QCA.news - Quad Cities news and view from both sides of the river
Monday, April 20th, 2026 | |
 | Weapon detected in backpack at Rock Island High SchoolA weapon detection system alerted Rock Island High School staff to the presence of a possible firearm on a student this morning. A news release from Rock Island – Milan School District #41 said the Evolv weapon detection system at Rock Island High School alerted to a possible firearm on a student on Monday, April [...] |
 |  150,000 Illinois households may lose federal food assistance beginning May 1Due to changes from President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, some immigrants are no longer eligible for federal food assistance, and some able-bodied adults must meet new work requirements. |
 | Muscatine garage fire spreads to houseMuscatine firefighters battled an overnight garage fire on the 3200 block of Mulberry Avenue. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. |
| | Garage fire spreads to home in Muscatine; no injuries reportedA Muscatine garage fire caused $110,000 in damage early Monday. Flames spread to a nearby home but were quickly contained. No injuries were reported. |
| | Fire chief billed taxpayers for personal expenses, Eldridge officials claimA judge has denied unemployment benefits to former Eldridge city mechanic and current fire chief Keith Schneckloth, who was fired following allegations of misusing public funds for personal purchases. |
| | Learn about women's professional baseball in Bishop HillThe Bishop Hill Heritage Association (BHHA) is taking a look at women and professional baseball in Illinois at its next historical program. “Women’s Baseball in Illinois and the Midwest” will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 1 p.m. in the Steeple Building Museum, 103 N. Bishop Hill Street. Historian and librarian Anna Sielaff will [...] |
 | Quality management: How to transition seamlessly to ISO 9001:2026Quality management: How to transition seamlessly to ISO 9001:2026An effective quality management system (QMS) enables you to deliver quality products and services and meet customer expectations. It highlights business processes that keep your organization competitive and compliant with global standards. ISO 9001 is one of the QMS international standards. While it does not prescribe how organizations should operate, it provides structure and a basis for a company’s continual improvement.This organizational framework is used by different sectors globally, such as manufacturing, construction, education and health care. It’s also applicable for any business size. ISO 9001:2015 is the current standard, published in 2015 and amended in 2024. However, an updated version will be coming out in late 2026.Revisions keep the standards relevant, addressing modern business needs and stakeholder expectations. Certified organizations will have a transition period to adopt the new standards. NQA breaks down what to expect with this transition.In a NutshellThe most relevant points regarding ISO 9001:2026 include:The new standard is an updated version of ISO 9001:2015.ISO members are working on the draft, which is expected to be published in September 2026.Expected changes include refined clauses and expansion on the requirements for digital integrations, organizational resilience, leadership and sustainability.To adopt the new requirements smoothly, perform a compliance gap analysis, brainstorm newly required processes, train your employees, review supplier qualifications and get certified by an independent body.What Is Changing in ISO 9001:2026? NQA Expect the core ISO 9001 components to remain similar, including:Leadership commitment and customer focusProcess approach for business operationsRisk-based thinking in developing systemsDocumentation requirementsPerformance evaluation systemsContinual improvement guidelinesThese components enable your organization to understand your processes and the improvements you can make. You can expect the 2026 changes to expand on these principles. The anticipated changes include:Updated terminology and refined clauses: Organizations can expect editorial improvements and clarifications from the previous standard version.Clauses for digital or technological integrations: Some organizations expect new guidelines based on the advancements of artificial intelligence, data analytics and automation.Improvements on organizational resilience requirements: The updated standard may contain expanded information on how organizations should anticipate and manage risks, and the distinction between pursuing risks and opportunities. There may also be improvements in supply chain performance requirements and how organizational policies must align with the company’s business strategy.Increase in leadership responsibilities: The newest standard may include additional leadership responsibilities, particularly in how management must promote and demonstrate quality culture and ethical behavior.Sustainability improvements: Organizations expect climate change to become a major factor, as well as related improvements that align with stakeholder expectations.Better alignment with other ISO standards: The updated standard may enable a more effective system integration with other ISO standards — beneficial for enterprises managing multiple compliance frameworks.Actual publication changes may still differ from these expectations, as ISO members are still working on the updated draft. Revisions stem from industry stakeholder suggestions, audit findings and lessons from global disruptions.Amendments vs. RevisionsWhile ISO 9001:2026 is an update for ISO 9001:2015, the standard has also been previously amended in 2024. The 2024 amendment consisted of climate change considerations, which was a minor, adaptive change that didn’t require a full certification process. Revisions consist of heavier changes that update the version of the specific ISO standard. These changes can involve content restructuring, the addition of new requirements or the exclusion of obsolete clauses.ISO uses the publication date as a version number. The most valid standard will be the most recent publication year, which means that to remain certified under ISO 9001, organizations must consider the 2026 changes.The publication year for the international standard may differ from local versions. These date differences are due to each country’s approval and translation process that can take time.Transition TimelineUnderstanding the expected timeline helps you avoid last-minute process changes for compliance, preventing business disruption. Here’s what’s been happening regarding the ISO 9001:2026 revision:November 16, 2023: Project proposal approvalDecember 16, 2023: Initiation of the working draft studyJanuary 16, 2025: Registration of the committee draftJune 30, 2025: Registration of the Draft International Standard or the ISO 9001:2026 draftSeptember 2026: Expected publication date for ISO 9001:2026Organizations certified for compliance with ISO 9001:2015 will be given a transition period, during which they can adopt their existing QMS to the newest standard.How to Develop a Transition Plan for ISO 9001:2026 NQA A QMS must continuously evolve to ensure your organization maintains appropriate policies and procedures based on the changing business landscape. New standards also impact local regulations, affecting your compliance requirements. To smoothly transition to ISO 9001:2026, assess your current QMS and identify areas that need to be adjusted. Creating an action plan should help.1. Perform a Gap AnalysisPerforming a gap analysis through a survey or checklist determines which QMS processes are noncompliant with existing standards. If you have not been certified for ISO 9001:2015, you may perform the analysis immediately. Once the revised standard becomes available, this analysis can make it easier for you to transition. Thoroughly review your existing QMS for accurate findings.Your survey or checklist doesn’t necessarily have to be comprehensive. A high-level requirements overview can suffice, provided it lets you identify whether you:Meet the current requirementsHave requirements you must modifyNeed to create new policies and procedures for complianceIdentify which departments and roles the standard impacts the most. Have objective evidence and a documented process to support your findings. The gaps should be specific and objective — not abstract, which would be hard to act on. This analysis saves you time and resources, instead of dealing with noncompliance repercussions later on.You can assign a management representative to perform the analysis, likely someone with project management or auditing skills.2. Update your QMS ProcessesAfter reviewing your system for compliance gaps, identify how to implement any necessary changes. Consider eliminating unnecessary, time-consuming business processes. Ideally, adopting ISO standards should align with your business goals. The more detailed your findings, the more thorough and effective your action plan can be. Detailed plans can also be easier to implement.Identify new performance-tracking metrics and create a regular assessment schedule. Self-audits ensure the new processes are effective and can help you adjust implementation strategies as needed. Space out implementation activities, if possible, for easier adaptation. Make sure your new QMS can also scale with your business.You may need to prioritize certain requirements more than others, depending on your organization and industry. For instance, you may need to focus on customer satisfaction metrics if you’re primarily a customer-facing service. If you’re in the manufacturing industry, you may need to prioritize supply chain improvements and operational planning.3. Train Employees on New RequirementsAdopting the revised standard requires your organization’s full support. This support starts with top management — they must understand their leadership role and how policy implementation impacts staff adaptation. Consider hosting a leadership workshop on the new standards. Leaders must learn how to prevent employees from reverting to old habits and processes.Your staff would also require training to understand why the revision was necessary and what changes to expect. This knowledge can increase employee support while enlightening them about their roles in meeting the requirements. Real-life case studies and easy-to-follow diagrams can simplify complex information. Compliance failures typically stem from a lack of awareness of the requirements.Phasing your implementation plan enables the staff to get accustomed to new processes more easily. However, top management can expect reinforcement challenges in the first few months. Consider creating an implementation team, especially if you’re a large organization. This team can comprise individuals from different departments or workstations who are familiar with your company’s processes.You can have multiple implementation teams — each potentially active at a different phase of your implementation timeline. For instance, a document control team can meet early on to establish a document collection system, while an audit team can meet later. Regular meetings help with documenting progress reports and resolving issues immediately.4. Evaluate Supplier Information and PerformanceSuppliers directly impact your organization’s compliance and success in the global market. They influence product safety and customer trust, especially in heavily regulated industries. Review your networks systematically and understand how they affect compliance with the new requirements. Reevaluating your suppliers should help.Confirm each supplier’s certifications and audit reports. Assign risk levels based on how critical they are to your operations. Consider historical performance, product risks and industry regulations. For instance, if you’re in the pharmaceutical industry, you must be more stringent with suppliers for sterile materials than those for products with noncritical packaging.Continuous monitoring is also critical to maintain supplier quality. Consider performance metrics such as:On-time delivery rateSpecification complianceLevel of traceabilityChange request responsivenessDefect or rejection percentage5. Get Certified with an Accredited Certification BodyISO 9001 certification is voluntary. However, this certification shows customers and other businesses that your organization takes quality control seriously, and that you comply with the most recent standards. You may also need the certification for certain international partnerships, supplier approvals and government contracts.You could be a small business, an enterprise or a government agency — independent certification bodies work with many client types. These certification bodies are also often accredited by national accreditation bodies. Industries that require the highest quality levels, such as aerospace, construction, pharmaceuticals and food, can benefit significantly from certification.Note that certification bodies must undergo training and certification for the updated ISO standard, which impacts when you can get certified yourself.Benefits of Transitioning to ISO 9001:2026Transitioning to ISO 9001:2026 maintains your business’s competitive advantage. When your QMS meets the most relevant requirements, your processes remain efficient and effective, as the standards consider the changing global landscape. For instance, the new standards are expected to reduce or eliminate wastes and redundancies in business operations. They help cut operational costs, prevent defects and recognize potential problems before they occur.QMS improvements push your company closer to your business goals. They can also increase customer loyalty and provide a more seamless supplier experience. If you’re certified by an independent organization, you increase your opportunities and improve brand recognition. Compliance positions your business as a company that takes quality production seriously.Frequently Asked QuestionsThese common questions and their answers can help you understand what the transition means for your organization:How long do organizations have to transition to ISO 9001:2026?Organizations will be given a transition period of three years, meaning they will have until September 2029 to migrate to ISO 9001:2026.Should I get certified to ISO 9001:2015 now or wait for ISO 9001:2026?Obtaining ISO 9001:2015 certification now gets you the benefits immediately, such as improved brand reputation, increased customer trust and better business operations. This certification makes it easier for your organization to transition to ISO 9001:2026, since the revisions build on top of the existing requirements.You can perform any changes you need within the transition period. These changes could be minimal compared to starting the certification process from scratch. Plus, ISO 9001:2015 will remain valid until approximately 2029, so now is an ideal time to get certified.Do I need to address climate change in my ISO 9001:2026 certification?Organizations expect climate change- or sustainability-related requirements in the new standard, which means compliance is not an option. Addressing these requirements improves your business operations by reducing waste and choosing more reliable and effective suppliers. Note that the 2024 amendment also touched on climate change considerations.Take the Next Steps Toward ComplianceWhether you’ve been certified for compliance with ISO 9001:2015 or not, meeting the 2026 requirements brings many organizational benefits. The revised standard is expected to expand the requirements on:Digital or technological integrationsOrganizational resilienceLeadership responsibilitiesSustainabilityIt may also improve its alignment with other ISO standards, resulting in a more streamlined implementation for organizations managing multiple compliance frameworks. Although these are the expectations, organizations must wait for the actual publication to review specific changes.The new standard is expected to be published in September 2026. Organizations will have a transition period to adopt the improved requirements. Previous certifications can provide a good stepping stone. However, if you’re getting certified for the first time, understanding what makes a good transition plan should help.This story was produced by NQA and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | Americans love unlimited PTO, but most have no idea how it worksAmericans love unlimited PTO, but most have no idea how it worksPaid time off is one of the most in-demand employee perks in the American workplace. Many employers use it as a differentiator, calling it out in job listings and negotiating it during hiring. Yet a surprising number of workers don’t fully grasp how their PTO policies work. And that confusion is shaping how much time they actually take.A recent survey of 1,000 employed Americans by Patriot Software set out to understand the gap between what workers are offered and what they feel comfortable using. The most telling stat? Two-thirds of respondents said they'd still take 15 days or fewer per year, even if their employer handed them an unlimited PTO policy."Unlimited" Doesn't Mean What You Think It MeansWhile unlimited PTO has become the norm for businesses to offer, the data from Patriot Software tells a different story.66% of workers said they'd cap themselves at 15 days or fewer per year under an unlimited policy. Among Gen Z respondents, that number got even more conservative, with nearly half (42%) saying they'd take 10 days or less.Why would anyone limit themselves when there's no limit? Because "unlimited" often comes with unspoken rules. Without a set number, employees tend to look around the office for cues. If nobody else is taking three weeks off, neither are you. If your manager hasn't taken a vacation since last summer, good luck booking that beach trip without a certain amount of guilt.High earners seem particularly aware of this. A quarter of workers making $150,000 or more said they believe unlimited PTO sounds generous on the surface, but actually results in people using less time off.In other words, removing the ceiling didn't make people take more. In this case, it made them second-guess themselves.Workers Don't Want Total Freedom. They Want Guardrails.If unlimited PTO creates so much uncertainty, what do employees actually want? The data says structure.An overwhelming 91% of respondents said they'd find a mandatory minimum time-off policy appealing if it were paired with unlimited PTO. That’s a near-universal request for guardrails on a system that was supposed to deliver more freedom.And two-thirds of workers said a fair annual PTO allowance starts at 11 days or more. A minimum removes the guesswork and, more importantly, removes the guilt. It turns "you can take time off" into "you're expected to take time off." That's a very different message.The takeaway is that unlimited PTO sounds great, but flexibility without structure can create a vacuum that most workers fill with caution.Millennials Are Running Out of PTO and Paying the PriceFor a lot of workers, PTO confusion carries financial consequences.Millennials are getting hit hardest. 40% of millennial respondents said they've taken unpaid leave because they ran out of paid time off. Another 25% said they needed unpaid time but couldn't afford the lost income.The millennial workforce is made up of those in their late 20s to early 40s, juggling kids, aging parents, family emergencies, school closures, doctor appointments, and more. These scenarios can eat through a PTO bank quickly. And when the PTO runs out, they have to choose: a sick day and a lost paycheck, or push through and let something at home go unaddressed.For households already stretched thin, a few unpaid days off can wreck a monthly budget.Women Feel the Squeeze More Than MenPerceptions of PTO fairness aren't evenly distributed. The survey found that 27% of women said their current PTO feels unfair given the work they do. Among men, that dropped to 20%.A seven-point gap might not sound dramatic, but it reflects a real pattern. Women still shoulder a disproportionate amount of caregiving work outside the office: managing medical appointments, coordinating school schedules, caring for elderly relatives. When PTO has to cover all of that on top of actual vacation, the days disappear fast.For some employees, time off acts as the hours they need to handle life outside of work. And when the policy doesn't account for that reality, the system starts feeling rigged.What This All MeansPTO isn't just a line item in a benefits package. It tells employees whether their company actually trusts them to step away, or whether "work-life balance" is just something that looks nice on a careers page.The data from this survey suggests most workers aren't greedy about time off. They're not trying to game the system or take months off at a time. They just want to know the rules. How much time do I have? Does it roll over? Will I get side-eyed for using it?When those answers are clear, people take the time they need and come back ready to work. When they're not, PTO becomes another source of stress, which kind of defeats the whole purpose.How the Survey Was ConductedPatriot Software surveyed 1,000 employed adults across the United States. The survey, conducted via Pollfish, asked participants about their PTO structure, perceptions of fairness, behavior under unlimited policies, and personal experiences with unpaid leave. Responses were broken down and analyzed by age, income, and gender.This story was produced by Patriot Software and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | 5 easy swaps for a greener life (that help the planet and your wallet)(BPT) - In honor of Earth Day this year, consider making a few simple lifestyle changes that can help to reduce your carbon footprint, create less waste in landfills and use energy more efficiently. With climate headlines feeling more overwhelming by the day, it's easy to feel like individual actions don't matter — but they do. The good news is, even small swaps in your everyday life can make an impact, and the best time to start is now. With AI-powered tools and smart home technology consuming more electricity than ever, finding cleaner ways to meet our energy needs has never been more urgent.Here are five ideas for living a little greener this Earth Day, and every day. Each one is good for the planet — and your wallet.1. Opt for a solar generatorAs AI data centers, smart devices and connected home systems drive electricity demand to record highs, more and more household power draw is tied to the digital world — making clean, renewable home energy solutions a smart choice for eco-conscious consumers. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent across the country — from wildfires on the West Coast to hurricanes along the Gulf Coast and ice storms in between — having a reliable solar-powered backup isn't just a green choice. It's a practical emergency preparedness strategy for your whole family.Be ready to power your entire home or key appliances during an outage with a quiet, reliable and emission-free solar generator. For example, the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus can harness the power of the sun to keep your refrigerator, lights, medical devices, EV charger and more going — making it a true home energy backup solution. Even better, the generator has expandable capacity thanks to a battery that can be expanded up to 60 watt-hours (Wh) to grow with your household's needs.By pairing the generator with Jackery SolarSaga panels to generate clean energy from the sun, you're further reducing your reliance on the grid to lower your carbon footprint. You can even use the stored solar energy to power heavyweight appliances such as washing machines and dryers, as well as the growing fleet of AI-enabled smart home devices — and offset costs for grid power when it is at peak pricing.Today, AI-powered home energy management systems can even work alongside solar generators to automatically optimize when you draw from stored power versus the grid, saving money and reducing emissions at the same time. For households in high-sun states like California, Texas, Arizona and Florida, the combination of solar generation and smart energy management is fast becoming one of the most searched home improvement and emergency preparedness investments of the year. Bonus: The Jackery Solar Generator uses LiFePO4 battery chemistry for long-lasting, stable home use, designed with safety in mind for indoor environments.2. Eat locally sourced foodThe closer to home your food is grown, the less fuel is used to transport and refrigerate it. On top of that, less packaging is needed for locally grown and sold produce. You can shop at neighborhood farmers markets, or when you're at the grocery store, look for items labeled as grown in your home state. Supporting local farms also makes an impact because smaller-scale production is likely to use beneficial farming techniques like crop rotation, composting and more efficient irrigation. This kind of slow, intentional approach to food — buying less processed, more local — is at the heart of the growing "slow living" movement, which prioritizes quality and sustainability over convenience.Love going out to eat? Look for restaurants that have a strong farm-to-table practice featuring locally sourced food.Bonus: Eating local, seasonal food usually tastes better! You're eating food that's at peak ripeness and freshness. And with grocery prices still top of mind for most households, buying seasonal and local is one of the easiest ways to eat well while spending less.3. Minimize kitchen wasteSimilarly, finding ways to reduce and reuse kitchen waste at home can also impact the environment in many positive ways, including reducing the amount of methane released by rotting foods, which is a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. In a time when more people are embracing "underconsumption" — the idea of using what you already have before buying more — the zero-waste kitchen has become one of the most searched sustainable lifestyle topics online.To cut down on kitchen waste, plan your grocery shopping and meal preparation more intentionally, and seek creative ways to use leftovers. Store produce correctly to avoid food items going bad, and try to use them quickly (or freeze if possible). When you do have kitchen scraps, they can be easily composted to help fertilize your garden, where you can grow a little of your own produce for the ultimate locally sourced food. Composting is also one of the most beginner-friendly eco swaps out there, with many cities now offering curbside compost pickup alongside regular recycling.Pro tip: Some kitchen scraps, like the skins, peels or cut-off ends of onions, carrots and other produce, can be used to make vegetable broth. Just simmer with water and your favorite seasonings for 1-2 hours, then strain through a sieve for a tasty broth that's better than store bought!4. Switch to reusable bagsWhenever you're shopping for groceries or other items, use reusable bags (like those free tote bags collecting in your closets) to significantly reduce plastic pollution and minimize the need to cut down trees to make more paper bags. This is one of the simplest examples of the "buy less, use more" mindset that's gaining traction across sustainable lifestyle communities on social media — small, consistent habits that add up to real change over time.Pro tip: Keep a stash of reusable bags near the front door and in your car so you'll always have some handy.5. Choose low-waste cleaning productsYou can minimize the environmental impact of plastic by opting for products that don't come in single-use plastic containers. Compared to using conventional cleaning products, this can help lower your carbon footprint, while reducing both plastic pollution and water pollution. Easy swaps to look for include choosing natural sponges, reusable or compostable containers, concentrated formulas like soap blocks, tablets and laundry sheets, plus cleaners that come in refillable glass spray bottles. These swaps also tend to be more cost-effective in the long run — concentrated formulas and refillable options mean you're buying less packaging and spending less per use, which matters when household budgets are stretched.Pro tip: Prefer a certain cleaner that only comes in plastic spray bottles? Buy a large refill bottle so you can reuse that bottle as many times as possible.Any one of these simple steps can make a big difference. And if climate news ever starts to feel paralyzing, remember: doing something — anything — is always better than doing nothing. Start with one until it becomes a habit, then try another. You'll feel good knowing you're doing your part to help protect the environment.Learn about more ways to live a lifestyle that can benefit the planet at Jackery.com. |
| | Mental health leaves are rising. How can organizations reduce and better manage leaves?Mental health leaves are rising. How can organizations reduce and better manage leaves?A mental health leave of absence is rarely the starting line.As Kelsey Witmer, VP of Total Rewards and People Operations at Spring Health, puts it, “Leave is usually the output. It’s the final signal that flares up when early warnings go unnoticed, manager support is inconsistent, or care is simply too hard to access.”For HR leaders, that signal is getting louder. New Spring Health research of 500+ HR professionals across five countries reveals a workforce under significant strain, and that output is showing up in the form of mental health leaves of absence (LOAs):61% say mental health leaves have increased within their organizations over the past year.16% say they’ve seen mental health leaves increase by 25% or more.40% cite rising mental health disability and leave claims as a top concern keeping them up at night.This isn’t an isolated trend for specific industries or business sizes. It’s a global workforce risk that demands a proactive, sustainable approach.If your organization feels like it hasn't figured out the continuum of leave yet, you aren't behind. You're navigating an evolving landscape where leave is less about the paperwork and more about the inputs we can actually control.Why are mental health leaves increasing?A few potential drivers of this increase in mental health leaves include:1. Stress and burnout are escalating into absencesHR professionals in Spring Health’s survey estimate that 30% of employees are currently experiencing "silent burnout,” which was defined as a slow, undetected state of exhaustion in which people maintain the appearance that everything is fine while running on empty.Approximately 40% of burned-out employees reported presenteeism, which represents a sustained performance drag that usually occurs long before they file a claim. While silent burnout and presenteeism can hide beneath the surface, they can create an environment for very visible LOAs down the road.One interesting note: Over half (51%) of HR professionals experiencing the highest levels of mental health leave increases (25% or more) in Spring Health’s survey said that “rising stress and burnout among managers” was an emerging mental health trend that most concerned them over the next year. That suggests HR professionals are identifying managers as a vital part of the solution to this challenge.2. Financial and caregiving strain are compounding the mental loadEmployees aren't just overwhelmed at their desks. They can be overwhelmed anywhere. And that can show up at work. Spring Health simultaneously surveyed 1,500+ full-time employees across five countries and found that:59% of employees in Spring Health’s survey said their financial stress has increased over the past five years.74% of employees said this stress has significantly impacted their mental health.When you add the "sandwich generation" pressure of caring for both children and aging parents, the cognitive bandwidth for deep work evaporates. When these loads compound without a visible pathway to support, leave may feel like the only remaining option.3. Traditional EAP models aren’t intercepting risk earlyWhile most mid-to-large companies offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), utilization is only about 4%, on average.If only a tiny fraction of your workforce uses the support provided, it cannot meaningfully reduce the risk of a mental health leave. The barrier is often practical: In Spring Health’s survey, employees cited lack of time, cost concerns, and confusing access points as reasons they don't seek care until they reach a crisis point.Additionally, when talking about higher-acuity needs such as substance use disorder (SUD), eating disorders, trauma, or severe mood and anxiety conditions, more is needed than the limited-session model or external provider list handoffs that often occur with traditional EAPs.Within Spring Health’s research, 32% of HR professionals seeing the highest mental health leave increases (25% or more) said that higher-acuity mental health cases were an emerging trend that most concerned them.Why rising mental health leaves are a business issueTreating leave as a purely administrative task ignores the financial and operational impact on the organization.Direct leave costsThe obvious costs include salary continuation, administrative overhead, and the expensive burden of backfilling roles or paying overtime to cover gaps. New-hire leaves are especially costly, as the organization loses the entire investment spent on recruiting and onboarding before the employee has even reached full productivity.Medical trend impactThe hidden cost of mental health leaves is the impact on your medical trend. Unaddressed mental health needs exacerbate physical chronic conditions, drive frequent ER visits, and increase pharmacy spend, in addition to the impact on LOAs.The strain loopWhen an employee goes on leave, the workload doesn't vanish. It gets redistributed. This places additional strain on the remaining team members, increasing the risk of workplace burnout for them and potentially triggering a cycle of repeat leaves.Risk of incomplete outcomesLOAs can unintentionally become "rest without healing" if the employer approves the time off and then simply leaves the employee alone to navigate their recovery in a vacuum. This can lead to additional leaves of absence or even resignations.3 tips to help you reduce leave-of-absence ratesPreventing mental health leaves doesn’t mean discouraging people from taking necessary time off. It means building a culture where support is visible, trusted, and easy to use, so leave isn’t the first time an employee gets help. If LOA is the output, the question becomes, “What are the inputs we can control?”1. Reduce costs by intervening earlierCreate a simple, trusted front door to care so employees can get matched to the right level of support before stress escalates into crisis. Give HR and managers a clearer process for identifying when someone may be able to stay at work with the right care and accommodations, versus when leave is clinically appropriate.2. Simplify process and policyMake it easier for employees to access evaluations, understand their options, and move through leave without unnecessary paperwork or confusion. Reduce friction for HR by coordinating documentation, communication, and support touchpoints more clearly across the leave journey.At LOA intake: Remind employees what care options exist (EAP, medical plan, therapy/coaching).During leave: Check-ins and re-share care pathways.On return: Normalize ongoing support so it’s not “welcome back … good luck.”3. Chart the path to recoveryTreat leave as part of a broader care journey by making sure employees are connected to treatment and not left to navigate recovery alone. Support a more sustainable return to work with thoughtful re-entry planning and simple manager guidance so employees stay connected to care after they come back. Manager mental health training is important in today’s workplace.This story was produced by Spring Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | Hawai‘i leads, Oregon slides: America's bike commuting winners and losers revealedHawai'i leads, Oregon slides: America's bike commuting winners and losers revealed When Americans decide how to get to work, their choices reveal something bigger than convenience. They signal how infrastructure, culture, and everyday practicality shape the way people move through their cities and towns. Increasingly, a growing number of workers are choosing to skip the car and reach for the handlebars. But the shift isn't happening everywhere, and it isn't happening equally.A new analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data, comparing bicycle commute share across all 50 states from 2019 to 2023, shows a divided country. While some states have seen dramatic increases in the share of commuters biking to work, others have lost ground in meaningful ways, even as the push to reduce car dependence in American cities has never been louder.The split raises an urgent question: What's actually driving people to get on, or off, their bikes?Retrospec analyzes U.S. Census Bureau data on bicycle commuting trends across all 50 states from 2019 to 2023. Key FindingsHawai‘i leads all 50 states, with bicycle commute share rising by +0.27 percentage points between 2019 and 2023, a 47% relative increase in the share of workers biking to work.Oregon, long seen as America's cycling capital, dropped the hardest, losing -0.63 percentage points of bicycle commute share, the steepest decline of any state.More than half of all states (31 out of 50) saw bicycle commute share fall between 2019 and 2023.Massachusetts surged to third place, growing its bike commuter share by +0.21 percentage points, adding more than 8,100 bicycle commuters in raw numbers.Colorado, once a cycling stronghold, posted the third-largest decline, losing -0.29 percentage points of share, a notable fall for a state that held one of the highest cycling rates in the country in 2019.New Jersey and Nebraska both cracked the top six, two states not typically associated with cycling culture, each growing their bicycle commute share by more than +0.10 percentage points.Texas saw the largest raw drop in bike commuters, shedding nearly 4,800 bicycle commuters in absolute numbers while its share fell by -0.05 percentage points. Retrospec Hawai‘i Shows That Small Gains Can Mean Big MomentumIt might seem counterintuitive that an island state, with its limited road networks and year-round heat, would top a list of rising bike commuters. But Hawai‘i's climb to first place in share growth shows what happens when geography, weather, and local culture align. Retrospec Between 2019 and 2023, the share of Hawaiian workers biking to work rose from 0.58% to 0.85%, a 47% relative increase. That kind of growth isn't accidental. Honolulu has invested heavily in protected bike lanes and multi-use paths over the past decade, and compact urban geography makes short-distance cycling genuinely practical for many commuters. When a city makes biking feel safe and logical, people show up.The Hawai‘i example is a reminder that cycling growth rarely happens in a vacuum. Infrastructure investment, land-use patterns, and cultural familiarity with outdoor activity create conditions where people feel ready to try commuting differently.Oregon's Fall from the Top: A Cautionary Tale for Cycling-Friendly States Retrospec For decades, Oregon, and Portland in particular, has been held up as the gold standard for American cycling culture. Bike lanes etched into every neighborhood plan, a thriving bike-share network, and a commuter culture that made cycling feel like a civic identity. That's what makes the state's data so striking.Oregon posted the steepest drop of any state in the country, with bicycle commute share falling by -0.63 percentage points between 2019 and 2023, shedding nearly 12,000 bike commuters in raw terms. The state went from a 1.95% bike commute share to 1.32%.What happened? The COVID-19 pandemic years reshaped commuting in ways that hit cycling-heavy cities hard. Remote work disproportionately reduced commuting in dense, tech-adjacent metros, exactly the kind of workers who had been driving Oregon's cycling numbers. Research from economists at the University of Chicago and Georgetown found that commuting in the largest U.S. cities has stabilized at just 60% of pre-pandemic levels, a pattern most pronounced in metros with high concentrations of knowledge-economy workers. When the office became optional, many of the state's most habitual bike commuters simply stopped commuting altogether. The question now is whether they'll come back.New England's Unexpected Cycling Surge Retrospec Massachusetts and Vermont are perhaps the most surprising stories in the data. Both states climbed into the top three nationally for bicycle-commute share growth, and neither is a state most people would associate with year-round cycling culture. Massachusetts grew its bike commuter share by +0.21 percentage points, adding more than 8,100 bike commuters to reach a total share of nearly 1.1% of all workers. Vermont isn't far behind, with a +0.22 percentage point jump that pushed its share from 0.50% to 0.72%. The pattern reflects what's been happening in Boston and Burlington: sustained investment in protected cycling infrastructure, a younger workforce moving into urban neighborhoods, and a post-pandemic appetite for active commuting that health-conscious New Englanders have embraced. Boston's Bluebikes expansion and the completion of key protected lane corridors during this period likely played a role. The data suggests that even states with cold winters aren't immune to cycling momentum when the conditions are right.The Sun Belt Paradox: More People, Fewer Bike Commuters Retrospec Texas presents one of the more paradoxical data points in the analysis. Between 2019 and 2023, the state added more than a million workers to its labor force, one of the largest workforce expansions in the country. Yet in that same window, the number of people biking to work fell by nearly 4,800, and the bicycle commute share dropped from 0.23% to 0.18%.Florida tells a similar story. Its workforce grew by roughly 760,000 workers, yet it lost more than 6,100 bike commuters and saw its share fall by -0.10 percentage points.This is what demographers call a composition effect: when massive in-migration brings workers whose commuting habits don't include cycling, the share can fall regardless of whether raw cycling numbers collapse. Both states drew millions of new residents during the post-pandemic migration boom, and faster-growing workforces don't automatically bring cycling culture with them.For cycling advocates, it's a signal that infrastructure needs to keep pace with population growth, not just trail behind it. Nebraska and New Jersey: Cycling's Unlikely New RecruitsOne of the most refreshing findings in this dataset is the performance of two states that rarely make it into cycling media: Nebraska and New Jersey. Both cracked the top six nationally for bicycle commute share growth, posting gains of +0.10 percentage points each. Nebraska's rise, bringing its share from 0.31% to 0.41%, is partly a story about Lincoln and Omaha, where city planners have quietly been building out trail networks and protected lanes. Nebraska also has a strong cycling safety culture rooted in its recreational riding tradition, and that ethos appears to be crossing over into commuting habits. New Jersey's story is more urban. With its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey has benefited from major metropolitan bike-share programs and an influx of younger commuters who increasingly treat cycling as a legitimate alternative to trains and buses. The state added more than 5,500 bike commuters in raw numbers, a 43% relative increase, suggesting the shift isn't a rounding error.These aren't states building cycling utopias. They're states where practical, everyday biking is becoming slightly more normal, which may be the more durable form of progress.Colorado's Decline: When Cycling Culture Meets Remote Work Retrospec Colorado entered 2019 with the highest bicycle commute share in the contiguous United States, at 1.13%, more than double the national average. By 2023, that share had fallen to 0.84%, a drop of nearly -0.29 percentage points and the third-largest decline in the country.The mechanics here look similar to Oregon's slide. Colorado's cycling culture is concentrated in cities like Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins, places with high concentrations of tech and knowledge-economy workers who rapidly shifted to remote and hybrid work after 2020. When the general commute disappears, so does the bike commuter. The state didn't lose its cycling culture. Trails, recreational riding, and bike advocacy remain strong. But cycling as a daily commute took a significant hit. Colorado's data points to a broader tension that cycling advocates will need to grapple with: the rise of hybrid work is good for quality of life but potentially corrosive to the commute-based cycling numbers that have historically defined success in this space. Commute share has long been the primary measure cities use to justify cycling infrastructure spending. When that number falls, funding often follows.The National Picture: A Divided MapZoom out, and the overall picture is sobering for cycling advocates: 31 of 50 states saw bicycle commute share decline between 2019 and 2023. That's a clear majority of the country moving in the wrong direction, even as investment in cycling infrastructure has accelerated in many places. The divide is partly geographic, with coastal and Mountain West states that built their cycling identities in the pre-pandemic era now struggling to hold share, while some traditionally car-centric states in the Midwest and Northeast quietly gained ground. It's partly demographic too, shaped by where people moved during the pandemic years and what commuting habits they brought with them. The states that grew bike commuting share tend to share a few characteristics: compact, walkable urban cores; sustained infrastructure investment; and diverse commuter populations who haven't fully settled into car dependence. The states that fell tend to be either remote-work hubs that lost their daily commuter base or fast-growing Sun Belt states where infrastructure hasn't kept pace with population.SummaryThe 2019-to-2023 window was one of the most disruptive periods in American commuting history, and bicycle commuting absorbed those disruptions unevenly. Some states used the moment to grow a new cycling habit among a broader slice of their workforce. Others watched years of progress erode as remote work, migration, and shifting urban dynamics changed who was commuting and how.What the data tells us is that cycling momentum isn't self-sustaining. It requires the right combination of infrastructure, density, and daily habit, and when any one of those shifts, the numbers follow. Hawai‘i's rise and Oregon's fall aren't opposites so much as two expressions of the same truth: where you make cycling feel practical and safe, people ride. Where conditions change, they don't.For the states climbing the rankings, the challenge now is building the kind of everyday cycling infrastructure that turns a trend into a permanent shift in how people think about getting to work. For the states that fell, the opportunity is just as real because commuter habits, like commuter routes, can always be redesigned.MethodologyData is drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 1-Year Estimates, Table B08301 (Means of Transportation to Work), for 2019 and 2023. The ranking metric is the change in bicycle commute share expressed in percentage points (2023 share minus 2019 share). Share is calculated as bicycle commuters divided by total workers age 16 and older who commute. The 2020 ACS 1-year estimates are excluded because the Census Bureau classified them as experimental following pandemic-related non-response. District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are excluded; all 50 states are included. This story was produced by Retrospec and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
 | Muscatine Fire Department finds garage fully engulfed on Mulberry Avenue early MondayFifteen firefighters arrived on scene and found the garage fully engulfed with impingement beginning on the home. |
 | Assuming AI Didn’t Juke the Stats, the Illinois’d Want Data Centers That Don’t Leak OutIn a mid-March poll, 68 percent of likely Illinois voters said they would support legislation to “regulate data centers to minimize their impact on our utility bills, climate, and water while still allowing them to be built.” But while 21 percent percemt opposed the legislation, more than half of those opponents (56 percent) said they did so because they “oppose allowing data centers to be built at all.” That means 80 percent either want guardrails or oppose any new construction. |
| | Stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy moves closer to US trialsStem cell therapy for cerebral palsy moves closer to US trialsCerebral palsy affects roughly 1 in 345 children in the United States. About 764,000 children and adults live with the condition. Standard treatment focuses on managing symptoms through physical therapy, medications, and assistive devices. None of these treatments repairs the brain injury at the root of the condition.For families, this has meant a long wait for something better. In February 2026, a development out of Japan offered a reason to pay attention, Cerebral Palsy Center reports.Baby Teeth as a Source of Brain-Repairing Stem CellsHere's where the science gets interesting. Most people associate stem cell therapy with bone marrow or umbilical cord blood. Kidswell Bio took a different route entirely. Their platform uses SHED cells, which stands for stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. In plain English: Stem cells pulled from the baby teeth your kid leaves under the pillow.SHED cells belong to a category called mesenchymal stem cells, and preclinical research has shown they can reduce inflammation, support blood vessel growth, and help neural cells survive. The idea isn't that these cells rebuild damaged brain tissue from scratch. Instead, they may create conditions in the brain that are more favorable for natural recovery and neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to rewire itself after injury.For a condition like cerebral palsy, where the original brain injury typically happens before, during, or shortly after birth, that kind of biological support system could be a game-changer. It's still theoretical at scale, but the early-stage data has been encouraging enough to justify the next step: regulated human trials on U.S. soil.Why the U.S. Matters for This TherapyKidswell Bio didn't form a U.S.-based company just for the prestige of an American address. The United States offers something that's hard to replicate elsewhere: a combination of rigorous FDA oversight, world-class pediatric neurology centers, and clinical research infrastructure built for exactly this kind of work.By establishing Kidswell USA, the company can work directly with the FDA to design trial protocols, partner with American research institutions, and recruit patients through legitimate, regulated channels. That last part matters more than you might think. The stem cell therapy space has been plagued for years by unregulated clinics selling unproven treatments to desperate families. Pursuing the formal FDA pathway is a deliberate move in the opposite direction, and it's one that lends credibility to the entire program.Treehill Partners provided the strategic investment backing to make this possible. The financial commitment suggests that both companies see a realistic path to commercialization, not just a research experiment.What the Timeline Actually Looks LikeLet's be honest about what this announcement does and doesn't mean. It doesn't mean a stem cell treatment for cerebral palsy is around the corner. What it does mean is that the groundwork is being laid for a structured, multi-year process that could eventually lead to FDA approval.That process includes FDA review and authorization to begin clinical trials, Phase 1 safety studies to confirm the therapy doesn't cause harm, larger efficacy trials to measure whether it actually works, and then a full regulatory evaluation before any commercial availability.Kidswell's lead program, called SQ-SHED, has already progressed through development phases overseas, with early data pointing to potential motor function improvements in certain pediatric populations. But "early data" and "FDA-approved treatment" are separated by years of work, millions of dollars, and a lot of scrutiny. Families should take the news as a reason for cautious optimism, not as a countdown clock.The Bigger Picture for Cerebral Palsy TreatmentKidswell isn't operating in a vacuum. Several U.S. academic centers, including Duke University, have already published research on cord blood infusions for children with cerebral palsy, reporting signs of motor improvement in some groups. Other teams are studying mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow and cord tissue.No stem cell product has received full FDA approval specifically for cerebral palsy yet. But the growing number of regulated trials tells you something about where the field is headed. The conversation is shifting from "if" to "when" and "how well."For now, the most effective cerebral palsy treatment strategy remains what it's been: early intervention therapy, orthopedic monitoring, medication management, nutritional support, and consistent developmental follow-up. Regenerative medicine may eventually add another option to that list. And with Kidswell USA now in the picture, the path to getting there just became a bit more concrete.MethodologyThis article is based on reporting from the Cerebral Palsy Center, industry coverage from The Pharma Letter and Citeline Scrip, and publicly available information from Kidswell Bio regarding its cell therapy development program. Background data on cerebral palsy prevalence and existing treatment modalities were gathered through a survey conducted via Pollfish and supplemented by published medical literature. Clinical trial status was cross-referenced with ClinicalTrials.gov records as of February 2026.This story was produced by Cerebral Palsy Center and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | Before AI robots enter your home, they're learning to work in warehousesBefore AI robots enter your home, they're learning to work in warehousesDigit walks into an Amazon warehouse on two legs. The bipedal robot picks up containers and carries them to conveyor belts, working three shifts a day with occasional breaks to recharge. It moves through the same stairs and hallways its human colleagues do, without requiring a million-dollar facility retrofit.But there's a tradeoff to this freedom of movement. “They are balancing all the time — which means they could fall,” Jonathan Hurst, co-founder of Agility Robotics, which designed Digit, told the Infinite Loop by Nebius. To prevent a painful landing on a human worker, a barrier separates the robot's work cell from its teammates. That barrier is just the start of a multi-layered safety net woven into Digit's architecture — and into every AI robot now entering workplaces alongside humans. Locus Robotics Layer 1: Built for human spacesAgility Robotics, an Oregon-based company, built Digit to work in spaces built for people. The bipedal vaguely resembles its human colleagues, but is a long way from a replicant. Hurst, who’s also Agility’s chief robot officer, describes the design as “human-centric.” Proportions and gait are tuned for balance, with a lower center of gravity and wider stability margins than a human’s. This supports dynamic stability: the ability to maintain balance while moving through complex environments.Other robots take a different approach to physical safety. Locus Origin and Kachaka don’t balance on dynamically stable limbs; they move on wheels. This form lacks the versatility of Digit but enables work in the same spaces as humans.Kachaka, built by Japan's Preferred Robotics, sports a rounded, compact design that can navigate tight spaces and carry configurable payloads. It delivers mail and small packages through KDDI's Tokyo headquarters, carrying loads that can be reconfigured for different tasks.The Origin, developed by the Massachusetts-based Locus Robotics, functions like a mobile shelving unit, rolling through DHL distribution hubs to collect items from warehouse workers. Each Origin carries onboard AI that perceives obstacles, avoids collisions and plans its path. When multiple Origins work together, they share a collective intelligence through Locus Robotics' LocusONE platform, which coordinates the fleet like an air traffic controller for robots.These are the environments where robots learn to coexist with people — the proving ground for everything that comes after.Layer 2: Learning to see peopleThe physical body is only the first layer of safety. For robots to work alongside humans, they need more than stable forms — they need situational awareness. This is where the second layer comes in: the brain. Preferred Robotics “The most fundamental challenge is detecting obstacles, especially people, in real time,” said Kane Edwards, business development manager at Locus Robotics.The Origin combines LiDAR sensors to detect people and objects with depth-sensing 3D cameras to spot hazards that standard sensors miss, from dropped items to shifting floor levels. Even then, gaps remain that AI must bridge.A common blind spot: raised forklift forks and elevated operator compartments. Standard sensors struggle to detect obstacles at varying heights. The Origin's AI-driven object recognition fills these blind spots, Edwards said.When multiple Origins work together in a warehouse, they operate as a coordinated fleet with a collective mind. The robots share their intended routes through LocusONE, which acts like an air traffic controller — monitoring traffic, predicting congestion and adjusting paths before dangers form. This coordination uses multi-agent reinforcement learning.“Without predictive path planning, where robots essentially share their intended routes and adjust proactively, they end up constantly stopping or rerouting on the fly,” Edwards said. “This creates unpredictable movements that can unsettle nearby workers.”Digit's brain works differently. Using NVIDIA’s Isaac Sim application, Agility trains a whole-body control foundation model on decades of simulated time in just days. It’s then deployed "zero-shot" to Digit, creating an "always on" safety layer that instinctively manages disturbances like bumps and pushes.Kachaka takes a more conservative approach. Its AI plays a supporting role, handling perception but not movement decisions. Tomo Toru Isobe, CEO of Preferred Robotics, said this separation keeps high-stakes movement under deterministic control rather than AI decision-making.Kachaka analyzes camera feeds pixel-by-pixel using deep learning, identifying walkable areas and obstacles that LiDAR sensors often miss. Specialized SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) adds spatial awareness, while a fleet management system provides coordination.Every sensor, every algorithm, every edge case encountered in a Tokyo office building is data that makes the next generation of robots safer in your living room.Layer 3: Rules before roomsPhysical design and AI perception alone aren't enough. Digit, Origin and Kachaka can only work where formal boundaries permit them — the safety net’s third layer.Before Kachaka could enter KDDI's offices, it underwent Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) — a process that analyzes every potential failure and its consequences. This rigid engineering framework, required by Preferred Robotics, ensures robots are bound by formal safety processes before they’re shipped.Regulations and certifications are also stitched into the safety net “from an early stage of development,” Isobe said.Locus Robotics must also comply with various standards, yet they’re not merely burdens. Paradoxically, these boundaries can ease access to international markets. Take CE certification, a mark of EU safety compliance that the Locus Vector robot achieved last year. “It's compulsory for products entering the European market, so achieving it was essential for serving our international customers,” Edwards said.Digit faces a unique challenge: no safety standard existed for bipedal, dynamically stable robots. Agility Robotics is leading the development of ISO 25785-1 — the first international safety standard for robots like Digit — while building a certification scheme for insurers. The same standards that govern Digit in an Amazon warehouse will eventually govern the robot that folds your laundry. “We need a way for insurers to understand the risk they are underwriting,” Hurst said. “The best way to do that is with an industry-wide standard everybody agrees on.”Even with these safety layers, robots like Digit still can't work in every environment humans do. Humanoids in households, for instance, are over 10 years away, Hurst said.Safe deployment alongside humans remains the biggest barrier. Homes are immensely complex, variable environments with unpredictable children, pets, narrow hallways, and wet floors. No company wants its robot to fall on a child.For now, warehouses, construction sites, and offices are where that problem gets solved, one edge case at a time.“At some point, you can get them in the home,” Hurst said. “But it's going to be after all of these industries.”The three-shift days in Amazon warehouses, the mail runs through KDDI's Tokyo offices, the path-planning algorithms navigating DHL hubs — all of it is rehearsal. The home is the final exam.This story was produced by the Infinite Loop by Nebius and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| |  Orion Bancorporation, Inc., announce shareholders meeting held in MarchOrion Bancorporation, Inc. ended 2025 with total combined assets of $825 million for BankORION and Bridge Community Bank. |
| | Firefighters battle garage blaze in MuscatineAn early morning fire caused extensive damage to a garage in Muscatine. A news release from the Muscatine Fire Department said the Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call for a fully engulfed garage fire in the 3200 block of Mulberry Avenue on April 20 at about 1 a.m. The Muscatine Fire Department [...] |
| |  Eric Huiskamp Mutka named President & CEO of Blackhawk Bank & TrustBlackhawk Bank & Trust names Eric Huiskamp Mutka as President & CEO. |
| | Garage total loss in Muscatine fire overnightNo one was injured in an overnight garage fire, officials say. |
| | Exposing the hidden costs and risks of insuring jewelry through a homeowners policyExposing the hidden costs and risks of insuring jewelry through a homeowners policyAs insurance premium costs continue to rise, 50% of homeowners are worried their insurance will soon become unaffordable. That anxiety can lead people to cut corners — including when it comes to insurance for jewelry.As such, many homeowners are confused about items like a jewelry rider on a homeowners policy, including what it covers and whether it’s worth it. Adding jewelry to home insurance policies can help cover your most valuable possessions, but it’s far less protection than people may think. Homeowners and renters insurance typically only covers jewelry in the case of theft inside the home and often caps payouts at $1,000-$2,500, which may not cover the full value of a luxury piece such as an engagement ring.BriteCo’s October 2025 survey of more than 1,000 U.S. homeowners found that a large majority are opting to rely solely on homeowners insurance for protection, leaving some of their most valuable assets vulnerable to loss or theft. Even when adding a jewelry rider or floater to a homeowners policy, making a jewelry claim can impact insurance policies for home or auto, raising premiums or risking cancellations.This report captures BriteCo’s data and highlights what Americans misunderstand most about jewelry coverage — and where the most significant gaps and risks lie.Key Takeaways70% of Americans own jewelry or watches worth more than $1,500; however, only 55% of those people insure their items against loss or theft53% of Americans cover their jewelry under their homeowners insurance policy, whether it is insured through a standard homeowners policy, a jewelry rider attached to that policy, or a separate jewelry floater.Nearly a quarter (23%) of Americans think the payout for a jewelry claim on their homeowners insurance policy is higher than it actually is, and almost a third (30%) admit they weren’t aware of any payout limit.40% of Americans don’t know that filing a jewelry claim could increase their homeowners premiums or even lead to cancellation of coverage.A stand-alone jewelry insurance policy separate from a homeowners rider or floater can offer better coverage for jewelry and watches, at less cost. Some issuers also do not report to loss-history data services such as CLUE or A-PLUS, so there is no risk of impacting a homeowners policy with higher premiums or a non-renewal.Most Homeowners Have Valuable Jewelry, But Many Leave It Underprotected BriteCo Most Americans mistakenly believe their homeowners policy fully covers their jewelry — but for many, it doesn’t. The survey found that, while 70% of Americans own jewelry or watches worth more than $1,500, one in four or 26% rely on a standard homeowners policy to protect their valuables, which will only cover from $1,500 to $2,000 minus any deductible that may apply. That means millions of Americans are leaving sentimental treasures underinsured, often without realizing it.Another 27% of consumers get higher amounts of jewelry coverage through a rider or floater policy associated with their homeowners policy. But making even one jewelry claim with these types of policies can result in higher homeowners premiums or a non-renewal.Many people have questions about protecting their valuables, from how to insure an engagement ring to understanding what their homeowners policy actually covers. Yet coverage caps, deductibles, and exclusions often leave them exposed, creating an unknown risk for hidden costs and claim impacts.Americans Overwhelmingly Rely On Homeowners Insurance for Jewelry ProtectionAmericans who insure their jewelry are overwhelmingly putting their trust in their homeowners insurance policy for protection. More than half of Americans among survey respondents (53%) rely on their homeowners policy to protect their jewelry. BriteCo Of that group, 25.1% depend on standard homeowners policy limits, while only 13.3% have an insurance rider, and 12.7% use a jewelry floater or endorsement. Keep in mind, another one-fourth (26.1%) of survey respondents assume the risk that their jewelry will be safe without any insurance protection.Although an insurance rider for jewelry may provide some additional coverage, it often falls short of offering the robust protection needed if your valuables are lost or stolen. Homeowners insurance riders or floaters typically have a total cap amount for insured items regardless of their appraised or replacement value.Many riders or endorsements also use the main homeowners deductible or a separate one, which can meaningfully decrease the value of coverage for partial losses such as a damaged ring or necklace.Another concern for jewelry owners is that HO riders and floaters likely do not cover jewelry items for accidental loss or mysterious disappearance compared with specialized stand-alone jewelry policies. Riders and floaters also typically have more claim handling restrictions, and making a jewelry claim will likely impact a homeowners insurance loss history.That’s why experts recommend separating coverage of your valuables from your home insurance. Choosing a stand-alone jewelry insurance policy separate from your homeowners policy can help you get broader coverage without impacting your home insurance premiums or renewal if you need to file a jewelry claim.Americans Have False Confidence in Homeowners Jewelry PayoutsOne of the big misconceptions about homeowners insurance concerns payouts. Almost 57% of Americans are unaware or don’t know the limits that most homeowners insurance policies place on jewelry coverage. BriteCo Standard homeowners insurance provides limited jewelry coverage, typically $1,000 to $2,500 per item. However, nearly one-quarter (23%) of Americans think the maximum payout for a single piece of fine jewelry is higher than that, and 27% admit they have no idea what the maximum payout is. BriteCo’s survey reveals that most people wouldn’t know their true coverage until it’s too late.While you can file a claim, you may only receive a fraction of the value of the jewelry piece, leaving the owner responsible for paying the remainder for a replacement—with a potential for thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expense. BriteCo Bottom lineMost people with jewelry insured through their homeowners policy are unaware of the risk exposure and coverage gaps in the event they have to make a claim. They would likely only discover coverage limitations once their items have been lost or stolen.The Shocking Gap Between Expectation and Reality BriteCo Filing a Jewelry Claim Can Backfire and Lead to Homeowners Policy CancellationNearly 40% of homeowners also don’t know that filing a jewelry claim could increase their homeowners insurance premium or even result in the policy being canceled. BriteCo J.D. Power’s 2024 report revealed that 47% of homeowners insurance customers said their premiums rose in the past year, and 98% of insurance agents in BriteCo’s 2025 Agent Survey said their clients need to be made aware of the potential impact from filing a jewelry claim through a homeowners rider or floater. See Figures 7 and 8 to understand how even small claims can have long-term impacts on a homeowner’s insurability.How a Jewelry Claim Can Impact Your Homeowners PolicyEven one jewelry claim can impact an HO policy when it’s reported to data loss-history services like CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) or A-PLUS, loss-history reporting services for personal lines such as auto and property. This data loss history is typically used by insurance carriers to assess an individual’s risk profile and determine (and often increase) premium costs, or to possibly trigger a policy non-renewal. Both loss-history data services provide about seven years of claim history for underwriting and rating decisions.The best way to protect valuables (and keep your homeowners insurance intact) is with separate jewelry coverage. It can keep your homeowners coverage untouched while providing faster, more tailored protection for jewelry loss, theft, damage, or even “mysterious disappearance.” But when choosing a standalone jewelry insurance provider, it’s important to ask whether they also report to loss-history databases like CLUE or A-PLUS. BriteCo Emotional and Financial Stakes Are High With a Coverage GapTo avoid the risk of rising homeowners premiums, homeowners are taking their own precautions with jewelry to avoid filing a claim:42% say they would keep jewelry locked in safes29% would invest in new home security systems28% would rather accept the loss than risk higher homeowners insurance costs.These choices reflect how little trust people have in their current coverage. BriteCo The data shows that, to some extent, avoidance has replaced confidence. People are choosing to take on emotional and financial risk because they fear their coverage won’t protect their cherished valuables. Instead of relying on insurance, Americans are adopting a do-it-yourself approach to safeguarding their most meaningful possessions, which can be a costly decision.Americans Want a Safer, Simpler Way to Insure JewelryDespite the confusion and fear, the majority of homeowners say they want to find the best way to insure jewelry. When presented with the idea of stand-alone jewelry insurance costing about 1% of an item’s value per year, 41% said they would “definitely” choose it, and another 39% said they would consider it.When asked why they’d be motivated to switch to a stand-alone jewelry insurance policy, homeowners cited four key reasons: better coverage for loss or theft (49%), no risk of premium hikes on a homeowners policy (41%), lower overall premiums (40%), and an easier claims process (38%). See Figure 10.It’s proof that Americans want jewelry protection without risking an increase in their homeowners policy costs from a claim. Just be sure the stand-alone jewelry policy you select doesn’t also report claims to loss-history databases. BriteCo MethodologyThe survey of 1,009 American homeowners ages 18 and over was conducted via SurveyMonkey Audience for BriteCo on October 31, 2025. The data is unweighted, and the margin of error is approximately +/-3% for the overall sample, with a 95% confidence level.This story was produced by BriteCo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | 7 questions to determine the right AI compliance standard for your business7 questions to determine the right AI compliance standard for your businessAI adoption has accelerated across sectors today as the technology becomes easier to access and deploy. Most organizations embed it in at least one aspect of their daily operations, but doing so has also introduced new risks, such as model bias and outcome drift.There’s a growing gap between AI use and responsible oversight, and keeping up demonstrable AI governance practices is a challenge. According to Vanta’s 2025 AI governance survey, conducted among 618 business decision-makers in May and June 2025, more than 50% of organizations are overwhelmed by AI regulations, with shifting rules being one of the top concerns.Choosing which AI framework to prioritize is the first step in ensuring your AI meets ethical, security, and transparency expectations. Vanta’s guide will explore:The importance of AI compliance and non-compliance risks.A comparison of the top AI standards relevant today.Seven questions that help choose the right AI standard.Why AI compliance mattersAligning with an AI framework matters because it helps enforce accountability in operations dependent on automated decisions. Even if your organization is already compliant with privacy frameworks like the GDPR or CCPA, it doesn’t fully attest to the ethical and legal soundness of AI use. Privacy laws regulate how personal data moves and focus on the impact on the individual. AI frameworks, on the other hand, emphasize how automated systems make decisions and how they can impact both individuals and society as a whole.The challenge is that AI tools evolve rapidly, and most organizations find it complex to update internal governance practices to ensure AI systems meet ethical, legal, and organizational standards.Adopting the right frameworks can make all the difference, allowing teams to adapt to changes more effectively while also enhancing security, speeding up innovation, and strengthening customer trust.Risks of noncompliance with AI standards and regulationsFailing to comply with AI standards and regulations carries several material risks, including financial, operational, and reputational. If you violate laws such as the EU AI Act, GDPR, or U.S.-specific data regulations, you may face substantial financial penalties or even legal action, depending on the severity of the violation. By contrast, noncompliance with voluntary AI frameworks and standards (like NIST AI RMF or ISO 42001) typically doesn’t trigger direct regulatory penalties, but it can still create commercial risk if customers expect or require alignment.Noncompliance can also result in operational disruption and downtime caused by an unsecured AI tool. Additionally, risks like biased decisions and incorrect outputs affect business outcomes, often eroding trust with customers and partners, brand value, and competitiveness.“An organization that understands its risks in using AI is generally one that will build and use it safely. This also ensures your AI compliance program is designed to support the goals of the business, which includes maintaining operational resilience, ethical accountability, and stakeholder confidence,” Evan RowseGRC subject matter expert for Vanta, said.Comparing standards and regulations relevant to AI useHere are some of the most relevant AI standards and regulations currently in place that help secure AI-driven systems.GDPRMandatory — Secures the personal data of individuals in the EU; relevant for organizations handling EU personal dataCertification: NoThe EU AI ActMandatory — Sets baseline security and risk management requirements for AI use in the EU; relevant for EU-based organizations using AICertification: NoCCPAMandatory — Secures the personal data of California residents; relevant for organizations handling California resident personal dataCertification: NoNIST AI RMFVoluntary — Provides guidance to identify and mitigate AI risks; relevant for organizations leveraging AI across all sectorsCertification: NoISO 27001Voluntary — Sets a framework for creating, maintaining, and updating an ISMS; relevant for industries handling sensitive informationCertification: YesISO 42001Voluntary — Sets a framework for creating, maintaining, and updating an AIMS; relevant for industries that use, develop, or provide AI-based products or servicesCertification: YesSOC 2Voluntary — Sets baseline requirements for protecting sensitive data, including data used by AI systems; relevant for SaaS, cloud service providers, and other industries handling customer dataCertification: No (attestation report by auditor)Organizations must be deliberate in how they choose the right framework or regulation and keep their AI use cases and broader compliance goals in mind. Over-engineering compliance efforts can easily lead to unproductive outcomes, such as frequent oversights or operational slowdown due to overwhelmed teams.Scoping a framework narrowly is another risk. For example, a business might scope ISO 42001 to the AI features within a single product, only to discover midway that a large customer in another region requires a SOC 2 or ISO 27001 audit because the AI system draws on shared datasets. The remediation here would be rescoping or restarting the compliance effort, which can be expensive and disruptive.7 questions to determine your AI standardUse these seven questions as criteria to determine which AI standards your organization should pursue.Question 1: Where do you operate and sell?Geographical markers, such as your organization’s location and market area, play a major role in determining what regulations apply to you. Jurisdictions can significantly vary when it comes to legals and regulatory compliance requirements, so understand your organization’s position to help narrow focus.For example, if your organization is based in the EU or targets the personal information of individuals within it, you must comply with both the GDPR and the EU AI Act. If your organization operates within the U.S., you must account for state-specific privacy laws such as the CCPA. Additionally, U.S. agencies and critical infrastructure operators are also encouraged to lean on NIST AI RMF, which informs responsible AI use.Question 2: What role do you play in the AI value chain?Your role in the AI value chain highlights which parts of your system and operations need greater security efforts.For instance, if you’re a service provider, you should primarily focus on lifecycle controls, including documentation, testing, and version management. Conversely, deployers mostly focus on use-case risk, data handling, and human oversight.Question 3: What’s the risk profile of your AI use cases?Assess the likelihood and type of risks your AI systems may face. If your findings show that you operate in a high-risk environment or if you provide AI-driven services that touch critical infrastructure such as energy or transportation, you should pursue a structured risk management framework such as ISO/IEC 23894:2023.If the risks are lower, you can explore other options, such as NIST AI RMF, to strengthen AI security.Question 4: Do customers require certification?Compliance with frameworks like NIST AI RMF will help strengthen your AI security, but alignment doesn’t provide you with an official certification. If your primary customer base expects stronger assurance or proof of compliance, you should prioritize certifiable standards such as ISO/IEC 42001.Pursuing certifiable standards will impact overall compliance costs and effort due to stricter readiness work and higher auditor fees, among other things.Question 5: What’s your current governance maturity?If your organization’s governance maturity is still at the ad-hoc level, alignment with NIST AI RMF can help you build a strong foundation. For more mature governance structures, ISO 42001 enables smoother scaling of your existing controls. It’s flexible enough to be adapted for smaller organizations and also sends a strong message that your organization is more mature and proactive in terms of managing AI risk.Question 6: What data are you touching?The type of information your organization handles influences your choice. If you handle sensitive, personal, regulated, or critical infrastructure-related information, focus on frameworks that emphasize data privacy and security. This includes not just the data itself but also AI-driven outputs or decisions that affect outcomes.You can consider regulations such as the GDPR and CCPA, as well as frameworks like ISO 27001 and SOC 2. Prioritize frameworks that include AI-specific nuances, such as clear requirements for ethical use of data, privacy protections, and human validation for AI outputs.Question 7: Build or buy?There’s a notable difference between building your own AI tools and relying on third-party services. Creating your own AI software means you must focus on internal risks and embed safety practices at every stage of development.If you use third-party software, vendor risk management (VRM) becomes a critical part of safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring safe AI behavior. This includes both securing the solution once it's implemented, but also ongoing due diligence, which involves reviewing model safety disclosures, assessing how vendors handle training data, and evaluating their AI monitoring practices.Which AI framework to choose after assessmentDepending on your answers to the questions above, you’ll likely narrow down to three AI-focused options like:ISO/IEC 42001: Opt for this if you need a certifiable, auditable AI management system that procurement recognizes.NIST AI RMF: Start here if you need a practical operating model and artifacts quickly, but treat it as scaffolding for your overall AI governance program.EU AI Act: Run an EU AI Act workstream if you sell or operate in the EU or have high‑risk use cases, but tailor it to your role in the AI value chain.Before you dive in deep and implement a framework, you can also consider refreshing the trust baselines you have built with other frameworks, such as SOC 2 or ISO 27001, and identify relevant AI risks. Once you’ve established strong security and privacy baselines, you can choose and layer on the AI governance processes that make the most sense for your organization.Note: The governance controls identified in these frameworks aren’t mutually exclusive—there’s overlap, and many of your efforts will be reusable. Define your right-sized journey; you can start with NIST AI RMF and evolve into ISO 42001 certification later, while preparing for EU AI Act alignment if you don't yet have EU customers.Challenges of pursuing AI compliancePursuing AI compliance comes with its own set of operational and governance challenges. These include:Changing risk landscape: AI technologies evolve rapidly, making risks such as model drift, bias amplification, and data poisoning constant threats. Mitigating these requires regular AI reviews to verify the effectiveness of your controls.Need for real-time monitoring: AI systems can change rapidly, so point-in-time insights aren’t effective in spotting gaps in AI systems. To catch issues early on, organizations need to embed real-time monitoring into their AI workflows.Documentation requirements: Most AI standards require maintaining high volumes of documentation about decision outcomes, version histories, training procedures, and ethical considerations. Gathering this evidence manually can be time-consuming and strain resources.Quick response to regulatory changes: The AI compliance landscape evolves quickly. Staying compliant requires organizations to evaluate regulatory updates, scope operational impact, and address gaps without delay, which can be tricky for busy teams.An efficient way to approach AI standards is by leveraging trusted compliance management solutions.This story was produced by Vanta and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| |  Blackhawk Bank & Trust President Christopher J. Lemon retiresBlackhawk Bank & Trust President Christopher J. Lemon retires after an extraordinary 45-year career dedicated entirely to the bank and the communities it serves. |
| | Garage total loss in Muscatine overnight fireNo one was injured in an overnight garage fire, officials say. |
| | 2026 My Favorite Teacher Award | Mr. Cockerill at Jane Addams ElementaryThroughout the week, we'll be featuring educators in the Quad Cities making a difference inside and outside of the classroom. |
| | 14 medications that cause hair loss14 medications that cause hair lossHair loss is a common concern that can affect both men and women. Even though it's not a life-threatening problem, it can harm your self-image and quality of life. Aging, hormonal changes, and genetics are well-known causes of hair thinning. But many medications can cause hair loss or thinning, too.Chemotherapy is the most well-known type of medication that causes hair loss. But what other medications can cause hair loss? And is there anything you can do to prevent it? GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, looked at the most common medications that may cause hair loss.1. RetinoidsRetinoids are a class of medications used to treat skin conditions such as acne and skin discoloration. They’re derived from vitamin A and help lower inflammation and promote cell turnover.Oral retinoids, like isotretinoin (Absorica), are known to cause telogen effluvium in some people. Telogen effluvium is when hair comes out in clumps. For example, you may notice more hair collecting in your hairbrush or in the shower.Hair loss seems to happen more often with higher doses of oral retinoids. But it's often reversible after you finish the treatment course. You’ll typically take oral retinoids for 15 to 20 weeks. But if hair loss is severe or becomes concerning for you, talk to your healthcare team. They may have you stop taking the medication sooner.2. AntidepressantsAntidepressants are a class of medications that treat mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. They work by affecting certain chemicals in the brain.Several antidepressants may cause hair loss, but the specific reason why is unclear. Commonly used antidepressants that may cause hair loss include:Bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL)Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluvoxamine (Luvox)Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)According to one study, bupropion may have a higher risk of hair loss compared with other antidepressants.Hair loss usually reverses once you stop taking an antidepressant. But you shouldn’t stop taking an antidepressant on your own. This can cause serious side effects, especially if you’ve been taking it for a while. Your prescriber can help you stop taking an antidepressant safely if you think it’s causing problematic hair loss.3. Birth control pillsHair loss is a less common birth control side effect, but it can happen in some cases. It may be more likely with birth control pills that contain certain types of progestins, called androgenic progestins. These progestins can also cause unwanted hair growth on other parts of the body.Birth control pills may cause your hair to become thinner. You may notice this change about three months after starting birth control. But significant hair loss or balding isn’t likely. If you’re concerned about hair changes with birth control pills, talk to your prescriber. There are other options they can prescribe that are less likely to have an effect on your hair.4. AnticoagulantsAnticoagulants are a class of medications that are used to treat and prevent blood clots. These medications are also called blood thinners. They work by stopping blood clots from forming.Hair loss is a possible side effect of anticoagulants. It can appear anywhere from weeks to years after starting the medication. Telogen effluvium seems to be the most common type of hair loss seen with anticoagulants. But the exact cause is unknown.Anticoagulants associated with hair loss include:HeparinWarfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)Apixaban (Eliquis)Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)If hair loss is an issue, your prescriber may try switching you to a different blood thinner. But you shouldn’t make any changes to your anticoagulant medication without their OK.5. AnticonvulsantsAnticonvulsants, also known as antiepileptics or anti-seizure medications, are a class of medications that treat and prevent seizures. They work by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain. Some anticonvulsants are also used to treat certain mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder.Hair loss is a reported side effect of some anticonvulsant medications. One review found hair loss was more common with valproic acid (Depakote) and pregabalin (Lyrica) but less common with levetiracetam (Keppra).6. Beta blockersBeta blockers are a class of medications that treat high blood pressure and other heart conditions. Beta blockers may cause telogen effluvium in some people, but it’s not common.Common beta blockers include:Propranolol (Inderal)Atenolol (Tenormin)Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)Good to know: You may have heard that losartan (Cozaar), a different type of blood pressure medication, can cause hair loss. But hair loss is not a known side effect of losartan.7. Antithyroid medicationsThyroid conditions can cause hair loss on their own. And antithyroid medications used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can also contribute to hair loss. Examples of these medications include methimazole and propylthiouracil.Let your prescriber know if hair loss becomes an issue while you’re taking an antithyroid medication. They may want to check your thyroid hormone levels to make sure they’re where they should be and adjust your medication if needed.8. ChemotherapyChemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that works by killing cancer cells. But it also kills other fast-growing cells in your body, and that includes your hair cells. This type of hair loss is called anagen effluvium.Hair loss typically begins days to weeks after starting chemotherapy. And hair loss effects are often fairly noticeable after one to two months. Commonly used chemotherapy medications that can cause hair loss include cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and doxorubicin.Cooling caps, gentle brushing, and avoiding heat-based styling devices may help lessen hair loss. But there’s not a foolproof way to prevent it. The good news is that hair typically grows back within three months after completing chemotherapy treatment.9. TamoxifenTamoxifen is a medication that’s used to treat or prevent breast cancer. It’s known to cause hair loss or thinning due to its estrogen-blocking effect.Hair will usually regrow when treatment is completed. But you’ll typically take tamoxifen for several years. So talk to your prescriber about treatment options if hair loss is bothersome while you’re taking tamoxifen.10. Certain arthritis medicationsCertain medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions may also cause hair loss. For example, traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) — such as methotrexate and leflunomide (Arava) — cause hair loss because they can stop or slow down hair growth.Although rare, biologic DMARDs — such as etanercept (Enbrel) and adalimumab (Humira) — can also cause hair loss. But it’s not fully understood why this happens.11. AllopurinolAllopurinol (Zyloprim) is a medication that treats gout. It’s been linked to hair loss, but this seems to come from limited case reports. So it’s not clear how likely hair loss is while you’re taking allopurinol. But if it happens, let your prescriber know. A different gout medication may be a better option for you.12. LevodopaSinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) is a medication used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa — one of the medications in Sinemet — may cause hair loss. Levodopa works like dopamine in the body, and dopamine seems to prevent hair growth in some people. Bromocriptine (Parlodel) is another medication that acts like dopamine in the body and may cause hair loss.Hair loss from levodopa or bromocriptine isn’t common, but let your prescriber know if it happens to you. They can help you stop taking Sinemet safely if needed to manage this side effect. But don’t stop taking it on your own. It can be dangerous to abruptly stop taking levodopa.13. Ozempic and other GLP-1 related medicationsSome people taking GLP-1-related medications, such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), reported hair loss in clinical trials. It’s not clear if this is from the medication itself or if it’s due to the weight loss seen with these medications. That’s because losing weight rapidly is a known cause of hair loss.In most cases, hair loss should reverse as your body adjusts to a GLP-1-related medication. But let your prescriber know if it doesn’t. It’s possible that you’re not getting enough nutrients, or there’s another cause that should be addressed.14. Azole antifungal medicationsOral azole antifungal medications can cause hair loss — especially with high doses or long-term use. Examples include:Fluconazole (Diflucan)ClotrimazoleVoriconazole (Vfend)In most cases, hair loss is reversible, and it should regrow once you stop taking an azole antifungal. But, for some people, it may persist.How to treat hair loss caused by medicationMedication-related hair loss may be permanent. But it can often be reversed by stopping the medication causing it. Keep in mind that stopping your medication isn’t always an option. And it’s not something you should do on your own.There may be other treatment options for hair loss caused by medication. Topical treatments such as minoxidil (Rogaine) may help. Certain supplements, such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, may also help in certain situations. But the right treatment depends on what’s causing your hair loss and what type of hair loss it is. Not all hair loss caused by medication can be treated.Talk to your healthcare team before trying any hair-loss treatments on your own. They can make sure they won’t interfere with your other medications. And they can help recommend the options that are likely to work best for your specific situation. They may also be able to change the medication that’s causing hair loss to a different treatment option.Frequently asked questionsHow long does it take for hair to grow back?With telogen effluvium, hair typically regrows in six to nine months once the underlying cause is addressed. Hair loss that’s related to autoimmune conditions or hormone changes may not be reversible. But certain treatments may help prevent further hair loss or help it regrow in some cases. How long it takes depends on the cause of your hair loss and the treatment you use. For example, it can take up to 12 months to see finasteride’s full effects for treating hair loss.What supplements can help your hair grow faster?Vitamins and supplements aren’t likely to help your hair grow unless you have low vitamin levels to begin with. This includes things like vitamin D and biotin supplements, which are often marketed for hair growth.How can you tell if your hair loss is due to medication or something else?It can be difficult to know what’s causing hair loss. But if you’ve recently started a new medication around when your hair loss began, it’s possible that there’s a connection. Still, it’s best to see a healthcare professional about any hair loss that occurs. They can review your medical history to help determine what’s causing it and the best way to manage it moving forward.How much hair should you lose a day?According to experts, it’s typical to lose up to 100 hairs per day. But this amount can vary depending on hair density and thickness, as well as how often you wash and brush your hair. It’s more important to keep an eye out for any changes in how much hair you’re losing from day to day, or if you start losing hair in clumps. These are signs that something else may be going on, and it’s time to see a medical professional.The bottom lineHair loss is often associated with getting older or chemotherapy. But other medications can cause hair loss or thinning. Some examples include oral retinoids, blood thinners, and antidepressants. Anti-seizure medications, beta blockers, and antithyroid medications can lead to hair loss in some people. Birth control pills, azole antifungals, and some arthritis medications can, too.GLP-1-related medications, such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), can cause hair loss. But this is likely caused by rapid weight loss, not the medication itself.In most cases, hair loss caused by medication is temporary. Lost hair will usually regrow once the medication is stopped. But sometimes, stopping medication isn’t an option. And although rare, hair loss triggered by a medication can be permanent.Let your prescriber know if you think your medication is affecting your hair. They may recommend a treatment option to help the hair regrow. Or they may be able to change the medication causing hair loss to a different treatment option.This story was produced by GoodRx and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | How to get a $5,000 personal loanHow to get a $5,000 personal loanSure, it’s common to borrow five figures for a car or six figures for a home. But even smaller loans can have a big impact on your ability to reach financial goals or improve your quality of life. A few thousand dollars is a practical amount of money that could help you cover an expense that’s a little too big for your everyday budget.A debt consolidation loan might help you get rid of your more expensive debt faster. Whatever your expense may be, a $5,000 personal loan could give you just the financial boost you’re looking for.Below, Achieve walks through what to know before applying for a $5,000 personal loan and how to find the right fit for your financial situation.The basics: What you need to know about a $5,000 personal loanPersonal loans are installment loans, where the lender gives you a lump sum of money, and you pay it back in equal payments each month.Most personal loans are unsecured. That means the lender will review your financial situation and credit profile to decide whether to approve your application. When a loan is unsecured, that means you don’t need to offer collateral to the lender. Collateral is something valuable that guarantees the loan (for example, when you get a car loan, the car is the collateral).For many personal loans, you’ll pay an origination fee, sometimes called a lender fee. That’s a one-time expense for administration and processing costs, and it’s usually deducted from the loan. Not all lenders have origination fees, but fee-free loans may have higher interest rates instead.Personal loan costsIt’s smart shopping to consider how much a loan will cost you, especially if you’re comparing it to alternatives like credit cards. Besides the origination fee mentioned above, you’ll also pay interest. Your rate will depend on your creditworthiness, how much you borrow, and the loan term you choose (the number of years you take to pay the loan back). Those factors also influence how much total interest you’ll pay over time.Let’s compare three possible scenarios for obtaining a $5,000 loan. Achieve One of the most effective ways to reduce your total loan costs is to pay it off faster. That's true even if you don't qualify for the lowest interest rate a lender advertises.How to qualify for a $5,000 personal loanLenders will check your credit profile, including your credit score. If you’re nervous about yours, don’t worry—many lenders are willing to work with borrowers who have less-than-perfect scores. Lenders also consider your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which is the proportion of your income that you spend on required debt payments each month.You’ll need to be planning to use the personal loan for a permitted purpose. The allowable uses are nearly unlimited, but your lender may have a few restrictions in place. For instance, many lenders won’t issue a personal loan to pay for college tuition. That’s because there are special rules and regulations that apply to student loans.Steps to apply for a $5,000 personal loanYou can apply for a personal loan online, and the process is fairly simple. The sooner you start, the sooner those funds could hit your account.Here's what the personal loan application process typically looks like.Check your credit. It's helpful to check your own credit before applying for a personal loan so you can get an idea of what lenders will see.Get a rate quote. Rate quotes tell you what you might pay for a personal loan, based on your credit score. Consider getting prequalified with one or more lenders that offer a soft credit check (one that doesn’t hurt your credit score).Gather your documents. Once you choose a lender to move forward with, get all the necessary information together. The lender may ask for recent pay stubs, your I.D., proof of address, and information about where you work.Apply. Now you’re ready to submit a formal application. This will typically result in a hard credit check, which could cause your credit score to dip temporarily.It shouldn't take more than a few minutes to apply for a personal loan online. From that point, many applicants get a same-day decision. If the lender has questions about your application, it could take longer.What to expect after a $5,000 personal loan is approvedIf your loan application is approved, congratulations! It’s time to make your final decision about accepting it. Nothing’s written in stone until you’ve signed the loan documents agreeing to the terms.Once you decide to sign, it’s time to:Receive the money. Every lender has its own time frame for delivering funds for a personal loan. You could see the money the next business day, or it could take longer. If you asked the lender to pay off other creditors directly, they’ll do that instead of sending the money to you. Keep making payments on those debts until you confirm that your creditors have been paid with the money from your new loan.Plan for the monthly payment. The first monthly payment is typically due the month after you receive funding.Think about early payoff. Some lenders charge an early payment or prepayment penalty. If your situation allows, paying the loan off early could help you save on total interest charges.Paying back a personal loanAs far as repayment goes, your loan agreement should include:Due dates for monthly paymentsThe total amount you'll payWhen your loan is scheduled to be fully paid offWhat happens if you pay lateThe most important thing is to pay on time each month, since paying late could trigger a fee or impact your credit standing. Consistently making your loan payments on time could help you build your credit score. That, in turn, could open the doors to affordable financial products when you need them in the future (like car loans and mortgages).Some lenders offer an interest rate discount for automatic payments. This is definitely worth considering because it’s an extra layer of protection against missing a payment. Also, rate discounts reduce your total loan costs.Best uses for a $5,000 personal loanNow that you know how it works, how about some inspo? Here are some ways a $5,000 personal loan could help you:Replace old appliancesBuy new furnitureCover an emergency home repair, like a water heaterDo some minor home maintenance or redecoratingPay for car repairsPay for your pet to have necessary veterinary careCover medical billsPay for a funeral and other end-of-life expensesConsolidate higher-interest debtBuy new electronics or a gaming systemCover moving expensesPay for dental work or cosmetic proceduresBuy 3,000 boxes of macaroni and cheeseOK, that last one wasn’t serious, but the truth is, with a personal loan, you would have that option.The best way to use a personal loan is on the thing that’s most important to you.What's nextCheck your credit score to get a sense of what lenders will see if you apply for a loan.Sit down with your budget to make sure the monthly payment for a $5,000 personal loan will fit.This story was produced by Achieve and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | How reading aloud shapes children’s emotional developmentHow reading aloud shapes children’s emotional developmentIn an age of packed schedules and constant digital distractions, families often struggle to slow down and connect. Yet one simple habit continues to make a lasting difference: reading together. Reading aloud to children can be an accessible and powerful way for parents and caregivers to support emotional and cognitive development while also strengthening meaningful connections. But not all reading material is created equal — the content of what's being read matters just as much as the act of reading itself.Aflac breaks down the cognitive, emotional and social benefits of reading to children, and why the stories you choose together matter.What research says about reading aloudReading to children, toddlers and even babies is a beneficial and meaningful way to spend quality time together. That’s not just anecdotal; it’s a recommendation backed up by educators and the medical community.According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, reading with children helps them build language skills, strengthen relationships with caregivers and promote brain development.What is the difference between kids who are read to and those who are not?According to a study by The Ohio State University, young children whose parents read to them five times daily will hear nearly 1.5 million more words by the time they turn five than children who weren’t read to at all.“Kids who hear more vocabulary words are going to be better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school,” said Jessica Logan, lead author of the study and assistant professor of educational studies at The Ohio State University, when the study was conducted in 2019.Reading as an emotional tool for childrenReading or being read to not only helps improve a child’s vocabulary and command of the language, it also allows for emotional development.Listening to a story helps children identify and recognize emotions, process unfamiliar experiences and empathize with characters, according to Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development [1].“Piaget has taught us that there are different planes of cognitive development, suggesting that the tailoring support is important and necessary based on the child’s age and maturity,” said Dr. James L. Klosky, Pediatric Psychologist at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.He also noted that social and emotional skills develop progressively in childhood.“Sharing is among the earliest social skills to be taught, whereas helping to clean up a classroom environment or making room for others at a table may be introduced a little later,” Klosky said.“Learning and applying these skills are examples of ways in which children develop social and emotional intelligence. Based on the content of the book, parent-child reading time allows for opportunities to discuss best practices for managing friendships and other social relationships — or for explaining the importance of empathy or compassion — in a ‘low stakes’ context that is ripe for child learning.Why stories matter during times of stress or illnessReading can provide comfort, routine and a sense of normalcy during challenging periods. For those experiencing stress, reading has been found to be an effective way to reduce stress and is more calming than listening to music or taking a walk.When children are diagnosed with a serious illness, the stress on families — and particularly on the children facing illnesses — is difficult to manage. The benefits of reading books during a prolonged, serious illness are threefold:Reading can offer children a distraction and mental escape, a way to immerse themselves in another time and place.Reading with a loved one can be comforting, providing a sense of normalcy and can help the child feel less isolated.Choosing a story to read can help give children a sense of control at a time when they may otherwise feel powerless.Even babies in the NICU benefit from the calming sound of being read to.How children’s books are supporting special causesThere is a growing trend in children’s publishing to raise awareness of or funds for specific causes, including child literacy and child health.Many of these children’s books are directly aimed at raising awareness, in a kid-friendly way, about serious illnesses, such as cancer or sickle cell disease. They can also help ease the anxiety for children undergoing treatment and their families. Medical psychologists such as Klosky note that books connected to charitable efforts can have broader benefits.“Reading is a well-established way to support children’s cognitive and emotional development,” Klosky said. “When a book is also connected to a cause related to children’s physical or emotional well-being, it can add another layer of meaning — both for families engaging with the story and for the communities those efforts support.”Reading together builds connection beyond the pageReading with a child every day can set them on the right path for cognitive development, emotional intelligence and acquisition of social skills. Just 15 minutes a day can make a big difference.And while the habit of reading together can be powerful on its own, the stories chosen matter, too. Typically, books rooted in friendship, empathy and community give parent-child reading time a deeper purpose, sparking conversations that build lasting social and emotional skills.Once you've chosen the right story, there are a few ways to take the practice of reading a step further:Try pausing at the end of a page and asking questions, sparking a conversation about what you’ve just read and what may happen next. This will keep children engaged and allow them to use critical thinking to predict how the story may end.Use fun props; gather a few stuffed animals around while reading about nature, or wear an accessory that matches a book’s theme, e.g., a cape for superhero stories.Choose books together; take your child to the local library, bookstore or online resource and choose books you will both enjoy reading.Reading aloud continues to be a meaningful way to support children’s emotional development. As children’s literature evolves, some books serve a dual purpose: fostering empathy through story while supporting causes that reach beyond the page. Together, these stories highlight the enduring power of reading to connect, comfort and contribute to the broader community.[1] Piaget, J. (1926). The language and thought of the child (M. Gabain, Trans.). Harcourt, Brace & Company. (Original work published 1923).This story was produced by Aflac and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | Should you exfoliate before or after shaving? Your skincare guideShould you exfoliate before or after shaving? Your skincare guideDespite how common it is to choose shaving for extra smooth skin, you may still have unanswered questions about the process: Do you exfoliate before or after shaving? Should you prep your skin before you shave? How can you care for your skin afterward? Dove shares answers to frequently asked questions about how to get softer, smoother skin.Should I prep my skin before I shave?Absolutely. It might sound like a natural first step, but you’ll need to make sure your hair is wet as dry shaving can cause tugging, which can lead to irritation and razor burn. So, hop in the shower or run a warm bath, soak for a couple of minutes and then apply a soothing shower mousse before you reach for your razor. The warm water will soften your hair, making it easier to shave, while the shower mousse will help your razor glide along effortlessly.When should I exfoliate?Should you exfoliate before or after shaving? The answer is yes to both. One of the most important parts of your pre-shave prep is exfoliation, which helps to buff and prepare your skin. Using an exfoliator a couple of days after you shave will also remove dead skin and make it easier for the hair to come through — meaning you’ll be less likely to get ingrown hairs.How long should you wait to shave after exfoliating?After exfoliating, it's best to wait a few minutes before shaving. This allows your skin to calm down and ensures that any exfoliating products have been fully absorbed. A five- to 10-minute wait is usually sufficient.Should I use shaving products?Using a shaving product creates a barrier between your skin and the blades, helping to protect you from irritation and reducing your risk of nicks and cuts. Consider using an antibacterial body wash with an ultra-nourishing formula to help to restore your skin's natural moisture barrier.Should I shave up or down?Shaving up, against the direction of your hair growth, gives you the closest shave for the smoothest skin. But your skin can get irritated if your hair is on the longer side, so start by shaving with the grain to shorten the hair, and then do the reverse.Should you shave before or after a shower?Shaving after a shower is generally recommended. The warm water and steam help soften your hair and open up your pores, making shaving easier and more effective. Plus, your skin is already clean, reducing the risk of irritation.How can I care for my skin after shaving?After shaving, use a rich moisturizer to keep all the moisture from our body wash locked in. The minute you’re out of the shower or bath, gently pat down your skin with a towel instead of rubbing, which can be irritating, and smooth on your favorite body lotion.By following these tips, you can enjoy a smoother, more comfortable shave while embracing your skin's natural beauty.This story was produced by Dove and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| |  Movers for Moms Donation Drive collects supplies for Humility Homes and ServicesQuad Cities Movers for Moms Donation Drive supporting local families in need through Humility Homes and Services, Inc. running now through May 5. |
| | Community honors Holocaust victimsA Holocaust survivor spoke at a Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony held in Davenport. |
| |  Warming up this week after a cold startOur week is starting off with a "Freeze Warning" for the Quad Cities area. Morning lows dropped into the 20s and low-30s. After a mild day Monday, it turns much warmer starting Tuesday. It'll be dry today and most of Tuesday, but some showers and storms move in Tuesday evening. So far, it's been a [...] |
| |  Economic Growth Corporation celebrates 900th homebuyer closingTo date, GROWTH’s EAP has provided more than $2.8 million in down payment and closing cost assistance to partcipating homebuyers. |
| |  QC Magic Makers Market plans spring market in Rock IslandThe second annual Spring Market hosted by QC Magic Makers Market will be 1-5 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Kavanaugh's Hilltop, 1228 30th St., Rock Island. The afternoon will include shopping, food, drinks, and live music. Admission is free. And here's a list of vendors: A portion of booth fees will support Rescued. Vendors can [...] |
| | Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for April 19, 2026Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County and Henry County. |
| | New housing development, new bakery grand opening, bungee fitness studio ribbon cutting, and more Quad-Cities business newsI Bake It That Way bakery grand opening, bungee fitness studio ribbon cutting, among other Quad-Cities business news. |
 |  Peace talks in doubt as U.S. seizes Iranian shipPresident Trump said a U.S. delegation will head to Pakistan to resume talks to end the war with Iran, but Tehran expressed reluctance after the U.S. seized one of its cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz. |
| | Peace talks are in doubt as the U.S. seizes an Iranian shipPresident Trump said a U.S. delegation will head to Pakistan to resume talks to end the war with Iran, but Tehran expressed reluctance after the U.S. seized one of its cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz. |
| |  A mine despoiled the beauty of the rainforest. This Goldman Prize winner took action"We women are the land guardians and keepers," says Theonila Roka Matbob of Papua New Guinea, recognized for her efforts to repair the environmental and social harms caused by a copper and gold mine. |
| | Sacred PlacesThis is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.A few days ago, I stopped in at a New Age bookstore and coffee house near Rock Island to browse.On one shelf I found a… |
| |  Who owns presidential records? Trump's Justice Department says it's himThe Trump administration asserts a nearly 50-year-old law requiring the preservation of presidential records is unconstitutional. Historians warn important papers could be destroyed. |
| |  Spanish speakers learn strategies to pass English-only driving test in FloridaA new English-only driving test rule in Florida is fueling a surge in strategy lessons for Spanish speakers where they learn to figure out the questions without having to take English language courses. |
| | Taking the Barn by Storm: “The Charitable Sisterhood of the Second Trinity Victory Church,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through April 26It felt almost like kismet that The Charitable Sisterhood of the Second Trinity Victory Church unfolded during a wild storm that washed out a bridge and stranded its ladies at the church, because the chaos outside mirrored what was happening on stage. |
| |  Data center disputes have been local. But the midterms might change thatAnger over the data center boom has spilled into politics with voters unseating local politicians who support them. It's become an issue hard to ignore in the midterm elections. |
| |  Got wearable data? Your doctor can help you connect the dotsThe American Academy of Neurology issued guidance on using wearable data devices, like smart watches or Oura rings, to track key health metrics that can help flag serious conditions. |
| |  The Sonoran Desert teems with wildlife. These 3D scans could help protect its futureA new art exhibit in Phoenix features some of the world's prickliest plants. It could also help save them. |
| | Data centers are expensive, unpopular — and could be a tipping point in the midtermsAnger over the data center boom has spilled into politics with voters unseating local politicians who support them. It's become an issue hard to ignore in the midterm elections. |
| | Freeze Warning until MON 9:00 AM CDTFreeze Warning in Effect Until 9 AM CDT: Protect Sensitive Plants |
| | A humanoid robot sprints past the human half-marathon world record in Beijing raceThe winner from Honor, a Chinese smartphone maker, completed the race in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, running faster than the human world record in a show of China's technological leaps. |
| |  U.K police investigating if attacks in London are the work of Iranian proxiesU.K. police said Sunday they are investigating whether a string of arson attacks on Jewish sites in London are the work of Iranian proxies, the latest of which caused minor damage on Saturday night. |
Sunday, April 19th, 2026 | |
| |  First responders face Special Olympians in basketball fundraiserOrganizers said their goal is to raise at least $5,000 to help this cause. |
| | Money Management: The Importance of Financial Literacy(Feature Impact) You may have mastered the core subjects like math and grammar in school, but financial literacy - or understanding the basics of money management in order to help you make better financial decisions - often goes overlooked before adulthood. It's not so much a course of study as it is a plan of action. Financial literacy in the United States has remained stagnant at generally low levels for several years, according to research from TIAA Institute and the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center, with even lower levels among Gen Z. Yet greater financial literacy - including key aspects such as goal-setting, budgeting, saving, credit management and investing - is strongly linked to better financial outcomes, including lower rates of debt constraint and financial fragility. While emboldening yourself to understand financial terms can be a little overwhelming at first, once you have a grasp of basic concepts you can begin to get a handle on your money and make better financial decisions. Simply put: When you understand how to earn, save, spend and invest wisely, you aren't just building a stable future for yourself, but your family and community as well. From nonprofit partnerships to volunteer-led programs and fee online resources, Schwab and its employees help millions of people every year build the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their financial futures by serving as board members, mentors, role models and educators. Because financial health is a lifelong journey, the earlier people learn vital money skills, the better. That's why the financial advisory services provider develops education programs geared toward kids that continue into adulthood, helping people no matter where they are on their journeys. Talk Money It's never too early to start a conversation about financial literacy. Having teens identify goals that are important to them - such as concert tickets or a first car - can kickstart coversations about money. Working with your child (and a financial advisor, if necessary) on a plan for saving to realize those goals can serve as a jumping off point. After achieving some success, their enthusiasm may grow, which is a powerful motivator to keep saving. Support School Initiatives and Programs Outreach programs that empower young people to make smart financial decisions is key to a bright future. Programs like Money Matters - Schwab's flagship financial education program utilized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America - gives young people hands-on experience with all aspects of money and investing. This example, and others, don't just include program funding - they build partnerships that create impact and opportunity with national collaborations that reach more than 17 million youth annually, empowering young people with the tools and confidence to make smart financial decisions for life. Spread the Financial Love Championing financial literacy empowers everyone - individuals, families and communities. By serving as a board member, mentor, role model or educator to help bring financial literacy to others in your community, you can supply the tools and knowledge to lead programs that focus on giving back, empowering future generations in countless ways. To learn more about financial literacy and find resources to empower your local community, visit SchwabMoneywise.com. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock |
| | Meet the Red Kiwi Everyone's Talking About This Spring Zespri(Feature Impact) While spring may be a season of fresh starts, your reset doesn't have to include a closet clean-out or juice cleanse. Sometimes the easiest upgrade is simply adding something new, fresh and unexpectedly delicious to your plate - and when something as unique and exciting as a red kiwi hits stores, it's the kind of spring discovery you have to try. Enter Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit, the berry-sweet seasonal fruit dietitians are already excited about, and one you'll only find in stores for a limited time this spring. With its naturally vibrant ruby-red center and sweet flavor that tastes like a cross between a kiwi and berries, it's quickly becoming one of the most talked-about fruits in the produce aisle. Beyond its striking color, it delivers antioxidant vitamin C along with anthocyanins - the beneficial plant nutrients that naturally give red fruits their signature hue. Plus, it makes it easy for families to add more whole-fruit nutrition to everyday routines. Naturally sweet and simple to prepare, it's a kid-friendly snack parents can feel good about serving on its own or adding to breakfast bowls, lunchboxes and quick spring recipes. Registered dietitian Lauren Manaker said it's exactly the kind of simple upgrade people are looking for this time of year. "I love recommending foods that make healthy choices feel effortless, and Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit is a great example," Manaker said. "It's naturally sweet, visually beautiful and a nutrient-dense fruit that delivers antioxidant vitamin C in every bite. Adding foods like kiwi to your routine is an easy - and delicious - way to boost the overall nutritional quality of your day." Forget restrictive resets. Adding one colorful, crave-worthy fruit to your routine can be a smarter - and more enjoyable - place to start. Simple Ways to Enjoy Kiwi This Spring Easy to enjoy on its own - just slice and scoop - RubyRed Kiwifruit also makes everyday meals a little more special. For a quick breakfast or snack, try layering sliced kiwi into a yogurt parfait with Greek yogurt and granola. The berry-sweet flavor pairs perfectly with creamy textures and adds a refreshing seasonal twist. Or finish a warm spring day with Red Kiwi Ice Pops. Blended with fruit juice and frozen with fresh slices of kiwi, they're simple, colorful treats that feel just as fun for adults as they do for kids. A Seasonal Find Worth Grabbing While You Can Part of the excitement: it isn't around for long. This limited-time seasonal fruit is available in stores nationwide through May, so it's one you'll want to grab while you can. Visit Zespri.com/RubyRed to find a store near you and explore more recipes before the season ends. Red Kiwi Yogurt Parfait 2 Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit 1 cup Greek yogurt 1/3 cup nutty granola Dice one kiwi and thinly slice one. In bottom of tall glass, layer 1/4 cup yogurt, kiwi and granola. Continue layering with remaining ingredients. Red Kiwi Ice Pops 4 Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit, peeled pineapple juice (or fruit juice of choice) Dice three kiwis into small cubes. Thinly slice remaining kiwi and reserve. In blender, blend kiwi cubes and pineapple juice until smooth. Put sliced kiwi in ice pop mold and pour juice mixture over top. Freeze until chilled. |
| | Fresh Start, Fresh Planet: 5 Steps to Reduce Waste During Spring Cleaning(Feature Impact) As the days get longer and the weather improves, many people often find the motivation to refresh their homes - and their habits. Spring cleaning is a perfect opportunity to reset, reorganize and make small changes that can help the planet. What's more, these changes are simple to implement and can even earn you some extra cash. Consider these five easy waste-reduction tips from the experts at CalRecycle to help you jump into the season feeling organized and eco-friendly. 1. Recycle Kitchen Waste As you clear out expired or forgotten food, sort items for maximum impact: Remove plastic and non-compostable packaging and put spoiled or freezer-burned food into your green bin. These scraps can be turned into compost and clean energy, helping cut methane emissions from landfills. Toss empty, dry recyclables, including condiment bottles, glass jars, metal cans and plastic food containers, into your blue bin. 2. Cash in Empty Beverage Containers Cleaning out your home may uncover some empty or forgotten beverage containers. Empty out leftover liquids and take eligible beverage containers for soda, water, juice, wine and distilled spirits to your nearest recycling site for cash back. Every California Redemption Value (CRV) beverage container you recycle saves resources and puts money back in your pocket. If you're short on time, donate your empty CRV beverage containers to your favorite nonprofit organization. Set up a separate bin just for eligible beverage containers and drop them off for donation when it's full. 3. Give Clothes and Household Items a Second Life Dig into your closets and shelves to see what you can repair, repurpose or donate. Fix a missing button, turn old fabric into cleaning rags or give gently used items to a local free-exchange group or thrift store to reduce textile waste. Simple steps like these can keep usable items out of the landfill and help someone else put them to good use. 4. Declutter Paper and Electronics Recycle junk mail, magazines and newspapers in your blue bin. Remove any plastic windows, wrap or stickers first. If you shred documents, place the shredded paper inside a paper bag before recycling. Bonus tip: Switching to digital statements and bills can help prevent paper clutter in the first place. Old electronics and used batteries don't belong in the trash. Gather them from drawers and cabinets then take them to an e-waste drop-off site or local household hazardous waste collection center for safe handling. 5. Refresh the Bathroom When restocking soaps or cleaners, look for products that offer refillable containers (especially reusable glass and aluminum ones). It's a simple way to cut down on plastic waste. When you finish bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap or cleaning sprays, make sure they land in your recycling bin after you empty them out. Swap out single-use paper towels for washable cloths or rags. They're reusable, durable and kinder to the environment. For more details, CRV redemption locations and food scrap recycling tips, visit RecyclingReimaginedCA.com. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock |
| | Sustainably Sourced Staples for Family Favorites(Feature Impact) Living sustainably might include habits like recycling or composting, but you can go above and beyond by using food ingredients that are environmentally friendly. As a pioneer in humane and sustainable meat, Niman Ranch recently launched a Regenerative Organic Certified beef program sourced entirely from U.S. family ranches covering 105,000 acres today and with a roadmap to reach 250,000 acres by 2028. Simply put, "regenerative" is a soil-first approach to farming that restores the earth rather than depleting it. This program bridges the gap between environmental stewardship and steakhouse-quality flavor so you can enjoy meals like a Seared Strip Loin with Linguini or Vietnamese Caramelized Beef Bowls. The program sets the standard for a sustainable future in several ways: Supporting American Ranchers: 100% U.S. grass-fed and finished, it provides a vital premium market for domestic family ranchers when over 95% of organic beef is currently imported. Steakhouse Quality Meets the Gold Standard: By pairing elite angus genetics with Regenerative Organic Certified's rigorous standards, the program delivers USDA-graded Choice and Prime marbling - a flavor and tenderness rarely found in the organic market. Healing the Land: Through "high-frequency rotational grazing," Niman Ranch cattle are moved across pastures in a way that restores soil health and promotes biodiversity. Learn more by visiting NimanRanch.com. Seared Strip Loin with Linguini Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes 1 Niman Ranch Strip Loin Steak (6-8 ounces) 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional to taste, divided 1 box (16 ounces) linguini 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cups chopped fennel 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/3 cup chopped Castelvetrano (green) olives 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 orange, zest and juice only 1 goat cheese log (4 ounces) 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish pepper, to taste Pat steak dry and season generously with kosher salt. Heat grill pan or grill to medium-high heat. Grill steak until medium-rare (135-140 F), turning halfway through cooking, about 8 minutes total. Set aside. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Cook linguini according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining linguini in colander. In same pasta pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Cook fennel, red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon kosher salt over medium heat, stirring, until fennel is tender, 5-6 minutes. Add chopped olives, garlic and orange zest. Stir in orange juice and stir to combine. Set aside. Return drained linguini to pot. Crumble goat cheese on top and add reserved pasta water. Stir until pasta is evenly coated. Serve with slices of steak on top and garnish with fresh parsley. Vietnamese Caramelized Beef Bowls Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes 1 package (8 ounces) rice vermicelli noodles Beef: 2 cloves garlic, grated 1 thumb ginger, peeled and grated 2 tablespoons fish sauce 4 teaspoons light brown sugar 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 pound Niman Ranch ground beef 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Dressing: 4 tablespoons soy sauce 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons lemongrass paste 2 tablespoons light brown sugar 2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (optional) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Salad: 8 ounces butter lettuce leaves 8 ounces carrots, peeled and sliced into matchsticks 1 English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly crosswise into half-moons 1 bunch fresh mint 1 bunch cilantro chopped roasted and unsalted peanuts 1 lime, cut into wedges Cook vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Set aside. To prepare beef: In medium bowl, whisk garlic, ginger, fish sauce, brown sugar, lemongrass paste and lime juice until blended. Add beef and mix until well blended. Marinate 15 minutes. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Add beef and cook, breaking up using wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until beef is dark and caramelized, 10-12 minutes. To make dressing: In small bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, lemongrass paste, brown sugar and sriracha, if desired. Whisk until sugar dissolves. Slowly stream in vegetable oil, whisking, until dressing is thickened. To prepare salads: Divide noodles between four shallow bowls. Arrange caramelized beef, lettuce, carrots, cucumber, mint and cilantro in bowls then drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with peanuts. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing on top. |
| | Turn a Parent's Love into Lifesaving Impact with Gifts That Give Back Globally(Feature Impact) A parent's love knows no limits. Across the globe, mothers and fathers do everything in their power to protect their children and give them the chance to grow up safe and strong. This year, celebrate that love with meaningful gifts that gives back. Through UNICEF Market and Inspired Gifts, you can honor a mother, father or caregiver while helping the United Nations Children's Fund deliver lifesaving support to children across 190 countries and territories - from Lebanon to Gaza, Sudan and beyond. They represent tangible interventions that help deliver safe water, strengthen education systems, provide critical services and protect children from preventable diseases. Lifesaving Nutrition Invented 30 years ago, Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) is a low-cost, innovative option to treat child wasting. Each year, UNICEF delivers nearly 1 billion sachets of RUTF, reaching more than 9 million children across every continent: from the Pacific to the Sahel and South Asia to Latin America. Nine out of 10 children treated with RUTF make a full recovery, often within weeks. Gifting 150 Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food Packets provides a child with a two month's supply of RUTF. "For three decades, RUTF has helped save millions of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition around the world," said UNICEF USA President and CEO, Michael J. Nyenhuis. "As we mark this milestone, we celebrate the lives saved and the progress made - and recommit to building a future where every child has access to the quality nutrition they need not only to survive, but to thrive." Maternal and Newborn Care Support new moms with a gift that gives newborn babies a chance for a better start in life. These Newborn Kits packages contain blankets, prenatal supplements for 20 new moms and essential vaccines to protect babies against measles, polio, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. In addition, the Mom and Baby Care bundle contains essential medications to assist with a smooth and safe delivery as well as newborn antibiotics aimed at helping reduce the risk of perinatal asphyxia, neonatal infections and prematurity. Artisan Gifts From a Peruvian-made Adjustable Leather Sling Bag designed for versatility that also provides 112 packets of lifesaving nourishment to children around the world suffering from malnutrition to a handcrafted Talavera-Style Vase from Mexico that provides 21 doses of measles vaccine, UNICEF Market artisan goods blend craftsmanship with purpose. Each purchase delivers lifesaving nutrition, vaccines and essential services for children around the world. Partner Gifts Children of the world are too often at risk, exposed to conflicts, diseases and natural disasters that threaten their safety and well-being. Since 2016, Louis Vuitton has helped protect these children through its partnership with UNICEF, creating a dedicated Silver LockIt Collection in support of the organization's work, and more than $24 million has been donated through this initiative. In collaboration with House Ambassador and UNICEF Korea Goodwill Ambassador Felix, a new design is engraved with the word "DREAM," representing every child's right to grow, live and learn in a nurturing environment with access to education, health care and protection. For each piece purchased, a donation will be made to help deliver lifesaving assistance and education to children in urgent need around the world. Learn more at us.louisvuitton.com. This year, celebrate mothers, fathers and caregivers with more than a gift. Celebrate them with an act of generosity through UNICEF Market and Inspired Gifts that transform gratitude into action and love into lifesaving impact. To dedicate a personalized gift in their honor, visit market.unicefusa.org. |
| | Balance Your Plate with Produce, Protein and Whole Grains(Feature Impact) Making health-conscious decisions with your at-home menu doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require commitment and a little more foresight at the grocery store. Simple adjustments to overall eating patterns, like building your plate around produce, powerful proteins and whole grains, can encourage better health. Nutritious meal-planning can be easy, affordable and delicious – and it all starts with a little balance. Consider this advice from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative, nationally sponsored by the Egg Nutrition Center, to adequately round out a healthy plate. Fill Half Your Plate with Fruits and Veggies Loaded with nutrients, fresh produce is a perfect place to start each plate. Fill about half your plate with combinations of bananas, strawberries, blueberries, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots and more of your favorites. To boost variety with each meal, look for fruit and veggie blends or step out of your usual routine and try something new. Grocery tip: Frozen fruits and veggies are often cheaper and just as delicious as their fresh counterparts. It’s frozen right after it’s picked, locking in freshness for a longer shelf life. Just be sure to avoid products with added salt or sugar. Carve Out a Quarter of the Plate for Powerful Proteins Healthy food isn’t just fuel. It should be easy and nourish you, too. Look for versatile solutions that provide a protein power-up like skinless chicken breast, no-salt-added beans, low-sodium tuna, tofu or eggs. High-quality protein from foods, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help support the muscles in your body. Eggs are an example, along with lean animal protein and some plant-based proteins. According to the American Heart Association’s guidelines, healthy people can include up to one whole egg daily, and up to seven per week, as part of a heart-healthy diet. For older adults with normal cholesterol, two eggs per day is acceptable. Eggs deliver both protein and choline, nutrients that help support growing brains and bodies, especially early in life. In fact, many Americans don’t get enough choline, a critical nutrient for supporting brain development, memory and mood. Grocery tip: Stock up on proteins that offer both versatility and affordability, helping you cook multiple meals per week without putting a dent in your wallet. Eggs are a perfect example as they can be used at any meal, not just breakfast – try them in wraps or omelets in the morning, hard-boil them to go with a lunchtime salad or add to a frittata at dinner. Save a Corner for Whole Grains Finally, fill that last quarter of the plate with ready-to-go whole grains, many of which provide dietary fiber that can support a healthy heart and healthy digestion. Conversely, most refined grains contain little or no fiber. Examples of whole grains include barley, brown rice, corn, oatmeal, rolled or steel-cut oats, popcorn, quinoa, sorghum and wild rice, along with products labeled “whole grain” or “whole wheat” like bread or pasta. Grocery tip: Look for whole grains that can make mealtime a cinch. Corn tortillas, instant oats and even popcorn can help you create nutritious plates and better-for-you snacks with the snap of your fingers. Try keeping packets of pre-cooked brown rice on hand to bulk up favorite dishes or toss with leftovers to round out a healthy plate. Visit Heart.org to discover more nutrition guidance for heart-healthy meals. 3 Tips to Complement a Healthy, Balanced Plate Nutrition isn’t just about what’s on your plate – it’s also about what’s next to it and how much is on it. Pair a balanced meal with this advice to help take healthy eating to the next level. Stay Hydrated If it’s not already a habit, add a glass of water to each meal. Staying hydrated helps your heart pump blood throughout the body, get rid of waste and regulate body temperature. While water is the best source of hydration, water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can also play a role. Watch Portion Sizes Pay attention to suggested servings from your favorite food groups. For example, one slice of whole-grain bread, 1/2 cup of cooked pasta and two ounces of cheese (about the size of a domino) are the suggested serving sizes for these popular foods. You can serve and eat smaller portions by: When cooking at home, offer the proper serving size to each family member then put extra food away for leftovers. When dining out, skip appetizers and split your meal with a friend or partner. Avoid eating while watching TV or at your computer. It may be harder to control how much you’re eating if you’re not paying full attention. Mindfully measure out your snacks – even fruits and veggies – into appropriate portions before serving instead of helping yourself directly from the bag or box. Limit Salt While sodium supports vital functions like controlling your body’s fluid balance, excess sodium in your bloodstream pulls water into the blood vessels, increasing the amount of blood inside them and thus increasing blood pressure. More than 70% of the sodium people eat comes from packaged, prepared and restaurant foods due to salt added for flavoring, stabilizing, preserving and reducing bacterial risk, according to the American Heart Association. Cutting back on sodium can help reduce the rise in blood pressure that occurs as you age, even if you don’t have high blood pressure now. It may also help reduce the risk of heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and more. Try cooking more meals at home where you can control sodium intake, flavoring foods with herbs and spices instead of table salt and rinsing canned beans and vegetables to wash away excess sodium. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (family preparing meal) |
| |  Illinois lawmakers advance slate of bills ahead of chamber deadlineSPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- Illinois lawmakers moved a wide-ranging group of bills out of their respective chambers ahead of their Friday deadline. The measures now head to their opposite ends of the General Assembly for further consideration, as they approach the end of spring session on May 31. Here’s a look at some of the [...] |
| | High school sophomore builds memorial at Rock Island ArsenalA Bettendorf High School sophomore has earned scouting’s highest honor after leading the construction of a memorial honoring military families. |
| | High school sophomore builds memorial at Rock Island ArsenalA Bettendorf High School sophomore has earned scouting’s highest honor after leading the construction of a memorial honoring military families. |
| | Explosion reported during East Moline house fireThe victim's condition and the cause of the fire remains unknown. |
| | Where are Davenport’s speed cabinets going to be?A list of where Davenport's speed cabinets and speed van will be this week. |
| |  Sheffield Summer Festival returns for third yearA once-ended tradition is back in Sheffield, as a community-funded festival returns for its third year. |
| | One dead following Bettendorf house fireOne person is dead following a house fire in Bettendorf. According to a release from the City of Bettendorf, the Bettendorf Fire and Police Departments responded to a 911 call of a house fire April 19 at approximately 2:02 p.m. at the 3000 block of Bellevue Ave. A neighbor and responding police officer entered the [...] |
| | 1 dead after a house fire in BettendorfA 76-yeard-old male has died after a house fire occurred on the 300 block of Bellevue Avenue in Bettendorf. |
| | 1 dead after Bettendorf house fireThe Bettendorf Fire and Police Department responded to a house fire on the 300 block of Bellevue Avenue that left one dead. |
| | Freeze warning tonight, but things warming upThings have cooled down quite a bit since those storms from Friday night with afternoon temperatures falling to the low to mid 50s. So much so that tonight and early tomorrow morning with be under a freeze warning due to the shift in colder temperatures in the upper 20s and low 30s. But it will [...] |
| | Programming Alert: No 5 or 10 p.m. newscasts SundayThere will be no 5 p.m. or 10 p.m. newscasts Sunday night due to NBA Basketball on NBC. |
| |  Communities launch cleanup after severe weather and tornadoes churn across MidwestAt least 66 tornado reports were submitted across multiple states on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. |
| |  Three students among five wounded in shooting at Iowa City Ped MallNo arrests have been made yet. |
| |  Home damaged in East Moline fireA home was damaged in a fire in East Moline Sunday afternoon. |
| | 76-year-old man dies after Bettendorf house fire on SundayThe fire was reported in the 3000 block of Bellevue Avenue at about 2:02 p.m. on Sunday. |
| | Man dies in Bettendorf house fireA man is dead after a house fire in Bettendorf Sunday afternoon. |
| |  Crews respond to Bettendorf house fireFirefighters from Bettendorf and the Rock Island Arsenal are on scene of a house fire |
| |  Ex-Quad-City, Anaheim Angels outfielder Garret Anderson dies at 53Garret Anderson, the multitalented outfielder who became the Los Angeles Angels' career hits leader and led the Anaheim Angels to their only World Series title, has died. He was 53. Anderson played 105 games with the 1991 Quad City Angels, hitting .260 with 102 hits and 42 RBIs. Angels is a previous name of the [...] |
| |  Ped Mall reopens hours after Sunday shooting in Iowa CityPolice say there is no current threat to the public. |
| |  QC Business Showcase: Hob Nosh ’26 welcomes the community April 22QC Business Showcase: Hob Nosh ’26 welcomes the community April 22, booths and special incentives available. |
| | Eight children killed in a shooting in Louisiana, police sayThe victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport, Louisiana police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 people were shot. |
| |  8 children killed in a shooting in Louisiana, police sayThe victims ranged in age from 1 to about 14 years old, said Shreveport, La., police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 people were shot. |
| |  Barbara Flynn Currie, 40-year veteran of Illinois House, trailblazer for women, dies at 85Former Illinois House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, who served 40 years in the General Assembly, died Thursday at age 85. |
| |  West Carroll superintendent addresses students, families after students witness tornado in LenaThe West Carroll superintendent is addressing the West Carroll community after students attending a music competition in Lena encountered a tornado. |
| | Officials: 5 injured, including 3 University of Iowa students in shooting at Ped Mall near universityThe Iowa City Police Department is investigating a shooting that happened early Sunday morning at the Ped Mall near the University of Iowa campus. |
| | ‘Just wonderful’: USC musicians perform at Congaree National Park for country’s 250th birthdayThe Fuse Woodwind Quintet, composed of Molly Damitio on flute, Jonathan Krause on oboe, Elle Senn on bassoon, Connor Hammond on French horn and Jennifer Saavedra Tovar on clarinet, performs at Congaree National Park near Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)HOPKINS — The birds that usually sing at Congaree National Park had accompaniment Saturday from jazz musicians, saxophonists, singers and woodwinds. The music, performed by ensembles of University of South Carolina students, commemorated two anniversaries: the nation’s founding 250 years ago and the national park’s initial designation under federal protection 50 years ago. First preserved in 1976 as Congaree Swamp National Monument, the 26,000-acre park at the southern end of Richland County was renamed in 2003. Stationed along a half-mile portion of the park’s iconic 2.6-mile boardwalk, four groups of musicians performed for dozens of people over the course of two hours. Some hikers stopped to take in entire sets, which the ensembles played on repeat for new visitors. Others paused for a moment or moseyed on, venturing further into a swamp awash with the sound of music. Onlookers watch as the USC Choral Ensemble, directed by Alicia Walker, performs at Congaree National Park in Richland County on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) On a bench between a woodwind quintet and the 11-member choir, where the music overlapped, Sherry Stormant leaned back on a bench, taking it all in. The 70-year-old drove about two hours from her home in Huger, a small community near Mount Pleasant, after seeing a post about the event on Facebook, she said. The idea of listening to classical music while in a national park seemed so pleasant, Stormant knew she had to give it a try, she said. Saturday’s performances did not disappoint her. “It’s just wonderful,” Stormant said. “It’s almost overwhelming, it’s just so beautiful and touching. Everybody’s face has a certain serenity to it.” Near the visitor’s center at the park’s main entrance — 18 miles southeast of USC’s main campus — a jazz band played selections of various tunes. Where the boardwalk widened, a quartet of saxophonists played a series of songs, including “Amazing Grace” and a suite of ragtime music, another American-formed genre. Both the quartet and the choir, stationed on a trail just off the boardwalk, performed versions of “Simple Gifts,” the tune written by the Shakers, a religious group that came to America to escape persecution in 1774. Those pieces were meant to represent various parts of American culture, said Allister Frankle, a second-year doctoral student in saxophone performance, who played the soprano saxophone Saturday. Allister Frankle plays soprano saxophone as part of the USC Saxophone Quartet at Congaree National Park near Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) “There’s a bunch of different music happening that we (as Americans) have associated with us, whether it’s jazz or popular music or esteemed classical music,” Frankle said. “We’re very much a cultural center of a lot of different arts, so this is a great opportunity to share that.” The university and national park partnered for a similar event last spring, when bassoonists played different parts of the same song throughout the forest as a way of representing the interconnectedness of nature. That got staff at the park and school of music talking about another performance, this time in celebration of the country’s founding, said Elle Senn, a third-year doctoral candidate in bassoon performance who helped organize the event. Playing at South Carolina’s only national park was a way of meeting people where they’re at, Senn said. Traditional sit-down performances generally draw the same crowds every time, since newcomers might feel intimidated or simply not want to sit still for that long. Going for a walk at Congaree could introduce new groups of people to the music, either because it’s less commitment than a full-length concert or because they happened upon the performances while out for a hike, she said. “I hope people see that music, even classical music, is a lot more accessible than it may seem,” Senn said. Santi Balagtas plays a trumpet solo as part of the Butterfield Combo’s performance at Congaree National Park near Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) The Fuse Woodwind Quintet, which Senn oversees as artistic director, performed Antonin Dvořak’s string quartet “American,” written in 1893 as a celebration of the composer’s visit to Iowa, while standing in the underbrush just off the boardwalk, surrounded by cypress trees and swamp. That should be proof enough that “we are willing to play literally anywhere” if it means exposing people to new music, Senn said, pointing out her muddy boots. That accessibility drew Tyler Farley out to the park Saturday. The Lexington resident wants to expose her 4-year-old daughter, Emilia, to as much nature and culture as possible, and Saturday’s event seemed like the perfect chance to do both at the same time, she said. Concert tickets aren’t always affordable, especially with a 4-year-old who’s unlikely to sit still for that long, so Farley jumped at the chance to show her daughter live music for free, she said. “It’s a lot of just showing her a lot of new things at one time,” Farley said. “It’s an experience, and I’m hoping that when we leave here, she’ll want to call my parents and talk about it, call her dad and talk about it — something that sparks some spark in her, ignites something.” For Emilia, who wants to be a ballerina when she grows up, the music gave her a reason to dance. “It was just great,” Emilia said of the performances, dancing along. “I want to make them feel great about me dancing.” Seeing people’s response, whether they were discussing the performances, listening quietly or, indeed, dancing, did make the musicians feel great, Senn said. “It really does warm my heart,” she said. Thomas Bridgmon plays trumpet as part of the Butterfield Combo jazz band at Congaree National Park southeast of Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) Ryan Johnson, on tenor saxophone, Meng-Yung Weng, on alto saxophone, and Ryan Conteras, on baritone saxophone, perform as part of the USC Saxophone Quartet at Congaree National Park in Hopkins, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) Onlookers stop to watch the Fuse Woodwind Quintet play "American" by Antonin Dvorak at Congaree National Park in Richland County, South Carolina, on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) The Fuse Woodwind Quintet, composed of Molly Damitio on flute, Jonathan Krause on oboe, Elle Senn on bassoon, Connor Hammond on French horn and Jennifer Saavedra Tovar on clarinet, performs at Congaree National Park in Hopkins, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) Ryan Johnson plays tenor saxophone as part of the USC Saxophone Quartet at Congaree National Park in Hopkins, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) The USC Choral Ensemble performs Congaree National Park in Hopkins, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) Dennis Heaven plays the double bass as part of the Butterfield Combo at Congaree National Park in Hopkins, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) Onlookers watch as the USC Choral Ensemble, directed by Alicia Walker, performs at Congaree National Park near Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) Jayden Moreno plays a saxophone solo as Santi Balagtas, another member of the Butterfield Combo, looks on at Congaree National Park near Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type" : "ImageGallery", "id" : "https://scdailygazette.com/2026/04/19/just-wonderful-usc-musicians-perform-at-congaree-national-park-for-countrys-250th-birthday/", "url" : "https://scdailygazette.com/2026/04/19/just-wonderful-usc-musicians-perform-at-congaree-national-park-for-countrys-250th-birthday/" } Courtesy of South Carolina Daily Gazette |
| |  Energy demand in ComEd territory could double by 2040, in part driven by data centersRepresentatives from Ameren and Commonwealth Edison, Illinois’ major electric supply companies, said a majority, though not all, of the large load projects in their queues are data centers. |
| |  5 injured, including students, in shooting near the University of IowaThe investigation remains ongoing. |
| | Clucking egg prices as of 4/17/26Here’s this week’s egg price update. This is the USDA’s average price per dozen when delivered to the warehouse on Jan. 20, 2026, compared to where prices are now. To see the price, click on the video above. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and [...] |
| |  FISA Section 702 renewal not a slam dunk in CongressOne of the most controversial intelligence tools utilized by the federal government might disappear, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Section 702 has been around since 2008. It lets the government spy on foreigners abroad but can track the communications of Americans who speak with any targets under surveillance. Critics take the [...] |
| |  Tougher animal torture law in Iowa in doubt despite broad agreementA bill to get tougher on people who torture animals in Iowa might be losing momentum, and Illinois might get tougher on insurance companies that try to raise prices. We will start in Illinois and new regulations proposed for companies that provide car and homeowners' insurance, Senate Bill 1486. Here's what it would do: This [...] |
| |  Illinois lawmakers McCombie & Halpin on new taxes and the next home for the Chicago BearsIllinois state lawmakers are moving closer to the pressure point of this year's legislative session. It's scheduled to end May 31, and they need to finalize a budget by then. Gov. JB Pritzker submitted his $56 billion spending plan about two months ago. It would be the largest budget in state history. The biggest challenge [...] |
| | Officials: 3 University of Iowa students injured in shooting at Ped Mall near universityThe Iowa City Police Department is investigating a shooting that happened early Sunday morning at the Ped Mall near the University of Iowa campus. |
| |  Several injured in shooting near University of Iowa campus at Ped MallThe Iowa City Police Department is investigating a shooting that happened early Sunday morning at the Ped Mall near the University of Iowa campus. |
| | “Butcher, Hymes, & Murtha,” April 29 through June 29Colorful, playful, and delightfully goofy works will be on display at the Quad City Arts International Airport Gallery from April 29 through June 29, with the shared exhibition Butcher, Hymes, & Murtha showcasing new illustrations on shaped wood by Aaron Butcher and examples of fiber art by MaryKay Hymes and Diane Murtha. |
| |  Sunday Puzzle: For MimiNPR's Elissa Nadworny plays the puzzle with WMEH listener Chee Sing Lee and Weekend Edition Puzzlemaster Will Shortz. |
| |  Work continues on Bettendorf's Central Avenue Resurfacing ProjectIowa American Water crews will move eastward on Monday and begin work on the second of five sections. |
| | BBB Tip: Healthcare scams are after your personal informationHealthcare scams are as varied as just about any con out there. The fraudster often poses as a government authority to persuade you to provide personal information related to your insurance, Medicare or Medicaid account for identity theft. In other… |
| |  Photos: In this part of the world, nearly every chile pepper farmer is a womanChile peppers are a traditional part of Indian cuisine — and a key crop for women farmers. They say it's too demanding for men. "In spite of the challenges," says one, "we've found freedom." |
| | Why nearly every farmer who grows these chile peppers is a womanChile peppers are a traditional part of Indian cuisine — and a key crop for women farmers. They say it's too demanding for men. "In spite of the challenges," says one, "we've found freedom." |
| | MARK-TO-MARKET: Despite Iran conflict, stock market soars to record highsNot even halfway through the year, 2026 has been a rollercoaster ride for stock market investors. In early February, the major U.S. stock market indexes were all trading at or near their respective all-time highs. Investors were optimistic that the… |
| |  U.S.-Iran ceasefire expires this week with no deal in sightAfter briefly reopening the vital economic waterway, Iran has again closed the Strait of Hormuz, saying it will restrict ships from passing through as long as the U.S. continues its blockade. |
| | U.S. negotiators prepare for more peace talks as Trump repeats threats to IranAfter Iran again closed the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump said the U.S. is returning to Pakistan for negotiations, but threatened to strike Iranian infrastructure if a deal isn't reached soon. |
| | How Iowa Quad-Cities school districts reacted to 2% increase in supplemental state aidAs school budgets for next year are nearing completion and being presented to the public, here is how Iowa Quad-Cities schools responded the 2% increase in supplemental state aid. |