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

Saturday, August 29th, 2026
	River Action’s 20th Annual Taming of the Slough happening Sept. 12 River Action’s 20th annual Taming of the Slough Adventure Triathlon returns Sept. 12 with a paddle‑bike‑run course through downtown Moline, welcoming athletes of all experience levels.
	Death Notice: Kevin Lane A memorial visitation for Kevin Lee Lane, 63, of DeWitt, will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge. A private family graveside service will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Long Grove. Mr. Lane died Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at his home. Memorials may be made to the Brent Ohl Pancreatic Cancer Foundation or the DeWitt Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences may be made at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com. A full obituary will appear in the Sept. 2 edition of The NSP.
	Modern Woodmen names Shea Doyle as next president and CEO "Selecting the organization’s next president and CEO is among the most important responsibilities entrusted to the board," said Sandra L. Stosz.
	Russian strike near Kyiv kills 37, in one of the year's deadliest attacks The deadly strike comes amid 72 hours of near constant drone strikes across Ukraine, severely disrupting daily life.
	Red Cross sets QCA blood-donation dates, provides Hello Kitty toys for donors The American Red Cross urges people to celebrate the power of kindness by making an appointment to give lifesaving blood or platelets. Every donation is critical to helping prevent the next blood shortage, according to a news release. The Red Cross and Hello Kitty and Friends are partnering in September to remind donors that comfort [...]
	LivWell Seniors, CASI help older adults learn what it means to stay active LivWell Seniors and CASI will help older adults understand what it means to stay active and how to get enough physical activity to experience proven health benefits at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at CASI, 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport. Staying active can provide significant immediate and long-term health benefits, including improved sleep, reduced anxiety, [...]
	Photos: See the aftermath of deadly flash floods in Nepal Nepal officials say the death toll has continues to rise in Wednesday's floods that washed away communities in Nepal and Tibet, which is held by China. About 2,500 people are missing in both areas.
	Village of East Davenport to host annual Farm Days weekend Farm Days returns to the Village of East Davenport Aug. 29–30 with free family activities, farm demonstrations, kids events and daily tractor parades.
	Riverside Horseshoe Club will host Illinois horseshoe tournament in Moline The Riverside Horseshoe Club will host the 2026 Illinois State Horseshoe Tournament for the third time at Riverside Park in Moline over Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 4-6, a news release says. Horseshoe pitchers from across Illinois will compete for state championships in the Cadet, Junior, Elder Men, Elder Women, Women, and Men divisions, with classes [...]
	YWCA Clinton Street Fest will bring family fun to downtown area The YWCA Clinton Street Fest will bring live music, local food, and family fun to downtown Clinton from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, a news release says. The event will take place in the 200 block of 5th Avenue South and serves as the official kickoff to Clinton Half Marathon weekend. The evening will feature [...]
	Commemorative service in Clinton will honor those who lost their lives in 9/11 attacks The public is invited to the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, with a commemorative service on Friday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m. at the Freedom Trees Site at Millcreek Parkway and Main Avenue in Clinton. Hosted by Clinton Trees Forever, The Lighthouse Schools, Clinton Police Department, Clinton Fire Department, Camanche Fire Department, Clinton County [...]
	Messiah Lutheran to host free community dinner Sept. 13 The event will feature a taco bar, drinks and dessert, along with live music from four local bands and more.
	Where is your favorite place to get wings at in the Quad-Cities? Take our poll. In the Quad-Cities, there are multiple places on both sides of the river to eat wings. Where is yours?
	Memories of Muscatine: A Home-O-Nize warehouse This week for Memories of Muscatine: a 1963 Bamford photo of a Home-O-Nize warehouse.
	Captain Smith Harris This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Before you decide to become a celebrity, hear out the story of Daniel Smith Harris, a man who tried too hard to live up…
	1.9 million grill brushes recalled More than 3 million wire brushes have now been recalled over concerns the bristles can detach and end up in food.
Friday, August 28th, 2026
	Mixed emotions as Sherrard High School varsity football season comes to an early end The school ended the varsity season early, citing low numbers of varsity-ready players and multiple injuries.
	Ground breaking held for Charger Center at Sandburg, Galesburg While Theo Salim’s time as a student and men’s soccer player at Sandburg will be over when the Charger Center is complete, it didn’t stop the college’s student trustee from showing off his excitement at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new athletic and conference facility. “Today,” Salim said, “is a great day to be a [...]
	Man stabbed outside Sterling Walmart Two men involved in a fight were hospitalized for their injuries, Sterling police said.
	Illinois to receive up to $768M in Meta settlement over teen social media addiction Illinois will receive up to $768 million from a landmark $17 billion Meta settlement to fund youth mental health and enforce teen social media limits.
	Grand Marshal Willis will lead Labor Day East Moline parade The Quad City Labor Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7, in East Moline. A news release says it's the official, labor-organized, Labor Day Parade represented by various union organizations, high-school marching bands, elected official, social service organizations, clubs, entertain and cultural organizations from around the Quad Cities. The City of East [...]
	Trump says U.S. has entered deal with Venezuela to take control of 65 billion barrels of oil reserves President Trump says his administration has entered a sweeping agreement with Venezuela that could give the U.S. access to vast amounts of the South American country's untapped oil reserves, at cost.
	Pretrial release denied for man facing child sex abuse materials charges A judge denied the pretrial release of a Milan man facing more than 137 additional counts of child sex abuse materials-related charges.
	Clinton Committee of the Whole will consider data-center ordinance A special Clinton Committee of the Whole will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Eagle Point Park Lodge, 4101 N. 3rd St., Clinton. The meeting will be a work session to consider a data-center ordinance that you can read below: The meeting is open to the public. If you want to participate [...]
	Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart veteran who self-deported, receives pardon His removal order was triggered by two convictions from over 15 years ago, when he struggled with untreated PTSD. New York's governor said Park earned a "second chance through rehabilitation."
	72nd World Series of Drag Racing brings competition, community to Cordova The 72nd World Series of Drag Racing at Cordova Dragway began Friday. For some racers, there's a strong sense of community.
	16-year-old missing out of East Moline Police say 16-year-old Amivi Takpah was last seen Aug. 23 at her East Moline home.
	Sterling Police investigate stabbing incident Sterling Police are investigating a stabbing incident outside a Walmart. According to a release from the Sterling Police Department, officers were dispatched August 28 at approximately 2:15 p.m. to the Walmart on E. Lincolnway for a report of two men fighting outside the business. While en route, officers were notified one of the men had [...]
	Man stabbed, another injured during fight outside Sterling Walmart One man was stabbed, another was injured in a fight outside of the Sterling, Illinois, Walmart on Friday.
	Trump meat processing plan sparks confusion among some Iowa farmers President Donald Trump plans to allow small ranchers and farmers to process their own meat, one of his latest moves as the administration aims to lower beef prices at the grocery store.
	East Moline Police seek help finding missing teen The East Moline Police Department is seeking help finding a missing teen. According to a Facebook post, Amivi Takpah, 16, was last seen on August 23 at her home in East Moline. Takpah is not believed to be in any danger at this time. The East Moline Police Department requests anyone with information regarding her [...]
	Iowa nurses cited for theft, indecent exposure or patient care issues The Iowa Board of Nursing has sanctioned several Iowa nurses accused of a range of violations.
	Augustana College welcomes over 750 new students on move-in day Augustana College in Rock Island welcomed more than 750 new students from 28 states and 36 countries with help from student athletes and faculty.
	Bird's-eye views from across the Quad Cities region during the week of Aug. 28, 2026 Sit back, relax and enjoy these scenes captured by the News 8 drone from across the Quad Cities region this week.
	5 injured, 1 airlifted following school bus crash near Keokuk At the time of the crash, there were four students and an adult driver onboard. All of them were injured.
	Davenport man arrested 13 months after fatal stabbing Ryan McNeiece, 39, is charged with murder in the stabbing death of 54-year-old Joseph Padilla II last July.
	Davenport's stars of the summer return home from Little League World Series When the kids-turned-stars on the Davenport Northwest team returned home from the Little League World Series (LLWS) on Friday, they were met with cheers and hugs from family and friends, some they haven't seen in almost a month while they were on the road. The kids were just happy to be back in Davenport. "It's [...]
	Senator Grassley wraps up 99-county tour, talks tariffs and war in Iran Senator Chuck Grassley said Canada “needs us worse than we need them” as he wrapped up his 99-county statewide tour with stops in Jones and Linn Counties Friday.
	Iowa SNAP hotline faces federal funding cuts, food banks work to cover difference Iowa’s six food banks will have to contribute an extra $170,000 to keep the hotline running.
	Highlight Zone: Week 2 Week 2 of Highlight Zone
	Macomb man convicted of shooting 2 police officers Shaiking Mathis was arrested after a nearly 20-hour standoff with police. He will be sentenced on Nov. 5.
	Man who shot 2 Macomb police officers, started 20-hour standoff in 2024 found guilty Two officers were shot while executing a search warrant on Sept. 4, 2024. The suspect was barricaded inside the home for nearly 20 hours before surrendering.
	A historic preservation grant offers Dubuque's signature park a chance at new life Dubuque has been selected for a $750,000 grant from the Wisconsin-based Jeffris Family Foundation to restore historic structures in Eagle Point Park, a 164-acre preserve overlooking the Mississippi River. First, the city must raise an additional $1.5 million.
	Your high school football forecast The nice weather throughout the week continues on this Friday, just in time for some Friday night high school football. Unlike last week where we saw some showers and thunderstorms this time around, we will be seeing a lot more clear skies with comfortable temperatures in the 70s and falling to the 60s by the [...]
	Sterling police searching for wanted man believed to be in Quad Cities Sterling police are asking for help finding Howard Crusan, wanted on a Whiteside County warrant and in connection with a domestic battery incident.
	Davenport Northwest Little League team celebrated after World Series run Davenport Northwest Little League players and coaches were welcomed home at Northwest Park after making history at the Little League World Series.
	16-year-old reported missing out of East Moline Police say 16-year-old Amivi Takpah was last seen Aug. 23 at her East Moline home.
	MercyOne Genesis unveils advanced spine surgery technology in Davenport Officials said the technology will give patients advanced surgical capabilities from experienced spine specialists without having to travel outside of the region.
	Community job fair to be held at Vibrant Arena More than 75 employers have already signed up to participate. Job seekers can connect with hiring employers for full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions.
	Cisco’s Mexican Bar & Grill in Moline reopens after partial facade collapse, gas leaks Cisco’s Mexican Bar & Grill in downtown Moline has reopened after being closed for a month and a half.
	Johnson County dedicates Dr. Lulu Merle Johnson Plaza through story and statue The southeast corner of the Johnson County Administrative Building will become Dr. Lulu Merle Johnson Plaza, featuring a bronze statue of Johnson alongside plaques celebrating Black Iowans in Iowa City.
	School bus crashes on Argyle Road near Keokuk, district confirms The Keokuk Community School District said Friday afternoon that one of its buses was involved in an accident.
	East Moline police searching for missing 16-year-old The East Moline Police Department is asking for the community’s help in finding Amivi Takpah, 16.
	2 escape fiery rollover crash after car hits tree in rural Wapello Two occupants safely escaped after a car struck a tree, rolled over, and caught fire on Highway 99 near 126th Avenue in rural Wapello on Thursday.
	The biggest IPOs ever. And where Anthropic could land The biggest IPOs ever. And where Anthropic could landThe biggest IPOs in history have raised tens of billions of dollars each, and delivered returns ranging from significant gains to sustained losses.Saudi Aramco raised $25.6 billion in its December 2019 initial public offering, setting the record for the largest in history. SpaceX raised $75 billion on June 12, 2026, offering 555.6 million shares at $135 each, nearly three times the record set by Saudi Aramco. Shares closed their first day of trading up 19% at $160.95, giving the company a market capitalization of roughly $2.1 trillion.SpaceX may not hold the record for the biggest IPO for long, however. On June 1, Anthropic confidentially filed paperwork for an IPO and reportedly aims to match or exceed SpaceX's raise, which climbed to $86.2 billion once its overallotment option was exercised, on top of the $75 billion raised at the outset. Separately, investors are reportedly targeting a valuation of $2 trillion or more.At that valuation, Anthropic's IPO would value the company higher than SpaceX's IPO did. And if Anthropic's IPO proceeds match or exceed SpaceX's $86.2 billion total, it would set the record for capital raised as well. Anthropic has not set a share price, count, or confirmed valuation target.The Motley Fool examines how the 10 biggest IPOs currently stack up against each other.Key PointsSpaceX completed its June 2026 IPO, raising $75 billion, nearly triple the previous record.Top IPOs show no strong link between raise size and long-term stock performance.Sector appears to matter more than deal size; financials and tech tend to outperform energy and telecom. The Motley Fool The 10 biggest offerings on record offer a useful frame of reference for investors. Together, they raised more than $180 billion.Their returns tell very different stories. The Motley Fool The Best Long-Run Performers Among the Biggest IPOsThe two best long-run performers in the top 10 had opposite first-year experiences.Visa went public in March 2008 at a split-adjusted offer price of $11, during the global financial crisis. It gained 92% in its first three months and has returned 2,854% from that offer price as of May 2026, according to FactSet data. Visa earns fees on payment processing volume and does not extend credit, which insulated it from the default risk that defined the 2008 crisis. (The research methodology is outlined at the end of this article.)Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) had the worst first three months of any company in the top 10, falling 47% from its May 2012 IPO price of $38. Investors who bought on day one lost roughly a third of their money in the first year. By year five, the stock was up 289%. Total return since the 2012 offer price: +1,572% as of May 2026, according to FactSet data.AIA Group and ICBC, both listed in Hong Kong, delivered steadier compounding with less short-term volatility than the technology companies. AIA returned 318% since its 2010 IPO; ICBC's H-Share returned 116% since 2006. The Motley Fool The Worst-Performing Large IPOs: Where Sector Mattered More Than Deal SizeThree of the 10 largest IPOs were negative at the 5-year mark, and a fourth spent most of its first five years below its offer price. In each case, the company was influenced by sector dynamics.Saudi Aramco is down 13% since its December 2019 offer price, the worst total return in the group, according to investing.com data. The company listed at the end of a decade in which energy's share of global equity indexes declined, and oil prices have not consistently supported the valuation implied at the IPO price.SoftBank Corp, the Japanese telecom subsidiary, not SoftBank Group, fell 15% on its first day of trading in December 2018, according to FactSet data, and spent most of the following five years below its offer price. Total return from the split-adjusted offer price of 150 JPY: +43% as of May 2026, according to FactSet data. A mature telecommunications business with limited growth levers attracted limited long-term capital.NTT DoCoMo gained 47% in its first year after its October 1998 IPO, then fell sharply with the broader telecom sector. By year three, it was down 48% from the IPO price. NTT took the company private in 2020.Enel SpA raised $16.5 billion in its 1999 Italian privatization. Total return in euros from the split-adjusted offer price of 7.31 euros: +31% as of May 2026, according to FactSet data.The five companies with the highest total returns, Visa, Meta, AIA Group, ICBC, and General Motors, are all financials, technology, or consumer companies. The four weakest performers span energy, telecom, and utilities.What the Largest IPOs Returned Over TimeThe performance table in the introduction shows returns over five periods of time from the IPO.In the first three months, five of the 10 biggest IPOs had negative returns. Meta fell 47%. Saudi Aramco fell 23%. NTT DoCoMo and SoftBank Corp both fell roughly 10%, and Enel SpA fell 3%. Of the five that gained, Visa (+92%) and ICBC (+48%) posted the largest jumps. Both are financial companies, not tech stocks, so they weren't exposed to the tech-sector swings that hit Meta.At the one-year mark, the picture is mixed. Five of the 10 were still negative one year in. NTT DoCoMo was the outlier at +47%, benefiting from late-1990s telecom enthusiasm before the sector reversed. Visa and ICBC were positive. Meta and General Motors were both down more than 30%.At the five-year mark, the split between sector winners and losers becomes clear. The financials and technology companies had largely recovered and compounded their gains. The energy, telecom, and utilities names had not. Enel was down 16% at five years; NTT DoCoMo was down 48%; Saudi Aramco was down 11%.Total return since IPO reinforces the sector gap. The difference between the best (Visa, +2,854%) and the worst (Aramco, -13%) is not primarily a reflection of how much each company raised. It is driven by sector, timing, and business model durability over the full period."On average, IPOs, particularly larger ones, disappoint investors during their first year," said Lou Whiteman, contributing Motley Fool stock analyst. "Larger IPOs tend to attract a lot of hype, and as the excitement fades, so too does buying interest."Insider lockup expirations can compound that effect by increasing the supply of shares as the first year progresses. By year five, Whiteman said, those temporary factors fade and the stock trades more on fundamentals, though if the original valuation was stretched, "the fundamentals might not support an elevated stock price."His advice for investors: Stay patient amid initial post-IPO volatility, and make a fresh assessment after the market has adjusted to the company regularly reporting earnings.What History Tells Investors About SpaceX and Anthropic's Mega-IPOsTwo patterns may be relevant for investors evaluating SpaceX months after its record-shattering IPO, and preparing for Anthropic's highly anticipated stock market debut.First, IPO size doesn't meaningfully impact long-term performance. Saudi Aramco, the largest IPO outside of SpaceX, had the worst long-term performance, while the best performing, Visa, raised roughly $8 billion less than Saudi Aramco. Among the 10 biggest IPOs, the five with the best long-term performance had deal sizes between $14 billion and $17.9 billion.Second, sector has some bearing on performance. IPOs in financials, technology, and consumer discretionary have had strong long-term performances, while energy, telecom, and utilities have posted weaker returns. SpaceX spans multiple categories, which makes it difficult for investors to judge based on history. That's not the only surprise it's shown since its debut, and some early, new lessons could apply to Anthropic's expected IPO later this year."Anthropic’s size makes it unique in history, but we do have one prominent recent example to compare it to: SpaceX," Whiteman said. "The interesting thing about SpaceX’s trading so far is that all of the things we thought would move the stock — adding it to the indexes, lockup releases — have not moved the stock as expected."He attributed that to how widely anticipated those events were, allowing traders to price them in. "I would suspect Anthropic would follow a similar trajectory, which makes stock movements hard to predict."That points back to Whiteman's original advice for investors: Stay patient, even amid the hype of mega-IPOs."IPOs are exciting, and the companies behind the offerings can be great long-term investments," Whiteman said. "But waiting out the initial volatility and allowing some of the dust to settle from lockup expirations and the company adjusting to the regular reporting cadence of being public allows for a more sober assessment of the business and a price that better reflects its strengths and limitations."FAQsWhat is the biggest IPO in history?SpaceX holds the record for the largest IPO. The company raised $75 billion on June 12, 2026, offering 555.6 million shares at $135 each, nearly three times the previous record of $25.6 billion set by Saudi Aramco in December 2019.What is the largest IPO on a U.S. stock exchange?SpaceX listed on Nasdaq under the ticker SPCX on June 12, 2026, and raised a record $75 billion. The previous U.S. record was held by Meta (then Facebook), which raised $16 billion on Nasdaq in May 2012.MethodologyReturns are calculated from each company's split-adjusted offer price to the closing price at each milestone date (three months, six months, one year, three years, and five years post-IPO) and to the closing price on May 29, 2026. Where a milestone date fell on a non-trading day, the next available trading day was used.Returns are shown in each company's local currency. Saudi Aramco trades in Saudi riyals (SAR), which have been pegged to the U.S. dollar at 3.75 since 1986; riyal returns are equivalent to U.S. dollar returns. AIA Group and ICBC trade in Hong Kong dollars (HKD), maintained within a narrow band against the U.S. dollar; the difference from USD returns is less than 1% over the periods shown. SoftBank Corp returns are in Japanese yen (JPY). Enel SpA returns are in euros (EUR). Currency movements between the yen or euro and the U.S. dollar are not reflected in the return figures.Deal sizes are sourced from Renaissance Capital and represent the primary offer size in U.S. dollars at the time of issuance.Performance data for Saudi Aramco is sourced from investing.com. Performance data for all other companies is sourced from FactSet via WSJ. SoftBank Corp (TSE: 9434) data reflects the 10:1 split effective September 26, 2024; the split-adjusted offer price is 150 JPY. Enel SpA data reflects a 1.7:1 share allocation in 2001; the split-adjusted offer price is €7.31.NTT DoCoMo was taken private in 2020. Total return is not shown; performance data through the 5-year mark uses the IPO date as base.SpaceX figures are projected targets as of the date of publication. The final offer price, deal size, and valuation have not been set. No post-IPO performance data is available.This story was produced by The Motley Fool and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Several mailboxes in Burlington vandalized The Burlington Police Department is investigating after several mailboxes were vandalized along West Avenue.
	Fibermaxxing? Your microbes (and your health) say thanks. Fibermaxxing? Your microbes (and your health) say thanks.In the world of dietary trends, proteinmaxxing is taking a back seat to the new obsession: ramping up on fiber, Knowable Magazine reports. Since the summer of 2025, Instagram has racked up more than 10,000 posts captioned with #Fibermaxxing and other fiber-forward hashtags — and the flood doesn’t appear to be dissipating.The trend is a nod to our species’ history — and to how much our diet has changed. With the dawn of agriculture about 12,000 years ago, and the advent of modern food processing some 200 years ago, many people have abandoned historic levels of fiber consumption. That’s especially the case in developed countries (studies suggest that 95% of Americans don’t get enough), though it’s happening around the world. And that change has disrupted the microbiome — those myriad microbes that dwell in the digestive system — with concerning consequences for health.“We disrupt our microbiome and chronic diseases go up,” says Jens Walter, a microbiome scientist at University College Cork in Ireland.Walter is part of a community of microbiologists, nutritionists and other researchers who are exploring fiber’s biological effects on bacteria in the gut and amassing growing evidence that fiber, and the microbes it feeds, protects us against diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and diabetes. This, these experts say, does more than underscore the importance of fiber. It may also lead to novel solutions — perhaps one day even personalized fiber prescriptions. Alpha Tauri 3D Graphics // Shutterstock More types of fiberDietary fiber molecules are types of carbohydrates derived from plant foods — but unlike starch and sugars, they can’t be digested by the body. They pull their weight in other ways.Until recently, nutrition scientists mainly classified fiber as insoluble (such as wheat bran) or soluble (such as pectin in fruit), based on its ability to dissolve in water. Categorization today is more sophisticated, considering properties such as bulking capacity (how well fiber holds on to water, increases feces size and regulates bowel movements); fermentability (how well it is broken down by microbes in the gut); and viscosity (how much it thickens into a gel in the digestive system). Examples of foods high in fiber of various types include beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, fruits, vegetables and grains.The study of the relationship between fiber and health dates back to at least the 19th century, when a handful of surgeons, physicians and medical researchers took an interest in diet as a determinant of disease. While many weren’t focused on fiber as a factor, they observed patterns of disease among populations partaking of diets low in “residue” or “roughage.” In 1949, two scientists found that rats put on a low-roughage diet began to develop diverticula, pouches in the colon that can become inflamed and infected, and that the introduction of roughage, through psyllium seed husks, prevented this.In the following decades, researchers closed in on the theory that people, too, were being sickened by the growing absence of fiber in their meals as they shifted to diets richer in refined grains and processed foods, especially in the wake of the industrial revolution. Two surgeons from the United Kingdom, Neil Painter and Denis Burkitt, published a paper in 1971 labeling diverticular disease of the colon a “deficiency disease of Western civilization” after finding low rates of the condition in parts of Africa where people maintained a high-fiber diet.Burkitt, Painter and a colleague went on to publish a study comparing stool sizes and how long stool took to pass through the intestines of subjects in the U.K., South Africa, Uganda and India. They found that people in rural parts of Uganda and South Africa — who had the least-processed, highest-fiber diets — passed heavier, softer feces more rapidly than their urban and European counterparts. And their examination of records from more than 200 hospitals in more than 20 countries revealed that appendicitis, colon cancer and diverticular disease were uncommon in developing, non-Western countries, whereas the rates had been growing in places like England since the 1870s. Burkitt, who later became known as “the fiber man,” hypothesized that impeded bowel movements were to blame: The fiber hypothesis was born.Burkitt and his contemporaries had speculated about the impact of fiber on flora in the gut. In 1977, researchers from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg published a survey of several bacteria species in the colon that broke down dietary fibers by fermenting them, a process that supplied the bacteria with the carbon and energy to live. Researchers also found that this digestion of fiber produces molecules called short-chain fatty acids that go on to enter the bloodstream. So even though people don’t digest fiber ourselves, they get something from it, courtesy of the microbes.Today, researchers know a great deal more about the relationship of fiber and health. They know that fiber provides bulk to stool, helping it to pass through the digestive system and making people feel more satisfied after eating. The viscous kind, especially, binds bile acids, lowering cholesterol, slows absorption of nutrients, and improves the blood levels of sugar and lipids.And then there are fiber’s effects on gut microbes, which digest that fiber for food. Fiber “is actually one of the ingredients in our diet which has perhaps the biggest impact on the microbiota,” says Mahesh Desai, a microbiologist at the Luxembourg Institute of Health.Research, in turn, has started to explain how those gut microbes influence our health. A key effect is what those microbes do to affect inflammation, which is a known contributor to diseases such as colon cancer, heart disease and diabetes.Clues in the microbiomeOne approach in such studies is to take records of people’s diets and analyze their microbiomes and health parameters. In a 2021 study, for example, epidemiologist Wenjie Ma of Massachusetts General Hospital and her colleagues collected stool samples from more than 300 men whose diet had been tracked long-term.The team analyzed the DNA in these samples, which told them what microbes were present, as well as the RNA those microbes were making, which told them what metabolic activity was going on. They also looked at subjects’ blood levels of a substance called C-reactive protein, which is closely associated with chronic inflammation.The researchers found that more fiber, especially fruit fiber, seemed to ramp up fiber-digestion capabilities of the gut microbiome and changed its composition to species associated with anti-inflammatory effects. Fiber consumption, for many, was also associated with lower blood levels of C-reactive protein.However, fiber’s beneficial effects on C-reactive protein were absent in subjects whose guts contained one particular microbe, for unclear reasons. That example, says Ma, suggests that not all guts react the same way and that nutrition advice could one day be fine-tuned for individuals.If microbes interact with fiber to reduce inflammation, how do they do it? Part of the effect seems to be through the short-chain fatty acids — such as acetate, butyrate and propionate — that result from fiber digestion. These short-chain fatty acids attach to immune cells in our gut; they reduce the production of inflammation-promoting molecules and facilitate the production of others that alleviate it. A 2020 study in mice, for example, found that butyrate fosters the production of a protein made by immune cells, called IL-22, that combats inflammation in the intestines.In line with this relationship, numerous studies have found low counts of the key short-chain fatty acids produced by the microbiome in people with septic shock, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and colorectal cancer, all conditions that involve inflammation.A lot of the effects of these fatty acids seem to have to do with protecting the lining of the gut — a robust mucosal barrier that shields the intestinal walls from abrasion and prevents disease-causing microbial intruders from breaking through.Desai saw the effects of fiber on this barrier in an experiment he designed with groups of mice. The animals’ guts were replaced with lab-concocted human microbiomes and the mice were fed fiber-rich or fiber-deficient diets. With their primary source of energy limited, the fiber-deficient bacteria resorted to feasting on the mucus lining the colon, weakening the organ’s resistance to invaders.The scientists then infected these mice with a rodent bacterial pathogen. “It created a lot of issues for the host,” he says — the animals developed serious and sometimes lethal cases of colitis, a highly inflamed colon. In other experiments, Desai found that fiber-deficient mice were more susceptible to inflammatory bowel disease and food allergies than those fed sufficient fiber.Effects on weight and healthNathalie Delzenne, a pharmaceutical scientist at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium, is interested in yet another potential effect of fiber intake: maintaining a healthy weight. There’s strong evidence that some gut microbiome compositions are linked to metabolic problems such as obesity and prediabetes, possibly because they result in lower production of butyrate. Certain fibers, such as inulin, which is found in foods like asparagus, bananas, chicory root, wheat, garlic and onions, appear to increase the levels of gut bacteria that make butyrate and, in both rodents and people, produce an “Ozempic-like” effect when eaten; they cause increased production of the satiety hormone GLP-1, lowering hunger and aiding weight loss, Delzenne says.In other beneficial effects of inulin, a 2025 study found that mice fed both high-fructose corn syrup and an inulin-rich diet had higher concentrations of gut bacteria that break down fructose. And when mice fed corn syrup were later fed inulin, the fructose was cleared from their digestive systems and reversed the fatty liver disease the mice had developed from their syrupy diet.Despite the growing evidence of relationships between fiber, the microbiome and health, Ma says it would still be “too absolute” to say yet that fiber’s effects on the microbiome are causal in protecting against disease. That type of certainty, she says, requires multidecade human studies. Still, nutrition scientists agree that people around the world are not getting enough fiber. The standing guidance is that women should be eating about 25 grams and men should be eating as much as 38 grams of plant fiber every day. (Here are some tips.)But the source of fiber matters, says Walter, who coauthored an article in the 2026 Annual Review of Food Science and Technology on ways to optimize fiber intake. The review compared fiber sources from whole and minimally processed foods, processed plant foods, processed foods with added plant ingredients (such as a sweet treat baked with almond flour), fiber-fortified foods, and fiber supplements such as those available as powders and pills. Knowable Magazine Fiber supplements like cellulose, which contain fiber molecules extracted from plant sources, tend to have less significant effects on microbiome activity, Walter says. When you isolate the cellulose from the full cellular structure of a whole food, such as a piece of apple flesh, you’re detaching it from its original cellular context and interaction with surrounding chemicals, which may reduce the beneficial impact it can have on the gut.Supplements are better than nothing, Walter says, but “the first thing is to think about, How can I do this with whole foods?”Down the road, researchers hope for more sophisticated and targeted approaches. A large study exploring diet and microbiomes in more than 1,000 U.K. individuals made clear, among other things, how diverse microbial populations are from one person to the next — based more on their habitual diet than on genes. And some of these differences seem to affect people’s responses to meals they were given, for example, changes in blood levels of chemicals linked with inflammation and fats linked to cardiovascular disease.Perhaps, some scientists think, such personal differences might lead to pairing a person’s individual microbiome with the right type of fiber. Research has found that the production of the short-chain fatty acid butyrate in response to diet varies from person to person, for example.And researchers observed in a 10-week study comparing diets high in fiber or fermented foods that people with diverse microbiomes at the start of the study responded to the high-fiber diet with reduced inflammation. Those with low-diversity microbiomes did not.More recently, Walter coauthored a 2025 study, still unpublished, that found, among other things, that specific fibers had different effects based on a person’s microbiome and its metabolic activity. For example, some people in the six-week trial experienced regulated blood pressure when they ate the fiber acacia gum — but only if the makeup of the microbiome enabled them to digest that specific fiber. Importantly, machine learning models could predict various effects observed in the study.Wide-scale deployment of fiber strategies based on people’s microbiomes will take much more research, however. “This is still, I would say, very far away from reality,” Walter says. “But there is some rationality.”This story was produced by Knowable Magazine and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	MercyOne Genesis first in Iowa to bring robotic spine surgeries to patients The robot is completely controlled by the surgeon in the room, but allows for a much smaller incision than normal.
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	Expert answers to your home backup power questions (BPT) - Power outages are no longer the kind of rare inconvenience homeowners can afford to shrug off. From heat waves to overloaded grids, it's no longer a matter of if the power will go out. Instead, homeowners should consider what will be at risk when it does: the refrigerator, Wi-Fi, work devices, lights and the ability to stay comfortable when temperatures swing, especially during the summer.This is where home battery backup changes the conversation."Compared with the cost and disruption of a multiday outage, a backup system can be a relatively small investment," said Beau, Jackery's in-house former licensed electrician and product expert. "Ask anyone who has had to throw away a refrigerator or freezer full of food because of an outage. Backup power can pay for itself the first time it keeps a home running when the grid does not."Throughout his career, Beau has fielded dozens of questions about the necessity, cost and complexity of home backup power. Below are his answers to some of the most frequent questions he's fielded as an electrician.What would you say to someone who thinks home battery backup is too complicated or too expensive to consider?With advancements in battery and solar technology, indoor-safe home backup is accessible to virtually all homeowners and renters. Home backup used to be limited to those with the space to run a gas generator, but power stations have made it possible to have compact, powerful and renewable energy sources in any home — from apartments to RVs to townhomes.More importantly, you have options. For example, Jackery offers a wide range of power stations that are capable of running high-draw, crucial appliances in the event of an outage, the capacity of which you can tailor to your home's needs and even add onto later in the case of modular units, making it easier than ever before to have reliable home backup.Why is battery backup just as relevant for grid-connected suburban homes as it is for rural or off-grid properties?Storms, heat waves, fire risk and more can cause an outage, leaving you without Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, the means to cook and the ability to do work. The modern home — and modern lives for that matter — are so electrified. Having a home backup, whether living in a suburban area or off grid, is crucial.What are you seeing that makes backup power feel more urgent right now?Climbing grid demands are really driving urgency for backup power. Heat waves, for example, are pushing utilities to their limits, and rolling outages are becoming a normal part of summer instead of a rare event.Many people assume backup power is only useful during storm season. Why do you see it as an all-year necessity?The truth is that outages can happen year-round. Being caught in a blackout without home backup can mean an entire fridge and freezer full of spoiled food, a workday lost and exposure to heat or freezing temperatures. Home backup is an investment in consistency. By that, I mean the ability to run what you need no matter what the grid is doing. As a bonus, you'll have a solar-capable energy source that's perfect for outdoor projects requiring power but that are removed from traditional AC outlets.Some homeowners are pitched solar panels without any discussion of storage. Why should battery backup be part of that conversation from the start?I always recommend installing a home solar system with battery storage. Rooftop solar panels are great to have, but without energy storage, you won't have access to that energy during a storm or at night.To get the most out of a rooftop solar system, investing in a home backup battery — even a smaller-capacity unit — means owning that free energy and the freedom to use it whenever. And it's not just during outages that battery storage is helpful. In areas with peak electricity pricing, energy stored in batteries can be used to offset energy costs and save on your electricity bill.How does a transfer switch make backup power more practical for everyday homeowners?A transfer switch is ideal for homeowners who want uninterrupted power backup in multiple rooms and to save money on utilities.For example, let's say you pair Jackery's Solar Generator 5000 Plus and the Smart Transfer Switch (STS). In the event of a blackout, the STS ensures seamless 20-millisecond power switching to keep essential devices running. And with the Jackery app, you'll know exactly what you are using on each circuit and have the ability to control these circuits. Imagine not knowing there was an outage because your home backup automatically took over. Plus, the unit has an 11-plus-year battery lifespan and a five-year warranty, so you can count on it for home backup for over a decade. Jackery also has a Transfer Switch-capable HomePower 3600 Plus that offers sub-10-millisecond uninterrupted power switching, delivering 3600W output and 3,584Wh capacity. It's also expandable up to 21kWh, which allows you to keep large home appliances like a refrigerator powered up to 14 days. And the unit is built to last on a 6,000-cycle battery rated for 16-plus years.Beyond a power outage, a transfer switch also offers options for load management and grid arbitrage, helping lower utility bills in areas where power is more expensive and helping keep the appliances that are most important powered for the longest time.For homes that do not want any electrical installation, what should people know about portable battery backup options that can power appliances right out of the box?Home backup doesn't require installation. The Solar Generator 5000 Plus and HomePower 3600 Plus are solo-functioning portable power stations. Jackery also offers plenty of portable, compact options that are ready to power your high-draw appliances right out of the box.These home backups can also recharge in multiple ways, including via portable Jackery solar panels and traditional AC power. Whether you need to ensure your home office, Wi-Fi and computer are connected so your workday isn't interrupted, or you need to ensure your groceries are safe in the refrigerator, there's a solar-capable power station that's right for you.This summer and beyond, be prepared for heat waves, high-demand grid events, storms and ordinary moments when you don't expect the lights to go out. Backup power provides peace of mind and, more importantly, protects groceries, keeps work online, maintains comfort and preserves access to the essentials.To learn more about backup power options and how buying one now is a practical investment in keeping daily life moving, visit Jackery.com.
	Pedestrian airlifted after Solon hit-and-run A 40-year-old Solon man was walking east in the 4200 block of 180th Street NE when he was hit by a vehicle. The driver left the scene.
	Enjoy Oktoberfest in Clinton Get a taste of German culture as Grow Clinton hosts the inaugural Grow Clinton Oktoberfest on Friday, September 18, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at The Copper Mill, 2750 S. 27th Street. Antonia Gerks, Grow Clinton’s Director of Marketing & Event Planning, is originally from Germany and wanted to bring the spirit of German Oktoberfest to [...]
	After 6 months of war, Iran's battered regime remains entrenched Instead of collapsing, the Iranian regime has dug in its heels and taken an even harder line.
	The market has calmed. Retail investors still don't believe it. The market has calmed. Retail investors still don't believe it.When the U.S. and Iran stepped back from the brink in June 2026, the markets calmed almost overnight. Retail investors did not. MarketWise surveyed 1,006 U.S. retail investors to see how they were processing the whiplash, and the mood that came back was less relief than suspicion.Most weren’t buying the rebound, at least not yet. The researchers asked how the ceasefire changed the way investors feel, whether they’d moved any money, and what it would take to trust the calm. The answers point to a market that has moved on in price but not in confidence.Key PointsSeventy-nine percent of Americans who invest say they are worried the next geopolitical headline could erase the market’s recent gains, while 72% say positive news feels too fragile to act on.Forty-two percent of Americans who invest say they do not trust the recent market calm following the U.S.-Iran de-escalation, and 25% expect the rally to reverse quickly.Six percent of Americans who invest say they have taken on more risk as U.S.-Iran tensions eased, while 28% have moved toward safer assets or cash.Twenty-five percent of Americans who invest say inflation staying higher than expected is their biggest investing worry, while 14% name another geopolitical headline reversing the rally and 8% the Federal Reserve keeping rates higher for longer.Fifty-three percent of Americans who invest believe the Pentagon timed its Iran strike announcement to limit the market impact, and 43% consider it manipulative.Sixty-seven percent of Gen Z Americans who invest say they would invest more if they believed the calm would last, the most of any generation and well above the 44% of baby boomers who say the same.Fifty-three percent of Americans who invest are holding their positions, and 51% have not moved a single dollar in response to the recent geopolitical headlines in the past 30 days.Thirty-one percent of Americans who invest say nothing right now would make them confident enough to invest more aggressively.Why Retail Investors Still Don’t Trust the CalmWhen the U.S. and Iran stepped back, the market exhaled, but most retail investors are still holding their breath. MarketWise For retail investors, the mood is less about relief than about doubt:Nearly 4 in 5 worry the next geopolitical headline could erase the market’s recent gains (79%).A similar share says positive news feels too fragile to act on (72%).Distrust is widespread, with 42% saying they don’t trust the market calm following the U.S.-Iran de-escalation, and 25% expecting the rally to reverse quickly.Asked how the ceasefire and de-escalation made them feel about the markets, investors split several ways:Forty-one percent were skeptical it would hold.Twenty-four percent felt relieved but cautious.Sixteen percent felt anxious about more volatility.Thirteen percent were indifferent.Seven percent were excited to buy.Their reaction to good news right now is just as guarded:Thirty-four percent want to believe it but don’t fully trust it.Twenty-one percent assume the next geopolitical headline could undo it.Eighteen percent mostly ignore short-term news.Eighteen percent wait for confirmation.Seven percent are unsure.Three percent believe it and act quickly.There’s broad agreement on what’s driving the mood:Seventy-six percent feel the market is driven more by headlines than fundamentals.Fifty-nine percent say it’s swinging too fast for them to react to.Fifty-seven percent would invest more if they believed the calm would last.Investors’ willingness to get back in the market tracked closely with age:Gen Z was the most ready to re-engage, with 67% saying they’d invest more if the calm held, compared with 59% of millennials, 50% of Gen X, and 44% of baby boomers.Skepticism that the de-escalation would hold rose with age, at 33% of Gen Z, 42% of millennials, 42% of Gen X, and 46% of baby boomers.Distrust of the calm was highest among millennials and Gen X, at 45% and 44% saying they don’t trust it yet, compared with 38% of Gen Z and 25% of baby boomers.Expecting the rally to reverse quickly was most common among baby boomers at 38%, versus 23% of Gen Z, 25% of millennials and 24% of Gen X.Why Most Investors Haven’t Moved a DollarFor all the headline whiplash, the most common response among retail investors has been to do nothing at all. MarketWise Most portfolios haven’t budged:More than half are holding their current positions (53%), and 51% haven’t moved a single dollar in the past 30 days.Just 6% have taken on more risk as tensions eased, while 28% have shifted toward safer assets or cash.The back-and-forth between the U.S. and Iran left most investors standing still:Thirty-three percent say it hasn’t changed how they invest.Thirty-two percent are waiting for a clear resolution before acting.Sixteen percent have started tuning out the headlines.Twelve percent feel more cautious than the news justifies.Seven percent have tried to act on buying opportunities.Nearly half of investors moved money over the past 30 days, and the moves were small:Eighteen percent moved 5% to 10% of their assets.Sixteen percent moved less than 5%.Eleven percent moved 11% to 25%.Three percent moved 26% to 50%.Two percent moved more than half.What would actually get them to invest more aggressively varied widely:Twenty-seven percent want clear signs inflation is falling.Fourteen percent want lower energy prices.Eleven percent want a lasting ceasefire.Nine percent want a Federal Reserve signal on rate cuts.Seven percent want a sustained rally.Thirty-one percent say nothing right now would make them confident enough to invest more aggressively.The generational patterns tell the rest of the story:Beyond those moving to safety, 44% are watching closely without changing course, and 22% say their strategy isn’t driven by geopolitics.Entrenchment was highest among baby boomers, with 46% saying nothing would make them more aggressive, compared with 25% of Gen Z, 30% of millennials and 32% of Gen X.Appetite for growth and tech stocks was highest among Gen Z at 46%, versus 41% of millennials, 40% of Gen X, and 39% of baby boomers.Reluctance to move tracked with age, with 46% of Gen Z, 50% of millennials, 54% of Gen X and 55% of baby boomers having moved nothing in the past 30 days.Suspicion About the Strike, Doubts About ReliefMany investors aren’t just cautious about the market; they’re skeptical about the story behind the headlines. MarketWise The survey’s sharpest split was over the strike announcement itself:More than half believe the Pentagon timed its Iran strike announcement to limit the market impact (53%), and 43% consider it manipulative.The full breakdown of views on the report that the Pentagon timed its Iran strike announcement to limit market impact:Thirty-three percent are unsure but wouldn’t be surprised.Ten percent believe it happened and call it smart.Nine percent hadn’t heard the report.Six percent doubt it’s true.Skepticism of that claim was highest among baby boomers, with 14% doubting it, compared with 4% of Gen Z, 5% of millennials and 5% of Gen X.Inflation topped the list of worries:Inflation is the top concern, named by 25% as their biggest investing worry, while 14% point to another geopolitical headline reversing the rally and 8% to the Federal Reserve keeping rates higher for longer.Worry about inflation was lowest among Gen Z at 18%, compared with 26% of millennials, 28% of Gen X and 26% of baby boomers.There’s cautious hope that relief could reach the broader economy:Forty-six percent say falling oil prices will help bring inflation down, and 36% say easing tensions make the second half of the year more investable.Optimism that easing U.S.-Iran tensions would bring relief skewed young:Optimism that easing tensions makes the second half more investable was highest among Gen Z at 49%, versus 33% of millennials, 35% of Gen X, and 32% of baby boomers.Expecting relief to reach their finances eventually was most common among Gen Z, with 32% saying “yes, but not for a while,” compared with 19% of millennials, 23% of Gen X and 25% of baby boomers.MethodologyMarketWise surveyed 1,006 U.S. retail investors about the market calm following the U.S.-Iran de-escalation, what worries them most about investing right now, whether they expect real relief from easing U.S.-Iran tensions and how they have adjusted their positioning in response to the headlines. Respondents represented a mix of generations, income levels and genders. The generational breakdown was 50% millennials, 24% Gen X, 18% Gen Z and 9% baby boomers. Data was collected in June 2026. Percentages may not total to 100% due to rounding.This story was produced by MarketWise and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Augustana College freshmen move-in day brings excitement and community More than 350 families made their way to Augustana College's campus Friday morning to kickstart the 2026-2027 academic year.
	It Takes a Lot of “E” to Offset P/E \| 4 Your Money While the stock market remains near record highs, stock valuations have actually been coming down. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, is here to explain how stocks can be going up and getting cheaper at the same time.
	MercyOne Genesis adding spinal surgery technology QCA residents who need spine surgery can now get their procedures performed locally at MercyOne Genesis. The hospital is bringing the latest robotic spine surgery technology to the Quad Cities area, giving patients advanced surgical capabilities from experienced spine specialists without having to travel. “For a decade, the most difficult spine cases in this part [...]
	Vehicle catches fire after crash in Wapello, Iowa A passenger car left the road, rolled, hit a tree and caught on fire, according to Wapello Fire and Rescue.
	Rock Island High offers resource for student families affected by Tyson closure Rock Island High School is reaching out to those impacted by the closure of Tyson on August 13 in a message sent to students and families. “The Tyson closure has left many families facing an uncertain tomorrow,” the message. “For many in our community, including some of our students' families, their household income disappeared with [...]
	Airplane etiquette survey: Americans say passenger behavior is getting worse Airplane etiquette survey: Americans say passenger behavior is getting worseMany people in the U.S. believe airplane etiquette has gone downhill, and they mostly blame fellow passengers for the drop in civility. It's just one of the fascinating findings from a new survey by YouGov, commissioned by The Points Guy, on everything travel.If you've paid any attention to social media, you know passenger plane etiquette is a hot topic. Debates rage about who should get the armrest, whether you should recline your seat, whether people are allowed to go without shoes on the aircraft, and who controls the window shade.Passenger shaming is a real thing on social media, too. Have you ever seen a photo of someone's bare feet on a bulkhead seat?TPG commissioned a nationally representative survey of more than 2,500 U.S. adults from July 29-31 to find out where the public stands on some of the biggest etiquette questions about flying.As it turns out, many people think passenger behavior is getting worse, but most don't blame the airlines — they blame other passengers instead.Here are some of the other most interesting findings:Noise is most annoying: More Americans (27%) say loud conversations or passengers playing music and videos without headphones is the most annoying in-flight behavior.40% of people say airlines should ban phone or video calls during flights, versus 33% who say airlines should not.A majority (51%) say it is acceptable to recline your seat in economy only if you check behind you first.Americans do not agree with the rule that the middle-seat passenger gets the armrests, as only 11% say the middle-seat passenger should get both armrests.Orderly deplaning: Nearly two-thirds (65%) say leaving the aircraft row by row from front to back is the proper way to exit an airplane.42% of people say passenger behavior has gotten worse over the past five years.44% of people say seat-swap requests aren't considered rude.After analyzing the data, one takeaway is that Americans generally don't want more rules; they want more courtesy.What's most annoying on a plane? Noise is public enemy No. 1If you are most annoyed by people talking loudly or blasting videos without headphones, you are not alone. A whopping 27% of Americans said that noise is the most annoying passenger behavior on planes. YouGov, The Points Guy Passengers reclining their seats too far back without warning was a close second, with 21% citing it as the most annoying passenger behavior. Another 8% of those polled said people taking their shoes off or going barefoot on board is the most annoying. Meanwhile, 12% said they don't get annoyed by any passengers' behavior.Though noise was cited as the biggest passenger annoyance, interestingly, there is no strong majority of Americans who think phone or video calls should be banned on planes.Per the survey, 40% think airlines should not ban phone or video calls during flights, while 33% think they should. However, 27% are still undecided on the issue.Still, it's clear that the biggest etiquette offense isn't taking up space — it's taking over the cabin with noise.What about seat recline?The debate over reclining seats never seems to go away.Should you never recline? Always recline? Is it your seat, so you can do whatever you want? TPG’s survey suggests most Americans land somewhere in the middle.The survey found that Americans say you can recline your seat in most instances, just be considerate. Courtesy wins the reclining debate in the economy cabin.A small majority (51%) say it's acceptable to recline in economy only if you check behind you first. Just 21% say it's fine to recline anytime after takeoff, while only 10% say passengers should never recline. YouGov, The Points Guy That's a pretty clear message. Most travelers aren't opposed to reclining, but they are opposed to surprising the person behind them. Common courtesy wins here, too.Who should get the armrests?The survey suggests that most Americans don’t agree that the middle-seat passenger should get both armrests, as only 11% said they should automatically. YouGov, The Points Guy Instead, nearly twice as many (20%) said the middle passenger should get priority, but everyone should share. The largest group (31%) said everyone should simply share the armrests equally.Perhaps the biggest surprise came from the fact that more than a quarter (26%) weren't even sure what the etiquette should be.That suggests one of the travel world's most repeated "rules" may not be nearly as universally accepted as many frequent flyers assume.Seat swappingHave you had a passenger approach you and ask you to trade seats?Americans appear to be relatively open to the request: 44% of respondents said it is not rude to ask another passenger to swap seats after boarding, compared with 34% who said it is rude. Another 22% weren't sure. YouGov, The Points Guy Of course, no matter what the opinions on it are, the best rule of thumb might be that it's OK to ask, but don't expect another passenger to give up their seat.Additionally, some airlines charge a fee to choose a seat, so a passenger may be less inclined to swap if they paid for that specific seat.What's appropriate attire on the plane?People don't seem to mind passengers dressing less than business casual on the plane. Americans definitely don't believe you need to wear a suit to fly, but overwhelmingly prioritize comfort.A combined 72% of people said the most appropriate attire on a flight is either simply wearing whatever is comfortable (38%) or wearing casual athletic and loungewear, such as leggings, sweatpants and T-shirts (34%). YouGov, The Points Guy Just 1% believe pajamas are the most appropriate airplane attire, and another 1% favored revealing clothing.Wait for your turn to deboardIf there was one issue Americans agreed on more than any other, it was waiting your turn to get off the plane. Orderly deplaning has overwhelming support.Nearly two-thirds (65%) believe that passengers should leave row by row, from the front to the back of the aircraft. YouGov, The Points Guy Only 10% said it's proper to move ahead whenever there's an opening, while 9% said cutting ahead is appropriate if you're trying to make a tight connection.Who gets the window shade?Who gets to control the window shade is another debate that seems to divide cabins. The survey found that the window-seat passenger usually wins the shade debate.A slim majority (51%) said the passenger sitting in the window seat should control the shade. YouGov, The Points Guy Still, more than 1 in 4 (28%) think everyone in the row should work it out together.Americans think plane etiquette has gotten worseForty-two percent of Americans said airline passenger etiquette has worsened over the past five years (either a lot or somewhat), while just 10% believe it has improved. YouGov, The Points Guy However, per TPG’s survey, the majority don't blame airlines for the decline in plane etiquette over the last five years.When asked who's most responsible for poor behavior on airplanes, a majority (52%) pointed squarely at passengers themselves. YouGov, The Points Guy Only 8% blamed airlines and their policies, while another 8% blamed social media and influencers.Bottom lineDespite the viral videos you've seen of “bad” passenger behavior, Americans seem to agree more than they disagree on what constitutes appropriate airline behavior.The data suggests that Americans aren't necessarily looking for more rules, but they're looking for common courtesy.Use headphones, check before reclining, don't cut in front of others during deplaning, dress comfortably but not inappropriately and communicate with fellow passengers.Remember, passengers on a plane are all packed together, paying too much for too little, and maybe even a little stressed while flying.Common courtesy can go a long way toward improving the overall flight experience.This story was produced by The Points Guy and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Arrest made in 2025 stabbing death in Davenport 39-year-old, Ryan McNeiece has been arrested in connection with the stabbing death of Joseph Padilla.
	Around the Community: Events being held in area to wrap up summer over the weekend From River Bandits baseball to outdoor concerts and farmers markets, here are some ways to enjoy one of the last weekends of summer.
	How to structure an accounts payable department by company size and stage How to structure an accounts payable department by company size and stageAt 30 employees, one person handling QuickBooks worked fine for the accounts payable department. But at 150, that same setup becomes a month-end bottleneck. Invoices pile up in a shared inbox. Approvals live in Slack threads that nobody can reconstruct. Your auditor asks about the separation of duties, and you’re piecing together an answer on the spot.If you’re a VP of finance at a company that’s growing faster than its finance infrastructure can keep up with, this is the moment AP stops being a background function and starts being a liability.The issue usually isn't the people. It's more so that the AP function was gradually pieced together over time. To get to a function that scales as your organization grows, prioritize your process and controls before adding headcount. This guide from Brex walks you through exactly how to do that. More specifically, this guide covers the following.What AP actually owns and where it breaks first under growth pressureWhat changes at each company size, from 50 to 500 or more employeesHow to structure the team and controls at each stageThe five controls that keep your AP function from breaking under growth pressureKey takeawaysAP functions often break as companies scale because they weren’t deliberately structured, and growth exposes the workarounds that got added along the way.The order in which you build matters just as much as what you build. Focus on standardizing processes and enforcing controls before adding headcount.AP functions generally hit the same growth inflection points. Knowing where you’re at, and what typically breaks next, lets you get ahead of bottlenecks before they affect close.To get the hire-versus-automate decision right, you’ll need to understand whether your bottleneck is due to volume or process friction.What is an accounts payable department?The accounts payable (AP) department is the part of your finance team responsible for managing and paying your company’s outstanding vendor invoices, from receipt through payment clearance. It touches month-end close, cash flow forecasting, and audit readiness all at once. That’s why AP tends to feel growth pressure before the rest of the finance org does, and why a breakdown there rarely stays contained to one area.The 5 core functions of an accounts payable departmentAP generally owns five core functions. Under normal conditions, they run in the background. But under growth pressure, any one of them can become the reason close takes longer than it should, an audit finding surfaces, or a duplicate payment slips through. Knowing which functions are under strain and why tells you whether your next move should be a hire, a process fix, or a better tool.Invoice validation at intakeAP is often the first line of review for billing errors, duplicate invoices, and fraudulent submissions. Every invoice should clear completeness checks, duplicate detection, and matching against purchase orders (POs) or contracts before it reaches a general ledger (GL) account or an approver. When intake is scattered across email, Slack, and paper mail with no central channel, these reviews don't happen consistently. Duplicates slip through and surface at reconciliation, which is the worst possible time for the controller to find them.GL coding in accounts payableGL coding is AP’s direct contribution to close accuracy. Every invoice needs to land on the right GL account, cost center, department, and project before it reaches the controller. When coding is manual and rule-free, the controller often spends the first few days of every close correcting miscoded entries that distort departmental spend reports. Invoice matching catches what coding misses, reconciling invoices against POs and confirming payment covers delivered goods and services. Auditors treat two-way matching as a standard control, so gaps here tend to surface quickly under scrutiny.Approval routingIn many companies, AP owns the workflow from validated invoice to paid. The team routes each invoice to the right approver based on amount, department, and vendor type, collects approval, then executes payment on the right schedule. When that workflow lives in email threads and Slack messages, approval backlogs can extend close by days and the AP team ends up chasing confirmations instead of processing invoices.For companies managing AP across multiple entities or locations, the problem compounds quickly. The same invoice can sit waiting on approvers in three different time zones with no visibility into where it’s stuck. But with vendor payment automation, teams can recover that capacity without adding headcount.Vendor master managementThe vendor master is the record of every vendor your business pays, including supplier names, bank details, tax identifiers, and payment terms. AP owns this, which also means it owns the onboarding of new vendors, updates to bank details, and verification that every payment goes to a legitimate recipient.That last responsibility is where the highest fraud risk in the entire AP process lives. AFP's 2025 Payments Fraud and Control Survey found that vendor imposter fraud, where attackers pose as a legitimate vendor to redirect payments through fraudulent bank-detail changes, was cited by 45% of organizations in 2024, an 11-percentage-point increase from the prior year. For companies managing multiple entities, the exposure multiplies. More vendors mean more bank-detail updates and more opportunities for a change to slip through without a second set of eyes to verify it.AP reporting for closeAt month-end, AP produces the aging report, accruals schedule, and liability-side inputs that treasury and FP&A (financial planning and analysis) depend on. At audit time, it produces invoice documentation, approval trails, and evidence of controls. When that reporting relies on manual data pulls from disconnected systems, the data arrives late and incomplete. The controller ends up reconstructing work that should have been ready on day one of close.Common AP bottlenecks finance teams hit as they scaleMost AP functions hit the same inflection points, driven by invoice volume, vendor count, and organizational complexity. The difference is whether you see them coming or find out after close takes an extra three days, a duplicate payment surfaces at reconciliation, or an auditor flags a control gap you didn’t know you had. The earlier you act on each signal, the cheaper it is to fix. Keep reading for a breakdown of four stages an AP department experiences as a company grows, the signal that tells you you’re there, and the failure mode that follows if you don’t act on it.The one-person dependency point (10 to 50 employees)At this stage, companies typically don’t have a dedicated AP function yet. It’s one responsibility inside a broader role held by the controller, senior accountant, or bookkeeper. When that person is out sick, on vacation, or heads-down on close, payments stop moving. Vendors don’t get paid on time, late fees accumulate, and by the time anyone notices, you’re already behind on close.The approval routing threshold (50 to 150 employees)At this stage, more people need to sign off on invoices. But the workflow for getting that done still relies on email threads and Slack messages that are untracked, undocumented, and invisible to the controller at close.You’ll know you’ve arrived at this point when invoices are waiting on approvers instead of AP. If you don’t address the workflow bottleneck, close will fall behind because your approvers aren’t responding in time. To fix this, focus on creating a better approval workflow instead of adding more people.The external-scrutiny point (150 to 300 employees)By this point, your AP controls are no longer just an internal concern. As the company approaches a financing event or its first external audit, reviewers will start asking whether a single person can enter a new vendor, approve an invoice, and release a payment.When that question comes up, it signals that your informal controls may not survive outside scrutiny. You'll want to have separation of duties in place before someone outside your organization asks you why it isn't.The management-capacity point (300 to 500+ employees)At this scale, the controller still typically serves as the de facto AP manager, overseeing daily operations, handling exceptions, and tracking KPIs (key performance indicators) on top of close, reporting, and compliance. That’s far too many responsibilities for one person to own.You’ll know you’re here when the controller is consistently the bottleneck across multiple functions at once. When that happens, close quality slips, financial reporting falls behind, and exceptions pile up because the one person responsible for it all doesn’t have the bandwidth to keep up.If any of these signals sound familiar, many finance teams look to automated bill pay to help them close the gap. Here’s how to structure your AP function at each stage to stay ahead of them.How to structure an accounts payable department by company stageThe structure that works at 50 employees often fails at 150, while the one that works at 150 likely fails at 400. When yours starts to show signs of failure, identify what's breaking in your AP setup before adding new people or tools. Use the following four principles to help guide how you build at every stage.Separate duties before an audit forces the change.Automate the manual layer before adding headcount.First fix what’s breaking in your current stage, then build for the next one.Size your team for invoice volume and exception rate rather than headcount.How each of these principles plays out in practice depends on your team’s current size and structure. Use the table below as a quick reference, then work through the stage that matches your current size for the full breakdown. Brex Start with the process before a hire (up to 50 employees)At this stage, the controller, senior accountant, or bookkeeper typically owns AP alongside a broader set of responsibilities. Before you make a dedicated AP hire, put three basics in place:Centralize invoice intake.Document a simple approval matrix.Adopt a platform that records approvals.These three guardrails reduce single-person dependency in the payment process, which is a common risk at this stage. Building this foundation before you hire keeps the function from breaking at the next stage. When you’ve done that, make your first dedicated hire when exception volume outpaces what a part-time function can absorb.Hire a dedicated AP specialist, then standardize (50 to 150 employees)When the company gets to this size, AP needs a dedicated owner. You’ll want to hire an AP specialist reporting to the controller and give them ownership of intake, matching, coding, vendor communication, and payment runs. Keep exception handling, vendor master oversight, bank-detail change approvals, and audit liaison with the controller.From day one, separate the person who enters a new vendor from the person who releases the first payment to that vendor. Enforce that separation as a permission setting in the platform, not just a policy they’re expected to remember.Build a team with enforced separation of duties (150 to 300 employees)By this stage, one specialist may no longer cover the volume alone. You’ll need to add more AP specialists and bring in an AP manager to oversee them. Enforce clear boundaries between invoice entry, approval, and payment release across the team. Give the AP manager workflow oversight, KPI tracking, exception escalation, and vendor dispute resolution.Pair the team build with AP automation so the platform enforces the controls you put in place, rather than relying on people to follow a process manually. For companies managing multiple entities or locations, use this stage to define which controls apply across all entities and which need separate configuration by region or legal structure.Create a standalone AP function with its own leadership (300 to 500+ employees)At this scale, the controller can’t effectively oversee AP alongside close, reporting, and compliance. Appoint a dedicated AP manager or AP director who reports to the controller or VP of finance, and organize specialists by entity, region, or vendor category. Before adding headcount, ask whether each role adds exception-handling capacity or process ownership, and whether a better-configured platform would eliminate the work that role absorbs. This is when accounts payable management shifts from transaction processing to coordinating people, systems, and entities.Enterprise resource planning (ERP) also becomes a structural decision at this stage. With specialists organized across entities or regions, your AP tool needs to sync cleanly with your ERP so data doesn’t have to be reconciled manually at close. If it doesn’t, fix that before making any other structural changes.5 AP controls that keep your function audit-ready at every stageThe five controls below separate AP teams that scale cleanly from teams that need to rebuild their function every 18 months. They’re also what you’ll need to have answers for when an auditor, board member, or acquirer asks how your AP department runs.Each one connects directly to accounts payable best practices that high-performing teams put in place before they’re forced to. Note that accounting controls, role design, and approval policies depend on your company’s specific facts, audit requirements, and the guidance of qualified accounting or audit professionals.Enforce three-gate separation before the first external auditSet up three distinct roles:One person who enters invoicesA second who approves themA third who releases paymentOn a two-person team, use a compensating control where the controller owns at least one gate, usually payment release, so no single person controls the full cycle. Other common ways small teams can implement compensating controls include requiring a second sign-off on payments above a certain threshold, or having the controller review and approve the vendor master before any new vendor receives a first payment.Ideally, though, you want to enforce these separations with platform permissions rather than a policy people are expected to remember. Building this control during a calm period is far less disruptive than retrofitting it under audit pressure.Put a second reviewer on vendor bank-detail changesChanges to vendor bank details need a second review because they affect the payment destination itself. According to AFP’s 2025 Payments Fraud and Control Survey, business email compromise was cited by 63% of organizations as the top avenue for payments fraud in 2024. Verification should include a callback to a phone number from existing company records, not from contact information included in the change request itself. Build this into your workflow so an approver doesn’t skip this step when they’re moving fast.Encode the approval matrix in the platformAn approval policy that lives in someone's memory usually disappears when that person leaves. Define approval thresholds by invoice amount, department, vendor type, and spend category, then configure them directly in the AP platform so routing happens automatically.Run scheduled payment cyclesAd hoc payment requests interrupt batch processing, create out-of-sequence audit trails, and often bypass approval steps. Move to a fixed weekly or biweekly payment schedule to smooth AP workload and give the controller a more predictable cash outflow rhythm. For exceptions, require explicit escalation with a documented reason. This directly addresses the approval routing problem from the 50 to 150-employee stage, since it gives AP a structured payment processing window and approvers a predictable deadline.Track three AP KPIs each closeThe three KPIs below can give you the clearest picture of how well your AP function performs each close:Cost per invoice reveals whether manual processing inflates your unit costs.Invoice cycle time reveals where approvals or exceptions create delays.Invoice exception rate reveals how much manual work drags down the other two figures.Here’s how best-in-class AP teams compare to everyone else, according to a 2025 report from Ardent Partners: Brex Without these three numbers, the hire-versus-automate decision is often less reliable. Cross-reference your own numbers against accounts payable metrics benchmarks to understand where you fall.When to hire and when to automate your AP functionThe decision to hire another AP specialist or invest in better tooling typically comes down to one question: Where does the bottleneck come from? If the problem is a broken process, another hire won’t fix it. Use the signals below, together with guidance from your appropriate professional advisor, to help inform your decision.Automate if:Your AP specialist spends more time chasing approvals than processing invoices.Your cost-per-invoice hasn’t decreased as invoice volume has grown.Cycle time is driven by approval bottlenecks rather than pure volume.Your exception rate is above 18.4%, the industry average reported by Ardent Partners.Hire if:Invoice volume has outpaced what one specialist can process even with automation in place.Exception volume consistently requires human judgment that tooling can’t handle.Your AP manager spends time on transactional work instead of oversight.If you get mixed answers, automate first. A better-configured platform usually reveals whether you actually need a hire.FAQs about accounts payable departmentsWhat does an accounts payable department do?Accounts payable (AP) manages your company’s outstanding vendor invoices, from receipt through payment clearances. Core functions include:Invoice capture and validationGL codingTwo-way matching against purchase orders and receiptsApproval routingPayment executionVendor master managementAP reporting for close, cash flow forecasting, and audit supportWhat are the roles in an accounts payable department?Typical accounts payable roles break into three tiers. The AP clerk or specialist handles invoice processing, coding, and vendor communication. The AP manager or director is responsible for workflow oversight, KPI tracking, and exception escalation. The controller often retains approval authority, vendor master oversight, and audit liaison as the function gets more complex.How many people should be in an accounts payable department?There’s no fixed number. Team size depends on invoice volume, exception rate, and approval complexity. A single AP specialist can often cover low-volume, low-exception workloads, with additional clerks, a manager, and clearer separation of duties added as volume and control needs grow.When should a company hire a dedicated AP manager?Companies often need a dedicated AP manager when the controller can no longer provide operational AP oversight alongside close and reporting responsibilities. The trigger is often an upcoming financing event, acquisition conversation, or first external audit that raises the bar for workflow oversight and control documentation.When should a company automate AP instead of hiring more staff?Automate first if the bottleneck is process friction rather than volume. Signs of process friction include an AP specialist spending more time chasing approvals than processing invoices, or an exception rate above the industry average.What is the difference between accounts payable and accounts receivable?Accounts payable manages what the business owes to vendors, representing an outbound payment obligation. Accounts receivable manage what customers owe the business, representing an inbound collection asset. Both are current accounts on the balance sheet. AP is a current liability, and AR is a current asset.Disclaimer: This article reflects Brex's perspective at the time of publication and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Laws, regulations, and guidance may vary based on your specific circumstances, and interpretations or outcomes may differ. Information may also change over time. Before making any decisions, you should consult your own qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial advisors.This story was produced by Brex and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Fed's Kevin Warsh warns inflation is too high, sparking bets rate hikes are coming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh reiterated his commitment to fighting inflation in a major speech — raising expectations that rate hikes may be coming, though he did not clearly spell out a path going forward.
	How to simplify back-to-school meal prep with smart kitchen upgrades (BPT) - As families shift priorities and back-to-school season kicks off, the laid-back vibe of summer gives way to busier schedules and accommodating new plans. During the seasonal shuffle, stress can take a toll, and the most important routines often take a back seat, including mealtimes. Weeknight dinners, quick-fix breakfasts and morning lunch packing often turn into chaotic races against the clock on school days.While meal-planning hacks like weekend batch cooking, repurposing leftovers and pre-prepping ingredients can help calm the dinner rush, many households are still working with standard appliances that weren't built for today's fast-paced family schedules. For homeowners looking to streamline their daily routines and who are considering kitchen upgrades, modern kitchen technologies from leading smart luxury appliance brands like SKS can do the heavy lifting by automating routine tasks, cutting down on active prep time and helping fresh ingredients last longer.To help families during this busy time of year, smart kitchen appliances are designed to reduce some of that chaos. By modernizing your kitchen setup now, you can take the pressure off hectic weeknights and mornings, eliminating mealtime pressures all year long.Here are five smart kitchen strategies to streamline your household routine this fall, as back-to-school season gets under way.1. Streamline weekend meal prep with precision cookingYou already know from experience that starting meal prep over the weekend saves time during the week, but you also know that cooking multiple dishes at once can crowd the stovetop, leading to uneven results.The answer? Tap into precision techniques like sous vide and steam-combi cooking to preserve moisture and flavor so your prepped food will taste fresh when reheated. Appliances like induction pro ranges from SKS include "technicurean" features such as steam-combi, air fry and Auto Cook modes, reshaping your weekend prep into a quick, effortless routine so weekday meals will be ready to go.2. Save time by skipping the preheatWhen after-school activities ramp up and evening schedules get tight, waiting for the oven to heat up can add too much unnecessary time to your dinner prep. Speed-cooking appliances can solve this time crunch, bypassing the preheat cycle entirely and allowing you to cook meals significantly faster.Oven appliances, such as wall ovens or combination ovens, may feature enhanced settings, integrating speed cooking capabilities that require zero preheating. They can make it easier to serve hot meals up to four times faster.3. Relieve daily decision fatigue with AI recipe assistanceAt the end of a long day, the last thing you want to spend mental energy on is figuring out what to make with your available ingredients. To help take the guesswork out of mealtime decision-making, modern smart appliances can offer recipe suggestions, along with step-by-step guidance that adjusts temperatures and cooking cycles automatically based on each recipe.Technologies such as "Gourmet AI" on SKS ovens use real-time food recognition and guided cooking to simplify decisions around cooking mode, temperature and time, bringing greater precision and ease to everyday cooking. Thanks to intelligent meal suggestions and managed heat settings throughout the entire cooking process, you'll be able to achieve consistent results without needing to constantly supervise the stove.4. Keep lunch ingredients fresh longerYou try to keep fresh ingredients on hand that are perfect for filling lunchboxes with nutritious foods all week long, but is everyone opening and closing the refrigerator door repeatedly during the morning and after-school rushes? If so, it's causing temperature drops that can spoil food much faster, such as fresh produce or frozen meats not yet ready to be cooked. With smart cooling systems that learn your family's daily routine and household habits, your fridge and freezer can automatically adjust internal temps before those heavy-use periods. For instance, coming this fall is a new SKS 36-inch Column Refrigerator and Freezer that uses "AI Fresh" and "Smart Ice Plus" technologies to keep food fresh for school lunch prep. The new features also ensure ice is always ready for after-school drinks without any of the guesswork.5. Achieve better control with a smart appManaging your household during the active school year requires multitasking across different rooms, even from outside the home. Connecting your smart appliances to a central mobile app enables remote monitoring, letting you check timer alerts from your home office or even preheat the oven on the drive home from soccer practice. Unifying your kitchen through a platform like the ThinQ app gives you real-time visibility and effortless control over your appliances directly from your smartphone.Smart kitchen technology can help your family set up smoother routines that can make life easier during the entire school year. By simplifying everyday cooking tasks like preheating, temperature control and recipe guidance, you can keep weekday meals simple and stress-free. Doing so means you can spend less time managing dinner and more time on what really matters — your family.Explore intelligent kitchen solutions for your home at SKSAppliances.com.
	Davenport Noon Optimists present Respect for Law Award to Aric Robinson The Davenport Noon Optimist Club presented its 2026 Sergeant Kevin Marxen Respect for Law Award to Detective Aric Robinson on August 21 at the Davenport River Center. Robinson is the club’s 47th annual recipient. Presenters included Davenport Chief of Police Greg Benning, Davenport Alderman At-Large/Mayor Pro Tem Kyle Gripp, Optimist Iowa District Governor Jane Schmidt, [...]
	Man wanted in deadly 2025 Davenport motorcycle crash arrested by US Marshals in Mexico Samantha Burke died after the motorcycle she was riding on, driven by Alex Uthoff, crashed in May 2025. A warrant has been out for his arrest.
	Blood tests are easier to order than ever. Doctors warn they're easy to misread. Blood tests are easier to order than ever. Doctors warn they're easy to misread.Blood work used to start with a doctor’s order, usually to diagnose or monitor disease. But people are increasingly using blood work to ask proactive questions like: How healthy am I? Is something beginning to change? Could I feel or function better?In a recent national survey of 1,000 U.S. patients who had undergone lab testing in the previous two years, more than 1 in 4 did so out of curiosity without a doctor’s recommendation. Eighty-nine percent were interested in tests that could predict future health risks, and nearly 80% believed they could interpret the results without a provider’s help.People may think lab results are easy to interpret because they come color-coded like a traffic light: red suggests danger, while green or “normal” suggests everything is fine. But “normal” just means you’re not in crisis, according to longevity-focused integrative physician Dr. Candice Knight. “It doesn’t necessarily mean your body is functioning at its best, or even that disease isn’t already underway. The broad middle ground can still mask significant dysfunction before disease shows up.”Hone Health examined several types of “normal” lab results from blood tests that could be misleading, and explained how to get the most out of your blood work.What ‘Normal’ Means on a Lab ResultFor many tests, the range considered “normal” is based on results from a large group of people selected as generally healthy. It typically represents the middle 95% of test results for a specific biomarker, essentially, where most people in that group fall.“That ‘normal’ span is designed to capture the vast majority of results,” said Dr. James Staheli, medical director of Hone Health and a family medicine doctor who specializes in longevity and hormone optimization. "A number can be technically normal and still be telling you something. If your fasting glucose has been creeping up year over year, for example, or your testosterone has been slowly dropping, that trend matters — even if you haven't crossed any thresholds yet."For this reason, some physicians look beyond “normal” reference ranges to identify narrower “optimal” zones that may be associated with lower disease risk, more energy and focus, a healthy body composition or better day-to-day functioning.That context can become especially important with age, as reproductive hormones fluctuate and decline, metabolism changes, and rising blood pressure and inflammation can inch you closer to developing diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline.What counts as optimal may also change across the lifespan. “A 30-year-old and a 70-year-old may both be in the same normal range for a biomarker, even though their physiology and needs are very different,” Staheli said.5 ‘Normal’ Lab Results That Could Be MisleadingWhether a result is optimal for you may depend on how it relates to other biomarkers and whether it has changed over time along with any symptoms or health risks you have. Here are five common examples.Total testosteroneThe normal range for men is 300–1,000 ng/dL, but fatigue, low libido, and reduced muscle mass can all occur within that range, which is why clinical guidelines recommend weighing symptoms alongside the number.Estradiol and progesteroneA hormone level can be normal for one point in the menstrual cycle but still fail to explain or address symptoms occurring across the month or during perimenopause.TSHA thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) can be within the normal range, but your optimal level may be higher or lower depending on factors such as age, pregnancy, thyroid treatment, symptoms, and related results such as free T4.Fasting glucoseIn people who go on to develop Type 2 diabetes, fasting glucose can appear normal for years even as insulin resistance is developing. By the time glucose rises, metabolic changes are often already underway.LDL cholesterolA normal low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level can hide heart disease risk because it measures the amount of cholesterol in your blood — not the number or size of the particles carrying it. You may still have a high number of small, dense particles that can penetrate artery walls and drive plaque buildup.How to Get the Most from Your Lab ResultsWhether your doctor ordered blood work or you purchased it yourself, normal results aren’t the end of the conversation, especially if you're trying to understand your long-term health risks. A physician can help you determine whether "normal" is the right benchmark for you, given your age, symptoms, family history, and related biomarkers. These questions can help guide that conversation.Where does my result fall within the normal range? A result near the low or high end of a broad range may carry different implications than one closer to the middle.Has this number changed over time? A result that has been trending in one direction over several years may deserve attention even if it remains within range. Ask your doctor to compare current results with previous ones to look for patterns that could be a red flag.Are there related markers that would give a fuller picture of my future disease risk? Some biomarkers are more meaningful in combination: fasting insulin alongside glucose, for example, or free testosterone alongside total. Ask whether additional testing would help answer your health question.The goal isn't to push every result into the high-normal range, according to urologist Dr. Joshua Calvert. “Some people function best at the upper half of a range,” he explained. “Others feel well in the middle. The goal should be to find the range that’s optimal for you.”This story was produced by Hone Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Time theft report: What 800-plus hourly workers admit about life on the clock Time theft report: What 800-plus hourly workers admit about life on the clockMost employers know their hourly workers aren't heads-down every minute of their shift. However, time-card discrepancies and adjusted hours have a way of quietly adding up. An OnTheClock survey of more than 830 hourly workers puts numbers on just how common these habits actually are.The survey found that 1 in 4 have clocked in or out for a co-worker or had a co-worker clock in or out for them, also known as buddy punching. Nearly half (43%) have submitted time sheets that didn't match the hours they actually worked.The survey results show how common it is for time sheets to not accurately reflect actual hours worked, and how teams can get back on track.Key TakeawaysIn the last 12 months, 1 in 4 hourly U.S. workers say they clocked in or out for a co-worker who wasn't at work yet, or had someone clock in for them.43% of hourly workers have adjusted their reported hours, yet 79% believe their employer/manager reviews time cards closely.55% of hourly workers handle personal texts, calls, or emails on the clock, and 83% spend at least some of their time at work on personal matters.66% of hourly workers say more monitoring would not change how they spend time at work, so stricter oversight may not produce the results employers are hoping for. 43% of Workers Have Misreported Their Hours, and It Happens Whether Managers Check Closely or NotTime-tracking records that look accurate on paper are not always an accurate reflection of what happened on the clock. Forty-three percent of hourly workers have adjusted their reported hours to misrepresent how many hours they worked, and 17% say they do so on a weekly or daily basis. Separately, 45% have clocked in while not actively working, whether that means clocking in before a shift starts, not clocking out for lunch, or forgetting to clock out after finishing work.The cost adds up quickly. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, as of July 2026, the average hourly wage for private sector production and nonsupervisory workers is $32.40. If one worker overreports by an hour per week, that comes to roughly $1,684 in excess payroll over the course of a year. For a 10-person hourly team, that figure climbs past $16,800 annually, before accounting for payroll taxes. OnTheClock The majority (79%) of workers believe their managers review their time cards very or extremely thoroughly before approving payroll, but oversight doesn't necessarily lead to more accurate records. Among workers who adjust their hours on a weekly or daily basis, 92% still believe their manager checks their time cards carefully. That only drops to 81% among those who do it a few times a month.Managers may want to consider that, if workers adjust their time cards despite oversight, tightening oversight may not be the solution to inaccurate reporting of work hours.71% of Employees Know Buddy Punching Is Against Company Rules, but Some Are Doing it AnywayCompared with other forms of “time theft,” buddy punching can be hard for employers to catch. Buddy punching is when one employee clocks in or out for a co-worker who isn't at work yet or has already left.One in 4 (25%) hourly employees in the survey has engaged in buddy punching over the past 12 months. This may be against their workplace policy. Seven out of 10 (71%) workers say their employers already have a clear policy against buddy punching. OnTheClock Still, 31% of workers believe buddy punching is either no big deal or acceptable in certain situations. These workers are also significantly more likely to have inaccurate time records.Buddy punching rarely happens in isolation. Seventy-one percent of workers who are comfortable with buddy punching have adjusted their reported hours to not match the time they actually worked, compared with 43% of all workers.Clocking in for a co-worker can feel like a small favor, but the data suggests it rarely stops there. Workers who are comfortable with buddy punching are significantly more likely to have adjusted their own reported hours at some point, too. What starts as covering for a teammate often shows up elsewhere on their time cards.Gen Z Buddy Punches More Than 1.5 Times the Overall Rate, and Half Don't See Anything Wrong With itGen Z workers (ages 18-29) are more than 1.5 times as likely to buddy punch as workers overall (41% vs. 25%). And 51% of Gen Z workers say it's either no big deal or fine in certain situations, compared to 31% of all workers surveyed.Gen Z workers are relatively new to the workplace. The higher rate may be due in part to many not knowing that buddy punching could be considered time theft. Still, as Gen Z becomes a larger share of the hourly workforce, employers who rely on the honor system for timekeeping should take note. Whether the higher rate reflects attitude or inexperience, the payroll effects are the same.What's Actually Happening During Paid HoursWorkers often spend billable time on personal tasks. Most hourly workers spend at least some personal time during paid hours (83%), and nearly half (48%) spend 30 minutes or more per day doing so.Workplace distractions come in many forms, and the data shows they are widespread. OnTheClock Personal texts, calls, and emails (55%)Browsing news and social media (41%)Personal tasks, like banking or online shopping (36%)Managing outside freelance work, side businesses, or studies (15%)Many workers who spend paid time on at least one personal task also submit inaccurate hours. Among that group, 48% adjusted their time sheets at some point, compared to 14% of workers who reported no personal tasks.Similarly, 50% of workers who lost time handling personal tasks have also clocked in while not actively working, compared to 18% who haven't spent time on personal tasks. Not every worker who handles personal tasks during paid hours will also have time-card discrepancies, but the data shows the two are far more likely to occur together than separately.Some of what workers report is fairly expected. A quick personal call or a few minutes of browsing is something most employers account for. But other habits on the list, like stepping away for errands or catching up on a show, are the kind that many workplace policies explicitly prohibit.For employers with noncompete agreements in place, it may also be worth having a clear conversation with hourly staff about what outside work is and isn't permitted during paid hours.The Honor System Isn't Working: 4 Tips For EmployersTwo-thirds of hourly workers say more monitoring, such as GPS tracking of remote workers or activity screenshots, wouldn't change their behavior at all. That points to something most employers already sense but may not know how to act on: Employee behavior is difficult to control through oversight alone.The data in this report consistently shows that inaccurate records remain common even in workplaces where timekeeping policies exist and managers are perceived to pay close attention.Here are a few practical steps that can help employers ensure their team's time records are accurate:Audit a random sample of time cards monthly rather than relying on routine approval. Spot-checking creates a more consistent sense of accountability, since workers are less likely to know in advance which submissions will be reviewed closely.Make sure newer hourly workers understand not just the rules, but why they matter. Awareness of a policy does not always translate into respect for it, and the data suggests that this gap is more common earlier in someone's working life.Consider whether your current tracking method gives you visibility into when employees are actually working. When employees self-report their hours or fill in a time sheet at the end of a shift, there is more room for discrepancies between what is recorded and what actually happened. Tools that require individual employee logins, use GPS geofencing to verify location, or apply IP restrictions to clock-ins can make it significantly harder for hours to be recorded inaccurately in the first place.Back your timekeeping policies with training and clear expectations around accountability. The data shows that most workers are already aware of their employer's timekeeping rules. Pairing that awareness with regular training on why accurate timekeeping matters, and making clear what happens when a policy is violated, reinforces that the rules carry real weight.MethodologyThis survey was conducted online by Centiment on behalf of OnTheClock. The total sample includes 831 employed U.S.-based adults aged 18 years and older who are currently employed full- or part-time by an employer as hourly workers. Each respondent was screened to ensure they are required to track, log, or submit their work hours using time cards, time sheets, clock-in/out systems, or automatic time-tracking systems.Fieldwork was undertaken from July 1 to July 9, 2026. Data is unweighted, and the margin of error is approximately ±3 % for the overall sample at the 95% confidence level.This story was produced by OnTheClock and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Public invited to reception to welcome new Muscatine Art Center director The Muscatine Art Center and the City of Muscatine invite the public to a reception and welcome for new art-center director Kelly Lao to the community, a news release says. Share an evening of art, conversation, and connection from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at 1314 Mulberry Ave. This free celebration will blend creativity, community [...]
	Victim identified after Davenport man charged with first-degree murder The victim has been identified after a Davenport man was charged with first-degree murder on Thursday.
	Four Ways to Save on Everyday Essentials (BPT) - AARP's 2026 Longevity Report found that adults older than 50 provided the equivalent of $1.2 trillion in unpaid care and volunteering in 2024. Additionally, findings show that this age group also contributed $12.5 trillion to the economy. Not only does this cohort have spending power, they also support younger generations as a way of direct cost savings.As this age group moves toward later-life stages, their spending will shift to caregiving and housing considerations, along with other essential needs that support a longer lifespan. Whether older adults are supporting adult children and grandchildren in the currently difficult economy or starting to think about future spending on their own care, there is a need to save in practical ways whenever possible."We often don't think about all the daily essentials that keep our lives running," said Lifestyle & Emerging Businesses Senior Vice President at AARP Services Jason Mugg. "Yet, as the cost of these necessities add up — from groceries and vehicle maintenance to the health of you and your loved ones — with AARP member benefits, you could find savings on your everyday needs so you can continue to not only contribute to your family, but save for your future needs."1. Gourmet Meals for Tasty Deals. As prices rise at the grocery store, making (and sticking to) a meal budget can be difficult if you want high-quality items. With bistroMD, AARP members not only save time, but also get 50% off plus free shipping on your first bistroMD meal delivery order and 10% off on future prepared meal orders. bistroMD delivers delicious, doctor-designed and chef-inspired meals directly to your door, so you can skip the cooking and keep the savings.2. Fuel Your Savings. No matter how old or new your car is, cars require almost as much care as we do. Whether you're fueling up, moving out, or getting a routine checkup, AARP member benefits can help you save on your vehicle needs in more ways than one. With gas prices still soaring, AARP members can save at the pump with Shell. When you link your Shell Fuel Rewards® account to your AARP membership, you can enjoy ongoing savings with Complimentary Gold Status — including at least 5¢ off per gallon on your fill-ups at participating Shell stations. AARP members who are new to the Fuel Rewards® program can also receive a one-time savings of 50¢/gallon* on their first fill-up (up to 20 gallons).Time for an oil change? Don't ignore the reminder light on your dashboard, because Valvoline has just what you need. AARP members save 15% off drive-thru, stay-in-your-car oil changes — including a free 18-point maintenance check with every oil change. The discount also applies toward preventative maintenance services — including radiator, transmission and differential services, air filter or wiper blade replacements. It excludes batteries and state inspection services.If you're moving to a new location and want to keep your car, AARP members who use Montway Auto Transport can save $100 off car shipping over 500 miles and $50 on car shipping up to 500 miles. Montway offers free quotes, door-to-door service, guaranteed pickup dates, and a TruePrice Guarantee that locks in your booked price for 30 days.3. Protect Your Health and Your Wealth. Prioritizing mental health is not a once-in-a-while thing, it's an everyday effort. With adults older than 50 making so many contributions to caregiving — such as volunteering or caring for their grandchildren — it is important that they remember to take care of themselves, too. AARP members can use qualifying insurance or get 30% off the first month** by paying directly with BetterHelp, an online therapy platform with a network of licensed therapists. Plus, three months of BetterSleep are included at no extra cost. BetterHelp does not accept any Medicare, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans. Insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status. Offer valid for first time users only. Cannot be combined with insurance.4. Fetch Everyday Deals. Taking care of your household? Make sure your four-legged family members are covered, too! Health problems with pets can be unexpected and expensive, but with Fetch, AARP members save 10% on monthly premiums for the lifetime of their pet's policy. Up to 90% of unexpected vet bills for accidents and illnesses is reimbursed — including 100% on qualifying pet meds. Additional pet health and wellness savings of up to $1,500 a year are provided through discounts on pet food, training, grooming and more. From now through August 31, Fetch Pet Insurance is donating $10 to a life-saving shelter on behalf of every AARP member that gets a free quote. Protect your pet, save on vet bills, and help pets in need.No matter what everyday expense you want to save on, taking advantage of your AARP members benefits will help you save. Learn more about additional discounts for AARP members by visiting https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits.Terms Apply.AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.
	5 reasons for college students to plan summer and spring break in the fall 5 reasons for college students to plan summer and spring break in the fallFor college students, spring and summer break can feel far away when the fall semester begins. But for Gen Z travelers trying to coordinate school schedules, friends, budgets, and an international trip, starting the planning process early can make everything much easier to organize.College spring break and summer break dates vary widely by school, and many students are working within a limited travel window. Planning several months ahead gives travelers more time to compare destinations, figure out what they can realistically afford, and coordinate with friends before schedules get busier.It can also give first-time international travelers more time to navigate details like passports, flights, transportation, and accommodations without having to make every decision at once.EF Ultimate Break compiled a list of five reasons fall can be a useful time for college travelers to start planning spring or summer break.1. College Break Dates Make Early Planning Especially UsefulSpring break is usually tied to a specific week on a college academic calendar, and summer travel often has to fit around jobs, internships, or summer courses. That leaves students with less flexibility to move a trip by a few days if flights, accommodations, or other options become limited.For Gen Z travelers planning with friends, the challenge can be even greater. Everyone needs to have the same break dates, agree on a destination, and find options that work for the group’s budget.Starting in the fall gives students more time to compare options that fit their exact academic calendar rather than choosing from what is available closer to departure.It also gives travelers time to think about what kind of spring or summer break they actually want. Destinations such as Costa Rica, Iceland, Japan, the Dominican Republic, and major European cities offer very different experiences, from beaches and nightlife to hiking, outdoor adventure, and cultural sightseeing.For college students who may only have one week available, looking early can make it easier to choose a destination and itinerary that realistically fit within that window.2. More Planning Time Can Make It Easier to Budget for the TripInternational spring break and summer trips can involve several big expenses, including transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, and flights.Starting in the fall gives travelers several months to estimate the total cost and spread those expenses across a longer period instead of trying to fund an entire trip shortly before departure.Booking through a tour operator can also make budgeting significantly easier. Because operators bundle many of the biggest expenses — flights, accommodations, ground transportation, and many activities — into one price, students have a clearer picture of the total cost up front. Many operators also offer monthly payment plans, so the trip can be paid off gradually over the months leading up to the trip instead of in one large payment before departure.For college students in particular, spring and summer travel can compete with expenses such as tuition, textbooks, rent, and everyday living costs. Creating a travel budget several months in advance can make it easier to determine what is realistic before committing to a destination.Travelers should consider the full cost of the trip rather than focusing only on the initial advertised price. Meals, local transportation, activities, baggage fees, travel insurance, and spending money can all affect the final budget.3. Fall Can Be an Easier Time to Coordinate a GroupPlanning a trip with friends often becomes more difficult as schedules fill up.At the beginning of the academic year, students generally have a clearer idea of their spring break dates and summer availability, giving them more time to discuss destinations, budgets, and travel preferences before the semester becomes busier.Starting the conversation early can also help identify potential conflicts before anyone makes a nonrefundable booking.Groups should agree on a few basics before making reservations: the total budget, travel dates, preferred destination, type of accommodations, and how much structure everyone wants during the trip.Having those conversations in the fall leaves time for people to opt in or out without forcing the rest of the group to make last-minute changes.4. You Have More Time to Choose the Right Kind of TripSpring break and summer travel do not have to mean the traditional resort or beach trip.Costa Rica can combine Pacific beaches with rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife. Iceland offers waterfalls, geysers, geothermal bathing, and black-sand beaches. Japan can combine major cities such as Tokyo with historic neighborhoods, temples, food experiences, and other cultural attractions.Travelers looking for a more traditional warm-weather trip might consider destinations in the Caribbean or Central America, while those interested in visiting several cities can use the break for a shorter European itinerary.Starting early provides time to compare those experiences rather than defaulting to the first destination everyone in the group suggests.It can also help travelers realistically assess how much they can fit into the amount of time they have available. A six-day spring break and a 10-day summer trip, for example, can require very different itineraries.5. Planning Ahead Can Reduce Last-Minute LogisticsInternational travel often involves more than booking a flight and hotel.Depending on the destination, travelers may need to check passport expiration dates, research entry requirements, arrange transportation between cities, reserve popular attractions, and determine how they will get to and from airports.For college students taking their first international trip without family, those logistics may also be relatively new. Extra planning time can make it easier to research phone service, currency, travel insurance, packing, and local transportation before departure.Organized group travel is another option for travelers who prefer to have accommodations, transportation, activities, or local guidance arranged in advance.Regardless of travel style, handling major logistics several months before departure can leave fewer decisions for the weeks immediately before the trip.What College Travelers Should Decide Before BookingBefore committing to a trip, students should know their exact spring break or summer travel dates and have a realistic budget.Groups should also discuss what everyone wants from the trip. Someone picturing a week on the beach may have a very different idea of the trip than someone hoping to hike, explore several cities, or spend most of the trip sightseeing.It is also worth determining which expenses are included in any booking and which will need to be paid separately.Planning in the fall does not mean every detail needs to be finalized immediately. For Gen Z college travelers, the advantage is having enough time to coordinate schedules, compare options, budget for the trip, and prepare without relying on last-minute availability.This story was produced by EF Ultimate Break and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What is the difference between a home equity loan and a HELOC? What is the difference between a home equity loan and a HELOC?Today, homeowners have more financial opportunities than ever before. Rising property values are creating a powerful source—home equity. Tapping into that value, you're likely to find two options—a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC). You can use both to borrow against your home, but they work in different ways.This guide from Members 1st Federal Credit Union helps homeowners confidently choose between a home equity loan and a HELOC so they can select the right financial tool for their specific goals.Key TakeawaysBoth options unlock your home's value, but they serve different needs. Keep these essential points in mind:A home equity loan gives you a lump sum with a fixed interest rate and predictable payments.A HELOC offers flexible access to funds with a variable interest rate.Loans work well for one-time expenses, while HELOCs suit ongoing or uncertain costs.Your home serves as collateral for both options.Credit unions offer competitive rates with personalized guidance. What Is Home Equity? Members 1st Federal Credit Union Home equity is one of the most valuable financial tools available to homeowners. It represents a portion of your home that you truly own and can serve as a source of funding when you need it.Think of equity as an asset that grows over time. In recent years, rising home values have significantly increased this asset, with U.S. homeowners now holding over $11.5 trillion in tappable equity. On average, that translates to about $212,000 per homeowner. Equity is calculated using this formula:Equity = Home Value - Mortgage BalanceFor example, if your home is worth $350,000 and you owe $200,000 on your mortgage, you have $150,000 in equity. How Home Equity BuildsEquity grows in two ways. First, each mortgage payment you make reduces your principal balance, increasing your ownership stake. Second, equity grows as your home’s market value increases. When local home values rise, the property may become worth more than its original purchase price. Even without extra mortgage payments, appreciation can expand available equity. Lenders also consider your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which compares your loan balance to your home's value with this calculation:LTV Ratio = (Mortgage Balance / Home Value) x 100For instance, if you still owe $200,000 on a $400,000 home, your LTV is 50%. Lower LTV ratios typically give you higher borrowing limits and better terms. Understanding equity and LTV ratios creates the foundation you'll use to compare home equity loans and HELOCs.The Two Paths to Borrowing: Loan vs. Line of CreditUsing your home's equity, you can generally choose between two loan paths—the home equity loan or a HELOC. Both options use your home as collateral, which often results in lower interest rates than with unsecured borrowing, such as personal loans or credit cards. Still, the repayment structure, rates and borrowing flexibility differ significantly:1. A Home Equity Loan A home equity loan is a lump-sum option that functions similarly to a standard installment loan. You get the full loan amount up front. From there, you repay it in equal monthly payments over a fixed term, often with a fixed interest rate, which means your payment stays consistent.This predictability simplifies budget planning, as you know exactly how much you owe each month and when the loan will be paid off. For example, if you borrow $50,000 to remodel your kitchen, you'll receive the entire amount at closing. Then, you repay it in steady installments.2. A Home Equity Line of CreditA HELOC is a flexible option that lets you borrow against your equity as needed, up to a set limit.Like a credit card, this is a revolving line of credit that lets you draw funds, repay and borrow again during the draw period. During this time, payments may be interest-only, keeping your monthly costs lower without reducing the principal balance. After the draw period ends, the repayment period starts. At this point, you can no longer borrow and must start repaying both the principal and interest. HELOCs usually have a variable interest rate, meaning your rate and payment can change over time based on market conditions. For example, if you're renovating your home in phases, you might draw funds for each stage rather than taking a single large amount up front.The Differences at a GlanceHere's a side-by-side comparison to help clarify how these loan options differ: Members 1st Federal Credit Union While both options use your home as collateral, choosing between them often comes down to how much flexibility you need and how comfortable you are with changing payments. Your spending discipline is a key decision-maker here. With a HELOC, you need to monitor your balances and repayment. A home equity loan naturally creates more structure because the amount is fixed from the start.Which Option Is Right for Your Financial Goals?Choosing between a home equity loan and a HELOC depends less on which product is “better” and more on how you plan to use the funds. The right choice often comes down to budget certainty, borrowing flexibility and personal comfort with changing interest rates.When a Home Equity Loan Makes SenseWhen you know exactly how much money you need for a major expense, a home equity loan may work best. Imagine preparing for a large improvement project. You've got contractor bids, material estimates and a clear construction timeline, so the cost likely won't change significantly. In this situation, getting a lump sum can simplify everything. Its consistency can reduce stress and make long-term budgeting easier.In the U.S., total home improvement spending exceeds $500 billion, showing that home improvement is one of the most common reasons homeowners tap into equity. A home equity loan can also help consolidate higher-interest debt. With the average credit card annual percentage rates (APRs) hovering near the 21% mark, replacing revolving debts with a lower fixed-rate home loan can lower your monthly interest costs, creating a clear payoff timeline.When a HELOC Makes SenseWhen you need more flexibility, a HELOC is the better fit.Consider tracking your long-term renovation project in stages. The initial work may focus on structural repairs, while later phases include cosmetic upgrades or additions. These project costs can shift as material prices change or contractors uncover hidden issues. In this situation, borrowing only what you need at each stage can feel more practical than taking a large sum up front.Some homeowners also see a HELOC as a backup financial cushion. For example, you can establish a HELOC but leave the balance untouched, because you only pay interest on what you actually use. If there is an unexpected emergency, such as a major roof repair or medical expense, the funds are already available. This gives you peace of mind without the cost of borrowing immediately.A HELOC can also support you during periods of irregular income. Someone with fluctuating freelance or commission-based earnings may appreciate the ability to borrow and repay flexibly during stronger earning periods. Still, you should prepare for changing monthly payments if rates rise. Financial flexibility can be valuable, but it still requires thoughtful planning and disciplined repayment habits.Frequently Asked QuestionsHome equity borrowing often raises important questions about taxes, costs and long-term financial planning. Understanding these details can help you make informed decisions with confidence.Is the Interest Tax-Deductible?In some cases, yes. According to IRS guidelines, the interest you pay on a HELOC or home equity loan can be tax-deductible when you use the funds to buy, build or make a substantial improvement to your home that secures the loan.For example, if you use a home equity loan to renovate your kitchen, replace a roof or add living space, the interest can potentially qualify for a deduction. However, if you use the funds for unrelated expenses, such as a vacation or personal purchase, the deduction rules can differ.Because every tax situation is unique, speak with a qualified tax advisor before making decisions based on potential deductions.What Are the Typical Closing Costs?Closing costs depend on the type of borrowing product, property details, loan structure and your loan provider. Some lenders charge appraisal fees, title fees, recording costs or administrative expenses during the application process.Since credit unions are not-for-profit, they often have lower fees or may waive certain fees on a HELOC, though specific closing costs can vary. Trust review costs may still apply for properties held in a trust.Can I Switch From a Variable-Rate HELOC to a Fixed Rate?Credit unions often offer a fixed-term lock option that lets you convert some or all of your HELOC balance into a fixed-rate loan. This feature helps you balance flexibility with payment stability.For example, say you initially use a HELOC during a renovation project because costs are uncertain. Later, when your borrowing slows down, you may be able to choose to lock part of the balance into a fixed rate for more predictable monthly payments. This flexibility gives you more control as your financial needs change.What Happens if I Sell My Home?When you sell your property, the proceeds from the sale typically pay off your remaining mortgage balance along with any outstanding home equity loan or HELOC balance. Because the home secures the loan, the finances must generally be satisfied before you do a change of ownership.For example, if you still have a HELOC balance after completing a renovation project, the balance is typically paid at closing. Any remaining funds then go to the seller after all liens and obligations are settled.How Is a Home Equity Loan or HELOC Different From a Cash-Out Refinance?A cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a brand-new mortgage for a larger amount. You get the difference in cash. A home equity loan or HELOC works differently because it typically exists alongside the original mortgage instead of replacing it.This distinction matters in today's rate environment. Many homeowners have low first-mortgage rates they don't want to lose. With a home equity product through a credit union, you may be able to keep your original mortgage intact while still accessing your available equity.If you value flexibility, preserving a favorable first mortgage while adding a separate home equity product can offer a more practical solution than refinancing the entire loan structure.Making Your Choice with ConfidenceHome equity can become a valuable financial resource when you use it thoughtfully. Whether you choose a home equity loan or a HELOC, the right option depends on how you use the funds, how predictable your budget needs to be and how comfortable the borrower feels with changing interest rates.A home equity loan offers structure, consistency and predictable payments, while a HELOC gives you flexibility, adaptable borrowing and ongoing access to funds when your needs change. Neither option is universally better. The strongest choice aligns with your goals, timeline and financial habits.By understanding how each product works, you can approach the decision more confidently.This story was produced by Members 1st Federal Credit Union and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Sprint Invaders will come to West Liberty Labor Day Weekend will go fast at West Liberty Raceway. On Saturday, Sept. 5, the winged warriors of the Sprint Invaders will come to town to race on the big half-mile track. In addition to the Sprint Invaders, other classes racing will be the West Liberty Auto Parts IMCA Modifieds, the Aupp Automotive IMCA SportMods, [...]
	Knox College, Galesburg, to host the Midwest Showdown Scrabble tournament Before welcoming students back to campus, Knox College will host the Midwest Showdown Scrabble tournament on campus inside the Lincoln Room over Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5-7. This is the fifth time Galesburg has hosted an officially sanctioned Scrabble tournament, but the first time at Knox, a news release says. The tournament is being put [...]
	Man arrested in fatal motorcycle crash arrested on Mexican island More details have emerged on the arrest of the man wanted in a fatal crash from 2025.
	Iowa man arrested in Mexico; accused in 2025 fatal motorcycle crash The U.S. Marshals Service Southern Iowa Fugitive Task Force and Mexican authorities worked together to return an Iowa man wanted on multiple charges from a fatal motorcycle crash in Scott County to the U.S. Alex Roy Uthoff, 41, was charged in Scott County in July 2025 with homicide by vehicle — operating while intoxicated, homicide [...]
	What to look for in a bowrider boat What to look for in a bowrider boatMany boaters appreciate bowriders for their versatility. With open bow seating, spacious cockpits and layouts designed for everything from watersports to leisurely cruising, they appeal to a wide range of boating enthusiasts. But when you start shopping, the options can feel overwhelming. Hull designs, engine configurations, seating arrangements, premium tech packages — the choices multiply quickly.Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading from an older model, knowing what to look for in a bowrider boat will help you find a boat that matches your lifestyle, budget and boating goals. This guide by Formula Boats evaluates everything from layout, performance and luxury features to quality red flags.Key TakeawaysBowrider boats are highly versatile, offering various layouts, seating capacities and features designed to suit activities from watersports to relaxed cruising.Defining your intended use, typical passenger count and storage options will help narrow your search and ensure you choose a boat that fits your lifestyle and budget.When buying a bowrider, consider the seating arrangement, storage accessibility, cockpit comfort, hull design and engine configuration.Luxury bowrider boats distinguish themselves with premium materials, high-end finishes, advanced technology integrations and entertainment-focused upgrades.Careful inspection — both physical and during a test-drive — can help you spot any red flags, ensuring you make a sound investment in a quality vessel.Reviewing the boat’s history and the manufacturer’s reputation is critical before purchasing, especially for preowned models.First, Define Your DreamBefore you compare models or visit dealerships, take time to clarify your specific needs. Creating a clear profile helps you filter options quickly and focus on boats that truly align with how you’ll use them. Let’s break down some essential factors to consider when defining your dream boat.Who Are You Boating With?The number of passengers you’ll typically carry has a direct impact on the size and layout you need. Bowriders can typically accommodate between six and 19 people, though larger models seat even more. If you’re planning frequent outings with extended family or groups of friends, you’ll want a model with a generous seating capacity and enough space for everyone to move comfortably.Age matters too. Families with young children benefit from layouts that include secure seating areas and easy access to the swim platform. If you’re entertaining adult guests more often, consider lounge-style seating and premium amenities. Think about your most common boating scenarios and choose a boat size that supports them.What Will You Be Doing?Bowriders are known for their versatility, but different activities require different features. If watersports dominate your plans, look for models equipped with tow towers, reinforced tow points and ample storage for skis, wakeboards and tubes. A swim platform with an easy-access ladder becomes essential when you’re frequently getting in and out of the water.Planning to entertain more than you tow? Boat entertaining features include well-designed seating configurations, built-in coolers, premium sound systems and shaded areas for comfort during long days on the water. If fishing is part of your routine, consider whether the layout allows for rod storage and casting space without compromising the social areas.Many bowriders handle different activities well, but knowing your priorities helps you evaluate trade-offs when comparing models.Where Will You Be Boating?The type of water you’ll navigate most often should influence your hull choice:Deep-V hulls: A deep-V hull with a transom deadrise of around 20 degrees is generally recommended for a smoother ride in choppy water. This design cuts through waves more effectively and reduces the pounding sensation that can make rough conditions uncomfortable.Flatter hulls: If boating primarily on calm lakes or protected bays, a flatter hull offers more stability at rest and can be easier to handle at lower speeds.Modified-V hulls: These split the difference, providing a balance of wave-cutting ability and stable cruising for those who encounter varied conditions.You should also consider water depth. Shallow rivers or coastal areas with sandbars require attention to draft and propeller protection.Where Will You Store It?Before you fall in love with a specific boat, think through where it will live between trips. Your storage situation shapes which boats are realistic options and affects what ownership will actually cost.Start by asking yourself these questions:Marina or trailer: Do you have access to a slip, or will you need to trailer the boat? If trailering, consider towing capacity, launch ramp availability and whether the boat will fit in your garage or driveway. Check local zoning regulations — some neighborhoods restrict where you can park boats.Storage budget: How much are you willing to spend on ongoing fees? Marina slips and dry storage facilities charge monthly or seasonal rates that vary by location. Trailer storage at home eliminates those costs but may require investing in a quality trailer and towing equipment.Usage frequency: How often do you realistically want to use the boat? If you’re the type who wants to launch on a whim, trailer storage gives you complete control over timing. If you prefer to show up and go, a marina slip might justify the extra cost.Your storage reality will narrow down which boats make sense. A 26-foot bowrider might be perfect on the water, but if you can’t tow it or afford slip fees, it won’t work for your situation. Define these constraints now so you can shop within realistic parameters.Decoding Bowrider Features: From Hull to HelmOnce you’ve defined your needs, it’s time to evaluate the specific bowrider features that will make or break your ownership experience. Translate your wishlist into tangible attributes you can inspect and compare.The following are some essential features to consider when buying a bowrider boat.Size, Layout and ZoningBowrider layouts are zoned for different activities, each serving a distinct purpose. The bow typically serves as a social area with wraparound seating that encourages conversation. Just behind it, the helm and cockpit form the operational zone where the captain maintains visibility and control while passengers stay comfortable. Finally, the stern and swim platform create an activity zone for watersports, swimming or boarding.Consider how the layout will work for your primary activities. If you do a lot of watersports, you’ll want easy access to the swim platform without requiring guests to navigate around the helm. On the other hand, if cruising and entertaining are priorities, the flow between bow seating and cockpit should feel natural and open. Mentally walk through a typical day on the water and assess whether the layout supports the way you’ll actually use the boat.Seating, Storage and Cockpit ComfortWhen evaluating bowriders, the essential features to consider focus on three core areas — seating, storage and the cockpit. How these elements are designed and integrated will determine whether the boat feels right for your lifestyle:Comfortable, durable seating: When it comes to seating, look for well-padded, UV-resistant upholstery that can withstand sun, water and heavy use. Features like adjustable bolsters and reclining backrests enhance this foundation, adding versatility for a range of activities. The seating configuration should also accommodate your typical passenger count without feeling crowded.Ample gear storage: The best bowriders offer in-floor storage and dedicated lockers for a clutter-free experience. Be sure you have enough space for all the required equipment in addition to the fun supplies you want.Cockpit features: On a lake day on the water, you’ll appreciate a helm that keeps controls visible and within reach. Small details like cup holders, phone mounts and footrests make hours on the water even more enjoyable.Performance and Power: What Drives a Great Bowrider?Even the most beautiful layout won’t matter if performance falls short on the water. That’s why understanding a bowrider’s performance characteristics helps you choose a model that delivers the ride quality, speed and handling you expect. Formula Boats Among all performance factors, engine configuration is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. You can choose an outboard or a sterndrive. Here’s how they compare:Maintenance and access: Maintenance is often simpler with outboards because their engines are located outside the hull, making them easier to access. Sterndrives call for more attention, but with a little care, they can be just as reliable for the long haul.Aesthetics and platform design: Sterndrives provide a more traditional look with a cleaner stern appearance and often provide a larger, more usable swim platform. Outboards are visible at the transom, but modern designs have become increasingly streamlined.Interior space: Outboards offer more room inside the boat because the engine is mounted externally, leaving the interior unobstructed for storage or additional seating. Conversely, sterndrives have the engine housed within the boat, which can limit interior space.Handling characteristics: Sterndrives tend to offer a lower center of gravity with the engine weight positioned lower and more forward, which some boaters prefer for handling. Outboards concentrate weight at the stern, creating a different feel that many find equally responsive.Performance and efficiency: Fuel efficiency and power delivery differ between the two. Both configurations have loyal followings based on on-water experience and specific performance preferences.If ease of maintenance and interior space rank high on your priority list, outboards may be the better choice. If you prefer the aesthetics and handling characteristics of a sterndrive, that’s a valid direction too. Many modern bowriders offer both configurations, giving buyers flexibility to choose what works best for their boating style.Elevate Your Experience With Premium OptionsOnce you’ve nailed down the fundamentals, luxury bowrider boats distinguish themselves through premium features and customization options. These upgrades transform a functional vessel into a personalized experience that reflects your taste and enhances every outing.Beyond the BasicsLuxury bowriders elevate the onboard experience with materials and finishes that rival high-end automobiles. These details make a noticeable difference in comfort and aesthetics:Premium leather: Top-tier marine-engineered leather offers a refined look and superior durability compared to standard vinyl. It resists fading, cracking and mildew while providing a softer, more luxurious feel.Custom stitching: Custom stitching and bespoke detailing complete the luxury experience, letting you personalize your bowrider to reflect unmistakable style and craftsmanship.High-end flooring options: Teak-finish decking, premium woven vinyl and cushioned marine flooring provide both comfort and visual appeal. These surfaces are easier on bare feet and add a sophisticated aesthetic to the cockpit and swim platform.Must-Have TechModern bowriders integrate technology that enhances safety, entertainment and ease of use. Many models offer large touch-screen displays at the helm that can integrate with all the boat’s systems for centralized control. When evaluating technology upgrades for your boat, consider these systems:Navigation and chartplotter technology: High-resolution chartplotters provide real-time mapping, depth contours and waypoint tracking. When paired with GPS integration, this technology ensures you always know your position and can navigate confidently in unfamiliar waters.Fish finder and underwater imaging: If fishing is part of your plan, sonar and imaging technology reveal underwater structure, fish location and bottom composition. Even casual anglers benefit from the added insight.Premium audio systems: Marine-grade speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers deliver concert-quality sound built to withstand wind, water and sun. To complete the experience, Bluetooth connectivity and multi-zone controls let you customize the soundtrack for different areas of the boat.Automated features: Joystick control systems simplify docking and maneuvering at low speeds. These systems are especially valuable for less-experienced boaters or in tight marina spaces where precision matters.Entertainment and Watersport UpgradesBeyond core technology, luxury bowrider boats offer entertainment and activity-focused upgrades that maximize enjoyment. Built-in coolers keep beverages cold without taking up seating space. Strategically placed cup holders ensure everyone has a secure spot for their drink. Wet bars with sinks and storage turn the boat into a floating entertaining space.For watersports enthusiasts, advanced tow towers provide higher tow points for better line clearance and can integrate speakers, lighting and wakeboard racks. Focus on features that align with how you’ll actually use the vessel.Red Flags to Watch ForKnowing how to spot potential problems protects your investment and ensures you bring home a quality boat, regardless of whether you’re shopping new or pre-owned. Formula Boats Red Flags During the InspectionA detailed physical inspection can uncover problems before you commit. Walk through the boat and watch for these warning signs:Stress cracks in the gelcoat: You might notice small, spider-web-like cracks near hardware, hatches or other high-stress areas. While these cracks are sometimes just cosmetic, finding them in multiple locations may indicate deeper structural issues.Signs of moisture in the hull: Does the hull have a musty smell or discolored areas? These clues can indicate water intrusion, a problem that threatens the boat’s structural integrity and often requires costly repairs.Corrosion on metal parts: When inspecting metal hardware, rails and fittings, look for excessive rust or pitting. These can point to a lack of care, especially after saltwater outings. In severe cases, you may need to factor in replacement costs.Condition of the upholstery: Has the upholstery held up, or does it show wear? Run your hand along the stitching to assess quality. If you spot cracks or fading on a pre-owned model, it may mean other systems have been neglected as well.Engine and compartment cleanliness: For new boats, check for proper assembly, secure wiring and professional installation, free of shipping damage. The best pre-owned boats have clean, well-maintained engine bays. If you find oil stains, loose wiring or signs of makeshift repairs, you should invest further.Red Flags During the Test-DriveSince you’re investing a significant amount in a bowrider boat, it’s essential to test-drive the boat to see how it actually performs and whether it meets your expectations. Pay attention to these factors:Acceleration and cruising stability: Pay close attention as you accelerate. Do you notice any odd vibrations, or is the ride consistently smooth? If you find yourself making frequent steering corrections at cruising speed, the boat may have alignment or handling issues.Turning response: When you turn the wheel, you should feel the boat respond instantly and predictably. If you instead find yourself making repeated corrections or struggling with sluggish steering, that’s a sign to ask more questions.Rough-water performance: If you have a chance, test the boat in choppy water to feel how the hull handles real-world conditions. Notice whether the ride remains controlled or if the boat starts to pound and bounce unexpectedly.Engine sound and performance: Engine performance should be both strong and smooth. Listen out for unusual noises, such as knocking or grinding, and check that the engine reaches its rated RPM range without struggling.Systems and instrumentation: No one wants surprises after they’ve committed, so double-check every gauge and electronic feature, from the bilge pump to navigation lights.Red Flags in the Boat’s History and PaperworkAlways ask to see the boat’s paperwork, especially if it’s pre-owned. Consistent, thorough maintenance records mean the previous owner prioritized care and swift repairs. On the flip side, missing or incomplete records should prompt you to dig deeper, as unresolved issues may be lurking below the surface.Be wary of any salvage title — this status slashes resale value and usually signals past damage that isn’t always visible on the surface.For both new and pre-owned purchases, verify the hull identification number against records to confirm the boat’s history and ensure there are no liens or legal issues attached to it. Additionally, research the manufacturer’s reputation for quality, warranty support and customer service. Established builders with strong track records typically stand behind their products and provide better long-term support.Key TakeawaysThe best bowrider boats offer a rare combination of versatility, performance and socially friendly design that few other vessel types can match. From family outings to adrenaline-fueled watersports days, a well-chosen bowrider adapts to your needs season after season.As you move forward, keep your specific priorities front and center. Once you’ve defined what matters most, let those priorities guide every decision in your search. When you find boats worth considering, take your time during inspections and test drives rather than rushing the process. With these insights, you’re well-equipped to find the right bowrider. Here’s to smooth waters and memorable adventures ahead.This story was produced by Formula Boats and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to identify and report an exploitative landlord How to identify and report an exploitative landlordScroll through social media or turn on the news, and you’ll see a story about a landlord being charged for negligence. You might even know someone who calls their landlord a “slumlord,” whether jokingly or not.The “slumlord” label isn’t an official legal accusation, but a landlord who has crossed into this territory may face code citations, lawsuits, fines, and even criminal charges.Ultimately, renters need to know which red flags to watch for before signing a lease, and landlords must keep their properties in good shape.To get you up to speed, TurboTenant dives into what makes a bad landlord, real-life cases of serious landlord neglect, and what tenants and property owners can do to prevent neglect from getting out of hand.So, what is an exploitative or ‘bad’ landlord?The exact conditions landlords must meet to keep a rental legally habitable vary by state. This obligation, commonly called the warranty of habitability, requires landlords to maintain basic health and safety standards, like working heat, plumbing, and electricity. Irresponsible landlords may also ignore serious problems that aren’t as clearly defined in state law, like invasive black mold.Regardless of the finer points, though, it’s typically agreed upon that a “slumlord” is negligent to the point of endangering their tenants.What’s the difference between a good landlord and a bad one?A landlord who fails to complete a requested repair promptly doesn’t automatically fall into bad landlord territory (though the landlord should still handle that repair as soon as possible). Instead, what separates the two is a pattern of problematic behavior.Exploitative landlords often repeatedly ignore repair requests and rent out units that fail to meet habitability standards. Affected tenants can’t safely live in properties with major issues like broken heating, exposed wiring, or pest problems, and they also can’t get the landlord (or anyone else, for that matter) to fix them.Other red flags include self-help evictions, refusal to return security deposits, or retaliation against tenants who report problems. Though these are separate from the habitability issues that characterize a negligent landlord, these types of unsavory behavior often go hand in hand.Before signing a new lease, renters should check their city’s code-violation portal for the address they’re considering. A quick Google search can often show whether a landlord and/or a building has past or existing citations for problems like broken plumbing, mold, or collapsed floors.4 Landlord Cases to Know AboutWhile some landlords may think they can get away with providing poor housing conditions, they often face major legal consequences, including orders to pay thousands (or millions) of dollars in damages. Some even end up in jail.Here are a few egregious cases that both landlords and tenants should know about.A Columbus Judge Handed a Landlord 175 Days in JailJoseph Alaura owned 32 rental properties around Columbus, Ohio. In 2024, the city filed a case against Alaura, citing violations at 17 of those properties, including a property without gas, electricity, or heat, and another with a rat infestation. Alaura was also already on probation after repeatedly ignoring orders to repair a fire-damaged duplex.In May 2024, a Franklin County Environmental Court judge revoked Alaura’s probation and ordered him to serve the remaining 175 days of his sentence.A Washington, D.C., Landlord Was Ordered to Refund 5 Years of RentAdolphe Edwards, a landlord in Washington, D.C., owned nine apartment buildings, comprising over 120 units in Wards 4 and 8. But when inspectors went through the properties, they found a litany of problems: sewage leaks, mold, pests, fire hazards, and ceilings on the verge of collapse. In all, the city identified more than 1,400 housing code violations for the portfolio under Edwards’ control.In an April 2025 ruling, a court handed down a judgment against Edwards, requiring him to make good on the rent of some 100 tenants for the period from January 2018 to April 2023. The rent refunds came to $1.5 million, and $5 million in civil penalties pushed the judgment to $6.8 million.Whether Edwards will ever repay his victims remains to be seen.A Las Vegas Ceiling Collapsed After Years of Leak ComplaintsA mother and her two children moved into the Las Palomas apartments in Las Vegas in August 2019. Their ceiling collapsed just a few months later, in November.Anza Management, the company managing the property, had already fielded 11 complaints about ceiling and roof leaks and 25 more about water leaks and mold at that address over the previous five years. The company continued leasing the units.A Nevada jury awarded the family more than $6.6 million in December 2024, finding the company liable for negligence, gross negligence, and breach of the implied warranty of habitability. Anza Management appealed the following month.2 Minneapolis Landlords Lost Their Licenses on 60 BuildingsMinneapolis landlords Spiros Zorbalas and Stephen Frenz controlled more than 60 apartment buildings where tenants spent years reporting rats, bedbugs, broken heat, and failed plumbing. In 2011, after a years-long licensing fight, the city revoked Zorbalas’s rental licenses and barred him from holding an interest in Minneapolis rental licenses for five years.Stephen Frenz announced in 2013 that he had bought the portfolio from Zorbalas, but tenants kept reporting the same conditions. The city then revoked Frenz’s licenses on 60 properties after finding that Zorbalas still held a major financial interest.Frenz also fought a tenant lawsuit with phony leases and a falsified affidavit, which drew a $187,390 sanction for bad-faith litigation conduct and later led to a 2019 perjury conviction. The two landlords also settled with as many as 5,400 tenants for $18.5 million in 2018.How to Report an Exploitative LandlordIf the stories above make one thing clear, it’s that serious housing neglect can quickly put tenants in unsafe and costly situations. Here are a few steps to take if you’re a renter living in unsafe conditions.First, report the issue through the correct channels. If the landlord repeatedly ignores necessary repairs, consult the federal tenant rights guide to find the state agency that handles tenant complaints. Residents in HUD-insured buildings should refer to the Multifamily Housing Complaint Line.From there, compile as much detailed documentation as possible. Log every request in writing, take pictures of the problem(s), and record how long the landlord takes to respond.Withholding rent may seem like the obvious next step, but it could cause even bigger problems. California, for one, lets a tenant repair and deduct up to one month’s rent, twice in 12 months, while other states treat nonpayment as grounds for eviction, regardless of the property’s condition. Before taking such a consequential step, review your local laws to see what options are available.What Neglect Costs Tenants, Cities, and Property OwnersTenants shoulder the worst costs of property neglect. They face serious health risks and could have their belongings ruined by a pest infestation or leaky pipe, leading to costly damages and the mental toll that goes along with watching their home fall into disrepair.Neglected properties can also drag down surrounding home values, especially when they deteriorate to the point of becoming vacant or abandoned. Vacant properties drive down tax revenue and increase a neighborhood’s costs for emergency services. And a 2022 Baltimore study put the city’s yearly bill for maintaining, boarding, and demolishing vacant properties at $100 million.Finally, there are the property owners themselves. Repeated neglect can lead to citations, fines, civil suits, and even criminal charges in severe cases. Beyond legal trouble, ignoring crucial maintenance can also tank the rental property’s value and create even bigger repair bills down the road.How to Keep Property Neglect From Piling UpWhile some cases involve intentional landlord neglect, habitability issues can also happen accidentally. Deferred maintenance can quickly pile up if a landlord is running low on money or time, or simply doesn’t know the right people to get the job done.To top it off, hands-off property owners who use property management companies may not realize their rentals have fallen into disrepair.Fortunately, landlords can stay on top of their responsibilities with a few simple habits. Here’s what they should keep in mind:Handle emergencies immediately, especially failing heat, gas leaks, and other urgent issues.Communicate with tenants to confirm that they’re addressing the problem.Set aside funds in a maintenance reserve to cover major repairs.Log every maintenance request with a date to create an easily referenced paper trail.Keep a list of contractors on-call to handle emergencies.Inspect rentals at least once a year to look for major issues like rot or slow leaks.Know what state law requires regarding landlord disclosures and repair timelines.Landlords who take these steps can avoid the notorious “slumlord” title.Be a Good LandlordOf course, no landlord wants to be known as exploitative. But without a dedicated maintenance workflow, repair request tracking, and healthy communication with tenants, property owners may let rental property conditions slip out of their control and fall far short of habitability requirements.Those health and safety requirements aren’t just suggestions, either. State law gives a tenant the right to safe, habitable housing, and even the most dialed-in state-specific lease agreement cannot take that right away. And those who fail to meet that standard could end up in serious legal trouble.To avoid crossing the line, landlords should start by getting a clear read on what they owe a tenant, create an audit-ready maintenance system that timestamps every request, and get into the habit of following up on every repair before the tenant has to ask twice.This story was produced by TurboTenant and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Dubuque filmmaker to do Q&A following Davenport screening Tuesday Most people felt driftless during the COVID pandemic in 2020-21. Tim Connery used that time to write his latest feature film, to screen Sept. 1 in Davenport.
	One in ten US mortgages now falls outside the Qualified Mortgage standard One in ten US mortgages now falls outside the Qualified Mortgage standardNon-QM lending reached $239 billion in 2025, roughly 10% of all U.S. mortgage originations by dollar volume, according to a Griffin Funding analysis of Polygon Research's loan-level HMDA data. A separate measure from Optimal Blue shows the trend continuing, with non-QM surpassing 10% of monthly rate-lock volume in July 2026.That growth continued through a rule change meant to ease the problem behind it. In 2021, the CFPB removed Appendix Q, the rigid income-documentation appendix inside the Qualified Mortgage rule, after Congress twice proposed the same thing and never passed it. What replaced Appendix Q still routes self-employed income through tax returns, and borrowers kept leaving the QM box.About 16.5 million Americans work for themselves, alongside real estate investors, 1099 workers, retirees and other borrowers whose income or assets may not fit neatly into traditional mortgage underwriting. More of them are now qualifying for mortgages through private-market documentation programs rather than through a federal standard, an expansion of access that came with different pricing than conventional financing.The documentation gapConventional mortgage underwriting has a quirk that catches self-employed borrowers off guard. Lenders count what's left after business deductions. That means many of the write-offs a CPA finds do double duty: They lower the tax bill, and they lower the income a lender is willing to recognize. A contractor whose business brings in $180,000 and who deducts aggressively might show a fraction of that on a return. On paper, that person can't afford much house. In practice, the cash flow is there.The pattern shows up in the research. An Urban Institute study found homeownership rates among the self-employed declined after the financial crisis, even though self-employed households earn higher average incomes than salaried households, which points to documentation requirements rather than earning power as a barrier.The mismatch traces back to how the rules were drawn. Traditional mortgage underwriting has generally been easier for borrowers with steady W-2 income than for people whose earnings come through business deposits, 1099s, or rental properties. When lawmakers introduced the Self-Employed Mortgage Access Act in 2018, the Qualified Mortgage rule relied on Appendix Q, a more prescriptive framework for documenting and calculating income.The shape of the problem is specific rather than abstract. According to Griffin Funding's own loan records, a Florida business owner who writes off most of his income on his tax returns was nonetheless able to document sufficient qualifying income through business bank deposits to complete a cash-out refinance on his primary residence. In Massachusetts, a self-employed professional whose earnings flowed through a regulated client-trust account qualified only after the deposits in that account were documented and explained as legitimate income, a structure no standard underwriting template anticipates. Neither borrower had a credit problem. Both had a paperwork problem. Both qualified through a bank statement loan, which derives income from 12 to 24 months of business deposits rather than tax returns.The gap isn't limited to business owners. Contractors and gig workers paid on a 1099 face a version of the same problem, and 1099 loans qualify them on those forms directly. Retirees and borrowers whose wealth sits in accounts rather than income streams run into it from the other direction, which is what asset-based lending addresses.Griffin’s loan records show a similar pattern on the investor side. A Michigan medical practice owner purchased a rental property without documenting personal income by using a non-QM DSCR loan, which qualifies borrowers based on the property’s rental income rather than personal income and can allow the property to close in an LLC.What Congress proposed, and what arrived instead Griffin Funding The change came twice, from two directions. Congress went first and didn't finish. Regulators finished it, and the gap stayed open anyway.In August 2018, Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced the Self-Employed Mortgage Access Act, aimed at a specific piece of the rulebook: Appendix Q, the income-documentation standard baked into the Qualified Mortgage rule. Rather than requiring Appendix Q alone, the bill would have let lenders satisfy the rule using underwriting standards already in place at FHA, the VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac. It drew support from both industry and consumer groups. At introduction, the Mortgage Bankers Association called it a way to give lenders and investors greater certainty, while Consumer Federation of America housing director Barry Zigas said it would give lenders and consumers an easier, less burdensome way to meet the tests without weakening their protections. The bill expired when that Congress ended.It came back in February 2019, when Warner and Rounds reintroduced it in the Senate as S.540, joined by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ). Reps. Tom Emmer (R-MN) and Bill Foster (D-IL) followed in the House on May 1 with H.R.2445, and this time it got further. Foster offered a substitute amendment during House Financial Services Committee markup that November. The National Consumer Law Center and the Center for Responsible Lending both wrote in support of that substitute, an unusual alignment for a bill lenders also wanted.The bill expired with the 116th Congress in January 2021. Two months later, on March 1, the CFPB's General QM Final Rule took effect and did most of what the bill had proposed. It removed Appendix Q, replaced the 43% debt-to-income ceiling with a price-based test, and let lenders verify income using standards drawn from the guides of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, the VA, and USDA. That last provision is close to the bill's own text.What it didn't change is how those guides treat a business owner. Fannie Mae generally requires a two-year history of self-employment income documented through tax returns, and still asks the lender to calculate qualifying income from what those returns report after deductions. The rulebook moved. The arithmetic didn't.As of August 2026, nothing has been reintroduced in Congress. A search of Congress.gov turns up no active bill, and Homebuyer.com's Congressional Housing Bill Tracker, which follows 85 active housing and mortgage bills, lists no current version.What the market built Griffin Funding Non-QM lending kept growing. These are mortgages written outside the CFPB's Qualified Mortgage standard, and the category is broader than documentation alone: it covers bank statement and DSCR underwriting, but also interest-only structures, loans priced above QM thresholds, and loans sold to private securitizers. In 2025, the whole category came to $239 billion across 697,605 loans, or 10% of U.S. originations by dollar volume.Recent growth spans the entire category. Non-QM accounted for more than 10% of total lock volume in July 2026, the most recent month reported, up 1.4 percentage points from June and more than two points from a year earlier. Bank statement loans, the product built for the documentation gap, took 30.6% of that volume. Investor and DSCR loans, which qualify on a property's rental income rather than the borrower's and answer a different problem entirely, made up 33.5%. Other expanded-guideline products accounted for the remaining 35.9%.The shift doesn't appear to be a credit story. Across all July locks, conforming included, average credit scores held at 730 and debt-to-income ratios ran below year-earlier levels. Those are market-wide figures rather than non-QM-specific ones, but they show no broad deterioration in borrower quality alongside the product shift. What's changed is that fewer transactions fit neatly inside the conforming box.What changed, and what didn'tSo Appendix Q is gone, and one in ten mortgages is still written outside QM. Both things are true, and the second explains something about the first.Look at how the volume splits and no single explanation holds. Investor and DSCR loans are 33.5%. Bank statement loans are 30.6%. Everything else is 35.9%. Three rough thirds, three different reasons a loan doesn't fit. A business owner whose deductions shrink the income that an underwriter will count. An investor whose property earns the money, not the borrower. A retiree with assets and no paycheck. A borrower whose loan sits outside the standard for pricing or structure reasons that have nothing to do with income at all.Pricing is the other factor. Non-QM still costs more than conventional financing, because lenders take on more risk without QM's legal safe harbor and can't sell the loans to Fannie or Freddie. Competition has compressed the spread as the market matured, but the gap remains. Borrowers using these programs are paying for a calculation that the QM framework still doesn't offer.The underlying mismatch remains. No QM pathway, before 2021 or after, qualifies a borrower on gross business deposits or on a property's cash flow alone. Removing Appendix Q changed the rules. It didn't change what the rules assume.Notes on the dataThe $239 billion figure comes from Polygon Research, which runs every HMDA loan record from 2018 through 2025 against the Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgage standards in force that year and flags the ones falling outside. That yields 697,605 loans, 10% of originations by dollar volume and 10.2% by count. Most published non-QM estimates work from securitization data or lender names instead, which is why Polygon's number runs higher.Worth being clear about what that number is and isn't. Non-QM is a regulatory category, not a borrower category. Loans land in it for interest-only structures, pricing above QM thresholds, or sale to a private securitizer, none of which say anything about how a borrower documents income. Polygon also includes business-purpose and DSCR loans in its broader non-QM classification. Read the $239 billion as Polygon’s broad measure of the non-QM market captured in HMDA, not as a count of self-employed borrowers.Monthly figures come from Optimal Blue's July 2026 Market Advantage report, built on the pricing engine used to lock more than a third of U.S. mortgages, as covered by National Mortgage Professional. Optimal Blue separately tracks a broader non-conforming category that folds in jumbo loans and reached 20.8% in July. That isn't a non-QM number and isn't used here. Self-employment counts are from BLS Table A-9 for July 2026: 6.645 million incorporated and 9.844 million unincorporated, which BLS publishes separately. Legislative history came from Congress.gov, sponsors' releases, and the House Financial Services Committee memo accompanying the November 2019 markup, with current status checked against Congress.gov and the Homebuyer tracker.Borrower examples come from Griffin Funding's 2026 funded-loan records, described without names, loan identifiers, or amounts. They illustrate documentation patterns rather than typical results.This story was produced by Griffin Funding and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	20 college towns worth a rental investor’s attention in 2026 20 college towns worth a rental investor’s attention in 2026It’s back-to-school season, and if you just wrote a check for your kid’s off-campus rent, you may have had the thought a lot of parents have around move-in weekend: Why am I paying someone else’s mortgage when I could be paying down my own?Housing is already locked in for this school year, so this isn’t about scrambling to buy something in the next few weeks. It’s about starting the process now, so that by the time your student needs a place next fall, or the fall after, you’re the one collecting rent instead of sending it. College town rentals move on the school calendar more than most markets, and buying a property, getting it rent-ready, and finding renters all take longer than most families expect, which is exactly why the planning starts a year or more out.A few things worth thinking through before you start shopping:Give yourself a real runway. Financing, closing, repairs, and finding renters all take months, especially in college towns where demand is seasonal and everyone’s trying to lease up before the same August move-in date. Starting now, for next year or the year after, beats trying to close a deal in July.Evaluate the market past your student’s graduation date. The investment only pays off long-term if the property keeps renting well after your kid moves on, so look at the same fundamentals any rental investor would: Is the school growing, is the town more than a one-industry economy, would you want to visit even without a kid there?Some families have their student handle the day-to-day, collecting rent from roommates, flagging a maintenance issue, while a parent holds the title and handles the bigger decisions. Others keep it simple and manage everything themselves. Whichever way you split it, put the arrangement in writing, even within the family.Plan for the workload, not just the mortgage. Managing renters, most of them college students themselves, while your own kid is also in school, is a lot to juggle. Property management software can handle rent collection, maintenance requests, and renter screening so it doesn’t fall entirely on you or your student.Talk to a tax professional before you close. Rules around depreciation and renting to your own child specifically, vary state by state and are nuanced enough that they’re worth a real conversation with a CPA rather than a guess.MethodologyRentRedi started with ResiClub’s rental market data (gross yield, apartment inventory trends, migration, rent growth, and vacancy where it’s tracked) across dozens of university metros, but the bigger filter was the town itself: Is this a large school with real graduate and professional programs, is the surrounding area safe and walkable, is there enough going on (restaurants, music, sports, culture) that it holds up as a place to live and invest in beyond a single football season?No town on this list is perfect, and that’s kind of the point. Every market has a tradeoff somewhere, a slower rent quarter, a construction wave working through the system, a vacancy rate that’s a little higher than you’d like. A great school and a town worth living in can absorb that.Big FlagshipsColumbus, OH: Ohio State. One of the largest universities in the country, with law, medicine, and business programs to match, inside a big city. The Short North Arts District is walkable and dense with restaurants and galleries, and Columbus is one of the few college towns with its own NHL team (the Blue Jackets) alongside Ohio State athletics. Columbus isn’t covered in the rental dataset used elsewhere in this list, but a Q2 2026 multifamily market analysis points to a market working through a heavy apartment construction wave right now, with rent growth at 0.7% and vacancy at 10.2%, alongside continued population growth and a construction pipeline that’s now shrinking.Madison, WI: Wisconsin. A flagship on an isthmus between two lakes, with State Street connecting the campus to a downtown packed with restaurants, bars, and live music. Wisconsin’s graduate programs are strong across the board, and the setting is hard to match for walkability. Madison isn’t in the rental dataset used elsewhere in this list either, but a January 2026 metro report from the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce shows rent growth slowing from 2.5% to 1.4% as vacancy ticked up from 5.9% to 6.2%, a softening market rather than a distressed one.Ann Arbor, MI: Michigan. An elite public research university with deep graduate programs in nearly every field, a walkable downtown, a strong arts and theater scene, and easy access to Detroit’s professional sports scene. According to ResiClub datasets, rent growth here has been modest, but the caliber of the school and the town carry this one.Champaign-Urbana, IL: Illinois. One of the largest flagship enrollments in the country, with a computer science and engineering graduate program among the best in the world. Rent growth is a solid 5%, though apartment inventory has grown sharply, up 51% year-over-year, the biggest supply jump anywhere in this analysis, so new construction is a real factor to watch here.State College, PA: Penn State. A self-contained college town built almost entirely around one of the largest universities in the country. Apartment inventory here is the tightest of any market in this analysis, down 17% year-over-year, and rent growth is running at 5%.Tuscaloosa, AL: University of Alabama. A big SEC flagship with a lively downtown and a football culture that shapes the whole town’s calendar. An 8% yield and 4% rent growth stand out, though inventory grew 33% year-over-year, worth underwriting conservatively until that new supply gets absorbed.Athens-Clarke County, GA: University of Georgia. One of the most musically important college towns in the country, R.E.M. and the B-52s both got their start here, with a walkable downtown full of live venues, restaurants, and bars alongside SEC athletics.Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina. A large flagship with three consecutive years of positive migration into the metro and a 5% vacancy rate, one of the lowest in this analysis. Rent growth has cooled to 1%, so this reads as a stable market more than a fast mover.Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee. A growing city with a revitalized, walkable downtown along the river, strong SEC athletics energy, and three straight years of positive migration into the metro (14, then 10, then nine per 1,000 residents).Lexington, KY: University of Kentucky. A large SEC flagship with strong medical and law programs, a walkable downtown, and a distinct identity built around bourbon and horse country beyond just the university. The data here is steady rather than flashy: a 6% yield, 3% rent growth, 6% vacancy, and inventory holding roughly flat year-over-year.Multi-College MetrosSingle-university towns come with a real tradeoff: total dependence on one school’s enrollment and athletics fortunes. These three metros spread that risk across multiple major institutions instead.Boston, MA/NH: Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Boston College, Northeastern, Tufts, and dozens more. No single school’s admissions cycle can move this market, and few places in the country offer this much institutional depth, culture, and professional sports in one metro.Durham-Chapel Hill, NC: UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, and NC Central. Pairing a major public flagship with a top private research university in one metro is an unusual setup, backed by the Research Triangle’s broader economy beyond just the schools.San Diego, CA: UC San Diego, San Diego State, and University of San Diego. Southern California pricing means the lowest yield in this entire analysis at 4% and the highest vacancy at 10%, but the climate, culture, and multi-school renter base make this more of a long-game appreciation market than a cash-flow play. Smaller but ExcellentThese towns don’t have the scale of the flagships above, but each clears a real bar on size, graduate programs, and quality of life, and a couple of them post the strongest rental numbers on this entire list.Morgantown, WV: West Virginia University. The strongest data of any market in this analysis: an 8% yield, 5% rent growth, and inventory that’s held tight even as the town has grown around it.Charlottesville, VA: University of Virginia. A historic, walkable downtown, strong law, business, and medicine graduate programs, and a Blue Ridge Mountain setting that makes this one of the more scenic college towns in the country.Blacksburg, VA: Virginia Tech. Strong engineering graduate programs and a 7% yield with 4% rent growth, though inventory jumped 25% year-over-year, a supply wave worth watching before assuming pricing power holds.Iowa City, IA: University of Iowa. A UNESCO City of Literature with strong law and medical programs, plus 5% rent growth and inventory down 16% year-over-year, one of the tighter markets in this analysis.Auburn-Opelika, AL: Auburn University. Strong engineering graduate programs, a charming, walkable downtown, and an SEC culture as passionate as any big flagship on this list.Eugene, OR: University of Oregon. Known as Tracktown USA, with deep Nike ties, a walkable and artsy downtown, and a steady rental profile: 5% yield, 3% rent growth, and inventory holding flat year-over-year.Boise City, ID: Boise State. Three straight years of accelerating positive migration into the metro (10, then 13, then 17 per 1,000 residents) and a lean 4% vacancy rate, alongside a growing, walkable downtown.Managing a rental full of roommates from a distanceIf you end up buying near your student’s school, you’re likely managing that property from wherever you actually live, not from down the street. That’s the part families underestimate: collecting rent from a group of college renters instead of one household, sorting out a maintenance request while you’re states away, keeping the books straight for tax season.Digital payment tools can also affect whether rent arrives on time. According to RentRedi research, units where renters are on autopay hit a 99% on-time rent rate, compared with 87% for units without it, and 44% of renters say automatic reminders help them remember to pay rent on time the most. For properties with multiple roommates, split or partial payment options can also allow each tenant to pay their share separately.Screening a house full of 18 to 22-year-olds looks a little different, too: You can customize the application for each roommate, and income verification through Plaid still works when someone’s income is a part-time job, financial aid, or help from family rather than a regular paycheck, which describes most college renters. And if this is your kid’s first lease, on-time payments can be reported to all three major credit bureaus to build credit and boost scores, giving a young adult with no credit history a real head start. The bottom lineThe best college town investment isn’t necessarily the one with the flashiest yield this year. It’s a large, well-run school in a town you’d actually want to spend time in, one with enough going on that the local economy and rental demand don’t live or die with a single admissions cycle. The markets above check that box in different ways, some on the strength of the school, some on the strength of the town, and a few on both.This story was produced by RentRedi and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport man arrested in connection with 2025 stabbing A man from Davenport has been arrested in connection with a 2025 stabbing in the city. On August 27, 2026, Ryan McNeiece, 39, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and going armed with intent. In July 2025, Davenport Police, Fire and Medic were dispatched to the 200 block of E. 37th Street regarding a [...]
	Two drugs recalled over potential fiberglass, steel presence As of this week, the FDA said there have been no reports of adverse effects from these products.
	Sandburg College charging ahead with groundbreaking on new facility The Charger Center will be a 70,000 square foot sports and conference facility on the south end of campus.
	How human-led automation is becoming standard in modern warehousing How human-led automation is becoming standard in modern warehousingMost people hear the words “warehouse automation” and think of empty, dark buildings running entirely on their own. The impression has held for years, helped along by headlines about robots taking over jobs once done by hand. And spending has seemed to support the idea, with companies investing in warehouse technology for more than a decade.According to Grand View Research, the global warehouse automation market will roughly triple from $19.2 billion in 2023 to $59.5 billion by 2030, growth driven by shoppers who now treat two-day delivery as standard. Much of that spending goes toward machines built to move fast and repeat the same task thousands of times a day without slowing down.But warehouse work still depends on decisions that no machine handles alone, especially when an order falls outside the normal path. AMS Fulfillment observed that split inside automated operations where routine volume moves through systems while experienced staff handle the orders that need more thorough judgment.The arrangement gives warehouses more capacity without giving up the human checks that keep orders accurate. An ordinary week on the floor shows why that balance has become harder to ignore.Why Fully Autonomous Warehouses Remain RareWarehouses are messy by nature, no matter how advanced the system around them becomes. A crushed case on a pallet breaks the clean pattern a robot expects. Or a customer changes an order after the line has started, leaving the software following old instructions until someone redirects the work. And the same problem grows during holiday peaks, when volume rises faster than a fixed system was built to handle.Warehouse operators call that constant change variability. The term comes up often enough that Erik Nieves, CEO of Plus One Robotics, told Supply Chain Management Review that inside real supply chains “variability is the rule.”His point cuts at automation’s biggest weakness, since AI performs best when the job follows a pattern, and warehouse floors keep producing work that no pattern covers. Every one of those uncovered jobs goes to a person, the only part of the operation able to make a decision instead of following another instruction.What “Human-Led Automation” Actually MeansHuman-led automation starts with a simple idea, letting machines handle repetitive work while people make the decisions.For example, on a picking line, a robotic arm places the same item into bins while a worker watches for a stalled tote or a flag on the screen. A few aisles over, an AI system catches an inventory count that does not match the shelf, then sends the issue to a person who checks it before the next order moves.Global Trade Magazine points to the same operating pattern, describing robotics as a way to move repetitive tasks away from workers so they can focus on decisions and problem-solving. Those decisions are why Nieves argues every automated operation still needs “a human in the loop,” since the work left to people carries the weight machines cannot.The Hidden Value of Operational ExpertiseThe strongest advantage in a human-led warehouse is the unwritten knowledge sitting in the heads of experienced workers. Machines follow their code without fail, though code carries no instinct for when something is off. After enough time on the floor, a worker starts to recognize the small signs a system may accept too quickly.For example, a label may scan clean even when the carton feels wrong, or a packing run may look orderly while the box choice is wrong for the product. Catching those signs is the exact work IBM has in mind when it describes human-in-the-loop systems, where people step in the moment AI hits an edge case or an uncertain output.Long stretches on the floor sharpen that instinct, letting a worker stop a small miss before automation repeats it a thousand times over.The Workforce Evolution Happening Inside WarehousesMachines now handle the heavy lifting and the long walks down the aisle, so the daily work of a warehouse employee looks different than it did a few years back. And those freed-up hours are going somewhere new, with demand climbing fast for people who can watch automated systems and make sense of the data those systems produce.Data skills like these turn a worker who once pushed a cart for eight hours into one who runs a fleet of mobile robots from a tablet, keeping each machine on its best route.Jobs built around a tablet instead of a cart are exactly what McKinsey expects more of, with its future of work research projecting time spent on advanced technology skills to grow 50% across the United States through the end of the decade.Growth like that depends on workers learning the new systems first, and 77% of the employers McKinsey surveyed expect their headcount to hold steady as they retrain people into these higher-skill roles.Balancing Efficiency With ReliabilityA fully robotic warehouse looks flawless on paper, though running every task through machines builds hidden risk into the operation. One software update that fails to communicate with the rest of the system can stall the entire chain of robots at once.HSE Network points to that fragility directly, noting that a single outage or technical glitch brings an over-automated operation to a grinding halt with no easy way back. Getting back from a halt like that takes people, and a building with no workers left on the floor has no fallback the second the software quits, so orders stop cold and stay stopped until an engineer arrives.Operators have watched that risk play out and moved toward balanced setups, keeping people alongside the machines so a glitch slows the work rather than ending it. A warehouse holding at 90% every day beats one running at 100 until the first crash drops it to zero.Conclusion: Automation Works Best With Humans at the CenterThere is no slowing automation down, and no operator planning for the next decade should want to. Warehouses will keep getting smarter, with software counting inventory and finding the quickest path to every shelf faster than any person walking the floor.But smart software still stalls whenever a task shows up in a condition it was never programmed to handle, and stalls like these are exactly what Nieves expects to continue, telling Supply Chain Management Review that exceptions “never get to zero.” His expectation matches what many experts now predict: a future built on floors where people and machines split the work based on what each does best.Operations that come out ahead over the next decade will treat automation as a tool people direct, keeping experienced hands close to every decision that ends up at a customer’s door. The best machines on the market still answer to the person watching over them, and the smartest operators plan to keep it exactly that way.This story was produced by AMS Fulfillment and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	This Brazilian city created a sovereign wealth fund. Should US cities do the same? This Brazilian city created a sovereign wealth fund. Should US cities do the same?Across North America, sovereign wealth funds appear to be the social policy du jour.Sen. Bernie Sanders recently proposed a sovereign wealth fund that would tax shares of AI companies to give an annual cash dividend to Americans, and has introduced legislation to that effect. On the other end of the political spectrum, President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February 2025 directing the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce to look into starting a national sovereign wealth fund “to promote the long-term financial health and international leadership of the United States.” Up north, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the Canada Strong Fund in April, which uses public funds to invest in energy and infrastructure projects — though experts say it doesn’t quite fit the definition of a sovereign wealth fund, as the money comes from borrowing rather than a budget surplus.Sovereign wealth funds are a government investment strategy that uses surplus revenues to increase returns and spend on development, though the exact mechanisms and principles can differ. The first one can be traced back to 1953 with the Kuwait Investment Authority, and similar systems have been deployed in Norway, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore, Next City reports.These funds have nearly always been launched by a country, province, or state — but what happens when a city deploys one?Less than two hours from Rio de Janeiro, the bedroom community of Maricá skyrocketed to become the fourth richest city in Brazil after oil deposits were discovered off its shores in 2006. The city of 212,000 has since launched a basic income as well as a sovereign wealth fund that’s piquing the interest of researchers the world over. Other Brazilian cities are following suit. Should U.S. cities do the same?Inside Maricá’s sovereign wealth fundIn Maricá, free air-conditioned buses and bike shares ride through clean, safe city streets with modern infrastructure. Signs posted at pharmacies and supermarkets advertise that they accept the Mumbuca, a local currency derived from a basic income provided to more than half of Maricá’s residents. Farms allow rural farmers to grow produce and medicinal plants to increase food security during inevitable global trade disruptions like a pandemic or trade war.In a country with a history of resource booms that didn’t create lasting development (Brazil wood, rubber, and sugar, to name a few), Maricá is aiming to build a strong economy that can continue growing when the oil taps run dry.In 2013, Maricá launched Renda Básica de Cidadania, a basic income of 230 Mumbucas ($45 USD) per month to households earning less than three times the national minimum wage in order to buy essentials. The money can only be used within Maricá to keep it circulating in the local economy rather than being absorbed by Rio.The results have been promising. According to a 2024 Jain Family Institute study, households that receive Mumbucas have increased their income by 9%.In the same year, Maricá created Companhia de Desenvolvimento de Maricá (CODEMAR), a company at arm’s length from the mayor’s office, built to invest in development projects focused on generating jobs. Then in 2017, Maricá created a sovereign wealth fund with an initial investment of R$275 million ($54 million USD). The fund has since ballooned to more than R$2 billion ($415 million USD).The fund was created to invest in long-term development for when the oil royalties run out. That means growing Maricá’s tourism industry, advancing its schooling, and helping local entrepreneurs, along with earning returns on low-risk domestic investments and bonds. It also creates legal hurdles that future governments would have to jump if they want to shift directions.“The truth is, they couldn’t spend all the money that they were getting to their budget,” explains Leandro Ferreira, a researcher at the Universidade Estadual de Campinas and director of the Brazilian Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds.Maricá’s fund legally obliges investment in development, rather than just equities that add to municipal coffers. Food security and mitigating climate change, for instance, aren’t moneymakers, but follow the fund’s mandate. “Markets will not develop sectors that are not profitable, but some of those sectors are very important for the future of the planet,” says Ferreira.Through CODEMAR, the fund invested an initial R$1.5 billion ($290 million USD) in both the construction of a seaport estimated to generate 13,000 jobs and a five-star resort. It’s also contributed to a satellite teleport, a shopping mall, a technological park, airport expansions, greenhouses, and the city’s samba school, which rose to the highest competitive level for the first time in 2026. Next City But Maricá’s sovereign wealth fund does have its drawbacks.For one, since it’s managed by a city rather than a state or federal government, it’s relatively small. For big projects like the seaport and airport expansions, Maricá needs to campaign the larger Brazilian Development Bank or World Bank for money, but these institutions are more inclined to fund cities without oil revenues. There’s also skepticism about whether funding will make a lasting impact, or whether it’ll fall through when the royalties do.Maricá’s fund is also not completely autonomous, meaning it is susceptible to changes if a new government is elected. “In order to have good governance, the funds should be protected from political influence,” says Ferreira. “That’s not what happens with those funds that we have in Brazil, because the manager can be changed, the investment strategy can be changed, even the laws themselves can be changed.”Since 2009, Maricá has been led by the Brazilian Workers’ Party (PT), the same political party as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is up for re-election in October. Maricá’s ties to the PT have led to criticism that its policies aren’t useful across the political spectrum. “Maricá is definitely a public policy laboratory because there’s a lot of innovation, but most particularly a PT lab,” says Ferreira.But other cities in Brazil are proving that sovereign wealth funds can cross political lines.The beach town of Ilhabela in the state of São Paulo has had a sovereign wealth fund since 2018, and it’s led by a mayor linked to former right-wing president Jaír Bolsonaro. The state of Paraná, also not led by the PT, launched a sovereign wealth fund this year. “In terms of proving itself as an instrument, these funds can reach across the political spectrum,” says Ferreira, whose forum facilitates conversations between Brazil’s different funds, which also include Niterói, Curitiba, and Espírito Santo.Where a sovereign wealth fund will, and won’t, workMore Brazilian cities are looking to establish funds, but Ferreira says that he frequently warns mayors that not everyone will become the next Norway, or even the next Maricá. “What we are trying to say in those moments is ‘hey, take it easy, there are multiple sovereign wealth fund formats,’” he says.Americans don’t need to look far for a domestic example of a sovereign wealth fund. Alaska started its fund in 1976 with mineral and oil royalties. Texas also has its Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF or Rainy Day Fund), which invests money from its oil royalties in case of an emergency. But no U.S. cities have sovereign wealth funds.According to Paul Katz, senior vice president of the Jain Family Institute, which carried out the Maricá study, the reason is simple: U.S. cities don’t have enough extra cash from resources lying around to start one. “Creating sovereign wealth funds in the absence of a surplus would not be the strategy I would recommend,” he says.U.S. cities also don’t have the option of requesting money from a federal development bank for larger investments, as Maricá has with the Brazilian Development Bank. Here’s where a federal fund like what Sanders or Trump is proposing might be useful.That doesn’t mean U.S. cities can’t make innovative investment strategies. Cities could leverage assets like real estate and public lands to finance a fund. Or, they could start a government-backed bank that could loan funds for development projects like construction of public housing or decarbonization; campaigns for municipal banks have taken off in major cities, including San Francisco (where public banking will be on the ballot this November) and New York City, calling for local governments to adopt the model of North Dakota’s public bank.“There are many ways that U.S. cities could contribute using their balance sheets in a positive way that facilitates access to credit for others who are doing things strategic to development,” says Katz.But without huge cash windfalls as Maricá has with oil, it’s difficult for U.S. cities to be as ambitious as Brazilian ones. “If you’re a very, very small fish, it’s very hard to be making waves.”This story was produced by Next City, a nonprofit newsroom covering solutions for equitable cities, and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	City of Davenport launches community survey The City of Davenport is launching its 2026 community survey, asking residents to give feedback about their experiences living in Davenport, as well as city facilities, services, and programs. This survey is conducted every two years to identify community-wide trends and to inform future decisions, including budget priorities. “Listening to our residents is one of [...]
	A cold job market doesn't make hot talent cheaper A cold job market doesn't make hot talent cheaperContent marketers made up 0.8% of all new hires by the end of 2023, according to compensation data from Pave. Now, they're under 0.3% of new hires, representing a two-thirds drop over two and a half years, with every quarter since 2024 coming in lower than the one before it. Pave Despite hiring being down, companies hiring experienced content marketers are paying them about 21% more than the people already in the role. This trend isn't just for content marketers. HR generalist, for example, is the third coldest job in Pave’s Hot Jobs Index, but there's a 10.3% premium for senior talent.Across all job families, the baseline salary increase for a new hire is around 5.4% relative to an existing employee. The reliable raise comes from leaving, not staying—though that can scale significantly based on the type of job.Does that mean shrinking jobs pay more?It is a common belief that new hires always make more than tenured employees. The reason is that someone hired four years ago was priced at the market of four years ago and has probably been getting small annual increases ever since, whereas someone hired last month was priced at the higher rates of today's market.To explore this, Pave plotted every job family across two axes: how much its share of hiring moved over the past year and what its new hires cost relative to incumbents. The results show a tight vertical column at the center. Almost every job family sits above 100%, meaning new hires cost more than incumbents no matter which way hiring moves. Pave In other words, it’s not just a trend in shrinking jobs. Functions that grew and functions that shrank landed in the same place. Customer service has cooled harder than any other job family in the dataset, and its new hires come in below parity. Customer success has also cooled, but its new hires cost almost 10% more than incumbents. Software engineering is hiring far more than both, and its new hires cost less of a premium than customer success.The going rate doesn't seem to know which way demand is moving.It’s not just how many, it’s which levelsWhile companies are reducing hiring across certain jobs like content marketing or HR generalist, these jobs aren't getting replaced completely. Companies are still actively hiring for these roles and paying them at a similar or higher benchmark than before.Hiring volume isn't the only variable. Level matters as well, with entry-level workers having significantly reduced across the broader dataset. Workers aged 21 to 25 fell from 14.9% of the workforce at public companies in early 2023 to around 6.5% by mid-2025. Pave So why doesn’t pay ever fall?When looking at all of the companies in the dataset, though demand for different roles has varied over time, pay as a whole almost always goes up. Economists call it downward nominal wage rigidity (i.e., "sticky down" wages). Regardless of other economic conditions, pay is almost always adjusted up. Pave Economist Truman Bewley spent a recession asking employers why they laid people off instead of cutting pay, and the answer was almost always morale. A pay cut poisons everyone who stays. So employees at companies mostly only see their pay increasing, or staying the same at the very least. When those same employees are looking for employment elsewhere, they will likely only accept a salary close to that of their previous role, ultimately continuing the inflationary impact of salary.Despite the market turmoil, hiring changes for various roles, and the threat of AI-related disruption, pay has consistently moved in an upward direction.What this means if you have one of these jobsYour job cooling off is not the same as your pay cooling off. A job can lose two-thirds of its hiring and still cost more to fill than it did before, so what actually changes in a cold market is the number of opportunities that are available, not the price behind them.Pay is a lagging indicator that looks like a live one. It jumps when the market heats up and refuses to fall when it cools. This is why there's still a premium to be had when moving roles rather than staying in one. If you're looking at a salary benchmark today, it's built from the people sitting in those seats today, and they were all priced on the way up.This story was produced by Pave and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Saturday, August 29th, 2026

Friday, August 28th, 2026