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

Monday, October 5th, 2026
	Iowa has 60 days to exclusively negotiate contract for Lee County steel plant The state of Iowa has 60 days to negotiate a contract with Mesabi Metallics to bring a proposed $15 billion steel plant to Lee County.
	How Rob Sand answered voter’s question about Iowa steel plant deal Iowa candidate for governor, Rob Sand, questioned the timing of a proposed $15 billion steel mill.
	Rock Island, Bettendorf holding Banned Books Week events in the Quad Cities Banned Books Week began in 1982 in response to a sudden surge of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores and schools.
	Rock Island announces new interim fire chief Battalion Chief Brandon Baker will serve as interim fire chief while Rock Island searches for a new full-time chief and deputy chief for the department.
	Eldridge finalizes new city-run fire department The previously volunteer fire company will officially become a city department in January.
	City council approves purchase agreement for Eldridge Community Center KGRD Green Bay LLC will have 60 days to inspect the building and decide if they want to pursue a purchase of the building.
	Monmouth City Council discusses whether to renew Flock camera contract The Monday night meeting was only to hear public comment. No decisions have been made.
	Bettendorf discussing traffic issues surrounding 7 Brew Coffee Officials are concerned that traffic around the chain can bottleneck very quickly, especially when the locations have certain promotions.
	The Grinders & Spaghetti House in Moline burglarized Security footage shows a pair of suspects stealing parts and copper from the restaurant's HVAC units.
	Eldridge approves fire department merger with city After more than a year of heated debate, on Monday the Eldridge City Council approved a merger of its volunteer fire department and the city. "For the fire department, for the council, for the community, it's been a tough road," said Eldridge Mayor Scott Campbell. That's a road that has people split on whether they [...]
	Monmouth won’t renew Flock Safety contract, police chief says Chief Joe Switzer told city leaders he doesn’t plan to renew the contract during a meeting Monday evening.
	Newsweek recognizes QCA nursing home as one of the best in the country A Davenport nursing home is being recognized as one of the best in the country. Good Samaritan made Newsweek's list of "America's Best Nursing Homes" for 2027. The facility was recognized in the 100 to 149-bed category. Newsweek's rankings consider performance data, peer recommendations, accreditation and patient satisfaction.
	Scott County Health Dept: Now is the time to get your flu vaccine Flu season is about ready to ramp up, so the Scott County Health Department is getting the word out: Now is the time to get vaccinated. Health officials say anyone ages six months and older, and people 65 and older, should get their flu shots. There's a higher dose for that age group, offering extra [...]
	Whiteside County sergeant resigns after Flock camera data misuse A Whiteside County Sheriff's internal investigation found an employee used Flock camera data for personal purposes. Sheriff John Booker says he moved to terminate the sergeant, but the resignation came before the disciplinary process was complete. The case has been referred to Illinois State Police for further review. Booker says the employee's actions do not [...]
	INTERVIEW: Illinois residents can dispose of household waste at RICO Fairgrounds event Illinois residents can dispose of household waste safely this weekend at a collection event at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds. Sarah Bambas from the Rock Island County Waste Management Agency joins Our Quad Cities Hami Arain to discuss the event. What is the Rock Island County Waste Management Agency? Rock Island County Waste Management Agency, [...]
	Roger Marshall’s attack ad against Adam Hamilton contains unauthorized image of children U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall's latest reelection campaign ad critical of Democratic nominee Adam Hamilton makes unauthorized use of an image of children sitting in a chapel at a Linwood camp. The camp's leaders insist Marshall remove the photo from the ad that opens with a picture of Marshall leaning on a fence. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Marshall's campaign commercial)TOPEKA — The Tall Oaks Camp and Conference Center demanded Monday that U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall suspend a campaign commercial attacking Democrat Adam Hamilton that made unauthorized use of a photograph of children at Tall Oaks’ chapel in Linwood. A senior advisor to the Marshall campaign said the ad was “corrected,” but hours after that statement was issued, a version of the commercial available on social media still included an image of the Tall Oaks’ distinctive chapel and about two dozen people sitting on pews. Lea Ann Combs, president of the board of directors at Tall Oaks, a nonprofit summer camp and retreat center, said Tall Oaks wasn’t consulted by the Marshall campaign and didn’t approve inclusion of the photograph in the commercial. The ad denounced Hamilton in relation to allegations of sexual abuse perpetrated by a volunteer at Church of the Resurrection, the prominent Johnson County-based church founded and led by Hamilton. “Our concern is straightforward,” Combs said. “This advertisement creates a misleading association between Tall Oaks, the young people pictured and events that did not happen here. Protecting the dignity of these young people and accurately representing our organization should be a shared priority.” She said Marshall’s campaign should stop broadcasting the 30-second commercial until confirming the Tall Oaks photograph had been deleted. The commercial began airing in conjunction with reports on a decision by the Senate Leadership Fund, a Republican super PAC, to pull $8 million from a North Carolina campaign and redirect it to help Marshall’s reelection bid in Kansas. The latest New York Times/Siena College Poll shows Hamilton and Marshall tied at 45% support each, based on a survey of likely voters. In the ad paid for by Marshall’s campaign, a photograph of the senator appeared in the opening sequence while a recording of his voice said he approved content of the commercial. The senator’s ad claimed Hamilton didn’t respond promptly to a report suggesting a church volunteer may have touched or attempted to touch boys attending a 2005 program hosted by Church of the Resurrection. “Parents were ignored and Hamilton never called police,” Marshall’s attack ad says. “He should never be our senator.” The commercial included still photos of Marshall and Hamilton, cottages, dormitory-style rooms, hiking trail, rural property and a group of people sitting in rows, most with their back turned, in the chapel at Tall Oaks. Combs said permission had been granted to photograph young people at Tall Oaks for the purpose of promoting the camp and its programs. She said that approval didn’t extend to inclusion of photographs in political campaign advertising, particularly commercials delving into claims of sexual abuse. Tall Oaks works to provide a safe environment for children, families, faith communities and other organizations using its facilities, the statement said. The statement said Tall Oaks encouraged Marshall to remove the photograph from all platforms tied to the campaign. The objective was to make certain no one viewing the ad would mistakenly believe Tall Oaks or the children appearing in the ad were connected to allegations of abuse, the statement said. The request shouldn’t be interpreted as an endorsement or rejection of any candidate or a comment on the merit of allegations raised in the commercial, the statement said. Brent Robertson, Marshall’s chief of staff, said the photograph from Tall Oaks was thought to have been a “stock image” available for general use. The Tall Oaks picture wasn’t taken at the site of Hamilton’s “child molestation cover-up,” Robertson said. “The image has already been corrected and, luckily, Kansas families care far more about Hamilton’s failure to protect kids from a child sex predator than what cabin picture was used,” Robertson said. Tyson Brody, a campaign spokesperson for Hamilton, said the ad wasn’t in line with Marshall’s vote in September 2025 to block a U.S. Senate measure directing the U.S. Department of Justice to release unclassified records about Jeffrey Epstein. The wealthy financier, child sex offender and acquaintance of President Donald Trump committed suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking of minors. “Marshall lies and uses children as political pawns to distract from the fact he had pregnant mothers arrested and jailed over small medical debts, and voted to protect the predators named in the Epstein files. Roger Marshall is desperate to hide from his record of protecting predators, and preying on low-income families in Kansas,” Brody said. In a Kansas Reflector report published in July on abuse allegations involving Church of the Resurrection, Hamilton said two church employees conducted an internal investigation into claims that surfaced in 2005. The inquiry was inconclusive, Hamilton said, because the children couldn’t identify the perpetrator. Hamilton said he should have forwarded information to law enforcement rather than depend on church staff. When new allegations surfaced against volunteer Scott Moore in 2006, the church informed police of allegations associated with camp retreats in 2005 and 2006. Moore was accused of sex crimes in the Kansas City area and Massachusetts. He was convicted in 2013 in Kansas of a misdemeanor count of sexual battery. In 2015, Moore was found unconscious after he fled police when caught half-naked in a car with a teenage boy. He died at a hospital. Tall Oaks is a nonprofit camp, retreat and conference facility on 236 acres near Linwood. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	Feds approve $150 million for second power link between Interior and Southcentral Alaska A high-voltage power line is seen on Sept. 4, 2018, in Alaska. (James Brooks photo/Alaska Beacon)The U.S. Department of Energy said on Monday that it has approved $150 million to partially fund a second electrical intertie between Southcentral Alaska and the Interior. When built, the Beluga-Healy Transmission Project would result in a redundant power link between Fairbanks and Anchorage, increasing the ability of power companies to use the cheapest electricity possible, even if it’s coming from the opposite end of the railbelt. Construction isn’t expected until after 2030. The project is expected to cost $418 million altogether, with the new federal money likely going toward engineering, planning and permitting, said Curtis Thayer, executive director of the Alaska Energy Authority. The remaining $268 million could come from other federal grants, the state, or even AEA itself, through loans. AEA has been planning the second intertie for almost five years as part of a broader campaign of electrical upgrades across the state but didn’t intend to go ahead until other parts of that campaign — including high-voltage links to support a newly renovated Bradley Lake hydroelectric project — came online. On Monday, Thayer said the announcement came as a surprise. He had heard last week that the state was in the running for a large grant through a Department of Energy program intended to benefit defense readiness, but he didn’t know until Monday that AEA had won. Alaska’s existing intertie was built in the 1980s and is used primarily for shipping lower-cost hydropower and natural gas power north to Fairbanks. In recent years, it has also been used to ship coal-fired power south to Anchorage amid natural gas shortages. Adding a second intertie increases the amount of power that can flow north or south, something that could encourage the development of wind or solar power plants that could provide cheaper power, albeit intermittently. A second link also means that when the first intertie is upgraded and replaced — something intended in a separate project — power will continue to flow across the railbelt. Monday’s grant comes from the Defense Production Act and $1 billion approved by Congress and President Donald Trump for energy-related projects deemed critical to national security. Most of Alaska’s military bases use energy that flows through the intertie, and the state’s Congressional delegation emphasized that fact as it lobbied for federal funding. On Monday, the three members of the delegation — Rep. Nick Begich III and Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, all Republicans — issued statements in support of the new grant. Sullivan and Begich are running for re-election this year, and on Monday, Vice President J.D. Vance was scheduled to travel to Fairbanks in order to campaign for both men, as well as other Republicans seeking office in November’s general election. According to Reuters, Vance was expected to speak about the grant during a rally at Fairbanks International Airport. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	Former Wonder Bread building in Davenport will be demolished The former Wonder Bread building in Davenport will be demolished, according to Alderman John Blunk on a Facebook post. The building on East River Drive dates back to 1929. DeCarlo Demolition of Des Moines will begin interior abatement and site preparation next week. That work is expected to take up to three weeks before the [...]
	Illinois sheriff moves to fire sergeant over misusing Flock data Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker said the employee resigned before the disciplinary process concluded.
	Two teens arrested in connection with Grand Mound shooting incident Two teens have been arrested in connection with a shooting incident in Grand Mound during which shots were fired into an occupied home.
	Free Iowa hotline connects farmers, families with mental health resources "Iowa Concern" is a free, confidential and 24/7 hotline for any Iowa resident. But with recent harvest delays, program leaders are highlighting its help for farmers.
	Davenport City Council will approve appointment to fill 2nd Ward vacancy According to the agenda, the Davenport City Council will approve an appointment to fill the vacancy in the Second Ward City Council seat at its Wednesday, Oct. 7, special meeting. A vacancy exists for the Second Ward on the Davenport City Council after the resignation ofTim Dunn effective Sept. 17. The appointed individual will serve [...]
	Bishop Louis Tylka presents relic of Blessed Fulton Sheen to Pope Leo XIV Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria presented a relic of Blessed Fulton Sheen to Pope Leo XIV on Monday, Oct. 5, at the Vatican. Monsignor Jason Gray, executive director of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation, was also present. “It was a profound joy and privilege to meet with our Holy Father, Pope [...]
	Moline restaurant faces $40K in damages after burglars strip HVAC unit for copper Phill Khairallah, owner of Grinders and Spaghetti House Moline experienced more than $40,000 in damages to their HVAC unit after burglars stole less than $100 worth of copper.
	Bright blue skies highlight the QC forecast this week Enjoying the weather lately? things look good for the rest of the week also! We'll see more sunshine this week with cool overnight lows near 50° and highs in the 70s. After all the heavy rain last week, things are drying out in a hurry this week. That's good news for area farmers as the [...]
	Tapestry Farms plans Harvest Moon Celebration in Davenport Tapestry Farms invites the community to gather under the autumn sky for the second annual Harvest Moon Celebration, an evening of music and traditional Arabic sweets in support of refugees rebuilding their lives in the Quad Cities, a news release says. The event will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at Trinity Episcopal [...]
	Tim Gleason resigns as Davenport city administrator Gleason officially became city administrator in February after serving in the interim role since November 2025.
	Open house scheduled to explore future of Centennial bridge The open house is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Holiday Inn on 17th Street in Rock Island.
	Brandon Baker named Rock Island interim fire chief Rock Island City Manager Todd Thompson has appointed Deputy Fire Chief Brandon Baker as Interim Fire Chief, a news release says. He replaces Fire Chief Bob Graff, who retired Friday, Oct. 2 after 29 years of service. Baker was hired by the Rock Island Fire Department in September of 2007 and quickly established himself as [...]
	Davenport City Administrator Tim Gleason resigns Gleason officially became city administrator in February after serving in the interim role since November 2025.
	IMEG, Rock Island, expands presence in Florida, Southeast, with acquisition IMEG, Rock Island, will is expanding its presence in Florida and the Southeast through the acquisition of Construction Engineering Group (CEG), a multidisciplinary engineering firm based in Melbourne, Florida, providing civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering services. Located on Florida’s Space Coast, CEG brings nearly 30 years of client-focused engineering experience and established relationships across the [...]
	Davenport city administrator Tim Gleason resigns Davenport city administrator Tim Gleason has resigned to pursue other professional opportunities, the city announced Monday.
	Free mental health hotline provides support for Iowans, farmers in crisis Run through Iowa State University, Iowa Concern provides free, 24/7 confidential support. You can dial or text 800-447-1985.
	Davenport City Administrator Tim Gleason resigns The City of Davenport has accepted City Administrator Tim Gleason’s resignation "to pursue other professional opportunities," according to a news release from the city. "The city appreciates Mr. Gleason’s work for the citizens of Davenport over the term of hisservice," the release says. Nicole Gleason will fill the role of acting city administrator while the [...]
	Davenport City administrator resigns City leaders accepted his resignation to pursue other professional opportunities, according to a media release.
	Rock Island names interim fire chief City Manager Todd Thompson appointed Battalion Chief Brandon Baker as interim fire chief.
	Iowa’s $15B steel mill: What happens next Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill Friday raising the cap on state tax incentives, clearing the way for a $15 billion steel plant planned by Mesabi Metallics in Lee County.
	2 teens arrested after shots fired in Grand Mound Clinton County deputies were called to the 400 block of Fulton Street around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, after receiving reports of shots being fired.
	Truck strikes bridge in Davenport on Monday morning Our reporter saw extensive damage to the truck and said two streetlights were also taken out.
	Peoria bishop offers blessed relic of Fulton Sheen to Pope Leo Monsignor Jason Gray said the Pope remembered watching Sheen's TV show growing up and remembers him fondly.
	Rock Island names interim fire chief Battalion Chief Brandon Baker will serve as interim fire chief while Rock Island searches for a new full-time chief and deputy chief for the department.
	2 teens arrested after home with 7 inside shot at in Grand Mound Two teens were arrested on Sunday after a home that had seven people inside was shot at in the 400 block of Fulton Street in Grand Mound, Iowa.
	Iowa DCI identifies man killed in Iowa City officer-involved shooting The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) have identified the man killed in an officer-involved shooting in Iowa City on September 15.
	DNR fines companies for littering, fish kill, excessive air and wastewater emissions The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is levying thousands of dollars in fines against companies that violated various environmental regulations.
	How to watch the debate between U.S. Senate candidates Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek DES MOINES, Iowa -- The race to fill the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Joni Ernst is hotly contested, with Republican nominee U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson and Democratic nominee Iowa State Representative Josh Turek battling in a contest that could play a big role in which party controls the Senate. The candidates have agreed [...]
	From Loss to Learning: Understanding the Risks of Flu and Why You Should Prioritize Your Flu Vaccination This Year (BPT) - At 16 years old, Terese "Reese" Termulo was a healthy, active honors student and dancer with a bright future ahead of her, when she suddenly became ill with the flu.On Jan. 9, 2020, her father, Dr. Cesar Termulo, a pediatrician in Dallas, Texas, received a call from her school that she was feeling sick. Termulo — who suspected she could have contracted the flu — quickly brought her to his office, where she tested positive for influenza B, was given antivirals, and went home to rest and recover."Reese wasn't as sick as many of my other patients who had influenza B," said Termulo. "She seemed to be improving — no fever, and she didn't show signs of pneumonia or other serious flu complications."The next morning, Reese felt ready to go to school, but her father insisted she stay home. Before he left for work, Termulo used his stethoscope to listen to his daughter's heart and lungs so that he could check for serious complications and concluded she was on the mend."The last thing I ever said to Reese was that I thought she would get better," said Termulo.No one could have suspected that Reese's symptoms would rapidly progress, and her condition would take a turn for the worse. Later that morning, Reese's mother found her upstairs, passed out, and she had stopped breathing. The flu virus had quickly attacked her lungs, and she eventually became septic. Reese passed away less than 24 hours after her diagnosis. Serious flu complicationsInfluenza (or flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs.1 People can begin spreading the flu to others one day before symptoms start and up to a week after symptoms appear — and some, especially young children, might be contagious to others for even longer.1The flu can impact every person differently. Symptoms can appear suddenly and can include fever (or feeling feverish/chills), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.2While most people who get the flu will recover within a few days to less than two weeks, some may develop complications like pneumonia and even death.2The 2025-2026 flu season followed one of the most severe flu seasons in recent U.S. history, with record-breaking pediatric deaths and overwhelming levels of illness and hospitalization.3 In fact, from Oct. 1, 2025, through May 9, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that there were at least 32 million illnesses, 390,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths from the flu in the U.S.4"The harsh reality is that anyone can get sick from the flu — even people who are or feel healthy — and serious problems related to flu can happen at any age," said Dr. Luis Romano, GSK's US Medical and Clinical Affairs Lead for Flu Vaccines. "That said, some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick."Groups at higher risk of serious flu-related symptoms include1:People 65 years and olderPeople with certain chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease)Pregnant womenYoung childrenThe flu does not affect all communities equally, and the 2025-2026 season once again exposed deep and persistent disparities in flu-related outcomes among racial and ethnic minority groups.5 According to the CDC, Black and Hispanic communities consistently experienced higher rates of flu-related complications and death, often due to lower vaccination rates and delayed access to care.6Why you should speak to your provider about annual flu vaccinationThe flu is a serious illness and should be taken seriously. The best way to help protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu every season is to vaccinate everyone 6 months of age and older annually.3"Decades of data confirm that flu vaccines have an excellent safety record," said Romano. "In fact, hundreds of millions of Americans have received flu vaccines over the past 50 years, and ongoing monitoring consistently reinforces their strong safety profile."7Since Reese's passing, Termulo and his family have made it their mission to educate families on the potential dangers of the flu and urge people to get vaccinated against the flu every year.Now is a good time to think about flu vaccinationFall can be a busy season for many people, but it's vital to make time to get your flu shot. The CDC recommends that most people receive their flu vaccine in September or October, ideally by the end of October.8 The good news is that getting a flu shot is typically quick and convenient.If you already have a yearly wellness visit scheduled, ask your primary care provider about receiving your flu shot during your visit. You can also get a flu shot in pharmacies, urgent care clinics, college health centers and even some schools or workplaces.9 Some locations like your local pharmacy may accept walk-ins, so you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu with minimal time commitment.To learn more about the flu and flu prevention, visit CDC.gov/Flu."The flu can disrupt your life and your family's lives," said Termulo. "Losing my daughter is a heartbreaking reminder that the flu can have devastating consequences. As both a father and a physician, I hope our family's experience encourages others to recognize the seriousness of the flu and the profound impact it can have on families." Sources1. About Influenza (Flu). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed Feb. 26, 2026. Accessed July 17, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html2. Symptoms and Signs of Flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed Aug. 26, 2024. Accessed July 17, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/signs-symptoms/index.html3. Influenza Activity in the United States During the 2024-25 Season and Composition of the 2025-26 Influenza Vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed Sept. 26, 2025. Accessed July 17, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/whats-new/2025-2026-influenza-activity.html4. Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 18, Ending May 9, 2026. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published May 15, 2026. Accessed July 17, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2026-week-18.html5. Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 25, Ending June 27, 2026. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published July 6, 2026. Accessed July 17, 2026. CDC FluView Week 256. Flu and Healthy Lives for All. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published Jan. 17, 2025. Accessed July 17, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/healthy-living/index.html7. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed October 2023. Accessed July 17, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/flu.html8. Interim Estimates of 2025-26 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness—United States, September 2025-February 2026. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2026;75(9):116-123. Published March 6, 2026. Accessed August 6, 2026.9. Where to Find Vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published July 10, 2024. Accessed July 17, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-adults/recommended-vaccines/vaccine-planning.html
	Learn about winter home safety at East Moline Public Library The East Moline Public Library wants to make sure residents are ready to face the upcoming cold weather season safely. The library, 745 16th Avenue, is hosting a session on winter home safety tips on Oct. 10 from 10 – 11 a.m. The East Moline Fire Department will discuss topics like carbon monoxide detectors, heating [...]
	Teacher who sued Iowa school district for students’ ‘racist’ acts wins $425,000 A school teacher who alleged the Ottumwa public schools encouraged students’ racist behavior by failing to impose sufficient discipline has won a $425,000 judgment against the district.
	2 hurt in Rock Island motorcycle crash The motorcycle’s driver and passenger were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
	US House Dems’ campaign chief predicts they'll gain majority control in midterms WASHINGTON — Democrats expect they’ll gain a majority of seats in the U.S. House following November’s midterm elections, giving the party a platform to serve as a check on the president’s power. Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene said during an interview Monday that curbing the war in Iran and working on legislation to address the costs of healthcare would be at the top of the party’s agenda if it is able to flip that chamber. “And of course, act as an independent branch and do our job to hold the administration accountable,” she said. The Washington state Democrat said she views Republican super PACs spending millions of dollars in safe GOP districts as a sign that voters are moving toward Democratic candidates.“We've seen MAGA Inc. pour millions into House races and spending deep in red territory. Of the 38 districts that MAGA Inc. is spending in so far, 26 are on defense,” DelBene said, referring to the president’s super PAC. “And the speaker and the majority leader were campaigning recently in districts Trump won by double digits in 2024.”Additions to list of targeted racesThe DCCC announced earlier in the day that it had added six candidates to its “Red to Blue” program — Chris Jones in Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District, Dwayne Romero in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, Eliott Rodriguez in Florida's 27th Congressional District, Teresa Benitez-Thompson in Nevada's 2nd Congressional District, Blake Gendebien in New York's 21st Congressional District and Justin J. Pearson in Tennessee's 9th Congressional District. The additions bring the DCCC’s targeted House races to a total of 46.DelBene said during the interview with States Newsroom and other journalists in the Regional Reporters Association that “while Republicans seem to have infinite amounts of money to throw at us, our momentum is simply too strong to stop.” “Republicans may have more money, but they have zero substance,” she said. “We know we don't need to spend more, but we do need to spend enough.”National Republican Congressional Campaign Chairman Richard Hudson, of North Carolina, wrote in a statement released Sunday that with less than a month to go until voting ends on Nov. 3, GOP candidates “are on offense.”“We’re competing in districts Democrats swore were safe. We’ve recruited candidates who served in uniform, built businesses, and put criminals behind bars,” he said. “And we’re running on results: lower taxes, a secure border, and an economy that works for working families.”Where analysts see the House races The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter categorizes 197 House districts as solid or likely Democratic and another 195 as solid or likely Republican. That leaves voters in 43 districts throughout the entire country to determine whether the House remains in Republican hands for another two years or shifts to Democratic control. Of those, 11 are rated as leaning Democratic, 10 are leaning toward a Republican candidate winning and 22 are true toss-up seats.The magic number for House control is 218, though every additional seat beyond that threshold makes governing much easier for party leadership. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has had to consistently balance the demands of moderate and far-right members to move legislation across the floor. The House majority currently sits at 218 Republicans, 214 Democrats, one independent who used to be a Republican and two vacancies. Erin Covey, editor for the House of Representatives at Cook, said on the “Stories from the States” podcast that during the last month or so “the overall political environment has really solidified to favor Democrats."“At this point, our estimation is that Democrats will likely end up with around 220 to 230 seats at the end of the day,” she said. “Of course, that would be a majority in all of those cases. But on the lower end that would be a pretty slim majority. Some of that is because the battleground of competitive districts is relatively small compared to previous cycles. And so the number of truly vulnerable seats that Democrats can pick up is capped in a way it wasn’t in 2018, for example. But the national political example is just as good as it was for Democrats in 2018.” Courtesy of D.C. Bureau
	Iowa researcher warns higher vape tax could drive people back to cigarettes As states increasingly implement taxes on alternative smoking products, research from a Des Moines University professor showed the policies could lead people to reach for cigarettes instead — impacting more than just themselves.
	Tiverton abutters ask a Superior Court judge to intervene in Sapowet Cove oyster farm dispute Sapowet Cove is shown on the western shore of Tiverton in the Sakonnet River. (Google Earth image)One month after the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) failed to decide the fate of a proposed oyster farm in Tiverton, project opponents are asking a judge to step in. The Sept. 24 complaint filed in Providence County Superior Court against both the CRMC and applicants John and Patrick Bowen argues the council’s failure to take action amounts to an illegal abuse of its authority. The application for the 1-acre oyster farm was submitted in late 2019, yet the seven-member council has yet to decide whether objections over its impact on boating, fishing and recreation can stop it from happening. On Aug. 25, the council met to accept its hearing officer’s determination that a 2024 state law limiting development along the Sakonnet River did not stop the project review from advancing because the law was not retroactive. In accepting the determination, however, the seven-member council made clear it was not issuing a final decision on the project, allowing the quasi-judicial hearing process to continue. Because it was not a final decision, there was not yet an opportunity for objectors to appeal under the state’s Administrative Procedures Act. A group of neighbors who own properties near the proposed oyster farm site argue they should not have to wait any longer before taking their case to a judge. “Requiring Appellants to proceed through a full evidentiary hearing before obtaining judicial review of that threshold legal determination would therefore be futile and would not provide an adequate remedy within the meaning of [state law],” the complaint states. Laura Dwyer, a spokesperson for the CRMC, acknowledged requests for comment on the appeal, but did not immediately provide a response Monday. The proposed oyster farm has become the poster child for what critics say is an inefficient and unfairly drawn-out coastal review process. John and Patrick Bowen, brothers who live in Little Compton, filed the application to set up 200 bottom cages a few hundred feet from the shoreline in December 2019. Nearby property owners, fishermen and the state aquaculture association joined together in opposition to what they allege would interfere with fishing, boating and public recreation. The dispute made its way to Mark Krieger, CRMC hearing officer, in 2023, soon after Gov. Dan McKee appointed him to the position. An initial hearing was held in 2024, but the schedule was scratched in July 2025 after three groups of nearby property owners filed a motion, asking Krieger to dismiss the case based on the 2024 law limiting area waterfront development. The complaint notes that almost two years have passed since initial arguments, well past the 60-day deadline required by state law. And the CRMC’s acceptance of Krieger’s determination, without a final decision or even a clear timeline for when that decision will come, amounts to an “abuse of discretion” of its authority, the complaint states. John Bowen expressed frustration with the nearly seven-year wait for a decision, but blamed the delay on opposition groups rather than the CRMC. “I’d rather have them get it right than rush to a decision or be pressured,” he said of the coastal regulatory review. Yet John Bowen said he and his brother are still committed to the project, which they envision as a side gig to their respective jobs as an aquaculture coordinator and carpentry teacher, both in Massachusetts. The pair plan to sell oysters direct-to-consumer and to local restaurants, in addition to offering educational visits for students. John Bowen said he was “dismayed” that he and his brother were named as defendants in the complaint, which centers on the state’s coastal review process — something applicants do not control. “If the state is trying to encourage aquaculture, a process that allows applicants to be sued strictly for following the process is disheartening,” John Bowen said. Marisa Desautel, the attorney representing three sets of property owners in the complaint, declined to comment. The appeal asks a judge to toss Krieger’s determination that the 2024 law does not apply to the project, while affirming the property owners’ right to appeal even without a final decision by the CRMC. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Rhode Island Current
	Still time to get flu shot before holidays: Scott County Health Department The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were 51 million influenza (flu) related illnesses in the 2024-25 season, with 23 million visits to a healthcare provider, 710,000 hospitalizations and 45,000 deaths. It estimates that flu vaccinations during that season prevented 10 million flu illnesses, 5 million medical visits, 180,000 hospitalizations and [...]
	WIU Quad-Cities campus to host museum microcredential workshop Participants will be able to take a day course on tour-guide apps and AI literacy.
	How to watch KWQC’s debate between Zach Lahn & Rob Sand KWQC is hosting and broadcasting a live debate between Rob Sand and Zach Lahn on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
	Eldridge to vote on establishing a fire department The department would include a full-time Fire Chief, appointed by the Mayor, and volunteer members according to city documents.
	Whiteside County sheriff moves to fire sergeant over misuse of Flock data Sheriff John Booker said the sergeant resigned before the disciplinary process ended.
	Two hospitalized in Rock Island motorcycle, car collision The driver and passenger of a motorcycle were both taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries after a crash involving a vehicle in Rock Island on Sunday evening.
	Quad-Cities gas prices drop 15.9 cents, averaging $4.25 per gallon Prices in the Quad-Cities are 21.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.31 per gallon higher than a year ago.
	If Congress starts reviewing licensing deals, diligence gets a documentation problem Historically, national security reviews were not a topic of conversation in biotech licensing deals. Things are changing.The bipartisan Biotech Investment National Security Act of 2026 would amend the COINS Act by adding biotechnology as a covered sector, expand reviewable transactions to include licensing deals, and give the U.S. Treasury a year to write rules for implementation. This change follows two recent multi-billion-dollar licensing deals between the U.S. and China. Kivo has taken a deep dive into the imminent BINSA, leveraging data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Treasury, Congress, and more, to cover what documentation and review changes will be needed.The framework todayThe process today works differently from how it will look after BINSA is implemented. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS for short, reviews capital inflow to U.S. companies, not outflows. They are housed in the U.S. Treasury and were expanded by the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018. CFIUS can require mitigation agreements among firms or recommend that the President take apart a deal.Every year, they review thousands of filings. With biotech increasing globally, regulators have begun to point to the outflow of funds as a gap that needs to be addressed.There is already a playbook for the outflow of funds, but it’s limited. Executive Order 14105 created the Outbound Investment Security Program (OISP), which has been operating since early 2025. Their mandate is to prevent U.S. individuals from engaging in transactions with entities in China, Hong Kong, or Macau in the semiconductor, quantum information technology, or artificial intelligence industries.The COINS Act serves as a statutory layer. It was enacted in December 2025 and codified the framework from the OISP into statute. It preserves the same prohibited structure, expands knowingly directing provisions, and gives the Treasury until early 2027 to issue new regulations. Currently, biotechnology is not included within any of that. That’s precisely what BINSA would change.The effect of BINSABINSA defines covered biotechnology as pharmaceutical and biological product development. This includes drug discovery platforms, clinical R&D, biologics manufacturing, and more. It is worth noting that agricultural biotechnology is excluded, as is industrial fermentation and academic research. It’s a broad amendment that would cover the multi-billion-dollar licensing deals that have made headlines in years past.Outbound review today is mostly built around equity. Licensing deals being pulled into the fold for the first time is what makes BINSA so consequential. Historically, it is the industry’s least regulated path because it avoids a CFIUS inbound review and narrowly falls outside the scope of OISP.BINSA, when implemented, will direct the Treasury to implement regulation changes within one year. Separately, the Secretary of Defense will need to assess within 60 days whether current capital flowing into Chinese biotechnology has an impact on military readiness.Neither of those deadlines tells an active deal team what the rules will ultimately be. However, they do create legal uncertainty, because deals signed off today could be judged against future rules.Anatomy of the fileWith the new rules on the horizon, knowing how to prepare and adhere to existing best practices will reduce potential future bumps in the road. There are six main areas to address:1. Scope and decision record: All files that stand to be reviewed need to establish a scope, including what the deal is and why it was structured as it was. This encompasses written records of the transaction’s purpose, all parties involved, those rejected, and the ultimate decision path that led to the deal’s final structure.2. Parties and ownership: Every party involved in a transaction, particularly those with meaningful stakes, needs to be researched thoroughly, all the way up the ownership chains. Indirect and direct ownership, any state investment, and any ties to sanctioned entities need to be made clear.3. Transaction mechanics: Your review files need to show the flow of any money. Upfront payments, milestone payments, royalties, extended terms, and anything else are all in scope.4. Technology and data map: This is the only gray area of the requirements. Part 850’s semiconductor and AI rules already require identifying specific covered activities that a target company engages in, but applying them to biotechnology is more challenging. It typically would mean documenting whether a licensed asset involves a drug discovery platform, manufacturing process, and whether technical information flow was mainly going to a U.S. partner or away from them.5. Diligence evidence: Any diligence needs to be attributable. It also needs to follow a timeline. Rather than assembling a diligence file only after a regulator asks, aim to draft one well in advance.6. Filing and monitoring: If a transaction is notifiable, Part 850 requires submission through the Treasury’s Outbound Notification System within a set window. They can also request supplemental information after the fact, meaning you need to be able to produce it. Any submission is not a one-time event.Why FDA teams careAny well-run regulatory affairs team won’t be surprised by the process. FDA’s data integrity guidance for drug CGMP (current good manufacturing practice) compliance builds on the ALCOA framework. This framework mandates that records need to be attributable, easy to read, original, and accurate. A later expansion to ALCOA+ mandated that they also be complete, consistent, enduring, and readily available.However, this overlap isn’t absolute. FDA cares about the integrity of the manufacturing and clinical data. Regulatory review files will also be looking at ownership, sanctions, and technology transfer directions. But the discipline of adhering to FDA guidelines will get your company most of the way there.The substantive disputeThere is a precedent for the new screenings. The sponsors of BINSA note that cross-border licensing deals between U.S. and Chinese companies, specific to the biopharma sector, grew by $131 billion from 2020 to 2025. The bill’s House sponsor, Rep. John Moolenaar, has also argued that a large share of U.S. pharmaceutical licensing-in deals are now originating in China. He cited Bristol Myers Squibb’s collaboration with Hengrui Pharmaceuticals as a key example. The main point of concern was the level of know-how and capital moving to external parties without any national security checks.The Michigan Biosciences Industry Association argues for a more targeted approach. It says licensing a Chinese drug candidate usually moves development rights, responsibilities, and commercialization towards the U.S. partner, even as payments flow to China. The group argues that this distinction matters when assessing national security risk.The Michigan Biosciences Industry Association also warns that broad restrictions could redirect transactions through European or Asian companies, disadvantaging U.S. firms without eliminating the underlying activity.Both sides have a point, and the stakes are high. One side of the fight sees an unregulated capital channel going to a strategic competitor, and the other sees a functional pipeline threatened by a broad label that will disrupt deals the bill isn’t even aimed at. Where BINSA will actually land will depend on just how narrowly the U.S. Treasury defines covered biotechnology.Build now, regardlessPredicting exactly where and what BINSA will look like is impossible. Fortunately, companies don’t need to wait for the final rules to be published to prepare. A near-term checklist should include the following:1. Develop a standing ownership list and entity-list screening process for any China-linked counterparty.2. Establish a documented decision record for deals already in your pipeline.3. Set up both a technology and data map for licensed assets, regardless of whether your biotechnology deals get covered.4. Name a single owner inside your organization who is responsible for keeping all data current so you’re not playing catch-up.By exercising the discipline already established, you can better prepare your organization for inquiries in the future. You may even find issues that previously were swept under the rug. You’d rather find a red flag that wasn’t escalated now through a data review rather than when regulators come knocking at your door.Preparing your organization for regulationThe biopharma and biotech space is in a state of flux right now. BINSA may not become law. The U.S. Treasury may end up covering biotechnology through its existing COINS Act authority.Either way, the direction of the industry is undeniable. Cross-border biotech licensing has grown into a large and visible channel of capital. That visibility alone warrants an extra look from regulators and an expanded mandate regarding the scope of a deal review. In any case, what BINSA seeks to address from a documentation standpoint may be something that more life science companies could benefit from.This story was produced by Kivo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Man to remain in jail for allegedly striking two, killing one with vehicle A Rock Island man will stay in jail for allegedly striking two and killing one with a vehicle in Milan on Sept. 26.
	Davenport boy picked as Iowa Kid Captain for Washington game This week’s Iowa Kid Captain is 6-year-old JJ Ward, from Davenport. His family credits University of Iowa Health Care with saving his life.
	Screenings crucial for early cancer detection: UnityPoint Health October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Iowa’s second-highest cancer rate in the nation shows that regular screenings are one of the most important tools for early detection. UnityPoint Health – Trinity encourages women to make annual mammograms a priority during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer in Scott County, [...]
	“A tragic accident,” Wisconsin 3-year-old dies after being struck by mother’s car Boscobel EMS was dispatched to the home address Saturday afternoon.
	Hashimoto's and GLP-1 medications: Why losing weight can change the thyroid medication dose you need Some people taking a GLP-1 medication who also take thyroid medication describe symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, feeling cold, hair thinning and stalled weight loss. This can result in self-questioning that is difficult to answer without looking further: Is it the GLP-1 medication or is it my thyroid?Many of these patients have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. It is the most common cause of an underactive thyroid in the United States, and is treated with daily hormone replacement, usually levothyroxine. Because dosage is based on a patient's body weight, significant weight loss can impact the effect the hormones have on the patient's body and health. Below, Ivologist explains why losing weight can change the thyroid medication dose you need.As GLP-1 prescribing increases, with 11% of U.S. adults currently taking them for weight loss purposes according to a recent Gallup poll, understanding the effects it can have on you and your current medications is only a starting point for a patient's education. The overlap is substantial. Epic Research analyzed 21,538 patients with a history of hypothyroidism who were prescribed a GLP-1 medication. Those who lost more than five pounds saw a measurable drop in their TSH, the blood marker clinicians use to judge whether a thyroid dose is still right. Those who gained weight showed no significant change. Ivologist Know the risksWhen hormone levels are ignored, the body may begin to receive an excessive dosage of hormone replacement. As documented in a case study from Cureus, this may create the risk of taking in more thyroid hormones than your body needs, resulting in hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid. The side effects of this can include palpitations and increased heart rate, anxiety or irritability, sweating and heat intolerance, tiredness and muscle weakness, and shaking.According to a 2025 review in Thyroid, health risks rise with age. Bone loss becomes a concern around age 50, and cardiac risk increases considerably after age 60. In older patients, this can lead to bone loss or atrial fibrillation, an uneven heart rate that could result in clots, strokes, and heart failure.Significant weight loss may reduce levothyroxine requirements in some patients, which is why periodic reassessment is important. Published guidance recommends rechecking thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) when weight drops by more than 4.5 kilograms (just under 10 pounds), or if symptoms of an underactive or overactive thyroid appear. Once a level has stabilized, it is generally checked every six to 12 months. The American Thyroid Association specifically recommends reassessing the dose after large changes in body weight.Why nobody catches itEvidence on the relationship between GLP-1 medications and thyroid medications is still limited. This is not thought to be a direct drug interaction. Weight loss and changes in gastric emptying and absorption are the likely contributors.The communication gap between healthcare providers focused only on their own area of specialization may also be to blame for these risks going unnoticed. A 2025 review in Cureus found that no dedicated clinical trials have yet examined GLP-1 medications in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. As noted in a 2024 case report in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, patients may experience rapid weight loss, necessitating a readjustment of their thyroid medication dosage. Both that report and the Cureus case study involve patients whose thyroid had been surgically removed, and who are more sensitive to dose changes than most people with Hashimoto's. They illustrate the mechanism rather than predicting the typical experience.Patients with Hashimoto's may already be familiar with the process of handling multiple healthcare providers, but may still be unaware of the impact that GLP-1-related weight loss can have on their thyroid. Patients should ensure they're having honest conversations with all of their healthcare providers regarding their current medication regimen, weight loss experience, and whether their thyroid dose is still suitable.What steps to takeCandidates for a GLP-1 should not avoid them out of fear of potential side effects. Instead, it's recommended that they take the following steps before and during treatment:1. Ask for a full thyroid panel before you begin a GLP-1, including TSH, free T4 and free T3, to have base numbers for comparison during treatment.2. Ask the clinician who manages your thyroid how often your TSH should be rechecked while you are losing weight. Published guidance suggests rechecking after a weight loss of more than 4.5 kg, or sooner if symptoms appear.3. Communicate your weight loss journey openly with the clinician who manages your thyroid treatment. This is the single most important thing you can do to ensure minimal complications.4. Take your thyroid medication at a consistent time, on an empty stomach, and separate from your other medications and supplements.5. Tell your health care provider about any side effects, including anxiety, heat intolerance, tremors, or palpitations, and don't make assumptions about their cause.6. Protect your muscles while you lose weight. Resistance training two to three times a week, alongside adequate protein intake, helps preserve lean mass during rapid weight loss.Did you know?Researchers are beginning to look at whether GLP-1 medications affect thyroid autoimmunity itself, not just weight. A 2025 review in Cureus found that while these medications reduce inflammation linked to excess weight, dedicated trials in autoimmune thyroid disease have not yet been done and the connections remain unproven. Separately, a large real-world analysis reported a higher rate of autoimmune thyroiditis among GLP-1 users. The science is early and points in more than one direction, which is why it is worth discussing with your own clinician.Patients often arrive asking whether it is the GLP-1 or the thyroid. Frequently the answer is both, and the two are being managed separately by different clinicians. Knowing that the two are connected is often the piece that was missing.This story was produced by Ivologist and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Whiteside County Sergeant resigns following Flock misuse investigation A Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant resigned after being found to have used automated license plate reader data for personal purposes in an internal investigation.
	Considerations for Davenport’s 2nd Ward alderman announced Five people are being considered to fill the 2nd Ward alderman spot following Tim Dunn’s resignation last month.
	Tapestry Farms hosts 2nd-annual Harvest Moon Celebration Tapestry Farms invites the community this week to the second-annual Harvest Moon Celebration, music and traditional Arabic sweets in support of refugees rebuilding their lives in the Quad Cities.
	Shoppers are growing skeptical about AI: Where it still earns confidence When an order is delayed, or a card has been charged twice, do shoppers prefer typing their question to the AI agent on the website, or do they go looking for a phone number to ask a human?For most shoppers, it depends on the question. Ahead of the busiest shopping period of the year, Sinch asked 2,501 consumers across eight countries what kind of digital communication they want from brands, and respondents shared their opinions on AI use. The findings show shoppers are cautious about AI in general, yet confident it can handle specific tasks.As shopping moves online, deciding between an AI agent and a person for customer support is becoming part of the retail experience. Online sales made up 17.1% of all U.S. retail sales in the second quarter of 2026, and grew 12.2% over the past year, almost twice as fast as retail overall, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Many online shoppers will meet an AI assistant at some point between browsing and delivery. Below, Sinch examines where they're ready for one.AI optimism is down, and privacy is shoppers’ biggest reason for cautionMost shoppers aren’t sold on AI yet, and overall optimism has slipped since last year. According to the Sinch survey, just 43% think AI will make their shopping easier this year, down from 48% in 2025. Another 31% say it won't, and 26% aren't sure.Data privacy is what worries them most. For the second year running, privacy or data use tops shoppers’ list of AI concerns, named by 43%. Just 7% have no concerns at all, down from 9% in 2025. Sinch Many shoppers also still trust people more than AI. For product advice, 53% would rather take a recommendation from a real person than from AI, up from 51% in 2025.For phone support specifically, nearly half (48%) would rather speak to a human agent than an AI voice agent, while 52% are open to using one as long as they can be transferred to a person if needed.But age changes the picture a lot. Over half of Millennials (55%) and Gen Z (51%) trust AI recommendations as much as or more than a human's, dropping to 47% of Gen X and 30% of Baby Boomers. Younger shoppers are also far more optimistic that AI will make shopping easier. Fifty-five percent of Gen Z say it will, compared with just 18% of Baby Boomers. The older the shopper, the more AI has to prove itself.US shoppers are the most skeptical of AIAn AI agent can also get a very different welcome depending on the shopper’s country. AI skepticism is highest in the U.S.: Just 26% of North American consumers think AI will make their shopping easier, 17 percentage points below the global average.Latin America sits at the other end, with the strongest AI confidence anywhere: 72% of shoppers in this region think AI will make shopping easier, and 61% trust AI recommendations as much as or more than a person's. This means a shopper in São Paulo may be happy to start with the AI agent, while one in Chicago may go straight to the "talk to a person" button.Practical value is how AI wins over shoppersDespite rising skepticism about AI overall, only one of the 2,501 people surveyed ruled out ever using an AI agent.Checking on an order's status is the most popular use, chosen by 48%, closely followed by learning more about a product before buying (47%) and accessing customer service after normal business hours (36%).The survey also asked how confident shoppers are that a brand's AI assistant can handle specific tasks, from tracking an order to changing payment details. Over 60% are confident AI can handle every task. Sinch Shoppers are most confident in AI for quick, informational tasks like tracking a parcel, and less so once their money or account details are involved. But even for payment or billing changes, the lowest-scoring task, 62% are confident AI can handle it.This suggests that while shoppers aren't sold on using AI for its own sake, they still welcome it when it handles a task they want done.What actually makes an AI assistant usefulThe findings point to what good AI customer service looks like in practice, starting with the basics: quick, accurate answers to order and product questions, at any hour.For payment or account changes, where confidence is lower, shoppers want an easy way to reach a person, without having to explain the problem again. Older shoppers are likely to need this most: 23% of Baby Boomers say they're "not confident at all" that AI can handle payment and billing tasks for them, against 11% of Gen Z shoppers.Finally, transparency truly matters: Nearly 6 in 10 shoppers say their biggest worry about AI is either privacy (43%) or not knowing whether they're talking to a person or a machine (15%). They want to know when they're talking to AI, and what happens to their data. Sinch Confidence in AI comes down to the job it's givenShoppers' wariness of AI is real, but it eases once they see the value AI brings to their experience, provided retailers use it openly, for the tasks that help them most, and with a real person close at hand.MethodologySinch’s 2026 BFCM consumer survey polled 2,501 consumers across eight countries in July 2026. Respondents were aged 18 and over. Country samples: the United States (698), Australia (351), Brazil (350), the United Kingdom (252), France (225), Germany (225), Mexico (200) and Spain (200). Regional groupings in this report are North America (United States), Europe (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain), LATAM (Brazil, Mexico) and APAC (Australia). Year-over-year comparisons are against Sinch’s 2025 BFCM consumer survey, which also included India and Canada; those two markets were not surveyed in 2026.This story was produced by Sinch and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Is our fate pre-destined? A new 'East of Eden' adaptation asks again John Steinbeck's 1952 epic was first adapted to film in 1955 by director Elia Kazan. Now, Kazan's granddaughter Zoe has directed a new Netflix miniseries, starring Florence Pugh.
	Moline’s Kasen Ponder wins Spotlight Athlete of the Week Moline football junior quarterback Kasen Ponder wins Spotlight Athlete of the week.
	Whiteside County sergeant resigns amid investigation into misuse of license plate reader data The Whiteside County Sheriff’s sergeant involved in a Flock misuse investigation resigned prior to the sheriff plan to fire him.
	A proactive fall home maintenance checklist for 2026 Fall is the ideal time to prepare your home for colder temperatures, heavy rain, high winds, and other seasonal weather. Fall provides an opportunity to get ahead of seasonal problems instead of waiting for wintry conditions that force you to complete urgent maintenance and repairs. Your fall home maintenance checklist should cover your heating system, gutters, roof, plumbing, and outdoor spaces. However, your exact checklist ultimately depends on your climate and home's condition.A 2026 Nextdoor survey conducted with Groundworks found that 56% of homeowners completed their most recent maintenance task only after noticing something might be wrong. Proactive maintenance can help you identify issues before they become urgent. And for homeowners thinking about ways to put your home equity to use, keeping track of home's maintenance needs and potential improvements can be part of planning for the future.In this guide, Splitero breaks down the fall maintenance tasks worth prioritizing and how proactive home care can support your long-term plans.Key takeawaysService your heating system, clean your gutters, and inspect your roof before severe seasonal weather arrives.Protect exterior plumbing before freezing temperatures reach your area.Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and inspect fireplaces and chimneys before frequent seasonal use.Prioritize maintenance based on your climate, your home's condition, and the potential safety or repair consequences of waiting.Fall home maintenance checklistFall is a good time to take care of the maintenance that keeps your home safe, comfortable, and ready for seasonal weather. A little planning now can help you spot issues before they become more urgent or expensive to address.That can matter when unexpected repairs are difficult to fit into the budget. Thumbtack estimates that homeowners spent an average of $11,196 maintaining a single-family home in 2026, while a ConsumerAffairs survey found that only 41% could afford a $500 repair out of pocket. Taking care of seasonal maintenance can help you identify which repairs need attention first.Here's a fall maintenance checklist to help you get started: Splitero Check your heating system before the first cold snapSchedule an HVAC inspection or tune-up before you begin relying on your heating system regularly. A professional can check the thermostat, furnace, electrical components, and other equipment before colder weather arrives. Angi's 2026 winterization data puts a professional HVAC inspection at about $200-$400.On your own, you can replace or inspect your HVAC filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations, test the thermostat, and make sure vents and registers aren't blocked.Just be sure to leave gas, combustion, and electrical issues to qualified professionals and get them checked before the first major cold snap.Clean your gutters and inspect your roofGutters and roofs work together to protect your home from rain and water damage. Roof repairs are a common summer home renovation, but fall is still a good time to address any damage or leaks before winter weather arrives.Clean gutters and downspoutsRemove leaves, twigs, and other debris from your gutters and downspouts. Check for sagging sections, separation, leaks, or other visible damage, and make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation.Professional gutter cleaning costs an average of $168, with most homeowners paying about $119-$234 per visit, according to Angi's 2026 cost data.Homes surrounded by trees may need more frequent gutter cleaning. If you're uncomfortable working from a ladder or your gutters are difficult to access, consider hiring a professional.Inspect the roofLook for missing, cracked, curling, or damaged shingles, and inspect flashing (the thin material that seals gaps around roof features) around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Inside the home, check ceilings and attic areas for water stains, dampness, or other signs of leaks.Angi reports that roof repairs average about $1,173, with costs ranging from approximately $150 to $8,000 depending on the type and extent of the repair.Don't climb onto a roof if you aren't comfortable doing so. A professional inspection can be a safer option, particularly for steep, damaged, or difficult-to-access roofs.Protect your plumbing from colder weatherBefore the first hard freeze, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and exterior faucets. Where needed, winterize irrigation systems by draining them and removing as much water as possible to prevent freezing damage.You should also insulate exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces, attics, and other unheated areas. For an affordable DIY option, foam pipe insulation sleeves can be fitted around exposed pipes to help protect them from freezing temperatures.It's also worth knowing where your home's main water shutoff valve is located so you can respond quickly to a leak or burst pipe.Angi's 2026 winterization data puts professional house winterization at approximately $50-$1,500. Pipe insulation costs about $1.10-$11 per linear foot, while sprinkler-system winterization is in the $56-$131 range.Seal drafts around windows and doorsCheck windows and exterior doors for gaps, worn weatherstripping, and other areas where outside air can enter. Replace damaged weatherstripping and use caulk to seal appropriate gaps. Angi's 2026 winterization data estimates window insulation and weatherproofing at about $3-$20 per square foot.The U.S. Department of Energy identifies weatherstripping and caulking as important air-sealing measures that can reduce unwanted air leakage and improve home comfort and energy performance. Improved energy performance can also mean lower energy bills over time.Check your fireplace, chimney, and home safety equipmentFall is also a good time to review the systems and precautions that help keep your home safe during the heating season.Fireplace and chimneyIf you use a fireplace or wood-burning appliance, have the chimney inspected and cleaned as appropriate before frequent seasonal use. Check for visible damage or blockages, but leave detailed inspections and cleaning to qualified professionals when needed.Angi's 2026 winterization data puts the average chimney inspection cost at about $450, although actual costs vary significantly depending on the scope of the work.Smoke and carbon monoxide detectorsTest every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm in your home. Replace batteries where applicable, check the age of each unit, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacement and installation.The U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing smoke alarms at least monthly and replacing smoke alarms every 10 years.Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed in the locations recommended by the manufacturer and in accordance with local requirements. If you aren't sure whether your home's alarms are appropriately placed or functioning, consult a qualified professional.Get your yard and outdoor spaces ready for fall and winterClear leaves from lawns, walkways, drainage areas, and other places where debris could interfere with water flow. Inspect trees near the home and address dead or damaged branches when appropriate. Angi's 2026 winterization data estimates professional branch trimming at about $460 on average.Be sure to also check decks, patios, stairs, and railings for visible damage. Inspect outdoor furniture and seasonal equipment for damage, and protect or cover items as appropriate for your local weather.A quick walk around your property can help you spot small issues before they become bigger ones.Which fall home maintenance tasks should you prioritize?Prioritize maintenance that addresses immediate safety concerns or protects your home from water, freezing temperatures, or severe weather. For most homeowners, that means starting with the heating system, roof and drainage, exterior plumbing, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.Your climate should determine the rest of your checklist. A homeowner in a region with frequent freezes may need to prioritize plumbing, while someone in an area with heavy fall and winter rain may need to focus more attention on gutters, downspouts, drainage, and roof maintenance.Prepare your home for increasingly unpredictable weatherSince your fall maintenance needs can depend on the weather patterns your area is likely to experience, it's worth checking what conditions may be ahead.Per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), El Niño is strengthening, with a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event during the Northern Hemisphere's fall and winter of 2026–27. NOAA also notes that stronger El Niño conditions can increase the likelihood of certain impacts, but they don't guarantee specific weather outcomes for every location.Check your local forecast and emergency-management guidance as the season approaches, then adjust your maintenance checklist accordingly. For example:Heavy rainfall: Clean gutters and downspouts, inspect drainage, and check sump pumps where applicable.High winds: Inspect the roof, trees, fences, and other exterior structures.Wildfire-prone areas: Clear vegetation and combustible debris around the home and follow local preparedness guidance.Freezing temperatures: Protect exposed plumbing and prepare heating systems.Snow and ice: Prepare snow-removal equipment and address vulnerable walkways, steps, and exterior areas.If you only have time for fiveIf your fall maintenance list feels overwhelming, start with these five:Check your heating system.Clean your gutters and check drainage.Inspect your roof.Protect exterior plumbing before freezing weather.Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.These tasks cover some of the home systems most important to safety and protection from seasonal weather. In a ConsumerAffairs survey, 45% of homeowners said an outstanding repair made their home feel less safe. You don't need to tackle every maintenance task at once, but addressing the issues that could leave your home more vulnerable to water, wind, freezing temperatures, or other weather conditions can help you feel more prepared for the season.This story was produced by Splitero and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why eye-friendly screens make a difference for students The tech industry is finally acknowledging what parents and educators have known for years: Screen fatigue is real, and it directly impacts educational outcomes. For families shopping for tablets, laptops and monitors this back-to-school season, the landscape looks fundamentally different.In this article, consumer electronics company TCL covers why the focus on digital screens is picking up steam, and the new types of tech parents can choose from to help students get the most out of their school days and their devices.The Problem: Screen Time Is UnavoidableThe numbers are staggering. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that teenagers now spend seven to nine hours daily on screens for school and leisure combined. Add homework, video classes and research assignments, and many students are pushing over 10 hours.This extended exposure to digital displays has created a diagnosable issue: digital eye strain, clinically known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). The symptoms are familiar to anyone who's stared at a screen too long: dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches.Too much screen use has more than short-term effects. Parents are well-positioned to notice the symptoms: their kid, stuck in front of their laptop or tablet all night. The irritability. The lack of focus. The rush to finish rather than engage deeply with the material. The anxiety in the morning when they can't remember what they read the night before.Parents buying back-to-school tech face a real dilemma. Screens are essential to modern education, but extended use comes with a cost. Until recently, there wasn't much of a solution beyond "take breaks" and "wear blue-light glasses."Two Approaches, One GoalThe solutions coming to market take different forms. Some manufacturers engineer the displays themselves, adjusting refresh rates, reducing flicker, and limiting harmful blue light wavelengths at the hardware level. Others emphasize software solutions: operating systems with adaptive brightness, automatic screen dimming and built-in break reminders.Both approaches have merit. Hardware solutions provide consistent protection regardless of which app a student uses. Software solutions offer flexibility and can improve over time through updates. The best devices combine thoughtfully engineered displays with intelligent software optimization.“Multiple companies are now marketing eye protection as a primary feature, not an afterthought,” said Chris Saunders, director of product planning at TCL. “As a parent, I think this shift indicates that consumers, especially those buying back-to-school devices, are prioritizing health alongside performance.”Features to Look for to Reduce Eye StrainThe growth in competition and choices means eye protection is no longer exclusive to premium devices. Students and parents can find affordable options with built-in eye-comfort features across multiple brands and price points.When comparing devices, shoppers may encounter terms such as “matte screen,” “nano-etching,” and “circularly polarized OLED.” These terms describe display approaches, but consumers should review the manufacturer’s specific specifications rather than assume that any one technology eliminates eye strain.The hardware features consumers should look for to reduce eye strain include:Low and limited blue-light emissionsDisplays designed to reduce flicker and limit blue-light output, including some OLED screens designed to reduce flicker and limit blue-light exposureMatte-screen finishes that reduce glare and reflectionsNano-etched or textured surfaces designed to diffuse reflectionsWhen it comes to software optimizations, look for devices with dynamic display features, such as:Color temperature controls for different environmentsBrightness adjustments and dark modes for low-light settingsIntegrated break reminders and other responsive features designed to support healthy device engagementAnd much like the EnergyStar label for appliances, consumers can also look for products labeled with Eyesafe, SGS Paper-Display, and TÜV Eye Comfort Eyesafe certifications.The good news: Major manufacturers are now highlighting these features prominently because they understand parents care about them. What began as a specialized feature has become an expectation. The tech industry has accepted that screens are central to modern education, and that responsibility includes making that experience comfortable and healthy.This story was produced by TCL and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Whiteside County Sheriff's Office sergeant resigns after investigation into ALPR misuse A Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office sergeant has resigned after an internal investigation into possible misuse of automated license plate reader (ALPR) data, according to a news release from Sheriff John Booker. The Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office has completed an internal investigation concerning the misuse of automated license plate reader (ALPR) data by an employee, according [...]
	Three things to know: Oct. 5, 2026 Smile like Zoey Blood Drive, Davenport begins road seal coating and First Gateway Credit Union to hold shoe drop in Clinton.
	Former Wonder Bread building to be demolished The former Wonder Bread building is going to be demolished soon according to a Davenport aldermen.
	5 odd wellness trends people have sworn by Fitness, nutrition, sleep, mental health, longevity — the wellness industry is vast and lucrative. The market reached $6.8 trillion in 2024, with the Global Wellness Institute projecting that figure will hit $9.8 trillion by 2029.Much of it serves ordinary needs. But wherever people are willing to spend heavily on feeling better, you can bet there will be entrepreneurs, gurus, and opportunists ready to sell them a faster way there. Bodog found five examples of odd wellness trends people once bought into.5. The Tapeworm DietThe Tapeworm Diet is one of those wellness trends where the legend is better documented than either its clientele or, for that matter, whoever was supposedly behind it.In the early 1900s, stories circulated about slimming pills said to contain tapeworm larvae. You swallow one, let the parasite take up residence in your intestine and, in theory, it would consume enough food to help with weight loss.The famous “Eat! Eat! Eat!” ad, so often wheeled out as proof, is almost certainly a later fake. It names a mysterious “W. T. Bridge, chemist” as the man behind the product, except there is no evidence that he existed as a seller at all. And even the contemporary stories about tapeworm pills were being challenged at the time. What is not mythical is the parasite. The CDC says a beef tapeworm can grow to 10 meters, and infections may cause abdominal pain, alongside symptoms such as loss of appetite and an upset stomach, which then contribute to weight loss. In rare cases, segments can migrate and block the appendix or bile ducts.4. Vibrating BeltsVibrating belts were pitched as a way to exercise without doing much of a workout. You can still buy the things. The language is more careful these days, which makes sense given the Financial Trade Commission’s position that a body-worn device cannot, by itself, produce substantial weight loss.Older machines typically came as freestanding units, with a wide belt attached to a motorized stand. The strap wrapped around the waist or thighs and shook the flesh back and forth, supposedly trimming inches while the wearer stood in place. By the 1950s, ads were presenting 15 minutes of this as enough to reshape the body.Giving the old idea a faint scientific afterlife, modern whole-body vibration has produced limited results under controlled conditions. A 2019 review found a small drop in fat mass, but no significant change in body-fat percentage. Anyone looking for ways to stay active without a gym must still get creative and do the moving themselves.3. Detox CleansesThe modern version goes back at least to Stanley Burroughs and his Master Cleanse, devised in 1941. For 10 days, followers replaced food with lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water, alongside laxative tea or salt-water flushes. Then Beyoncé tried it for “Dreamgirls,” despite later saying she would never again. Then came the commercial juice-cleanse boom. BluePrint Cleanse launched in 2007, while Salma Hayek teamed up with Juice Generation founder Eric Helms on Cooler Cleanse a year later.The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says detox research is sparse and generally weak. Any early weight loss often comes down to severe calorie restriction, while some regimens can cause dehydration or electrolyte problems. No sensible fitness and nutrition advice is going to promise that one punishing weekend can undo months of ordinary habits.2. Radium WellnessAfter radium was discovered in 1898, its novelty and the fact that doctors were using radiation in cancer treatment helped create an aura of scientific legitimacy. By the 1920s, companies had taken that reputation and started selling radioactive water, tablets, bath products, cosmetics, and even devices meant to “charge” drinking water with radon.Among the strangest examples was the Revigator, a ceramic crock lined with uranium ore. Owners filled it with ordinary water overnight, then, the next day, drank the resulting radioactive water. Hundreds of thousands were reportedly sold between 1924 and 1930.Eben Byers, the industrialist and former golf champion, reportedly drank around three bottles of Radithor a day for two years. Each one contained radium-226 and radium-228, yet the manufacturer sold the tonic as harmless and claimed it could treat more than 150 ailments. Byers even recommended it to friends before his teeth began falling out. He died in 1932.1. Cigarettes for Weight ControlUnder a very different regulatory system from today’s, Lucky Strike told women in 1928 to reach for a cigarette instead of something sweet. The campaign went straight at a huge anxiety around weight and appearance, at a time when thinness had become tangled up with modern fashion and glamour.Some ads went as far as putting doctors in the frame to reassure smokers. A historical review in the American Journal of Public Health found that tobacco companies had dropped that imagery by 1954, once it stopped looking credible.The weight-control angle, at least, had something real to latch onto. Nicotine suppresses appetite, and a cigarette could replace the habit of reaching for food. To many, that may genuinely have felt like it was helping with cravings, of course, without much sense of the bigger health damage attached.What These Wellness Trends CostThe following puts a price tag on each of these five wellness crazes, both in dollars and what buying into them could cost the body.Tapeworm DietRepresentative buy-in at the time: $25 for two pills in a disputed 1912 reportCost in 2026 dollars: $850Health cost: Abdominal pain, malnutrition, intestinal complicationsVibrating BeltsRepresentative buy-in at the time: $10 a month to rent a belt vibratorCost in 2026 dollars: $45 to $115 per monthHealth cost: Little proven harm, but little proven fat lossDetox CleansesRepresentative buy-in at the time: About $195 for a three-day cleanseCost in 2026 dollars: $280Health cost: Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, colon-cleansing complicationsRadium WellnessRepresentative buy-in at the time: $1 per bottle of RadithorCost in 2026 dollars: $19 per bottleHealth cost: Radiation poisoning, bone destruction, cancer, deathCigarettes for Weight ControlRepresentative buy-in at the time: About 11.5 cents per pack in 1928Cost in 2026 dollars: $2.25 per packHealth cost: Addiction, cancer, heart disease, COPD, premature deathThis story was produced by Bodog and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What’s causing retail employee burnout, and how can your POS help? Visit any retail store on a Saturday in November. Between the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, you’ll see employees ringing up customers, heading to the backroom to grab requested items, and keeping everyday essentials stocked — all while they’re trying to keep the checkout line moving.On top of that, they’re answering the same retail question staples over and over:“Why is this price different from what’s listed on the shelf?”“Do you have any more of that in the back?”“Why do my online rewards not show on my app?”“Where’s the manager?”None of these are big issues by themselves; that’s what makes them easy to ignore. But when you’re in a retail employee’s shoes, you deal with them every day, and too many of those “little things” add up to big burnout.When retailers talk about employee burnout and turnover, the conversation usually centers on pay, scheduling, managers, and customers. A factor that often gets missed is outdated technology. Employees may struggle with a POS that isn’t equipped to handle the workload on a normal day, much less a seasonal rush.Retail is tough enough without those hurdles.The job itself is demanding. Employees are on their feet all day, covering a 100,000-square-foot building for hours to help customers, and working through an ever-changing list of daily duties.The physical toll plays a role too. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that in 2024, injury rates for 2024 per 100 full-time workers were 4.2 in General Merchandise, 3.5 for Food & Beverage, and 3.2 for Garden & Building Material. Private industry as a whole came in at 2.3.Working the register can be just as mentally taxing, whether it’s processing a split tender payment or helping another customer with a specific question at the same time. That’s why making the user experience simple and intuitive is paramount to combating employee burnout, as Rapid POS examines here. Rapid POS Many burnout triggers are smaller than you may thinkIt doesn’t take a POS system crash for someone to have a bad day.It can be a simple price discrepancy or needing to know if there’s more stock in the back. Maybe your new hire can’t locate an item on their own and has to ask a co-worker. Every time your employees have to search for information or request approval from other staff, it adds to the struggles retail employees already face.None of these things by themselves would make someone quit. But when they happen multiple times in the same day, they weigh much more heavily.After working in the retail industry for a long time, most people know that the answer isn’t always adding more to your POS. Sometimes you need to remove the friction points that are causing your employees to struggle, and the best place to start is the screen they look at all day.The register screen should help your employees, not wear them downYour checkout screen should be built around what your employees need. Items that sell often should be easy to reach, and common functions should sit in logical places. Buttons with product images help new employees find items more quickly, while more experienced cashiers may prefer shortcuts and item codes.The truth is that there’s no “one” screen that will work for everyone.Someone who has been with you for three years is going to use your screen differently than someone who just started. This is why customization is key when choosing a retail POS.Give your employees information where they need itA well-built screen only helps while your employees are standing at it. The moment they have to walk away from the register to find information, checkout stalls. Without easily accessible information, the customer waits longer and may get even more frustrated when the employee comes back without the item they need in hand.This may not seem like a tech problem at first glance, but it is; you have the information, your employees just don’t have access to it.Technology such as handheld devices can help. When your employees can look up information on the go, they can help customers whether they’re on the sales floor or at the register.Price discrepancies can cause frustrationMissing information isn’t the only way a POS can trip up your employees; it can also cause problems when your prices are off.A customer will notice when the price on the shelf doesn’t match what’s on your register. Your employee now has to figure out why it’s different — and maybe even get a manager involved.Digital shelf labels can help prevent this from happening. They add a step to your setup, but your shelf prices stay up to date with your POS, which helps your employees avoid uncomfortable conversations with your store’s guests.Your scanner will impact your employeesSoftware is only half of it; the equipment your employees handle all day matters just as much. You want your POS to scan items correctly the first time, not spend time with scanners that are fussy or don’t connect seamlessly. If a scanner has trouble reading at hard angles or can’t pick up a barcode on a crinkled bag, it becomes a bigger deal over the course of a busy work day.The same goes for the keyboard, touchscreen, or receipt printer; any equipment your employees have to deal with can impact their experience.Test your POS on someone newOnce you’ve looked at your screens, your information access, and your hardware, there’s a simple way to see how it all holds up: Give it to someone new. Employees who have used your POS for a long time know all the workarounds. A new hire doesn’t.If your POS is user friendly, they will learn the system more quickly and become more productive. If not, you’ll find yourself spending more time teaching your employees how to use your POS than tending to your business.You want your employees to learn your process, not be stumped by your POS. Rapid POS Rapid POS Employee burnout and turnover can start with your POS systemYour POS won’t stop employee burnout or turnover in your business on its own, but a good system reduces friction and can make your employees’ experience a lot smoother. Pay, scheduling issues, manager conflicts, and more affect overall satisfaction too, but if your POS is causing them to struggle, you’re adding stressors where you could be removing them.When your employees are struggling to find information, can’t trust the prices, or keep hitting hurdles with your equipment, resentment builds. They start to notice all the other things they’d forgive when everything is running smoothly.By freeing up resources for you and your employees, you can invest more time where it matters: your customers.This story was produced by Rapid POS and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Former Davenport Wonder Bread factory to be demolished Changes are coming to River Drive in Davenport as a long-time landmark will soon be demolished. A post on Davenport Alderman John Blunk’s Facebook page says the former Wonder Bread factory at 1034 E. River Drive in Davenport will be demolished. The post said the building’s owner has hired DeCarlo Demolition from Des Moines to [...]
	Octobers with the most precipitation in Illinois since 1895 Mr Twister // Shutterstock Octobers with the most precipitation in Illinois since 1895 Stacker compiled a ranking of the wettest Octobers in Illinois since 1895 using data from the National Centers for Environmental Information. Rankings are based on the highest total precipitation in each month. For each of the months listed below, we've included the total precipitation, state-wide highs and lows for the month, and the average state temperature.#10. October 2019 (tie)- Total precipitation: 5 inches- Average temperature: 53.7°F- Monthly high temperature: 64.3°F- Monthly low temperature: 43°F#10. October 2017 (tie)- Total precipitation: 5 inches- Average temperature: 58.1°F- Monthly high temperature: 68.1°F- Monthly low temperature: 48°F#9. October 1967- Total precipitation: 5.07 inches- Average temperature: 53.4°F- Monthly high temperature: 63.9°F- Monthly low temperature: 42.8°F#8. October 1954- Total precipitation: 5.1 inches- Average temperature: 55°F- Monthly high temperature: 65.3°F- Monthly low temperature: 44.6°F#7. October 1969- Total precipitation: 5.7 inches- Average temperature: 52.8°F- Monthly high temperature: 63.7°F- Monthly low temperature: 41.8°F#6. October 1991- Total precipitation: 5.96 inches- Average temperature: 55.6°F- Monthly high temperature: 67°F- Monthly low temperature: 44.2°F#5. October 2021- Total precipitation: 6.02 inches- Average temperature: 60.2°F- Monthly high temperature: 69.3°F- Monthly low temperature: 51.1°F#4. October 2001- Total precipitation: 6.08 inches- Average temperature: 53.8°F- Monthly high temperature: 64.6°F- Monthly low temperature: 43.1°F#3. October 1919- Total precipitation: 6.91 inches- Average temperature: 56.8°F- Monthly high temperature: 67.5°F- Monthly low temperature: 46.2°F#2. October 2009- Total precipitation: 8.49 inches- Average temperature: 50.1°F- Monthly high temperature: 58.4°F- Monthly low temperature: 41.7°F#1. October 1941- Total precipitation: 9.06 inches- Average temperature: 57.6°F- Monthly high temperature: 67.1°F- Monthly low temperature: 48°F
	Octobers with the most precipitation in Idaho since 1895 Jaromir Chalabala // Shutterstock Octobers with the most precipitation in Idaho since 1895 Stacker compiled a ranking of the wettest Octobers in Idaho since 1895 using data from the National Centers for Environmental Information. Rankings are based on the highest total precipitation in each month. For each of the months listed below, we've included the total precipitation, state-wide highs and lows for the month, and the average state temperature.#10. October 1967- Total precipitation: 3.09 inches- Average temperature: 44°F- Monthly high temperature: 55.6°F- Monthly low temperature: 32.2°F#9. October 1947- Total precipitation: 3.14 inches- Average temperature: 47°F- Monthly high temperature: 57.5°F- Monthly low temperature: 36.5°F#8. October 1920- Total precipitation: 3.16 inches- Average temperature: 40.8°F- Monthly high temperature: 49.6°F- Monthly low temperature: 32°F#7. October 1899- Total precipitation: 3.19 inches- Average temperature: 40.3°F- Monthly high temperature: 50°F- Monthly low temperature: 30.6°F#6. October 1956- Total precipitation: 3.44 inches- Average temperature: 42.5°F- Monthly high temperature: 53.2°F- Monthly low temperature: 31.8°F#5. October 1946- Total precipitation: 3.45 inches- Average temperature: 38.6°F- Monthly high temperature: 47.6°F- Monthly low temperature: 29.7°F#4. October 1951- Total precipitation: 3.51 inches- Average temperature: 41.7°F- Monthly high temperature: 51.1°F- Monthly low temperature: 32.2°F#3. October 1938- Total precipitation: 3.55 inches- Average temperature: 45.6°F- Monthly high temperature: 55.8°F- Monthly low temperature: 35.4°F#2. October 1975- Total precipitation: 3.98 inches- Average temperature: 43.2°F- Monthly high temperature: 52.9°F- Monthly low temperature: 33.4°F#1. October 2016- Total precipitation: 4.54 inches- Average temperature: 45.7°F- Monthly high temperature: 55.4°F- Monthly low temperature: 36°F
	12 practical money management tips Learning how to manage your money is a little like learning how to cook a new dish. You might be a little intimidated by the ingredients or the fancy instructions using French words you’ve never heard of. But you enjoy the end result, and the next time you make the dish, it’s even easier.The same goes for budgeting, saving, and paying down debt. Practice really does make perfect, or something pretty near to it.If you're ready to hone your skills and reach your financial goals, Achieve shares some simple tips you could use to manage your money like a pro.Key takeaways:Managing your money becomes easier once it's a habit.Budgeting and saving regularly are two of the best ways to take control of your money.Talking to a professional can help you level up your money management skills.Money management tips that can transform your financial lifeTaking charge of your personal finances starts with knowing that you can do it.Money shouldn't be a mystery, and having a little confidence in your abilities goes a long way. So if you need to give yourself a little pep talk before diving into the tips, take a second to remind yourself that you control your money, not the other way around.Now, let's look at some practical ways to live your best life financially.1. Understand what goes in and what goes outThe first step to managing your money is to understand your income and expenses. You can do this with pen and paper, in a spreadsheet, or using an easy, free budgeting app.Add up all your income, including:WagesSide hustlesGig workAlimonyChild supportNext, look at where that money goes, and categorize your expenses:Fixed expenses don’t fluctuate much or at all. This includes things like your mortgage or rent payment, car insurance, cell phone bill, streaming subscription, childcare, and loan payments.Variable expenses are things you're obligated to pay for, but the amounts fluctuate from month to month. For example, your utility bills might be higher or lower depending on how much energy you're using. Groceries, vehicle maintenance, and healthcare tend to go up and down, too.Discretionary spending is everything else you spend money on. So, think dining out, new clothes, travel, alcohol, and exercise classes.Note that this isn’t about wants versus needs. Discretionary expenses are wants by definition because they are at your discretion (i.e., your choice). But variable and fixed expenses can be wants or needs.2. Create a budget (and commit to using it)Once you know what your expenses and income look like, you're ready for the next step.A budget puts the power of choice into your hands. When you have a budget in place, you're telling your money where to go and what to do.There are different budgeting methods you might try, including:50/30/20 budgetingEnvelope budgetingZero-based budgetingTesting out different budget systems can help you find one that works.The method you choose isn’t as important as your commitment to it. Scheduling regular check-ins and giving yourself a small reward for sticking to your plan can help you feel proud of yourself and motivated to keep going.3. Prioritize expenses (and drop the ones that aren't as important)Now’s the time to identify the needs and the wants in your budget.Some things you can't get around spending money on. Needs typically include:HousingUtilitiesInsuranceDebt payments, including child or spousal supportGroceries and personal hygiene itemsTransportationHealthcareChildcareSavingsEverything else is probably a want. That doesn’t mean you have to drop them from your budget. It just means you should take a hard look at them and decide if they deserve a seat at the table. Figuring out what you want to stop spending money on is one of the smartest money management tips to live by.Prioritizing expenses means you can put your money toward the things that matter most, like:Paying down credit cards faster.Growing a bigger emergency fund.Saving for retirement or another long-term goal.Now, you just need to go through your expenses one by one and decide which ones to cut. No amount is too small, since every dollar you don't spend is a dollar you can put toward your goals.4. Shop smart, pay with cashPaying with cash might seem a little outdated. But there are proven benefits to shopping the old-fashioned way.For one thing, making a large purchase with cash might just land you a discount. Your local furniture store, for instance, may be willing to waive delivery fees or discount the price if you're paying in cash versus a credit card.For another, paying with cash could keep you from overspending. You simply can't spend what you don't have. Studies show that we spend less when we use cash.You might test it out by switching to cash for one or two budget categories, like groceries and gas. If you find that using cash helps you spend less, try it with more spending categories.5. Maximize savings at any budgetSaving money can help you get ahead financially. But what if you're working with a tight budget?Do what you can. That might mean saving just $5 to $10 each paycheck. It’ll add up over time. And if you get any bonus money along the way from a tax refund or something else, you can add that to your stash instead of spending it.Here are a few other tips and tricks for budgeting and saving money:Save your spare change and $1 bills.Round up debit card transactions to the next dollar and transfer the difference to a separate savings account. There are apps that can help you do this automatically.Open a checking account that earns interest and transfer the interest earned to savings each month. You can find high-yield checking and savings accounts online. Just be sure to look for accounts with no monthly maintenance fees.Sell things you don't need.Get creative. Make it fun. Put yourself and your goals center stage. Sure, saving money involves making some sacrifices. But you stand to gain even more.6. Build an emergency fundSaving an emergency fund is one of the most-repeated money management tips you'll hear. An emergency fund can help you avoid relying on credit cards to cover life’s curve balls.Unexpected expenses aren’t an “if,” they’re a “when.” Everybody has a big expense come along now and then. You might need new tires, a new water heater, or a surprise trip to the dentist when your kid accidentally steps on—and breaks—their retainer. Fill in the blank with your own most recent example.Make sure that savings is a line item in your budget—just as nonnegotiable as putting gas in your car so you can get to work. Then, open a dedicated savings account and set up an automatic transfer for the amount you want to save each month. You can break it up by paycheck, but the goal is to make sure that money gets added consistently. The money is yours. You can always transfer it back to checking if you need to.7. Nurture your retirementRetirement won't pay for itself, and you can't count on Social Security alone to keep you afloat. If you haven't given much thought to retirement yet, there's no time like the present.If you've got a 401(k) at work, that's a great place to start. If your employer offers a match, take it. That means that they’ll match your contribution with money of their own, in your account. The match is free money that your employer is offering you, and the only condition is that you contribute at least the same amount from your wages.If you don’t have a 401(k) at work, open your own individual retirement account (IRA) and contribute to it regularly. Your own bank or credit union might be able to help you open an account, or you could connect with one of the big brokerages in the U.S. Fidelity, Vanguard, and Charles Schwab all offer free guidance to people who want to plan for the future.8. Deal with your debtIf you have too much credit card debt, medical debt, or personal loan or other debt, make a plan for knocking that debt down.The reason debt should be a priority is that it’s costly. The longer you wait to get a handle on debt, the more interest you’ll pay. That takes away dollars that could be directed to your financial goals. Minimum payments won't cut it, especially if you're stuck with double-digit APRs.If you have a credit card with a $10,000 balance and a 24% APR and you make only the required minimum payment each month, it’ll take you almost 30 years to pay off the debt, and you’ll pay more than $19,000 in interest.If you’ve got debt and you’d like to get rid of it, explore debt solutions to figure out which strategy is right for your situation.9. Have a safety netWorking to improve your finances means thinking about the what-ifs. What if the apartment building where you rent burns down? What if you have an injury that leaves you unable to work for a time? What if you were to pass away unexpectedly, leaving your family to get by without you?Nobody plans on these things happening.Insurance can protect you from losses in case the worst happens. The types of insurance you might need include:Homeowners insuranceRenters insuranceCar insuranceLife insuranceDisability insuranceThey all apply in different situations, but they serve the same purpose: to protect you financially. Research coverage and costs by having a conversation with a knowledgeable insurance agent.10. Protect your creditYour credit score tells lenders how likely it is that you’ll repay your debts. A low score could keep you from getting approved for new credit or make it more expensive to borrow.Good financial habits naturally lead to a strong credit profile:Pay bills on time.Keep credit card balances low or at zero.Avoid applying for new accounts unless you really need to.Review your credit reports for errors.Sign up for free credit monitoring and set up alerts.11. Get professional financial adviceFinancial advice isn’t reserved for the rich. It’s for anyone who wants to feel good about their plan. Here are the upsides of talking to a financial professional:The initial consultation is usually freeThey can look at your situation to offer solutions for getting aheadHaving a third-party perspective can help you figure out where you need to improveFinancial professionals have specialties: credit, retirement, investing, budgeting, and so on. So you’ll want to seek one out who has the expertise to answer your specific questions.12. Protect yourself from scammersIt's all too easy to be targeted by scammers these days. There are, however, some things you can do to minimize your risk:Choose secure passwords for financial accounts.Set up multi-factor authentication on any site that offers it.Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls that ask for your financial information.Set up login and new transaction alerts for your bank accounts and credit card accounts.Freeze your credit files at all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). It’s free, and it prevents anyone from accessing your credit without your permission. That makes it hard or impossible for someone to open a new account in your name.If you believe you've been hit by a scammer, contact your bank and credit card companies right away. That can help protect you against any financial losses.Bonus tip—keep the glass half fullWhat you think about your money situation is just as important as what you do about it. Having a positive attitude can make it a lot easier to overcome the inevitable hurdles that come your way.Remember that managing your money is an ongoing process, not just something you do once. Optimism, even when there are setbacks, can help you stick to it for the long haul.This story was produced by Achieve and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to check your credit for free online There’s one official source for free credit reports online, and that’s annualcreditreport.com. You can pull reports from all three major consumer credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It’s simple, it’s free, and you can do it up to once a week.Your credit score is something else worth checking. Credit scores are generated using information on your credit report, giving you a snapshot of your credit history. Your scores could help you track your credit progress, find the right credit products, and decide on which creditors to use.Below, Freedom Debt Relief breaks down where to get your score for free, which credit scores to check, and what really matters when it comes to credit scores.Key Takeaways:The official source for free credit reports is annualcreditreport.com.Checking your own credit reports and scores does not hurt your score.Your credit report is a tool to help you find errors and start your debt payoff journey.How to Check Your Credit Score for Free OnlineBanks, credit card issuers, credit bureaus, and credit-monitoring apps often let you check your credit score for free. Checking your own credit doesn’t hurt your credit score. It’s a soft inquiry, which has zero effect on your credit.The easiest way to check your score might be to start with your bank, but you have a range of options.Bank or credit card issuerYour bank's online portal or mobile app could show you one of your credit scores. Credit card issuers typically offer some type of free credit score tracker, too.The type of credit score you see will depend on the bank or issuer. Some may use FICO scores, while others will provide you with a VantageScore credit score. The model used may vary between banks, too.Often, your bank or card issuer will regularly update your credit score, so you can track changes to your score over time. Any big changes to your credit score could be a sign you need to check your credit reports.Credit bureausYou can check your score through any one (or all) of the three consumer credit bureaus. Equifax and TransUnion show your VantageScore. Experian shows your FICO score. You'll need to sign up for an online account to get your free credit score through the credit bureaus.Credit monitoring appsThird-party credit-monitoring apps, like Credit Sesame or CreditKarma, also let you track your credit scores. These apps typically use VantageScore credit scores.Many of these platforms have free options, so don’t feel compelled to sign up for a subscription just to see your credit scores. These apps often offer other services, too, that may require upgrading to a paid plan.Which Credit Scores Should You Check?Generally, lenders use credit scores from two credit scoring agencies: VantageScore and FICO. On top of that, each agency offers a range of different credit scores based on different types of credit-scoring models or algorithms.In other words, you have dozens of different credit scores—and they're all valid. You never know which credit score a lender will check, so it could be smart to check both your VantageScore and FICO score to see the full picture.While the models themselves are different, each is based on the same 300-850 point scale. The best credit score you can have is 850, and the lowest credit score you can have is 300.Your credit scores give a snapshot of your credit history at a given point. In most cases, the exact number is less important than how it changes over time. Scores have small fluctuations from month to month, but you want your credit scores to generally increase over the years.Any big decreases in your scores could mean something needs attention. You should probably check your credit report to see what's happened.What to Look for On Your Credit ReportLook for errors—you can dispute these and possibly boost your credit score.Your credit report shows you the following:Open accounts (credit cards, loans)Closed accounts (within 10 years)BalancesPayment history (on time, late)Inquiries (organizations that got your permission to poke around your report)Public records (such as bankruptcies)Many credit reports are wrong somewhere. A Consumer Reports study found that 44% of participants who successfully checked their credit report found a mistake. One in three found errors related to their personal information.The biggest flags to watch for may be unfamiliar accounts, wrong balances, or late payments you think you made on time. These could be weighing down your score, which is not good for your loan options. You can report errors to the credit bureaus, which are required to investigate and remove them if the information is incorrect.Use Your Credit Info to Get Organized On Your Debt JourneyYour credit score and credit reports are tools you can use to get rid of debt.Where to start: Each account on your credit report has an account name, a balance, and a payoff status. Write these down. Add interest rates for each debt. Your credit report doesn’t include these, so you’ll need to pull from another source (such as your online account).The goal is to have a clear list of what you owe, how much, at what interest rate, and whether you’re current. This is your starting point.Your credit score tells you about your options. For example, with a 720 score, you could have multiple options for debt consolidation loans. With a 580 score, consolidation may be harder. You might prefer to increase your score or consider other alternatives.It's important to remember that you have options for dealing with debt, no matter your credit score. This could include:DIY repayment. You might tackle your smallest debts first with the debt snowball method. Or, follow the debt avalanche method and start by focusing on your highest-interest debts first.Consolidation. If you have multiple high-interest debts, it might be in your best interest to consolidate them into a single, lower-interest loan.Credit counseling and DMP. A debt management plan from a credit counselor could help you organize your debts and get back on track.Debt settlement. If you are unable to fully pay back what you owe, you could try to negotiate a settlement for less than you owe. You can do this yourself or hire a debt relief company. Your credit score isn’t a factor in whether you qualify for debt settlement.Bankruptcy. If you have overwhelming unsecured debt and few assets, Chapter 7 bankruptcy might be a good option. If you're trying to stop foreclosure, Chapter 13 might be your answer. Consult a bankruptcy attorney for your options.This story was produced by Freedom Debt Relief and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	80-year-old man injured after accident traps him in car in Grant Co. GCSO received word of a one-vehicle crash around 1:12 p.m. Saturday from County U near Rattlesnake Road in Beetown Township.
	6 steps to firmer skin Skin elasticity refers to your skin's ability to stretch and bounce back to its original shape. When the skin loses its structural proteins—collagen and elastin—it struggles to do this. It's a sign of healthy, youthful skin, and maintaining it is key to achieving firmer skin. As we age, skin elasticity naturally decreases, but with the right care, it's possible to regain elasticity and enjoy bouncy, firm skin.How to tell if your skin has lost elasticityYou can tell if your skin has lost elasticity by performing a simple "pinch test" or by looking for visual signs of sagging and a change in texture (such as deeper folds, thinner skin, and a more crinkled texture). You might also notice some deflation and drooping as your skin loses elasticity and support.What causes loss of skin elasticity?Before thinking about how to tighten skin, let’s look at what causes loss of bounce in the first place. Sun exposure, lifestyle choices, and ageing can all contribute to a lack of skin firmness as they break down the ‘structural scaffolding’ of your skin — specifically collagen and elastin fibers that keep your skin tight and firm. In short:Sun: UV rays penetrate deep into the dermis, triggering an unnatural build-up of elastin and potentially causing cellular damage, preventing your skin from repairing itself.Lifestyle: Smoking, lack of sleep and dehydration can all contribute to a loss of elasticity, destroying collagen and elastin through chemicals, cortisol, and lack of hydration.Ageing: Over time, collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for firm skin, diminish, leading to sagging and wrinkles. But don't worry—understanding these causes means you can take steps to restore your skin's elasticity.6 steps to improving skin elasticityIf you’re wondering how to improve skin elasticity, there are some simple steps you can take, Dove reports.Hydrate inside and outDrinking plenty of water and using a lotion to tighten skin can help keep your skin looking plump, smooth, and hydrated. Well-moisturized skin appears firmer and healthier, while ingredients like pro-retinol help support skin renewal and improve texture over time.Eat a balanced dietFoods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids help support skin firmness and elasticity from within. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and oily fish into your meals can help protect collagen and defend against environmental stressors that contribute to premature ageing.Exercise regularlyRegular physical activity boosts circulation, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin more efficiently. Exercises such as strength training, yoga and cardio can also support collagen production and encourage a healthy glow, helping skin appear firmer and more toned over time.Shorten your showerLong, hot showers can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and tight. Keeping your showers short and lukewarm helps maintain moisture levels and protects the skin barrier, which is essential for soft, healthy-looking skin.Stay sun-safeProtect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of collagen and elastin breakdown, which can accelerate sagging, fine lines, and loss of skin elasticity over time.Use targeted productsLook for products with firming collagen to help support skin firmness and elasticity. Formulas enriched with hydrating and skin-conditioning ingredients can help improve the appearance of texture, leaving skin feeling smoother, softer, and more resilient.Skin firming ingredients to look out forWhen thinking about how to firm skin, certain ingredients are going to be your best friend.Retinol: This is a powerful skincare ingredient known for supporting skin renewal and helping to boost collagen production. By encouraging cell turnover, retinol can help improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture, and loss of firmness over time, leaving skin looking smoother and more refined.Collagen: This is one of the key proteins responsible for maintaining skin firmness, structure, and elasticity. As collagen levels naturally decline with age, skin can begin to lose its bounce and appear thinner or less toned. Using products formulated with collagen can help support hydration and improve the appearance of firmer, healthier-looking skin.Peptides: These are short chains of amino acids that help support the skin’s natural structure and barrier. They work to reinforce the skin by helping support collagen and elastin, improving the look of elasticity and resilience while helping skin feel smoother and more supple.This story was produced by Dove and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How AI is transforming spend management If you’re spending hours chasing down receipts, categorizing expenses, reviewing purchases, and reconciling transactions at month-end, adopting another platform or feature may feel like more hassle than it’s worth. But today’s AI-powered spend-management software is designed to reduce manual effort, and it can help streamline your company’s spend management processes.In this article, Mercury, a fintech platform that offers business and personal banking services, explored how artificial intelligence is changing spend management, where it creates measurable value for growing businesses, and when human oversight is still needed.What is AI spend management?AI spend management refers to the use of machine learning and generative AI to automate and improve the way businesses track, categorize, control, and analyze company spending. It goes beyond basic automation and can include tools that learn patterns, make predictions, and even generate insights using natural language. It can help finance teams reduce manual data entry, identify unusual spending faster, improve budgeting decisions, speed up approvals, and surface insights that would otherwise take hours to uncover.How AI-powered options differ from traditional spend management automationAutomation has been part of finance software for years. Traditional spend management automation relies on fixed rules. For instance, if a transaction matches a specific vendor or amount, it could automatically get routed or tagged a certain way, such as sending expenses over $500 to a manager for approval or categorizing all Uber receipts as “Travel.”AI adds another layer of intelligence. Instead of following fixed rules, AI-based spend management tools can analyze spend patterns and adapt over time. For example, it may recognize that purchases by one department should be categorized differently than similar purchases made by another department. Over time, it can get better at predicting expense categories, flagging unusual transactions, and adapting to how your business actually operates. Instead of requiring someone to manually update rules every time spending patterns change, the system can continuously improve based on your company’s spending data.How AI can improve your spend management systemsAs a finance leader or founder, here are several different ways that you can use AI to make your spend management systems smoother and more powerful.Automated expense categorization and data entryManual workflows can create all sorts of bottlenecks, and the process of manually categorizing expenses can be one of the biggest time sinks for finance teams. The process often involves all sorts of human errors to wade through. Employees might upload receipts with incomplete information, for instance, or transactions might have coding errors.AI spend management software can significantly reduce this workload. Optical character recognition (OCR) lets AI read receipts and invoices, extract vendor names, dates, and totals, categorize expenses, suggest general ledger (GL) codes, and match receipts to transactions. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and, in turn, reduces errors and results in faster month-end close. Your finance teams can review AI recommendations and approve, when needed.Real-time anomaly, fraud, and duplicate-spend detectionTraditional expense audits catch anomalies or duplicate transactions retroactively. This usually happens when someone reviews transactions weeks or months after the transactions happened. Since these manual reviews are time-consuming, your team may also end up putting them off.By continuously monitoring spending activity and identifying purchases that deserve a closer look, AI tools can shift this process from being reactive to proactive. AI tools can flag potential fraud or unusual transactions in real-time before money leaves your business — such as an employee card being used in a way that doesn’t match their role or historical spending patterns — and block them immediately.Predictive budgeting and cash flow insightsAI can help you understand what has happened in your business and forecast what’s likely to happen next. By identifying patterns — such as seasonal spending trends, a rise in software subscriptions, and which departments tend to spend during certain time periods — AI spend management software can predict cash flow needs, flag departments or projects that are likely to go over budget, and surface trends that might not be obvious from a static spreadsheet.For startups and small businesses managing tight cash flow, this kind of predictive insight can be extremely valuable. Instead of finding out that your team went over budget after the end of the quarter, AI can flag the trend while there’s still time to adjust. Automated cash-flow projections and forecasts can also help you make more informed decisions before problems arise.Generative AI for policy questions, reporting, and analysisGenerative AI is also making financial information easier to access and understand. Instead of sifting through reports and manually digging through data, for instance, finance teams can ask plain-language questions like, “How much did we spend on software subscriptions last month?” or “Which department is closest to going over budget?” AI is then able to draw out and present answers immediately based on underlying data.Employees can also use AI to make sense of complex policy documents by asking questions like, “Can I expense this?” or “What is our policy for travel expenses?” Or when reviewing technical reports, they could ask, “How can we stay within budget this quarter?” This can be especially helpful to finance teams, since it can make financial information easier for the rest of the organization to understand and, therefore, reduce how often they’ll need to field repetitive questions.How AI can improve approval workflows and policy enforcementApproval workflows are prone to becoming bottlenecks as companies grow. For example, managers might get wrapped up in reviewing routine purchases that follow company policy while more important requests wait in line.AI spend management software can help streamline approval workflows by identifying and separating low-risk transactions that meet predefined policies and highlighting exceptions that require additional review. For example, you could train your AI system to auto-approve a recurring software subscription from a known vendor, but have a one-time purchase from an unfamiliar vendor get routed for additional approval, even if both involve the same cost. This kind of approval workflow can reduce friction for routine spending while maintaining oversight where it actually matters.AI spend management trends for small businessesThere was a time when finance tools were only designed for large enterprise organizations, but that's changing quickly. Today, AI spend management is making enterprise-level finance tools more accessible for startups and small businesses.Several trends are shaping how small companies are adopting these tools, as detailed below.Built-in AI featuresSmall businesses are increasingly choosing platforms with AI capabilities that are built into the core product, rather than purchasing separate AI tools that need to be integrated.Lower barrier to sophisticated forecastingPredictive forecasting capabilities that were once only available to larger enterprises are now more accessible, thanks to AI spend management software. So, small businesses and startups can now benefit from these powerful features, too.AI as a force multiplier for lean teamsFor startups without a full finance department, AI-powered spend management features — like anomaly detection, categorization, and reporting — reduce the burden on small teams or sole founders and deliver meaningful time savings.Why AI still needs human oversightAI spend management tools are powerful, but they aren’t without limitations. Understanding the risks is just as important as understanding the benefits. Here are a few things to consider.AI can miss context that humans understand intuitivelyAI can’t replace human judgment, but it can flag things for humans to judge. A flagged transaction might look unusual to an algorithm but make complete sense to a team member who understands the business context and the need for a special, one-time transaction for a new initiative, for example.Bias and training data limitationsAI models are only as good as the data they’re trained on. If your company’s historical data is incomplete or has errors, like incorrect expense categories or missing documentation, AI could potentially replicate or amplify those issues, rather than correct them.False positives or false negativesSome legitimate transactions could get flagged unnecessarily, whereas other genuinely problematic transactions might not trigger an alert at all.Plausible-sounding incorrect answersGenerative AI can sometimes make up or misquote information that sounds pretty professional. Always double-check AI-generated information, use your judgment, and don’t assume it’s accurate.Compliance and audit requirements still require human oversightRegulatory and audit standards typically require human review and accountability, even when AI assists with detection and categorization. Think of AI as an assistant, rather than an autonomous decision-maker.Make more space for what’s most importantIdeally, AI spend management tools are able to reduce the manual work that finance teams need to do, but they should never completely replace human oversight and expertise. AI tools can often handle repetitive work, surface useful insights, and speed up everyday workflows, but your team should supervise any AI tools and remain responsible for oversight, on top of making final calls and financial decisions.The businesses that are getting the most value from AI spend management are the ones using AI to eliminate busywork so finance leaders and founders can spend more time on strategic decisions. If you’re evaluating AI spend management, start by identifying where manual work is slowing your company down. Then, look for tools that can automate those tasks.Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC. AI-generated responses and suggested actions may vary and are not guaranteed. Please review outputs before taking action.This story was produced by Mercury and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	17 therapist-approved tips for dealing with seasonal depression Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is brought on by the changing seasons. It can be an overwhelming, jarring type of depression. Most people, when first dealing with it, aren’t sure how to cope with seasonal depression. They begin feeling sapped of energy and interest during the fall, and their condition continues to worsen as winter progresses. The depressive symptoms typically self-resolve during the springtime and remain minimal throughout the summer months. It is also important to remember that winter depression or winter blues is a lesser form of SAD.Researchers are not yet sure what exactly causes seasonal affective disorder, but some of its prevalent markers include:Daily depression that occurs in a seasonal patternLacking interest in previously enjoyed activitiesWeight gain and changes in appetiteLacking energy and feeling constantly tiredExcessive sleepingLeft untreated, seasonal affective disorder symptoms can lead to chronic mental health problems. Fortunately, there are a number of therapist-approved techniques for knowing how to deal with seasonal depression. Talkspace provides 17 tips on how to learn to recognize, prevent, and cope with SAD symptoms.1. Talk with a TherapistIf you suffer from seasonal affective disorder, working with an online therapist can be a huge asset. A skilled therapist can teach you how to fight seasonal depression before, during, and after its occurrence. Talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are both effective in treating SAD, and success rates are high. There’s always hope for healing.2. Stay HydratedWater is integral to every cell in the human body, so it’s vitally important to drink enough. Staying hydrated is essential year-round, and it can help you have optimal health even during the months when the weather has you down.3. Get Your Daily Dose of SunshineUnderstanding how to combat seasonal depression involves knowing about the power of natural sunlight. Get outside of the house regularly. When indoors, leave the window blinds open to let the sun in. If you work inside, try to find a location where natural light gets in.4. Take the Right VitaminsVitamin D deficiency is linked to depression. Many people struggle with getting enough Vitamin D, particularly in the winter months. While sunshine is the best source of vitamin D, if you’re unable to get enough natural bright light during the dark winter months, consider taking an organic, plant-based vitamin D supplement. The recommended form of vitamin D is called vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol — though some studies show that vitamin D2 can work just as well.Studies have shown that those who took vitamin D supplements saw noticed improvements in their depression symptoms. If you are considering taking vitamin D, be sure to speak with your medical doctor before trying out a new supplement.5. Try Light TherapyWhen those dark, gray days keep you from getting that natural sunlight you crave, bright light therapy might do the trick. Sometimes called Light in a Box, light therapy boxes emit very bright artificial light that mimics natural sunshine. They can help synchronize your circadian rhythm and cause chemical changes in your brain to elevate your overall mood. Sitting in front of a lightbox daily for about 30 minutes can help reduce the effects of SAD.6. Prepare Yourself Before the Seasons ChangeIf you know that you have SAD, then it’s good to prepare your mind for the upcoming seasonal change. Going into autumn, consider adding mood-heightening activities like fun hobbies, community service, group outings, outdoor walks, or exercising in a public park to your schedule.7. Dawn SimulatorsDawn simulators are specially designed alarm clocks that wake you with gradual intensity, like a rising sun. They produce calming sounds rather than abrupt noises, allowing you to start the day peacefully rather than frantically. These affordable devices have been known to help some people with SAD.8. Stay Connected with FriendsThere’s a definitive link between isolation and depression. That’s why getting together with valued friends is an effective way to combat the effects of seasonal affective disorder. So consider finding some creative ways to meet up with your friends, especially during the cool autumn and cold winter months, even if it’s just an online video chat."There is no shame in seeking help. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a common condition that many of my clients have experienced. All of them have noted that once they decided to open up about it, they have been able to find treatment that works," says Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD.9. AromatherapyAromatherapy involves burning aromatic candles or diffusing the vapor of essential oils. Research shows that lavender, chamomile, and bergamot can be helpful for relieving depression symptoms alongside other techniques.10. Schedule Your Time and ActivitiesMany people with seasonal affective disorder have difficulty getting to sleep at night, waking up in the morning, or both. Staying on a regular sleep and active schedule can do wonders for your mood.11. Take a Hot Epsom Salt BathEpsom salt is magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). Soaking in a warm bath with added Epsom salt is one way to increase your bodily intake of magnesium. According to research, magnesium can be effective in treating adults with mild-to-moderate depression.12. Exercise DailyThere’s massive evidence that regular exercise can effectively combat depression symptoms. Combined with all the other numerous health benefits it offers, it’s a no-brainer that working out during the cold, dark months of the year can help with SAD.Semi-strenuous exercise, to the point of perspiration, releases endorphins, stimulates immunity, aids digestion, and offers several other physiological responses that help to prevent and alleviate depression.13. JournalingMany people with SAD attest to the power of journaling. They’ve learned how to combat seasonal depression by writing down their thoughts, feelings, and goals. Journaling can breathe life into your thoughts and make them concrete.Use your journal to prioritize your time, express your worries, create solutions, let go of resentments, and to just stay in touch with your inner feelings. Journaling to track your moods can be useful in identifying trends that may help you in the future."Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can feel really frustrating because you can feel like you’ve really got a handle on things and then, out of the blue, the depression starts to set in. I encourage my clients to track their mood and other symptoms over time to identify any trends that they can bring up with their provider," Ertel notes. 14. Plan Your MealsSome people with winter seasonal affective disorder experience tiredness, excessive sleeping, changes in appetite, and overeating (especially high-carb foods). Take some time to plan healthy meals and prepare them at home. If you have any concerns about your changes in appetite, speak with your therapist about what is going on so you can address this.15. Take a VacationIf you’re prone to depression in the winter months, consider a vacation. If you can swing it, get to a sunny place. A bright environment, lots of natural sunlight, and change of scenery can be very effective at chasing away the winter blues and restoring your energy.16. Avoid AlcoholWhile many people assert that it helps lift them out of depression, alcohol is classified as a depressant. It may initially cause feelings of elation and positivity, but excessive consumption can further feelings of depression, anger, or hopelessness. Drink carefully, if at all.17. Consider MedicationSAD is a type of depression — it’s a mental health condition. This means it must be diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional, and you might want to consider medication to help with your treatment. Ask your family doctor about getting screened for SAD. They can either diagnose you or refer you to an online psychiatrist.Antidepressant medications may work to combat SAD. However, many people opt to rule out other possible remedies before taking any prescription medication. Prescription drugs can be helpful for many conditions and shouldn’t necessarily be ruled out immediately. Some people, however, try certain forms of therapy and other treatment options first. Your doctor can help you determine if medication is right for you.You don’t have to suffer in silence if you deal with seasonal affective disorder. You can learn how to deal with seasonal depression. There are so many effective, helpful, easy tips you can use to learn to alleviate the depression and loneliness you might experience over the winter months.This story was produced by Talkspace and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why TV kitchens have become lifestyle aspirations You’ve seen the hotel. You’ve Googled the airfare. Maybe you’ve even contemplated spending your entire vacation budget on a pilgrimage to Sicily because The White Lotus made it look irresistible. Welcome to the age of “set-jetting,” wherein the places seen on screen become the places people want to go in real life. HexClad examines the powerful phenomenon.Expedia reports that two-thirds of travelers say movies, streaming services and television shows have influenced their travel choices. After Emily in Paris streamed online, searches for Paris jumped 200%. Similarly, The White Lotus spiked reservations for the resorts it features after each season aired.But you don’t actually need a plane ticket to set-jet.Increasingly, the worlds that viewers binge influence the ones they build at home. And nowhere is that more apparent—or more fun to copy—than in the kitchen.Why TV Kitchens Have Become Lifestyle AspirationsTV kitchens used to be sets where characters grabbed a glass of water on their way out the door. Now they’re where the action happens, which tracks: Food culture has moved steadily toward the center of popular culture, and the kitchen has followed. Cooking can reveal ambition, class, family dynamics, cultural identity and personality without a character having to say a word.It’s why the kitchen in The Bear is frenetic, obsessively organized and filled with stainless steel. It’s why the interiors of Succession communicate enormous wealth without resorting to gold faucets and crystal chandeliers. And it’s why the world of Emily in Paris can make drinking coffee or noshing on a baguette at the kitchen table feel like a lifestyle choice. The kitchen has become both a storytelling device and an aspirational backdrop.Meanwhile, people are paying more attention than ever to their own kitchens. Houzz found that 54% of U.S. homeowners renovated in 2025, with a median renovation spend of $20,000. Kitchens remain among the biggest-ticket projects in the home. In other words, what we see on screen is arriving at exactly the moment many of us are willing to invest in the rooms where we cook, eat and hang out.And you don’t need to knock down a wall to get in on it.The Kitchens Everyone Wants to CopyDifferent shows sell different fantasies. A person’s streaming history might be quietly determining whether that fantasy involves a gleaming sauté pan, an antique copper pot or an enormous slab of Calacatta marble.‘The Bear’: Yes, ChefFew shows have made professional cooking look simultaneously more appealing and more stressful than The Bear. Its kitchens aren’t pristine showrooms. They’re workspaces.The aesthetic is utilitarian: stainless steel, open storage, sturdy cookware, sharp knives and tools chosen because they perform. Everything has a job. Everything needs to be within reach.For home cooks, that translates into a chef-inspired approach to outfitting the kitchen. Instead of collecting gadgets designed for one hyper-specific purpose, think durable pans, versatile knives, restaurant-style storage containers and equipment that can survive serious use.You may not be breaking down whole animals before dinner service, but you can certainly steal the mise en place.‘Emily in Paris’: Make Dinner RomanticAt the opposite end of the spectrum is the romanticized European kitchen.Emily in Paris doesn’t just sell viewers on the city of Paris. It sells the idea that everyday life can be beautiful. Coffee is a ritual. Dinner is an occasion. A trip to the market is practically a montage.The kitchen version of that fantasy favors character over perfection: vintage-inspired pieces, cookware worth displaying, open shelving and objects that look collected rather than purchased in one enormous late-night online order.The real lesson isn’t necessarily to make your kitchen look French—it’s to treat cooking as part of the pleasure of the day rather than another task to complete before turning on Netflix. (Although, naturally, you can still turn on Netflix afterward.)‘Succession’: Money WhispersIf Emily in Paris celebrates charm, Succession perfected the art of looking expensive without appearing to try.The show became practically synonymous with the “quiet luxury” conversation in fashion, but the same principle applies to its interiors. Think: natural stone, beautiful wood, architectural lighting and surfaces so uncluttered you may wonder whether anyone in the Roy family has ever owned a toaster.You probably don’t need a kitchen the size of a Manhattan studio apartment to borrow the idea. Quiet luxury is less about filling a room with expensive objects than it is about choosing fewer, better ones.For cookware and kitchen tools, that can mean pieces that perform beautifully and look good enough to leave out. Consider it the culinary equivalent of a perfectly tailored cashmere coat, minus the dry-cleaning bill.What These Shows Make Viewers Want to OwnHere’s where set-jetting gets interesting. Screen inspiration can start as an aesthetic preference and quickly become a shopping list.A restaurant drama can make professional-grade cookware suddenly seem essential. A beautifully styled apartment might inspire open shelves filled with ceramics and pans. A dinner-party scene can convince you that what your life has been missing all along is a proper serving set.Cookware sits in a particularly interesting place because it can be both equipment and décor.A beautiful pan doesn’t have to disappear into a cabinet after dinner. Neither does a Dutch oven, knife block or sculptural pepper mill. In a kitchen with open shelves, hanging racks or glass-front cabinets, the tools become part of the room.That helps explain the appeal of kitchen products that marry performance and aesthetics. If you want the chef credibility of The Bear, but would prefer your kitchen not to look like it’s expecting a health inspection at any moment, cookware that’s built to work hard and still looks sharp sitting on the stove bridges the gap.It’s TV fantasy meets Tuesday-night dinner.Why Kitchen Design Is the New Fashion TrendFor decades, TV fashion has offered a relatively easy way to try on another identity. You see a character wearing something great, find your version and suddenly your Monday commute feels a little more cinematic.Now the home is doing some of the same work.Social media has accelerated the shift. Kitchens appear in the backdrop of cooking videos, morning routines, party photos and casual glimpses into everyday life. A range or backsplash isn’t simply part of a room anymore. It’s part of the frame.That has made the kitchen a surprisingly powerful identity marker. Minimalist? Maximalist? Serious cook? Sourdough person? Cocktail person? Someone who somehow keeps fresh flowers next to the sink at all times?Your kitchen is your backdrop not only for social media content, but for your everyday life. It’s where you define your own personal main character energy.There’s also a practical reason to spend on it. Unlike an outfit inspired by a character, a kitchen tool might be used hundreds of times. Homeowners are still putting meaningful money into renovation projects, and the best kitchen investments can change not only how a room looks but how it functions.The Psychology Behind Screen-Inspired SpendingThere’s a psychological layer to the set-jetting phenomenon. After all, people don’t simply admire fictional spaces in isolation. They connect them to the characters who inhabit them and the lives those characters represent.That’s aspirational consumption at work. We may not literally believe buying a gleaming skillet will transform us into a Michelin-caliber chef—but objects can give us access to a small piece of a lifestyle we admire.It’s the same reason set-jetting works in travel. Visiting Paris after watching Emily in Paris offers the possibility, however fleeting, of stepping inside the fantasy. Recreating a little of that Parisian feeling at home proffers a much easier commute.The emotional association can be just as important as the object itself. A beautiful espresso machine doesn’t just make coffee. It can represent the slow, sophisticated morning routine we’re absolutely going to start having. A professional pan doesn’t solely sear a steak. It can represent becoming someone who knows how to sear a steak properly.Where Function Meets FantasyThere is, however, a danger in designing your life entirely according to the streaming algorithm. Some screen-inspired trends translate beautifully to real kitchens. Others are better left on set.Open shelving looks fantastic when every plate has been selected by a prop stylist. In real life, it also means everything you own is visible. Vast marble countertops are gorgeous, but certain natural stones require more care than their screen appearances suggest. A restaurant-style kitchen might look impressive, but restaurant kitchens are designed for cooks working at restaurant speed—not necessarily someone making pancakes in pajamas.The trick is to steal the feeling, then make it functional.If The Bear inspires you, invest in a few hardworking pieces rather than converting your kitchen into a commercial prep station. If Succession is your north star, prioritize materials and tools with longevity instead of simply buying whatever looks expensive. If you want the romance of Emily in Paris, display the pieces you love and make a ritual out of using them.The best screen-inspired purchase is one you’d still want even after the series finale.The Next Set-Jetting Destination May Be HomeStreaming services have given people access to more fictional worlds than ever before. The next big interior design trend may be sitting inside a show no one has started talking about yet. And when that show arrives, viewers won’t just be watching the characters. They’ll be studying the tile, Googling the glassware and trying to identify the pan sitting on the range.That’s because set-jetting was never only about travel. At its heart, it’s about the desire to step into a world that made people feel something.Sometimes that requires a passport. Sometimes it requires a renovation budget.And sometimes all you need is a great pan, a good dinner and a kitchen that makes everyday life feel a little more worthy of the screen.Conclusion: Bringing a Little Screen Magic HomeTelevision has always influenced what people wear, where they travel and what they order at restaurants. Now it’s increasingly shaping what they want their homes to look—and feel—like. The kitchen is a natural place for those fantasies to take hold because it’s where so much of everyday life happens.And it’s not simply copying a backsplash. What viewers are really borrowing are the rituals and lifestyles those spaces represent: the precision and confidence of a professional kitchen, the romance of lingering over dinner in Paris or the understated polish of a home where everything seems to have been chosen perfectly.The most compelling set-jetting kitchens aren’t exact replicas of what we see on screen. They’re our own kitchens, with just enough of the fantasy brought home.This story was produced by HexClad and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why TV kitchens have become lifestyle aspirations You’ve seen the hotel. You’ve Googled the airfare. Maybe you’ve even contemplated spending your entire vacation budget on a pilgrimage to Sicily because The White Lotus made it look irresistible. Welcome to the age of “set-jetting,” wherein the places seen on screen become the places people want to go in real life. HexClad examines the powerful phenomenon.Expedia reports that two-thirds of travelers say movies, streaming services and television shows have influenced their travel choices. After Emily in Paris streamed online, searches for Paris jumped 200%. Similarly, The White Lotus spiked reservations for the resorts it features after each season aired.But you don’t actually need a plane ticket to set-jet.Increasingly, the worlds that viewers binge influence the ones they build at home. And nowhere is that more apparent—or more fun to copy—than in the kitchen.Why TV Kitchens Have Become Lifestyle AspirationsTV kitchens used to be sets where characters grabbed a glass of water on their way out the door. Now they’re where the action happens, which tracks: Food culture has moved steadily toward the center of popular culture, and the kitchen has followed. Cooking can reveal ambition, class, family dynamics, cultural identity and personality without a character having to say a word.It’s why the kitchen in The Bear is frenetic, obsessively organized and filled with stainless steel. It’s why the interiors of Succession communicate enormous wealth without resorting to gold faucets and crystal chandeliers. And it’s why the world of Emily in Paris can make drinking coffee or noshing on a baguette at the kitchen table feel like a lifestyle choice. The kitchen has become both a storytelling device and an aspirational backdrop.Meanwhile, people are paying more attention than ever to their own kitchens. Houzz found that 54% of U.S. homeowners renovated in 2025, with a median renovation spend of $20,000. Kitchens remain among the biggest-ticket projects in the home. In other words, what we see on screen is arriving at exactly the moment many of us are willing to invest in the rooms where we cook, eat and hang out.And you don’t need to knock down a wall to get in on it.The Kitchens Everyone Wants to CopyDifferent shows sell different fantasies. A person’s streaming history might be quietly determining whether that fantasy involves a gleaming sauté pan, an antique copper pot or an enormous slab of Calacatta marble.‘The Bear’: Yes, ChefFew shows have made professional cooking look simultaneously more appealing and more stressful than The Bear. Its kitchens aren’t pristine showrooms. They’re workspaces.The aesthetic is utilitarian: stainless steel, open storage, sturdy cookware, sharp knives and tools chosen because they perform. Everything has a job. Everything needs to be within reach.For home cooks, that translates into a chef-inspired approach to outfitting the kitchen. Instead of collecting gadgets designed for one hyper-specific purpose, think durable pans, versatile knives, restaurant-style storage containers and equipment that can survive serious use.You may not be breaking down whole animals before dinner service, but you can certainly steal the mise en place.‘Emily in Paris’: Make Dinner RomanticAt the opposite end of the spectrum is the romanticized European kitchen.Emily in Paris doesn’t just sell viewers on the city of Paris. It sells the idea that everyday life can be beautiful. Coffee is a ritual. Dinner is an occasion. A trip to the market is practically a montage.The kitchen version of that fantasy favors character over perfection: vintage-inspired pieces, cookware worth displaying, open shelving and objects that look collected rather than purchased in one enormous late-night online order.The real lesson isn’t necessarily to make your kitchen look French—it’s to treat cooking as part of the pleasure of the day rather than another task to complete before turning on Netflix. (Although, naturally, you can still turn on Netflix afterward.)‘Succession’: Money WhispersIf Emily in Paris celebrates charm, Succession perfected the art of looking expensive without appearing to try.The show became practically synonymous with the “quiet luxury” conversation in fashion, but the same principle applies to its interiors. Think: natural stone, beautiful wood, architectural lighting and surfaces so uncluttered you may wonder whether anyone in the Roy family has ever owned a toaster.You probably don’t need a kitchen the size of a Manhattan studio apartment to borrow the idea. Quiet luxury is less about filling a room with expensive objects than it is about choosing fewer, better ones.For cookware and kitchen tools, that can mean pieces that perform beautifully and look good enough to leave out. Consider it the culinary equivalent of a perfectly tailored cashmere coat, minus the dry-cleaning bill.What These Shows Make Viewers Want to OwnHere’s where set-jetting gets interesting. Screen inspiration can start as an aesthetic preference and quickly become a shopping list.A restaurant drama can make professional-grade cookware suddenly seem essential. A beautifully styled apartment might inspire open shelves filled with ceramics and pans. A dinner-party scene can convince you that what your life has been missing all along is a proper serving set.Cookware sits in a particularly interesting place because it can be both equipment and décor.A beautiful pan doesn’t have to disappear into a cabinet after dinner. Neither does a Dutch oven, knife block or sculptural pepper mill. In a kitchen with open shelves, hanging racks or glass-front cabinets, the tools become part of the room.That helps explain the appeal of kitchen products that marry performance and aesthetics. If you want the chef credibility of The Bear, but would prefer your kitchen not to look like it’s expecting a health inspection at any moment, cookware that’s built to work hard and still looks sharp sitting on the stove bridges the gap.It’s TV fantasy meets Tuesday-night dinner.Why Kitchen Design Is the New Fashion TrendFor decades, TV fashion has offered a relatively easy way to try on another identity. You see a character wearing something great, find your version and suddenly your Monday commute feels a little more cinematic.Now the home is doing some of the same work.Social media has accelerated the shift. Kitchens appear in the backdrop of cooking videos, morning routines, party photos and casual glimpses into everyday life. A range or backsplash isn’t simply part of a room anymore. It’s part of the frame.That has made the kitchen a surprisingly powerful identity marker. Minimalist? Maximalist? Serious cook? Sourdough person? Cocktail person? Someone who somehow keeps fresh flowers next to the sink at all times?Your kitchen is your backdrop not only for social media content, but for your everyday life. It’s where you define your own personal main character energy.There’s also a practical reason to spend on it. Unlike an outfit inspired by a character, a kitchen tool might be used hundreds of times. Homeowners are still putting meaningful money into renovation projects, and the best kitchen investments can change not only how a room looks but how it functions.The Psychology Behind Screen-Inspired SpendingThere’s a psychological layer to the set-jetting phenomenon. After all, people don’t simply admire fictional spaces in isolation. They connect them to the characters who inhabit them and the lives those characters represent.That’s aspirational consumption at work. We may not literally believe buying a gleaming skillet will transform us into a Michelin-caliber chef—but objects can give us access to a small piece of a lifestyle we admire.It’s the same reason set-jetting works in travel. Visiting Paris after watching Emily in Paris offers the possibility, however fleeting, of stepping inside the fantasy. Recreating a little of that Parisian feeling at home proffers a much easier commute.The emotional association can be just as important as the object itself. A beautiful espresso machine doesn’t just make coffee. It can represent the slow, sophisticated morning routine we’re absolutely going to start having. A professional pan doesn’t solely sear a steak. It can represent becoming someone who knows how to sear a steak properly.Where Function Meets FantasyThere is, however, a danger in designing your life entirely according to the streaming algorithm. Some screen-inspired trends translate beautifully to real kitchens. Others are better left on set.Open shelving looks fantastic when every plate has been selected by a prop stylist. In real life, it also means everything you own is visible. Vast marble countertops are gorgeous, but certain natural stones require more care than their screen appearances suggest. A restaurant-style kitchen might look impressive, but restaurant kitchens are designed for cooks working at restaurant speed—not necessarily someone making pancakes in pajamas.The trick is to steal the feeling, then make it functional.If The Bear inspires you, invest in a few hardworking pieces rather than converting your kitchen into a commercial prep station. If Succession is your north star, prioritize materials and tools with longevity instead of simply buying whatever looks expensive. If you want the romance of Emily in Paris, display the pieces you love and make a ritual out of using them.The best screen-inspired purchase is one you’d still want even after the series finale.The Next Set-Jetting Destination May Be HomeStreaming services have given people access to more fictional worlds than ever before. The next big interior design trend may be sitting inside a show no one has started talking about yet. And when that show arrives, viewers won’t just be watching the characters. They’ll be studying the tile, Googling the glassware and trying to identify the pan sitting on the range.That’s because set-jetting was never only about travel. At its heart, it’s about the desire to step into a world that made people feel something.Sometimes that requires a passport. Sometimes it requires a renovation budget.And sometimes all you need is a great pan, a good dinner and a kitchen that makes everyday life feel a little more worthy of the screen.Conclusion: Bringing a Little Screen Magic HomeTelevision has always influenced what people wear, where they travel and what they order at restaurants. Now it’s increasingly shaping what they want their homes to look—and feel—like. The kitchen is a natural place for those fantasies to take hold because it’s where so much of everyday life happens.And it’s not simply copying a backsplash. What viewers are really borrowing are the rituals and lifestyles those spaces represent: the precision and confidence of a professional kitchen, the romance of lingering over dinner in Paris or the understated polish of a home where everything seems to have been chosen perfectly.The most compelling set-jetting kitchens aren’t exact replicas of what we see on screen. They’re our own kitchens, with just enough of the fantasy brought home.This story was produced by HexClad and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	17 therapist-approved tips for dealing with seasonal depression Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is brought on by the changing seasons. It can be an overwhelming, jarring type of depression. Most people, when first dealing with it, aren’t sure how to cope with seasonal depression. They begin feeling sapped of energy and interest during the fall, and their condition continues to worsen as winter progresses. The depressive symptoms typically self-resolve during the springtime and remain minimal throughout the summer months. It is also important to remember that winter depression or winter blues is a lesser form of SAD.Researchers are not yet sure what exactly causes seasonal affective disorder, but some of its prevalent markers include:Daily depression that occurs in a seasonal patternLacking interest in previously enjoyed activitiesWeight gain and changes in appetiteLacking energy and feeling constantly tiredExcessive sleepingLeft untreated, seasonal affective disorder symptoms can lead to chronic mental health problems. Fortunately, there are a number of therapist-approved techniques for knowing how to deal with seasonal depression. Talkspace provides 17 tips on how to learn to recognize, prevent, and cope with SAD symptoms.1. Talk with a TherapistIf you suffer from seasonal affective disorder, working with an online therapist can be a huge asset. A skilled therapist can teach you how to fight seasonal depression before, during, and after its occurrence. Talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are both effective in treating SAD, and success rates are high. There’s always hope for healing.2. Stay HydratedWater is integral to every cell in the human body, so it’s vitally important to drink enough. Staying hydrated is essential year-round, and it can help you have optimal health even during the months when the weather has you down.3. Get Your Daily Dose of SunshineUnderstanding how to combat seasonal depression involves knowing about the power of natural sunlight. Get outside of the house regularly. When indoors, leave the window blinds open to let the sun in. If you work inside, try to find a location where natural light gets in.4. Take the Right VitaminsVitamin D deficiency is linked to depression. Many people struggle with getting enough Vitamin D, particularly in the winter months. While sunshine is the best source of vitamin D, if you’re unable to get enough natural bright light during the dark winter months, consider taking an organic, plant-based vitamin D supplement. The recommended form of vitamin D is called vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol — though some studies show that vitamin D2 can work just as well.Studies have shown that those who took vitamin D supplements saw noticed improvements in their depression symptoms. If you are considering taking vitamin D, be sure to speak with your medical doctor before trying out a new supplement.5. Try Light TherapyWhen those dark, gray days keep you from getting that natural sunlight you crave, bright light therapy might do the trick. Sometimes called Light in a Box, light therapy boxes emit very bright artificial light that mimics natural sunshine. They can help synchronize your circadian rhythm and cause chemical changes in your brain to elevate your overall mood. Sitting in front of a lightbox daily for about 30 minutes can help reduce the effects of SAD.6. Prepare Yourself Before the Seasons ChangeIf you know that you have SAD, then it’s good to prepare your mind for the upcoming seasonal change. Going into autumn, consider adding mood-heightening activities like fun hobbies, community service, group outings, outdoor walks, or exercising in a public park to your schedule.7. Dawn SimulatorsDawn simulators are specially designed alarm clocks that wake you with gradual intensity, like a rising sun. They produce calming sounds rather than abrupt noises, allowing you to start the day peacefully rather than frantically. These affordable devices have been known to help some people with SAD.8. Stay Connected with FriendsThere’s a definitive link between isolation and depression. That’s why getting together with valued friends is an effective way to combat the effects of seasonal affective disorder. So consider finding some creative ways to meet up with your friends, especially during the cool autumn and cold winter months, even if it’s just an online video chat."There is no shame in seeking help. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a common condition that many of my clients have experienced. All of them have noted that once they decided to open up about it, they have been able to find treatment that works," says Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD.9. AromatherapyAromatherapy involves burning aromatic candles or diffusing the vapor of essential oils. Research shows that lavender, chamomile, and bergamot can be helpful for relieving depression symptoms alongside other techniques.10. Schedule Your Time and ActivitiesMany people with seasonal affective disorder have difficulty getting to sleep at night, waking up in the morning, or both. Staying on a regular sleep and active schedule can do wonders for your mood.11. Take a Hot Epsom Salt BathEpsom salt is magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). Soaking in a warm bath with added Epsom salt is one way to increase your bodily intake of magnesium. According to research, magnesium can be effective in treating adults with mild-to-moderate depression.12. Exercise DailyThere’s massive evidence that regular exercise can effectively combat depression symptoms. Combined with all the other numerous health benefits it offers, it’s a no-brainer that working out during the cold, dark months of the year can help with SAD.Semi-strenuous exercise, to the point of perspiration, releases endorphins, stimulates immunity, aids digestion, and offers several other physiological responses that help to prevent and alleviate depression.13. JournalingMany people with SAD attest to the power of journaling. They’ve learned how to combat seasonal depression by writing down their thoughts, feelings, and goals. Journaling can breathe life into your thoughts and make them concrete.Use your journal to prioritize your time, express your worries, create solutions, let go of resentments, and to just stay in touch with your inner feelings. Journaling to track your moods can be useful in identifying trends that may help you in the future."Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can feel really frustrating because you can feel like you’ve really got a handle on things and then, out of the blue, the depression starts to set in. I encourage my clients to track their mood and other symptoms over time to identify any trends that they can bring up with their provider," Ertel notes. 14. Plan Your MealsSome people with winter seasonal affective disorder experience tiredness, excessive sleeping, changes in appetite, and overeating (especially high-carb foods). Take some time to plan healthy meals and prepare them at home. If you have any concerns about your changes in appetite, speak with your therapist about what is going on so you can address this.15. Take a VacationIf you’re prone to depression in the winter months, consider a vacation. If you can swing it, get to a sunny place. A bright environment, lots of natural sunlight, and change of scenery can be very effective at chasing away the winter blues and restoring your energy.16. Avoid AlcoholWhile many people assert that it helps lift them out of depression, alcohol is classified as a depressant. It may initially cause feelings of elation and positivity, but excessive consumption can further feelings of depression, anger, or hopelessness. Drink carefully, if at all.17. Consider MedicationSAD is a type of depression — it’s a mental health condition. This means it must be diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional, and you might want to consider medication to help with your treatment. Ask your family doctor about getting screened for SAD. They can either diagnose you or refer you to an online psychiatrist.Antidepressant medications may work to combat SAD. However, many people opt to rule out other possible remedies before taking any prescription medication. Prescription drugs can be helpful for many conditions and shouldn’t necessarily be ruled out immediately. Some people, however, try certain forms of therapy and other treatment options first. Your doctor can help you determine if medication is right for you.You don’t have to suffer in silence if you deal with seasonal affective disorder. You can learn how to deal with seasonal depression. There are so many effective, helpful, easy tips you can use to learn to alleviate the depression and loneliness you might experience over the winter months.This story was produced by Talkspace and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Dennis Hastert, longtime Republican House speaker who went to prison, dies at age 84 ennis Hastert, whose political legacy as Congress' longest-serving Republican House speaker was later fouled by allegations that he had molested high school athletes during his prior career as a teacher and wrestling coach, has died, a coroner said Monday. He was 84.
	6 out of 10 women arrive at college feeling unprepared to manage their period According to a new survey of women who recently graduated from college, nearly two-thirds (64%) often felt that talking openly about periods could lead to embarrassment or judgment.The poll of 2,000 women who graduated from college in the last five years also found 61% think more open conversations about periods would have made their experience easier.The study was commissioned by Always and Tampax.For 33%, their period had unexpectedly started during a class or lecture, while 44% experienced leaks or stains they felt unable to talk about with anyone.Meanwhile, 32% had missed classes because of it, with 61% relying on classmates to fill them in on what they missed.But rather than admitting menstrual symptoms were to blame, 41% said it was a stomachache instead.The research also found the impact extended beyond attendance, with 16% saying they performed worse on an exam or assessment because of their period than they otherwise would have done.A further 19% said they felt too embarrassed to ask their friends for help with period-related concerns, while 46% felt the same about asking professors.Another 67% felt they had to deal with many of their menstrual health-related challenges on their own.As a result, 64% wished they had received more information before starting college.Looking back, many felt they could have been better prepared when managing their period at college.In fact, 43% regretted not planning ahead with period products, 43% wished they spent more time resting to deal with their experiences, and 27% felt they should have spoken more openly about their symptoms.Specifically, 42% wished they knew how to handle a period emergency on campus and how to manage symptoms during high-pressure periods such as exams (40%).Interestingly, 24% found managing their period harder at college than they did in high school.Uncomfortable (48%), stressed (41%), and self-conscious (36%) were shared as the top ways women felt while at college with their period.Additionally, during their studies, 31% struggled to find time for self-care, while 27% found it a challenge to manage their symptoms while socializing.Nearly a quarter (22%) said period products weren't even available when they needed them on campus, while 76% said having an older sister, mentor, or trusted role model would have made managing their period and menstrual health during their college years easier.Many felt that guidance from someone who had already been through the experience could have made a positive difference.For 24%, a female mentor or role model would have been the most helpful source of menstrual health advice before starting college, ahead of a parent or guardian (17%) and a friend who had already started college.MethodologyThe research was conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Always and Tampax. OnePoll surveyed 2,000 U.S. women who graduated from college within the last five years, and the research was conducted Sept. 9-16, 2026.This story was produced by Always and Tampax and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to create a budget-friendly travel itinerary for a family vacation Family vacations create memories that last a lifetime — the first time your kids see the ocean, the campfire stories under the stars or laughter during a road trip sing-along. But when you’re budgeting for a family, that dream getaway often feels out of reach. Rising costs for flights, hotels and daily expenses make even a simple trip feel overwhelming.With smart planning and the right strategies, you can create a memorable vacation with priceless moments while staying on budget. The secret is approaching your trip with a clear plan, knowing where to save and understanding how to make every dollar count.Whether you’re dreaming of a beach escape, a national park adventure or a city exploration, creating a budget-friendly travel itinerary starts with a few foundational steps. From choosing the right destination to booking at the optimal time, small decisions add up to significant savings. With tips from AAA Central Penn, you’ll discover how to plan a budget-friendly family vacation that’s rich in experiences.Key TakeawaysPlanning a budget-friendly family vacation is achievable with the right approach. Focus on these essential strategies:Start with a realistic budget: Determine how much you can spend and build your itinerary around that number, not the other way around.Choose your destination strategically: Transportation generally costs 30% to 40% of your total vacation budget, according to a 2026 Endless Travel Plans article, making road trips often significantly cheaper than flights to distant locations.Book during shoulder season: Traveling during off-peak times saves families 20% to 40% on accommodations and activities, according to Endless Travel Plans.Plan meals wisely: Packing snacks and eating some meals at your lodging prevents daily food costs from spiraling out of control.Maximize discounts and rewards: Use credit card points, membership benefits and loyalty programs to reduce expenses at every stage.Research free activities: Many destinations offer no-cost attractions like parks, beaches, museums with free-admission days and community events.The Importance of a Family Travel BudgetA travel budget isn’t about limiting your fun — it’s about empowering your choices. Knowing exactly how much you’ll spend gives you the freedom to make intentional decisions that align with your family’s priorities. Do you value a nicer hotel, or would you rather put those funds toward memorable experiences? A budget helps you answer these questions before you’re standing at a ticket counter making rushed decisions.In today’s economic climate, budgeting has become even more essential. The average vacation cost for two people reaches $4,536 for one week, and that figure climbs significantly when you add children to the mix. For a family of four, costs can easily double or triple depending on destination choices and travel style.Budgeting transforms anxiety into action. Instead of wondering if you’ll afford a trip, you create a roadmap that shows exactly how to make it happen. You identify where to splurge and where to save, ensuring that every dollar contributes to experiences your family will treasure. A budget also prevents the post-vacation financial hangover that comes from overspending on credit cards or depleting emergency savings.A well-crafted budget enhances your vacation by giving you peace of mind from the moment you start planning until you return home.Steps for a Budget-Friendly Family VacationCreating a budget-friendly travel itinerary requires breaking down the planning process into manageable steps. Each decision you make — from where you go to how you get there — impacts your costs. By approaching your trip methodically, you’ll uncover savings opportunities at every stage while building an itinerary that delivers maximum value for your investment. AAA Central Penn Setting a BudgetBefore you book anything, establish your financial foundation. Start by determining your total travel budget. Review your monthly income and expenses to determine how much you can realistically set aside for a vacation. This might involve saving over several months or allocating funds from a specific source, such as a tax refund or bonus. Be honest about what you’ll afford — underestimating costs leads to stress and overspending once you’re on the road.Once you have your total, decide which budget structure works best for your family:Envelope-style: Some families prefer an envelope-style budget, allocating specific amounts to categories like transportation, lodging, food and activities.Zero-based: Other families use a zero-based budget, assigning every dollar a purpose before the trip begins.Digital budgeting: Digital budgeting apps help you track expenses in real time, ensuring you stay on target throughout your journey.Whatever method you choose, build in a cushion for unexpected expenses — souvenirs, parking fees and unplanned snacks have a way of appearing when you least expect them.Picking a DestinationWith your budget framework in place, it’s now time to choose your destination. This choice dramatically affects your bottom line. Transportation costs typically account for 30% to 40% of your total vacation expenses, according to Endless Travel Plans, making the difference between a road trip and a flight significant. For example, a drive to a national park three hours away may cost $50, while flights for a family of four to a beach destination could exceed $1,200.Explore destinations within driving distance first. State parks, nearby cities with family-friendly attractions and regional destinations provide rich experiences at a fraction of the cost of distant travel. If you’re set on a location that requires flying, factor in the major expense from the start and adjust other categories accordingly. Sometimes, the most memorable vacations happen closer to home than you’d imagine.Booking Transportation and LodgingTiming and flexibility are your greatest allies when booking the major components of your trip. Per Endless Travel plans, shoulder-season travel saves families 20% to 40% compared to peak travel times. Shoulder season refers to the periods just before and after high season — late spring or early fall for many beach destinations, or midweek stays instead of weekend getaways. You get smaller crowds, more attentive service and lower prices during these windows.Comparing accommodation options requires thinking beyond the nightly rate. A hotel room with a kitchenette might cost more per night than a standard room, but it could save you $100 per day or more on restaurant meals. Vacation rentals provide full kitchens, multiple bedrooms and laundry facilities, offering both comfort and cost savings for families planning longer stays. Calculate the total value, not just the up-front cost.Packaging DealsBundling your flight and hotel, or combining accommodations with attraction tickets, often yields better pricing than booking each component separately. These packages also simplify planning, giving you one less decision to manage. Compare prices across multiple booking platforms to ensure you’re getting the best deal — sometimes, booking directly with hotels offers perks like free breakfast or room upgrades that third-party sites don’t advertise.Find affordable travel options by booking flights during off-peak hours if your schedule allows. Early-morning or late-evening departures typically cost less than midday options. For car rentals, compare prices from airport locations versus off-site facilities.Structuring a Frugal Daily ItineraryDaily vacation costs derail even the most carefully planned budget if you don’t manage them intentionally. The average daily food cost for a family of four reaches $200, underscoring that three restaurant meals per day can consume a significant part of your budget. Over a weeklong trip, that’s $1,400 just for meals — more than the cost of lodging in many destinations.Combat this by planning a mix of dining experiences. Pack snacks for the car or day outings — granola bars, fruit and sandwiches prevent expensive impulse purchases at tourist traps. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast if available or prepare simple meals in your room. Reserve restaurant visits for dinner, making them special events rather than default choices. Pick one or two “splurge meals” to try local specialties or dine at a must-visit restaurant, then balance them with budget-friendly options throughout the rest of your trip.Activities represent another area where research pays dividends. Every destination offers free or low-cost options if you know where to look:City parks, public beaches, hiking trails and playgrounds cost nothing but deliver hours of family fun.Museums often offer free-admission days or discounted evening hours.Local tourism websites highlight community events like outdoor concerts, festivals or farmers markets that welcome visitors at no charge.State and national parks typically charge minimal entrance fees while providing world-class natural attractions.Paying for activities requires prioritizing experiences that align with your family’s interests. One memorable day at a theme park, where your children have been dreaming about a ride, might be worth more than three mediocre paid attractions. Quality over quantity applies to family travel on a budget just as much as it does to any other aspect of life. Look for combination tickets or city passes that bundle attractions at a reduced rate if you plan to visit several paid sites.Leveraging Travel Discounts and Rewards AAA Central Penn Smart travelers know that many discount opportunities exist for those willing to seek them out, using points and rewards to cover travel expenses. The key is stacking these savings strategically to maximize your budget’s impact:Review your credit card benefits: Many cards offer cash back on travel purchases or allow you to accumulate points redeemable for flights, hotels or statement credits. Some cards provide bonus points for travel-related spending, accelerating your rewards accumulation.Redeem your points: If you’ve been earning points throughout the year, a family vacation presents the perfect opportunity to redeem them. Calculate the redemption value carefully — sometimes, using points for expensive flights delivers more value than redeeming them for hotel stays or statement credits. Additionally, keep in mind that membership programs extend beyond credit cards. These savings apply to both the booking process and on-site purchases, helping you reduce costs from planning through your trip.Consult discount platforms: Third-party discount platforms also merit exploration. Websites specializing in vacation packages, last-minute hotel deals or bundled attractions offer significant savings, particularly if you maintain flexibility with your travel dates. Sign up for email alerts from these platforms to receive notifications about deals that match your desired destinations. You can also download apps that offer cash back or points for everyday purchases leading up to your trip, then redeem those rewards for travel expenses.Don’t overlook the power of asking directly. Booking accommodations by phone lets you ask about unpublished rates or special offers. Hotels would rather fill rooms at a modest discount than leave them empty, so don’t hesitate to negotiate, especially if you’re booking multiple rooms or an extended stay.Practicing Sustainable Travel TipsEco-conscious decisions throughout your trip add up to significant savings, proving that budget-friendly travel and responsible tourism go hand in hand. Here are some points to consider:Transportation: Public transportation offers one of the most impactful ways to save money and minimize your carbon footprint. Buses, trains and subways cost a fraction of rental cars or ride-sharing services in most cities. Many cities offer multiday transit passes at discounted rates, making this option even more economical.Lodging: Eco-friendly lodging provides another opportunity to align sustainability with savings. Hotels and vacation rentals with green certifications use energy-efficient systems that lower operating costs — savings they pass on to guests through competitive rates. Properties that offer refillable toiletries, water stations and recycling programs reduce waste while keeping room prices affordable.Other choices: Small choices throughout your trip compound the savings. Carrying refillable water bottles eliminates the need to buy bottled water at tourist prices, and they’re an eco-friendlier option. Packing reusable shopping bags, utensils and containers for leftovers minimizes single-use plastic purchases while reducing meal waste.These sustainable practices teach children valuable lessons about environmental stewardship while demonstrating that responsible choices don’t require sacrifice. Your family enjoys the same experiences at lower costs, and you return home knowing your vacation left a lighter footprint on the destinations you visited.Make Lasting Memories on a Smart BudgetThe best family vacations are defined by the moments you share. A well-planned, budget-friendly trip delivers just as much joy and connection as an expensive resort stay. The key is preparation, smart choices and knowing where to find value. For personalized help and expert advice on making the most of your travel budget, consider speaking with a travel professional who can guide you to the best deals and destinations for your family’s unique needs. With the right planning and support, your dream vacation is closer than you think.This story was produced by AAA Central Penn and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How should college students handle their first credit card? As millions of Americans around the country begin their freshman year at university, they are encountering many firsts on campus: Their first dorm room, their first college cafeteria and often, their first credit card.College is famously fertile ground for banks looking for new customers. Students starting out on their own need credit access, are developing spending habits, and are all living and attending classes close together, which makes for a rich environment for lenders to target.According to a recent WalletHub study, 85% of college students have credit cards, the average balance is $2,100, and 20% are carrying balances over $5,000.Here's the danger: Students don't have much financial experience, and when suddenly given thousands of dollars in credit, they may not yet know how to use it wisely, Current, a consumer fintech banking platform, reports. They can easily rack up very large debts in short order, digging themselves a hole that could take years to get out of.Just one worrisome example: According to the WalletHub analysis, the percentage of students paying off their credit cards in full every month has declined 12.5% since 2018."In my early 20s, I racked up more than $20,000 in credit card debt because I didn't understand a simple but critical rule: If you don't pay the balance in full every month, today's purchases can become tomorrow's financial burden," says Corinna Rose, a financial planner in Benicia, Calif. "I'm probably more passionate about this topic than most because I learned the hard way."What protections do student borrowers have?Federal law limits how aggressively credit cards can be marketed to students. The financial temptations used to be even worse for college students: Constant credit offers on campus led to legislation like 2009's CARD Act . Its provisions include prohibiting issuing cards to those under 21 without a co-signer (unless they can prove their own ability to pay), requiring parental approval to increase credit lines, and mandating debt education for new students.But even with those restrictions, college is often the first time young adults apply for and secure credit. So it's wise to do so thoughtfully, thinking through all the ramifications, and having a smart strategy in place from the outset.How should students choose their first credit card?Be selective. Just because a firm is offering you credit doesn't mean you have to take it. Instead, do your due diligence and figure out which cards make the most sense for you.After all, sometimes colleges have financial agreements in place to push a certain bank's products and services. That may generate fees for the institution, but it also means they "can steer students into more expensive products," wrote the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in a 2024 report.So look past the fancy sign-up giveaway, focus on more important information like interest rates, and start slow with one card and a relatively low credit limit, suggests Rose."I often tell young adults to treat a credit card like a debit card: If you don't already have the cash in your checking account, don't swipe," Rose says. "The biggest mistake students make is confusing a credit limit with money they can afford to spend."How can students build credit without going into debt?Secured charge cards are a great way to build credit while minimizing debt, because you can only spend the amount of money available in your account. That structure helps you develop positive spending habits and a good credit history at the same time, without the temptation of an open-ended credit line.With a secured charge card, funds are held in reserve as you spend to pay your bill each month. Be sure you choose one that reports your monthly payments to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).Keep in mind that a high credit score will take some time to develop for young students just launching into the world. As a general benchmark to aim for, a FICO score of 670 and up is considered good, according to Experian. Contrary to what some new borrowers might think, reaching that score doesn't require making big purchases on credit. Steady, on-time payments matter far more than big balances.When should credit education start?Credit education should start well before freshman year. Part of the danger of campus credit is that students don't yet have much of a history of dealing with money on their own.The way to fix that is to bring teens into family money conversations, early and often, so that by the time they hit freshman year, they are already very familiar with money management and won't be overwhelmed by the college credit blitz. Adding them as an authorized user on family cards, for instance, is one way to get the ball rolling, even if they're not actively using those cards right away."As I often tell my clients, the best time to teach credit is before it is needed," says Gregory Guenther, a financial planner in Matawan, N.J. "At 18, parents can help their child consider a starter or secured card. I recommend using it for a predictable expense, setting automatic payment for the full balance, and reviewing the statement together monthly."This story was produced by Current and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Public invited to share comments, see plans, at Centennial Bridge meeting The Illinois and Iowa Departments of Transportation invite the public to attend an open house for the U.S. 67 (Centennial Bridge) corridor study from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Holiday Inn Rock Island-Quad Cities, 226 17th St., Rock Island. After extensive analysis and public input, a preferred alternative has been identified to improve [...]
	Best states for backyard entertaining: 2026 ranking revealed For decades, the assumption has been simple: Serious outdoor living happens in California and Florida. Sunshine, the thinking goes, is the only requirement that matters.A new state-by-state ranking compiled by The Luxury Pergola complicates that view. Weighed against U.S. Census data on homeownership and household budgets, and active interest in outdoor living based on Google Trends data, climate alone no longer determines the leaderboard. Georgia takes No. 1 with a composite score of 69.84. California falls to No. 42. The Luxury Pergola Key FindingsNo. 1 — Georgia. Composite score of 69.84. 334 comfortable outdoor days per year.No. 4 — Florida. 365 comfortable days, the maximum possible, but held back by lower homeownership and tighter household budgets.No. 5 — Iowa. A 71.6% owner-occupancy rate and unusually high engagement in outdoor living content.No. 1 in search interest — Wyoming. A perfect Google Trends score of 100, the highest in the nation.No. 42 — California. The lowest homeownership rate in the contiguous U.S. at 55.3%.Top 10 sweep — the Southeast. Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana all make the cut.No. 50 — Alaska. Just 31 comfortable outdoor days per year. New York follows at No. 49 with a short outdoor season and one of the lowest owner-occupancy rates in the country.A "comfortable outdoor day" is defined here as a day with average high temperatures between 60°F and 95°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals, the range most Americans consider workable for hosting outdoors.Georgia Ranks No. 1, Ahead of California and Florida The Luxury Pergola Georgia hit a composite score of 69.84, the highest in the country, by clearing every category that matters:Logs 334 comfortable outdoor days annually,Sits well above the homeownership midpoint, andShows strong consumer interest in patios and outdoor furniture.The best backyard state doesn’t depend only on sunshine. It's the one where weather, household budgets, and demand for outdoor living all show up together. Georgia is doing that better than anywhere else right now.Maryland's No. 3 finish is the proof. The state has only 214 comfortable days, but it also has the highest income score of any state in the index, paired with a 68% homeownership rate. When residents have both the resources and the space, even a moderate climate gets used hard.The Top 10 States for Backyard Entertaining The Luxury Pergola The Bottom 10 States for Backyard Entertaining The Luxury Pergola The Southeast Sweeps, and the Season Runs Out Up North The Luxury Pergola The top 10 leans south. Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana all make the cut, riding extended comfortable seasons and strong homeownership. Maryland and Virginia round out the mid-Atlantic showing. The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic are where the math works best for outdoor entertaining in 2026.On the opposite end of the spectrum, Alaska finishes dead last at No. 50 with only 31 comfortable outdoor days per year, a single month of viable patio weather. New York comes in at No. 49, dragged down by the country's second-lowest owner-occupancy rate of 55.7% and a short outdoor season. Even residents who want to invest in their backyard run into the problem of not having one to invest in.Florida Ranks 4th Even With Year-Round Sunshine The Luxury Pergola Florida posts a perfect 365 comfortable days, the maximum score possible, yet only ranks No. 4. Florida's homeownership rate sits at 66.1%, which puts it about in the middle of the rankings. Its income score (15.22) puts the state near the bottom. Together, those scores pulled Florida out of contention for No. 1.Rising costs across the state have squeezed household purchasing power, making everything from outdoor furniture to backyard renovations a heavier lift for the average family. Year-round sunshine has less value when fewer households own the yard they'd entertain in, or when there's less room in the budget to invest in the space.Hawaii tells the same story. Tied with Florida and Louisiana on ideal 365-day climate, Hawaii falls all the way to No. 12, dragged down by a 57.6% homeownership rate, one of the lowest in the country. A long season isn't the same as a usable one.Iowa at No. 5: The Midwest's Quiet Investment The Luxury Pergola Iowa ranks in the middle of the top 10, at a backyard entertaining score of 65.74. While its climate score puts the state mid-range, its outdoor space score (90.56) and owner-occupancy rate (71.6%) put it in the top 10. A strong majority of Iowans own the yard they'd entertain in, and they're actively researching how to use it, with Google Trends showing consistently high activity around patio furniture, pergolas, and outdoor living searches over the past year.Wyoming posted a perfect 100 score for backyard-related search interest, the highest in the nation. Pair that with an owner-occupancy rate of 71.9%, and Wyoming lands at No. 8 despite a shorter outdoor season.What's happening across the middle of the country suggests that the interest in outdoor living is coming from places where people own their homes, have room to spread out, and are actively figuring out how to enhance their yards.California's Fall From the Top The Luxury Pergola In the rankings, California falls to No. 42.The state has spent decades branding itself as the outdoor-culture capital, with its wine-country patios and coastal beach parties. Its climate score lands well above average. That's the only category working in its favor.Two factors pull it down fast:Its homeownership rate is 55.3%, the lowest among contiguous states, which gives California the lowest score in the index for outdoor space access. Almost half of Californians don't have a backyard of their own to entertain in.Its income score of 41.05 reflects a wide gap between household earnings and what those dollars actually buy after factoring in the state's high cost of living.A great climate doesn't fix a housing problem.A Reframing for Summer 2026Outdoor entertaining is drawing serious investment. Demand for weatherproof outdoor TVs and TV enclosures has climbed sharply ahead of summer 2026, with manufacturers reporting an outdoor entertainment surge tied directly to the season. Industry coverage tracks the same shift. Homeowners are upgrading bare backyards into gathering spaces before the holiday weekends really get going.That energy isn't evenly distributed, however. The states where outdoor entertaining is most viable, with long seasons, high homeownership, and active demand, are pulling ahead of the ones that just have good weather. The result is a reframing of what outdoor living actually means in 2026. Sunshine sets the stage, but ownership, budget, and intent are what fill the patio.MethodologyTo understand how Americans approach outdoor entertaining, The Luxury Pergola ranked all 50 U.S. states across four weighted categories: climate (40%), outdoor space access (25%), household purchasing power (20%), and active interest in backyard living (15%). Climate data came from NOAA Climate at a Glance, using 30-year temperature normals to identify "comfortable outdoor days" defined as those with average high temperatures between 60°F and 95°F. Outdoor space and income data came from the U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates and BEA Regional Price Parities, which adjust median household income for local cost of living. Search interest was pulled from Google Trends data covering the past 12 months across five backyard-related search terms. Each state received a composite score from 0 to 100, with the District of Columbia excluded from the ranking.This story was produced by The Luxury Pergola and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Inside the ‘shadow surge’ driving ICE arrests to new heights After federal immigration agents ended their aggressive enforcement blitzes in the streets of Minneapolis and Chicago, President Donald Trump promised mass deportations with “a little bit of a softer touch.”Less focused on targeted cities, this quieter approach has led to a surge in immigration arrests across the country, The Marshall Project reports.Arrests began climbing gradually in March and by July had risen sharply. In nearly every state, arrests exceeded the number from the same period the year before. A Marshall Project analysis of Immigration and Customs Enforcement data published by the Deportation Data Project at UC Berkeley and UCLA found that in many places the surge in enforcement has been dramatic. Even without a focus on high-profile operations, immigration arrests more than doubled in 15 states and Washington, D.C.Republican-led states and communities across the country offered up their own law enforcement agencies to help, from the Texas and Florida highway patrols to sheriff's departments in Ohio and local police in Missouri.A Department of Homeland Security press release reported ICE made nearly 51,000 arrests in August, higher than any month on record.“We call it the ‘shadow surge,’” said Jill Garvey, director of States at the Core, a nonprofit that supports grassroots organizations confronting authoritarian threats. “It’s this much quieter, but no less violent or deadly, enforcement.” The Marshall Project Public outrage exploded in January when federal agents killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during an enforcement mission called Operation Metro Surge. Their deaths marked a turning point in the Trump administration’s campaign to round up and deport immigrants without authorization to be in the United States.After months of flashy, made-for-media enforcement — agents piling out of a rented Penske truck at a Los Angeles Home Depot, rounding up hundreds of Korean autoworkers at a plant in Georgia, arresting a five-year-old boy in a bunny hat in Minneapolis — Trump fired Border Patrol commander-at-large Greg Bovino and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.Trump’s new pick to run the department, Markwayne Mullin, promised to pursue the president’s goals with more cooperation from local law enforcement and less public backlash. Congress had already approved tens of billions of dollars to fund that mission.The enforcement that has followed has been widespread, diffuse and harder for the national media to track. It’s also been measurably more effective.ICE’s stepped-up enforcement looks different across the country. Federal authorities have cracked down on commercial truck drivers and arrested people at airports who had overstayed their visas. ICE has continued arrests of immigrants in neighborhoods and public places like hardware store parking lots. These operations can still be chaotic, like a raid of a Memphis bar that began as a state investigation into gambling and drugs and ended with immigration arrests, or immigration agents striking protestors with batons and dragging them from the porch of a home in Frederick, Maryland. In some states, immigrants are still most frequently brought into ICE custody through a transfer from a prison or jail, but increases in other kinds of arrests have led to a summer surge.Roughly 2,000 state and local law enforcement agencies have signed agreements with the federal government to conduct immigration stops or hand over immigrants who are in local jails. Since ICE reset its tactics, arrests from these programs have grown considerably.Texas and Florida, each led by Republican governors with possible national aspirations, have emerged as Trump’s top enforcers.Texas accounted for a quarter of all immigration arrests in July. In Florida, ICE logged more than 7,000 immigration arrests, more than triple the number in that month the year before. Both states have directed their state troopers to conduct immigration stops. In Florida, the arrests often begin when people are stopped for traffic violations or driving without a license, said Palm Beach immigration attorney Jackie Delgado.“They are not being taken to a jail and being booked in and seeing a judge,” she said. “They’re skirting the justice system and heading directly to ICE.”Other states, including Missouri and Ohio, are blips on the nationwide scale of immigration enforcement. But each has seen arrests climb as local police lean into the cooperation agreements with ICE.In 2024, neither state had a single local police agency enforcing immigration laws for ICE through what are colloquially called 287(g) agreements — a reference to the federal regulation that created the program. Today, 130 law enforcement agencies in Missouri and 20 in Ohio have signed up.“The signing of these 287(g) agreements has really turned all of our local law enforcement into these ‘show me your papers’ forces,” said Gabby Eissner, advocacy strategist at the St. Louis-based MICA Project, which provides low-cost and pro bono legal services to immigrants. “People are getting picked up at traffic stops, and those traffic stops are happening because of the color of their skin.”Since June, ICE has set new monthly records for signing up local law enforcement partners, according to a Marshall Project analysis of agreements listed on the agency’s website. With greater swaths of the country patrolled by ICE’s local partners, advocates say it’s getting harder to distinguish routine traffic stops from targeted immigration arrests.“The 287(g) agreements and the cooperation with local law enforcement are making it challenging for people to document what’s happening in their communities,” said Garvey, who leads the authoritarian watchdog organization.In Southwest Ohio, the quietly expanding immigration machinery is on full display in Hamilton, the seat of conservative Butler County. There, Sheriff Richard Jones has had an “Illegal Aliens Here” sign outside the jail for two decades. He quickly inked 287(g) agreements after Trump returned to office last year.Jones told The Marshall Project that 44 of his deputies, or about a quarter of his law enforcement personnel, are ICE-trained to identify undocumented immigrants. They initiate most of the hundreds of stops that have led to ICE arrests in the county, but police officers working for other local departments also call his deputies, widening the net.So far in 2026, ICE recorded more immigration arrests in Hamilton — a city of fewer than 65,000 residents — than anywhere else in Ohio. Arrests there have more than quadrupled this year compared to the same time period last year, and nearly all of those arrests are tied to 287(g) agreements.Jones said he expects to bring in $20 million in revenue this year from the agreement with the federal government. That money outweighs the daily protests outside the county jail. He estimates that 4,700 immigrant detainees have come through the jail in the past 18 months.“A few of them get released from here and don’t get deported,” he said. “But it’s not many.”Even with broader collaboration between federal immigration agencies and state and local law enforcement, ICE’s data shows that in July, half of arrests were of people with no prior contact with the criminal justice system. This percentage has grown along with the increase in arrests.ICE and Customs and Border Protection have more funding than ever to conduct immigration enforcement, with more than $200 billion allocated since Trump took office last year. Congress approved about $70 billion of that funding in June. That cash infusion is greater than the fiscal 2026 budgets for the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Marshals Service combined, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law.ICE has so far used the money, which can be spent through fiscal 2029, to more than double its personnel, hire more charter flights for faster deportations and expand its technology to include “shock gloves” and robot dogs.Cities are still targets for immigration enforcement, with less fanfare. Immigrant advocates in Chicago and St. Louis say calls to hotlines for legal services and to report ICE arrests increased dramatically in July.The St. Louis Rapid Response Hotline has fielded nearly 9,000 calls for help dealing with immigration arrests over the past year, according to the Ashrei Foundation, which runs the hotline. Data collected during those calls shows more than half of immigration arrests in St. Louis and eastern Missouri were made by police during a traffic stop. The same pattern is evident in Chicago.“They are quieter arrests,” said Alycia Jameson, a Chicago-based immigration attorney. “It’s a lot of suburbs. It’s a lot of traffic stops. It’s not the Midway Blitz Operations [in Chicago] — it’s not that. But the numbers are really up.”This story was produced by The Marshall Project and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport Speedway plans to double down on action at end of 2026 season Davenport Speedway is set to double down as it closes out the 2026 season. The two-night Davenport Dirt Stars event will be held Oct. 9-10. Racing on both nights will be highlighted by the Karl Chevrolet Premier Late Models, competing for $1,500-to-win. Late Models will have a $75 entry fee. Also racing on both Friday [...]
	Ayad Akhtar's 'The Radiance' addresses provocative subjects head-on Like his previous work, including Homeland Elegies, The Radiance exposes the fissures of American racial, political and economic identity.

Monday, October 5th, 2026