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

Thursday, May 14th, 2026
	Mercado on Fifth marks 10 years of culture, food and entrepreneurship in Quad Cities It all kicks off with an opening celebration featuring live music, food vendors and local collaborations on Friday, May 22 at 5:15 p.m.
	The Heart of the Story: A pursuit of history 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. A real-life Indiana Jones in the QCA researches [...]
	Third slate of Whiteside County jurors thrown out in 3 months The 14th Circuit and Whiteside County are working to untangle systematic issues in their jury selection process.
	Clinton County IT systems back online after security incident A third-party forensics team confirmed threat was caught in early stages.
	Sensitive data not impacted by Clinton County cybersecurity incident A third-party forensics team confirmed threat was caught in early stages.
	Whiteside County sheriff investigates irrigator-wire thefts The Whiteside County Sheriff's Office is investigating irrigator wire thefts throughout the county, according to a news release from Sheriff John F. Booker. "These thefts are causing significant financial damage and disruption of our farming community," Booker said in the release, which says the sheriff's office is increasing patrols in rural areas and utilizing additional [...]
	Davenport North and West High Schools receive Carrie Chapman Catt Capitol Award for registering student voters Davenport North High School and Davenport West High School earned an award for registering more than 100 student voters. In Iowa, 122 high schools signed up to qualify for the Carrie Chapman Catt Award during the school year, and only seven received it. With primaries coming up it could show an interest in younger voters [...]
	Dead people are showing up on jury lists. Whiteside County judge dismisses whole panel A judge dismissed a Whiteside County jury panel after discovering illegal exclusions based on age and status, sparking fears of systemic judicial errors.
	Third slate of Whiteside County jurors thrown out in 3 months The 14th Circuit and Whiteside County are working to untangle systematic issues in their jury selection process.
	Davenport swears in six new officers During Wednesday's city council meeting, Davenport Mayor Jason Gordon swore in six new police officers who will now begin their field training on the city's streets.
	Galva man arrested for child sexual abuse material A Galva man was arrested for child sexual abuse material. According to a release from the Galva Police Department, Dalton Leverette, 26, was arrested, following a joint investigation conducted with Homeland Security Investigations. On May 14, officers with the Galva Police Department and federal and local law enforcement partners executed a search warrant at a [...]
	Mock crash, real training: Nursing students participate in disaster response before graduation Nearly 90 nursing students at St. Ambrose University stepped into a large-scale disaster simulation Thursday morning.
	Western Illinois 11-year-old is the world's youngest museum curator At just nine years old, Anderson Taylor opened the Cambridge Natural History Museum in the fall of 2024, turning his childhood passion into a community institution.
	Several Mississippi River lock and dams are celebrating birthdays Lock and Dam 12 in Bellevue, Iowa, and Lock and Dam 17 in New Boston, Illinois, are both turning 87 years old. Lock 19 down in Keokuk, Iowa, is 69.
	Person pulled from car before fire, flown to hospital after Highway 61 crash A person was flown to the hospital with life threatening injuries after a crash Thursday.
	Field of Dreams fundraising for 'Bring it Home' campaign The campaign is focused on preserving and expanding the movie site to make it a year-round destination for baseball and tourism.
	Mercado on Fifth prepares to open its 10th season You can enjoy the cultural market and festival when it returns to downtown Moline on Friday, May 22.
	Davenport man who gave marijuana, inappropriately touched girl sentenced to prison He pleaded guilty to two counts of delivery of marijuana and two counts of indecent contact with a child.
	John Deere announces $250,000 commitment to Red Cross John Deere’s $250,000 investment is part of an ongoing commitment to disaster readiness.
	Inspiring young minds at Black Hawk College summer youth programs Young minds in the QCA can be inspired to learn more about the arts, languages, science, math and technology during the summer. Kole Shuda joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about Black Hawk College's summer youth programs. For more information, click here.
	Whiteside County Sheriff's Office investigating string of irrigator wire thefts According to a press release from the office, the thefts have caused significant financial damage and disruption to local farmers.
	No Clinton County system data compromised following April incident, officials say The incident occurred on April 13 and 14 when monitoring systems detected unusual network activity consistent with the early stages of an internet intrusion attempt.
	Whiteside County Sheriff's Office investigating string of irrigator wire thefts According to a press release from the office, the thefts have caused significant financial damage and disruption to local farmers.
	'She was a beautiful soul': Mother shot, killed in front of her baby outside Stonecrest Publix Shyla Cummings' parents say she was killed during an act of domestic violence outside the Publix on Panola Road last week.
	Driver airlifted in crash on Highway 61 near Muscatine Airport The northbound lanes of Highway 61 were closed while crews responded.
	Morning Sun Fire Department completes transition to Morning Sun Fire & Rescue Officials with Morning Sun Fire and Rescue said the change will allow for faster response times, improved care and greater reliability.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted for probation violation Robert Tedrick, 39, is wanted by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office for a probation violation on burglary and felon in possession of a firearm convictions.
	Crime Stoppers: Woman wanted by 3 Iowa agencies Renita Clay, 25, is wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections High Risk Unit and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office for parole violations on theft and eluding convictions.
	Catalytic converter cut from parked car, police search for suspect Do you recognize this person?
	Native kids with disabilities were held in wooden boxes. Sweeping reforms are coming State officials in New York say the Salmon River district's special education program confined young children with disabilities in wooden boxes. Parents weren't notified.
	Moline High School History Club earns national honor for third time The club was founded in the 2017-18 school year. Here's some of what they accomplished this year to earn the National History Club of the Year award once again.
	Quad City Symphony Orchestra to perform at new WIU performing arts center The Quad City Symphony Orchestra will perform at the opening of a new performing arts center on the Western Illinois University campus.
	The Supreme Court keeps abortion pill mifepristone available by telehealth The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the abortion pill mifepristone can continue to be prescribed online or over the phone and sent through the mail.
	Coya's Café Mexican Grill to open Saturday with a special ribbon cutting celebration Coya's Café Mexican Grill will officially open their door on the Avenue of the Cities with special ribbon cutting celebration on Saturday, May 16.
	Linda McMahon defends dismantling the Education Department, shifting its work The education secretary faced questions about the shrinking of her agency, limits on federal student loan borrowing and oversight of the education of students with disabilities.
	Cuba's power grid collapses and plunges eastern provinces into a major blackout Cuba's aging power grid has eroded in recent years as it faces a prolonged economic crisis, made worse by a U.S. energy blockade of the island.
	May is Stroke Awareness Month; signs and symptoms you need to know You should follow the acronym, B.E.F.A.S.T.
	Michael Jackson's biopic has pushed his music up the Billboard charts The commercial impact of the Michael Jackson biopic Michael is reaching well beyond the global box office.
	Davenport teen charged with robbery, burglary after assault Police say a Davenport teen on probation threatened a victim with a firearm, stole property and caused a head injury during a March robbery.
	Lanes closed on Highway 61 in Muscatine for crash investigation The northbound lanes at 49th Street on Highway 61 are closed as police investigate a crash, police said.
	Adventureland opens for season this weekend Gates open Saturday at 10 a.m.
	Alternating Currents drops first round of music lineup for 2026 festival Alternating Currents has announced the first music lineup drop for the 2026 festival.
	Matthew Dosland inducted into NPTC Driver Hall of Fame CPC Logistics truck driver Matthew Dosland has been inducted into the National Private Truck Council (NPTC) Driver Hall of Fame. NPTC is the only national trade association in the United States that exclusively represents private fleets. Dosland, who is assigned to drive for John Deere in Davenport, was inducted into the Hall of Fame at [...]
	No Clinton County system data compromised following April incident, officials say The incident occurred on April 13 and 14 when monitoring systems detected unusual network activity consistent with the early stages of an internet intrusion attempt.
	Guinness recognizes Cambridge 11-year-old as world's youngest museum curator At just nine years old, Anderson Taylor opened the Cambridge Natural History Museum in the fall of 2024.
	Rebuilding St. Louis \| Historic May 16 Tornado Anniversary Special It's been a year since the historic May 16 tornado killed numerous people and caused over $1 billion in damage to St. Louis. Community members are still recovering.
	Help Special Olympics Iowa at Cop on a Rooftop event The 11th annual Cop on a Rooftop fundraising event will be on Friday, May 15, from 6 a.m. – 12 p.m. Law enforcement officials will be at participating Dunkin’ locations across Iowa to raise money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Iowa. Athletes with Special Olympics, their families and special guests [...]
	Jury orders Boeing to pay $49.5 million to family of 737 MAX crash victim A federal jury in Chicago awarded $49.5 million to the family of Samya Stumo, a young woman who was killed in the second of two Boeing 737 MAX crashes within months of each other in 2018 and 2019.
	Judge hears arguments jury pool should be dismissed in Whiteside County case A hearing in a Whiteside County courtroom could have a ripple effect across Illinois as a lawyer challenges the jury pool in the case of Michael Cover. He's accused of felony aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer. Two jury pools have already been dismissed in this case. Attorney James Mertes is arguing the most [...]
	Building bridges: Rock Island women bring family of doctors to speak Five successful African-American doctors from one family who have overcome adversity to pursue their lifelong dreams will speak in the Quad Cities May 21-23.
	WATCH LIVE: Iowa families, business leaders donate millions of dollars to development of Field of Dreams The movie site has received a $10 million commitment from three Iowa families and business leaders.
	Maquoketa high school students create "Shark Tank" pitches through a class Students in a business concept class at Maquoketa High School gave presentations of their business ideas, much like the show "Shark Tank." Those ideas started from scratch in January and forced students to answer tough questions. "Who am I going to sell this to? How much will this cost, how much will it cost to [...]
	Shakira, Madonna and BTS will headline World Cup final halftime show For the first time ever, the final match will feature a halftime performance of three acts capturing this year's global spotlight.
	Costs tied to Iran war add to WA farm woes Winter wheat planting near Palouse, Washington. (Photo by Edwin Remsberg/Getty Images) It’s going to be another tough year for Washington farmers, who were already facing record-low worldwide commodity prices. While consumers benefit from lower prices on things like wheat (resulting in cheaper bread) and pork, wheat growers and pig farmers are footing the bill for these savings. Many farmers are experiencing a triple hit on their finances from the U.S. and Israel attacks on Iran, with higher costs for fuel, shipping and fertilizer. “Unless you have perfect insight” and bought your fertilizer and stocked up on diesel fuel before the war in Iran began, explained T. Randall Fortenbery, professor and Thomas B. Mick Endowed Chair of the Washington State University’s School of Economic Sciences. Even before the war, Washington had steep fuel prices, with one of the highest gas taxes in the country. Agricultural fuel buyers are eligible for an exemption from surcharges tied to the state’s cap-and-trade program. Farmers in Washington export most of their crops. So their prices are set in the global marketplace and do not necessarily reflect their costs. If they try to pass along an increase in fuel costs to transport their crops, for example, buyers will just choose to do business with someone else, Fortenbery said. “Washington grows almost 300 different commodities; most of them have an export market,” Fortenbery said. The prices for their goods are set by that global market, so increases in their costs to grow and transport wheat, alfalfa or hops cannot be passed along to the consumer. Ed Chvatal, a major wheat and alfalfa hay and seed grower in Walla Walla, says increased fertilizer and fuel prices are a big concern for him and his neighbors. “I’m not going to get into the politics … all I know is it’s causing some grief,” he said. Because farming 6,000 acres requires careful planning, Chvatal isn’t experiencing war-related pain yet. He bought fertilizer for his current wheat crop last fall and he purchased a tanker of diesel in January. The farm can hold about 15,000 gallons on site, which will last them into the first part of the harvest, maybe until July. And they won’t need more fertilizer until the fall. “I lucked out there. It wasn’t because I was brilliant,” Chvatal said, explaining that timing and planning force most of his purchasing decisions. And sometimes the results are not as good. Even if the war ends tomorrow, most economists believe fuel and fertilizer prices will not drop before 2027, because it will take a while for production to ramp back up after the Strait of Hormuz reopens. So Chvatal will experience cost increases by late summer and he will be paying more to ship his grains to customers this year. The shippers will add a fuel surcharge, but he doesn’t have that freedom. The market sets the price he will receive for his wheat. Prices won’t change unless there’s a production interruption elsewhere, Chvatal explained – a drought in the Midwest, for example. “The world can produce enough food for everybody. It’s a matter of what people will pay for it. Then there’s weather and political issues,” he said. The price of wheat has been below the cost of production for the past three years, Chvatal said. This spring’s crop was looking good and the price had been bouncing up a bit. “I took off my pessimistic hat and put it on the rack,” he said. Then Iran happened. Chvatal has farmed on his family acreage for the past 40 years and has seen a lot of ups and downs, but things have been different since the pandemic. Input costs went up and never came back down. Labor costs have also gone up because of new state regulations around overtime and because seasonal workers are harder to recruit. “There’s a point where it’s frustrating. I don’t have the time and effort to go protest and bitch about things. I’m just trying to put food on the table for my family. I have six full-time employees who also want the farm to succeed,” Chvatal said. “I’ve seen it before,” he added, “but this one has a different flavor. It’s kind of like the perfect storm.” So why do farmers stay in the business if it’s so difficult to make a profit? Professor Fortenbery points out that they experience good years and bad. For example, wheat prices were more than double what they are now six or seven years ago. Adding high fuel and fertilizer costs to already low prices is going to make things particularly tough for farmers this year. One of the oddities of the current situation is that most of America’s fertilizer comes from Canada, not the Middle East, but worldwide shortages will drive up prices everywhere, Fortenbery said. Chvatal wishes the state government would help farmers out by giving them a break on new overtime regulations — an unrelated issue that also affects his input costs. He’s also concerned about the ways data centers are pushing up electricity rates. And says the debate over water rights is a constant pressure. But Chvatal has no plans to give up on farming or dramatically change how he runs his operation. “I love it and have done it all my life. Hopefully, my children will want to take it on,” he said, but adds back a hint of the dark cloud he is sitting under right now. “Things are tough around here. You wonder why young people aren’t coming back to farming. It’s very capital-intensive. It’s hard work.” Washington State Standard is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Washington State Standard maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Bill Lucia for questions: info@washingtonstatestandard.com. Courtesy of Oregon Capital Chronicle
	Bootheel groups say Canadian gold mining threatens lizard haven, dark skies From left, Regal horned lizard, reticulated Gila monster and Gray-checkered whiptail lizards can be found in the Antelope Pass area of the New Mexico bootheel, an area conservation advocates say needs to be protected from Canadian gold mine prospecting. (Photos by Joshua Emms/Brain Blais courtesy of the New Mexico Herpetological Society) More than a dozen conservation groups in the New Mexico Bootheel have asked federal officials to slow a Canadian company’s efforts to mine gold on public lands known for its abundance of lizards and dark skies. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. The area at risk is an obscure corner of western Hidalgo County, where craggy Peloncillo mountain range rises up out of the scrub at the nexus of the Chihuahua and Sonora deserts. In recent years, a subsidiary of the Canadian mining company Almadex Minerals, has filed at least 132 claims for gold and silver in what the company is calling the “Big Sky Project.” The majority of those claims lie within Antelope Pass, an area set aside by the Bureau of Land Management as a Research Natural Area, a designation that bans mineral and oil extraction and limits vehicle access in order to protect “biological and research values of the land.” In an April 1 news release, Almadex said that it had received rock-chip samples for the area and would be conducting further tests to define “drill targets” later this year. Source NM emails and calls requesting comment from Almadex went unreturned. Members from several conservation groups told Source NM that the testing by the company could disrupt fragile species, such as Night-blooming cereus cactus, or the genetically distinct population of the Dixon’s whiptail lizard, one of 17 species in the area. “It’s an existential issue for the area, in terms of preserving its ecological value, a full-on mining development, or say an open-pit gold mining operation, the disturbance to the area would be catastrophic,” said Dirk Sigler, the president of Chiricahua Regional Council, a conservation group which has opposed mining for the past 30 years. Sigler noted that exploration and mining may also threaten the area’s dark skies, which are crucial for stargazing and astrophotography, as well as disrupt hunters, hikers and campers using the area. The outline of Antelope Pass Research Natural Area is shown in blue, with claims for gold and silver from a subsidiary of Canadian mining company Almadex Minerals designated in pink. (Courtesy of NM Wild) In a May 6 letter to New Mexico BLM officials, area environmental groups, businesses and individuals registered their concerns. “Antelope Pass is not an ordinary landscape. It is one of the most biologically significant places in the Southwest, a critical wildlife corridor of continental importance, and a landscape the BLM itself has already recognized as deserving special protection through the designation of the Antelope Pass Research Natural Area,” the letter stated. “This is precisely the kind of place where precaution, transparency, and long-term stewardship must prevail over short-term profits from mineral development by an international mining company.” Allison Sandoval, a public affairs specialist at the Bureau of Land Management, told Source NM in an email on Wednesday the agency would need additional time to respond to Source NM’s questions and had not done so prior to publication on Thursday. Luke Koenig, the grassroots Gila organizer for New Mexico Wild, said the area already has protections in place — the federal agency needs to enforce them. “This is an area that has already been recognized and designated with a protective layer, so basically, we’re just calling for the BLM to honor that,” Koenig said. “We’re calling for the BLM to have as robust of a public engagement process as humanly possible, and to make sure that they hold the company to the highest level of scrutiny.” Allyson Siwik, the executive director of Gila Resources Information Project, said the Trump administration’s efforts to accelerate mining and “dramatically reduce public input” mean that conservation groups need to put up a fight in the early stages. “The public is losing its voice in these decision-making processes. Federal agencies are streamlining the process, so people might not even hear about them before they are approved,” Siwik said. Courtesy of Source New Mexico
	Clinton County says no data compromised in April cybersecurity incident The incident occurred on April 13 and 14, according to Clinton County officials.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for May 14, 2026 Burlington officials are unveiling the fire station's newly renovated gym, and the public is invited to the Quad Cities Nuclear Plant for an open house.
	Researchers unearth Southeast Asia's largest dinosaur They're calling it the "last titan" of Thailand. The sauropod — an herbivore with a long neck and tail — comes from the late Early Cretaceous period, some 100 to 120 million years ago.
	New Hampshire House again puts off wraparound mental health bill Senate Bill 498 would’ve required insurance companies to cover FAST Forward, a state-run program that offers wraparound mental health services for New Hampshire children. (Photo by Ethan DeWitt/New Hampshire Bulletin)New Hampshire House lawmakers on Thursday balked at requiring insurers to cover wraparound mental health services. The vote to send the bill to interim study was a blow to Gov. Kelly Ayotte, who has been a vocal supporter of the legislation and blasted insurance companies for their opposition. Wraparound services seek to connect disparate and complicated care systems, such as mental healthcare, child protective services, and special education to work together seamlessly for people in a mental health crisis. Senate Bill 498 would’ve required insurance companies to cover FAST Forward, a state-run program that offers wraparound care for New Hampshire children. It also would’ve created a board tasked with assessing fees on companies in order to fund the care. The bill was approved by the Senate in March, and Ayotte has been pressuring House lawmakers to send it to her desk. However, lawmakers bucked that pressure Thursday and voted, 188-164, to send the bill to interim study, a move that sidelines the effort for at least another year. Advocates of the legislation argued it’s necessary both because it’s beneficial for children with mental health challenges and because it saves the state money. They said the wraparound services help children deal with mental illness before the challenges escalate into a more severe crisis that requires expensive state intervention, such as psychiatric hospitalization. “Imagine being a parent with a serious mental health crisis,” Rep. Jared Sullivan, a Bethlehem Democrat, said on the House floor. “You would naturally contact your doctor or your insurance company to see what your options are. You would never hear about the FAST Forward program. … Too often families do not gain access to those services until their child deteriorates until hospitalization becomes necessary, often at a cost of six figures.” Opponents argue that insurers already offer mental healthcare, just not FAST Forward or another wraparound service. They also take issue with the board assessing fees, a measure some have likened to a tax on insurance customers. “This is a cost-shifting bill that basically says, ‘Rate payers: you’re not taxpayers,” Rep. John Hunt, a Rindge Republican who chairs the Commerce Committee, said. “‘So therefore, we’re gonna save taxpayer money by making you pay for the FAST Forward program for all kids.” Hunt encouraged his colleagues to vote for interim study “if we would like to go home at a reasonable hour and not sit here and debate over and over all these other amendments.” He said the Legislature needs another year to “sort this out.” However, the issue has been a perennial debate in the State House, including last year, when Senate Bill 128 failed to advance. This year, when the House Commerce Committee voted to recommend sending SB 498 to interim study, Ayotte weighed in on the debate, saying she was “incredibly flabbergasted and disappointed.” The first-term Republican governor launched into a pressure campaign to keep the bill alive. She argued insurance companies, which have strongly opposed the measure on grounds that it will force them to increase premiums, were negotiating in bad faith and “stalling because they don’t want to cover mental health coverage for children, and it’s wrong.” Courtesy of New Hampshire Bulletin
	Kids and Cops Trap Shooting event in Morrison May 16 The Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department is hosting its second annual Kids and Cops Trap Shooting event on May 16. The rain date will be May 17. Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to talk about the free event. “This Saturday, we're going to have our second annual Kids [...]
	NJ transgender healthcare bill amended to avoid mention of ‘gender-affirming’ care Advocates rallied at in Trenton in January to urge lawmakers to act on a bill to protect trans patients and healthcare providers. An amended version of that bill is advancing, without the words “gender-affirming" care. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)State legislation intended to shield transgender patients and their healthcare providers from prosecution is moving forward in Trenton, but the two-year old bill was amended in recent days to delete all references to the phrase “gender-affirming” care. Instead, the amended version of the bill, which is also intended to protect abortion patients and providers, redefines reproductive services to include treatments used by transgender patients. The legislation is scheduled to be heard by the Assembly’s health committee on Thursday. NJ lawmakers advance bill aimed at curbing deadly sepsis cases The original version of the bill included dozens of references to gender-affirming care, which refers to medication, mental health treatment, and in rare cases surgical interventions used to treat gender dysphoria. The amended version approved by the Senate’s health committee on Monday includes zero reference to the phrase. Louise Walpin, an LGBTQ advocate who has lobbied for lawmakers to advance the bill, appeared unfazed by the change. “It’s not the word — gender-affirming care — that we need to protect. It’s the healthcare,” Walpin told the New Jersey Monitor. Khadijah Silver, an attorney working with the Trans Equity Coalition who contributed to the bill’s drafting, said there are no “magic words” for protecting access to care. The initial bill sought to codify protections outlined in a 2023 executive order from former Gov. Phil Murphy, which focuses on gender-affirming care, but Silver said the revision builds on a 2017 law that requires health insurance companies to cover services related to gender identity. “What’s important here is that we get the work done, not that we get the words,” Silver told the New Jersey Monitor. The bill’s sponsors include Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) and Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex), the body’s majority leader. Khadijah Silver speaks with Sen. Andrew Zwicker at the Trenton Statehouse on May 11, 2026, as the Senate health committee considers a transgender healthcare protections bill. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor) Dan Cassino, a professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University, said the language change may provide a level of political protection for supporters in the Legislature, even though there’s little evidence that supporting the concept of gender-affirming care would harm Democrats. The way the bill has been amended also allows supporters to frame their vote for the bill as support for reproductive rights, he said. “Protecting access to abortion is broadly popular in the state, and within the Democratic Party. Protecting access to gender-affirming care is believed to be a wedge issue, so it makes sense that they might want to get some plausible deniability,” Cassino told the New Jersey Monitor. The bill’s supporters say the protections it would provide are necessary given the Trump administration’s efforts to curtail access to care for gender dysphoria and to abortions. It would create a crime of “interference” with those services, which under the bill would include accepted treatments “to support a person’s alignment with their gender identity or expression.” Violators could face as many as ten years in prison and a fine of $150,000 if someone is injured through their interference. Interference would include harming or seeking to harm a patient, provider, or volunteer; obstructing someone from trying to access a healthcare facility; damaging the facility or property; or seeking to intimidate or otherwise cause suffering to a patient, provider, or volunteer. Someone who is harmed under the law would be able to sue their attacker for civil damages, and the state Office of the Attorney General could also impose civil fines of up to $25,000. Since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade case that protected abortion access federally, reproductive healthcare providers in New Jersey have seen an influx of care-seekers from states that restrict the procedure, with some Planned Parenthood locations treating more than 100 out-of-state patients a month. The Trump administration has also pushed to punish doctors and hospitals that treat gender dysphoria in minors. Nationwide, these clinicians have also seen a rise in patients from states that ban this type of care, according to an April 2025 report from the UCLA School of Law’s Williams Institute. Three-quarters of the providers surveyed said patients were increasingly worried about their access to care and 1 in 4 had been threatened online, by phone, or at their workplace, it found. The New Jersey measure would also enhance privacy of patient records and prohibit government officials here from assisting other states in obtaining information about abortion providers or patients and about transgender people receiving certain health care and their providers. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of New Jersey Monitor
	Here’s what’s really going on at the University of Kentucky W.T. Young Library at the University of Kentucky. (Photo courtesy UK)What’s really going on at the University of Kentucky? It’s a fair question — one we’ve heard in media coverage, online and directly from our campus community during a period of real and visible changes. As Kentucky’s university and the state’s largest employer with more than 35,000 employees, we owe clear answers grounded in facts and focused on our enduring mission, particularly amid the questions and understandable concerns. Periods of change invite scrutiny. That scrutiny is appropriate. Our responsibility is to respond with clarity and accountability. Here are the facts behind the changes. And, importantly, here’s why they matter for the Commonwealth we serve. Are we honoring our mission to advance this state? The surest way to evaluate any public institution is not by rumor or rhetoric, but by what it delivers over time. The record matters. In the 15 years that Eli Capilouto has been president, overall enrollment has increased by more than 10,000 students, our six-year graduation rate is up nearly 15 percentage points, research has increased by almost 50% with an economic impact to Kentucky of more than $1 billion, and we are treating and discharging nearly double the number of patients from our largest hospital, the UK Chandler Hospital. Perhaps most importantly, the number of degrees and certificates awarded increased from 5,835 in 2010-11 to 9,772 in 2024-25, an increase of about 67%. These are not abstract statistics. Every number is a life changed and a story to be told about more Kentuckians being educated by outstanding faculty and more lives touched through healthcare, research and discovery. By every meaningful metric, UK has momentum in its mission to advance Kentucky — and it is vital for the Commonwealth that we continue to grow, serve and deliver more. What is all this talk around centralizing departments? This is not a sudden or new direction. For more than a decade, the university has centralized administrative functions that were once spread unevenly across colleges — philanthropy, academic advising and research support among them. For example, as students take more classes across colleges and specialties, academic advising has become a full-time, professional function that benefits from consistency and scale. And as potential cybersecurity threats have intensified, centralizing processes and protocols from over 25 different departments into one Information Technology Services unit is not just efficient — it strengthens security. Importantly, these changes do not involve layoffs or reductions in pay or university benefits. For most, the change is primarily a shift in reporting lines, not day-to-day work. Of course, growth brings complexity; complexity brings questions. But while avoiding growth might seem easier, it would fail the mission we were created to uphold. Why are you outsourcing jobs and laying off people in dining, facilities, custodial work and other support services across our enterprise? To be clear, no one is being laid off or having pay or university benefits cut. The university is finalizing an agreement with a specialized provider to manage dining, facilities, maintenance and custodial services under one contract — a public-private model UK has used successfully for more than two decades in areas such as hospital dining, concessions, parking, housing and campus dining. Specialized providers can deliver more consistent service, scale efficiently and expand locally sourced purchasing, reducing costs through purchasing power and allowing savings to be shared with students and employees. What matters is not the label placed on a partnership, but whether the people who do the work are treated fairly and whether the institution delivers greater value to the public it serves. As the partnership is finalized, the university will lay out in detail how our people are being protected and how this initiative will significantly assist our efforts to advance Kentucky while continuing to elevate service to our campus. Why is UK suddenly doing so much work through Limited Liability Companies or LLCs? This is a longstanding practice at universities, and UK has used LLCs for more than a decade. But let’s be clear about what an LLC at UK does — and does not — do: It does not remove public accountability. LLCs remain subject to open records and open meetings laws, their meetings are publicly noticed and each structure has been approved by the Board of Trustees. They are part of — not separate from — UK. For example, when two community hospitals joined the university — King’s Daughters in Ashland and St. Claire in Morehead — LLCs were used as holding companies with boards that include community members and university officials. That public structure helped preserve existing pay and benefits while enabling faster investment in facilities and expanded access to care. The university uses a similar structure for an insurance company that ensures our doctors have medical malpractice coverage. These models are transparent and designed to support UK’s public mission to improve health across Kentucky, not obscure it. Across these changes, the track record is clear: jobs, pay and benefits remain protected, as they have in prior partnerships. What’s up with athletics? We have seen time and again that athletics is an important connector to UK and to Kentucky. Today, college athletics is changing rapidly in the era of revenue sharing, transfer portals and name, image and likeness (NIL) payments. To adapt, and with Board of Trustees approval and public review, UK extended athletics an internal line of credit — designed to be repaid through new revenue — to invest in facilities and opportunities that sustain the program. Some believe athletics should play a smaller role. That debate matters. The institution believes athletics should stand on its own financially, as it has for decades, while helping advance the broader mission, including, for example, contributing millions recently for a major science classroom building. To do this, the institution is exploring whether existing facilities could support development that generates revenue to sustain athletics without drawing on academic resources so we can continue pursuing championships. What’s the bottom line? UK is growing and changing because Kentucky is growing and changing. We face real challenges and legitimate concerns — an institution should never be so rigid that it dismisses criticism. In fact, debate is not only expected at a public university, it is essential. But those debates must be anchored in facts so we can learn from them and move forward, together. Ask questions, expect clear answers and judge the university by the outcomes we continue to deliver for Kentucky and her people — now and over time. The bottom line: UK is an asset to the state, and our mission is to make Kentucky better through what we do here. We intend to keep delivering on that promise. Courtesy of Kentucky Lantern
	One in four NC teens experience depression. Can peer-to-peer support improve their mental health? H1159 teaches teens who are in grades nine through 12 how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use among their friends. Experts say teens are often more likely to open up to their friends than an adult. (Photo: Getty Images) Danielle South says from all appearances, her son Parker had it all. At 17 years old, she said, he was a hardworking student, excelled in sports at Myers Park High School, and had a vibrant personality. But on November 11, 2025, Parker died by suicide. South told lawmakers Wednesday that her son had “a growing faith” and was the last person she would have thought would be in crisis. Danielle and Bo South advocate for House Bill 1159, titled “Investing in Teen Mental Health,” during a May 13, 2026 press conference. (Photo: NCGA livestream) “We truly believe that because of the lack of conversation, and because of the stigma surrounding mental health, that Parker did not know what was happening to him was a health issue — that it was temporary and that it could be fixed,” said South. South and her husband, Bo, made the trek from Charlotte to Raleigh to advocate for House Bill 1159, titled “Investing in Teen Mental Health.” The legislation would appropriate $1.3 million to the Department of Health and Human Services to expand access to Teen Mental Health First Aid training in North Carolina. The evidence-based program, based at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, teaches teens in grades nine through 12 how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use among their friends. It has trained more than 7,500 youth and teens in 44 counties since 2023. Rep. Brandon Lofton (D-Mecklenburg) said the additional funding would bring mental health training to 75 additional high schools in North Carolina, reaching over 15,000 students. Alicia Freeman with the UNC School of Social Work said the course teaches teens how to recognize possible warning signs and how to connect someone in distress with a trusted adult or someone trained in youth mental health first aid. The course is offered in-person or online. “We know the earlier we can intervene, the better the outcomes. So it’s prevention upstream rather than crisis intervention, because when a suicide has occurred, crisis intervention is too late,” said Freeman. About 50% of mental illness shows up by the age of 14, according to Freeman. Rep. Donna White (R-Johnston), a former registered nurse, said the program holds promise because teenagers often connect with teenagers, not adults. Rep. Sarah Crawford (D-Wake) agreed with that assessment. Crawford said she has two teenage daughters. One is open about her emotions, and the other is less forthcoming. “Yes. No. Fine. That’s about it,” said Crawford. “I deeply recognize the need for these types of support services for our young people.” Rep. Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth), a senior budget chair in the N.C. House, said he signed onto H1159 because he sees it as another tool to address North Carolina’s youth mental health crisis. High school athletic association backs NC bill requiring mental health training for coaches In the last budget cycle, Lambeth said DHHS requested $835 million for mental health care reforms. “We invested and we’re in various stages of trying to implement that plan,” he said. Lambeth said this session, budget writers are continuing to work on raising pay needed to retain school psychologists and school nurses. “It won’t happen overnight, but if we get a little bit added each year, we can get there at some point.” Lambeth said his own daughter is a guidance counselor, and he’s well aware the state must do better than it has done in the past. “Twenty-five percent of teens report depression and anxiety. Suicide is the leading cause of death among youth 10 to 14,” said Lambeth, looking at his notes. “That ought to scare us to death.” If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Courtesy of NC Newsline
	Women caught on video stealing from church donation box 30 times Two women have been caught on security video climbing into a church donation box and stealing bags of donated clothing 30 times over more than six months.
	AI is transforming your workplace. Is it also making it more vulnerable? AI is transforming your workplace. Is it also making it more vulnerable?AI has arrived in the American workplace faster than anyone predicted, and for small and midsize businesses, the early results are genuinely impressive. Salesforce found that 91% of SMBs using AI report revenue increases.But as AI raises productivity and expectations, the humans in the equation are dealing with pressures that don't always show up on an owner's radar: the need to move faster, the everyday technology that still breaks down and slows them, and a distraction level that is creating a new kind of vulnerability most businesses haven't reckoned with yet.In this article, Idea Grove, a B2B public relations and AI visibility agency, examines how AI adoption is creating new cybersecurity vulnerabilities for small and midsize businesses.A Workforce Under PressureStandley Systems, an Oklahoma-based provider of business technology solutions, surveyed 500 desk workers earlier this year and found that 85% run into a tech-related slowdown at least once every workday, and 29% face three or more. When something goes wrong, 76% avoid contacting IT because it feels like more effort than it's worth. Only 16% believe their employer's decision-makers truly understand the daily tech issues they face.That last number is the important one. A workforce that has learned to push through problems on its own — heads down, moving fast, not stopping to ask for help — is a workforce primed to make fast decisions in exactly the moments when a slower, more careful response would serve them better.A Threat Landscape That Has ChangedCybercriminals know this. And AI has given them a new set of tools to take advantage of it.According to Sagiss, a Dallas-based provider of managed security services, 72% of workers say phishing attempts are more convincing than they were a year ago because AI-generated messages now sound like colleagues, reference real workplace details, and carry none of the tells that awareness training was built around.Among employees who are already stretched thin, the results are predictable: 41% say they've ignored a suspicion about a message because it seemed urgent. It gets worse after hours. Most workers check email or work chat outside normal business hours just to stay ahead of tomorrow's workload, and more than a third say they've acted on an after-hours message and later realized they should have verified it first.A Trust Problem in the MakingWhen those judgment calls go wrong, the cost isn't just operational. It shows up in customer trust, the kind that takes years to build and can disappear overnight.Integris, a national provider of managed AI and IT services for community banks and other financial institutions, found that security is now the defining factor in how customers choose a bank — ranking above convenience, digital features, and loyalty programs. It's a high bar to meet. Fifty-one percent of banking executives report an email-based breach in the past year, and 50% report a mobile-related breach, reflecting how relentless and sophisticated the threat environment has become.Most customers remain unaware of how common these incidents are. But 67% say they would consider switching banks after a serious breach, with nearly a quarter saying they'd be very likely to leave. And trust, once lost, is nearly impossible to rebuild.The businesses that come out ahead in the AI era won't necessarily be the ones that adopted fastest. They will be the ones whose leaders understand that AI changes what their business can do and what their people face every day. That's the part of the equation that's easiest to overlook. And right now, it's the part that matters most.This story was produced by Idea Grove and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How 2026 AMA Artist of the Year nominees rank by platform data How 2026 AMA Artist of the Year nominees rank by platform dataThe American Music Awards arrive each year with the scale of a pop spectacle: arena lights, red-carpet moments, televised performances, and some of the largest fanbases in music watching closely. But behind the public excitement is a simple question that follows every major awards show: Which artist had the strongest year?For the AMAs, the official answer comes from fans. The awards are built around public voting, and the 2026 Artist of the Year race brings together 10 acts with major global audiences: Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, BTS, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift.Music data offers a different way to look at the field. It cannot measure every factor that drives fan voting, including loyalty, campaign timing, and organized voting. But it can show which nominees are strongest across measurable audience activity, including streaming, video consumption, playlist reach, radio airplay, and social audience growth.Using artist-level music analytics data exported from Viberate, the analysis compared the 10 Artist of the Year nominees across four areas: current demand, momentum, cross-platform reach, and industry support. Based on that model, Justin Bieber would rank first if the category were decided only by measurable platform data.Bieber did not rank first in every individual category. Bad Bunny had the strongest recent consumption profile across Spotify streams and YouTube views. Bruno Mars had the largest current Spotify monthly-listener base. Taylor Swift posted the strongest radio result. BTS had the highest top-10 Spotify track demand.Bieber’s advantage came from balance. He ranked near the top in recent Spotify and YouTube activity, while also showing the strongest audience growth signals across Spotify monthly listeners, YouTube subscribers, and Instagram followers. He also had the highest Spotify playlist reach among the nominees.Data-only ranking of 2026 Artist of the Year nominees Courtesy of Viberate The final score combines four weighted pillars. Current demand accounted for 40% of the total, momentum for 25%, cross-platform reach for 20%, and industry support for 15%.The ranking shows a clear difference between scale and all-around performance. Bad Bunny finished second largely because of his strength in current demand. His recent Spotify and YouTube activity placed him at the top of the field in consumption, but the broader model also considered whether audience activity was rising or slowing during the analysis window.Taylor Swift finished third, less than a point behind Bad Bunny. Her strongest areas were reach and industry support, helped by large audience totals, strong playlist positioning, and the top radio score among the nominees. Her lower YouTube demand and weaker recent listener movement kept her behind Bieber and Bad Bunny in the combined ranking.Bruno Mars ranked fourth. His strongest signal was audience scale, especially on Spotify, where he had the largest current monthly-listener base among the nominees. He also performed strongly in playlisting, but lower momentum kept him outside the top three.BTS ranked fifth despite having the strongest top-10 Spotify track total in the model. That distinction matters: track-level strength can be high even when the broader artist profile is weaker across reach, radio, playlisting, or momentum.Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Harry Styles, Kendrick Lamar, and Morgan Wallen filled out the second half of the ranking. Several of those artists had strong individual signals, especially in momentum or industry support, but none matched Bieber’s cross-category consistency.The main takeaway is not that one artist controlled every platform. The data shows a more mixed field. Bad Bunny had the strongest consumption case. Taylor Swift had the strongest radio case. Bruno Mars had the strongest current Spotify listener case. BTS had the strongest top-10 Spotify track case. Bieber ranked first because he combined high current activity with the strongest growth and playlist-reach signals in the overall model.That makes the Artist of the Year field less one-sided than a simple ranking might suggest. Different nominees led different parts of the music economy, from streaming consumption to radio activity to playlist exposure. In a fan-voted award, those differences may play out in ways data alone cannot capture. But as a measurement of recent, cross-platform performance, the model points to Bieber as the strongest all-around candidate in the field.MethodologyThe analysis used artist-level data exported from Viberate, a music analytics service, for the 10 American Music Awards 2026 Artist of the Year nominees. The exports included metrics related to Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify playlisting, and radio airplay.The artists analyzed were Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, BTS, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift.The available daily data covered Jan. 27-April 28, 2026. The main comparison window was the 30-day period ending April 28, 2026, using March 29 as the baseline date for 30-day change calculations. Short-term momentum compared the last seven days ending April 28 with the prior seven-day period.The final score used four weighted pillars: Courtesy of Viberate Scale metrics were normalized against the top-performing nominee, with the leader in each metric receiving 100 points. Growth and acceleration metrics were min-max normalized, so the strongest growth result received 100 points and the weakest received 0 points. This approach reduced distortion from artists whose audience counts declined during the period.All growth metrics were calculated from total values rather than exported daily change fields. TikTok was excluded from the main score because not every nominee had comparable TikTok data. Instagram was used only for followers and follower growth because engagement fields were not consistently available. YouTube official-channel view changes and YouTube like changes were excluded because those fields were not suitable for consistent daily momentum scoring.Collaborations were included when the nominated artist appeared in the exported artist field. The same rule was applied to all artists for Spotify tracks and YouTube videos.No tie-breaker was needed because there were no tied final scores.This story was produced by Viberate and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	All-terrain trackchairs stolen from Indiana state park; investigators offering reward Jeremy Warriner, the founder of disability advocacy group Walking Spirit, takes the ceremonial first ride in a new all-terrain trackchair on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)Two all-terrain trackchairs — intended to help disabled Hoosiers enjoy public lands — have been stolen from Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis, the Department of Natural Resources said Thursday. The battery-powered trackchairs, worth about $25,000 apiece, were purchased with a grant from the Lilly Endowment. DNR spent about $1 million to buy 45 trackchairs and portable generators for use at every Indiana state park and state park inn — free of charge. The trackchairs were delivered in March to fanfare from agency officials and advocates. Indiana state parks add 45 all-terrain trackchairs for disabled hikers The break-ins occurred between 9 p.m. on April 30 and 6 a.m. on May 1, according to DNR. Capt. Jet Quillen, a DNR spokesman, said Fort Harrison staff close the gates for vehicle access at 9 p.m. There isn’t a fence around the entire property, however. Investigators with DNR’s Law Enforcement Division are looking into how the thieves gained access to the property, he said. Fort Harrison didn’t have cameras installed in that area. Six agency buildings were forcibly entered — windows shoved open, doors kicked in — and vandalized. The agency now must replace the door frames damaged in the break-in. “Obviously, we secure all of our stuff in locked buildings … before employees go home for the night,” Quillen said. “So … we really don’t ever usually have this type of issue.” Asked if DNR will bulk up its security, Quillen said, “We’re in discussions, looking into what we can do to make sure this never happens again.” The agency is “not ruling out the possibility that someone could try it again” and steal trackchairs from other state parks or inns, so staff are also considering getting trackers for the others. The theft also included two Vietnam War-era helmets. Investigators are actively following up on leads and request assistance from anyone who may have information related to the thefts, officials said. The agency is offering a $5,500 reward for information that leads to the recovery of the trackchairs and the arrest of those responsible. A private donor contributed $5,000 to the award amount and the Indiana Parks Alliance put up the remaining $500. “These chairs are pretty distinguishable,” Quillen said. They’re not the common mobility device. So, if someone sees something or you hear someone talking about it — that goes with the helmets as well — … you know, any information can be helpful. … No information is too small.” Tips can be directed to the Indiana Conservation Officers Dispatch Center at 812-837-9536 or emailed to ICODispatch@dnr.IN.gov. This story has been updated with comments from Department of Natural Resources Capt. Jet Quillen. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Indiana Capital Chronicle
	NM congressional delegation urges renewed public opposition to looming ‘Roadless Rule’ repeal Members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation on May 13, 2026, urged members of the public to weigh in against the looming repeal of the federal ‘Roadless Rule,’ which will open up millions of acres, including in the Gila National Forest, to logging and road construction. (Patrick Lohmann/Source NM)The United State Forest Service is expected to soon release a draft version of a policy that would rescind or greatly alter the 2001 “Roadless Rule,” which protects roughly 60 million acres of federal forestland from road construction and timber harvesting. Environmentalist organization Earthjustice held a news conference Wednesday opposing the change outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Most of New Mexico’s congressional delegation spoke about what the rule’s potential rescission will mean for hunters, conservationists, firefighters and others. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. “Any day now, the administration is expected to take the next step to repeal this rule and open some of America’s wildest public lands to road building and industrial development,” said U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, whose 2nd Congressional District contains the Gila Wilderness. “Repealing the ‘Roadless Rule’ would be a massive giveaway to special interests at the expense of the American people.” United States Agriculture Department Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the cancellation of the rule last June. She said repealing the protections would prevent wildfires — though some recent studies suggest otherwise — and would mean more “logs on trucks” as the Trump administration seeks to rekindle a nationwide logging industry in federal forests. “The heavy hand of Washington will no longer inhibit the management of our nation’s forests,” she said. Since her announcement, which she made in Santa Fe during the Western Governors’ Association meeting, the agency has steadily made progress and met requirements to fully rescind the rule. The next step is a draft version of the rule as well as a draft environment impact statement. Once issued, members of the public will have an opportunity to weigh in, which Vasquez and other ‘Roadless Rule’ supporters encouraged Wednesday. In a news release, Earthjustice said the announced repeal last June prompted immense public pushback, including eliciting more than 600,000 public comments, the vast majority of which in opposition. The release of the draft environmental impact statement “any day now” will be the public’s last meaningful chance to have input on the proposal, organizers said Wednesday. USDA says repealing ‘roadless’ protections will prevent wildfires. A new study disagrees U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), encouraged hunters, in particular, to weigh in to oppose the repeal. He said the best places to hunt are in “roadless” areas, which provide swathes of uninterrupted wilderness. “I’m giving up all my secrets here,” he said. “Your success goes up inversely proportional to how far you are from a road. It means you have to pack that animal out. But that is the reality. If you’re an elk hunter in New Mexico, you care about these ‘roadless’ areas.” U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), the third New Mexico member of Congress to speak, said areas now protected under the “Roadless Rule” are sacred. “These forests and these lands are woven into our very identity. They are where we hike, where we hunt, fish, pray, work, gather and reconnect with the land and with each other,” she said. “These are not places for the administration to put up for sale.” In addition to the majority of New Mexico’s delegation, Earthjustice also featured speakers from Alaska, Montana and North Carolina, including wildland firefighters, grizzly bear enthusiasts and others who oppose the rule’s repeal. “This will be our last opportunity for official public input on this absurd repeal effort,” said Carson States, a wildland firefighter. “Our voices matter now more than ever.” Courtesy of Source New Mexico
	5 key considerations for maintaining consistent water quality in regulated environments 5 key considerations for maintaining consistent water quality in regulated environmentsConsistency in critical utility water systems is essential for industries operating in regulated environments. Biopharmaceutical manufacturing, life sciences research, semiconductor fabrication, laboratories, healthcare facilities, and advanced manufacturing all rely on tightly controlled, high-purity water to protect product integrity, meet regulatory requirements, and maintain uninterrupted operations.In pharmaceutical production, this includes systems designed to generate purified water (PW) and water for injection (WFI) — utilities that must meet strict pharmacopeial standards and operate with exceptional reliability.Achieving consistent water quality requires more than treatment alone. It depends on robust system design, properly selected purification technologies, and proactive operational control across the entire water system life cycle.While many variables influence water system performance, several core factors consistently play an outsized role in maintaining stable water quality. Based on decades of experience supporting high-purity water systems in regulated industries, MECO highlights five key considerations that significantly influence water quality consistency. MECO 1. Variability in Source Water QualityAll water purification systems begin with source water, and no source remains chemically stable year-round. Municipal supplies, surface water, and groundwater all experience natural variations in:Total dissolved solids (TDS)HardnessSilicaOrganic matterMicrobial loadSeasonal contaminantsSeasonal weather patterns, storms, droughts, and environmental conditions can significantly alter incoming water chemistry. These fluctuations directly affect treatment performance, membrane loading, scaling potential, and microbial control strategies.For high-purity water systems, variability in source water can create instability downstream if treatment systems are not designed to accommodate these fluctuations.Consistent water quality depends on anticipating change rather than assuming constant inlet conditions. Well-engineered pretreatment and purification systems help stabilize feedwater and protect downstream technologies.2. Microbial Contamination and Biofilm FormationMicrobial contamination is one of the most persistent risks in high-purity water systems.When microorganisms enter a water system, they can attach to internal surfaces and form biofilms — structured microbial communities protected by a self-produced matrix. Once established, biofilms are difficult to remove and can continuously release contaminants into the water stream.Biofilms can lead to:Inconsistent microbial countsEndotoxin contaminationReduced system efficiencyAccelerated corrosionIncreased sanitization frequencyEffective microbial control requires both hygienic system design and disciplined operational practices, including:Proper material selectionHygienic piping design and drainabilityControlled flow velocitiesRoutine sanitization strategiesTemperature managementAutomation and real-time monitoringMaintaining microbial control is foundational for pharmaceutical purified water systems, WFI generation systems, laboratory water systems, and semiconductor process water applications.3. Scaling, Corrosion, and Equipment FoulingScaling and corrosion are driven by water chemistry imbalances and can significantly impact system reliability and efficiency.Scaling occurs when sparingly soluble salts, such as calcium carbonate or silica, precipitate onto equipment surfaces. Corrosion results from chemical or electrochemical reactions that degrade metals and protective coatings.These mechanisms are often interconnected:Corrosion creates rough surfaces that accelerate fouling.Scale restricts heat transfer and flow.Fouling increases pressure loss and energy consumption.Common impacts include:Reduced heat exchanger efficiencyRestricted piping and membrane flowIncreased chemical usageShortened equipment lifeIn high-purity water systems utilizing technologies such as reverse osmosis (RO), electrodeionization (EDI), and distillation, maintaining stable water chemistry is critical to protecting system performance and long-term reliability.4. Evolving Regulatory and Quality StandardsWater systems operating in regulated environments must comply with multiple layers of regulatory and industry standards. Requirements vary depending on the application and geographic location.Environmental regulationsEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)Pharmaceutical water standardsUnited States Pharmacopeia (USP)European Pharmacopoeia (EP)Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP)Chinese Pharmacopoeia (CP)Laboratory water classificationsASTM Types I, II, III, and IVHygienic engineering guidelinesASME BPEThese standards govern parameters including conductivity, microbial limits, endotoxin levels, organic content, materials of construction, surface finishes, cleanability, and drainability.As regulatory expectations evolve, water systems must remain adaptable. Systems designed without flexibility may require costly retrofits to maintain compliance, increasing operational risk and total cost of ownership.5. Operational Cost and Energy EfficiencyMaintaining consistent water quality requires continuous energy, monitoring, and maintenance. Balancing performance with operational efficiency is one of the largest challenges facing operators of high-purity water systems.Globally, water treatment processes account for approximately 2%–5% of total electricity consumption, driven by energy-intensive processes such as:Pumping systemsHigh-pressure membrane processesThermal distillation systemsAdditional operational costs include:Membrane replacementResin regenerationFilter replacementSanitization chemicalsPredictive maintenanceModern high-purity water system designs increasingly emphasize:Energy-efficient equipmentWater recovery optimizationAdvanced automation and monitoringPredictive maintenance strategiesThese innovations help reduce life cycle costs while maintaining consistent system performance.Water Treatment Technologies Supporting Critical Utility SystemsSeveral advanced purification technologies work together to maintain consistent water quality in regulated environments. MECO Reverse Osmosis (RO)Reverse osmosis uses pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane, removing dissolved salts, organics, bacteria, and particulates.RO forms the backbone of many pharmaceutical purified water (PW) systems and high-purity water systems used in regulated industries, significantly reducing contaminant loading on downstream purification processes.Common applications include:Pharmaceutical purified water systemsLaboratory water systemsSemiconductor process waterIndustrial pretreatment systemsUltrafiltration (UF)Ultrafiltration removes suspended solids, bacteria, and viruses through low-pressure membranes. It is commonly used as pretreatment for reverse osmosis to stabilize performance and reduce membrane fouling.Electrodeionization (EDI)Electrodeionization removes dissolved ions using electrical current and ion-exchange membranes without chemical regeneration.EDI is widely used to polish reverse osmosis permeate and produce consistently high-purity water for pharmaceutical manufacturing, laboratories, and electronics manufacturing.Vapor Compression DistillationVapor compression (VC) distillation produces high-purity water by evaporating and condensing water while recovering latent heat through mechanical compression. This technology is widely used in biopharmaceutical manufacturing for the production of water for injection (WFI) and other critical utility water streams requiring exceptional purity and reliability.VC distillation systems deliver extremely stable water quality while achieving high thermodynamic efficiency, making them well-suited for mission-critical applications.A Proactive Approach to Water Quality ConsistencyConsistency in water quality within regulated environments is achieved through engineered system design, real-time monitoring, and lifecycle-focused operational strategy.By combining advanced purification technologies, automation, and predictive maintenance, organizations can:Improve water quality stability.Reduce energy consumption.Lower total cost of ownership.Increase system reliability.Strengthen regulatory compliance.Long-term system performance also depends on experienced technical support and operational insight. Organizations that maintain stable water quality typically combine strong system design with disciplined maintenance practices, ongoing monitoring, and access to experienced engineers and service professionals.From source water variability and microbial control to evolving regulatory requirements and energy efficiency, multiple factors influence the long-term stability of high-purity water systems operating in regulated environments.Organizations that approach water system management holistically by considering system design, purification technologies, monitoring, and long-term operational performance are better positioned to maintain compliance, protect product quality, and support reliable operations.This story was produced by MECO and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	AI insurance: The $7 trillion rebuild AI insurance: The $7 trillion rebuildIn 2024, insurance giant Allianz received a photo of a damaged van from a customer, along with a £1,000 repair invoice. In days gone by, the company would have quickly paid out but, in the age of AI, seeing is no longer believing. The fraud team set about investigating the vehicle owner’s social media, only to find an identical image that had later been edited to show fake damage.This is one of the problems that Eliron Ekstein, founder and CEO of Austin-based startup Ravin, is setting out to solve, with AI-powered tools that can verify real damage and stop fraudsters like these in their tracks.“You look at both images and they look completely credible,” he said. “It's becoming a lot easier for people to trick the system.”“Insurance is famously old-school when it comes to tech adoption, but I think it also offers tremendous opportunity, because of the sheer scale and financial risk that they operate under,” said Ekstein.And Ekstein’s not the only one using AI to try to transform the $7 trillion insurance market, as this article from The Infinite Loop by Nebius explores. The insurance industry suffers from lower public trust than every major consumer industry except social media, and still relies on highly manual workflows.“Some insurance companies underwrite in the tens of billions of dollars, so every little improvement can really help and you can make money out of that. It’s just, do you have the patience?” Ekstein said.Advances in frontier models appear to be making the venture capital industry increasingly comfortable to show that patience. Global investments in insurtech rose by 19.5% in 2025, with 78% of funding going toward AI-centered investments in the final quarter, up from 42% in Q4 of 2024.But while the size of the prize, and the appetite to win it, might be big, so are the costs. Tight regulations in insurance mean low tolerance for bias and hallucination, forcing AI insurtechs to develop complex checks and balances that translate into hefty compute bills for these companies, as they try to revamp one of finance’s most stubborn legacy industries.“Humans aren’t instant”Insurance carriers — the companies that create, underwrite and issue insurance policies to individuals or businesses — have traditionally been highly labor-intensive operations to run. They are responsible for drafting lengthy contracts, assessing buyers and assigning them to risk categories, and managing claims and payouts.San Francisco-based Corgi Insurance became the first AI-native insurance carrier to win regulatory approval in the US in July 2025, and since then has scaled to more than $40 million in annual recurring revenue. Co-founder and CEO Nico Laqua said that this rapid product-market fit is partly down to the text-heavy nature of the work, making it a perfect fit for GenAI.“There are quite a lot of workflows that relate to interpreting contracts, generating regulatory reporting for each policy and, in the end, interpreting the claims that are coming in. All of those are language-based,” he said. “Most of our competitors employ north of 40,000 people that do all of these very repetitive workflows. In our case, we automate as much of that as possible.”“If you're using humans and a call center to do these very repetitive tasks, the customer experience is inevitably worse, because humans aren't instant. Humans stop working at five o'clock and they don't work weekends,” Laqua said. “Let’s say someone’s house burns down in the middle of the night; they deserve the money instantly. That's not something that humans are able to do.”AI versus AIAI is also being put directly in the hands of the people making insurance claims. Ravin’s Ekstein explained how the company’s tool allows people to video scan damage to vehicles with their phones, with a vision model assessing the severity of the issue, leading to faster payouts.“Previously, the vehicle would get towed into a body shop, get assessed, and then you find out it’s not repairable. So the vehicle is sitting there for five days,” he said. “What you can do with Ravin is the insurer can actually settle the claim immediately and tell the customer: ‘You know what, your vehicle is not repairable. Here's a check in the post.’”Beyond faster payouts, Ekstein said Ravin also protects insurers from the growing threat of fraudsters using AI deepfakes to edit photos to add fake damage to vehicles.“Insurance companies increasingly accept images as evidence,” he said. “With our technology, you can't just upload a set of images of your vehicle. You need to perform a scan that will take the images for you. We will collect metadata about your location, the time it was taken. It's very hard to cheat.”Checks and balancesEkstein said that insurance’s growing appetite for AI will create huge demand for compute resources, with Ravin alone processing 2,000 videos every day, and that the sensitive data its scans capture makes regionally compliant cloud infrastructure essential.For Corgi and others trying to crack the tightly regulated carrier section of the market, the compute demands are even more complex, due to the need for extra caution around GenAI hallucination and bias.“We work very hard to make sure that there's fewer biases than a human would have with any of that sort of information,” said Laqua. “Hallucinations are a problem too, but supervisory models have gotten quite good so you can use models to oversee other models with anything that is super, super sensitive.”Running these side-by-side models to counter mistakes and biases can multiply the compute cost of every inference call by a factor of four in an industry that is already very data-heavy by nature.“We're generating a lot of reports. We're dealing with a lot of forms, a lot of paperwork. So there's a lot of text that needs to be generated,” Laqua said. “We use a lot of tokens, and then we need to double and triple and quadruple-check all of the work that we do because we're selling a financial product, and it needs to be correct. So that's just expensive.”So, while a company replacing tens of thousands of employees with 100 engineers might sound like a cost-saving, it’s not how Corgi is trying to create value in the industry.“The reason we use AI is not to save money. It’s because right now, pretty much every single business and person in the United States spends about twice as much on insurance per year as they do on software, and the experience is just terrible across the board,” said Laqua. “We’ve gone in and really focused on using technology to make the customer experience better. That's the reason why we have a lot of traction.”This story was produced by The Infinite Loop by Nebius and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Great River Road named Best Scenic Drive in America The Great River Road has been named the Best Scenic Drive in America in the 2026 USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards. This is the second year in a row that Great River Road has taken the top honor in the category. Travel experts nominated 20 routes for the Best Scenic Drive distinction, including [...]
	Court documents detail shooting that killed child in Princeton Newly filed court documents allege police first tried to shock a man with a Tazer in a hostage situation before entering a room and opening fire.
	Portugal’s new citizenship law has been approved. Here’s what expats need to know Portugal’s new citizenship law has been approved. Here’s what expats need to knowPresident Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has approved changes to Portugal’s Nationality Law, but the law is not yet in force. The decisive next step is publication in the Diário da República.This article is based on Movingto’s published analysis of Portugal’s approved citizenship-law changes and what they mean for foreign residents, investors and families.Portugal is one step closer to changing how long many foreign residents must wait before applying for citizenship.On May 3, 2026, Portugal’s President promulgated the decree amending Law No. 37/81, the country’s Nationality Law. The approved text would increase the residence period for naturalization to seven years for European Union citizens and nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries, and 10 years for most other foreign nationals.But there is an important caveat: presidential approval does not mean the law is already in force. As of May 5, 2026, the law had not yet been published in the Diário da República, Portugal’s official gazette. Under the approved text, the changes enter into force on the day after publication.That short gap matters for residents, investors and families who are already eligible, close to filing or waiting on a Portuguese nationality application.What changes under the approved lawThe main change is the naturalization timeline. Portugal has long been known for allowing many legal residents to apply for citizenship after five years. Under the newly approved framework, that timeline would become longer for most applicants.EU citizens and nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries, including Brazil and other CPLP countries, would face a seven-year residence requirement. Most other foreign nationals would face a 10-year requirement.The law also adds or clarifies integration requirements, including knowledge of the Portuguese language, culture, history and national symbols, as well as basic knowledge of rights and duties. Applicants would also be expected to declare adherence to democratic rule-of-law principles.A separate and particularly important change concerns how residence time is counted. The approved text revokes Article 15(4), a 2024 rule that allowed time to count from when a temporary residence permit was requested, provided the permit was later approved. That provision was important for people affected by long processing delays at the Portuguese authorities.The President’s statement noted the importance of ensuring that legal timelines for nationality are not harmed by state delays. The practical effect of that point will depend on the final published law, updated regulations and administrative guidance.Pending applications appear protectedFor people who already have a nationality application pending, the decree includes a transition rule.The approved text says administrative procedures pending when the law enters into force continue under the previous version of the Nationality Law. In practical terms, that means a person who has already filed a citizenship application before the law starts applying should not automatically be moved into the new seven- or 10-year timeline.That protection is not the same as a broad grandfathering rule for everyone living in Portugal. The wording is focused on pending administrative procedures, not simply on residents who expected to apply under the old five-year framework.For people who are already eligible but have not yet filed, timing may now be critical. The law is approved, but it is not yet in force until its official publication.What it means for Golden Visa, D7 and digital nomad residentsThe change does not end Portugal’s Golden Visa program, D7 visa, digital nomad visa or other residence routes. It is a nationality-law change, not a cancellation of Portugal’s residency pathways.For Golden Visa investors, the practical shift is in citizenship planning. Portugal may remain attractive as a residence option with relatively low physical presence requirements, but the citizenship timeline may become longer once the new law takes effect.Readers assessing the residency route itself can review this Portugal Golden Visa guide, while investors comparing qualifying fund options can use a fund comparison tool to understand available strategies and next steps.For D7, D8, work, study and family visa residents, the same planning issue applies. People who expected to apply for citizenship after five years of legal residence may need to reassess their timeline under a seven- or 10-year framework.Permanent residence after five years may also become a more important milestone for some residents, especially if citizenship is no longer available as quickly as expected.What still has to happenThe next legal milestone is publication in the Diário da República. Until that happens, the law is approved but not yet in force.After publication, the Government must update Portugal’s nationality regulation within 90 days. Those regulations and later administrative guidance will be important for practical questions, including how authorities handle pending cases, residence counting and applicants affected by state processing delays.The President also referred to a separate decree that would amend the Penal Code and create an accessory penalty involving loss of nationality. That is not the same as the Nationality Law decree approved on May 3. According to the Presidency, that separate decree is still awaiting a Constitutional Court decision following a request for preventive constitutional review.What residents should do nowResidents who already filed a citizenship application should keep proof of submission, payment and any official confirmation showing when their procedure became pending.Residents who are already eligible but have not filed should urgently seek case-specific advice before the law is published.People with close to five years of residence should review their dates, documents and whether they can realistically file before the law enters into force.People who are not yet eligible should update their long-term plan around the likely seven- or 10-year citizenship timeline, while continuing to manage residence renewals and permanent residence eligibility.The key point is that Portugal’s new citizenship law has passed a major political milestone, but the operative legal trigger is still publication in the Diário da República.This story was produced by Movingto and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Trend watch: Wilderness, Puerto Rico, and second cities Trend watch: Wilderness, Puerto Rico, and second citiesIf it feels like everyone you know is suddenly planning a trip to a national park, remote mountain lodge, or city you’d never have pegged as a travel destination two years ago—you’re not imagining it.With so much of the world feeling uncertain, Americans are betting on their own backyard. In the first few months of 2026, according to Fora Travel booking data, travelers have shown increased interest in adventure and nature travel, with Alaska up 170% year over year and the Mountain West and National Parks corridor (Utah, Wyoming, Montana) up more than 100% each. Puerto Rico has emerged as a popular Caribbean escape, and a number of second cities—namely Bentonville, Tulsa, Omaha, and Baltimore—have become established leisure destinations.Here's a closer look at what the data is telling us.Inside the wilderness boomAlaska is up more than 170% year over year, while Montana and Wyoming are both more than doubling. Idaho and South Dakota are right there too. The Mountain West and national park corridor isn't just a vibe. It’s where a huge portion of bookings are landing, and it’s growing at nearly twice the pace of the overall travel market.It’s also worth noting that travelers aren’t necessarily roughing it. Instead, they’re gravitating toward safarilike hotels and dude ranches that deliver both comfort and stunning scenery, and they don’t mind paying a bit more to find that balance.The Canadian Rockies: Beloved resorts as gateways to rugged natureIf you’ve been eyeing Alberta, trust the pull. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the most-booked property across every region we track, perhaps owing to its enviable location. (It sits inside a national park with a glacier-fed turquoise lake practically at its front door.) Its sister property, Fairmont Banff Springs, isn't far behind in booking volume. These properties sell out early, especially in the summer and fall, and for good reason.From there, Jasper National Park offers a quieter, more expansive version of the same Rocky Mountain magic, with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge as the go-to lodging. On British Columbia’s Pacific coast, you’ll find the beloved Wickaninnish Inn in remote, rainforest-flanked Tofino. A seaplane ride away, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge feels even more removed amid the old-growth forest of Clayoquot Sound.Montana: The US wilderness leaderMontana is outpacing nearly every other U.S. state right now, and at the city level, Big Sky is up more than 215% year over year. That’s not a fluke. One&Only Moonlight Basin and Montage Big Sky have quietly become two of the most in-demand mountain properties in the country on the strength of their food, service, and spas—not to mention their majestic setting in the shadow of Lone Mountain.But the allure goes beyond one specific destination or resort. Sage Lodge sits on the Yellowstone River near the park’s northern entrance, while Ranch at Rock Creek, The Resort at Paws Up, and Triple Creek Ranch offer the kind of all-inclusive experiences where you show up, put your phone down, and don’t check your email for the entire week. Glacier National Park is increasingly in the mix, too, with Under Canvas Glacier and the historic Glacier Park Lodge drawing more bookings each season.Wyoming and Alaska: 2 different flavors of remoteImage courtesy of Caldera HouseWyoming’s story centers on Jackson Hole. The Four Seasons Resort and Caldera House in Teton Village are consistently among the most in-demand properties in the region, and the broader collection of hotels in town (Hotel Terra, The Cloudveil) gives travelers solid options at different price points. The deeper gems are inside the parks themselves—Jenny Lake Lodge in Grand Teton is one of the most intimate properties in the American West, and the in-park lodges at Yellowstone (Canyon Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel) give you an experience no day trip can replicate.Alaska is the most dramatic growth story in the data, up more than 170% year over year. The Denali area is the gravitational center, and the Alaska Railroad is genuinely one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys. If the Last Frontier has been on your list, the data suggests you’re not alone, which means booking windows are getting shorter.Puerto Rico’s luxury momentPuerto Rico’s overall numbers are strong, but the real story is what’s happening beyond San Juan. The Río Grande corridor—a stretch of coastline near El Yunque rainforest, about an hour east of the capital—is up more than 300% in bookings.Two properties are anchoring the growth: the Four Seasons Resort Puerto Rico and Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. The former puts guests at the doorstep of the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system—think waterfall hikes, zip-lining, and serious beach access all-in-one trip—while the latter is set on a former Rockefeller estate on the island’s north coast, with highly regarded spas in the Caribbean and a level of unhurried luxury that's especially appealing when life feels extra demanding.The second-city surgeThe other story hiding in the data: travelers seeking urban destinations with walkable neighborhoods, great independent restaurants, boutique hotels, and real cultural depth are increasingly choosing domestic cities you might not have on your radar yet.Bentonville has long been drawing movie buffs for its Geena Davis-founded film festival, but it’s also one of the best art and mountain biking destinations in the country, thanks to Crystal Bridges Museum and 300-plus miles of trails, respectively. Tulsa’s art deco architecture, Blue Dome District, and thriving music scene are starting to resonate in a real way.Omaha’s Old Market neighborhood and food scene have earned it a following among travelers who prioritize culinary experiences.And Baltimore—up 179% year over year, making it the fastest-growing city in this group by a wide margin—is having a full moment, with broad-based growth across the Inner Harbor corridor that doesn’t appear tied to any single event or property.Traveler’s takeawayThe common thread across all of these trends is that the most-in-demand destinations are also the ones that require the most lead time. Wilderness lodges, in-park hotels, and remote properties have limited inventory and tend to fill up months ahead of when you’d expect.And whether you’re craving an off-the-grid adventure, luxe beach escape, or under-the-radar city break, your travel advisor can match you to the right destination and property based on your travel style—and make sure you’re not locked out of the places that fit you best. Reach out and tell them what’s calling you. The wilderness will still be there. The rooms are another story.Methodology: Findings are based on Fora internal booking data covering non-canceled, transient hotel bookings from Jan. 1–April 15, 2025 vs. the same period in 2026.This story was produced by Fora Travel and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Public aid or public worry? Americans back license plate readers, but only with strict oversight Public aid or public worry? Americans back license plate readers, but only with strict oversightAutomated license plate readers have quietly become one of the most widespread pieces of public infrastructure in the country. They sit on light poles, traffic signals, and patrol cars in thousands of American cities. Most drivers pass them every day without noticing.Across the country, counties and cities are shutting systems down, writing new laws, and fielding uncomfortable questions from commuters about who sees the data and for how long. Spokane County deactivated nearly 100 cameras in April after Washington’s governor signed a privacy law restricting use, with Pierce County, Renton, Redmond, and Lynnwood following suit. Lawmakers in at least 16 states introduced bills to regulate the technology this year. Only three states passed them. The cameras work as designed, but the rules governing them have not kept pace.A new national survey of 1,000 U.S. adults by Hanwha Vision America puts a number on that tension. About 4 in 5 (77.9%) Americans support license plate readers, but nearly half of those supporters will only sign off with strict rules and oversight attached. Approval is high. Unconditional approval is not.Key Findings77.9% of Americans support license plate reader use, but 34.8% condition their support on strict oversight and rules.80.8% approve of using license plate readers to find missing or abducted children, the highest-approved use case in the study.27.1% say their top concern is government agencies using the data beyond its stated public safety purpose, ranking higher than hacking fears.17.2% would grant access to immigration enforcement, a figure exposing the sharpest political divide in the data.90.6% are at least somewhat worried that license plate reader data could be hacked or leaked.73.9% want cities to publish usage reports at least quarterly. Only 6.7% say the information should stay confidential.28.7% say public reports on how data was actually used would be the single biggest trust-builder, topping security upgrades and written policies.Americans Want LPRs, but the Support Is Conditional Hanwha Vision For years, the debate over license plate readers has been framed as a binary: prosurveillance or proprivacy. The survey data dismantles that framing. At least 2 in 5 (43.1%) Americans support the technology outright. Another 34.8% say yes, but only with strict rules. Taken together, that's a clear majority open to deployment.Women are the most condition-heavy group, with 41.5% requiring strict oversight compared to 28.8% of men. A majority of Americans accept the cameras in principle. The survey shows they want a published rulebook to go with them.Citizens Want LPRs to Save Abducted Children, but Not for Parking Tickets Hanwha Vision Support collapses the moment the use case drifts from serious crime. Four in 5 (80.8%) Americans approve of license plate readers for finding missing or abducted children. That number drops to 63.4% for property crime suspects and falls to 31.5% for parking enforcement.The 80.8% figure reflects what the technology looks like at its best. Coeur d'Alene Police Chief Lee White described a case in which an adult had groomed a 14-year-old girl and brought her across state lines into North Idaho. Stationary license plate readers picked up the driver's plates within city limits, and officers located the vehicle. "We got that girl back to her family," White said.Commuters across generations support the technology for emergencies, though Gen Z draws the line earliest. Baby Boomers are the most permissive generation across every category. The public is telling cities something specific: Deploy the technology for what they consider emergencies, and explain clearly when you stop. The Washington law that deactivated Spokane County's 100-camera network allows use for stolen vehicles, missing persons, and felony investigations, which aligns well with public sentiment.Government Misuse Outranks Hacking as the Top ConcernMore than 1 in 4 (27.1%) Americans say their top concern about license plate readers is government agencies using the data beyond their stated public safety purpose. That ranks higher than hacking, higher than private company access, higher than every other worry measured.What makes this finding durable is its uniformity. Concern about government misuse holds steady across income brackets, from households earning under $25,000 (23.6%) to those earning between $100,000 and $249,000 (31.4%). Distrust of institutional intent is not a partisan, racial, or economic dividing line here.Immigration Enforcement Is the Flashpoint Cities Can't IgnoreNearly 1 in 5 (17.2%) Americans would grant immigration enforcement agencies access to license plate reader data. That is a minority position, but it is the single most politically charged data point in the survey, and it tracks closely with what is already unfolding in policy.Washington's new privacy law was introduced after a University of Washington report documented federal agents accessing camera data to pull over immigrants. Investigations by The Guardian have raised similar questions about Flock camera networks nationwide. Men support immigration enforcement access at 19.5%. Women support it at 14.6%. For cities deploying new systems, this is the question most likely to drive local editorial coverage and council debate.Data Breach Anxiety Is Nearly Universal, and Cities Aren't Addressing ItNine in 10 (90.6%) Americans express at least some worry that license plate reader data could be hacked or leaked, 32% are extremely concerned, and only 2.4% say they are not concerned at all.Postgraduate-educated Americans are the most alarmed, with 37.2% extremely concerned.A 2025 security investigation into one major camera vendor reported stolen account passwords, missing multifactor authentication, and live streams exposed on the open internet. The architecture behind a license plate reader program, including who built it, how it authenticates users, and how it logs access, has become a public safety question in its own right.Transparency Beats Security as the Top Trust-Builder Hanwha Vision The most actionable finding for any city operating this technology is the simplest. When asked what would most restore public trust in license plate reader programs, 28.7% chose public reports on how the data was actually used. Written policies came in at 23.2%. Automatic deletion rules at 19.6%. Independent audits at 16.4%.Gen Z leads the demand for public reporting at 36.7%. Americans are asking for visibility into how the data moves and who touches it, and they rate that visibility higher than any technical safeguard. Cities chasing trust by tightening security are solving the wrong problem.What Responsible Deployment Looks Like in Practice Hanwha Vision Elk Grove, California, offers a working example of the tradeoffs. The city's police department reported 1,548 investigative alerts, 866 arrests, 536 stolen vehicle recoveries, and 93 missing persons cases connected to its license plate reader program in 2025. When the city council approved a $1.6 million contract expansion in April 2026, residents still packed the chamber with objections.The department's response tracked closely with what the survey says the public wants: automatic 30-day data deletion unless flagged for a specific case, an explicit policy prohibition on immigration enforcement use, and disabled out-of-state data sharing. About 3 in 4 (73.9%) Americans want cities to report publicly on license plate reader use at least quarterly, and 39.9% want monthly. Only 6.7% say usage should stay confidential. Publishing a standardized report on the kind of performance data Elk Grove disclosed answers the public's loudest question without changing a single camera on a single pole.License plate readers are not going away. Neither is the public's insistence on knowing how they are being used. The survey paints a portrait of a country that understands the tradeoff between safety and privacy and wants a seat at the table where the rules get written. Americans approve of the technology for the reasons cities deploy it, such as finding missing children, recovering stolen cars, and solving serious crimes. They grow skeptical the moment the use case drifts toward routine enforcement.The findings point toward a clear operational playbook. Local governments that publish clear policies, report regularly, and define the limits of access have a better chance at keeping public support.MethodologyTo understand how Americans approach license plate reader technology and public trust, Hanwha Vision America, a video surveillance and intelligent transportation technology provider, surveyed 1,000 adults across the country via Pollfish on April 9, 2026. Participants answered a series of questions about support for license plate readers, approved use cases, data retention, access rights, breach concerns, and the measures most likely to rebuild public confidence in surveillance programs. Responses were analyzed across age, gender, household income, and education level to identify trends and disparities.This story was produced by Hanwha Vision and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Alternatives to a reverse mortgage Alternatives to a reverse mortgageIf you’ve explored a reverse mortgage and decided it’s not the right fit, you’re not alone. Some homeowners want more flexibility and some do not meet the eligibility requirements.The good news is that there are several different ways to access your home equity, so reverse mortgages are hardly the only route forward. Each alternative works differently, with its own requirements, payment structure, and tradeoffs.This guide from Splitero walks through the most common alternatives, how they work, and what it takes to qualify. It also helps you compare options so you can decide which approach may be the best fit for your financial situation and long-term goals.Key TakeawaysA reverse mortgage is only one way to access home equity. Homeowners also have other options such as HELOCs, home equity loans, cash-out refinancing, and home equity investments (HEIs) depending on their situation.Most traditional home equity options, such as HELOCs and home equity loans, require monthly payments and strong credit, while other structures, like home equity investments, are designed differently and do not require monthly payments.The biggest differences between options come down to how you access your home equity, such as through lump sum funding, flexible credit access, refinancing your mortgage, or sharing future home value.Qualification requirements vary widely: Credit score, income, and available equity play a major role for most loan-based options, while some alternatives are designed to be more flexible.The right option depends on your goals, including whether you want ongoing access to funds, a one-time lump sum, or a way to access home equity without monthly payments.How does a reverse mortgage work?A reverse mortgage is a type of home equity financing for homeowners 62 and older that lets you convert part of your home equity into cash. Instead of you making monthly mortgage payments, the lender actually provides funds to you. As a result, the loan balance increases over time as interest and fees accrue.If you have an existing mortgage, it is typically paid off first. If not, the funds are available for other needs depending on the program.This structure is often used by retirees who want to supplement income, cover major expenses, or access liquidity while continuing to live in their home. Although you do not make monthly mortgage payments in a reverse mortgage, you are still responsible for property taxes, insurance, and home maintenance. The loan is generally repaid when you sell the home, move out permanently, or pass away. Splitero Reverse mortgage alternatives explainedBelow is an overview of the most common alternatives to a reverse mortgage and how each one works.Home equity line of credit (HELOC)A HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured by your home that lets you access your home equity up to a set limit during a draw period, then repay it over time.In practice, it works similarly to a credit card backed by your home. You’re approved for a credit limit, but you only use what you need, when you need it. As you repay the balance, you may be able to borrow again during the draw period depending on the lender’s terms.That flexibility can be useful for ongoing or unpredictable expenses, but because most HELOCs have variable interest rates, your payments can change over time, which can make long-term budgeting less predictable.Home equity loanA home equity loan provides a one-time lump sum that is repaid over a fixed term with predictable monthly payments. This option is often used when the full amount needed is known in advance, such as for a renovation project or debt consolidation. Once the funds are issued, repayment begins immediately, and the structure does not change over time.Approval for a home equity loan typically depends on factors like your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and available home equity, which can make the qualification process more involved for some homeowners. Its fixed rate and consistent payment structure can make planning easier, but it also means you’re committing to monthly payments regardless of how your financial situation changes.Cash-out refinanceA cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a new, larger mortgage and allows you to access part of your home equity as cash at closing. Instead of adding a second loan on top of your existing mortgage, this option restructures the entire mortgage. That means your interest rate, loan term, and monthly payment may all change depending on the new loan terms.For some homeowners, combining everything into a single mortgage simplifies their finances. At the same time, replacing your existing mortgage can significantly change your long-term borrowing costs, especially if current rates are higher than what you have today.Home equity investment (HEI)A home equity investment (HEI), sometimes referred to as a home equity agreement, lets you access cash from your home’s equity without taking on a traditional loan or making monthly payments. You receive a lump sum in exchange for a share of your home’s future value, which is settled when you sell, refinance, or choose to repurchase the investment.HEIs can be used for a range of needs, such as home improvements, debt consolidation, or unexpected expenses, and eligibility is often more flexible than traditional lending, depending on the provider.Because there are no monthly payments, this structure can provide flexibility for homeowners who want to avoid adding ongoing financial obligations. Instead, the amount you repurchase is tied to how your home’s value changes over time, which makes the outcome dependent on future market conditions.Sell and downsizeSelling and downsizing involve selling your current home and purchasing a less expensive one in order to access your home equity. This approach does not involve a financing product. Instead, it converts home equity into cash through the sale process itself. The remaining funds after purchasing a new home can then be used for other financial needs.This can provide full access to your equity and potentially reduce ongoing housing costs, but it also requires moving and adjusting to a new living situation, which may not be practical or desirable for every homeowner.Rent out spaceRenting out part of your home or adding a rental unit allows you to generate income from your property instead of accessing equity directly. This could include renting a room, a basement unit, or building an accessory dwelling unit, depending on local rules and property type. The goal is to create ongoing income that can help offset expenses or improve monthly cash flow.Unlike other options, this does not convert equity into a lump sum, but instead turns the home into a source of recurring income. However, rental income is not guaranteed and often comes with added responsibilities, including managing tenants, maintaining the space, and navigating local regulations.Which reverse mortgage alternative is right for you?Choosing the right way to access home equity depends on your financial situation, credit profile, income stability, and long-term goals.Before comparing options, it helps to understand how much home equity you actually have. If you need to calculate your home equity, there are guides that can help you work out the equations and estimate what may be available based on your current home value and mortgage balance. Splitero Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the alternatives to a reverse mortgage?Alternatives include HELOCs, home equity loans, cash-out refinancing, home equity investments, selling and downsizing, and renting out part of the home to a tenant or guest.What happens to a reverse mortgage when you die?A reverse mortgage is typically settled when the homeowner passes away, usually through sale of the home or estate settlement.What is the biggest problem with a reverse mortgage?A common concern is that as the loan balance grows over time, it can reduce the amount of home equity left.Is it better to sell your home than do a reverse mortgage?It depends on the homeowner’s goals. Selling converts equity into cash, while a reverse mortgage allows the homeowner to remain in the home.Can you get a reverse mortgage if you’re under 62?No, most reverse mortgages require homeowners to be at least 62 years old.Is a HELOC a good alternative to a reverse mortgage?A HELOC can be a strong option depending on credit, income, and whether the homeowner can manage monthly payments.This story was produced by Splitero and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How does cashback work on credit cards? How does cashback work on credit cards?Cashback credit cards give you a percentage of your purchases back as rewards. Every time you use the card, you earn cash back that you can redeem as a statement credit, bank deposit, or other options, depending on the issuer. Understanding how cashback works helps you choose the right card and avoid rewards structures that limit how much you actually earn.Note: The cashback percentages, limits, fees, and other figures mentioned in this article are for illustrative purposes only. They do not represent guaranteed or expected rates. Actual terms, credit limits, rewards, and approval criteria vary by card issuer and may change at any time. Readers should verify current details directly with each issuer before applying.Ramp breaks down how cashback credit cards work, the different reward structures available, and how to maximize what you earn.What is cashback on a credit card?Cashback is a credit card rewards program that returns a percentage of your spending back to you as cash rewards. When you make a qualifying purchase, the card issuer gives you a small portion of that amount back.Unlike travel credit cards, which earn points or miles with variable redemption value, cashback rewards have a fixed cash value. That makes them easier to understand and use.How it works: You make a purchase, and the issuer returns a small percentage of the amount as cashback.Where rewards go: Cashback accumulates in a rewards account tied to your card until you redeem it.Why issuers offer it: Card issuers earn interchange fees from merchants on every transaction and share a portion of that revenue with you as an incentive to use their card.Over time, consistent cashback earnings can help offset expenses, especially if you use the card for recurring or high-volume purchases.How do cashback credit cards work?Cashback credit cards follow a simple earn-and-redeem model tied to your spending:You use the card to make a qualifying purchase.The issuer credits a percentage of that purchase as cashback rewards.Rewards accumulate in your account over time.You redeem the cashback through available options like statement credits or deposits.Your cashback rate determines how much you earn. For example, a card offering 1.5% cashback earns $0.015 for every $1 spent on eligible purchases.Earning cashback on purchasesYou earn cashback only on eligible, net purchases, meaning completed transactions after returns or credits are applied. Eligible categories often include subscriptions, travel, dining, or office supplies, depending on the card.Most issuers exclude certain transactions from earning rewards, including:Cash advancesBalance transfersFees and interest chargesSome gift card purchasesCashback isn’t free money. You earn it only by spending, and you’re still paying the majority of each purchase out of pocket.When cashback posts to your accountCashback usually posts after a transaction fully clears, not when it’s pending. In most cases, issuers credit rewards at the end of each billing cycle, though some cards post rewards sooner.Expect a short delay between making a purchase and seeing the cashback reflected in your rewards balance.Types of cashback credit cardsCredit cards offer different cashback structures based on how and where you spend. Understanding these structures helps you choose a card that matches your spending patterns and earning goals. Courtesy of Ramp Flat-rate cashback cardsFlat-rate cashback cards earn the same rewards percentage on every qualifying purchase. You don’t need to track categories or activate bonuses, which makes these cards easy to use and predictable. They’re a good fit if your spending is spread evenly across categories or if you want consistent rewards without extra effort.Tiered or bonus category cardsTiered cashback cards offer higher rewards in specific spending categories and a lower rate on everything else. For example, a card might earn 3% cashback on travel or dining and 1% on other purchases. These cards work well if a large share of your spending falls into a few fixed categories that earn higher rewards.Rotating category cardsRotating category cards offer elevated cashback rates, often up to 5%, in categories that change each quarter. Common categories include gas, groceries, dining, or rideshares. You usually need to activate the categories and stay within quarterly spending caps to earn the higher rate. The payoff can be high, but it requires more tracking.Choose-your-own-category cardsSome cards let you select which categories earn bonus cashback. These work like tiered cards, but you choose the category that best fits your spending. If most of your budget goes toward a specific expense, such as internet services or software subscriptions, choosing that category can help you earn more rewards over time.How to redeem your cashback rewardsOnce you’ve earned cashback, you can redeem it through your card issuer’s website or mobile app. Some cards require you to meet a minimum rewards balance before you can redeem.The most common redemption options include:Statement credit: Applies your cashback directly to your card balance, reducing what you owe.Direct deposit: Transfers cashback to a linked bank account or issues a check.Gift cards: Let you redeem rewards for retailer gift cards, sometimes at a higher face value.Travel: Uses cashback toward flights, hotels, or other bookings through the issuer’s travel portal.Merchandise: Applies rewards to online shopping portals or checkout tools, though these redemptions often offer lower value.In most cases, you redeem rewards by logging in to your account, navigating to the rewards section, and selecting a redemption method.Tip: Watch how rewards are issuedSome cards advertise “cashback” but actually issue rewards as points. Those points may still be redeemed for cash, but redemption options and value can vary by program.Cashback vs points vs milesWhen choosing a rewards credit card, the biggest difference comes down to how rewards are earned, redeemed, and valued. Cashback, points, and miles each work well for different spending habits and priorities. Courtesy of Ramp Cashback is usually the easiest option if you want predictable value without managing points systems or transfer partners. Points and miles can deliver higher value, but only if you’re willing to track redemptions and optimize how you use them.What credit score do you need for a cashback credit card?Most cashback credit cards with competitive rewards require good to excellent credit. In practice, that usually means a FICO score of 670 or higher, with the best rewards and sign-up bonuses often reserved for scores of 740+.If you’re building or repairing credit, you may still qualify for entry-level or secured cashback cards. These cards typically offer lower rewards rates or require a security deposit, but they can help you establish a credit history before moving to higher-earning cards.Before applying, check your credit score and review each issuer’s requirements. Multiple hard inquiries from denied applications can temporarily lower your score.Are cashback credit cards worth it?Cashback credit cards are worth it if you pay your balance in full each month. If you carry a balance, interest charges will almost always outweigh the rewards you earn. With most cashback cards charging APRs between 15% and 25%, even a small carried balance can erase the value of 1%-2% rewards.ProsSimple, predictable savings: You earn a clear percentage of your spending back without tracking points or conversion rates.Flexible redemption: Most cards let you redeem cashback as statement credits, bank deposits, gift cards, or travel.Lower everyday costs: When used responsibly, cashback can offset regular expenses and help improve cash flow.Consistent value: Cashback rewards don’t fluctuate in value the way points or miles can.ConsInterest negates rewards: Carrying a balance typically costs far more in interest than you earn in cashback.Overspending risk: Chasing rewards can encourage unnecessary purchases.Annual fees: If your spending is low, fees can cancel out rewards.Lower upside than travel cards: If you frequently travel for business, points or miles may deliver more value.Redemption limits: Some issuers impose minimum thresholds or restrictions on how rewards can be redeemed.How to maximize your cashback rewardsMaximizing cashback takes more than just using a rewards card. You earn the most when your card choice and spending habits work together.Match your card to your spending habitsStart by reviewing the categories where you spend the most, such as travel, software, or office supplies. Choosing a card that rewards your highest-spend categories helps you earn more without changing behavior.If your spending is evenly distributed, a flat-rate card may be the best option. If it’s concentrated, tiered, or category-based cards can deliver higher returns.Use multiple cards strategicallySome cardholders use different cards for different categories to earn the highest rate on each purchase. For example, one card might earn 3% on dining while another earns 2% on everything else. This approach requires more tracking, but it can materially increase total rewards over time.Pay your balance in full each monthThis is the most important rule. Any interest you pay will almost certainly exceed the value of your cashback. A 20% APR quickly wipes out the benefit of earning 1.5% or 2% back. If you can’t pay in full, the card is costing you more than it’s returning.Track bonus categories and promotionsIf you use a rotating category card, set reminders to activate bonus categories each quarter. Many people miss higher rewards simply because they forget to opt in.Also watch for limited-time offers that provide extra cashback with specific merchants or spending thresholds.Avoid annual fees unless the math worksA card with an annual fee only makes sense if the extra rewards exceed the cost. For example, a $95 annual fee requires at least $95 more in rewards than a no-fee card just to break even.This story was produced by Ramp and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Canada cracks down on a billion-dollar trucking loophole Canada cracks down on a billion-dollar trucking loopholePhil and Francie Langevin have spent decades building P.A. Langevin Transport, their family trucking company in Carleton Place, Ontario. They pay their drivers properly, remit payroll taxes, and carry proper insurance. They follow the rules.And they watch, year after year, as competitors who do none of those things undercut them on every contract.“There’s so much wrong with this industry right now," Phil told CBC News.Francie put it even more bluntly: “The next time you’re driving on a highway with a transport truck beside you, I want you to wonder—how safe am I, really?”That’s a very good question. And now, the federal government is finally starting to ask it too.Below, DPF Super Store Canada examines Canada’s crackdown on the “Driver Inc.” trucking model.The Scheme Has a Name (and a Price Tag)It’s called “Driver Inc.”—and if you’ve never heard of it, that’s partly the point.Here’s how it works: Instead of hiring truck drivers as employees with proper wages, payroll taxes, vacation pay, and employment insurance, some carriers classify their drivers as independent contractors operating through their own personal corporations. On paper, the driver is running their own little business. In reality, they’re showing up every day, driving a company truck, on a company schedule, with no benefits, no job security, and no safety net.The carrier, meanwhile, pockets a cost advantage of up to 30% compared to a fully compliant competitor like the Langevins. They don’t offer payroll deductions, overtime, or vacation pay. That’s not a small edge. In freight, where margins are thin and contracts go to the lowest bidder, 30% is a huge advantage.The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) estimates that the scheme has cost the Canadian economy roughly $1 billion in lost tax revenue. That’s money that was supposed to fund line items such as healthcare, public services, and Canada Pension Plan contributions that drivers thought they were earning. They weren’t.The People Caught in the MiddleBehind the numbers are real people, and their stories are not pretty.Karanveer Singh came to Canada from Punjab, India, as an 18-year-old international student in 2018, chasing what he called the “Canadian dream.” He got his commercial trucking license and went to work. The first two companies he drove for classified him as an incorporated contractor and, eventually, stopped paying him altogether.Singh fought back. He took his case to the Canadian Labour Board, proved he’d been misclassified, and won. One company paid up. The other still owes him nearly $40,000, and he may never see it.“Until the government enforces it, it is useless,” he told CBC. “These companies, they know what they are doing. Most of the time, they will find new immigrants, new truck drivers to target—because they are so easy to target, because every new immigrant is desperate for a job.”Singh’s experience isn’t an outlier. Roughly 35% of Canada’s truck transportation workforce is made up of immigrants, many of whom entered the industry through exactly these kinds of contractor arrangements. The “Driver Inc.” model, critics say, specifically targets these newcomers who don’t yet know their rights—or who feel they can’t afford to push back.Now Ottawa Is Acting, With Real MoneyFor years, the problem was acknowledged and largely ignored. The CTA has been lobbying the federal government about “Driver Inc.” since at least 2018. Progress was slow. Moratoriums on penalties were quietly extended. Enforcement stayed minimal.That changed with Budget 2025, enacted last November. The Carney government committed $77 million over four years, with $19.2 million annually on an ongoing basis, to crack down on the loophole, using the Canada Revenue Agency and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The CRA simultaneously lifted its long-standing moratorium on penalties for carriers who fail to issue T4A tax slips to incorporated drivers, effective for the 2025 tax year.In plain terms: If your trucking company has been using the “Driver Inc.” model and not issuing the right tax paperwork, the grace period is over. ESDC inspectors can now show up unannounced, demand to see your payroll records and driver contracts, and levy fines on the spot. The CRA and ESDC are also sharing data directly, meaning a carrier flagged by one agency is now visible to both.Federal task forces have already conducted more than 670 inspections and 420 education and outreach sessions nationwide. Enforcement is concentrated heavily in Southern Ontario—the Hamilton-Toronto corridor—one of the busiest freight regions in North America. In April 2026, the Council of Ministers responsible for Labour and Transport officially called for a unified National Action Plan to end “Driver Inc.” entirely.The message from Ottawa is clear: This is no longer a warning phase. It’s now enforcement.So What Does This Mean for YouHere’s where it gets practical for everyday Canadians, because the effects of this crackdown won’t stay inside the trucking industry.Trucking moves virtually everything you buy. Groceries, furniture, medication, clothes, electronics—at some point, it rode on a truck. When it costs more to move things, those costs work their way down the supply chain and eventually arrive at the cash register. The Bank of Canada estimates that it takes about six to nine months for cost changes in transportation and logistics to fully show up in retail prices.When carriers that have been operating at a dishonest 30% cost advantage suddenly have to comply, or exit the market entirely, available trucking capacity shrinks. Fewer trucks chasing the same loads often means higher freight rates. Industry analysts already project that the crackdown will contribute to reduced capacity and upward rate pressure through 2026, especially in high-volume corridors.For Canadians who have already watched average grocery prices climb roughly 22% since 2022, that’s not welcome news. But there’s a longer-term argument to be made: The artificially cheap freight rates that “Driver Inc.” produced weren’t actually free. Someone was always paying. It just happened to be the drivers being stiffed on wages, the compliant carriers being undercut, and the public losing $1 billion in tax revenue.There’s a Safety Angle Too, and It’s SeriousThe financial picture matters, but Francie Langevin’s highway warning points to something even more immediate.Karanveer Singh described his “trainer”—a driver at a “Driver Inc.” company—hitting a concrete wall at the Port Huron border crossing during what was supposed to be a training run. On Singh’s very next trip, he was handed a new trainee to mentor. Nobody told him anything. The company just needed the load delivered.Critics argue that “Driver Inc.” operators, laser-focused on cutting costs and winning contracts, routinely cut corners on training and safety. A federal crackdown that removes that competitive pressure, or removes those operators from the market entirely, means better-trained drivers on the road. That matters to everyone who shares a highway with an 80,000-pound truck.Who Wins, Who Adjusts, and What Comes NextNot everyone loses in this shift. Companies like Kriska Transportation Group—a large, fully compliant carrier in Prescott, Ontario—have been playing by the rules for years while watching “Driver Inc.” operators lowball them on bids. For them, enforcement is a long-overdue leveling of the playing field.Smaller fleets and owner-operators that built their models around contractor arrangements face harder choices. Restructuring quickly isn’t always financially viable, and some will exit the market rather than comply, which is part of why analysts expect capacity to keep tightening through the year.For drivers themselves, the picture is complicated. Some genuinely preferred the contractor structure, the flexibility, and, in some cases, higher short-term take-home pay. Others, like Singh, found themselves exploited with no recourse. What reclassification as an employee means in practice depends enormously on the carrier doing the reclassifying and whether they do it in good faith.What’s not complicated is the direction of travel. Ottawa has committed real money, activated multiple agencies, and set enforcement machinery in motion that will be hard to walk back. The Ontario Trucking Association, which has been fighting this battle since 2018, calls the current moment the closest the industry has come to a genuine resolution.The Bottom LineCanada’s “Driver Inc.” crackdown is more than a regulatory housekeeping exercise. It’s an attempt to correct a decade-long imbalance in one of the most fundamental industries in the country—one that affects every supply chain, every grocery store shelf, and every Amazon delivery that lands on your porch.The transition will have costs. Some of those costs will eventually be visible in freight rates and, down the line, in the prices of goods. That’s real, and it’s worth being aware of.But the alternative was a trucking industry where companies that cheat consistently undercut compliant carriers, immigrant drivers like Karanveer Singh worked for months without pay and had little recourse, and undertrained drivers navigated border crossings on public highways. It was just cheap for the people gaming the system.Phil and Francie Langevin have been paying the real price for years. So has everyone else, without even knowing it.This story was produced by DPF Super Store Canada and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	A Philippine senator wanted by the International Criminal Court flees from Senate A police investigation is underway in the Philippines, with suspicions that the incident was staged to help Sen. Ronald dela Rosa escape.
	Visit Quad Cities hosts the NIFA SafeCon aviation competition Visit Quad Cities hosts the NIFA SafeCon aviation competition. Dave Herrell from Visit Quad Cities explains what to expect at this years competition.
	The No. 1 RD-recommended protein to keep on hand for summer grilling (BPT) - As grills fire up and summer entertaining takes center stage, many Americans are looking for protein options that deliver on both taste and nutrition. One standout choice that checks every box: salmon. In particular, Chilean salmon is a go-to recommendation for summer grilling thanks to its powerful nutrient profile, versatility and responsible farming practices.Why Chilean salmon earns the top spotSalmon from Chile is more than just a flavorful addition to the grill — it's a nutritional powerhouse. Each serving is packed with high-quality, complete protein that keeps you satisfied during busy summer days. It's also naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential nutrients known to support heart, brain, skin and immune health."As a registered dietitian, salmon is one of my top protein recommendations during the summer," says Kayla Farrell, RDN. "Chilean salmon delivers a unique combination of high-quality protein and omega-3s that support whole-body health, while also being incredibly versatile and easy to prepare."Chilean salmon is low in mercury, making it a smart, family-friendly choice for everyone, including children and pregnant women. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes salmon on its list of foods that meet its updated definition of "healthy," reinforcing its role as a nutrient-dense staple.A sustainable seafood choice you can feel good aboutSustainability is top of mind for today's shoppers, and salmon from Chile delivers. Farm-raised under strict environmental standards in the pristine waters of Chile's Coastal Patagonia, it's one of the most efficient animal proteins, with a high edible yield and low feed conversion ratio. Responsible aquaculture practices and strong third-party partnerships help ensure accountability and protect ocean ecosystems, making Chilean salmon a reliable, sustainable choice for today and the future.Made for summer grilling (and beyond) When it comes to summer meals, salmon from Chile naturally shines on the grill. Its naturally rich flavor and firm texture hold up well to high heat, making it ideal for everything from simple fillets to skewers and cedar plank preparations. Whether seasoned with fresh herbs, citrus or bold marinades, it pairs effortlessly with seasonal produce and vibrant summer sides.For effortless entertaining, Chilean salmon is easily prepped and cooked in less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings. It's also just as versatile off the grill — delicious baked, pan-seared or added to salads, grain bowls and tacos.Simple tips for grilling salmon like a proStart with the skin on: It helps hold the fish together and prevents stickingDon't overcook: Salmon is best when it flakes easily but remains moistAdd flavor fast: A quick marinade or dry rub can elevate taste in minutesLook for 'Sourced from Chile' As you plan your summer menus, keep an eye out for Chilean salmon at the seafood counter or in the freezer aisle. Look for "Sourced from Chile" on packaging to ensure you're getting a high-quality product that delivers on taste, nutrition and sustainability.This summer, make Chilean salmon your go-to protein for grilling season and enjoy a simple, delicious way to nourish your body while supporting responsible seafood practices.
	Extreme temperature swings, disease lead to troublesome Kansas wheat outlook Vast expanses of wheat grow in Southwest Kansas. Diseases are beginning to appear in wheat crop across the state ahead of the 2026 harvest, and temperature swings have skewed the typical growing pace. (Photo by Kevin Hardy/Stateline)TOPEKA — Favorable fall conditions for wheat planting gave way to a warmer-than-usual winter and spring cold snaps, placing Kansas wheat crop in a precarious situation. Kansas State University experts also warned in a recent memo of disease emerging in wheat fields in nine Kansas counties. The wheat crop in Kansas is three weeks ahead of a normal schedule, according to Romulo Lollato, a K-State Extension professor of agronomy. He specializes in wheat and forages production and oversees a training program for Ph.D. and master’s degree students. He told the K-State Extension News Service that freezing or near-freezing temperatures in March and April affected the wheat crop during crucial growth stages, including stem elongation and flowering. Freezes and recent storm-related damage to fields could reduce grain yield, he said. “In a lot of the state, we’re kind of losing some of those primary tillers because of that cold snap,” Lollato said. Months before, Lollato had a rosier outlook for this year’s wheat crop. Fair fall planting conditions and adequate moisture established the crop before winter. “The crop can still recover quite a bit of its performance,” Lollato said. “If we do have cool and moist conditions, we can still have an OK crop.” But as summer approaches, Kelsey Andersen Onofre, a plant pathologist with the K-State Extension, predicted further obstacles for Kansas wheat growers by way of a pair of viruses that have made their way into a combined nine counties scattered across the state. Barley yellow dwarf and wheat streak mosaic complex are both transmitted by tiny pests — aphids in the case of barley yellow dwarf and mites in the case of wheat streak mosaic. Both diseases thrive in warmer temperatures and can cause yield losses. A recent agronomy update from K-State, co-authored by Andersen Onofre, said viruses that cause wheat streak mosaic do not need an introduction in many parts of Kansas. “Wheat streak mosaic is one of the most economically devastating wheat diseases in the state,” the update said. “Although statewide levels are lower than in 2025, we are again seeing wheat streak mosaic infections in many fields.” Kansas Wheat, a consortium of wheat grower groups, predicted in April an early harvest because of drought conditions, which are most severe in western Kansas. Limited soil moisture and advanced crop maturity has made this season’s wheat crop more susceptible to freeze damage and disease concerns, the organization said. It added: “For many producers, the focus has shifted from maximizing yield to salvaging what remains, as drought continues to define the 2026 growing season.” Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	Illinois boy earns Guinness World Record for museum curation A Cambridge boy has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the youngest male museum curator in the world.
	Cook review: 'Apex' is fun cat-and-mouse thriller starring Charlize Theron You may not remember this at the end of the year when movie awards selection begins. But you may find that "Apex" is one of those solid thrillers that you recommend to friends who decide to stay in for an evening. Charlize Theron plays Sasha, an adventurer whose latest adventure, along with her husband Tommy [...]
	Muscatine celebrates the public work crews that care for the city Muscatine is recognizing the public works professionals who keep the city running with Public Works Week later this month.
	Zach Wahls campaigns in Bettendorf as early voting begins in Iowa primary Democratic Senate candidate Zach Wahls made his pitch to voters in Bettendorf as early voting opened ahead of Iowa’s June 2 primary.
	Zach Wahls campaigns in Bettendorf as early voting begins in Iowa primary Democratic Senate candidate Zach Wahls made his pitch to voters in Bettendorf as early voting opened ahead of Iowa’s June 2 primary.
	As Trump visits Beijing, an LA-area mayor admits to acting as an agent for China Eileen Wang, now the former mayor of the City of Arcadia, agreed to plead guilty to one felony charge that she acted as an illegal foreign agent of China.
	An LA-area mayor acted as an agent for China. Experts say it's part of a pattern Eileen Wang, now the former mayor of the City of Arcadia, agreed to plead guilty to one felony charge that she acted as an illegal foreign agent of China.
	Davenport Speedway will double down with action this weekend Halfway through the month of May and Davenport Speedway is ready to double-down on the fun and excitement this weekend. Weekly racing is the highlight this Friday, May 15, when all six stock car classes will compete in side-by-side action for the checkered flag. If smash and crash is more your speed, Davenport Speedway will [...]
	Pay It Forward \| Nourishing her community through SNAP cuts Katelyn Rodriguez is a devoted mother, and when her Morrison neighbors struggled to feed their families, she opened 'Nourishing Neighbors' to support those in need.
	Steelworkers in Iowa cast their vote to authorize a strike The current contract expires in two days. If union workers affirm the vote to strike, this impacts roughly 3,400 steelworkers in the Quad Cities.
	Iowa residents are going green to support mental health awareness Iowa's Department of Human Services reports that over 80 counties in the state suffer from mental health provider shortages.
	Weekend Rundown with WLLR \| May 14, 2026 There are many family-friendly events going on this weekend, and we've brought in Dani Howe from WLLR to break it down.
	New Service Center to open in East Moline New service center, Open Bay Auto, has a coffee bar, on-site nail salon, and an area with a lending library wall to work or relax.
	Cesar Toscano: My boss forced me to write a column about graduating in 2020 Education Reporter Cesar Toscano has been forced to write a column about graduating in 2020.
	Geneseo pedestrian bridge to cost another $100,000 City administrator Brandon Maeglin said the council will look at costs and what kind of support the city can expect to get from grants at the May 26 committee of the whole meeting.
	Year-round E15 bill passes in US House, Iowa lawmakers hopeful for passage Current restrictions only allow year-round E15 in certain states with specified exemptions.
	Group O joins packaging trade association Group O Inc., a leading end-to-end business process outsourcing provider specializing in packaging, supply chain, and automation solutions, has announced it has joined PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, strengthening its commitment to innovation and growth within the packaging and automation industry, according to a news release. PMMI is a globally recognized trade [...]
	Scott County man sentenced to life in prison for 2022 sexual abuse A Scott County man will spend life in prison after a jury found him guilty of sexually abusing a woman in 2022.

Thursday, May 14th, 2026