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Thursday, September 10th, 2026
	Quad Cities Votes Together offers bipartisan information National Voter Registration Day is September 15 and OneTable QC has announced a new local campaign to help more Quad City residents access the necessary information to participate in elections. Quad Cities Votes Together is a 100% nonpartisan civic engagement campaign led by OneTable QC. It brings local nonprofits and community partners together to make [...]
	From Blue Skies to America’s Darkest Day \| Remembering 9/11 We share stories from those on the ground following the attacks in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania and look at how that day is still being remember.
	Barbara Keating died in the 9/11 attack. She's finally being laid to rest Barbara Keating died aboard one of the planes that hijackers slammed into the World Trade Center. Her remains were finally identified last year, and her family is gathering for a long-delayed funeral.
	Funding your dream playground Funding your dream playgroundA playground is more than just a place where kids come to play. It’s where they build confidence, exercise their imagination, and make friends. Playgrounds are also where communities gather and families create memories that last a lifetime. These and many more reasons establish them as a worthy addition to a community, school, or park.Bringing your dream playground to life requires more than just a vision. Thoughtful planning and creative strategies are key to funding it. When you approach your project with inventive foresight, you can make your vision a reality while creating a space that serves generations.Whether you’re starting a playground from scratch or upgrading an existing one, you need to understand how to go about funding. This detailed guide from Little Tikes Commercial outlines the essential funding pathways for your project and provides the insights you need to create a lasting play space.The Prework Phase: Building Your Foundation Little Tikes Commercial Before you start exploring strategies to fund your dream playground, you should lay the necessary groundwork. This prework phase is essential for creating a well-defined and sustainable foundation for your project. Below are some steps to take before you start anything else.Assemble a Core TeamRaising funds is far more effective when you have a team of individuals as passionate about your playground project as you are. A dedicated team can share the workload and bring fresh ideas to the table.Start by gathering people who have diverse skills, such as project management, communication, proposal writing, and community organizing. Assign clear roles and responsibilities so that everyone on the team stays focused and energized.With a dream team in place, playground fundraising becomes a collaborative effort rather than a challenge you tackle alone.Define Your Project Vision and ScopePeople will be more inclined to support your project if you make them understand why you’re doing it. Start by defining the project for yourself and your team. What problem will the playground solve? What benefits will it bring to the community? What kind of equipment will the playground have? By answering these questions, you can give your team clarity and set your project up for success.Conduct a Comprehensive Community Needs AssessmentUnderstanding the specific needs of your community or school is a vital step to creating a playground that truly makes a difference. Begin by collecting data to demonstrate the project’s relevance to potential donors. Surveys, statistics, and questionnaires are great tools for identifying current needs and possible solutions.It’s good practice to engage the community, especially parents, early in the planning process. When people feel more involved in the process, they’ll be more likely to offer their support through donations or volunteering. By engaging early, you can obtain formal letters of endorsement from local leaders, schools, and community organizations. Such endorsements add significant weight to grant applications and sponsorship requests.Break Down Your BudgetA clear and detailed budget helps you effectively plan and manage your playground costs. It also shows potential funders and donors that your project is well thought through and achievable.Beyond the cost of play equipment, break down your budget for other essential project costs, such as installation, safety surfacing, permits and approvals, and site amenities. It’s advisable to factor in long-term expenses for repairs and maintenance — most funders are interested in sustainability as much as they are in building.Strategies for Funding Playgrounds Little Tikes Commercial Various strategies are available for playground funding. You can explore and even combine several different strategies. The key is understanding your options and knowing how to make the most of each strategy.1. GrantsGrants are an effective funding strategy, especially if you know where to look for them and how to apply. Essentially, they are funds granted by organizations to support defined projects. Several organizations are often eligible for grants, including public and private schools, faith-based organizations, and HOAs.Some benefits that come with grants include:Nonrepayable financial aid: Grants differ from traditional loans, which you have to repay over a set period. They provide funds that do not require repayment, allowing you to achieve a worthy goal.Credibility and validation: Securing a grant, particularly from a reputable organization, adds credibility to your playground project, signaling to other organizations and individuals that your project is impactful and well thought out.Potential for large sums: Grants can offer substantial funding, potentially covering a significant portion or even the entirety of your project.Types of Grants You Can Apply ForThere are three main types of grants you can apply for to fund your playground:Government grants: Federal, state, and local governments offer a variety of grants and initiatives to help fund playground construction. Many of these grants are part of government programs to promote physical literacy and improve outdoor learning. Examples include the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and initiatives from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). It’s advisable to check with state parks and recreation departments or local government offices to know your options.Nonprofit grants: Several nonprofit organizations offer grants for playgrounds, with some focusing on underserved communities and inclusive play spaces.Private foundation grants: As part of their corporate social responsibility, companies such as Coca-Cola and Walmart run programs that fund playgrounds through their foundations.How to Apply for a GrantThe requirements for each grant type may vary. However, it’s always helpful to have a defined process in place. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:Define your project: Before starting your application process, outline your playground project in detail — highlight goals, target age groups, and proposed features such as inclusive design.Research available grants: Next, research grants that align with your mission and goals. Note the eligibility criteria for each grant and narrow down your options to the ones you’ll most likely qualify for.Write a compelling proposal: This is a pivotal step that can significantly influence your grant application. To write a compelling proposal, be sure to include vital details such as the current problem and proposed solution, the scope of your project, statistics, cost breakdown, and timelines. Use clear, professional language and share visuals. The key is to focus on impact and showcase the project’s long-term sustainability.Submit and follow up: Finally, submit the proposal along with the requested documentation. Some grants have strict deadlines, making it beneficial to start early to meet them.2. Securing Corporate SponsorshipThis funding strategy is based on mutually beneficial partnerships. Through corporate sponsorships, companies support playground construction in exchange for enhanced brand presence and community goodwill. This is different from companies that offer grants to demonstrate their corporate social responsibility without expecting tangible benefits. Companies may provide their support in two ways:Financial support: Companies may choose to provide direct monetary contributions, from modest sums to significant investments, to fund a playground.In-kind sponsorship: In some cases, companies may donate products or services as an alternative form of support for your vision. These may include labor, building materials, and playground equipment.Benefits of Corporate SponsorshipsCorporate sponsorships can benefit your cause in several ways, including:Increased public awareness and trust: Partnering with reputable companies can attract positive attention to your playground project. For instance, the company’s customers may learn about your cause through such a partnership and then offer their support independently.Enhanced marketing and publicity: It’s typical for sponsors to promote brand-enhancing projects through their marketing channels. This means greater visibility, which can help attract other sponsors.Long-term partnerships: When corporate sponsorships deliver profitable returns on investment, there is greater potential for your collaboration with the company to evolve into enduring relationships.How to Find Corporate Sponsors to Partner WithIf you choose to go this route, you’ll need to be strategic in identifying the right companies to partner with. To help you move things forward seamlessly, you can explore comprehensive funding guides that outline how to identify potential donors, manage relationships, and build successful campaigns. Here are a few additional ways you can go about finding partners:Contact local businesses: The first place to look is your local area. Reach out to local companies that may be interested in supporting your playground project in exchange for positive brand recognition. These may include restaurants, grocery stores, recreation centers, and other family-friendly ventures.Leverage your existing network: Ask your contact for recommendations and references to companies known for their commitment to community projects like yours.Thoroughly research potential sponsors to understand their business objectives. This way, you can clearly demonstrate in your proposal how a partnership with your playground will benefit them. It’s also important to know that not every company or brand will be the right fit for your playground project. It’s best to partner only with companies whose values align with yours.3. Harnessing Community SupportPlaygrounds strengthen communities by providing kids and families with a shared place to gather, play, and connect. You’ll be surprised by how members of your community, both locally and online, may be willing to support and contribute resources toward your playground. There are two ways to harness your community’s support — community fundraising and crowdfunding.Community FundraisingCommunity fundraising is an effective strategy you can use to generate funds for your dream playground. It involves reaching out to residents, businesses, and groups to rally for support and secure contributions for your playground project. Here are some community fundraising ideas you can explore:Talent shows: You can organize talent shows at the site where you plan to build the playground, giving kids an opportunity to perform with family and friends cheering them on. Aside from selling tickets and charging for refreshments, you can also invite businesses to buy advertising space to generate funds.Engaging sports events: Host themed events to encourage community members to move and be physically active. These could include sponsored challenges such as themed walks or runs and ticketed competitive tournaments.Bake sale: A bake sale is a great way to bring community members together while raising funds. You can invite families, schools, and local bakeries to contribute baked goods for the sale.Auctions: You can hold live auctions to sell items you receive through donations from members of your community. Auctions allow you to maximize the value of donated items, far more than you could through regular sales.Sponsor-a-component: Community members, businesses, and groups may be interested in sponsoring your playground by buying specific elements such as swings and benches.This strategy goes beyond raising funds. It’s a way to bring the community together to share in the pride of bringing the playground to life.CrowdfundingCrowdfunding is a digital-first approach that enables you to raise money from a large number of people both in your community and beyond. Crowdfunding is effective because it gives everyone, regardless of their financial capacity, an opportunity to contribute to your project. You can also showcase your crowdfunding efforts to potential funders who’ll likely find the community support impressive.The following are some essential steps for setting up a successful crowdfunding campaign:Choose the right platform: While there are several crowdfunding platforms available, they are not created equal. Some will align more with your audience and funding goals than others. When choosing a crowdfunding platform, evaluate its credibility and trustworthiness. Platforms with strong reputations can help donors feel more confident that their donations are secure and will be used for the defined goal.Craft a compelling story and visuals: A compelling story is key to a successful crowdfunding campaign. Convey why your community or school needs a playground. Highlight the educational, social, and emotional benefits a playground offers to kids and families. Visuals are also a great way to create an emotional connection.Offer incentives: This is not a compulsory step. However, offering perks like customized merchandise and engraved bricks can motivate donors to contribute.Promote your campaign widely: Setting up your crowdfunding campaign is the first step. Next, you need to spread the word and amplify your message. This is where social media, community outreach, and newsletters come in. The more people know about your campaign, the higher your chances of reaching your financial target.Benefits of Harnessing Community SupportEngaging the community to build a playground is more than a fundraising strategy. It’s a tactic with several benefits beyond funding, including:Volunteer power: In addition to financial support, community members can contribute other valuable skills, such as graphic design and project management. With such volunteered intangible support, you can significantly reduce the cost you would otherwise have paid for these skills and services.Media interest: A community pulling together resources to build a playground will likely attract positive coverage from local media outlets. This will help further spread the word about your project and enhance your fundraising efforts.Built-in stewardship: When a community helps build a playground, its members tend to be more inclined to protect, maintain, and care for it long-term. In practice, this will often look like volunteering for cleanup days, reporting vandalism, and advocating for necessary repairs.4. Alternative Financing: Leasing and PhasingSometimes, it may be necessary to explore alternative financing options, especially when direct funding, grants, and sponsorships aren’t enough. Let’s discuss some of these options.Leasing to OwnInstead of a one-time purchase, this option offers access to playground equipment through regular installment payments over a defined period. At the end of a lease term, you’ll typically have different options, including purchasing the equipment for a residual value, renewing the lease, or returning the equipment. Some of the benefits of leasing to own include:Manageable payments: Unlike an outright purchase, leasing offers more manageable monthly payments, making budgeting easier.Potential tax advantages: Depending on several factors, such as your organization’s tax status, lease payments may be tax-deductible.Capital conservation: Leasing playground equipment frees up significant up-front capital that you can use for other critical components of your project.Before exploring this option, consider that the total cost over the lease term may exceed the cost of an outright purchase. Additionally, the lessee is typically responsible for maintenance and insurance costs throughout the period.Phased ConstructionThis strategy involves building a playground in phases. To do this, it’s advisable to break the entire project into smaller, manageable stages and raise funds to complete each stage. The plus sides of a phased-construction playground project include:Flexibility and adaptability: Since the project will be completed in phases, it allows for adjustments in later phases based on community feedback, new trends, and changing needs.Less overwhelm: The cost of building a playground in one go may be daunting, requiring extensive fundraising. Breaking the project down into smaller phases can make it less intimidating and more achievable.Momentum building: Each completed stage can build confidence for you and other contributing members of your community. This momentum can energize subsequent playground fundraising efforts.To successfully realize your dream playground through phasing, careful initial planning is essential. An incohesive plan could lead to undesirable extended timelines.What Are Common Challenges Faced When Funding a Playground?Funding a playground isn’t without challenges. Understanding potential hurdles helps you prepare to tackle or adapt to them. The following are some common challenges you may encounter.Intense Competition for FundsYou’re not the only one applying for limited grants and corporate sponsorships — many worthy causes are vying for funding. This imbalance creates intense competition, meaning your playground needs to stand out to be considered.One way to tackle this challenge is to research the funding organizations thoroughly and craft compelling proposals or pitches that align with their mission and objectives. While this may not guarantee anything, it increases your chances of getting noticed.Long Timelines and DelaysSome grant application processes take time and involve long review periods. Such lengthy processes can delay your project timelines, often leading to reduced morale. On top of that, delays may result in increased costs over time. While you may not be able to speed up the process, you can start early and explore several options simultaneously.Declining Engagement and EnthusiasmThe initial excitement of community members or volunteers for a new playground may wane over time, especially for longer projects. Donors and supporters may also grow fatigued and disengage if you ask them for contributions too often. Here are some strategies for maintaining and sustaining enthusiasm:Communicate regularly: Prolonged silence can create doubt. Keep everyone involved and updated through ongoing communication, including emails, newsletters, and social media.Celebrate milestones: It’s valuable to mark every milestone, big or small, to keep the momentum going.Recognize contributors: Find ways to make donors and volunteers feel seen and appreciated, such as through consistent public recognition or social media shoutouts. When individuals feel their contributions are valued, they are often more dedicated to seeing the project through.Fund Your Dream Playground, Build a Happy FutureA playground is a special place that shapes kids’ childhoods. It’s a place of laughter, connection, and lifetime memories. Funding your dream playground transcends merely reaching a goal — it’s about building a happy future for generations to come. By laying the necessary groundwork and exploring the myriad of fundraising strategies and opportunities available, you can bring this vision to life.This story was produced by Little Tikes Commercial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Flags ordered at half-staff in Iowa for 9/11 Governor Kim Reynolds ordered flags to be at half-staff on Friday for the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
	'I've never seen anything like this' -- A U.S. doctor treats Ebola's youngest victims Dr. Rupa Narra is a U.S. pediatrician who arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo to help care for stricken children. Nothing could have prepared her for what she'd face.
	U.S. Senate candidate Turek wants these people to pay more Social Security taxes U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek wants to lift the income cap on Social Security taxes so Americans don't face benefit cuts.
	How an 1876 massacre of Black men in South Carolina turned racial terror into political power How an 1876 massacre of Black men in South Carolina turned racial terror into political powerAs the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary, its citizens commemorate a democracy more diverse, free and inclusive than it’s ever been. The path to this milestone was imperfect and paved in blood and suffering. Still, few of the revelers will likely pay heed to the anniversary of another historic event: the 150th anniversary of the July 1876 Hamburg massacre.The massacre, which took place in Hamburg, South Carolina, began as a dispute between a local Black militia and two white citizens over whether the latter could cross the group’s centennial Fourth of July parade, Jacob Ware, a professor of domestic terrorism at Georgetown University, recounts for The Conversation. The militia leader, Doc Adams, was later charged with blocking a public highway.At his court hearing, Adams was met with a white militia — part of the white supremacist Red Shirts — which then pursued the Black militia on their retreat to their weapons arsenal. After a firefight, the Red Shirts captured several Black militiamen, marched them to a nearby site and executed at least four people.South Carolina’s Republican governor, Union veteran Daniel Henry Chamberlain, described the event as a “butchery of unoffending and unarmed colored men by a brutal and bloodthirsty mob of white men.” Yet no one was convicted after the attack. In fact, several of the Red Shirts ringleaders would instead rise to the highest offices in the state.Corey Rogers, an organizer of the 150th anniversary Hamburg commemoration, recently called this massacre “the seminal event that began to change the trajectory of African Americans.” The repression and inequality that would define the next 100 years of U.S. history, in other words, was born at Hamburg.Research shows that the Hamburg massacre was not just characteristic of a broader violent moment, but also that the echoes of such violence ring loudly today.From Hamburg, across the SouthAccording to one estimate, the 12 years of the Reconstruction era, during which the Union attempted to construct a racially diverse democracy in the wake of the Civil War, saw over 2,000 Black citizens murdered in “racial terror lynchings.” Another estimate, from 1895, more starkly claimed that as many as 53,000 Black Americans had been murdered in the 30 years following the Civil War.By intimidating Black voters and galvanizing white Democrats who sought to undo the results of the Civil War, this violence served to effectively kill Reconstruction and the tangible promises of Black emancipation.What happened in Hamburg provides a particularly egregious example of such racial terrorism catapulting political triumph. After that tragedy, several of the Red Shirts ringleaders went on to successful political careers, with two of them becoming U.S. senators — one of whom, Benjamin Tillman, also served as South Carolina governor.As Jenny Heckel, then a Clemson University graduate student, noted in her 2016 master’s thesis, it was “not in spite of the white Carolinians’ participation in the murder of six black men, but because of it, they won election to political offices.”In South Carolina’s 1876 gubernatorial race, the Democratic candidate, Confederate veteran Wade Hampton III, emerged triumphant and reinstated white supremacy as the fulcrum of state governance. His name had been put forward by former Confederate major general Matthew Butler, who had represented the two white farmers before the Hamburg attack and who himself went on to serve in the U.S. Senate.In 1895, South Carolina held a constitutional convention, spearheaded by the aforementioned Hamburg massacre ringleader Tillman, and adopted a new constitution that effectively ended the Black vote in the state.An enduring threatIn the 1890s, renowned abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass said white vigilantes offered three justifications for the lynchings of Black Americans: stamping out alleged race riots, protecting the white vote share and protecting white women from alleged sexual crimes by Black men.The first two were front and center in the Hamburg massacre. In fact, as Heckel reflected a decade ago, “white Carolinians blamed the black militia for starting the riot, and Southern white newspapers created images of riotous blacks to contest black descriptions.”Since the massacre, racial violence has had a long echo in the United States. And in many cases, the same justifications elucidated by Douglass remain.Both the Tulsa race massacre and the 1955 murder of Emmett Till, for instance, were sparked by false accusations of sexual harassment or assault made against young Black men.The violence persists today. In June 2015, just 150 miles (241 kilometers) from Hamburg, a white supremacist gunman entered the historically Black Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and opened fire, killing nine churchgoers. Joe Raedle // Getty Images In May 2022, a white supremacist killed 10 Black Americans at the Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo, New York.Both gunmen made multiple references to the same conspiracy theories Douglass identified, with the Charleston domestic terrorist going as far as to praise segregation as “a defensive measure” while criticizing the “historical lies, exaggerations and myths” of the historical record of slavery and its aftermath.Still, there are key differences between the attacks at Charleston and Buffalo and their Reconstruction predecessors. The political violence that tainted the Reconstruction and post-Reconstruction era clashes with traditional definitions of terrorism, which typically targets a power structure that such violence seeks to upend.Instead, attacks like the one in Hamburg, which sought to proactively protect the rights and power of white Americans — and which were often endorsed by state and local governments — have more in common with genocide and ethnic cleansing. Not only did the scale of the broader violence across the South indicate a campaign to mass-murder an ethnic subgroup for political purposes, but Tillman, perhaps the most infamous of the Hamburg murderers, never denied the attack’s goals.“We are not sorry for it,” he would proudly recall before the U.S. Senate in 1900. “We of the south have never recognized the right of the negro to govern white men.”‘A painful duty’Attempting to commemorate all such anniversaries is an impossible task, simply because of the sheer volume. For example, September marks the 150th anniversary of the Ellenton Riot. In that massacre, Black South Carolinians were systematically hunted throughout their community over an alleged attack on a white elderly woman, which was later proved false. The death toll may have eclipsed 100.Countless similar incidents have plagued U.S. history.To tell the story of America’s founding without referencing these profound scars is akin to deceit, if not complicity. Civil rights leader and journalist Ida B. Wells put it this way in 1895: “It becomes a painful duty … to reproduce a record which shows that a large portion of the American people avow anarchy, condone murder and defy the contempt of civilization.”Or, as a local retired pastor said of Hamburg commemorations, “We want to keep it burning so people won’t forget what transpired.”This story was produced by The Conversation and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Report: Black students’ exclusion from high-quality math has dire consequences Report: Black students’ exclusion from high-quality math has dire consequencesBlack students have been excluded from high-quality mathematics for generations — with dire outcomes academically and professionally, a California-based math equity group found.Just Equation’s recent report, “Calculated Barriers,” notes that while these students make up 15% of the nation’s public school population, they accounted for only 6% of those enrolled in AP math classes in the 2021-22 school year.That exclusion has consequences that go far beyond school, the group contends.“From understanding election systems and social determinants of health to making sure you have the digital skills to be marketable in today’s workforce, quality math education prepares you to fully engage in society,” Andrea McChristian, Just Equations’ national policy director, told The 74.Her report notes that while Black adults accounted for 12% of the country’s overall working population in 2021, they made up just 9% of the nation’s STEM workforce.Benjamin Moynihan, executive director of The Algebra Project, Inc., one of the groups Just Equations recognizes for helping Black students succeed in the subject, said the report should spark greater focus on the topic.“Calculated Barriers shows us that our current crisis in mathematics education has been a choice that the nation has made,” he said. “We need to make new choices. Let us have a national discussion in which we collectively determine how to make the right decisions this time.”Just Equations notes Black students are often kept from taking calculus in high school — still considered a gold standard course by many top-tier colleges — because they don’t have access to eighth grade algebra, a course linked to advanced math choices later on.“When students have the opportunity to take Algebra I in middle school, assuming they are sufficiently prepared for it, their success in the course can open doors to strengthened analytical and reasoning skills, advanced math in high school, and college and career pathways,” the report notesBut many schools don’t offer the course at the middle school level.Just Equations cites the New York Equity Coalition’s finding that 27% of New York state schools that serve seventh and eighth graders did not offer Algebra I in the eighth grade during the 2024-25 school year. New York’s Black and Hispanic students were more likely to be enrolled in these schools than their white and Asian peers, according to the coalition.Black children also face challenges accessing Algebra II, Just Equations found. Just 80% of schools with high enrollments of Black and Hispanic students offered the course compared to 85% of schools with low enrollment of these students.The disparity continued as students aged — and coursework became more rigorous. In the 2021-22 school year, 62% of schools with high Black and Hispanic enrollment offered advanced mathematics compared to 71% of schools with low Black and Hispanic enrollment, the report notes.As of 2019, white high school graduates completed calculus at three times the rate of Black graduates — and Asian graduates at more than seven times the rate.As a result of these and other factors tied to racial discrimination, Black students face added challenges in college: Those in the California State University system, for example, were more likely to start their math sequence with calculus prerequisite courses, rather than with calculus.“Long calculus prerequisite sequences may also carry a heavy financial burden for Black students, who are more likely to take on student loans than students from other racial and ethnic groups, and more likely to default on their loans,” the report notes.Lya Snell, a director at the Dana Center at the University of Texas at Austin, another of the groups Just Equations credits for making positive change in this area, said that when Black students are sidelined, the world forsakes more than individual talent.“We lose new ideas, perspectives and solutions that could benefit everyone,” Snell said. “We lose potential. Every student deserves the opportunity to see themselves as capable of succeeding in these fields. Investing in and believing in Black learners strengthens innovation, creates a more inclusive workforce and helps ensure that the future of STEM reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.”Black students’ and professionals’ ideas have changed industries, improved healthcare, solved complex problems and inspired the next generation, she said, citing Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire, a leader in the development of COVID-19 vaccines; Katherine Johnson, whose “computational brilliance at NASA led to the success of several early space flights;” and Charles Drew, an influential surgeon who pioneered methods for storing blood plasma.Barriers to higher math achievement for Black students were not always the case, the Just Equations report found. Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS // Corbis via Getty Images “Many Black students attending segregated schools had the support of Black educators who believed in their brilliance and ability,” the report notes. “This same level of support, however, did not extend to Black students’ educational experience after the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case, which led to school desegregation. Following desegregation, about 38,000 Black teachers and administrators across 17 states lost their jobs.”After integration, Black students in desegregated high schools were often steered away from Algebra I and into non–college track, lower-level courses, including general math and consumer math.“Algebra I thus emerged as one of the first math gatekeepers for Black students following Brown v. Board of Education,” the report found.Just Equations recommends redesigning high school mathematics to dismantle roadblocks to advanced courses, ending college admissions policies that perpetuate inequity and investing in culturally responsive instruction.In addition to The Algebra Project and the Dana Center, McChristian cited The Benjamin Banneker Association as another organization working hard to ensure Black children have access to high-quality math instruction.“It’s an all-hands-on-deck effort, both inside the system and outside the system, to change math education and opportunities for Black students,” she said.Disclosure: The Gates Foundation provides financial support to Just Equations and to The 74.This story was produced by The 74 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Eldridge city, volunteer fire department weigh hybrid management plan Eldridge, Iowa city leaders and the volunteer fire department discuss a hybrid management plan after months of disagreement over who runs the department.
	Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards $46K+ to QCA schools The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) has awarded over $50,000 in youth literacy grants to Iowa nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools and over $100,000 to Illinois nonprofits, libraries and schools. The grants are part of over $4.1 million recently awarded nationwide for funding professional development opportunities and/or to buy books, technology, equipment or materials for K-12 [...]
	What to expect when your baby comes home from the NICU What to expect when your baby comes home from the NICUAlthough a baby’s “graduation” from the NICU is an exciting milestone, transitioning from a highly controlled newborn intensive care environment, including monitoring and 24/7 nursing care, to a home routine can feel stressful. You may be excited to finally have your baby home while also wondering how you’ll manage without the NICU team right there to help.Every baby’s NICU journey is unique, so there is no “one size fits all” advice that applies to feeding, sleeping, and baby care after discharge. NICU grads can have a wide range of care needs. Some babies go home needing only routine pediatric follow-up and time to grow and develop, while others may need specialized feeding support and ongoing care from multiple specialists. Your baby’s individual discharge plan will help guide the care they need at home.Your Post-NICU Care “Playbook”Bringing a baby home from the NICU requires extra planning, preparation, and support. Once you’re home, there are a few key areas to keep in mind, including supporting your baby’s growth and development, taking reasonable precautions to prevent infections and illnesses, and staying in communication with your baby’s health care providers, Aeroflow Breastpumps reports.Your baby’s NICU team should help you understand any feeding plans, medications, equipment, follow-up appointments, and other care needs before discharge. Even with careful preparation, as you and your baby settle into your new routine, it’s normal to have questions or need additional guidance. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your baby’s care team for support.Corrected Age and Developmental MilestonesPreemies’ developmental expectations are based on their adjusted or corrected age (the date they were supposed to be born) rather than solely on their chronological age (the date they were actually born). Using corrected age gives families and health care providers a better idea of when to expect common developmental milestones. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends considering corrected age when tracking development during the first two years.For example, a baby born at 26 weeks’ gestation—about 14 weeks early—would be considered 0 months corrected age around their original due date. As they grow, using their corrected age can help you understand your baby’s developmental progress without comparing them too closely with babies who were born at the same chronological age.Remember that babies develop at their own pace. If your baby was born early, your pediatrician can help you understand their individual growth and development and determine whether additional developmental support may be needed.Early Intervention ServicesMany NICU grads benefit from early intervention services once home. Early intervention typically includes regular check-ins with pediatric physical, occupational, and/or speech therapists who can provide guidance on how to support motor and language skill development.If your baby qualifies for an early intervention evaluation, parents should take advantage of this opportunity. Evaluations and therapies through early intervention may be provided at little or no cost through state programs, depending on eligibility and where you live.Infection PreventionBabies who were in the NICU may have a higher risk of complications from certain infections, particularly when they have ongoing medical conditions or respiratory concerns. The amount of protection your baby needs will depend on their individual health history and medical needs, so talk with your baby's care team about what precautions they recommend.General infection-prevention measures include practicing good hand hygiene, making sure that anyone with a fever or other signs of illness keeps a distance from the baby, and keeping caregivers and visitors up to date on recommended vaccines, including flu and pertussis vaccinations.If someone in your household becomes sick, ask your baby's health care provider about the best ways to reduce your baby's exposure. Depending on your baby's health needs, your care team may recommend additional precautions around visitors and childcare, and may recommend holding off on taking your baby to crowded places.Tobacco and nicotine smoke can irritate babies’ developing lungs and airways and may trigger coughing and wheezing. If a caregiver or visitor smokes, all first- and secondhand smoke exposure should be minimized. This means not only always smoking outside, but also changing out of the clothes you were wearing while smoking and showering/bathing before holding and interacting with your baby. The best time to quit smoking or vaping is before your baby comes home from the NICU, but it is never too late to seek support for quitting.Nighttime Feedings and Safe SleepMany babies leave the NICU following a three-hour feeding schedule, including overnight. Even as you transition toward following your baby’s hunger and feeding cues, waking at least one to two times per night to feed is developmentally normal and may continue for many months.Because of their unique calorie needs, formal sleep training is generally discouraged and it’s important to remember that preterm babies may not sleep through the night as soon as term babies. Your baby's care team can help you understand how often your baby needs to feed and whether there are times when it is appropriate to allow longer stretches of sleep.As you establish your baby’s sleep routine at home, it’s also important to keep safe-sleep practices in mind. Babies born prematurely have a higher risk of SIDS than babies born at full term. Regardless of whether your baby was born prematurely, safe-sleep practices are recommended for all infants.The mainstays of safe sleep are to avoid bed-sharing and always place babies to sleep alone on their backs, on a firm, flat mattress that is free of blankets, stuffed animals, toys, and positioning devices. If you choose to swaddle your baby, use a properly fitted swaddle rather than loose blankets, and transition to a sleep sack when your baby shows signs of trying to roll over.Keeping your baby’s sleep space in your room, close to your bed, can make nighttime feeding, comforting, and responding to your baby’s needs easier. The AAP recommends room sharing without bed-sharing, ideally for at least the first 6 months. If co-sleeping is desired, the best way to accomplish this is by using a separate co-sleeping bassinet that attaches to the side of your bed.In addition, preemies may have less head and neck control and can have difficulty maintaining a safe position if they fall asleep in an upright or inclined position. For this reason, they should never be left to sleep in an infant car seat, bouncy chair, swing, or any other piece of equipment that is not intended for sleep.When Your Baby Needs Additional Medical SupportSome babies have more complex medical needs after NICU discharge and require additional equipment, medications, therapies, or monitoring at home. Your baby’s NICU team should provide specific instructions and training before discharge and help you understand who to contact with questions or concerns.Medical Follow-Up AppointmentsChoosing a primary care pediatrician is an important part of establishing your baby's post-NICU care team. Pediatricians not only perform physical examinations and prescribe medications, but they also help coordinate and communicate with the other medical specialists and therapists involved in your baby’s care.It is important for your baby’s pediatrician to understand prematurity and post-discharge care of NICU grads. Don't be afraid to ask about their experience caring for babies born prematurely and their amount of NICU experience.Preemies who are born before 28 weeks’ gestation and/or who weigh less than 750–1000g at birth may need to be followed in an outpatient NICU follow-up clinic after going home. NICU grads may also have ophthalmology, audiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, or other specialty appointments depending on their individual medical needs. Not every baby will need all of these specialists, but your baby's pediatrician can help you understand which follow-up appointments are recommended.Newborn CPR training is recommended for parents and caregivers of NICU grads. Many NICUs provide training in newborn and infant resuscitation to parents and other caregivers before discharge. If CPR training was not offered by your baby’s NICU, you can register for classes through the American Red Cross.Feeding and Nutritional NeedsFeeding preemies can be challenging because they may need to eat more frequently than full-term babies and can be slow feeders. Preterm babies may also need time to develop the coordination needed to suck, swallow, and breathe during feeds. Specialized “slow flow” or “preemie” nipples can be used to help with paced bottle feeding.It may also take time for breastfed preemies to transition to taking all feedings directly at the breast. Mothers may need to continue pumping after discharge for a period of time to provide breast milk for some or all of their baby’s feeds. A lactation consultant can help you develop a feeding plan that supports both your baby’s nutritional needs and your breastfeeding goals.Many preemies need additional calories and minerals added to their feeds to promote weight gain, brain development, and strong bones. This may include breastmilk fortification or enriched infant formula if formula fed. How long these additional nutritional supports are needed can range from weeks to months after discharge, depending on the baby’s individual needs and growth.Infants who receive less than 32 ounces of formula per day should receive a daily Vitamin D supplement, as well as iron supplements if recommended by the NICU team.A small number of babies come home from the NICU with nasogastric or gastric tubes for supplemental feedings and nutrition. Babies who require tube feedings at home need close outpatient follow-up with pediatric dietitians or feeding specialists as recommended by their care team.Respiratory Equipment ManagementPremature infants with chronic lung disease of prematurity or other pulmonary issues may be discharged home with an oxygen tank to provide supplemental oxygen, respiratory medications, and pulse oximeters. Home apnea monitoring is sometimes needed as well.NICU grads who are on oxygen at home are usually followed by pediatric pulmonologists or NICU follow-up clinicians, who will provide guidance as to when oxygen can be weaned and stopped. If home monitoring is required, it should be done with a medical-grade monitor provided by a durable medical supplier. Home baby monitors available for purchase to the general public are not designed to replace medical monitoring for babies with ongoing respiratory or breathing concerns.Babies who require home oxygen or monitoring may be more vulnerable to complications from respiratory infections, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. The infection-prevention measures discussed earlier are especially important for these babies, including keeping caregivers and household contacts up to date on recommended vaccines, practicing good hand hygiene, and following your care team’s guidance about visitors and crowded places. If someone in the household begins to feel sick, limit their contact with the baby as much as possible and ask your baby’s health care provider about additional precautions, such as wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask when providing care.Insurance and Community ResourcesIt’s best to add your baby to your health insurance plan as soon as possible after birth. Medical equipment and supplies may be covered by insurance, but may require additional documentation and time to approve coverage.Home Health CoverageEach NICU has a team of care coordinators to help parents and caregivers navigate insurance issues and obtain home medical equipment and supplies. Health insurance may also cover home health nurses’ visits and additional therapies for NICU graduates. This is not always obvious, so it’s best to contact your insurance company to find out what they offer in terms of coverage for babies who were in the NICU.Breastfeeding Supplies and SupportIf you are breastfeeding or pumping, your insurance may also cover the cost of a breast pump and lactation support. Many NICUs also have programs that allow families to rent or borrow hospital-grade breast pumps for use while their baby is in the NICU and after discharge. Depending on your insurance plan and your baby’s needs, you may also be able to have the cost of a hospital-grade rental pump covered by insurance.Support for Your Mental HealthParents of NICU graduates benefit from getting their own support too. The stress of having a baby in the NICU, followed by the transition home, can take a toll on your mental health and emotional well-being. Research has shown that about 40%–50% of parents whose babies were in the NICU may develop postpartum depression or anxiety at some point during their baby’s first year. Your pediatrician, NICU follow-up team, and parent support groups can all be sources of support as you adjust to life after the NICU.Project NICU is a non-profit organization that hosts in-person and virtual support groups and events for parents and families of NICU graduates throughout the U.S., as well as a peer mentoring program. The March of Dimes and American Academy of Pediatrics are also excellent resources for NICU families after discharge home.If you find that you or your partner are struggling mentally or emotionally, help is available. Postpartum Support International is an online resource with information about postpartum depression and other mood disorders. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is another free resource that offers postpartum mental health support via phone, text, or chat 24/7.Questions to Ask Your Baby’s Care Team After NICU DischargeWhat are specific “red flags” or warning signs that mean we should call our pediatrician versus going straight to the ER?How long should we adjust our baby's growth and developmental milestone expectations using their corrected age?Which medical supplies, home therapies, or specialized equipment are fully covered under our insurance plan?What precautions should we take around visitors, childcare, and public activities based on our baby's individual medical needs?How long should I plan to breastfeed or pump, and do you have any recommended resources for breastfeeding NICU grads?Your baby’s discharge home from the NICU is a huge milestone to celebrate. Preparation, patience, and flexibility are key elements of being your child’s advocate and caretaker for the long haul.Remember that you are not alone on your post-NICU journey. Your child’s pediatrician, NICU follow-up clinic, therapists, medical subspecialists, care coordination team, lactation and feeding specialists, and support groups can all provide guidance as you and your baby adjust to life at home.Last of all, remember that you need support for your own well-being too. Loving and taking care of yourself, whether through self-care, respite help with the baby, reaching out to a therapist, or exercise and physical activity, will help you to be the best parent possible. The goal is for both you and your baby to thrive during life after the NICU.Dr. Jessica Madden, Aeroflow Breastpumps medical director, is board-certified in Pediatrics, Neonatology (newborn medicine), and Breastfeeding Medicine.This story was produced by Aeroflow Breastpumps and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Ads have arrived in ChatGPT: What the future of AI search could mean for brands Ads have arrived in ChatGPT: What the future of AI search could mean for brandsAt the start of 2026, OpenAI began testing advertising inside ChatGPT, bringing paid messages into conversations people already use to compare products and solve everyday problems.The rollout arrived after a change many internet users had already begun to recognize. Rather than typing a few chopped-up keywords into a search box, people now ask artificial intelligence assistants complete questions and expect a written answer in return.Today, hundreds of millions of people have made that habit part of daily life, from students checking homework to shoppers weighing their options before they buy. Placing advertising beside those conversations creates a new challenge, since paid messages have to earn attention without weakening trust in the answer.But teams such as elk Marketing studying how brands are responding to AI search have observed that businesses are already rethinking how customers discover information as conversations begin replacing traditional search habits.So as ChatGPT expands its advertising beta, its role will depend on how platforms balance commercial messages with the trust people place in the answer they receive.Why AI Platforms Are Turning to AdvertisingRunning an AI assistant for hundreds of millions of users takes enormous computing power, and OpenAI has said continued access depends on heavy, ongoing investment in the systems behind it.And covering those costs gets tougher when only a small share of ChatGPT users pay for subscriptions, leaving monthly plans to fund only part of the service. That pressure follows a pattern digital platforms have faced for decades, with advertising supporting free search engines and social networks without charging every user directly.Now, OpenAI is following that same path, running ads alongside subscriptions while promising paid placements stay clearly separate from ChatGPT’s answers. By keeping that separation, the company gains another source of revenue without charging every user. It also sets limits on how far ads enter the conversation, giving brands a clearer idea of where paid messages will appear without becoming part of ChatGPT’s answer.How AI-Native Ads Differ from Traditional Search AdsSince OpenAI has built advertising into ChatGPT, the biggest difference appears in how those ads are selected. Traditional paid search already relies on several factors to judge relevance, while ChatGPT can also consider the context and intent of the conversation happening around the ad.Google, for example, already looks beyond keywords to inferred intent and information from the advertiser’s landing page, with audience data adding more context to the decision. But ChatGPT receives a fuller account of what the person wants as the conversation develops through follow-up questions.OpenAI says its ad system weighs the context and intent of the current conversation before it selects a paid message. But even with that added context, the company says ads remain clearly labeled and separate from ChatGPT’s response, so advertising does not become part of the answer.David Dugan, OpenAI’s head of global ads solutions, told reporters at Cannes Lions that the format “is not a keyword-based buy, so it’s different from traditional search.”Paid media teams therefore have to judge relevance differently, building campaigns through context hints and landing pages while OpenAI’s ad system determines whether the message fits a conversation the advertiser never sees.What AI Search Means for Brand VisibilityBrand visibility has moved well beyond simply “Googling it.” McKinsey reports that half of surveyed shoppers now seek out AI-powered search on purpose, where one written response can replace a full page of links. So, with fewer sources appearing, a brand that AI cannot identify clearly may never enter the customer’s consideration.Accurate product information answers that risk directly by telling the system what the company actually sells, while outside reporting helps confirm those details.Customer reviews then show how buyers describe the company after purchase, adding evidence the brand cannot produce on its own. With those sources pointing to the same business, well-organized product details help the system connect each item with the correct company.Marketers call this AI search optimization or generative engine optimization (GEO), a growing practice focused on helping answer engines find companies and describe them accurately. But none of that visibility is bought, and running an ad does not change whether a brand appears organically in the answer itself.However, when a brand does appear organically, the conversation may carry on from research toward a buying decision.Commerce Is Moving Into AI Conversations elk Now more than ever, shoppers are moving from a product question toward a purchase without leaving the same AI conversation. Viant CEO Tim Vanderhook told search engine experts that AI commerce “collapses the ‘search → click → checkout’ funnel into a single, intelligent conversation,” capturing how quickly a product question may develop into a buying decision.A shopper may begin by describing a need, then narrow the choices through follow-up details about price or preferred features. OpenAI says ChatGPT can then line up suitable products with current prices and key specs, letting the shopper weigh a few serious options without hopping between retailer websites.Some eligible products also support checkout inside ChatGPT, bringing purchase assistance into the same exchange. By the time a retailer enters the process, the assistant may have already reduced a crowded category to the brands most likely to receive the sale.What Marketers Can Do TodayMarketers do not need every detail of AI advertising settled before they begin preparing for it. Google Ads executive Dan Taylor has warned that “search behavior has become more conversational and complex,” giving teams a reason to examine how assistants describe their company before more customer decisions move through them.Forbes contributor TerDawn DeBoe argues that AI performance cannot be judged by last-click sales alone, since brand mentions and lead quality may reveal influence earlier.A brand following that thinking can approach ChatGPT as a fresh paid channel rather than another version of Google Search, starting with small, measured campaigns even when the conversation suggests strong buying interest. But before spending grows, marketers need enough reporting and attribution to determine whether those campaigns are producing real conversions.Beyond the campaigns themselves, brands need a reliable way to connect early ad interactions with later sales. McKinsey points to accurate customer data and regular tracking as part of that process, giving marketing teams a clearer record of whether ChatGPT ads are actually leading to business.And having a clear record of those results also helps marketers decide how much of their customer acquisition should come from ChatGPT and how much should remain spread across other channels.The Future of Advertising in AI: Preparing for the Next Era of Digital MarketingOpenAI’s decision to place advertising inside ChatGPT has given the technology industry a difficult test of whether commercial growth can coexist with a trusted assistant.E-marketer analyst Jeremy Goldman warned Reuters that users could move to rival chatbots if advertisements feel “clumsy or opportunistic,” leaving little room for placements that distract from the help people came to receive.But OpenAI has responded by keeping sponsored messages separate from its answers, while its expanding pilot continues to test whether relevance can protect the user experience. Several competing AI companies remain cautious about advertising as they focus on trust and accuracy, suggesting no single model has won industry support.But looking beyond that hesitation, McKinsey expects AI search to move deeper into buying decisions as these systems begin acting on a customer’s behalf, placing greater pressure on brands to provide accurate information before any paid placement appears.Still, as ChatGPT Ads expands, brands will need to treat paid placement and organic AI visibility as two separate paths.Paid campaigns give marketers a channel they can test and measure, while answer engine optimization (AEO) and GEO support the unpaid visibility that develops outside those campaigns. Running both gives brands a stronger way to stay visible as more search activity moves through AI.This story was produced by elk Marketing and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Where wage inequality is increasing and decreasing Where wage inequality is increasing and decreasingWage equality helps define how workers share in economic growth. When top earners pull far ahead of median workers, rising high-end pay concentrates gains among a relatively small group. According to the Economic Policy Institute, earnings inequality has “redistributed wages away from most workers” and stifled “broader-based wage growth.” However, wider wage gaps may also reflect stronger rewards for specialized skills and experience, factors that can help drive productivity and economic expansion.SmartAsset analyzed 90th-percentile wage thresholds — the wage level at which workers enter the top 10% of earners — in each of the 50 states over the preceding two years. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for May 2024 and May 2025, the study calculated how much that threshold exceeded the median wage, expressed as a percentage, and measured the year-over-year change in the disparity.Key FindingsCalifornia and New York have the highest rates of wage inequality. The two states’ high concentrations of executive roles, finance jobs, and large technology sectors may explain their outsized wage inequality. In New York, the top 10% of workers earn at least 164% more than the median worker; in California, that figure is 173%.Pennsylvania and North Carolina had the largest year-over-year increases in wage inequality. In both states, the wage threshold for entering the top 10% rose 11 percentage points further above the median wage, as top-end wages increased faster than wages in the middle.In half of the states, wage inequality narrowed. Twenty-five states saw the gap between the threshold for entering the top 10% and the median wage decrease, led by Oregon with an 11-percentage-point decline.North Dakota has the narrowest wage disparity. The Roughrider State is the only state where the median wage is at least half the wage threshold for entering the top 10%. SmartAsset SmartAsset State-by-State Wage DisparityAlabama2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $101,2502025 median wage: $45,6702025 wage disparity: 122%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,8102024 median wage: $43,8302024 wage disparity: 125%Alaska2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $128,7202025 median wage: $61,0002025 wage disparity: 111%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $126,6802024 median wage: $59,4002024 wage disparity: 113%Arizona2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $120,1802025 median wage: $50,0602025 wage disparity: 140%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $113,3202024 median wage: $48,8102024 wage disparity: 132%Arkansas2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $94,7402025 median wage: $43,6302025 wage disparity: 117%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $89,4602024 median wage: $41,0202024 wage disparity: 118%California2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $159,0802025 median wage: $58,2402025 wage disparity: 173%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $157,2102024 median wage: $56,9402024 wage disparity: 176%Colorado2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $136,3302025 median wage: $59,8002025 wage disparity: 128%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $134,0502024 median wage: $58,2102024 wage disparity: 130%Connecticut2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $135,7902025 median wage: $59,6902025 wage disparity: 127%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $133,8602024 median wage: $58,4002024 wage disparity: 129%Delaware2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $127,6902025 median wage: $52,1902025 wage disparity: 145%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $124,2602024 median wage: $51,0302024 wage disparity: 144%Florida2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $114,5502025 median wage: $47,8802025 wage disparity: 139%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $109,7302024 median wage: $46,8602024 wage disparity: 134%Georgia2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $122,4702025 median wage: $48,1702025 wage disparity: 154%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $117,3802024 median wage: $47,0202024 wage disparity: 150%Hawaii2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $123,6602025 median wage: $56,3202025 wage disparity: 120%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $119,8302024 median wage: $53,2602024 wage disparity: 125%Idaho2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,2402025 median wage: $47,9702025 wage disparity: 115%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,2202024 median wage: $46,4702024 wage disparity: 116%Illinois2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $127,7702025 median wage: $51,9602025 wage disparity: 146%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $124,5602024 median wage: $50,0002024 wage disparity: 149%Indiana2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $101,1602025 median wage: $47,8602025 wage disparity: 111%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,5202024 median wage: $46,9302024 wage disparity: 110%Iowa2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $99,6302025 median wage: $48,5402025 wage disparity: 105%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $97,8702024 median wage: $47,6702024 wage disparity: 105%Kansas2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,2502025 median wage: $48,0102025 wage disparity: 115%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,2702024 median wage: $46,8502024 wage disparity: 114%Kentucky2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,3802025 median wage: $46,9202025 wage disparity: 110%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $94,6102024 median wage: $45,7402024 wage disparity: 107%Louisiana2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,1102025 median wage: $45,5202025 wage disparity: 120%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,1802024 median wage: $43,7702024 wage disparity: 124%Maine2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $105,5102025 median wage: $51,4302025 wage disparity: 105%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $102,4802024 median wage: $49,4402024 wage disparity: 107%Maryland2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $145,4102025 median wage: $59,5102025 wage disparity: 144%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $142,6002024 median wage: $58,0502024 wage disparity: 146%Massachusetts2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $163,0102025 median wage: $63,5902025 wage disparity: 156%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $157,2202024 median wage: $62,2702024 wage disparity: 152%Michigan2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $110,6502025 median wage: $49,2702025 wage disparity: 125%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $106,4502024 median wage: $48,3002024 wage disparity: 120%Minnesota2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $125,7302025 median wage: $56,9202025 wage disparity: 121%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $121,5002024 median wage: $53,8102024 wage disparity: 126%Mississippi2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $84,5002025 median wage: $40,1202025 wage disparity: 111%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $83,4002024 median wage: $39,0702024 wage disparity: 113%Missouri2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $104,3202025 median wage: $47,8002025 wage disparity: 118%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $101,2902024 median wage: $46,3902024 wage disparity: 118%Montana2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,6102025 median wage: $48,7402025 wage disparity: 106%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $97,5102024 median wage: $47,3602024 wage disparity: 106%Nebraska2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,1102025 median wage: $48,9802025 wage disparity: 111%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,8402024 median wage: $47,9902024 wage disparity: 110%Nevada2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $106,0802025 median wage: $47,6602025 wage disparity: 123%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,6202024 median wage: $46,4402024 wage disparity: 123%New Hampshire2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $126,9302025 median wage: $55,8802025 wage disparity: 127%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $121,3602024 median wage: $52,6102024 wage disparity: 131%New Jersey2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $142,7502025 median wage: $58,5702025 wage disparity: 144%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $137,6802024 median wage: $57,2302024 wage disparity: 141%New Mexico2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $110,0702025 median wage: $47,2102025 wage disparity: 133%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $106,6902024 median wage: $45,8702024 wage disparity: 133%New York2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $157,5002025 median wage: $59,6702025 wage disparity: 164%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $150,6902024 median wage: $58,5602024 wage disparity: 157%North Carolina2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $119,6402025 median wage: $47,9702025 wage disparity: 149%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $112,0402024 median wage: $46,9502024 wage disparity: 139%North Dakota2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,1602025 median wage: $52,4802025 wage disparity: 97%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $99,8202024 median wage: $50,3202024 wage disparity: 98%Ohio2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $106,8002025 median wage: $49,3802025 wage disparity: 116%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,8002024 median wage: $48,0602024 wage disparity: 116%Oklahoma2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,6902025 median wage: $45,6002025 wage disparity: 121%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $97,6802024 median wage: $43,9502024 wage disparity: 122%Oregon2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $129,5202025 median wage: $57,0002025 wage disparity: 127%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $127,1402024 median wage: $53,3902024 wage disparity: 138%Pennsylvania2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $117,8602025 median wage: $49,6902025 wage disparity: 137%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $109,7102024 median wage: $48,5502024 wage disparity: 126%Rhode Island2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $128,1202025 median wage: $56,7802025 wage disparity: 126%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $123,3002024 median wage: $54,0402024 wage disparity: 128%South Carolina2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,0102025 median wage: $46,4902025 wage disparity: 122%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $99,9902024 median wage: $44,7602024 wage disparity: 123%South Dakota2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $94,9002025 median wage: $47,0802025 wage disparity: 102%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $89,1902024 median wage: $45,6202024 wage disparity: 96%Tennessee2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,1302025 median wage: $47,3802025 wage disparity: 118%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,8602024 median wage: $46,1202024 wage disparity: 119%Texas2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $125,2202025 median wage: $48,6202025 wage disparity: 158%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $121,1802024 median wage: $47,5002024 wage disparity: 155%Utah2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $119,9902025 median wage: $50,1102025 wage disparity: 139%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $111,6402024 median wage: $48,6002024 wage disparity: 130%Vermont2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $111,4802025 median wage: $56,3902025 wage disparity: 98%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $107,9202024 median wage: $52,4102024 wage disparity: 106%Virginia2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $139,0102025 median wage: $55,6902025 wage disparity: 150%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $135,7402024 median wage: $53,0202024 wage disparity: 156%Washington2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $153,6302025 median wage: $62,9902025 wage disparity: 144%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $145,6202024 median wage: $61,5902024 wage disparity: 136%West Virginia2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,2202025 median wage: $45,3002025 wage disparity: 117%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $96,2402024 median wage: $43,3202024 wage disparity: 122%Wisconsin2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $104,9902025 median wage: $50,2702025 wage disparity: 109%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $101,9702024 median wage: $48,9302024 wage disparity: 108%Wyoming2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $104,1902025 median wage: $50,2702025 wage disparity: 107%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $102,2102024 median wage: $49,1602024 wage disparity: 108%MethodologyU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for May 2024 and May 2025, the two most recent years for which data are available, were analyzed using statewide annual median wage estimates and 90th-percentile wage thresholds for all occupations. For many occupations, OEWS annual wage estimates are calculated by multiplying hourly wages by 2,080 hours and therefore may not reflect workers’ actual annual earnings. Wage disparity was calculated as the percentage by which the 90th-percentile threshold exceeded the median wage, and states were ranked by the percentage-point change in that disparity from 2024 to 2025. OEWS figures are survey-based estimates and may be subject to sampling and nonsampling error. OEWS excludes self-employed workers and does not cover certain agricultural workers, private household workers or military-specific occupations. Year-over-year shifts, particularly smaller movements, should be interpreted as estimates rather than exact changes. Accordingly, rankings based on small one- or two-percentage-point changes should be interpreted cautiously. This measure captures disparity between the middle and upper end of the wage distribution; it is not a comprehensive measure of inequality across all workers. Source data providers are not affiliated with, and do not endorse or sponsor, this study or its findings.This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Survey: Are guests losing patience with restaurant price increases? Survey: Are guests losing patience with restaurant price increases?In April 2024, Data by Toast surveyed 850 U.S. diners about how they were feeling about rising menu prices, then conducted a similar survey in July 2026. Prices have kept climbing in the two years between waves, and so has guest skepticism—but not in the way that might show up in a restaurant's traffic numbers.Do guests think restaurant price increases are justified?Fewer than they did two years ago. In 2024, 41% of respondents said price increases were "completely justified," and only 10% said they weren't justified at all. In 2026, just 18% say increases are justified, while 25% say they're not. That's close to a reversal in two years.It is important to note that the 2026 wave phrased the response options slightly differently: "yes / somewhat / no" versus "completely justified / somewhat / not justified at all" in 2024. So this should be read as a directional shift rather than a word-for-word repeat. The direction, though, is unambiguous.How much do guests think menu prices have gone up?Guests think prices have gone up more than they estimated in 2024. That year, 41% of respondents guessed prices were up 10–20%. In 2026, 54% put the increase in that same range. Whatever the actual number has been, guests' sense of it has intensified.Are guests actually dining out less because of price increases?Guests say they are dining out only slightly less than they were two years ago, and cost of living, not menu prices specifically, is the bigger driver. In 2024, 55% of respondents said they were dining out less frequently than the year before. In 2026, it's 53%, essentially flat. Skepticism about pricing has grown substantially. Actual pullback in dining-out frequency has not.Among guests who are dining out less, 56% point to the overall cost of living as the main reason, versus 33% who name menu prices specifically. Guests aren't holding restaurants uniquely responsible for tighter budgets. Toast How are restaurant guests adapting instead of dining out less?Instead of abandoning dining out entirely, most customers are actively adapting their habits. In fact, a mere 12% report making no changes at all. The vast majority are making strategic adjustments: 45% are preparing more meals at home, 40% choose lower-cost options from the same menu, and 39% opt for less expensive dining establishments. Overall, this reflects a customer base actively managing its budget within the restaurant sector rather than departing from it. Toast Do guests want restaurants to tell them before raising prices?Over two years, guest demand for advance notice on menu price increases has remained remarkably steady. When asked across both survey waves if restaurants should communicate price hikes ahead of time, 70% of respondents agreed in 2024, compared to 69% in 2026.This persistent expectation is perhaps the survey's most actionable takeaway. Rather than a fleeting sentiment, it's a stable, ongoing desire that's gone largely unaddressed for two years running — giving operators an accessible way to ease guest concerns without altering a single menu price.Do guests understand why restaurant prices are rising?Yes, and that hasn't eroded either. In 2026, 57% of guests say they clearly understand why restaurants are raising prices — nearly identical to 2024's 58%. Asked which specific factors justify the increases, guests named the same drivers operators would: rising ingredient and food costs (77%), inflation generally (70%), and labor costs (57%).So the drop in "justified" sentiment isn't guests losing the plot about the reason; they know what's driving costs up. What seems to be wearing thin is patience: Understanding a price increase and feeling okay about it are two different things, and two years of cumulative increases have widened the gap between them. Toast What should restaurant operators take away from this?None of this points to a guest base that's checked out. It points to one that's more cost-aware, more willing to trade down within a restaurant relationship rather than end it, and still asking for the same small thing it asked for two years ago: a heads-up before the price on the menu changes.Frequently Asked QuestionsIs it true that fewer guests think restaurant price increases are justified than in 2024?Yes. In 2024, 41% of guests called price increases "completely justified." In 2026, only 18% say increases are justified, while 25% say they're not.Has the amount guests dine out actually changed since 2024?Only slightly. 55% of guests said they were dining out less often in 2024, compared with 53% in 2026 — a roughly flat trend despite rising skepticism about pricing.Why are guests dining out less, if not primarily because of menu prices?56% of guests who are dining out less cite the overall cost of living as the main reason, compared with 33% who cite menu prices specifically.Do guests want restaurants to announce price increases in advance?Yes. 69% of guests in 2026 said they'd prefer restaurants communicate a price increase ahead of time, nearly identical to the 70% who said the same in 2024.Do guests understand why restaurants are raising prices?Yes. 57% of guests in 2026 say they clearly understand why restaurants are raising prices, matching the 57% who said the same in 2024. The top cited justifications are rising ingredient/food costs (77%), inflation (70%), and labor costs (57%).Methodology: Toast conducted a blind survey of 850 U.S. adults ages 18+ on this topic on July 31st, 2026 and April 23, 2024. Respondents were not made aware that Toast was fielding the study. Using a standard margin of error calculation, at a confidence interval of 95%, the margin of error on average is +/- 3-5%.This story was produced by Toast and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Survey shows how financial pressure shapes US relationships, families, and major life decisions Survey shows how financial pressure shapes US relationships, families, and major life decisionsThe TD 2026 Love & Money Survey shows that financial pressure is affecting far more than household budgets. Americans say money is influencing how they communicate with partners, when they pursue major life milestones, how often they rely on family support and how confident they feel about their financial future.Despite these pressures, TD reports, Americans remain focused on strengthening their financial futures through greater savings, reduced debt and improved financial planning.1. Money is still one of America's biggest relationship stressorsMoney continues to create tension in Americans’ relationships and personal lives. While nearly half of respondents reported being completely transparent about their finances, many avoid or hide financial decisions.Fifty-nine percent have felt scared or embarrassed discussing finances with a partner.Forty-two percent say financial disagreements create stress often or very often.Forty-six percent say someone's debt or financial habits would influence whether they pursued a serious relationship.Thirty percent have hidden a financial decision from someone close to them.2. Financial pressure is delaying American dreamsMoney doesn't just affect relationships. For many Americans, it is shaping when they feel ready to pursue some of life's biggest goals. Three-quarters of survey respondents have postponed major life goals because of money. Persistent affordability challenges are causing Americans to put important financial and personal goals on hold. Younger generations are experiencing the broadest range of delays, from moving out of a parent's home and buying their own home to getting married or starting a family. Top delays include:Paying off debt (23%)Travel (21%)Buying a car (17%)Buying a home (17%)Saving for retirement (15%)3. The rise of family financial supportAs Americans delay major life milestones and navigate ongoing affordability challenges, families are increasingly stepping in to help. Financial support does not end when children become adults. Americans are both receiving and providing assistance across generations, helping cover everyday expenses, emergencies and major milestones, ranging from housing to transportation.Sixty-seven percent have received financial assistance.Seventy-one percent have provided financial assistance.Average support received exceeds $12,000.4. The pressure to keep up is extending beyond financesFinancial pressure doesn't just affect spending decisions. It can also influence how people compare themselves to others and how successful they feel they need to appear. More than two-thirds of the survey respondents feel pressure to be perceived as wealthier than they are.Sixty-eight percent feel pressure in their personal lives.Fifty-three percent feel pressure on social media.5. Americans want financial confidence more than financial perfectionDespite these pressures, Americans remain focused on building a stronger financial future. While many respondents report feeling stretched by the cost of living, they are actively looking for ways to increase their financial confidence through higher income, greater savings, reduced debt and stronger financial knowledge.When asked what would most improve their financial confidence, survey respondents pointed to higher income, more savings, and financial education.Fifty-six percent say higher income, more savings or less debt would improve confidence.Higher income is the No. 1 answer overall.Financial education ranks especially high among Gen Z.Survey MethodologyTalker Research surveyed 2,000 respondents, including 250 in the major metro areas of New York City, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C., and 500 general population respondents. The survey was commissioned by TD and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between June 29 and July 13, 2026.This random double-opt-in survey was conducted by market research company Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).This article is for informational purposes only and is based on information available as of August 2026 and is subject to change.This story was produced by TD and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to get ROI from Yelp Ads: A revenue-first guide How to get ROI from Yelp Ads: A revenue-first guideHow to get return on investment (ROI) from Yelp Ads comes down to tracking what happens after the click. Yelp reports the clicks, calls, and directions your page generates, and your own attribution has to show which of those became paying customers and whether the profit covered what you spent.That gap is why Yelp advertising ROI is harder to pin down than it looks. Yelp reports substantial lifts in customer leads among advertisers, and it counts bookmarks, photo uploads, and check-ins as customer leads alongside calls and messages.WebFX broke down what Yelp’s dashboard actually measures, how to calculate return on both revenue and profit, and where to look when your lead count looks healthy but your revenue does not.How to get ROI from Yelp AdsTrack every Yelp lead through to a booked customer, calculate what those customers contributed, find the stage where value drops, and fix that stage before increasing spend.That sequence matters because Yelp advertising works through a chain, and each link can break independently: WebFX If you measure only the first three links, you have to guess at the rest. Yelp’s dashboard covers spend, clicks, and its own count of leads, which leaves the three stages where money is actually made or lost outside the reporting entirely.Cheaper clicks do not improve Yelp advertising ROI, but more profitable booked jobs do, and you cannot optimize toward those without seeing them.What does Yelp actually measure?Yelp measures campaign activity on your page, and that activity is not the same as booked customers.Start with what Yelp publishes about advertiser performance. The average advertiser sees a 168% monthly lift in customer leads after 12 months of advertising, based on 29,836 U.S. advertisers. Across that study, mobile calls increased 152% and website clicks went up 113%. Meanwhile, home services advertisers saw a 219% lift in customer leads.Those are real increases in activity, but they are not a measure of booked business, and the reason sits in how Yelp defines the metric.What counts as a customer leadYelp counts nine actions as customer leads:Mobile check-insMobile callsUser-uploaded photosCall to action clicksDirections and map viewsClicks to your websiteYelp bookmarksReservations made on YelpMessages from users to your businessBookmarks and photo uploads contribute to the same total as calls and messages. Someone saving your page for later counts, and so does someone who called and booked a $6,000 install.Yelp is direct about where its visibility ends. “Once a customer logs off, we can’t follow their actions,” the company wrote on its website, which means every stage between the click and the closed job has to be measured on your side.What Yelp shows vs. what you needYelp’s dashboard answers questions about reach and engagement. An ROI calculation asks questions about money, and those two sets of questions rarely overlap. WebFX How to calculate ROI from Yelp AdsTwo formulas answer different questions, and mixing them up is why so many Yelp ROI numbers look impressive and mean nothing.Return on ad spend (ROAS) tells you how much revenue came back for every advertising dollar:Yelp ROAS = Attributed Yelp revenue ÷ Yelp ad spendReturn on investment (ROI) tells you whether the campaign made money after the cost of delivering the work:Yelp ROI = (Gross profit attributable to Yelp – total campaign cost) ÷ total campaign cost × 100The second one is stricter for two reasons. It uses gross profit instead of revenue, so it accounts for what those jobs cost you to complete. And total campaign cost includes more than ad spend, since a campaign also carries any paid Yelp upgrades it uses and whatever you pay someone to manage it.A campaign returning $4 in revenue for every $1 of ad spend sounds strong. If those jobs run at a 25% gross margin, the campaign is already at break-even on ad spend alone. Add a management fee, and the true ROI turns negative.The five numbers worth trackingEach of these metrics answers a different question, and running all five tells you where in the chain your money is working. WebFX Work down that list, and each metric gets closer to the question you actually care about. Cost per click tells you about the auction, while cost per booked job tells you about your business.The five things Yelp’s lead count cannot tell youYelp’s dashboard reports what happened on your page. These five gaps sit between that report and an ROI figure you can act on.Whether the activity represented real buying intent: Yelp’s customer leads metric includes bookmarks, photo uploads, and check-ins alongside calls and messages. A month with 60 leads might contain 40 people trying to reach you or 15, and the number alone will not tell you which.Which paid and organic Yelp leads produced revenue: Yelp separates ad leads from organic leads, so you can see which came through your campaign. What it cannot show is which of those became customers, or what each source returned once the work closed.Whether the lead was qualified: An inquiry only counts if it matches the services you sell, the area you cover, and the kind of customer you want. A call asking about work you do not do still lands in your lead count.Whether the lead became a booked customer: The gap between someone calling and someone booking is where most campaign performance is actually decided, and none of it appears in Yelp’s reporting.What the customer was worth: Two campaigns can produce the same number of booked jobs and very different revenue. Job value and gross margin live in your books.What to put in placeClosing these gaps takes four things, and Yelp supplies part of it.Call tracking that connects to revenue. Yelp offers free call reporting to advertisers, showing the date, a partial phone number, and the duration of each call. That covers call volume. Connecting a specific call to a booked job and the revenue behind it takes tracking that reaches into your own systems.Campaign-level URL tagging. Yelp’s native link tracking feature attributes website actions back to your Yelp Ads campaigns and is available to advertisers with 10 or more locations. If that feature is not available to your business, use your own campaign-level tracking and analytics to connect Yelp website traffic and leads back to the campaign.Campaign spend included in your reporting, so you can calculate cost per qualified lead, cost per booked job, ROAS, and ROI against actual Yelp spend.Lead outcomes recorded. Qualified or not, booked or not, and what the job was worth. Without this last piece, the other three produce a well-labeled lead count and nothing more.What tracking revealed for one HVAC advertiserHere is what the full chain looks like when someone measures all six stages instead of the first three.A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) company running Yelp Ads tracked Yelp-attributed revenue equal to more than 10 times its Yelp Ads spend across the first half of 2026. Yelp Ads directly drove 90% of the jobs attributed to Yelp during that period, with the remainder coming from the company’s organic Yelp listing.Yelp’s platform metrics alone would not have surfaced that outcome. The dashboard reports activity on the page, and the job attribution and revenue figures come from tracking built outside it.Keep in mind that the revenue total combines paid and organic Yelp activity, and it reflects one client, one market, and one six-month stretch, which makes it an example of what the measurement produces rather than a benchmark for your category.Where is your Yelp ROI breaking down?When the numbers disappoint, the useful question is which stage of the chain leaked. Match what you are seeing against the pattern below. WebFX Diagnose the broken stage before increasing the budget. More spend magnifies whatever performance you already have, which means a targeting problem funded at twice the level produces twice the unqualified leads.How to improve ROI from advertising on YelpOnce you know which stage is leaking, six levers move the number. They run roughly in order of impact.Fix attribution first. Everything below depends on seeing which spend produced which jobs, and you cannot optimize toward revenue you cannot trace. This is the one item worth doing before you touch the campaign itself.Target the services with the best economics. Yelp serves your ads based on the categories on your account, and selecting every category you technically qualify for exposes your budget to work you did not want. Cutting the ones that produce low-margin work raises your average gross profit per job without changing your budget.Tighten geographic targeting. Every click from outside your realistic service area is spending you cannot convert. Narrow the radius to where your crews actually go and where you can close profitably.Improve the page people land on after the click. Photos of completed work, current service details, and credentials all affect whether a paid visitor calls—same clicks, more leads, and better cost per lead.Look at lead handling. Response speed matters on Yelp, particularly for quote requests where people contact several businesses at once. It is also one bottleneck among several, so check it against the diagnostic above rather than assuming it caused the problem.Reallocate by cost per booked job. Lead volume is the wrong basis for a budget decision. Shift spend toward the services and areas producing customers at an acquisition cost your margins can absorb.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Oktoberfest will come to downtown Davenport The German American Heritage Center and Museum and Zimmerman Honda will host the fifth annual Oktoberfest in Kaiserslautern Square (K-Square) which provides a perfect venue for an outdoor event in the heart of downtown Davenport. Hours are noon until 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. This free event is a great way to celebrate the rich [...]
	Is your pay keeping pace with your local talent market? Is your pay keeping pace with your local talent market?The wage numbers that matter most to your business may be the ones coming from your own backyard.National wage trends provide useful context, but they don't provide the same local granularity it takes to attract and retain employees in your specific market. Local pay can move at a different pace, shaped by the industries, jobs and workers that make up the local economy.To help employers look at trends specific to their market, ADP debuted new pay growth data enhancements in its August 2026 Pay Insights report, including data on base and gross pay for 56 U.S. metropolitan areas, in addition to base and gross pay data by worker mobility, demographics, sector, employer size, and pay quartile.According to the report, the following 11 metro areas saw the highest year-over-year base pay growth:1. Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, Connecticut3.6% base pay growth4.3% gross pay growth2. Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, Michigan3.5% base pay growth5.1% gross pay growth3. Kansas City, Missouri-Kansas3.5% base pay growth5.1% gross pay growth4. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, Florida3.5% base pay growth4.8% gross pay growth5. Omaha, Nebraska-Iowa3.5% base pay growth4.9% gross pay growth6. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Florida3.5% base pay growth4.8% gross pay growth7. Rochester, New York3.5% base pay growth5.3% gross pay growth8. San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, California3.5% base pay growth4.8% gross pay growth9. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California3.5% base pay growth5.6% gross pay growth10. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Washington3.5% base pay growth5.1% gross pay growth11. St. Louis, Missouri-Illinois3.5% base pay growth4.8% gross pay growthNationally, base pay increased 3.2% for all workers, while gross pay increased 4.7%.For business owners, those granular numbers offer more than a snapshot of the local economy. They can help show where the competition for talent is getting tougher and whether compensation is keeping pace.The goal isn't to chase every movement in wages. It's to understand what's driving the trend and use that information to make better decisions about hiring and retention.What does the gap between base and gross pay tell you?The distinction between base and gross pay is particularly useful. Base pay reflects contracted pay rates and tends to represent more lasting changes in compensation, while gross pay includes base pay plus bonuses, commissions, tips, overtime pay and other earnings. It provides a broader view of what workers are earning and can offer clues about changes in income and spending power in your local economy.These two measures tell you about your labor market and how local employers are responding to changing economic conditions. That difference can inform different business decisions. Strong base-pay growth may signal sustained pressure on employers to raise wages to stay competitive for talent. Faster gross-pay growth could indicate that employers are also considering short-term incentive strategies.The data also lets businesses look more closely at who is seeing those gains. Are job-changers seeing stronger pay growth than people who stay with their employers? Are wages rising fastest in sectors where hiring is most difficult?Those details can help turn a broad wage trend into a more useful picture of the local talent market.Use the data to sharpen recruitingOnce the pressure points are clear, look at the jobs that matter most to your business. Which positions take longer to fill, where are open jobs staying vacant, and where are candidates choosing competitors?If pay is lagging in roles where competition for talent is strongest, compensation may be the first place to look. Local wage data can help determine whether starting pay is competitive and where an adjustment could make the biggest difference.That doesn't mean every business needs to match the highest offer in the market, but it does mean they need to understand the alternatives available to candidates and make deliberate choices about where to compete.In conjunction with local wage trends, employers should also consider broader conditions when developing their talent strategy. For example, an ADP analysis found wages have not kept up with inflation in recent years. Understanding deeper implications like this can help employers identify where the opportunities are to stand out against the competition.Pay is only one part of that decision. If you don’t have much room to increase compensation, you can look at other parts of the offer, including flexibility, career development, training and benefits. The right combination depends on the workers being recruited and what competing employers are offering.For example, skills development is becoming critical as artificial intelligence rapidly changes the world of work and new skills are needed. According to ADP Research’s latest issue of Today at Work, 24% of respondents strongly agreed their education prepared them to find a job, indicating there’s some room for employers to strengthen workplace skills beyond what the traditional education can provide.The key is to base your decisions on local market data and the latest talent trends rather than guessing what candidates want.Don't wait for turnover to reveal the problemThe same data can help identify retention risks before employees walk out the door.When outside wages rise, existing employees see those opportunities, too. If their pay hasn't kept pace with the market, some may decide that changing jobs is the best way to increase their earnings. That risk can be especially high for strong performers and employees in roles that are already difficult to fill.Regular compensation reviews can help identify those pressure points. Compare pay for critical roles with local trends. Look at positions where hiring has become more difficult or turnover is costly. Then consider whether targeted pay adjustments could help retain the employees who are most valuable to the business.But don't assume pay is always the answer. If pay is competitive but turnover remains high, look beyond the paycheck. The problem may be career opportunities, management or flexibility.That diagnostic approach matters. Local wage data can tell you where to look, but it doesn't tell you to give everyone a raise. The goal is to understand the problem before deciding how to address it.Turn local data into a talent strategyLocal wage data is most useful when it leads to better decisions.Ask whether pay is competitive for the roles that are hardest to fill, look at whether job-changers are seeing larger gains than employees who stay, and consider whether the difference between base and gross pay points to a longer-term shift in compensation or a greater role for variable earnings.Then decide what, if anything, needs to change.There won't be one answer for every business, which is why local data matters. National averages provide context, but local trends show what businesses are facing in the market where they actually compete for talent.The better that market is understood, the easier it is to make informed choices about where to invest, where to adjust, and where to look beyond compensation to attract and retain the people the business needs.This story was produced by ADP and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Two-thirds of workers don't always check what AI tells them. Half think they'd be responsible for the fallout. Two-thirds of workers don't always check what AI tells them. Half think they'd be responsible for the fallout.Earlier this year, The New York Times hired Oumi, an AI testing company, to answer a basic question: How often are Google's AI Overviews right? The AI overviews are the summaries that sit on top of the search results that billions of people see every day.Oumi measured Google’s Gemini 3 model as accurate 91% of the time across 4,326 searches, up from 85% with Gemini 2. While that sounds reassuring, the article went on to point out that Google handles around five trillion searches a year, and 9% of inaccuracies translates to tens of millions of wrong answers every hour.AI can make mistakes, but the bigger concern may be what happens when people trust those mistakes.In this article, Kolmogorov Law examines new survey findings on how workers use AI, how often they verify its answers, and what happens when they don't.The citations AI uses don't always hold upIn the New York Times article, Oumi also found that 56% of AI Overviews are "ungrounded," meaning the source the AI cites does not actually support what the AI portrays in its answer. A year earlier, that figure was 37%, showing that, while answer accuracy went up, the citations AI overviews use are becoming less accurate.Studies show most people are inclined to trust AIResearchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School conducted three experiments involving 1,372 participants to find out what people actually do when an AI hands them an answer. When the AI produced a confident but incorrect answer, 73% of participants accepted it. The research also found that when participants used AI, it also increased their confidence in the incorrect answers.The researchers called this phenomenon "cognitive surrender": the act of trusting AI’s answer enough that you stop doing the thinking or checking yourself because the answer came back fast and read smoothly. This is different from “cognitive offloading,” which is handing a task to AI on purpose and then checking the output afterward.While the University of Pennsylvania study had interesting findings, it was run under lab conditions, so it might not translate into real-world scenarios. To analyze whether similar behavior occurs in workplaces, Kolmogorov Law commissioned a national survey, fielded through the Pollfish research platform, of 500 employed American adults ages 18 to 64 who use AI tools for work.How 500 Workers Are Using AI at WorkSeventy-two percent of respondents said they use AI daily or several times a week at work. Nearly eight in ten use it for research, and about half use it to draft documents and email. Twenty-three percent said they have used it for legal, financial, or compliance questions.But, when asked how often they independently verify an AI answer before acting on it or passing it along, only 35% of respondents said always. The remaining 65% said they verify AI answers less often: 33% said usually, 26% sometimes, and 6% rarely or never.Of those respondents who don’t always check AI answers, some said they used AI-generated answers even when they suspected the answers were wrong. Forty-two percent admitted they had gone ahead with an answer they suspected was wrong, either because it was quicker or because the AI sounded sure of itself. A quarter of respondents said they had done it more than once.The findings also show how inaccurate AI answers can affect people’s work. Thirty percent of respondents said a wrong AI answer has caused a problem in their work, such as a mistake in a deliverable, a bad decision, lost time or money or a client or legal issue. Four percent described the problem as serious, with another 24% saying they were unsure whether inaccurate AI data caused a problem.The survey findings also show that verification isn’t a cure-all. Among the 173 respondents who said they always verify AI answers, 40% also said they had accepted an answer they suspected was wrong. That group reported work-related problems at a similar rate to the overall sample, 32% compared with 30%. These findings echo what the Wharton team found in the lab as well.Workers Using AI for High-Stakes Questions Report More ProblemsThe workers using AI for legal, financial, or compliance questions reported problems at a higher rate. Of the 113 respondents who said they use AI for those matters, 43% said a wrong answer had already cost them something, yet 64% of that same group still do not always verify AI answers.Workers Already Know Who PaysIn a legal setting, responsibility for an inaccurate AI-generated answer can ultimately fall on the person who relies on it.OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic all disclaim responsibility for the accuracy of their output in their terms of service. Yet 52% of surveyed workers did not know that the AI vendors' terms of service say this in writing.Despite the lack of knowledge, workers largely understand that they may bear the consequences for relying on inaccurate data. When asked, “If you acted on a wrong AI answer at work and it caused financial harm, who do you think would be legally responsible?” Fifty-one percent of respondents said, "me personally." Eighteen percent said their employer, 15% were unsure, and only 12% named the company that built the AI.Most employers aren’t creating policies to help. Only 22% of respondents said their employer has a written policy requiring AI output to be verified before it goes into work product. Fifty-nine percent said there is no such policy. Nineteen percent were not sure. Among client-serving professionals in law, finance, healthcare, consulting, and real estate, the figure was about one in three.How Workers Can Protect ThemselvesAI can be useful for a first draft, a way to organize a problem, or a place to start research. The risk comes when the AI output gets treated as finished work without verifying if it’s accurate.For the individual professional, that means using AI as you would any other tool: trust but verify.Employers have a role, too. With 65% of workers saying they do not always verify AI answers and only 22% reporting a written policy requiring verification, clear workplace policies could help provide guidance and protect workers.As AI becomes a routine part of work, knowing when to question an AI answer could mean the difference between getting ahead and facing the consequences of a costly mistake.MethodologyThis article is based on a survey of 500 employed U.S. adults, ages 18 to 64, conducted Sept. 1, 2026, through the Pollfish online research platform. Respondents were screened to full-time, part-time, and self-employed workers. All 500 reported using AI tools for work at least occasionally; 72% use them daily or several times a week. The questionnaire consisted of one occupation question, one usage-frequency question, eight substantive questions, and one attention check, which all 500 respondents passed. Results are unweighted. The margin of error is approximately plus or minus 4.4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level for the full sample. Subgroup figures (client-serving professionals, n=79; users of AI for legal, financial, or compliance questions, n=113; respondents who say they always verify, n=173) carry wider margins. Public findings are drawn from the New York Times-commissioned Oumi analysis of Google AI Overviews and from University of Pennsylvania/Wharton research on AI verification behavior.This story was produced by Kolmogorov Law and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Country Orchids Florist & Boutique celebrates grand opening Saturday Michelle Crow and Chelsea Lesniewski, a mother-and-daughter duo, are beginning a new chapter together with a combined business.
	Couple of nice days before rain returns Once the patchy dense fog dissipates this morning, we'll enjoy a couple of nice, warm days in the Quad Cities After that, rain chances will be a daily occurrence this weekend into next week. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	MEDIC EMS applies for grant to form preventative rural mobile health unit Paramedics could pick up a person's medication and ensure they're taking it correctly, advise on proper wound care, give breathing treatments, or administer blood products at the patient's home.
	What to watch this fall: Here are 16 TV shows we're looking forward to An East of Eden adaptation, a reboot of A Different World, Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson playing (possible) brothers ... Here's a sneak peek at what NPR critics will be watching in the next few months.
	After Trump promised to pay $5,000 if Republicans win, here's what to expect Thursday President Trump promised to send every adult citizen $5,000, but only if Republicans maintain control of Congress in the midterm election, setting high expectations for the convention's final night.
	A year after Charlie Kirk was killed, young conservatives navigate a divided movement The death of Charlie Kirk was seen as a rallying call for young conservatives. One year later, the movement is wrestling with questions about its future.
	One year after Charlie Kirk's death, Turning Point USA faces an uncertain future The death of Charlie Kirk was seen as a rallying call for young conservatives. One year later, the movement is wrestling with questions about its future.
	Special Weather Statement until THU 8:00 AM CDT Dense Fog Advisory: Reduced Visibility in Low-Lying Areas This Morning
	A pilot of the Amazon cargo plane in Miami crash warned it was coming in too fast For nearly two minutes, one of the pilots of the Amazon cargo plane that careened off a Miami runway repeatedly warned his counterpart they were going too fast, according to flight information.
Wednesday, September 9th, 2026
	Geneseo football off to 3-0 start Geneseo is off to a 3-0 start this season heading into week four of high school football.
	The Geography of Quantum Innovation Goes Local (NewsUSA) - Quantum information science, engineering, and technologies (QISET) is in its second phase, now rapidly evolving from lab-based projects to real-world applications that are impacting the strategies and finances of the federal government and the private sector, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in artificial intelligence.In the first phase of QISET development, known in the industry as Quantum 1.0, quantum mechanics and science fostered the development of lasers and transistors. Today, Quantum 2.0 activity centers around developments in areas including photonics, microelectronics, and specialized materials. As the United States seeks to up its game in quantum information science, SCSP highlights the history, foundation, and future of place-based quantum innovation in a new limited newsletter, "Quantum States," which examines how different states and regions are leading the way.States were assessed across a range of metrics, including cited quantum information science research, patents, the volume of both 'pure play' and quantum-enabling companies, the number of military research facilities, breadth of the full quantum stack (defined as computing, sensing, and networking), and the number of quantum-related job openings. "Developing a robust ecosystem of quantum technologies is not a one-size-fits-all approach, in which local leadership is guaranteed by hosting the most companies within a region. Rather, it requires a cohesive, strategic effort leveraging strengths within that state," according to the SCSP experts. Currently, California leads in most aspects of Quantum 2.0, including industrial capacity, talent pipelines, and market ecosystems, but other established hubs include New York, Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, and Massachusetts. However, several other states are poised to become players, including, Texas, North Carolina, and Florida given their high number of PhDs awarded, and the presence of Quantum research centers in many of their academic institutions. "The most successful quantum states build strong synergies between pillars of a quantum ecosystem: academia, NIST, national labs, startups, and private industry," according to the SCSP experts. Ultimately, true quantum hubs emerge where industry, academia, and government actively connect.Visit scsp.ai to learn more and for future editions of the Quantum States newsletter.
	Davenport council approves big settlement with former assistant city attorney The Davenport City Council on Wednesday approved paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in a settlement agreement with the former assistant city attorney. Davenport will pay about $400,000 to Mallory Bagby. It was a five-five vote among the aldermen, but Mayor Jason Gordon broke the tie in favor of the settlement. Bagby accused some city [...]
	City of Eldridge brings firefighters back to discuss department plans Eldridge's volunteer firefighters went back to the bargaining table with city leaders to talk about the future of the department. It comes after city council voted to convert the volunteer department into a city agency. Our Quad Cities News was there Wednesday during the first public meeting since firefighters and city employees agreed to meet [...]
	Eldridge continues discussion on fire department future A final vote on the creation of a city-run fire department is set for October.
	Dani's Weekend Rundown: Sept. 10, 2026 In our inaugural episode, Dani is joined by Pat Leuck to discuss life after radio, where to enjoy some live local music and 9/11 memorials around the Quad Cities.
	12-year-old arrested for threat against Glenview Middle School Police said they do not believe the juvenile had the intent or means to act on the threat.
	Cincinnati man charged with child sex abuse in Knox County 25-year-old Trevor Jones has charged with two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and two counts of child exploitation of a child.
	‘We’re all going to miss him’: Iowa band member remembered by friends after heat-related death His friends say he was more than a musician.
	Illinois could bill gunmakers for costs of gun violence Illinois state lawmakers are considering legislation to bill gunmakers for the costs of gun violence. Officials say that gun violence costs the state of Illinois $20 billion each year for things like emergency services, funerals and law enforcement. The Responsibility in Firearm Legislation Act (Senate Bill 2279) would require gun makers to contribute to a [...]
	City of Rock Island to begin routine fire hydrant flushing The city of Rock Island is set to begin its routine Fire Hydrant Flushing Program Sept. 13.
	QCA pushes to build out bike trail system Across the Quad Cities, there is an emphasis on adding and connecting the vast trail system in the area. "We're working on some other connections to help get people north - south," said John Byrnes, Bettendorf Parks and Recreation director. "And once we do that more efficiently, that'll connect and sort of start gridding our [...]
	Scott County earns recognition for financial reports John Maxwell, chair of the Scott County Board of Supervisors; Kerri Tompkins, county auditor; and Tony Knobbe, county treasurer; have announced that Scott County has been recognized forawards in presenting the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (Fiscal Year 2025) and the Popular Financial Report (Fiscal Year 2025,) according to a news release. Additionally, the county qualified [...]
	Law enforcement members head to DC on inaugural 'Quad City Back the Blue' flight Stops included the Law Enforcement Official Memorial Wall and Museum, the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall and the World War II Memorial.
	Davenport approves nearly $400k settlement with former assistant city attorney Mayor Jason Gordon broke the 5-5 vote to settle with Mallory Bagby, who brought a lawsuit against the city alleging harassment and discrimination.
	Fetterman, already at odds with his party, makes surprise video for GOP convention The Pennsylvania Democrat has already had a strained relationship with many inside his party. In the video, he spoke about working with Trump but did not outright praise him.
	i9 Investigation: Heat conditions exceeded recommended level at Iowa game where band member collapsed, later died An i9 Investigation is raising new questions about what led to the death of a University of Iowa band member who collapsed during Saturday’s football game.
	Davenport to pay former assistant city attorney almost $400K settlement The council approved the settlement in a close 6-5 vote Wednesday night.
	Muscatine housing leader recognized for expanding affordable housing A Muscatine housing leader is being recognized for her work expanding affordable housing. Charla Schafer is president of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. Schafer received the 2026 Kay Anderson Friend of Iowa Award. According to a Facebook post by the Iowa Finance Authority: Charla has made housing availability and affordability a priority, bringing public, [...]
	Rabbithole group hosting Credit Island cleanup, hangout The Rabbithole is a QCA library of resources and skills. Members can donate their talents, time or even household items, all while building community together.
	Long road home: Texas dog found in the Iowa Quad Cities It's been a doggone long road for a four-legged friend to make it back home. A dog missing for a year from Texas is home after he was found in the QCA. Coco was running loose at the Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott a few weeks ago. Someone caught Coco and brought him to the [...]
	Iowa pork farmers divided over ‘Save Our Bacon Act’ ahead of November election Iowa’s pork industry is divided over a bill in Congress that could prevent states from setting their own rules on how producers raise livestock.
	25 years later: Ceremonies and events across the Quad Cities region remembering the Sept. 11 attacks Community members across the region will come together to remember the lives lost and those impacted by the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
	Union president: Do more for Iowa teachers Pressure to do more for teachers in Iowa came from the president of the national teachers' union during a visit to the state. Princess Moss, president of the National Education Association (NEA), visited an elementary school in central Iowa. The NEA is the largest labor union in the country with three million teachers. Moss says [...]
	Quad Cities group hosting cleanup, outdoor activities at Credit Island The Rabbithole Outdoor Club is inviting people out to the island on Sunday, Sept. 13, for a morning of volunteering, outdoor recreation and community.
	Hampton Apple Fest celebrates 40-year tradition with new activities The annual event returns on Saturday, Sept. 19. It all benefits the nonprofit Hampton Historical Society and Hampton's iconic Brettun & Black Museum.
	How Quad Cities area is remembering 9/11 attacks on 25th anniversary Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 attacks, communities across the nation and right here in the Quad Cities area continue to honor the lives lost and reflect on how that day changed America forever.
	Sorensen to request $1.5M to replace East Moline fire ladder truck The ladder truck has been in service since 2009, and build times for a new one can take three years or more.
	Annual Apple Fest benefiting Hampton museum Sponsored by the Hampton Historical Society, the festival helps the historic Brettun and Black Museum.
	These 61 organizations will receive $3.5M in Illinois local food grants Illinois will spend over $3.5 million to local food organizations in the state’s latest attempt to bolster local food infrastructure.
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: MARCUS FERRELL, 40, 5’10”, 175 pounds, black eyes, black hair. Wanted by Iowa DOC 7th District High Risk Unit for probation violation on convictions [...]
	Rabid bat found in Macomb home The McDonough County Health Department said residents who find a bat in their home should contact them for guidance on potential rabies exposure and testing.
	27th Street bridge over I-74 to close for Moline bike path project The 27th Street bridge over Interstate 74 will close starting Sept. 9 as construction continues on a new bike path.
	Traffic Alert: I-80 East down to one lane for weigh-in motion sensor work Only one lane of I-80 East will be open for part of Thursday during sensor work in Rock Island County.
	Take in some of Illinois' most scenic roads at Tour of the Heartland Take a tour of some of Illinois' most scenic and lightly-traveled rural roads! Tina Reyes joined Our Quad Cities News with details on the Quad Cities Bicycle Club's Tour of the Heartland. For more information, click here.
	12-year-old arrested for making threats to East Moline school A 12-year-old was arrested Wednesday for making threats to a middle school in East Moline, according to a news release. On Sept. 3, East Moline police were notified about a social-media threat referring to “violence” at Glenview Middle School, 3100 7th St., East Moline, received through the social media application Tik Tok. The threat implied [...]
	YWCA Quad Cities holding diaper drive The drive runs Sept. 14-20. YWCA officials said diapers are among the most requested items from community members visiting their Empowerment Center.
	Man killed in Bureau County crash was an Illinois National Guard soldier Spc. Aiden Mrotek was killed in an after-duty crash on Sunday night. He had been assisting with community outreach efforts in Kewanee and was on his way back home.
	East Moline Fire Department seeking $1.5 million in additional funding The funding would help pay for a new fire truck.
	Charges dismissed for Mercer County school workers accused of illegally accessing student medical records Charges were dismissed against the two Mercer County school workers who were accused last year of illegally accessing student medical records.
	Prosecutors: Alex Uthoff was on cocaine when he crashed his motorcycle, killing his passenger New documents detail Uthoff's speeding and drug use prior to a crash that killed his passenger
	12-year-old arrested for Glenview Middle School social media threat A student at an East Moline middle school was arrested Wednesday after a threat made on TikTok was reported to police last week.
	12-year-old arrested for making threat against Glenview Middle School Police said they do not believe the juvenile had the intent or means to act on the threat.
	Voters can learn about $33.7M Central DeWitt school bond referendum at community forums The multimillion-dollar general obligation bond will be on the November ballot. If approved, the money will help bring all students to the same campus.
	Thurgood Marshall Learning Center names new principal Thurgood Marshall Learning Center (TMLC) has a new principal. Timothy Wernentin has been named the new principal at TMLC. Wernentin served as principal of Rock Island High School and spent nine years as principal of Sherrard High School. He served 11 years as a building principal before taking the Sherrard High School job.
	Police: 12-year-old arrested for social media threat against Glenview Middle School A 12-year-old boy has been arrested in connection to a social media threat against Glenview Middle School.
	Getting to Know the #1 Pizza Ranch Fan: Jason Halkias Chief Meteorologist Andy McCray talks with familiar faces around the Quad Cities in the Getting to Know Podcast. Learn more about important people around our area and have a good time doing it. Each week will feature a new guest from restaurant owners, to area leaders, to Our Quad Cities News Staff. In this episode [...]
	Cincinnati man arrested on Knox County child sex abuse, exploitation charges A man from Cincinnati has been arrested after an extensive, multi-jurisdictional criminal investigation into allegations involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of juvenile victims, according to a news release from the Knox County Sheriff's Office. The investigation began after the Knox County Sheriff's Office received information about sexual misconduct allegations involving juvenile victims taking place [...]
	Ohio man charged with sexual assault, exploitation in Knox County He has been taken into custody and is being held without pretrial release, pending further court proceedings.
	Carl Sandburg College president to retire Dr. Seamus Reilly has been president of the community college in Galesburg for nine years.
	Illinois National Guard soldier killed in Bureau County crash Spc. Aiden Mrotek was killed in an after-duty crash on Sunday night. He had been assisting with community outreach efforts in Kewanee and was on his way back home.
	Battery fires have been on the rise: Here's how to prevent them Battery fires have been on the rise: Here's how to prevent themIt only takes one battery to start a fire—and in the heat of summer, that risk rises dramatically.July and August consistently record the highest number of fires at waste and recycling facilities. Fire Rover’s Fire Safety Report, which tracks publicly reported fire incidents at waste and recycling facilities across North America, refers to the seasonal increase as the industry’s “summertime spike.” July and August 2025 set a record, with more than 100 fires reported over the two-month period. Final fire data for summer 2026 is not yet available, but the Fire Safety Report indicates the number of fires is trending in a similar direction.The trend underscores a growing risk: Batteries thrown in the trash or recycling can be damaged during collection and processing. During the summer, high temperatures can make those damaged batteries more likely to ignite and spread fire quickly.In June, a fourth rule was added to WM’s Recycle Right guide: no batteries in the recycling or trash. WM broke down why during the hottest months of the year, that guidance becomes even more critical. CRARGER // Shutterstock A common mistake with serious consequencesMany batteries end up in the trash or recycling unintentionally, often because they're hidden inside everyday products.“As batteries become part of more everyday products, it's more important than ever to understand how to handle them properly to keep them out of the trash and recycling streams,” said Ryan Nordt, executive director, recycling operations, WM. "Many people don’t realize they’re throwing away a battery when they toss a problem toy, an old pair of earbuds, or a cordless power tool or household device. The good news is there are programs available where the batteries from these products can be recycled."When those batteries enter the waste stream, they can be damaged by:Compaction inside garbage trucksCrushing or puncturing in sorting equipmentContact with metal or other batteriesHigh temperatures during collection and processingThese conditions can cause batteries to overheat, spark or ignite, leading to fires in trucks, landfills and recycling facilities. These fires can endanger consumers, workers, first responders and communities.Why summer heat makes battery fires more likelyBattery-related fires occur year-round, but summer creates conditions that make them more dangerous:Higher temperatures can cause batteries to overheat more easilyHeat can make damaged batteries less stable and more likely to igniteTemperatures inside garbage trucks, containers and processing facilities can climb quickly during the summerDry materials like paper, cardboard and plastics can help fires spread rapidly once they startResearch from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and industry analysis from Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) and the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) show that heat, pressure and combustible materials significantly increase both ignition risk and fire spread in waste and recycling operations.It’s not just lithium-ion batteriesLithium-ion batteries are often highlighted because they can experience something called "thermal runaway." This chain reaction causes a battery to rapidly overheat and potentially catch fire. However, any battery can pose a fire risk if it is damaged or disposed of improperly.Common household batteries that should never go in the trash or recycling include:Lithium-ion batteries (phones, laptops, e-bikes)Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt)Rechargeable batteries (power tools, vacuums)Button and coin cell batteries (watches, key fobs)How to dispose of batteries safelyThe safest option is simple: Do not place batteries in curbside recycling or trash.Instead:Use battery recycling drop-off locations at retailers and community sites.Check local household hazardous waste programs.Participate in battery take-back events, including National Battery Take-Back Day on Sept. 12 (sponsored by NWRA).Tape battery terminals before storing or transporting batteries.Find a battery drop-off locationVisit BatterySafetyNow.org to locate a battery collection site near you and learn how to keep batteries out of the trash and recycling.One simple rule can help prevent firesThe rules are clear: If it’s a battery, don’t throw it in the recycling or trash. And that rule applies year-round.This story was produced by WM and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Illinois Army National Guard member dies in Bureau County crash An Illinois Army National Guard member was killed in a single-vehicle accident after supporting a community relations event in Kewanee. A news release from the Illinois Army National Guard said Spc. Aiden Mrotek, 21, was returning to his home in Carpentersville after helping with Illinois Army National Guard’s community outreach efforts in Kewanee. The Bureau [...]
	5 ways to enjoy your favorite foods this fall without the heartburn (BPT) - Eating delicious food with great company is one of the best parts of attending your favorite fall festivities, whether you're at a backyard cookout, planning back-to-school dinners, tailgating or hosting a football watch party. However, certain popular foods like spicy wings, pizza and fried favorites are often accompanied by an uninvited guest — heartburn.If you know certain foods trigger heartburn but still eat them anyway, you're not alone, as many Americans are willing to make that tradeoff. According to a new PEPCID® brand survey, almost half of respondents knowingly eat or drink things they expect will cause heartburn. While avoiding these foods could help reduce the likelihood of acid reflux and discomfort after eating, 80% of respondents believe certain foods are "worth the risk."The good news is that you do not have to pass on eating delicious dishes this fall. That is why having a heartburn game plan, including these five simple strategies, can help you manage symptoms and feel more prepared to enjoy the food you love at gatherings.1. Elevate your upper body or stand upWhen you lie down, increased pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that keeps the bottom of the esophagus closed, can worsen heartburn symptoms. Stand up after eating or elevate your upper body and head with a pillow to keep the stomach acid from flowing up into your esophagus.2. Loosen tight clothingClothing that fits tightly around the waist can put pressure on your stomach, pushing its contents backward into the esophagus and causing discomfort. If you feel heartburn coming on, try loosening your belt or, when possible, opting for looser-fitting clothing to give your midsection more room to relax.3. Chew gum to help reduce acidBelieve it or not, gum can help take the edge off a heartburn-triggering meal. Chewing gum boosts saliva production and makes you swallow more often, which can help clear acid from the mouth and esophagus. The best part? You'll get the added benefit of fresh breath.4. Get movingDid you know that regular exercise can help manage heartburn? Low-intensity aerobic exercises (walking, cycling and yoga) may offer protective benefits against acid reflux. These activities can also support a healthy weight, which is an important part of managing heartburn and acid reflux. However, you should try to avoid eating right after. The next time you eat a meal, invite a friend or family member to take a leisurely stroll around the block.5. Have an acid reducer on handMany people who occasionally experience heartburn take a "wait and see" approach to potential heartburn, even though they know that there are over-the-counter (OTC) acid reducers that can help relieve their symptoms. In fact, according to the survey, 67% said they have experienced heartburn symptoms but chose not to take medication because they expected symptoms would go away on their own. Even among those who experience severe symptoms, 77% reported doing the same.Don't let heartburn interrupt the moment. If you know certain foods can trigger occasional heartburn, consider picking up an OTC acid reducer like PEPCID® so you can enjoy a Saturday barbecue. By reducing the amount of acid in the stomach, PEPCID® relieves heartburn and controls acid for up to 12 hours. It works fast and lasts all day, so you can enjoy a meal without worrying about discomfort.Enjoy the season with a heartburn game planYou don't have to give up your favorite foods to avoid heartburn. Using these simple tips, you can feel more prepared to enjoy the season's biggest food moments with the people you love. Before your next backyard cookout, tailgate or fall gathering, visit Pepcid.com to learn more about occasional heartburn, compare product options and find where to buy relief near you.Use products only as directed.PEPCID® commissioned an online survey with KRC Research of 3,000 U.S. adults aged 18 or over in Spring 2026, reflective of U.S. census demographics.Acid control does not imply symptom relief.*Starts to work in 15-30 minutes. Lasts all day based on 8-hour symptom relief studies during the day.
	The schools turning to AI to rate students beyond standard grades The schools turning to AI to rate students beyond standard gradesArtificial intelligence will soon help teachers rate students’ academic and “soft” skills at schools using nontraditional report cards that skip A-F grading after an AI company purchased the nonprofit Mastery Transcript Consortium in July.The New York-based company Legend.org is developing AI tools to give teachers and students immediate feedback on papers, exams, recorded presentations and even artwork to the 400 public and private schools in the consortium.Legend.org co-founder Matt Sornson said the company’s platform lets teachers upload student work — either digital files or even photos of handwritten work. AI will then use state, school, or teacher standards to evaluate the work.The technology will go even further for mastery schools, which gauge how students improve toward mastering soft skills such as communication, collaboration and critical thinking. The AI tools will help teachers track progress on these more subjective skills using indicators educators and researchers are still developing.Sornson said that the AI tools he is working on will evaluate communication skills, for example, from recorded verbal presentations.“There’s some pretty pretty cool models around where you can do tone of voice, you can do body language and posture, you can do eye contact,” he told The 74. “There’s a lot of really really cool things you can do with video.”Sornson said AI would not judge whether a piece of artwork is “good,” just the technical aspects of it.For visual art, he said that could include composition, technical execution, use of materials, visual communication, and originality.For music, Sornson said, AI could judge “rhythm, pitch and intonation….” The technology could also “review recordings, video, written scores…and student reflections,” he said.He stressed that AI won’t be giving student work the final ratings, just acting as an aide to teachers.“It does the first pass of assessing (their) rubric and what (they’re) trying to grade,” Sornson said. “(AI) would ingest those assignments, those artifacts, and then do the first pass of assessment. It’s always the teacher choosing the final grade.”“We are just taking the first version, showing them where they should focus their efforts, and trying to save teachers’ time,” he added.That middle ground could be an important one, as educators and researchers nationally sort out how AI can be best used to help teachers grade student work and offer meaningful follow-up instruction. Some researchers have found AI feedback to be too lenient to students or to differ from the grades teachers give.Several colleges and schools are trying to mix AI tools with teacher judgment so it can help teachers and also protect student interests.Experts have stressed the importance of being transparent with students about how much teachers use AI and of making sure the technology isn’t showing any troublesome biases. Having humans make important decisions also matters, wrote Amanda Hirsch, an assistant director of the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning at Northern Illinois, in a look at the emerging use of a “digital red pen.”“As we stand at this crossroads of education and emerging technology, the question isn’t whether to use AI in grading, but how to use it ethically and intelligently,” Hirsch wrote.The Mastery Transcript Consortium is a group of schools that has developed a new report card and transcript model that skips A-F grades in favor of tracking student progress on dozens of academic and soft skills, such as collaboration, communication and critical thinking.In 2024, it merged with the Educational Testing Service, the company known for running the SAT and GRE college admissions tests, joining the Skills for the Future effort by ETS and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching to better assess how well students are learning skills and to prove those skills to colleges and employers.But ETS decided to focus on creating new assessments and less on report cards. In July, it sold the consortium and its transcript model to the for-profit Legend.org for an undisclosed amount.Consortium founder Scott Looney, head of the private Hawken School in Cleveland, Ohio, said he is also excited about how AI can help teachers. AI, he said, can reduce the time teachers spend reading and grading student work and can offer immediate feedback to both students and teachers that they can discuss and shift quickly toward improving.Gauging how well students are doing on soft skills — such as self-direction, generating solutions or synthesizing information — isn’t simple, either, he said. Students build portfolios of work across multiple courses that show their progress on multiple skills. AI, he said, can evaluate progress across many pieces of work and summarize them much faster than teachers — and later college admissions staff — can.“If we can make this easier for students to pull their portfolios together, easier for teachers to get feedback to the kids about the quality of the work in their portfolios, and then easier for the receivers of our transcripts that are full of portfolios to interpret them, I think this is going to go exponential,” Looney said.Over time, Looney said, he hopes students could even submit work to the platform on their own for suggestions before turning it in to a teacher.A key feature of the upcoming tools, Sornson said, is that student work can be measured against any standards a school chooses. That could include public breakdowns of skills and subskills — such as those from ETS and Carnegie, from another partnership called Pathsmith, or from the nonprofit XQ Institute — or any that schools develop themselves.Looney said colleges or employers might eventually be able to submit their own standards for skills they want from applicants for AI to use to measure student work from all four years of high school.Though Looney said one of his campuses that uses the mastery report cards will try the AI tools out as Legend offers them, other schools in the consortium are still learning about the sale and haven’t said yet what they plan to do.“I would be surprised if schools decide to forsake the AI tools as they will be highly accurate and save students and teachers time,” Looney said.Looney said he was concerned at first that the transcript model he created with other schools would turn into a for-profit product. But he said the partnership relied on grants to operate that are not sustainable. The computerized system that creates the transcripts also needed improvements Legend is already doing, making it easier for new schools to join.The split from ETS and Carnegie is friendly. Both Looney and Laura Slover, who heads the Skills for the Future effort of ETS and Carnegie, will be on an advisory board to the new company.This story was produced by The 74 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport man charged with sexually abusing child more than a decade ago A Davenport man is charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse for allegedly sexually abusing a child more than a decade ago.
	Fold the phone: Apple's new CEO unveils a foldable iPhone New Apple CEO John Ternus announces the iPhone Duo, which folds like a passport and is the most radical iPhone design update in nearly 20 years.
	The retirement fear gap: Who really fears running out of money? The retirement fear gap: Who really fears running out of money?Although fear or anxiety about retirement is often felt by those nearing the age limit,a new survey of 1,000 Americans commissioned by John Stevenson, a retirement-income specialist who sells annuities, shows that income level is a better predictor of who is most concerned about retirement income.Americans earning less than $25,000 a year are nearly four times as likely as six-figure earners to say they are not confident in their retirement savings and are scared of running out of money.And with that fear comes an even more uncomfortable finding: The people who fear retirement the most are the least likely to look at products to stop that from happening.Retirement is An Income ProblemThe survey finds that the lower the income, the higher the fear. More than one in four respondents earning under $25,000 said they have no confidence in their retirement savings and fear running out. Among those earning six-figures, fewer than one in ten said the same thing.This contradicts the standard “countdown” to retirement, where age typically dictated the anxiety. It’s being felt by people of all ages in lower incomes.Only 1 in 5 Believe the 401(k) worksThe 401(k) made workers believe they were working for something. It was pitched as a retirement fund with more control than a pension. Just 21.3% of respondents say the plan gave people more control, with more than four in 10 saying it works better for higher earners.Among low-income earners, 37.7% say the system works better for higher earners. The answer rises to 44% among those who earn $50,000 to $249,999.This is important to note because only about 14% of workers in the private sector had access to pension benefits as of March 2025. So, for most workers, the 401(k) is the only option the workforce gives them, one which they believe doesn’t favor them. The Guaranteed Retirement Guy Nearly Half Support Bringing Back PensionsWhen asked if bringing back pensions would help strengthen retirement security, nearly half (46.1%) said yes. Another 40.4% said yes, with the condition that workers keep some control over their savings.This support isn’t coming only from low-income earners. The answer stands across the income board. Among households earning $100,000 to $250,000, 49% said yes, pensions would strengthen retirement security, while another 41.6% said yes with the condition.The answer with the condition is telling. People want the security of a pension and the control of a 401(k). The Guaranteed Retirement Guy Those Most Afraid Are Least Likely to Look for a SolutionThis brings the survey full circle. A third of respondents (33.8%) said they’d be very likely to explore a guaranteed monthly income if shown the exact parameters, with another 47% saying they would be somewhat likely. Transparency is the name of the game for most people.But not for the ones who need it the most. Among those already saving for retirement, four in ten said they’d eagerly explore a guaranteed paycheck. Among those not saving, and worrying about retirement, less than a quarter said the same thing.The fear gap is real, but in this case, fear does not cause fight or flight. It causes paralysis, a state where people know they need a solution but are less willing to explore it.MethodologyTo understand how Americans approach retirement security and guaranteed income, John Stevenson surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults across the country in July 2026 through Pollfish, an online survey platform. Participants answered questions about their views on traditional pensions and 401(k) plans, their confidence in their own retirement savings, the tradeoffs they would accept between guaranteed income and flexibility, and what would make them comfortable exploring a guaranteed monthly paycheck. Responses were analyzed by demographic groups, including age, gender, household income, and education level, to identify trends and disparities.This story was produced by John Stevenson and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Understanding DSCR loans: How cash-flow underwriting works for rental properties Understanding DSCR loans: How cash-flow underwriting works for rental propertiesThe property investment market is going through a period of uncertainty, with Q1 of 2026 being the quietest period since the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic brought house sales to a halt, according to data from Redfin cited by Newsweek. The previous low point for the market in terms of investor activity, discounting the anomaly of the pandemic, was 10 years ago, and between January and March the year-on-year change in sales was -6%.One of the barriers to entry that new property investors have, as well as an obstacle that prevents existing investors from expanding their rental property portfolio, is access to capital. An individual might know that there’s an opportunity to buy a home and generate decent returns via rent, covering financing costs and turning a profit in the process, but getting approved for a traditional mortgage in this scenario comes with a whole host of eligibility implications, not to mention tax obligations.Debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) loans are an alternative to standard institutional mortgages and can be a good fit for investors looking to buy into rental properties. With the market slowing, now may be the time for keen investors to act. Griffin Funding, a mortgage and home loan lender, broke down exactly what DSCR loans are and how they function in a rental property investment context. Griffin Funding The Basics of Cash-Flow UnderwritingCash-flow underwriting evaluates a rental property based on its ability to generate income rather than the personal income of the borrower. Instead of calculating debt-to-income ratios using W-2s and tax returns, lenders analyze the DSCR to determine if the asset pays for itself.DSCR is calculated by dividing gross monthly rent by monthly PITIA (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and association dues). When a property’s gross rent matches its total housing obligation, the ratio sits at 1.0. A ratio above 1.25 indicates strong monthly cash flow, earning borrowers lower interest rates and lower equity requirements.A Closer Look at DSCR CalculationsTo qualify for an investor mortgage, the property must undergo a physical appraisal alongside a market rent analysis via Fannie Mae Form 1007. The appraiser reviews local comparable leases to establish the fair market rent, which forms the gross monthly income baseline for underwriting.For a three-bedroom single-family rental grossing $3,000 in monthly rent with a calculated $2,400 total PITIA, the math breaks down as the $3,000 rent divided by the $2,400 PITIA, providing a DSCR ratio of 1.25. Lenders set unique program parameters based on this coverage metric. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.24 still cover the monthly obligation, though lenders tend to respond with a higher credit requirement or a lower loan-to-value limit. Below 1.00 the property runs a monthly deficit, and lenders willing to write the loan ask for a larger down payment and deeper reserves to offset it.Even when rental figures fall below break-even thresholds, specialized debt-coverage options allow capital deployment into value-added acquisitions. Such flexibility is key to enabling investors to capitalize on opportunities that present themselves, especially if they can determine that the long-term prospects of a rental property promise significant returns that aren’t reflected in its current valuation.Appreciating the Qualification CriteriaWhile cash-flow underwriting waives traditional employment verification, lenders mitigate risk by enforcing strict asset and credit guidelines. DSCR loans sit outside agency guidelines, so there is no single national standard and the baselines vary by lender. Most programs start around a 640 credit floor, though some lenders go lower. Down payment requirements typically range from 20% to 25%, but they sit at each lender's discretion and move with credit tier. A stronger score buys a smaller down payment, while borrowers near the bottom of a lender's range should expect to put more in.Those requirements apply to a fast-growing slice of the market. Investor and DSCR loans made up 33.5% of non-QM loan volume in recent lock data.The Tax AngleConventional mortgages cap investors at 10 financed properties while penalizing tax write-offs that lower net reported income. Cash-flow underwriting removes these barriers, allowing self-employed borrowers and entity-based investors to scale without tax return scrutiny.Self-employed buyers frequently leverage nonconforming cash-flow loans to qualify without personal income documentation. Because qualifications tie directly to property assets, investors can close deals through limited liability companies (LLCs) or corporate entities, keeping personal debt profiles entirely separate from commercial real estate assets.An Ongoing Market OpportunityIn short, cash-flow underwriting transforms how real estate portfolios grow by anchoring loan approvals directly to the income potential of individual assets. In removing debt-to-income hurdles and personal tax review, investors gain a streamlined mechanism for acquiring properties based on real market revenue. And with the market slowing down, those in a position to capitalize on buyers being in a stronger position should consider this an appealing option.This story was produced by Griffin Funding and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How your finance team can calculate AP automation ROI How your finance team can calculate AP automation ROIYou're the finance leader at a scaling company with 50-500 employees, and your CFO wants a number that justifies the accounts payable automation return on investment (ROI). The figure has to be defensible and grounded in the current accounts payable (AP) process cost. The problem is that your current AP process is a patchwork of manual steps, legacy tools, and tribal knowledge. The baseline you'd need to prove savings is effectively invisible.You can't show what automation saves until you know what the current process actually costs. A useful calculation framework works from imperfect data and still produces a defensible range. Finance leaders who build a defensible case typically pair conservative assumptions with a stress test and three scenarios, an approach that tends to survive CFO scrutiny. The strongest outputs end up simple enough for a leadership meeting and detailed enough for a controller to defend.AP automation ROI follows a straightforward formula of annual savings minus total annual automation cost, divided by total annual automation cost, then multiplied by 100 to express it as a percentage. The savings side covers labor, errors, fee leakage, missed discounts, and reduced fraud risk. The investment side covers software, implementation, and training. Use the information below from Brex to help inform your decision, and consider working with an appropriate professional advisor based on your specific circumstances.What is AP automation ROI?AP automation ROI measures the financial return from replacing manual invoice processing with software that captures, codes, routes, and pays invoices. It compares the savings automation generates with the technology's operating costs. The point is to turn fragmented AP activity into a model finance leadership can test, defend, and revisit.The AP automation ROI formulaROI as a percentage equals annual savings minus total annual automation cost. Divide that figure by the total annual automation cost, then multiply by 100. Current annual AP cost is your starting input, built from labor plus error and rework, plus fee leakage, plus the cost of existing systems. The automated annual AP cost is what you'll spend after rollout, including reduced labor and new software fees. Total automation investment is the upfront and recurring spend on software, implementation, and training.The savings are split into direct ROI, which is measurable cash savings, and indirect ROI, which covers audit readiness, financial close process, and team retention. If your accounts payable software tools log cost per invoice and cycle time, those fields make the direct side easier to track, and the indirect bucket gets fuller treatment in the intangibles section below.What counts as a good ROI for AP automation?A defensible return for a mid-market company treats six to 18 months as a directional planning range, consistent with modeled finance-automation payback data from Forrester, whose Total Economic Impact model for a modeled enterprise found payback in under six months. Finance teams typically present three-year ROI as an informed estimate, refined with their own data. A CFO-ready case typically relies on a company's own invoice volume, labor rates, error rates, and automation costs, with external benchmarks used as context.The clearest anchor comes from the cost-per-invoice gap. Ardent Partners' State of ePayables benchmark analysis puts the overall industry average at $9.84 per invoice. Top-performing AP teams achieve per-invoice processing costs 79% lower than their peers, according to Ardent's benchmark analysis. The space between those numbers is where ROI lives. A conservative model holds up better in a CFO conversation than a single-point ROI claim.What factors drive AP automation ROI?Each ROI driver maps to a quantifiable lever in the model. Understanding where savings concentrate before building the calculation tends to reveal which assumptions carry the most weight and which inputs move payback the most.Invoice volume and current process complexityROI generally increases with invoice volume because per-invoice efficiency gains compound across the total volume processed. Modeling actual volume, current cost per invoice, and expected automation cost tends to show where payback turns positive. Process complexity multiplies the opportunity. Companies running approval chains across email and spreadsheets, or reconciling manually against the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, may carry higher baseline costs and have more to gain. A messier current state can create a larger potential return.Labor costs and touchless processing rateLabor is a major ROI driver for many companies because it scales with invoice volume when processing is manual. The overall industry average invoice processing cost is $9.84, while the current average straight-through processing rate (the share of invoices that route from receipt to payment without any manual intervention) is 32.6%, according to Ardent's benchmark analysis.Top-performing organizations are also much further along on straight-through processing, with 69% having it in place, per Ardent's AP Performance Advantages analysis. The linked benchmarking coverage reinforces the spread, showing a 3.5-times staffing gap between top and bottom performers in AP full-time equivalents (FTEs) per $1 billion in revenue, according to APQC performance coverage.Finance teams commonly model labor savings as redeployment of AP staff to higher-value analysis and the processes covered in a vendor management guide. A conservative, CFO-ready model builds labor savings by redeploying AP staff to higher-value work before projecting headcount reduction, consistent with the day-to-day priorities laid out in an AP manager's best practices. The redeployment framing also holds up better when invoice volume grows, and the team absorbs it before adding hires.Error rates and rework costsCutting manual data-entry errors, duplicate payments, and general ledger (GL) miscoding yields savings that many finance leaders underestimate. AP teams average an 18.4% invoice exception rate, meaning nearly one in five invoices requires manual intervention and rework, according to Ardent's AP Performance benchmark analysis. The same analysis also shows supplier inquiry management consumes a significant share of AP staff time, around 26.9% for All Others.That compounds the cost of each exception. Automation with invoice matching and validation rules can help reduce errors and rework by routing likely mismatches to a human for review. Tightening these controls is also how teams prevent duplicate payments in accounts payable before they leave the building, and it is the same discipline behind paperless accounts payable programs that remove paper handoffs as a source of miskeyed data. The practical value is fewer corrections after close and fewer vendor conversations that pull AP away from higher-value work.Late fees and early-payment discount captureFee savings show up directly on the P&L, and they're among the most underestimated in AP automation models. Late-payment penalties are avoidable with faster cycle times and better visibility, and missed early-payment discounts represent real money left on the table. A standard 2/10 net 30 discount works out to roughly 36.7% annualized return using standard trade-discount annualization math. Finance teams that model these conservatively use their own vendor terms, actual late-payment incidence, and discount eligibility. Faster payment timing can also give cleaner control over days payable outstanding, which matters for working capital planning.Fraud and compliance riskAP controls, including internal controls for accounting, approval enforcement, and audit trails, can help reduce exposure to fraud. The typical organization loses an estimated 5% of its revenue each year to fraud, a figure described as conservative in an ACFE press release. Only part of that exposure is AP-attributable, and AP controls are a direct mitigant for billing and payment risks. Including a risk-reduction proxy in the model is defensible and can be a compelling number for a board-level audience.How to calculate AP automation ROIThe calculation works even when AP data is fragmented. Each component below builds toward a one-page structure that a CFO can act on.Baselining the true current cost of APMany finance leaders don't have a clear cost-per-invoice baseline because AP costs sit scattered across people, systems, and teams with no clean time tracking. Establishing one is the part most models skip, and it's why many AP automation ROI estimates collapse under CFO scrutiny. The baseline draws from three inputs.A two-week time study logs minutes per invoice across each step, from intake and data entry through coding, approval chasing, payment prep, accounts payable reconciliation, and exception handling. A fully loaded hourly rate includes base pay, benefits, and overhead. Monthly invoice volume gives you the multiplier.Where a formal time study isn't feasible, Ardent's processing time benchmark works as a sanity check; the overall industry average is 8.2 days. Error and rework costs round out the baseline, calculated as the volume of invoices requiring correction multiplied by resolution time and hourly rate, plus fee leakage from late fees paid and discounts missed.Identifying savings leversFinance teams typically map which steps automation will reduce and by how much, then assign ranges to each as planning assumptions, building a conservative labor scenario, a base-case labor scenario, and an aggressive steady-state scenario. Error and rework improvement gets modeled the same way, using the current exception rate and the spread between average and top-performing exception rates as the upper-bound sanity check. Fee and discount improvement models reduce the incidence of late payments and yield a conservative improvement in discount capture based on the company’s actual vendor terms.Payment rail savings matter too. Companies that still run significant check volume can see a different per-transaction cost profile by migrating to automated clearing house (ACH) payments or virtual cards, depending on payment mix, vendor acceptance, and provider terms. These belong in the model as directional ranges, since they function as planning assumptions refined with a company's own data. The goal is a model that shows leadership exactly where savings come from, instead of a black-box total they can't inspect.Adding up the full cost of the investmentThe three direct costs that belong in every model are software subscription, implementation, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) integration. Software subscription is the recurring line item, priced by invoice volume. Implementation and ERP integration need a firm quote because costs vary by ERP complexity, invoice volume, and the vendor's integration model. Training covers getting the team productive on the new tool.Indirect costs are where estimates fall short, including a temporary productivity dip during migration, internal IT and finance time on setup and testing, and ongoing exception-handling capacity. One thing worth noting with a CFO is that a tracked platform makes previously invisible exceptions visible. Teams that processed exceptions manually often had no count of how many existed. Moving those exceptions into a tracked workflow gives AP a measurable baseline that didn't exist before.Building the side-by-side modelThe model compares the current annual AP cost, pulled directly from the baseline, against the automated annual AP cost, which combines reduced labor, new platform fees, and residual exception handling. Running three scenarios lets leadership see a defensible range across conservative, base, and aggressive cases. Each scenario reflects a company's own assumptions, such as conservative, base, and aggressive labor-reduction rates, fee-reduction rates, and discount-capture improvements. One conservative internal stress test halves the savings estimate and doubles the implementation cost, then checks whether ROI stays positive under that pressure; a case that holds up is more resilient. Companies that use a 24-month payback threshold, and whose stressed scenario extends past it, tend to name that scenario openly rather than smooth it over.Calculating ROI, payback period, and three-year net benefitRunning the formula against a base-case model produces ROI as a percentage: annual savings minus total annual automation cost, divided by total annual automation cost, times 100. Payback period is total investment divided by monthly net savings, providing the number of months that CFOs typically ask for first. For companies with a formal capital-approval process, a simple three-year net present value using your company's standard discount rate puts AP automation on equal footing with other investment requests.The worked example below is illustrative; the verified benchmarks show the general shape, while a company's own data determines the actual result. As an illustrative internal modeling example, a 200-employee company processing roughly 1,500 invoices per month with two full-time AP staff members offers a useful reference point. Those assumptions equal about 18,000 invoices a year.If the current cost is near the $9.84 average while the model uses an illustrative $4 to $6 post-automation target, annual savings range from $69,000 to $105,000 before automation costs. The $4 to $6 target functions as a planning assumption rather than an external benchmark. Finance teams typically replace it with vendor quotes and their own post-rollout data during diligence. The strongest models use actual invoice volume and labor rates, since CFOs tend to test the inputs against reality.Quantifying the intangiblesDirect savings tend to carry the case, and quantified intangibles can strengthen it. Audit and compliance risk can be estimated by costing a single audit finding, including external auditor time, remediation, and potential penalty, with a conservative probability reduction applied for stronger AP controls, and the ACFE loss estimate serving as a directional reference for fraud exposure.Finance team capacity captures the hours recovered from manual AP and redirected to financial planning and analysis, forecasting, and vendor management. The staff replacement cost uses the Gallup range, which estimates that replacing an employee costs one-half to two times the annual salary, per Gallup's workplace analysis. Scalability is often a persuasive slide, showing AP headcount at two times and three times current invoice volume under manual versus automated models. The divergence can strengthen the long-term case.How to build a CFO-ready AP automation business caseA model that earns CFO approval needs more than accurate math. Each component below produces a concrete output suited to a slide. Pairing the case with disciplined accounts payable management helps ensure the savings remain durable after go-live.Framing the problem in dollar termsThe strongest CFO cases open with the current-state cost, so the CFO sees a number first. A dollar figure captures attention quickly and frames the decision in financial terms. That figure comes from the fully loaded baseline calculation, with the total annual AP cost broken into labor, error and rework, and fee leakage. This figure can represent the cost of doing nothing and anchor the rest of the case. Leading with that number signals that the problem has been measured before a fix is proposed.Laying out the investment and payback clearlyThe strongest presentations put the two-column model from the side-by-side view front and center, showing the current annual cost against the automated annual cost, with net savings and the payback period in months. Conservative and base-case scenarios sit side by side, since a CFO who sees only one number will ask for the downside anyway, and presenting it upfront signals rigor. The stress-test result also belongs in the open, stated plainly if payback still lands under the company's chosen planning threshold when savings are halved and costs doubled. Tracking these figures over time is the job of an accounts payable reporting framework once the platform is live.Adding the strategic upside the numbers don't captureThe quantified intangibles from the earlier section round out the case. Audit risk reduction, finance team capacity recovered, and the scalability argument that compares AP headcount at two times versus three times invoice volume under manual and automated models all belong here. This section stays short, since the dollar figures in the prior section do the heavy lifting. The intangibles confirm that the investment may position the team for growth while trimming current costs.Anticipating the objections before the meetingMost CFO reviews surface the same three objections, and walking in with prepared answers is what separates a presentation that moves forward from one that stalls. On "How confident are we in these numbers?", the strongest answers walk through the conservative assumptions, the stress test that still shows positive ROI, and the inputs drawn from actual invoice volume and labor rates. On "What if adoption is slow?", the answer shows the conservative scenario, with a lower year-one automation benefit, an extended payback timeline, and ROI that stays positive regardless.On "What is the implementation risk?", the strongest answers name ERP integration complexity, change management, and data migration as the main risks. Pair each with a mitigation, and describe a phased rollout starting with one invoice type that generates proof-of-concept data before full deployment. Grounding the rollout in accounts payable best practices gives the plan credibility.What determines whether an AP automation ROI forecast holds up?Realizing a forecast depends far more on what happens after the software goes live than on how well the model was built. Each determinant below is manageable when planned for before implementation.Process cleanliness before go-liveThe ROI model assumes clean workflows that route predictably. Messy approval matrices, inconsistent intake channels, and an uncleaned vendor master all suppress the touchless rate from day one and extend payback. A pre-implementation audit adds upfront work, and that investment compounds positively across the full ROI lifecycle. Cleaning the inputs before launch is often one of the lower-cost ways to protect the forecast.Staff adoption rate in the first 90 daysThe touchless rate functions as a leading indicator of realized ROI, since low adoption can push actual savings below the model. When AP staff or approvers route around the platform, the savings never materialize, regardless of what the software can do. Many finance teams treat the first 90 days as a suggested adoption review window, tracking whether touchless processing is increasing, exceptions are decreasing, and approvers are staying within the workflow. The first quarter tends to serve as the validation window for both adoption and savings assumptions.Consistency of post-implementation trackingVariances between forecast and actual savings are normal, but a model that's rarely revisited can drift from reality before there's a chance to adjust. Finance teams commonly track cost per invoice, cycle time, and touchless rate at suggested six-, 12-, and 24-month review intervals against the pre-automation baseline, which keeps the model honest and builds the data needed to justify next-phase investments. Setting clear accounts payable goals against that baseline makes tracking a standing habit.Turn your AP baseline into a CFO-ready ROI caseAP automation ROI is a buildable finance model grounded in your own data. One of the hardest parts is establishing a baseline from imperfect data, and that's often solvable with a two-week time study and named benchmarks. The finance leaders most likely to win approval present a conservative range, a stress test, and a payback period in months that survives scrutiny.A cost-per-invoice calculation compared against the $9.84 overall average and the top-performing AP team performance gap from Ardent Partners' benchmark analysis can open the CFO conversation, and customer results can help show what disciplined AP automation produces in practice.Frequently asked questions about AP automation ROIConsider consulting a qualified professional for your situation in addition to the information below.How long does AP automation take to pay back?Many mid-market AP automation models use a six- to 18-month directional planning range, consistent with modeled finance-automation payback data from Forrester, whose Total Economic Impact model found payback in under six months for a modeled enterprise. Payback shortens with higher invoice volume, heavy current reliance on checks or wires, and high error rates. It extends with low invoice volume, a simple existing process, or complex ERP integration that adds setup time and migration work.How much does it cost to process an invoice manually?The industry average cost per invoice is $9.84, according to Ardent's State of ePayables benchmark analysis. Your fully loaded cost depends on labor rates, error frequency, and fee leakage, as the baseline step shows. The benchmark works as a sanity check. Your own time study is what should drive the actual number.Is AP automation worth it for a mid-sized company?Yes, it can be, though the strength of the case depends on your invoice volume and the complexity of your current process. The ROI case generally strengthens as invoice volume rises because labor savings compound across processed invoices. At lower volumes, payback can extend, but the strategic benefits (audit trails, faster close cycles, and scalability) often justify the investment for growing companies. Model your specific invoice volume rather than relying on a volume threshold alone.What KPIs measure AP automation ROI over time?Common KPIs include cost per invoice, invoice cycle time, touchless processing rate, error and exception rate, late-payment frequency, and early-payment discount capture rate, each measured against the pre-automation baseline at review intervals a finance team can sustain, such as six, 12, and 24 months. The full set of accounts payable metrics provides definitions to standardize tracking and explain variance.Will AP automation reduce headcount?Many mid-market companies model automation as the redeployment of AP staff to higher-value work. Teams shift from data entry and exception chasing to vendor management, analysis, and escalation handling. At high invoice volumes, some companies reduce headcount through attrition over time. Both scenarios are typically modeled explicitly when the case is presented to a CFO.This story was produced by Brex and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	9 sales tasks that agents are taking over in 2026, and 4 that humans have kept 9 sales tasks that agents are taking over in 2026, and 4 that humans have keptArtificial intelligence is making waves across a wide variety of industries. One area where many employees feel that disruption most keenly is sales. The latest State of Sales Report from Salesforce puts numbers to the feeling.Once AI agents are fully rolled out, sellers are expecting a 34% cut in prospect research time and a 36% cut in email drafting time. This can save sales reps countless tedious hours. Where automation is set to occur is actually the more interesting part of this data.Apollo dug deep into this report, in conjunction with data from Digital Commerce 360 and Perplexity, to outline nine key areas where AI will have the greatest impact, along with a couple of areas that will still need human hands.What AI is taking overThere are nine main sales areas where AI is set to have the largest effect. Coincidentally, they are also nine of the easiest areas where tasks can be directly shifted to agents without human intervention.The AI tools used today are the same ones that will likely be adapted in the coming years to optimize daily tasks, meaning limited investment in new technology will be required:1. Account researchAccount research is the first area set to be automated by AI. A lot more reps are just asking ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and other models for information on prospects directly. By leveraging their data and then combining it with MCP connectors in products like Salesforce or HubSpot, they can pull live data straight into the conversation, too. Sellers surveyed in the Salesforce report go as far as to estimate that this will cut prospect research time by 34% once agents are fully in place.2. List buildingTo build an outreach target list in the past, a rep traditionally had to jump between a number of different tools. Now, they can just outline what an ideal customer profile looks like to a large language model and take a look at the output. This can be taken further by connecting the AI to a data source to get ranked lists, too.3. First-touch draftingEmail drafting is the bane of many reps' existence. Luckily, it’s also one of the areas AI can help. Reps can use LLMs to handle cold email creation and even pull account signals live from an MCP before even writing. This trend is projected to be a 36% time-saver according to the Salesforce report, as well.4. CRM loggingAsk a rep what their favorite part of the day is and you’d be hard-pressed to find any that say logging interactions in their customer relationship management system. It’s actually a common failure point in today’s workflows. AI agents and MCP-connected assistants that write back to Salesforce and HubSpot are automatically gaining traction as a result.5. SchedulingIf there’s one thing AI agents have already proved adept at, it’s handling meeting scheduling and calendar coordination. This is another tedious time suck for sales reps who could be focused on more important tasks. Using AI also means organizations can save money from not needing to hire an admin.6. TranscriptionHuman memory is finite and remembering every detail of a call is just impossible. Humans can also only write so fast. AI transcription services, on the other hand, are improving by the day. Notetaker apps and Fireflies-style tools are available as Claude and ChatGPT connectors, which can automatically extract decisions, action items, and next steps from prospect or client calls.7. Signal monitoringFlagged by Gartner at its CSO and Sales Leader Conference, monitoring buying signals, such as funding rounds, job changes, and intent data, is another area poised to be a time-saver with AI.8. Follow-up timingAI agents can now flag and time follow-ups based on pre-set engagement signals and reply likelihood. This reduces much of the manual tracking that used to eat up rep time.9. Pipeline hygieneFinally, keeping opportunity records, stages, and forecasts up to date is shifting to automated agents and MCP write-backs. What was formerly an end-of-week manual cleanup task can now be automated by AI.What is set to stay humanAs with any technology, not everything will be revolutionized. There will always be a human touch, and some tasks will likely remain rep-owned because they are directly tied to trust, quota performance, and deal outcomes:1. Live negotiationPeople still like to chat with real people, and real-time deal negotiation is predicted to stay human. The Gartner survey found that buyers are more likely to say a human rep helped them advance to the next step, made them feel confident, and understood their needs.2. Multi-threaded relationship workBuilding and maintaining relationships across multiple stakeholders in a buying group will also be a human task. Gartner found buying groups with low dysfunction, mainly built through sustained rep engagement, were 13 times more likely to report high-quality deals.3. Reading a roomInterpreting unspoken buyer intent is explicitly named by Gartner as a top seller skill tied to quota attainment. This is distinct from AI-partnership skills and is a human-only capability.4. Deciding which deals deserve human timeKnowing when and where to spend human time should always stay with reps and managers. The time saved from integrating AI into a rep’s day-to-day should be reallocated to these specific human-only tasks to ensure maximum productivity.The future of AI in salesAI is here to stay and there’s no changing that, but it doesn’t mean the importance of a rep’s job will shrink. Rather than spending time on busywork like researching prospects, drafting emails, or logging conversations, AI will free up a rep’s time to work on the more important side of sales: building relationships. Integrating AI to automate traditional tasks will allow for time to focus on work that requires human attention, such as negotiating deals and managing stakeholders.This story was produced by Apollo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
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	YWCA Quad Cities hosting diaper drive during National Diaper Need Awareness Week National Diaper Need Awareness Week is September 14–20 and YWCA Quad Cities is raising awareness about diaper need in the Quad Cities. Buying diapers is a challenge for families across the country; one in two U.S. families struggle to provide enough diapers to meet their baby or toddler’s basic needs. The YWCA Empowerment Center is [...]
	Mapping America’s truck culture by state Mapping America’s truck culture by stateThe pickup truck is America's most iconic vehicle—so deeply ingrained in its culture and lifestyle that it’s difficult to imagine a drive without spotting several pickups on the road. For decades, trucks have topped sales charts, defined regional identity, and served as a symbol for blue-collar America—work, land, self-reliance, and freedom. But truck culture isn't distributed evenly across the country. Some states are truck-obsessed by necessity—ranching, agriculture, and unpaved roads that demand capable machinery. Others are truck-obsessed by identity. Many are both—some are neither.Here, RealTruck.com maps where trucks are most popular in America, which states have the most pickup truck owners per capita, where truck sales are highest, and what this data means for U.S. drivers.The Big Picture—Trucks by the NumbersPickup trucks accounted for more than 20 percent of total new vehicle sales in the United States in 2024, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, with approximately 16 million new light vehicles sold across the market that year. When you broaden the category to include light trucks—pickups, SUVs, and crossovers combined—that share climbs dramatically. Light trucks accounted for about 81.2% of the approximately 15.9 million light vehicles sold in the United States in 2024. A decade ago, SUVs and trucks made up roughly half the market. Today, three out of four new vehicles sold in America fall into these categories.In 2025, F-Series secured its 49th consecutive year as America's best-selling truck with total sales of 828,832 trucks—an increase of 8.3%. The Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 round out the top three, as they have for years. Though the F-Series was dethroned in 2024 as the best-selling vehicle across all classes by the Toyota RAV4, that doesn't diminish its dominance in its own category. The truck commands an impressive roughly 35% of the full-size segment.What States Have the Most Pickup Trucks per Capita?Which states have the most trucks can be determined in two ways—by raw registrations and by trucks as a share of total vehicle registrations. The second number is more telling, as it removes the size-of-state variable and shows where trucks are most deeply embedded in a state's driving culture.On the total registration side, Texas is the uncontestable leader with over 4.2 million registered pickups. However, if you take the size of the state out of the equation and instead measure pickup trucks as a share of all registered vehicles, Wyoming tops the list at 37.1%. Montana is a close second at 34.7%, and North Dakota at 31.6%.These states share the same justifications for truck ownership—unpaved roads, rugged terrain, harsh winters, and economies built around agriculture, ranching, and mining. A pickup isn't just the best tool for the job in Wyoming—it's often the only tool.The contrast at the bottom of the list is equally telling. New Jersey has the lowest share of pickup trucks at 7.9%, which is less than half the national average. Except for Illinois, the 10 states with the lowest shares of pickup trucks are all coastal states. Dense urban areas, better public transportation, walkable infrastructure, and limited parking for larger vehicles all favor compact vehicles rather than full-size trucks.The national average sits at 16.5% of all vehicles on the road being pickup trucks, according to iSeeCars studies based on FHWA registration data. Here's how the top 10 states stack up by pickup share: RealTruck.com States With the Highest Truck SalesTruck sales volume by state tracks closely with population, which is why Texas leads nationally in raw units sold. California, despite its reputation for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, is the second-largest vehicle market in the country by sheer volume—and trucks sell there in significant numbers even though they represent a smaller share of the overall market.Regional brand loyalties are a real and documented phenomenon in the truck market. According to a Motor Trend study, Ford's F-Series dominates nationally and is particularly strong across the South, Mountain West, and Midwest. Ram has historically performed well across the Southeast and Gulf Coast states. Chevrolet's Silverado has a strong presence in the Midwest, particularly in states with deep ties to General Motors manufacturing, such as Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Toyota's Tundra and Tacoma punch above their weight on the West Coast and in Hawaii, where brand loyalty to Japanese-origin manufacturers runs deeper than in other regions.The full-size truck segment's regional distribution also reflects infrastructure and economic patterns. States with heavy construction, agriculture, and natural resource industries—Texas, Oklahoma, Montana, the Dakotas—have sustained truck demand driven by commercial and working use. States with growing Sun Belt metros—Arizona, Nevada, Tennessee, Georgia—have seen rising truck sales driven by population growth and a demographic that skews toward the truck-as-primary-vehicle model.Why Are Trucks So Popular in the U.S.?Pickups are no longer strictly work vehicles—they’re the ultimate do-it-all rig, capable of lugging the family around town, running errands, road tripping, and loading up supplies for the newest home renovation project.While still capable of heavy-duty work, modern pickups are packed with comfort, technology, and family-vehicle features. For this reason, they’re used predominantly as passenger cars in North America, representing about 16.5% of total vehicles sold in the United States.What Does This Mean for the American Truck Culture?That demographic shift from work trucks to passenger vehicles is considerable, and directly reflects a shift in consumer mindset that’s visible in the sales data. Texas ranks 19th in truck share despite being the biggest truck market in raw numbers—because of its large urban population of commuters and families. The states with the highest truck shares are precisely those where blue-collar labor and trades remain most relevant, such as Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, and other rural states with unpaved roads and agricultural economies.Urban trucks are an issue the industry is actively navigating. Trucks continue to grow physically larger. Rather than investing in smaller pickups—aside from Ford with the Maverick—manufacturers have been pushing capability upward while adding the features that make a large truck livable as a daily driver, like adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, and power running boards that make entry and exit practical for a vehicle that now sits significantly higher than a sedan.What hasn't changed is the relevance of American truck culture. In Wyoming or Montana, a truck is a tool. In suburban Texas or Georgia, it's an identity statement. In both cases, it's likely the top vehicle choice for the person driving it. People drive trucks because they like them and want to—which is why no other segment has come close to displacing it at the top of the American market for going on five consecutive decades.Top 10 Most Popular Trucks in AmericaTrucks are beloved in the United States—but how do the most popular stack up against one another? Stateside, the same general pickups sit at the top of the best sellers list—a trend that continues to this day. According to a study conducted by U.S. News, the most popular pickups in the US by sales—thus far in 2026—include the:Ford F-SeriesChevy SilveradoRam PickupGMC SierraToyota TacomaFord MaverickToyota TundraChevy ColoradoNissan FrontierFord RangerWhile slight variations have presented from year to year, the big three (Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado, and Ram) always round out the top positions, followed by import and mid-size offerings.FAQsQ: What Is the Most Popular Pickup Truck in America?A: The Ford F-Series has been the most popular pickup truck in America for 48 consecutive years, through 2024, with 765,649 units sold that year. In 2025, it extended that streak to 49 years with 828,832 units sold—a new record. The Chevrolet Silverado is second, followed by the Ram 1500 in third.Q: Which State Has the Most Pickup Trucks per Capita?A: By pickup trucks as a share of all registered vehicles, Wyoming leads at 37.1%, followed by Montana at 34.7% and North Dakota at 31.6%, according to iSeeCars.Q: What State Has the Most Trucks Overall?A: Texas leads in raw truck registration numbers due to its large population and deep truck culture. However, Texas ranks only 19th when measuring trucks as a share of total registered vehicles—meaning its large overall vehicle fleet dilutes the percentage, even as the raw number remains the highest.Q: Are Truck Sales Increasing or Decreasing?A: Light truck sales—which include pickups, SUVs, and crossovers—continue to grow and now account for over 80% of new light vehicle sales in the U.S. Pickup-specific sales have seen some variation year to year, with the F-150 posting a 5% decline in 2024 before recovering strongly in 2025. The broader trend remains upward, with trucks and SUVs having displaced sedans as the dominant segment over the past two decades.Q: What Percentage of Vehicles Sold in the US Are Trucks?A: Pickup trucks specifically accounted for more than 20% of total new vehicle sales in the U.S. in 2024. When light trucks broadly—including SUVs and crossovers—are included, that figure rises to approximately 81% of all new light vehicles sold, according to Statista.This story was produced by RealTruck.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How scammers are already targeting NFL fans this season How scammers are already targeting NFL fans this seasonThe period between the Super Bowl and the first regular-season game always seems the longest for NFL fans. After minicamps, offseason intrigue, and, of course, the yearly edition of HBO’s Hard Knocks, the season’s kickoff is almost here.Unfortunately, scammers from across the world have been lying in wait. Between phony ticket sales and fake merchandising websites, the schemes are endless for America’s frenzied football fans.As you take in the 2026 football season, keep an eye out for the following scams. PeopleFinders provides tips on sniffing out these trick plays and stopping them before they start.For Scammers, Football Season = Fraud SeasonBehind every successful scam is some tenet of social engineering. Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency, for instance. That could manifest in a scam wherein a victim is told they have one hour to enter a parlay that’s guaranteed to pay out serious money. In another scheme, scammers might tell victims they have tickets to the big rivalry game at a steep discount, but supplies are running out fast.The enormous appetite Americans have for football means some people will go to desperate measures to see their favorite team play. Potential victims are also more inclined to let their guard down when they believe their wallet is about to get a lot fatter.4 Scams to Watch for During Football SeasonFootball season scams always seem to coalesce around these four types of schemes. Make sure your pocket awareness is set to 99 this year!1. Fake Ticket MarketplacesThe staggering amount of NFL games and available tickets makes this scam the most common during football season. To pull this off, scammers will create legitimate-looking websites that spoof Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, StubHub, VividSeats, and other online marketplaces.Red flag: The ticket seller asks you to pay with cryptocurrency, a wire transfer, gift cards, or some other method with few consumer protections.2. Fraudulent Fantasy LeaguesFantasy football is no longer limited to the cozy 10-manager leagues that stay within friend groups. Daily fantasy sports (DFS) and knockout leagues on FanDuel, DraftKings, and other gaming websites have transformed the pastime into a $7.22 billion industry.As fantasy players have access to more and more data, they’ve become comfortable with putting larger amounts of their own money on the line. Accordingly, scammers have begun creating fake fantasy leagues and keeping entry fees for themselves.Red flag: The fantasy league commissioner is vague on the payout terms and difficult to reach when you have questions.In a potential real-life example, the Missouri attorney general’s office opened an investigation into allegations of non-payment by ESPN personality Matt Miller. Multiple individuals have alleged that they were not compensated for their winnings after entering leagues commissioned by Miller on the fantasy football website Sleeper.Miller often asked entrants to pay fees on Venmo, Cash App, and other digital apps. Some fantasy managers who eventually received their payouts reported that they only did so after contacting Miller’s coworkers. The investigation has not resulted in criminal charges or lawsuits, but Miller is now on leave from his job at ESPN.3. Phishing SchemesPhishing is one of the most common scams because it’s so versatile. The scheme involves communications from scammers (emails and text messages, most commonly) that redirect internet users to scam websites. These websites impersonate trusted companies, government officials, and other entities.When scammers convince victims to enter sensitive information, they’ll use it to make purchases or sell it on the dark web. During football season, scammers often hit up potential victims with deeply discounted livestreams of their favorite teams. The streaming website, of course, turns out to be fake—but the scam is all too real.Red flag: Someone unexpectedly contacts you with a too-good-to-be-true offer.4. Fake Betting SitesThe explosion of the sports betting industry has been nothing short of astonishing. In 2025, Americans spent $166 billion on wagers, which was more than twice the amount the country collectively spent on movies, recorded music, books, and museums.Naturally, this enormous universe has attracted countless scammers and fraudsters. Some betting victims fall to phishing scams, while others get roped into these scams by viewing deepfakes of celebrities endorsing fraudulent betting websites.Red flag: The betting website makes claims of “guaranteed winnings” or “sure bets.”How to Protect Your Data (& Your Wallet)Preventing a sack on the football field means having great protection from your offensive line. If you want to protect your data and finances, you’re also going to need the right blocking schemes to protect against scammers and fraudsters.Here are some tips for staying away from football season scams:Don’t transmit personally sensitive information (credit card number, bank account password) over the internet. Just like coaches use coded signals to call offensive plays, don’t give away the game when you’re dealing with somebody you don’t trust!Call the verified phone number of a business or government organization that has purportedly contacted you.Enable two-factor authentication for important online accounts.Closely inspect URLs of football ticket marketplaces and fantasy sports websites.Run contact information through a trusted reverse phone lookup tool if you receive an unexpected call.If you believe you have made contact with a scammer, report them as soon as possible to the FTC. Contact your bank to put a hold on your accounts and, if necessary, cancel your debit and credit cards. Change your username and passwords if you believe they’ve fallen into the wrong hands.Don’t Let Scammers Intercept Your DataScams during football season are limited only by scammers’ imaginations. There are more opportunities than ever for these bad actors to contact potential victims and make their fraudulent pitch. From counterfeit team merchandise and tickets to fraudulent fantasy leagues and betting websites, the commodification of professional football means fans must practice vigilance at every turn.With a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can keep scammers from attacking your blind side and wresting your data away from you. Here’s hoping the only disappointment you feel this season has to do with your favorite team’s performance on the field.This story was produced by PeopleFinders and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport man charged after allegedly fleeing to Mexico to avoid prosecution On Aug. 26, a Davenport man was arrested in Mexico and faces charges in Scott County District Court after police say he ran from felony charges for over a year.
	Andrew Tate is denied bail and will remain in jail during his extradition fight Prosecutors told the court that Andrew and Tristan Tate boasted about having multiple passports and flying on private jets. But the Tates' lawyers argued they were only playing a role for their fans.
	Davenport man arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a child A Davenport man was arrested on Wednesday for sexual abuse charges stemming from incidents between 2011 and 2013.
	30th anniversary of Trudy Appleby’s disappearance coverage to re-stream on KWQC+ KWQC’s special coverage of the 30th anniversary of Trudy Appleby’s disappearance will be re-streamed Wednesday.
	New York Fashion Week has become the biggest creator activation of the fall New York Fashion Week has become the biggest creator activation of the fallNew York Fashion Week starts Thursday with 70 shows and presentations on the official calendar, and most of the creators heading to the city will not be at any of them. One talent agency is sending 52 of its creators, with managers flying in to walk them from dinner to sponsored suite to launch. Another is bringing its entire staff, for the third year, to spend an afternoon with its roster and the brands that want to meet them. A dermatologist and two men from reality television are on one agency’s list alongside the fashion and beauty names. Sarah King, who runs the U.S. team at Shine Talent Group, calls the week her creators’ Super Bowl, and her team has spent the past month building schedules around it. Eight years ago, almost none of this existed, Net Influencer reports.It did not start this way Net Influencer Amanda Acevedo, director of talent at G&B Digital Management, has managed creators for almost eight years. When she started, a creator’s Fashion Week deal was an invitation, and getting one was the whole win. Now there is a fee to attend, a fee to walk in a show, and a fee for the posts afterward, “more in that $25,000 and up range.”“Before, it was the cool girls only,” says Sarah Boyd, partner, The Digital Dept. “If you did not get those invites, if you were not sitting front row at those events, it was very cliquey. You were either in or you were out.”The week itself had been shrinking. Designers had stopped showing in New York after the shows left Lincoln Center and Mercedes-Benz ended its sponsorship, and the lull is when creators arrived. Sandra Fernandez, director of PR and marketing at The Sociable Society, remembers it as the years when “Instagram became a thing” and the week “filled a bit of a gap” with new designers and returning ones.The New Cool KidsFor most of its history, a New York collection was next season’s, and the people in the front row were department store buyers placing orders. That is over, Boyd says. Brands now walk the current collection and want it posted “on LTK and you can buy it now.” She puts the return in one sentence: “One influencer sitting there posting about this skirt could move more than a full order at Nordstrom.” The show stopped selling to stores and started selling to shoppers, and once a post from the front row could sell the collection that night, the person who mattered most in that row was the one with the biggest audience of shoppers, and that was a creator.The shows also lost their press corps. Emily Fonda, co-founder and COO of The Sociable Society, says brands no longer have “an army of journalists to go out and cover all of these events,” so they rely on creators to do it. The brands themselves changed, too. The elite, luxury level is still there, with its top models and celebrities, but underneath it Fonda sees “this off-Broadway level, where more accessible brands are coming in and putting on shows.” Those brands want creators at their events because a celebrity is unlikely to partner with a mainstream brand.“If a brand is rude to a creator, the creator is going to tell their audience, and that is going to affect the brand’s sales,” Acevedo says. “Whether a brand was hesitant about a creator or not, there is really no option anymore. They make or break it now. I think it almost was forced.”Dinners, lists, and sponsored rooms Net Influencer The shows still anchor the week, and some creators still go for the front row. Boyd says a few of her clients are “hardcore fashion girls” who want to be at the shows and nowhere else. Most of what the agencies build for their creators, though, happens around the shows, at the events brands put on for the people in town. “Honestly, not many are attending the shows,” she says of her clients. “They are doing all of the parties.”The events are small. A dinner or a presentation runs to about 40 people with the founder or designer in the room, and the creators meet the brand rather than watch it. Fewer runway shows get staged than a decade ago, and Boyd puts that down to cost. The rooms that can hold a dinner are booked solid during the week, so some of those dinners now happen in other cities the rest of the year.“Sometimes talent will decide to go based on the amount of invites they have gotten,” King says. “It is really nice when brands send those invites out three months in advance.” The guest lists come from the agencies. Talent managers spend the summer filling requests from brands for creators who will be in town and pitching the ones who are coming, and a creator with a full schedule by early summer books the trip.A creator’s whole week can belong to one brand. The brand wants the getting-ready content, “whether it is their outfits or their makeup or the tools they are using at the hotel room, the drinks they are drinking on the go,” as Fonda puts it. Year-long ambassadors get brought to a run of events, and the videos count against deliverables already in the contract.Some creators are there on paid deals. The deal is an appearance, a shoot, and posts, at $25,000 and up, and it almost always goes to a creator the brand worked with earlier in the year. “Most of the partnerships that are paid for Fashion Week are a part two to a successful part one,” Acevedo says. This year hers are with a pharmaceutical company and with fashion and beauty brands.The agencies host rooms of their own. The Digital Dept.’s BRANDEdit runs two days at the end of the week, 150 creators by appointment from a waitlist of more than 500, with Comfrt as title sponsor alongside Clean & Clear, Zenni Optical, and Shokz. The Sociable Society hosts its roster and eight brand sponsors in a suite away from the shows. Who gets a slot depends on what a creator did with the last one. “Did they come last year and not share one thing, or did they come and do lots of content?” Boyd says. “We take that into consideration as opposed to who is the cool girl and who has the high following.”Beyond fashionA brand does not need a fashion story to be at Fashion Week. Fernandez says brands activate in New York that would never do the same in Paris or Milan, and Boyd’s sponsor list includes skincare, eyewear, and headphones. The budget can be small. “Even brands that are not fashion related at all are activating at Fashion Week,” she says. “You can hand out merch on the street. We have really small sponsorships.”Those brands are why the week keeps growing. Every mainstream brand that comes in brings more creators with it, Emily says, and she sees no end to that. The growth has started to spill out of New York, too: BRANDEdit has run in Nashville, and the dinners brands host during Fashion Week now turn up in other cities throughout the year. Boyd says she does not expect New York to narrow as that happens. “I do not see it going back to being exclusive. Paris and Milan still have that. New York, I see it widening to all types of creators.”Additional reporting by Ceci Carloni and Tamara BlazquezThis story was produced by Net Influencer and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Mercer County man arrested after a man found dead in rural Aledo home A man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of homicide after a man was found dead inside his home in rural Aledo on the night of Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Thursday, September 10th, 2026

Wednesday, September 9th, 2026