmidt criticized one of his primary opponents, Adam Hamilton, for his handling of sexual abuse 20 years ago at a camp run by the church Hamilton leads. Schmidt made accusations about Hamilton at a May 27 news conference, some of which could not be verified in court documents. “It will drag down every Democrat running in Kansas. That’s my concern,” he said Wednesday after slamming thick binders of court documents on a table. Schmidt also criticized Senate President Ty Masterson, a Republican campaigning for governor with President Donald Trump’s endorsement. “Ty Masterson has a quarter-million-dollar-a-year no-show job at Wichita State University,” he said. “The United States Navy pays me $20,000 a year to be a reservist, and I have to freaking fly to Washington, D.C., for three days a month, at least. It’s not worth the $20,000.” “You get reimbursed, though,” said Claudia Elkins, who said she is also a retired Navy reservist. “I almost break even,” Schmidt said in response. “It’s a pleasure to serve.” Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	John Deere hiring 20 workers back to Davenport John Deere will be hiring 20 workers back to Davenport Works
	The only states where you can find the last drive-in movie theaters in the US Michael Williamson // The Washington Post via Getty Images States with the most drive-in movie theaters Drive-in theaters evoke nostalgia, a step back to the 1950s. The first opened in New Jersey in 1933, when opening night drew people from at least 20 states to watch movies outdoors from their cars. Drive-ins reached their peak in popularity in the mid-1950s, with more than 4,000 operating across the country. But by the late 1970s, exploding property values, television, and large indoor theaters all lured movie fans away from the drive-in experience. "The decline of the drive-in was directly related to the movement away from Main Street America and towards the mall society, where convenience, times, weather and the idea of 'all-inclusive' became the popular way to enjoy a night out, pushing away the classic night out at the drive-in," John Stefanopoulos, the manager of the Hudson Valley Four Brothers Drive-In, told Fox Business. During the coronavirus pandemic, however, drive-ins saw a resurgence as pop-up outdoor theaters appeared to replace indoor ones that were closed, allowing moviegoers to stay outside. They even had a significant impact on the box office when most other theaters were shut down, with some experts speculating that the drive-in would be back for good. But the problems bedeviling drive-ins persisted, especially as the virus waned and traditional theaters reopened. Stacker examined County Business Patterns 2022 data from the Census Bureau, the most recent data available, to determine which states have the most drive-in movie theaters. Rankings were determined by the number of drive-ins per 1 million residents. In 2022, there were 177 drive-in theaters operating in 25 states. States with the highest number of drive-ins per capita are largely located in the Eastern and Midwestern United States. For the count, film festivals or other types of movie theaters were not included. Stacker Drive-in theaters becoming harder to find The pandemic gave drive-in movie theaters a spurt of new popularity as people were eager to be entertained but wanted to stay outside. But the difficulties drive-ins face are hard to overcome, from the need for often expensive land to having to buy pricey high-resolution projectors to show first-run movies. Alexander Tamargo // Getty Images for HBO #25. Florida - 0.2 drive-ins per 1 million people - 5 drive-ins total Drive-in theaters have long been popular in Florida, with the first opening in Miami in 1938. The Silver Moon in Lakeland has been in operation since opening in 1948, except for a few months in 1950 because of tornado damage. There are plenty of other spots where you can still pull up in front of a big screen: Ocala Drive-in in Ocala, the Ruskin Family Drive-in Theater in Ruskin, Joy-Lan Drive-in Dade City, and Nite Owl Drive-in in Miami. ullstein bild via Getty Images #24. New Jersey - 0.3 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total The first drive-in movie theater in the U.S. opened in Camden on the Pennsauken border in 1933. It promised that "motorists and their guests will see and hear talking pictures while they smoke, talk, or partake of refreshments without annoying others in the audience," Tyler Hoffman, a professor at Rutgers University told the South Jersey Times. Today one place you can watch movies in the open air is the Delsea Drive-in Theatre in Vineland—rain or shine! Paras Griffin // Getty Images #23. Georgia - 0.4 drive-ins per 1 million people - 4 drive-ins total The Starlight Drive-in Theatre on the outskirts of Atlanta has been in operation since 1949. The theater encourages you to make sure your car battery is strong enough to power the radio through the show, but if it fails, jump starts are available. Other spots for a movie under the stars: the Swan Drive-in Theater in Blue Ridge, whose name comes from the swans in England, the Tiger Drive-In Theater in Tiger—which had closed but reopened exactly 50 years after its first showing—and the Jesup Drive-in in Jesup, which opened in 1948. Michael Williamson // The Washington Post via Getty Images #22. Virginia - 0.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 4 drive-ins total The Family Drive-in Theatre in Stephens City advertises itself as the only drive-in theater in the Washington D.C. metro area. Also in Virginia are Goochland Drive-in in Sandy Hook (open only since 2009 but with a retro vibe), the Starlite Drive-in in Christiansburg, and the Park Place Drive-In in Marion. Carlos Avila Gonzalez // The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images #21. California - 0.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 18 drive-ins total The home of Hollywood, California fittingly has among the most drive-in theaters in the country. The Rubidoux Drive-in in Riverside once had a petting zoo and miniature railroad. Those are gone but it still has its art deco-styled original screen. In northern California, the West Wind Drive-ins have three locations: Concord, Sacramento, and San Jose. Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge // Getty Images #20. Missouri - 0.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total The aptly named Sunset Drive-In Theater in Aurora opened in 1951 and kept its original wooden screen until it burned down in 1979. The sound system was upgraded after it was struck by lightning in 2001. An old drive-in theater in Blomeyer was revitalized in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic and is now the Rock 'N' Roll Drive-In. Andrew Burton // Getty Images #19. Michigan - 0.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 5 drive-ins total A nod to the cherry harvest of northern Michigan, the Cherry Bowl Drive-in Theatre in Honor opened in 1954 and also features a playground, volleyball net, and a 1950s-style mini-golf course. The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In in Dearborn was once the country's largest drive-in-theater with nine screens and parking for 3,000 cars but has since reduced the number of screens to five, viewable by up to 2,500 cars. HUM Images // Universal Images Group via Getty Images #18. Washington - 0.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 4 drive-ins total The Skyline Drive-In Theater in Shelton featured "Lady and The Tramp" and "Billy Budd" on its opening night in 1964. The Rodeo Drive-in Theater in Bremerton was originally the "Rodeo Motor Movies," built in 1949 as part of the United Drive-Ins chain and claims it is the largest outdoor theater complex north of California. MARLIN LEVISON // Star Tribune via Getty Images #17. Minnesota - 0.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total The Long Drive-In Theater in Long Prairie is one of the few drive-in theaters that allows you to stay overnight. Because the movies run late and some people have driven long distances, tents and RVs are permitted with reservations. Other drive-ins in Minnesota: the Starlite Drive-In in Litchfield, Verne Drive-In Theater in Luverne, and Sky-Vu Drive-In Theatre in Warren. xradiophotog // Shutterstock #16. Texas - 0.6 drive-ins per 1 million people - 17 drive-ins total Drive-in theaters in Texas date to 1934 when only the third in the country opened in Galveston. At its peak, the state had more drive-ins than any other. On the one hand, there is the Big Sky Drive-In Theatre, its name celebrating the big sky of the West Texas Permian Basin between Midland and Odessa. On the other, there is The Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In in Austin, which accommodates only 15 to 40 cars per night. Canva #15. Colorado - 0.7 drive-ins per 1 million people - 4 drive-ins total The only original drive-in still open in the greater Denver area, the 88 Drive-In Theatre in Commerce dates to 1972. The Holiday Twin Drive-In in Fort Collins shows both classic and modern movies, and although pets are allowed, the theater notes: "Barking is disruptive." HUM Images // Universal Images Group via Getty Images #14. Oklahoma - 0.7 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total At the Winchester Drive-In Theatre in Oklahoma City, moviegoers are greeted by a vintage neon cowboy. The landmark has been in operation since 1968. The Admiral Twin Drive-In is just off Route 66 in Tulsa and was used for Francis Ford Coppola's famous drive-in movie scene in "The Outsiders." George Frey // Getty Images #13. Utah - 0.9 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total The Erda Dive-In in Tooele opened around the late 1940s or early 1950s (accounts conflict, according to its website). Whatever the year, it operated seasonally, from May to October depending on the weather. The screen had to be rebuilt in 1991 after it was destroyed by a tornado. lev radin // Shutterstock #12. New York - 0.9 drive-ins per 1 million people - 18 drive-ins total The state's first drive-in movie theater was on Long Island when the Sunrise Drive-In opened in 1938 in Valley Stream with a showing of "Start Cheering." It was demolished but the Finger Lakes Drive-In in Auburn retains its vintage charm now as New York's oldest open-air theater. It dates from 1947. HUM Images // Universal Images Group via Getty Images #11. Wisconsin - 1.0 drive-ins per 1 million people - 6 drive-ins total The Skyway Drive-In Theatre opened in 1950 and is now the longest continuously running drive-in found in Wisconsin. It remains a one-screen theater, the snack bar has not changed much, and it continues to show cartoon advertisements created decades ago before the movies. Another historic theater, Highway 18 Outdoor Theatre, 2 miles west of Jefferson, first opened in 1953 and then reopened in 2000. HUM Images // Universal Images Group via Getty Images #10. Kansas - 1.0 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total The Boulevard Drive-In says it was the first drive-in theater anywhere to install digital sound and 4K resolution digital projection. The original screen was made completely out of wood but a strong wind tore out about a third of it in 1971, which led to a replacement metal screen. The Kanopolis Drive-In in Kanopolis is located along the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway. Canva #9. Tennessee - 1.1 drive-ins per 1 million people - 8 drive-ins total The Stardust Drive-In Theatre in Watertown holds Retro Wednesdays. Coming up this summer are showings of "Steel Magnolias" from 1989, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" from 1982, and "Back to the Future" from 1985. The Parkway Drive-In in Maryville shows movies rain or shine but will keep its gates closed in the event of a tornado warning by the National Weather Service. HUM Images // Universal Images Group via Getty Images #8. Kentucky - 1.3 drive-ins per 1 million people - 6 drive-ins total The Knox Drive-In is located in Barbourville City Park. The local city council wanted to offer something different from neighboring cities, according to its website. The Sauerbeck Family Drive-In in La Grange notes that "unfortunately for those looking to catch a free show," it positioned its screens to minimize any view from the road. AProvchy // Shutterstock #7. Ohio - 1.4 drive-ins per 1 million people - 17 drive-ins total At the Field of Dreams Drive-In Theater in Liberty Center, free games such as putt-putt golf, corn hole, and sand volleyball are available before the movies begin. It opened in 2007 after the owners planted grass instead of crops on their property and added a second screen in 2010. The Toledo Blade once warned that the theater can be surrounded by so much corn by midsummer that you might miss its narrow entrance. Canva #6. Indiana - 1.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 10 drive-ins total The Georgetown Drive-In Movie Theater, established in 1951, opened for its 72nd season in May 2023. The Starlite Drive-In opened in 1955 and has had only five owners since then. And the Tibbs Drive-In, family owned and operated since 1967, is the last drive-in theater in Indianapolis. HUM Images // Universal Images Group via Getty Images #5. Pennsylvania - 1.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 20 drive-ins total The Mahoning Drive-In Theater, established in 1949 in Lehighton, offers a retro 35 mm film program, in which movies are shown reel-to-reel via the original 1940s Simplex projectors. "At the Drive-In" is a documentary about the theater. Becky's Drive-In was begun by William D. Beck, known as Becky. He started out showing movies outside at Uncle Charlie's Lunch in the 1930s. Karen Desjardin // Getty Images #4. Idaho - 1.5 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total In the history of the Parma Motor-Vu, Karen Dobbs Cornwell writes that the Dobbs family bought the Parma, New Plymouth, and Wilder drive-in theaters in 1944. Her father, Bill Dobbs, drove to Wilder each night while she and her mother, Gladys Dobbs, spent each night at the Parma. Gabe Souza // Portland Press Herald via Getty Images #3. Maine - 2.2 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total The Narrow Gauge Drive-In in Farmington opened the 2023 season with screenings of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie." The drive-in mixes movies with live music shows. The Skowhegan Drive-In, which opened in 1954, saw a surge in attendance during the pandemic, followed by a subsequent drop-off. But it has opened for the 2023 seasons. Gabe Shakour // Shutterstock #2. New Hampshire - 2.9 drive-ins per 1 million people - 4 drive-ins total The Milford Drive-In Theater was built in Milford in 1958, with several contractors from the area contributing labor and materials in the hopes of sharing in the profits, according to the theater's history. A group of local people owned the drive-in, which opened with a single 84-foot wooden frame screen. Also popular: Weirs Drive-In Theater at Weirs Beach, whose motto is "Let the popcorn fly." Canva #1. Vermont - 4.6 drive-ins per 1 million people - 3 drive-ins total The Fairlee Drive-In Theater in Fairlee also has a motel. The theater came first in 1950 and six motel rooms were added a decade later in 1960. Bethel Drive-In in Bethel opened in 1954 and operates on weekends from early June to Labor Day. Sunset Drive-In in Colchester was established in 1948 and has four screens. Data reporting by Elena Cox. Story editing by Jeff Inglis. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. Photo selection by Elizabeth Ciano.
	Paid vs. unpaid interns: What small businesses need to know Paid vs. unpaid interns: What small businesses need to knowInternship wage laws are stricter than many people realize. For solopreneurs and small business owners, interns can meaningfully support their businesses during busy seasons. Although an unpaid internship helps students or early-career workers gain experience, it comes with trade-offs.The main issue when discussing the classification of internships is whether the internship primarily benefits the intern or the business. If an intern is doing work that directly supports daily operations, that suggests the intern may need to be paid. Misclassifying internships can lead to wage disputes and unpaid-work claims, causing major problems down the road.Legal requirements for unpaid internships are specific; this doesn’t mean that internships always need to be paid, but small businesses should be extra careful when posting a role or assigning work to ensure boundaries aren’t blurred. Rocket Lawyer explains what small businesses should keep in mind when classifying interns as paid or unpaid.The Difference Between Work ClassificationOne of the most important questions to ask when discussing internship classifications is whether the experience gained will be truly educational.In general, unpaid internships are more likely to comply with labor rules when:There is hands-on training similar to an educational program.The experience benefits the intern more than the employer.The intern is closely supervised.The role does not replace a paid employee.There is no promise of future employment.Problems often arise when interns take on regular business tasks without structured learning. This can mean that an intern manages customer emails, handles sales support, leads meetings, or consistently performs work that your business depends on; regulators may view that role as compensable work.Why Small Businesses Need to Be Especially CarefulLarger companies tend to have HR teams and structured internship programs, whereas solopreneurs and freelancers may rely on informal arrangements. These agreements, however informal, are not low risk.Sometimes, a simple misunderstanding about responsibilities or compensation can later lead to a wage dispute. In some cases, unpaid interns may later claim they should have received minimum wage or overtime.There are also operational considerations. If you are spending time training and supervising someone, you should ask whether a paid part-time role may ultimately create clearer expectations for everyone involved.Questions to Ask Before Bringing on an InternBefore you make any decisions, ask yourself a few key questions about the structure of the internship and the type of work involved.Is this internship primarily educational or primarily helping my business? Would the intern still benefit if they were not handling productive work?Will the intern perform tasks similar to paid employees? Could this role be viewed as replacing regular staff or paid contractors?Do I have a structured learning plan or supervision process? How will I document training, mentorship, or educational outcomes?Am I confident this internship complies with wage laws? Should I ask a legal professional to review the role before making an offer?What to Do NextA little planning up front can help you avoid confusion and reduce legal risk later.Write a clear internship description outlining learning goals, supervision, and expected responsibilities.Review federal and state internship wage laws before deciding whether the role should be paid.Consider whether a paid internship or temporary contractor arrangement may be a better fit for your business needs.Keep records of schedules, training activities, and communications with interns.Draft internship agreements and create role descriptions to clarify expectations.When the structure is clear from the start, an internship program can support both your business and early-career talent. The right setup will help you create meaningful opportunities while also protecting your business.This story was produced by Rocket Lawyer and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	YWCA Quad Cities hosting Summer Block Jam Kick off summer this weekend at the YWCA Quad Cities’ Summer Block Jam! The free, family-friendly event will be held on Sunday, June 14 from 1 – 4 p.m. and celebrates connection, community and the start of summer. Guests of all ages can enjoy an afternoon filled with food, entertainment and interactive activities as 17th [...]
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning until THU 10:30 AM CDT Severe Thunderstorms with Damaging Winds and Hail Expected Until 10:30 AM CDT
	University of Iowa's struggling Center for Intellectual Freedom faces required expansion due to law Iowa's Board of Regents faces challenges as the University of Iowa's Center for Intellectual Freedom must expand rapidly to meet a new law.
	Police: Gunfire reported at Milan apartment complex The incident remains under investigation.
	Are GLP-1s good or bad for your blood pressure? Are GLP-1s good or bad for your blood pressure? Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications that were initially approved to treat Type 2 diabetes. But since their discovery, the use of GLP-1s has expanded.GLP-1s are now FDA-approved to treat many conditions, including obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and metabolic-associated steatohepatitis. Some of these medications can also help with cardiovascular and renal health.There’s a growing number of FDA-approved GLP-1 medications, including:Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus)Dulaglutide (Trulicity)Liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda)Exenatide (Byetta and Bydureon)Tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound)Orforglipron (Foundayo)Some of these medications are given as injections, and others are taken by mouth.With so many new medications and ongoing research, it can be difficult to keep track of all the possible uses of GLP-1s.If you’re prescribed a GLP-1, you may want to know whether it’s safe to take if you have other conditions, like high blood pressure. So, GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, looked at how GLP-1s affect blood pressure and overall heart health.Key takeaways:GLP-1 medications have been shown to have benefits on cardiovascular health. But they’re not FDA-approved to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).GLP-1s are safe to take if you have high blood pressure.GLP-1s may lower blood pressure by facilitating weight loss and by acting on the kidneys and blood vessels.How do GLP-1s work?GLP-1 medications mimic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone made in the gut. These medications bind to the same receptors in the body, which allows them to produce similar effects. They act on GLP-1 receptors to increase insulin production, slow gastric emptying, and help curb appetite. That’s why these medications are so useful in treating Type 2 diabetes and obesity.GLP-1 medications also work on GLP-1 receptors in other parts of the body. For instance, in the kidneys, these receptors help regulate how much sodium is reabsorbed or excreted in the urine. These receptors also play a role in the immune system and help support blood vessel health. GLP-1 medications can interact with these receptors, which can lead to positive kidney and heart health effects.Are GLP-1s good for your blood pressure?Yes, there’s evidence that GLP-1 medications can have a positive effect on blood pressure.Weight loss can help lower blood pressure. So, by facilitating weight loss, GLP-1s can indirectly lower blood pressure. But weight loss alone doesn’t account for all of the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1s.There are other ways that GLP-1 medications can impact blood pressure:Reduced sodium intake: People taking GLP-1s may end up eating less salty foods because they eat less overall. Lower blood pressure is one benefit of a low-sodium diet.Direct action on the kidneys: GLP-1 medications signal to the kidneys to release more sodium into the urine. As sodium leaves the body, blood pressure can go down.Relaxing blood vessels: GLP-1s can also activate receptors on cells inside blood vessels, causing them to vasodilate (relax). And this effect has been shown to improve blood flow.Are GLP-1s approved to treat high blood pressure?GLP-1s aren’t FDA-approved for treating high blood pressure. That means that your healthcare team won’t prescribe these medications specifically to treat high blood pressure.But some GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in certain people with Type 2 diabetes or obesity. These approvals are based on studies showing that GLP-1s can improve several factors that affect heart health, including blood sugar, weight, and blood pressure.This means you might still be prescribed a GLP-1 to support your heart health. And, as your overall health improves, your blood pressure may come down, too. So, although GLP-1s aren’t used specifically to treat high blood pressure, they can still have a positive effect on it.Can you take GLP-1s if you have high blood pressure?Yes, GLP-1s are safe to take if you have high blood pressure. In fact, these medications may help lower blood pressure through their overall effect on weight and metabolism.But GLP-1 medications aren’t safe for everyone. You may not be able to take a GLP-1 medication if you have:A personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancerMultiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)A history of anaphylaxis (serious allergic reaction) to GLP-1 medicationsA history of pancreatitis or gastric paresisYou shouldn’t take GLP-1s if you’re pregnant or nursing.How do GLP-1s affect your heart rate?GLP-1s can cause an increased heart rate in some people. The change is usually small, only about two to four beats per minute. But some GLP-1 medications may have a greater effect on heart rate than others.Researchers are still studying why this happens. One possibility is that GLP-1s activate the sympathetic nervous system, which can raise the heart rate. Another is that they act directly on the heart’s natural pacemaker, called the sinoatrial node.Even though GLP-1 medications may increase heart rate slightly, there’s no evidence that they increase the risk of arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms).Frequently asked questionsWhat causes high blood pressure?For most people, a combination of factors leads to high blood pressure. Your age, genetics, and overall health all play a role in your blood pressure. Your diet and activity level can also increase the risk of developing high blood pressure.Can you take GLP-1s with blood pressure medication?Yes, you can take glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications (GLP-1s) and blood pressure medications at the same time. There are no known interactions between these two types of medications.If your blood pressure improves over time while you’re taking a GLP-1 medication, your healthcare team may need to lower your blood pressure medication.Can you take GLP-1s if you have heart failure?Yes, many people with heart failure can take GLP-1 medications. In fact, GLP-1s can be helpful for people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Your healthcare team can help you determine whether GLP-1s are safe for you.The bottom lineGlucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications (GLP-1s) aren't FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure. But they can still help improve blood pressure through their effects on weight, blood sugar, and heart health. Most people with high blood pressure can safely take GLP-1 medications. If you’re considering a GLP-1, your healthcare team can help you understand how it fits into your overall health plan and what benefits you can expect.This story was produced by GoodRx and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How AI can help write an email campaign How AI can help write an email campaignEmail marketing brings in an average return of $36 for every dollar spent, making it one of the best ways to connect with your audience. But crafting successful campaigns takes time. Strategy, copywriting, editing, and testing all need careful planning. That’s why marketing teams are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for help, using it to personalize customer experiences and automate repetitive tasks.AI isn’t meant to replace email marketers, but rather facilitate content creation so you can focus on strategy and results. This guide from Emma explains how AI can help you write email campaigns, from drafting your first subject line to refining your message until it’s perfect.Key takeawaysReady to get the most out of AI for your email campaigns? Here are the top things to keep in mind as you dive in:AI helps you beat writer’s block and simplify drafting.You can use AI to craft tailored messages and save valuable time.While AI can assist with content creation, your human oversight is essential.Clear prompts and careful human review are key to getting amazing, authentic results.Embrace AI to free up your schedule, not to take over, making your campaigns better and brighter.AI’s role in email campaign writingBefore diving into the “how,” let’s clarify what AI can and can’t do for your email campaigns. Knowing these boundaries helps you create a realistic plan and apply AI thoughtfully. When choosing your email marketing platform, awareness of AI capabilities becomes even more important.What AI can do for email copywriting Emma AI email marketing tools can significantly reduce email creation time by handling several key tasks:Create content from scratch: You provide a brief description of your goals, and AI creates complete email drafts in seconds.Rewrite and refine existing content: AI can improve clarity, adjust messaging, or shift tone from formal to conversational.Modify length for different formats: It can expand brief announcements into detailed newsletters or condense long content into quick updates.Fix grammar and spelling automatically: AI can catch mistakes that human eyes often miss, even after multiple reviews.Overcome writer’s block: It can generate multiple approaches to the same message when you’re stuck.Maintain brand consistency: AI can learn your preferred style and apply it across campaigns.What AI can’t replaceStrategic thinking and final decision-making still rely on human expertise, not AI:Campaign decisions: AI can’t determine which products to feature or the best time to launch.Audience insight: AI lacks deep insight and emotional intuition in customer relationships.Context and nuance: While it can personalize your message using data, it can’t fully grasp human context.Final judgment: Choosing the right subject line requires alignment with brand voice and goals.Creative direction: Groundbreaking ideas come from human imagination, not algorithms.Quality control: AI outputs need human review to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.Human-AI collaboration: The best results come from guiding AI and refining its output.Write your first draft with AIThe hardest part of writing any email campaign is getting started. AI email campaign tools help you move from a blank page to a working draft in minutes instead of hours.Create effective AI promptsWhen crafting your prompts, start with your core message and clearly tell the AI what you want the email to accomplish. Include key details like your target audience, the offer or information you’re sharing, and any specific points that must be covered to guide the AI effectively:Specify tone: Explicitly state if you want the email to sound professional, friendly, urgent, or educational.Define length: Mention your preferred word count, as whether you need 50 or 250 words significantly impacts the AI’s generation.Provide context: More details yield better results. For instance, rather than “Write about our spring sale,” you might say “Write a 150-word email for existing customers announcing our spring sale, highlighting 25% off home goods. Use a friendly, enthusiastic tone and include a clear call to action to shop now.” This level of specificity can yield drafts that require minimal revision.Draft email subject linesWhen drafting email subject lines, use AI to generate multiple options with a single prompt. Ask the AI for 5-10 variations, then review them to identify the strongest performers and test different approaches like questions, statements, or benefit-driven headlines:Vary the tone: Rewrite subject lines in different tones to discover what resonates best, recognizing that a casual subject line might not suit a formal context and vice versa.Prioritize opens: Remember that making your email copy effective begins with compelling subject lines designed to encourage opens.A/B test: Consider A/B testing AI-generated subject lines against your traditional methods.Combine approaches: You might find that AI-generated styles outperform your usual approach, or that a combination of AI suggestions and your own intuition yields the best outcomes.Write the email body contentTo write the email body, enter your key message and let the AI generate a complete draft. Create multiple versions to compare different approaches, such as more direct messaging versus narrative-driven content:Expand for detail: Expand bullet points into full paragraphs when you require more extensive detail.Condense for clarity: Convert dense paragraphs into scannable lists when clarity is prioritized over elaborate prose.Segment audiences: Generate variations for different audience segments without needing to start from scratch each time.Apply your expertise: Your expertise is crucial to transform these drafts into compelling and effective emails. Remember to treat AI-generated output as a draft rather than a final product.Use AI to improve clarityOnce you have a draft, AI can help you refine your message so it resonates with your audience. Effective email campaigns rely on clear, focused communication that readers can quickly grasp and act on. For robust email campaign optimization, here’s how AI helps with clarity:Adjust tone and voice: Shift formality levels with simple instructions. A draft written for executives can be rewritten for frontline staff in seconds. Test different tones like professional, personal, empathetic, or enthusiastic to see which connects best with your audience.Modify length and complexity: Shorten content for mobile readers who scan. Many readers access emails on their phones, making concise, scannable content essential. Expand messages when comprehensive information is needed, or simplify complex topics by requesting lower reading levels.Fix grammar and spelling: Automated error detection catches typos, punctuation mistakes, and grammatical issues before you send. This feature reduces manual proofreading time and ensures a professional product that reflects well on your brand.Personalize content at scalePersonalized emails typically deliver higher transaction rates, but creating unique content for different segments used to be prohibitively time-consuming. AI makes the process more efficient.Writing for different audience segmentsAdapt your core message for different audiences without rewriting it from scratch. For example, a message to new subscribers might focus on onboarding, while the same promotion for loyal customers could highlight exclusive benefits and early access:Maintain consistency: Create segment-specific variations that address each group’s unique needs and interests while keeping the overall message consistent.Use illustrative examples: A nonprofit, for example, might send a donation appeal to first-time donors emphasizing its mission. Meanwhile, long-term supporters would receive a version showcasing specific programs their past contributions have funded.Scale personalization: AI is instrumental in scaling personalization efforts without increasing your workload.Boost efficiency: With AI, you can generate dozens of segment variations in the same amount of time it would take to manually write just a few.Adapting content for different campaign typesWelcome emails need a different approach than newsletters. Event invitations require a different language from product launches. AI can shift style and structure to match campaign type while keeping your brand voice intact.Segmented campaigns can generate substantial revenue increases. Tailored and personalized emails often lead to stronger engagement and higher click-through rates. These improvements compound when you can efficiently create personalized content at scale.Different campaign types also benefit from different content structures. Welcome emails work best when navigation and next steps are clear. Newsletters need compelling headlines and scannable sections.Product announcements should lead with benefits before features. AI can adapt your content to match these structural needs while maintaining your core message.Overcome AI email marketing challenges Emma Every marketer faces similar hurdles when adopting AI for email writing. Here’s how to navigate the most common challenges.1. Add authenticity to AI-generated contentAI is a helpful starting point, but authenticity comes from human input. Always refine outputs to reflect your brand and customer relationships:Review and edit: Always check AI-generated content before sending.Add specificity: Include details unique to your customers, products, and brand story.Use AI as a foundation: Let AI handle structure and initial drafts.Prioritize human connection: Layer in personality and genuine tone to make the content engaging.Focus on experience: Be sure to prioritize authentic customer experiences, even when AI does the heavy lifting.2. Avoid generic or repetitive languageWithout variation, AI can produce repetitive or formulaic content. Actively guide it to keep messaging fresh and engaging:Vary prompts: Use different prompts, even for similar topics.Set boundaries: Tell AI which phrases or styles to avoid.Iterate outputs: Rewrite multiple times with new instructions to improve originality.Blend content: Combine AI-generated text with your own writing.Use diverse inputs: Varying inputs leads to more natural, less repetitive outputs.3. Know when to use AI vs. write from scratchAI isn’t necessary for every task. Knowing when to rely on it and when not to helps maintain quality and efficiency:Routine campaigns: Use AI for newsletters, product updates, and standard announcements.High-stakes emails: Start with human input for launches, crisis communications, and personal messages.Brainstorming support: Use AI to generate ideas and first drafts.Final decisions: Keep judgment and approvals human-led.Balanced approach: Start with AI for efficiency, and finish with human expertise for impact.4. Manage the learning curveAdopting AI tools takes time and practice. A gradual approach helps you build confidence without disrupting your workflow:Start small: Begin with one campaign type, such as a weekly newsletter.Practice prompting: Experiment with different prompts to learn what produces the best results.Save what works: Build a library of effective prompts.Expand gradually: Increase AI usage as your confidence grows.Prioritize skill development: Take a measured approach to integrate AI smoothly into your process.Best practices for your AI email campaignFollowing these best practices will help you get the most value from AI while maintaining the quality your audience expects.Start with clear objectivesDefine success before you begin writing. Know what you want your email to accomplish and what matters to your audience. Decide how you’ll track whether your AI-assisted approach is working.Clear objectives guide every decision you make, from prompt creation to final edits. An email designed to drive immediate purchases needs a different language than one designed to educate subscribers about a complex topic.Provide specific promptsMore detail produces better output. Include context about your audience, your brand, and your goals. Specify what you want and what you don’t want. Vague prompts generate vague content. Detailed prompts generate focused, relevant drafts that need less revision.Prompts are like creative briefs. The more information you provide up front, the closer the first draft will be to your vision. Include details like word count, tone, key points to cover, calls to action, and any phrases or approaches to avoid.Review and edit before sendingAI can make mistakes, so human oversight is nonnegotiable. Check for accuracy and brand alignment. Verify that the tone matches your intentions, adding personal touches that make the email distinctly yours. Ensure all links work correctly and dates are accurate.Human involvement is essential to ensure quality and contextual appropriateness. Never send AI content without a thorough review.Test and measureCompare AI-assisted campaigns to your baseline performance, and track which prompts generate the best results. Refine your approach based on data, not assumptions. What works for one audience might not work for another.Document what works. When a particular prompting strategy produces excellent results, save it for future campaigns. Over time, you’ll build a library of proven approaches that consistently deliver strong performance.Balance efficiency with authenticityUse AI to save time on drafting without eliminating human judgment. Let AI handle structure and initial language, while humans add the soul that makes emails connect emotionally with readers.Rather than producing more emails faster, the goal is to create better emails in less time. A streamlined process lets you focus more on strategy, testing, and building relationships with your audience.When to use AI for different campaign typesNot all campaigns benefit equally from AI assistance. Here’s when AI can help most and when to proceed with caution.Ideal use cases for AI-assisted writingAI usually delivers strong results for these common campaign types:Weekly newsletters: Their consistent format and recurring topics make them ideal for AI assistance.Product or event announcements: Straightforward information benefits from AI’s ability to structure content clearly.Welcome series: Onboarding sequences often follow predictable patterns that AI handles well.Seasonal campaigns: Holiday promotions and seasonal messaging can be generated quickly with appropriate prompts.When to apply extra cautionThese situations require more human oversight and involvement:Crisis or sensitive communications: Tone matters enormously, and AI can miss emotional nuance.High-stakes launches: Major product releases or strategic announcements need human strategic input throughout.Personal or emotional appeals: Fundraising for causes or addressing difficult topics requires an authentic human voice.The future of AI in email campaign writingAI capabilities continue to evolve, but the fundamental principle remains the same. AI enhances human creativity rather than replacing it.This technology is evolving rapidly in marketing, with smarter personalization and deeper data integration on the horizon:Advanced personalization: AI will learn individual customer preferences and history more precisely.Brand voice refinement: AI will improve consistency by learning nuanced communication styles.Analytics integration: AI will help determine not just what to write, but when to send and to whom.Data-driven insights: AI will handle complex analysis to inform smarter marketing decisions.Scalable personalization: AI will enable hyper-personalized campaigns at a previously impossible scale.Evolving team roles: Marketing teams will increasingly rely on AI for efficiency and strategic support.Building skills for the AI eraEffective collaboration with AI can help you succeed as an email marketer. Develop your prompting skills, and know what AI does well and where it falls short.Stay curious about new capabilities as they emerge. Your strategic thinking, audience insight, and creative judgment remain irreplaceable. AI gives you more time to apply those skills where they matter most. With the right approach, you can effectively use AI for email campaigns while maintaining an authentic voice that your audience trusts.This story was produced by Emma and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Jackson County plans session about data-centers ordinance The Jackson County Zoning Commission will hold a joint work session with the Jackson County Board of Supervisors to discuss the draft High-Density Computing Facilities Ordinance, also commonly referred to as data centers/data processing facilities, according to a news release. The session will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, June 15, in the Community Room, [...]
	Ollie's "Good Stuff Cheap" bargain outlet to open June 18 in Davenport Ollie's is bringing the "Good Stuff Cheap" to Davenport on Wednesday, June 18.
	Live updates: Severe weather impacting much of eastern Iowa, 60 mph winds expected Two rounds of storms are expected Thursday in the Quad-Cities. Follow along to live updates here.
	Moline 250 Celebration offers picnic, music, fun The City of Moline, along with Moline Centre and the Rock Island Arsenal, are celebrating America's 250th birthday at the free Moline 250 Celebration on Thursday, July 2, at Bass Street Landing, 1601 River Drive. The event features live music, line dancing, a community picnic, patriotic programming, vendors and fireworks over the Mississippi River. The [...]
	How to lose the company you built: Lessons from the Lululemon board battle How to lose the company you built: Lessons from the Lululemon board battle Founders can spend decades building a company and still discover, much later, that the terms governing control were settled long before any boardroom fight began. And Chip Wilson has become a vivid example of that tension. He founded Lululemon in 1998 and built it into one of the most recognized athletic apparel brands on earth, yet recently, he had to fight a months-long proxy battle just to earn two seats on the board of the company he created.The settlement granted Wilson two board seats in exchange for his agreement to refrain from public criticism of the company for approximately 18 months.For business formation and governance specialists, disputes like this bring attention back to the early documents founders often sign with growth on their minds, because those papers often define authority before investors and directors reshape the balance of power.The Lululemon case gives founders a rare public look at how those early decisions follow a company even after the founder's name becomes part of its identity.Many founders assume ownership automatically translates into control, but those are two very different things. The documents created during business formation often determine who ultimately holds decision-making authority years later. By the time a dispute arises, the outcome is frequently shaped more by governance structures than by ownership percentages.In this article, InCorp examines what the Lululemon board battle reveals about the gap between ownership and control and what that means for founders.Ownership Does Not Equal ControlWilson's fight with Lululemon was never really about whether he cared about the company. Few founders remain as publicly invested in a business after stepping away from leadership, and few still hold a stake as large as his. Yet ownership and authority are not the same thing, which is exactly why the dispute became so public in the first place.Wilson holds roughly 8.7% of the company's outstanding shares, making him its largest individual shareholder, and to most people, that sounds like a lot of power. Yet that stake alone did not give him enough voting power to reshape the board or redirect the brand without a fight.Lululemon's board called his views on diversity and inclusion "outdated" and pushed shareholders to vote against his nominees, and because Wilson did not control enough votes to override them, he had no path to force changes on his own.Shares give a founder a financial stake and a voice at annual meetings, but boards hold the authority to hire executives and set a company's direction. And because board seats are decided by votes, those votes are often governed by rules most founders never think to negotiate.One of the most common misconceptions is that founders focus heavily on equity ownership while paying less attention to governance rights. Voting structures, board appointment rights, and shareholder agreements can have just as much impact on future control as the percentage of ownership itself.The Decisions That Outlive the FounderA new company is usually surrounded by paperwork before it has much else going on, and most of those documents get signed with far more attention on building the business than on future control. But those early documents are doing something founders often do not fully understand until much later.Bylaws establish the ground rules for how a company handles director elections, while shareholder agreements set the terms for what happens when a partner wants out and who gets the first opportunity to buy their stake.Board nomination rights extend that influence further, giving specific people a guaranteed seat at the decision-making table regardless of how ownership changes over time. Columbia Law School has noted that shareholder agreements are often used to contract over the composition of the board of directors, giving certain investors rights that go beyond ownership alone.Each of these documents was drafted at a moment when everyone was working toward the same goal, and each one governs the company when interests no longer align. Wilson's recent fight suggests he did not have an automatic path back to Lululemon's board, since he had to run a proxy campaign and reach a settlement to secure representation.By the time the conflict arrived, the rules were already set, and a public fight became his only realistic way to regain influence.Formation documents are often signed during periods of optimism when everyone assumes interests will remain aligned. The reality is that businesses evolve, ownership changes, and priorities shift. Strong governance planning helps ensure those future transitions don't become costly conflicts.Why Tech Founders Often Keep More Control Than Retail FoundersNot every founder ends up where Wilson did, and the reason is not always tied to how successful the business became. Mark Zuckerberg holds roughly 13% of Meta's economic ownership, far less than most people would associate with control. But the shares he holds are not ordinary shares.They carry 10 votes each, while the shares sold to most public investors carry one. Those voting rights give him roughly 61% of Meta's voting power, making it nearly impossible for outside shareholders to remove him against his will.Alphabet follows a similar model, with its founder-held shares carrying 10 votes per share while ordinary public shares carry one. Snap went further at its initial public offering, selling public shares that carried no voting rights at all. Those companies built founder control directly into their share structures before public investors arrived.However, Wilson's position at Lululemon was different. His 8.7% stake carried standard voting rights, the same as any other shareholder, leaving him without the built-in voting power to reshape the board on his own. And once the dispute reached the public stage, the voting structure had already defined the fight.Most Founder Disputes Never Make HeadlinesMost companies never face a proxy fight, and most founders never end up fighting publicly with their own board. But nearly every business eventually reaches a moment of internal conflict, and when it does, the outcome depends almost entirely on what was written down years earlier.Cofounding partnerships break apart more often than business publications typically cover, and working out who keeps what and at what price gets complicated fast without a written agreement to anchor the process.Outside investors who came in early often develop very different ideas about a company's direction once growth slows or priorities diverge. And families that inherit a business together rarely agree on who should run it or how profits should be distributed.Most governance disputes never attract public attention, but they happen every day in privately held companies. Whether it's a disagreement between partners, a family-owned business navigating succession, or investors and founders pursuing different priorities, the underlying challenge is usually the same: expectations weren't clearly documented at the outset.Even a minority partner who finds an outside buyer for their stake creates a different kind of problem entirely when their founding documents give the remaining owners no say over who ends up holding that equity.Bloomberg Law has noted that disputes like these tend to escalate when founding documents fail to specify ownership percentages or how disagreements should be resolved.Lululemon made headlines because it is a public company, but the same pressure shows up wherever ownership and control begin to separate. And most founders give these documents very little thought after the day they sign them, leaving many disputes far more complicated once a disagreement forces everyone back to the fine print."The best time to address questions about control is before they become problems. Founders should periodically review their governance documents as the business grows, raises capital, adds partners, or expands into new markets. Decisions made early in a company's lifecycle often carry consequences far beyond the formation stage.The Future of Corporate ControlEvery founder signs their formation documents on a day when everything feels possible, and the partnership feels solid. Those same documents govern the company on the day when none of that is true anymore.Founders pour enormous energy into building their products and hiring the people who will help them grow, and the early paperwork is seldom the priority. But the operating agreement or corporate bylaws a founder signs decides what happens when a cofounder wants out, and the shareholder agreement decides whether an outside investor gets a say over decisions the founder never intended to share. And those answers are already locked in, years before anyone thinks to ask.By the time a conflict arrives, most founders have long since forgotten the pages they signed at the very beginning, and formation is the rare moment when founders still have the most say over what those terms will eventually decide.Disclaimer: This content is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. Every effort is made to keep the information current and accurate; however, laws, regulations, and guidance can change, and no representation or warranty is given that the content is complete, up to date, or suitable for any particular situation. You should not rely on this material as a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who can consider your specific facts and objectives before you make decisions or take action.This story was produced by InCorp and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How TV shows like 'Off Campus' are shaping conversations about dating after trauma How TV shows like ‘Off Campus’ are shaping conversations about dating after traumaTelevision gets credit for a lot of things it probably shouldn't and is criticized for a lot of things it actually does well. Relationship dramas have spent decades creating tension, often shaping what viewers expect love to look like before they bring those expectations into their own relationships.But "Off Campus" takes a more careful route by focusing on how trust is built inside a relationship.The new show, "Off Campus,” adapted from Elle Kennedy's bestselling novel series, opens with a familiar college setup between music student Hannah Wells and hockey captain Garrett Graham. The fake-dating premise is where it starts, but Hannah is a survivor, and "Off Campus" builds its central romance around the slow, difficult work of learning to feel safe with another person.BetterHelp, the world's largest online mental health platform, has shared how the portrayals of love that audiences absorb from entertainment may shape the expectations they carry into their own lives.And "Off Campus" fits directly into that concern. Giving younger audiences a romance that recognizes those patterns and sits with the harder parts of intimacy long enough to show why it has struck a nerve.Key takeaways"Off Campus" reflects a larger shift in romance storytelling, where emotional safety, consent, and communication are becoming just as central as chemistry.The show’s focus is not only on trauma itself, but on what comes after it: rebuilding trust, learning vulnerability, and feeling safe in connection again.Relationship dramas can help viewers name difficult emotions, but they should not be treated as mental health guidance or a substitute for professional support.No single story can represent every survivor’s healing process, which is why trauma-focused romance needs nuance, care, and room for different reactions.Content warning: Please be advised that the article below might mention trauma-related topics that include suicide, which could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Text or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7.The Rise of Emotionally Aware Relationship Storytelling on TVThe romance genre has always had a massive audience, but the version gaining more attention now feels less interested in chaos for its own sake. Modern relationship dramas are giving more space to consent and emotional vulnerability, with shows like "Off Campus" treating both as part of what makes attraction believable.Boundaries and open communication have become part of the suspense, especially for viewers who are tired of watching conflict get mistaken for chemistry."Off Campus" showrunner Louisa Levy was direct about the show’s priorities when she spoke to Refinery29. “The story is not about the trauma,” Levy said. “It’s about the survival after the trauma.” And streaming has pushed that conversation beyond the episode itself, giving fandom communities on TikTok and Reddit room to break these relationships down as they watch.Even younger viewers are analyzing these dynamics and debating them online, using those conversations to develop a sharper sense of what a healthy connection actually requires from both people.Why Audiences Connect With Stories About Trust and VulnerabilityFictional relationships often feel familiar even when the details of a viewer's life look nothing like what is unfolding on screen. The connection comes from emotional experiences that many people recognize in different ways, including the hesitation that comes with opening up or the uncertainty that follows broken trust.Stories like "Off Campus" give those moments space to unfold slowly, allowing viewers to sit with the discomfort of emotional connection and the effort it takes to communicate personal needs clearly.Psychologists describe this as a response to the emotional truth of a story, where people connect to the feeling behind an experience rather than the exact events themselves. Each viewer brings their own history into that connection, which is why the same relationship can land differently from one person to the next, even when the scene itself never changes.TV Can Spark Conversations, But It Isn’t Mental Health GuidanceA character working through fear of intimacy on screen and a person doing that same work in real life are operating on entirely different timelines, with entirely different tools. Television is built for storytelling first, and even shows that handle emotional subjects with care are still working within the rules of drama, not clinical practice.Paul Weigle, M.D., associate medical director at Natchaug Hospital, told Hartford Healthcare that while some shows raise awareness around difficult mental health conditions, they are often overshadowed by portrayals that reinforce stigma rather than reduce it.He pointed to "13 Reasons Why" as one case that drew concern, noting research that found the suicide rate among teenagers ages 10 to 17 rose nearly 30% within a month of its release.A story can help someone put language to what they are feeling, but support in real life still depends on trusted people and trained professionals when those feelings become difficult to manage alone.Consent, Boundaries, and Communication in Modern Dating ConversationsHonesty about personal boundaries and mutual respect have become part of what many people now expect from a healthy relationship, and the language around both has moved well beyond private conversations.Social worker Karen Salerno, LISW-S, told Cleveland Clinic that “healthy boundaries don’t assert control over someone else” but instead make personal needs clear enough for both people to feel respected.Television does not always get that balance right, especially when drama rewards pressure or confusion. But relationship-focused shows that handle it with care give audiences a shared reference for what open communication can look like in practice.Fandom platforms have carried that conversation further, with viewers using fictional relationships to examine real standards around consent and boundaries while recognizing that no two people will define safety in the same way.Social Media and the Rise of Shared Emotional ConversationsThe appeal of social media goes well beyond a shared reaction to a scene or a character. Platforms like TikTok and Reddit have turned television viewing into something collective, giving audiences a place to process what they watched alongside strangers who felt it the same way.Drea Letamendi, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist who advises entertainment media companies, told the American Psychological Association that “our relationship with media is bigger than the story itself.” Fandom communities have made that clear by using TV relationships as a starting point to examine trust and what real support between two people can look like.But online connections have limits, especially when one-sided digital bonds begin standing in for the harder work of building relationships offline.Support-Seeking and Emotional ReflectionGetting help is harder than most people admit. And many people spend a long time convincing themselves they are managing just fine before they ever ask someone to stay and listen without an agenda.Emotionally honest television can make that first admission feel less strange, giving audiences space to recognize what they have been carrying before they know how to talk about it. Research cited by Temple News found that people willing to be vulnerable tend to develop a deeper sense of belonging and that openness can build trust rather than weaken it.Strong support often starts with someone safe enough to hear the truth, whether that person is a trusted friend, a partner, or a mental health professional when the emotions involved need more care than a personal conversation can provide.Why Nuance Matters in Conversations About Trauma and DatingTrauma does not move along a predictable line, and no television relationship can substitute for the private work of processing it. Jenna Hennessy, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist at Columbia University, noted in Verywell Mind that “healing is not a linear process,” and survivor experiences vary too widely for any single narrative to account for all of them.Shows like "Off Campus" handle their characters’ histories with more care than most, but they still represent one path through one particular set of circumstances. A survivor watching any relationship drama may find parts of it close to their own experience and other parts far from anything they recognize, and both reactions deserve to be taken seriously.A better reading of any show is to see it as one version of one person’s experience, not a standard that every survivor is supposed to recognize or follow.The Future of Relationship Storytelling on TelevisionPeople have developed real expectations about how emotional depth shows up on screen, and television writers are learning that romance has to carry more than chemistry now. Shows that make room for vulnerability and honest communication have set a new standard for relationship writing, one that treats emotional growth as part of the relationship rather than a side plot.Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist at Temple University, told the APA that television will continue to explore relationships and anxiety and that the better work will come from getting those subjects closer to real human experience.Entertainment has always given people a way to escape the pressure of real life, and relationship dramas like "Off Campus" continue that tradition while bringing viewers into more emotionally honest territory. Research shows that media shapes how people understand love and connection, even when those portrayals are heightened for entertainment.So while television opens the door to reflection, it cannot walk someone through getting the help they need. Rather, real change begins when a person takes what the show stirred up and brings it to someone who can stay with them through it, whether that is a trusted person in their life or a professional trained to help them make sense of what they are carrying.This story was produced by BetterHelp and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	John Deere calling back 50 workers between Davenport and Dubuque With this latest hiring, more than 400 employees in Iowa and Illinois have either returned to work or been hired since January.
	Miss Iowa Scholarship Program competitions return to Davenport this week The Miss Iowa Scholarship Program will be held June 11–13 in Davenport, featuring statewide contestants competing for scholarships and the chance to advance to Miss America and Miss America’s Teen.
	How Playing A Quick Puzzle Can Improve Your Workday (NAPSI)—You probably know the feeling: you’ve been staring at your screen for hours, your inbox keeps growing, and your next meeting starts in five minutes. Sometimes, the best way to reset is to take a quick moment to focus on something completely different. Where to Find It Daily puzzle games have become a popular way to take those quick mental breaks, and platforms like LinkedIn are leaning into that trend. LinkedIn’s newest game, Wend, blends word finding with logic-based problem solving. “Wend is a word-finding game where players connect letters in a grid to uncover hidden words, using every letter exactly once,” says Helen Smith, Group Product Manager at LinkedIn. “While it may seem like a traditional word game, it adds a logic twist, as players also have to figure out how the entire board fits together.” In addition to Wend, the LinkedIn games lineup includes word-based puzzles like Pinpoint and Crossclimb, alongside logic challenges like Queens, Tango, Mini Sudoku, Zip, and Patches, each offering a different way to exercise your brain throughout the day. 1. Why your brain needs a recharge Stepping away from a task for even a minute or two can sometimes be exactly what’s needed to return with fresh eyes. Unlike checking email again or scrolling through your phone, a quick puzzle gives your attention something entirely different to focus on. The result is a short reset with a clear beginning and end, making it easy to fit between meetings, projects, and other responsibilities. “That’s part of the appeal of LinkedIn’s games, which can often be completed in just a few minutes,” says Thomas Snyder, LinkedIn’s Principal Puzzlemaster and 3-time World Sudoku Champion. “It’s a quick mental break that feels especially satisfying when everything clicks into place.” 2. The social side of puzzle games While LinkedIn games are played individually, they can create a great opportunity for connection with others. Players often share scores with colleagues, discuss strategies, send puzzles to friends, or spark friendly competition through posts and messages. After you play a game, you’ll see how you stack up against other players you know on a leaderboard. “For people working across teams, offices, and time zones, games can provide an easy reason to reconnect,” says Lakshman Somasundaram, Senior Director of Product at LinkedIn. “A shared puzzle score, a little friendly rivalry, or a quick discussion about strategy can turn into a meaningful conversation that can open the door to new professional opportunities.” And sometimes, according to Somasundaram, that conversation can start with something as simple as, “Did you play today’s puzzle?” 3. A win before the workday starts There’s something satisfying about solving a challenge before your day fully gets underway. Completing a puzzle may not clear your inbox or finish your project plan, but it can provide a small sense of accomplishment early in the day. For many players, solving a puzzle becomes part of a daily routine—a quick challenge that helps them ease into work mode before tackling larger tasks. Learn More In a workday filled with constant notifications and multitasking, a quick puzzle may be one of the simplest ways to pause, refresh, and reconnect. To try Wend and LinkedIn’s other games, visit linkedin.com/games. Word Count: 514
	Why banks pull back from lower-credit borrowers Why banks pull back from lower-credit borrowersMany households don’t think twice about their monthly subscription costs. Streaming services alone can total more than $100, but that doesn’t surprise anyone. Ask the same household to pay an annual credit card fee, and the reaction flips, even though it could be less than their subscriptions combined.A new study from the Digital Banking Report, sponsored by Credit One Bank and authored by industry strategist Jim Marous, found this very contradiction at the heart of consumers’ conundrum. If they’re willing to pay recurring fees for convenience, why does the same logic break down when the fee buys them access to a financial system?The data points to an unassuming answer. The pullback from lower-score borrowers isn’t about regulation, and it isn’t about profitability. It comes down to choice.The Bank Retreat Is RealLenders are walking away from a large slice of the population. A little over half (56%) of institutions reported a decrease in their willingness to lend to borrowers with credit scores below 670 over the last three years. Only 11% of banks increased lending. Specifically, 48% moderately decreased their willingness to lend, and another 8% cut it sharply.The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s 2025 Consumer Credit Card Market Report also shows this downward trend: The share of large-bank organizations lending to lower-score borrowers fell from almost a quarter (23.3%) in early 2022 to 16.4% in early 2025.On the other hand, the Financial Health Network’s Pulse 2025 research found that only 3 in 10 (31%) of households qualify as financially healthy. That means that more than two-thirds of the population sit in a vulnerable financial state.Supply is contracting at a time when more people need the product.‘We Can't’ Turns Out To Mean ‘We Choose Not To’The financial industry cites regulation as the reason for its retreat, yet the survey doesn’t support that explanation.When asked which factors held them back from lending to borrowers with lower scores, nearly 9 in 10 (87%) said expected credit losses. The second biggest reason was costs related to acquiring and servicing accounts, coming in at a little over half (57%). Regulation constraints were only mentioned by a third of institutions (32%).Additionally, nearly half of respondents see borrowers with credit scores below 670 as moderately higher risk; that perception increases steeply when scores fall below 600. Only about 1 in 5 (18%) institutions said they see borrowers with 670 credit scores as comparable to prime consumers.That changes the debate. The barrier is a decision the lender makes about how much risk it wants to pursue, not regulations.The Fee That Nobody ExplainsOver two-thirds (69%) of institutions said fees are essential or very important for sustainably serving higher-risk consumers. So fees are seen as the mechanism that makes lending to this group work. The problem, however, is that the industry has never bothered to explain why.The report states that the industry failed to clearly explain and promote why these tools exist. The annual fee, in particular, it states, carries a stigma that does not match how consumers spend their money elsewhere. Many don’t realize that an annual fee actually costs less per month, because it’s rarely ever framed that way.The report states that in a responsible approach, the institution should offer tools to support the consumer’s progress, with the product’s cost decreasing as the consumer’s profile improves.The Piece That's Still MissingThe data closes on a gap. When asked which strategies they actively use to improve outcomes for nonprime consumers, 8 in 10 (82%) institutions cited transparent pricing and disclosures, and nearly two-thirds (65%) cited credit education or financial literacy tools. Those are the easy, low-cost moves.The harder, more structural tools lag badly. Only a third (32%) use alternative underwriting data, another third (32%) use digital tools to encourage responsible usage, and just 1 in 5 (22%) offer gradual credit line increases tied to performance. Education and disclosure are foundations, but the survey suggests the industry has largely stopped there rather than building products that actively help people climb.The tools to close the gap exist, but mostly sit unused. Whether modest fees are the gateway the report calls them or a gateway that conveniently happens to be the sponsor's product, the report's sharpest point is the simplest one: nobody has bothered to explain what the fee actually buys.MethodologyThe central findings come from a survey the Digital Banking Report fielded in April 2026. Respondents spanned global, regional, and community banks, plus credit unions and fintech firms, sorted by asset size and portfolio size. The breakdown: 31% credit unions, 30% community banks, 18% global banks, 14% regional banks, and 7% fintech firms. Half reported assets between $1 billion and $10 billion.The report pairs that survey with outside data. CFPB figures on card originations, Federal Reserve household numbers, the Financial Health Network's Pulse research, and EverFi's work on financial confidence all show up as corroboration. One thing to keep in mind while reading the percentages: several questions let respondents pick up to three answers, so those totals run past 100%.This story was produced by Credit One Bank and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Getting married this summer? Here's what it could do to your finances Getting married this summer? Here's what it could do to your financesPaying the bills, cooking for one, and managing your personal finances as a single adult can be challenging and liberating. When you live alone, you’re in charge of your own destiny—and if you get into financial difficulty, your own debt relief, too.When you get married, you combine your personal finances with another person’s. At its best, marriage can be a financial safety net that helps you navigate everyday life and long-term money moves.Marriage can, with the help of a supportive life partner, make it easier to manage money and build wealth. Survey data from the University of Chicago shows that married people tend to be happier than unmarried people. Also, people in the top 20% of incomes tend to be happier than lower-income people. Marriage appears to have some big financial benefits. A Pew Research Center study in 2024 found that married people are less likely to be low-income than unmarried people.So, is marriage actually good for your financial health?There’s nothing wrong with staying single, and there’s no need to get married solely for financial reasons. But along with the joy of building a life with someone you love, marriage can bring some worthwhile benefits to your bank account, credit score, and more.Freedom Debt Relief explores a few reasons marriage can be good for your financial health.Key Takeaways:Surveys show that married people tend to be happier and are likely to have a higher income than unmarried people.Marriage to the right person could improve your financial health.Working together as a couple can bring health and wealth.Marriage and TaxesAfter you get married, the way you file your taxes is likely to be different than when you filed as a single person. As a married couple, you may choose to file jointly, instead of filing separate tax returns. This can provide a few helpful tax advantages for married couples.Is there a marriage penalty?Mostly, no. A “marriage penalty” happens when the two of you pay more in income tax as a married couple than you would have if you filed individually. That kind of penalty in taxes was reduced for most people after the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed. That new tax law widened the tax brackets, making the income limits for “married filing jointly” twice as high as for single filers. So just because you’re married, that doesn’t mean you’ll be in a higher tax bracket.There are still a few other types of marriage tax penalties. But according to the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, these are more likely to affect couples with incomes over $693,750 and couples with children (filing jointly) where both spouses earn about the same amount of income. That’s because married couples filing jointly can’t deduct as much of their income as two separate parents could. An unmarried couple with kids could have one partner file as “head of household,” which gets a higher standard deduction than a single filer would.Is there a marriage bonus?If one of you earns all or most of the income, you often receive a marriage bonus. That’s because the lower-earning spouse’s income can help put the higher-earning spouse into a lower tax bracket than they’d be in otherwise.Having 2 Incomes Provides Double BenefitsPerhaps the simplest financial advantage of being married is that many married households get the benefit of having two incomes. You get two people helping each other take care of the everyday expenses of life.Two incomes can provide double financial benefits to your marriage. First, you may be able to afford a better home by doubling your budget for rent or a mortgage payment. Second, you can double down on decreasing debt and reaching other financial goals.You might even discover that working together as a married couple can help you get energized and focused on reaching your biggest financial goals. What if you want to boost your credit score, move to a new city, take a dream vacation, and more? As a married couple working as a team, with two times (or more) the income that you used to have as a single person, all of these goals are hopefully within reach.Marriage Can Get You Talking About Money and MoreAccording to previous survey data from the Pew Research Center, married couples tend to have a more positive view of their relationship than couples who just live together. There may be something about being married that makes people a little more connected and hopeful about the future. This more optimistic outlook can jump-start a pattern of open communication about money. Planning together for a debt payoff strategy or starting an emergency fund can help you stick to your financial goals.Hopefully, you’ll find that it’s exciting, inspiring, and healing to open up about your finances with your partner. You’re building a new life together and sharing your resources. Combining your bank accounts and credit histories builds trust and communication. Together, you can decide how to manage your finances in a way that helps you both get more of what you want out of life.Here are a few questions to spark a conversation about money as a couple:Should you try to live off one income and save the other?What should you do about paying off any remaining student loans?Do either of you have credit card debt, and how soon can you pay it off? Who’s responsible for what?What if you want to open a new credit card—should you add the other spouse as an authorized user?Would it make sense to use one income for paying off debts or dealing with big bills like a mortgage, and the other for normal living expenses like food and entertainment?How much money should each person be able to devote to shared expenses, and how much should each person spend on their own hobbies, clothes, cars, and personal interests?What are some big dreams and life goals that you want to save for together, like vacations, new cars, buying a home, and retirement? Health Insurance CoverageBeing married could make it easier to handle the costs of health insurance and out-of-pocket medical bills. Marriage could inspire you to take better care of your health and the health of your spouse. If your spouse has better health insurance through their job than your current insurance, find out if you can get added to their plan. You might find that paying for a shared family health insurance plan’s premium is cheaper than paying for two separate premiums as single people.Managing your money as a married couple can also make it easier to save extra cash in a health savings account (HSA). If you qualify for an HSA through your health insurance plan, you can use this account to save for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars. A wide range of qualified medical expenses and out-of-pocket costs, like hospital bills, contact lenses, or cavity fillings, can be paid for with your HSA debit card. Ask your employer if this is a covered benefit.Retirement Benefits in a MarriageWhat’s better than one retirement nest egg? Two retirement nest eggs. You and your spouse can work together to max out your retirement benefits. You might look at the details of each person’s employer-sponsored retirement plan and figure out which one is the best. For example, make sure each spouse takes advantage of any employer match in a 401(k).In addition to employer-sponsored retirement plans, look for ways to contribute to an individual retirement account (traditional or Roth) and get tax advantages. Being a married couple with two incomes may mean you can put more money to work and build wealth for your shared future together.So, Is Marriage Good for Your Financial Health?Even though there are many financial advantages to marriage, most everyone gets hitched for reasons beyond the retirement savings and the tax breaks. Getting married is about love, commitment, and trust. It’s about all the everyday moments and the sometimes mundane work of running a home and building a life. Marriage can be hard, but most long-time married people will also tell you that with the right person, marriage is worth the effort.As you build loving memories, hopefully you’ll also build healthy financial habits and grow your wealth as you grow together.This story was produced by Freedom Debt Relief and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	In prisons and jails, a lack of sleep may harm health and safety An outdoor recreation and gathering space at the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia, Mo. Sleep disruption is common in U.S. prisons and jails, according to a new report from the Prison and Jail Innovation Lab at the University of Texas at Austin. (Photo by Amanda Watford/Stateline)For many incarcerated people, getting a full night’s sleep is almost impossible. Bright lights, loud noise, overnight head counts, early morning meals and other routine features of prison and jail operations can make restorative sleep nearly impossible, according to a new report from researchers at the Prison and Jail Innovation Lab at the University of Texas at Austin. The report’s authors argue that chronic sleep disruption is a widespread but often overlooked feature of incarceration that may affect physical and mental health, increase tensions inside facilities and create challenges that persist long after release. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, weakened immune function, depression, anxiety and cognitive impairment. But a lack of sleep isn’t just a question of the health and comfort of people who are incarcerated; sleep loss also may contribute to interpersonal conflict and behavioral problems, increasing the risks for prison staff. “People who are chronically exhausted are more likely to struggle emotionally, physically and behaviorally,” Michele Deitch, director of the Prison and Jail Innovation Lab and co-author of the report, said in a news release. “If corrections leaders want safer and more stable facilities, finding ways to improve sleep conditions must become part of the conversation.” Many of the conditions that interfere with sleep are avoidable, according to the researchers, and could be addressed through changes in policy and operations that local or state corrections systems may want to consider. Extreme heat in prisons brings more legal challenges, pressure on states Among the recommendations in the report are reducing unnecessary nighttime disruptions, redesigning overnight count procedures to avoid waking people, improving mattresses and bedding, reducing noise and excessive lighting, maintaining more stable temperatures and increasing opportunities for daytime activity that support healthier sleep cycles. The report also suggests providing eye masks and ear plugs, improving meal timing and keeping people more active during the day to help regulate sleep patterns. “Sleep is a basic biological necessity, not a luxury,” Alycia Welch, associate director of the Prison and Jail Innovation Lab and lead author of the report, said in a news release. “Yet in prisons and jails across the country, people are routinely subjected to conditions that make restorative sleep nearly impossible.” The report draws on scientific research, reports from correctional oversight bodies, and accounts from currently and formerly incarcerated people and corrections officials to examine how institutional routines shape sleep in custody. The report’s authors found that sleep is often interrupted by a combination of environmental conditions and operational practices. Thin mattresses, constant lighting, uncomfortable temperatures and persistent noise can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Routine activities such as medication distribution and early wake-up schedules can further fragment rest. In some facilities, incarcerated people reported receiving medication as early as 2:30 a.m. and breakfast around 4 a.m., according to the report. The researchers also found that limited access to exercise, programming, social interaction and outdoor time can disrupt healthy sleep-wake cycles. Stress and anxiety, researchers say, can further prevent restorative sleep even when opportunities to rest exist. Prison abuse, deaths and escapes prompt calls for more oversight Certain groups of people, including older adults, women and people with physical or mental health conditions, may be especially vulnerable and affected in different ways. Formerly incarcerated people interviewed for the report also described ongoing sleep problems and difficulties reestablishing healthy sleep patterns after returning to their communities. The authors argue that because many sleep-disrupting conditions stem from operational choices, they could be adjusted without compromising safety and security — a point they say may be of interest to state and local corrections agencies considering facility changes or cost-saving measures that could also reduce instability and tension, and promote healthier incarcerated populations. Stateline reporter Amanda Watford can be reached at awatford@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Stateline
	Japan reactor restart sparks fresh fears over nuclear waste storage The reboot highlights a dire problem for the country's nuclear program. Japan is running out of space to store spent nuclear fuel and lacks plans for radioactive waste disposal.
	74% of employees say financial stress has impacted their mental health. What can employers do to help? 74% of employees say financial stress has impacted their mental health. What can employers do to help?According to research for Spring Health’s 2026 Workplace Mental Health Annual Report, 74% of employees say financial stress has impacted their mental health.This isn't a fringe issue. And it's not just about compensation.Employee financial stress can create productivity and presenteeism for organizations while leading to employee burnout, sleep issues, and more for employees. And it can affect a wide swath of the employee population, no matter how much they’re paid.This is an organizational performance risk worth every organization’s attention.What is employee financial stress?Employee financial stress is the ongoing cognitive and emotional strain caused by debt, caregiving costs, housing and inflation pressures, income insecurity, and unpredictable expenses. Spring Health's research found that 59% of employees say their financial stress has increased over the past five years.From a clinical perspective, stress intensifies when people feel a lack of control. When employees believe their financial situation is uncontrollable, stress shifts from temporary to chronic. That chronic stress alters sleep, increases anxiety, impacts decision-making, and amplifies relational strain.How financial stress shows up at workFinancial stress rarely stays at home. It follows employees into meetings, inboxes, and decision cycles.Presenteeism: Employees may be physically present but mentally preoccupied. Ongoing worry about bills, debt, or caregiving costs consumes cognitive bandwidth. Over time, this “always-on” background stress leads to slower decision-making, reduced creativity, diminished focus, and sustained performance drag, even if attendance remains steady.Sleep disruption: Financial worry is a common driver of sleep issues, which was the top mental health challenge identified by employees in Spring Health’s survey. When someone experiences difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, mood regulation declines, focus narrows, and stress tolerance drops. The longer poor sleep persists, the more other symptoms escalate.Burnout acceleration: Chronic financial stress doesn’t just coexist with burnout. It compounds it. Employees already managing heavy workloads or caregiving responsibilities are more likely to feel emotionally drained when financial uncertainty is layered on top. What begins as worry can quickly become exhaustion.Productivity erosion: Over time, the combined impact of cognitive strain, poor sleep, and emotional depletion shows up in missed deadlines, reduced engagement or increased isolation, and a higher risk of leaves of absence. Financial stress becomes not just a personal burden, but a workforce stability issue.Populations that are vulnerable to financial stressInterestingly, household income seems to play very little role when examining the impact of financial stress. Coincidentally, within Spring Health’s research among U.S. employees, the same percentage responded saying they experienced financial stress with household incomes under $50,000 as did those whose household incomes were at least $150,000.Within Spring Health’s research, the following employee segments were among the highest reporting that financial stress was affecting their mental health:86% of respondents in the technology industry79% of respondents in the finance industry82% of all employees under the age of 4586% of respondents in India83% of respondents in MexicoWhy traditional EAP models fall shortTraditional EAPs often offer generic financial articles, provide short-term counseling without specialization, lack tailored provider matching, and require employees to self-navigate complex systems.Here's the clinical reality: If someone struggling with financial stress is matched to a provider who doesn't specialize in economic anxiety, debt-related shame, relationship strain tied to finances, or caregiving financial pressure, they're less likely to engage. Wrong-fit care drives drop-off.What helps? A precision-based approach to financial stress1. Early identification through quick assessmentMental health stigma is real. That’s why leading employers offer brief, clinically validated assessments that identify financial stress as a driver of anxiety or depression early. This prevents escalation into employee burnout, leave of absence, and crisis intervention.2. Personalized provider matchingThis is critical. Employees facing financial stress need providers who specialize in financial anxiety, stress tied to debt or economic instability, relationship strain connected to money, caregiver-related financial overwhelm, and high-acuity conditions that financial stress may exacerbate.Provider matching matters. If a female employee struggling with financial stress and food insecurity is sent to a provider whose background or specialty is unrelated (such as substance use in a different population), engagement drops. Precision matching increases trust, follow-through, and symptom improvement.Among employees who said financial stress was impacting their mental health, 58% said in Spring Health’s survey that they had met with a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, in the past year.3. Integrated financial guidance and mental healthcareFinancial stress is both practical and emotional. Support should include:Budgeting or financial navigation resourcesWork-life financial servicesTherapy with clinicians trained in financial stress dynamicsCoaching for habit and resilience buildingRetirement-planning coaching and resources4. Reducing friction with a single front doorFinancial stress already creates cognitive overload. If accessing help requires multiple phone calls, searching portals, and explaining your situation repeatedly, engagement drops.Leading employers provide one clear starting point, route employees to appropriate care quickly, and coordinate paperwork and administrative burden. This restores a sense of control.What leading employers are doing differentlyThey track financial stress as a workforce risk signal. They move beyond generic EAPs. They invest in precision mental healthcare with measurement-based outcomes. They choose AI-native mental health solutions that match employees to providers who specialize in their needs.They treat financial stress as an upstream risk, not a downstream crisis.And the proof is in the data. In Spring Health’s survey, employees who said they lacked access to adequate mental health support from their employer were 52% more likely to say they experienced financial stress.Employees can't control inflation, market shifts, debt obligations, or caregiving costs. But employers can control whether:Financial support is easy to accessProvider matching is thoughtful and specializedEmployees feel guided or left to navigate aloneEmployee financial stress may be unavoidable. But unmanaged financial stress doesn't have to be.This story was produced by Spring Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What happens when a town governs from the future? What happens when a town governs from the future?When Mikiko was first asked to envision herself in the year 2060, she was skeptical. The instructions were clear: Imagine you could time travel 40 years into the future of Yahaba Town and live there at your present age. Then, provide ideas for policies that should be implemented now that would represent the interests of that generation. As a 40-something-year-old woman who’d lived in the charming Japanese town for a decade, Mikiko didn’t see anything wrong with the way things were currently, and she couldn’t imagine she’d have any issue with it 40 years down the line, either.A young woman about two decades her junior changed her mind. The woman expressed dissatisfaction with the way things were and a desire for a better tomorrow, which reminded Mikiko of her own decision to leave home at a young age. Mikiko wanted Yahaba Town to be different—a place where young people wanted to stay and build. After some discussion, she reconsidered her vision for the town’s future. Maybe things needed to change, after all.Gathered in a small room at Yahaba Town Hall, Mikiko, the young woman, and a handful of other local citizens of disparate ages had agreed to engage in these imaginative discussions as a part of a budding new movement called Future Design. As members of the inaugural Future Design workshop, participants like Mikiko were later interviewed about their experience in a study published by researchers Yoshinori Nakagawa and Tatsuyoshi Saijo (interviewee last names were omitted).While Mikiko and her groupmates mentally stepped into the future, a separate intergenerational bunch inside the town hall had been tasked with discussing and designing their own set of policies—but as their current-day selves. After months of ongoing conversation, the two groups of Yahaba Town locals came together in a debate—future versus present—to share their ideas on topics like climate change, infrastructure, and healthcare investment.This is the crux of the Future Design framework, which Atmos explores in this article. Proposed by Japanese economist Saijo, the methodology uses these roleplay exercises to address our disregard for the well-being of forthcoming generations. Indigenous “seventh-generation” traditions have long championed thinking in this way, formally considering those who will inherit the world up to seven generations from the present in their major decision-making discussions. Inspired by this method, Saijo designed his own experiment where the future and present would negotiate with one another, finding that those in the imaginary future group consistently invested in the future at higher rates.In a politically chaotic and short-sighted world, considering the priorities of future people could offer a more holistic path forward for governance at the local, federal, and international levels.World leaders should embrace this framework the most, says Future Design Consortium founder and neuroscientist Dr. Tsuyoshi Okamoto. In reality, however, such an unconventional idea might struggle to gain traction in a group known to change slowly.“That’s why I’ve focused on engaging young people—those who are likely to become the leaders of tomorrow,” Okamoto said. “By experiencing Future Design early on, they can begin to develop habits of thinking and acting for a better future society.”Okamoto is an associate professor at Kyushu University, where a Future Design-based course is now part of the required curriculum for approximately 2,700 first-year undergraduate students. It’s believed to be the largest implementation of Future Design education in the world.During class, students are asked to vividly imagine what daily life would be like in the future and to describe it using present-tense, definitive language. In Japan, the intense effects of climate change are already being felt through extreme heat and flooding, leading young people to envision a dystopian future, Okamoto explained. Through the Future Design process, they’re encouraged to imagine the future freely without preconceived notions, and therefore develop a genuine desire not to let this dystopian future happen.“At that point, they begin to see the issue as personal, and start to seriously consider what actions are truly necessary. I believe that the more people who carry that mindset—and can turn it into action—the more our society will begin to change for the better.”Okamoto has gone so far as to test brain activity on those engaging with Future Design-style thinking. His preliminary observations suggest a trend: Future Design participants tend to make more sustainable decisions, which is reflected in corresponding changes to their brainwave patterns. The Future Design methodology doesn’t require any major conscious psychological shifts in the participant; rather, participants experience a shift naturally by fully embracing the act of roleplaying.Young people tend to be more enthusiastic and open to this, although both Okamoto and Saijo acknowledge a gap in imaginative capacity between them and older generations. A lack of life experience can prevent younger generations from being able to see how dramatically things could change in just a few decades; whereas older people can activate the same part of the brain used to think about their storied pasts to envision a more expansive future.Both perspectives are necessary for change, which is why intergenerational dialogue is a key tenet of the Future Design methodology.Five thousand miles away in the Bay Area, California, climate activists Jayden Wan, 17, and Clint Wilkins, 79, have fully embraced this form of collaboration.Wan and Wilkins have been working together for the past two years on Future Design workshops, materials, and training. As a duo that is feeling their way to solutions, they’ve gained traction in their charge to spread the Future Design framework and help people connect with the generations that are alive today, while taking into account the generations that are on their way.“We are combining our strengths and forgoing our weaknesses for the sake of a better future. That’s something that I can get on board with, and that I also want my peers to get on board with,” said Wan.There are three main generational buckets Wan and Wilkins categorize people in: youth, midlifers, and elders. As Wilkins explained, each generation has an essential role to play: “We elders are the conveners, the midlifers can actually get things done, and the youth are kind of justice-seekers in training.”Last year, with the help of climate organization Elders Action Network, the two were able to gather 56 people of various ages and disciplines—ranging from local elected officials to high school students—for an official Future Design retreat. They discussed a real California ballot measure that was up for a vote: Prop 4, which proposed authorizing a $10 billion bond for climate spending in the state. Participants followed the present versus future role play framework, splitting into intergenerational groups and negotiating how much money should be invested into mitigating future climate change events.The most common feedback from the retreat was in praise of the intergenerational structure: Participants felt as though it was a safe environment for everyone to share their thoughts and perspectives, regardless of age. This sort of solidarity across generations is precisely what Wan and Wilkins believe will cultivate empathy for unseen future generations as well as encourage government officials to recognize that safeguarding the future is popular among all ages.“The idea we’re trying to manifest is that if we bring together the youth, the elders, and the folks in between, and get them all in a room, advocating for the same policies, it can really make a difference when it comes to how decision-makers perceive their own policies,” Wan said.Back in Yahaba Town, where the first-ever Future Design workshops were held, these strategies have paid off. The mayor officially declared it a Future Design Town in 2018, and subsequently formed a Future Division, where members design the present from the perspective of the future. Currently, over 80% of the town’s policies are made by citizens who’ve become Future Designers. Now, when Mikiko walks through the charming streets, she tends to look a bit closer at what the town might need for its future to flourish.Redesigning and transforming governance in a way that considers our future kin might seem like an uphill battle. After all, empathy for those rendered invisible—whether it’s marginalized peoples, nonhuman entities, or future generations—seems to be constantly sacrificed for self-satisfaction. Still, love for the next generations remains the number one motivator for support of climate action, whether those actions are implemented by policymakers or not.There’s no denying that the stakes are high. Perhaps with a new political design, the future could be seen more clearly—enough to give its beings a fair shot to continue to protect the Earth, pass the torch forward, and look back to tell their ancestors, “Thank you.”This story was produced by Atmos and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Pay It Forward \| Providing support for Parkinson's disease Step inside the Knox County YMCA, and people may pass by a group called "Rock Steady," an organization geared towards patients with Parkinson's.
	East Moline residents recover following strong storm system Across our viewing area, residents were hit by multiple rounds of strong winds and severe rain.
	Rock Island-Milan promotes Washington dean to assistant principal She has been the dean at Washington Junior High School for the past year.
	Davenport City Council approves new agreement with Humane Society of Scott County The one-year contract will have the humane society providing the city's animal protection and shelter services.
	Geiss bills would regulate human milk banks, expand access to donor milk Sen Erika Geiss (D-Taylor). Jun 10, 2026 \| Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan AdvanceCarrying forward more than a decade of work beginning with her time in the Michigan House of Representatives, state Sen. Erika Geiss presented and took questions from colleagues on a series of policies setting standards for human milk banks. Milk banks store pasteurized breast milk donated by nursing mothers to assist moms and babies in need. “The infants who rely on donor human milk are some of our most vulnerable residents,” Geiss, a Democrat from Taylor, told members of the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee on Wednesday. “Some of these residents are infants in NICU – neonatal intensive care unit – who may have premature birth-related issues, such as immature digestive systems, an immature gut barrier, immune vulnerability, necrotizing enterocolitis, the inability to breastfeed directly, or moms whose milk was yet to come in, just to name a few.” Additionally, there are a variety of reasons why mothers may not be able to supply their own breast milk, Geiss noted. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Geiss’ Senate Bills 724, 725 and 726 would establish operational guidelines for hospital and human milk banks, allow Medicaid reimbursement for families prescribed breast milk for infants up to two years of age and set legal penalties for hospitals and milk banks that knowingly provide adulterated or raw human milk. Isha Johnson, program director for the Black Mothers Breast Feeding Association, offered support for Geiss’s legislation, noting that access to donor milk is a critical resource in their organization’s mission to reduce racial disparities around breastfeeding resources for women in the Detroit area. “Families shouldn’t have to navigate these challenges alone,” Johnson said. “Safe, accessible donor milk can provide a really wonderful bridge to just, difficult circumstances, and just helps parents meet the need of their feeding goals and ensuring that our babies receive the nutrition that they need.” Sam Champagne and Erin McGreal-Miller of Henry Ford Health testify in support of legislation creating standards for human milk banks in Michigan. Jun 10, 2026 \| Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance Erin McGreal-Miller, the manager of the milk bank at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, explained that for low birth-weight infants, breast milk is not just the best option for their nutrition, it can be lifesaving. “Human milk is a critical preventive strategy for necrotizing enterocolitis, also known as NEC, an intestinal disease of primarily preterm infants that, when not deadly, significantly increases risk of neurodevelopmental disability, recurrent infections and recurrent hospitalizations,” McGreal-Miller said, noting that pasteurized donor milk is the next best option to protect against NEC when their mother’s milk is not available. When asked how the hospital is compensated for donor milk provided in inpatient and outpatient settings, McGreal-Miller said most of the milk they supply to hospitals is paid out-of-pocket and charged as part of a room fee. For outpatients receiving milk, they either pay themselves, or the hospital donates the milk, she explained. While the hospital’s ability to provide outpatients with donor milk is limited on their supply, McGreal-Miller said Geiss’ legislation would allow the milk bank to expand its operations by providing another avenue for assistance in paying for milk. The committee adjourned without voting on the bills. Courtesy of Michigan Advance
	Greetings from a Seoul museum, where Buddhist masterpieces offer calm away from city bustle The National Museum of Korea is home to the Room of Quiet Contemplation, which features two of South Korea's most treasured artworks: gilt-bronze bodhisattva statues from the 6th and 7th centuries.
	6 reasons to choose new construction over existing properties (BPT) - The housing market changes by the day, creating both challenges and new opportunities for buyers navigating today's uncertainty. Amid this fluctuating landscape, newly constructed homes are rapidly gaining traction as a smarter alternative to resale properties. With competitive pricing, modern features and minimal surprises, these homes are reshaping perceptions of what is affordable and attainable.Here's why an increasing number of buyers — from first-timers to luxury seekers — are prioritizing new builds over previously owned options.1. Builder incentives are closing the price gapThe generalized notion that new construction costs significantly more than resale homes doesn't consider all factors. Today's housing market offers a range of value-driven opportunities that help make new construction more attainable, from reduced mortgage rates to lower closing costs. Builders like Century Communities are streamlining the homebuying process, making new homes a smart investment with modern features, energy efficiency and fewer unforeseen expenses, all while delivering lasting value for years to come."These financial advantages often lower closing costs and reduce monthly payments, making new construction competitive with, or even more affordable than, resale homes once you factor in the mortgage and any immediate repair costs older homes typically require," said Jim Francescon, an executive at Century Communities. "As a rule of thumb, resale homeowners should expect to set aside 1% to 4% of their home's value annually for repairs and maintenance — on a $400,000 home, that's up to $16,000 per year. With a new build, builder warranties and modern systems can significantly reduce these costs, offering buyers considerable savings in the early years of ownership."According to the National Association of Home Builders, 64% of builders offered sales incentives and 37% cut prices in 2025. Other financial benefits builders may offer include lower closing costs and reduced interest rates, making homeownership more affordable.2. Skip the bidding wars and costly surprisesResale homes often come with competition and unexpected expenses. Multiple-offer situations can drive prices above asking, while inspection reports frequently reveal costly issues: aging roofs, outdated HVAC systems, problematic plumbing or electrical work that doesn't meet current code.New construction eliminates these headaches. Everything is new, built to current standards and comes with warranties, meaning you won't face a potential $15,000 HVAC replacement or $20,000 roof repair in your first year of homeownership.3. Energy efficiency that impacts your monthly budgetToday's building codes mandate energy efficiency standards that didn't exist even a decade ago. The result? New homes feature better insulation, energy-efficient appliances and advanced window technology that significantly reduce monthly utility costs.For example, new homes from Century Communities include features like ENERGY STAR®-certified appliances, Low-E windows, WaterSense®-certified fixtures and tankless water heaters that aren't just environmentally friendly, they translate to real savings every month. Over years of homeownership, the difference between heating and cooling a new home versus an older one can amount to thousands of dollars.4. Modern layouts designed for how people actually live Resale homes often reflect outdated design trends, closed-off rooms, limited storage, smaller closets and floor plans that don't accommodate today's work-from-home reality or open-concept living preferences.New construction from homebuilders like Century Communities offers layouts tailored to contemporary lifestyles, with flexible spaces, home office options and — depending on the stage of construction — the ability to customize finishes, colors and fixtures before you move in. No need to live with someone else's choices or spend additional money renovating.5. Warranty protection and peace of mindNew homes typically come with builder warranties covering structural elements and major systems, protection rarely available with resale properties. This coverage reduces the stress and financial risk of unexpected failures during your first years of homeownership.6. The market advantageWhile personal preferences vary, the current market conditions make new construction particularly appealing. The combination of builder incentives, modern efficiency standards and move-in-ready quality is creating value that's hard to match in the resale market.For buyers weighing their options, new construction deserves serious consideration — not just as the premium choice, but as the practical one. To learn more about the advantages of buying a new build and to explore a range of high-quality homes at various prices, visit CenturyCommunities.com.
	Geneseo faces three options with out of service wind turbine The city faces three options: replacing the generator, decommissioning the turbine or repowering with a new turbine that would potentially produce more energy.
	Davenport approves solar farm ordinance; land purchase for future animal shelter Under the rules approved by the city council Wednesday night, solar will be limited to just industrial and agricultural zoned land, with further location limitations as well.
	5 things to know about the $10 billion-dollar data center campus proposal near Clinton A proposed data center campus near Clinton is drawing sharp debate. Here are five key things to know about the project, the concerns and what's next.
	More severe storms Thursday Severe weather is possible this morning across the Quad Cities area from storms moving out of Nebraska and western Iowa. More widespread severe weather is likely this afternoon. After a few more warm days, cooler weather settles in late weekend into early next week. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	A look at Wednesday's strong to severe storms Several tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued Wednesday afternoon and evening for the Quad Cities area. We had many reports of strong, damaging winds and very heavy rain. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	5 things to know about pesticides, cancer and a pending Supreme Court ruling Photo by Getty Imags. This analysis was originally published by Investigate Midwest. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule next month on whether lawsuits can be brought against pesticide and herbicide makers over claims their products have caused cancer. The court heard arguments in the case in April, and the justices appeared split. With a ruling weeks away, here are five things to know about the topic of pesticide use and cancer. 1. Geographic correlation between heavy pesticide use and high cancer rates Numerous studies and an analysis of federal data have shown a potential correlation between pesticide use and cancer. Out of the 500 U.S. counties with the highest pesticide use per square mile (largely concentrated in corn, soybean and fruit-producing states like Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, California and Florida), 60% have cancer rates higher than the national average of 460 cases per 100,000 people. A 2024 study in Frontiers in Cancer Control and Society suggests the impact of pesticide use on cancer incidence may rival that of smoking. 2. Thousands of lawsuits have been won against agrichemical companies State courts have also found that correlation credible, as Bayer, the maker of the herbicide Roundup, has lost thousands of cases and agreed to pay more than $12 billion in settlements, including individual jury verdicts such as an initial $2 billion award in California and a recent $1.25 million verdict in Missouri. According to the company, more than 65,000 lawsuits have been filed by farmers, gardeners and other users alleging the chemical caused their cancer. 3. Companies push for ‘liability shields’ In response to these lawsuits, agrichemical companies have aggressively lobbied for state-level bans on this type of litigation. Often referred to as “liability shield” laws, they would essentially say that because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has not warned of a link to cancer, state-level claims would be void. Georgia and North Dakota are the only two states that have passed these liability shield laws. 4. The Trump administration has largely sided with pesticide makers The push for stricter pesticide regulation has created unusual alliances between left-leaning environmentalists and conservative health advocates under the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) banner. After an initial Health and Human Services report linked pesticide overuse to childhood health issues, the agency’s final report last year walked back all regulatory calls and instead pivoted to promote public confidence in current EPA standards. President Trump also signed an executive order this year declaring glyphosate critical to national security, and his administration actively sided with Bayer during oral arguments before the Supreme Court. In April, MAHA activists celebrated a win after the House voted to remove a pesticide industry-backed provision from its farm bill. The debate is expected to continue as the Senate drafts its own version of the farm bill. 5. Supreme Court hears arguments on national ‘liability shield’ ban In April, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in Monsanto v. Durnell, in which Monsanto (owned by Bayer) argued that because the EPA has ruled glyphosate is unlikely to be carcinogenic, federal law preempts states from requiring cancer warning labels or awarding damages through state juries. A decision is expected in July. PARSELY = { autotrack: false, onload: function() { PARSELY.beacon.trackPageView({ url: "https://investigatemidwest.org/2026/06/03/five-things-to-know-about-pesticides-cancer-and-a-pending-supreme-court-ruling/", urlref: window.location.href }); } } Courtesy of Minnesota Reformer
	Report says NJ food stamp spending benefits families, stores, economy A study from Montclair State University qualifies how New Jersey's investment in sustaining minimum food stamp benefit pays off for families, local stores, and the economy. (Photo by New Jersey Monitor)New Jersey’s investment in food stamp benefits has paid off in multiple ways, reducing families’ stress, boosting revenue at grocery stores, and generating economic activity that surpasses taxpayer investment, according to a report released this week. Researchers at Montclair State University sought to measure the impact of the state’s commitment of nearly $60 million from March 2023 through May 2025 to sustain a minimum food stamp benefit of $95 a week after the federal government reduced its contribution to the program, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. What they found is nearly 40,000 households a month benefitted from the extra state spending, many located in New Jersey’s more rural counties. Many of the recipients were single, female, spoke English, and worked outside the home, according to the report. The study was commissioned by the state Department of Human Services, which oversees the food stamp program. Overall, this investment prompted some $33 million in direct spending and generated an estimated $93 million in economic activity over the two-year period, the Montclair university’s Center for Research and Evaluation on Education and Human Services found. Of those receiving the $95 monthly minimum food benefit , 8 in 10 said it was “very” or “extremely” important to their survival. Thousands of NJ residents face food stamp cuts under new federal rules Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha, who has warned of the impact other planned federal funding cuts could have on New Jersey’s food stamp system, called it a lifeline for families. In all, nearly 400,000 households receive food stamps here, with the average monthly benefit of $194. “This report reinforces what we already know: SNAP helps people in need by improving access to nutritious food and easing financial strain. It also supports local economies by driving broader economic activity in communities,” Cha said in a statement. Gov. Mikie Sherrill has called for the state to commit an extra $71 million in the coming fiscal year to cover the loss of federal support for administering the program, money that pays for county social service offices to enroll people in the program. Her budget proposal, which lawmakers must finalize by July 1, also includes $30.2 million to sustain the $95 minimum benefit. “As food prices continue to rise, we’re glad to provide individuals and families with a monthly benefit that helps them stretch their dollars and meet their food needs throughout the month,” said Natasha Johnson, an assistant human services commissioner. The Biden administration dialed back federal support for the food stamp program in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting officials in New Jersey and some other states to cover the gap starting in 2023. Under President Trump, food stamp benefits were held up last fall during a lengthy government shutdown. While the program has since restarted, future funding cuts and new rules requiring many beneficiaries to document that they are working, volunteering, or in school are expected to force some 47,000 residents out of the program, Cha has warned. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of New Jersey Monitor
	Idaho farmers are hoping Congress can get updated farm bill across finish line Idaho farmers are hoping Congress will pass an updated farm bill to update safety-net, conservation, financing and other programs. The bill was passed by the U.S. House and is under consideration in the U.S. Senate. (Kirsten Strough / USDA)Many of Idaho’s farmers and producers are dealing with skyrocketing costs to do business, but many of the nation’s support systems for them are outdated. “We have pressure from the cost of fertilizer, the increased cost of fuels, the effects of tariffs on equipment and parts that we need to buy for our operations, and at the same time, the prices that we receive … it hasn’t increased in line with the cost of production,” said Jamie Kress, an East Idaho dryland farmer and president of the National Association of Wheat Growers. Kress and other members of Idaho’s agricultural industry are advocating for Congress to approve an updated farm bill — a massive piece of federal legislation that addresses policies such as food assistance like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, low-interest farm loans, crop insurance, research, conservation programs, and rural development. Idaho adds requirements for animal entry in response to U.S. New World screwworm cases The 2026 bill re-authorizes or increases funding for some of these programs, such as assistance for farmers like crop loss programs and financial assistance for purchasing agricultural lands and incentives for conservation programs. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a 2026 farm bill, which would update the policies and extend them for five years. Idaho’s Republican U.S. Reps. Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher voted in favor of the updated bill, which passed in a 224-200 vote at the end of April. It’s now under consideration in the U.S. Senate. “I regularly hear from farmers, ranchers, and producers in Idaho, and their main concern over the years has been when Congress will reauthorize the Farm Bill,” Simpson said in an emailed statement. “Thanks to a Republican White House, Senate, and House, we have officially delivered on our promise to provide certainty to those who feed our nation. While this legislation supports and invests in our rural communities, it also strengthens our national security by protecting our domestic food supply.” The last major update to the bill was in 2018, and had typically been updated every five years. In recent years, Congress has approved short-term extensions. “The biggest challenge of operating in an outdated farm bill is just uncertainty in agriculture,” Kress said. “A lot of our decisions are very forward-looking. There’s very little that we do in an impulsive manner, or just thinking about tomorrow … so that not knowing what parameters we’ll be operating under long-term is really difficult.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. What changes are Idaho farmers hoping to see in the updated bill? The 976-page bill approved by the House touches many different agricultural programs, as well as others, such as rural broadband access and telemedicine access. Braden Jensen, governmental affairs director at the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, said the organization appreciates the broad spectrum of provisions in the bill because they cover Idaho’s broad spectrum of agricultural products. “We recognize that Idaho agriculture is very diverse, growing everything from potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, our hay, our dairy products, cattle, specialty crops, we have a little bit of everything,” Jensen said. “So because of that diversity, really all these different titles in the farm bill matter to our producers.” Jensen said the new bill added specialty crops, such as hops, seed crops and potatoes, to risk management programs. Additionally the bill increases borrowing limits on special agricultural loans to reflect increasing costs to expand or start new operations, he said. Kress, the wheat grower, also highlighted the funding of a program to create and expand export markets outside the U.S., and another that allows groups to share the costs of overseas marketing and promotional activities. Idaho’s cattle industry driving record-high cash in 2025, other farmers struggling under inflation In 2025, Idaho agriculture exports generated about $3 billion in receipts, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. Most of Idaho’s exports go to Canada and Mexico. Idaho wheat growers export roughly half the state’s annual wheat production, Kress said. The Gem State typically ranks in the top 5 in the nation for wheat production. “The trade title (of the farm bill) is very important to our industry,” Kress said. She also highlighted that the bill not only important to the industry, but also consumers of American food products. “This framework gives us what we need to continue to compete at a very high level,” Kress said, “but then that also ensures then that the American people always have a steady supply of food on our shores.” Some program changes, such as to SNAP, already approved in ‘Big Beautiful’ law last summer Some of the items that are typically included in the farm bill were addressed last summer in the major tax-and-spending package dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” SNAP, also known as food stamps, is one of the largest portions of the spending bill. More than 123,000 Idahoans receive food assistance through SNAP, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The budget package reduced the federal share of costs to administer SNAP, which will raise the costs for states, and extended work requirements under the program to more groups of people who were previously exempt. The farm bill maintains these cuts to SNAP, which drew opposition from many Democrats, the States Newsroom reported. Fulcher, one of Idaho’s congressmen, wrote in the Idaho Capital Sun’s 2026 primary election candidate questionnaire that the farm bill’s delay had to do with disagreements about SNAP. “The reason for the lack of support has been because about 85% of the +/- $1.5 trillion in spending has been ear-marked for the SNAP (food-stamps) program,” Fulcher said. “SNAP exploded in spending during COVID, and many of us believe that needs to be drawn back to pre-COVID spending levels. That said, critical farm programs, although the minority of spending in the bill – are very important to our AG industry and they need to be supported.” The “big beautiful” law also funded some safety net programs for farmers and producers such as an expansion of crop insurance and disaster assistance, as well as some other program updates. Controversial pesticide legal immunity rejected in Idaho, also removed from farm bill Before the farm bill passed the U.S. House, it had provisions that would look familiar to Idaho state lawmakers. The bill included language that would’ve largely shielded pesticide manufacturers from allegations that chemicals in their pesticides cause cancer. In 2024 and 2025, Bayer, the company that produces the herbicide Roundup, funded a major push in the Idaho Legislature to support legislation that looked very similar to the provisions included in the farm bill. The group Modern Ag Alliance, founded by Bayer, reported more than $600,000 in lobbying expenses in 2025, according to data from the Idaho Secretary of State’s office. The Idaho Senate narrowly rejected the bill in 2024, Idaho Reports reported. In 2024, a similar bill was introduced but failed to advance out of the committee. Members of the U.S. House voted to remove the pesticide provisions shortly before approving the overall bill in late April. The amendment to strip the language came in response to opposition from Democrats as well as Republicans aligned with the “Make America Health Again,” or MAHA, movement led by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., CNBC reported. Idaho congressmen Simpson and Fulcher voted against the amendment to strip the liability language. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Idaho Capital Sun
	100 years later, Grant Wood's 'Corn Room' mural harvests new attention Conservators have restored Grant Wood's century-old 'Corn Room' mural, bringing new life to one of Sioux City's most significant works of art. The mural now anchors a new exhibition that explores Wood's legacy and the changing story of rural America.
	Tennessee health department warns parents their children will be reported to immigration officials The Tennessee Department of Health has informed parents of critically ill immigrant children it will report immigration status beginning in July. Local public health departments like the Metro Nashville Public Health Department, pictured here, administer the Children's Special Services program . (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)Pediatricians and public health care providers on Wednesday said they feared life-threatening consequences for children with critical illnesses who rely on a specialized public health care program as Tennessee moves forward with a directive to verify and report their immigration status. Letters sent by the Tennessee Department of Health warn parents that children without legal status who opt to continue to receive care through the Children’s Special Services program after June 30 will be reported to the Tennessee Department of Safety’s Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division, which shares data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. The program, accessed through local public health departments, serves as a last-resort public health insurance program for low-income kids with disabilities, kids on ventilators and kids with life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer, spina bifida, congestive heart disease and terminal illnesses. For decades, the program has served children in Tennessee regardless of immigration status. Tennessee to report disabled immigrant kids getting public healthcare to ICE, advocates say “This letter is to inform you that based on our records, due to the current immigration status of your child…if the Children’s Special Services program keeps paying for healthcare after June 30, 2026, the Tennessee Department of Health will share your child’s information to the Tennessee Department of Safety, as required by new law,” reads a template of the letter obtained by the Tennessee Lookout. The letter is signed by John Dunn, interim commissioner of the health department. The letters will reach at least 90 families in Nashville who rely on the program for healthcare, wheelchairs, in-school support and medications for their child. More families could be affected in the weeks ahead as their files are reviewed, according to Dr. Sanmi Areola, director of the Metro Nashville Public Health Department. Areola said he and his staff are “concerned and worried” about the impact of the state directive on the vulnerable children they serve. “There is no way to look at this positively on the health of participants, and obviously broadly on the health of our residents,” Dr. Areola said Wednesday. “These are some of the kids with the highest health needs, and if they don’t have access to care or if they don’t have access to medications, conceptually no good outcome will come from that.” Statewide, 4,640 children participated in the program in the 2024 fiscal year at a cost of $2.9 million, according to a state annual report. The Tennessee Department of Health has not publicly disclosed how many of these children may be impacted by new immigration verification requirements. The state health department has not responded to multiple requests from the Lookout for further details. In its letter to parents — and in a separate letter sent to healthcare providers — Dunn cited a 2026 state law that requires immigration verification of those seeking public benefits in Tennessee. 2026.06.02_CSS Letter to Patient Parents The legislation, signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee May 22, requires applicants for public benefits to provide proof of citizenship or legal immigration status only if they are at least 18 years old. The law also includes language requiring local health departments to “report individuals and all identifying information about such individuals who are not lawfully present” who receive public benefits to the state’s Centralized Immigration Enforcement Bureau. Failure to report comes with criminal penalties for public employees under the new law. Katie Richards, president and CEO of the faith-based primary healthcare provider, Siloam Health, said the directive forces parents to make an agonizing choice: keeping their children on the program risks making families an immigration enforcement target. Forgoing care to avoid a child’s information being shared with immigration enforcement officials could put their children’s lives at risk. “You are putting parents in a position where they’re having to deal with unimaginable decisions,” Richards said. “They face the risk of deportation, or risk their children’s lifesaving care.” Siloam Health, a nonprofit provider of primary healthcare that primarily serves immigrant families, refers between 20 and 50 children each year to the program, Richards said. The children Siloam have referred to the program have included those who require feeding tubes, oxygen, cancer treatments, complex seizure management and wheelchairs due to severe neuromuscular disease, she said. “For some of these children, loss of life is not a hyperbolic outcome in this scenario,” she said. Quotation You are putting parents in a position where they’re having to deal with unimaginable decisions. They face the risk of deportation, or risk their children’s lifesaving care. – Katie Richards, Siloam Health Care Dr. Jill Obremsky, a pediatrician who formerly served as medical director for rural public health clinics at the state health department, said the impact of the Children’s Special Services program goes beyond life-saving medication therapies, hospital and doctor care. “Over my 30 years of practicing in different arenas, the coordinated care like Children’s Special Services provides has really changed the trajectory of kids’ lives, allowing them to grow into adults that contribute to a community,” she said. “This has been a big shock and surprise,” she said. Staff at the Nashville public health department have been working frantically to find alternatives for families who might be impacted with little advance notice from the state about the new immigration-check directive, said Dr. Morgan McDonald, a pediatrician and internist who serves on the Nashville Board of Health. The options are limited, however. The Children’s Special Services program is a last-resort option for low-income families without Medicaid or private insurance coverage for their children’s healthcare needs. “I was on the phone with a provider over the last couple days and they were looking for home ventilators for some of these families,” said McDonald, formerly a deputy commissioner at the state health department. “There has not been much of a runway but people have been scrambling to do what they can for these kids.” McDonald also questioned the health department’s interpretation of new state law as applying to children. “I don’t think anyone wants this,” she said. “I don’t think this was the intent of the legislature. I mean, the (legislation) clearly says it applies to ‘over 18,’” she said. Efforts Wednesday to reach the Republican authors of the legislation about their intent were unsuccessful. The legislation’s sponors — Rep. Dennis Powers of Jacksboro and Sen. Ed Jackson of Jackson — did not respond to inquiries Wednesday. A spokesperson for Gov. Bill Lee did not respond to questions. McDonald noted the program, which relies on a combination of state dollars and funding from the federal government’s Maternal and Child Health block grant, is also subject to federal rules that do not require children’s immigration status to be verified. “Tennesseans don’t want this outcome,” she said. “The state health department doesn’t want this outcome. The legislature, who thought they had exempted kids from this legislation, didn’t want this outcome. These are children, many with significant medical problems, who rely on a program that’s been really the emblem of the Volunteer State for a hundred years and this can be fixed. It needs to be fixed immediately.” Tennessee Department of Health letter to healthcare providers 2026.06.02_CSS Letter to Providers SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Tennessee Lookout
	Alabama Attorney General threatens legal action against six abortion pill providers Mifepristone is one of two drugs that can be used before 10 weeks to terminate a pregnancy and to treat miscarriages. The Alabama Attorney General's Office on Tuesday threatened legal action against six companies that distribute the medication to consumers in the state that has a near-total abortion ban. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Key points The Alabama Attorney General’s Office on Tuesday threatened legal action against six companies it said were advertising or distributing medication to induce abortions, citing Alabama law that makes performing or attempting to perform an abortion a felony. The office cited a study from a conservative think tank on abortion pill complications that has drawn criticism over its methodology. A reproductive rights advocate said the letter was “an enormous commercial” for the companies. The letters were signed by Deputy Attorney General Katherine Robertson, who is competing in next week’s Republican runoff for attorney general and who has been criticized by her opponent, former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell, for accepting contributions from a man who has criticized Alabama’s near-total abortion ban. The Alabama Attorney General’s Office on Tuesday threatened legal action against six companies that it said were advertising or distributing abortion-inducing medication to Alabamians. “Alabama’s law is clear, abortion is illegal in this state. These companies are not only breaking the law, they are deceiving Alabama consumers about the very real dangers of these drugs. That stops now,” Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement. “Anyone who tries to exploit Alabamians for profit while flouting our laws will be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by law.” In doing so, the office effectively advertised where Alabamians seeking an abortion can get medication, said Robin Marty, executive director of the West Alabama Women’s Center, which provided abortion care before Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022. “As a person who is heavily involved in reproductive access for all people, I am surprised that he does not realize that what he has done has essentially provided an enormous commercial for these companies,” Marty said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Alabama’s near-total ban on abortion, passed in 2019, went into effect in 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal abortion protections in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, with exceptions for when the mother’s life is in danger. A performed or attempted abortion is a Class C felony under the ban, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, but the person seeking the abortion is not civilly or criminally liable. Marty said the Attorney General’s Office’s press release told Alabamians where they could get medication for an abortion, which is something she cannot do as a provider. “That has now improved the ability for people to find out where they can access abortion in a way that we were never able to actually let people know before, which is ironic, since we had been told that telling people where these companies were was in fact a criminal conspiracy,” she said. The cease-and-desist letters were sent to Plan C, Southern Woven, ybycmeds, Abortion Pills in Private, Red State Access and Cambridge Reproductive Health Consultants. The letters demand the companies stop all advertising, sale and delivery of abortion-inducing drugs to Alabama consumers. Failure to do so, according to the statement, will result in an investigation and potential legal action. Messages seeking comment from the companies were sent Tuesday afternoon. According to the Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA), the combination of drugs is safe to use up to 70 days of gestation. A 2015 study published by Dr. Michael Creinin, an OB-GYN at the University of California Davis Health who has researched the safety of mifepristone since studies first began in 1992, found that severe outcomes from mifepristone use requiring blood transfusion and hospitalization occurred in less than 1% of cases. Rhetoric versus reality: Facts about the abortion pill The letters from the Attorney General’s Office cite a 2025 analysis by the Ethics and Public Policy Center, a D.C.-based think tank that applies “the riches of the Jewish and Christian traditions to contemporary questions of law, culture, and politics,” found that 10.9% of women that took the medication experienced sepsis, infection or hemorrhaging within 45 days of taking it. The center partners with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative organization that brought the Dobbs case. Experts dispute that the center defines a serious adverse event the same way the FDA does, as a condition requiring hospitalization; threatens the life of a patient or causes disability and permanent damage or death. Creinin also criticized the methodology used by the center, saying in some cases it double-counted issues experienced by one patient. The letters are signed by Deputy Attorney General Katherine Robertson, who is in the Republican runoff for Attorney General. Through the campaign, Robertson’s opponent Jay Mitchell, a former Alabama Supreme Court Justice, has criticized Robertson for accepting a $150,000 donation from Hugh Culverhouse Jr., a philanthropist who donated $250,000 to Planned Parenthood Southeast in 2019. Messages seeking comment from the Robertson and Mitchell campaigns were left Wednesday afternoon. According to reporting from Alabama Daily News, the University of Alabama’s law school was once named for Culverhouse but the school parted ways after Culverhouse was critical of the state’s abortion ban. In a 2019 Wall Street Journal ad, Culverhouse called for a boycott of the state because of the “unconstitutional and barbaric law.” The Attorney General’s Office on Wednesday joined 13 other states in a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling for tighter controls on mifepristone. Marshall said in a statement that as medical waste from the medication is discarded, it contaminates drinking water. “There is a booming black-market for drug-inducing abortions operating completely outside of lawful medical oversight, and it has created a serious public health crisis. This is not just for those obtaining and using these illegal and dangerous drugs,” Marshall said. Multiple states have considered legislation to create environmental restrictions around the drug or bills requiring providers to instruct patients to collect fetal tissue in medical waste kits and return it to the provider rather than flush it. The EPA may also conduct a review that could be used to restrict access in the future. In 1996, the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research issued a finding of no significant impact on the water supply from mifepristone. Marty said that while the press release helped patients in a way that providers legally cannot, the state is focused on the wrong things when it comes to women’s health. Alabama infant mortality rate improves, but remains higher than national average “They’re not doing anything to improve health care access for the people who are not getting abortions. There have been no moves to improve maternal health care in this state. There has been no moves to improve access or provide more support for contraception in this state,” she said. “At this point it seems that they are far more interested in making sure that nobody is able to access a safe abortion than they are making sure that our hospitals are not letting Black women die in childbirth.” According to state data for 2020-2021, the maternal mortality rate for white mothers was 28.2 deaths per 100,000 live births. The maternal mortality rate for Black mothers was 77 deaths per 100,000 live births. Only 30% of Alabama’s rural hospitals have labor and delivery units, leaving many expectant parents to drive long distances for care. Providence Hospital in Mobile announced on May 14 that it is closing its labor and delivery unit this summer. Key points box was written by Editor Brian Lyman. Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	Meredosia This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Had the Illinois Department of Transportation been better historians, they never would have tangled with the women of…
	Trump's pick for intel chief could imperil a key U.S. spy tool. Who is Bill Pulte? Pulte's appointment has scrambled talks to renew a spy tool known as FISA 702, as lawmakers in both parties have been vocal about his lack of national security experience and role as a Trump loyalist.
	SpaceX is poised for blastoff with an IPO likely to break records Elon Musk's rocket company, recently merged with xAI, is aiming to raise $75 billion in its initial public stock offering. It's the first of a trio of mega-IPOs from AI companies expected this year.
	880K Honda vehicles recalled; drivers could lose control due to faulty parts The vehicles were sold in 22 states and the District of Columbia.
	Cook review: 'Lurker' gets under your skin with its perspective on celebrity, hangers-on What would you do to grab onto the coattails of a rising star? That's the question that "Lurker" answers. Matthew (Theodore Pellerin) works in a Los Angeles boutique where celebrities occasionally shop. Oliver (Archie Madekwe, who also appeared in "Saltburn," which has similar themes) is an up-and-coming musician - Matthew recognizes him the second he [...]
	Amnesty accuses Israel's government of 'ethnic cleansing' of West Bank Palestinians The London-based rights group says the Israeli government is deliberately trying to annex the Palestinian territory.
	Police blast water cannons at protesters amid unrest over stabbing in Belfast Protesters in Northern Ireland set small fires and hurled bricks and bottles at the police during a second night of violence over a stabbing in Belfast. The incident sparked anti-immigrant violence.
	Knicks rally from 29 points down and beat Spurs for 3-1 NBA Finals lead The New York Knicks made a record comeback from 29 points down and moved to the brink of their first championship since 1973 by beating the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 on Wednesday night.
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
	Feds order a Florida power plant to keep burning dirty coal The Orlando Utilities Commission was on the verge of shutting down its 39-year-old coal-fired power plant at the Stanton Energy Center when Energy Secretary Chris Wright ordered it kept open for at least 90 days. (Photo via Orlando Utilities Commission)Walt Disney World is supposed to be the Happiest Place on Earth. It’s certainly the most popular tourist destination. Fifty million people, some from Florida but most from elsewhere, flock to the rodent-themed amusement park every year to spend big bucks seeking a good time. Now imagine all those people coming down with big coughing fits. Sing it with me, Mouseketeers: “It’s a foul world after all! It’s a foul, foul world!” This is what popped into my head last week when I heard that the U.S. Department of Energy had ordered the Orlando Utilities Commission to keep burning stinky old coal in its 39-year-old Stanton Energy Center Unit 1 power plant. Orlando air quality on June 5 via screen grab. I checked the Orlando air quality for that day. It was officially listed as “poor.” The decrepit old coal plant had been slated for a shutdown this month. But the DOE said “N-O!” — which means the tourists will get no relief from the onslaught of air pollution. Susannah Randolph via Sierra Club. “Obviously, this is a clear federal overreach by the Trump administration to tell a local government what they can and can’t do,” said Susannah Randolph, an Orlando resident who leads the Sierra Club’s Florida chapter. Why, you may ask, would a federal agency issue such an order? Because the feds have decided that there’s a looming energy emergency in Florida. But it’s not driven by the need to keep the ghosts afloat in the “Haunted Mansion,” or to maintain the Monorail moving around, or to keep all the lights on in Cinderella’s Castle. Heck, this emergency isn’t even Disney-related. “Although Florida is at ‘normal risk’ for long-term energy adequacy, the unit near Orlando needs to remain online partly to help serve potential data centers in the state, the department said,” a power industry publication called “Utility Dive” reported. Considering the widespread Florida opposition to new power-hogging, water-guzzling data centers, that DOE edict benefiting “potential data centers” isn’t going to be a popular decision. I contacted the Orlando power commission to ask whether this keep-coal-and-carry-on command is something it requested or something it plans to fight. Except for saying it didn’t ask for it, a spokeswoman for the utility that calls itself “the Reliable One” told me the commission had nothing to say. It is going to comply and keep quiet. The acronym for the Orlando Utilities Commission is OUC, but I think its lack of resistance to this dopey DOE order requires the utility to add another word to its name — Helpless? Hapless? HeckWithYou? That way, its 288,000 customers can call it “OUCH.” Because that’s what they’re going to say about their declining air quality and rising utility bills. Wright is wrong If I ran the Game Show Network, there’d be a new program called “The Prevaricators.” The theme song would be the Eurythmics singing “Would I Lie to You?” Contestants would listen to government officials make statements and then see if they can sniff out all the bat guano. Chris Wright via Linkedin. I think the debut of such a show would have to feature the sitting secretary of the Department of Energy, Chris Wright, because most of what he says is wrong. He’s a former oil company executive, so he’s got a certain, shall we say, point of view. For instance, here’s what Wright has said about the growing threat of climate change: “There is no climate crisis… (sic) We have seen no increase in the frequency or intensity of hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts or floods despite endless fear mongering of the media, politicians and activists.” Of course, we Floridians know first-hand that that’s some Pulitzer-level fiction. We’ve seen a LOT of evidence of hurricanes growing more intense and doing so more rapidly. And we’ve seen more and worse flooding than ever before thanks to sea level rise. Now check out Wright’s explanation for forcing the Orlando area to keep inhaling the smoke from burning coal. “Taking reliable generation off the grid compromises energy reliability and needlessly raises energy costs for Americans,” he said, according to a Department of Energy press release. “During peak summer demand, Floridians deserve continued access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy to power and cool their homes.” This is a colossal load of what experts call “hooey.” OUC wasn’t simply shutting down one of its two coal-fired plants. It spent about $100 million three years ago to buy a gas-powered plant in Osceola County that was idle. OUC planned to put that one online to replace the coal-powered plant. There would be no gap in the amount of power available. The other problem with Wright’s statement is calling coal power “affordable.” Raymer Maguire via Linkedin. “Coal is the most expensive form of electricity,” said Raymer Maguire of the CLEO Institute, a nonprofit that offers educational information on climate issues (sounds like Wright could use some). Maguire pointed out that the expense is a big reason why the state’s largest utility, Florida Power & Light, gets less than 1% of its power from coal, while the No. 2, Duke Energy gets 9%. The OUC, by contrast, has been generating about a quarter of its power from coal — but it would like to stop. The OUC’s own financial statements show that coal costs more than its other sources of fuel. You can see why the OUC wanted to switch, but now it can’t. Ted Kelly via Environmental Defense Fund. “Forcing this coal plant to remain open past retirement will needlessly jack up electricity bills for Central Florida families and businesses, right as they’re struggling with high energy costs,” said Ted Kelly of the Environmental Defense Fund. But Wright doesn’t care about driving up energy prices in our increasingly unaffordable state. He also doesn’t care that coal is the dirtiest fuel. In fact, his department keeps calling it “beautiful, clean coal.” As any contestant on “The Prevaricators” could tell you, that’s at least another gigaton of hogwash. Think of the children Coal is the most polluting fuel for generating electricity. Its carbon-loaded emissions are bad news for our rapidly warming planet, of course — assuming Gov. Ron DeSantis will let us talk about that. But what I want to point out right now is coal’s dire health effects. In 2023, the National Institutes of Health released a report about how “air pollution from coal power plants is associated with greater mortality than previously thought.” Specifically, the NIH researchers “estimated that between 1999 and 2020, 460,000 deaths would not have occurred in the absence of emissions from the coal power plants.” Liz Scott via American Lung Association. Burning coal is particularly bad for infants, children, and teens, said Liz Scott of the American Lung Association. “Their lungs are still developing,” she explained. “They breathe more air for their body size than adults and they’re frequently exposed to outdoor air.” Her organization has calculated that air pollution in Orange County is responsible for creating 22,000 pediatric asthma cases, 710,000 cases of chronic pulmonary disease, and 97,000 cardiovascular disease cases. Continuing the life of that ancient coal plant won’t help any of those folks. And we haven’t even talked about alllll the ash that’s produced. Not far from the Stanton Energy Center, there’s a 175-foot-tall mountain of coal ash that has the neighbors worried about what it’s doing to their air and water. But the DOE doesn’t care about that, either. The only health issue it’s concerned about is resuscitating an industry that’s already on life support. A gig for DEVO The OUC order isn’t the only one of its kind. The DOE has issued similar orders to keep coal plants alive in Michigan, Indiana, Colorado, and Washington, too. Michigan and Illinois have joined forces to sue, calling the order illegal. The plant in Michigan, which has already cost ratepayers an extra $180 million, partially broke down after the DOE order. So did the two in Indiana. That’s not unusual, especially given the age of some of them. Despite the expense and the breakdowns, DOE wants all of these plants to keep pumping out dirty emissions for one reason and one reason only. “They want to keep the coal mines open,” Kelly explained. In recent decades, the coal mining industry has been in a long, slow decline. It was the largest source of fuel for energy production in 1984, but since then it’s fallen out of fashion like big shoulder pads on women’s jackets. By 2024 it accounted for just 10% of the nation’s total energy output. You can feel sad for all the Loretta Lynn relatives losing their dangerous livelihood, but according to free-market conservatives, that’s how capitalism works. Good government doesn’t pick winners and losers, right? Yet now we have a president who’s been frantically giving the coal industry CPR, trying to turn that loser into a winner. He’s been so intent on reviving coal, I keep expecting him to announce that the first band to play in his renovated White House Ballroom will be DEVO doing “Working in a Coal Mine.” Just last week, he announced plans to spend $700 million of our tax dollars on giving the industry a big boost, including creating two new coal-fired plants. His favors for the coal industry don’t stop there, either. As ProPublica reported this week, the convicted felon in the Oval Office also killed a federal criminal investigation into the coal empire owned by Sen. Jim Justice, a Republican from West Virginia who happens to be one of his close allies. Of course, just as you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs, so you can’t prop up a heavily polluting industry without killing thousands of people via respiratory problems. But those are the breaks, kids! Welcome to Tomorrowland Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, whose campaign is backed by AI tech titans, says he fully supports the DOE order to Orlando to keep burning coal. But he’s about the only one. In Orlando, the order is going over about as well as you might expect. Lead balloons exhibit greater buoyancy. State Rep. Anna Eskamani via Florida House. The Orlando Sentinel, in its story on this, quoted state Rep. Anna Eskamani, now running for mayor of Orlando, who made it clear she’s no fan of the feds. “They are spending public money to subsidize the dirtiest, costliest form of power we have — the exact thing we should be moving away from — while working families foot the bill,” she said. I hoped to get a similar fiery quote from the sitting mayor, Buddy Dyer. In 2017, when our anti-science chief executive pulled the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement, Dyer joined more than 80 other mayors across the country to make a commitment to switching to clean energy by 2050. Mayor Buddy Dyer via City of Orlando. “I am proud to support a vision of transitioning entirely to 100% clean and renewable energy in our city,” Dyer said then. But when I contacted the mayor’s office this week, that defiance appeared to have dissipated. His spokeswoman told me the mayor would leave commenting to the folks at OUC. I pointed out that OUC was keeping mum. Unfortunately, that was the end of our conversation. So, apparently, unlike the folks in Michigan, Orlando officialdom does not plan to sue the DOE to overturn this order. The decree lasts 90 days, so maybe Dyer & Co. think they just have to keep quiet until it expires. But I bet when that September expiration date rolls around, Wright will simply renew it for another 90 days, then another 90 after that. That’s what he’s been doing in Michigan. Heck, he’ll probably do the same thing for the Stanton Energy Plant’s No. 2 coal plant, which is supposed to switch to natural gas next year. Meanwhile, guess who’s completely rejected the use of fossil fuels for power generation? Walt Disney World. This is one place that’s embraced the idea of being Tomorrowland. “Hidden Mickey” solar farm near EPCOT via Disney World. “At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, solar energy plays an especially significant role,” the theme park reported recently. “In total across four sites, the resort now has 212,000 kilowatts of solar capacity, with over 600,000 solar panels — generating roughly enough energy to power over 19,000 Florida homes for one year.” Disney’s four Florida solar farms include one near EPCOT that’s in the shape of its widely recognized corporate symbol. Together, the four “can now produce up to 100% of the resort’s daytime power needs, helping support one of the largest vacation destinations in the world.” Maybe I’m wrong, but it sure seems to me that between solar-friendly Disney and the coal-drunk DOE, the second one is the real Mickey Mouse operation. Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Historic Allendale mansion heads to auction in Moline Built in 1906 and donated to the school system in 1931, Allendale is now up for sale with a minimum bid of $20,000.
	Coal Valley daycare closes after group texts between director and staff leak to social media A mom whose kids were enrolled in Playtime University saw texts showing the former director insulting her daughter.
	A summary of todays storms With two separate rounds of severe storms, we saw a lot of activity with heavy rain and strong thunderstorm winds. Some areas are still being hit with flash flooding tonight from more heavy rain and we saw severe thunderstorms that were generating winds of close to 80 mph.
	New Ollie's discount store opening in Davenport The store will open to bargain hunters on Thursday, June 18. It's located in Davenport's Village Shopping Center in the former JoAnn Fabrics location.
	Moline supportive housing complex breaks ground The Moline Housing Authority broke ground on the Parkview Apartment Complex, thanks to the former landowner offering up his property.
	Opioid overdose deaths decline in Rock Island County, but challenges remain Rock Island County has recorded 57 opioid overdose deaths since 2020. Health professionals say prevention efforts are helping, but risks remain.
	Davenport City Council votes to extend services with Humane Society of Scott County Animal control and sheltering services has been a hot topic in Davenport since early this year.Some contracts to change the way Davenport manages its animal control services were approved by the Davenport City Council. City council approved a deal to extend the services with the Humane Society of Scott County. The city is set to [...]
	Groundbreaking takes place for Moline affordable housing project Property in Moline that once belonged to area realtor Rick Simpson will be part of the second phase of an affordable housing project. City leaders hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the project at the site of a home from the late-1800s. Some historic items were salvaged from it. The spot right across from Kiwanis Park [...]
	Driver hospitalized after car strikes home in Davenport The passenger of the vehicle was also transported to a local hospital for evaluation of non-life-threatening injuries.
	Culver’s barn in Beaver Dam destroyed after storms The iconic blue Culver’s barn in Beaver Dam was severely damaged after strong storms on Wednesday.
	‘Very concerning,’ Sen. Grassley calls higher inflation Sen. Chuck Grassley said that he is concerned about the rising inflation rate but still believes that it will fall after the war with Iran ends.
	A flood watch in effect as more storms move in tomorrow After being hit with a round of strong and severe storms for today that has caused some flash flooding and strong winds, we are not drying out yet. Another round of strong to potentially severe thunderstorms is expected tomorrow morning that will linger through tomorrow evening. A flood watch will remain in effect until Thursday [...]
	Traffic Alert: Crews clear scene after semi overturns on I-280 Update.
	Rock Island-Milan School Board approves new assistant superintendent Rock Island-Milan School District will have a new assistant superintendent of teaching and learning starting this July. She joins the district from Freeport.
	Official rules for Mississippi Valley Fair Concert Ticket Giveaway Official rules for this sweepstakes

Thursday, June 11th, 2026

Wednesday, June 10th, 2026