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

Thursday, June 25th, 2026
	Muscatine softball defeats Assumption 7-5 Muscatine defeated Assumption in game one of a double-header 7-5 in nine innings.
	Steamwheelers enter week 16 on a two game win streak The Quad City Steamwheelers return to action Sunday after a bye week, riding a two-game win streak and facing a critical stretch to close the season.
	Lee, Whiteside Counties concerned about possible data center construction The Lee County Industrial Development Association (LCIDA) advertised a piece of land east of Rock Falls by Highway 30 as ideal for a data center.
	‘We don’t have anything on the books,’ No data center plan for Lee County, officials say County leaders said they haven’t talked to anyone about a data center during a board meeting Thursday evening.
	New Vibrant director envisions more variety in future shows The Vibrant Arena's new director, Rik Edgar, has spent 20 years in the business of event management. "I've always admired what they had at the Vibrant Arena and when the opportunity came up I jumped at it," said Edgar. "It was a great opportunity for me." New Vibrant Arena Director Rik Edgar says he wants [...]
	Task force to tackle homelessness for 1,200+ a year in the QCA An effort to tackle homelessness in the QCA will take the next step in a move to help more than 1,000 people a year who wind up in the situation. A report from a consultant hired by the Quad Cities Community Foundation determined about 1,200 single adults a year wind up homeless in the Quad [...]
	RI deputy fire chief announces retirement After 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Rock Island, Deputy Chief Greg C. Marty has announced his retirement from the Rock Island Fire Department, effective Aug. 20, according to a Facebook post. Marty began his career with the Rock Island Fire Department on Aug. 20, 2001, and has served the community with [...]
	Legal experts and lawmakers discuss solutions to attorney shortage in rural communities Legal experts and politicians gathered Thursday to address a growing crisis: nearly half of Iowa’s 99 counties have 10 or fewer practicing attorneys, leaving rural communities struggling to find legal representation.
	Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rock Island, plans new food pantry Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2810 5th Avenue, Rock Island, will host a groundbreaking at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 28, for the new Sacred Heart Food Pantry to be located on site at the parish, a news release says. The Sacred Heart Food Pantry is the oldest, longest-running food pantry in the Quad Cities and one [...]
	LISTEN: Sec. RFK, Jr. tries to convince Iowa candidate to drop out of race The Libertarian Party of Iowa Chair shared audio of a phone that she said shows U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Junior, trying to convince a candidate for Congress to drop out of a race for Congress.
	Hot summer weather coming next week We have been enjoying a couple of cooler than normal temperatures for the month of June in the Quad Cities, leaving us waiting for the inevitable hot stretch. Starting on Sunday, and through most of next week, temperatures will be rising well into the 90s through the week to bring in the heat. Along with [...]
	Illinois’ new e-scooter rules to take effect: Here’s what riders need to know Illinois is introducing a new statewide framework for e-scooters and e-bikes aimed at improving safety and clarifying where riders can legally operate the devices.
	Genesius Guild revives Sophocles’ “Antigone” in 70th anniversary season The Genesius Guild is continuing its 70th anniversary season with free outdoor performances of Sophocles’ Antigone in Lincoln Park, a production that honors the Guild’s origins and features its annual collaboration with local high school students. Additional productions will be staged in July and early August.
	The Heart of the Story: A wild look at nature Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. An outdoorsy Illinois man shows his love of [...]
	A new bill calls for $25 minimum wage. Here's where that isn't 'sufficient' While it's way more than the current federal minimum wage, data shows it may not be enough for some.
	East Moline apartment complex residents say they've gone weeks without central air as heat wave approaches Both residents told News 8 they were provided temporary portable AC units by management, but say those units have not adequately cooled their apartments.
	City of Muscatine launches webpage with resources for those impacted by downtown evacuations East 2nd Street remains closed to all traffic except authorized personnel.
	2 high-profile cases in Rock Island County court on Thursday One of Adrianne Reynolds' convicted killers was in court after a judge ordered a new sentencing. Plus, plea negotiations are underway in Leisa Streeter's case.
	Memorial bench honors 7-year-old in Galesburg The bench was donated by the community and is in Kiwanis Park in Galesburg.
	Rock Island residents sue First Financial Group over alleged rent-to-own scheme Five Prairie State Legal Services (PSLS) clients filed a lawsuit on June 5 against First Financial Group, L.C. (FFG) and its principal, Richard Vesole, according to a news release from Prairie State Legal Services. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants used deceptive rent-to-own contracts to exploit low-income home-buyers, promising home-ownership but delivering lease agreements that [...]
	Bettendorf middle schooler wins 1st place in national documentary competition 8th grader Adrian Gillette took home the top prize in the country in the National History Day competition for his documentary about Sesame Street.
	Grow Quad Cities part of Illinois economic-growth initiative The Illinois Economic Development Corporation’s Economic Research Center on Thursday announced the launch of the Regional Research Pilot Program (R2P2) in which Grow Quad Cities will participate, according to a news release from the development corporation. The new initiative is designed to provide deeper, forward-looking research and economic growth planning support to communities and partners [...]
	The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus has been performing with a purpose for 25 years Organizers said through times of hope and hardship, singing together has been an important way to find community and be authentic. The Silver Party on June 26 and 27 is a concert celebrating 25 years of the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus.
	Melon season is about to arrive in Muscatine County Muscatine County’s melon season is approaching, with Mairet Farms preparing fields and planning to open its farm stand on July 1.
	Figge Art Museum holding LGBTQ art auction benefitting Clock Inc. The auction runs until 8 p.m. on Thursday night.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Iowa Dept. of Corrections for escape Reginald C. Calhoun is wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections for escape on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted in Rock Island Co. for not showing up to jail Michael S. Harris, 54, is wanted by the Rock Island County Sheriff for escape after failing to report to a penal institution.
	Crime Stoppers: 14 storage unit burglaries reported in Carbon Cliff The Rock Island County Sheriff's Office is seeking anonymous tips to solve 14 storage unit burglaries in Carbon Cliff where firearms were stolen.
	'Guys and Dolls' coming up at Countryside Community Theatre in Eldridge The romantic comedy musical will take the stage during the first and second weekends of July.
	Cambridge Natural History Museum secures a permanent home At just nine years old, Anderson Taylor opened the Cambridge Natural History Museum in the fall of 2024.
	Bettendorf student wins National History Day gold with Sesame Street documentary Bettendorf student Adrian Gillette won the National History Day gold medal for his documentary exploring Sesame Street's role in school desegregation and its lasting
	iHeart fires multiple on-air personalities in Davenport Multiple on-air talents from Davenport’s iHeartMedia stations have been fired.
	QCA judge to serve on Iowa Business Specialty Court A Bettendorf judge has been appointed to serve on the Iowa Business Specialty Court. Chief Justice Christensen signed an order appointing Jeffrey D. Bert to serve exclusively on the Iowa Business Specialty Court beginning September 1. According to a release from the Iowa Judicial Branch: Judge Bert had 28 years of experience in civil and [...]
	Resignation, hirings and transfers from Bettendorf School District for June 11 The following personnel items are from the June 11 agenda of the Bettendorf Community School District. The School Board met at the Administration Center, 3311 18th St., Bettendorf.
	Keokuk man charged after over 4 pounds of marijuana were found in home A Keokuk man is facing felony drug charges after more than 4 pounds of marijuana were found in a home after a controlled delivery.
	What made the deadly Venezuelan earthquakes different It appears the two big earthquakes in Venezuela that occurred in rapid succession may have involved two separate fault lines. Several faults intersect in this tectonically complex region.
	Davenport man charged after allegedly hitting squad car, injuring officers 33-year-old Torrence Vickers faces multiple felony charges after police say he rammed a squad car and injured officers following a traffic stop Monday.
	Cambridge Natural History Museum secures permanent home At just nine years old, Anderson Taylor opened the Cambridge Natural History Museum in the fall of 2024.
	QCA athlete places at 2026 Special Olympics USA Games A Rock Island athlete has placed at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. According to a release, Scott Maess of Rock Island placed seventh in bowling for the male singles competition. Maess represents Team Illinois. According to the release, the Special Olympics USA Games unites 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from [...]
	'The Bear' is back in the kitchen In some ways, the fifth and final season of The Bear feels less daring — but after four seasons, the small wins mean more.
	Olivia Rodrigo dominates the pop charts in her new album's first week The first-week numbers for pop star Olivia Rodrigo's third album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, have earned her massive sales and streaming numbers.
	Death Notice: William Burns A Mass of Christian Burial for William C. "Bill" Burns, 91, of Davenport, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 29, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Davenport. Visitation will be one hour prior to Mass on Monday at the church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. The Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mr. Burns died Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Memorials may be made to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made at www.hmdfuneralhome.com. A full obituary will appear in the July 1 edition of The NSP.
	MercyOne Clinton OB/GYN relocates to larger clinic, expands services MercyOne Clinton's OB/GYN team has a new home at the Health Plaza, with more space and expanded patient services.
	GasBuddy: July 4 gas prices projected at second-highest level on record GasBuddy projects Americans will pay about $3.75 a gallon on July 4, making it the second most expensive Independence Day for gas on record.
	iHeartMedia layoffs end runs for longtime Quad-Cities radio hosts After decades on the air, several well-known Quad-Cities radio hosts are signing off following iHeartMedia job cuts.
	Tour offers rare look inside Rock Island Arsenal's manufacturing hub The Rock Island Arsenal is home to more than 50 organizations and thousands of workers. Here's a look inside.
	Cambridge Natural History Museum buying its building The Cambridge Natural History Museum reached a major milestone on June 24 when it closed on the purchase of the building it occupies at 132 W. Center Street. The museum entered into a contract-purchase agreement with the Village of Cambridge, which previously owned the building. The Village allowed the museum to use the space rent-free [...]
	Illinois faces potential $705M SNAP penalty while Iowa avoids federal fees entirely Illinois faces an estimated $705 million annual SNAP liability after ranking 46th in the nation with a 14.67% food assistance error rate. Iowa has fifth lowest error rate and won't face any penalties.
	New Illinois driving test age requirements start July 1 Beginning July 1, only drivers aged 87 and older will be required to take a driving test annually to renew their license.
	Rock Island deputy fire chief retires after 25 years of service Rock Island Deputy Fire Chief Greg Marty will retire Aug. 20 after 25 years with the fire department.
	Retirements, hirings and personnel news from Rock Island-Milan School District from June 9 The following personnel items are from the June 9 agenda of the Rock Island-Milan School District.
	Take a Stay-cation with Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois invites families to take a free Stay-Cation on July 11 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Gilda's Club Davenport, 1351 West Central Park Ave, Suite 200. Participants can enjoy brunch, take a ukulele lesson and get photos with characters from the University of Iowa’s Moment of Magic [...]
	Geneseo school board votes to table solar farm project The delay means the district will miss out on the current round of federal incentives.
	Shaheen and Hassan re-introduce $65 billion federal opioid response plan U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (right) and Maggie Hassan (second from right) answer questions from reporters during an event in Manchester in February 2025. This week, Shaheen and Hassan filed legislation to increase funding to address the opioid crisis. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin)U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan filed legislation this week to increase federal funding to address the opioid crisis to the tune of billions of dollars. The two New Hampshire Democrats re-introduced the Turn the Tide Act, which would raise the total spent on various addiction remediation efforts to around $65 billion nationwide over 10 years. For example, it would increase funding states receive for the State Opioid Response Program by almost $4 billion to $5.5 billion over five years. That program, which provides more funding per capita to states hardest hit by the opioid crisis, gave $29.9 million to New Hampshire in fiscal year 2025. New Hampshire spends much of the money on The Doorway recovery program. The Doorway operates nine treatment centers throughout New Hampshire in a “hub-and-spoke” model that helps patients navigate various recovery services like medication-assisted treatment and mental health therapy. The senators are also trying to create a new grant program for children in families affected by addiction to deal with the associated trauma. The legislation would also expand a federal program that seeks to create housing for people in recovery and require Medicare Part D plans to fully cover naloxone, an emergency drug used to counteract drug overdoses. New Hampshire has been one of the states hit hardest by the decades-long opioid crisis. In 2017, 424 people died due to opioids, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. That’s about 34 deaths per 100,000 people, more than twice the national average of 14.6 per 100,000. However, New Hampshire and the United States as a whole have begun to see some relief from the epidemic. From 2022 to 2024, New Hampshire saw a 44% decrease (from 427 to 240) in deaths involving opioids, according to the New Hampshire Drug Monitoring Initiative. Public health officials are still finalizing 2025’s figures, but their preliminary estimate is 187 deaths. Still, treatment professionals and advocates believe there’s more work to be done. “We’ve made important progress to reduce overdose deaths in New Hampshire, but the fentanyl crisis continues to devastate families across our state,” Hassan said in a statement to the Bulletin. “We cannot let up now and must keep doing everything we can to keep fighting. This bipartisan bill will strengthen prevention and recovery programs, address workforce shortages that make it harder for people to get care, and help communities save lives.” Shaheen’s team pointed to the Trump administration and Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.’s back-and-forth funding of addiction recovery programs as the rationale for congressional action. In January, the administration announced just under $2 billion in cuts to more than 2,000 programs. However, within 24 hours, after bipartisan backlash, it reversed course and reinstated the funding. “Substance use disorder impacts communities in every corner of our state, and I’ve heard from countless families who have been torn apart by this crisis,” Shaheen said in a statement. “We’ve made great strides in combatting substance use in New Hampshire, but there is more work to be done. I’m proud to reintroduce this critical legislation that will secure long-term investment in prevention and treatment to ensure we keep up the fight against the substance use crisis for years to come.” Shaheen and Hassan have attempted this legislation before and will again face an uphill battle getting the high price tag past fiscal hawks within the GOP. They introduced the bill in 2024, but it failed to make it out of committee. Shaheen is hoping she can get the bill across the finish line during her last year as a U.S. senator before she retires following November’s elections. Courtesy of New Hampshire Bulletin
	You could be paying for other people's fraud You could be paying for other people's fraudA new industry report shows merchants are increasingly passing charge-back and fraud costs to customers. A growing share of those costs comes from shoppers disputing purchases they actually made.Roughly 38% of merchants now pass the cost of charge-backs and fraud directly to customers through higher prices, up from 32.5% a year earlier, according to the 2026 Chargeback Field Report published by the fraud-management firm Chargebacks911.The report was written for merchants. But read from the other side of the counter, its data describes something else: a quiet transfer of fraud costs onto ordinary shoppers, including the ones who never dispute a charge.Most of it isn't stolen cardsThe bigger surprise is what's driving the cost.The report cites Visa data showing that "friendly fraud" (valid purchases that customers later dispute anyway, by mistake or on purpose) makes up about 75% of the charge-backs they receive. Friendly fraud isn't a thief overseas. It's a customer who bought something, received it, then told the bank the charge wasn't authorized.The report attributes the rise to a growing "charge-back culture," in which disputing a charge has become almost effortless. Cardholders can now reverse a transaction with a single tap, often more easily than they completed the purchase, and online forums walk them through how.Outside research points in the same direction. The identity-verification firm Socure has estimated that friendly fraud and first-party fraud cost businesses about $100 billion a year, with $89 billion of that borne by merchants. In a Socure survey, 35% of Americans admitted to committing first-party fraud, and 40% said they knew someone who had.Not every dispute is dishonest. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a shopper can formally request clarification and documentation for a charge they don't recognize. This provision turns an unrecognized charge into a disputable one, even when the purchase was real. But the merchant still loses, and the loss has to go somewhere.A cost that multipliesThe face value of a disputed charge understates what it costs.Every $1 lost to fraud ends up costing North American e-commerce merchants as much as $4.61 once charge-back fees, staff time, prevention software and lost merchandise are counted, the report says, citing data from LexisNexis Risk Solutions. By that math, a $50 disputed order becomes closer to a $230 loss.That multiplier is the reason prices move. A cost running nearly five times the sticker value is hard to absorb quietly, and the report says fighting back rarely pays. Merchants recover revenue on only about 1 in 5 of the friendly-fraud disputes they contest, once second-round disputes and the cases they don't fight are included.For small sellers, the math is unforgiving. A Stripe user who sells specialty products recently described being hit twice by the same buyer who kept the goods, won both disputes and then emailed to gloat. Payment processors operate within card-network rules where the issuing bank decides disputes, Jarrod Wright of Chargebacks911 explained in that case, and pursuing an individual through the courts is "expensive, slow, and varies by jurisdiction."What it means for shoppersFraud is not the main reason retail prices rise; inflation and supplier costs weigh more. But the report makes the case that a real and growing slice of what merchants charge is now built to cover disputes, the dishonest ones included.The broader pattern holds up against independent research. A system built to protect consumers from fraud is increasingly being used to commit it, and the people unknowingly covering the difference are the shoppers who never filed a dispute at all.This story was produced by Chargebacks911 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	AI education is creating new opportunities outside traditional tech hubs AI education is creating new opportunities outside traditional tech hubsTech talent and startup activity are no longer geographically concentrated. AI's rapid adoption has dismantled the monopoly that regions like Silicon Valley once held, disrupting the traditional pipeline of opportunity and forcing regional economies to adapt. New data reveals the scale of this shift and what it means for careers, investments, and business models in the years ahead.The geographic concentration of tech opportunity was a feature of the past decade, not an inevitable law. Silicon Valley and a handful of other innovation hubs attracted talent globally, draining emerging economies of skilled workers. But AI tools have fundamentally altered this equation. With accessible education and remote-first workflows, developers and founders can now build viable companies anywhere, turning this geographic shift from a policy concern into a business reality.This isn't theoretical. MavGPT, an online AI resource hub, analyzed recent data to map exactly how this dispersal is playing out, where opportunities are emerging, and why the skills gap matters more than location. MavGPT The Smoking Gun of Startup DispersalThe first piece of data comes courtesy of Interface, which published an analysis in May 2026 that unpacks Dealroom.co figures to assess AI startups across the EU. The report’s authors found that 75% of all analyzed EU AI startups are spread across 95 different cities, with no single tech hub taking precedence. Traditional powerhouses, including Paris and Berlin, collectively account for only a quarter of the market.Because generative AI and foundation models allow for hyperlocalized, specialized applications, whether that’s Munich specializing in supply chain AI or Barcelona in healthcare, developers and founders no longer need to migrate to specific hubs to build viable software.Seeing startups dispersed far and wide indicates that AI education is changing where innovative tech companies can build their business and where prospective employees can find opportunities. Because AI skills can be acquired in modular, online formats, workers living in nontraditional tech regions are joining the global, remote freelance and corporate labor market, entirely bypassing previous systems that used to determine access to the industry.This is further supported by data from the International Monetary Fund, which found 10% of job vacancies in advanced economies now explicitly demand at least one new digital or AI-specific skill. There’s an increasing need for existing professionals or students soon to enter the job market to upskill or reskill to meet employer expectations, regardless of where they’re based.The Application in Traditional Work SettingsThe benefits of AI education don’t only apply to tech-focused roles. That’s crucial for the deconstruction of traditional tech hub dominance, since people in positions and industries that aren’t historically reliant on digital tools can now embrace automation and use these skills to take advantage of new opportunities so long as they have access to the knowledge needed to harness it.A January 2026 study from the National Bureau of Economic Research focuses on how AI is affecting the U.S. job market, specifically its potential to displace jobs and disrupt roles. Analysts found that out of 37.1 million American workers heavily exposed to AI, 26.5 million possess above-median adaptive capacity, meaning they are highly equipped to transition into higher-value roles rather than face displacement.Learning to use AI allows workers to transition rather than face displacement. Artificial intelligence’s rapid uptake allows non-tech workers outside major cities to automate routine tasks and construct new, hybrid roles for themselves, enabling them to weather economic disruption caused by AI's rapid adoption.The Democratization of EducationAI also has a significant influence on educational outcomes, with a Stanford University meta-analysis of various reports indicating advantages in narrowing gaps between students of different abilities and backgrounds. Causal studies covered in the report conclude that AI tools significantly improve student performance on programming, mathematics, and writing. The data notes that AI tools drastically reduce historic achievement gaps by providing high-quality, individualized, real-time tutoring to under-resourced districts.AI allows greater access to users in an educational context, meaning that those going through school and college in less affluent places can compete more consistently with those in wealthier regions of the world. Because AI education itself is entirely democratic, with anyone able to get online and learn to use the available tools, this helps to perpetuate the importance of adoption for improved economic opportunity.AI education creates opportunities for founders and employees, while also enabling the next generation to develop an understanding of automation and its potential before they enter a job market with increasing expectations for tech-savviness. How industry and political leaders make this information widely available, rather than limiting access to locations that have long benefited from the tech boom, remains to be seen.This story was produced by MavGPT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What to do when parents have different care needs What to do when parents have different care needsWhen your elderly parents develop different care needs and it’s time to find a care arrangement where they can live together or near each other while receiving the care they need, you have several options. These include hiring in-home care for the parent who needs extra care or both parents moving to a senior care residence that allows them to each receive the appropriate level of care. A Place for Mom shares what to know to choose the best fit for your option.Key TakeawaysWhen parents develop different needs as they age, there are many options for keeping them together while they receive care.Couples may be able to remain living together if one needs more care with the help of in-home care.Senior living communities can accommodate parents with different care needs by providing additional care to the one who needs it.Some senior living communities provide different levels of care so that parents can live on the same campus and receive the care they need.Start by asking: Can they safely live together?When a couple’s care needs diverge, it can affect both people’s safety and well-being. For instance, one person may need help with mobility, while the other has become too weak to help.Signs that a couple with different health challenges may not be able to live safely together include:One senior’s needs affect their spouse’s health. “If one person is falling and their spouse has to call paramedics or family members to come and help, that’s the time when families need to step in,” says Niki Gewirtz, a senior living expert with A Place for Mom. “This is usually when families say we can’t let Mom do this anymore or we can’t let Dad do this anymore. It’s getting to be too much.”One parent needs consistent help. A parent may start needing daily help with activities of daily living (ADLs), or they may need medical or cognitive support.One parent consistently acts as caregiver for the other. “This can be a really hard thing for some seniors to let go of because they take seriously that vow of ‘in sickness and in health,’ and believe it’s their job to take care of their loved one,” says Gewirtz, “but they’re not realizing the toll it’s taking on them.”One parent requires supervision to stay safe. If a parent is experiencing cognitive decline and is at risk of leaving the house or wandering, this is a sign that help is needed. Gewirtz offered the example of her 94-year-old grandfather, who started waking at 2 a.m. thinking he had to go to work, and waking her grandmother, who was losing sleep as a result.Recognizing any of these signs means it’s time to choose one of the following options to be sure your parents are safe and cared for. In fact, families often discover that the goal isn’t necessarily to keep both parents in the same place at all costs, but to help them remain safe, connected, and supported.What usually determines the best option?Once your family has decided that it’s time to transition your parents to a new living arrangement, the challenge is determining which options can meet their needs. Here are some factors that can help you choose:Your parents’ individual care needs. If one parent needs help with ADLs or managing medication, then hiring in-home care or moving to assisted living might be the best choice. But if one person is experiencing cognitive decline, then a move to memory care might be appropriate.Safety concerns. If safety is an issue, for instance, if one parent is experiencing falls, or has cognitive decline, which can lead to getting lost outside of the home, then they may benefit from memory care while the other remains at home or in an assisted living residence on the same campus.Your own family’s needs. A move to senior living can also help adult children, says Gewirtz. Adult children may miss work or time with their own kids to take a parent to doctor’s appointments, or to stay overnight with a parent who can’t be left alone. “It’s important to talk about how a community can not only help your parents, but help you,” says Gewirtz. And remember the benefits for your parents. “They’re going to be getting that 24/7 oversight, getting their meals and transportation to doctor’s appointments, or the community may have medical professionals who come to them.”Cost. Most residential care communities require an entrance or community fee along with a monthly fee, and this can help determine whether one or both parents can take this step. However, says Gewirtz, “Some communities will make financial concessions. For instance, if you’ve got a couple who want to move into separate apartments, maybe they’ll just charge one community fee instead of two. Or maybe they’ll make a rent concession for the person who’s more independent.” If affordability is a concern, talk to the senior community about such financial options.Preference to stay together. If both parents wish to continue living together, then you’ll need to consider whether hiring in-home care for one parent is a possibility, or whether moving to a senior care residence where they can each get the care they need is a better solution.Care options can help parents stay together“There are a lot of choices,” says Gewirtz. Below are options that support senior couples with differing care needs staying together.Home care“As a starting point, one option is to bring in home care to help ease the caretaking burden,” says Gewirtz. “A home health caregiver can give one senior a shower or help with light housekeeping.” This works best when the care needed is minimal. For instance, a home health care provider could help with short-term care of a parent who’s recovering from surgery with services such as physical therapy, medication administration, or wound dressing.This arrangement relieves the healthier or more active spouse from having to do those tasks, and allows them to get out of the house, reducing the risk of isolation and caregiver stress. “Many times, though, seniors are reluctant to have a stranger in their home,” says Gewirtz. “So in-home care doesn’t tend to be a long-term solution.”Independent living with added careAnother option for couples is to move into an independent living community where the person who needs care can receive in-home care services. Many independent living communities allow home care services for one spouse in a couple.“On-site home care can be very flexible and helpful to alleviate the stress of the primary caregiver,” says Christy Neal, a Senior Living Advisor at A Place for Mom. “Staff and neighbors are usually aware that the couple has slightly different needs, and [they] lend a watchful eye and helpful hand when needed.”If the independent living community doesn’t offer easy access to a home care provider or it isn’t feasible to pay for this added service, there are other options.Assisted living for couples with different needsFor couples who want to live together but have different care needs, moving into an assisted living community may be an appropriate choice because caregivers are available 24/7 in case a resident needs some kind of assistance, such as help with ADLs.“A lot of times couples will go into assisted living where they can be in the same apartment together,” says Gewirtz. “If one person needs a lot of help, say with incontinence care, or taking a shower, or mobility assistance, they’ll have 24/7 care staff there to help with that while they can still remain in the same apartment together.”However, assisted living communities provide different services, so it’s important to find one that offers the specific services each person needs.A two-bedroom unit in assisted living is another option, Gewirtz says. This can ensure each spouse gets the sleep they need if, for instance, one person is a light sleeper and the other tosses and turns.Some communities also provide tailored short-term nursing services for residents with more advanced needs.Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)A longer-term option for couples is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that includes independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care on a single campus. This type of senior living can work well for couples who have different care needs, says Gewirtz. In this setting, the couple can interact regularly, have meals and do activities together, and family members can visit both parents easily because they live on the same campus.Neal says it’s common for senior couples who have different care needs to move into the same community but live in different buildings.“Each spouse can have all their physical and cognitive needs met in a safe setting, amongst their peers, and they can still be together as often as they’d like,” she says.When living together may no longer be the safest optionSituations in which it is no longer safe for a couple to live together include:One person has dementia and is at risk of wandering or getting lost, or isn’t safe at home aloneOne person has complex or intensive medical needs and requires emergency careThe caregiving spouse or partner experiences burnoutIn these situations, couples can benefit by living in separate apartments in the same senior living community or in separate buildings that offer different levels of care.Gewirtz recalls meeting a couple in a senior living community who both had dementia and often argued with each other. The solution was to move them into apartments across the hall from each other. “They could be separate during the day if they wanted, or sit in each other’s apartment,” she says. “But if they started bickering or getting on each other’s nerves, they could go to their own private space. And that worked out great.”How to support parents who live apartWhen it’s not feasible for parents to continue living together because their care needs differ significantly, then living in separate spaces may be the best for their health and well-being. If one parent stays at home while the other moves into a residential care community, you can manage the arrangement by:Planning for transportation. “Use an Eldercare Locator to find your local Area Agency on Aging and access senior transportation services,” suggests Sharon Daily, LCSW-C, a social worker at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health. This way, the burden of driving one parent to visit the other doesn’t always fall on a family member.Making a visiting schedule. Since you can’t be in two places at once, schedule family and friends to visit on different days. Not only will this lighten your load, it will also relieve some burden for the more independent parent who’s still at home.Managing guilt. Rather than blaming yourself or others for your parents’ senior living separation, focus on the fact that you and your family are doing the best you can in a complicated situation. “Be gentle and kind to yourself and your family members when managing the stressors of having parents in two different care environments,” Daily says.Comparing care options for parents with different needs A Place for Mom If one parent is developing significant health needs, is presenting safety concerns, or a caregiving parent is experiencing stress and burnout, then it’s time to talk with an expert who can help you find an appropriate living situation for both parents.This story was produced by A Place for Mom and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	77% of small businesses now use AI regularly. Here’s where they’re starting. 77% of small businesses now use AI regularly. Here’s where they’re starting.Seventy-seven percent of U.S. small and midsize businesses report using AI regularly as of January 2026. That’s up from 48% just 18 months earlier—a shift that's showing up in productivity, revenue, and how owners spend their days, according to the 2026 AI Impact Report from Intuit QuickBooks. The report draws on over 34,000 survey responses collected across seven quarterly waves from July 2024 to January 2026, combined with anonymized payment data from more than 5.3 million businesses on the Intuit platform.What’s holding back the rest from using AI regularly? Across all four countries tracked in the report, the top barriers are the same: concerns about data privacy, fear of errors, and limited knowledge of what AI can actually do.AI refers to software systems that can analyze information, recognize patterns, and complete specific tasks that traditionally required human judgment. For many small businesses, AI can help automate routine work and increase efficiency without adding headcount.What AI actually means for a small businessThe most common form small businesses encounter is machine learning—software that improves by analyzing past data. A practical example: an expense tool that flags unusual transactions by learning your typical spending patterns over time.While each technology serves different purposes, they often work together. Many small business tools combine machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI capabilities in a single product.9 ways small businesses are using AISurvey respondents in the 2026 AI Impact Report reported using AI across a range of tasks. In the U.S., the most common applications are marketing (45% of businesses using AI), customer service (37%), and bookkeeping (35%). Here’s how those use cases play out in practice.Customer communicationBusinesses that don’t provide 24-hour support often use chatbots to handle common customer questions outside normal business hours. Tools like Zendesk, Tidio, and Intercom handle FAQs, process orders, and support multiple languages without human involvement.Accounting automationAI handles expense categorization, receipt matching, and inconsistency flagging. It learns transaction patterns over time, suggests smart categorizations, and speeds up month-end reconciliation.Product and service personalizationPlatforms like Shopify, Klaviyo, and Mailchimp analyze browsing habits and purchase history to customize product recommendations and tailor email content—a capability that previously required a dedicated marketing team.Finding new customersSome predictive analytics tools analyze customer and market data to help businesses identify prospects that may be more likely to convert. Others optimize ad placement automatically, which can stretch smaller budgets further.Marketing ideationTools like ChatGPT or Jasper help draft campaign ideas, blog titles, subject lines, and ad copy. They work best as a starting point—the output typically needs editing to match a specific brand voice and audience.Social media managementBuffer, Later, and Hootsuite use AI to recommend posting times, suggest hashtags, and surface which content performs best—reducing the time owners spend on planning without requiring them to hire a social media manager.Presentations and business plansTools like Beautiful.ai, Canva, and Gamma generate slide designs from a few prompts. AI tools can also help summarize publicly available market research and competitor information, though the results should be reviewed for accuracy.Meeting managementOtter.ai and Fireflies record, transcribe, and extract key takeaways from meetings. For owners who run back-to-back calls, automated transcription reduces the risk of losing a decision or action item.Inventory and supply planningInventory management tools can analyze past sales trends, seasonality, and supplier lead times to help forecast demand—helping prevent stockouts and overordering, and keeping cash flow steadier in businesses where timing matters.The benefits that show up mostFor many small businesses, AI’s benefits tend to fall into four broad categories: lower costs, improved customer experiences, greater productivity, and better financial visibility. The 2026 AI Impact Report puts numbers behind each of them: 78% of U.S. businesses using AI say it has improved their productivity, and businesses reporting revenue increases from AI outnumber those reporting decreases by more than 20 to 1 (43% vs. 2%).On time management, roughly 1 in 4 U.S. businesses using AI say it has shortened their workday. Automating time-consuming tasks also reduces the need for manual input and lowers the risk of costly errors—freeing owners to focus on decisions that require human judgment.Another benefit is easier access to information about cash flow, sales trends, and overall business performance. Tools that centralize data and surface real-time insights give owners a clearer picture of where to invest next.How to figure out where to startMany experts recommend starting with a small number of repetitive tasks and expanding adoption after evaluating the results.From there, look for tools that integrate with what you already use. If invoicing and collections eat up most of your week, an AI-powered invoice tool combined with automated reminders can reclaim meaningful hours. If content creation is the bottleneck, an AI writing tool may be the higher-leverage starting point.What’s coming nextAI is evolving quickly, and a few trends are worth watching. Voice-enabled features are becoming more common in business software, allowing users to complete certain tasks through spoken commands rather than typing. Some predictive systems are designed to identify patterns that may indicate future inventory or cash flow challenges, giving owners earlier warning than manual monitoring typically provides.AI agents—software that doesn’t just automate tasks but decides when and how to run them—are beginning to reach small business tools. Emerging agents can perform tasks such as categorizing transactions, updating lead records, and identifying issues that require human review.AI adoption among small businesses has moved quickly, per the report, from fewer than half of U.S. businesses reporting regular use in mid-2024 to more than three-quarters by January 2026. The most common applications have also broadened, from marketing and customer service into accounting and back-office work. For businesses still weighing whether to start, the data from the Intuit 2026 AI Impact Report points in a consistent direction: Businesses using AI report productivity gains, revenue increases, and shorter workdays at far higher rates than those that don’t. Most who start small find enough value to keep going.MethodologyData in this article is drawn from the 2026 AI Impact Report, produced by Intuit QuickBooks in collaboration with economists at the University of Chicago. The report draws on survey responses from 34,364 small and midsize business owners across the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, collected across seven quarterly waves from July 2024 to January 2026, and anonymized payment records from more than 5.3 million businesses using the Intuit platform between 2021 and 2025. Small businesses are defined as those with 0–9 employees; midsize businesses as those with 10 or more employees (up to 99 in most countries, 50 in Australia).This story was produced by Intuit QuickBooks and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Supreme Court says U.S. can turn away asylum seekers at the border By a 6 to 3 vote, the high court ruled that that federal law allows the government to stop asylum seekers from physically setting foot in the United States, effectively keeping them from applying for asylum.
	The Supreme Court says the U.S. can turn away asylum seekers at the border By a 6-3 vote, the high court ruled that federal law allows the government to stop asylum seekers from physically setting foot in the United States, effectively keeping them from applying for asylum.
	Trump can begin deportations of Syrian, Haitian TPS holders, Supreme Court says Writing for the court majority, Justice Samuel Alito that under the TPS law, the president has unreviewable authority to end the program, without intervention from the courts.
	Weekend Rundown with WLLR \| June 25, 2026 In the final edition of the Weekend Rundown with Dani, we preview QC Fright Con 2026, Planet Funk Con, Pride Party at Bass Street Landing and more.
	Downtown Davenport Partnership unveils new branding, highlights future projects Downtown Davenport is home to more than 270 businesses, 2,700 residents and a workforce of 6,500 people.
	Illinois health dept. order expands contraceptive access through pharmacists The Illinois Department of Public Health expanded access to non-hormonal, emergency, and over-the-counter contraception through trained pharmacists.
	Durbin raises concerns over rumored Iran nuclear deal details, rumored $300B figure Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin questioned a rumored $300 billion figure and raised nuclear inspection concerns regarding a potential deal with Iran.
	How to use AI in your customer relationship management to sell smarter, not harder How to use AI in your customer relationship management to sell smarter, not harderA study done by Salesforce in 2022 found that sales reps dedicated only 28% of their week to selling. The other 72% of their time is spent on admin, research, data entry, and coordination.The study highlights a serious issue for sales teams. Fortunately, the solution may already exist inside their customer relationship management system: AI. In fact, revenue teams that make use of AI in their CRMs see a 29% increase in sales growth, according to research conducted by Gong in 2024.Most modern CRM systems include AI, which helps teams in several core areas of their daily work activities, including data summarization, outreach and follow-up, research and lead intelligence, reporting and visibility, and lead capture and engagement.The best way to integrate AI in CRM systems is at the workflow level. This means connecting two or three relevant capabilities to perform a task in its entirety rather than in separate parts.Although 91% of sales and marketing professionals use AI on a regular basis, as per Workbook’s 2025 The State of AI in CRM in B2B reportWorkbook’s 2025 report, and a mere 38% actually use it in their CRM, which means that most teams have unused capabilities in the systems they pay for.This Nutshell guide offers a step-by-step walk-through, with examples, detailing exactly how to use AI in your CRM and what to expect.What is AI in CRM?AI in CRM is about bringing cutting-edge functionality across machine learning, natural language processing, and generative AI into customer relationship management solutions.Machine learning is an AI subfield that refines its outputs by analyzing and learning from existing datasets. Natural language processing allows CRM systems to comprehend and produce human language outputs, transforming a plain-English question or spoken note into a well-formatted, actionable output.These systems work on the contacts, deals, emails, and activity data that the CRM already stores, which is the differentiator between CRM-integrated AI and separate systems like ChatGPT or Claude.When a CRM has AI built in, it’s familiar with the sales pipeline, contact history, and the most recent interactions with each lead. There’s no need to copy and paste or to hop between browser windows. The information output is useful and relevant immediately.The capabilities of AI in CRM can be grouped into the five distinct categories below that correspond to the primary tasks sales and marketing teams engage in on a daily basis.Summarization: How does AI summarization save time across the sales process?AI CRM summarization tools capture everything from meetings to notes and calls, pulling from deal and contact timelines and logging relevant information in the CRM with no user input required. It delivers results fast, leading to noticeable time savings.With the inclusion of AI summarization tools, sales reps no longer need to spend 25 minutes preparing for a call to understand the context. They can go directly to the call, and immediately after, the CRM provides a summary of the conversation and the desired next steps.Example AI summarization scenarioA sales rep has an upcoming call with an old prospect. There have been 31 documented interactions with this prospect. Instead of going through the logged activities one by one, the sales rep requests an AI lead timeline activity summary and lead recap.The AI timeline summarization tool then scans logged activities on that lead’s timeline and provides a summary of interactions with the lead. The rep now has a quick overview of the relationship so far.Next, the rep asks the AI for a quick recap on the last meeting with the lead so they can continue where they left off on the next call. Here’s what that input and output might look like.Example AI lead recap input:“Please highlight the last agreed next step discussed with this lead and the suggested next action to take.”Example AI lead recap output:This deal has been active for eight months. During the last call, which took place on Jan. 9, the prospect stated that they have a renewed interest in the budget following an internal restructuring. The prospect has confirmed that Angela is the primary contact for this deal and that Leo is a member of their team who will be making the financial decision.The last agreed-upon next step was to send the updated offer by Jan. 15. During the call that took place last week, the prospect stated that they would like to start this deal in Q2 and have requested a technical walk-through.From this, we gather that a technical demo should be scheduled for the week of Feb. 3.Outreach and follow-up: How can AI improve sales outreach and follow-up?The AI outreach and follow-up functionality built into a CRM can draft communications for sales reps, ranging from short email replies to personal email sequences. And it does so based on the context of the existing deal and interactions with the relevant contact.Sales reps no longer need to switch tools or stare at a blank email, unsure of what to say. Nor do they need to think about the last thing that happened and what they need to do next to move the deal toward “closed.” The AI in their CRM system does this for them.Example AI outreach and follow-up scenarioAn account executive needs to produce a quick follow-up email directly after a strong discovery call. Time is of the essence, and the follow-up email must provide a recap of the call, verify the next steps, and include a case study that was discussed. However, there are three back-to-back calls that fill the account executive’s calendar before lunch. To speed things up before their next call, the account executive opens their CRM, types a brief prompt, and the AI in the CRM draws upon the recent meeting summary to craft the email recap for them.Example AI email follow-up input: "Draft a warm, professional follow-up email to send to this lead. Cover these key points: Thank them for the call, provide a quick recap that they're evaluating options for Q2, confirm that their 1:1 demo is booked for Thursday at 1 p.m., mention the retail sector case study attached to the email."Example AI email follow-up output:"Hi Marcus,Really enjoyed our conversation this morning.It's clear you're thinking about this the right way for your team's Q2 plans. And I think we would be an ideal partner to help your business reach those goals and beyond.As promised, I've attached the case study from our retail sector work. Page 4 speaks directly to the pipeline visibility challenge you mentioned.We're all set for your 1:1 demo on Thursday at 1 p.m. Looking forward to showing you around the product.Reach out if anything comes up before then."Benefit: With AI in the mix, personalized follow-ups like this go out much faster and can also be sent consistently as part of a sequence. Marketing teams can build drip sequences fast, dramatically reducing the time it takes to manually build campaigns and ensuring uniform on-brand outreach and nurturing.Research and lead intelligence: How does AI research and lead intelligence change the way teams prioritize?AI research and lead intelligence in the CRM provides a way to automate the collection, synthesis, and valuation of data related to prospects and the companies they’re associated with. The CRM AI then organizes the data into a structured summary, which is added to the lead record along with an initial fit score.A fit score is the AI’s estimate of the degree to which a lead matches the company’s ideal customer profile (ICP). Researching, assessing, and scoring the lead in the traditional manner is incredibly time-intensive. But with AI built into your system, this process is significantly expedited.Example AI research and lead intelligence scenarioImagine for a moment that an SDR opens their CRM on a Monday morning to 18 new inbound leads that came in over the weekend. Researching and evaluating each lead one at a time would call for a large portion of the morning dedicated to determining things like the lead company size, industry, potential pain points, and prior activity relevant to the lead in the CRM.Instead of wasting precious selling time on that, the team leans into batch processing for AI research. That way, each lead is analyzed, scored, and summed up with a company outline. The AI can also detect any prior contact with the leadExample input: "Research this lead. Company: Ardent Supply Co. Summarize what they do, assess fit for our product, and flag any prior activity in the system."Example output: "Ardent Supply Co. is a regional wholesale distributor, with approximately 60 employees, and operates across three states. Likely challenges: Managing a distributed sales team and a potential lack of pipeline visibility as a result. Fit score: Strong. Prior activity: One email exchange was detected, which was logged 4 months ago. No follow-up was recorded. Recommended angle: Pipeline accountability and team reporting."Benefit: Leads that are a strong fit are immediately actionable and easy to follow up with. It also makes it easier to re-engage with cold leads, offering a clear next step.Reporting and visibility: What can AI reporting and visibility tools tell you that dashboards can't?AI reporting and visibility on CRM data translates into automatic, contextual summaries of team performance, pipeline health, and individual priorities, proactively and delivered in digest form, or generated in response to a natural language query. Essentially, these AI capabilities eliminate the friction of manual report building.It allows you to gain a consolidated view of prospect and customer conversations across multiple touch points, as well as clearer visibility regarding team reporting and pipeline data. Most CRM systems rely on the user having a clear idea of what they’re looking for, and AI enables a reporting process where the insights come to you.Example AI reporting and visibility tool scenarioA sales manager begins the week without opening any dashboards. However, the AI summary she received via email that morning has already processed the hottest leads for the week, identified two deals that need following up, and informed her that one sales rep has a thinning sales pipeline.Later that week, a colleague asks for a summary of deals won by industry over the last 90 days. She quickly uses her reporting AI, asking it for the information in plain English. She receives her answer seconds later, with the option to quickly generate a report and chart to save as a PDF or share directly with her colleague.Example input: "Show me won deals by industry for the last 90 days, ranked by deal value."Example output:"Won deals for the last 90 days:Manufacturing: 14 deals, $187,400.Professional Services: 11 deals, $134,200.Healthcare: 8 deals, $98,750.Retail: 6 deals, $61,300.Note: Manufacturing industry win rate is up 18% vs. the previous 90-day period."Benefit: Managers can quickly generate an AI-powered report on deals to follow up on, sales related to a specific focus area, and more. Which means that reps can easily access the highest priority information. Orum’s 2024 State of Sales Development report states that 87% of sales professionals cite a positive increase in efficiency and focus related to the use of AI in their daily work.Lead capture and engagement: How does AI lead capture and engagement work beyond the web form?AI lead capture and engagement in CRM includes the use of a built-in AI chatbot. An AI chatbot is a real-time engagement tool that uses AI to converse with and record website visitor data based on that company's trained content.This tool qualifies visitor intent, captures contact information, and manages the routing of conversations and meetings directly to team members. It represents the functionality of AI at the top of the funnel, and includes an integrated workflow for the stages that follow.Example AI lead capture and engagement scenarioFor this example, we’ll have a potential customer access the pricing page of a B2B software company at 9 p.m. No sales rep is there to assist at 9 p.m., so the AI chatbot converses with the customer to answer a couple of product questions. It records the customer's information and schedules a product demo with the customer for the following Wednesday morning.By the time the sales team arrives at work at 8 a.m., the AI chatbot has already logged the conversation, created a lead record, confirmed the meeting, and attached a transcript of the conversation. Now, the sales rep's very first conversation with the customer is actually informed, instead of a cold outreach.Example website visitor input: "Do you integrate with Microsoft Teams? We're a team of about 25."Example output (AI chatbot): "Yes. There's a native Microsoft Teams integration that logs calls and meetings directly to your CRM records automatically. For a team your size, that typically saves a few hours a week in manual data entry. Want me to book a quick demo so you can see it in action? I can find a time that works for you right now."Benefit: This way, leads are captured even outside business hours. Leads are context-filled and have intent, and users have the next steps clearly defined. Using AI in this way results in a fully formed interaction and zero downtime on the conversation.What does it take to get real results from AI in your CRM?Three aspects influence the success of the implementation of AI tools within your CRM.Data qualityAI generates its output based on the input data, such as the lead record. Teams that log activities consistently gain better outcomes when compared to teams with inconsistent logging habits.Breadth of useThe research by Workbook in its 2025 The State of AI in CRM in B2B report showed that using several AI capabilities leads to an impactful shift, as opposed to using just one feature, which typically just leads to a nudge.Workflow thinkingThis involves connecting capabilities to allow one output that immediately funnels into the next. Start with the most time-consuming task, then build from there.What separates the teams gaining ground right now?AI exists in numerous modern CRMs, helping teams adapt to changes in the market and enhance their overall productivity. Companies that have pushed their teams to embrace AI are doing less busy work and focusing more of their time on customer and deal-related activities. The teams seeing the most success are the ones actually utilizing the AI features they have access to.This story was produced by Nutshell and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	A new approach to active travel: Multi-adventure tours A new approach to active travel: Multi-adventure toursFor years, active travel tended to fall into distinct categories. Travelers booked hiking trips, biking vacations, kayaking expeditions, or cultural tours.Today, many travelers are looking for something more varied.As adventure travel continues to grow, multi-adventure tours are an amazing way to experience a destination. Rather than focusing on a single activity, these itineraries combine activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, ziplining, yoga and cultural experiences into one journey, offering multiple perspectives on the same place.The goal isn't simply to maximize activity. It's to experience a destination from multiple angles and develop a deeper understanding of a place than any one activity could provide. EF Adventures offers insight into multi-adventure tours and shares some examples of what they can look like around the world. EF Adventures More than one way to moveThe mix of activities varies by destination, but many multi-adventure tours will combine four to six activities across a single itinerary. Hiking and biking—often e-biking—are among the most common. Kayaking, whitewater rafting, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, yoga, and ziplining frequently appear depending on the terrain.The goal isn't to pack as many activities as possible into a week. It's to ensure that each day offers a different perspective on the destination.A closer lookMulti-adventure tours move, but they don't sprint. There's time to explore towns, try local food, and absorb the culture and landscapes along the way. Here's what that can look like across a few destinations. EF Adventures Exploring Portugal by trail, paddle, and bikeMany multi-adventure itineraries in Portugal span three distinct regions, each offering a different perspective on the country. In Sintra, travelers might hike through Atlantic mist to palaces above the forest. In the Algarve, kayaking routes wind through golden cliff formations and into Benagil Cave, where a natural skylight illuminates the water inside. In the Alentejo, e-bike routes pass through cork forests and vineyards along former railway lines, often ending at historic wineries. EF Adventures Hiking, sailing, and snorkeling through the Greek IslandsOther multi-adventure itineraries pair Crete and Santorini, combining challenging hikes, time on the water, and opportunities to experience everyday island life. Crete's Imbros Gorge descends nearly 2,000 feet over less than four miles before reaching the southern coast. In Santorini, catamaran cruises, snorkeling excursions, volcanic hot springs, and hikes between Fira and Oia showcase the island from multiple perspectives. Along the way, long lunches, wine tastings, and sea views are just as much a part of the experience. EF Adventures Discovering Croatia from the waterMany travelers find Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is best experienced from the water. Multi-adventure itineraries often include catamaran sailing between islands, kayaking beneath Dubrovnik's walls, and snorkeling through sea caves illuminated by underwater light. On land, activities can range from exploring farmland on Hvar to sunset yoga sessions and fresh seafood experiences along the coast. EF Adventures Experiencing Japan beyond its major citiesJapan is particularly well suited to multi-adventure travel because of the geographic and cultural variety travelers can experience in a relatively short period of time. Some itineraries connect Tokyo, the Japanese Alps, Shikoku Island, and the Seto Inland Sea in a single journey. Activities may include stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Nojiri, rafting through Oboke Gorge, and cycling portions of the Shimanami Kaido. Cultural experiences—from traditional kaiseki dinners to centuries-old hot springs—add another layer to the journey.Adventure travel doesn't require expertiseOne common misconception about adventure travel is that it requires advanced athletic ability or extensive outdoor experience. In reality, many guided adventure tours are designed for travelers with a wide range of fitness levels and prior experience.Many itineraries offer different activity levels for hikes and bike rides, allowing travelers to choose the option that feels right for them. Local guides often lead activities, provide safety briefings, and supply specialized equipment, making many experiences accessible to travelers trying them for the first time.Why travelers choose guided multi-adventure toursOne reason multi-adventure tours are loved by active travelers is convenience. Coordinating activities, transportation, accommodations, equipment, and local guides across multiple regions can be complicated, particularly in destinations where travelers are moving frequently.Guided tours simplify that process by bringing those elements together into a single itinerary, allowing travelers to spend less time planning and more time immersed in the experience.But convenience is only part of the appeal. Multi-adventure travel also offers a different way to understand a destination. Hiking a coastline, kayaking its waters, biking through its countryside, and sharing a meal rooted in local traditions each reveal something different about a place.As adventure travel continues to evolve, many travelers are discovering that the trips they remember most aren't defined by a single highlight. They're shaped by a collection of experiences that, together, create a deeper connection to a destination.This story was produced by EF Adventures and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport School Board demolishes 2 century-old buildings on Brady Street Crews demolished two century-old buildings in Davenport after school board officials determined restoration costs were higher than removal.
	U.S. Supreme Court backs Monsanto in its fight against liability from popular weed killer The central issue in the Roundup case, filed by Missouri resident John Durnell, was who decides what should appear on a pesticide or insecticide label—and whether a federal law overrides state claims.
	Durbin criticizes Trump’s decision to cancel housing reform signing Illinois Senator Dick Durbin criticized President Donald Trump for halting plans to sign a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering housing prices.
	Quad Cities transit systems launch survey for resident feedback on transportation Four Quad Cities area communities launched a public survey to gather feedback and improve local transportation systems to support the regional economy.
	Downtown Davenport Partnership unveils brand identity, $68M in planned investments The Downtown Davenport Partnership launched a new brand identity and logo, highlighting $68 million in planned investment projects in the area.
	The clean beauty ingredients dermatologists recommend The clean beauty ingredients dermatologists recommendFor years, the clean beauty conversation was built almost entirely around what a product didn't contain. Parabens and sulfates became the industry's chosen villains, and the "free-from" label became its shorthand for being safe.But as consumers spent more time reading labels instead of just trusting them, a harder question surfaced about whether removing certain ingredients was ever enough to make a product worth buying.And the skepticism pushed the industry toward something more demanding. It pushed toward real ingredient transparency and formulas that could prove their value on skin.A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology narrowed a field of 83 skincare ingredients down to 23 that doctors broadly agree actually work, offering some much-needed clarity in a market crowded with overpromising claims.Ogee, a Vermont-based certified organic beauty brand, details the certified organic formulations that are rigorous enough to go beyond the label and earn dermatologist recommendations.What ‘Clean Beauty’ Really Means TodayDespite how widely the word “clean” appears on product labels, it holds no legal definition in the United States, and the FDA does not regulate or define it, leaving brands free to use it on their own terms.Dr. Janine Hopkins, a dermatologist quoted in NewBeauty, noted that shoppers often read a “clean” or “all-natural” label as a sign of safety. But, she added, natural is not the same thing as safe.A more current understanding of clean beauty moves past label claims and looks instead at formulas that are safe, proven, and built to support skin health. And the ingredients behind that standard are, not coincidentally, the same ones dermatologists have been recommending for years.The Ingredients Dermatologists TrustDecades of research have narrowed the field considerably, and the ingredients that consistently hold up under scrutiny fall into three distinct categories.Hydration and Barrier SupportHyaluronic acid draws moisture into the upper skin layer. And it holds it there, binding up to a thousand times its own weight in water to restore the plump, hydrated look most people associate with healthy skin.Glycerin works alongside it, pulling water from the environment into the skin's outer layers and keeping it stable throughout the day. Squalane and ceramides complete the process by sealing in that hydration and reinforcing the skin's protective outer layer against water loss.Brightening and Antioxidant ProtectionDaily sun exposure and pollution generate free radicals, particles that degrade collagen and accelerate visible signs of aging. Vitamin C intercepts that damage at the source, and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Roger Kapoor noted in an interview with InStyle that it also stimulates collagen production while actively fading dark spots.Niacinamide (vitamin B3) brings a different kind of reliability to the routine, one that holds up across nearly every skin type. And Dr. Steve Xu, a board-certified dermatologist, told InStyle it is "incredibly multi-functional, yet gentle," noting that it calms inflammation and refines the appearance of enlarged pores over time.Renewal and Anti-AgingRetinoids have been at the center of anti-aging research for decades, and dermatologists still treat them as the gold standard. Derived from vitamin A, they increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production at a level few other ingredients match. Dr. Adam Friedman called them the "hero ingredient" of anti-aging in a Health article.For those who find retinoids too irritating, bakuchiol offers a plant-derived alternative, and clinical research confirming it activates the same skin-renewal pathways as retinol has made it a credible option across a growing range of clean-compatible formulas.Why Skin Barrier Health Is the New PrioritySkin barrier health now shapes much of modern dermatology, because so much of healthy skin depends on getting that foundation right.The barrier is the outermost layer of the skin, and its job is to lock moisture in while keeping environmental irritants out. When it's functioning well, skin stays hydrated and resilient, and when it breaks down, sensitivity and visible irritation tend to follow.Clean beauty's emphasis on gentle formulations aligns directly with this, because harsh ingredients strain the barrier before the skin ever benefits from them. Washington D.C. dermatologist Dr. Tina Alster told NewBeauty she has observed this firsthand, noting that patients using too many active products "are seeing a degraded skin barrier and irritation."Ingredients focused on restoring the barrier rather than aggressively correcting individual concerns produce results that hold up over time.Ingredients to Approach With CautionA "clean" label doesn't make a product automatically safer, and dermatologists have been pointing this out for years. Brands set their own standards for what qualifies, which is why two products carrying the same "clean" claim are often built on entirely different ingredient philosophies.Synthetic fragrance is where the category gets most complicated, since labels listing only "fragrance" or "parfum" often represent hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, and many are among the most common triggers for skin irritation and allergic reactions.Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives have also remained under scrutiny because of their association with irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive users.Dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield of Schweiger Dermatology Group has observed that the line between what is actually toxic and what simply causes personal sensitivity is not always obvious. "Unfortunately, it's not all black and white," she told Healthline.Ingredient safety often depends on the formula, the amount used, and the person applying it. And reading labels with that understanding, instead of fear, leads to better skin results.The Shift From ‘Free-From’ to ‘Results-Driven’The beauty industry learned that avoidance could only take clean beauty so far. A product could leave out every ingredient people had been told to question and still fall short once it touched the skin. And as shoppers began expecting visible results alongside clearer ingredient standards, brands had to offer more than a list of what they left out.Clean beauty and dermatology have arrived at the same conclusion, with formulas judged by how well they support the skin rather than how many ingredients they avoid.What This Means for the Future of SkincareBoard-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara compares the future of skincare to the evolution of the iPhone. “The newest model serves the same purpose, but it’s just continually being refined,” she told Allure.Clean beauty is beginning to follow that same pattern, with familiar ingredients being built into formulas that feel easier to use and easier to trust. Even better delivery systems are helping those ingredients work with more precision, giving people a stronger reason to choose fewer products with a clearer purpose.And that preference is already shaping the business side of beauty, with Fortune Business Insights projecting the global clean beauty market to reach nearly $38 billion by 2034. The brands positioned for that growth are the ones pairing clinical proof with ingredient lists people can actually understand.Clean Beauty, Backed by ScienceThe ingredients dermatologists have prioritized for decades are the same ones now driving the category forward, chosen for how well they actually work rather than how they happen to sound on a label. And clean beauty has gained more credibility by moving closer to that standard.People who read ingredient lists and expect proof before they buy are setting a higher standard for the entire industry.This story was produced by Ogee and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Beyond the Growth Chart: Key Facts for Families Navigating an Achondroplasia Diagnosis (BPT) - Receiving an unexpected medical diagnosis for a child can feel overwhelming for any parent. For families navigating a new diagnosis of achondroplasia, a rare genetic condition that affects how children grow and develop, knowledge is one of the most powerful tools available. Although achondroplasia is often associated with short stature, its impact reaches beyond height, affecting other vital areas of health and development. Understanding the full scope of the condition can help families feel grounded, informed and ready to support their child's unique journey.Understanding achondroplasiaAchondroplasia is the most common form of skeletal dysplasia (short-limbed, disproportionate short stature). At its core, the condition is caused by a specific gene variant that alters bone development and is expressed in tissues throughout the body.Physically, people with achondroplasia typically have a long, narrow trunk, a larger head and shorter arms and legs. As children grow, these physical differences can shape how they interact with the world around them. Everyday milestones and activities, such as reaching a high shelf, using the bathroom independently, or participating in active play or sports may require adaptations and extra support.The path to diagnosis and early monitoringFor some families, the journey begins before their child is even born, as achondroplasia can sometimes be suspected during pregnancy based on ultrasound findings. Genetic testing may be used to confirm the diagnosis before or after birth. In other cases, the diagnosis comes after birth and may involve a physical examination, imaging such as X-rays, and genetic tests.Whenever the diagnosis occurs, early diagnosis is a crucial first step. It helps families to proactively partner with their child's healthcare team to monitor growth and watch for potential complications over time."While achondroplasia is often thought of primarily in terms of height, it can affect multiple systems throughout the body," explains Dr. Chaya Murali, Pediatric Geneticist, Baylor College of Medicine. "Medical complications of achondroplasia may vary across different stages of life and differ between individuals, which is why ongoing monitoring and individual care are vital."Looking at the whole picture: health considerationsAs Dr. Murali notes, achondroplasia is about much more than just bone growth. It can also impact muscles, nerves, and breathing. Because achondroplasia affects each person differently, potential medical complications may vary across different stages of life and differ between individuals.Throughout their lives, individuals may face an increased risk for specific health challenges, including spinal abnormalities and impaired muscle strength. Some of these complications may persist or evolve as a child grows into an adult and may occasionally require multiple medical procedures and surgeries to address specific functional or anatomical concerns.Ultimately, these medical factors, combined with social and individual influences, can play a significant role in a person's physical functioning, psychosocial well-being, and overall quality of life.A team approach to individualized careBecause achondroplasia touches multiple systems in the body, care is rarely a solo endeavor. It often involves a multidisciplinary healthcare team, which may include pediatricians, geneticists, endocrinologists, ear-nose-throat specialists, neurosurgeons, sleep specialists, and orthopedic specialists.Historically, the primary management approach has focused on closely monitoring the child and addressing complications as they arise. However, medical decisions remain deeply personal and are never one-size-fits-all. Families are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate approach for their child.Determining your approach and finding support Parents are encouraged to speak openly with their healthcare providers to map out the most appropriate care approach for their child. Beyond the clinic, finding supportive communities and accessing accurate, reliable information can help families confidently track their child's progress and navigate ongoing healthcare discussions.To learn more about achondroplasia, visit: https://askaboutachondroplasia.com/.Featured in the photo are Lawson (age 4) and his mother, Chelsea.
	Why some women keep waking up at 3 a.m., and what perimenopause has to do with it Why some women keep waking up at 3 a.m., and what perimenopause has to do with itCharity Jones was a heavy sleeper her whole life. Then, about two years ago, everything changed. “I could not get my brain to turn off at night,” she told Ivim Health. “And when I did fall asleep, it was so light that any shift in the floor, a creak in the door, any small noise would wake me up.”Jones, an accountant in her 50s, started sleeping through her alarm. She was making small mistakes at work, begging her partner to feed the dog so she could sleep in. “That’s not me,” she said. “That’s when I knew it was a problem.”Perimenopause symptoms can start in your mid-to-late 30s, earlier than most women expect. For some women it’s light, broken sleep, waking at any small noise. For others it’s a wake-up at two or three in the morning, unable to find sleep again.It may feel like you’ve tried everything: melatonin, no caffeine after noon, meditation. And every time you bring it up, you’re told it’s normal aging or stress. But it keeps happening.According to Dr. Jessica Duncan, chief medical officer at Ivim Health, it very likely is hormonal.“The first thing I tell these patients is that they’re not imagining it, and they’re not doing anything wrong,” says Dr. Duncan. “They’ve usually been told for years that it’s stress, or just aging. It isn’t. There’s a physical reason they’re awake at 3am, and once we name it, we can treat it.”It means the problem was never something you could melatonin or meditate your way out of. You were trying to fix the wrong thing. And if that lands as a relief, it should.“When women tell me everything started falling apart, sleep is often where I start looking,” says Dr. Duncan. “And it’s almost never one thing going wrong. It’s three, all at once.”Three hormones that control your sleepA 2025 review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine traced perimenopausal sleep disruption to an overlap: declining estrogen and progesterone alongside age-related shifts in stress hormones and circadian rhythm. That's why it’s so persistent, and why generic sleep advice rarely works.Progesterone goes first. It starts declining earlier in perimenopause than most people realize, sometimes years before periods become irregular. Progesterone has a calming, sleep-promoting effect on the brain, and when it drops, that effect goes with it. Women describe a restlessness that wasn’t there before, a difficulty settling even when they’re exhausted.Estrogen drives the night sweats and hot flashes that jolt women awake, sometimes fully, sometimes into a lighter disrupted state they don’t even remember by morning. Either way, the sleep gets fragmented. You can technically log eight hours and still miss the deep, restorative sleep your brain actually needs.Cortisol is less talked about. It runs on a daily rhythm, lowest in the middle of the night and highest in the morning. In perimenopause that rhythm shifts and cortisol climbs too early, which is why the 3am wake-up is so reliable. There’s a biological reason it keeps happening at the same time.Why hormonal sleep loss gets missedMost women don’t raise the issue of lacking sleep at a routine appointment. When they do, the answer is usually melatonin, sleep hygiene tips, or advice to manage stress better.“It’s not the fault of the provider. It’s the system,” says Dr. Duncan. “You have 15 minutes for an entire annual visit, and you have to cover a lot. Get the blood pressure under control, the diabetes under control. Hormones often go to the back of that list.”That was Jones’s experience. Her family doctor talked to her about nighttime routines, putting her phone away at a certain hour. Reasonable advice that didn’t touch the problem. What finally moved her was a coworker around her own age, who couldn’t stop talking about what HRT had done for her. “She was praising the goodness of God with HRT,” Jones said. “And that’s really what got me. Okay, yeah, that sounds like me.”That’s the gap a dedicated hormone visit is built to close. Not a replacement for a primary care doctor or OB-GYN, but the care that happens in between, where hormones are the whole conversation and nothing gets bumped.A hormonal workup belongs in any evaluation of a midlife woman with significant sleep disruption: estrogen and progesterone alongside thyroid function, cortisol and fasting insulin. Thyroid problems, which become more common in midlife, can disrupt sleep too and are worth ruling out.“Normal lab results should not be the end of the conversation when a patient is symptomatic,” says Dr. Duncan. “We need to look at the full picture. Not just whether numbers fall within a reference range, but whether they’re optimal for this particular person.”What bad sleep does to the rest of your bodySleep disruption feels like a quality-of-life problem. It’s also a metabolic one. Poor sleep raises insulin resistance, shifts fat storage toward the abdomen, and scrambles the hormonal signals that regulate appetite. It worsens mood and cognition, feeding the brain fog, irritability and emotional rawness that tend to arrive right alongside the bad nights.“Deep sleep is when the brain consolidates memory and does its overnight repair,” says Dr. Duncan. “When that sleep gets fragmented night after night, you feel it everywhere. Your focus, your mood, your weight. It’s not in your head.”This is the part women most often miss, that the weight, the mood, the lost focus aren’t separate problems. Jones didn’t see it until her provider named it for her. “I treated them all as different symptoms,” she said. “But really, the fogginess, the sleepiness, the irritability, all were impacted by my sleep.”How to treat hormonal sleep disruptionThe disruption tends to be worst during perimenopause itself and often eases once hormone levels settle after menopause. That’s not a reason to wait it out. The years in between can be long, and the metabolic and cognitive costs add up. Which is why timing matters: Starting treatment earlier tends to work better than waiting until symptoms are severe.For many women, that means hormone therapy. Supporting progesterone can improve sleep quality, and easing estrogen-driven night sweats removes a major source of nighttime waking.For Jones, the change came fast. “Sleep was probably [better] by the end of the first week,” she said. Focus took three to four weeks. The irritability eased by about six. “I’m waking up now before my alarm goes off and I don’t feel tired. For the first time in my life. I don’t want to take a nap.”For women who can’t or don’t want hormone therapy, there are non-hormonal options with real evidence: cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, certain prescription options for vasomotor symptoms, targeted lifestyle changes.“There are options,” says Dr. Duncan. “Ask your doctor what the alternatives are, what the downsides are, the upsides too. We want to find the right match.”There are also things worth trying tonight. One Dr. Duncan returns to often: Stop eating at least two hours before bed, ideally three. “Your body can’t focus on deep, restorative sleep when it’s still working to digest dinner,” she says. It won’t fix a hormonal problem on its own, but it removes one more thing working against you.Perimenopausal sleep disruption is treatable. As Jones put it: “I honestly feel like an entirely different person. More confident, more tolerant, happier, more energetic. And I honestly believe that 85% of that is from sleep.”This story was produced by Ivím Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	A federal judge in Boston has blocked parts of Trump's order to limit voting by mail A federal judge in Boston has blocked parts of President Trump's executive order to limit voting by mail. The Trump administration is expected to appeal the ruling.
	The hidden boom behind used cars: Why preventive maintenance is now a billion-dollar industry The hidden boom behind used cars: Why preventive maintenance is now a billion-dollar industryRepair shops across America are booked out weeks in advance, and it has nothing to do with a wave of unexpected breakdowns.Drivers have run the numbers and decided it makes far more financial sense to maintain what they already own than to take on a monthly car payment that now averages over $700 for a new vehicle. The mechanics answering those calls say they are busier with preventive work than they have been in years, and the schedule keeps filling up.As more people hold onto their vehicles longer, the same preservation mindset is moving deeper into everyday maintenance decisions, CarCovers reports.And those decisions are now feeding a much larger maintenance economy, turning routine upkeep into one of the most important business developments the auto industry has seen in decades.America’s Cars Are AgingMost Americans driving today are behind the wheel of a vehicle that is already more than a decade old, and the data backs that up. S&P Global Mobility put the average age of U.S. light vehicles at a record 12.8 years, with 289 million vehicles now on the road.Todd Campau of S&P Global Mobility said new vehicle prices are “prohibitively high for a lot of households now,” and many drivers are being pushed into keeping their vehicles longer than they expected.With the average new vehicle price sitting around $45,000 and higher interest rates making loans harder to carry, many families are staying with the car they already have. But keeping that car longer brings more responsibility over time, since roughly 70% of vehicles on U.S. roads are six years old or older and likely beyond the usual manufacturer warranty period.Maintenance Has Become a Household Financial StrategyBuilding a budget around monthly expenses is nothing new, but more households are now treating routine vehicle maintenance as one of the more practical ways to control what car ownership costs them. AAA’s annual driving cost analysis puts the true cost of owning a new vehicle at $11,577 per year, once insurance, fuel, and other ownership expenses are counted.Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive research, said buyers should “fully understand all the costs of owning and operating a new vehicle from purchase to resale,” and more drivers are bringing that same caution to the decision before they sign a new loan.Regular oil changes and preventive care still require money, but those costs are easier to plan around than a payment that returns every month. And for households trying to keep transportation reliable without adding another major bill, maintenance is becoming part of the financial plan.The Aftermarket Is Becoming One of Automotive’s Biggest Growth EnginesEvery time a driver pulls into a parts store or calls a mobile mechanic instead of financing a new vehicle, they are putting money into a part of the auto business most people rarely think about. The Auto Care Association reported the U.S. automotive aftermarket reached $413.7 billion in 2024, with projections pointing toward $664.3 billion by 2028.Bill Hanvey, the association’s president and CEO, said the industry has demonstrated “remarkable resilience, showing steady year-over-year growth” as drivers across the country choose to extend vehicle life rather than replace it. AAPEX puts the aftermarket workforce at nearly 5 million people, close to 3% of all working Americans.And unlike businesses that depend on people having extra money to spend, the aftermarket tends to hold steady when the broader economy gets shaky, because a car that needs a brake job still needs a brake job.Local Repair Shops Are Feeling the Pressure and the OpportunityIndependent repair shops in nearly every American town are handling more work than ever before, and the mechanics who keep those bays running are harder to find than most drivers expect.The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the industry needs roughly 76,000 new automotive technicians each year, but only about 37,000 are graduating from training programs annually, and the shortfall between those two numbers lands directly on what drivers pay when they pick up their car.AAA reports labor rates at most independent shops now run between $120 and $159 per hour, with some markets running well past $200.David Goldsmith, who owns Urban Classics repair shop in Brooklyn, has watched it play out firsthand, saying "customers definitely are getting sticker shock." But alongside the pressure, local shops are also seeing steady demand and a new wave of young workers choosing skilled trades over four-year degrees.The Future of Car OwnershipRising costs have fundamentally changed how millions of Americans think about the cars they drive.Drivers who once traded in every few years are now treating what they own as something worth preserving, putting time and money into preventive maintenance and protection rather than a down payment on something new. And because modern vehicles are built to last well past 200,000 miles when properly cared for, that investment holds up.Alan Amici, president and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research, said, "If cars are to be affordable, they must also be affordable to maintain," and that reality is one automakers will have to face as preservation becomes the dominant approach to ownership.The environmental case for keeping a vehicle longer is also growing harder to ignore, since manufacturing a new car carries a significant carbon cost before it ever leaves the lot.The future of car ownership boils down to protecting and maintaining what drivers already have, and the millions of Americans choosing that path are extending the life of their vehicles well beyond what anyone thought possible a decade ago.This story was produced by CarCovers and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	6 tech productivity tips that actually work in a repair shop 6 tech productivity tips that actually work in a repair shopThere isn’t a shortage of articles when it comes to productivity tips. But if you skim through them, you’ll realize a lot of them have the same generic ones: scheduling difficult jobs in the morning, pre-planning, holding daily team huddles, and adding buffer time between work orders. While this is good advice, it has also been circulating since 2011.It’s time to switch it up a bit. Way shares some tips that actually work when the phones are ringing, when the bays (workstations) are full, when the parts are delayed, and when someone is out sick.1. Replace buffer time with transition windowsSetting a 10-minute buffer time between appointments performs well on paper. But when a customer comes in with their “just a quick question,” it is enough to leave you with no breathing room. Stop sprinkling buffer time like seasoning and start stacking it into intentional blocks.Instead of scattered time gaps after every appointment that disappear too quickly, every team per bay gets two real-time blocks. This way, they’re not rushing to get to another work order and they get a genuine moment to rest. Since the recovery is scheduled rather than improvised, your actual chargeable hours are more clearly defined and less flexible.2. Plan a fleet dayA surprise slow day with no planned appointments is a shop’s version of a horror movie. You can’t create customers, but you can plan for work that’s meant for this exact moment. Local small businesses like plumbers, landscapers, delivery companies, HVAC crews, and pest control operators own about three to 15 fleet vehicles. By entering into an agreement with these businesses for a designated fleet repair day, you get a ready pool of work and they get a below-market rate, which is a win-win situation.The deal is specific: “We service your fleet at a 10% discount. In exchange, we keep the vehicles for up to 48 hours and schedule the work during our slower periods.”The bays get filled, the techs work, and you’ve quietly built a B2B relationship that gives you consistent revenue every single month, without running a single ad.3. Invest in shop management software“How long is this going to take?” is actually one of the most-asked questions in any shop. It’s also one of the most distracting questions for busy techs. Every time an advisor walks into the bay to ask it, they lose focus on their current repair job.What you can do is eliminate the question entirely by having software that shows what everyone is up to. A shop management tool is exactly what you’re looking for.With shop management software, the advisor gets the full picture without setting foot in the bay: which bays are occupied, who’s working on what, the estimated times, and what’s next in the queue. Any changes can be made in real-time, too, so no one is left guessing.Here’s how it will go: Every morning before the first appointment, your advisor spends five minutes going through the work orders of the day. This replaces at least six interruptions before noon, leaving your techs to complete their work without further disruptions.4. Provide mini certification coursesYour senior tech is the go-to for everything because they’re the only one who knows how to handle the difficult jobs. Meanwhile, your junior techs keep doing the same low-effort ones.By providing mini certifications, you’re giving your techs a chance to become the person you can call for high-level jobs, too.There are multiple free training programs available online. Start with a few that match your highest demands. For most American shops right now, that’s EV basics, ADAS calibration, and either diesel or heavy-duty repairs, depending on your market.Now, a junior technician who earns the EV Basics certificate gets routed to the EV-flagged jobs, or when an ADAS calibration walks in, you have two certified options instead of one.Your A-level techs stop being the only people for every advanced job on the board, and your junior techs get a career upgrade without costing you much.5. Introduce gamified quality challengesIn some garages, speed leaderboards are introduced to check tech productivity. But this can often turn into a disaster. Techs race. Corners get cut. Then, two days later, the vehicles come back and cost you more than what you “saved.”Redesign the scoreboard rather than scrapping it completely. You have to make sure quality wins over speed every time.Each week, pick specific routine jobs, such as oil changes, tire rotations, or brake pad replacements. Ask the techs to set a target time. The tech who completes the job closest to the target time without generating a rework ticket in the following seven days wins a reward.The work gets done, and the techs are more accountable. This is also great for creating motivation.6. Run a monthly comeback auditComebacks are the most expensive items on your schedule because they weren’t considered in the first place. A customer returns, a tech gets interrupted, a bay is assigned, and the job that should have been closed is opened again. Most shops treat each one as a one-off when it isn’t.Once a month, pull every comeback from the past 30 days. Stop looking at them individually; instead, check for the pattern.This doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple spreadsheet with five columns containing the following information is more than enough:Date of the original jobDate of the comebackThe technician who worked on itThe job typeThe root cause, if you know itRun the audit on the last Friday of every month. If it’s a tech issue, that technician stops getting that job type until the gap is closed. If the problem is with the supplier, talk to them. If the conversation doesn’t bring any results, you’ll know it’s a sourcing decision.Either way, you’ve just cleared a load from your future schedule without adding a single new process to your day.Bottom lineDon’t overdo it. Just pick one tip in the beginning. Commit to it for four weeks and measure the “before” and “after.” Then give the rest a shot. If these tips end up saving time, you know you can go ahead with the same ones. If they don’t, you’ll know the exact reason why and can adjust it accordingly.This story was produced by Way and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Stars, stripes and shopping carts: What Americans buy for the Fourth of July Stars, stripes and shopping carts: What Americans buy for the Fourth of JulyFew holidays show up in Instacart orders quite like the Fourth of July. Fire up the grill, open that bag of chips, and pack the cooler because Independence Day is summer at its peak, filled with plenty of food and festive traditions.Instacart looked at what Americans buy across thousands of grocery categories and the result is a primo backyard cookout shopping list, written in data.Key TakeawaysThe BBQ cookout is king. Hot dog buns (+360% vs. their yearly average), sweet corn (+453%), and canned baked beans (+402%) were all purchased more often on July 4th than on any other day in 2025.Chips top the table. Potato chips claimed the single largest share of any Fourth of July category, peaking 53% above their typical day. Lay's leads in most states, but every region has its loyalist pick (the brand that punches hardest on home turf): Cape Cod across New England, Herr's in the Pennsylvania-New Jersey corridor, Zapp's in Louisiana, and Maui Style in Hawai‘i.Regional flavors run deep. Mississippi leads the nation on baked beans (+130%). The Plains states (South Dakota, Nebraska, Delaware) light up for sweet corn. Roma tomatoes spike +138% in Texas and +99% in California. And green limes surge +82% nationally, led by the Southwest.S’mores have their moment. Orders containing graham crackers, marshmallows, and a chocolate bar peaked on July 4 at roughly +550% above their yearly average.America’s Top 10 Fourth of July CategoriesNo Independence Day cookout is complete without chips, hot dogs, and corn — and the data backs it up.But what else is a must-have for an epic backyard BBQ cookout? Here are the top 10 categories that hit their biggest day of the year on July 4. Each is ranked by its share of that day's total orders, with the percentage showing how much busier that day was compared to normal. Instacart Every State's July 4th Go-ToNational favorites aren’t loved equally everywhere. For each category, the interactive map shows how a state’s item share during Fourth of July week (June 30-July 6) compares to the national average — orange states over-index, green states trail the nation. A few standouts worth knowing:Green limes light up the Southwest. California (+86%), New Mexico (+53%), and Arizona (+46%) are leading the country. Out west, any holiday is a good excuse to have salsa, guacamole, and margaritas. The Fourth of July is no exception.Roma tomatoes spike hardest in Texas (+138%) and California (+99%). Two states with serious foodies, scorching summer heat, and a strong argument for salsa — or tomato-topped queso — on the table.Canned baked beans are a Southern institution. Mississippi (+130%) and Georgia (+86%) lead the nation, and if you've ever been to a backyard cookout in either state, you already know why. The smoker deserves some — but not all — the credit.Popsicles over-index in Utah (+22%), Ohio (+21%), and Kentucky (+19%). Florida (-38%) and Hawai‘i (-40%)? Not so much. When it's warm enough for popsicles 365 days a year, the Fourth of July doesn't move the needle the same way.Sweet corn is a Plains and Midwest staple, but the biggest over-indexers in the country are South Dakota (+88%), beating out Delaware (+84%) and most of the actual Corn Belt. Make it make sense.Hot Dogs vs. Hamburgers: A Nation DividedNot everyone agrees about what should go on their hot dog or hamburger, but most will agree about what they go in: buns. And since hot dog and hamburger buns both rank among July 4th's Top 10 categories, we can deduce which grillables people are making just by looking at what buns they're buying — an easy way to get the full picture.The map below shows whether it was hot dog or hamburger buns that took the lead in each state during Fourth of July week.Turns out, the country splits almost perfectly down the middle: hot dog buns ruled in 25 states and Washington D.C., while hamburger buns also took 25 states. Instacart Hot dogs rule the Northeast corridor, including New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and D.C. plus big states like California, Texas, and Illinois. It makes sense, given that New York has been selling hot dogs from Coney Island since 1871 and Chicago will tell you they perfected the style. Some traditions become permanent parts of the culture.Hamburgers own the West and Plains, where Alaska, Montana and Idaho lean “burger” hardest. Out there, the grill has always been more about the patty.Which Chip Brand Punches Above Its Weight?Ask who sells the most potato chips and Lay’s wins almost everywhere.Chip lovers have strong brand loyalties, so Instacart mapped out which brand stands out in each state by finding where local market share most exceeds national share.The regional loyalties really show:Utz across the Mid-AtlanticCape Cod all over New EnglandKettle Brand in the Pacific NorthwestHerr’s in the Pennsylvania–New Jersey corridorPlus one-state icons like:Zapp’s in LouisianaBetter Made in MichiganMaui Style in Hawai‘i Instacart The S’mores SpikeAsk anyone what the perfect ending to a Fourth of July cookout looks like. Chances are, it involves a campfire and some marshmallows.Instacart tracked orders containing all three s’mores ingredients (graham crackers, marshmallows, and a chocolate bar) across 2025. The share of orders for s’mores bumps along all year, then erupts right at Independence Day, peaking July 4 at nearly 550% above the yearly average.When it comes to the chocolate bar on the s’mores, America is not experimenting. Of the orders during the July 4 week, 95% included Hershey's. Some childhood loyalties never waver.July 4 is the undisputed champion of s'mores season, but Memorial Day (+329% above the yearly average) and Labor Day (+219% above the yearly average) make a strong case that s'mores are a summer-long weekend staple. Instacart From hot dogs and hamburgers to chips and s’mores, the data makes one thing clear: When Americans celebrate the Fourth of July, it’s a tasty affair.This story was produced by Instacart and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to use AI to diagnose Google Ads performance How to use AI to diagnose Google Ads performanceIn a modern Google Ads account, you’re not just running and refining campaigns. You are managing a complex, self-optimizing system, which can make it harder to quickly diagnose why performance changed. While that can feel like a loss of control, you can use the same AI powering these systems to uncover patterns faster and diagnose what’s happening.You no longer need to pull data and manually parse through massive data sets just to spot themes that shape strategies and actions going forward. Instead, AI can help you ask better questions of your data, surface trends faster, and map out possible next steps, but it still needs the right business context to be useful.Marketers can use AI to diagnose Google Ads performance changes more efficiently, pressure-test recommendations, and turn raw data into clearer action, WebFX reports.Key takeawaysUse AI to analyze exported Google Ads data so you can spot patterns, surface trends, and diagnose performance changes faster.Start with strong signal health by making sure your campaigns optimize toward meaningful conversion actions tied to qualified leads and customers.Give AI real business context, like profit margins, sales capacity, and lead quality, so its recommendations reflect your actual goals and constraints.Follow a structured diagnostic process by exporting evidence, priming AI with context, interrogating the data, challenging recommendations, and turning the diagnosis into action.How AI currently works in the Google Ads platformGoogle Ads rolled out Ads Advisor in December of 2025, and the product is currently in Beta for all English-language advertisers. The Ads Advisor is an agentic experience built with Gemini, integrated directly into your Google Ads data.It is designed to monitor performance, understand reasons behind that performance, and ultimately make recommendations on how to maximize results tied to your business goals. It also serves as a standard help bot for policy violations, billing support, verification and general education.Currently, the one way you can use Ads Advisor is to spot high-level trends in the account. There is currently a disclaimer when opening the tool stating, “This product uses AI and may display inaccurate info.”While the tool is functional but limited, often acting more as a conversational interface for existing reports than a true advisor, its diagnostic depth is expected to improve throughout 2026, as Google’s product team focuses on AI.Because the native Ads Advisor is still evolving, the most “forensic” work currently happens outside the platform. To get a diagnosis, raw data can be taken to a neutral AI assistant.External AI tools can help analyze exported data, test diagnostic prompts, and turn raw data into clearer next steps.Feeding the machine the right signalsBefore beginning to work through exports from the platform, you should start by understanding conversion actions, customer personas and the signals being fed to the account.In an automated environment, diagnostics begin with signal health — the quality of the conversion and audience data your campaigns use to optimize. If your primary conversion actions include low-value signals, like clicks, newsletter signups, or other actions that don’t reflect real buying intent, AI may optimize toward those easier conversions instead of the actions most likely to drive qualified leads and customers.By asking AI to connect traffic quality with cost per click, conversion value and downstream ROI, you can start to see when the account is drifting toward a low-intent segment because the guardrails around bidding and conversion quality are too loose.Strong results thrive from strong data — and that includes competitive signals. AI agents for competitor analysis can surface rival pricing, offer, and messaging changes that help explain why your conversion quality or CPC is shifting.How to use AI as a thought partnerSuccessful diagnostics don’t originate from AI. They come from marketers, who know how to leverage and interrogate AI. You can export change history, search terms, campaigns, and even your own lead data, then feed it to AI. It can successfully interpret this data, and when you begin asking the questions around the data, you receive informed answers.1. Use contextual pushbackContextual pushback is the step that makes AI recommendations more relevant to your actual business constraints. AI doesn’t know about your business’s capacity, profit margins or lead-to-close rate.You have to feed it this information to get a high-level diagnostic. Instead of asking AI, “How can I increase my ROAS?” and getting the obvious answer, “Increase your investment.” You must get detailed. For example:“Your recommendation to scale the ‘Repair’ campaign assumes infinite capacity. Our CRM shows that ‘Repair’ leads have a 40% lower close rate than ‘Installation’ leads this month. Find me a way to redistribute that budget into ‘Installation’ search terms that have an impression share below 70%.”This is an effective way to leverage AI. You are providing the business intelligence (the local constraints, the profit margins, the logistical bottlenecks) that the platform’s internal logic is blind to. By applying these real-world guardrails, you transform the AI from a generic sales bot into a custom efficiency engine.2. Explore alternative perspectivesAI can also expand into areas that you may not have considered. Rather than turning to a co-worker who will restart the troubleshooting process, you can prompt AI to question areas you may not have provided data for. For example:“Find three other non-obvious root causes that could link to those same symptoms.”This efficiency helps you explore new areas, grow your mindset and avoid bias. A key benefit of gathering these alternate perspectives is that you can often pull more data to feed into AI and potentially generate a new diagnosis for your results. This leads you to a more concrete understanding of why results are trending the direction they are, and pinpoints an actionable next step.5-step operational workflow for diagnosing campaign performance with AIStandardizing a process for using AI for results diagnostics eases the eventual evolution to a more signal-heavy strategy in search. While every account is unique, the process remains constant. Use this five-step framework to turn raw data into a diagnosis and next steps.Export evidence: Pull raw data from Google Ads, where you’re seeing the decline, and any supporting areas that you believe may be impacting the change in results.Prime AI: Consolidate the context that needs to be provided in order to get the most accurate readout from AI. Remember: it doesn’t know whether it is your busy season, how much you can invest with, and how many jobs your available staff can work.Interrogate the data: Move past surface-level metrics and dig for information that can fill in the background of why results shifted. Look for intent drift or signal pollution.Challenge the recommendation: Challenge the first recommendation, especially if it aligns with your theory. Ask for non-obvious causes and provide the data to substantiate.Turn the diagnosis into action: Determine the cause and turn it into action. You should close out of your chat with precise next steps.The quality of each step depends on how well your prompt — if you find the outputs feel vague or off-target, addressing context mistakes can improve diagnostic prompts and produce more accurate, actionable responses.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Rivermont Collegiate, Bettendorf, announces new AI-powered learning initiative Rivermont Collegiate has announced a new personalized learning pilot launching in the 2026–2027 school year, according to a news release. Through a partnership with Lorsey, Rivermont has been selected as the platform's FoundingDesign-Partner School, helping to shape the future of AI-powered personalized learning and exploring new ways to support students, teachers, and families. The initiative [...]
	Pleasant Valley School District principal resigns, resignations, hirings from June 8 school board agenda (copy) The following personnel items are from the June 8 of the Pleasant Valley School District. The School Board met at Belmont Administration Center at 525 Belmont Rd., Riverdale, Iowa.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for June 25, 2026 OneTable QC is hosting a follow-up meeting on local nonprofits, Muscatine is hosting an Almost Friday Fiesta, and Clock Inc. is holding its annual art auction.
	Beyond the First Alert’ expands weather coverage on KWQC+ KWQC’s new streaming show “Beyond the First Alert” gives viewers a deeper look at weather trends, forecast decisions, and educational segments hosted by Kyle Kiel and Meteorologist Diana Rodriguez.
	Pay It Forward: Davenport woman serving love to homeless through hot meals Jacqueline Williams, 81, cooks a free Sunday dinner every week at her home for anyone who lacks food. She also feeds the homeless once a month.
	What you need to know about choosing a gas-powered lawn mower (BPT) - Key TakeawaysWhen you're looking for a lawn mower, make sure to learn about important differences between gas- versus battery-powered models.Battery-powered lawn mower owners often experience dissatisfaction due to their concerns around their cost, convenience and performance.In a recent study, consumers share what they learned about the disadvantages of battery-powered mowers.Gas mowers offer higher torque, stronger performance, longer run time and better long-term durability than battery-powered mowers.Briggs & Stratton provides gas-powered lawn mowers that are easy to use, durable and deliver peak power from start to finish.Many owners of battery-powered lawn mowers are dissatisfied with their purchase, for a variety of reasons. In fact, 92% of battery mower owners who replaced their original battery did so within the first two years of ownership, revealing that their batteries don't always run as long as owners would want. This is just one of many surprising insights from a study* conducted by Hanover Research that uncovers details about experiences consumers have had with battery-powered mowers — and why they might choose differently next time.If you've shopped for a lawn mower in 2026, or recently purchased one, you may not have considered the value of basic engine power. In today's market where battery-powered mowers are everywhere, it's easy to overlook the long-term durability and reliability offered by traditional gas mowers.Here are key facts you should know before your next mower purchase — especially if you're one of the 64% who bought a battery mower five years ago and are now "highly likely to consider gas-powered mowers" in the future.What are the differences between battery and gas lawn mowers?The differences between gas and battery lawn mowers don't start and end with their power source.One key advantage of gas-powered mowers is that they offer a longer run time. If you have a large yard, knowing you can finish the job without having to stop to recharge a battery makes a huge difference. The Hanover Research study found that 25% of battery mower users needed more than one charge to cut their lawn. Other key benefits gas-powered mowers offer include:Powerful, sustained torque to tackle long, wet or thick grassLong-running, durable and reliable engine powerFaster time to refill a gas tank (45 seconds) versus recharging a battery (45 minutes)Gas mowers also score ahead of battery mowers for cutting grass more evenly and bagging grass more efficiently. Using a battery mower, 30% of homeowners find they're cutting more often, and 11% are cutting much more often, compared to using a gas mower.Lithium-ion batteries that run battery-powered mowers, which need to be replaced at least every 3-5 years, can cost up to $500 or more.What is the cost difference to operate a gas mower versus a battery mower? The upfront price of battery-powered lawn mowers is generally higher than gas-powered models, which matters when you're trying to stick to a budget.But there are hidden costs too: Lithium-ion batteries that run battery-powered mowers, which need to be replaced at least every three to five years, can cost up to $500 or more.The Hanover study found that 50% of battery mower owners actually had to replace their battery as early as year two. Some users of battery mowers found that battery capacity diminished over time (25%), experienced poor battery performance (14%) or discovered that the battery took too long to charge (20%). Even worse, batteries can overheat, shut down or lose two-thirds of their run time when cutting thicker grass. Of those who replaced their original battery, 83% replaced it to increase capacity/run time, and 78% felt that the original battery "should have lasted longer." Battery-powered lawn mowers can also cost far more when you need to repair or place parts, as they may involve expensive component replacement costs and specialized diagnostics that are not found in traditional gas-powered motors.Where to locate a high-quality gas-powered mowerSometimes the classics are classics for good reason. When you're in the market for a new lawn mower, consider a gas-powered mower from Briggs & Stratton. They offer sustained torque and virtually unlimited run time, with a multi-decade history of durability. Their gas-powered mowers offer a long-term investment you can rely on every time, season after season. Learn more and find your next favorite mower at BriggsAndStratton.com.*The Electric Mower Sentiment Study, conducted by Hanover Research, was completed in June 2024 and had 593 respondents.
	City of Muscatine launches new webpage with resources for those impacted by downtown evacuations East 2nd Street remains closed to all traffic except authorized personnel.
	Pay It Forward \| Davenport woman takes meals to those in need Jacqueline Williams and her husband work to bring joy to people in need, preparing boxed meals for those experiencing homelessness.
	Geneseo buys parts for lift station in new TIF Aldermen on Tuesday voted 7-0 to approve spending $126,395 from the general fund for Ford Road lift station component parts.
	Why rural healthcare fund’s $50B for tech upgrades may not help vulnerable hospitals and providers Southwest Georgia Regional Medical Center in Cuthbert is one of close to 200 rural hospitals that have closed in the past two decades. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)Healthcare across rural America is in crisis. In the past two decades, close to 200 rural hospitals have closed – 44 since 2020 alone. Hundreds more have cut much-needed health services, such as maternity care and chemotherapy treatments. Nearly half are losing money on their day-to-day operations, putting them at risk of closure. Most regions in rural America are designated as areas that lack sufficient healthcare providers. In 2025, the federal government launched a five-year, US$50 billion program – the Rural Health Transformation Program – to help modernize rural healthcare delivery in all 50 states. This money is certainly much needed. As a longtime rural policy advocate and researcher, I am well aware of the ongoing barriers that prevent rural hospitals and providers from delivering high-quality care. However, I fear that the program is too focused on making expensive and unsustainable technology upgrades that will still leave rural hospitals and health providers holding the bill for basic local infrastructure they often can’t afford. In addition, a disproportionate focus on technology runs the risk of overlooking the most basic needs of rural healthcare systems, such as ensuring that rural areas have a healthy healthcare workforce – and providers that get paid for the work they do. Uphill battle for rural healthcare dollars The Rural Health Transformation Program was launched as part of the tax and spending package signed into law by President Donald Trump in July 2025. This law will hit rural hospitals hard. For one, it will cut federal spending on Medicaid by nearly $1 trillion over 10 years, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. This will directly squeeze rural hospitals’ already small operating margins. State names first round of projects funded by federal rural health program The 2025 law is also expected to increase the number of uninsured Americans by up to 10 million by 2034. That means already strained healthcare providers will have to provide more unpaid care – placing them at even greater risk of closures. The Trump administration billed the Rural Health Transformation Program as a way to mitigate these effects – though $50 billion does not cover the financial losses that rural healthcare systems are expected to incur due to the tax and spending bill. The program includes $25 billion to be disbursed equally among all 50 states, regardless of each state’s size or population. Another $25 billion will be awarded to states for projects relating to technology upgrades, chronic disease programs, specific state policies and boosting the rural healthcare workforce. Many of the states’ approved applications prioritized technology, such as investments in electronic health record systems, artificial intelligence capabilities and data sharing from urban centers into rural areas. A growing digital divide There’s no doubt that technology has a growing role in healthcare. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, patients increasingly use telehealth to access needed care. Remote patient monitoring – using digital devices to track and report clinical data like blood pressure or glucose levels remotely – has become more widespread. Clinics and hospitals are also increasingly adopting AI to summarize conversations between patients and providers and help with documentation, diagnosis and more. Rural providers have long lagged behind in adopting new technology – not from a lack of interest, but from a lack of staff and resources. Electronic health records and other IT tools such as AI require expensive software and computer equipment, as well as staff trained in running these systems. A one-time, short-term infusion of funds from the rural health program can pay for purchasing and setting up new technology tools, but it isn’t clear where the money for maintaining and upgrading them will come from when the program’s funds run out. Who gets the money? Many companies that provide health technology services to rural areas, such as Epic and Oracle, are based in cities. Rural healthcare providers often access these services by partnering with large, urban health centers that already have them. Upgrading urban systems can be valuable. But many rural providers are making do with outdated computers and information systems that lack cybersecurity protections and other technological capabilities. As Rural Health Transformation Program funds start rolling out, some health policy experts worry that most of this money will go to tech companies or urban health centers, rather than directly benefiting rural providers or being spent in partnership with them. Without also investing in local technology infrastructure that can handle advanced electronic health records or AI systems – and workers who can maintain those systems – such centralized upgrades may fall short of transforming rural care. Supplement, not supplant Perhaps the biggest worry about the program’s push to expand telehealth and other technology-enhanced services in rural communities is whether it will displace existing, in-person local providers in favor of distant ones. A mantra often repeated among rural leaders is that technology should supplement the care that healthcare practitioners in those communities already provide – not supplant it. Big tech solutions are already having this effect, to some extent. Retail-based care through companies such as CVS and Amazon, especially delivered online, risks essentially reducing the demand for local providers. This cuts into income that these providers rely on to keep brick-and-mortar clinics running – and it also further fragments care, which hurts patients’ health. Enabling providers in some healthcare specialties to serve rural communities remotely from nearby urban areas would benefit those rural patients. But in my view, deepening reliance on technologies such as telehealth, online retail clinics and AI-based diagnosis – without close coordination and sharing information with providers in the community – could end up fragmenting rural healthcare even further. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Courtesy of Nevada Current
	Dry today with rain chances the next few days The Quad Cities will enjoy a few more warm days before intense summer heat and humidity builds in late weekend. Some rain is expected Friday with a better chance of showers and storms Saturday night. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Missourians access abortion pills at in-state clinics for first time since 2018 Beginning June 22, Missourians could again access medication abortion for the first time since 2018 following a court ruling striking down dozens of the state's challenged abortion restrictions (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).For the first time since 2018, patients in Missouri this week were able to obtain medication abortions without leaving the state. The shift came after Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang ruled last week that nearly all abortion regulations challenged by Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri are unconstitutional under the abortion-rights amendment voters approved in 2024. Zhang’s decision struck down decades of laws enacted by anti-abortion lawmakers, including a mandatory pelvic exam for patients seeking medication abortion, a 72-hour waiting period between an initial consultation and an abortion, as well as a state-approved complication plan for doctors prescribing medication abortion. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said her office will appeal the decision to the Missouri Supreme Court. But Planned Parenthood anticipated a favorable circuit court ruling and pre-ordered abortion medication so clinics could immediately begin offering appointments. “Patients flocked to them and made those appointments and then showed up for them,” Dr. Margaret Baum, chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, said Wednesday, sitting in her office at the clinic in St. Louis’ Central West End. Baum began seeing patients to prescribe abortion medication Monday morning. For the first time in years, she wasn’t required to hand them a pamphlet stating: “The life of each human being begins at conception. Abortion will terminate the life of a separate, unique, living human being.” On Tuesday, Baum said, a woman came to the clinic after rescheduling an appointment she’d initially made for a few weeks later in Illinois. The woman lives in St. Louis, so she made a quick trip over after work. Baum handed her mifepristone and misoprostol, the two medications used to end a pregnancy in the first trimester, and the woman expressed relief that she didn’t have to take time off work or spend gas money to travel to Illinois. And she was able to schedule an appointment for weeks sooner than originally planned. “She said she was wholeheartedly excited and relieved she could get this care here,” Baum said. Baum said this patient was one of several who have told her they were able to access abortion sooner following last week’s decision, rescheduling medication abortion appointments originally booked out of state. In Columbia and Kansas City, Planned Parenthood clinics also began prescribing medication abortion this week. Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which operates clinics in Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas, said at a press conference Monday that she’s been reflecting on the calls her staff had to make in 2018 when they told patients with scheduled appointments that they could no longer access medication abortion in Columbia. “We heard the fear, the frustration, and the heartbreak from patients who suddenly had to figure out logistical challenges to access care they should have been able to receive close to home,” she said. This week, Wales said, her staff made very different phone calls. Medication abortion is the most common method for ending pregnancy in the United States, used in about two-thirds of abortions. Baum said a majority of her patients in Illinois also prefer to use medication. The reasons vary, she said. Some patients say it feels less invasive because it does not require a pelvic exam, which can be particularly difficult for those with a history of medical or sexual trauma. Others say it feels more natural because the same medication is used to manage miscarriages. Some want to take the final dose of medication in the privacy of their own homes. Anti-abortion advocates and lawmakers have increasingly targeted mifepristone in a continued effort to limit abortion access nationwide. Some of Missouri’s most powerful elected officials, including U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, have been central to that effort. Four years ago Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision returning abortion law to the states. Missouri was the first state to enact an abortion ban. Two years later, Missourians narrowly approved a citizen-led constitutional amendment protecting abortion access up until fetal viability. Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri then sued over dozens of abortion restrictions they argued were unconstitutional under the amendment. Dr. Margaret Baum (center), chief medical officer with Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, speaks to reporters following the opening day of a hearing litigating Missouri’s abortion regulations on Monday, Jan. 12, 2025, in front of the Jackson County courthouse in Kansas City (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent). Procedural abortions resumed at Missouri clinics in 2025 after Zhang temporarily blocked some of the regulations. Following a 10-day bench trial in January, she struck down nearly all of the challenged laws in her ruling last week, opening the door to the most widespread abortion access Missouri has seen in a decade. Wales said Monday she was disappointed Zhang upheld the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone and the physician-only requirement, saying those restrictions will prevent Missourians from accessing medication abortion via telehealth or at every Planned Parenthood clinic. “We’re disappointed because there will be less access statewide because that restriction remains in effect,” Wales said. “That’s one piece of a very long, very thoughtful decision; however, and so with so many of the other restrictions not in effect we will be able to expand much more quickly.” Planned Parenthood officials on both sides of the state said they’re working to expand medication abortion access to other clinic locations while working within the parameters of a small physician team. Missouri’s Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe called Zhang’s decision disappointing and dangerous. “Abortion providers will no longer be held to basic standards that keep patients safe and hold clinics accountable,” he wrote on social media, calling on Missourians to support a November proposal that would again allow the state to ban abortion. Abortion-rights coalition launches campaign against Missouri’s Amendment 3 This debate over patient safety was at the heart of the January trial in Kansas City. Attorneys with the state argued that the regulations are common sense and necessary to protect women. Attorneys with Planned Parenthood argued the laws had the effect of whittling down abortion access in Missouri until it was nearly nonexistent. Ten years ago, more than 5,000 abortions were performed in Missouri, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. By 2020, with the enactment of additional regulations, that number dropped to 167. In 2024, zero elective abortion took place in Missouri, but several thousand Missourians still ended their pregnancies by traveling to clinics in Illinois and Kansas. Abortion complications were also debated at length during the January trial. Evidence presented to the court laid out that about 1% of the more than 53,000 Missourians who received abortions over the last 10 years in Illinois and Kansas experienced complications, ranging from infection to incomplete abortions to hemorrhaging. Bleeding and cramping are expected side effects of both medication and procedural abortions. In her decision, Zhang referenced some of these risks as part of her reasoning behind upholding the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone. She wrote that an in-person appointment “would allow medical professionals to better rule out an ectopic pregnancy” and determine gestational age before prescribing the medication. Baum said Wednesday that she has mixed feelings about the ruling. “There is this huge disconnect between feeling great relief and excitement,” she said. “And also just still disbelief that in 2026 we are still arguing about these things.” Courtesy of Missouri Independent
	Idaho has second-lowest error rate in nation for SNAP payments A shopper who receives SNAP benefits slides an EBT card at a checkout counter in a Washington, D.C., grocery store in December 2024. (Photo by U.S. Department of Agriculture)Idaho has continued its record of accurately paying out federal financial food assistance. The Gem State last fiscal year had the second-lowest rate in the nation for payment errors in administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, according to data released Wednesday. The federal fiscal year ran from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. Maintaining a low error rate for SNAP will be key to the state avoiding having to pay significantly more for the program under new financial penalties set to go into effect next year. “The department maintains a strong commitment to accuracy, accountability, and service delivery,” Idaho Department of Health and Welfare spokesperson AJ McWhorter said in an emailed statement. “A low SNAP payment error rate (2nd lowest in the USA) reflects the dedication of staff who work diligently to ensure that benefits are issued correctly and efficiently to eligible households.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture runs and primarily funds SNAP at the federal level, and state agencies administer it to their participants. Historically, the federal government has paid 100% of the cost of the food benefit and has split the administration costs 50/50 with states. However, under provisions of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act approved by Congress last July, states that have a payment error rate at or above 6% will have to contribute to the food benefit as well, increasing their costs for the program. Those penalties, which would increase the state share based on how high the error rate is, will go into effect Oct. 1, 2027. Idaho’s payment error rate was 3.85, according to the data released by the USDA. Only South Dakota had a lower rate, at 2.47. The national error rate was 10.62. As of June 15, there are just over 123,000 Idahoans receiving food assistance through SNAP, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Beneficiaries receive an average of $180 per person monthly. Idaho was in the top three lowest rates for fiscal years 2022 through 2024. There is no data available for 2020 and 2021. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. More SNAP changes will be reflected in next fiscal year’s rates The data released from fiscal year 2025 doesn’t reflect other changes made to SNAP from the ‘big beautiful’ law, including expanded work requirements that went into effect in April. The state agency is also expected to increase the frequency of eligibility checks for the program in July. Previous changes in the law removed eligibility from refugees who have not yet obtained a green card. Idaho refugees to lose access to food, health benefits under ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ The federal law also increased the state’s share of administration costs, which is expected to cost Idaho an additional $6 million per year. The Idaho Legislature this year passed House Bill 730, which approved $351,000 in state general funds to create a new system interface to implement work requirements and other new eligibility verification requirements. Opponents of the bill argued it could increase error rates by adding more administrative work, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. McWhorter, the Health and Welfare spokesman, said the low rate shows that the agency’s processes are working. “This achievement demonstrates effective program oversight, sound operational practices, and a continued focus on serving Idahoans with integrity,” McWhorter said. “Maintaining payment accuracy helps protect program resources while ensuring that individuals and families receive the assistance they need in a timely manner.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Idaho Capital Sun
	ADPH proposes new rules for nursing homes, assisted living facilities The Alabama Department of Public Health approved a new set of rules for nursing homes and assisted living facilities for public comment last week. Associations for both facilities said the changes are positive and they do not expect any changes during the public comment period. (Getty Images)The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) last week approved a set of rules for public comment for nursing homes and assisted living facilities that associations said will improve the lives of the facilities’ residents. The rules for assisted living facilities, referred to as ALFs in the rules, were rewritten in 2019. The rules for nursing homes were repealed and replaced in 1996, though there have been several amendments over the years. Brad Eisemann, chair of the board at the Assisted Living Association of Alabama (ALAA), said in a phone interview Tuesday that one change that allows water temperatures to be up to 120 degrees instead of 110 degrees. “I think everybody’s going to see a nice upgrade in water temperature, and they’re going to be more comfortable,” Eisemann said. “Expanding their comfort within the facility will just lead to resident satisfaction.” Another significant change, Erin Thompson, interim executive director of ALAA, said, is that residents in need of hospice care will be eligible for assisted living care, as long as the resident meets all the other ALF requirements. “Now, hospice is not a barrier to entry, which is something that I know I struggled with when I was inside of the community,” Thompson said. “We’re able to expand services for our residents, and we’re also able to expand opportunities, potentially, for the people that work inside of our communities.” The State Committee on Public Health approved the rules for public comment last week, but Esiemann has been meeting with State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris regularly. Harris said in an interview after the committee meeting last week that the changes mostly reflect updates at the state and federal level. “It’s time to update them, and we certainly don’t do that unilaterally,” Harris said. “We work with the industry to make sure they know what we’re doing and make sure what we’re proposing makes sense.” There are about 300 ALFs in Alabama, which are all private pay, Eisemann said. The industry is growing, and provides about as many jobs as the hotel and ship building industry in the state, he said. “A lot of people don’t understand how big it is. How many people we take care of, and how many facilities through rural Alabama, to the metro areas,” Eisemann said of the assisted living facility industry. “It’s such a growing industry with the aging population of the United States.” Brandon Farmer, CEO of the Alabama Nursing Home Association (ANHA), said in a phone interview Thursday that the many small changes throughout the rules update regulations that are already in place at the federal level. “We have regular meetings with (ADPH) to discuss how we can better serve the residents, how we can better help them in their regulatory efforts, also for us to better understand what they are seeing, what trends they see, what trajectories they see,” Farmer said. He said there are about 228 facilities in the state, with at least one in each county, and ANHA represents nearly all of them. “Our role is to represent those individuals, those operations, the residents, those caregivers on policy matters, both on the state level and federal level, to work with them and help create an environment that allows them to be able to best deliver the care that they’re trained and designed to deliver,” Farmer said. Neither ALAA nor ANHA are expecting any changes to the rules during the public comment period. Thompson, who had a grandmother in a facility, said the existing proposal is a positive change for residents and caregivers alike. “I know the difference that 10 degrees is going to make in the water,” she said. “It’s removed a lot of friction that were caught in the nuances of daily life inside of a community, and I’m happy for people moving forward.” Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	It's Mine (Beiderbecke) This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Remember that doll that sat forgotten in a corner of your room when you were a kid, until a visiting cousin found it…
	iHeartMedia layoffs hit home as Quad Cities talent lose jobs Several local radio stations, including WLLR and Big 106.5, are owned by iHeart.
	Scott County Sheriff’s Office warns of asphalt and paving scam Scott County residents are being warned of a door-to-door asphalt and paving scam. According to a Facebook post by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, a company is offering discounts for services and request to be paid prior to the job being completed. According to the post: The Scott County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who believes [...]
	4 surprising things to know about abortion in America since Dobbs A confusing patchwork of state laws began to take shape hours after the Supreme Court ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022. Here's where things stand now on the abortion issue.
	Long before the World Cup, Ukrainian immigrants built a soccer powerhouse in Philly World Cup games are underway in Philadelphia. Long before Americans caught the world's soccer craze, Ukrainian migrants made Philly a soccer town. Today, the sport helps sustain their culture.
	'They can kill you': Immigrants fear a surge in xenophobic violence in South Africa Foreign-owned businesses have been attacked, migrants driven from their homes, and several killed. A leading xenophobic group has given all undocumented immigrants until June 30 to leave the country.

Thursday, June 25th, 2026