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

Sunday, February 8th, 2026
	Temperance Societies This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.How many temperance societies does a town need in order to keep its German immigrants from drinking beer? That’s the…
	US ski star Lindsey Vonn crashes in Olympic downhill race In an explosive crash near the top of the downhill course in Cortina, Vonn landed a jump perpendicular to the slope and tumbled to a stop shortly below.
Saturday, February 7th, 2026
	Juvenile taken into custody after high speed chase A juvenile was taken into custody after a high speed chase. Deputies recovered a firearm and magazine.
	For many U.S. Olympic athletes, Italy feels like home turf Many spent their careers training on the mountains they'll be competing on at the Winter Games. Lindsey Vonn wanted to stage a comeback on these slopes and Jessie Diggins won her first World Cup there.
	Tudi's Tribe holds annual putt putt event raising support for children battling cancer Around 360 people participated in the indoor 18-hole event.
	Burst pipe floods Storage of America Burst pipe floods Storage of America damaging tenant items.
	Hand-in-Hand holds 17th annual chili cook-off All proceeds from the event go towards 'Hand-in-Hand's' programs for children, families and adults.
	1 seriously injured after a single-vehicle rollover crash in Morrison Whiteside County deputies investigate a single-vehicle rollover crash in Morrison. The driver was seriously injured.
	Tessa Janecke’s first coaches reflect on training a future Olympian Tessa Janecke's first coaches reflect on seeing a 4-year-old girl grow into an Olympian for Team USA
	81-year-old airlifted after vehicle rollover in Whiteside Co. An 81-year-old is in the hospital with serious injuries after rolling a vehicle Friday afternoon in Whiteside County.
	Moline house catches on fire after vehicle hits it A truck hit a house, causing it to catch on fire early Saturday morning in Moline.
	Immigrant whose skull was broken in 8 places during ICE arrest says beating was unprovoked Alberto Castañeda Mondragón was hospitalized with eight skull fractures and five life-threatening brain hemorrhages. Officers claimed he ran into a wall, but medical staff doubted that account.
	1 seriously injured after Morrison crash The Whiteside County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a crash resulting in one person seriously injured.
	Your Super Bowl Forecast The big game is finally here this Sunday and over in San Jose where the game is taking place temperatures are ranging from the 50s to 60s with sunshine. But for all of us staying home and have Super Bowl parties, temperatures will be warming back up to the low 40s during the afternoon with [...]
	Crews respond to Whiteside County rollover crash with injuries A Morrison driver was airlifted with serious injuries following a single-vehicle rollover crash. According to a release, Whiteside County Sheriff's Office Deputies were dispatched to a single-vehicle rollover crash with injuries on February 6 at approximately 4:13 p.m. The accident happened at the intersection of Fenton Rd. and Black Rd. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a [...]
	Pentagon says it's cutting ties with 'woke' Harvard, ending military training Amid an ongoing standoff between Harvard and the White House, the Defense Department said it plans to cut ties with the Ivy League — ending military training, fellowships and certificate programs.
	'Washington Post' CEO resigns after going AWOL during massive job cuts Washington Post chief executive and publisher Will Lewis has resigned just days after the newspaper announced massive layoffs.
	One week since Nancy Guthrie was last seen, here's what we know Nancy Guthrie was last seen a week ago. In the days since, investigators have launched a frantic search to return the 84-year-old home.
	Floating classroom barge returns to Beacon Harbor Living Lands & Waters brings educational programming to Mississippi River community
	Tapestry Farms bring viral "Dubai Chocolate" trend to Quad Cities Tapestry Farms is selling handmade Dubai chocolate bars made by refugee artisans, with proceeds supporting refugee families and services in the Quad Cities.
	Juvenile charged after high-speed pursuit, firearm recovered in Henry County Authorities say a juvenile faces charges after a high-speed pursuit in Henry County. Deputies recovered a firearm after items were thrown from the vehicle.
	Judge OKs release of evidence in Border Patrol shooting of Marimar Martinez Marimar Martinez, the Chicago teacher shot five times by Border Patrol agents last fall, was granted permission to release certain evidence from her case.
	Rivermont Collegiate senior named National Honor Society Scholarship winner Rivermont Collegiate senior Stella Ashdown has been named a National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship winner at the National Semifinalist level. According to a release, Ashdown is one of nine students in Iowa to earn the distinction and the only student from the Quad Cities to be recognized as a National Semifinalist. The recognition is awarded [...]
	Saturday morning crash sparks house fire in Moline A vehicle crash sparked a house fire early Feb. 7 in Moline. Residents were displaced and one person was transported to a hospital for evaluation.
	Vehicle crash sparks house fire, displacing residents An early morning crash into a Moline home sparked a fire, displacing residents. One person was transported to a hospital for treatment.
	Mercer County fundraiser reveals a different side of homelessness 13 teams slept in their cars in the VFW parking lot in Aledo, raising money for Mercer County Better Together.
	Little Aledo, Illinois gets its cinematic closeup in a big way The small Quad Cities area town of Aledo is getting lots of attention on the silver screen, thanks to two film projects from producer Christina Shaver.
	“Violins of Hope” Opening Event, February 17 This spring, Iowa will host one of the world’s most recognized Holocaust-era cultural exhibitions as Violins of Hope launches a rare, two-month residency spanning multiple Iowa communities, an opening event for the program taking place at Davenport's Putnam Museum & Science Center on February 17.
	Shockingly Modern Saxophone Festival will be at Augustana College, Rock Island Augustana College, Rock Island, will host its annual Shockingly Modern Saxophone Festival on Saturday, Feb. 21, a news release says. The event, featuring guest artists John Sampen and Mark Bunce, will be held at Bergendoff Hall, 3701 7th Ave. All events are free and open to the public. The Shockingly Modern Saxophone Festival celebrates new [...]
	Moline firefighters extinguish fire early Saturday after truck crashes into home Firefighters responded to the 300 block of 23rd Avenue in Moline at about 2:46 a.m. Saturday, finding a home on fire and partially collapsed after a truck had run into it.
	Rivermont Collegiate student earns National Honor Society Scholarship recognition Rivermont Collegiate senior Stella Ashdown is a National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship winner at the National Semifinalist level, a news release says. This prestigious recognition is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, service, and character. Ashdown is one of only nine students in Iowa to earn this distinction and the only student [...]
	In this Icelandic drama, a couple quietly drifts apart Icelandic director Hlynur Pálmason weaves scenes of quiet domestic life against the backdrop of an arresting landscape in his newest film.
	After the Fall: How Olympic figure skaters soar after stumbling on the ice Olympic figure skating is often seems to take athletes to the very edge of perfection, but even the greatest stumble and fall. How do they pull themselves together again on the biggest world stage? Toughness, poise and practice.
	QC Bicycle Club to host 'RAGRBRAI for Rookies' The Quad Cities Bicycle Club will host “RAGBRAI For Rookies” on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Eastern Avenue Branch of the Davenport Public Library, a news release says. The event, which is free and open to the public, is intended both for those planning to do the Register’s Annual Great [...]
	Art, Black History Month presentation featured at Black Hawk College, Moline The Black Hawk College ArtSpace Gallery is exhibiting “Metaphors, Mythologies, and a Bucket Full of Shadow” – photography by Randal Richmond – through Friday, Feb. 20. Everyone is invited to a closing reception from 4-5:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 with an artist talk at 4:15 p.m. The ArtSpace Gallery is on the first floor of Building 4, [...]
	Truck hits Moline home; starts fire, partial collapse One person was treated at the scene and transported to the hospital following an early-morning fire. According to a release, on February 7 at approximately 2:46 a.m., the Moline Fire Department responded to a report of a vehicle crash in the 300 block of 23rd Ave. Crews were informed that a truck had struck a [...]
	They're cured of leprosy. Why do they still live in leprosy colonies? Leprosy is one of the least contagious diseases around — and perhaps one of the most misunderstood. The colonies are relics of a not-too-distant past when those diagnosed with leprosy were exiled.
	Aledo seeks public input on Lakeshore Recycling contract issues The City of Aledo seeks public input in a public hearing; weighs ending the contract with waste collection partner Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS).
	Job openings fewest since 2020: Feds The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on Thursday reported the fewest job openings on the market since 2020.
	This season, 'The Pitt' is about what doesn't happen in one day The first season of The Pitt was about acute problems. The second is about chronic ones.
	Lindsey Vonn is set to ski the Olympic downhill race with a torn ACL. How? An ACL tear would keep almost any other athlete from competing -- but not Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old superstar skier who is determined to cap off an incredible comeback from retirement with one last shot at an Olympic medal.
	Legislative notebook: Idaho lawmakers vote to cut state budget, conform to ‘big, beautiful’ law The exterior of the Idaho Statehouse as seen on Jan. 14, 2026, in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) In an effort to help Idahoans follow major bills, resolutions and memorials through the legislative process, the Idaho Capital Sun will produce a “legislative notebook” at the end of each week to gather information in one place that concerns major happenings in the Legislature and other news relating to state government. To receive the full extent of our reporting in your inbox each day, sign up for our free email newsletter, The Sunrise, on our website at idahocapitalsun.com/subscribe/. Here is our quick rundown of the major happenings during the second week of the Idaho Legislature’s 2026 session. Forgive us if this is starting to sound familiar, but the state budget continued to drive major decisions by the Idaho Legislature this week – decisions that will affect state agencies and Idaho residents for years to come. On Friday, the Legislature’s budget committee voted to enact state budget cuts that will affect most state agencies, many state employees and the public’s access to government services. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted 14-6 to cut the state budget by 1% – or a $131 million reduction – for what is left of the 2026 fiscal year, and voted 13-7 to cut the state budget by 2% – or a $143 million reduction – from fiscal year 2027. That’s on top of a 3% budget holdback ordered by Gov. Brad Little last summer to deal with a projected budget deficit. That means most state agencies will be faced with total cuts equaling 5%. Some state budgets, like those for K-12 education, Idaho State Police and the Idaho Department of Correction, will not be affected by the additional 1% and 2% cuts. JFAC’s co-chairs, Sen. Scott Grow and Rep. Josh Tanner, both Republicans from Eagle, said the new cuts are necessary to make room in the budget to comply with the tax cuts President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans championed in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Grow and Tanner also said they want to make cuts to provide long-term structural balance to the state’s budget, to leave a positive year-end budget surplus and to guard against additional financial uncertainty. Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee co-chairmen Scott Grow, R-Eagle, and Josh Tanner, R-Eagle, preside over the committee’s first meeting of the legislative session on Jan. 13, 2026, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Also on Friday, the Idaho Senate voted, largely on party lines, in favor of conforming to those federal tax changes in the “big, beautiful” bill, which include things like removing taxes on a worker’s tips or removing taxes on a worker’s overtime. The tax conformity bill is something that happens annually, but this year’s process is particularly impactful because conforming to the federal tax code changes means the state will lose out on an estimated $155 million in revenue for fiscal year 2026 and $175 million for fiscal year 2027. Sen. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, listens to proceedings during the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee meeting on Jan. 14, 2026, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) “Republicans are pretending this is about balancing the budget. It’s not,” said Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, in a statement. “These permanent cuts are the playbook for future rollbacks of services Idahoans value, including our schools, public safety, and health care. They know they can’t openly repeal Medicaid expansion because Idahoans already decided that question. So the plan becomes death by a thousand cuts, starving it through the budget until services fail by design and families pay the price.” A number of state Senate Republicans said during floor debate on the bill that they would rather see tax cuts go to Idahoans than for the state to have the revenue. “Even though there is a cost of $155 million projected for (fiscal year 2026), there is a huge benefit to our Idaho taxpayers,” said bill sponsor Sen. Doug Ricks, R-Rexburg. The tax conformity bill, House Bill 559, now heads to the governor for consideration. The governor could sign it into law, let it become law without his signature, or veto the legislation. How will the budget cuts affect Idaho’s state agencies? The state budget cuts and less revenue for state government due to tax conformity have real implications for state services. Last week, state agencies submitted a list of potential cuts to the budget committee and described the impact those cuts would have on the state. State officials worried the cuts could lead to furloughs for state employees, could stop the development of a new family medicine obstetrics fellowship in Pocatello and could jeopardize graduate medical education programs at a time when Idaho ranks 50th in the country for the number of physicians per capita. Higher education could especially be affected by the cuts. In the list of potential cuts submitted to the Legislature by the state’s universities and colleges, education leaders said the cuts would mean the schools would have to delay or freeze hiring for future employees, furlough current employees, reduce programming and online class offerings, increase student-to-staff ratios, cut student recruitment dollars and increase tuition and fees for students. The University of Idaho, for instance, said in its plans that UI has already made “significant permanent budget reductions in prior years to right-size operations and has experienced record enrollment growth for ten straight semesters without adding employees to serve the increased number of students.” As a result, university officials wrote, “additional permanent reductions would no longer reduce discretionary capacity.” Instead, 1% and 2% permanent reductions would permanently reduce UI’S ability to: “Educate students statewide in fields critical to national security and Idaho’s economy, including mining, cybersecurity, and nuclear engineering Respond to industry workforce needs and emerging opportunities. Sustain applied research and Extension services supporting agriculture, natural resources, health care, and economic development.” “These impacts represent long-term capacity losses that cannot be quickly restored and would materially affect Idaho’s workforce, industries, and communities,” the university wrote in its cuts plan. The newly approved ongoing budget cuts totaling about 5% will be built into the fiscal year 2027 maintenance of operations budgets for state agencies and departments, which JFAC will begin working on next week. State budget analysts said JFAC will vote on maintenance budgets Feb. 13 at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise. Legislation of interest during the fourth week of the 2025 session House Bill 557: Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, the bill would prohibit Idaho cities and counties from passing anti-discrimination ordinances based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill passed the House on a 53-16 vote and now heads to the Senate State Affairs committee for further consideration. House Joint Resolution 8: Sponsored by Rep. Britt Raybould, R-Rexburg, the resolution would amend the Idaho Constitution to remove the requirement that state-owned endowment lands be managed for the maximum financial return for beneficiaries. It would allow the state to manage the land for ongoing revenue generation through things like timber harvest and mining or grazing leases, followed by preserving public access for recreation, hunting, trapping and fishing. The bill received an introductory hearing on Wednesday, and could be heard by the House State Affairs Committee in the coming days or weeks of the session. House Concurrent Resolution 25: Cosponsored by Reps. John Shirts, R-Weiser, and Josh Tanner, R-Eagle, the resolution calls for a never-before-used method of amending the U.S. Constitution to balance the federal budget, called a constitutional convention of states. The resolution narrowly passed the Idaho House on a 36-34 vote on Friday. It now heads to the Idaho Senate for further consideration. What to expect next week at the Idaho Legislature Public valentine writing event to be held at Idaho Capitol Five statewide women’s organizations are inviting members of the public to a free event at the Idaho State Capitol to write valentines to Idaho and America. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mountain time Feb. 12 in the first floor rotunda of the Capitol in Boise. Valentines will be collected and sent to Idaho’s congressional delegation, state legislators and executive officers to remind them of what Idahoans love and value about the state and the country, according to a press release from the League of Women Voters of Idaho. Participants may choose to remain anonymous or share their names on the cards, according to the release. Co-sponsors of the event include the League of Women Voters of Idaho, the American Association of University Women, United Women in Faith, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and Idaho Solutions. Legislation on committee agendas Quick note: Committees, especially at the beginning of the session, have agenda items known as an RS (which stands for routing slip). That’s legislative talk for “draft legislation.” An RS is not a public record until a committee considers it at an introductory hearing. Many of those agenda items are only listed by subject matter, so it’s impossible to ascertain what the RS is specifically about, other than the few words used to describe the RS until the introductory hearing takes place. Idaho House of Representatives House Education Committee 9 a.m. Monday: The committee is scheduled to hold introductory hearings for an RS relating to “public charter school admissions,” an RS relating to “students, immigration data,” an RS relating to “Public Schools Facilities Cooperative Fund” and Senate Bill 1225 as amended relating to university president job searches. House Revenue and Taxation Committee 9 a.m. Monday: The committee is scheduled to hold introductory hearings for an RS relating to “ homestead exempt, religious mission” and “tax exemptions, data centers.” House Judiciary, Rules & Administration Committee 1:30 p.m. Monday: The committee is scheduled to hold introductory hearings for an RS relating to “detention, involuntary admission” and an RS relating to “disturbing the peace, churches.” Idaho Senate Senate Resources and Environment Committee 1:30 p.m. Monday: The committee is scheduled to hold introductory hearings for an RS relating to “cloud seeding.” Senate Education Committee 3 p.m. Monday: The committee is scheduled to hold introductory hearings for an RS relating to the “Parental Choice Tax Credit.” Senate Agricultural Committee 8 a.m. Tuesday: The committee is scheduled to hold an introductory hearing for an RS relating to “abatement of rats.” It is scheduled to hold public hearings on Senate Bill 1241, which aims to “clarify and protect the lawful use of working animals in commerce and service” and on House Joint Memorial 10, which urges Congress to join Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.’s push to move away from artificial sweeteners in children’s school lunches and replace them with natural sources of sugar. Quote of the week “It is time to acknowledge our growth in Idaho. We aren’t trying to grow government. We should, however, maintain our quality of life. If you are frustrated with traffic now, it is only going to get worse with the decisions we are making.” – Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle, on the budget cuts passed by the Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee Social media post of the week NEW: An Idaho advisory panel is developing a bill to require autopsies in circumstances including unexplained child deaths. The state would help fund autopsies for coroners who get national certification, to address underfunding and bolster standards. [image or embed] — ProPublica (@propublica.org) February 4, 2026 at 7:30 AM How to follow the Idaho Legislature and Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s work during the session Here are a few tools we use to track the Legislature’s business and how to let your voice be heard in the issues that matter most to you. How to find your legislators: To determine which legislative district you live in, and to find contact information for your legislators within that district, go to the Legislative Services Office’s website and put in your home address and ZIP code. Once you’ve entered that information, the three legislators – two House members and one senator – who represent your district will appear, and you can click on their headshots to find their email address and phone number. How to find committee agendas: Go to the Idaho Legislature’s website, legislature.idaho.gov, and click on the “all available Senate committee agendas” link and the “all available House committee agendas” link on the right side of the website. How to watch the legislative action in committees and on the House and Senate floors: Idaho Public Television works in conjunction with the Legislative Services Office and the Idaho Department of Administration through a program called “Idaho in Session” to provide live streaming for all legislative committees and for the House and Senate floors. To watch the action, go to https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/Legislature/ and select the stream you’d like to watch. How to testify remotely at public hearings before a committee: To sign up to testify remotely for a specific committee, navigate to that committee’s webpage, and click on the “testimony registration (remote and in person)” tab at the top. How to find state budget documents: Go to Legislative Services Office Budget and Policy Analysis Division’s website https://legislature.idaho.gov/lso/bpa/budgetinformation/. How to track which bills have made it to Gov. Little’s desk and any action he took on them (including vetoes): Go to the governor’s website https://gov.idaho.gov/legislative-sessions/2026-session/. You can scroll down to the bottom of the site and enter your email address to get alerts sent straight to your inbox when the page has been updated. Idaho Capital Sun reporters Clark Corbin, Laura Guido and Kyle Pfannenstiel contributed reporting to this story. Courtesy of Idaho Capital Sun
	Civilized Indians This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.One day in February of 1834, four Winnebago Indians appeared in the little frontier mining village of Dubuque in what…
	UnityPoint Health offers Heart to Heart series UnityPoint Health is offering its first Heart to Heart Community Education Series of 2026. According to a release, the free in-person event is led by medical experts to help people get on the right track to living a more heart-healthy life. Heart to Heart is a free community educational series for those interested in learning [...]
	DVDs and public transit: Boycott drives people to ditch Big Tech to protest ICE A sweeping boycott has begun — targeting tech giants who participants believe are enabling President Trump and his immigration crackdown.
	The CIA World Factbook is dead. Here's how I came to love it The Factbook survived the Cold War and became a hit online. It mixed quirky cultural notes and trivia with maps, data, and photos taken by CIA officers. But it was discontinued this week.
	State Department will delete X posts from before Trump returned to office The policy change orders the removal of any post made by official State Department accounts on X before President Trump returned to office in 2025.
Friday, February 6th, 2026
	Women’s reproductive justice: Activists aren’t giving up the fight Abortion rights advocates speak out after oral arguments at the Florida Supreme Court on abortion bans and the state's privacy clause. Sept. 8, 2023. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.” – Simone de Beauvoir It’s not too far-fetched to look at the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2022 evisceration of Roe v. Wade as the canary in the coal mine. The high court’s reversal of this long-established legal precedent has roiled the lives and livelihoods of more than half America’s population. Since the ruling, far-right Republican policymakers have relentlessly peeled away what was thought to be an unalienable constitutional right for America’s women. These actions by Republican-led legislatures in at least 26 states have shattered the lives of childbearing-age women and their families in these states. In Florida, May 1, 2024, is remembered as the day that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ six-week abortion ban went into effect. Despite a robust struggle to blunt the effort, supporters of reproductive healthcare and access to abortion fell short when that year’s ballot amendment failed to reach the required 60%. In the aftermath, millions of Florida women had their reproductive healthcare protections snatched away. Even with this victory, DeSantis and the anti-abortion lobby continue to push against as many legal, political, and constitutional boundaries as they can while challenging, ignoring, or defying courts that try to rein them in. Florida’s six-week ban is creating insurmountable barriers to abortion care for many patients. Clinicians describe how the unworkability of the ban’s narrow exceptions and the “severe chilling effect on abortion provision caused by the sweeping criminalization of abortion from a very early stage of pregnancy are endangering patients’ health and survival and impairing clinicians’ ability to comply with their ethical obligations and medical standards of care,” according to a report by Physicians for Human Rights. The Florida ban replaced a 15-week ban instituted a month after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. “Anyone who performs or participates in the termination of a pregnancy faces a third-degree felony charge and up to five years in prison,” the report reads. “Unlike other states, Florida’s ban does not clearly exempt pregnant people themselves from prosecution.” While the law includes exceptions in cases of preterm rupture of membranes, gestational tumors, and ectopic pregnancies, the guidelines “lack medical clarity, further confusing clinicians,” the physicians group explained. Baptist News Global, in an alarming October 2024 article, warned that women were dying because of vague abortion laws. These deaths are exceptionally difficult to document because lawmakers have purposely chosen not to chronicle or make publicly available such information, but there are stories in Florida, Texas, Indiana, and elsewhere detailing the human costs of this onerous law. Doctors “described the serious and manifold harms the ban is causing pregnant people in the state who seek reproductive health care,” the article reported. “The six-week ban is unclear in its guidelines and introduces barriers to care, delays in emergency reproductive services, and deviations from standard medical care. Moreover, the steep penalties, particularly when combined with other laws, create intensified fear and confusion among healthcare providers who do not know in what cases they legally can or cannot provide abortion care, creating strain in the patient-clinician relationship and inducing providers and trainees to leave the state.” Health experts say Florida’s abortion restrictions, particularly the six-week ban, create significant health, economic, and social harm, especially for women facing barriers to essential care, increased health risks (especially for maternal mortality), financial setbacks (lost wages or education), and mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. Yet bans prevent adequate access to care while placing barriers to timely medical care even for miscarriages or life-threatening situations. ‘Nightmare’ The abortion ban is forcing Florida women to travel out of state for care and delay vital medical treatment, and imposes severe economic hardships on them, limiting education and workforce participation. These disproportionately affect Black women and survivors of sexual violence, who face complex proof requirements for exceptions. These restrictions increase unwanted pregnancies, leading to more poverty and harm to families, despite research showing that access to abortion improves women’s economic stability and well-being. According to Reproduction Justice For All, “2025 affirmed critical truths that will be at the forefront of our fight in 2026 — voters continue to reject abortion bans and support reproductive freedom champions at the ballot box; anti-abortion actors are escalating, not retreating, despite their proven unpopularity; and the human cost of abortion bans is mounting while the full damage is still untold.” And as the country moves into a new year, the Republican war against women shows no sign of abating. Twenty-five years since the FDA approved mifepristone — which has been rigorously studied and used safely by more than 7.5 million people — Trump and his MAGA allies are using every branch and level of government, including the courts, Congress, and administrative agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services, to block access to mifepristone. Meanwhile, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley introduced a bill in the Senate to ban the mailing of mifepristone. House Republicans have introduced similar legislation. Reproductive justice advocate Jessica Valenti characterized the effect of the anti-abortion crusade as “a nightmare.” “[T]his impact isn’t only going to be felt in Florida, but across the South,” she wrote in her newsletter in April 2024, after the Florida Supreme Court upheld the six-week abortion ban. “Florida abortion clinics have been preparing” for the outcome, Valenti wrote, noting that groups like Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida, for example, had “been strengthening their partnerships with providers in pro-choice states so they can refer people elsewhere.” Earthquakes Abortion and the reproductive justice providers made sure that there were all “the right people in place with scheduling, making sure we can fit as many patients in as possible. Education is the biggest part really, just making sure Floridians are educated about what’s about to happen come May 1,” when the six-week ban took effect. Reproductive justice advocates and other experts have likened the Florida and Arizona abortion bans to earthquakes that have significantly altered America’s abortion landscape. But that has not caused them to run away from the challenge. Valenti, Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and a phalanx of activists are fighting back, using a variety of methods to blunt this anti-woman assault. The methods vary: legal challenges, legislative advocacy, funding for abortion access, and direct action to protect clinics. Key strategies include supporting these organizations, funding patient travel and care, establishing buffer zones to prevent harassment, and passing state-level protections for reproductive rights. For reproductive justice advocates, this fight is far from over, as abortion opponents — aided and abetted by Trump, Republican members of Congress, and state legislators — continue to rachet up the stakes. Ms. Magazine encapsulates what American women face with the next prong of MAGA control of women: Project 2026, an extension of Project 2025 described as a group of people bent on reducing “the supply and demand for abortion at all stages.” “Project 2026 lays out a government redesigned to control women’s bodies, erase LGBTQ+ lives, dismantle civil rights protections and roll back decades of hard-won progress. Wrapped in the language of ‘family,’ ‘sovereignty’ and ‘restoring America,’ it is a direct attempt to impose a narrow, rigid ideology on an entire nation,” the magazine wrote. “Make no mistake: This is a plan for forced motherhood, government-policed gender and the end of women’s equality as we know it,” the article continues. “[We] know exactly what this means. A country where a woman’s future is no longer her own.” Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	TMBC Lincoln Resource Center holds Black Excellence Fest On Saturday, the TMBC Lincoln Resource Center will host its Black History Month fashion show.
	Morrison native promoted to first-star general Morrison native Steven Rice was promoted to Brigadier General on Friday afternoon. Rice grew up hearing stories of his grandfather serving in the South Pacific during World War II - stories that would inspire three more generations of military members. "My father - his son - joined the active duty Air Force in 1968 during [...]
	Mercer County fundraiser reveals a different side of homelessness 13 teams slept in their cars in the VFW parking lot in Aledo, raising money for Mercer County Better Together.
	Davenport scrap yard reported stolen shopping carts, leading to arrests Davenport reports more than 2,500 thefts a year, and many stolen items end up at scrap yards, where owners work with police to stop repeat offenders.
	Highlight Zone: Week 5, girls state wrestling tournament, high school basketball It’s another week of The Highlight Zone.
	Researchers survey bald eagle night roost at the Milan Bottoms The team counted over 300 bald eagles spending the night at the Bottoms on Feb. 5, but a report from an environmental consultant claims the roost is no longer used.
	Mariah Carey, coffee makers and other highlights from the Olympic opening ceremony NPR reporters at the Milan opening ceremony layered up and took notes.
	MLK Jr. Center hosts 'Youth Voices on Display' exhibit by students The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center is hosting "Youth Voices on Display," aPhotoVoice exhibit created by students from the West End Revitalization High School Club atThurgood Marshall Learning Center, a news release says. The exhibit is now on public display in the MLK Center lobby at 630 9th St., Rock Island. "Youth Voices on [...]
	Moline to replace 4,900 water service lines over next decade Moline's new Lead Service Line Replacement program will replace 4,900 lead or galvanized water service lines in homes across the city. The proactive program will last a decade and will continue the city's efforts to replace those old service lines with copper. "It is simply to address pipes that are lead or galvanized," said Ashley [...]
	Davenport elementary students learn about Winter Olympics with opening ceremony celebration Students got to learn and experience the Olympics through a collaboration between multiple school subjects.
	Rock Line Studios is ready to break ground in the QCA; short $3 million A huge addition to the Quad Cities' film industry is $3 million away from breaking ground. The project known as Rock Line Studios originated from Rock Island's own Fresh Films. The project is expected to bring in significant economic growth in the area. "It's absolutely crucial to keep local talent here in the Quad Cities," [...]
	How people in purple shirts demanded changes for mobile home residents Mobile home residents want Iowa lawmakers to give them more rights against the out-of-state companies that own their land.
	Historic Cascade Bridge in Burlington set to receive $6M restoration More than a decade after closing, Burlington’s historic Cascade Bridge will undergo repairs after Iowa secured $6 million to preserve the 1896 structure.
	Researchers survey bald eagle night roost at the Milan Bottoms The team counted over 300 bald eagles spending the night at the Bottoms on Feb. 5, but a report from an environmental consultant claims the roost is no longer used.
	Among Alaska’s 16 candidates for governor is a ‘pissed off’ single mother of five Independent Alaska gubernatorial candidate Jessica Faircloth is seen in a photo distributed by the candidate on Feb. 5, 2026. (Campaign handout photo)The first independent candidate in Alaska’s 2026 gubernatorial election is a single mother of five who says she’s frustrated with the condition of Alaska’s fisheries, its economy and the Permanent Fund dividend. Jessica Faircloth filed her letter of intent in January, making her the 15th person to sign up for this year’s gubernatorial race. A 16th candidate announced his candidacy this week. She’s from Kasilof, a rural community on the Kenai Peninsula. Faircloth hasn’t held public office before, but she decided to run after one of her oldest children surprised her with the happy news that she’ll be a grandmother soon. “I was overjoyed,” she said, “but then I started thinking. My kids are the fourth generation of my family to live in (our) house, and they didn’t get to grow up in the same Alaska I did.” She recalls digging for clams, always having moose and caribou in the freezer — and then, there were the king salmon. “We caught so many kings when I was a kid, we turned them loose if they were too small, or they didn’t fight hard enough, or we caught them too early in the day, or they were a little pink,” she said. “I realized three of my five children have caught a king salmon, and only one of them was over 50 pounds, and they don’t remember digging clams,” she said. As she was contemplating the future her first grandchild might experience, she said: “It’s like a light bulb went on, and I started to see that Alaska is not being managed for Alaskans.” Governor candidates so far Former state Sen. Tom Begich (Democrat) Former state Sen. Click Bishop (Republican) Former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson (Republican) and Lt. Gov. candidate Josh Church (Republican) Former state revenue commissioner Adam Crum (Republican) Current state Sen. Matt Claman (Democrat) Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom (Republican) Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Edna DeVries (Republican) Kasilof resident Jessica Faircloth (Undeclared) Anchorage podiatrist and state medical board member Matt Heilala Former state Sen. Shelley Hughes (Republican) Former state Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (Democrat) Author Hank Kroll (Registered Republican) with Lt. Gov. candidate Tommy Nicholson (Undeclared) Angoon resident and former teacher James William Parkin IV (Republican) Former Attorney General Treg Taylor (Republican) Palmer resident Bruce Walden (Republican) Businesswoman Bernadette Wilson (Republican) with Lt. Gov. candidate Mike Shower (Republican) The Permanent Fund dividend needs to be guaranteed in the Alaska Constitution, she said. Faircloth noted that some oil and gas companies have been able to use writeoffs and exemptions to reduce their taxes to zero. “If you look at our oil and gas, the tax structure allows zero tax years … and our Legislature hasn’t done anything to fix them,” she said. Fisheries are big in her mind, too. “The whole West Coast doesn’t have any salmon. I don’t have any king salmon. I love them more than anything in the world,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the PFD, our state budgeting — none of it, none of it, is being managed to benefit Alaskans. It’s benefiting outside corporate interests, mainly, and I am absolutely morally and ethically appalled and pissed off,” Faircloth said. Faircloth was one of more than 19,000 Alaskans registered as members of the Alaskan Independence Party when it dissolved last year. Now, she’s registered as “undeclared” and campaigning independently of any party. “I’m one of those people that doesn’t just sit back and complain … that’s the mentality I grew up with. You either do something or you stop complaining,” she said. Independent Alaska candidate for governor Jessica Faircloth is seen with a king salmon in this undated photo provided by the candidate. Preserving salmon runs is a major priority for the candidate. (Campaign handout photo) Faircloth’s policy positions don’t fit into the standard Alaska political boxes. She supports a constitutional dividend, something Republicans in the Alaska Legislature tend to champion. She also wants to see more support for public school teachers, a position typically held by legislative Democrats. “There’s no pension. There’s no benefits. It’s underfunded,” she said of the state’s public school system. “I just — I’m watching my teacher friends, especially some of the younger ones, and they are so discouraged,” Faircloth said. She’s a fan of the “Stop Alaskan Trawler Bycatch” Facebook page and supports anti-trawl appointees to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and other fishery regulators. “I understand that the governor actually has very little power (on fisheries), but the power that the governor does have is who they appoint as commissioners and on boards, and that is where the strength of Alaskan government comes from,” she said. Eight years ago, she voted for current Gov. Mike Dunleavy, but she’s soured on him. “I really believed, you know, that he was going to be able to get the dividend in the Constitution. And I just expected great things from him. And after eight years, I’m kind of let down,” she said. Dunleavy is term-limited and unable to run for a third term, a fact that has encouraged a large number of candidates to enter the race. So far, there are three Democrats, 12 Republicans and Faircloth. The deadline to register with the Alaska Division of Elections is 5 p.m. June 1. The four candidates who receive the most votes in the August primary election will advance to the November general election. “I’ve been a broke-ass single mom with a backbone and the ability to budget, and that is what our state needs right now,” she said. “Somebody to walk in there and say, ‘OK, listen, you’re not doing your job, and we’re all in this together. So I need everyone to step up and to do what they’re supposed to.’ I just think that Alaska should be managed for Alaskans first. And that’s not being done.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	Lee Enterprises closes strategic investment, welcomes David Hoffmann as board chair Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, has announced that it has closed its previously announced $50 million strategic equity private placement, according to a news release on the Lee Enterprises website. The investment was led by David Hoffmann with participation from other existing investors in the company, "providing the company with committed capital and a strengthened financial and [...]
	Pleasant Valley High School students protest against ICE, decry enforcement operations More than 100 Pleasant Valley High School students showed up to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in American cities.
	New citizens welcomed at Iowa State Capitol naturalization ceremony Forty new United States citizens were welcomed at the Iowa State Capitol Friday during a naturalization ceremony representing more than a dozen countries.
	Below normal so far in Feb, but not for long We're 6 days into February and 3 have had below normal highs so far. One day was right at average and that leaves 2 above normal days. But, we're about to go on another warmer than normal run starting Sunday! The warmest temperature we've had so far this year is 61° back on January 8th. [...]
	Scottish American Society invites public to celebrate the annual Robert Burns dinner Every winter, Scottish people all over the world celebrate the life and work of Scotland's most famous poet Robert Burns.
	Floating classroom showcasing jobs along the Mississippi sets anchors in the Quad Cities Living Lands and Waters sets anchors for its new floating classroom in the Quad Cities, showcasing jobs on the Mississippi River.
	Bird's-eye views from across the Quad Cities region for the week of Feb. 6, 2026 Sit back, relax and enjoy these scenes captured by the News 8 drone from across the Quad Cities region this week.
	Moline launching program to replace lead service lines Moline hopes to replace approximately 4,900 lead service lines over the next 10 years.
	Over 100 students at Pleasant Valley High School partake in walkout to protest ICE The students wanted to protest in front of the school and administration allegedly told them they needed to walk out in the back.
	It's that time of year! Expect to see Girl Scout Cookie booths throughout the QC Beginning Friday, Feb. 6, Girl Scout Cookie Booths will pop up in communities across eastern Iowa and western Illinois, a news release says. To find one near you, visit here and type in your zip code. A list of upcoming Cookie Booths, hosted by local Girl Scout Troops, will appear so you can stock up on your favorite cookies while running errands. At [...]
	Iowa educators, parents warn proposed school funding increase falls short Iowa educators and parents say a proposed 1.75% funding increase won’t keep up with costs, warning of staff cuts, larger classes and fewer programs.
	Pleasant Valley High School students protest ICE with walkout A large group of students at Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf walked out of class Friday to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Students there expressed their frustrations with the current administration and chanted "Abolish ICE" and "Melt the ICE." They also took turns speaking and sharing personal stories. The walkout lasted over 45 minutes. [...]
	Aledo seeks input at public hearing regarding waste collection contract The City of Aledo is weighing the cancellation of its waste contract with Lakeshore Recycling Services due to reported complaints.
	Much warmer than average for next week Temperatures are looking to continue the trend of warm weather for this weekend and especially into next week. While a cold front will be cooling us down on Saturday with temperatures dropping into the mid 30s, they will shoot back up into the mid 50s for Monday and Tuesday. When compared to normal it is [...]
	Portion of Village of Milan under boil order The Village of Milan said a water main break is causing some residents to be under a boil order.
	Quad Cities Scots, friends to gather for 48th annual Robert Burns Dinner You're invited to an evening of music, dancing and traditional Scottish food in Bettendorf on Saturday, Feb. 21. You do not need to be Scottish to attend.
	Girl Scout cookie booths arrive for the season Girl Scout cookie booths will be popping up in eastern Iowa and western Illinois starting Feb. 6.
	Moline launching program to replace lead service lines Moline hopes to replace approximately 4,900 lead service lines over the next 10 years.
	Iowa community colleges receive federal grants for military member CDL training Two Iowa community colleges are set to expand their commercial driver’s license training programs with federal funding from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
	Nature is the new thrill ride: Why wildlife is the travel moment Americans are chasing Nature is the new thrill ride: Why wildlife is the travel moment Americans are chasingThe sight of a whale breaching or the Northern Lights stretching across the Alaskan sky has become a vision many Americans hope to experience. These moments, once considered bucket list extras, now stand out as the experiences travelers say matter most.According to a new survey from Holland America Line, which has been exploring Alaska for nearly 80 years, wildlife encounters and outdoor experiences are ranking ahead of traditional theme park thrills. The survey found 43% of Americans say seeing wildlife in nature would be the most memorable family vacation experience, compared with about 12% who say meeting a character at a theme park would stand out most.Interest in these experiences is shaping destination choices, as more than two-thirds (67%) of Americans say Alaska is a top travel priority. Holland America Line The Destination Effect: Why Nature-Based Travel ResonatesNature-focused destinations stand out for offering rare, immersive experiences. When asked about the moments that left the strongest impression, more than 41% of Americans say a nature or adventure destination produced their most lasting family memories. For many travelers, those memories are tied to being immersed in nature, where wildlife sightings, open landscapes and time outdoors shape the experience in ways traditional vacations often do not.For families in particular, these trips offer something different than a traditional getaway, creating shared experiences that span generations and stand out as moments people remember most.Cruising with CuriosityTravel is not only about seeing new places. For many Americans, it is also a time to learn, explore and slow down. Cruises in particular appear to encourage that mindset.According to the survey, 62% of Americans say they are more likely to try new foods while traveling on a cruise. Nearly half (48%) say they discovered a new interest or hobby, including wildlife, food, history or culture.Not every moment is structured. Some Americans say downtime is part of the appeal, with 28% saying they read more during their trip. Holland America Line Memories Over Souvenirs: Why Experiences Last LongerFor many Americans, what stays with them after a trip is not what they bought but what they experienced. Nearly 67% say they value a core memory more than a physical souvenir after a vacation.Those memories often continue to resonate long after the trip ends. Eighty-six percent say they have revisited photos or videos from a past trip to lift their mood, and more than 90% say positive travel memories can improve their mood during difficult times. Holland America Line Family Time Reimagined: Shared Experiences Matter MostFor families, travel often creates time for bonding that daily routines do not allow. More than half (55%) of respondents say their best family memories occurred while traveling together, and more than 4 out of 5 (82%) say some of their strongest family bonding moments happened during a vacation or family trip.In addition to shared memories, more than 91% say travel has a positive impact on their mental and emotional well-being.There is No Time Like the PresentAs Americans look for relief from routine and overstimulation, travel experiences rooted in nature, learning and shared moments are gaining appeal. The findings reflect a growing pull toward trips built around lasting memories and emotional connection.MethodologyHolland America Line commissioned an online survey of adults in the United States, conducted in September, 2025. The sample included 1,539 adults ages 18 and older.This story was produced by Holland America Line and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Moline police and fire investigate arson The Moline Police Department and Fire Department are investigating alleged arson on a vehicle in January.
	St. Ambrose University applies to move athletic conferences The university said the move aims to strengthen the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of SAU athletics.
	Trump's harsh immigration tactics are taking a political hit President Trump's popularity on one of his political strengths is in jeopardy.
	A drop in CDC health alerts leaves doctors 'flying blind' Doctors and public health officials are concerned about the drop in health alerts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since President Trump returned for a second term.
	St. Ambrose applies for full membership in Heart of America Athletic Conference St. Ambrose University announced its application for the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
	Parts of Milan under boil order There is a boil order in effect for parts of Milan. According to a post on the Village of Milan's Facebook page: Due to a water main break, a boil water order is now in effect for residents in the 400 to 500 block of West 12th Avenue and West 13th Avenue and the 1200 [...]
	Photos: Highlights from the Winter Olympics opening ceremony Athletes from around the world attended the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan.
	Which states have the longest (and shortest) commutes? Which states have the longest (and shortest) commutes?For millions of Americans across the country, the journey to work isn’t just a quick trip. It’s a daily grind that eats into time with family or friends, hinders personal well-being, and shapes where people can afford to live. These effects have been especially prominent in recent years, after the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped work and more people switched to remote or hybrid roles.With return-to-the-office mandates in place and traditional commute patterns in flux, there are stark differences across different states and regions. Using census data, as well as recent commuting studies from sources including the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis World Population Review, and more, AnyWho outlines how geography, infrastructure, and work patterns influence the hours Americans spend in transit state-by-state.The state of American commutes: A post-pandemic reckoningAmerican commuting has certainly rebounded toward pre-pandemic norms even as hybrid and remote work stay a part of the workplace mix. According to census data gathered on average commute times from 2011 to 2024, with the exception of 2020, national times shook out as follows: AnyWho With an average one-way travel time to work of 27.2 minutes in 2024, commutes are beginning to approach pre-pandemic levels once again. This resurgence is likely reflective of several trends, including that many employers have asked workers to return to the office more regularly. This reduces the share of fully remote workers and helps to push commute volumes back up.Data from recruiting firm Robert Half found that job postings for hybrid and remote roles have begun to stabilize, rather than increase, indicating current commute times may be reflective of the new norm.Commuting isn’t just a number. It affects mental health, quality of life, housing decisions, and overall life satisfaction. Longer commutes can correlate to higher stress and less time for social and family life, and they’re often tied to escalating housing costs near job centers.The 10 states where commutes consume your lifeThe prevalence of in-person, remote, or hybrid roles is dependent on the type of companies operating in an area and the roles they have available. Each state is known for its specific dominant industries, and these types of workplaces can cause commute times to differ drastically from state to state. Data from the 2024 U.S. Census American Community Survey reveals the following: AnyWho The Eastern Seaboard, Southeast, and states scattered across the West significantly differ in commute times than counterparts in the Southwest and Midwest on an average basis. In particular, the following ten states have the longest commute times in the country:New York - 33.2 minutesMaryland - 32.3 minutesNew Jersey - 31.9 minutesMassachusetts - 30.6 minutesCalifornia - 29.7 minutesGeorgia - 29.4 minutesFlorida - 28.9 minutesIllinois - 28.3 minutesVirginia - 28.3 minutesNew Hampshire - 27.5 minutesLiving in one of these states, especially if near a major metropolitan center, means that living with a tough commute might just be part of your daily life. It’s also important to be aware of these areas if you are actively looking at moving. Long commutes aren’t just uncomfortable. Every minute you’re stuck on the road is time that could have been spent on family, health, or leisure.The other extreme: States where commutes are an afterthoughtAt the other end of the spectrum, states with more rural populations, lower density, and shorter distances between homes and workplaces tend to have the shortest commute times. Based on additional commute time data from World Population Review, North and South Dakota rank as the two shortest commute states with averages of 17.6 minutes and 17.3 minutes, respectively.Following closely behind are Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska, all featuring commute times under 20 minutes on average. These shorter commute times are reflective of different economic and spatial structures throughout the states. With employment centers typically closer to residences and fewer major metropolitan centers, heavy traffic congestion is far less common.The true cost: How commute time reshapes life decisionsLong commutes don’t just reshape your morning and evening. They influence where you choose to live, how you spend your free time, and even your mental and physical health to some extent. In fact, a comprehensive study from the University of the West of England on commuting and well-being found that longer commutes are associated with decreased job satisfaction and increased risks of mental health issues.Commute distance naturally factors into housing decisions. One household may trade off higher rent in a centrally located city for a more affordable home in the distant suburbs, only to incur the hidden cost of hours on the road each week.What the data reveals about America's commuting futureCommuting patterns will undoubtedly continue to evolve as shifts in remote work and housing markets continue. Remote and hybrid job postings are beginning to stabilize, so times may inch upwards slowly. High housing costs in major metro areas may continue to push existing workers farther from job centers, potentially resulting in increased commute times as people seek more affordable homes.Despite fluctuations, commute times will certainly remain a key metric of economic geography, one correlated closely with quality of life, housing affordability, and regional growth.Time well spent or time lost?When it comes to America’s commute crisis, place matters. Whether you live in New York, where daily travel to work is a major part of your life, or in the open spaces of North Dakota where shorter commutes prevail, the geography of mobility often reflects broader choices about housing, work, and communities. By understanding where time is most often lost — and gained — more informed decisions can be made by workers, employers, and policymakers as all strive to make daily life better.This story was produced by AnyWho and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	5 winter address trends: How people are changing where they live, work & receive mail in 2026 5 winter address trends: How people are changing where they live, work & receive mail in 2026For decades, an address was one of the most stable parts of the American experience. Defining where you lived, where your mail went, and where you made your home, an address used to be an anchoring point in the lives of all Americans. However, in the modern era of easy travel, one surprising phenomenon is quietly disrupting this idea — the wintertime. Seasonal migration, remote work, and rising concerns about physical safety and package theft are forcing people to rethink what their address actually needs to do.Home is less about a fixed location today and more about accessibility, flexibility and control. From snowbirds trying to relocate for warmer weather to remote workers relying on virtual mail services, winter has become a stress test for the traditional address system. ThatsThem has put together data from leading sources including ConsumerAffairs, Forbes, USPS, and more to outline a number of key behaviors seen in winter that reflect how Americans are now managing lifestyle, convenience and security when their lives aren’t anchored in one place.How winter is changing the way Americans think about "home" and mailing addressesWhether weather-related or situational, the colder months tend to see addresses begin to shift or become outdated. In particular, the below impacts are most prominent:1. Snowbird seasonal migrationsEach winter, millions of Americans, particularly retirees, relocate seasonally to warmer climates. Data from Reuters estimates that 1 million to 1.5 million people spend the colder months in Florida; other popular states for wintering include Texas, California and Arizona. This movement increases reliance on temporary change-of-address services rather than permanent relocation specialists. The distinction between temporary and permanent address changes matters more than ever for these individuals.2. Virtual mailbox services for remote workersWhile admittedly less of a winter-specific problem, remote work has untethered employment from geography. Winter can simply accelerate this freedom as many businesses choose to shut down for the holiday season. Digital nomads, remote professionals and small business owners are among those who increasingly use virtual mailbox services that scan, forward and digitize mail regardless of location. Forbes published an article last year outlining how all digital nomads should invest in a virtual mailbox to enjoy flexibility in staying up to date on mail without ever missing a deadline.3. PO boxes and private mailboxesTo enhance privacy and security, many people choose to invest in PO boxes or private mailboxes. Winter in particular sees this trend grow as package theft increases. Based on an October 2025 survey of 3,307 American adults conducted by home security site Security.org, package thieves stole an estimated $8.2 billion worth of online orders over the past year.As a result, PO boxes and private mailboxes are seeing renewed relevance as a form of secured mail delivery for when people aren’t home. This shift is less about convenience for many, and more about reclaiming control over personal information and privacy.4. Parcel lockers and out-of-home delivery optionsOut-of-home delivery options, such as parcel lockers, retail pickup points and smart locker systems, are becoming increasingly popular during the winter. Based on Market Growth Reports data focused specifically on the electronic parcel locker industry, the market has seen steady growth in recent years attributed to rises in e-commerce volume and consumer demands for flexibility on package deliveries. In the winter, investing in such an option can reduce weather exposure for packages and also eliminate the need to be physically “home” at delivery time, which is helpful for those who work full time.5. USPS informed delivery for address awarenessUSPS informed delivery has quietly reshaped how Americans interact with the mail. This service provides digital previews of any incoming mail, allowing users to track what specifically is arriving while they are away. With 72.9 million active users across 50.5 million households, it’s clear this is a popular way of staying on top of mail. During winter travel or seasonal relocations where your address shifts, this visibility offers reassurance and planning power. A user can decide whether something needs their immediate attention or can wait, causing “home” to be something you can monitor rather than just inhabit.Winter can make your home more flexibleWinter used to reinforce the idea of staying put given the poor weather. Today, however, it does the opposite for many. Seasonal movement, remote work and evolving delivery systems all help transform addresses from fixed markers into flexible tools. Americans are beginning to learn that their home doesn't have to mean the place of their primary address. It can instead mean continuity, access and control across many different addresses. As these trends continue to accelerate, address management will become less about geography and more about intentional design, with the winter season making the shift impossible to ignore.This story was produced by ThatsThem and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Tired of swiping? 7 dating app alternatives single Americans are using in 2026. Tired of swiping? 7 dating app alternatives single Americans are using in 2026.Dating app fatigue is real. A July 2025 survey by Forbes Health revealed that nearly 4 in 5 users report feeling burned out from dating apps “sometimes, often, or always.” Reasons cited include failure to connect, disappointment, and rejection.As easy as it is to communicate with others online, it’s never been more difficult to make romantic connections. Facing this realization, many Americans have decided to take a step back from generic dating apps and use alternative means to combat their loneliness. PeopleWin took a deep dive into seven ways people seek love in the modern era, including in-person methods like coworking spaces and online methods like meetup apps.1. Speed friending is the new speed datingIt’s harder than ever to find meaningful connections. The Pew Research Center found in 2023 that 8% of American adults reported having no friends at all. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services found in 2023 that, over the past two decades, time spent in person with friends has reduced dramatically. The young adult age group, in particular, reported a 70% reduction.To meet new people, many have turned to speed friending. These in-person events are very similar to speed dating but are designed for platonic connections. However, many people are relying on them as “feelers.” While they’re not explicitly looking to find a date, they remain open to the idea of meeting a potential suitor.2. Coworking spaces are hot spots for remote singlesThe workplace has always been a common place for finding a partner. In fact, Forbes Advisor reported in 2024 that just over 2 in 5survey respondents had married someone they worked with. In the age of remote work, it’s more difficult to find a mate at a job.Nowadays, many remote workers are utilizing coworking spaces. As of 2022, 1.08 million people used coworking spaces in the U.S., according to Zippia. That’s a lot of opportunities for meeting new people.3. There are fewer fish in the sea with niche dating appsOnline dating and dating apps are not completely dead. They’re just getting more specialized. Selectivity is important in dating. Niche apps are helping “weed out” people based on compatibility. These platforms allow individuals to get specialized dating inquiries with other like-minded people. Examples include MillionaireMatch, a website for high-net-worth individuals, and FarmersOnly, a site dedicated to farmers and people in rural communities.Personality similarities can be very important in a relationship. In 2023, Nature Human Behavior analyzed the frequency of shared personality traits among opposite-sex couples. The study found that, on average, 82%-89% of personality traits were shared. This research provides compelling insight into why people might pursue relationships on more niche dating apps.4. Finding mutual interests with meetup appsMany people have decided to join group meetup apps to find a partner, as they bring people with similar interests together. These apps help people bond over a common activity, such as hiking or board games, which can lead to relationship opportunities.Some apps like Meetup have expanded into singles groups, designed to bring single people together over activities like going out for drinks.5. Volunteer opportunities in the communityVolunteering is another way people are finding dates away from dating apps. Additionally, as AARP notes, it’s good for “staving off loneliness.” Volunteer organizations and events are a great way to meet other like-minded people who care about community involvement.6. At the gym and outdoorsAs Glamour reported in March 2023, “workout wooing” was the latest trend in dating. They reported on a study conducted by Bumble and Gymshark that found 22% of Gen Zers and millennials would prefer a date at the gym to one at the pub.Active first dates are 25% more likely to lead to a second date, according to a 2025 New York Post report citing data from matchmaking company Tawkify. People who enjoy activities like hiking may have more luck securing a long-term relationship if they stay off dating apps and coordinate dates in the real world.7. Finding love at cultural eventsFor people who enjoy intellectual pursuits and cultural events, destinations like museums can be a great way to meet people offline. Museums are full of exhibits that are great conversation starters. For instance, remarking on a painting to someone else who is enjoying the gallery can help break the ice.The world is full of dating opportunitiesIt’s easy to think that in today’s world, dating only takes place online. But people are increasingly burned out from the constant swiping and screen time required by dating apps.More people are taking to the streets to find alternative ways of finding a partner. Whether that’s at the gym, at a museum, or at coworking spaces, plenty of offline opportunities exist for singles. Online apps may make it easier to have an initial connection, but it takes real-world effort to find a relationship that will last.This story was produced by PeopleWin and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	4 Your Money \| On A Heater The stock market has continued a successful run the past several years. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, shares the bigger picture by looking at historical patterns and what this current run means for investors.
	The $400K compliance cost: How sales tax complexity drains SaaS margins The $400K compliance cost: How sales tax complexity drains SaaS marginsCompliance is clearly mandatory, yet it’s rarely discussed outside of the finance team unless something breaks. It does not usually feature in product roadmaps or growth strategy conversations. Instead, it is treated as operational background noise that is important, but fundamentally tactical.As companies scale, this problem intensifies. Crossing state and country lines expands audit risk and introduces rule changes that are difficult to track manually. With CFOs entering 2026 and planning cycles under pressure to protect unit economics and extend runway, understanding the true cost of sales tax complexity has truly become a strategic imperative.Even relatively small SaaS companies can trigger tax obligations at a rapid speed through remote hiring, inbound sales, or enterprise contracts that can span multiple jurisdictions. Because these thresholds are frequently crossed without a clear internal signal, finance teams may not realize that compliance risk has already been created. By the time it becomes visible, remediation becomes more expensive. That’s why Anrok put together the key data points to help your business understand how to reap the benefits of tax automation.The 4.3% revenue drag (the "hard" costs)Sales tax is particularly challenging for SaaS companies because it was not designed with digital products in mind. Tax codes evolved around physical goods, not subscription software, cloud infrastructure, or usage-based pricing. As a result, definitions of what is taxable vary widely by jurisdiction. In one state, a SaaS product may be non-taxable. In another, it may be taxable only if bundled with certain support services. In a third, taxability may depend on where the customer accesses the software or where the servers are located. These small distinctions change frequently, and staying current requires constant monitoring. Invoicing practices can add another layer of risk. Some companies opt to receive bills at a centralized office in a state where SaaS is taxable, even though most of their users are located in states where it is not. In these cases, companies may inadvertently over-collect and remit sales tax based on their customer’s billing location, despite SaaS users being located in a different jurisdiction, where SaaS may not be taxable.Many finance teams will attempt to manage this complexity with spreadsheets or general accounting software. These tools may work in the early stages of growth. In the long term, however, they do not scale. As transaction volume increases and companies expand into new states, the likelihood of classification errors, late filings, and under-collection rises sharply.Over time, those errors can accumulate into meaningful financial exposure, which is then further amplified by the pace at which SaaS companies tend to expand. Unlike traditional businesses that can grow region by region, SaaS growth is more often nonlinear. A single successful marketing campaign can introduce customers in dozens of new areas simultaneously. Without automation, finance teams are forced into a reactive posture, attempting to then retroactively determine where obligations exist and how long they have been outstanding. This risk is heightened by economic nexus thresholds, which can be breached quickly as transaction counts or sales revenue spike, often without clear visibility. SaaS companies may unknowingly trigger sales and use tax obligations in new states long before compliance processes catch up.Anrok’s benchmark data, puts real numbers to the issue. Across digital businesses surveyed, sales tax liabilities and penalties average 4.3% of total revenue. For a company with $10 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), that represents $430,000 annually. This is capital that could otherwise be reinvested into product development, hiring, or even customer acquisition.Unlike payroll or infrastructure costs, sales tax liabilities do not always appear as a consistent line item. They surface intermittently through audits or remediation efforts. Remediation can be costly not only due to tax due, penalties, and interest, but also because of the internal time and external resources required (i.e., consultant fees, legal support, and significant tax team bandwidth) that can quickly add up. This makes them very easy to underestimate or entirely exclude from planning models. As companies trigger nexus in additional jurisdictions, these liabilities compound. A missed registration today becomes multiple years of exposure tomorrow, often with penalties layered on top.Because these liabilities are backward-looking, they also distort performance metrics. A company may appear to be operating efficiently on paper, only to see the margins corrected downward when compliance gaps are eventually resolved. This creates tension between reported performance and economic reality.There are some SaaS leaders who operate under the assumption that audits are highly unlikely. In reality, audit selection has become increasingly systematic. State tax authorities rely on data sharing and third-party analytics to identify noncompliant businesses, especially in the digital economy. When an audit does occur, it is rarely limited to just a single filing period. Multi-year lookbacks are common, and auditors often truly inspect product taxability, exemption documentation, and historical rate application. Penalties and interest can quickly turn these small errors into massive six-figure bills.The uncertainty surrounding audits also creates some planning challenges. Finance teams may hesitate to make long-term commitments or investments when unresolved tax exposure exists. This invisible drag can end up slowing down decision-making and introducing unnecessary budgeting processes.The operational toll: Why your finance team is burned outBeyond direct financial exposure, sales tax complexity imposes an operational burden on finance teams. According to Anrok’s benchmark findings, organizations spend between 25 and 30 hours per month on manual sales tax work. That time is consumed by sifting through compliance data, researching rates, validating product taxability, managing exemption certificates, and preparing filings.Individually, these tasks seem manageable. Collectively, they really add up. Over the course of a year, manual compliance can consume more than three full work weeks of finance time. This is real time that could otherwise be spent on a multitude of more essential functions.As companies scale, this burden rarely remains static. Each new jurisdiction adds incremental work, increasing the likelihood that compliance tasks will spill over into nights or close cycles. What would begin as a manageable administrative responsibility can gradually crowd out more of the strategic priorities.The cost of this time sink is magnified by who is doing the work. Finance professionals are one of the most expensive operational resources in a SaaS organization. Expectations for the function they provide continue to expand. Boards and investors increasingly rely on finance teams for insight, not just reporting. When experienced professionals spend significant portions of their month on repetitive compliance tasks, companies are effectively paying high strategic salaries for simple transactional output.Over time, this dynamic contributes to burnout and attrition. High-performing team members are less likely to stay in roles that are dominated by low-leverage work, which then forces companies to absorb recruiting costs and swallow the productivity loss.Manual processes also leave little margin for error. Sales tax compliance completely depends on accuracy across thousands of small decisions, whether that’s the correct rate, correct taxability determination, or the correct exemption status. A single mistake can invalidate an otherwise compliant filing. During an audit, these gaps can lead to otherwise valid exemptions being disallowed, increasing tax liability retroactively.The cost of inaction: A real-world calculationTo demonstrate how these costs add up, let’s consider a hypothetical Series B SaaS company. The company generates $10 million in ARR and sells subscription software nationwide, as well as managing sales tax internally using spreadsheets and basic accounting tools. The finance team is focused primarily on reporting and supporting leadership with forecasting. Sales tax compliance is handled manually as part of month-end and quarter-end workflows.Using benchmark averages, this hypothetical company faces potential sales tax exposure of $10,000,000 × 4.3%, or $430,000. This figure reflects penalties and interest accumulated across jurisdictions. In addition, the finance team spends approximately 30 hours per month on manual sales tax work. At a fully loaded finance labor rate of $100 per hour, that equates to $36,000 annually in wasted salary.Taken together, the company’s annual cost of inaction approaches $466,000. Importantly, this figure does not account for secondary costs such as audit preparation, external advisory fees, or even internal disruption during remediation efforts. In practice, the true economic impact is often much higher than the headline number suggests.Liability: $10,000,000 * 4.3% = $430,000 in potential tax exposureLabor: 30 hours/month * 12 months * $100/hr (fully loaded finance rate) = $36,000 in wasted salaryTotal Annual Exposure: ~$466,000In contrast, the cost of a modern sales tax automation platform is typically a fraction of this exposure. While automation does not eliminate tax obligations, it does significantly reduce the likelihood of penalties and inefficient labor spend. For many companies, the return on investment becomes absolutely clear within the first year, especially when avoided audit costs and reclaimed finance capacity are factored in.The impact of inaction extends beyond annual operating results. During fundraising or an acquisition, sales tax liabilities are routinely identified during due diligence. As BDO notes, these exposures are often deducted directly from valuation.Strategic planning for 2026: Reframing the budgetAs CFOs look toward 2026, the role of the finance function continues to evolve. Within this context, sales tax automation aligns quite naturally with the broader transformation initiatives. It reduces risk, improves data quality, and supports scalable growth.Rather than treating tax automation as optional spend, finance teams are beginning to budget for it as a form of insurance. Predictable compliance costs replace surprise assessments, which reduces volatility and improves forecast accuracy. This shift also simplifies planning conversations with executives and boards. When compliance risk is controlled, finance leaders can focus on growth scenarios rather than just contingency planning.Trends in tax technology suggest that automation delivers value beyond compliance alone. Faster closes and improved scalability all contribute to measurable returns, particularly for SaaS companies operating across multiple areas.The margin lever you can pull todaySales tax compliance is unavoidable for SaaS companies at scale, but margin erosion is not. Benchmarked data makes clear that manual approaches carry a real and compounding cost. By reframing tax automation as a strategic investment rather than an expense, finance leaders can reclaim margin and aim to protect valuation. As 2026 budgets take shape, the strongest SaaS organizations will be those that recognize compliance not as overhead, but as a lever that converts complexity into capital.This story was produced by Anrok and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	As school choice programs grow, parents are demanding better customer service As school choice programs grow, parents are demanding better customer serviceAs states continue to launch and expand private school choice programs, one of their biggest challenges is building online platforms that meet the overwhelming demand.Tennessee families experienced a bottleneck earlier this year as they waited hours online to submit applications for the state’s new Education Freedom Scholarship program. In July, the state told 166 parents that they had received a scholarship, only to alert them a few days later that the notification was a mistake.“It wasn’t the most ideal user experience,” said Heide Nesset, a senior fellow for the Beacon Center of Tennessee, a right-leaning think tank. But Nesset told The 74 there was a “tight runway,” about three months, to get the program off the ground.With state leaders hoping to serve up to 70,000 students next year, they’re now searching for a new vendor. Proposals are due Friday.But the rough start in Tennessee wasn’t an anomaly. All states with education savings accounts have struggled to some extent with ensuring smooth transactions for families, whether that’s paying a school on time or ordering a homeschool curriculum. Some say the solution lies in picking more than one company to handle the increasing demand and improve customer service.“If it’s one contract, I think the vendor is inherently trying to ensure that the state department has a really fantastic experience,” said Nesset, who is also the vice president of implementation at the Yes. Every Kid. Foundation, a school choice advocacy organization. “If you have more than one [vendor], then they start competing, and families have the opportunity to make choices.”Tennessee’s current vendor is Student First Technologies, which won a contract in 2023 to run a smaller ESA program in three counties. Earlier this year, the state expanded the contract with the Indiana-based company to manage the new statewide program, despite its problems in other states.In West Virginia, where Student First still operates the Hope Scholarship program, an ESA, homeschool families complain that they can’t access the platform on their phones and that approvals and denials for purchases are inconsistent. Arkansas canceled its contract with Student First last fall after it failed to deliver a “fully operational” system on time. The company paid the state a $300,000 fine.‘Get what they need’Eighteen states now have at least one ESA program. With a new federal tax credit scholarship system beginning in 2027, the demand for organizations to manage them will surely grow. The trick is delivering a system that runs smoothly for families while ensuring that they’re using the money the way the state intended.In a recent interview, Michael Horn, cofounder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, a think tank, talked with Jamie Rosenberg, the founder of ClassWallet. Still the biggest player in the market, the Florida-based company manages nine ESA programs.Prior to platforms like his, states had two options, he explained. They either issued debit cards, which made it hard to ensure parents spent the money on allowable purchases, or expected them to pay up front and request reimbursement — a significant obstacle for families on a tight budget.ESA vendors, he said, give families the “agency to get what they need but also the ease of knowing that what they’re doing and what they’re buying [complies with] program rules.”Adding more than one vendor to the mix could make the companies work harder to reach lower-income and unrepresented families who are less likely to use the programs, said Lisa Snell, a senior fellow at Stand Together Trust, which funds school choice initiatives.“Family outreach and satisfaction become the goal rather than the government as the customer to one vendor,” she said.Texas had the option to choose multiple vendors for its new ESA program, which launches next fall. The law allows the comptroller’s office to contract with up to five companies. But officials opted against it and awarded a two-year, $26 million contract to New York-based Odyssey, which currently runs programs in four other states.Joe Connor, Odyssey’s CEO, declined to comment on the state’s decision and referred The 74 to the state comptroller’s office. The office did not respond, but Amar Kumar, CEO of KaiPod Learning, a large national network of microschools, said the state likely felt multiple vendors would further complicate the process.“There was this huge question of the complexity of doing that,” he said. “How do you tell families which portal to go to or how will they decide who manages which part of the program?”‘Send a quarterly check’The vendor platforms include built-in tools to prevent misuse. Student First Technologies has an AI feature, called QuinnIQ, that reviews each expense, “assigns a confidence score” and flags anything that’s new or that the state hasn’t approved in the past.But Katie Switzer, a West Virginia parent using the state’s Hope Scholarship to homeschool her children, said it’s unreliable, sometimes approving purchases for some families and rejecting the same items for others. She thinks states should focus more on monitoring students’ academic progress than tracking every purchase.“It’s stupid in my opinion to micromanage down to like the $20 workbook level,” she said. “Honestly, I think it would be more cost effective to send a quarterly check to families.”That’s unlikely with such programs constantly under the microscope, and critics, especially in Arizona, pointing to high-end purchases, like diamonds and plane tickets, as examples of misuse. The state education department says it takes steps to prevent fraud and has referred cases to the attorney general’s office that have led to convictions.West Virginia officials said they’re pleased with Student First’s progress since October, when parents complained that delayed orders caused students to fall behind on lessons. Orders are now “generally” processed within two business days, said Assistant Treasurer Carrie Hodousek, and the company has added and trained staff to prepare for peak order times.Providers like KaiPod have their own concerns. School founders in the network have sometimes gone to the brink of eviction from their leased space because of late tuition payments, said CEO Kumar.“There should be a predictable schedule, but sometimes it can take weeks extra to get paid,” he said. “If you’re running a small business and you owe rent, you owe payroll and your state payment is delayed, that creates a huge amount of stress for founders.”For now, rebidding contracts for vendors is the strongest form of accountability, he said.“They ought to not feel safe once they’ve won a contract,” he said.Disclosure: Stand Together Trust provides financial support to The 74.This story was produced by The 74 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Playful twists: How to spice up date night (BPT) - Date night doesn't have to mean reservations, candles or a big production. Sometimes all it takes is a small twist to make a familiar night in feel fresh again.A fresh take on date nightDate night is being reimagined, with staying in creating space for something different. With less pressure to perform, there's more room to play, experiment and enjoy rituals that don't always fit into a traditional night out.In moments like these, date night doesn't need more time or more effort. It just needs a spark. A small twist on the familiar, a little experimentation and a bottle that fits the mood can turn an ordinary evening into something memorable.Start with one of these ideas and see where the night takes you.Ready-made date night plansPartner portraits Channel your inner Picasso as you grab some paper and sketch each other, talent optional. With results usually more silly than serious, it's a playful, low-pressure way to break the ice and reset into date-night mode. Chardonnay from Bonterra Organic Estates, known for its commitment to organic farming, is a deliciously crowd-pleasing pour that keeps things light and lets the evening build a little spark of its own.Turn up the heat A little heat has a way of changing up the vibe. One of the simplest ways to spice up date night is with a Spicy Sauvy B, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a subtle kick from a few slices of jalapeño or spiced rim. Bright, zesty, and unexpected, it wakes up the glass and brings instant lift to the moment. Bonterra California Sauvignon Blanc has the freshness and balance to make this twist feel anything but routine.Spontaneous stargazingGrab a blanket, step outside, and look up. Under a glittering night sky, crisp air sharpens the senses and shifts the mood, turning an ordinary night into something quietly electric. Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon brings bold flavor with notes of berry and spice, a natural companion for a date night that's cozy, connected, and just a little charged.Whether it's sketching across the table, stepping outside under the stars or adding a little spice to a familiar pour, these moments invite connection without pressure. That's where Bonterra fits in, making it easy to turn any evening into something worth lingering over.Date nights in don't need a big plan. They thrive on small twists, playful moments and the kind of rituals that linger. When the mood is right, even a simple night in can feel perfectly, unmistakably right for two.For more information, visit bonterra.com.Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.
	Guide to transformer kVA ratings: How to determine what size transformer you need Guide to transformer kVA ratings: How to determine what size transformer you needIn many industries, including health care, manufacturing, electrical contracting, higher education and corrections, reliable, high-quality transformers are essential for keeping operations running efficiently. Large facilities and industrial processes require substantial amounts of power, and they need dependable transformers to convert the energy coming from the power plant into a form they can use for their equipment and building utilities.How do transformers help commercial and industrial facilities achieve these goals?Transformers convert energy from the source to the power required by the load. To use their transformers effectively, businesses need to know how much power their particular transformers can give them. A transformer’s rating provides that information.The transformer typically consists of two windings, a primary and secondary winding. Input power flows through the primary winding. The secondary winding then converts the power and sends it to the load through its input leads. A transformer’s rating, or size, is its power level in kilovolt-amperes.When a piece of electrical equipment malfunctions, the transformer is often the culprit. In that case, you’ll probably need to replace your transformer, and when you do, you’ll need to select one with the correct kVA (power level) for your needs. If not, you run the risk of frying your valuable equipment.How do you choose a transformer size? Fortunately, sizing your transformer is relatively simple. It involves using a straightforward formula to generate your kVA requirements from the current and voltage of your electrical load. This guide from Elsco Transformers explains in more detail how to calculate the required capacity kVA rating.How to Determine kVA SizeWhen figuring out kVA size, it’s helpful to have the terminology and abbreviations straight before you begin. You’ll sometimes see transformers, especially smaller ones, sized in units of VA. VA stands for volt-amperes. A transformer with a 100 VA rating, for instance, can handle 100 volts at one ampere (amp) of current. ELSCO Transformers The kVA unit represents kilovolt-amperes, or 1,000 volt-amperes. A transformer with a 1.0 kVA rating is the same as a transformer with a 1,000 VA rating and can handle 100 volts at 10 amps of current.How to Determine What Size Transformer You NeedTo determine your kVA size, you’ll need to make a series of calculations based on your electrical schematics.The electrical load that connects to the secondary winding requires a particular input voltage, or load voltage. Let’s call that voltage V. You’ll need to know what this voltage is — you can find it by looking at the electrical schematic. Say that the load voltage V must be 150 volts, for exampleYou’ll then need to determine the particular current flow your electrical load requires. You can look at the electrical schematic to determine this number as well. If you can’t locate the required current flow, you can calculate it by dividing the input voltage by the input resistance. Say the required load phase current, which we’ll call l, is 50 amperes.Once you’ve located or calculated these two figures, you can use them to figure out the load’s power requirements depending on the type of transformer. ELSCO Transformers Single-Phase kVA RatingsA single-phase transformer uses a single-phase alternating current. It has two lines of alternating current (AC) power. Below are a few common types:Encapsulated: A single-phase encapsulated transformer is useful for various general loads, including both indoor and outdoor loads. These transformers are common in industrial and commercial operations, including many types of lighting applications. If they wish, facilities can bank these units to create three-phase transformers. These transformers have relatively low ratings, often from about 50 VA to 25 kVA.Ventilated: A ventilated single-phase transformer is useful for multiple single-phase indoor and outdoor loads. These transformers are common in commercial and industrial applications, including lighting applications. They often have ratings ranging from about 25 to 100 kVA.Totally enclosed non-ventilated: Totally enclosed non-ventilated transformers may be single-phase or three-phase units. They are ideal for environments that contain high volumes of dirt and debris. Their ratings typically range from about 25 to 500 kVA.To calculate the kVA rating for a single-phase transformer, multiply the required input voltage (V) by the required current load in amperes (l) and then divide that number by 1,000:V * l / 1,000For example, you would multiply 150 by 50 to get 7,500, and then divide that number by 1,000 to get 7.5 kVA.Three-Phase kVA RatingsA three-phase transformer can take one of a few different forms. It typically has three lines of power, where each line is out of phase with the other two by 120 degrees.Compared with single-phase transformers, three-phase transformers come in similar types:Encapsulated: A three-phase encapsulated transformer is useful for numerous general loads, both outdoor and indoor and commercial and industrial, including lighting applications. These transformers often have ratings ranging between 3 and 75 kVA.Ventilated: A three-phase ventilated transformer is useful for many types of general indoor and outdoor loads, both industrial and commercial, including lighting applications. These transformers can have tremendous ratings, up to 1,000 kVA.Totally enclosed non-ventilated: As with single-phase units, these three-phase systems are ideal for environments with high volumes of dirt and debris. Their ratings typically range from about 25 to 500 kVA.The calculation for a three-phase transformer kVA is a little different from the calculation for a single-phase kVA. Once you’ve multiplied your voltage and amperage, you’ll also need to multiply by a constant — 1.732, which is the square root of 3 truncated to three decimal places:V * l * 1.732 / 1,000So if you’re working with a three-phase transformer, instead of multiplying the voltage by the amperage and dividing by 1,000 to get the kVA, multiply the voltage by the amperage by 1.732 and still divide by 1,000 to get the kVA.Start Factor and Specialty ConsiderationsStarting a device generally requires more current than running it. To account for this additional current requirement, it’s often helpful to add a start factor into your calculations. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the voltage by the amperage and then multiply by an additional start factor of 125%. Dividing by a power factor of 0.8, of course, is the same thing as multiplying by 1.25.However, if you start your transformer often — say more than once an hour — you may want a kVA even larger than your calculated size. And if you’re working with specialized loads, such as those found with motors or medical equipment, your kVA requirements may differ substantially. For specialized applications, you’ll probably want to consult a professional transformer company for advice on what kVA you need.Converting Kilowatts to kVATo convert the figure of a transformer from kilowatts to kilovolt-amperes, you’ll need to divide by 0.8, which represents the typical power factor of a load. Let’s say you know the transformer is operating at 7.5 kW. The equation would look like this:kVA = 7.5 kW / 0.8In the example above, you’d divide 7.5 by 0.8 to get 9.375 kVA. When you’re choosing a transformer, though, you won’t find one rated 9.375 kVA. Most kVA ratings are whole numbers, and many, especially in the higher ranges, come in multiples of five or 10 — 15 kVA, 150 kVA, 1,000 kVA and so on. In most cases, you’ll want to select a transformer with a rating slightly higher than the kVA you calculated — in this case, probably 10 or 15 kVA.Calculating AmperageYou can also work backward and use the known kVA of a transformer to calculate the amperage you can use for three-phase transformers:I = (kVA * 1,000 / V) / 1.732If your transformer is rated at 1.5 kVA, and you want to operate it at 25 volts, multiply 1.5 by 1,000 to get 1,500, and then divide 1,500 by 25 to get 60. Finally, divide 60 by the square root of 3 — which equals 1.732 — and you get 34.64 amperes. So, your transformer will allow you to run it with up to around 35 amperes of current.If the idea of performing calculations when you need to figure out kVA seems daunting or unappealing, you can always turn to charts. Many manufacturers supply charts to make determining the correct kVA easier. If you use a chart, you’ll locate your system’s voltage and amperage in the rows and columns and then find the kVA listed where your chosen row and column intersect.Standard Transformer SizesIt’s easy to talk about transformer size calculations in the abstract and come up with an array of numbers. But what are standard sizes for transformers that you might purchase?Standard transformer sizes refer to predefined and commonly available ratings of transformers that are on the market. These sizes are established by industry standards and provide a range of options to choose from. As a result, you can find a transformer that meets your specific needs without requiring custom manufacturing. Standard transformer sizes also facilitate compatibility and interchangeability, and allow for easy replacement of or adding to transformers in electrical systems without significant modifications.Standard sizes cover a variety of transformer kVAs, from smaller systems used in residential applications to larger ones for industrial settings. Especially for commercial buildings, the most common sizes for transformers are the following:3 kVA6 kVA9 kVA15 kVA30 kVA37.5 kVA45 kVA75 kVA112.5 kVA150 kVA225 kVA300 kVA500 kVA750 kVA1,000 kVA ELSCO Transformers When selecting a transformer, these standard sizes provide reliable and readily available solutions that have been tested and proven in various applications.When selecting a transformer, these standard sizes provide reliable and readily available solutions that have been tested and proven in various applications. For example, if you need a transformer size of 52.5 kVA to convert a system, you would select a 75 kVA transformer out of the available standard ratings since it has a better capacity than a 45 kVA transformer.If you work with specialized loads where your kVA requirements fall outside available standard sizes, custom transformers can be designed and manufactured to suit your specific needs.Calculating MVASometimes transformers are rated in megavolt-amperes, or MVA, to indicate the bigger size and capacity of the system. In other words, it is typically used when the ratings of electrical systems and equipment exceed the kVA range.What Is MVA?MVA stands for megavolt-amperes, and one MVA is 1 million volt-amperes.Like kVA, MVA is a unit used to measure the power capacity of large electrical systems and equipment. Since MVA represents the product of voltage and current on a very large scale, it is commonly used when dealing with high-power systems, such as: Power plantsSubstationsDistribution networksLarge industrial facilitiesRenewable energy sourcesHow to Convert kVA to MVAConverting kVA to MVA is a straightforward process if you remember the difference between kVA vs. MVA:1 MVA equals 1,000 kVA, which is the same as 1,000,000 VA1 VA equals 0.001 kVA, which is the same as 0.000001 MVASay you have a power rating of 3,750 kVA and want to convert this measurement to MVA. Since there are 1,000 kVA in one MVA, you will divide the kVA value by 1,000 to convert it to MVA. In this example, the equation would look like this: 3,750 kVA / 1,000 = 3.75 MVADepending on the level of accuracy required, you can round the converted value to the desired decimal places.How to Calculate MVATo calculate the MVA rating of a three-phase transformer, we’ll use the same numbers in the example that calculated the kVA size — the load voltage V is 150 volts and the load phase current I is 50 amperes.Calculate kilovolt-amperes: 150 volts * 50 amperes * 1.732 / 1,000 = 12.99 kVAConvert to megavolt-amperes: 12.99 kVA / 1,000 = 0.01299 MVAIn this example, it’s better to use the kVA rating to describe the transformer’s capacity rather than the MVA rating.How to Determine Load VoltageBefore you can calculate the necessary kVA for your transformer, you’ll need to figure out your load voltage, which is the voltage required to operate the electrical load. To determine your load voltage, you can look at your electrical schematic.Alternatively, you may have the kVA of your transformer and want to calculate the necessary voltage. In that case, you can adjust the equation we used above. Since you know kVA = V * l / 1,000, we can solve for V to get V = kVA * 1,000 / l.So you’ll multiply your kVA rating by 1,000 and then divide by the amperage. If your transformer has a kVA rating of 75 and your amperage is 312.5, you’ll plug those numbers into the equation: 75 * 1,000 / 312.5 = 240 volts.How to Determine Secondary VoltageThe primary and secondary circuits coil around the magnetic part of the transformer. A couple of different factors determine the secondary voltage: the number of turns in the coils and the voltage and current of the primary circuit.You can calculate the voltage of the secondary circuit by using a ratio of the voltage drops through the primary and secondary circuits, along with the number of circuit coils around the magnetic part of the transformer. We’ll use the equation t1/t2 = V1/V2, where t1 is the number of turns in the primary circuit’s coil, t2 is the number of turns in the secondary circuit’s coil, V1 is the voltage drop in the primary circuit’s coil and V2 is the voltage drop in the secondary circuit’s coil.Let’s say you have a transformer with 300 turns in its primary coil and 150 turns in its secondary coil. You also know that the voltage drop through the first coil is 10 volts. Plugging these numbers into the equation given above yields 300/150 = 10/t2, so you know t2, the voltage drop through the secondary coil, is 5 volts.How to Determine Primary VoltageRemember that every transformer has a primary and secondary side. In many cases, you’ll want to calculate the primary voltage, which is the voltage the transformer receives from a power source.You can determine the primary voltage by using the ratios of current and voltage from the transformer’s primary and secondary coils. Maybe you know your transformer has a current of 4 amps and a voltage drop of 10 volts through its secondary coil. You also know your transformer has a current of 6 amps through the primary coil. What should the voltage drop through the primary coil be?Let i1 and i2 equal the currents through the two coils. You can use the formula i1/i2 = V2/V1. In this case, i1 is 6, i2 is 4, and V2 is 10, and if you plug those numbers into the formula, you get 6/4 = 10/V1. Solving for V1 gives you V1 = 10 * 4/6, so the voltage drop through the primary circuit should be 6.667 volts.This story was produced by Elsco Transformers and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	No snow, no problem? Inside Utah’s high-stakes plan for the 2034 Olympics. No snow, no problem? Inside Utah’s high-stakes plan for the 2034 Olympics.A tangled, white ribbon wrapped around brown hills and barren shrubs at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center on Tuesday, Jan. 27. It was a little more than a week before the start of the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. It was also exactly two weeks and eight years before Utah takes the stage to host its second Winter Games.Yet the prospect of hosting elite-level snowsport competitions here is difficult to fathom given the incessant lack of snow and persistent warm temperatures.That’s especially true at Soldier Hollow. At an elevation of 6,000 feet, it’s the lowest base among Utah’s 2034 venues, and most at the mercy of climate change. Local organizers acknowledge the fact, and a recent study said the venue — which is slated to host biathlon and cross country races — could be too warm to reliably host both Games in the near future.“We’ve gotten less than three inches of snow this winter, so that’s been interesting,” said Luke Bodensteiner, general manager at Soldier Hollow, which over the past three decades has averaged about 20 inches in January alone. “We’ve actually gotten more rain than snow this year,” he told The Salt Lake Tribune.No, the snow isn’t falling at Soldier Hollow. But neither is the sky.This warm, dry, brown winter is driving home the ripple effects a warming planet can have on the ski industry and the Olympics, said Fraser Bullock, the Utah 2034 president. Still, he said, he’s confident the state can weather similar conditions if they arise in 2034 and beyond. All it needs is state-of-the-art snowmaking, a flexible calendar and, maybe, a sprinkle of salt.Is snowmaking the answer?Like a slip peeking out under a skirt of snow, the brown and craggy rocks of the mountainside show on either side of the ski run. The scene could be at almost any of Utah’s ski resorts this winter. Instead, it was mid-January at Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, the site of the women’s downhill ski competitions for the 2026 Olympics, which began Friday, Feb. 6.Like Utah, Italy has experienced an unusually dry and warm winter. It has been so dry that Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski Federation, voiced concern in early January that the ski courses wouldn’t have enough snow in time for the Olympics. He also blamed Italian officials for the shortage.Then Italy turned up its snowguns to full tilt.“We have been very lucky with the cold weather,” Eliasch said last week, according to a report by Barron’s. “Snow production has been able to commence and hit all the targets.”Artificial snow — or, as the International Olympic Committee refers to it, “technical snow” — has become a life raft for the Olympics. Sochi, Russia, could only host its 2014 Games thanks to snowmaking. The resort city along the Black Sea, which had some of the warmest temperatures ever for a Winter Games — hovering around 60 degrees Fahrenheit — manufactured 80% of its snow. When Pyeongchang, South Korea, hosted its Winter Olympics four years later, it needed to make 90% of its snow. By the time Beijing hosted in 2022, it was believed to have completely relied on artificial snow.The snowmaking process has been criticized for its intensive water and energy use. Nonetheless, it has become so omnipresent at ski and snowboarding competitions that many elite athletes now prefer manufactured snow, with its more predictable consistency, to the real stuff.Recent advancements that make snowmaking more efficient leave Bullock with no doubts Utah can host the 2034 Winter Games. What’s more, he believes the state can do it while meeting the IOC’s recent edict that, starting in 2030, every edition of the Games be climate positive.“This year, in particular, has been very disappointing in terms of snow coverage and snow received,” Bullock said. “[Yet] when we take a step back and look at: ‘How effectively can we still host the Games?’ We have tremendous confidence.”Utah 2034 organizers plan to replace existing snowmaking equipment — much of which was installed for the 2002 Olympics — at most venues. The new systems can use as little as half as much energy as their predecessors. They also allow mountain managers to take advantage of even 30-minute windows of ideal snowmaking conditions with the touch of a button, which proponents say makes them more water efficient.The IOC supports snowmaking at Winter Games venues, despite its environmental costs.“Climate change is already reshaping winter sport as we know it,” an IOC spokesperson wrote in an email to The Salt Lake Tribune. “Our ambition is to protect the Games and winter sports that so many people love; minimise its impact on the environment; and help safeguard winter economies that so many people rely on.”But what about when temperatures are too warm to make snow?Generally, snowmaking is only worthwhile if the wet-bulb temperature — a combination of humidity and heat — is 28 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Making snow at warmer temperatures is possible, but it is neither efficient nor economical.And as Utah skiers and snowboarders know, much of the 2025-26 season has been too warm for snowmaking, even at night. Only in recent weeks have temperatures dropped enough to allow resorts’ snowguns to fire with any regularity.But that’s the beauty of late winter in Utah, Bullock said. The state consistently sees cold temperatures in January and February, which lines up perfectly with the 2034 Olympic timeline of Feb. 10-26. Once the chill settles in, Bullock said, mountain managers will likely need less than a month to manufacture all the snow necessary to make an Olympic course competitive and safe.“The proper concentration of snowmaking equipment focused on our competition runs for a couple of weeks would certainly give us the preparation we need,” he said. “But we believe we’ll have far more (time) than that.”And if mountain managers don’t have enough time, or enough cold weather to make snow? Then, they’ll go old-school.Turning to tarps and trucksEven back in 2002, organizers of the Salt Lake City Olympics fretted over a potential snow shortfall during the Games.As a backup plan, Bullock said, snow was collected and stored under insulated tarps at Strawberry Reservoir, which sits at an elevation of 7,600 feet. Dump trucks were on call to haul the frozen gold to Soldier Hollow, 40 miles to the north, or to any of the four other outdoor competition venues.Bullock said that plan could be reinstated for 2034. In a pinch, he said, organizers might even cull from other high-altitude locations in the state. He chuckled, however, at the suggestion that snow might be brought in from other states, such as Colorado or California.“No, that’s too far,” he said. “We can make it here.”Bodensteiner, Soldier Hollow’s general manager, said he doesn’t expect even that effort to be necessary, though. Instead, he said the Nordic area — a Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation property that is funded by an endowment from the 2002 Olympics — plans to make enough snow in advance that it can pull from its own reserves. In fact, he said his snowmaking team is experimenting with blowing snow now that can be stored over the summer under insulated tarps. If it holds up, Soldier Hollow will use it to open in early November next season.“We know it’s viable,” he said. “But in 2034, rather than be prepared to truck snow down from Strawberry, we’re probably just going to make it the year before and store it on site here.”It would, he noted, likely be the more ecological and economical option.“Who wants to send 300 dump trucks up to Strawberry?” he asked.Once the snow is in place, Bodensteiner has some creative solutions for keeping it from melting.Like a sprinkle of salt.Soldier Hollow sits near the top of the International Ski Federation’s elevation threshold for Nordic races — basically, the sweet spot between having both snow and oxygen. So, even when temperatures are well above freezing — as they were during a 2024 biathlon World Cup stop — it’s not possible to move races to a colder, higher-altitude venue. As a result, Bodensteiner and his team had to develop a surefire cure for slush.The salt lowers the temperature at which the snow will melt, the same reason it is added to ice cream.“We will basically salt the trail by hand or pull an instrument at the end of a snowcat and spread salt on the trail,” he said, “and within five minutes, it turns from slush into really, really hard, kind of icy snow.”Such strategies could get Utah through 2034, even if that winter is as dry as this one. Yet if organizers want to host even more Winter Games beyond 2034, as they’ve said they do, even those solutions may not be enough.For when that time comes, local Olympic organizers have one more trick up their short sleeves. Trent Nelson // The Salt Lake Tribune A matter of timeUtah wasn’t on the chopping block, until it was.A 2018 study published in the journal Current Issues in Tourism found that fewer than half of the 19 sites that hosted the Winter Olympics between 1980 and 2010 would be cold enough to host again in 2050. Among those that made the cut was Utah.Last month, however, those same researchers published another study in the same journal that casts a less rosy glow on the event’s future in the state. This study looked at 93 past and potential hosts, as selected by the IOC, and evaluated whether they would be viable future hosts for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics without the help of snowmaking.“We wanted to … see how many reliable locations would there be left,” climate impact and tourism researcher Robert Steiger said, “if we would not have man-made snow or anyone would say, ‘No, we don’t want to have snowmaking because of ecological impacts.’”The study found that by 2030, without snowmaking, just two sites would be able to host both the Olympics and Paralympics as currently scheduled. One is in Russia and the other is in Japan.If emission levels remain high — or “business as usual,” as Steiger put it — the IOC’s choices will be limited even with snowmaking. The study found just 17 sites would be able to host by 2050 and a mere four by 2080.Of those four, the one in North America is not Utah. It’s Canada’s Lake Louise.The timing of the Paralympics is at the crux of the dropoff, according to the study. Typically, those Games are in March, when temperatures naturally begin to rise. Climate change is expected to make them rise higher, earlier.Most troubling for Utah, the report cast some doubt on whether the state will be able to provide enough snow and cold temperatures to host the Paralympics as soon as 2034.“While climate reliability is sufficient for the [Paralympics] in the French and Italian Alps in the 2030s,” the report said, “the risk of marginal conditions is higher for Salt Lake City.”Bullock said local organizers are well aware of the problem. He doesn’t believe the 2034 Paralympics, scheduled for March 10-19, will be in danger. Beyond that, though? In the absence of any major breakthroughs in snow alternatives or snowmaking, he said organizers have just one clear option.“The best solution,” he said, “is to look at the calendar.”It is likely that the dates of future Utah Olympics or Paralympics or both will have to be changed, Bullock said, in order to avoid bleeding into March.One option is to shorten the gap between the Olympics and the Paralympics. Typically, between two and three weeks separate the Games. Another option is to move up the start of the Olympics into the first week of February or even the last week of January. That would allow the Paralympics to fit entirely into the colder month of February while still allowing enough time to transition venues to the smaller Paralympic footprint.Organizers considered holding the Paralympics before the Olympics, but scrapped that idea because of logistical challenges.“I think it’s just easier,” Bullock said, “to move everything forward to accommodate the Olympic Games.”Changing the calendar comes with its own set of complications, though.For example, if the Olympic and Paralympic Games are held earlier in the year, the window in which athletes can qualify for their events will be abbreviated. In a winter like this one — which saw several early events canceled or moved for lack of snow, including the Freestyle Skiing World Cup at Deer Valley Resort — it could affect who does and doesn’t qualify.The sky wouldn’t fall, but Olympic dreams might.“If they move [the dates] up, too, and we have a year like this, it’s going to be really hard for them to get the snow in time,” said Charlie Mickel, a Park City resident whose performance two weeks ago at Waterville Valley Resort, which stood in for the Deer Valley World Cup, helped him clinch a spot on the Team USA moguls squad for the 2026 Olympics.“If they had a repeat year like this in 2034, like, I don’t know how. It would seriously be a disaster.”This story was produced by The Salt Lake Tribune and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Rivermont Collegiate student wins National Honor Society scholarship Stella Ashdown, a senior at Rivermont Collegiate, won a National Honor Society scholarship at the National Semifinalist level.

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