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

Thursday, October 1st, 2026
	Lowden farmer surprised with free groceries for a year after health struggles Darin Axline was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in August 2024. Now, he's getting some help from Hy-Vee and Farm Rescue.
Wednesday, September 30th, 2026
	SURVEY: Top Halloween picks for 2026 We're officially in 'spooky season,' and October 31 is creeping up, but what can we expect to see for Halloween this year? Results from a recent survey give a glimpse of what people are shopping for and thinking about for Halloween: Top costume themes: Top-selling decorations Among the survey, shoppers spoke out about these factors: [...]
	Geneseo faces Sterling in Western Big Six showdown The rivalry between Geneseo and Sterling dates back years. The Maple Leafs beat the Golden Warriors last season.
	Lahn says he would back gas tax cut alongside MEGA bill amendments Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn said he would support state lawmakers adding more than just a massive new steel mill when they return to the State Capitol this Friday.
	Happy Joe's under new ownership The pizza chain will remain headquartered in the Quad Cities.
	Augustana students learn about local nonprofits The annual volunteer fair gave students a chance to hear from environmental groups, park and shelter services and more.
	James Zahara named best weathercaster in a medium TV market by the Illinois Broadcasters Association All of James' colleagues here at News 8 wish to congratulate our chief meteorologist on the recognition.
	Department of Energy to study severe weather in Iowa and Illinois The research aims to explore how different land surfaces impact the formation of severe storms.
	Lowden farmer surprised with free groceries for a year Darin Axline was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in August 2024. Now, he's getting some help from Hy-Vee and Farm Rescue.
	Police: Davenport man charged with allegedly injuring 6-month-old, causing brain bleed A Davenport man has been charged with allegedly injuring a child, causing a brain bleed, police say.
	Muscatine Police's K-9 Six to receive new protective vest Muscatine Police Department's K-9 Six will receive a bullet- and stab-protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s. According to a release from the City of Muscatine, delivery of the vest is expected within 10 weeks. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity [...]
	Junior Achievement of the Heartland celebrates 70 years Junior Achievement of the Heartland is celebrating 70 years of helping local students build skills, confidence, and connections to succeed in school, work, and life, according to a news release. The organization will host a 70th anniversary celebration from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Free Enterprise Foundation JA Inspiration Center, 6600 44th Avenue, [...]
	See I-80 bridge design at public meeting in LeClaire City Hall After more than five years of planning, engineering, environmental review and community input, the I-80 Mississippi River Bridge project has advanced into final design, a news release says. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Iowa Department of Transportation invite you to see the selected alternative take shape and get an inside look at what comes [...]
	Orpheum Theatre, Galesburg, will present Fleetwood Mac tribute band Rumours The Orpheum Theatre Presents 2026-2027 season continues with Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, sponsored by Dave’s Auto Body, a news release says. Rumours returns to the historic Orpheum Theatre by popular demand after serving as the opener for the 2024-2025 OTP season, where they completely sold out [...]
	AG report details decades of abuse at Fall River, Springfield, Worcester dioceses MORE THAN 270 CATHOLIC clerics abused 944 children within the Catholic dioceses of Fall River, Springfield, and Worcester over several decades, according to a report released by Attorney General Andrea Campbell, who also revealed Wednesday that she is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. The report’s release was accompanied by a call from the attorney general for the Legislature to strengthen remedies for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. “Behind every one of those numbers is a child whose safety was violated, a family that was changed forever, and a survivor who carried the trauma of that abuse for years and, in many cases, decades. They continue to carry this trauma even today,” Campbell said during a press conference Wednesday. “This report provides something that did not previously exist: For the first time, a full public accounting of the abuse, the misconduct, and the institutional failures at these three dioceses that allowed that abuse to happen, and in some cases allowed it to continue for years.” The 203-page report details decades “of failures by diocesan leaders to adequately respond to allegations of child sexual abuse and protect children from further harm,” Campbell said in a statement. This includes times when church leaders did not sufficiently respond to allegations and signals of abuse; the transferring of “accused and offending” priests to other parishes without sharing why they were transferred; allowing priests to return to ministry after treatment but without enough supervision; failing to enforce restrictions; hiding reasons priests were removed from ministry; and failing to consistently report allegations of abuse to law enforcement. Campbell said she assessed whether to bring criminal charges based on the report’s findings, but that was not possible under current state law. That’s because some of the conduct was not considered a crime under state law at the time it occurred and the law can’t be applied retroactively. In other instances, the statute of limitations had expired. During the investigation, Campbell said three cases were referred to their respective district attorneys offices, including one to the Worcester County District Attorney’s office which led to the filing of criminal charges in district court. Campbell added the investigation involved a grand jury and her office spent years ensuring it could release the full report without violating the secrecy of grand jury proceedings. Campbell said her office spoke with survivors who feared their parents would believe a priest over them, some waited decades to share their experiences and some waited until their parents died. And, when allegations were made, Campbell said, the diocese “too often, found ways to explain away the conduct.” “Serious abuse was characterized as loneliness, poor judgment, boundary violations, or personal difficulties facing the priest. The priest was treated as someone who needed sympathy or help. The child was too often treated as someone whose story needed to be questioned,” Campbell said. “And because abuse was hidden, minimized, and never properly documented, many survivors believed they were the only child their abuser had harmed. These failures did not simply leave children unprotected; they enabled accused and offending priests to maintain access to children.” Representatives for the diocese of Springfield did not immediately respond to the News Service’s inquiries on the report. Ray Delisle, chancellor and director of communications for the Worcester diocese, referred to a 2022 quote from Bishop Robert McManus in the diocese’s own childhood sexual abuse report. “As your bishop, I am profoundly sorry for the abuse of minors by priests within this diocese since its founding in March 1950. I continue in my commitment with the help of many collaborators to do everything we can to ensure such abuse does not happen again,” McManus said in the quote Delisle provided. Delisle also said the diocese welcomes the attorney general’s report because there were no charges filed and any complaints since 2002 have been forwarded to the local district attorney’s office. Also, Delisle said the report “validates” the diocese’s own report, which he said showed a majority of cases occurred between 40 and 60 years ago. The report also backs up the diocese’s implementation of a 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Minors, which Delisle said was adopted by dioceses across the country. Since then, the diocese has passed annual independent compliance audits, he said. “We will study the AG’s report to identify any additional improvements that can be made to respond to victims of past abuse and to continue to strengthen efforts to keep children safe,” he said in a statement. Bishop Edgar da Cunha of the Fall River diocese said in a statement, “I am filled with sorrow over the historical account of incidents and practices reflecting the tragic failings to protect our most vulnerable, especially for the innocent victims who suffered, and continue to suffer, in so many ways.” “To all survivors of child sexual abuse, I am deeply sorry. We as a Church failed you when you were most vulnerable. As a Diocese we are firmly resolved to continue to do all we can to help you heal, to make certain we are accountable, and to protect our children so that no other child suffers as you have,” da Cunha said. Da Cunha outlined steps the diocese has taken to improve protections for children including publishing a list of clergy who are facing a “credible allegation” of abusing a minor, creating a policy with instructions for staff who receive allegations of abuse to follow, mandated training for staff on how to recognize signs of abuse and what to do if they believe it has occurred, and cooperating with law enforcement to find and prosecute abuse as well as conducting investigations and removing clergy members who have been “credibly accused.” “We are carefully assessing the AGO report and will continue to take the steps necessary to foster a culture of protection that we have worked to build over the past decade,” he said. During the press conference, Campbell also shared that she is “a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and it’s the first time I’ve ever shared that publicly.” “And for me to stand up here, it would be absolutely one, inauthentic, and inauthentic to my faith, to not share that I am a survivor of childhood abuse, not at the hands of the church, but at the hands of a relative, and that frankly, my faith has allowed me to overcome that,” she said. “And I feel really blessed to have a platform that I never take for granted that the people of this incredible state gave me to bring about the findings of this investigation. And most importantly, to offer additional compassion for survivors in this moment in time who may want to come forward.” Campbell’s office said its investigation led to several legislative recommendations for improving survivors’ access to justice. These include eliminating the $20,000 charitable immunity cap for civil child sexual abuse claims; getting rid of the statute of limitations for civil claims; and establishing an indefinite period where survivors whose claims fall outside the current statute of limitations can revive those claims. State Sen. Joan Lovely and Rep. John Lawn have pushed for legislation that enacts similar provisions. Lovely is backing a bill (H 4539) that eliminates the statute of limitations, gives survivors two years to revive claims that are prohibited under the current statute of limitations and removes the $20,000 cap for damages survivors can get from a charitable organization. The bill is a Joint Committee on the Judiciary redraft of several bills that has been pending in the House Ways and Means Committee since September 2025. Similar legislation to eliminate the statute of limitations cleared the Senate at the end of last session and died in the House. Lawn sponsored an amendment with very similar provisions that was included in primary care legislation ( H 5630 / S 3141 ) a conference committee is currently negotiating. “If we care about the report, the findings, and the survivors, it is our responsibility as leaders who hold the power – they do not – to pass legislation that would allow for them to truly get justice and accountability,” Campbell said. “And allow folks who have come forward the opportunity to seek accountability, and most importantly, it would incentivize, I think, more people to come forward if they know that we in leadership, we in government, hear them, value them. This is the time.” Similar bills have failed on Beacon Hill. Asked if there’s anything different about the proposal this session, Lawn said, “I just think there’s an urgency.” He added the Catholic church has consistently opposed removing the statute of limitations. Also asked if this year will be any different for the proposals, Lovely said the legislation has moved “further than it ever has” by reaching a conference committee. On the status of her legislation, Lovely noted Lawn’s proposal is in a “very active moment.” “We share this responsibility to be able to make – to get this to happen. So I’m so happy to support Representative Lawn and his efforts to put that language into the primary care bill, and that’s what we’re looking at,” she said. Worcester is the only diocese in the state to not publicly release a list of accused clergy members. Campbell said her office has asked the Worcester diocese to release the list and they refused. “What’s happening here is that the secrecy that sparked this conflagration back in 2002 is still happening, and until it stops happening, we’re not there. We’re not where we need to be,” said Terence McKiernan founder and co-director of BishopAccountability.org, referencing the exposure of childhood sexual abuse within the Boston Archdiocese by The Boston Globe‘s Spotlight team in 2002. Delisle said there is “no other precedent for the publishing of lists of the accused in society – even of those accused in other positions of trust such as medicine, education or law enforcement.” He added The Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has said lists shouldn’t be published when a clergy member has not been found guilty of a crime. “Such lists can be a cause for deep division among many members of our Church who see this as publicly branding as guilty those who never have been charged by law enforcement or had a chance to defend themselves in a court of law, given the fact that many decades have passed between the alleged abuse and the reporting of that abuse, or because they were already deceased when the allegation was first received. That does not stop the diocese from responding to the victims,” Delisle said. Campbell also noted the full scope of the issue is unclear because of a lack of records and the fact that survivors don’t come forward until decades after their abuse. Campbell said her office is open to receiving claims from anyone who has faced abuse and that “we will take their allegations seriously.” The report comes almost 25 years after the Boston Globe reported widespread child sexual abuse within the Boston Archdiocese in 2002. In 2003, then-Attorney General Thomas Reilly also released a scathing report finding extensive abuse within the Boston diocese. Campbell said the latest report shows a need for a culture change “at the highest levels.” Courtesy of Commonwealth Beacon
	Residents invited to line funeral procession route for former Davenport fire chief The funeral for former Davenport Fire Chief Mark Frese will take place on Thursday morning, Oct. 1, according to a news release from the City of Davenport. Members of the public are invited and encouraged to line the procession route to pay their respects and honor Frese’s nearly 37 years of dedicated service to the [...]
	California restricts parole for sex offenders after near-release of 2 convicted of molestation In summary People convicted of serious sex offenses must serve at least 25 years in prison and cannot receive parole until age 65 under a new California. Previously, some could earn parole at 50. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Wednesday that will raise the age of parole eligibility for sex offenders serving life sentences. A Sacramento-area legislator brought forward the bill, which raises the age of eligibility from 50 to 65 for people who have already served 25 years in prison, after the Board of Parole Hearings recommend release of two sex offenders from her district who were serving life sentences. “It takes a more targeted approach and draws a clear line for the most serious sexual offenses, including cases involving multiple victims, while raising the bar for others before they can even be considered for release,” said bill author Stephanie Nguyen, a Democratic Assemblymember from Elk Grove. Some civil rights and prisoner advocacy groups raised concerns about the proposals, arguing they could weaken parole laws that have proven effective in reducing the state’s incarcerated population. The two paroled men, David Allen Funston and Gregory Lee Vogelsang, each had been convicted of multiple sexual assaults against young children in the Sacramento region. Funston earned parole at 67 years old after serving 27 years. He had originally been sentenced to three consecutive 25 years-to-life terms, plus an additional 20-year sentence. Vogelsang earned parole at 57, also after serving 27 years. He had originally been sentenced to 355 years-to-life. Vogelsang’s parole in particular prompted both the Sacramento County sheriff and district attorney to protest his release. Vogelsang was convicted of molesting at least six children between the ages of 5-11. “The parole board is letting us down,” Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper said at a March press conference. “They are horrible. I will say that out front. They are horrible. After this case and the Funston case, they need to be gone. Period.” The board rescinded Vogelsang’s parole in June. In Funston’s case, the parole board found him eligible for parole in September 2025. In January, Newsom requested a review of the parole decision, and in February, the parole board granted Funston’s release to Placer County authorities, who charged him with a 1996 child sexual assault and have since held him in custody. The Prison Policy Initiative, which opposes what it calls over-criminalization, wrote in opposition to the bill that it is unnecessarily punitive to a population that shows few signs of reoffending. “The three-year recidivism rate for people released through California’s elderly parole hearing process is remarkably low –– among the lowest in the nation,” the Massachusetts-based nonprofit wrote in opposition to the bill. “There has never been a documented case of sexual re-offense by someone released through the Elderly Parole program, further undermining the premise of this bill.” The bill will take effect on Jan. 1, and would limit eligibility for the Elderly Parole Program to people over 65 who were sentenced for a one-strike sex offenses, aggravated assault of a child, sex acts on a child 10 years old or younger, or someone who is considered a habitual sexual offender. Courtesy of Cal Matters
	Bettendorf Public Library takes show on road with BettConnect Many people gathered Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 30, to check out the Bettendorf Public Library’s new outreach vehicle, called BettConnect.
	New interactive 'Story Map' documents decades of Quad Cities LGBTQ+ history After five years of work, the online map highlights key moments, places and people that make up local LGBTQ+ history. Now the creators need your help adding more.
	Rock Island Police working to solve 911 dispatcher shortage While the city approved a temporary contract for on-demand dispatcher services, the search continues to fill remaining full-time roles.
	Thefts cause about $165K in damage at Davenport community center Earlier this summer, thieves stole copper wiring from The Center’s heating and air conditioning units. Then last week, it happened again.
	Wet September rain delays harvest and raises costs for Quad Cities area farmers It's been the wettest September since 2020. That can translate into a delayed harvest, lost yields, compacted soil and deteriorating mental health for local farmers.
	Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department seeking volunteers for Halloween at Kent Stein Park event A haunted night at Muscatine's Kent Stein Park is set to bring Halloween fun on Saturday, Oct. 24.
	Interstate 80 east reopened after crash partially blocks exit ramp The roadway was reopened as of 6:05 p.m., according to Iowa 511.
	‘This is a very different type of steel mill being proposed’: How proposed Iowa steel plant will impact the environment With the announcement of a $15 billion steel mill coming to southeast Iowa still fresh in peoples minds, there are still many unanswered questions.
	Swiss glaciers suffer another year of record ice loss Switzerland's glaciers are disappearing at a record pace. More than 5% of their ice has vanished this year alone — threatening water supplies, ecosystems and communities across Europe.
	The Third Place QC plans to expand into historic Abbey Station in Rock Island The nonprofit, which offers daytime shelter, hospitality, and essential resources to people experiencing homelessness and economic insecurity, quickly outgrew its initial footprint.
	Traffic alert: Interstate 80 exit ramp partially blocked due to crash KWQC has reached out to officials for more information.
	Wet weather impacting Iowa farmers' harvests Iowa State Extension Field Agronomist Vigil Schmitt explains how soggy conditions aren't only impacting farmers' ability to harvest but also the crops themselves.
	QC investor group acquires Happy Joe's A group of Quad Cities investors has acquired Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream, including the brand's franchising company and its three company-owned restaurants in Bettendorf and Davenport, according to a news release. Carlos Araujo, an executive with the ownership group, has been named president and will lead the company. The new ownership said it [...]
	Take a look at the final design of new I-80 bridge over the Mississippi River at upcoming open house The design was settled on after more than five years of planning.
	Fort Madison teen reported missing, last contact was September 25 Adam Robert Bagan, 16, was last contacted Friday, Sept. 25.
	LIHEAP applications open Thursday for heating assistance LIHEAP applications open Oct. 1 for eligible families with young children, those living with disabilities and seniors in Henry, Rock Island and Mercer counties.
	New details: Keokuk school bus rolls down embankment A Keokuk School District bus rolled down an embankment after leaving the roadway last month.
	Davenport launches program focusing on youth mental health Davenport Parks and Recreation is launching a new program focusing on youth mental health.
	Muscatine to hold walk as part of statewide effort Muscatine will join the 18th annual Healthiest State Walk on Oct. 7.
	Leaning into culture war flashpoints, Hegseth says he has transformed U.S. military Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told hundreds of junior military officers and enlisted leaders on Wednesday that the Trump administration has achieved a cultural shift in the military.
	Augustana professor creates 'The Story Map' of LGBTQ+ history in the Quad Cities After five years of work, the project from professor Chris Strunk is now open to public viewing!
	Funeral procession for former Davenport Fire Chief Mark Frese Thursday The procession for former Davenport Fire Chief Mark Frese will leave Saint Anthony Catholic Church around 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1.
	Happy Joe's under new ownership A group of Quad Cities investors has acquired Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream, according to a press release.
	Rock Island City Council approves temporary hiring of outside dispatchers for the police department’s emergency center In an unanimous vote, the council approved a $174,898.51 agreement with Moetivations for PRN dispatcher service. It will last six months and provide two full-time dispatchers. The police department is in the process of hiring two people to bring the total number of dispatchers to 10, the process takes four to five months. The short term agreement will provide temporary assistance to the current 8 dispatchers.
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: CHRISTOPHER HUNTLEY, 54, 6', 230 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Wanted by Scott County Sheriff's Office for sex offender registration violations. DEVONTE MCGEE, 25, [...]
	Former public defender sentenced to prison for healthcare fraud A former public defender from western Iowa has been sentenced to five months in prison for defrauding Medicaid and cancer patients.
	The Center in Davenport works to recover from two incidents of vandalism The Center, 1411 Brady St., Davenport, is seeking public help to respond to two separate acts of vandalism that have caused extensive damage to their HVAC system, electrical infrastructure and roof.
	Marion woman duped out of $318K in elaborate gold-bar scheme The scammers planned for a second $272K drop, telling her to hand over the gold to a federal agent who would give the code word ‘poker queen.’
	Supervisors candidate forum Saturday at the Regional Innovation Center The North Scott Press and the Scott County Farm Bureau welcome you to a forum of candidates for the Scott County Board of Supervisors, Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. at the Regional Innovation Center, 2205 S. 1st Street, Eldridge. Candidates will include: John Maxwell (R), incumbent Jean Dickson (R), incumbent Luana Stoltenberg (R) Kevin Randle (D) Steve Doerscher (D) Wendy Walljasper (I) The North Scott Press and Farm Bureau will co-moderate the event. We plan to solicit questions from the audience. The event will run until 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
	Holiday shoppers are turning to AI. Can retailers deliver? A holiday shopper looking for a gift can now describe the recipient and a budget to an AI assistant, then ask follow-up questions until a short list emerges. The retailer may enter the conversation only after much of the decision is made.This emerging consumer behavior is becoming measurable. According to Adobe Analytics, traffic from generative AI tools to U.S. retail websites rose 693.4% during the November-December 2025 holiday season compared with a year earlier.Adobe cautioned that the user base remained modest, but the growth continued as AI referrals increased 393% year over year in the first quarter of 2026.Now, as Kase outlines below, retailers are facing a new question as they head into the 2026 holidays. And it extends beyond appearing in an AI recommendation.If shoppers arrive through new routes, with decisions already partly settled, can inventory and fulfillment operations respond to the demand that follows?The shopping trip becomes a conversationAI shopping takes several forms. An assistant might help someone compare products, while another tool can take purchasing actions with the shopper’s authorization. Using AI to research a gift does not necessarily mean handing over the transaction.ChatGPT’s shopping experience demonstrates discovery. In March, OpenAI introduced expanded visual product browsing and side-by-side comparisons. Shoppers can describe their constraints, upload an image for inspiration, and refine the results through conversation.The assistant helps translate an initially vague request into specific products. For holiday shopping, that could mean asking for a gift for a frequent traveler, then narrowing the options to items that fit in a carry-on.Gift buying lends itself to that back-and-forth. A buyer may know the recipient’s interests but little about the category. Asking why one option fits, or whether a less expensive alternative offers similar features, can make a recommendation easier to assess. The shopper can also revise the budget without restarting the entire search.Google is also bringing advertising into that process. In May, the company announced tests of Conversational Discovery ads and Highlighted Answers in AI Mode. These formats use Gemini-generated explanations to connect products with a shopper’s question and carry a sponsored label.Amazon has moved further into assistance that can act. Its Alexa for Shopping combines capabilities from Rufus and Alexa+, including product comparisons and price tracking. Amazon says shoppers can use it to buy items at a target price. The company reported that more than 300 million customers used Rufus during 2025.Holiday buying is likely to happen across different timelines. Some shoppers may research well ahead of a sale, then act when a price alert arrives. Others might use an assistant to settle a purchase shortly before a gifting deadline.The product information becomes part of the pitchAI shopping has a high appeal. Shoppers can explain what they need without knowing the right product name or search term. But a useful answer depends on whether the assistant can find reliable information about the available options.Google has made it clear that the AI shopping experiences depend on the product data merchants provide. For example, incomplete Merchant Center feeds can limit product discovery, making catalog maintenance part of the competition for attention.AI needs something concrete to evaluate: specifics that offer more detail than a gift set that’s “perfect for everyone.”Operational details matter once that interest turns into an order. An advertised bundle needs every component available, and a delivery must reflect where the inventory is located and when the warehouse can dispatch it.AI-referred visitors appear more willing to buy. Adobe found that in March 2026, visits from AI sources converted at a rate 42% higher than visits from non-AI sources.The finding suggests that some retailers will meet these shoppers relatively late in their decision process. Product discovery may have happened elsewhere; the retailer still has to make the purchase work.New discovery routes meet familiar warehouse constraintsFulfillment challenges are possible when concentrated demand falls outside a brand’s promotional calendar. A product that is repeatedly recommended for a particular need could draw orders that were difficult to anticipate from the retailer’s own campaign activity.AI referrals alone cannot indicate whether demand is becoming less predictable, but they do give retailers another source of customer activity to account for.Retailers already have readiness concerns going into peak season. Kase surveyed 328 retail and e-commerce leaders for its 2026 peak-season research. Its findings showed that 79% expected reactive decisions once volume spiked, even though 96% had started planning earlier.Inventory imbalance was the leading operational risk, cited by 52% of respondents. Meanwhile, 85% were increasing inventory ahead of peak.Additional or excess stock offers limited protection if orders concentrate on one variant while other products remain untouched. A travel gift set that gains unexpected demand could exhaust one component, leaving the remaining pieces available, but the advertised bundle impossible to ship.“The goal is to prevent stockouts and inbound congestion before they happen,” says Owen Stauber, senior director of fulfillment operations at Kase.Holiday readiness must look past the forecastThese new shopping behaviors make coordination between merchandising and fulfillment especially consequential. A product gaining attention needs to be visible to the people managing available inventory and the teams that track traffic and sales.The operational response depends on the constraint. If stock is available but packing capacity is tight, additional trained labor may help. If a component is depleted, extra warehouse staff can’t complete the bundle. If inventory is distant from the customer, an aggressive delivery promise may require expensive expedited shipping.These scenarios put a premium on shared order and inventory information. Agreed thresholds for responding to sudden volume changes can help teams decide when to adjust allocations or revise delivery estimates.The 2026 holiday season will test how well retailers connect a changing shopping experience with the physical work behind each order. AI can help a customer choose a gift in a few exchanges. The promise attached to that purchase still depends on the warehouse and delivery network being ready.This story was produced by Kase and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	70% of Americans think their phone is listening to their conversations. Is it? Most of us have had the experience. You mention something out loud—a jacket someone was wearing, a blender your friend just got, a supplement your coworker won’t stop talking about—and within hours, you’re looking at an ad for it. Not for something in that category but for that exact product.The obvious conclusion is that your phone is listening. It isn’t. But the real explanation is arguably more impressive than audio surveillance, and considerably stranger.A new survey of 1,000 American adults, commissioned by streaming ad platform Vibe, found that 70% of Americans believe their phone is listening to their conversations to influence the ads they see. Thirty-one percent say it definitely is, and only 7% doubt it.When an outcome seems too precise to be a coincidence, and nobody in the ad industry has ever bothered to explain how it actually works, “it must be listening” is the simplest theory that fits. Vibe Your behavior is louder than your voiceModern ad targeting doesn’t need your microphone because it has something better: your behavior. Not just what you click, but what you slow down on, what you search twice, where your phone has been, what the other devices on your home network are shopping for, and what millions of people with habits similar to yours ended up buying.None of this starts with your name or who you are. Ad platforms work with behavioral signals, patterns of what people do, not records of who they are. Here’s what those signals actually look like:Search patterns. When you search for something, the signal is, “someone searched for running shoes twice this week,” rather than “Jane searched for running shoes.” The platform sees a category of intent, not a person.Time spent. How long you engaged with a page, whether you returned to it, and whether you opened several tabs on the same topic are signals that indicate genuine interest without recording what you actually read.Location patterns. Aggregate location data shows that phones in certain areas tend to belong to certain kinds of shoppers, like “people who visit gyms also buy protein supplements.” It works at a population level more than it tracks any one person’s movements.Device identifiers. Every phone and connected TV has a built-in advertising ID—an anonymous code, not tied to your name or email—that helps platforms understand which devices belong to the same household. This is actually more privacy-protective than the older method of using IP addresses, which are shared across apartment buildings and change unpredictably.Household signals. Devices that consistently connect from the same location get grouped together. The system doesn’t know who lives there, just that the browsing patterns coming from that address tend to look a certain way.Lookalike modeling. Advertisers can reach people who share behavioral patterns with their best customers without ever knowing who those people are.Put those signals together, and you get something that predicts purchase intent quite well, without ever needing a name, a face, a personal record, or an eavesdropping session on your phone.So, why did that ad show up right after you thought about it?There’s something else happening too.Cognitive scientists call it the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon (otherwise known as the “frequency illusion”). You spend 20 minutes looking at a couch on a Tuesday. By Thursday you’ve seen it four times—in a feed, in a banner, in a sidebar. The couch was already in circulation. Tuesday is just when you started looking. Once something enters your awareness, you start noticing it everywhere.When you mention something out loud, it’s already on your mind. You’re primed to notice the next related ad you see. The gap between the conversation and the ad feels like an hour. It might be coincidence. Your brain just finally made the connection.The survey found that 81% of Americans say they’ve gotten an ad for something they only discussed or thought about, never typed—and 42% say it happens often enough that it no longer feels like coincidence. Vibe How people react to well-targeted adsThe room splits almost evenly. Among those who’ve had this experience, 23% found the ad convenient, and the same share were impressed by its accuracy. Another 27% were simply curious how the advertiser knew. But 31% felt watched, and 27% were uncomfortable.The reaction tracks closely with how much someone understands about how targeting works. Sixty-four percent of Americans now know that AI helps decide which ads they see. Among those who understood the mechanism, comfort ran considerably higher. Understanding the system shifts the emotional read from surveillance to service.Generation plays a role. 34% of Gen Z report feeling impressed when uncanny ads happen to show up on their feed or TV, compared to 7% of Boomers. Younger users grew up inside algorithmic personalization. The surprise isn’t that targeting is personal. It’s when it isn’t.How your TV fits into thisThe same machinery now extends to your living room screen, and this is where things get genuinely sophisticated.For years, ad platforms tried to connect your devices using your IP address, the number your internet provider assigns to your home network. The problem is that IP addresses are unreliable identifiers. They change. They’re often shared across an entire apartment building. On a college campus or at a large employer, thousands of people appear to be the same “household” by IP alone.The newer approach is called identity resolution, and it’s considerably more precise. Ad platforms build what’s known as an identity graph—connecting device advertising IDs (the anonymous identifier built into every phone and connected TV), publisher-provided identifiers, and email-based signals that have been cryptographically scrambled before use, so no actual email address is ever stored or transmitted.The result is a system that resolves identity at three levels: the individual, the household, and the shared network. Your phone and your living room TV can be recognized as belonging to the same home. A college dorm’s shared Wi-Fi doesn’t get mistakenly treated as one giant household. Your office building doesn’t receive the ads targeted at your personal browsing.That last point matters more than it sounds. An ad platform that can’t distinguish your home from your employer is frequency-capping your household separately on every device, which means the same ad might appear to every family member dozens of times while appearing to the advertiser as only a handful of impressions. The identity graph solves that. Ads are managed at the household level, because that’s actually how people make purchasing decisions.The survey found that about 54% of respondents who tried to actively influence their ads said the same campaign started following them across platforms—showing up in a feed and again on a TV screen during the same week. That’s identity resolution working as designed. Vibe The people getting the best ads figured something outHere’s the part the ad industry rarely mentions: most Americans are already shaping their own ads. On purpose.Eighty-four percent of American adults took at least one action in the past year to influence what they were shown, like visiting competing websites, searching a product more than once, watching category videos, engaging with relevant content. Sixty-one percent of those people say they did it on purpose.It works, at least partially. Forty-eight percent who tried these tactics said their ads became more relevant.The people in this study who actively shaped their ad experience reported being more satisfied with what they bought, returning to the same brands at nearly double the rate, and recommending what they bought far more often than those who let the algorithm run unattended.Understanding the system, it turns out, makes it work better, not just for advertisers but for the people on the other end of that ad.Your phone isn’t listening to your conversations. It has never needed to. What it has is a record of almost everything else, and a remarkably precise model of what that record suggests you’ll want next.MethodologyVibe, via Pollfish, surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults who use ad-supported websites, social media platforms, apps, or streaming services. The survey was conducted in September 2026.This story was produced by Vibe and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Anne Frank Initiative reaches Iowans through unique educational programming Students across Iowa can tour the Anne Frank House without leaving the state.
	Republican AGs sue abortion ‘shield law’ states in U.S. Supreme Court Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill speaks at a news conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, announcing a lawsuit challenging abortion shield laws in Democratic-led states. Joining Murrill were Attorneys General Steve Marshall of Alabama, left, and Tim Griffin of Arkansas, whose states are also plaintiffs in the case. (Photo by Piper Hutchinson/Louisiana Illuminator)BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and the attorneys general in Arkansas and Alabama filed a lawsuit Tuesday in the U.S. Supreme Court, suing California, Massachusetts and New York to invalidate the so-called “shield laws” that have allowed providers in those states to send abortion medication to people in states with abortion bans. The state officials, all Republicans, also filed a lawsuit in federal district court against individual abortion providers in the same three states. “We will not allow activist states, activist providers or distributors profiting from killing babies to threaten Louisiana’s sovereignty, violate Louisiana’s laws and endanger Louisiana women and Louisiana babies,” Murrill said at a news conference on Tuesday. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin and Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall of Alabama also were present. The lawsuit filed in the Western District of Louisiana seeks to stop the individual providers named from being able to prescribe and send abortion medication to those states, while the Supreme Court complaint asks the justices to find the shield laws are a constitutional violation of state sovereignty.. “Today, plaintiff states filed a lawsuit against as many organizations and individuals as they have been able to identify notwithstanding the shield laws intended to thwart such litigation,” the Supreme Court complaint reads. “To fully obtain relief, however, they must also eliminate other contributing causes for the harm that they are suffering, including … the shield laws.” The district court suit names 30 defendants, including the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project and its founder, Angel Foster, Dr. Remy Coeytaux in California and other telehealth providers around the country. The complaint compares the mailing of abortion medication to anthrax, mail bombs and chemical weapons, despite studies since 2000 showing that abortion medication is safe and effective to use. “(Defendants) think themselves invincible because their agents swear to never step foot in plaintiff states (thereby avoiding arrest), and their home states have enacted so-called ‘shield laws’ intended to thwart legal liability for individuals perpetrating this interstate abortion scheme,” the complaint says. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 2022 allowing states to ban abortion at any stage of pregnancy, 13 states now have near-total bans, while others have expanded abortion access. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed the drug mifepristone, one of two commonly used to terminate a pregnancy in the first trimester or to treat miscarriages, to be dispensed without a visit to an in-person provider in 2023, after years of safety studies. Providers in states with access can prescribe and mail the medication to states with bans, and Murrill, along with other state AGs, has tried to extradite those providers to Louisiana to face legal charges for violating the ban. One of the providers Murrill tried to extradite in January was Coeytoux in California. Governors in those states have refused to comply with the extradition requests. To protect those providers, California, Massachusetts and New York were among the 22 states and the District of Columbia that passed shield laws to block out-of-state investigations and prosecutions against providers dispensing for abortion medications to patients in other states. Murrill is also leading a lawsuit against the FDA to reverse the 2023 provision allowing telehealth access to mifepristone, and two other lawsuits of a similar nature are ongoing in Missouri and Texas. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in Louisiana’s case earlier this month and is expected to issue a decision in the coming weeks about the future of nationwide access to the drug. Stateline reporter Kelcie Moseley-Morris can be reached at kmoseley@stateline.org. Louisiana Illuminator reporter Piper Hutchinson contributed to this report. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Stateline
	Justice Department indicts 10 noncitizens in quest to prove Trump claims of election fraud A federal grand jury indicted 10 noncitizens for unlawfully voting in Minnesota, U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said Wednesday, highlighting the administration’s effort to keep election security a top issue, in line with President Donald Trump’s longstanding unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud.The indictments, which include nine counts of unlawful voting and nine counts of falsely claiming citizenship to register to vote, bring the number of noncitizens charged nationwide with election-related crimes since Trump re-took office last year to 90. The census reports 154 million people voted in the 2024 election.Blanche said at a news conference at Justice Department headquarters in Washington, D.C., that the indictments show how seriously the administration takes election security.“We have talked repeatedly about the importance of election integrity, and we're certainly not going to stop talking about that now,” he said. “Voter fraud erodes the public's trust in our electoral system, and it's vital to our democratic process that we do everything that we can to restore that trust.”Blanche’s participation in a press conference, alongside fellow Cabinet member Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, underlined the administration’s continuing focus on noncitizen voting, though numerous studies have shown it to be rare. Trump has for years amplified debunked conspiracy theories centered on election fraud.Mullin made that connection explicit Wednesday, saying the indictments confirmed Trump’s accusations.“The president said it for a long time, and the Democrats were sitting there denying it and saying, ‘There's no fraud. That wasn't taking place. There's no fraud. There's nothing, nothing here. Don't look over here,’” he said. “We're realizing there's actually a lot. And we believe that some of these states probably even knew about it, chose not to look into it. Well, we are.”But the allegations of illegal voting in Minnesota in the 2022 and 2024 general elections and 2026 primaries made virtually no difference to election results. The seven alleged illegal votes in the 2024 presidential election, for example, would account for only .0002% of votes cast in that election in Minnesota. Courtesy of D.C. Bureau
	Researchers say demographics, behavioral risks account for much of Iowa’s high cancer rates Iowa has been one of the only states in the country where rates are rising for new instances of cancer.
	Outdoor lounge space coming to the Quad Cities International Airport The Quad Cities International Airport is set to open an outdoor lounge space.
	What can you drink while fasting? What can you drink while fasting? There’s one simple answer: low- or no-calorie beverages.This answer addresses frequently asked questions: Does water break a fast? No. What about diet soda, black coffee, or plain tea? They’re close enough to calorie-free for most fasting goals.But there’s important context behind that answer. Technically, consuming calories ends a zero-calorie fast. But fasting isn’t a switch that a calorie or two automatically flips off. For most practical goals like weight loss or metabolic health, small amounts of calories are unlikely to meaningfully disrupt the effects of fasting. Small amounts of fat or collagen in particular may have minimal metabolic impact for many people, though technically they provide calories and can activate some nutrient-sensing pathways.You’ll want to drink something while you fast, anyway. During fasting, glycogen depletion and increased sodium excretion can lead to greater fluid loss. The loss is greatest during the first part of a fast, which may contribute to fatigue or headaches in some people. Replacing both fluid and electrolytes can help you stay hydrated and may help you feel better during a fast.Fasting has become another tool in optimization culture’s toolbelt. Eighteen hours is better than sixteen hours? Did that splash of cream ruin everything? Did five calories shut down autophagy? Did I eat three minutes too early?It’s worth keeping some perspective: Humans’ ancestors experienced natural fluctuations in eating patterns, including occasional hunger. But they didn’t chase extreme fasting protocols or obsess over autophagy.Is there evidence that time-restricted eating can be a useful tool, particularly for people trying to lose weight or improve certain markers of metabolic health? Yes. But that doesn’t mean everyone needs a tightly controlled eating window to be healthy.In fact, many researchers have suggested that fasting simply provides an easy framework that reduces how much — or how late — people eat. But when compared to conventional calorie restriction, the extra benefits of fasting aren’t always clear.If a fasting routine makes it easier for you to eat well, maintain a healthy weight, or feel your best, great. Use the tool. If it makes your life harder without producing a meaningful benefit, you probably don't need it.If fasting is something you feel could make a meaningful impact on your health goals, keep reading. LMNT dives deeper into the mechanics of fasting, what breaks a fast, and what you can and can’t drink while fasting for best results.How Does Fasting Work?Fasting works by shifting your body from using incoming calories to drawing more heavily on stored fuel. With no food coming in, your liver breaks down glycogen, the stored form of glucose, to help keep blood glucose steady. As that supply dwindles, your body leans harder on stored fat and begins producing more ketones for fuel.Eating supports “growth” processes in our bodies — cell growth, muscle growth, tissue development and repair, etc. These processes are supported by key hormones and enzymes, including:Insulin: This hormone is released in response to food intake, particularly carbohydrates but also protein. Insulin helps store energy in cells and promotes cell growth and repair.mTOR: This is a nutrient-sensing signaling pathway that is activated by amino acids, especially leucine and arginine. mTOR supports muscle and tissue growth. It also suppresses autophagy, a process that breaks down and recycles parts of damaged cells.In tangible terms, these growth processes help build bone, repair muscle tissue after a workout, and store energy for later use, among many other benefits.Before insulin gets cast as the villain, let’s clear something up: If you have a human body and you consume food or drinks, your insulin will rise. That normal rise and fall helps shuttle nutrients where they need to go. It’s essential for a functioning body, not a metabolic emergency.The goal of metabolic health isn’t to keep insulin as flat as possible. The amount and type of food you eat matter, as does your overall diet, activity, and metabolic health. For example:Carbohydrates generally trigger the greatest insulin response — that’s a fact — but protein can stimulate insulin too.A large carbohydrate-heavy meal and something containing a gram or two of carbohydrate aren’t metabolically equivalent just because both contain carbs. Dose matters.Where insulin becomes more concerning is when the bigger system stops working well. Chronically high insulin often goes hand-in-hand with insulin resistance — a major driver of Type 2 diabetes. Dysregulation of mTOR is linked to aging and disease. That’s very different from treating every temporary rise in insulin after eating as something that needs to be avoided.This is where fasting comes in. When you fast, insulin and mTOR signaling decrease, shifting the body away from growth pathways. During fasting, the body increasingly relies on stored fat for energy. Intermittent fasting may improve some metabolic measures and can support weight loss when it results in reduced overall energy intake. Fasting may also stimulate cellular recycling processes such as autophagy, although most evidence comes from laboratory or animal studies.With insulin and mTOR in mind, it’s now easier to understand what breaks a fast.What Breaks a Fast?Strictly speaking, any food, drink, or supplement that contains calories ends a zero-calorie fast. Your exact metabolic response depends on the amount and type of calories consumed, with carbohydrates, proteins, and fats affecting insulin and nutrient-sensing pathways differently.Carbs raise insulin the most, but remember: dose matters. When you eat carbs, you digest those carbs into sugar, your blood sugar rises, and your pancreas releases insulin to store excess blood sugar in muscle, liver, and fat cells. Protein and fat can increase insulin too, but fat has the smallest effect.Protein, on the other hand, activates mTOR, predominantly the amino acids leucine and arginine. Leucine is common in some protein sources like fish and eggs, but low in other proteins like collagen. Arginine is also found in protein-rich foods like fish, meat, and nuts as well as collagen.For a strict zero-calorie fast, avoid caloric carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Protein — particularly certain amino acids — can activate nutrient-sensing pathways such as mTOR.What Can You Drink While Fasting?While fasting, you can drink water, sugar-free electrolyte water, black coffee, plain tea, sparkling water, and most other drinks with few or no calories.Can I drink water while fasting?You not only can, but you should drink water to prevent symptoms of dehydration, especially since glycogen depletion and increased sodium excretion can lead to greater fluid loss during fasting. Just don’t overdo it, listen to your body’s signals, and drink to thirst. This’ll keep most folks in the Goldilocks range of the “just right” amount of fluids.There’s no universal amount of water everyone should drink while fasting. Your needs depend on your body, activity, and environment, so adjust rather than chasing an arbitrary ounce target:Follow your thirst: If you feel parched, drink until you’re not.Consider body size: Larger bodies typically need more water than smaller ones.Account for climate: Hot or humid conditions can increase your fluid needs.Adjust for activity: You may need more fluid on active or sweaty days than on rest days.Can I drink electrolyte water while fasting?You can drink electrolyte water while fasting. Fasting can increase sodium excretion, especially on longer fasts. How much more you need depends on your fasting duration, activity level, climate, and overall health — and since you won't be getting electrolytes through food like you normally would, it's worth paying attention to how you feel.You’ll just want to be careful to read the labels. Some electrolyte drinks include quite a bit of sugar. Others contain only a few calories and carbohydrates and shouldn’t disrupt the fast. Check the nutrition label for calories and macronutrients, and consider the goal of your fast.Can I drink coffee while fasting?Go for it. Black coffee can fit a zero-calorie fast. Most brews — sans creamers and flavors — only contain about 5 calories per cup, plus coffee contains loads of antioxidants and compounds that some laboratory studies suggest may influence autophagy. Adding fat or collagen provides calories and technically ends a strict fast, although small amounts may be compatible with some modified fasting approaches.Can I drink tea while fasting?Yep, this is the same principle as coffee. Only about 2 calories per cup here, plus lots of antioxidants.Can I drink diet soda while fasting?Yes, but consider a zero-calorie soda sweetened with stevia or monk fruit. Some studies suggest certain artificial sweeteners may affect gut microbiota, though evidence in humans is mixed.Can I drink bone broth while fasting?Unless you’re doing a modified fasting protocol, skip it. Bone broth contains about 50 calories and 9 grams of protein per cup, so it does break a fast.Can I drink sparkling or lemon water while fasting?Low- or zero-calorie sparkling water and water with a squeeze of lemon are fine to drink during a fast. Avoid sweetened sparkling water and those containing juice.What Should You Not Drink While Fasting?You should avoid drinks with any meaningful calories, sugar, or leucine- and arginine-rich protein while fasting.Calories hide in a lot of common beverages. Here’s a quick list of drinks to avoid to help keep your body in fasting mode:Regular sodaFruit juice (even with “no sugar added” — fruit and fruit juices contain lots of natural sugar)Sugary sports drinksMilk, chocolate milk, and hot chocolateSmoothiesProtein drinksAlcoholic beveragesMost latte, cappuccino, mochaccino, and Frappuccino drinksA Simple Framework: How Do You Know If a Drink Breaks Your Fast?For a strict fast, stick with calorie-free beverages only. For less restrictive fasting approaches, whether a beverage is OK depends on your fasting goals and the calorie and macronutrient content of the specific drink.When in doubt, check the nutrition label for calories and macronutrients and consider the goal of your fast. Or stick to water and electrolytes to help keep you hydrated throughout the day. Just make sure sugar doesn’t come along for the ride.Fasting isn’t for everyone. Folks with diabetes — particularly anyone using insulin or medications that can cause hypoglycemia — should talk to their doctor before trying any kind of fasting. Pregnant or breastfeeding people and anyone with a history of disordered eating should also seek medical guidance before fasting.This story was produced by LMNT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	City of Mount Carroll under boil order Officials said the whole city is under a boil order due to a water main break.
	Quad-Cities investment group acquires Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream A group of Quad-Cities investors has acquired Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream, including the brand's franchising company and its three company-owned restaurants in Bettendorf and Davenport.
	What to say (and what not to say) when a loved one has breast cancer It's a sobering statistic that one in eight women in the United States will face a breast cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime. This means that, sooner or later, someone you care about deeply may share this news. Knowing how to respond in that moment–what to say and what not to say–can make a difference.Northwell Health’s Dr. Sylvia Reyes suggests ways to offer support.What Not to Say“Your diagnosis must have been prompted by … ”Hearing oversimplified theories about why breast cancer happened doesn't help patients, but it can add pain and stigma. A patient might feel blamed, or hear life stressors and struggles highlighted as a cause. While stress, for example, certainly colors a difficult experience like breast cancer, stress alone does not cause it. Comments like these can unintentionally inflict an emotional burden when a patient needs comfort.“Someone else I know had a terrible breast cancer prognosis.”Sharing negative stories about others’ experiences is rarely helpful and can even be frightening. Breast cancer is deeply personal. Each case is unique, and medical teams tailor treatment to the individual's tumor. Modern medicine has evolved so much that older stories—where treatments were often more extensive and invasive—frequently are irrelevant and can cause anxiety. Loved ones need hope, not fear from someone else's past.“You know what you should try…”A new diagnosis is emotionally overwhelming. When suggestions on what a patient “should” do—from surgical choices to alternative therapies—pile up, it can feel like autonomy is disappearing. Patients do well when they have support leading their own medical journeys. Even well-meaning suggestions can add to cancer’s mental burden. Sometimes people suggest holistic approaches like yoga or meditation. These can help manage cancer-related stressors, but are complementary. They don't replace an expert medical team's treatment plan.What to Say“Would you like to talk about it?”It’s a simple question that offers compassion and opens a door for patients to share thoughts, fears, and plans without pressure. It’s powerful when a friend or relative is a comfortable, non-judgmental presence that combats the isolation a diagnosis can bring. Just listening and truly being present can be profound, and profoundly loving.“Would it be helpful if...?”A broad, "How can I help?" puts the burden on the patient to figure out their needs. Offers that are specific and actionable lift a weight from patients’ shoulders. For example:Ask if it would be helpful to drive the patient to her next appointment, or if she needs someone to take notes on what the doctor says.Offer to pick up groceries.If the patient has kids, consider coordinating a playdate or babysitting so they can rest.Organize a meal train or help with house chores.Concrete offers like these are true acts of love.“I’m glad you prioritized your health.”Many women are caregivers, putting others' needs before their own, so hearing that they’re taking good care of themselves can be a powerful validation. It celebrates their proactive choices, like regular mammography screenings, which are crucial for early detection and better outcomes. It’s positive reinforcement that encourages a continued focus on well-being.Navigating a loved one's breast cancer diagnosis calls for more than good intentions. It demands mindful communication and thoughtful action. When you listen without judgment, offer tangible assistance, and provide genuine encouragement, you are alleviating the isolation and stress that can accompany a tough diagnosis. True support is not about having all the answers, but about being a steady presence. It can transform a daunting diagnosis into a journey faced with shared strength and compassion.Sylvia Reyes, MD, is a breast surgeon and the director of breast services, health equity at the Northwell Cancer Institute.This story was produced by Northwell Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to stay fresh while camping No shower, no problem — if you know what you're doing. Camping hygiene is one of those things that separates a good trip from a genuinely funky one, but staying fresh at camp doesn't actually take much.This guide by AXE, the deodorant brand for guys, shares camping hygiene tips to stay clean and odor-free without running water, the products worth packing, plus a full checklist so nothing gets left behind.Top 5 Freshness Tips for CampingCamp funk isn't random. Unilever R&D Manager David Waters explains that it's all about bacteria breaking down sweat on your skin. “In areas where you have apocrine glands, like your underarms and groin, these glands produce a thicker type of sweat that’s rich in proteins. Bacteria love to feed on this sweat.”Between the drive, setting up camp, the hikes, and the campfire, your sweat glands have been working overtime. These five essentials help you stay fresh while camping:Apply antiperspirant the night before you leave. Active ingredients work best overnight when sweat production is lowest, so protection carries through day one.Use hand sanitizer as a backup. Before food, after the bathroom. Not a replacement for proper handwashing, but useful when water isn't available.Change clothes daily if you can. Sweat-soaked fabric keeps producing odor even after you've cooled down.Pack extra socks. Calculate one pair per day. It's a small swap that makes a real difference to how your feet hold up by day three.Air-dry your body and clothes. Dampness is where bacterial buildup starts.How to Stay Clean Without Running WaterUse body wipes. Focus on the areas where bacteria are most active: underarms, chest, groin, feet, and the back of your neck, twice a day. No wipes? A folded paper towel dampened with water gets the job done.The bucket bath option. All you need is a five-gallon bucket, biodegradable soap, and a washcloth. Follow the Leave No Trace Principles and wash away from your water source, at least 200 feet from lakes, streams, or drinking water.The bandana trick. One bandana, several jobs. Wet it for a quick wipe-down, use it with face wash, or soak it in cold water and tie it around your neck or forehead for an instant cool-down. Air-dry after each use.The hair hack. Dry shampoo absorbs oil at the roots and extends the time between proper washes. A light dusting of baby powder massaged into your scalp and brushed out does something similar.Your ultimate camping hygiene checklistPack these items in a toiletry bag or dry bag — easy to grab, easy to keep dry.48-hour stick antiperspirantBody wipes (fragrance-free or lightly scented)Biodegradable soapTravel-size body spray for scent refreshToothbrush and toothpaste (small tube)Dry shampoo (powder or aerosol)Hand sanitizerFresh underwear and socks per dayA change of shirtsQuick-dry microfiber towelToilet paper (small roll, in a waterproof bag)A small mirror, nail clippers, and lip balm with SPFSunscreen and bug repellentHow to Prevent Body Odor and Sweat While CampingYou might be tempted to reach for body spray after a hike or a hot afternoon, but it's a refresh, not a substitute. It won't stop sweat or tackle odor. Use it alongside antiperspirant, not instead of it. Staying hydrated also helps. Dehydration concentrates sweat, which means stronger odor when it hits the air.Fabric choice makes a bigger difference than most think. Cotton, linen, and merino wool breathe better over multiple days than synthetic tech fabrics, which tend to trap bacteria the longer you wear them.And don't forget your feet. Wool socks over cotton, boots air-dried overnight, and a dusting of foot powder go a long way toward keeping foot odor in check.Oral Care, Skin Care, and Hair Care at CampBrush your teeth morning and evening. A small amount of bottled water for rinsing is enough. Spit into soil and cover it with dirt.Skin care stays simple at camp. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher reapplied every two hours, a lip balm with SPF, and a light moisturizer if your skin is dry.Hair care doesn't need to be complicated either. Dry shampoo gets you two to three days between real washes, and a damp bandana handles bed head in the meantime. If you're out longer than three days, plan one proper wash day somewhere with water access.Trim your nails before you leave. Dirt under long nails is one hygiene issue worth avoiding before it becomes a problem mid-trip.Personal Hygiene Mistakes to Avoid When CampingSkipping antiperspirant before the trip. Hard to recover from once you're already out there.Wearing the same socks or underwear for two days running. Bacteria and moisture build up fast in warm boots or under a hot sun, and day two is when you start to notice.Sleeping in the clothes you sweated in. Guarantees you wake up smelling like the day before.Skipping oral care. Easy to forget at camp, easy to regret later.Not packing enough wipes. Bring more than you think you need. You'll use them.Not testing new products before the trip. Try anything new for a weekend at home first, not for the first time in the woods.FAQsHow do you stay smelling good while camping?Apply a 48-hour antiperspirant before you leave, wipe down high-sweat areas with body wipes twice a day, change into fresh socks and underwear daily, and keep a travel-size body spray on hand to refresh.How do you stay clean camping without running water?Body wipes are your friend. Focus on cleansing your underarms, chest, groin, and feet twice a day. A wet bandana, plus face wash and a dry shampoo, takes care of the rest.What are the most important camping hygiene items?The essentials are a 48-hour antiperspirant stick, body wipes, biodegradable soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, dry shampoo, hand sanitizer, and a fresh pair of underwear and socks for each day.Can you use regular body wash while camping?Yes, but at least 200 feet from any natural water source.Which deodorant lasts the longest for camping?Look for a long-lasting, 48-hour aluminum-based antiperspirant and apply it the night before you leave for your camping trip. Your armpits should be clean and dry. Applying at night works because that’s when you sweat the least, and the actives can get a head start.You won't smell like you just left the shower, and that's fine. Nobody at camp expects you to. What matters is not being the reason everyone moves their chair a little further from the fire. Use the checklist and build in a couple of the habits from this article, and a few days outdoors won't turn into a few days funky.This story was produced by AXE and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Greetings from Syria, where time seems to melt as a glassmaker braves scorching temps As a Syrian glassmaker created his wares in Damascus, watching his craft reminded this reporter to slow down and enjoy the moment.
	Funeral procession details announced for former Davenport Fire Chief Frese A funeral procession for former Davenport Fire Chief Mark Frese is scheduled for Thursday, with the public invited to line the route to pay their respects.
	KWQC to preview Iowa v. Ohio State matchup on KWQC+ Hear from the Hawkeyes ahead of one of the biggest games ever at Kinnick Stadium.
	What tracked chief revenue officer moves tell us about the last 13 months According to research from AI go-to-market platform ZoomInfo, there is currently high volatility in the chief revenue officer seat. Rather than cultivating talent internally, the research shows, companies are increasingly looking outside their own walls to fill the role, frequently poaching sitting CROs from competitors. That pattern lines up with what outside research has found on CRO tenure specifically: Chief revenue officer has the shortest average tenure of any C-suite function, around 1.8 years, according to an analysis of 14,000 executives in compensation-data firm Pave's database, with other industry estimates ranging from 17 months up to 25 months, per Harvard Business Review research conducted by SBI Growth. Multiple sources converge on the same rough range - none of them describing a role anyone would call stable - and ZoomInfo's own tracking shows exactly why.This strategy prioritizes rapid lateral movement over internal development, bypassing the traditional VP-level promotion path. This confirms broader industry research identifying the CRO role as the most unstable position in the C-suite, with ZoomInfo's tracking uncovering the underlying cycle of churn.The breakdownZoomInfo tracking of CRO moves over the last 13 months highlights a heavy reliance on external talent. External new hires command the largest share at approximately 47%, while departures account for 30%. In contrast, internal promotions represent only 18% of moves, with lateral moves or assumed titles comprising the final 5%. That external-hire share is the headline number. Nearly half the time a company needs a CRO, it's going outside and a meaningful slice of those external hires are poaching a sitting CRO from somewhere else entirely, rather than developing one internally.Why the seat keeps turning overThree forces compress CRO tenure specifically, and each one now has real research behind it rather than just an educated guess.The volatility has a measurable cost. The same HBR/SBI Growth research found 62% of companies see revenue growth decline or go flat in the year after a CRO change, with the median company's growth rate falling from 15.5% to 11.7%. That's also the root of the board-patience problem. Boards want pipeline results faster than 18 months typically allows a new hire to actually deliver them, especially with AI reshaping what "fast" pipeline growth is supposed to look like. Board patience has shortened generally, not just for CROs, and the revenue function feels it first because it's the most visibly measurable. The poaching pattern ZoomInfo is tracking is a symptom of a related mismatch, and it runs opposite to what the evidence actually supports. The companies building from within insteadNot every company is playing the external-hire game. A segment of the moves ZoomInfo tracked involved companies choosing to promote from within to fill the CRO seat as a deliberate succession strategy rather than running an external search. These companies appear to be prioritizing long-term succession planning over the typical hiring sprint.The trade-off is straightforward. Internal promotion usually means a longer ramp; the new CRO already knows the business but may be learning the seat itself for the first time. External hiring trades that ramp time for speed, at the cost of the churn risk the numbers above make clear.What boards should actually screen forBecause average tenures are remarkably brief, vetting candidates should entail more than verifying a past CRO title. Boards ought to look for individuals who have lasted beyond the 18-month industry survival line. Actual operator experience managing revenue generation is far more critical than pedigree or titles alone. Additionally, given how much pipeline dynamics have shifted, organizations should demand concrete proof that a candidate has successfully restructured a revenue motion around AI tooling, rather than merely understanding the concept.This story was produced by ZoomInfo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Financial advisors ranked dead last in AI adoption in 2023. Here's how fast that changed, and what's still missing A few years into AI's rise across every industry, most financial advisors have adopted some kind of tool. But how far has that adoption actually taken them?In 2023, a University of Chicago study examined generative AI usage across 11 professions. Financial advisors ranked lowest, both at work and at home. Jump; Data source: University of Chicago Back then, there were few, if any, compliant AI tools built for how advisors and financial professionals actually work. But that's changed fast. As of early 2026, Cerulli data shows that 70% of billion-dollar registered investment advisors use AI for notetaking or call documentation. And the AI titans of the world are waking up to financial services as a viable market: In mid-September, Anthropic and OpenAI both announced tools and integrations targeting financial advisors. Public interest in Model Context Protocol (MCP), the standard which allows software to connect with AI tools, spiked in the spring of 2026 as more and more software brands — including in fintech — announced integrations with LLMs.A new report from Jump shows that the rapid expansion of AI capability is unlocking new use cases and business impact. Using AI for basic tasks like notetaking or CRM updates is just the beginning of AI maturity.The AI Maturity Model for Enterprise Wealth Management lays out four stages of AI maturity: Experimental, Operational, Strategic, and Transformational. Maturity is measured across six dimensions, including AI capability, specialization, compliance and governance, tech stack integration, adoption, and business outcomes, because a firm can be advanced on one and still early on another.What’s still missingUsing chatbots or widely available LLMs would put advisors in the "experimental" stage. With the proliferation of AI tools purpose-built for financial services, more and more firms are crystallizing their AI strategies and seeing improved business outcomes — like increased productivity and better client experience. Advisors find themselves at a variety of AI maturity stages."I'd call myself AI-aware, but nowhere close to AI-native," says Drew Boyer, CFP, drawing a comparison to having a great idea for a business but being unsure where to actually start it. Boyer uses a purpose-built AI system for financial services that syncs directly to his CRM.Danielle Darling, CDFA, says she feels further ahead in making AI part of the actual client-service workflow rather than treating it as a standalone tool. "I've tried to build a connected tech stack where AI helps me take a client conversation and turn it into action," she says. The payoff shows up in how she spends her time."Those hours go back into client conversations, proactive outreach, business development, and continuing to grow the practice while still maintaining a high-touch client experience," she says.If advisors are seeing the benefits, so too are their clients. But the advisors furthest along are also the clearest-eyed about how much runway is left. In the grand scheme, AI in wealth management is still early."Where I still feel behind is true end-to-end automation," Darling says. "I use AI throughout my workflow, but I'm not yet at the point where autonomous agents are running entire processes without my involvement. There are still places where I'm reviewing outputs, moving information between systems, or initiating the next step myself."Sarah Cicero, CFP and CFA, highlighted the same shortfall from a firm-wide angle, saying, "Where we have more work to do is connecting workflows across our systems and reducing manual handoffs."That connection of workflows is where the impact of AI begins to compound. The AI Maturity Model details that firms at the "transformational stage" — when AI runs as one connected, firm-wide system — are able to leverage years of client relationships to make better business decisions and gain a competitive edge.What’s next for firms after quick AI winsIn its earliest stages, AI delivered a number of quick wins — meetings summarized, CRM notes updated, hours saved. Further along, the payoff is process automation and advisor effectiveness, boosting core metrics like organic AUM growth, net new assets, and revenue per advisor. Full AI transformation elevates human performance enterprise-wide, reshaping the firm's operating model, economics, and competitive position rather than just its workflows.Even advisors early in that journey are already seeing the benefits."Growth isn't always AI directly handing you a referral," Darling says. "Sometimes AI creates the capacity that allows you to take on more relationships and still deliver a high-touch client experience."But the pressure to keep climbing is real."I've traditionally been a late adopter," Boyer says. But the race to being fully transformational with AI has galvanized him. "This time, I don't want to be the guy still holding a BlackBerry when everyone else has already switched to the iPhone. I want to get ahead of this curve, not catch up to it."This story was produced by Jump and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Police questioning can shape a sexual assault case. Their approach is often wrong The Cornell lawsuit filed by a woman alleging a brutal rape raises questions on how police handle such cases. The majority of police lack adequate training on trauma-informed approaches, experts say.
	Six Canadian provinces trail every U.S. state on family caregiver supply Americans have heard the caregiver shortage story for years. About 39.3 million people aged 15 and over provided unpaid care to someone 65 or older in 2024 and 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics time-use data, and the share of the population doing that work has drifted downward for more than a decade.Here is the part of the story America has not heard: The math is worse next door. The Family Care Gap, a new cross-border analysis compiled by Life Assure from census, labor force and care-capacity data in both countries, finds that Canada has 2.86 adults of prime caregiving age (45 to 64) for every person 75 and older. The U.S. has 3.53. Six of Canada's ten provinces now sit below every single U.S. state on that measure, Hawaii included.That inversion should get American attention, and not out of neighborly concern. Canada's institutional backstop, its long-term care bed rate, has slid in four years to a level below where the U.S. sits right now, on each system's own measure. The U.S. figure today is almost exactly where Canada was in 2021. The gap between what aging parents need and what working families can give is the same problem on both sides of the border, running on two clocks. Canada’s is running faster.Key FindingsCanada has 2.86 adults aged 45 to 64 per person 75 and older, compared with 3.53 in the U.S.Six of ten provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador and British Columbia) fall below every U.S. state on caregiver supply. Hawaii, the lowest state, has 2.68.Nova Scotia has the thinnest family caregiver pool on the continent at 2.58, paired with Canada's highest share of seniors with a severe or very severe disability at 26.1%.Canada's caregiving-age adults are busier: 77.6% are in the labor force, versus 74.2% in the U.S.U.S. caregivers surveyed who hold jobs provided an average of 2.62 hours of care on days they gave it, against 5.02 hours for caregivers who were not employed.Canada's long-term care bed rate fell from 66.6 per 1,000 seniors 75-plus in 2021 to 63.5 in 2025. The comparable U.S. rate today: 66.6.Alberta is the only province with a caregiver ratio above the U.S. national average.Six Provinces Now Trail All 50 States On Caregiver SupplyAdults aged 45 to 64 are the demographic engine of family caregiving; BLS time-use data shows caregiving rates peak in exactly that age band. As long as that group comfortably outnumbered the 75-and-over population, the family safety net held.The new analysis, built identically from full population counts on both sides of the border, shows that the cushion is thinning at very different speeds. The U.S. holds 3.53 potential caregivers per senior. Canada holds 2.86. And the provincial breakdown is starker than the national one: Nova Scotia (2.58), New Brunswick (2.59), Quebec (2.62), Prince Edward Island (2.65), Newfoundland and Labrador (2.66) and British Columbia (2.67) all fall below Hawaii's 2.68, the thinnest ratio of any U.S. state.Adults aged 45 to 64, per person aged 75 and older Life Assure In terms of adults aged 45 to 64 per person 75 and older, Alberta, at 3.77, is the lone province that clears the U.S. average, and even Alberta would rank only in the middle of the American pack, roughly alongside California. For a country Americans may reflexively assume has senior care solved, the family side of the ledger tells a different story.Nova Scotia Has The Continent's Widest Gap Between Need And SupplyIf the family care gap has a ground zero, it is Nova Scotia. The province combines the thinnest caregiver pool in either country, 2.58 adults per senior, with the highest share of seniors reporting a severe or very severe disability in Canada, at 26.1%.Set that against the American state it most resembles demographically. Florida, the U.S. retirement capital, has a caregiver ratio of 2.68, and Nova Scotia sits below even that while posting the highest severe or very severe disability rate among seniors, based on Canada's own survey. Demand is highest exactly where supply is lowest.The gap persists across Atlantic Canada. New Brunswick pairs the continent's second-thinnest caregiver pool with a severe or very severe disability rate of 24%. Hawaii and Florida's ratios reflect large retiree populations; Atlantic Canada's reflect an old population and a small middle-aged one. Life Assure The Remaining Caregivers Are More Likely To Be WorkingA thin caregiver pool would matter less if the adults in it had time to spare.Among adults aged 45 to 64, 77.6% of Canadians are in the labor force, against 74.2% of Americans. Every point of participation is good economic news that unfortunately subtracts from care capacity. U.S. time-use data puts a number on the trade-off: employed caregivers surveyed provided an average of 2.62 hours of care on days they gave it, roughly half the 5.02 hours reported by caregivers without jobs. Canada has proportionally more of its caregiving generation in the workforce.The squeeze extends past retirement age in both countries. Labor force participation among adults 55 and over stands at 37.2% in the U.S. and 35.8% in Canada, meaning a significant share of the people who might otherwise care for a spouse or an older parent are still on the clock themselves. Life Assure More Seniors Are Aging Alone On Both Sides Of The BorderLiving alone is where the demand side of the gap shows up most plainly: A senior with no one else in the home has no one on hand when a problem starts. In Canada, roughly one in four seniors in private households lives alone. Quebec leads the country at 30.9%, the highest rate of any province.The U.S. picture is comparable. North Dakota tops the states at 31.5%, and more than half the states sit above 28%. The District of Columbia posts a 40.4% rate, though as a single city it behaves more like an urban core than a state.What makes solo aging a family problem rather than a housing statistic is distance. U.S. caregiving data shows that more than eight in ten people receiving family eldercare do not live with the person providing it. The typical arrangement in both countries is an adult child checking in from across town or across the country, which is why families increasingly layer in supports that work when nobody is in the room, from neighbor check-ins to medical alert systems. The average care recipient in the U.S. data is 78 years old, and 31% are 85 or older. Life Assure The Sandwich Generation Is Absorbing The DifferenceWhen the caregiver pool shrinks, the pressure lands on the adults in the middle, and the Canadian survey data shows what that looks like up close.Statistics Canada counts 1.8 million caregivers sandwiched between children and care-dependent adults. Among those surveyed, 86% reported at least one negative impact on their physical health and well-being, 66% of the non-retired said caregiving affected their employment through adjusted schedules, reduced hours or forgone opportunities, and 35% reported financial hardship tied to caregiving.The American data tells the employment half of the same story from a different angle. In the U.S., 58% of eldercare providers hold jobs, and the time-use diaries show those working caregivers compress their care into markedly fewer hours. Neither country's caregivers are opting out. They are triaging, and the survey responses suggest the cost of that triage shows up at work, in bank accounts and in exhaustion: 69% of Canadian caregivers surveyed said caregiving left them feeling tired. Life Assure Canada's Care-bed Decline Previews The American TrackFor families who cannot close the gap themselves, the backstop is institutional care, and here Canada's trend line has crossed below where the U.S. currently stands.Canada's publicly funded long-term care beds have fallen from 66.6 per 1,000 seniors aged 75 and over in 2021 to 63.5 in 2025. The U.S. rate of certified nursing home beds sits at 66.6 per 1,000 today, the exact figure Canada posted four years ago. The two systems count beds differently: The U.S. tracks Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing facility beds while Canada counts publicly funded long-term care beds, so the numbers describe similar measures within each system. The direction of travel is the point.Ontario's rate fell from 68.7 to 60.2 in four years. British Columbia is the only province where the rate rose. Meanwhile, the demand side is weighted toward the oldest ages: Nearly 12% of Canadian seniors are 85 or older. If the U.S. wants a preview of what happens when bed capacity lags the 75-plus boom, Canada is running the experiment in real time. Life Assure SummaryThe most useful thing about this data is that it dissolves a comfortable assumption. Americans may tend to file senior care under "things Canada does better," and on hospital coverage, that reputation may hold. On family care capacity, the raw demographic arithmetic, Canada now trails the U.S. as a whole, and six of its provinces trail every state, and the forces driving those numbers (longer working lives, solo aging and shrinking institutional capacity) are the same ones impacting American communities, just a few years behind.The families on both sides of the border are not waiting for the demographics to reverse.They are rearranging work schedules, checking in by phone and building patchwork systems of support around parents who live alone. The data suggests the most important care infrastructure of the next decade may be whatever helps one stretched adult in Halifax or Houston look after a parent they cannot be with every day. It is one problem on two different timetables. The caregivers are still showing up. There are simply fewer of them, with less time to give.MethodologyTo measure the gap between how much help older adults need and how much time family can realistically give, Life Assure built a five-part Family Care Gap Index for all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Canada's ten provinces (territories excluded). The index combines the share of seniors 65 and over living alone, the share needing help with daily living, the number of adults aged 45 to 64 per person 75 and older, labor force participation among those adults and long-term care beds per 1,000 seniors 75 and over. Adults aged 45 to 64 are used as the prime caregiving-age band because U.S. time-use data shows caregiving rates peak in that group. The ratio is demographic: It measures potential family caregivers, not a claim that all of these adults provide care. U.S. figures draw on the American Community Survey (2020 to 2024), the Bureau of Labor Statistics American Time Use Survey and CMS nursing home data; Canadian figures draw on the 2021 Census, Statistics Canada population estimates (July 1, 2025), the Canadian Survey on Disability, the Canadian Social Survey and CIHI long-term care data. The caregiver ratio is built identically from full population counts in both countries. U.S. time-use figures for 2024 and 2025 reflect a pause on collection during the fall 2025 federal government shutdown. U.S. and Canadian disability measures come from different survey questions and are not compared directly in this piece.Frequently Asked QuestionsHow does Canada's family caregiver supply compare to the United States?Canada has a lower supply of potential family caregivers, with 2.86 adults of prime caregiving age (45 to 64) for every person aged 75 and older, compared to 3.53 in the U.S. Six out of ten Canadian provinces fall below every single U.S. state in caregiver supply.Which Canadian province is experiencing the most severe care gap?Nova Scotia has the lowest family caregiver pool on the continent, with a ratio of 2.58 adults aged 45 to 64 per senior aged 75 and older. This thin supply is paired with the highest share of seniors in Canada reporting a severe or very severe disability, at 26.1%.How does employment impact the hours of care provided by family members?Employment significantly reduces available caregiving time. According to U.S. surveys, employed caregivers provided an average of 2.62 hours of care on the days they provided it, which is roughly half the 5.02 hours given by caregivers without jobs. Canada has a higher percentage of its caregiving-age adults (45 to 64) in the labor force at 77.6%, compared to 74.2% in the U.S.Are long-term care beds making up for the shortage of family caregivers in Canada?No, institutional capacity in Canada is shrinking. The rate of publicly funded long-term care beds in Canada fell from 66.6 per 1,000 seniors aged 75 and over in 2021 to 63.5 in 2025. British Columbia is the only province where the bed rate rose over that four-year period.This story was produced by Life Assure and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to protect your engagement ring at destination proposals A cliffside proposal at sunset. A private dinner overlooking the water. A hike to the exact spot you first said, "I love you." Destination proposals have become one of the most popular ways to pop the question, with nearly 1 in 5 proposals now taking place during travel or vacation, according to the 2026 Jewelers Mutual’s Engagement Ring Study. But while couples spend months planning the perfect moment, the ring itself is often the last thing anyone thinks to protect.More recently, a couple made headlines when their ring fell 118 feet from a suspension bridge in Michigan, falling into deep snow. While they were able to retrieve it with the help of a metal detector and hours of searching in the dark, it goes to show that destination proposals, while appealing for their personal and thoughtful nature, bring unique risks for engagement rings.Jewelers Mutual Group, an insurer that has specialized in jewelry for over 110 years, shares what to know before you travel with one of the most valuable things you own.The window before the proposal is riskier than most people realizeForty-one percent of proposers hold the ring for over a month before proposing, and nearly half store it in unsafe locations during that time, including drawers, closets, and garages. Add travel to the mix, and the risk increases significantly.Before you leave:Store the ring in a fireproof, waterproof safe at home until the day you travel.Keep it in your carry-on, never in checked baggage.Avoid leaving it in hotel room drawers, bags, or luggage you are not carrying.Photograph the ring along with any appraisals or receipts, and save copies to a secure cloud backup before you leave home.Traveling with the ringOnce you are on your way, the risks shift from storage to everyday movement. Nearly all engagement ring losses happen on the go, and travel puts the ring through a full range of environments, from airport security lines to beach dinners to boat rides.A few habits that reduce risk:Use a dedicated travel case or soft pouch to protect the ring during transit.Store it in the hotel safe whenever you are not wearing it.Know what your jewelry coverage actually includes before you travel, not after something goes wrong. Standard homeowners and renters policies often have low limits on jewelry and may not cover loss or disappearance during travel.Know your coverage before you need itSixty-two percent of people consider their engagement ring one of the three most expensive items they own, yet most do not know exactly what their insurance covers until they file a claim. Checking your policy before the trip takes minutes and can save a significant amount of stress if something happens abroad.Often, people don't find out what their coverage actually includes until they need it, and that is not the moment you want to be figuring it out.If something goes wrongIf the ring is lost, stolen or damaged during the trip, file a report with local authorities immediately if theft is involved, contact your insurer as soon as possible with your documentation and photographs, and avoid purchasing a replacement before speaking with your insurer.The couples who recover fastest from a jewelry loss are almost always the ones who have documentation in place before it happens.MethodologyThe Jewelers Mutual study was conducted in May 2026 A sample of 2,000 adults in the U.S., age 18+ who were responsible for marking insurance decisions in their household, were engaged or married within the last 5 years, and purchased or received an engagement ring in the last 5 years, were recruited via an online research panel and surveyed via online self-completion.This story was produced by Jewelers Mutual Group and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Sand in Davenport: Steel plant incentives should 'not (give) away the farm' Iowa candidate for governor Rob Sand said Iowa leaders should make sure negotiated tax incentives for a new steel plant are "not giving away the farm."
	Watch live at 7pm: KTIV to host debate between candidates for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District The 60-minute debate is being held at KTIV's studios on Signal Hill.
	Iowa caregivers fired for alleged abuse and workplace misconduct Several Iowa nursing home workers have been fired in recent months due to allegations of patient abuse and other forms of workplace misconduct.
	Happy Joe’s acquired by Quad Cities investors; menu updates anticipated The Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream franchise has been acquired by a group of Quad Cities investors, and they say to expect menu changes.
	Most CRM Office 365 integration problems trace back to 3 fixable points Unbelievably, the average business uses 897 different applications to run its day-to-day operations. But only 29% of businesses have these tools connected in some way, according to Salesforce’s 2025 State of Data and Analytics Report.The most valuable apps to connect are the ones teams use daily. For sales and marketing teams working with Microsoft tools, a CRM Office 365 integration is one of the most important software connections. It supports sales reps working in Outlook, ops teams working in Excel, and others using Teams for calls and meetings.But sometimes integrations break, and when a CRM connection to Office 365 breaks, it typically comes down to one of three things, each with its underlying cause and documented fix. This Nutshell guide details where these breakdowns occur and how you can prevent them.Key takeawaysThe most common Office 365 CRM integration problems surface in three places: Outlook sync errors, Excel-related duplicate records, and Teams/SharePoint permission mismatches.Detailed documentation from Microsoft offers comprehensive preventative steps to mitigate these failures.At the heart of the solution is identifying a single system of record and implementing scheduled sync and permission checks.Where does a CRM Office 365 integration usually break down?Nine times out of ten, you can expect a Microsoft Office 365 CRM integration to break down in one of these three areas:1. Outlook sync connection: The inability to sync data between the CRM and a connected Microsoft tool, most noticeable in Outlook, where team members are likely to pick up missing emails quickly.2. Excel-based data exports: Most teams export data to Excel at some point, and duplicate records are usually the most common issue that surfaces.3. Teams or SharePoint permission settings: Misalignment on the permissions side is not as easy to spot, and usually comes to light when someone realizes they’ve lost or gained deal access.Outlook sync errorsExchange Online is the cloud-based platform that houses Microsoft’s email, shared calendar, and contact management services. However, many Outlook users are unaware of Exchange Online’s cap of 3,600 messages per hour per mailbox and its ActiveSync connection limit of 100 devices per mailbox.As a result, users may see an Outlook sync error when their CRM pushes or pulls more mailbox data than Exchange Online allows. When you overshoot these limits, Microsoft delivers an automatic bounce, which blocks the incoming email.This doesn’t necessarily mean your CRM or Outlook software is broken, but it likely indicates that the integration has requested too much data too many times. The throttle applied limits how much data one connection can send over a specific period.Microsoft’s development documentation provides clear recommendations to avoid the throttle, including setting up integrations to run in line with Exchange Online’s default throttling policies. To prevent Exchange from re-pulling the entire mailbox with each update, teams should employ an incremental sync approach.Excel data export and duplicate recordsTeams connecting data from Excel to their CRM are likely to come across duplicates. A duplicate record is contact, deal, or account data that appears in your CRM system more than once. Duplicates usually occur when team members input or import data separately, and not within the original data store.Ledge’s 2025 study surveyed 100 finance professionals and discovered that 94% use Excel for their financial close processes. But half of those said that one reason each financial close takes longer than it should is that they spend too much time matching Excel data with data from other systems.All it takes to create a duplicate is for one team member to export data into Excel, make changes, and import it back into the CRM without matching it to existing data. Making the CRM the sole system of record is the best fix for this issue.Microsoft Teams and SharePoint permission mismatchesAdmins can control Microsoft Teams channel file permissions through SharePoint’s permission inheritance feature, where permissions applied to a channel are applicable to all users invited to the channel. That means team members in the channel all have the same level of file and subfolder access within their shared workspace.If a team member shares a file or folder from that channel externally, it may result in a permission mismatch. Because they’ve changed the permission settings for that specific file or folder, permission updates made in SharePoint will apply to all other files and folders in the workspace, but not that one.If someone with access to that file or folder leaves the company, they may still be able to access its contents, despite the admin updating who can access it from SharePoint.Varonis analyzed roughly 10 billion files across 1,000 IT environments for its 2025 State of Data Security report. The study discovered that cloud data from 66% of the companies examined is exposed to anonymous users. It also found that 88% of companies have active ghost accounts, giving former employees access to confidential information.Admins can manage user access through Microsoft 365 Groups instead of via per-person permissions to eliminate the potential for a permission mismatch. Nutshell How do you set up an Office 365 CRM sync that stays reliable?Proper planning is at the heart of a clean CRM Office 365 integration sync and prevents teams from having to apply fixes when something goes wrong. These steps will help ensure that teams set up their integration for sync success:Choose one system of record: Canonical records related to deals and contacts should be stored in your CRM, and your Office 365 tools should read from that data.Consider Exchange Online limits: To avoid Exchange Online’s throttling threshold, it’s best to implement frequent, smaller sync updates rather than occasional updates when the mailbox is full.Test with real data: Before initiating the sync across your team, test using your actual contact records.Assign an owner: Reduce the risk of anything breaking by appointing a dedicated owner to regularly monitor sync error logs, instead of only checking when a team member complains.Keeping data consistent across Outlook, Excel, and TeamsThe key to consistent data across these Office 365 applications is building a solid maintenance habit. That includes scheduling regular checks of Microsoft Teams and SharePoint permissions, because permission drift can happen without anyone noticing until it’s too late.When it comes to Excel, team members should consider data exports from their CRM to Excel as temporary data sources. And when importing data from Excel back into their CRM, they should follow a planned process to ensure data is matched correctly.A few good habits keep the breakdowns at bayYes, CRM Office 365 integration failures happen, but they are almost always preventable. Teams just need to understand where Office 365 CRM sync breakdowns could occur and monitor the integration accordingly.Ensuring that everyone knows the CRM is the sole source of truth and that your Office 365 tools sync to it is the first step to integration success. Developing and maintaining good integration maintenance habits is the second.This story was produced by Nutshell and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Trump officials changed forms for overseas voters amid a GOP push to restrict voting The Pentagon made last-minute changes to forms that many overseas U.S. citizens use for absentee voting, removing a category of citizens that Republicans have been pushing to block from voting.
	How to choose the best gate option for your home Choosing a residential entry gate presents unique considerations for homeowners. A gate isn’t just about aesthetics or marking property boundaries — it’s a long-term investment that must provide security, privacy, and curb appeal, while enduring daily use and various environmental factors. Choosing the wrong gate materials or design can lead to premature wear, structural issues, or costly repairs within just a few years.By understanding the critical trade-offs between different materials, styles, and security options, you can make an informed decision that balances beauty, durability, and function. Whether you’re protecting a front entrance, securing a backyard, or enhancing a driveway, the right gate should serve your family for decades without constant maintenance or replacement. This guide by Kaiser Garage Doors & Gates empowers homeowners to confidently select the perfect residential gate for their property.Key TakeawaysSelecting the right residential gate requires understanding how various environmental factors and daily usage — such as sunlight exposure, temperature fluctuations, and moisture — affect different materials and designs.Powder-coated aluminum offers lightweight durability with natural rust resistance, while wrought iron gates and steel gates provide superior strength for security-focused homeowners.The powder coating finish is critical across all metal gate materials, protecting against wear and weathering for 15-20 years or more without repainting.Wood gates provide classic aesthetics and customization opportunities but require consistent maintenance to prevent rot, warping, and insect damage.Swing gates require adequate clearance space but offer traditional aesthetics, while sliding gates work well on sloped driveways or in areas with limited swing space.Gate automation systems add convenience and safety, allowing homeowners to operate their gates with ease.Professional gate installation supports proper function and longevity, while regular gate maintenance — inspecting coatings, lubricating moving parts, and clearing debris — protects your investment over time.Benefits of Installing a Quality GateInstalling a residential gate delivers both practical and financial advantages for homeowners. Beyond the immediate visual impact, a well-designed gate addresses security concerns while potentially increasing property value.Improved Security and PrivacyA physical gate serves as your property’s first line of defense. It creates a clear boundary that deters casual trespassers and opportunistic criminals who typically seek the path of least resistance. When someone must actively bypass a gate to access your property, that extra barrier often redirects them to easier targets elsewhere.Beyond deterrence, gates create a private, secure space for your family and pets. Children can play in front yards without immediate exposure to street traffic, and pets enjoy outdoor time within defined boundaries. The psychological benefit of controlled home access shouldn’t be underestimated — many homeowners report feeling more at ease knowing their property has a physical barrier.While property crime trends fluctuate, protecting your home remains a top priority. According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, burglary continues to be a concern for American homeowners. A physical barrier like an entry gate is an effective deterrent against such property crimes, particularly when combined with other security measures like lighting and visibility.Increased Curb Appeal and Home ValueA well-designed gate makes a powerful first impression. It’s often the first architectural element visitors notice, and can set the tone for your entire property. Your choice of gate can reflect your home’s character and your attention to detail.This aesthetic investment translates into financial value. Security and real estate industry experts indicate that quality gates can increase a home’s market value considerably. Potential buyers interpret a professional gate installation as evidence that a property is well-maintained and secure — qualities that command premium prices in competitive markets.The right gate design can improve your home’s exterior aesthetic by complementing your architecture and landscaping. When materials, style, and proportions align with your home’s design language, your custom gate becomes an integrated feature rather than an afterthought.Best Gate Materials for Your Home Kaiser Garage Doors & Gates Material selection is the most critical decision homeowners face when choosing a gate. Beyond suiting your home’s climate, choosing the right material determines whether your gate requires constant repairs or performs reliably for decades.Powder-Coated Aluminum GatesAluminum has emerged as a popular choice for modern residential gates, offering a practical balance of durability and weight.The powder coating process creates a protective finish superior to traditional paint. Powder coating involves applying dry powder electrostatically, then curing it under heat to form a thick, hard surface. This finish resists chips, scratches, and wear far better than liquid paint, while remaining easy to maintain with occasional cleaning.For homeowners considering custom metal fabrication, powder-coated aluminum offers several distinct advantages:Rust resistance: Aluminum is naturally rust-resistant, well-suited to environments with periodic moisture exposure. It forms a protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion even in challenging conditions.Lightweight: Its reduced weight compared to steel or iron means less strain on hinges, automation systems, and support structures over time.Heat resistance: It resists expansion and contraction in heat, making it particularly well-suited for areas that experience extreme temperature variations.UV resistance: The powder coating protects against UV exposure and weathering, with high-quality applications providing 15-20 years or more of protection without repainting. Wrought Iron GatesWrought iron remains a classic choice for homeowners prioritizing traditional aesthetics and maximum security. Its benefits include:Strength and durability: Wrought iron gates are exceptionally tough, resisting bending, denting, and shock better than many lighter metals. Its structural integrity makes it suitable for large gates or installations subject to potential impacts.Security: The material’s inherent strength creates an intimidating physical barrier. Potential intruders recognize that breaching wrought iron requires significant time and tools, making it a powerful deterrent for security-conscious properties.Classic aesthetic: Iron’s malleability allows craftsmen to create detailed designs, including scrolls, geometric patterns, and custom elements like initials or family crests. These decorative possibilities make wrought iron ideal for homes with an array of aesthetics, including traditional, Mediterranean, or Spanish colonial architecture.However, wrought iron is susceptible to rust if not properly finished. Excessive exposure to moisture can initiate corrosion over time. A durable powder coating finish solves this challenge, creating a protective barrier that seals the iron gate from moisture and oxygen. Regular inspection of this coating, with touch-ups as needed, keeps wrought iron gates performing and looking excellent for generations.Steel GatesSteel gates deliver maximum strength and longevity for homeowners who prioritize security and durability above all else. Steel’s characteristics make it particularly suitable for installation in variable climates:Robust construction: Steel is known for its strength and toughness, which are critical qualities for deterring intruders. The material withstands attempts at forcing or damaging gates better than lighter alternatives.Long-lasting performance: Steel doesn’t warp, rot, or crack, even under intense heat exposure. When properly finished and maintained, steel gates can serve properties for decades without structural degradation.All-weather resistance: Steel can hold up under extreme sunshine, heat, and moisture exposure without degrading, rotting, or requiring frequent repairs. Its structural stability remains consistent across temperature ranges, from freezing winter nights to hot summer days.Like wrought iron, steel requires proper finishing to prevent rust. Powder coating for gates provides the same protective benefits, creating a sealed surface that prevents moisture contact. The combination of steel’s structural superiority and powder coating’s protective properties creates one of the most durable gate options for various climates.Wood GatesWood gates offer a classic, timeless aesthetic that can significantly enhance a home’s curb appeal. They are highly customizable in terms of design, stain, and paint, allowing homeowners to match their gate to their property’s architectural style.Their main benefits include:Aesthetics: Wood provides a natural, warm look that can be stained or painted to complement any home exterior.Customization: Easily cut and shaped, wood allows for intricate designs, unique patterns, and various heights and widths.Privacy: Solid wood panels offer excellent privacy, effectively blocking sight lines and sound.Cost-effectiveness: Depending on the type of wood and design, wood gates can be a more budget-friendly option up front compared to some metal gates.However, wood gates require more maintenance than metal options. They are susceptible to rot, warping, and insect damage, especially in humid climates or areas with significant weather fluctuations. Regular sealing, staining, or painting is crucial to extend their lifespan and maintain their appearance.Gate Styles and Functions Kaiser Garage Doors & Gates Beyond material selection, your gate’s style and operation significantly impact daily usability and long-term satisfaction. Understanding the different types of gates for homes helps ensure your choice fits both your property’s physical constraints and your aesthetic preferences.The fundamental operational choice is between swing and sliding mechanisms. This decision primarily depends on the space available at your entrance.Swing GatesSwing gates operate like traditional doors, pivoting on hinges to open inward or outward. Their pros include:Generally easier and more affordable to install than sliding systems.Offer a traditional, grand appearance that suits many architectural styles.Available in single- or double-gate configurations.Some cons of swing gates include:Require a large, clean arc to open without obstruction from vehicles, landscaping, or terrain.Can be vulnerable to strong winds, which may stress hinges or cause the gate to swing unexpectedly.Sloped driveways can interfere with swing clearance.Sliding GatesSliding gates move horizontally along a track, parallel to your fence line. Their main benefits are:Ideal for properties with limited driveway space or sloped entrances.Resist wind pressure better than swing gates due to their track-guided movement.Don’t require a clearance arc, saving space.The drawbacks of sliding gates include:Typically more expensive to install due to track and roller systems.Require adequate space for the gate to slide open.Track maintenance is needed to prevent debris accumulation.The choice often depends entirely on your property’s entrance layout. Sliding gates are generally preferred for limited spaces, sloped areas, and high-wind resistance, while swing gates offer classic, grand aesthetics for larger, level properties with adequate clearance.Matching Architectural StylesYour gate should harmonize with your home’s architectural character. Different house styles pair naturally with different gate designs. For example:Mediterranean and Spanish colonial homes may benefit from ornate wrought iron with decorative scrollwork and arched tops.Ranch-style properties often suit simpler iron or steel gates with horizontal rail patterns.Contemporary homes typically call for clean-lined aluminum or steel with minimal ornamentation.Wood gates’ warm, rustic appearance is well-suited for traditional, craftsman, and farmhouse styles.You can explore custom gates in various styles to ensure your entrance complements the property’s existing design.Gate Height and Privacy LevelsGate height and design opacity involve balancing privacy and security against aesthetics and neighborhood character. Taller, solid gates offer maximum privacy by blocking sight lines and creating complete visual separation from the street. This works well for pool areas, courtyards, or properties where seclusion is a priority.Shorter gates with open designs — featuring vertical bars or geometric cutouts — can feel more welcoming and maintain visual connection with your surroundings. Many neighborhoods prefer this approach to avoid a fortress-like appearance while still providing security benefits.Local regulations may restrict gate height, particularly in subdivisions with homeowner’s associations. Check these requirements before finalizing your design to avoid compliance issues.Modern Gate Security FeaturesModern residential gates can integrate technology that enhances both convenience and security beyond the physical barrier itself.AutomationAutomated gate systems offer significant practical advantages, primarily convenience — you control gate access from inside your vehicle, eliminating the need to exit in extreme weather conditions or late at night when personal safety is a concern.Automation also improves security. You can grant or deny access remotely, screen visitors before allowing entry, and maintain a controlled environment without physical interaction at the gate. For families with children or elderly residents, this eliminates the physical effort and potential hazards of manually operating heavy gates.For homeowners interested in gate automation systems, the installation includes motors, control systems, and safety features that prevent the gate from closing on vehicles or pedestrians.Access Control OptionsAutomated gates support various access control technologies suited to different household needs. Simple remote controls or clickers work well for single-family homes where only residents need regular access. Each family member gets their own remote, and extras can be provided to trusted service providers.Keypad systems add flexibility by allowing you to create temporary access codes for guests, contractors, or delivery personnel. You can change or delete these codes as needed, maintaining security without distributing physical devices.Integrated smart home systems are the most advanced option, connecting your gate to smartphone apps that allow control from anywhere. These systems often include features like access logs showing when the gate opened, video intercom capabilities, and integration with other security devices like cameras and alarm systems.Gate Maintenance and InstallationA gate’s lifespan depends heavily on two factors: quality installation and consistent maintenance. Both deserve careful attention to protect your investment.Long-Term Gate CareWhen choosing your gate, remember that different designs and materials require different maintenance. Regular maintenance keeps gates functioning properly and prevents minor issues from becoming expensive repairs.Routine maintenance includes:Inspect powder coating annually: Look for chips, scratches, or areas where the coating has worn through. Address these promptly with touch-up paint to prevent rust from forming, particularly after periods of high moisture.Lubricate moving parts: Hinges, rollers, and automation mechanisms need lubrication roughly every six months. Use products rated for high temperatures if you reside in a hot climate.Clear debris: Dust, leaves, and windblown materials can accumulate quickly. Clean tracks, roller paths, and hinge areas frequently to prevent binding and premature wear.Test safety features: If your gate is automated, test photo-eye sensors and auto-reverse functions multiple times per year to ensure they stop the gate when obstructed.Check hardware: Extreme temperature swings cause expansion and contraction in some gates, leading to loosened bolts and screws. Inspect and tighten mounting hardware twice yearly.The Importance of Professional InstallationProfessional installation is critical for gate safety, proper function, and longevity. Improperly installed gates can be safety hazards, failing to stop when obstructed or falling from inadequate support. They also won’t perform reliably, potentially leading to frustration, premature component failure, and insufficient security.Professional installers provide essential services:Proper foundation and post installation: Gates require correctly sized and positioned posts set in adequate concrete footings. Depth, spacing, and reinforcement must account for gate weight, wind loads, and soil conditions.Precise alignment and leveling: Even small misalignments cause binding, uneven wear, and automation problems. Professional installation helps ensure smooth operation from the start.Correct automation integration: Motors, control boards, and safety sensors must be properly matched to gate weight and size, then calibrated for safe operation. This requires specialized knowledge and equipment.Code compliance: Professionals ensure your installation meets local building codes and HOA requirements.Warranty protection: Many gate and automation manufacturers require professional installation to honor warranties, making DIY approaches financially risky.Making an Informed Gate InvestmentChoosing the right gate for your home involves balancing three essential factors: durability in your location’s climate conditions, security that protects your property and family, and a style that complements your home’s architecture. The materials you select determine how well your gate withstands the elements and daily usage.Beyond material choice, functional decisions matter, including swing versus sliding gates, automation, and height. Professional installation helps ensure your gate functions safely and reliably from day one, while regular maintenance extends its lifespan.By understanding these interconnected choices, homeowners can select a gate that serves as a beautiful, secure, and durable addition to their property for years to come.This story was produced by Kaiser Garage Doors & Gates and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Tiny Galva, Illinois is part of global music research, action The Galva Arts Council has been selected again for the Music Policy Resilience Network (MPRN), to turn the region’s success with live music into lasting cultural, educational and economic opportunity.
	Athletic Director Jamie Pollard announces he’s retiring early from Iowa State Iowa State’s longtime athletic director is leaving the university sooner than anticipated.
	Funeral procession announced for former Davenport fire chief The funeral procession for former Davenport Fire Chief Mark Frese will be held Thursday, Oct. 1 and is open to the public.
	501 small business owners’ biggest regret What’s the number one regret small business owners have in their first year of business? According to an ERGO NEXT survey of 501 business owners nationwide, not understanding what business insurance they need to protect their business is the top concern cited by 50% of them.Understanding improves slightly in years two through five of business ownership. But even for experienced entrepreneurs, about a third of them (36%) still don’t have full knowledge of their coverage needs and policies.Key findingsThe small business owners survey also found that:40% wish they’d had stronger financial reserves.35% wish they’d sought expert advice sooner.29% wish they’d had better risk management processes in place.20% regretted not buying more coverage.20% wish they’d bought insurance sooner.Read on to learn what this data means for small business owners and how they can avoid similar regrets of their own.Not understanding business insurance coverage is the number one regret for small business ownersNinety-two percent of small business owners have at least one regret from their first 12 months in business. And the survey data shows that 50% of them wish that they had understood better what insurance coverage their business actually needs. This was rated as their number one regret. Business owners with three to five years of business experience learn more along the way, but 36% of them still rate this as their biggest regret.Knowledge about types of small business insurance and coverage is a roadblock for many. The same survey found that 1 in 5 small business owners say they don’t have business insurance because “it’s too confusing” to understand coverage.What are the other common regrets for small business owners?When asked, “What do you wish you had done earlier to better protect your business?” survey respondents also listed the following regrets:They wish they’d built stronger financial reserves: Shared by 44% of first-year owners, 37% of established owners.They feel they should have sought expert advice (e.g., legal, insurance, financial): 41% of first-year owners, 30% of owners in years three through five.They wish they’d put risk management processes in place (things like safety training, equipment warranties and installing fire extinguishers): A regret from 38% of new owners, 20% of established owners.Looking back, they wish they’d bought more business insurance coverage: Cited by 26% of new owners, but drops to 14% of established owners.They wish they’d bought business insurance sooner: Shared by 23% of new first-year owners and 18% of established owners.What did new small business owners focus on instead of insurance?Eighteen percent of first-year business owners surveyed didn’t buy any insurance coverage for their business. That’s almost 1 in 5 owners left on their own if things like an injury, a fire or a break-in go sideways.Instead of creating a safety net with small business insurance, survey respondents reported that their biggest priorities were marketing and acquiring customers (46%) and refining their products or services (37%).While both are sensible focuses, the lack of a safety net can take an emotional as well as financial toll. Seventy-two percent of new owners said starting a business made them feel more vulnerable.For many business owners, confidence and business stability are tied to the security of knowing they’re covered if something goes wrong. Not understanding whether they’re covered — or even what coverage they need — can have the opposite effect.Business owners who bought coverage often didn’t understand what they were buyingEighty-two percent of business owner respondents had at least some coverage. But that doesn’t mean they understood their coverage or how it protected them. For example, they may have bought a general liability insurance policy without understanding it because it was required by a client, a vendor or a commercial lease.Many of those without insurance coverage said they “didn’t need it,” often because they were the sole proprietor of their company. Small businesses often underestimate the risks that businesses of any size could face. Any business could be sued for poor workmanship or a professional mistake, or something like storm damage could wipe out a business’s full line of products and inventory. Forty percent of business owners surveyed said they were surprised by the business risks they weren’t aware of when they first opened a business.How can small business owners avoid future regrets?These three tasks can keep you informed and protected.1. Learn about business insurance and what coverages could benefit you. In the survey, 14% of respondents said they have coverage but that they’re unsure of what risks are covered.2. Review your existing coverage. Just 37% of small business owners review their insurance coverage regularly, according to the survey. Review your policy annually or after every major business milestone, whether you’ve landed a major client, rented a new office or hired another employee. Read your policy language closely to understand whether your coverage contains exclusions and what your deductibles may be. Check your policy limits to see whether they match your true risk and look for gaps in your existing coverage.3. Adjust your coverage and policy limits to meet your needs. Make sure you have adequate coverage to keep your business stable. If you identify gaps in your coverage, increase your policy limits or buy the right coverage to ensure you’re protected.Business insurance cheat sheet: Get to know the different typesIf you’re within the first year of your new business venture — no matter how small or part-time — don’t let your business fall into the statistics of the uninformed. Use this cheat sheet to quickly understand the most common business insurance coverage types and who needs them.1. General Liability insuranceGeneral liability insurance is often the first type of business insurance many owners buy. It could help cover costs for injuries to non-employees, such as medical bills for a customer who slips on a wet floor at your place of business. It could also cover costs if you or your employees damage someone else’s property. And it also has coverage for some legal costs related to libel or slander.General liability insurance can be required for some businesses. It’s often required to rent or lease commercial space, and it may be necessary before signing a contract with some clients or obtaining professional permits or licenses.Who needs general liability insurance? Commercial general liability coverage is common for most businesses, but especially for restaurants and food service, general contractors and construction, retail and online business, offices and professional services, and cleaners and house cleaners.2. Professional Liability insuranceProfessional liability insurance, also called errors and omissions insurance, or E&O in some professions, is an important coverage for businesses that provide professional services. This insurance could help cover costs if you make a professional mistake that costs a client money. For example, if you’re an accountant and your client accuses you of a miscalculation that causes them to pay a fine, professional liability could help cover your costs and a legal defense — even if you’re found not to be at fault.Who needs professional liability insurance? Professionals who sell their knowledge or their business services could benefit from professional liability coverage — even those who work alone from home. This could include professions like business consultants, financial professionals, engineers, or real estate professionals.3. Commercial Property insuranceUnlike general liability insurance that could cover the property your business accidentally damages that belongs to other people, commercial property insurance could help cover the business property that your business owns. This could include your business building (such as an office, cafe, store, shop, workshop or warehouse) and its fixtures, whether you own or lease the space. It could also help cover the contents of a business space, such as office equipment and computers, business furniture, flooring and lighting, custom display shelves, and the products and inventory you use for work.Commercial property coverage could cover damages caused by events like severe weather, theft, vandalism or fire. You may also get coverage for lost business income if you have to close temporarily for repairs after damages.Who needs commercial property insurance coverage? If you bought gear, products, inventory or invested in other physical items for your business, this type of business insurance could help protect it. This could include landlords, office workers, retail stores and e-commerce shops, restaurants, caterers and cafes.4. Workers’ Compensation insuranceWorkers’ compensation insurance is required in almost every state if you have employees, and requirements vary state-to-state. Workers’ comp coverage could help cover costs for employees who suffer a work-related illness or injury. It may help pay for medical bills, lost wages during recovery and job retraining, and it can help cover long-term benefits if they’re permanently injured. It can also help cover a business owner if the employee decides to sue after their injury.Who needs workers’ comp insurance? Businesses in construction, retail, janitorial and food service industries commonly need workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees and fulfill state requirements.MethodologyERGO NEXT surveyed 501 U.S. SMB owners, founders and sole proprietors regarding their business risk profiles. The respondent pool consisted of 250 respondents operating SMBs in their first year of business and 251 respondents operating SMBs in their first two to five years of business. The survey was conducted April 29 – May 12, 2026.This story was produced by ERGO NEXT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	October is the stock market's most volatile month. Here's what 95 years of data shows Markets can be volatile, and no month illustrates that more clearly than October. From the banking panic of 1907 to Black Monday in 1987 to the depths of the 2008 financial crisis, some of the most dramatic single-day collapses in U.S. stock market history have one thing in common: They happened in October.Yet the data tells a more complicated story. Over 95 years of S&P 500 returns, October averages a slightly positive return and finishes higher roughly 59% of the time. The real story is not that October is the worst month; it is that October is the most volatile. For traders and investors, that volatility creates both risk and opportunity, and understanding the historical pattern is the first step to navigating it.In this article, Plus500 breaks down the data behind October's reputation, examines what the numbers actually show, and outlines what traders need to keep in mind heading into the most unpredictable month of the market year.Key TakeawaysSince 1928, the S&P 500 has averaged an October return of approximately +0.54%, despite the month's reputation for market crashes.October has historically recorded the highest monthly return volatility, with a standard deviation of approximately 5.6% in the dataset analyzed.The VIX reached an intraday high of 89.53 on October 24, 2008, during the global financial crisis.October has accounted for eight of the 20 largest single-day percentage declines in the historical S&P 500 series used in this analysis.September, not October, has historically been the weakest month, averaging approximately -1.17% since 1928.October has also frequently coincided with major market reversals, contributing to its reputation as a "bear killer."Key stats: October has averaged approximately +0.54%, finished positive about 59% of the time, and recorded monthly return standard deviation of approximately 5.6%. What Is the October Effect (Mark Twain Effect)?The October Effect, also called the Mark Twain Effect, is the widely held belief that stock markets tend to decline in October. Despite the concept’s staying power, long-term market data does not show October as the weakest month for U.S. stocks. In fact, the S&P 500 has historically generated a slightly positive average return during October.The theory draws much of its credibility from a handful of high-profile crashes that occurred during the month, including the Panic of 1907, the 1929 crash and Black Monday in 1987. The global financial crisis in 2008 further reinforced October's association with extreme market volatility.The "Mark Twain" label is a reference to a passage in “Pudd'nhead Wilson,” in which Twain humorously describes October as one of the particularly dangerous months for stock speculation, before listing every other month of the year as well.In short, October's reputation is driven more by the magnitude of several historic market events than by consistently negative monthly performance.Stock Market Performance in October: The Full Historical RecordThe table below shows the S&P 500’s average return for each calendar month since 1928, based on historical data through November 2024. Plus500 (Source: J.P.Morgan)Average Monthly Returns by Month (S&P 500, 1928-2024)Despite its association with some of history's most famous market crashes, October has not historically been the weakest month for U.S. equities.S&P 500 data going back to 1928 shows:Worst month by average return: September, approximately -1.17%September negative frequency: Approximately 56% of yearsWhy October Has Historically Been a Volatile MonthOctober has developed a reputation as one of the more volatile months for U.S. stock markets. This reputation is largely linked to several periods of extreme market turbulence that occurred during the month, including the 1929 Wall Street Crash, Black Monday in 1987 and the global financial crisis in 2008.Historical market data also shows that October has experienced substantial swings in both directions. Importantly, volatility does not necessarily mean negative performance: A volatile month can include sharp gains as well as steep declines.These extreme events can also significantly affect long-term measures of volatility. While historical patterns can provide context for understanding October’s market behavior, they do not predict future performance. Market conditions vary from year to year, and economic data, monetary policy, corporate earnings and geopolitical developments can all influence volatility during any given October.VIX Data: The Fear Gauge in OctoberThe Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) measures the market's expectation of S&P 500 volatility over the next 30 days, based on prices of S&P 500 Index (SPX) options.Historical October VIX data highlights several periods of elevated market uncertainty:October 2008: The VIX averaged approximately 61.2 during the global financial crisis, based on daily closing values. It reached an intraday record of 89.53 on October 24, while closing that session at 79.13.October 2020: The VIX averaged approximately 29.4, as markets faced uncertainty surrounding the U.S. presidential election and the COVID-19 pandemic. It closed as high as 40.28 on October 28.October 2022: The VIX averaged approximately 30.0 amid high inflation, aggressive Federal Reserve interest-rate increases and concerns about the economic outlook.October 2018: The VIX rose from 12.00 on October 1 to 24.98 on October 11, effectively doubling in less than two weeks amid a sharp equity-market sell-off.It is important to distinguish between intraday and closing VIX records. The VIX reached its historic intraday peak of 89.53 on October 24, 2008. It later closed at 80.86 on November 20, 2008, which was the highest closing level during the financial crisis. The October intraday figure is therefore the more relevant statistic for this analysis.October has historically recorded elevated average VIX readings, although extreme periods such as the 2008 financial crisis significantly influence long-term averages. Historical volatility should therefore not be interpreted as evidence that volatility will necessarily be elevated in any particular October.Largest Single-Day Moves: October's Outsized PresenceOctober has featured disproportionately in some of the S&P 500's largest daily market moves.Using the historical S&P 500 series applied in this analysis, including reconstructed data from before the index's formal 1957 launch, eight of the 20 largest single-day percentage declines occurred in October:October 19, 1987: -20.47%October 28, 1929: -12.34%October 29, 1929: -10.16%October 18, 1937: -9.27%October 15, 2008: -9.04%October 26, 1987: -8.28%October 5, 1932: -8.20%October 9, 2008: -7.62%October has also produced several exceptionally large rebounds. Notable examples include October 13, 2008 (+11.58%), October 28, 2008 (+10.79%) and October 21, 1987 (+9.10%).This history illustrates an important feature of October volatility: Extreme moves have occurred in both directions, with sharp declines sometimes followed by equally significant rebounds.October as a Bear Market Killer: The Reversal DataDespite its reputation for market crashes, October has historically also been associated with major market reversals. Stock Trader's Almanac describes October as a "bear killer," noting that the month has turned the tide in 13 post-World War II bear markets or major downturns, including 1957, 1966, 1974, 1987, 1990, 2002 and 2022.Using conventional S&P 500 bear-market chronology, several major market troughs have occurred in October: Plus500 The 1990 decline is reported at approximately 19.9%-20.0%, depending on the dataset and rounding convention.October's "bear-killer" reputation is broader than these final S&P 500 troughs. Stock Trader's Almanac identifies 13 post-WWII downturns in which October helped turn the market, including cases where the final low occurred in another month, or the decline did not meet the conventional 20% bear-market threshold.This history suggests that October has frequently been an important reversal period, although historical seasonal patterns do not guarantee future market performance.October 2026: What Should Traders Keep in Mind?Several macro factors may shape the setup in October 2026:Q3 2026 earnings season: October marks the start of Q3 corporate earnings reports. In years where S&P 500 earnings growth has exceeded 10% year-over-year, October has historically delivered above-average returns. Consensus Q3 2026 earnings estimates will be a key variable to monitor. Companies like Tesla, JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, Delta Air Lines, Johnson and Johnson, Netflix, Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple are all expected to report earnings in October.Federal Reserve policy: Any shift in the Fed's rate trajectory between now and October, particularly around the September FOMC meeting, will set the volatility baseline heading into the month. The penultimate Fed meeting of 2026 is scheduled for October 27-28.Seasonal positioning: Institutional year-end rebalancing typically begins in October. In years where equities have significantly outperformed bonds year-to-date, this rebalancing creates structural selling pressure in stocks.How to Trade During Market VolatilityOctober's volatility is not a reason to exit markets; it is a reason to be prepared. Here are the core principles traders should apply during high-volatility periods:1. Define your risk before the tradeVolatile markets move fast. Setting stop-loss levels and maximum position sizes before entering a trade removes emotion from the equation when prices spike unexpectedly.2. Reduce position size, not necessarily exposureRather than exiting entirely, experienced traders often reduce position sizes during high-volatility periods. This keeps them in the market for potential upside while limiting downside exposure.3. Monitor the VIX as a real-time risk gaugeVIX below 20: Normal volatility environmentVIX 20-30: Elevated uncertainty, tighten risk managementVIX above 30: Historically associated with panic or crisis conditions; also historically associated with forward 12-month returns above the long-run averageVIX above 40: extreme fear4. Watch the earnings calendarOctober's earnings season creates stock-specific volatility independent of broader market moves. S&P 500 companies reporting in October account for approximately 35%-40% of total index market capitalization. Individual stock moves of -10% or more on earnings day are not uncommon during volatile Octobers.5. Avoid over-tradingHigh volatility increases transaction costs and the risk of being stopped out of good positions by short-term noise. Data from DALBAR's annual Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior consistently shows that investors who trade most frequently during high-volatility periods underperform those who hold positions, largely due to poor market timing.6. Keep liquidity availableOctober's historical reversals have created some of the strongest forward return setups in market history. Traders who maintain some cash heading into the month are positioned to act when dislocations appear.ConclusionOctober's reputation as a dangerous month for stocks is built on real events, but its statistical reality is more complex. It is the most volatile month by every measurable metric, standard deviation of returns (5.6%), average VIX readings (21.3), and intra-month drawdown magnitude (-4.6% average), but not the worst-returning month. September has consistently been harder on portfolios over the long run, finishing negative in approximately 56% of all years since 1928.The crashes that defined October's mythology — 1907, 1929, 1987, 2008 — were genuine and severe. But they represent fewer than 5% of all Octobers on record. The other 95% produced an average return of approximately +0.54%, with markets finishing positive roughly 59% of the time.For traders, the practical implication is straightforward: October demands preparation, not avoidance. Understanding the historical pattern, monitoring volatility indicators, and managing risk proactively gives traders the tools to navigate whatever the month brings, rather than being caught off guard by a reputation that is, at least partly, a matter of market psychology.Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. The above is for marketing and general informational purposes only, and these are only projections and should not be taken as investment research, investment advice or a personal recommendation.FAQs:Is October really the worst month for stocks?No. September holds that title based on average monthly returns. Over 95 years of S&P 500 data, September averages approximately -1.0% and finishes negative in roughly 56% of all years. October averages approximately +0.54% and finishes positive in roughly 59% of years. October's issue is variance, not direction.What caused October to become associated with market crashes?The Panic of 1907, the 1929 crashes (Black Thursday and Black Tuesday), Black Monday in 1987, and the 2008 financial crisis all produced some of their worst sessions in October. These events were severe enough to embed October in market folklore. Combined, they represent five of the 20 largest single-day S&P 500 declines on record, a genuine statistical concentration, even if October overall has been positive.What is the VIX, and why does it matter in October?The VIX (CBOE Volatility Index) measures expected market volatility over the next 30 days based on S&P 500 options pricing. Its long-run average is approximately 19.5. October's long-run VIX average is approximately 21.3, roughly 9% higher than the all-month baseline. It is the most widely used real-time gauge of market fear and is especially relevant in October, given the month's historical volatility profile.What is Black Monday?Black Monday refers to October 19, 1987, when the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 22.6% in a single session, the largest one-day percentage decline in its history. The S&P 500 fell 20.4% the same day. The crash was global, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng falling 45.8% and the UK's FTSE 100 losing 26.4% within two days. The Brady Commission's 1988 report identified portfolio insurance and program trading as key structural amplifiers.Should traders exit the market in October?Historical data does not support that strategy. In approximately 59% of all Octobers since 1928, the S&P 500 finished the month positive. More critically, six of the strongest forward-return setups in modern market history, including the bottoms of the 2002 and 2022 bear markets, formed in October. Traders who exited at the start of those months missed average 12-month forward returns of +28.3%.What does "bear market killer" mean in the context of October?It refers to October's historical pattern of hosting more major market bottoms than any other single month. Since 1950, six bear market lows have formed in October. The average 12-month return following those lows was +28.3%, based on S&P 500 historical data.How does October 2026 compare to historical setups?October 2026 arrives against a backdrop of Q3 earnings season, Federal Reserve policy uncertainty, and institutional year-end rebalancing, the same structural factors that have historically elevated October volatility. Whether those factors produce a crash, a rally, or a reversal depends on conditions that will emerge between now and then. The historical base rate, positive roughly 59% of the time, volatile nearly always, is the most reliable starting point.This story was produced by Plus500 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Three things to know: Sept. 30, 2026 Nest Cafe Harvest Meal Fundraiser, LIHEAP applications open and Voices of Integration in Muscatine.
	Rock Island police investigating gunshots near Douglas Park The Rock Island Police Department is investigating a shots fired incident near Douglas Park Tuesday night.
	Iowa veteran completes 375-mile walk across state to raise awareness for mental health Darrian Schwenke, an Army Special Forces veteran, called the journey Project Course of Action, combining his experience with mental health and his love of golf.
	5 financial changes that happen when you turn 55 Most people know the major milestones associated with retirement, including penalty-free IRA withdrawals at 59 1/2, access to Social Security benefits as early as 62, and Medicare at age 65. While age 55 doesn’t get as much attention, it also opens the door to several retirement planning opportunities, including early access to 401(k) funds (thanks to the rule of 55) and catch-up contributions in several different accounts.If you’re approaching age 55 (or you’ve already reached it), it’s important to understand the benefits available to you. Wealth Enhancement shares five financial changes that happen at age 55 and what to consider for each one.1. The Rule of 55: Penalty-Free Access to Your 401(k)The typical IRS timeline lets you access your retirement dollars penalty-free at age 59 1/2, but the rule of 55 creates an exception.What Is the Rule of 55?The rule of 55 is an IRS provision that allows you to withdraw money from your current employer’s 401(k) or 403(b) without paying the 10% early withdrawal penalty that usually applies if you leave your job in the calendar year you turn 55 or later. If you’re a public safety employee for a state or political subdivision, the age is even lower at age 50.An important catch is that this rule only applies to the retirement plan held by the employer you just separated from. It doesn’t extend to 401(k) or 403(b) plans from prior employers or to IRAs.When the Rule of 55 Makes SenseThe rule of 55 makes sense in a few common situations:Early retirement: If you’re retiring from full-time work before age 59 1/2, this rule gives you a source of income without an early withdrawal penalty.Involuntary separation: A layoff or forced early retirement at 55 opens up access to your retirement savings, even if you weren’t planning to use it just yet.Bridge income: Because retirees aren’t eligible for Social Security until age 62, and full benefits may not be available until later, the rule of 55 can serve as a bridge until that happens.Important: The rule of 55 eliminates early withdrawal penalties, but it doesn’t eliminate taxes. Unless you’re withdrawing from a Roth account, you’ll still have to pay ordinary income taxes on your withdrawals.2. HSA Catch-Up Contributions Begin at 55If you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan, you’re allowed to contribute to a health savings account (HSA), which offers tax-free savings for qualified medical expenses.The Extra $1,000 You Can ContributeOnce you reach age 55, you get to contribute an additional $1,000 per year to your HSA on top of the usual limit. For 2026, that brings your total contribution from $4,400 to $5,400 for self coverage, and from $8,750 to $9,750 for family coverage.The catch-up contribution is per person, not per account. If you and your spouse are both 55 or older, you can each contribute your own $1,000 catch-up contribution. However, it must go into an account in your own name, not a shared account.Why HSAs Are a Powerful Retirement ToolHSAs have an unusual triple tax advantage. Contributions go in pre-tax (or are tax-deductible), the account grows tax-free, and withdrawals are federally tax-free as long as you use them for qualified medical expenses.Once you turn 65, HSAs become even more powerful. You can use the money for any purpose without a penalty. However, non-medical withdrawals are still taxed as ordinary income, just like your 401(k) or IRA withdrawals.Fidelity estimates that a 65-year-old retiring in 2026 may need to spend roughly $185,500 on health care expenses in retirement, so building an HSA as soon as possible can be worthwhile.If you’re also exploring how to maximize your 401(k) contributions, coordinating both accounts can help amplify your tax savings.3. Retirement Catch-Up Contributions Accelerate Your SavingsRetirement plans, including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and IRAs, all allow catch-up contributions to help maximize your savings as you near retirement.401(k), 403(b), and IRA Catch-Up LimitsCatch-up contributions in retirement plans actually start at age 50, so by age 55, you’ve had an extra five years to take advantage of them. If you’re checking in with your finances at 55, it’s a good time to double-check that you’ve been using them.The 2026 catch-up contributions are:401(k)/403(b): An extra $8,000 for those 50 and older, on top of the standard $24,500 limit.IRA: An extra $1,100 for those 50 and older, on top of the standard $7,500 limit.Age 60-63: An increased $11,250 “super catch-up” contribution for 401(k)s and 403(b)s instead of the standard $8,000 catch-up contribution.How to Prioritize Your Catch-Up DollarsIf you can’t max out every account, a common order of priority is:Contribute enough to your 401(k) plan to earn your full employer match.Fully fund your HSA, including your catch-up contribution.Build up your 401(k) catch-up contributions.Use any remaining funds to add to your IRA catch-up contributions.Within each account, you’ll also have to choose between traditional and Roth contributions based on your current tax bracket and where you expect to land in retirement. The table below can help: Wealth Enhancement It’s important to note that, starting in 2026, anyone who earned more than $150,000 in wages the prior year must make their catch-up contributions into a Roth (i.e., after-tax) account rather than a traditional pre-tax one, assuming their plan offers a Roth option.4. The Roth Conversion Window OpensA Roth conversion lets you roll money from a traditional retirement account into a Roth account. You’ll pay taxes on the amount you convert and get tax-free withdrawals in retirement.Why 55 Is a Strategic Conversion AgeIf you retire at age 55, you may have several years of lower taxable income before your Social Security benefits kick in as early as age 62 and required minimum distributions (RMDs) kick in at age 75. That window can be a good time to convert traditional 401(k) or IRA dollars to a Roth account at a lower marginal tax rate.Factors to Evaluate Before ConvertingA Roth conversion isn’t right for everyone. There are a few key factors to consider:Current vs. future tax bracket: Converting usually makes the most sense when your current tax rate is lower than you expect it to be during retirement.5-year rule: Each Roth conversion has its own five-year clock before you can withdraw those converted funds penalty-free under age 59 1/2.IRMAA thresholds: Medicare’s income-based monthly adjustment uses your income from the past two years, so a large conversion in your early 60s can raise your Medicare premiums at 65.5. Health Care and Social Security Planning Become UrgentThe timing of health insurance coverage and Social Security benefits is among the largest considerations as you near retirement, and it’s critical to plan ahead.Bridging the Gap to Medicare at 65If you retire at age 55, you’ll have up to a decade without employer-sponsored health coverage before you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65. A few options that can help you bridge that gap include:COBRA: You may be eligible to extend your employer coverage for up to 18 months after leaving your job.ACA marketplace plan: These are purchased individually and, depending on your income, you could be eligible for subsidies.Health-sharing ministries: These non-insurance alternatives have become increasingly popular.Spousal coverage: If your spouse still works and has employer benefits, you could get coverage under their plan.Budgeting for premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs during this time is an important part of your early retirement plan. Make sure you also understand what Medicare will and won’t cover by reviewing Medicare costs and coverage basics.Social Security Claiming Strategy Begins NowThough you can’t claim Social Security at age 55, you can start planning for it. Now is the time to understand your options and determine which is right for you.Age 62: You can start receiving payments at a reduced benefit amount.Age 67: You’re eligible for your full retirement age (FRA) Social Security benefit.Age 70: Your benefit grows 8% per year for each year you delay past your FRA, maxing out at age 70.Keep in mind that whatever age you start collecting benefits locks in your benefit amount for the rest of your life. If you retire at 62 with the reduced benefit, you’ll get the reduced amount forever. It won’t increase when you reach age 67 or 70. Meanwhile, age 70 gives you the highest monthly benefit, but the fewest years to collect it.Use the Social Security retirement benefits overview to estimate your projected benefit at each claiming age.What to Do Next: A Turning-55 Financial ChecklistAs you’re approaching retirement and reaching these milestone years, there’s a lot to consider and plan for. Here is a short checklist to help you understand everything you need to know and do:Review your 401(k) plan’s rule-of-55 provisions with your plan administrator.Open and contribute to an HSA if you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan.Confirm you’re making full catch-up contributions to all eligible accounts.Model Roth conversion scenarios with a tax professional.Estimate health care costs for the years between 55 and 65 and compare coverage options.Run Social Security benefit projections at ages 62, 67, and 70.Schedule a meeting with a fiduciary financial advisor.Frequently Asked QuestionsHow much money should a 55-year-old have saved for retirement?A common benchmark suggests saving between seven and eight times your annual salary by age 55. If you earn $150,000, for example, you’d need between $1.05 million and $1.2 million. However, the right number depends on your lifestyle, living expenses, target retirement age, and other sources of income. It’s important to build a plan around your specific circumstances rather than a general rule of thumb.Can I retire at 55 with no savings?While it’s not impossible to retire at 55 with no savings, it’s extremely difficult. You would need to rely on the rule of 55 for any available 401(k) funds, run the numbers to maximize your Social Security benefits, keep your expenses extremely lean, and consider part-time income to help bridge the gap. Given the complexity involved, working with a financial advisor is strongly recommended if you’re considering this path.Is $1 million enough to retire at 55?Under normal rules of thumb, $1 million wouldn’t be enough for most people to retire at age 55. Using the commonly referenced 4% withdrawal rule, $1 million could support an annual withdrawal of roughly $40,000. However, because retiring at 55 means your savings would have to last more than 30 years, a more conservative withdrawal rate may be necessary. Ultimately, the answer depends on your annual spending, health care expenses, and other sources of income.The Bottom LineTurning 55 isn’t one of the most well-known retirement milestones, but it’s still one worth understanding. The rule of 55, catch-up contributions, Roth conversion window, and health care and Social Security planning horizon all represent opportunities to strengthen your retirement plan. The key is to act on them early, before your options dwindle.This story was produced by Wealth Enhancement and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What does jewelry insurance actually cover? A plain-language guide Jewelry insurance covers more than most people expect and excludes less than you might think.The basics: Dedicated jewelry insurance typically covers loss, theft, damage, and disappearance, including during worldwide travel.The fine print: A handful of specific situations aren't covered, but most are uncommon.The documentation: An appraisal and photos are helpful to have, but in many cases, you can get a policy without them.You've heard that jewelry insurance exists. You might even know you probably need it. But when someone asks you what it actually covers, the answer gets fuzzy fast."Loss and theft" sounds straightforward until you wonder whether that includes accidentally leaving your ring on a sink in a restaurant. Or whether damage means a scratched band or a lost stone. Or whether your coverage follows you when you travel.This guide from Jewelers Mutual Group, an insurer that has specialized in jewelry for over 110 years, answers those questions in plain language, so you know exactly what you're getting before you need it.What jewelry insurance coversA dedicated jewelry insurance policy is built around what actually happens to jewelry in real life. That means coverage typically extends to:Accidental loss: Your ring slips off while you're gardening. Your necklace falls into the ocean. These everyday losses — the kind that feel embarrassing to explain — are covered.Theft: Whether your jewelry is stolen from your home, your car, or your hotel room, theft is covered.Disappearance: This one often surprises people. If a piece goes missing and you genuinely don't know how or when, that's still covered.Accidental damage: A prong catches on something, and a stone falls out. Your bracelet gets crushed in a car door. Accidental damage is covered, including repairs.Natural disasters: This includes fire, flooding, and storm damage; you’re protected from covered events that damage or destroy your jewelry.Worldwide travel: Your coverage follows you. Whether you're in another state or another country, your jewelry is protected while you’re traveling, the same way it is at home.What jewelry insurance doesn't coverJust as important as what's covered is what isn't. Below are some of the most common exclusions, though your policy may include others. It's worth reviewing your specific coverage for the full list:Wear and tear or gradual deterioration: If a piece was already in poor condition or breaks over time from normal use, that's considered maintenance, not a covered loss.Intentional damage: Coverage doesn't apply if a piece is deliberately damaged or lost.Voluntary parting: If you willingly give up a piece, such as selling it and the payment falls through, that's not a covered loss.Nuclear hazard or acts of war: These are standard exclusions shared across nearly all insurance products.Vermin or insects: Damage from an infestation isn't covered.The exclusions are edge cases. Your policy coverage is built for common situations.What happens when you file a claim?This is where dedicated jewelry insurance works differently from a homeowners or renters policy. Rather than cutting you a check and leaving you to figure out the rest, a standalone jewelry insurer typically works to repair or replace your piece with something as close to the same kind and quality as possible. In many cases, the insurance company coordinates directly with your preferred jeweler to do it. A generic cash settlement may not account for what the piece meant to you or what it would take to replace it.What documentation do you need to get covered?You need less documentation than you might expect. In many cases, you can get started with just basic information about the piece, including type, materials and estimated value. For higher-value items, having an appraisal on hand is helpful, as it documents the item's description and replacement value. Photos can also help establish the condition and other details at the time of coverage.You don't need to jump through hoops. Coverage can often start the same day you apply.How much does it cost?Dedicated jewelry insurance typically runs 1%-2% of a piece's retail replacement value per year. For example:A $3,000 ring: roughly $30-$60 per yearA $5,000 ring: roughly $50-$100 per yearA $10,000 ring: roughly $100-$200 per yearThe bottom lineJewelry insurance covers the things that commonly happen: a ring lost on vacation, a stone knocked loose, or a bracelet stolen from a hotel room. The exclusions are narrow and specific. The coverage is broad.If you own a piece you'd be upset or financially strained to lose, it's worth spending five minutes to find out what coverage would cost.Disclaimer: Insurance coverage is subject to underwriting approval and actual policy terms. Any descriptions of coverage are not a substitute for actual policy language. Coverage options may vary by state and by product. Exclusions and limitations may apply.This story was produced by Jewelers Mutual Group and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Scott County attorney says defense may prefer bench trial in high-profile case Scott County Attorney Kelly Cunningham says the defense's decision to waive a jury for a bench trial could save taxpayers money, with the case remaining in Henry County. Trial set for March 2027.
	The renaissance of train travel: 7 destinations where the train is the best part of the journey For decades, modern travel has largely been a race against the clock. Airlines have promised faster connections, highways have shortened distances, and even vacation itineraries comprising just a few days have packed in as many destinations as possible.But now, a different kind of travel—one that invites travelers to slow down—is gaining steam. Train travel is experiencing a renaissance as more travelers seek scenic, immersive ways to explore a destination that allows them to kick back and simply enjoy the view outside. Instead of treating transportation as merely a means to get from one place to the next, rail journeys are increasingly becoming a part of the travel experience itself. A May 2026 survey conducted by EF Go Ahead Tours found that 93% of North American travelers are increasingly considering train tourism, while 78% are interested in incorporating trains into their guided vacations or tour experiences. Scenic views ranked as the top reason for the interest in train travel, followed by comfort and the opportunity to enjoy a unique travel experience.The shift reflects a broader change in what travelers value. Getting somewhere quickly still matters, but, increasingly, so does enjoying how they get there.Across Europe and North America, railways are offering travelers a different perspective on familiar destinations—from crossing the Alps on historic mountain railways to connecting major cities without setting foot in an airport.For those looking to experience the resurgence firsthand, these seven destinations prove that train is one of the best ways to see the world.1. The European AlpsBest for dramatic mountain scenery and iconic scenic railways Courtesy of EF Go Ahead Tours Few landscapes seem better suited to train travel than the Alps. Snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, mountain villages, and dramatic passes unfold outside the window, while railways tackle terrain that would otherwise be difficult—and, in some cases, nearly impossible—to cross. The region's trains are engineering feats in their own right, climbing steep mountainsides and winding through tunnels carved into the landscape. A multicountry train itinerary through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy brings together five of the region's scenic railways. Travelers can climb toward Germany's highest peak aboard the Zugspitze Cogwheel Train, cross the Alps on the Arlberg Railway, and travel between Switzerland and Italy on the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway. The Gotthard Panorama Express adds another dimension, pairing a vintage paddle steamer across Lake Lucerne with a panoramic train journey through the heart of the Alps. The result is a trip with scenery between stops that can be just as memorable as the destinations themselves. 2. SwitzerlandBest for bucket list train journeys Courtesy of EF Go Ahead Tours Switzerland has built much of its reputation as a travel destination around its mountains for sports like hiking, skiing, and cycling, but its railways are among the country's greatest attractions, too. An extensive rail network connects Alpine resorts, lakeside towns, and remote mountain villages, while several routes have become internationally recognized experiences in their own right. The best known is the Glacier Express, often called the "world's slowest express." Over a span of approximately six and a half hours, the train winds through the Swiss Alps, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels. The UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway offers another spectacular look at Switzerland's mountainous terrain, with routes that showcase both the country's dramatic landscapes and the remarkable engineering required to traverse them. A week in Switzerland by train must include travel through St. Moritz, Zermatt, and Interlaken. For travelers with limited time, seeing Switzerland by train transforms the journey from simply a way to get between mountain towns into an experience all its own.3. The Swiss and French AlpsBest for high-altitude adventures Courtesy of EF Go Ahead Tours The Alps don't stop at Switzerland's borders, and some of the region's most dramatic rail journeys cross between Switzerland and France. Here, the experience is defined by elevation. Trains climb from lakeside towns into high mountain terrain, carrying passengers toward glaciers, peaks, and some of Europe's highest-altitude destinations. A trip from Lucerne to Chamonix by train brings together several distinctly different rail experiences. The GoldenPass Express travels through the Swiss countryside, while a rack railway climbs to the Jungfraujoch, home to Europe's highest train station at 11,332 feet. Farther west, the Mont-Blanc Express heads toward Chamonix, with glaciers towering in the distance, offering another perspective on one of Europe's most recognizable mountain ranges. The journey also includes one of Switzerland's more unusual rail experiences: the aptly nicknamed Chocolate Train, which leads to a visit to the Cailler chocolate factory. Together, the routes show how train travel can transform an Alpine vacation from a series of mountain stops into an experience shaped by the journey between them.4. London, Paris and VeniceBest for the romance of classic European rail travel Sampajano // Shutterstock Few forms of transportation carry as much cultural nostalgia as the great European train journey. Long before budget airlines made weekend city-hopping commonplace, railways connected the continent's capitals and inspired an era of glamorous travel immortalized in literature, film, and popular culture. Relive the Belle Époque era with a journey that follows the route of the storied Orient Express across London, Paris, Lausanne, Milan, and Venice. The sights and cultural experiences along the way recapture the comfort, glamour, and romance that made this route—and the era of grand rail travel—so enduringly iconic.5. Italy's Classic CitiesBest for seamless city-hopping Songquan Deng // Shutterstock Train travel doesn't always mean traveling slowly. In Italy, rail offers one of the most efficient ways to connect the country's most popular destinations. High-speed trains link city centers directly, eliminating much of the time and hassle associated with flying or driving between major stops. Venice, Florence, and Rome are among the country's most visited cities, and train travel makes the journey between them remarkably simple. Travelers board Italy's flagship high-speed service in Venice, travel through the Apennines and into Tuscany, and continue from Renaissance Florence to Rome—all in just over three and a half hours. It's an example of how rail can change the rhythm of a multicity vacation and turn the experience into one continuous journey across the country. 6. Central Europe's Former Imperial CapitalsBest for history, culture and multicountry travel Kateryna_Moroz // Shutterstock Some of Europe's most fascinating cities are remarkably close together—and rail remains one of the easiest ways to connect them. Berlin, Prague, and Vienna each tell a different chapter of Central European history. Together, they offer a journey through imperial legacies, Cold War history, architecture, music, and some of the continent's most distinctive urban cultures. EuroCity and Railjet services connect the three former imperial capitals, allowing travelers to move between Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria without relying on short-haul flights. Travelers looking to extend the route can continue to Budapest, adding another former imperial capital to the journey. It's a reminder that train travel can make multicountry travel feel less fragmented—transforming several destinations into one connected experience.7. The Pacific NorthwestBest for scenic rail travel closer to home Ian Dewar Photography // Shutterstock Europe may dominate the popular imagination when it comes to great train journeys, but North America has its own compelling rail landscapes. The Pacific Northwest combines dramatic mountains, sprawling coasts, evergreen forests, and three of the region's most distinctive cities—Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver. The Amtrak Cascades route connects them by rail, offering views of landscapes including Mount St. Helens and the San Juan Islands along the way. A day trip to Mount Rainier adds another opportunity to experience one of the region's defining landscapes. For American travelers in particular, the Pacific Northwest is a reminder that a scenic rail vacation doesn't require crossing the ocean.What the return of train travel means for travelersThe renewed interest in train tourism reflects something bigger than nostalgia. For a growing number of travelers, how they get somewhere is beginning to matter almost as much as where they're going. A slower pace, often with a drink in hand with a travel companion by your side as the scenery passes by, is increasingly viewed as a travel highlight—a chance to actually watch a country, city, or landscape unfold by rail. Whether that means retracing a historic European rail corridor, crossing the Swiss Alps, or riding a coastal route through the Pacific Northwest, travelers are increasingly discovering that getting there doesn't have to be separate from the vacation. Sometimes, it may be the best part.This story was produced by EF Go Ahead Tours and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Political discussions at work: What should your workplace policy cover? Midterm elections are approaching, and political discussions at work become harder to avoid. Employees start discussing their thoughts about candidates, ballot issues, news stories, or public policies during breaks, in group chats, or sometimes in front of customers. These discussions do not mean small business owners need to ban them. It does, however, mean it can help to set boundaries before disagreements start affecting the workplace.Political speech at a private workplace is not automatically protected by the First Amendment. Federal employment discrimination laws generally do not list political affiliation as a protected characteristic. The First Amendment does restrict government action, but it generally does not prohibit a private employer from regulating employee speech simply because it is political.It's important to note that political conversations can also touch on issues that are protected by employment laws. For example, a disagreement about a political issue could include comments about an employee’s race, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Those characteristics are protected under federal discrimination laws. State and local laws may provide additional protections, including in some cases protections related to political activity or affiliation. Employers should consider these protections when deciding how to handle political discussions at work.Focus your policy on conduct, not viewpointsYou may not need to write your policy from scratch. Many of the same standards you already use for employee conduct can be applied or adapted for political discussions.Employees may have disagreements, but discussions should not interfere with work, disrupt customers, involve threats or intimidation, or violate your existing anti-harassment and discrimination policies.Remember, a political disagreement is not automatically unlawful harassment. The situation changes when a conversation includes unwelcome conduct tied to a legally protected characteristic. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) explains that harassment based on protected characteristics is unlawful when it results in an adverse employment action or becomes sufficiently severe or pervasive.Your existing workplace conduct policy may already cover much of this, but review it anyway. Make sure it includes disruptions at work, interactions with customers, harassment, and how employees should report a concern.Consistency matters when problems ariseNot every complaint will be as straightforward, and managers should know when to escalate an issue.For example, if your policy prohibits employees from having disruptive non-work conversations while serving customers, apply that rule consistently regardless of the political position being discussed.Managers should also know when a complaint needs a closer look. A conversation about politics could overlap with protected workplace activity. For example, the EEOC specifically addresses workplace religious expression, which can overlap with political conversation. Under federal labor law, covered employees may also have rights to act together and discuss issues involving wages, hours, benefits, and other working conditions.A political disagreement can also become a different workplace issue when comments involve a protected characteristic such as race, religion, sex, or national origin.A blanket “no politics” rule may not solve every situation. Focusing instead on workplace conduct gives managers something more concrete to address when a problem comes up.Questions to consider about politics in your workplaceBefore adding another rule to your employee handbook, Rocket Lawyer recommends reviewing what your current policies already cover.Do we need a separate policy for political discussions? Could our existing conduct, harassment, communication, or customer-service rules already address most concerns?When does a conversation become a workplace problem? Does it disrupt work, affect customers, involve intimidation, or potentially violate another policy?Do managers know how to respond to complaints? Would they recognize when political speech may overlap with protected workplace activity or a protected characteristic?Are we applying our rules consistently? Would we respond the same way if employees expressed opposing political viewpoints?What to do nextReview your existing policies. Check your conduct, anti-harassment, communication, social media, and complaint procedures before creating a separate political speech rule.Set clear behavioral expectations. Focus on disruption, respectful conduct, customers, threats, harassment, and use of company resources, not particular viewpoints.Prepare managers for complaints. Give supervisors a clear process for documenting concerns and escalating situations that may involve protected rights.Check applicable laws. State and local protections can vary.Your employees do not have to agree with each other. What matters is having workplace expectations that managers understand and apply consistently when disagreements come up.This story was produced by Rocket Lawyer and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How Trump keeps undercutting his anti-communist message The Trump administration has taken government equity stakes in more than three dozen private companies.
	Edmunds ranks the best used SUVs for your family With the staggering number of SUVs available for sale today — there are nearly 40 listed in Edmunds compact and subcompact rankings alone — picking the best used SUV to buy for your family can be overwhelming. According to Edmunds, the Kia Sportage and Toyota Grand Highlander are among today's top picks, but several others might also suit your needs. For a local runabout, the small but roomy Honda CR-V is ideal. For longer commutes, the Chevrolet Traverse, with its hands-free driving system, can be a lifesaver. Towing a boat? Look to the Lincoln Navigator or even the electric Rivian R1S. The best used family SUV depends entirely on your needs, interests and budget. Here are 10 favorites.Honda CR-VA time-tested classic since its debut nearly 30 years ago, the Honda CR-V is ideal for small families thanks to a surprisingly spacious cabin, a smooth ride, easy drivability and solid overall value. The larger back seat that came as part of a 2023 redesign makes it easy to fit and adjust bulky rear-facing car seats, and it will just as easily accommodate those small passengers when they're no longer so small.The CR-V is rarely the cheapest option in its class. But impressive fuel economy, especially from the optional hybrid powertrain, and long-term reliability mean you probably won't lose money on a CR-V. The 2023 model's updated infotainment system also eliminates the wonky touchscreen and infotainment glitches experienced in earlier models. It falls short of some competitors in towing capacity — at 1,500 pounds, it can't pull much more than a small utility trailer or a pair of dirt bikes — and the hybrid can sound harsh and loud when being spurred up a hill or grade. Like most other gas-electric SUVs of its size, the hybrid gets its best fuel economy around town, but overall, you can't go wrong with a CR-V.EPA combined fuel economy: 30 mpg (non-hybrid); 37-40 mpg (hybrid)Edmunds Rating: 8.1 (out of 10)Average price: $30,435Kia Sportage HybridQuick and seamless acceleration makes the Kia Sportage Hybrid a favorite. And at around $25,000 for an average 2023 model, it's an amazing value. A smooth, quiet ride; generous passenger space in both rows; and class-leading cargo capacity (nearly 74 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down) make it both comfortable and practical for families. Fuel economy ratings ranging from 38 mpg to 43 mpg, and Kia's exceptional warranty also make the Sportage Hybrid a prudent pick.Most impressive is the Sportage's cabin, with materials and design that feel a few notches nicer than the average economy crossover. The switchable infotainment/climate control display takes some getting used to, and hard-wired Apple CarPlay and Android Audio are a minor disappointment, but some cable clutter is a fair trade-off for the rest of the Sportage Hybrid's strengths. You can save a little money opting for the non-hybrid engine, but the hybrid's extra juice is worth it. You can also spend more for the plug-in hybrid version and get around 35 miles of all-electric range, but the regular hybrid hits the value sweet spot.EPA combined fuel economy: 38-43 mpgEdmunds Rating: 8.4 (out of 10)Average price: $25,145Genesis GV70Powered by a choice of turbocharged four- or six-cylinder engines, the GV70 accelerates swiftly (0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds for the V6) and delivers a smooth, serene ride with its available adaptive suspension and well-insulated cabin. Inside, you'll find two roomy rows, with a commanding driving position and a large 14.5-inch touchscreen to control infotainment. And though style is subjective, the GV70's elegant design makes it a standout among more under-the-radar luxury SUVs.Rated at up to 24 mpg for the four-cylinder, the GV70 also delivers decent fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive crossover. Like the Kia Sportage, earlier Genesis models rely on a wired Apple/Android smartphone connection; wireless integration didn't arrive until the 2025 model. It's a minor annoyance given the GV70's otherwise generous features, sophisticated feel and attractive price compared to its Audi, BMW and Acura peers.EPA combined fuel economy: 21-24 mpgEdmunds Rating: 8.3 (out of 10)Average price: $36,125Subaru OutbackFrom almost any angle, the Subaru Outback looks like a wagon. Its long hood and long, low roof dismiss it from most SUV support groups, but its robust standard all-wheel drive and ample ground clearance (8.7 inches) let the Outback go places even some SUVs fear to tread. And even with its adventurous spirit, the Outback's well-tuned suspension and exceptionally supportive front seats make it a comfortable and capable urban sled. There's generous passenger space and a versatile cargo area with a low floor for easy loading and accessible roof rails for racking gear on top. Sure, this means the Outback gives up some maximum cargo space to its boxier SUV rivals, but it's a fair trade.The Subaru's only real downside? The base engine is painfully slow: 0-60 mph in just under 9 seconds. You need to step up to the Wilderness or XT trim to get the more powerful 260-horsepower engine, but it's money well spent. The Outback was redesigned for 2026 to better fit in with the SUV crowd, but the previous generation discussed here ran from 2020 to 2025. When shopping, look for 2023 or newer models for the improved infotainment software.EPA combined fuel economy: 23-28 mpgEdmunds Rating: 7.7 (out of 10)Average price: $26,534Toyota Grand HighlanderThe Toyota Grand Highlander is a roomy three-row SUV that improves on the standard Highlander where it matters most: a third row with room for real adults. The Grand Highlander adds about 5.5 inches of third-row legroom, so even your 6-foot-tall passengers can relax back there, something they can't do in the standard Highlander's cozier, kids-only back row. Cargo capacity is similarly generous, reaching up to nearly 98 cubic feet, or almost the same amount as Toyota's Sienna minivan. Small-item storage is also plentiful across all three rows.While the base gas Grand Highlander isn't Outback-slow, it's also not swift and it strains under heavy highway loads. If you want a bit more speed and better efficiency, consider the optional Grand Highlander hybrid model. It is more responsive and more enjoyable to drive. There's also an available Hybrid Max powertrain that trades efficiency for power and takes this big Toyota to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone connection are available, and there's a solid bundle of standard active safety features. The Grand Highlander's fairly anonymous style — aside from its tall, upright grille — won't suit everyone, but this SUV's practicality and comfort make it a strong midsize contender.EPA combined fuel economy: 24 mpg (non-hybrid); 27 mpg (Hybrid Max); 34-36 mpg (hybrid)Edmunds Rating: 8.2 (out of 10)Average Price: $44,355Acura MDXSporty V6-powered performance, a spacious cabin, and high-class interior materials like open-pore wood and aluminum make the Acura MDX one of today's best sleeper values. While its pricier European rivals get more attention, the three-row MDX quietly offers inspired handling, a roomy enough third row and several standard active safety features.Even its two available sound systems are among the best in the class. None of that makes up for a clumsy touchpad interface used to control the infotainment system. The dual-screen design isn't intuitive, and the menu structure remains baffling even after some study. It's a rare miss in an otherwise well-executed interior design. Fortunately, you can always default to wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto if you prefer to bypass the MDX's system altogether. If you like the elegance of the Genesis GV70, the MDX costs just a bit more, but gives you sharper performance and a third row.EPA combined fuel economy: 21-22 mpgEdmunds Rating: 8.0 (out of 10)Average price: $38,243Kia TellurideThe Kia Telluride's combination of practicality, style and value made it an instant favorite on its debut in 2020, edging out longtime three-row SUV class leaders like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. A smooth, relaxed ride; wide and comfortable seats; modern tech features; and big, adult-size third-row seats make the Telluride an ideal all-arounder, whether covering grueling commutes, daily drop-offs or long, relaxed miles far from home. It's even rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.There's a ton of cabin space, but oddly, not a lot of dedicated space for personal items (phones, keys, sunglasses, headphones), so you'll be on your own for smaller cubbies and dividers. And while the Telluride's V6 generates a solid wallop, fuel economy isn't particularly stellar (ranging between 21 mpg and 23 mpg combined). When shopping, aim for 2023 or newer models since they feature slightly revised styling and larger touchscreens. The Telluride went on hiatus for 2026, returning with a redesigned second-generation model for 2027.EPA combined fuel economy: 21-23 mpgEdmunds Rating: 8.4 (out of 10)Average price: $32,992Chevrolet TraverseIn reviews, Edmunds called the Chevrolet Traverse "decidedly average" and "awkward," criticized its bland design and bashed its bargain-bin interior. Yet that's precisely why the Traverse makes the list. It's the perfect three-row SUV for families who, intentionally or otherwise, need something that can withstand abuse. At around $35,000, a used Traverse still isn't cheap. But you'd need the pricier Toyota Grand Highlander to approach the cavernous volume of the Traverse's interior. It's among the roomiest three-row SUVs that isn't based on a truck and leads the class in cargo space behind the third row (22.9 cubic feet).The Chevy also has a strong turbo four-cylinder engine, which helps it tow up to 5,000 pounds, and a low-fuss interior that makes it easy to brush off the battle scars of daily family life. The Traverse was redesigned in 2024. While you can find plenty of good earlier models, look to the latest generation for its more potent engine (an additional 18 hp and 60 lb-ft of torque despite two fewer cylinders), massive 17.7-inch infotainment display, available Super Cruise hands-free driving feature and more rugged, angular styling.EPA combined fuel economy: 20-21 mpgEdmunds Rating: N/A (6.3 for 2026)Average price: $34,685Lincoln NavigatorWhen the going gets tough and the tough need trailers, the Lincoln Navigator is among the best options. Like Lincoln's classic sedans of old, the Navigator — itself a classic at almost 30 years old — combines a plush cabin and soft ride with robust power and towing capacity. Today's Navigator is also a technological marvel, highlighted by infinitely adjustable seats, advanced infotainment features such as mood lighting and soothing aural ambiance, and the optional BlueCruise hands-free driving system. Sophisticated wood and metal trim sets a high bar for a family luxury SUV, but it's the Navigator's muscle that seals the deal.The standard turbo V6 makes a whopping 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to pull up to 8,700 pounds. The Navigator was redesigned in 2025, but it didn't change substantially year-to-year in its preceding generation. Look for 2022 models or newer to get the larger touchscreen and optional BlueCruise.EPA combined fuel economy: 17-19 mpgEdmunds Rating: 8.4 (out of 10)Average price: $54,870Rivian R1SIf you're ready to trade gas for electricity, the three-row Rivian R1S is the most capable way to do it. It's roomier than a Tesla Model X and can go places off-road that would leave its rival in pieces. Early R1S SUVs lack some of the comfort and refinement you might expect for the luxury-level price, but all come with ample active safety features, a large 16-inch infotainment display, and camp- and trail-ready touches like an adjustable air suspension and an onboard air compressor.The R1S is rated for anywhere from around 275-350 miles of driving range, depending on the motors, wheels, battery size and tires; Edmunds got 330 miles from a 2022 model in a real-world Edmunds EV Range Test. And when it's time to tow, the Rivian can also pull up to 7,700 pounds. The R1S hasn't changed much since its debut, so when shopping, think about how much range you'll really need. That will help determine what battery size to target. The R1S isn't cheap, even used, and if you just need an electric SUV to handle routine family driving, a new Kia EV9 costs less and offers better on-road performance.EPA-estimated range: 274-352 milesEdmunds Rating: 8.1 (out of 10)Average price: $63,612This story was produced by Edmunds and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	After failed execution, health workers say Tennessee's method flouts medical ethics After a botched lethal injection in May, dozens of Tennessee medical professionals told the governor that healthcare professionals shouldn't help with executions, no matter the method.
	Burnout isn't just a buzzword: Why workers are reaching a breaking point Burnout is a response to chronic workplace stress that can leave people feeling exhausted, detached from their jobs, and less effective at work. Unlike everyday tiredness, burnout tends to build gradually and may be influenced by workload, lack of control, unclear expectations, and limited support.Key takeawaysBurnout develops from chronic, unmanaged workplace stress and often involves exhaustion, detachment from work, and reduced effectiveness.Burnout isn’t just about working long hours. Lack of control, unclear expectations, poor manager support, and value conflicts can all contribute.High performers and perfectionists may be especially vulnerable when overwork becomes associated with dedication or success.Time off can provide temporary relief, but vacations alone may not resolve burnout if the underlying work conditions remain unchanged.Addressing burnout may require both individual boundaries and workplace changes, including clearer priorities, manageable workloads, and stronger manager support.Feeling tired is a normal part of life, and that’s especially true by the end of a busy workweek. But burnout is an entirely different experience, and it has become part of the job for millions of Americans.To put this in perspective, Eagle Hill Consulting surveyed more than 1,400 U.S. employees in November 2025 and reported that 55% of the workforce is experiencing burnout.Burnout is also affecting whether workers plan to stay with their current employer, with the same survey finding that burned-out employees were nearly three times more likely to plan on leaving during the coming year. But part of what makes burnout so confusing is how gradually it builds, and BetterHelp has observed that people may mistake burnout for laziness or a bad mood.Still, the word itself now gets thrown around after almost any long day at work, even though many people may not be clear on what burnout actually means.What burnout actually meansThe concept of burnout dates back to the 1970s, when American psychologist Herbert Freudenberger used it to describe what severe stress and constant self-sacrifice did to caregivers. The term eventually moved well beyond caregiving professions, and researchers set out to pin down what separated it from everyday job stress.Psychologist Christina Maslach was among the first to take on the question, telling The Guardian that burnout is “a response to chronic job stressors.” Decades later, the World Health Organization settled on a definition that sounds a lot like hers.By the WHO’s account, burnout develops when stress at work goes on for a long time and never gets under control, leaving people exhausted or mentally distant from their jobs. The WHO also adds feeling less effective at work, with people sensing they are getting less done or not doing their job as well as they normally would.While burnout leads to feelings of inefficacy in the workplace, there is a spill-over into someone’s personal life. Burnout doesn't just stop at work but also carries over and impacts time away from work and with family.Still, burnout is easy to confuse with depression or anxiety, and organizational psychologist Ludmila Praslova explains in Psychology Today that one clue is whether the exhaustion stays at work. If it spills into every part of life, she writes, depression is the more likely cause, while exhaustion tied mainly to the job points to burnout.Why modern work can keep the brain ‘on’ around the clockIt’s hardly surprising that burnout remains so common when workers take the job home on the same phone they use to text family or check the weather. Microsoft’s June 2025 Work Trend Index found employees were sending 15% more work messages outside standard 9-to-5 hours than during the same period in 2024.And behind those late messages is pressure to stay responsive, with psychiatrist Dr. Tonmoy Sharma telling Business Standard that “even during off-hours, we feel the need to respond immediately, just to seem dedicated."This pressure is even harder to leave behind for remote and hybrid workers, who end the workday where they spend their evening relaxing. That said, flexibility still offers real benefits, with a 2024 Pew Research Center poll finding that 73% of people who work from home at least sometimes say it helps them balance work and personal life.But even with the upside, an email or Slack message arriving after dinner brings work back into the evening and makes it harder to feel finished for the day.Workload is only part of the burnout equationMost people assume that burnout comes down to having too much work, especially since long hours at work get so much attention. Yet Gallup has found that how employees experience their workload has a stronger relationship with burnout than the number of hours they work.Part of that experience comes down to control, with researchers Christina Maslach and Michael Leiter, in a 2016 paper published in the World Psychiatry journal, noting the link between burnout and jobs where workers have little say over decisions that affect them. And having little control is even harder when workers are left unsure about what their manager expects them to be responsible for.Gallup’s research reflects the same uncertainty, ranking unclear communication from managers and lack of manager support among the factors most closely tied to burnout. The experience also depends on how people are treated at work, with Maslach and Leiter linking burnout risk to missing recognition and workplace relationships where the support is weak.Their research also points to added risk when the job itself conflicts with a worker’s values. So two people with the same workload often experience it very differently, depending on how much control and support they have.Economic uncertainty can make it harder to walk awayPerhaps one of the hardest pressures surrounding burnout comes from money, especially when financial uncertainty makes a draining job feel too risky to leave. In fact, the financial pressure behind that decision shows up in the American Psychological Association’s 2024 Stress in America survey, which found 64% of adults called money a significant source of stress, while 41% said the same about job stability.And for many workers, keeping a stable job also protects access to health coverage, with KFF reporting employer-sponsored insurance covered 154 million people under 65 in 2025. So with a paycheck and employer health coverage tied to the same job, some workers keep pushing through exhaustion even when they know the job is wearing them down.Why high performers can be especially vulnerableEvery company wants people who can be counted on, and those employees often become the first choice when a difficult project needs an owner. Research from Andrew Hill and Thomas Curran found that perfectionism was especially tied to burnout at work, with Hill saying it often involves “fear and doubts about personal performance.”Someone who holds themselves to extremely high standards may keep saying yes rather than risk letting people down. And success often brings even more responsibility to the person who has already proven dependable.Curran has also noted that society tends to treat perfectionism as a sign of high achievement, making it easier for overwork to look like dedication. So when overwork looks like dedication, strong results can hide just how hard someone is pushing to keep up.The warning signs people often missWhat’s even more concerning than burnout itself is how subtle the warning signs can be before a person realizes work is taking a serious toll. Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Adam Borland says burnout “doesn’t happen all at once” and “develops gradually,” making it easy to brush off feeling tired most days at first.And as that tiredness continues, people often grow more cynical about work or begin feeling detached from it. The American Psychiatric Association also lists irritability and reduced productivity among the warning signs, while trouble focusing often makes simple tasks take more effort as motivation starts to fade.Since these experiences can overlap with other concerns, none of them alone confirms burnout. But when a weekend or a day off still does not bring someone’s energy back, the lack of recovery becomes harder to ignore.Why a vacation can’t always fix burnoutAs relaxing as it might sound, a vacation is not a simple fix for burnout, and it all boils down to what happens when that short escape ends. But to be completely fair, stepping away from work does help, giving people time to rest without the usual demands filling the day.Still, that relief has limits, with psychologist Jessica de Bloom’s research finding that vacation benefits often fade within the first week back at work. And as those benefits wear off, returning to unchanged work conditions puts the original source of stress right back in place.Psychologist Dayna Lee-Baggley notes in Psychology Today that research suggests reducing work demands can help vacation benefits last longer, bringing the focus back to the conditions waiting for employees once their time away is over.What employees can do when work is becoming unsustainableAn employee who suspects they are on the verge of burnout needs to start by figuring out which part of the job is causing the most strain. To make that pressure easier to recognize, in a Cleveland Clinic article, psychologist Adam Borland recommends checking in with how someone feels emotionally and physically throughout the day.Seeing those concerns more clearly also gives an employee something concrete to put in writing and bring into a conversation about priorities. Beyond the workday, Borland also recommends stronger boundaries, while the American Psychiatric Association points to limits on after-hours email and protecting sleep.If the strain continues despite those efforts, Borland recommends working with a therapist. Still, recovery also depends on the conditions surrounding the work itself and the people with the authority to influence them.What employers can do to reduce burnoutGiven that employees are more prone to experience burnout, employers can do a great deal to change the surrounding environment before stress reaches a breaking point. Much of that work starts with the job itself, with WHO guidance naming excessive workloads and understaffing among the workplace risks to mental health.Clear priorities make those limits easier for managers to protect, especially when teams also know what waits until the next workday. And training becomes part of that responsibility, with the same guidelines strongly recommending that managers be trained to recognize distress and respond to it.Still, wellness programs help only so far, and they do not make up for work conditions nobody keeps up with.Burnout is a workplace Issue, not a personal failureLike it or not, burnout is a growing concern in American culture. And while it’s becoming more normal for many people, it’s not at all a sign that someone is weak or personally failing to handle their life.Part of the reason is that personal resilience only goes so far when work demands meet responsibilities that continue outside the job. And those responsibilities differ for everyone, making recovery part of whether work remains sustainable over time.Looking ahead, experts studying burnout say more attention should go to how the problem develops over time so workplaces can respond sooner. Responding sooner also benefits employers, with APA citing evidence that workers whose supervisors support family-work harmony report great job satisfaction and are less likely to leave their jobs.Keeping people from reaching that point also depends on recovery, and guidance medically reviewed by licensed professional counselor Karen Foster identifies working with a therapist as a key part of recovering from burnout, especially when support begins at the first signs of trouble.This story was produced by BetterHelp and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What are the best fruits and vegetables to try on the grill this fall? Fall might just be one of the best seasons for grilling. As the weather cools and seasonal produce hits its peak, the grill offers a fresh way to enjoy the flavors of autumn. Apples, pears, squash, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and pumpkin develop richer flavor with a little heat and char. From delicious sides to a sweet treat, Wildfire Outdoor Living shares fall favorites that prove the grill still has plenty of work to do after summer ends. Fire up your grill and discover six seasonal ingredients worth adding to your fall menu. Grilled Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Walnuts Daria1112 // Shutterstock Serves: 4Prep time: 10 minutesCook time: 6-8 minutesIngredients4 ripe but firm pears1 tablespoon olive oil4 ounces goat cheese1/4 cup walnuts 3 tablespoons honeyInstructionsPreheat the grill to medium heat, about 375-400 F.Slice the pears in half lengthwise. Lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil.Place the pears cut side down on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes. Flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese.Drizzle with honey and finish with walnuts and enjoy.Charred Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Shallots RFondren Photography // Shutterstock. Serves: 4-6Prep time: 15 minutesCook time: 15 minutesIngredients1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved2 tablespoons olive oil1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper1 large shallot, thinly sliced2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar1 teaspoon Dijon mustard1 tablespoon olive oil1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice1 tablespoon chopped parsleyInstructionsPreheat the grill to medium heat, about 400°F.Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the Brussels sprouts for 3-4 minutes. Drain and pat thoroughly dry.Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.Place the sprouts directly on the grill grates, cut side down. Grill for 4-5 minutes without moving them to develop a deep char. Flip and grill for another 3-5 minutes, or until the centers are tender and the outer leaves are crisp. While the Brussels sprouts grill, heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallot and cook until golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon juice.Lightly toss the Brussels sprouts with the balsamic Dijon dressing and transfer to a serving platter.Top with crispy shallots and fresh parsley.Grilled Pumpkin with Whipped Feta and Thyme Oksana Mizina // Shutterstock Serves: 4-6Prep time: 15 minutesCook time: 15-20 minutesIngredients1 small sugar or pie pumpkin2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper4 ounces feta cheese1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt1 tablespoon lemon juice1 teaspoon fresh thyme for garnishingInstructionsPreheat the grill to medium heat, about 375-400 F.Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and stringy center. Cut each half into 1-inch-thick wedges.Brush the pumpkin wedges with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.Place the pumpkin directly on the grill grates. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side or until tender with lightly charred edges. While the pumpkin grills, add the feta, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.Spread the whipped feta onto the base of the serving bowl.Arrange the grilled pumpkin wedges over the whipped feta.Finish with thyme and black pepper. Grilled Cinnamon Apples with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Marina Averyanova // Shutterstock Serves: 4Prep time: 10 minutesCook time: 8-10 minutesIngredients3 Honeycrisp apples2 tablespoons melted butter2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon ground nutmegPinch of saltVanilla bean ice cream for servingCaramel sauce, optional InstructionsPreheat the grill to medium heat, about 375-400 F.Cut the apples in half, leaving the skin on.Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Brush the mixture over the apple wedges. Place the apples directly on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until grill marks develop and the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream and an optional drizzle of caramel sauce. Garlic Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges Goskova Tatiana // Shutterstock Serves: 4-6Prep time: 15 minutesCook time: 15-20 minutesIngredients3 large sweet potatoes2 tablespoons olive oil2 cloves of garlic, minced1 teaspoon smoked paprika1/2 teaspoon onion powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsleyFlaky sea salt for finishing InstructionsPreheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400 F.Cut the sweet potatoes lengthwise into thick wedges.Parboil the wedges for 5-7 minutes, then drain and pat completely dry.Toss with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.Grill for 4-6 minutes per side, or until lightly charred and fork-tender.Transfer to a serving platter, finish with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt. Grilled Butternut Squash with Rosemary & Sage nnk // Shutterstock Serves: 4-6Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 15-20 minutesIngredients1 large butternut squash3 tablespoons olive oil1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary1 teaspoon fresh chopped sage1/2 teaspoon onion powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice1/4 cup toasted pepitas Fresh parsley for finishingFlaky sea salt for finishing InstructionsPreheat the grill to medium heat (about 375-400 F).Peel the butternut squash and remove the seeds. Cut into 1/2-inch thick slices or half moons.Toss the squash with olive oil, rosemary, sage, onion powder, salt, and pepper.Place directly on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until tender with lightly charred edges.Transfer the squash to a serving platter and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with toasted pepitas, fresh parsley, and flaky sea salt before serving. This story was produced by Wildfire Outdoor Living and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Flight cancellations hit 4-year high: Here are the worst airports, and tips for avoiding travel woes If you found yourself stuck at an airport or stranded overnight this summer, you're not alone.So far, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the worst years for flight cancellations in recent years.This summer, the number of canceled flights on U.S. carriers surged by about 15% over last year, according to data from FlightAware.On Sept. 21, airlines had to shutter more than 1,000 departures as an air traffic control equipment outage snarled operations on the East Coast.Though operations resumed a day later, for passengers, it was just the latest snafu in a year of flight disruptions, as The Points Guy examines here.Worst year for flight cancellations since 2022Since Jan. 1, U.S. carriers have canceled roughly 2% of all flights, per FlightAware.That puts 2026 on pace to see the highest rate of cancellations since 2022 — a year right after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when staffing and operational woes fueled one airline meltdown after another.However, there seems to be no single problem behind this year's disruptions.January brought a series of punishing winter storms to several key cities, including the worst weather disruption in American Airlinesâ€™ history. Then came runway construction at busy hubs like San Francisco International Airport (SFO).Meanwhile, congestion and air traffic control delays continue to plague busy markets like New York City and Washington, D.C.Of course, summer storms are always a major factor — especially when they hit airports with jam-packed flight schedules.The worst airports for flight cancellations this summerWhich airports were the worst in terms of cancellations? Here are the numbers based on Cirium data for U.S. airports with at least 30,000 flights between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends:LaGuardia Airport (LGA): 6.5% of flights canceledRonald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): 5.8% of flights canceledJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): 4.2% of flights canceledBoston Logan International Airport (BOS): 3.8% of flights canceledNewark Liberty International Airport (EWR): 3.7% of flights canceledIf you're flying out of the New York City area, the data shows that you’re more likely to have your flight canceled than at other airports.All three of the region's busiest hubs ranked among the nation's worst airports for flight cancellations.So, which of those airports is your best bet?After plenty of troubles (and headlines) in 2025, Newark Liberty International Airport was the New York City area's best airport for delays and cancellations this summer, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.The worst airports for flight delays this summerPer Cirium data for U.S. airports with at least 30,000 flights between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, these were the worst airports in terms of delays: Nashville International Airport (BNA): 35.3% of flights delayedBaltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): 34.6% of flights delayedSan Diego International Airport (SAN): 33.6% of flights delayedDallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): 33.4% of flights delayedSan Francisco International Airport (SFO): 32.1% of flights delayedWhile flight cancellations were higher this summer than in 2025, delays didn't jump meaningfully from last year.Still, about 1 in 4 departures was delayed nationwide between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.Which airports had the best on-time record?Here are the large airports that saw the best on-time performance this summer, per Cirium data for U.S. airports with at least 30,000 flights between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.If you’re planning summer travel in 2027, you might want to aim for these hubs — especially if you have to make a connection.Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): 82% of flights were on timeMinneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP): 80.1% of flights were on timeDulles International Airport (IAD): 79.4% of flights were on timeLos Angeles International Airport (LAX): 78% of flights were on timeGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): 77.5% of flights were on timeTips for avoiding travel woes: Morning is still your best betSo what are the best ways to avoid flight trouble?For starters, book the morning flight.Morning flights tend to run more smoothly than afternoon and evening flights.Flight woes tend to compound as the day goes on. Maintenance issues arise. Afternoon storms fire up. Planes fall behind as they criss-cross the country over the course of the day.So, if you can stomach the early alarm clock, you'll likely stand a much better chance of getting to your destination on time."If you start cleanly in the morning, the airline tends to run on time for the rest of the day," Frontier Airlines CEO Jimmy Dempsey told TPG.Be especially cautious about booking an itinerary with a connection in the late afternoon or evening hours — particularly during peak spring and summer storm season.A credit card with travel insurance is more important than everIf you get stranded due to weather, the airline typically won't cover expenses such as meals or a hotel stay.That's where a credit card that has travel protections can come in clutch.Just make sure you initially booked the trip with that card; it’s typically a requirement when submitting a claim to your card issuer.Having a credit card with built-in travel protections is about to become even more important. Starting in October, airlines may not cover your costs for some mechanical delays.Check airline apps for flight updatesYou can use airline apps to check your flight status, search for backup flights and rebook. Apps like Flighty also offer early warnings about potential airline disruptions.Airlines have bolstered their technology to offer mobile bag-tracking and self-help tools for flight cancellations and delays.Downloading all the apps, loading your reservations and familiarizing yourself with the different tools can make you a pro if a flight disruption occurs.Have water, snacks and entertainment at the readyOne-hour flights can easily turn into three hours on the plane when lightning forces a ground stop or air traffic control halts departures.If you don't have the essentials, that can make the taxiway delay even more unpleasant.Pack water and snacks in your bag and download entertainment on your devices. Don't count on the in-flight service to hold you over, because you could end up waiting awhile.This story was produced by The Points Guy and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Timeline: Deere has been calling back workers, find out when Deere has called about 746 people back to work since January.
	A flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverts to Saudi Arabia after making distress call The pilot and co-pilot have been hospitalized after what flydubai described as an onboard "incident" — but what exactly happened is unclear.
	Netanyahu says a flydubai pilot tried to crash a plane of mostly Israeli passengers "As the plane was approaching Israel, one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot and tried to crash the plane with everyone on board," but a passenger and crew member broke into the cockpit to stop it.
	Israel says a flydubai pilot tried to crash a plane of mostly Israeli passengers "As the plane was approaching Israel, one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot and tried to crash the plane with everyone on board," but a passenger and crew member broke into the cockpit to stop it.
	Is it ADHD, perimenopause… or both? If you’re experiencing symptoms like trouble sleeping, brain fog, and issues with mood, you might be thinking, “Am I in perimenopause, do I have ADHD … or is it both?”The easiest way to tell the difference between ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) and perimenopause symptoms is to think about timing. Perimenopause symptoms show up during a specific time period — in the five to 10 years before menopause. But ADHD symptoms typically start in childhood or young adulthood. And even if you’re diagnosed with ADHD later in life, you can usually trace your symptoms back to when you were younger.That said, both conditions share symptoms — like issues with sleep, managing emotions, and memory. That can make it tricky to distinguish between the two. To further complicate things, perimenopause can make existing ADHD symptoms worse or reveal previously undiagnosed ADHD. In fact, according to ADHD expert Kathleen Nadeau, PhD, “perimenopause is often the ‘tipping point’ that makes a woman’s ADHD impossible to mask and compensate for.”So how can you tell if what you’re dealing with is ADHD, perimenopause, or both? Understood breaks down what research says about ADHD and perimenopause, and what you can ask your health care provider to get the right support.Perimenopause describes the years before menopause — when you stop having your period — during which your hormones begin to shift. It can start up to 10 years before menopause, which, on average, occurs around age 51. Perimenopause can last anywhere from five to 10 years. It typically affects people in their 40s, but it can start as early as their 30s.During perimenopause, your hormones don’t drop steadily over time. They fluctuate, rising and falling unevenly. These changes in estrogen and progesterone can cause symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and difficulty sleeping.Changes in your estrogen levels during perimenopause can also affect your cognitive function, like memory and concentration. That’s because estrogen and progesterone affect how dopamine — a brain chemical also associated with ADHD — works in your brain.Perimenopause can also make ADHD symptoms worse or unmask previously undiagnosed ADHD in some people. In those who don’t have ADHD, these symptoms are sometimes called “perimenopause brain fog.”ADHD symptoms vs. perimenopause symptomsIt can be hard to tell ADHD and perimenopause apart, especially if your ADHD is not diagnosed. However, there are a few clues that can help.The first clue? Genetics. “One thing to pay attention to is that ADHD is highly genetic. So when there is a question — is it ADHD or something else — it’s important to look back at siblings, parents, first cousins, grandparents, and look for patterns suggestive of ADHD within the family,” says Nadeau.Other potential signs of ADHD include perfectionism, burnout, and “exhaustion in keeping up that you just can’t quite manage anymore,” Nadeau says. “These are all potential signs of ’hidden’ ADHD.”Perimenopause can make it harder for you to concentrate, just like ADHD. But there are some perimenopause-specific symptoms caused by changing hormone levels that are not typically associated with ADHD — for example, hot flashes, joint aches, and vaginal dryness.Sleep problems are common with both ADHD and perimenopause. About 60 percent of adults with ADHD also have a sleep disorder, such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea. And between 80%-90% of women report sleep issues during perimenopause. Poor sleep in both ADHD and perimenopause can affect cognitive function and make it difficult to focus.Here’s a breakdown of symptoms unique to ADHD and perimenopause, and which symptoms overlap.ADHD symptomsThe following symptoms are typically associated with ADHD, but not perimenopause.HyperfocusImpulsivityHyperactivityFeeling like you’ve always had to “work twice as hard” as your peersChallenges with school or workSymptoms that started in childhood or young adulthoodFamily history of these symptoms Perimenopause symptomsThe following symptoms are typically associated with perimenopause, but not ADHD.Hot flashesIrregular periodsVaginal drynessNight sweatsChanges in libidoBreast tendernessHeadachesJoint achesChanges in weightOverlapping ADHD and perimenopause symptomsThe following symptoms are seen in both ADHD and perimenopause.InattentionBrain fogDifficulty sleepingMemory lapsesEmotional dysregulation (trouble regulating your emotions) ADHD and perimenopause: Why your symptoms are suddenly worseIf your ADHD symptoms have spiked out of nowhere, perimenopause might be the culprit.What to do about ADHD and perimenopause symptomsConsulting your health care provider is a good first step for getting support since both perimenopause and ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. For instance, you can have normal hormone levels and still experience perimenopause symptoms — the fluctuation of hormones can also cause problems, points out Nadeau.An ob-gyn or a primary care provider can help you navigate symptoms. But be aware: There may be a knowledge gap when it comes to ADHD during perimenopause. While studies show that ADHD symptoms can change with your menstrual cycle, there still isn’t much awareness about perimenopause, even in health care settings. And the research around perimenopause and ADHD is still relatively new.So, in addition to consulting your ob-gyn or primary care doctor, talking to a licensed therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist who specializes in ADHD might help fill in the gaps.To prepare for your appointment, it can be helpful to ask yourself these questions:Are you experiencing any physical hormonal symptoms like hot flashes or breast tenderness?Have you seen a change in your periods?Has your sex life changed? Is sex less comfortable? Has your libido changed?What strategies do you use to stay organized and focused? Are they still working for you?Are you experiencing any changes in anxiety or depression symptoms?If you take medications for ADHD, how are they working for you now?If your symptoms fluctuate from day to day, you might want to track them. You can use your own tracker or a digital tracking tool. Try to track symptoms for two months. When you provide all this information, it’ll be easier for your health care provider to get a good sense of what’s going on.In your tracker, take note of the following:Cognitive symptoms like brain fog, difficulty staying on task, and memory lapsesPhysical symptoms like hot flashes, tender breasts, and night sweatsMental health symptoms, such as feeling depressed or anxiousSleep qualityMenstrual cycleBringing your questions and a symptom log to your health care providers can help them plan the best treatment options for you. For example, an ob-gyn may order some blood tests to measure your hormones and prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT). A psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD can evaluate you for an ADHD diagnosis. And a psychiatrist or primary care doctor can change your ADHD treatment to better fit your needs during perimenopause.Some other strategies and tips for managing ADHD and perimenopause symptoms include:Prioritizing sleep hygieneCooling your bedroom at night with an air conditioner or a fanWorking with a therapist to help manage emotional dysregulationTrying new techniques to help with executive function, such as using a planner or setting calendar reminders. (Of course, it can take some adjusting and a few tries for a new strategy to work.)If you’re concerned about the symptoms you’re experiencing, it’s important to address them with a health care provider sooner rather than later. Worsening ADHD symptoms and perimenopausal brain fog can continue into menopause and beyond. Talking to your health care provider early can help you manage these symptoms throughout your perimenopausal and menopause journey.This story was produced by Understood and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Best banks for customer service in 2026, according to real customers At the end of the day, most banks have the same offerings: checking, savings, certificates of deposit, investment accounts and so on.With similar offerings, a good customer onboarding process, support options and branch experience can be the deciding factor. And person to person, let’s be honest, you just want a bank that’s going to be nice to you, since they’re handling your money.How to measure who is the bestIn an editorial list of the best banks in the U.S., it usually comes down to nationwide availability, fees, features and annual percentage yields (APYs) on savings accounts. After all, those are hard factors that banking experts can compare.But customer service is one of those factors that’s difficult to assess without a large and dedicated sample. Banks can have thousands of employees, hundreds of branch locations, multiple customer support phone lines, and some banks don’t even have physical locations.With that in mind, Finder turned to review platforms and annual surveys to see which banks customers say are the best in the U.S.Best retail banks of 2026J.D. Power, a global analytics and consumer intelligence company, conducts several studies on retail banks and customer satisfaction.Their 2026 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction study surveyed 107,059 retail bank customers between January 2025 and January 2026, covering the largest banks across 15 regions. Chase and Capital One appear multiple times. Here are the top banks by region:California: ChaseFlorida: ChaseIllinois: Wintrust Community BanksLower Midwest: BancFirstMid-Atlantic: Capital OneNew England: Bangor Savings BankNorth Central: City National Bank (WV)Northwest: ChaseNew York Tri-State: Capital OnePennsylvania: HuntingtonSouth Central: FirstBankSoutheast: United CommunitySouthwest: ChaseTexas: FrostUpper Midwest: Gate City BankEditor’s note: J.D. Power runs a separate satisfaction study for credit unions.Best online banks for 2026Prefer digital banking? There’s also the J.D. Power Direct Banking Satisfaction Study, which measures overall satisfaction with online-only bank and neobank checking and savings products.In order of highest ranking, these are the top 10 banks from that 2026 survey:Charles Schwab BankAmerican ExpressAllyChimeCapital OneSoFiRobinhoodPayPalVaroStashHow the top banks compare on review platformsGetting away from annual surveys, Finder looked to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot and the Google and Apple app stores to see what regular folks are saying about some of the top-ranking banks. Finder Bottom lineJ.D. Power surveys point to Chase and Capital One, but Trustpilot users are far more critical of both. The real answer is that “best” depends on what you’re weighing, since J.D. Power leans on trust and everyday service, app stores lean on the product itself, and Trustpilot skews toward people who had a bad experience and want to vent.Rates and fees still matter, so consider those factors as well when you’re choosing the right “best” bank for your situation.This guide has been edited by Megan B. Shepherd and reviewed by Richard Laycock.This story was produced by Finder and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Man sentenced to jail for diverting narcotics from Davenport surgery center A man working as a nurse at a Davenport surgery center gets jail term for diverting narcotics and covering it up by creating fake patients in center's narcotics log.
	Can an online quiz really tell you if you have ADHD? Experts say not quite Type “ADHD test” into a search bar and millions of results likely appear in under a second, many promising an answer in just a few minutes. It's easy to see the appeal of taking an online test: a few questions, a few minutes, and the guarantee of an answer. But here's the catch: Most people who screen positive on a widely used ADHD self-screening tool (called ASRS) do not turn out to have ADHD after a full evaluation.LifeStance Health explains what a high score on a free ADHD screening test can — and cannot — tell you, and why treating this fast assessment like a diagnosis can send a person down the wrong path entirely.What is an ADHD test?In everyday language, “ADHD test” covers two very different things. The first is the online ADHD screening quiz: a short, self-scored questionnaire that asks how often a person experiences symptoms like losing focus, fidgeting, missing deadlines or interrupting others. The second is a clinical ADHD evaluation, a structured process conducted by a licensed clinician that gathers history, rules out other explanations and applies formal diagnostic criteria. Both use the word “test,” but only one can produce a diagnosis.Most reputable online screening quizzes are built on validated screening instruments. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) was developed with the World Health Organization and is one of the most widely used adult screeners because it is brief and easy to complete. Free tools from established organizations, such as the ADHD screening offered by Mental Health America, draw on these same questionnaires. They are designed to flag whether symptoms are worth a closer look, not to confirm a condition.ADHD test for adultsAdults often reach for an online ADHD screen after a lifetime of unnamed struggles finally might have a diagnosis. They may have read about the condition, recognized themselves in a friend’s description or wondered why focus, organization and follow-through feel harder for them than for everyone else.An adult screening quiz typically asks about both inattentive symptoms, like difficulty sustaining attention or frequently losing things, and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, like restlessness or acting before thinking. A positive result suggests these patterns are present often enough to warrant evaluation. It does not establish that ADHD is the cause. Anyone curious about where they fall can start by asking themselves a few structured questions, but the next step is professional. ADHD also presents differently across groups, and symptoms in women are frequently overlooked or mislabeled as anxiety, which is one more reason a quiz score should open a conversation rather than close one.ADHD test for childrenFor children, an online ADHD screen is far less reliable because of how childhood ADHD is identified. A young child cannot accurately self-report their own attention or impulse control, so the information has to come from the adults who observe them. Diagnostic rating scales for children, such as the Vanderbilt or Conners questionnaires, are designed to gather input from multiple people who see the child across different settings — parents, teachers and sometimes the child — to help shape the full picture.That is what makes a do-it-yourself online screening test for a child so difficult to administer well. Behavior that looks like ADHD in a quiz can stem from sleep problems, anxiety, learning differences, hearing issues or ordinary developmental variation. According to data summarized by the CDC, nearly 78% of children with ADHD have at least one other co-occurring condition, making it harder to pinpoint what's actually driving symptoms. A parent’s observations are valuable and worth recording, and a clinical evaluation builds on them by drawing information from multiple sources and settings.ADHD and school performanceSchool is where childhood ADHD most often comes to light. Sitting still, following multi-step directions, staying organized and finishing assignments are exactly the demands that surface inattentive and hyperactive symptoms, so it is frequently a teacher’s note home or a slide in grades that prompts a family to pursue testing in the first place. Because the impact shows up in performance, school-age children are among the most likely to be referred for evaluation.That connection also carries real stakes beyond the report card. ADHD is recognized as a disability under federal education law, and a diagnosis can make a child eligible for formal support at school. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, ADHD falls within the “Other Health Impairment” category, which can qualify a student for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) when the condition adversely affects educational performance. Children who do not meet that threshold may still qualify for accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, such as extended time on tests or preferential seating. A study published in School Psychology Quarterly notes that students with ADHD are more likely than their peers to receive individualized school-based services, which is one more reason an accurate diagnosis matters: it can unlock protections that an online screening quiz score never could.Eligibility is not automatic. A diagnosis alone does not guarantee an IEP or a 504 plan, and schools conduct their own evaluation as part of the process. A thorough professional evaluation for 504 and IEP accommodations gives families the documentation that schools weigh when determining what support a child needs.Why an online screening test isn’t a diagnosisThe most important limitation of any ADHD screening quiz is statistical. Screening tools are tuned to catch as many possible cases as they can, which makes them prone to false positives. A randomized controlled trial published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that a positive result on the ASRS, the most common adult ADHD screener, only corresponds to an actual diagnosis an estimated 12% to 22% of the time, meaning most people who screen positive do not turn out to have ADHD on full evaluation.Several factors are beyond what a self-scored screening quiz can capture:Symptom history. A diagnosis requires evidence that several symptoms were present before age 12.Impairment across settings. Symptoms must cause meaningful difficulty in more than one area of life, such as work and home, not just on a bad day.Differential diagnosis. Anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep disorders and thyroid problems can all mimic ADHD, and a screening quiz can’t tell them apart.Context and masking. Some people develop coping strategies that hide symptoms, while stress can exaggerate them, both of which distort self-report.This is why formal diagnostic frameworks require a comprehensive evaluation rather than a single questionnaire.How ADHD is diagnosed professionallyA professional ADHD assessment is a process, not a single test. It generally combines several sources of information so that a clinician can see the full picture rather than a momentary impression.A clinical interview anchors the evaluation. A licensed clinician reviews current symptoms, developmental and medical history, family history and the specific ways daily functioning is affected. This conversation is where childhood onset and real-world impairment get established.Standardized rating scales add structure. Validated questionnaires are still used, but as one input among several and interpreted by the clinician. For children, input from parents and teachers across home and school is gathered so that behavior can be compared across environments.Ruling out other causes protects accuracy. Because so many conditions overlap with ADHD, a thorough evaluation looks for other possible explanations before making a diagnosis. Deciding which provider to see for ADHD, whether a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist, can shape what the assessment includes and what treatment options follow.When to see a professionalAn online ADHD test has done its job the moment it prompts someone to talk to a mental health professional. It is worth talking to a clinician when attention, organization, restlessness or impulsivity have interfered with work, school or relationships over a long stretch, when these patterns trace back to childhood or when a quiz result — positive or negative — leaves lingering questions.ADHD diagnoses among adults have been rising, and national survey data point to growing recognition of the condition in adulthood. That visibility is helpful, but it also means more people are self-diagnosing. According to a 2025 LifeStance survey, nearly 3 in 10 adults have self-diagnosed a mental health condition based on information they’ve seen online. Yet many do not consistently seek professional guidance from a clinician. A formal evaluation is what turns a suspicion into a plan, and where appropriate, opens the door to treatment options that a clinician determines are suitable for the individual.The bottom line on ADHD testingOnline ADHD tests are popular for a good reason: They are fast, private and often a person’s first honest look at symptoms they have carried for years. Used well, a quiz is a starting line. It can surface patterns, validate a long-held suspicion and give someone the language to describe what they are experiencing. What it cannot do is account for symptom history, impairment across settings or the many conditions that mimic ADHD, and its high false-positive rate means a result should be read as a prompt rather than a verdict.The reliable path, especially for children who cannot be screened accurately on their own, runs through a professional ADHD evaluation. If a quick quiz has you wondering, treat that as the encouraging first step it is, and let a qualified clinician help you find a true answer.This story was published by LifeStance Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

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