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

Monday, June 29th, 2026
	Golden Corral Buffet & Grill in Davenport to close The Golden Corral Buffet & Grill in Davenport is set to close next week.
	Heat wave underway in the Quad Cities We have been watching the weather for the past few days as temperatures have heated up over the weekend for the heat wave this week. Temperatures will be maintaining the 90s for most of the week with feels like temperatures well in the triple digits for the next few days. It is no surprise that [...]
	Foster care provider urges Iowans to consider fostering amid statewide need The state is facing a critical shortage of licensed foster parents, with only 650 licensed homes in Iowa to roughly 1,500 kids needing placement in those homes.
	Foster care provider says Scott County faces critical need for more foster homes Right now there are about 1,500 children in licensed foster care homes in Iowa, but only 650 licensed foster parents. More parents are needed in all 99 counties.
	Scott County releases names of adults injured in I-80 crash, 1-year-old still in hospital A 1-year-old who was injured in a rollover crash on Interstate 80 over the weekend continues to be treated at the University of Iowa, according to the Sheriff's Office.
	More foster parents are needed across Iowa The Iowa Data Center showed around 6,000 children in foster care in Iowa as of 2024. Children are waiting for placement in all 99 counties.
	Flight sets speed record from Australia to Moline The flight reached Moline from Melbourne in just 16 hours and 54 minutes.
	Niabi Zoo reveal genders of 3 new Pallas's cats All three of the new arrivals are boys.
	Moline man sentenced to 15 years for drug charges A Moline man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for drug charges. According to public court documents, Donell Hines, 37, distributed approximately three-and-a-half ounces of crack cocaine between March and April 2025. At Hines’ home, law enforcement found distribution quantities of fentanyl, crack cocaine and marijuana. Lab testing showed that some of the [...]
	What is the state of Iowa's foster care system right now? Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a new law that changes how foster care parents are trained. The goal is to reduce barriers and increase the foster parent pool.
	Stay safe from severe heat: Here's how from QC doctor The forecast for the week leading into the July 4 holiday and the John Deere Classic calls for an extended stretch of hot and humid weather. In a news release, MercyOne Genesis Medical Center has tips to protect yourself from the dangers of heat exhaustion. MercyOne Genesis Medical Center Emergency Medicine Medical Director Michael Craddick, [...]
	2 westbound lanes between 7th and 16th Streets closed The lane closures are expected to remain in place through Wednesday, July 1.
	Officials release names and conditions of those involved in weekend I-80 vehicle rollover crash A 31-year-old female and a 23 month-old female infant are both in the hospital after a single vehicle rollover near Walcott Saturday afternoon.
	Locks and Dam 15 Auxiliary Lock to open for holiday weekend Some good news for boaters planning to go out on the Mississippi River over the 4th of July weekend.
	Davenport Community School District names new administrators for 2026-27 year The Davenport Community School District has named new administrators for the 2026–2027 school year effective July 1, a news release says. "Strong leadership is essential to creating exceptional learning experiences for our students," said Superintendent TJ Schneckloth. "Each of these administrators has demonstrated a deep commitment to educational excellence, collaboration, and student achievement. We are [...]
	Crews respond to multi-vehicle crash near Quad Cities Airport Crews are on the scene of a multi-vehicle crash in Moline.
	The Temporary Protected Status program may effectively be over. Here's what we know. A Supreme Court ruling gives the Trump administration space to strip this status from hundreds of thousands of more people from the few remaining countries with this program.
	KWQC + to stream Red, White & Boom The show is expected to start around 9:30 p.m.
	4 chinchillas dead, 3 kittens and 1 cat rescued after Burlington house fire The Burlington Fire Department responded to a house fire on the 1200 block of Smith Street where crews found four chinchillas dead due to smoke.
	Venezuela's deadly quakes put its U.S.-backed government to the test Venezuela's La Guaira state bore the brunt of the earthquake damage, bringing memories of a 1999 disaster that became President Hugo Chávez's first major test. Now, it's the acting leader's challenge.
	Davenport receives $100,000 grant to help redevelop Raphael's Emporium Davenport is supporting a developer's efforts to restore a historic, vacant building on Harrison Street that dates back to the 1800s and once housed a cigar manufacturer.
	Extreme Heat Warning until WED 10:00 PM CDT Extreme Heat Warning in Effect Until 10 PM CDT Wednesday
	Golden Corral Buffet & Grill to close Davenport location A popular Davenport restaurant will close their doors next week.
	Davenport Schools hires four principals West High School, Sudlow Middle School and McKinley Elementary School will all have new principals next school year.
	Enjoy July 4 events around the QCA Cities around the QCA are getting ready to celebrate the July 4 holiday. The list below contains information about celebrations around the area. Illinois: East Moline: East Moline Independence Day, July 3, fireworks at Rock Island County Fairgrounds at dusk, kids zone 6:15 – 8:15 p.m., live music 6:45 – 9:10 p.m. July 4, pancake [...]
	Senate Ethics Committee dismisses complaint against Sen. Ruben Gallego The committee had been alerted by a fellow member of Congress of allegations of campaign finance violations and potential sexual misconduct, but said it found no evidence of wrongdoing.
	Drivers still hitting the road for July 4 travel: AAA Millions of travelers are hitting the roads for the July 4 weekend and there’s good news at the gas pumps for them as prices continue to fall. Molly Hart, spokesperson for AAA Auto Club, spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to offer tips on making those road trips easier. “I do have to [...]
	Davenport man found guilty of murdering two teens in Moline in 2024 A Rock Island County jury determined Israel Martinez murdered Giovanni Flores and Zachary Meincke in May of 2024.
	MidAmerican Energy ready for heat wave Temperatures are skyrocketing and QCA residents are leaning on their fans and air conditioners to keep cool but may be concerned about higher utility bills. Geoff Greenwood, spokesperson for MidAmerican Energy, spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to share tips on staying cool and saving money. He said using appliances that give off [...]
	Kara Package: “Supergirl” and “Jackass: Best & Last” Given how bored I've been at so many cinematic superhero origin stories over the decades, I feel silly for actually feeling and writing this. But I really wish director Craig Gillespie's Supergirl had merely been a superhero origin story.
	Davenport receives $100K grant to redevelop Raphael's Emporium building The redevelopment will become a multi-tenant hair salon with potential space for another business.
	What you need to know about watching John Deere Classic The John Deere Classic starts this week at TPC Deere Run. Find key details on tickets, youth clinic, strict bag policy, and weekend concerts here.
	Davenport receives $100k state grant to restore Raphael's Emporium The restoration plans include a multi-tenant hair salon, future apartments and even possible spaces for food and drinks.
	Coal Valley crews respond to house fire; dog, resident safely escape The Coal Valley Fire Protection District responded to a house fire in the 1900 block of South Shore Drive on Sunday.
	Cannon fire planned at Rock Island Arsenal for commander welcome ceremony Cannon fire will be heard at Rock Island Arsenal on Monday and Wednesday as the installation welcomes Maj. Gen. Eric Riley.
	Jury convicts man in 2024 Moline double homicide that killed two teens A Rock Island County jury has convicted Israel Martinez of first-degree murder in the May 2024 shooting deaths of two Moline teenagers.
	Bow Wow: Tiny Desk Concert Bow Wow's transformation from child star to well-rounded entertainer serves as a blueprint for longevity. The rapper blazes through fresh takes of back-to-back hits.
	Extreme Heat Warning until WED 10:00 PM CDT Extreme Heat Warning in Effect Until 10 PM CDT Wednesday
	DeSantis veto spares government entities from larger payouts in negligence suits Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday he is vetoing a bill that would have increased the amount of money that people who sue the government can recover. (Getty Images)SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLEThis is a developing story and will be updated. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Monday that he’s vetoing legislation that would help people sue state and local government bodies, saying it would also increase the number of “unmeritorious” damages lawsuits and balloon local government costs during a time when residents want lower property taxes. “I have no question, no doubt that that would happen, so we’ll veto that, and, and also just with the local government property tax argument, you know, why would I want to impose more burdens on them?” DeSantis said during a Tampa press conference at which he signed the state fiscal year 2026-27 budget and tax reduction bill. Offered by Sarasota Republican Rep. Fiona McFarland, HB 145 would have increased the amount government entities could have to pay residents who they injure. Damages caps, last raised in 2010, are set at $200,000 per individual and $300,000 per incident. The legislation would have increased the caps to $350,000 per individual and $500,000 per incident. The announcement was met with praise by the special interest groups that opposed the bill throughout the session. “We applaud the Governor’s careful veto. Our coalition advocates for liability reform that serves Florida families, taxpayers and the public’s treasury,” the group said in a statement. The coalition includes 11 organizations including the Panhandle Area Educational Consortium, the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, the Florida Hospital Association, and the Florida League of Cities. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. After three years of trying, Rep. Fiona McFarland finally moved her sovereign immunity bill across the legislative finish line on March 12, 2026. (Photo by Christine Sexton/Florida Phoenix) Sovereign immunity refers to the state’s authority to exempt itself from civil lawsuits, although the state does allow negligence claims against itself and its subdivisions — agencies, cities, counties, and public hospitals — within limits. Injured parties can sue for damages and collect within the liability thresholds established by law, now set at $200,000 per individual and $300,000 per incident. But if they win awards in excess of the limits they must go to the Legislature in the form of what’s called a claims bill to collect the overage. And that can be a very lengthy, and political, process. Once a claims bill is filed, each chamber’s presiding officer refers it to a special master, who essentially reconsiders the jury’s recommendation. That allows the defendant to challenge the jury verdict. Claims bills also go before House and Senate committees that consider special masters’ recommendations. Ultimately, the bills must pass in both chambers. A Phoenix review shows the Legislature in 2026 passed six claims bills totaling about $13 million. But DeSantis on Monday defended the claims bill process, saying it “disincentivizes frivolous lawsuits.” “You have the cap; if it’s above the cap, then you have an ability to seek a claim with, with the state of Florida, and those are, you know, that’s not litigation, you know, that’s that’s a different forum where that is.” Not suprrising DeSantis has a history of taking jabs at trial attorneys, blaming them for Florida’s reputation as a “judicial hellhole.” HB 145 was supported by the Florida Justice Association, which represents the trial attorneys. DeSantis last year vetoed a bill that would have repealed a 35-year-old law that prevents some families from suing for the wrongful death of loved ones due to medical malpractice. He also vetoed legislation in 2021 that would have repealed Florida’s mandatory no-fault automobile insurance coverage known as Personal Injury Protection, or PIP. In addition to vetoing legislation supported by the FJA, the governor pushed for changes to laws the FJA opposed, such as making it easier for insurance companies to deflect lawsuits filed their policyholders claiming denial or low-balling of benefits. Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Why culturally competent care matters: Bridging identity and mental health Why culturally competent care matters: Bridging identity and mental healthCulturally competent care matters because effective mental health treatment depends on whether a person feels understood, respected, and safe with their provider.By recognizing how identity, culture, and lived experience shape emotional distress, licensed therapists can build stronger trust, reduce barriers to care, and offer support that feels more personal and effective.As therapy becomes more common, experts are urging providers to recognize how identity and lived experience shape what care actually feels like for each patient.Key takeawaysCulturally competent care helps people feel understood by recognizing how identity and lived experience shape mental health.Many people from marginalized communities still face barriers to treatment, including bias, cost, and limited access to providers.Therapy is more effective when clients trust their provider and feel safe enough to be honest.Representation and cultural understanding can make it easier for clients to connect with a therapist and stay in care.The future of mental health care is moving toward more personalized, inclusive, and flexible support.More than half of adults living with a mental health condition in the United States never receive treatment, and the reasons go far beyond whether a therapist is available or affordable.Research published by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing shows that many people from marginalized communities face added challenges, including bias from providers and a lack of care that reflects how they experience stress or emotional pain. And even after someone decides to seek help, those challenges often continue.Research in the 2025 State of Stigma survey, conducted by BetterHelp, shows that more than 16,000 people across 23 countries still face fears and cultural beliefs that keep many from seeking support.And for those who do connect with a provider, that survey shows, the experience does not always feel right, with nearly one in three Gen Z respondents who had attended therapy reporting that they felt misunderstood. The efforts to expand mental health care have made a difference, but access alone has never guaranteed that someone will feel supported once they get there.What “Culturally Competent Care” Actually MeansCulturally competent care is one of the most important standards in modern mental health practice, and it requires more than clinical training alone. The American Psychological Association describes it as an effort to understand how a person’s cultural identity, background, and lived experience shape the way they process and express emotional pain.A provider working this way does not rely on a single clinical lens, since the same symptom can show up in very different ways depending on who is experiencing it and how they understand it.Research from Medical News Today shows that some communities express distress through physical symptoms like fatigue or stomach pain rather than naming sadness or anxiety directly. A provider who misses that difference may also miss what a client is trying to communicate.Cultural competence also requires an understanding of family and community ties, especially where care is shaped by more than one person’s voice.Why Representation and Understanding Matter in TherapyTherapy works best when a person feels safe enough to be honest, and that safety is built almost entirely on trust, according to Adam Greenberg, LCSW. He cites research by Horvath and Greenberg that clients who feel understood by their therapist are more likely to stay in treatment and make real progress.But for people who have experienced bias or dismissal from doctors and healthcare providers in the past, building that trust takes longer and requires more from a therapist than clinical training alone can provide.Greenberg adds that the strength of the relationship between a therapist and client predicts positive results more reliably than any specific therapy technique. And when a person arrives at therapy already carrying doubt about whether they will be heard, a single moment of feeling dismissed can end the process entirely.Mental Health Access Gaps Across CommunitiesGrowing awareness of mental health has not translated into equal access for everyone who needs care.A 2022 survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that while rates of mental illness are similar across racial and ethnic groups in the United States, only 37.9% of Black Americans and 39.6% of Hispanic Americans received mental health treatment, compared to 56.1% of white Americans.Cost remains the most common barrier preventing people from seeking mental health care, and geographic disparities in provider availability can make access even more difficult depending on where someone lives. Affordability is the top barrier Americans identify when seeking mental health treatment, followed by difficulty finding a provider. Where someone lives can make that challenge even harder to overcome, with the Association of American Medical Colleges noting that 65% of rural counties have no practicing psychiatrist at all.And even when people do find their way to care, a provider workforce that remains largely white and often lacks training in cultural differences can leave patients without the level of care they need.Martyn Whittingham, PhD, a licensed psychologist writing for the American Psychological Association, addressed these access gaps, saying, “Too often people from marginalized communities struggle to access quality psychotherapy.”How the Healthcare Industry Is RespondingAcross the healthcare industry, institutions are moving beyond simply opening a clinic door and hoping people walk through it. The American Psychological Association has documented a growing effort to build care around the people receiving it, with more providers being trained to better understand how patients experience emotional distress.Those efforts to improve care are also happening earlier, as mental health support becomes part of primary care and more people encounter it before their situation becomes urgent. And telehealth has become a larger part of that response, with UnitedHealthcare’s behavioral health data showing that from January through June 2024, mental health conditions were the most common reason people used telehealth services nationwide.As more people begin care through these options, the way they choose a provider is also changing, with digital platforms giving them more control in finding someone who feels like a better fit from the start.Why Inclusivity Is Becoming a Standard ExpectationInclusivity has become a core expectation people bring to care, and few areas feel that more directly than mental health. Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are far more likely than older groups to see their identity as closely tied to how they experience emotional distress, and they look for providers who understand that connection without needing it explained.BetterHelp’s 2025 State of Stigma report found that Gen Z is more than twice as likely as Baby Boomers to experience moderate to severe anxiety, yet 37% of those who have sought counseling believe people who go to therapy are still seen as mentally weak.Holding both of those realities at once shapes how they approach care, with a strong desire for support alongside real doubt about whether it will feel safe or respectful. Culturally competent care responds to that doubt, and many health systems are beginning to treat it as a standard part of care rather than something extra.What the Future of Mental Health Care May Look LikeMental health care has come a long way, and the direction it is heading is more personal and more reflective of the people it actually serves. Research published in Psychology Today found that when therapy is tailored to a person’s specific needs rather than applied as a standard protocol, patients achieve better results than those receiving uniform treatment.Meeting those individual needs depends on how well a provider understands the person in front of them, which has led to provider networks expanding to include more bilingual clinicians and therapists from a wider range of backgrounds.Greater representation allows more people to begin care without explaining core parts of who they are, which helps conversations move forward more naturally. When those conversations begin with less strain, therapy becomes easier to return to, and flexible options like virtual care help remove the barriers that can interrupt that progress.Effective Care Starts With UnderstandingMental health care should always start with the person seeking help. And real understanding starts when a provider takes identity and lived experience seriously from the beginning. Those details shape how emotional pain is named, and they also affect whether therapy feels safe enough to trust.Culturally competent care helps providers listen with a deeper understanding before they begin to guide. And when understanding comes first, therapy has a better chance of becoming a relationship a person can return to. The future of mental health care should keep moving in that direction, with therapy that feels more personal and reaches the people who need it most.This story was produced by BetterHelp and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	A guide to secure voting software and compliance for credit unions A guide to secure voting software and compliance for credit unionsRegulatory scrutiny around election integrity is crucial. The potential for data breaches, incorrect election results, and noncompliance can have significant consequences for credit unions.The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) conducts comprehensive audits that focus on governance and voting procedures. Failure to comply can lead to legal challenges and severe reputational damage.Members anticipate a secure, transparent voting process. Organizations responsible for election failures can face recount expenses and frustrated members who no longer trust them. Ensuring secure voting software for credit unions eliminates these risks. But what should you be looking for in a trusted, compliant vendor?This guide from Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) has everything you need to know.When Credit Unions Need Secure Voting SoftwareThere are several situations and processes where you’ll find that secure voting software is essential, such as:Board of directors elections: Annual board member elections typically require verification of members’ voting rights and strict, fair ballot procedures. The potential need for remote voting and scattered membership raises several security considerations.Supervisory committee elections (where applicable): For credit unions that elect their supervisory committee members, secure voting software is essential to manage the balloting process effectively, verify member eligibility, and ensure the integrity and transparency of the election results. This is important for upholding the rigorous standards of credit union governance.Merger votes: A process involving high-stakes elections under NCUA 12 CFR 708a, with member approval requirements to ensure compliant mergers. Documentation and audit trails are crucial for these votes, given the heightened scrutiny regulators and members face.Charter conversion votes: Whether federal-to-state or state-to-federal, they require a simple majority of 50% plus one for member approval. Because conversion votes are subject to regulatory requirements and review, maintaining accurate records and a clear audit trail throughout the voting process is essential.Bylaw amendments: Bylaw amendments typically receive less scrutiny than merger votes. But it’s still essential that member voting on governance changes remain democratic and transparent.Secure voting software for credit unions ensures compliance and maintains voting integrity.Understanding NCUA Regulatory RequirementsThe NCUA has several regulatory requirements. These are crucial for federally insured credit unions. The regulations are based on standards set by the Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). 12 CFR 708a12 CFR 708a is a federal regulation. It dictates the procedures and requirements for federally insured credit unions that intend to convert to mutual savings banks (Subpart A) or merge into existing banks (Subpart C). The structured outline of this regulation helps credit unions manage these institutional changes while remaining compliant.Some of the main elements of this regulation that credit unions should be aware of include:Authority to convert (708a.102): A credit union may convert to a mutual savings bank or association with member approval, provided it follows all regulatory requirements. Prior NCUA approval isn’t required.Notice, disclosures, and communication (708a.103-708a.104): A credit union must provide clear, timely notices and disclosures to members during a proposed conversion. This includes a 90-day notice of intent to convert, a 60-day follow-up notice, and a 30-day final notice with a voting ballot. The NCUA also requires you to provide a 90-day notice of intent and a certification of the final vote results.Membership approval (708a.106): A conversion proposal must be approved by a majority vote of the members. The voting process must be conducted by secret ballot and conducted by an independent entity.Limitations on compensation (708a.111): A director or senior management official is prohibited from receiving any special economic benefits or compensation due to the conversion. Compensation can only be paid in the ordinary course of business.These are essential compliance requirements for NCUA approval.Governance and Election Integrity Standards12 CFR 708a concerns conversion and merger votes. However, it also states that all special meetings and votes must be conducted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and other parliamentary procedures.While this regulation doesn’t explicitly reference the NCUA Federal Credit Union bylaws, it does require adherence to the NCUA’s overarching credit union governance.These standards include the following requirements:Supervisory committee audit and account verification: Federal Credit Union bylaws and NCUA regulations (12 CFR Part 715) mandate that the supervisory committee conduct an annual audit and verify members’ accounts.Federal standards for charter conversion votes: The mandated notice periods, disclosures to members, and use of secret ballots. This maintains the fairness and legality of the voting methods and procedures used.Documentation of voting requirements: 12 CFR 708a emphasizes maintaining a clear audit trail for conversion and merger votes, including who voted, when they voted, and how these results were verified. This includes documentation of the independent entity’s written certification of the final vote tally, including the number of members who voted, the number of affirmative votes, and the number of negative votes.Credit unions are also required to maintain accurate and complete member lists for eligibility verification. The board’s final certification to the NCUA must confirm that all materials used in credit union mergers were identical to those submitted to the NCUA. Discrepancies must be accompanied by copies and explanations.What Is SOC-2?SOC-2, also known as Service Organization Controls 2, is an auditing procedure. It ensures data security and maintains client privacy. It’s commonly adopted by technology companies that must meet compliance requirements related to security standards, confidentiality, and privacy.SOC 2 Type I evaluates controls at a specific point in time, while Type II evaluates them over a period that’s typically between six and 12 months. The procedure was created by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). While it’s not a legal requirement for election software, many state and local governing bodies will require it during vendor selection.SOC-2 Trust Service Principles ExplainedThe auditing standards required to achieve SOC-2 certification and compliance involve assessing systems and controls. These assessments are made against one or more of the following 5 Trust Service Principles:Security: Protecting systems and data from unauthorized access. This covers a range of criteria, including firewalls, two-factor authentication, and threat detection.Availability: Ensuring services and systems are operational and available.Processing integrity: Making sure that system processing is accurate, efficient, and properly authorized.Confidentiality: Protecting sensitive information, such as financial data, by only allowing access to authorized users.Privacy: Dictating the way in which personal information is collected, used, and disposed of, including organizational privacy policy specifics.While security is mandatory, organizations aren’t required to comply with every principle. The other four principles are optional and chosen based on the specific offering a company provides or the type of data it handles.Why SOC-2 Compliance Matters for Voting SoftwareSOC-2 compliance requires a meticulous independent audit to verify the effectiveness of internal controls over time. For credit unions using voting software, this method: Survey & Ballot Systems Proves rigorous security protocols and confirms robust infrastructure, policies, and procedures against industry best practices.Demonstrates compliance with encryption, access controls, and data protection implementation and maintenance.Provides third-party audit evidence that supports vendor risk management documentation and due diligence requirements.Reduces liability through independent assurance of security posture, mitigating risk exposure in the event of a security issue.All of these factors provide assurance that the systems and processes used for elections are secure and reliable. It guarantees vote processing integrity and builds trust in the electoral process.Essential Security ArchitectureFor credit unions, voting compliance will also include adherence to official standards and best practices for systems security architecture. Ensure that any potential vendors have the following security measures in place. Survey & Ballot Systems Encryption StandardsRobust encryption standards are essential for securing sensitive voting data and credit union voting compliance. Consider the following:TLS 1.2+ for data in transit: All data exchanged between users, voting software, and backend systems must be protected using Transport Layer Security (TLS) version 1.2 or higher. This also includes vote submissions and administrative communications. Cryptographic protocols like this secure communications over networks, which prevents eavesdropping, tampering, and message forgery. Detailed guidance on these implementations can be found in the official standard, NIST SP 800-52r2.AES-256 for data at rest: AES-256 is a globally recognized secure symmetric-key encryption algorithm. This protects data from unauthorized access by scrambling it, even if storage media are compromised. This standard is defined by NIST FIPS 197 (AES Standard). Any stored voting data, including ballots, voter registries, audit trails held on servers, databases, and backup systems, must be encrypted with a 256-bit key.End-to-end encryption: Votes must be encrypted at the point of casting (on the voter’s device) to ensure robust security and privacy. This encryption must remain throughout every stage of transmission, storage, and processing. It can only be decrypted for secure tabulation. This ensures the confidentiality and integrity of individual votes through aggregation into final results.Bank-level security over commercial-grade: Bank-level security represents a higher standard of cybersecurity. It’s considered a robust cybersecurity option for credit unions that use critical systems, such as voting software. This level of security ensures regulatory compliance, advanced threat detection and prevention mechanisms, continuous auditing, and resilience against sophisticated attacks. Commercial-grade security protects general business operations. However, it lacks the specialized defenses and compliance frameworks required to protect sensitive electoral processes.Monitoring, Audit Trails, and LoggingSecure architecture for voting activity requires industry-leading security measures that provide:Real-time monitoring: This involves tallying votes as soon as ballots arrive or are submitted electronically. Real-time monitoring ensures trust by monitoring the live progress of voting activity.Audit trails: These continuously capture events as they occur, providing immediate visibility into system operations to detect unusual activity.Detailed logging: Comprehensive records help pinpoint which voting record accessed the voting platform, when, and what operations were performed.All of this supports full accountability and traceability when facilitating investigations.Authentication and De-DuplicationAuthentication and de-duplication measures ensure that only eligible members can cast a vote and that each member votes only once. This is achieved through:Multi-factor authentication: Security measures that require multiple forms of verification, such as a member ID, password, or single sign-on, reduce security risks.Duplicate-vote prevention: Mechanisms that detect and prevent members from casting more than one vote, whether attempted via paper ballot or online.Phone voting: Voters listen to prompts to vote for a candidate. Votes are recorded after selections are confirmed, and ballots are accessed by calling a specific number and entering specific details.These additional security measures maintain the integrity of the voting process.24/7 Monitoring and Incident ResponseThe voting system should be protected around the clock with the following response techniques:Real-time system monitoring: Automated tools to track performance and security during voting periods.Vulnerability and penetration testing: Regular simulated cyberattacks to identify potential weak points before they can be exploited.Incident response teams: A dedicated team on standby 24/7 to identify, contain, eradicate, and recover from any security breaches.Fast, efficient incident response plans keep the voting process uninterrupted and reliable.Evaluating VendorsWhen exploring vendor options, there are some other criteria to ensure complete peace of mind and safety. Look for the following additional areas of quality and compliance:A clear data-residency and storage location to ensure they’re U.S.-basedA clear and comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity planTraining and support for credit union staff before, during, and after the electionMobile-friendly interface options and multi-channel voting capacitySecure voting compliance for credit unions should also consider accessibility requirements. This involves compliance with regulations like Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including accessibility for web content and mobile apps.Credit Union Voting Compliance Red FlagsLook for the following warning signs that a vendor may not be qualified or compliant enough to support your voting needs:Delaying or being unable to show proof of SOC-2 certificationUsing encryption standards that fall short of modern needs (TLS 1.0 or WEP)Having no clear audit trail or logging processBeing unclear about data storage and international data transferOffering no dedicated support during the voting periodBeing inexperienced with the workings of NCUA-regulated electionsAny of these red flags should be considered proof that a vendor isn’t capable of helping you stay compliant and operate with integrity.Final Compliance ChecklistBefore making a final commitment to a vendor, use the information below as a final checklist as part of your decision:Are they SOC-2 Type II (current) compliant?Are they TLS 1.2+ and AES-256 encryption confirmed?Has the proof of audit trail capability been verified?Is member data security and GLBA compliance officially documented?There’s a lot to consider when looking for secure voting software that maintains compliance. Working with a reputable vendor that’s experienced in security and data protection under regulatory scrutiny can make the experience simpler and more streamlined.Keeping your voting members’ core needs in mind can be the ultimate roadmap to credit union election success. It also empowers credit unions to proceed without worrying about failed elections, data breaches, or irreparable reputational damage.This story was produced by Survey & Ballot Systems and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The man who wasn’t there gets attacked anyway at Grow Smart gubernatorial forum Independent Ken Block speaks to the dozens of policy analysts and smart growth advocates in the audience for Grow Smart Rhode Island's gubernatorial candidate forum on Friday, June 26, 2026. Moderator Jim Hummel is on stage at left. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)Even in absentia, Gov. Dan McKee dominated discussion among his opponents during a gubernatorial forum hosted by Grow Smart Rhode Island Friday afternoon. McKee’s campaign told event organizers the governor could not attend the question-and-answer session during the public policy group’s annual Power of Place summit at the Rhode Island School of Design auditorium in downtown Providence because of a scheduling conflict. So there was no chance for the embattled 75-year-old incumbent, already behind in public polling and without his party’s endorsement, to rebut the criticisms from his challengers. Most of the jabs taken by Democrat Helena Buonanno Foulkes, Republican Aaron Guckian, and independent Ken Block were indirect, worked into responses to audience questions about housing, public transit and environmental concerns. “What’s been lacking is action and motion to achieve results,” Foulkes said, pledging to bring a more focused approach to the beleaguered Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. “We are done cutting RIPTA one year, and funding it the next, right before an election.” Her comments earned a burst of applause from the dozens of policy analysts and advocates in the audience, for whom RIPTA’s perennial lack of funding was a top concern. Seizing on the interest in a more robust public transit system, Block suggested making the bus service free for one year as an experiment to increase ridership, replacing the bus fare revenue that helps fund the quasi-public transit agency with other sources. “In a $15.2 billion budget, I can assure you we can find that $9 million,” said Block, earning even heartier applause from the audience. Like Foulkes, Block also took aim at McKee’s administration for a litany of management mistakes, from inefficient and wasteful spending to lack of infrastructure maintenance. Independent Ken Block said he would like to temporarily eliminate bus fares to see if it boosts ridership for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority during a gubernatorial forum hosted by Grow Smart Rhode Island on Friday, June 26, 2026 at the Rhode Island School of Design. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) “We destroyed the Washington Bridge through neglect,” Block said. “Don’t let anybody tell you anything different.” Grow Smart sent out invites to candidates to participate in the forum on March 4, Scott Wolf, executive director said. McKee’s campaign manager notified organizers of the conflict on May 22, according to emails shared with Rhode Island Current. “Unfortunately the Governor will be unable to attend the forum, but if there is another opportunity to meet with the membership independently, we’d be interested in trying to schedule that,” Drew Shannon, McKee’s campaign manager, wrote in the RSVP email shared with Rhode Island Current. “Thank you for your continued follow up and I’m sorry this opportunity won’t work out on our end.” McKee’s campaign did not immediately respond to additional requests for comment on Monday. Crossing the topic of the Washington Bridge anyway Moderator Jim Hummel warned candidates at the outset that the Washington Bridge was off-limits. The forum was meant to focus on Grow Smart’s priorities like transit-oriented development and tax credits for historic preservation. But all three participants managed to work the westbound bridge into their remarks. “Right now we are in a whole firestorm of emergencies because of mismanagement,” Guckian said, referring to the westbound highway’s collapse and extended rebuild as one example. The ideological differences between the three gubernatorial challengers appeared minimal during the forum. Each pledged to restore more transparent and thoughtful leadership focused on the needs of everyday Rhode Islanders. Republican Aaron Guckian made frequent references to his union plumber father, who sat front row, during a gubernatorial forum hosted by Grow Smart Rhode Island on Friday, June 26, 2026 at the Rhode Island School of Design. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) Guckian repeatedly referenced lessons learned from his union plumber dad sitting in the front row for the event. “As Local 51 would say, ‘done once, done right,’” Guckian said, echoing the motto of the plumbers, pipefitters and HVAC workers union to which his dad belonged. Guckian, 49, of East Greenwich, has focused his platform around “compassionate conservatism,” eschewing more polarizing Republican talking points to concentrate on affordability concerns and government spending. Yet his answers to certain questions rang more Republican. Asked by an audience member about his willingness to raise taxes, the GOP endorsed candidate instead returned to outsized state spending. “We’re so bloated right now, I think we could quickly find the money,” he said. But, he conceded, “If a tax is going to an appropriate place, and it’s an emergency, then yes, I can see it.” Foulkes, who lost to McKee by 3 percentage points in the 2022 gubernatorial Democratic primary, also could not be pinned down when pressed for definitive answers. Hummel asked her whether she supports restarting the state’s truck toll program, which will cost more than $20 million to relaunch thanks to equipment upgrades, and risks alienating businesses that rely on commercial truckers. Foulkes replied, “We’ll have to see. I don’t know yet.” Foulkes, 61, of Providence, was also unsure when queried about revising Rhode Island’s affordable housing law, which since 2004 has set income parameters for affordable units at up to 120% of area median income. Annette Bourne, research and policy director for HousingWorks RI, said the income limits were too high — $107,640 for one person or $170,160 for a family of four — which means housing defined as affordable remains out of reach for the lowest income and most vulnerable residents. Rewriting the law to cap income for affordable housing at 80% or 100% of area median income could help, Bourne suggested. Foulke said she was “open” to the idea, but did not commit. ‘We are done cutting RIPTA one year, and funding it the next, right before an election,’ Democrat Helena Foulkes says at Grow Smart RI’s 2026 Power of Place Summit Gubernatorial Forum on Friday, June 26, 2026 at the Rhode Island School of Design. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) In search of solutions Yet Foulkes was not without ideas for solving the housing crisis, which include a state revolving fund for housing development funded by a millionaire’s tax. The fiscal 2027 budget also includes an extra 3% tax on income over $1 million starting Jan. 1, but does not earmark the revenue for a specific purpose. Reciting statistics from a recent analysis by the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council highlighting the low return-on-investment from state housing investments, Foulkes called for an overhaul of housing strategy. “What we’re doing isn’t working,” she said, naming designated funds for rent relief and eviction protection, along with a push for modular housing manufactured in Rhode Island as potential solutions. Block, a two-time gubernatorial candidate who has run as a Republican and a moderate, also came to the table with a vision. In addition to a pilot free-fare program for RIPTA, the 60-year-old Barrington resident backed consolidation of the state Rhode Island Department of Transportation and the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority as a means to improve government efficiency and function. “I am an expert in finding waste and fraud,” said Block, a software engineer who was hired by the Trump campaign to investigate fraud in the 2020 election — which Block ultimately disproved. But, Block said, expertise was not needed to conclude that the state was not spending its money well, naming the recent state payroll debacle resulting from a $100 million software upgrade as one example. Asked by Hummel about the state’s long-term proposal to improve transit through a light rail system connecting the state’s urban core, Block was unsure whether it was a worthwhile investment. He said he needed more information about cost and potential ridership. He was similarly hazy on increasing RIPTA routes. “Too many times, we do things, and they don’t work, and we’re left with a mess,” Block said. Candidates also touched on education, healthcare, environmental issues and food insecurity during their remarks. The primary is Wednesday, Sept. 9, with a Nov. 3 general election. Early voting begins Aug. 20. Margherita Pryor of Providence asks a question to Republican gubernatorial candidate Aaron Guckian during the Grow Smart RI Power of Place event on Friday, June 26, 2026. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Rhode Island Current
	Why FBI Director Kash Patel is in Iowa on Monday FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to be in Iowa on Monday to meet with law enforcement.
	Rock Island Arsenal testing cannons this week The Rock Island Arsenal is testing its cannons ahead of a welcome ceremony later this week. The Arsenal will test the cannons on Monday and Tuesday, June 29 and 30 for the welcome ceremony in honor of Maj. Gen. Eric Riley, First Army Deputy Commander for Operations. The cannons will be fired for the rehearsal [...]
	AI could help fix healthcare's burnout crisis. Will hospitals let it? AI could help fix healthcare's burnout crisis. Will hospitals let it?Healthcare has spent decades acquiring more capability and asking clinicians to carry more of the load that comes with it. More technology and more administrative complexity has been layered onto the same working hours.The average physician now spends more time on documentation than on patients. Decades of new technology promised to change that. Mostly, it added more to do.AI is different, at least in theory.Physicians are warming up to AI faster than almost any other profession. Nearly three in four now say they're comfortable using it, up from fewer than half just a year ago, according to the Qualtrics 2026 Healthcare Trends Report.But comfort with a tool and confidence in the people deploying it are different things. Only 39% of healthcare workers say they trust their organization's AI strategy. As Qualtrics outlines below, this large gap reveals something the adoption numbers alone don't: doctors are ready, and many aren't sure their health systems are.One burden AI could lift for physiciansOne in three healthcare workers reports experiencing burnout. That figure has barely moved in years, despite enormous investment in wellbeing programs and workforce initiatives. The reason is because most of those investments treat burnout as an individual problem, when it isn't.The most common drivers are systemic, including unmanageable workloads, limited response to feedback, and most concerning, cultures wherein raising concerns feels unsafe. Documentation is a well-known, pervasive drain. Clinicians spend hours each day on administrative tasks that take time away from patients. That cost is borne not just by clinicians, but by patients, and their families, who don’t get the attention they need.This is where AI has generated real interest. For the first time, there's a technology that could actually remove work rather than adding to it. That's a different kind of promise than healthcare has seen before. Technologies like AI-generated patient portal messages and discharge summaries, and ambient listening, offer a glimpse of what that relief could look like.But potential and progress are not the same thing. Some ambient listening research, in the form of a listening app on a phone or computer, indicates it saves clinicians time and improves patient experience. In reality, it also suggests billing codes and breaks patients down into a list of their problems. This approach confuses the intent of the tool (save documentation time versus bill as much as possible) and also leads away from whole person care and into problem based care. Sometimes the AI generated messages lack context and ask the patient to call in anyway. That just creates more work for everyone. If the tools being offered through the organization don’t deliver real value to clinicians — or their patients — they simply won’t use them.What thoughtful AI implementation looks likeWhat makes AI different from other technology, and more consequential, is scale. When AI works well, the benefits compound across thousands of patient interactions. When it doesn't, so do the failures.Some health systems are getting this right. The distinguishing factor among the healthcare organizations that get this right is how they scope the problem.Community Health Network, an Indianapolis-based system, is one example. Rather than rolling out AI broadly and measuring adoption, their teams identified specific friction points in care delivery: patients with unresolved questions after a visit, gaps in primary care connection, understanding volumes of employee experience data, and delays in routing patient needs to the right teams. AI was aimed at those specific problems.The results are concrete. Automated, conversational outreach closed loops after visits to explore unresolved needs. Patients who weren't connected to primary care received targeted follow-up, leading thousands to seek additional care. This translated immediately to appropriate access and growth. AI was also used to extend the reach of clinical teams in places where human capacity had run out.The same pattern holds outside healthcare. TruGreen, the largest U.S. lawn care company, assumed their price was driving customers away. But the only channel they based this on was surveys — about 300K of them annually. Listening across channels expanded voices to 500M and revealed the real driver was trust: customers didn't believe the service was being delivered as promised. The company deployed AI agents to spot at-risk customers and resolve issues in real time, handling 51% of concerns automatically in the first week.AI is most useful when there is a clear experience gap; it connects data to action, and fits naturally into existing workflows.Culture matters as much as technologyOne of the strongest predictors of whether AI will succeed in a healthcare setting has little to do with the tool itself, and more to do with the culture around it.Based on Qualtrics research, clinicians are more likely to engage with new tools like AI when they feel safe speaking up, testing new ideas, and challenging what isn’t working. The single strongest factor of AI readiness isn't budget or technology infrastructure. It's whether a clinician's direct leader rewards risk-taking. Communication quality, trust in senior leadership, and the freedom to try new things follow.Safety in healthcare is broader than clinical outcomes alone; it includes both psychological safety, the ability to raise concerns without fear, and physical safety. What we didn’t realize was that psychological safety has a profound impact on whether clinicians take risks with new tools. It makes sense: When it isn’t safe to be wrong, fear wins, no risks are taken, and creativity dies.Right now, around half of healthcare workers globally say they feel psychologically safe at work. That is a crisis that predates AI and will outlast it. But it has direct bearing on whether AI implementations succeed or fail.If organizations want AI to improve care, they have to create the conditions for honest engagement with it. That means involving clinicians and patients in design decisions, rather than assuming it will create value. It means defining measurable outcomes before deployment, not after. And it means treating negative feedback as data to refine the process or the tool, not resistance to using them.Clinicians are ready to engage with AI. What they're waiting for is an organization that makes it safe and meaningful to do so.Patients are not waiting eitherMany patients will never think about whether their health system uses AI. They'll notice whether the appointment was easy to get, whether they had to repeat their history, whether follow-up came when it was supposed to, and whether their clinician brought their full presence into the room or just their physical body. These are the real metrics.But they are not waiting for organizations to deliver solutions either. They are turning, by the tens of millions, to ChatGPT and other tools to get timely guidance and information on health questions, and in some cases, for ongoing care.Some patients decline ambient listening. They want to protect the sacredness of the doctor-patient relationship. Others will give away consent easily if told it helps their clinician. Some organizations treat informed consent for AI tools as a sign on the wall or a step in the appointment registration, instead of a conversational process.These shifts are behavioral signals that organizations are not meeting the expectations of patients. And many of the tools they are turning to have not met the bar for being worthy of their trust either.The question was never whether physicians would accept AI. As the Qualtrics report shows, the majority have, faster than almost anyone predicted. The harder question is whether health systems can build the trust, with their own clinicians and patients, to deploy it in ways that actually make care better. Right now, the evidence is mixed. And patients, increasingly, aren't waiting around to find out.This story was produced by Qualtrics and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Your parking lot’s reservation problem is actually a relationship problem Your parking lot’s reservation problem is actually a relationship problemYou’ve done all the right things: You listed your lot with the best parking reservation apps, redesigned your signs so they really pop, and retrained your staff. And still, that “Parking Lot Full” sign lies gathering dust in the corner (except maybe during the holidays or a big game day). If this sounds familiar, here’s an aspect most parking operators don’t really consider. Your parking lot’s reservation problem? It’s really a relationship problem. Way.com dove into why this happens and what you can do to fix it.If your customer relationship status seems permanently set to “It’s complicated,” you’re probably not going to see sold-outs, except maybe during peak seasons.Each new customer you acquire through paid ads or flyers comes with a cost. Retaining the ones you have is much less expensive, and retaining a customer who feels genuinely connected to your parking lot is worth so much more than a dozen one-time parkers who never gave you a second thought after they drove away. Operators who’ve figured this out are no longer asking, “How do I get more reservations?” They’re now wondering, “How do I give my customers a reason to come back again and again?”What your customers actually expect from youYour customer isn’t thinking about your lot the way you do. You might think in terms of capacity, throughput, and occupancy rates. For them, it’s more about whether the experience matched what they were promised, and if it didn’t, did anyone seem to care? That’s why when a customer books a spot, and something goes wrong, it often feels like a betrayal to them. A customer who trusts you to keep their car safe wants reassurance that you’re looking out for them. They want to know that picking you over the other lot across the street comes with tangible upsides.For a lot of parking lot operators, this might seem like a different bar from what they usually set for themselves. However, this is also a much less crowded space to compete in.When a customer feels like a valued member rather than a meter, everything changes. They’re way less sensitive about prices and a lot more forgiving of slipups. They’re also more likely to tell others about you, and most importantly, they keep coming back without having to be reminded.What’s going wrong with your customer relationship?As with most relationships that go south, it helps to know where things are going wrong. Here are three points of friction.Before the customer parks: Unclear pricing, vague or confusing policies, and a bumpy booking experience all affect the relationship even before it starts. Customers who experience any or all of these are already halfway out the door.When something goes wrong: When an issue occurs (getting turned away at the lot, a payment issue, or miscommunication with the attendant), what the response was, and how it was resolved matter a lot more than the issue itself. A customer who feels heard is a very different customer from one who got handed a refund and a shrug.After they leave the lot: This is the most overlooked, yet the most important aspect. What happens after your customer drives out of the lot? In most cases, the answer is nothing. They leave, and that’s pretty much the end of it until the next time they park. That period of silence is where most lots lose repeat customers. The case for keeping the relationship goingParking operators who are building a loyal customer base aren’t just trying to provide good customer experiences; they are trying to find ways to engage with their customers between parking reservations.What this could look like is a driver who gets gas cash-back every time they fill up and starts associating your lot with something that helps with their monthly budget. It could also look like a driver who got a jump start on a particularly bad morning and remembers you when they look for parking. It could be someone who got $300 toward a cracked windshield that they couldn’t have afforded to get fixed.All of these drivers now consider you their go-to lot, not because of the location but because of what the relationship means to them. And just like that, you’ve gone from being a parking transaction to a place to keep returning to.How a membership program can be just what you needThe ideal solution to this problem is to build a member benefit ecosystem that keeps customer relationships alive and meaningful beyond the transaction itself. Here’s how it would work:Free car washes and discounts on car washes mean members always have a clean car without spending too much.Parking credits every month reduce their monthly spend.Gas cash-back on every fill-up adds up to a tidy sum in a year.Roadside assistance when they need it the most, including towing and an Uber option.A mechanic’s hotline is available for when there’s car trouble, and they don’t know what to do.Glass breakage protection so a cracked windshield doesn’t burn a hole in their pocket.Layoff protection so they know you have their back.For parking operators, the value is clear. A customer who has access to benefits that are part of their daily life has a reason to keep coming back to you. It doesn’t matter to them whether your lot is the most convenient option on a given day. You stay top of mind, and you’re not just competing on location anymore, but on relationships.The bottom lineNo fancy billboard or signage is going to fix a trust deficit. The reservation problem? It’s just a symptom. The relationship problem is the one that needs fixing.The good news is that the path from transaction to relationship doesn’t require any staff retraining or complex tech integration from your side. All you need to do is give your customers a reason to remember you between visits.That “Parking Lot Full” sign mentioned at the start of this article? It deserves to come out of the corner more than a couple of times a year. The customers who can make that happen aren’t the ones hunting for the best discounts; they’re the ones looking for the best relationship they can find. Now you can give them one.This story was produced by Way.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Clearing the Air For the Next School Year (NAPSI)—While many parents may breathe a sigh of relief when school reopens in the fall, they may also be glad to know schools can take steps to support cleaner indoor air, including HVAC system inspection and cleaning as part of summer maintenance.What’s Up With DuctsDucts get dirty. Even with the proper use of filters, the school’s heating and cooling system can get really dirty through normal school day use, just as surfaces in your home get dirty and dusty over time and have to be cleaned.All sorts of contaminants and air pollutants are common in schools, including bacteria, dust, skin cells, mold, and chemicals. And when all those contaminants get pulled into an HVAC system, they travel through the air ducts, and recirculate through the building multiple times a day. Throughout the school year, all that recirculation can cause a major build-up of contaminants in the ductwork and other system components. Unfortunately, many schools are in buildings over 50 years old and operate at just 1 or 2 air changes per hour, which is well below recommended levels. The Centers for Disease Control and professional architectural engineering societies have issued new recommendations for minimum air exchange rates for educational settings.Meanwhile, rodents and insects can take up residence in ductwork by chewing their way in or finding an unsealed access route. Once they move in, they make nests and leave droppings, contaminating the quality of the air students and teachers breathe.All this can cause major health issues, especially for those with respiratory conditions, auto-immune disorders, asthma, or allergies. In fact, according to the EPA, poor indoor air quality can increase the risk of developing pneumonia and other upper respiratory problems. And all those indoor air pollutants can lead to irritated eyes, nose, and throat, as well as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue which can keep kids from concentrating on their lessons.What’s more, experts say poor indoor air quality in schools has been associated with absenteeism, respiratory symptoms, and challenges with concentration and learning.On the other hand, improved ventilation, filtration, and HVAC maintenance can help reduce airborne contaminants and support healthier indoor environments.In fact, recent research in occupied public schools found reductions in fine and coarse particulate matter following systematic HVAC system cleaning, reinforcing the importance of including HVAC systems in school indoor air quality planning.What Can Be DoneFor many school districts, part of the answer can include working with NADCA member companies. For decades, NADCA has led the effort to ensure that the systems delivering air into buildings remain clean, efficient, and healthy. NADCA member companies have technicians with advanced training and certification in HVAC system cleaning, and they’re required to follow higher standards, ensuring that contaminants are removed at the source.What You Can DoParents can ask their school or district whether HVAC system inspection and cleaning are part of the summer maintenance plan. Learn MoreFor further facts including how NADCA can help a school near you, visit www.nadca.com.Word Count: 485
	Cannons to fire on Arsenal Island Expect to hear ceremonial cannon fire from the Rock Island Arsenal this week as the base hosts a welcome ceremony for Major General Eric Riley.
	Supreme Court cements Trump's power over agencies long considered independent In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court struck down a 91-year-old precedent that has prevented presidents from removing members of independent agencies meant to be a check on his power.
	The financial wake-up call most people in their 30s aren't getting The financial wake-up call most people in their 30s aren't gettingThere’s no sugarcoating it. If you don’t have a strong financial foundation in your 30s, you’re in for a lifetime of difficulty. But don’t worry — even if you feel behind right now, there’s plenty of time to catch up.CreditNinja breaks down the realistic money milestones to hit in your 30s and where the average 30-year-old actually stands right now.Key TakeawaysMoney milestones for your 30s center on building a positive net worth and strong credit by moving out of survival mode, reducing debt, and ensuring your net worth and credit score are trending upward year over year.Eliminating bad debt, such as credit cards and buy-now-pay-later balances, is critical, while responsibly managing good debt helps free up cash for saving, investing, and future goals.A true emergency fund of three to six months of expenses is essential to avoid financial derailment from unexpected events and reduce reliance on high-risk borrowing.Retirement investing should accelerate in your 30s by consistently contributing to tax-advantaged accounts, taking advantage of employer matches when available, and using compound growth to build long-term wealth.Money Milestone #1: Build Positive Net Worth and a Strong Credit ScoreThe first milestone is building a positive net worth and building a strong credit score. The average credit score for a person in their 20s is 662. That’s because in your 20s, you’re starting to build your credit, and it may take some time to gain traction.Now that you’re in your 30s, you may have a 10-year credit history, more lines of credit, and more types of credit, like a car loan, or if you’re lucky, a mortgage, but it’s still surprising that the average credit score for people in their 30s is 672.Ideally, you’re making your way to the 700s in your 30s. So, when you need to buy a house, you can get a better interest rate.People in their 30s have an average net worth of about $300,000, while the median is just $35,000. The median provides a better picture of the typical American because those really high earners skew the average up. So don’t worry if you’re not in the six-figure range, but the gap between the median and average net worth does show us two things:First, a handful of people are doing really well and pushing the average up.Second, tons of people are still far below average. How many of your friends have a multiple six-figure net worth right now?The important thing here is that you’re moving past the just-surviving phase of your life and starting to build your net worth, whether it’s through a home, a retirement account, or paying off debt.When you’re in your early 30s, your net worth might still be low or even negative thanks to student loans, car loans, and credit cards. But by mid-30s, you should be seeing that number move in the positive direction. So, if you’re at 30 and your net worth is flat or shrinking, it’s a red flag that tells you something needs to change, it’s a sign that debt, spending, or lack of income growth is dragging you down.Look back at your net worth and credit score from last year. Did it go up? Great! If not, find the cause and set a goal to fix it. Whether it’s increasing your contributions to your retirement accounts, increasing your income, or paying off debt to get that credit score up.Money Milestone #2: Get Rid of Bad DebtThe second financial milestone is to get rid of your bad debt. And that is the keyword here, bad debt. Bad debt is something like credit card debt or buy now pay later debt that drags down your credit score instead of building it. On the other hand, there is good debt, such as home loans or student loans. These are considered good because they can actually help you build your credit score if you pay on time and help you save and make money in the long run.People between 30 and 39 carry an average student loan debt balance of about $42,000, about $6,900 of credit card debt, and roughly $84,000 of mortgages and other debt.Now, in your 20s, debt is usually chaotic because you have every form of debt that eats away at your paycheck the second it hits your bank account. It’s like a pack of sharks, right? The money comes in and then it’s going to student loans, car loans, credit cards, and rent before you even blink. And you have almost no money as you’re just starting out in your career.But in your 30s, you essentially want all of your bad debt off the books so that you can put it towards things like savings, retirement, or the house that you want to own.This means paying your credit card balance in full each month, and paying all of your loans and balances on time. Every late payment decreases your credit score.The goal isn’t to be debt-free in your 30s because, for most people, that isn’t realistic. If you can pay off your home in your 30s, congrats, because that would put you in the top 10% of 30-year-olds who do pay off their home.But holding good debt isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You just need to pay on time and prove you’re a trusted borrower. Now, if you’re still mostly paying minimums on credit cards or you’re spending more than you bring in, then you’re going in the wrong direction.Carrying bad debt is essentially going to hold you back financially for as long as you have it. So, the sooner it’s gone, the better.Money Milestone #3: Build an Emergency FundAnd for the third financial milestone, you should have an actual emergency fund.There’s nothing anything exciting about grinding away at work to watch the numbers on your banking app go up, but the art of saving money is lost, and it’s creating a major problem. The median savings for those under 35 is $5,400 and the average saving balance is $20,000. And for those between 35 and 45, the median is $7,500 and the average savings is $41,000.But if you want a real emergency fund, it’s recommended by finance pros to have three to six months of monthly expenses. And based on the median numbers, most aren’t hitting our targets. The median ranges from $5,400 to $7,500, which means monthly expenses would have to be $1,800 to $2,500 to maintain at least a three-month cushion. If you don’t yet have that fund, you’re vulnerable and a single unexpected event could derail your financial momentum.By the way, if an emergency does happen and you don’t have your emergency fund yet, please do not ever resort to a payday loan. They’re predatory loans that trap people in debt.As with homes, many people in their 20s and 30s would save for a home because it felt affordable. Now that homes have gone up in price, some people might think they won’t ever be able to afford a home, so they don’t see the point in saving for one. Instead, they’re spending and wasting money on things that they don’t need, like ordering from DoorDash every night instead of cooking and saving for a strong financial future. There are people out there financing burritos on DoorDash now. It’s too much. It’s important to get real with yourself. If you don’t have an emergency fund yet, focus on cutting unnecessary spending. Make this a top priority after paying down bad debt. Because if you don’t, you’re one emergency away from drowning in debt for the rest of your life.Money Milestone #4: Build Your Retirement and Investment AccountsThe fourth financial milestone is building your retirement and investment accounts. Americans in their 30s have average retirement balances of about 249,000 with a median of about 91,000. You should start adding to your retirement account in your 20s. But the 30s are where things should really kick into gear.Now, if you haven’t started saving for retirement yet, the best time to start saving was 10 years ago. But the next best time is now. You really can’t afford to wait.If your employer sponsors a 401(k), contribute every month. See if you have the option to set it up so that it auto-drafts from your paycheck, so you don’t even need to think about it. Many employers do a 401(k) match, in which they match a certain percentage of what you invest. That’s free money!Anyone can open up a Roth IRA, where you can contribute up to 7500 a year and it grows tax-free. Now, if your employer doesn’t sponsor a 401(k), you can still open up your own IRA instead. The reason this is so important is that inside these retirement accounts, you can make your money make more money. By investing in stock market ETFs that grow month by month, year-by-year, your $10,000 today can become $100,000 in 30 years if the ETFs grow at an average of 8% a year. This is thanks to compound interest.With the big stock funds like those that track the S&P 500, the general growth is 8% a year. Now, some years the market can go down a bunch or it can go up 20%. So when we look at this compound growth curve, the earlier you start, the faster things take off. If you’re behind now, you can catch up by being more aggressive and putting your extra cash towards retirement.After you’ve built your emergency fund, if you have leftover cash every month, maybe you want to contribute more. But no matter what, if you want to maximize the money you have for retirement, it’s crucial to start ASAP.Money Milestone #5: Real Estate and Housing PlanningThe fifth milestone is the one that almost everyone dreads, and that’s making a decision on what you want to do with buying a home. For a lot of people, the 30s often come with major life transitions. Buying a home, maybe kids. These are exciting things, but without preparation, major life transitions can quickly kill your savings and debt reduction goals. Here are some data points that you need to know:The median home price in the U.S. recently hovers around $415,000, though this varies heavily by region.The median age of a first-time home buyer is currently 40 years old. This is wild when you consider that in 2020, the median was 33 years old.This is in large part because of what happened during COVID-19. Interest rates went low. Everyone tried to get a home, which pushed the prices up and then interest rates rose and some prices stayed the same.If we look at a real example, we can take the median home and current interest rate and plug it into a calculator. Assuming we confront the $80,000 down payment, our mortgage would be around $2,400 a month. If you’re living with somebody, this could be doable. But if you’re single, you have to be making some serious money to afford it. Experts say your mortgage shouldn’t be more than one-third of your salary, so you’d need to be making six figures solo or together with your partner. When you’re buying a home, the more you can put down in your down payment, the less you have to pay each month, and the less interest you’ll have to pay over the long term for a home.Some tips to help make buying a home more affordable include:Contribute money to a high-yield savings account each month for a future down payment so that the money can grow with interest.Put money into 6-month or 12-month CDs, which may give you a bit more interest. This ensures that you don’t spend this money and that it’s earning more interest while you’re waiting to buy a house.Life seems to get really serious in your 30s, and it’s true. Saving, not wasting money, paying the rest of our student loans, always paying the balance on credit cards on time, and only upgrading when you have to and when you can afford it. If you want to own a home, you have to be intentional with your plan. This story was produced by CreditNinja and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	5 of the most cursed teams in sports history 5 of the most cursed teams in sports historyHistoric collapses. Heartbreaking last-minute losses. Failed dynasties. Tortured fanbases. The factors surrounding “cursed” teams are plentiful. Such “curses” are the ultimate hate/love combo. Some fans relish the opportunity to emerge from a perceived curse while also enjoying the wallowing that comes with said curse.Of course, not all curses are created equal. Some rise above the rest to achieve true legend status. That’s what we’re discussing today. Below, Bodog lists five cursed teams that have a real case to make for their woes.1. The Buffalo BillsIt feels a bit odd to put the Buffalo Bills on this list, especially considering their recent winning seasons with Josh Allen behind center. But ask any long-time Bills fan, and they’ll understand,The Bills are the only franchise in NFL history to lose four consecutive Super Bowls (1991-94). One of those losses was thanks to Scott Norwood’s now-infamous “wide right” field goal attempt in Super Bowl XXV against the Giants. The Bills lost 20-19.A few years later, the Music City Miracle in the 2000 NFL Wild Card game ended the Bills’ season, on a play some still argue is illegal. From 2001 to 2017, the Bills suffered a playoff drought. They’ve been going through it, and their recent playoff hopes have also been dashed.2. The Pre-2016 Chicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs might be the most famous cursed team of all time. The team endured more than a century without a World Series win, from 1908 to 2016.There’s even some curse-related lore. In 1945, Billy Sianis was ejected from a World Series game at Wrigley Field for bringing his goat along. He allegedly cursed the franchise on his way out, solidifying the already-in-progress losing streak.The Cubs’ woes continued into the new millennium. During Game 6 of the NLCS in 2003, the Cubs led 3-2 and were up by three runs in the eighth inning. Steve Bartman interfered with a foul ball from his seat, and the Cubs ended up giving up eight runs. They lost the game and the subsequent meeting, giving up the series.The Cubs curse spanned two World Wars, the moon landing, and Watergate. The Cubs’ drought started when silent movies were the top form of entertainment and ended in the streaming era.3. The Cleveland BrownsYou know you've had some famously bad luck when you have to capitalize otherwise mundane terms to identify your curse. The Cleveland Browns have both “The Drive” and “The Fumble” to contend with. Say either one near a diehard fan, and that curse will come to mind.“The Drive” points to the 1986 AFC Championship. NFL legend John Elway marched the Broncos down the field, traveling 98 yards in 15 plays in the final minutes of regulation. He would score to tie the game, then Denver won in overtime. Devastation.A year later, “The Fumble” reared its head in the AFC Championship game. Sports fans everywhere watched as the Browns’ Earnest Byner fumbled the ball at the 3-yard line in an attempt to tie the game against the Denver Broncos.Relocation woes followed. In 1996, Art Modell relocated the Browns to Baltimore, where the team became the Ravens, who would win the Super Bowl in 2001. The Browns returned as an expansion team in 1999 and enjoyed the distinction of being among the worst franchises in football history. To cap it all off, the Browns went 0-16 in 2017; they’re one of only two NFL teams to hold that dishonor.4. The Minnesota VikingsThe curse of the Minnesota Vikings has many different ingredients, each with its own flavor. Things start simply with four Super Bowl losses: 1970, 1974, 1975, and 1977.In the 1999 NFC Championship, the team was banking on its field goal prowess. Gary Anderson went 35/35 on field goal attempts all season. He missed a crucial kick, and the Falcons rallied to win the game.More kicking disaster came years later in 2016, when Blair Walsh missed a 27-yarder in the NFC Wild Card.Two years later, a Stefon Diggs walk-off TD won the Vikings a thrilling divisional playoff game against the Saints. However, the Vikes would get demolished by Philadelphia 38-7 the next week in the NFC Championship Game, missing out on a chance to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium.The Vikings are a far cry from the longtime curses held by other teams (like the Cubs). Instead, they have incremental cursed moments that add up to franchise-wide trauma.5. The Toronto Maple LeafsThe Maple Leafs last won the Stanley Cup in 1967, the year before the NHL expanded beyond six teams. Their drought remains the largest of any of the six original franchises.Notable losses for the Maple Leafs include a 2013 Game 7 collapse against the Bruins in the first round of the NHL playoffs. The Leafs led 4-1 with only 10 minutes to play. They blew the lead and lost in overtime.The Game 7 slump has carried into other playoff games for the Leafs, including similar first round losses to the Bruins (again, in 2024) and the Lightning in 2022. They’re competitive enough to raise hopes for Canadians, then they dash them.Why Fans Love 'Cursed Team' NarrativesShared winning is obviously a joyous feeling. But shared losing? That forges some strong bonds as well. It’s hard to imagine a time when an entire fanbase was happier than in 2016 when the Cubs won the World Series. Overcoming a years — or decades — long curse is the ultimate payoff for sports fans.There’s also the fun mythology angle. It can be more interesting to craft lore around a drought than to find actual reasoning. “We’re cursed” sounds a lot better than “We’ve made terrible front office decisions for 40 years.”While the losses are tough and tougher as they accumulate, they also create cool touchpoints in sports history. Without some of these curses, sports fans wouldn’t have the Billy Goat fable or “The Drive.”This story was produced by Bodog and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Arconic eagles nest falls Arconic Eagle Cam officials says the branch supporting the eagles nest broke causing the nest to fall.
	How you can protect your AC unit during extreme heat With heat indexes up to 110 degrees, local experts share vital tips to keep your air conditioner running smoothly and lower your electric bills.
	Resident and dog escape Coal Valley house fire safely on Sunday evening A resident and their dog safely escaped a house fire Sunday on South Shore Drive in Coal Valley. Fire crews contained the damage to a single room.
	The Supreme Court upholds grace periods for mail-in ballots, siding against the GOP The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a Mississippi law that allows election officials to count mail-in ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but received up to five days after it.
	5 home projects to complete this summer 5 home projects to complete this summerSummer is here, and the time is right for major home renovations, thanks to longer daylight hours, lower humidity, and more predictable weather conditions. Timing your home reno projects strategically and taking advantage of the upsides of summertime can improve installation quality, reduce delays, and potentially increase your return on investment over time.Certain thoughtful upgrades, especially energy efficiency improvements, exterior repairs, and curb appeal projects, can help improve the everyday comfort of your home while also supporting long-term property value. In this piece, Splitero highlights the top home renovations to tackle this summer, which projects are better saved for fall, and how homeowners can plan and fund renovations more confidently.Key TakeawaysSummer is the best season for exterior, structural, and outdoor renovation work because warm, dry weather helps materials cure and install properly.Energy-efficiency upgrades like new windows, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and attic insulation may help reduce long-term utility costs if installed in early summer, before the hottest part of the year.Outdoor improvements such as patios, decks, and landscaping can improve curb appeal and extend usable living space – and they’re more comfortable to work on at the beginning of the season.Some projects, including interior painting and hardwood floor refinishing, are often better completed during the drier conditions of fall.Having a renovation funding plan in place before starting can help homeowners avoid delays or unfinished projects.1. Replace old or drafty windowsOlder windows can quietly drive up heating and cooling costs, especially during periods of extreme weather. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for up to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.Visible drafts, condensation between panes, rising utility bills, and windows that stick when opening or closing are all common signs it may be time for replacement.Summer is one of the best times to install new windows because warm, stable temperatures help sealants adhere properly and reduce the risk of weather delays. Many homeowners choose Energy Star-certified windows because they meet federal energy-efficiency performance standards for insulation and climate control, and are associated with lower heating and cooling costs.For homeowners thinking about long-term value, window replacement is frequently included among the home renovations with the best return on investment, thanks to its combination of energy savings and curb appeal improvements.2. Tackle roofing repairs or replacementRoofing projects are very weather-dependent, making summer one of the busiest seasons for roof repairs and replacements. The drier conditions in summer help roofing materials seal correctly while minimizing project interruptions caused by rain or moisture exposure.“Consistent weather and longer days make the projects much more efficient and predictable,” said Mike Feazel, CEO of Roof Maxx, noting that summer’s longer days and more predictable weather patterns help exterior projects move more efficiently with fewer weather-related delays.According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, asphalt shingle roofs typically last between 15 and 30 years, depending on climate and maintenance. Delaying repairs can increase the likelihood of leaks, mold growth, and water damage that may become significantly more expensive over time.For homeowners thinking about resale, Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO of Echo Fine Properties, warns that older roofs can become a concern for both buyers and mortgage lenders, making replacement a worthwhile investment before listing a home.This all said, extreme heat can make shingles more vulnerable during installation, so many contractors recommend scheduling work during early summer or cooler stretches when possible.3. Upgrade your HVAC systemIf your HVAC system struggles to maintain temperatures, requires frequent repairs, or causes energy bills to spike, summer may be the ideal time to consider an upgrade.According to Stan Pakarin, CEO of Fuse Service, many HVAC systems begin costing more to maintain than to replace once homeowners experience recurring repairs and declining performance. He explained that the prospect of expensive repairs on systems nearing 12 to 15 years old is often better viewed as an opportunity to consider newer, more energy-efficient equipment instead of a temporary fix for aging systems.It’s also worthwhile to consider upgrading your HVAC system before the hottest part of the summer season; replacing an aging system before peak demand periods may also make it easier to secure contractor availability and avoid emergency breakdowns during heat waves. Installing a new system during summer also allows homeowners to test performance under real-world conditions before colder temperatures arrive later in the year.4. Improve or add outdoor living spaceOutdoor living upgrades continue to rank among the most popular home improvement projects, particularly during warmer months when homeowners spend more time outside. Patios, decks, pergolas, and covered seating areas can help extend functional living space while improving curb appeal.Summer is especially well-suited for these projects because dry ground conditions allow for easier excavation, concrete curing, staining, and construction work. Homeowners may also immediately enjoy the added space for entertaining or outdoor dining during the warmer months.“Too much heat, humidity, or rain can create problems with everything from paint adhesion to roofing installation and concrete curing,” explained Marcus Cuevas, franchise owner at Varsity Zone. As a result, many homeowners choose to sit out the spring season for certain exterior renovation projects due to frequent rain and inconsistent weather conditions.5. Seal and insulate your atticAttic sealing and insulation upgrades are often overlooked, but they can have a significant impact on both comfort and energy efficiency.The EPA’s Energy Star program estimates homeowners can save an average of 10% on heating and cooling costs by properly sealing and insulating their homes. Because attics are a major source of air leakage, addressing insulation gaps can help reduce the strain on HVAC systems during peak summer temperatures.Summer also gives contractors safer and more consistent access to attic spaces before colder weather arrives. You may notice indoor comfort improvements almost immediately after the project is completed.Projects to save for fallWhile summer is ideal for many exterior renovations, some indoor projects are best saved until temperatures cool and humidity levels drop. Interior painting, for example, can benefit from fall’s drier conditions, which may help paint dry more evenly and reduce issues like bubbling, streaking, or prolonged curing times. Hardwood floor refinishing is another project many home professionals prefer to tackle in the fall, since excess summer humidity can cause wood planks to expand and affect how stains and finishes cure.Fall can also be a practical time to schedule larger interior remodels. “Heavy indoor construction projects, including but not limited to full kitchen and bath remodels, would be best started after Labor Day,” said Mike Roberts, co-founder and president of City Creek Mortgage. He added that waiting until fall can mean better contractor availability and less disruption to summer vacations and recreational plans.How to fund summer renovationsHome renovation costs can add up quickly, especially when tackling multiple projects at once. Some homeowners choose to pay with savings, while others explore financing options like personal loans, a home equity line of credit (HELOC), or home equity investments (HEIs).Using your home equity can enable you to cover large up-front renovation expenses like roofing, window replacement, HVAC upgrades, or outdoor construction projects that could otherwise delay timelines or strain savings. Before starting a new project, you should compare different financing options based on your overall renovation goals and budget flexibility.FAQsWhich home renovations add the most value in summer?Exterior upgrades, such as window replacements, roofing repairs, outdoor living additions, and improvements to your home’s energy efficiency are often considered high-value summer renovation projects.Is summer actually the best time to replace windows?Yes! Warm, stable weather helps installation materials seal properly and reduces weather-related delays during the replacement process.How do I know if my HVAC system needs to be replaced instead of repaired?Frequent repairs, uneven temperatures, rising utility bills, and relying on systems older than 10 to 15 years may signal it’s time to consider a replacement.What’s the best way to fund home renovations if I don’t have cash on hand?Some homeowners use their savings, while others explore financing options such as HELOCs, personal loans, or HEIs, depending on their financial goals.Can I live in my home during renovations?Many summer renovation projects can be completed while you remain in your home, although larger structural projects can temporarily disrupt your daily routines.Which renovations should I avoid doing in summer?Interior painting and hardwood floor refinishing are often better suited for fall because lower humidity can help finishes cure more evenly.How long do summer renovation projects usually take?Project timelines vary depending on size and complexity; exterior summer renovations can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.This story was produced by Splitero and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Google’s AI search era could leave businesses fighting for fewer clicks Google’s AI search era could leave businesses fighting for fewer clicksGenerative AI has rearranged how people find what they want online, and many businesses are learning that the search tactics they relied on for years no longer behave the way they expect.For nearly three decades, the arrangement between Google and the companies that depended on it was relatively simple. Businesses climbed the rankings, Google sent visitors to their websites, and those visitors often became customers.But Google’s new AI-powered search experience is now putting pressure on that arrangement by answering more questions before a user ever leaves the search page. Digital marketing observers, including elk Marketing, have been tracking the implications closely as businesses discover that a strong ranking no longer guarantees the website visit that once followed it.Online search may feel faster and more useful to the person asking, but the businesses behind the information are starting to get less of the customer contact they once counted on.What Changed at GoogleGoogle’s vice president of Search, Elizabeth Reid, called the company’s new AI-powered Search box its biggest upgrade in more than 25 years, with the whole experience now running on Gemini. And that upgrade is already changing what people see first.AI Overviews now sit above many results, giving users a quick AI-written summary before they ever reach the links below. But AI Mode pushes the experience further by opening a conversational space where people can ask longer questions, then keep going with follow-ups without starting over.Search is also widening beyond typed words alone, reading images and files as part of the same experience. And with early agentic tools beginning to act on a person’s behalf, Google is moving Search closer to handling parts of the task, not just surfacing information.Google says adoption has moved quickly, with AI Mode now past a billion monthly active users globally and queries more than doubling each quarter since launch.Why Clicks Are Becoming Harder to EarnBefore AI Search, a Google query usually led people through a path that businesses understood well. A typed question produced a page of blue links, and the next step was a click to the site that looked most useful.But Google now interrupts that path by placing the answer directly on the results page, often resolving the search before a visitor reaches any website. And once that answer sits at the top of the page, the link below becomes easier to ignore.Pew Research Center found that people click less when an AI-generated summary appears, and the BBC reported that nearly 60% of Google searches now end without a click at all.Gisele Navarro of the review site HouseFresh told the BBC she has watched that change play out on her own pages, with impressions rising even while traffic falls. “Google is showing our links more often, but no one clicks,” she said.AI Search Is Moving From Answers to ActionsGoogle’s bigger move is that Search is starting to keep more of the customer journey inside its own walls. The company has started building search experiences that carry more of the errand from the first request to the final choice.For example, a search for dinner plans can send AI Mode across reservation platforms such as Resy, while a ticket search can send it across marketplaces such as Ticketmaster. And shopping agents go further by tracking a product’s price and buying it with Google Pay once the shopper approves the details.Even travel planning and product monitoring follow the same pattern, with Google handling more of the work before a brand gets the visit. Each task completed inside Search places Google closer to the customer relationship, leaving marketers to wonder how much of the buyer’s path they will still get to see.Why Businesses Should CareEvery business, regardless of size, has a stake in Google’s new AI search experience. Non-branded searches often introduce a company to someone who does not know its name yet, so losing that visit can mean losing the first lead or sales conversation.E-commerce and SaaS companies feel the pressure when product research ends before a trial or cart visit. But even healthcare providers and professional services face a similar risk when educational queries are answered before a prospective customer reaches their site.Each missed visit also leaves less first-party data for email capture and remarketing, giving businesses less control over the relationship after search.The New Search Visibility GameEvery few years, someone declares SEO is dead, and every few years that claim falls apart. Search still rewards visibility, but the struggle now plays out inside the answer itself, where Google’s AI decides which brands are credible enough to cite and which sources deserve to shape the response.A high ranking still helps, though it no longer carries the same weight on its own. Today, brands need accurate information wherever the web names them, and a reputation built on mentions from sources beyond their own pages.McKinsey found that a brand’s own site often makes up only 5% to 10% of the sources that AI-powered search references, and just 16% of brands today systematically track AI search performance. Winning that space now depends on whether a brand is trusted enough to be named when the answer is written.Commercial Implications and the Growing Role of Paid VisibilitySearch is also becoming more commercial in places that used to feel purely organic. Google now allows ads to appear above, below, and in some markets within AI Overviews, placing paid visibility closer to the answer itself and closer to the decision that follows.And that raises a harder question for marketers about whether search is becoming more pay-to-play, especially when a shrinking share of clicks is already being contested inside the results page.Budgets, customer acquisition costs, and attribution all get harder to manage in that setup. And when visibility depends on both auction strength and AI placement, many businesses will have to rethink how search fits into the rest of their channel mix.Google’s CounterpointWhile search is changing quickly, Google argues that the future is not as bleak as some critics suggest.Company leaders have consistently framed AI Search as an evolution of discovery rather than a replacement for the open web. And their position is that AI Overviews and AI Mode help people find information faster while still connecting them to the websites behind the answers.Google also points to built-in links and the source cards that credit each answer as evidence that users can continue exploring beyond the summary itself.The company says it still sends billions of clicks to the web daily, with executive Nick Fox telling the BBC that “the web is thriving.” Google adds that “traditional web results will continue to appear” beside its AI answers, framing it as traffic that moves around instead of disappearing.Conclusion: The Economics of Online Discovery Are ChangingGoogle’s AI Search era does not erase the need to be found, but it does change what being found is worth. A business may still appear in Google while receiving fewer direct visits, especially when an AI answer gives the user enough information to keep moving. And that makes search success harder to judge through rankings and traffic alone.Teams will need to watch how often they appear inside AI answers, then compare that visibility with the leads and revenue they can still trace. The next step is a wider approach to discovery, with stronger brand demand and more useful content that AI systems can read with confidence.Businesses that pair that visibility with direct customer relationships will have more ways to earn attention, build trust, and stay visible as AI-powered search keeps expanding.This story was produced by elk Marketing and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Walcott man facing multiple forgery, identity theft charges Stanley Blythe of Walcott faces multiple felony charges for allegedly writing eleven unauthorized life insurance policies on his own family members.
	The role customer relationship management plays in small business growth and efficiency The role customer relationship management plays in small business growth and efficiencySmall businesses (those with less than 500 employees) make up 99% of businesses in the U.S. and employ almost half of the country’s workforce. Unfortunately, most rely on outdated systems like spreadsheets for managing customer relationships. As a result, there’s a measurable difference in the cost and efficacy of customer data management between small and larger businesses.Customer relationship management (CRM) is the tracking and organizing of each customer and prospect across every touchpoint a business has with them. For small businesses, especially those with lean teams and tight margins, using CRM systems is a competitive advantage.Studies have shown that small businesses that use CRM systems see greater sales performance and a higher rate of customer retention. These businesses also see better overall efficiency when compared to small businesses that do not use CRM systems.To provide small businesses the opportunity to grow, this Nutshell guide shows the various data points that support small business CRM system use, and the most valuable tools and features small businesses should look for in a CRM solution.Key takeawaysResearch published in Sustainability in 2025 shows that CRM adoption in SMBs increases customer retention, sales, and improves operational process efficiency.Compared to larger companies, SMBs have the greatest need for CRM solutions but are the least likely to adopt them, according to Metrigy’s CX MetriCast 2025 study.CRM solutions start paying off soon after implementation, as highlighted in a 2025 study by the IJPREMS. The effects get better over time as retention improves and teams work better together.What is CRM, and why does it matter for small businesses?CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. At its core, CRM is a structured way to track and organize a business’s current and future customer touch points. Essentially, CRM software helps you manage business contact data, track business relationships, and organize future communication.For large corporations, a powerfully structured CRM system is foundational. And, while small businesses are only starting to catch up, there’s still a significant gap to fill. Metrigy's CX MetriCast 2025 study found that only 52.5% of companies with fewer than 250 employees have employed a CRM system. In comparison, 78.4% of companies with between 1,000 and 2,500 employees use a CRM. That gap shows which businesses have successfully built systems to cultivate customer relationships and which have not.The reality is that small businesses find themselves on the losing end of that gap. When one employee holds vital customer information in their email, staff turnover can ultimately disrupt customer relationships that have been built over a long period of time. That’s not the way to build a business.What does the research say about CRM and small business performance?Research shows that across sectors and scales, CRM adoption has a positive association with business performance. Importantly, research is no longer confined to large-scale enterprises.In a 2025 peer-reviewed study published in the Sustainability journal, the author studied employees across 228 SMBs and covered the impact of CRM on small businesses. With nine hypotheses in mind, the study found eight of them to be true.Out of all the 8 proven hypotheses, systematic CRM organization (the way customer data is organized in a CRM system) was found to have the highest impact on performance. The study also confirmed that CRM usage promotes customer loyalty, increases customer lifetime value, and improves competitive advantage in the dynamic marketplace.In a different study published in the International Journal of Progressive Research in Engineering Management and Science (IJPREMS) in 2025, the author surveyed small business owners from retail, healthcare, education, and service sectors.The study claimed that each major metric (time savings, automated follow-ups, improved coordination, and efficient complaint tracking) had an average score of greater than 4.7 out of 5. The research confirmed that the adoption of CRM systems by SMBs leads to a 20% to 30% improvement in effectiveness, particularly in customer retention and service quality.CRM and small business performance exampleOne tangible example of how useful the tools in modern CRMs can be comes from Brother’s Leather Supply, a small leather goods manufacturer.For a while, managing wholesale inquiries, email, and vendor communications was easy with the use of spreadsheets. But once web orders hit the company, the system became overloaded.The company was losing out on revenue because there were so many unfulfilled orders. This was all due to broken and lost opportunities for sales calls and follow-ups.Transitioning to a CRM system helped the company decrease operational friction and manage workflows to the point that they reported consistent growth of 40% every month and hit six figures in sales.How does CRM improve day-to-day operations for small teams?There are three major advantages many professionals point to: Data organization, time savings, and team coordination.Data organization is the foundation. The localization of data and past interactions in a CRM helps sales teams pick up where past team members left off. It saves them the time of having to constantly recall past interactions with the customer or start from scratch when the data can’t be found.Time savings become apparent fast. A survey performed by Freshworks in 2024 of 600 business professionals found that, across the board, the vast majority believed that CRMs helped save 5 to 10 standard work hours in a week. The results cited help with follow-ups, reminders, and alerts as being some of the primary CRM time-saving features.Team coordination is where CRM delivers something that spreadsheets structurally can't. CRM coordination tools are shared, real-time elements that allow multiple team members to access contact history, current conversations, and outstanding activities simultaneously. In small businesses where the division of responsibilities is less distinct, and everyone is involved with customer relationships, that transparency has a real impact on team dynamics.Does CRM actually help small businesses scale?Yes, and the data backing this up is compelling.According to research by Freshworks, the majority of companies that adopted a CRM recorded a sales revenue increase of 21% to 30% and a sales cycle reduction of 8 to 14 days. Companies with a CRM reported that they were 86% more likely to meet sales targets compared to companies without a CRM.A 2025 study by IJPREMS describes a moderate positive correlation between the retention of customers and the length of time a business has been using a CRM. The study argues that the longer a CRM is used effectively, the better the business’s customer retention.Over time, CRM systems gain business intelligence. The more interactions, outcomes of decisions regarding deals, and preferences that are entered, the more beneficial the system is.Businesses that adopt a CRM early differentiate themselves by having systems in place prior to rapid growth. Companies that wait to adopt a CRM typically do so during rapid growth, and the results are less predictable.Is CRM worth the investment for a small business?Yes. CRM is, without a doubt, worth the investment for small businesses.Nucleus Research found in 2024 that a CRM system delivers an average return of $3.10. But what small business owners should be thinking about is the cost of missed opportunities when operating without a CRM.Without a CRM, you risk having a slow onboarding process for new employees, losing context for deals, duplicating efforts when reaching out to clients, and more. These all affect your bottom line but are more difficult to quantify than the subscription fee.That said, CRM systems are becoming more accessible to small businesses. Metrigy's 2025 study recorded a significant jump in the adoption of CRM systems by small and medium-sized businesses in 2024.Subscription fees and software complexity, which had kept small businesses from adopting CRM, are becoming a thing of the past. In fact, entry-level plans for major CRM systems now start at under $30 per user per month.Growth doesn't wait for better systemsA CRM is not an enterprise software program that small businesses have to adapt to. For any business that relies on relationships to earn revenue and grow, a CRM platform is an important business tool.This story was produced by Nutshell and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	A major risk area every business owner should know about A major risk area every business owner should know aboutAs a small business owner, did you know that you could be held liable for bodily injury or property damage resulting from your operations or products, even if the injury or damage occurs after the work is long done and your policy has expired? And if the damage happens after you have cancelled your insurance, you may not have coverage for the incident, even though it results from operations you performed or products you sold during your policy term.How can you protect yourself if you go out of business or don’t renew your general liability policy, if a claim related to work you previously completed comes your way? Below, Thimble shares what you need to know.There are two types of exposures:A premises/operations exposureA products and completed operations exposureThe former includes risks associated within the physical location of your business or job site while your operations are taking place. The latter exposure type focuses on the risks associated with your operations, products or services once they have been sold or completed. Premises/operations incidents usually occur during the policy period, so typically the damage arising from them does, too. But when it comes to incidents that arise from your products or completed operations, an injury or damage could occur months after a policy expires.Once a product has left your hands or a project is completed, if something arises after that, it is considered a product and completed operations loss, exposing your small business to major liability. And as a small business owner, preparing yourself for these types of scenarios — or at least understanding what your policies cover and don’t cover — is critical.Most policies that small businesses purchase are known as “occurrence” policies. This means you must have a policy in force when the damage or injury occurs, irrespective of when the work was done.Consider a hypothetical scenario where this type of coverage comes into play. Let’s say a contractor in Florida named Bob is hired to build a patio deck. Bob purchases insurance for a policy term that matches the duration of the project. Six months after the project is completed and the insurance policy expires, a grandma falls and breaks her arm when the railing fails. Bob is still liable for the bodily injury claim, even though the insurance he purchased was no longer in force. Because the policy he purchased only covered injury or damage which happened during the policy term, Bob panics. Is he going to be covered under his old, expired general liability policy?Just as personal injury is a type of coverage under a general liability policy, products and completed operations is a coverage type small business owners should look for to help protect against scenarios like these — especially if they are purchasing a short-term policy. If Bob the contractor has product and operations coverage that extends through when the porch railing accident occurs, he’ll have coverage.Many small business owners don’t know to look for this type of coverage, or what it really means, making this a major risk area to consider.How can you be sure you’re getting this coverage?A small business owner should review for products and operations coverage in their general liability policy. More specifically, policy holders should review what is included during the policy term, and under which conditions. Not all policies are created equal, so checking to ensure you have continued products and completed operation coverage for critical periods is crucial. For more personalized insurance advice, find and consult with a licensed insurance broker near you.This story was produced by Thimble and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Overspent on vacation? How to bounce back financially Overspent on vacation? How to bounce back financiallyYou're home from vacation and ready to dive back into everyday life — including facing your bank account balance. Whether travel simply cost more than you budgeted for or unforeseen circumstances drove up the price, overspending on vacation can happen to the best of us.Below, Ally shares debt repayment tips to help you take control of your vacation debt and begin your journey toward financial recovery.Understanding your debtTo make a plan to pay down the cost of your travels, you have to know exactly how much you owe.Assess the amount: After all the charges have been processed, take a close look at the transactions to see how much you spent.Identify the sources: Whether you used your credit card, debit card or cash during your trip, make sure the final amount factors in each method of payment.Determine the interest rates: Knowing which payment sources have interest can help you decide which to pay off first.Creating a repayment planHow you approach paying down your vacation debt depends on your overall financial goals and personal preferences.Review your budgetYou can either create a budget or review your current one to determine how much you can reasonably afford to put toward your vacation debt each month in addition to your other expenses.Debt prioritizationWhile there’s no “right way” to reduce debt, using one of these methods can be a good place to start:Avalanche: Pay the minimum balances on each debt and put any extra income toward the balance with the highest interest rate. Once that’s paid off, you’ll direct those payments to the balance with the next highest interest rate, and so on.Snowball: Make all your minimum payments, then put any funds leftover in your budget toward your smallest balance. As each debt gets crossed off the list, those funds now go toward paying off the next lowest debt.Set realistic goalsWhile debt repayment can feel daunting, establishing achievable payment targets and creating a timeline can make the process feel more manageable and keep you motivated.Strategies for accelerating debt repaymentOnce you’ve gotten into a good rhythm for paying down your debt, you can start to find ways to accelerate your repayment schedule. For example, if you've recently been promoted or received a tax refund, you could put that extra cash toward your debt. Another option is consolidation, which can simplify your debt into one monthly payment and even help you secure a lower interest rate. If you’re interested in really speeding things up, starting a side hustle like freelancing or pet sitting could help you earn some extra income.Avoid future vacation debtThe good news is you can always learn from the past to avoid similar situations on future trips.Plan and budgetAs you scope out the itinerary for your next vacation, take into account more expenses than just transportation and accommodations. Including meals and souvenirs into your travel budget can help you stay more in control while out of town.Set realistic expectationsIt’s okay to splurge here and there while on vacation, but it’s also important to make sure the majority of your experience and activities stay within your budget. By setting realistic expectations on what you can and can’t afford, you can plan a trip you will enjoy without breaking the bank.Consider alternativesNot every vacation needs to be an international extravaganza. Staycations, camping and road trips are all budget-friendly alternatives that still allow you to get some much-needed rest and relaxation.Put vacation debt behind youWe all go overboard from time to time. Whether it was travel delays, unexpected hotel fees or too many souvenirs, overspending on vacation happens. But you can find your financial footing again by making a plan to pay off any travel-related debt.This story was produced by Ally Financial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	US new home sales outlook: Housing market trends and what the latest data signals for 2026 US new home sales outlook: Housing market trends and what the latest data signals for 2026 A SoFi analysis of new home sales data suggests the U.S. housing market may be showing early signs of stabilization. Current indicators, including steadying interest rates and a gradual softening of new home sales prices, point to a potentially more consistent environment in 2026.New home sales provide critical insight into the overall U.S. housing market. The data is telling of real estate market demand, which can impact mortgage interest rates and home prices. It’s also a leading indicator of broader economic stability.This signal carries extra weight after years of housing market volatility. Not only have supply and demand fluctuated, but affordability concerns — often linked to high mortgage interest rates and rising sales prices — have made homeownership a significant challenge for many.To determine what these shifts mean for 2026, SoFi paired the latest sales data with expert forecasts to assess what may lie ahead for the U.S. housing market.Key FindingsNew home sales are up 18.7% year-over-year (seasonally adjusted) as mortgage interest rates and inventory start to stabilize throughout many U.S. housing markets.A steady supply and demand for new homes is a strong indicator of a healthy economy. It can even provide valuable insight into individual financial stability.Median and average new home sales prices have slowly started to come down, and experts forecast a potential return to affordability in the coming years.Although the national housing market appears to be steadily improving in many ways, some regional and local markets show an opposite trend with declining inventory and sales rates.Factors such as new construction activity, new home supply, builder incentives, mortgage rates, and overall affordability can influence buyer behavior and the future of the U.S. housing market.If demand remains steady, the inventory of new homes for sale is predicted to last just under eight months (seasonally adjusted).In early 2026, SoFi analyzed the latest data from authoritative sources to make predictions about the U.S. housing market. SoFi Latest US New Home Sales Data and Housing Market ConditionsNew Home Sales ActivityAccording to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), new single-family home sales were running at an annualized pace of 737,000 (a seasonally adjusted estimate of monthly sales projected over a full year). That’s just 0.1% lower than the new home sales rate the month before, suggesting that sales activity has largely stabilized rather than experiencing sharp month-to-month swings. Figures are seasonally adjusted to eliminate short-term factors that affect the data, such as climate, holidays, and production cycles.While the month-to-month changes are negligible, the annual difference is much higher. The seasonally adjusted sales rate of new homes in October 2024 was 621,000. That’s an 18.7% year-over-year (YoY) increase.Trends in New Home Sales PricesAs the overall new home sales rate rose, median sales prices fell. In the 12 months ending in October 2025, the median sales price of new homes dropped from $426,300 to $392,300. That’s an 8% YoY decline.It’s worth noting that the average sales price of new homes rose 3% from September to October last year (from $483,500 to $498,000). However, there’s been an overall YoY decline — down 4.6% from October 2024, when the average new home sales price was $521,900.New Home Inventory LevelsOn the inventory side, the U.S. housing market hasn’t seen a significant change in inventory of late. In both September and October of last year, an estimated 488,000 new homes were on the market (seasonally adjusted). That reflects a 1.7% YoY increase.So, what do these shifts indicate about the current housing market balance? For starters, the available inventory of new U.S. homes for sale was expected to last 7.9 months as of October 2025 (seasonally adjusted). In other words, if homes kept selling at the current pace and no new inventory came onto the market, it would take 7.9 months to sell every available home.This figure falls short of estimates from earlier in the year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the supply of new homes was projected to last 8.9 months at the end of February 2025 and 9.2 months at the end of July. Still, supply hasn’t changed much since the tail end of last year. And new home inventory levels are also on par with the July 2024 estimate of 7.9 months.When supply remains steady to meet demand, it’s a good indicator of a healthy economy. It also keeps housing prices from skyrocketing. SoFi Behind the NumbersThe rising number of new home sales also suggests more buyers and sellers are on the market. This could reflect anything from builder incentives to the availability of low down payment mortgage options (like Federal Housing Administration or VA loans). Of course, housing doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Increased demand may also indicate greater individual economic stability. There could be regional or local variances at play here, however, as the national unemployment rate was 4.4% in February 2026. How this might affect the national housing market for the year remains to be seen.Regional and Metro-Level New Home Sales TrendsNational new home sales trends are useful, but they don’t tell the whole story. Regional and metro-level data can reveal much more about what’s happening on the ground.Redfin Data Center found that home sales across all residential property types rose slightly from 432,467 in January 2025 to 435,735 in December 2025. That’s less than a 1% difference. But demand for these types of homes has cooled in the following major metropolitan areas:Washington, D.C.: 4,669 to 4,464 (-4.39%)Philadelphia: 1,670 to 1,634 (-2.16%)Seattle: 2,938 to 2,816 (-4.15%)Chicago: 6,536 to 6,374 (-2.48%)The housing market also varies regionally. Every year, the HUD Office of Policy Development and Research publishes Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis reports on major U.S. regions. Key data from the latest reports (second quarter 2025) include the following.New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont):The housing supply in every state except for Vermont was below the national level.New and existing home sales fell 2% from May 2024 to May 2025. New construction properties (single-family) also declined.Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia):The region saw a 7% increase in home sales prices, while homebuilding activity fell 10%.Housing inventory was estimated to last 2–4.9 months.Southwest (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas):Home sales decreased in all states, with a notable 11% decline in Texas.The permitting of new single-family homes in the broader Southwest region fell 6% YoY.Northwest (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington):The number of single-family homes permitted fell 3% YoY, with Oregon seeing the greatest decline in new home construction (down 9%).Home sales within the region fell 1% YoY compared with 11% YoY in 2024.The U.S. housing market is somewhat of a mixed bag. While new construction inventory, sales rates, and prices might be relatively stable in one region, the opposite can be true elsewhere.If you’re considering buying a home in 2026, awareness of regional and local housing market differences can help. An area with rising new home sales could indicate more affordable prices (and mortgage rates) and potentially higher inventory levels. It might also suggest broader economic stability — not just in employment and job growth rates, but also in income levels.What’s Driving New Home Sales and the Housing Market Into 2026?Several forces shape the trajectory of new home sales. Some work in buyers’ favor, while others create headwinds.Mortgage RatesSince mortgage rates so directly affect affordability, they also figure heavily into people’s buying decisions. As of February 2026, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.11% (or 5.50% for a 15-year fixed-rate loan). Rates have climbed dramatically since their 2021 lows of under 3.00%, but the broader trend over the past year has been downward. For reference, 30-year rates hit 7.79% in October 2023.Listing PricesAs noted earlier, average and median new home sales prices have been trending downward of late, with the median dropping 8% YoY as of October 2025. If recent trends continue, 2026 could be the year that sidelined buyers can make a move.Builder IncentivesBuilder incentives have become a widespread tactic to keep sales moving. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 65% of builders reported using sales incentives in January 2026, marking the 10th consecutive month that incentive use has exceeded 60%. These incentives include mortgage rate buydowns, closing cost assistance, and other buyer-facing concessions.Beyond incentives, builders are also adjusting on price. The same survey found that 40% of builders reported cutting listing prices in January. The average price reduction was 6%, up from 5% in December. SoFi Builder SentimentConfidence among new single-family homebuilders fell two points in January to 37 out of 100, according to the NAHB. This is especially concerning for lower- and mid-range sectors of the housing market. In 2024 and 2025, builders experienced (or expected to experience) challenges regarding high interest rates, rising inflation and material costs, and other economic issues. Some of these pressures, like interest rates, could ease in 2026.Construction ActivityAs of October 2025, there were 1,412,000 building permits (for future construction) and 1,246,000 housing starts (new construction) for privately owned housing units. The number of completed units was 1,386,000.However, it’s worth noting that housing starts and completed construction fell below prior-year rates (down 7.8% and 15.3%, respectively). This points to a lower-than-expected supply. SoFi Buyer BehaviorA number of economic forces shape buyer behavior. For example, inflationary pressure that drives up building costs can translate to more expensive homes, keeping people from entering the market.Employment rates and income play a role, too. The national unemployment rate was 4.4% in December 2025, up 0.4% from the beginning of the year. It dropped to 4.3% in January. Higher unemployment rates typically dampen housing demand.2026 New Home Sales Outlook and Housing Market Forecast: The Short-Term ForecastSalesAccording to Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research Group, new single-family home sales are projected to rise approximately 3.7% YoY in 2026. Sales are then expected to increase slightly in 2027, with a projected 0.6% gain.Total home sales are projected to rise approximately 2.7% in 2026, followed by stronger growth in 2027, signaling a gradual recovery rather than rapid expansion.In 2026, total home sales are expected to reach approximately 4.9 million, including roughly 707,000 new single-family home sales. That’s modestly above 2025 levels, despite ongoing affordability concerns.InventoryOn the supply side, Fannie Mae projects total housing starts to decline 3.7% in 2026, driven by a 3% drop in single-family starts and a 5.2% decline in multifamily starts. Starts are in line for a modest recovery in 2027, with a projected increase of 2.2%.Mortgage Rates and OriginationsMortgage rates continue to be a factor heading into 2026, but Fannie Mae’s outlook is somewhat positive. Rates are expected to hover at around 6.00% for a 30-year mortgage, much as they did throughout most of 2025. If rates hold steady and housing prices decline both nationally and regionally, more buyers could feel confident entering or returning to the market.While single-family mortgage originations are off to a slow start in 2026, Fannie Mae predicts a rebound as the year progresses. This suggests greater buyer engagement may be on the horizon.Broader Pricing and Affordability TrendsHome prices are still rising, but the pace is cooling. According to HUD, annual price growth ranged from 1.8% to 2.3% in July 2025, down from higher gains earlier in the year. First American Data & Analytics put in sharper context, reporting that annual home price appreciation has hit its slowest growth rate since 2012. If this continues, housing affordability could improve, especially in areas with higher inventory levels.Looking further ahead, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) expects sales activity to increase over the next 25 years. Demographics drive that prediction, as millennials and Gen Z move toward major life milestones like big moves, job transitions, and growing families, all of which have historically driven homeownership demand.What Could Shift the BalanceOne factor that could influence supply is the potential easing of rate lock-in. Homeowners sitting on sub-4.00% mortgages have had little financial reason to sell, keeping existing homes on the market.But if interest rates gradually decline, that math would change. And if more existing inventory comes online alongside new construction (new single-family home sales were already up 18.7% in September 2025), buyers could see more options. Ultimately, the 2026 housing market might not go back to “normal,” but it appears to be moving toward a healthier balance. SoFi What New Home Sales Trends Mean for Homebuyers in 2026The data points toward a housing market that’s gradually becoming more accessible. Mortgage rates are expected to hold near 6.00%, home price appreciation is slowing to its lowest rate in over a decade, and builder incentives remain widespread.Buyers shouldn’t expect dramatic corrections, but the trends are encouraging. Higher inventory and cooling prices are bringing the market closer to balance. And that’s good for sellers, too, since price stability tends to support more consistent demand.For returning and first-time homebuyers alike in the market for new construction, the current environment shows reason for optimism. Builder incentives like rate buydowns and closing cost assistance can help lower the purchase price. And buyers who are flexible on location may also find more favorable conditions in nearby markets with higher inventory. SoFi Methodology and Data Sources for New Home Sales AnalysisAccuracy and transparency matter. That’s why SoFi relies on authoritative primary and reputable third-party sources to procure and analyze data — in this case, U.S. housing market trends and predictions.This new home sales data analysis is fundamentally based on the latest available housing market data from 2025 and early 2026. Core data sources for regional and metro insights, market trends, affordability, and forecasting include the U.S. Census Bureau/HUD, Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED), Redfin, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, MBA, and NAHB.Note: Some data includes both new and existing home sales. This is due either to limited data on the former or blended data in original reporting. A few figures come from Q4 2024 for added context.The TakeawayThe broad picture heading into 2026 is one of gradual improvement, not a dramatic reset. New home price growth has moderated, and mortgage rates are projected to remain relatively stable. While supply constraints persist in some regions, conditions appear more balanced than in recent years.FAQsWhat are new home sales, and how are they different from existing home sales?The U.S. Census Bureau defines new home sales as the signing of a sales contract or acceptance of a deposit on a property at any stage of development (not started, under construction, or completed). An estimated 25% of these homes are sold at the time of completion, while the remainder are split between those not yet started and currently under construction.Existing home sales work differently. They’re based on closings rather than purchase agreements. They usually involve a sales contract signed 30–60 days prior to being reported.Why are new home sales important for understanding the housing market?New home sales data is typically available one or two months before existing sales, making it a leading indicator of broader economic activity. It offers an early read on housing demand, buyer confidence, and pricing trends, though it tends to be more volatile than existing home sales data.What does the latest new home sales data suggest about the 2026 housing market?The data suggests a housing market that’s gradually moving toward better balance. Home price growth is moderating, mortgage rates are expected to hold relatively steady, and new home sales activity is projected to rise modestly in 2026.How do mortgage rates affect new home sales?Lower mortgage rates tend to bring more buyers into the market, while higher or volatile rates often push potential buyers to the sidelines until conditions stabilize.Are new construction homes becoming more affordable?While there are regional differences, new home prices have come down. The median sales price fell 8% YoY (from October 2024 to 2025). The average sales price fell 4.6% during this same period.Which regions are seeing the strongest new home sales trends?New home construction rates have fallen in certain areas, like Oregon, Idaho, Arkansas, and Delaware. In Vermont, the housing supply remained above the national level. Meanwhile, some Western and Southern housing markets have seen overall higher active inventories due to slower markets.Is 2026 a good time to buy a new construction home?It depends on your budget and needs. Buying a home is a major decision (and commitment), so take the time to consider whether it fits into your big-picture plans. Be sure to weigh the costs as well — not just financial. You’ll want to be emotionally and mentally prepared, too.Where does new home sales data come from?SoFi uses data from reliable primary and third-party resources. This includes organizations like the Census Bureau/HUD, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, Mortgage Bankers Association Forecasts (MBA), and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).How does new home inventory affect housing prices and buyer competition?Greater supply can keep up with high demand, but the inverse is also true. When there isn’t enough inventory, buyer competition can be fierce. Sometimes, housing prices will rise, and sellers will be less willing to negotiate with prospects.This story was produced by SoFi and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Heat safety tips as extreme weather moves into QCA The Red Cross is urging Quad Cities residents to stay hydrated, stay cool, and stay connected during this week's dangerous extreme heat warning.
	“Sometimes the Best Move Is No Move at All” as a Political Strategy Doesn’t Work Well in Illinois The news earlier this month that the Illinois AFL-CIO has “deferred” all decisions on legislative and statewide endorsements in the upcoming fall election generated quite a bit of headlines.
	An assistant district attorney and a madam join forces in 'A Pair of Aces' Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray bring readers a new historical novel that presents two women on opposite ends of the law who must partner to bring down a crime boss in 1930s New York.
	Ginza Hibachi & Ramen in Moline temporarily closed till July 20 Ginza Hibachi & Ramen restaurant in Moline is temporarily closed for private events through July 19 and will reopen on Monday, July 20.
	Bill Ingram joins First Central Bank's commercial lending team Bringing nearly three decades of banking experience, Bill Ingram is joining First Central State Bank’s commercial lending team.
	La Catrina Plus opens in downtown Moline The store offers Mexican groceries, household supplies, spices, teas, cultural arts and crafts, clothing, hats, purses, bedding, piñatas and other specialty items.
	Royal Neighbors of America announced its 2025 social good impact results Royal Neighbors of America achieves record growth, drives $52.8 million in social good impact.
	The Doc's Inn in Silvis under new ownership The good news is The Doc’s Inn is not closing. It is simply moving forward with a new owner and a new, exciting vision.
	Limits on cellphones in classrooms, path for foreign-trained doctors among new laws taking effect The Nevada Legislature Building in Carson City in 2025. (Photo: Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current)Requiring school districts to adopt policies limiting cellphones in the classroom, opening a path for foreign-trained doctors to practice medicine in the state, and limiting the number of children social services can assign to a case worker are among the bills that take effect in Nevada this week. There are 24 bills that were passed during the 2025 Legislative Session that take effect July 1, including notable legislation that address health care gaps, education issues, and the housing crisis. Nevada ranked 45th in the nation for the ratio of active physicians to the population in 2021. according to the American Association of Medical Colleges. The state has 218 physicians per 100,000 residents, compared with the national average of 272. Senate Bill 124 seeks to offer some relief by authorizing the Board of Medical Examiners to issue a limited license to practice medicine for people who graduated from a qualified international medical school. Democratic State Sen. Fabian Doñate, who sponsored the legislation, said at the time the state had an influx of foreign-trained physicians who came to Nevada but “are working in jobs like fast food and retail when they could be surgeons.” SB 124 would authorize a limited medical license for two years, in which doctors can practice medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician. After two years, they can qualify for an unrestricted license. Nevada is now one of 23 states that have enacted such medical licensing laws, according to the Federation of State Medical Boards. The legislation, Doñate said, could help Nevada fill widening gaps in health care. “Research has demonstrated that international medical graduates are more likely to serve as primary care physicians in rural areas and critical access hospitals compared to their U.S. counterparts,” he said during a May 2025 bill hearing. Assembly Bill 396 requires the state’s most populous counties and cities to draft an ordinance addressing accessory dwelling units — smaller living units located on the same lots as larger residences. The legislation could potentially help increase affordable housing stock, Democratic Assemblymember Shea Backus, the bill’s sponsor, said during the bill’s hearing. “Nevada has been hit the hardest during the great recession and Covid-19 resulting in disruptions in home building,”she said during a May 2025 hearing, adding that the state “like much of the country, is experiencing an affordability crisis driven by a shortage of available housing.” The state lacks nearly 80,000 affordable rental homes for extremely low-income residents, according to the Nevada Housing Coalition. States and cities across the country have passed laws regulating or authorizing the building of accessory dwelling units as a way to address the affordable housing shortage. Jurisdictions, including Reno, have already passed ordinances ahead of the bill taking effect. Senate Bill 444 requires the board of trustees of each school district to adopt a policy on students using electronic devices, like cellphones, in the classroom. Districts around the country have considered cracking down on digital devices in the classroom to address rampant cellphone use that was hindering the education process. Some districts in the state, including Clark County School District, have some policies including requiring students to put phones in signal-blocking pouches. The policy only applies to students in 6th through 12th grades. In addition to a standardized, district-wide policy, the bill also requires districts to adopt penalties if students violate cellphone policies. Senate Bill 183 would cap the number of children social service agencies could assign to a case worker to 30. Under current state law there isn’t a limit on how many children in child welfare custody can be assigned to a case worker. The bill allows exceptions to ensure sibling groups are assigned to the same case worker even if it exceeds the limit. Under emergency circumstances, agencies can assign more than 30 children to a case worker but only for up to 30 days. Assembly Bill 96 mandates that cities and counties with populations exceeding 100,000 people include a specific “heat mitigation” section within their master plans. Reno and Las Vegas are the two fastest warming cities in the nation resulting in a spike in heat-related deaths in recent years. Strategies to address rising heat have to include creating public cooling spaces, public water access, cool building practices, and shaded areas. Cities in recent months have begun to unveil parts of their strategy, including efforts to expand tree canopies to combat the heat urban island effect. Courtesy of Nevada Current
	Clinton Showboat Theatre to present 'Seussical: The Musical' The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre invites audiences of all ages to enjoy the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss with "Seussical: The Musical," opening Thursday, July 2 and running through Sunday, July 12 aboard the historic Showboat Theatre., a news release says. Bursting with color, heart, and humor, "Seussical" brings together some of Dr. Seuss's most [...]
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for June 28, 2026 Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County and Henry County.
	Excessive heat and humidity across the Quad Cities An "Extreme Heat Warning" is in place for the Quad Cities through Wednesday night. Dry conditions are expected until Thursday. We may see a daily chance of showers and storms for the Fourth of July weekend. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	U.S.-Iran peace talks in question after weekend attacks in the Gulf Iran and the U.S. traded attacks over the weekend, throwing into question technical talks that were set to take place this week to advance the interim deal agreed earlier this month.
	Trump says U.S. and Iran to meet in Qatar after weekend attacks President Trump said talks with Iran would resume Tuesday in Qatar, despite the two sides trading attacks in the Gulf over the weekend. Iran did not confirm whether it will participate.
	Trump says the U.S. and Iran will meet in Qatar after weekend attacks President Trump said talks with Iran would resume Tuesday in Qatar, despite the two sides trading attacks in the Gulf over the weekend. Iran did not confirm whether it will participate.
	Tennessee taxpayers could foot bill for some SNAP costs if state’s error rate doesn’t improve Tennessee could be on the hook for tens of millions of dollars in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding by October 2027 under a new rule imposed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, unless the state improves its SNAP payment error rate. (Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture)Tennessee could be on the hook for tens of millions of dollars in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding next year unless the state improves how it manages the program. Tennessee’s SNAP payment error rate — a measure of the number of households that receive either more or less food assistance than they are entitled to — came in at 9.44% in the 2025 fiscal year, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wednesday. Tennessee’s overpayment rate for 2025 was 7.84%, and its underpayment rate was 1.60%, according to the USDA. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, states with error rates that exceed the 6% goal set by Congress will be financially penalized starting in October 2027. States with error rates between 8% and 10% could be required to pay 10% of the state’s SNAP benefit costs, which are historically federally funded. That could mean Tennessee’s state budget will have to find room for an additional estimated $162 million to $171 million to fund its portion of the program, according to an analysis by The Sycamore Institute, a nonpartisan public policy research center. These estimates assume that Tennessee will continue to issue the same amount of benefits as it did in 2024 or 2025. The USDA specifies that SNAP error rates are not indicative of fraud in the program, which helped feed 682,128 beneficiaries in Tennessee as of June 2025, according to department data. In Tennessee, many rural counties have the highest SNAP participation rates. “Payment accuracy errors in SNAP are largely unintentional” and are due to administrative mistakes or errors in eligibility, the USDA states on its website. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. “These payment error rates are further proof that state accountability is severely lacking in SNAP,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins stated in a news release. “USDA has taken historic action to help interested states curb SNAP waste, and I hope other states, regardless of political leadership, prioritize needy families and the American taxpayer over politics.” The Tennessee Department of Human Services, which manages SNAP in the state, did not respond to a request for comment. States can choose to use error rates from either 2025 or 2026 to calculate how much they’ll need to contribute. If Tennessee manages to slash its payment error rate to below 6% by the end of the 2026 fiscal year in September, the state won’t be required to put up matching funds. States with error rates between 6% and 8% must cover 5% of their recipients’ costs. States with error rates between 10% and 13.34% will be responsible for 15% of program costs. A handful of states whose error rates top the 13.34% threshold will be given an extra year to improve administration before the cost-sharing requirement takes effect. What does this mean for SNAP recipients in Tennessee? Robin Yeh, policy director at The Sycamore Institute, said the new cost-sharing rules won’t necessarily change the amount of benefits people receive. “It might change exactly how the state verifies that they’re eligible for those benefits, especially if the Department of Human Services is thinking of ways to lower that payment error rate or have better quality control in their processes,” she said. The Tennessee Justice Center, a nonprofit advocacy organization and law firm, assists people whose SNAP benefits have been denied or underpaid. “We have seen a lot of people being underpaid recently, but occasionally the state does overpay individuals, and when they do this … the state will go back to that individual and claw that money back in one way or another,” said Signe Anderson, the Tennessee Justice Center’s director of nutrition advocacy. After One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 100,000 Tennesseans’ lose SNAP food aid Individuals may be required to pay back overpaid funds on a payment plan, or could be banned from the SNAP program if they can’t return the money. But when the state underpays a SNAP recipient, it’s up to the recipient to catch the error and make an appeal. Anderson said the new cost-sharing requirement doesn’t minimize the error rate problem. “Will the state be able to afford and pay the millions of dollars that are going to be necessary to get people the benefit amount that they deserve and that they’re entitled to? It’s unclear as to whether or not the state will provide that money in the budget.” Anderson said the SNAP program is “complicated and weedy,” and prior to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s passage, changes to SNAP work requirements without detailed guidance from the USDA further muddied the process. The changes meant people who once had waivers for work requirements — like families with children, seniors, veterans, unhoused individuals, children aging out of foster care — were no longer exempt. “When you add all these layers of bureaucracy and paperwork, it’s more work to check, and when you have more administrative burden to check, it makes it difficult to get to the end of an individual case without making errors,” Anderson said. Since those changes, Tennessee has seen more than 100,000 people lose access to SNAP, Anderson said. “It’s not because jobs are readily available and people are doing just fine. Inflation continues to be at an all-time high, jobs and employment has remained pretty much the same,” she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Tennessee Lookout
	Arkansas Explained: Capitol grounds crowded with monuments and some controversy A black stone structure in honor of Arkansas' Gold Star families stands behind the state Capitol in Little Rock on June 25, 2026. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)Two religiously infused displays on Arkansas Capitol grounds have drawn state and national attention: the Ten Commandments statue that a judge has ordered removed and a planned “monument to the unborn” backed by abortion opponents that’s faced planning setbacks. Such widespread attention on the Capitol’s monuments is unique, so Arkansans might not know that there are at least 17 monuments on Capitol grounds, and some are more than a century old. The structures and plaques memorialize veterans and casualties of foreign wars, the anniversaries of Arkansas and the United States, and Arkansas’ role in the Civil Rights Movement, among other things. All monuments are privately funded and do not use taxpayer dollars, said Samantha Boyd, spokesperson for Secretary of State Cole Jester. Here’s more information about how these monuments get approved and the controversy surrounding two of them: How do monuments end up on Capitol grounds? The Arkansas Legislature is the only entity that can create or remove a monument, according to state law. Before 2017, a monument could receive Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission approval before receiving legislative authorization. The Arts and Grounds Commission, which usually meets monthly, is responsible for reviewing and approving monument designs. The panel’s 10 members are appointed by the secretary of state, the governor, the leaders of the House and Senate and the secretary of parks, heritage and tourism. The secretary of state must give final approval of a monument’s design and location before construction can begin. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. What controversy has surrounded the Ten Commandments monument? Arkansas erected a stone depiction of the Ten Commandments outside the Capitol in 2017 to comply with a 2015 law. In less than 24 hours, a man with a history of mental illness intentionally smashed his car into the display. The man had also destroyed a Ten Commandments monument outside Oklahoma’s Capitol in 2014. A new monument surrounded by concrete barriers was placed between the Capitol and Supreme Court buildings in 2018. Several groups, including the Satanic Temple, quickly filed federal lawsuits arguing the monument violated the First Amendment’s prohibition of government favoring an establishment of religion. The suits were combined into one case now in its eighth year of litigation, with the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas representing the plaintiffs. Federal judge blocks law requiring Ten Commandments monument at Arkansas Capitol A federal judge ruled in March that the monument is unconstitutional and must be removed, but the order is on hold while the state appeals the ruling. The Satanic Temple sought to install a statue of the goat-headed deity Baphomet in response to the Ten Commandments monument. The Legislature responded with the 2017 ban on erecting monuments without legislative sponsorship. What’s next for the planned ‘monument to the unborn’? Earlier this month, Jester approved a design for a “living wall” of plants in the grassy space behind the Capitol and to the north of the Supreme Court building. The living wall would commemorate abortions performed in Arkansas during the nearly 50 years Roe v. Wade was in effect until the Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion in 2022. Sen. Kim Hammer of Benton, the Republican nominee for secretary of state, sponsored the first-of-its-kind 2023 law ordering a “monument to the unborn.” He also sponsored the laws creating the Ten Commandments monument and the law blocking the Satanic Temple from erecting a Baphomet statue. Hammer and GOP Rep. Mary Bentley submitted the living wall design to the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission in March. The design was notably similar to the one the commission chose in 2023 from Hot Springs Village artist Lakey Goff. Commission Chair Stephen Bright, who is also Jester’s chief taxpayer services officer, said the living wall will ideally be complete in 18 months, but only if supporters raise enough money. Designer of Arkansas Capitol’s upcoming ‘monument to the unborn’ sets fundraising goal The commission said in January that Goff’s living wall design was no longer feasible because she sought to copyright it, which would make it unchangeable. Fundraising had been behind schedule, and commissioners said the design should be less expensive to motivate donors. Goff’s design was initially estimated to cost more than $900,000 before she submitted a proposal costing $345,000. Hammer’s and Bentley’s design is estimated to cost $229,000, including a $20,816 maintenance retainer. In the past two years, private individuals have donated $28,790 for the monument. More than $17,000 is currently in the monument’s trust fund after the state paid Development Consultants Inc. for preliminary engineering and plan development expenses. What are some of the other monuments around the Capitol? Anyone who drives past the Capitol on 7th Street can see the round gray stone of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, in place since 1987. Inside the curved structure are the names of 645 Arkansans who died in the Vietnam War. Also visible from the streets surrounding the Capitol are a sculpture of an eagle honoring 25 Arkansas Medal of Honor recipients and two statues commemorating Arkansans’ participation in the Civil War. The Confederate Soldiers Monument and the Confederate Women Monument stand on opposite sides of the Capitol facing Woodlane Street. Both Confederate monuments were erected in the early 20th century, and Gov. Jeff Davis’ dedication of the soldiers’ monument asserted that the Confederacy was “the cause we each know was right,” according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. A monument depicts the Little Rock Nine outside the Arkansas Capitol on Jan. 12, 2026. (Photo by Andrew DeMillo/Arkansas Advocate) North of the Capitol is a bronze depiction of the Little Rock Nine, the Black students who desegregated Central High School in 1957. Gov. Mike Huckabee, father of current Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, dedicated the monument in 2005. Behind the Little Rock Nine is a replica of the Liberty Bell, dedicated in 1976 for the United States’ 200th anniversary. The complex’s most recent monument is the Gold Star Families Memorial, erected in 2019 west of the Capitol. Behind it is a bronze memorial to fallen firefighters, in place since 2014. Are any other monuments in progress? Two 2025 laws ordered monuments to the school districts in Charleston, Fayetteville and Hoxie for their desegregation efforts that predated the Little Rock Nine. The three monuments “remain in the early stages” and need more fundraising, design and planning efforts before the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission chooses their locations, Boyd said. Courtesy of Arkansas Advocate
	Michigan Data Centers: The Weekly Download States Newsroom graphic illustration Updates With a six-month data center moratorium set to expire in August, the Solon Township Planning Commission has tabled its fifth draft of a data center-regulating zoning ordinance, MLive’s Ehren Wynder reports. An unidentified developer is looking to develop a more than 800 acre facility in the Kent County community, however, the moratorium has kept the porposal on ice. The law firm pursuing a federal lawsuit against a Dowagiac data center announced they would be holding an open house with community members from 4-7 p.m. on June 30 at the Dowagiac Public Library. Residents are welcome to come and go at any time as attorneys from Liddle Sheets P.C. provide updates and take questions on their class action lawsuit against the Hyperscale Data facility for allegedly emitting consistent, disruptive noise throughout the community. Hyperscale Data announced in a press release Friday that it had acquired 48.5 acres of forested land to expand its Dowagiac data center, noting that the forest will provide a natural buffer between its operations and the community. Months after a U.K.-based data center company dropped their bid to rezone a parcel of land in downtown Lansing, members of the city council are set to hold a public hearing on a 182-day data center moratorium, Lansing State Journal’s Susan Vela reports. Legislative Action A trio of Michigan House Democrats has proposed legislation to strip the University of Michigan of its authority to acquire property without complying with local zoning ordinances and land use regulations, Michigan Advance Editor -in-Chief Jon King reports. State Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D-Ypsilanti) cited the university’s purchase of land in Ypsilanti Township for a proposed data center with Los Alamos National Lab as one of the driving factors behind the bills. House Democrats also introduced a package of data center regulations following the rollout of a package by the Democratic Senate Majority a week prior. While the two packages touch on similar concerns, from energy costs, to water usage and the use of nondisclosure agreements in negotiating data center deals with community officials, the bills differ on the specifics, with the House package including legislation to address noise pollution. News of Note Lawmakers and Michigan residents gathered on the Capitol steps to push for a statewide moratorium on data center development. While lawmakers have proposed regulations intended to addressed Michiganders concerns, state Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake), who introduced legislation to pause development until April 1, 2027, argued residents are in need of immediate protection. A report commissioned by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and Detroit Regional chamber released Thursday examines the economic opportunities, public concerns, existing safeguards and policy options around data centers in Michigan. Public Sector Consultants, the report’s author, recommends lawmakers bring data center safeguards put in place by the Michigan Public Service Commission into law, require facilities drawing their water from the ground to utilize cooling technology with low water use and to limit the use of nondisclosure agreements, among other proposals. Vivian La and Austin Rowlander of Interlochen Public Radio examine how easily a large data center could set up shop in northern Michigan, looking at factors like zoning, utilities and the power grid. Residents of Washington Township in Macomb County are demanding transparency after emails between the township and a data center developer became public. Investigators at Local 4 received 1,642 pages of emails from the township in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, which they have shared online. Courtesy of Michigan Advance
	The Battle of Bad Axe This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.For a nine-year-old cowboy—me in the 1940s—there was no badder bad guy than an Indian. Cap guns blazing, my buddies and…
	New chicken processing waiver will keep small KY farmers from running afoul of the law At an event last summer, Jefferson County farmer LeTicia Marshall explained how small scale poultry operations can work. A new USDA waiver will allow Kentucky farms to do small-scale poultry processing. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Kimmie Ishmael, Community Farm Alliance)Farmer LeTicia Marshall grew up helping her grandparents grow tobacco on 40 acres in Metcalf County. She has fond memories of riding the setter. After becoming a mother, Marshall began gardening as a way to ground herself. That practice grew into a small urban farm in Jefferson County and her life’s work of advocating for food and land access in her community. Now Marshall is in her third season of establishing BearFruit & Grow, a 4.23-acre farm in Louisville, from the ground up. She always wanted chickens and grew her flock from 15 birds to more than 80. While most are laying hens, she periodically runs a meat cycle with about 50 birds. It’s through that process that she noticed some challenges with small-scale chicken farming in Kentucky. Jefferson County farmer LeTicia Marshall (Kentucky Lantern photo by Kimmie Ishmael, Community Farm Alliance) That’s why she’s excited that in April, Kentucky became the 49th state to adopt a USDA waiver to allow on-farm processing of poultry. It permits small-scale farmers to harvest up to 1,000 birds themselves while still requiring they meet all food safety regulations. Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon, was a consistent supporter of adopting the practice in the commonwealth. “I had a constituent bring the issue to me,” he wrote in an email. “After discussing, it was pretty clear that other states have safely implemented this existing USDA exemption. Kentucky should be the friendliest farmer state in the country. Cutting red tape and burdensome regulations help keep costs down and, in this case, will make it easier to source locally farm-raised chicken.” Before this special allowance, farmers took their poultry to one of only three USDA meat processors in Kentucky. Slots can fill up a year in advance. Marshall’s husband, Joe Marshall, is trained to process chickens, but the only place he could do so is the Kentucky State University mobile unit. Contrary to its name, it’s actually unable to be used away from the school for chicken processing. The price of feed is rising and the birds eat a lot. Transporting the birds is an issue in and of itself. The closest processing facility to Marshall is a 1.5-hour drive, and the next closest is 2.5 hours. Traveling those distances is stressful for the animals and some inevitably die, cutting into Marshall’s profit. “I looked at ways to minimize all of those challenges and found out we were only one of two states that didn’t allow small scale farmers to process chickens on the farm,” said Marshall. A seat at the table That’s when Marshall started working with Community Farm Alliance, a state-wide farmer advocacy group that had been pushing to pass the chicken bill for over a decade. Kimmie Ishmael, CFA’s Policy Specialist, noted that the only other state that excluded the practice was Arkansas; both states have major industrial poultry producers. She says it was a crucial policy for the growing number of small farmers here. “Kentucky farmers have an average annual income of less than $30,000 and this change should lower their costs a lot,” she said. “There’s a 500% increase in people entering first generation farming, especially in Eastern Kentucky. This was a huge barrier for beginner farmers and farmers of color.” Ishmael sees her role as getting farmers a seat at the table about issues that affect them. She believes many legislators were not aware of the possibility and need for the law; as an agriculture state, accepting the waiver closed a huge opportunity gap in the local food system. Ishmael helped Marshall develop relationships with state leaders. Marshall hosted a pivotal encounter between food system and governmental leaders at BearFruit & Grow last summer. The Policy for Chickens event featured a panel discussion with four Kentucky farmers sharing how this policy affected their real-life farm businesses. One of the inhabitants of LeTicia Marshall’s Jefferson County farm. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Kimmie Ishmael, Community Farm Alliance) In addition, Marshall invited a fellow poultry farmer from Tennessee. He set up his processing station and showed people how he adhered to food safety guidelines. The set-up was minimal, just separate stations under a 10×20 canopy tent, accessible to almost any farmer. It went a long way to allay fears about handling waste and potential smells. About 50 people attended, including farmers, Extension Service staff, university representatives, chefs, and people from other food advocacy groups. After the event, the president of Kentucky State University and legislators began talking about possible solutions. Rep. Emily Callaway, R-Louisville, attended and went on to co-sponsor House Bill 639. After getting the Kentucky Farm Bureau on board, the effort really started building momentum. But the 2026 General Assembly was winding to a close, and advocates thought it wasn’t going to make it on the floor again. Marshall said they even began making plans to engage with legislators in the break before the next session. Then the House added an amendment to Senate Bill 73, originally about allowing tallow cosmetic products for home-based processing, and it passed. “The legislative session was really getting down to the wire,” Marshall said. “It’s taken a lot of effort, but then one day it just happened.” On-farm poultry processing goes into effect July 8. CFA is taking the lead on working with governmental leaders to work out the training program and other program specifics. Even before it’s gone into effect, having a more affordable option for processing is bolstering small farmers. Ishmael said she had the honor of sharing about the new law with one experienced poultry farmer. In his 80s, he had loved raising chickens for many years but told her he thought it might be time for him to quit. When she shared about SB73, he began to tear up, so grateful to have a promising way to make his work more viable. Courtesy of Kentucky Lantern
	Could neo-Nazi youth, or 'active clubs,' have played a role in Belfast riots? In the wake of racist, mob violence in Northern Ireland this month, there has been a fresh round of attention on so-called "active clubs," the global network of fascist, white nationalist youth groups that center their activities around mixed martial arts.
	People are taking allergy and heartburn pills for PMS. Could it work? Can the mix really help with premenstrual woes? Theoretically, the link between histamine and hormones could explain why the trendy DIY treatment seems to help some women.
	3 World Cup rivals find 'Common Ground' in a cross-border beer A trio of craft breweries from the global soccer event's three host nations are using the tournament to brew something increasingly rare: cross-border solidarity.
	Why do some U.S. airports have private security, but others use TSA? About 20 U.S. airports rely on private security companies rather than the Transportation Security Administration to ensure that passengers and cargo comply with federal aviation safety standards.
	Man accused of ramming squad with officers inside scheduled for Scott County Court A 33-year-old Dubuque man is scheduled to appear in Scott County Court after police say he used his car to hit a squad car with officers inside, according to Scott County arrest affidavits. Shortly before 11:30 p.m. Monday, June 22, Davenport police conducted a traffic stop on a blue Nissan Sentra with Tennessee plates that [...]
	Extreme Heat Warning until WED 10:00 PM CDT Extreme Heat Warning: Dangerous Temperatures Until Wednesday Evening
Sunday, June 28th, 2026
	5 Summer Safety Risks Homeowners Often Overlook When Hosting (Feature Impact) Summer is the perfect season for gathering outdoors with friends and family, but if you're a homeowner planning to host barbecues, pool parties or holiday celebrations this year, it's important to consider the potential safety and liability risks that may be affecting your own backyard. A little advance planning can help you ensure that your guests enjoy safe, healthy experiences at your home and leave with only happy memories. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of injuries each year are linked to fireworks, grills and swimming pools. While most summer gatherings end without incident, Mercury Insurance is encouraging homeowners to remember that smart preparation can help you avoid unfortunate accidents and costly damage. "A few simple safety checks can help homeowners create a safer environment for everyone while protecting the property they've worked hard to build," said Larry Anderson, underwriting operations director at Mercury Insurance. Set your summer up for success by paying special attention to these five often-overlooked seasonal safety risks. Guest Injuries and Liability Risks Since summer gatherings naturally increase foot traffic around a property, it should be safe to walk around. Uneven walkways, loose decking, poor lighting and pet-related incidents can all lead to injuries that homeowners may not anticipate. Before hosting events, audit your property to repair trip hazards and ensure walkways and outdoor gathering areas are well-lit. If you have pets that may become stressed around large groups, secure them before guests arrive. Since unforeseen events can still occur despite your best efforts, review your liability coverage to understand available protections. Unsupervised Pool Areas Swimming pools can provide endless summer fun, but they also present one of the most serious safety risks around the home. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death for young children, making active supervision essential whenever children are near water. If your backyard includes a pool, ensure that gates and barriers are functioning properly, keep rescue equipment nearby and consider pool alarms and self-closing gates for additional protection. Most importantly, never leave children unattended around water. Backyard Grill Fires Grilling is a summer tradition, but outdoor cooking equipment can quickly become a fire hazard if used improperly. Placing your grill too close to flammable objects, letting grease build up and leaving the grill unattended can all increase the risk of property damage. Start by making sure your grill is set up at least 10 feet away from homes, fences and overhangs before you fire it up. Clean grease trays regularly, never leave a grill unattended while cooking and keep a fire extinguisher accessible during outdoor cooking. Fireworks Too Close to Homes and Landscaping Fireworks-related fires increase significantly during summer, particularly in dry climates where even one stray spark can ignite vegetation or nearby structures. The safest option, when possible, is to attend professional displays rather than hosting your own. However, if you're planning on lighting up your skies this summer, follow all local laws and restrictions regarding fireworks and keep your launch site well away from homes, vehicles and dry landscaping. Have a water source readily available when using legal consumer fireworks. Outdoor Electrical Hazards Extension cords, decorative lighting, outdoor speakers and fans often receive extra use during summer gatherings. Damaged cords or overloaded outlets can create shock and fire hazards. As you set up your summer entertainment systems, check your equipment to be sure it's rated for outdoor use. Keep electrical connections away from pools and water features, avoid overloading electrical outlets and take a few extra minutes before each gathering to inspect outdoor cords for wear and damage. "Most homeowners focus on making their gatherings enjoyable, but safety should be part of the preparation process," Anderson said. "Taking a few minutes to identify potential hazards before guests arrive can help prevent accidents and allow everyone to focus on enjoying the season." For more home safety resources and insurance information, visit MercuryInsurance.com/Resources. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
	Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with Summer Deals, Savings and Prizes Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with Summer Deals, Savings and Prizes (Feature Impact) America’s 250th birthday calls for celebration, and this summer, it goes well beyond backyard barbecues and poolside parties. Watch this video to learn more To help mark the milestone, Circle K is rolling out refreshing deals, new merch and exciting prizes as America’s Party Stop – the one-stop destination for summer value and fun. The free Inner Circle rewards program is your ticket to the party – join by downloading the Circle K app and creating an account. Rewards members can enjoy any size Polar Pop for just 25 cents on July 1 at participating locations. Fans can also grab limited-edition merchandise like hats and shirts to show off their love for the iconic drink. From July 1-Sept. 1, anyone can play the new Scratch & Win game daily in the app for instant prizes with members unlocking exclusive eligibility for weekly cash prizes. The fun extends beyond the store, too. Throughout July, you can support the American Red Cross by rounding up in-store purchases to help disaster relief efforts and first responders across the U.S. Download the app, join the free rewards program and find more ways to celebrate America’s birthday by visiting CircleK.com/America-250.
	Strong at Every Age: How Women Can Help Combat Muscle Loss (Feature Impact) Aging is inevitable, but losing muscle and mobility doesn't have to be. For many women, maintaining strength, independence, energy and mobility are top priorities as they get older, particularly as they deal with the mental and physical responsibilities that come with working, caregiving, keeping up with friends, hobbies and enjoying an active lifestyle. In fact, 58% of women in the United States are actively focused on staying healthy as they age, according to a recent survey commissioned by Viactiv, a line of award-winning supplements for women known for their unique formats and flavors. However, 73% of respondents weren't aware of sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss. According to the "International Journal of Women's Health," age-related muscle loss often begins between ages 30-35, with women losing 3-8% of their muscle mass per decade and increasing to 5-10% loss per decade after age 60. Hormonal changes, decreased activity levels, stress, poor sleep and inadequate nutrition can all contribute to the decline in muscle, which can also negatively impact balance, bone health, metabolism, posture and everyday mobility. Yet, despite 70% of women reporting some level of concern about muscle loss, 54% are unsure how to protect their muscle health. "Women want to stay strong, active and independent as they age, but many are getting mixed messages about what actually supports long-term muscle health," said Dr. Tania Elliott, a dual board-certified physician in internal medicine. "A lot of women are already making healthy choices like walking and staying active, which is a great start. However, maintaining muscle health really requires a more complete approach, and one that starts earlier than most women think, which is in your 30s." Prioritize Strength Training Many women report barriers such as lack of time (15%), feeling overwhelmed (23%) or simply not enjoying exercise (23%). The key is finding realistic, sustainable habits. While walking and cardio exercise aid in heart health, which 58% of survey respondents report already engaging in, strength training is one of the most effective ways to preserve and build muscle as you age. Still, just 34% of women report doing strength or resistance training. You don't need an intense fitness regimen to support healthy aging. Aiming for at least two strength-focused workouts a week - lifting weights, using resistance bands, practicing weight-bearing yoga or doing bodyweight exercises like squats and pushups - that target major muscle groups can help maintain muscle health. The goal is to fatigue your muscles during sets so they build. Fuel Muscles with Proper Nutrition Exercise is only part of the equation. Muscles also need proper nutrition to recover and stay strong. Protein plays a critical role in maintaining muscle mass, especially as women age. Incorporating high-quality protein throughout the day, such as eggs, Greek yogurt, fish, lean meats, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, may help support muscle repair and overall strength. Support Healthy Aging with Supplements In addition to a balanced diet and exercise, some women may consider supplements that support healthy aging and energy production, including CoQ10, which is a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps cells produce energy. According to research published in "The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging," because muscles require significant energy to function, CoQ10 shows potential for managing sarcopenia by improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress. An option like Viactiv CoQ10 Cardio Complete, available in a tasty fruit-flavored chew, can help support heart health, muscles, nerve function and daily energy. Enhanced with vitamins D3 and K2, it provides daily essential nutrition for women without the need to swallow a large pill. Practice Healthy Habits Muscle health is influenced by more than workouts. Sleep, stress management and daily movement all play important roles. Adopting some simple habits, including prioritizing quality sleep, stretching regularly, staying properly hydrated, reducing sedentary time throughout the day and practicing stress-management techniques, like yoga, meditation or deep breathing, can help aid in healthy aging, including maintaining muscle. The earlier women begin prioritizing muscle health, the better positioned they may be to maintain strength and mobility as they age. Visit Viactiv.com for more information and resources to help combat muscle loss. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
	Magical Moments Without the Hassle: 3 Parenting Hacks to Help Make Summer Memorable (Feature Impact) Magical summer moments - road trips, pool days and warm evenings in the backyard - don't happen by accident. In fact, making that magic happen may feel like hard work for parents, according to a survey of American parents commissioned by Borden Cheese that discovered the pressure on adults during the summer months is higher than ever. Between scheduling activities, packing endless meals and keeping the family happy, the pressure to create memorable summer moments can quickly drain all the fun out of it. A majority of respondents (72%) feel summers used to be simpler in terms of activities and expectations, while 89% of that group said it's important for their children to experience simple summers. "Summer is the time for enjoying the sunshine, fresh air, endless day time and quality time with family and friends," said Jenny Mehlman, senior director of marketing, cheese, taste and flavors at Dairy Farmers of America. "Sometimes we get so caught up in the daily hustle, we forget to slow down and enjoy the little moments. Borden Cheese wants to help parents drop the high expectations, embrace a little bit of the mess and remember how good a simple, relaxed summer can feel." It's clear parents are looking for more relaxing summer breaks, both for their children and themselves. Reclaiming family time can start with hacks that simplify summers, a tactic 81% of parents surveyed said they plan to use. Consider these top suggestions from respondents. Allow More Flexibility with Children's Routines Summer offers a welcome break from the rigid schedules of the school year, and nearly half of respondents (45%) are embracing that opportunity by allowing more flexibility in their children's routines. This might include later bedtimes, slower mornings or less structured playtime, giving families more room to explore, be creative and enjoy spontaneous adventures - the type that many parents remember from their own childhoods. Prioritize Fun Over Perfection The pressure to create a picture-perfect summer can become overwhelming. Instead of striving for elaborate vacations or curated calendars, 39% of parents said they plan to be more lenient with the expectations they place on themselves. This "fun over perfection" mindset allows families to focus on connection as parents spend less time worrying about details and more time enjoying simple pleasures from picnics and pool time to game nights at home. Plan Simpler Meals One-third of respondents plan to make simpler meals a regular part of their menu, and the majority of parents (84%) said they rely on quick, reliable meal and snack solutions like mac and cheese, deli meat wraps and simple cheese and cracker boards at least once per week during summer months. That's why Borden Cheese Individually Wrapped Singles are unwrapping the simple, stress-free summer that parents need with family-friendly recipes, easy meal hacks and nostalgia-inducing weekly giveaways designed to give them a well-deserved break. For example, these Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger Sliders can feel a little "extra" without all the extra work. Beware: They'll disappear fast. So relax your expectations, embrace the mess and make space for real, carefree fun again. Visit BordenCheese.com/SimpleSummerFun to find more easy, cheesy meal ideas and learn how to participate in weekly giveaways. Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger Sliders Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 8-10 minutes Servings: 4 (2 sliders per serving) 1 pound ground beef 4 slices Borden American Melts, quartered 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion 1 tablespoon steakhouse seasoning 8 slider buns, toasted Toppings (optional): burger sauce caramelized onions pickle chips Preheat grill or skillet to medium heat. Divide beef into 16 balls and flatten into approximately 3-inch patties. Place two cheese squares and onions on eight patties then top with remaining patties and press together. Season with steakhouse seasoning. Cook sliders 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through. Place on buns and add burger sauce, caramelized onions and pickle chips, as desired. Serve warm.
	How to Protect Yourself from a Smartphone Scam (Feature Impact) The first sign is unexpectedly losing access to your cell phone. Soon after, when you connect to Wi-Fi, the gravity of the situation sinks in: a criminal has gained access to your cell phone number and is trying to siphon money from your credit cards and bank accounts. The scam is called SIM swapping, or SIM hijacking, and it's a concern for law enforcement in the United States and abroad as more than 5,000 people have reported SIM swapping scams to the FBI since 2022. Older adults, caregivers and families can benefit from understanding the warning signs of SIM swapping and taking simple security steps to prevent it from happening. How SIM swapping works A SIM card, or its digital version known as an eSIM, helps connect a phone number to a carrier network. In a SIM swapping scam, a criminal collects basic information about their victim, such as their name, birthdate and address, to try to move the victim's phone number to a SIM card or eSIM profile the criminal controls. Once complete, the scammer gains access to accounts you may be logged into on your phone, such as bank accounts or credit card apps, without touching your phone or being near you. How to protect yourself from SIM swapping scams Preparation is the best protection against SIM swapping. Cell phone users should use strong, unique passwords for each online account - password managers are a helpful tool in creating complex and randomized passwords. Use two-factor authentication where it's offered; this adds an extra layer of security when accessing sensitive accounts. Next, consumers should protect personal information they share online, whether on social media or in texts or emails asking for identifying data, such as PIN numbers, birthdates or one-time security codes. Be wary of anyone pushing you to share personal information, particularly if they're pushy with their request or make it sound urgent. Check your mobile carrier to see if it offers SIM protection. For example, Verizon customers can toggle on a protection feature on the carrier's website or app to lock lines on their account to help prevent SIM changes. If you get an unprompted notification that your SIM has been changed, or otherwise suspect you've been targeted in a SIM swapping scam, contact your banks immediately and have them freeze your accounts, including ones the criminals may not have targeted yet. Next, work with your cell phone provider to help regain access to your mobile device. If you're able, share as much information as possible with law enforcement so they can investigate, or at least document trends, in how often this scam occurs. To find more advice to protect against smartphone scams, visit Verizon.com. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
	Harness Peanut Power for Improved Cognitive Health (Feature Impact) A healthy brain goes beyond reading exercises and completing puzzles - it extends to the kitchen, too. Emerging nutritional science is clear that what people eat doesn't just fuel the body; it shapes memory, mood and cognitive health. Among the foods you can include in your diet to give your brain a boost are peanuts and peanut butter, staples valued not only for their convenience but also for their cognitive benefits. In fact, a study published in the "Journal of the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease" found adults 60-80 years old who did not eat peanuts and peanut butter regularly were 30-50% more likely to perform poorly on tests measuring learning, memory, language, processing motor speed and attentiveness compared to those who did consumer peanuts and peanut butter. It's not just the older generation that can benefit. According to research published in "Clinical Nutrition," a study of college students ages 18-33 showed consumption of peanuts and peanut butter was associated with improved memory function and decreased anxiety, depression and stress. Consider this key information from the Georgia Peanut Commission before your next meal planning session. Nutrients that Give the Brain a Boost Despite their small stature, peanuts pack a nutrition punch. Their unique blend of various vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds includes: Niacin, which can slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk for Alzheimer's disease, according to the "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry" Vitamin E, found to promote healthy brain aging and delay cognitive decline Resveratrol, believed to be beneficial in fighting against Alzheimer's disease and other nerve degenerating diseases, per the "Journal of Biological Chemistry" P-coumaric acid, an antioxidant that appears to target the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood, stress and anxiety Peace of MIND Peanuts are included in the MIND diet, a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, which specifically includes foods shown to benefit the brain. Adding peanuts to your menu can be a breeze. Look no further than a powerful main course like Crunchy and Creamy Cold Green Pea and Peanut Salad, a perfect accompaniment at potlucks and cookouts as an easy side or light main course. Brain Food for Thought Supporting your brain starts with the right nutrition, and evidence makes clear peanuts and peanut butter should be top-of-mind as you head to the grocery store. For help getting started, find more recipes and nutritional information by visiting GAPeanuts.com. Crunchy and Creamy Cold Green Pea and Peanut Salad Recipe courtesy of The Peanut Institute Servings: 8 Dressing: 1/3 cup sour cream 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar Salad: 1 package (20 ounces) green peas, frozen 1 cup celery, chopped 1/3 cup red onions, chopped 1 cup dry roasted peanuts 6 slices thick cut bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 pinch salt, or to taste 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper, or to taste To make dressing: In small mixing bowl, whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar and sugar. To make salad: In large mixing bowl, combine frozen green peas, celery and onion. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Before serving, stir in roasted peanuts and crumbled bacon. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Nutritional information per serving: 230 calories, 17 g carbohydrates, 12 mg cholesterol, 3 g saturated fat, 9 g unsaturated fat, 5 g fiber, 11 g protein, 249 mg sodium, 6 g sugar, 1 g added sugar.
	5 Frozen Treats to Keep Your Cool This Summer (Feature Impact) Summer heat can be tough to beat without a cool, refreshing game plan. Cool off when the temperatures climb by turning to frozen make-ahead treats that can make almost any sweltering afternoon feel like a beach vacation. Staying comfortable is simple with Grapes from California, which take "cool" to the next level. Freezing them turns each grape into its own mini sorbet - just rinse, dry and freeze for 2 hours, or try these easy recipes that give everyone something to enjoy. As a naturally healthy, refreshing, juicy and hydrating solution, grapes can become your summer go-to. To find more frozen solutions, visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com. 1. Chocolate-Dipped Frozen California Grape and Yogurt Clusters - Fresh grapes add a bright, juicy pop of flavor to tangy yogurt and rich chocolate in these irresistible frozen clusters that are light, refreshing and perfectly balanced for summer snacking. Make a batch and keep them ready for warm afternoons or casual backyard get-togethers. 2. Frozen-Yogurt California Grape and Coconut Bites - This fun and easy snack lets grapes shine, as each bite features a sweet California grape dipped in creamy Greek yogurt and rolled in shredded coconut for a refreshing, tropical treat. Ideal for hot summer days and made with just three ingredients, they're a simple way to enjoy a cool, healthy snack. 3. Hot Honey Frozen Yogurt, California Grape and Pecan Bark - Cool, crunchy and sweet with a pleasing touch of spicy heat, this frozen treat offers something for everyone. Juicy grapes pair with Greek yogurt, pecans and a drizzle of hot honey for a refreshing bite with subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch. Keep a batch in the freezer for a summer snack that feels both fun and effortless. 4. Frozen California Grape-Lemon Yogurt Cups - Cool off with delectable frozen snack cups. These snacks offer the best of both frozen grapes and frozen yogurt. Layer granola, lemon yogurt, California grape halves and toasted almonds then freeze. The grapes lend a sweet-tart freshness and bite to the mix as a natural complement to yogurt and granola, even when frozen. 5. Swalty Frozen California Grapes - Frosty grapes bring together juicy sweetness, zesty lime and a hint of salty spice from Tajin for an irresistibly refreshing summer bite. Served ice-cold straight from the freezer, they're crunchy and flavorful, perfect for cooling down on hot days. Take one bite and they might become your new warm-weather favorite.
	Eleve sus reuniones de verano pensando en la salud: aperitivos, comidas y guarniciones fáciles hechas con uvas frescas y jugosas Feature Impact) Una vez que suben las temperaturas, las reuniones de verano suelen verse un poco diferentes. Los alimentos pesados y reconfortantes dan paso a opciones m s ligeras, las mesas se trasladan al aire libre y los anfitriones buscan platillos que sean sencillos sin sacrificar el sabor. Es una temporada de brochetas, ensaladas y bocados peque os que se comparten f cilmente en un patio entre amigos y seres queridos. Los ingredientes frescos, la preparaci n sencilla y los alimentos naturalmente hidratantes pueden ser la base de su pr xima reuni n de verano, especialmente cuando su objetivo es pasar menos tiempo en la cocina y m s tiempo compartiendo con los invitados. Las uvas frescas, jugosas y coloridas de California son una opci n ideal, ya que su dulzura realza los platos salados mientras equilibran los sabores ahumados y salados de la parrilla. Con muy poca preparaci n, las uvas son un refrigerio perfecto mientras se espera el plato principal; no requieren pelarlas, cortarlas ni hacer una preparaci n complicada. Un r pido enjuague es todo lo que se necesita para servir uvas frescas como una opci n sencilla para bandejas de botanas o aperitivos de ltimo minuto. Lo delicioso impulsa una vida saludable, y la salud trae felicidad; por eso las uvas, una fuente natural de antioxidantes y otros polifenoles, adem s de ser una buena fuente de vitamina K, son un acompa amiento delicioso para las comidas t picas del verano. S rvalas solas como un refrigerio hidratante gracias a su alto contenido de agua, o aproveche su combinaci n de sabor, facilidad y nutrici n como un ingrediente clave que eleva las recetas veraniegas. Por ejemplo, las brochetas de salchicha italiana con uvas de California pueden ser la gran atracci n en parrilladas y reuniones de fin de semana, ofreciendo una presentaci n elegante sin pasar horas en la cocina. Acompa adas con una ensalada de hinojo, c tricos y uvas de California, forman una comida ligera y f cil que puede impresionar y refrescar al mismo tiempo. Mientras los invitados esperan el plato principal, los bocados de endibia, nuez y uvas de California combinan un toque dulce y crujiente con queso azul salado. Compl telos con un chorrito de miel, o miel picante para un toque de intensidad, para acompa ar las conversaciones animadas y la relajaci n t pica de las reuniones de verano. En muchos sentidos, las reuniones en climas c lidos tienen menos que ver con comidas elaboradas y m s con alimentos frescos y accesibles, como las uvas, que ayudan a crear un ambiente relajado, ofreciendo una soluci n tanto pr ctica como sofisticada para hacer que recibir invitados sea muy f cil este verano. Para descubrir m s maneras de hacer sus reuniones m s especiales y sencillas durante toda la temporada, visite GrapesFromCalifornia.com. Brochetas de salchicha italiana con uvas de California Porciones: 6 1 cucharada de aceite de oliva extra virgen 1 cucharada de vinagre bals mico 1/2 cucharadita de condimento italiano de hierbas secas 4 salchichas italianas de pollo precocidas 6 brochetas (10 pulgadas) 30 uvas verdes, negras y rojas de California 24 cuadrados (1 pulgada cada uno) de cebolla roja albahaca fresca picada (opcional) En un taz n peque o, combine el aceite de oliva, el vinagre bals mico y las hierbas italianas; reservar a un lado. Corte cada salchicha en seis trozos. Inserte en las brochetas alternando con las uvas y la cebolla. Precaliente la parrilla a fuego medio-bajo. Coloque un trozo de papel aluminio engrasado sobre la parrilla y acomode las brochetas encima. Ase durante 5 minutos, o hasta que las uvas se suavicen y la salchicha y los vegetales est n ligeramente dorados, volte ndolas y pincel ndolas ocasionalmente con vinagre bals mico y el condimento italiano. Transfiera a una fuente y decore con albahaca fresca picada, si lo desea. Nota: Si utiliza brochetas de bamb , rem jelas en agua durante al menos 1 hora para evitar que se quemen. Informaci n nutricional por porci n: 170 calor as; 9 g de prote na; 11 g de carbohidratos; 10 g de grasa (53 % de las calor as provenientes de grasa); 2.5 g de grasa saturada (13 % de las calor as provenientes de grasa saturada); 55 mg de colesterol; 470 mg de sodio; 2 g de fibra. Bocados de endibia, nuez y uvas de California Porciones: 6 12 hojas grandes de endibia belga roja y verde 1/3 taza de queso azul 12 uvas negras, verdes y rojas de California, cortadas en cuartos 1/4 taza de nueces picadas gruesamente y tostadas 1 cucharada de miel o miel picante Coloque las hojas de endibia en una fuente grande y distribuya cantidades iguales de queso sobre cada una. Agregue cuatro trozos de uva a cada hoja y espolvoree cantidades iguales de nueces. Roc e ligeramente con miel o miel picante. Informaci n nutricional por porci n: 90 calor as; 3 g de prote na; 8 g de carbohidratos; 5 g de grasa (50 % de las calor as provenientes de grasa); 1.5 g de grasa saturada (15 % de las calor as provenientes de grasa saturada); 5 mg de colesterol; 105 mg de sodio; 3 g de fibra. Ensalada de hinojo, c tricos y uvas de California Porciones: 4 2 cucharadas de aceite de oliva extra virgen 1 1/2 cucharadas de jugo de lim n 1 cucharadita de miel sal marina, al gusto 3 tazas de uvas de California cortadas por la mitad 3 mandarinas frescas, peladas y separadas en gajos 1/2 taza de hinojo (an s) cortado en l minas muy finas 4 tazas de hojas tiernas de r cula baby 1/3 taza de pistachos tostados y salados sin c scara En un taz n grande, mezcle el aceite de oliva, el jugo de lim n, la miel y la sal. Agregue las uvas, las mandarinas y el hinojo; mezcle para cubrir bien. Coloque la r cula en cuatro tazones y agregue encima la mezcla de frutas. Espolvoree con los pistachos y sirva. Informaci n nutricional por porci n: 240 calor as; 4 g de prote na; 33 g de carbohidratos; 12 g de grasa (45 % de las calor as provenientes de grasa); 1.5 g de grasa saturada (6 % de las calor as provenientes de grasa saturada); 0 mg de colesterol; 60 mg de sodio; 4 g de fibra.
	Get Into the Wild for Your Mental Well-Being: 6 Outdoor Activities to Reduce Stress and Recharge (Feature Impact) Many Americans are seeking ways to press reset, turning to meditation apps, gym memberships and beyond to improve mental health. However, there may be a simpler (and more effective) option: spending time in the great outdoors. Often viewed as a powerful way to counter the persistent pressures of daily life, outdoor experiences aren't just leisure - they're an effective mental and emotional reset that can rival or even surpass traditional wellness habits in addressing burnout, constant connectivity and daily strain. Better yet, the results take hold quickly: Nearly 73% of respondents to a survey from Eddie Bauer Adventure Club said they begin to feel more relaxed or recharged within an hour of being outdoors. Most respondents agreed a short outdoor trip is at least as effective as their usual wellness routines. People typically gravitate toward experiences that feel achievable within busy schedules. Brief, low-commitment outings can still deliver meaningful benefits. However, barriers persist that keep adventure-seekers indoors. Among respondents, family responsibilities (30%) and work or schedule demands (23%) often prevent them from spending more time outdoors. To overcome those roadblocks and enjoy the benefits of nature, consider this inspirational guide for activities that get you away from the screen and into the wild. Hike a New Trail If you're already a hiker, beginner or expert, stepping onto an unfamiliar trail can offer a refreshing change of pace and perspective. Whether it's a wooded path close to home or a scenic overlook, hiking encourages movement, mindfulness and curiosity, helping quiet mental clutter while creating space to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings. Try Paddle Boarding or Canoeing Get off your feet and into the water with activities like paddle boarding or canoeing, which combine gentle physical activity with calm scenery. Oftentimes, you'll find your focus on managing the watercraft keeps you present in the moment rather than drifting back to the demands waiting on shore. Join an Adventure Club If you crave the wild, wide-open spaces, towering peaks and untamed beauty, the journey can take shape by joining an adventure club. For active explorers seeking connection and balance, the new Eddie Bauer Adventure Club creates unique travel experiences rooted in nature and elevated by comfort. Rugged meets refined as wild destinations turn into welcoming retreats with modern resort condos, as well as future cabins, lodges and tiny homes designed to ignite a spirit of discovery. Guided excursions take you off the grid to inspire adventure and thoughtfully crafted spaces let you recharge in style. From red rocks and winding rivers to serene peaks and sharp air, you can step into landscapes that take your breath away then settle into stays that restore you as naturally as the views outside. Practice Yoga Outdoors Veteran yogis and newcomers alike can enjoy the benefits of taking the mat outside, deepening the sense of calm and connection yoga is already known for. Try a quiet park or your own backyard as a natural setting for stretching, breathing and slowing down, trading fluorescent lights and crowded studios for birdsong, soft winds and rustling trees. Visit a National Park Step away from everyday routines and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes by visiting your nearest national park. Depending on your location, towering mountains, expansive deserts, dense forests and rushing waterfalls inspire awe while offering reminders to slow down and appreciate what's around you. Whether you spend a weekend camping, take a scenic drive or simply enjoy a short walk, national parks provide a meaningful escape blending adventure, reflection and restoration. Start or End Your Day with the Sky The simplest outdoor moments can have the greatest impact. Wake up and watch the sunrise for a calm, intentional start the day. Wait until evening settles to stargaze at night, encouraging stillness and perspective. Away from screens and distractions, these quiet moments can help you feel more connected to the world and less consumed by daily pressures. To take advantage of the quiet power of the great outdoors, visit eddiebaueradventureclub.com.
	5 Ways to Make Moving Day Less Stressful (Feature Impact) With the kids out of school, warmer weather and extended daylight, summer is an ideal time for families to relocate. In fact, more than 60% of moves in the United States occur between May and September, according to industry data compiled by moveBuddha. However, even with the most favorable conditions on your side, the process can quickly become overwhelming without a plan in place. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, a little preparation can make moving day easier, safer and less stressful. From packing and activating necessary services to securing your space and getting to know your family's new surroundings, these tips from the experts at KeyMe Locksmiths can help you avoid common pitfalls and make the move as smooth as possible. Pack Smart to Make Unpacking Less Daunting Packing is typically one of the most time-consuming - and most dreaded - parts of any move, but creating an organization system from the get-go can save time and energy when it comes time to sort everything in your new home. Pack non-essential items such as decor, books, out-of-season clothing and seldom-used kitchenware and appliances first, even weeks in advance if lead time allows, and clearly label every box by its contents or the room it belongs in. Be sure to keep toiletries, medications, oft-used electronics (and their chargers) and a few days' worth of clothing accessible until moving day. Also keep important documents like birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, medical records, insurance policies, moving contracts and receipts, and any other pertinent financial documents in a dedicated lockbox that stays with you rather than going on the moving truck. Transfer or Set Up Utilities Ahead of Time Arriving at your new home only to find the electricity, internet or water aren't yet active can be a real setback. A couple weeks before moving day, schedule transfers or new service installations for necessary utilities, including electricity, water and sewer, gas, cable and internet, trash and recycling, home security and any other services your family needs, ensuring activation dates are a few days before the big move. Tackle Home Security for Peace of Mind An often-overlooked task when moving: changing the locks. Even if the previous owners or tenants returned their keys, it's nearly impossible to know how many copies may still exist. Replacing or rekeying locks is an important first step to ensure you're the only ones with access. Beyond changing the locks, homeowners may also want to consider adding extra layers of protection such as video doorbells, exterior security cameras, motion-activated lighting, smart locks, window sensors or a monitored security system. To connect with a professional locksmith for lock installation, rekeying and assistance with select home security upgrades, visit Key.Me to access KeyMe Locksmiths' nationwide network of trusted local locksmiths. Once your new locks are installed, you can also conveniently create reliable spare keys at any of the more than 8,000 self-service KeyMe kiosks located in major retailers nationwide. Prep Spaces Before Move-In Day Before couches, chairs, beds, dressers and tables fill every room, take advantage of the empty space to give your new home a thorough cleaning. Focus on areas that may be harder to clean once the home is inhabited, such as floors, baseboards, cabinets and closets. This is also an ideal time to paint, update flooring, swap out light fixtures or update existing cabinet hardware, allowing you to start with a clean space that matches your personal tastes. Get to Know Your New Area Settling into a new house involves more than just unpacking boxes and making it feel like home. Take some time to explore your new neighborhood and locate the nearest grocery stores, medical facilities, parks, restaurants, schools and more. Also introduce yourself to your neighbors and consider joining community groups to help build connections and learn more about the area. With peak moving season underway, these tips can help you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying your new home. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (family moving)
	SUV hits Davenport squad car, tree and pick-up truck after running stop sign, troopers say Troopers say an SUV hit two vehicles, including a Davenport police squad car, after running a stop sign Sunday afternoon.
	QC Fright Con brought fans to RiverCenter Fans gathered at the RiverCenter in Davenport for the final day of QC Fright Con.

Monday, June 29th, 2026

Sunday, June 28th, 2026