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

Tuesday, February 24th, 2026
	More people bought and sold homes in the Quad Cities in 2025 Compared to 2024, 7% more homes were sold and 6% more were listed in 2025.
	The Carp This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Among most Rock Islanders, the carp has a low reputation. If you invite a dozen of your friends over for a grand carp…
	'Fear of Flying Clinic' helps anxious travelers back into the skies For 50 years, a San Francisco-based group has created a space where fearful flyers can get supported exposure to air travel.
	Why Gavin Newsom refuses to be a "bystander" in this political moment What does the Democratic leader see for himself in the years to come?
	These small business owners are owed tariff refunds. Will they ever get them? Anyone who paid the taxes should get reimbursed, but the high court did not address how. Business owners wonder if they'll need lawyers, brokers, money — or luck.
	FBI director invites fresh scrutiny over travels with appearance at US men's hockey team celebration When the American men's hockey team retreated to their locker room to celebrate their Winter Olympics gold medal win, they were joined by a special guest from the United States: FBI Director Kash Patel.
	France moves to bar US Ambassador Charles Kushner from direct government access France's top diplomat has requested that U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner no longer be allowed direct access to members of the French government. Kushner skipped a meeting Monday to discuss comments by the Trump administration over the beating death of a far-right activist.
Monday, February 23rd, 2026
	From Davenport to Canton: How Roger Craig’s experiences in Quad Cities led him to greatness Long before Roger Craig was making history with the 49ers, his unlimited potential was evident at Davenport Central.
	New Muscatine housing will provide safe homes for Jefferson Elementary families Collaborative partners gathered recently to celebrate the completion of a new housing triplex designed to increase access to safe, stable, and affordable rental housing for families with children attending Jefferson Elementary School, a news release says. This project marks the successful launch of a pilot initiative made possible through a $1.25 million grant from the [...]
	Rock Island City Council hears public comment on future of Chief Blackhawk statue An update on a TV6 Investigates story which unveiled where the City of Rock Island put the Chief Blackhawk statue.
	More people bought and sold homes in the Quad Cities in 2025. Here's why. Compared to 2024, 7% more homes were sold and 6% more were listed in 2025.
	Iowa school funding bill for 2% increase advances The Iowa Senate passed its version of a school funding bill, approving a 2% increase. The move would increase the state's cost per student by roughly $160. The bill would also cap individual school districts from spending more than $1 million for transportation and would allocate $7 million for paraeducators. Republicans say it would provide [...]
	2nd Iowa lawmaker diagnosed with cancer An Iowa state senator disclosed on Monday that he has cancer.
	Governor Pritzker renews push to ban cell phones from classrooms ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- It seems like you can’t get Republicans and Democrats to agree on much politically. But, there is one issue both sides are looking to fix. "It's time to get cell phones out of the classroom," said Governor JB Pritzker at his State of the State address. During his annual address Pritzker renewed [...]
	The Waiting Child: Oaklee loves sports and video games; waits for a Big Brothers Big Sisters ‘Big’ More than 200 kids in the area are on the waiting list for a ‘Big.’ Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley needs volunteers to spend time with them. In this week’s The Waiting Child, Our Quad Cities News' Eric Olsen introduces us to Oaklee, who loves football and baseball and playing video games. [...]
	Burlington Store plans grand opening in Moline Burlington Stores, Inc., one of the fastest growing national off-price retailers, will have a grand opening for its new store in Moline, according to a news release. This will be the 51st store to open in the state. “Delivering incredible value on brand-name and on-trend merchandise is at the heart of what we do,” said Michael O’Sullivan, CEO, Burlington Stores. “Opening a new, [...]
	Moline woman with family in Mexico watches violence after cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ killed After Mexican forces killed cartel leader “El Mencho,” violence has disrupted travel and life in parts of Mexico.
	AED training in Davenport schools prepares teachers to save a life Davenport schools are working to be certified as 'heart safe,' and teachers at Harrison Elementary School were put to the test in front of Project ADAM representatives to get their official Heart Safe Designation. "We have drills for everything, like tornado drill, fire drills, lock down drills, so a medical drill just makes sense," says [...]
	Officials: Loose dog call leads to body found in Colona’s Green River The Colona police and fire departments say they recovered a body from the Green River.
	Quad Cities woman worries for family in Mexico amid unrest Maria Lopez moved to Moline 20 years ago but still has family in Guadalajara.
	GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales faces pressure from party over affair allegations The Texas Republican is facing calls from fellow House Republicans to resign, following allegations of an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.
	YMCA after-school program set to close in Davenport, leaving parents scrambling for childcare Parents have until July to find alternative childcare after 25-year partnership ends
	Davenport's Harrison Elementary puts life-saving skills to the test Davenport schools are striving to get heart certified, and Harrison Elementary ran through a practice simulation of a real-life emergency.
	Up and down temps AND chance for snow this week in Quad Cities After a cold weekend, things are about to warm up a bit in the Quad Cities. Tuesday will be near 50° and back up above average for a change. That's not the warmest of the week though. That comes Friday when the high hits 60°! Sandwiched in between is a chance for some light snow [...]
	Former Dunleavy recall leader is latest candidate for Alaska governor Meda DeWitt holds up a plant in this undated photo provided by the candidate. (Handout photo)Six years ago, Meda DeWitt was seeking to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy from office. Now, she’s looking to take his position. Last week, DeWitt became the 17th person and second independent to file a letter of intent for Alaska’s gubernatorial race. Speaking by phone, she said a majority of the candidates in the race are Republican and all working off the same talking points. “We need somebody who isn’t owned by a specific party and required to use those talking points shared among all of the party, and really listen to Alaskans and get the job done,” she said. Candidates for Governor Former state Sen. Tom Begich (Democrat) Former state Sen. Click Bishop (Republican) Former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson (Republican) and Lt. Gov. candidate Josh Church (Republican) Former state revenue commissioner Adam Crum (Republican) Current state Sen. Matt Claman (Democrat) Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom (Republican) Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Edna DeVries (Republican) Organizer Meda DeWitt (independent) Kasilof resident Jessica Faircloth (independent) Anchorage podiatrist and state medical board member Matt Heilala (Republican) Former state Sen. Shelley Hughes (Republican) Former state Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (Democrat) Author Hank Kroll (Registered Republican) with Lt. Gov. candidate Tommy Nicholson (Undeclared) Angoon resident and former teacher James William Parkin IV (Republican) Former Attorney General Treg Taylor (Republican) Palmer resident Bruce Walden (Republican) Businesswoman Bernadette Wilson (Republican) with Lt. Gov. candidate Mike Shower (Republican) DeWitt is a lifelong Alaskan, born and raised in the state. She is Tlingit from the Naanya.aayí clan in Wrangell, she is senior state manager for the Wilderness Society in Alaska and president of Yak-Tat K̲wáan Inc., the village corporation for Yakutat. A traditional healer, she has 20 years of experience as a community and political organizer. “I have experience in working with the different components that a community needs to thrive,” she said. “And I believe that our state has some hard realities that we need to address. You know, we need to address climate change. We have 141 communities that are going to have to be relocated.” DeWitt said the state’s budget will need “some tough love” but that the next governor should also be prepared to support the base needs of what the state is supposed to provide its residents. Asked why she believes she’s the best person to organize that, she said, “Well, Alaska needs a mom. My elders that I work with have asked me to run. Communities have asked me to run. My children have asked me to run. They believe that I can make a difference, and so I personally may never have just chosen on my own to step up into that space, but when you have your elders in your life that matter, your children in your life that matter, and your community in your life that matter, that ask you to do it, then you have to take the time to honor that.” The recall campaign against Dunleavy launched in 2019, after the governor proposed sweeping budget cuts. It alleged a variety of illegal and incompetent acts. Dunleavy’s attorney general rejected the campaign, stalling it until the following year, when it was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. The campaign ultimately fell short of the signatures needed to force a recall vote. “He cut safety, he cut education, he cut elder benefits, he cut all of these things that underpin being able to live here and survive,” she said, recalling the campaign. “Alaska is hard to live in.” She noted that Dunleavy now has the worst approval rating of any governor in the United States. “The recall, even though we didn’t recall him, we did hold him in check. He knew that that was always looming there in the background for his entire eight years,” she said. The next governor will have to deal with tough issues, DeWitt said. “We have to talk about ferries in Southeast,” she said. “We have to talk about coastal erosion on the West Coast, we have to talk about our oil and gas dependency and how that’s not healthy for us. Also, who’s talking about the fact that we ship in 95% of our food and goods?” DeWitt sees her campaign as one focused on issues that people are talking about. “I think that this is a people’s campaign that’s going to take people power to do it, and I look forward to working with Alaskans in the process,” she said. “And I humbly ask for their support and their vote and to be given the opportunity to serve.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	In pictures: Winter storm slams the east coast Photos of cities in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts as they cope with a powerful winter storm.
	QC Nuclear Power Station exercise postponed Because of "circumstances beyond its control," the Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station Exercise scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 24, has been postponed, according to a Monday afternoon news release. Also, the release says, the subsequent FEMA exercise meeting scheduled to be conducted at the Quad Cities Station Training Building on Feb. 27 has been postponed. The rescheduled [...]
	Harrison Elementary puts life-saving skills to the test Davenport schools are striving to get heart certified and Harrison Elementary ran through a practice simulation of a real life emergency.
	Moline John Deere executive rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange Jason Daly, a vice president at John Deere, represented the construction and equipment manufacturing industry, highlighting its economic impact and workforce.
	Change in venue could cost taxpayers tens of thousands in Trudy Appleby case A local prosecutor says a change in venue good be a good, but costly thing in the Jamison Fisher case
	Quad City Storm hosts Union Night We're heading into the final stretch of the regular season, and the Quad City Storm wants you there to cheer them on to victory! Brian Rothenberger and Devin Sanders joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about the Quad City Storm's Union Night. For more information, click here.
	Latest in Illinois politics: possible Bears move, data center regulations, Pritzker's budget address Brenden Moore from Capitol News Illinois joined The Current to discuss the Chicago Bears' possible move to Indiana, reactions to Pritzker's budget address and more.
	Funeral services planned for Alleman High School's longtime priest, Father Daniel Mirabelli Public visitation will be in the school gym on Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. with a rosary at 12:30. The funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Church.
	Officials: Body recovered from Green River in Colona The Colona police and fire departments say they recovered a body from the Green River.
	Latest in Iowa politics: education funding, weapons on school grounds, gubernatorial power Dana Searles from our sister station in Des Moines joined The Current to discuss Iowa bills limiting gubernatorial power, school funding increases and more.
	Defense makes new filings in case surrounding death of Jackson Kradle Attorneys for former deputy Matthew Herpstreith are seeking more details from prosecutors about their plans to prove Herpstreith struck and kill the 18-year-old.
	Body pulled from Colona Green River Colona police were looking for a loose dog in the Nancy Trailer Court area when they discovered a body in the Green River.
	Good Morning Quad Cities adding 1 additional hour of streaming on WQAD8+ Good Morning Quad Cities is expanding with an additional hour of streaming on the WQAD8+ streaming app, starting March 2.
	Iowa Schools Get 2% Funding Boost The Iowa Senate approved a compromise plan to fund public schools for the coming year.
	Colona police find man's body in Green River on Monday The name of the man was not released Monday, pending the notification of his next of kin.
	Seven-Course Melee: “How to Make a Killing” and “I Can Only Imagine 2” In this dark comedy thriller, and in a change of pace for the performer, Margaret Qualley turns out not to be an on-screen firecracker. She's more like a countdown clock, the type that requires action heroes to cut either the blue or red wire before everything gets blown to bits
	Dead man found in Green River in Colona Authorities in Colona are investigating after a man was found dead in the Green River. Colona Police responded to a call about a loose dog in the Nancy Trailer Court in Colona on Monday, February 23 at about 10:56 a.m., according to a news release from the Colona Fire Department. Officers found the dog and [...]
	Crews fight East Moline house fire Crews are battling a house fire in East Moline Monday afternoon.
	Davenport man arrested on 15 child sex abuse material charges A Davenport man is in the Scott County Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond after police say he was found with over 100 of images of child sex abuse material. The criminal complaints filed in Scott County Court said Davenport Police received a case transfer from Moline Police on December 4, 2025 regarding a CyberTip [...]
	Former deputy in Sonya Massey killing serving prison sentence, but state officials won’t say where Illinois Department of Corrections confirmed Sean Grayson is in their custody but declined to disclose his whereabouts, citing security reasons.
	Final phase of I-80 work in Henry County begins in March The Illinois Department of Transportation is sharing plans for the final phase of construction on 5.7 miles of Interstate 80 in Henry County that will begin in March.
	Rock Island bingo night to support cultural career speaking series Proceeds from this Saturday's event will support the Multi-Generational Community Builder's "Approach to Healthy Living" educational program for students.
	Person scammed out of hundreds of dollars by fake bondsman, deputies say The Henry County Sheriff’s Office said a person was scammed out of about $600 by someone posing as a bondsman.
	Congressman Sorensen releases statement on State of the Union attendance Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) released the following statement ahead of tomorrow’s State of the Union address.
	The FDA creates a quicker path for gene therapies The Food and Drug Administration aims to evaluate treatments for rare diseases based on plausible evidence that they would work — without requiring a clinical trial first.
	Fake bondsman scams resident out of hundreds, deputies say The Henry County Sheriff’s Office said a resident was scammed out of about $600 by someone posing as a bondsman.
	Body pulled from the Green River in Colona Emergency crews responded to the scene on Nancy Court along the Green River around 11 a.m. on Monday.
	KWQC midday programming changes begin March 2 KWQC is making changes to its midday programming lineup starting March 2.
	BAFTAs apologize after guest with Tourette syndrome uses racial slur during ceremony A man with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur and other offensive remarks during the BAFTA awards ceremony Sunday. The BBC did not edit out his outbursts in its delayed broadcast.
	The AI scare trade moves from software to the entire economy The AI scare trade moves from software to the entire economyLast week, AI disruption was a tech story. News broke about software stocks repricing rapidly as investors digested the implications of a new wave of AI tools that could replace tasks once handled by expensive enterprise platforms. The selloff was sharp, but contained.This week, Range explains, the market decided that AI disruption is not just a tech problem anymore.Target PracticeAI fears tore through sector after sector of the economy—each triggered by an AI product launch (or the expectation of one). Range In the span of five trading days, billions in market value were erased from industries that had nothing to do with software.Monday: Insurify’s ChatGPT-powered comparison tool triggered a selloff in insurance brokers, with Willis Towers Watson posting its worst session since 2008.Tuesday: The contagion jumped to wealth management after Altruist unveiled an AI tax-strategy tool, sending Raymond James to its steepest decline since the COVID crash.Wednesday: Commercial real estate services cratered without any specific catalyst. The market had begun extrapolating—if AI could displace insurance brokers and financial advisors, the high-fee, labor-intensive world of CRE brokerage could be next. CBRE’s two-day decline hit 20%, its worst since the financial crisis.Thursday: Freight and logistics joined the sell-off after Algorhythm Holdings demoed an AI optimization tool, with truck-broker RXO dropping 20%.In four sessions, the “AI scare trade” evolved from a narrow disruption story into a broad referendum on the future of white-collar intermediaries. The common thread: These are businesses that sit between buyers and sellers, charging fees for expertise, access, or coordination that AI might replicate faster and cheaper.What the Market Is Actually Scared OfThe market doesn’t expect an AI tool launched on a Tuesday to replace every financial advisor or insurance broker by Friday. The fear is about the economic structure of these businesses. Industries like insurance brokerage, wealth management, and commercial real estate services share characteristics that make them vulnerable:Information asymmetry leads to historically high fees. These are businesses where the provider knows more than the customer, and charges accordingly. AI compresses that gap.Entrenched fee structures lead to decades of stable pricing. The 1% AUM fee, 6% real estate commission, insurance brokerage spread—these have been remarkably durable. But the market is questioning what happens to legacy pricing when the cost of delivery meaningfully declines.Human labor as the moat leads to high barriers to entry. For many of these businesses, talented human capital has been their competitive advantage. If the human becomes less important to delivering value, the talent premium erodes, along with a barrier that keeps competitors out.The market is asking a simple question: If AI makes the work cheaper to produce, how long before consumers pay less for it? When technology drives down the cost of delivery, prices eventually follow. Range Incumbents will argue they can adopt AI to cut their own costs while holding pricing steady. That’s the bull case. But businesses rarely capture all the economic value from a technology shift—consumers eventually get their share. And if the legacy players don’t offer it willingly, a startup or a competitor will.What’s Keeping the Market Afloat?While intermediary-heavy sectors bled this week, other parts of the market had a very different experience.AI InfrastructureInvestors are still deciding which sectors deserve to be in AI’s crosshairs, but one thing remains clear: AI adoption is accelerating, and the infrastructure to support it needs to be built.Energy remains the best-performing sector of 2026, up roughly 21% year-to-date. Data center operators like Equinix jumped 10% on the same Thursday that the S&P 500 fell—the market’s way of saying it still believes in the buildout, even as it reprices the companies on the wrong side of it.Defensive IndustriesInvestors are also parking capital in businesses with tangible products and predictable demand—companies that don’t sell human expertise and aren’t exposed to fee compression.Consumer staples and utilities led the S&P 500 on Thursday, with Walmart up 3.8% and Coca-Cola gaining as well.Broader Rotation to Value Range “Cheaper” stocks with lower P/E multiples are significantly outperforming their expensive counterparts.The S&P 500 Value Index, which traded at approximately 19x forward P/E at the beginning of the year, is up about 3.3% year-to-date. The more expensive S&P 500 Growth Index, which traded at 27x to start the year, is down roughly 3%. That’s a 6-point gap in six weeks—a significant reversal from growth’s dominance over the past several years.The companies getting punished hardest right now are the ones with the most to lose—high margins, premium pricing, fat fee structures. AI threatens to compress all of that, and the correction happens in valuations first, before it ever shows up in earnings.But what about companies on the other end of the spectrum? Businesses with thin margins, high cost structures, and limited pricing power—the kind that analysts already describe as needing to “grow via cost cuts”—might actually have the most to gain from an AI productivity shock.In some ways, AI is acting as an equalizer. Competitive moats that were built over decades through proprietary data, entrenched client relationships, and sheer complexity of the work are becoming less impenetrable. That’s terrible news if you’ve been charging a premium for those advantages. But it’s potentially great news if you’re an innovator or looking for a second chance to compete.Two TakeawaysValuation matters again.Growth stocks have dominated for the better part of 15 years. With only brief exceptions in 2016 and 2022, paying up for the fastest-growing companies has been a winning strategy regardless of price. That trade has started to reverse. When the future is uncertain, investors tend to seek a margin of safety. They gravitate toward businesses where they’re paying less for each dollar of earnings, and where there’s less air to come out of the valuation if the thesis breaks. Right now, what you pay matters as much as what you own.The pressure to adapt is universal.Investors are re-underwriting business quality across sectors. High-margin intermediaries will need to prove they can adopt AI without surrendering the pricing that made them profitable. Lower-margin operators arguably have the most to gain, but will need to show they can actually innovate, capture productivity benefits, and translate them into better economics.For all companies, standing still is not an option. The market has made the cost of complacency very expensive, very fast.This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell any security. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Past performance is not indicative of future results.This story was produced by Range and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	4 ways to feng shui your bedroom for better sleep 4 ways to feng shui your bedroom for better sleepFeng shui is the ancient Chinese art of arranging your environment to harmonize the flow of energy, referred to as qi. The practice originates from ancient China’s Zhou dynasty and today it’s practiced all over the world. It’s rooted in the idea that your surroundings directly influence your well-being, and the bedroom is one area you should work on if you’re bringing feng shui into your home.As the place where you rest, recover and reconnect with yourself or a partner, the bedroom plays a powerful role in your daily energy, both physical and emotional. Applying feng shui principles to your sleep space can do more than provide aesthetic balance. It can help provide deeper rest, greater calm and more aligned living.Feng shui can seem complicated and overwhelming, especially if you’re directionally challenged, but it can be incorporated in ways that allow beginners to enjoy the benefits. In this article, Naturepedic explores this ancient art and teaches you four foundational feng shui bedroom tips that can help transform your space into one that promotes more restorative sleep.Why Feng Shui Your Bedroom?Alongside the kitchen and front entrance, the bedroom is considered one of the most important spaces of your home, because it is directly connected to your well-being. It’s the place where you’re most vulnerable: asleep, unconscious and recharging your energy for the day ahead.A well-balanced bedroom feng shui layout can also contribute to emotional harmony, healthier relationships and even physical vitality. By intentionally designing your space to allow energy to flow in a calm and supportive way, you’re reinforcing the idea that rest is the foundation for a more balanced life.4 Feng Shui Bedroom Tips to Invite Calm, Connection and Better SleepReady to shift the energy in your sleep space? Naturepedic Start with these four foundational feng shui bedroom practices that can help promote balance, connection and a deeper sense of rest.1. Position Your Bed for Balance and ProtectionIn feng shui, the placement of your bed is everything. As the most important piece of furniture in the room — and the one most closely connected to your personal energy — its position can influence how supported and secure you feel while you sleep.One of the most essential feng shui bedroom layout rules is placing your bed in the command position. This means positioning it so that you can see the bedroom door without being directly in line with it. From a feng shui perspective, this setup offers a sense of control and safety that helps the nervous system relax.A few more key tips for a supportive bedroom feng shui bed position:Avoid placing your bed under windows, which are considered energetically unstable.Steer clear of overhead beams, which are thought to create pressure or “cutting” energy.Use a solid headboard placed against a sturdy wall to anchor your energy while you sleep.Add matching nightstands and lamps on both sides of the bed to create symmetry and balance — especially helpful for fostering harmony in relationships.Skip mirrors that face the bed. In feng shui, mirrors can bounce energy around and disrupt sleep.By positioning your bed intentionally, you create a space that looks balanced but feels grounded — making it easier to unwind and recharge each night.2. Choose Natural, Non-Toxic MaterialsAt its core, feng shui is about living in harmony with nature — and that harmony starts with the materials you surround yourself with. In the bedroom, opting for more natural, safer and healthier materials helps maintain a clean and balanced energy flow that supports deeper, more restorative rest.Feng shui emphasizes purity and energetic cleanliness, so synthetic or chemical-laden materials can feel out of alignment. They’re believed to hold stagnant qi and may disrupt your body’s natural rhythms. Organic materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton, organic wool and GOTS-approved latex are ideal choices for a feng shui bedroom. These materials reflect the natural world and promote a sense of grounding and peace.Good bedroom feng shui also values clean air. Choosing mattresses and bedding made without chemical flame retardants, polyurethane foam or other off-gassing materials helps create a space that’s both energetically and physically refreshing. And as a bonus, natural materials tend to be more breathable and temperature-regulating, which is key to uninterrupted, high-quality sleep.When you feng shui the bedroom, think beyond the layout. Consider what you’re sleeping on and the materials making up what you surround yourself with, too.3. Declutter and Let Energy Flow FreelyIn feng shui, clutter isn’t just an eyesore — it’s a sign of stuck energy. And in a space designed for rest and renewal, stagnant qi can quietly contribute to feelings of stress, overwhelm or mental fatigue.A cluttered bedroom can disrupt your sense of peace, even if you don’t consciously register the mess. Under-bed storage is particularly discouraged in feng shui bedroom layout guidelines, as it can block the flow of energy during sleep. If you must store items under the bed, skip anything sharp, tech-related or emotionally charged. Things like old electronics, workout gear or stacks of paperwork can interfere with your qi and therefore also your body’s ability to fully recharge.To encourage smooth, calming energy, keep pathways around your bed, nightstands and closet doors clear. This allows qi to circulate naturally and keeps your space — and your mind — at ease.Pro-Tip: Keep an Electronic-Free ZoneKeep electronics out of the bedroom as much as possible. TVs, laptops and phones emit active yang energy that directly counters the soft yin energy needed for deep rest.4. Bring in Calming Elements and Personal TouchesFeng shui follows a set of design rules, but it also focuses on creating a space that supports your energy and feels like you. A truly aligned feng shui bedroom invites calm through intentional choices that reflect your values, soothe your senses and encourage relaxation.Start with color. In feng shui, soft, yin-inspired hues like muted blues, gentle greens and warm neutrals are ideal for sleep spaces. These tones promote a sense of tranquility and emotional ease. Bold reds, intense blacks or overly stimulating color schemes can feel too energetic for a restful bedroom.Decor also plays a role in bedroom feng shui. Choose artwork or objects that symbolize peace, connection or dreams, and avoid anything that stirs up negative emotions like sadness or isolation. Lighting is another key element: Opt for warm-toned lightbulbs, add dimmers when possible and avoid harsh overhead lights in the evening to help your body wind down.Natural materials and textures go a long way in supporting feng shui principles, too. While choosing your pieces, consider wood furniture, linen or cotton bedding and handcrafted ceramics.You might also add a small plant (like a peace lily or snake plant) for a dose of revitalizing energy — just don’t go overboard. Too many plants in the bedroom can tip the energetic balance toward yang and disrupt sleep.And finally, don’t underestimate the power of scent. A few drops of calming essential oils like lavender, sandalwood or cedarwood can signal your brain that it’s time to relax.Feng Shui Bedroom FAQsFeng shui can feel a little mysterious at first, especially when you’re trying to apply it to something as personal as your bedroom. These frequently asked questions break down the basics in a clear, practical way, so that you can focus on creating a space that actually feels good to sleep in.How Do You Pronounce Feng Shui?Feng shui is pronounced fung shway. While the spelling can trip people up, the pronunciation is simple once you hear it, and knowing it can make conversations about the practice feel a little less intimidating.What Is the Definition of Feng Shui?Feng shui literally translates to “wind” (feng) and “water” (shui) in Chinese. The term refers to an ancient Chinese system of arranging spaces to align people with their surrounding environment, based on the belief that wind and water influence the flow of energy, or chi.Which Way Should Your Bed Face in Feng Shui?In feng shui, the ideal bed position is known as the “commanding position.” This means placing the bed so that you can see the door while lying down, without being directly in line with it. This setup is thought to promote a sense of security and ease, which can help your body relax at night.What Is a Proper Feng Shui Bedroom Layout?Here's a helpful diagram of a feng shui bedroom layout: Naturepedic A proper feng shui bedroom layout places the bed in the “commanding position,” meaning it is positioned diagonally from the door so you can see the entrance without being directly in line with it. The bed should have a solid wall behind it for support, balanced space on both sides and two bedside tables if possible. Avoid placing the bed under a window, directly in line with the door or beneath exposed beams. The overall layout should allow for easy movement around the bed and keep pathways clear to support smooth energy flow.Should a Feng Shui Bedroom Include Plants?In feng shui, bedrooms are intended to support yin energy, which is associated with rest, quiet and restoration. Plants are considered a source of yang energy because they are living, growing and active. For this reason, traditional feng shui does not consider plants essential in the bedroom and often advises limiting them.Bringing It All TogetherYou don’t need to completely redesign your space to experience the benefits of feng shui. Even small changes — like adjusting your bed placement, clearing out clutter or choosing more natural, breathable bedding — can start to shift the energy in your room and improve your sleep.This story was produced by Naturepedic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Officials investigate scene near Green River in Colona Emergency crews responded to the scene on Nancy Court along the Green River around 11 a.m. on Monday., Feb. 23, 2026.
	How gas prices have changed in the U.S. in the last week Feb. 23, 2026 jittawit21 // Shutterstock How gas prices have changed in the U.S. in the last week Feb. 23, 2026 CheapInsurance.com compiled statistics on gas prices in the U.S. using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of February 23.U.S. by the numbers- Gas current price: $2.94- Week change: +$0.01 (+0.3%)- Year change: -$0.21 (-6.6%)- Historical expensive gas price: $5.02 (6/14/22)- Diesel current price: $3.71- Week change: +$0.07 (+1.8%)- Year change: +$0.03 (+0.8%)- Historical expensive diesel price: $5.82 (6/19/22)States with the least expensive gas#1. Oklahoma: $2.34#2. Arkansas: $2.45#3. Kansas: $2.46#4. Mississippi: $2.49#5. Louisiana: $2.51#6. Missouri: $2.51#7. Wisconsin: $2.54#8. Iowa: $2.55#9. Texas: $2.55#10. Nebraska: $2.55States with the most expensive gas#1. California: $4.63#2. Hawaii: $4.38#3. Washington: $4.33#4. Oregon: $3.89#5. Nevada: $3.68#6. Alaska: $3.56#7. Arizona: $3.23#8. Pennsylvania: $3.14#9. Washington, D.C.: $3.11#10. Vermont: $3.00This story was produced by CheapInsurance.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Illinois becomes a post-Roe abortion haven as out-of-state patients surge Since 2022, Illinois has seen more travelers seeking abortions from out of state than any other state in the country.
	How organizing your home workspace can jumpstart your 2026 reset How organizing your home workspace can jumpstart your 2026 resetAs the year winds down, many may feel a natural pull towards resetting their spaces. End-of-year decluttering has almost become a ritual, serving as a way to clear both mental and physical clutter before stepping into a new chapter. Closets, spare rooms, and underused corners are the first targets because they quietly accumulate disorder throughout the course of the year.At the same time, the way people use their homes has fundamentally changed in recent years. Remote and hybrid work are no longer temporary arrangements. Between 2019 and 2023, the four-year period studied by the U.S. Census Bureau, remote workers more than doubled from 9 million to over 22 million. While some companies have mandated return-to-office policies in the years since, it’s clear that millions will remain at home.Despite the growth in working from home, many household workspaces are improvised from the pandemic years and are not designed intentionally. Desks are squeezed into bedrooms, paperwork is piled into closets, cords are snaking across the floor, and chaos generally prevails. This is where customizable workspace systems can come in handy—when thoughtfully designed, modular and customizable storage solutions can transform a workspace from a source of stress to something calming.Lazzoni has taken a look at various decor data from sources including Angie’s Roost, Instagram, Simply Enough, and more to assemble this guide to walk you through a three-step approach to designing an ideal home workspace.What is a customizable workspace?A customizable workspace is a work environment that is designed to adapt to how you actually use the space, as opposed to forcing you to adapt to fixed furniture or a one-size-fits-all layout. Instead of static desks, shelves, or cabinets, customizable systems use modular components that can be adjusted, expanded, and reconfigured over time.At its core, a customizable workspace prioritizes function, flexibility, and longevity. For example, shelving height can change as storage needs evolve, and work surfaces can be repositioned to accommodate new equipment. This approach acknowledges a simple reality: The way you work today is unlikely to be the same way you will work years from now.Clutter is often a symptom of misaligned storage as opposed to too many belongings. When a workspace is customizable, every item can have a designated place that reflects how frequently it is used. Daily tools stay within arm’s reach, occasional items move higher and visual noise decreases as a result. A sense of calm is one reason customizable systems are increasingly recommended.In the context of a new year reset, a customizable workplace becomes more than a design choice. Rather, it’s a practical framework for maintaining order, focus, and flexibility in your life as priorities shift and routines evolve.The 3-step system for designing a home workspaceDesigning an ideal home workspace using customizable systems won’t be easy, but it will be more than worth the effort. These three steps will hit upon the following points:Assess your specific needs and determine your mission.Declutter things by category to build a clean slate.Design items in your workspace by use rather than appearance.Along the way in this guide, sample layouts for different lifestyles will also be explored and showcase how something as simple as the right choice of door can elevate both functionality and aesthetics.Step 1: Assess needs and define the missionBefore getting ahead of yourself and purchasing shelves, drawers, or modular units, it’s essential to take a big step back and define what your workplace is meant to support. Refined Rooms and Artful Agenda, two leading organizational brands, stress that productivity issues often stem from mismatched space design as opposed to a pure lack of effort.To begin assessing what your specific needs are, you need to learn the right questions to ask yourself. The following are the most prominent to consider:What kind of work do you do most days? Deep focus, creative brainstorming, administrative tasks, or a mix?What tools do you use regularly? Laptops, dual monitors, paper files, craft supplies, reference books, or shared equipment?How often do others use the space? Is it private, shared, or occasionally repurposed?What frustrates you about your current setup? Visual clutter, lack of storage, noise, or constant rearranging?By answering these questions, you’ll be able to better define what the mission of your workspace actually will be. A home office that is used for client calls, for instance, is different from one that is used for design work or household management.Once you have your mission clarified, you can start to look at the physical space itself. Measure the wall lengths, ceiling height, and all depth allowances. Note any obstacles that may get in the way, such as vents, windows, or sloped ceilings, and pay attention to natural light and traffic flow. These details will influence where modular systems will work best to take advantage of the space. By making this initial assessment, you’ll be able to prevent over-buying and help to ensure that every component you choose serves a clear purpose rather than adding visual noise to the space.Step 2: Declutter by category (the ‘clean slate’ method)With your mission defined, the next step to building out your workspace will be to create a clean slate. Decluttering by category, rather than by each surface or drawer, can help you be more targeted. As covered by leading DIY home decor and gardening aficionado Angie Campbell, owner of Angie’s Roost, category-based decluttering is both more effective and less emotionally draining.This process works because it allows you to see the true volume of what you own. This clarity makes it easier to decide what deserves space in your future system and what doesn’t. Common workspace categories include:Technology and cordsPaperwork and filesOffice suppliesReference materialsPersonal or decorative itemsGroup each category together before making any decisions. This approach will prevent accidental duplicates from switching back into drawers simply because they were stored in different places. As you begin to sort, ask yourself whether each item supports the mission you defined for yourself in the earlier step. If it doesn’t, consider whether it belongs elsewhere in the home or if it’s time to let it go.This stage is the one where many people realize that they don’t actually need more storage; they just need better storage. Customizable systems shine because they’re designed around what remains, not what you used to have.Step 3: Design by use—choosing your customizable systemOnce your existing workspace is decluttered, you’re finally ready to design. Rather than beginning with aesthetics, consider starting with use. This principle can highlight how modular systems can be adapted to real-life habits. Flexibility should be a long-term advantage, and customizable systems allow you to adjust shelf heights as needed, combine open and closed storage, add components over time, and maximize vertical space.Unlike fixed furniture, modular systems evolve with your work style over time, which makes them ideal for home environments that need to serve multiple functions. As you begin to design, consider doing so with three zones in mind.Primary work zone: desk surface, monitors, and frequently used tools.Reference zone: shelves or cabinets for books and files.Support zone: drawers or bins for supplies and tech accessories.Designing by zones reduces visual clutter and minimizes movement during the workday, contributing to a calmer, more focused environment.Sample layouts for different lifestylesCustomizable systems are especially effective because they can be tailored to different lifestyles and household needs. To that end, here are three sample layouts you can consider for your space.1. The adult professional workspaceDesigned for focused, individual work, this layout prioritizes clean lines and minimal restrictions. Key features of this layout include wall-mounted shelving above the desk, closed cabinets for paperwork, and a narrow drawer system for daily essentials. This setup helps support productivity while maintaining a polished, executive feel that is ideal for video calls and client meetings.2. The utility or creative workspaceFor the creative folks or multitaskers, flexibility is everything. This layout should emphasize accessibility. The key features of this layout will include adjustable shelves for various supplies, clear bins for ease of visibility, and a pull-out work surface. Implementing these features will allow the space to be shifted easily between tasks without having to constantly reorganize.3. The shared workspaceFinally, the third potential layout to consider is one designed for shared spaces with a partner or family member. Shared home offices require thoughtful division, typically with visual boundaries. The key features when implementing this type of workspace are symmetrical shelving for fairness, separate drawer stacks, and neutral, calming finishes that all parties using the space can enjoy. Customizable systems will make it easier to maintain harmony by clearly defining personal zones.The ‘door’ factor: Enclosing the workspaceDoors are an often overlooked aspect of workplace design, but they play a major role in both function and aesthetics. Concealed, sliding, and pocket doors can all be great ways to save room while keeping your workspace functional. Choosing the right door type will ultimately come down to personal preference, but here are three common options.Sliding doors: ideal for tight spaces and modern aesthetics.Mirror doors: reflect light and visually expand small rooms.Pocket doors: offer full enclosure without taking up swing space.The right door can transform a workspace into a calming retreat, but, perhaps most importantly, one that can disappear at the end of the day by simply shutting a door.Setting intentions for the new yearDesigning your ideal home workspace isn’t just about storage. It’s about intention. As the new year approaches, customizable systems will offer a way to align your physical environment to your career goals, whatever they may be. By assessing your needs, decluttering intentionally, and designing by use, you can create a workspace that supports focus, flexibility, and peace of mind. Rather than reacting to your clutter throughout the entire year, you can build a system that works quietly in the background and adapts as your life evolves.In a world where work and home increasingly overlap, a well-designed workspace isn’t a luxury. It’s a foundation for clarity, productivity, and a calmer start to whatever the new year may bring to your life.This story was produced by Lazzoni and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	'Everything was in pieces:' Lindsey Vonn describes grueling surgery on broken leg In a recent video, the Olympic skier credits her surgeon with saving her leg from potential amputation.
	A new lawsuit alleges DHS illegally tracked and intimidated observers Observers watching federal immigration enforcement in Maine who were told by agents they were "domestic terrorists" and would be added to a "database" or "watchlist" are now part of a new federal class action lawsuit.
	New Hatchback Brings Sporty Versatility to Driving Sorry, but your browser does not support the video tag. var bptVideoPlayer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayer"); if (bptVideoPlayer) { var cssText = "width: 100%;"; cssText += " background: url('" + bptVideoPlayer.getAttribute("poster") + "');"; cssText += " -webkit-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " -moz-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " -o-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " background-size: cover;"; bptVideoPlayer.style.cssText = cssText; var bptVideoPlayerContainer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayerContainer"); if (bptVideoPlayerContainer) { setTimeout(function () { bptVideoPlayerContainer.style.cssText = "display: block; position: relative; margin-bottom: 10px;"; var isIE = navigator.userAgent.match(/ MSIE(([0 - 9] +)(\.[0 - 9] +) ?) /); var isEdge = navigator.userAgent.indexOf("Edge") > -1 \|\| navigator.userAgent.indexOf("Trident") > -1; if (isIE \|\| isEdge) { fixVideoPoster(); } }, 1000); } var bptVideoPlayButton = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayButton"); if (bptVideoPlayButton) { bptVideoPlayButton.addEventListener("click", function () { bptVideoPlayer.play(); }, false); bptVideoPlayer.addEventListener("play", function () { bptVideoPlayButton.style.cssText = "display: none;"; }, false); } var mainImage = document.getElementById("mainImageImgContainer_sm"); if (mainImage) { mainImage.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var mainImage = document.getElementById("photo-noresize"); if (mainImage) { mainImage.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.getElementsByClassName("asset_gallery")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.getElementsByClassName("trb_article_leadart")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.querySelectorAll("[src='https://d372qxeqh8y72i.cloudfront.net/f775ccb2-4d4f-4b2d-bb0c-1b5f428010bc_web.jpg']")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } } function fixVideoPoster() { var videoPlayer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayer"); var videoPoster = document.getElementById("bptVideoPoster"); fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster, true); window.onresize = function() { fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster); }; videoPoster.onclick = function() { videoPlayer.play(); videoPoster.style.display = "none"; }; videoPlayer.onplay = function() { videoPoster.style.display = "none"; }; } function fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster, display) { setTimeout(function () { var videoPosition = videoPlayer.getBoundingClientRect(); videoPoster.style.position = "absolute"; videoPoster.style.top = "0"; videoPoster.style.left = "0"; videoPoster.style.width = videoPlayer.offsetWidth + "px"; videoPoster.style.height = (videoPlayer.offsetHeight + 20) + "px"; if (display) { videoPoster.style.display = "inline"; } }, 1010); } (BPT) - The 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback blends a compact, sporty design with versatile interior space, technology, and safety features. Designed for drivers who want an engaging driving experience without giving up everyday practicality, the hatchback offers a flexible cabin, advanced connectivity, and driver-assistance systems for added confidence on the road.The K4 Hatchback pairs a shorter overall length with 22.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet of cargo space when they're folded flat. The interior features nearly 30 inches of combined digital displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available comfort upgrades such as heated and ventilated front seats and premium Harman Kardon audio, depending on trim.Performance is enhanced with an available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, giving the hatchback a responsive feel and a fun-to-drive character. Safety and convenience features include available 360-degree cameras, Blind-Spot View, and Digital Key technology that allows compatible smart devices to function as virtual keys.The K4 Hatchback offers a variety of trims, including the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo, which add unique styling cues and advanced driving features. Its athletic profile and flexible cabin make it suitable for a range of lifestyles, from city commuting to weekend adventures.For more information about the 2026 K4 Hatchback, visit Kia.com.
	The 'Plan B passport' boom: How political uncertainty is driving a record surge in Americans seeking European residency The ‘Plan B Passport’ boom: How political uncertainty is driving a record surge in Americans seeking European residencyInquiries from wealthy Americans seeking alternative residency and citizenship abroad jumped 183% between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, according to data from global advisory firm Henley & Partners. By the end of Q3 2025, applications from U.S. nationals were already 67% higher than the total for all of 2024, which itself was a record year.The trend has a name in the investment migration industry: the "Plan B passport."The shift is not theoretical. It is showing up in hard application numbers across Europe's remaining golden visa programs — and nowhere more visibly than in Portugal.Movingto.com, an immigration advisory firm, has seen a 40% increase in American inquiries since 2023. The profile of interested parties also has changed, expanding beyond the ultra-wealthy to include tech founders, doctors, retirees, and families with young children who want a European safety net.Americans Are Now the Dominant Force in Golden Visa ApplicationsU.S. nationals accounted for over 30% of all investment migration applications processed by Henley & Partners in 2025, nearly double the combined total of the next five investor nationalities — Turkish, Indian, Chinese, British, and Filipino. Compared to five years ago, the volume of American applicants has increased by more than 1,000%.Portugal's Golden Visa program has absorbed much of this demand. According to official AIMA statistics compiled by Movingto.com, the program has attracted approximately 17,700 main applicants and over €7.3 billion in total investment since launching in 2012. Including family members, more than 42,600 people have obtained residency through the program.The American share of those approvals has shifted dramatically. U.S. nationals now represent over 30% of all Golden Visa approvals, up from roughly 5% just five years ago, according to industry analysis. Meanwhile, the number of Americans registered as residents in Portugal reached 20,959 in 2024 — a nearly 50% increase from 2023 — with approximately 4,800 new U.S. residents regularized in that year alone, according to data from Portugal's immigration agency AIMA.A Shrinking Map of OptionsPart of what's driving the urgency is that the available programs are disappearing. Spain officially closed its Golden Visa to new applications in April 2025, ending a program that had attracted thousands of investors through real estate and over €1 billion annually in foreign investment. Ireland shuttered its investor visa in 2023. The United Kingdom ended its Tier 1 investor route in 2022.Portugal itself eliminated real estate purchases as a qualifying route in October 2023 under the "Mais Habitação" housing law. But unlike Spain, Portugal kept the program alive — redirecting it toward investment funds, scientific research, cultural heritage donations, and job creation.The result is that for Americans seeking a European Union residency pathway with minimal physical presence requirements, the options have narrowed considerably. Portugal's Golden Visa now requires a minimum investment of €500,000 in regulated venture capital or investment funds, or €250,000 in cultural heritage projects (reduced to €200,000 in designated low-density areas). In exchange, holders need to spend as little as seven days per year in Portugal and can apply for citizenship after five years.Greece remains an alternative, with a program starting at €250,000 in designated areas, though its minimum has risen to €800,000 in major cities. Italy offers an investor visa for €500,000. Hungary relaunched a program in 2024. But none match Portugal's combination of a low minimum-stay requirement, a clear citizenship pathway, and over a decade of operational track record.Not Just the Ultra-WealthyThe "Plan B" phenomenon is not limited to billionaires. A spring 2025 Harris poll found that nearly half of all Americans — and fully two-thirds of Gen Z and Millennial respondents — expressed interest in holding dual citizenship. The most commonly cited motivation was freedom of travel, followed by "greater security and stability." Healthcare affordability ranked as another significant driver.At the upper end, the numbers are staggering. Henley & Partners reported that applications from U.S. citizens through its firm jumped by more than 75% in 2025, following a 400% spike in 2020 during the final months of the first Trump administration. The firm's head of private clients, Dominic Volek, noted that Americans now outnumber the next four nationalities combined among its client base.The demographic breakdown of American applicants tells a more nuanced story — and so does how they're investing. According to Movingto.com's internal client data, 96% of American Golden Visa applicants are choosing the investment fund route, with just 3% opting for cultural heritage donations and 2% directing capital toward scientific research. The overwhelming preference for funds reflects both the scalability of that route and the familiarity American investors have with managed fund structures.The fund route is proving to be the path of least resistance for Americans. They usually understand the structure, the risk profile is manageable, and it keeps the minimum at €500,000 with no requirement to physically manage a business or property in Portugal.The Citizenship Clock Is TickingAdding urgency is a significant pending change to Portuguese nationality law. In October 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved an overhaul that would extend the residency requirement for citizenship from five years to ten years for most applicants. The Constitutional Court upheld the extended timeline in principle in December 2025 (Acórdão n.º 1134/2025), though it struck down several other provisions as unconstitutional.As of early 2026, the legislation was vetoed by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and returned to Parliament for further deliberation. The current five-year rule remains in force — but advisors across the industry are telling prospective applicants to plan for a ten-year horizon.For Americans already in the pipeline, the stakes are significant. Under current rules, someone who submitted a Golden Visa application in 2024 could be eligible for Portuguese — and therefore European Union — citizenship as early as 2029. If the ten-year rule takes effect and applies retroactively, that timeline could extend to 2034.The uncertainty has created what industry observers describe as a "window of urgency," with application volumes accelerating as investors try to lock in the five-year pathway before any revised law is enacted. Current processing times of 12 to 24 months through AIMA — Portugal's relatively new immigration agency, which replaced the former SEF — mean that anyone applying today may not receive their initial residence permit until 2027 or 2028, making the citizenship timeline calculation even more consequential.What the Data Suggests About What Comes NextSeveral data points suggest the American migration toward European residency is structural rather than cyclical.The U.S. passport has dropped out of the world's top ten most powerful passports for the first time, according to the Henley Passport Index, reducing one of the traditional arguments against seeking additional nationality. At the same time, the proposed Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno, would require Americans to relinquish any additional citizenships within one year — a proposal that, paradoxically, appears to be accelerating rather than deterring applications.Bloomberg has characterized the trend as "The Great Continental Drift," noting that official immigration records across Europe show surging citizenship applications and naturalizations from Americans in countries from Britain to Austria.Portugal's program statistics reflect this broader pattern. Even as real estate was removed and processing times lengthened due to the transition from Portugal's former immigration agency SEF to the new AIMA, 2024 was a record year for permits issued as the backlog was cleared and fund-based investment became the dominant route.Whether the window remains open depends on how Portugal's Parliament resolves the citizenship timeline debate — and whether other European countries follow Spain's lead by closing their programs entirely. For now, the data shows a clear and accelerating trend: Americans are not just thinking about a Plan B. They are executing one.Methodology: This analysis draws on publicly available data from Portugal's immigration agency AIMA, as compiled and analyzed by Movingto.com; internal client data from Movingto.com based on 2,500+ processed applications (2022–2025); Henley & Partners' USA Wealth Report 2025 and Global Mobility Report 2026; a Harris poll conducted in spring 2025; and official program statistics from AIMA, CMVM, and the Henley Passport Index. Historical program data covers October 2012 through late 2024, the most recent period for which complete official statistics are available. For a comprehensive breakdown of Portugal's Golden Visa requirements, costs, and current investment routes, see Movingto.com's Portugal Golden Visa guide.This story was produced by MovingTo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Illinois Education Association releases State of Education report The Illinois Education Association (IEA) released its eighth annual IEA State of Education report on Monday, February 23. The bipartisan poll monitors Illinoisans’ views on all aspects of public schools. The results of the poll show a majority of Illinoisans oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in their communities and are worried about ICE [...]
	Cities adding the most high-income households Cities adding the most high-income householdsThe number of high-income households in a community can have a large impact on local economics. High-income households — defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as those earning $200,000 or more per year — generally contribute more dollars to the local and state tax bases and to surrounding businesses. At the same time, this relative economic strength may sway entities to cater more to the preferences of these households to earn their patronage. Quick growth in high-income households may accelerate tax collection and business prosperity, just as their departure may cause some concern for local politicians, business owners, and neighbors.With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked 357 cities based on the change in high-income households between 2023 and 2024, according to the latest U.S. Census data.Key FindingsHigh-income households skyrocketed in this Connecticut city. Waterbury, Connecticut, had the highest relative growth in high-income households this year, going from 643 in 2023 to 2,295 households in 2024 — a 271% increase. The relative portion of high-income households grew from 1.4% of all households to 5.2%. Meanwhile, the median household income in Waterbury in 2024 remained fairly low at $47,881.In six other cities, the number of high-income households grew by over 70%. After Waterbury, the cities with the most growth in high-income households include Inglewood, California (88.9%); Montgomery, Alabama (82.6%); Menifee, California (82.0%); Albany, New York (72.1%), Beaumont, Texas (71.8%); and Lakeland, Florida (71.4%).More than 40% of households are high-income in these cities. Santa Clara, California, has the highest proportion of high-income households in the community, with 46.9% earning $200,000 per year or more in 2024. Other cities with large high-income populations include Sunnyvale, California (46.3%); Fremont, California (43.3%); San Mateo, California (42.6%); and Bellevue, Washington (41.8%).Lansing, Michigan, saw the biggest decline in high-income households. The number of high-income households in Lansing dropped from 1,374 in 2023 to 703 in 2024, a 46.2% decline. Meanwhile, the median household income remained steady both years at around $55,250. Other cities that saw large declines in high-income households include Akron, Ohio (-36.8%); Allentown, Pennsylvania (-35.0%); Norman, Oklahoma (-32.0%); and Killeen, Texas (-27.3%). SmartAsset Top 50 Cities With the Most Growth in High-Income HouseholdsCities are ranked based on the percentage increase in the gross number of households earning $200,000 or more year over year.Waterbury, ConnecticutPercentage growth in high-income households: 271.4%Number of high-income households, 2024: 2295Number of high-income households, 2023: 643Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 5.2%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 1.4%Median household income, 2024: $47,881Median household income, 2023: $43,420Inglewood, CaliforniaPercentage growth in high-income households: 88.9%Number of high-income households, 2024: 4241Number of high-income households, 2023: 2048Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 10.2%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 5.4%Median household income, 2024: $69,362Median household income, 2023: $72,900Montgomery, AlabamaPercentage growth in high-income households: 82.6%Number of high-income households, 2024: 6974Number of high-income households, 2023: 3816Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 8.4%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 4.6%Median household income, 2024: $59,292Median household income, 2023: $57,300Menifee, CaliforniaPercentage growth in high-income households: 82.0%Number of high-income households, 2024: 6428Number of high-income households, 2023: 3503Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 16.2%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 8.9%Median household income, 2024: $103,609Median household income, 2023: $82,402Albany, New YorkPercentage growth in high-income households: 72.1%Number of high-income households, 2024: 3617Number of high-income households, 2023: 1930Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 7.4%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 4.3%Median household income, 2024: $65,231Median household income, 2023: $61,390Beaumont, TexasPercentage growth in high-income households: 71.8%Number of high-income households, 2024: 2955Number of high-income households, 2023: 1723Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 6.7%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 3.9%Median household income, 2024: $54,065Median household income, 2023: $60,010Lakeland, FloridaPercentage growth in high-income households: 71.4%Number of high-income households, 2024: 4087Number of high-income households, 2023: 2531Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 8.4%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 4.9%Median household income, 2024: $63,859Median household income, 2023: $57,131Columbia, MissouriPercentage growth in high-income households: 68.8%Number of high-income households, 2024: 5755Number of high-income households, 2023: 3449Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 10.8%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 6.4%Median household income, 2024: $80,543Median household income, 2023: $62,972Brandon, FloridaPercentage growth in high-income households: 68.8%Number of high-income households, 2024: 6423Number of high-income households, 2023: 3566Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 13.5%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 8.0%Median household income, 2024: $80,980Median household income, 2023: $82,027Odessa, TexasPercentage growth in high-income households: 68.8%Number of high-income households, 2024: 5647Number of high-income households, 2023: 3466Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 10.8%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 6.4%Median household income, 2024: $79,531Median household income, 2023: $74,562Independence, MissouriPercentage growth in high-income households: 68.2%Number of high-income households, 2024: 1921Number of high-income households, 2023: 1129Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 3.7%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 2.2%Median household income, 2024: $58,535Median household income, 2023: $61,432West Covina, CaliforniaPercentage growth in high-income households: 67.9%Number of high-income households, 2024: 6515Number of high-income households, 2023: 3511Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 18.8%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 11.2%Median household income, 2024: $101,296Median household income, 2023: $96,525Surprise, ArizonaPercentage growth in high-income households: 65.5%Number of high-income households, 2024: 9295Number of high-income households, 2023: 5137Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 14.4%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 8.7%Median household income, 2024: $100,824Median household income, 2023: $89,560Laredo, TexasPercentage growth in high-income households: 63.9%Number of high-income households, 2024: 4777Number of high-income households, 2023: 2847Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 5.9%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 3.6%Median household income, 2024: $61,519Median household income, 2023: $60,720Santa Maria, CaliforniaPercentage growth in high-income households: 63.6%Number of high-income households, 2024: 3839Number of high-income households, 2023: 2188Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 12.6%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 7.7%Median household income, 2024: $74,986Median household income, 2023: $77,564South Fulton, GeorgiaPercentage growth in high-income households: 62.7%Number of high-income households, 2024: 5464Number of high-income households, 2023: 3345Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 13.5%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 8.3%Median household income, 2024: $84,745Median household income, 2023: $79,871East Los Angeles, CaliforniaPercentage growth in high-income households: 60.9%Number of high-income households, 2024: 2367Number of high-income households, 2023: 1344Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 7.4%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 4.6%Median household income, 2024: $67,303Median household income, 2023: $69,891College Station, TexasPercentage growth in high-income households: 60.8%Number of high-income households, 2024: 6032Number of high-income households, 2023: 3480Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 11.9%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 7.4%Median household income, 2024: $50,523Median household income, 2023: $47,632Paterson, New JerseyPercentage growth in high-income households: 60.0%Number of high-income households, 2024: 3502Number of high-income households, 2023: 2339Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 7.2%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 4.5%Median household income, 2024: $60,703Median household income, 2023: $56,907Conroe, TexasPercentage growth in high-income households: 59.7%Number of high-income households, 2024: 5220Number of high-income households, 2023: 3034Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 11.5%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 7.2%Median household income, 2024: $80,411Median household income, 2023: $77,027Fort Wayne, IndianaPercentage growth in high-income households: 59.5%Number of high-income households, 2024: 6619Number of high-income households, 2023: 4262Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 5.9%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 3.7%Median household income, 2024: $61,436Median household income, 2023: $57,138Hollywood, FloridaPercentage growth in high-income households: 59.5%Number of high-income households, 2024: 7156Number of high-income households, 2023: 4529Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 11.8%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 7.4%Median household income, 2024: $71,067Median household income, 2023: $60,630Palm Coast, FloridaPercentage growth in high-income households: 56.9%Number of high-income households, 2024: 4444Number of high-income households, 2023: 2795Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 10.2%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 6.5%Median household income, 2024: $82,083Median household income, 2023: $70,037Yuma, ArizonaPercentage growth in high-income households: 55.6%Number of high-income households, 2024: 2794Number of high-income households, 2023: 1878Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 7.0%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 4.5%Median household income, 2024: $71,828Median household income, 2023: $61,977St. George, UtahPercentage growth in high-income households: 54.9%Number of high-income households, 2024: 4242Number of high-income households, 2023: 2761Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 11.0%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 7.1%Median household income, 2024: $83,984Median household income, 2023: $77,431Kent, WashingtonPercentage growth in high-income households: 53.7%Number of high-income households, 2024: 7737Number of high-income households, 2023: 5452Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 16.6%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 10.8%Median household income, 2024: $92,497Median household income, 2023: $85,982Joliet, IllinoisPercentage growth in high-income households: 53.5%Number of high-income households, 2024: 5367Number of high-income households, 2023: 3728Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 10.9%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 7.1%Median household income, 2024: $103,163Median household income, 2023: $86,054Waco, TexasPercentage growth in high-income households: 53.3%Number of high-income households, 2024: 3896Number of high-income households, 2023: 2379Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 6.9%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 4.5%Median household income, 2024: $56,548Median household income, 2023: $52,770Greeley, ColoradoPercentage growth in high-income households: 52.6%Number of high-income households, 2024: 3679Number of high-income households, 2023: 2440Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 8.7%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 5.7%Median household income, 2024: $76,462Median household income, 2023: $63,526Garden Grove, CaliforniaPercentage growth in high-income households: 52.4%Number of high-income households, 2024: 8046Number of high-income households, 2023: 5286Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 16.0%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 10.5%Median household income, 2024: $92,509Median household income, 2023: $87,407Mesquite, TexasPercentage growth in high-income households: 52.3%Number of high-income households, 2024: 3717Number of high-income households, 2023: 2186Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 6.7%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 4.4%Median household income, 2024: $66,083Median household income, 2023: $67,333Rialto, CaliforniaPercentage growth in high-income households: 51.2%Number of high-income households, 2024: 3501Number of high-income households, 2023: 2285Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 13.0%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 8.6%Median household income, 2024: $90,295Median household income, 2023: $80,321Des Moines, IowaPercentage growth in high-income households: 51.1%Number of high-income households, 2024: 5990Number of high-income households, 2023: 4071Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 6.8%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 4.5%Median household income, 2024: $67,297Median household income, 2023: $60,882Spring Hill, FloridaPercentage growth in high-income households: 51.1%Number of high-income households, 2024: 3424Number of high-income households, 2023: 2248Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 7.1%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 4.7%Median household income, 2024: $71,269Median household income, 2023: $68,872Nampa, IdahoPercentage growth in high-income households: 48.8%Number of high-income households, 2024: 2554Number of high-income households, 2023: 1683Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 6.1%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 4.1%Median household income, 2024: $82,044Median household income, 2023: $71,752Hartford, ConnecticutPercentage growth in high-income households: 47.2%Number of high-income households, 2024: 2614Number of high-income households, 2023: 1772Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 5.3%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 3.6%Median household income, 2024: $50,418Median household income, 2023: $42,397Mesa, ArizonaPercentage growth in high-income households: 44.8%Number of high-income households, 2024: 25196Number of high-income households, 2023: 17720Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 12.6%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 8.7%Median household income, 2024: $85,580Median household income, 2023: $79,145West Valley City, UtahPercentage growth in high-income households: 44.6%Number of high-income households, 2024: 3840Number of high-income households, 2023: 2830Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 9.4%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 6.5%Median household income, 2024: $92,750Median household income, 2023: $80,889San Bernardino, CaliforniaPercentage growth in high-income households: 43.8%Number of high-income households, 2024: 4563Number of high-income households, 2023: 3090Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 6.9%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 4.8%Median household income, 2024: $67,753Median household income, 2023: $63,328Lehigh Acres, FloridaPercentage growth in high-income households: 43.8%Number of high-income households, 2024: 2053Number of high-income households, 2023: 1299Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 4.6%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 3.2%Median household income, 2024: $70,800Median household income, 2023: $59,645Murfreesboro, TennesseePercentage growth in high-income households: 42.9%Number of high-income households, 2024: 7066Number of high-income households, 2023: 4868Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 11.0%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 7.7%Median household income, 2024: $84,457Median household income, 2023: $78,069Visalia, CaliforniaPercentage growth in high-income households: 41.1%Number of high-income households, 2024: 6259Number of high-income households, 2023: 4360Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 12.7%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 9.0%Median household income, 2024: $84,781Median household income, 2023: $79,777Topeka, KansasPercentage growth in high-income households: 38.5%Number of high-income households, 2024: 3121Number of high-income households, 2023: 2151Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 5.4%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 3.9%Median household income, 2024: $61,030Median household income, 2023: $52,417Kansas City, KansasPercentage growth in high-income households: 38.2%Number of high-income households, 2024: 2721Number of high-income households, 2023: 1955Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 4.7%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 3.4%Median household income, 2024: $63,917Median household income, 2023: $60,739Suffolk, VirginiaPercentage growth in high-income households: 37.6%Number of high-income households, 2024: 5411Number of high-income households, 2023: 3960Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 13.9%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 10.1%Median household income, 2024: $97,690Median household income, 2023: $81,154Clarksville, TennesseePercentage growth in high-income households: 37.5%Number of high-income households, 2024: 3208Number of high-income households, 2023: 2278Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 4.4%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 3.2%Median household income, 2024: $73,465Median household income, 2023: $67,246Baltimore, MarylandPercentage growth in high-income households: 36.8%Number of high-income households, 2024: 27664Number of high-income households, 2023: 19713Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 10.4%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 7.6%Median household income, 2024: $64,778Median household income, 2023: $59,579New Haven, ConnecticutPercentage growth in high-income households: 36.8%Number of high-income households, 2024: 5883Number of high-income households, 2023: 4362Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 10.4%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 7.6%Median household income, 2024: $59,705Median household income, 2023: $51,158Davie, FloridaPercentage growth in high-income households: 36.2%Number of high-income households, 2024: 7404Number of high-income households, 2023: 5378Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 18.8%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 13.8%Median household income, 2024: $86,560Median household income, 2023: $82,514Huntsville, AlabamaPercentage growth in high-income households: 35.8%Number of high-income households, 2024: 12487Number of high-income households, 2023: 9458Portion of households that are high income, 2024: 12.9%Portion of households that are high income, 2023: 9.5%Median household income, 2024: $83,235Median household income, 2023: $73,319Data and MethodologyData comes from the U.S. Census Bureau 1-Year Community Survey for 2024 and 2023. The study includes 357 cities with a population of 100,000 or more for which data was available. Cities were ranked based on the growth in high-income households as a percentage of total households between 2023 and 2024. High-income households are defined as those making an income of $200,000 or more.This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	'Alexander Clark, We Tell Your Story' at Muscatine Community College Feb. 26 Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) is hosting “Alexander Clark, We Tell Your Story” on Thursday, February 26 at 7 p.m. in the Student Center at the Muscatine campus, 152 Colorado St. The event is free and open to the public, with a light reception to follow. The presentation is part of the Alexander Clark Lecture [...]
	Pritzker’s Allocation of Common School Funds Gives Three-Card Monte a Bad Name As expected, we did not see a whole lot of spending increases in Governor JB Pritzker’s state budget proposal last week. Last year, Pritzker said his budget limited discretionary spending to less than a one percent increase. The plan unveiled last week limits discretionary spending to less than a half a point increase.
	Kate Hudson on regret, rom-coms and finding a role that hits all the notes Hudson always wanted to sing, but feared it would derail her acting career. Now she's up for an Oscar for her portrayal of a hairdresser who performs in a Neil Diamond tribute band in Song Sung Blue.
	A powerful winter storm is roiling travel across the northeastern U.S. Forecasters called travel conditions "extremely treacherous" and "nearly impossible" in areas hit hardest by the storm, and air and train traffic is at a standstill in many parts of the region.
	U.K. arrests ex-ambassador to the U.S. on suspicion of misconduct over Epstein ties Police have arrested Peter Mandelson, a veteran Labour Party politician who served as British ambassador to the U.S., as part of an investigation into his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
	The short-term rental tax strategy the IRS actually allows The short-term rental tax strategy the IRS actually allowsThe short-term rental tax loophole is a strategy used to reduce the tax burden for real estate investors. Also known as the Airbnb tax loophole, this strategy allows rental owners to offset their income with real estate losses, significantly reducing their tax bills.TurboTenant put this guide together to help you understand the benefits of the loophole and the IRS rules for it. This story will also cover documentation best practices and five common errors to avoid so you can make this powerful tax strategy work for your portfolio.Basis of the STR Loophole: Passive vs. Active IncomeThe short-term rental tax loophole hinges on classifying your investment property as a business activity rather than a rental activity. The result? Your rental’s income and expenses become active, not passive, activity. Since this tactic depends on the distinction between passive and active income, let’s clarify those terms.Passive: Income earned with minimal effort, like royalties, interest, dividends, and annuities. According to the IRS, rental income is considered passive income by default.Active: Ordinary, W-2, nonpassive earnings that require your active involvement.Why does the difference between active and passive income matter? The IRS doesn’t allow us to offset passive losses against active income. Ordinarily, if you have a 9-to-5 W-2 job and a rental property, you have both active and passive income. When you have a loss from your rental property, you can’t deduct that loss from your W-2 wages.But if your rental property counts as a source of active income, you can offset your W-2 wages with the rental’s losses. That gives you a way to significantly minimize your tax burden, making this an effective tax strategy for real estate investors.Did you know? This strategy is considered a loophole because it was initially intended for use by hotels and motels. This was before the rise of hosting platforms such as Airbnb, which significantly changed the hospitality industry. So even though the term loophole may sound shady, this strategy is documented in IRS regulations and publications, and the tax court has upheld it in several cases.How to Qualify as a Short-Term RentalYour investment property can qualify as a short-term rental in two ways:The average rental stay is seven days or fewer.You offer substantial services to renters during their stay, and the average stay is 30 days or fewer.Substantial services go beyond offering garbage collection, internet service, or access to a kayak or paddleboard at a vacation rental. Any of these offerings may count as a substantial service:Concierge servicesDaily linen changesMeal servicesTransportationVouchers for activities or attractionsIRS Exceptions for Short-Term RentalsThe IRS provides six exceptions that exempt properties from the rental activity designation.The property’s average stay is seven days or fewer.The property’s average stay is 30 days or fewer, and the owner provides services comparable to those of a hotel, including daily cleaning, meals, and transportation.Rental owners offer guests “extraordinary personal services,” including private tours and personal chefs.The rental isn’t the owner’s primary business activity. Let’s say you own a winery with a rental cottage on the property. The rental isn’t your primary source of income or concern.The property isn’t for the exclusive use of any one guest, and it’s available for use during set hours. This rule applies to properties with STRs on the premises plus a gathering space that you may rent out as a venue during business hours.The owner is part of an S-corp, joint venture, or partnership that isn’t involved in rental property, and that company uses the owner’s rental property. For example, you may rent your property to your other business for a corporate retreat or holiday party.Basics of the Material Participation TestWhen a rental property owner is actively engaged in the running of their property and the daily operations of the business, it’s known as material participation. The IRS uses a test to determine whether owners materially participate in their businesses. You must meet one of these seven criteria to qualify for the short-term rental tax loophole:You worked more than 500 hours in the activity.You performed the majority of the substantial work for the business.You worked in the business for more than 100 hours — more than anyone else who worked on the business.You worked for more than 100 hours on a significant participation activity, and you spent more than 500 hours on the combined work from all significant participation activities.You participated in the business for five of the last 10 years.You offered personal services related to the rental property for three prior years.Activities that require advanced skills or education include personal services such as legal, healthcare, engineering, accounting, and construction.You demonstrated consistent, ongoing, and verifiable participation in the business for more than 100 hours.Material Participation Tests for Rental Property OwnersSTR owners typically use the first three material participation tests. If you’re a multiproperty owner, test participation at the property level rather than at the portfolio level. The tests sound intimidating, but you might have met the criteria without realizing it.Test 1: Work More Than 500 Hours on the RentalAs long as you spend at least an hour and a half per day on your STR, your total participation for the year will exceed 500 hours. If you need to increase your hours, consider offering these services:Daily cleaningGuided activitiesLaundry servicesMealsToursTransportationTest 2: Perform the Majority of the Substantial WorkIf you self-manage a short-term rental, you’re probably doing most of the work.Material participation is more difficult to satisfy when you use a full-service property manager, co-host, or cleaning service. That reduces your participation in the rental. To meet the criteria and get the tax benefits, STR owners may be better off using a half-service property manager or managing their own properties.Test 3: Work in the Business for Over 100 Hours — More Than Anyone ElseIf your co-host, half-service property manager, or cleaners do less than half the work, you can pass this test. Just spend over 18 minutes per day on the rental to meet the required hours.How to Prove Rental Property Material ParticipationIn 2024, the IRS carried out 505,514 audits on tax returns. Even if you’re not part of the 1% of filers who are audited each year, you’re still responsible for having evidence to support your books and tax returns. Here’s how landlords can prove material participation:Document your specific tasks, hours, and involvement in a logbook.Show how you managed the STR by keeping a daily calendar.Keep an appointment book with detailed notes and records of meeting times and durations for guests, staff, and contract workers.Use detailed timesheets to document your work on the rental for the year.By using a combination of these documents, you’ll prove the two key points for material participation: showing consistent engagement in the amount of work performed and providing evidence of regular participation in the type of work carried out.Avoid These 5 Common Errors with the STR LoopholeFocusing on Travel TimeAre the bulk of your hours for the material participation tests from commuting? Travel time unrelated to property operations doesn’t count toward the required hours. That means commuting hours won’t help you meet the requirements.Not Tracking Hours for Service ProvidersMaterial participation test #3 states that you work over 100 hours on the property and spend more time working on it than anyone else, including nonowners, like contract workers. If you don’t track the hours your contractors and service providers work on the property, you can’t prove that you passed the test.You must keep detailed records of the hours worked by you and your service providers, like cleaners, lawn crews, maintenance teams, and property managers.Not Counting Days for Personal UseOwners can stay at their rental properties for personal use. However, if an owner stays for more than 14 days or for 10% of the total rental days, the property is considered a personal residence. That means you can’t claim losses on the property.Keep detailed records of rental and personal-use days, and closely monitor personal-use limits.Did you know? If you spend time at the rental to work on repairs and maintenance, those days don’t count as personal use — even if other people stay there with you.Manipulating Leases to Fit the 7-Days RuleWhen a tenant signs a lease extension, it counts toward the original period. For example, a guest signs a seven-day lease and then extends their stay by another week. That counts as one 14-day lease, not two seven-day leases. Keep accurate records of tenant stays and aim for true short-term leases instead of manipulating the rule.Misclassifying Your Property as an STRThe STR loophole is meant for legitimate short-term rentals. The property must meet either of these conditions to qualify:An average stay of seven days or fewer for the year.An average stay of 30 days or fewer for the year when substantial services are provided.How to Make the STR Loophole Work for YouThe purpose of the STR loophole is to offset active income with rental losses. To maximize this tax strategy, though, you want a paper loss. That’s when your operating costs and noncash expenses are more than the property’s income. In other words, the rental is profitable, but on paper, you have a loss because of your deductions.So for the STR loophole to be most effective for you, you need to increase the property’s noncash deductions. Depreciation is a key player here.The Key to Noncash Deductions: DepreciationDepreciation reflects an asset’s decrease in value — and it’s a deductible, noncash expense. Use these accelerated depreciation strategies to maximize your deductions and set your property up for a paper loss.Bonus DepreciationThere were significant changes to bonus depreciation this year due to the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” legislation. Instead of phasing out, bonus depreciation has been restored to 100% for qualifying properties purchased and placed in service after Jan. 19, 2025.For properties acquired and operating before Jan. 19, 2025, the phase-out schedule remains:September 2017 to 2022: 100%2023: 80%2024: 60%2025: 40%2026: 20%2027: 0%Section 179This part of the tax code allows rental property owners to deduct 100% of qualifying equipment and software in the year they purchased it. And as of 2018, landlords can deduct the cost of personal property items purchased for use inside rental units. So now items like these may qualify:BlindsCarpetsComputersDrapesKitchen applianceOffice equipmentOffice furnitureOutdoor maintenance equipmentSoftwareVehiclesNote that there are limits to Section 179. Landlords cannot deduct land or improvements like swimming pools, parking lots, or fences.Reclassification of AssetsA cost segregation study examines a property’s assets and evaluates their values and useful life. Once you have the results of the study, you can reclassify elements of your property and depreciate them over five or 15 years. These assets can make up 20% to 30% of your property’s value, so this strategy can significantly affect your reportable income and position you for a paper loss.Turn Strategies into Savings with the STR LoopholeThe short-term rental tax strategy isn’t a gimmick — it’s a legitimate opportunity hidden in plain sight for landlords who understand the rules and document their work. When structured correctly, an STR can turn depreciation and active participation into powerful tools that reduce your tax burden without sacrificing cash flow. As always, the key is compliance, careful recordkeeping, and working with a tax professional who understands how to apply the strategy to your specific portfolio.This story was produced by TurboTenant and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Application portal opens for 2026 Freight House Farmers' Market Anyone who bakes, grows, creates or owns a small business is welcome to apply for this year's farmers' market in Davenport.
	YWCA to hold Youth Career Fair and Career Readiness Workshop on March 6 The YWCA in the Quad Cities will host its third annual Youth Career Fair on March 6, along with a Career Readiness Workshop on Feb. 27.
	New details released on rural Calamus fire Authorities say crews were dispatched to a home and barn at 178th Avenue. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
	Pet of the Week \| Dolphin - Feb. 23, 2026 News 8 and the Quad City Animal Welfare Center partner each week to help pets find their forever homes.
	Multiple departments respond to Calamus fire Multiple fire departments responded to a structure fire in rural Calamus this morning. A news release from the Clinton County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to the 2900 block of 178th Avenue in rural Calamus for a report of a structure fire on Monday, February 23 at about 8:55 a.m. Initial reports indicated the [...]
	House lawmaker files to run for Oklahoma attorney general Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City, listens during the House session on May 22, 2025. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice)OKLAHOMA CITY — A Republican House lawmaker has filed paperwork to join the race for Oklahoma Attorney General, according to filings with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. Rep. Chris Kannady’s filing makes him the third Republican who has indicated he intends to seek the party nomination to become the state’s next attorney general. Kannady, of Oklahoma City, did not respond to repeated requests for comment. He joins two Republican candidates in the race, former House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols and Oklahoma Energy and Environment Secretary Jeff Starling. Nick Coffey, a former federal prosecutor, is seeking the Democratic nomination. The men are vying to replace Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who is not seeking a second term because he is running for governor. Kannady, who works as an attorney at Foshee & Yaffe Attorneys at Law, received undergraduate, master’s and law degrees from the University of Oklahoma, according to his House lawmaker biography. He also has a master’s degree in national security and foreign relations from George Washington University. A veteran, Kannady served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Marine. He also serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, according to a campaign website. He’s represented House District 91, which encompasses parts of south Oklahoma City, since 2014. Kannady cannot seek reelection for the post due to term limits. Kannady lives in Oklahoma City with his wife and two children. Formal candidate filing for state and legislative posts runs from April 1-3. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Oklahoma Voice
	Unfiltered water, expensive problems: The cost of ignoring water quality Unfiltered water, expensive problems: The cost of ignoring water qualityEver notice white spots on your dishes, soap that won’t lather, or your hair feeling dull no matter how much shampoo you use? These are common signs of hard water. The minerals in unfiltered water don’t just make cleaning harder; they gradually wear down appliances, clog pipes, stain fixtures, and drive up energy costs. Over time, these hidden costs can add up, leading to expensive repairs and replacements that homeowners often don’t see coming.In this guide, Leaf Home breaks down four major ways unfiltered hard water wreaks havoc on your home—and how to help prevent it.Key TakeawaysHard water shortens appliance lifespans, leading to costly repairs and replacements, with water heater failures averaging $4,400 per incident.Mineral buildup clogs pipes and corrodes plumbing, resulting in leaks, plumbing failures, and repiping costs of up to $15,000.Unfiltered water increases energy bills, with scale buildup reducing water heater efficiency by up to 48%, driving up utility costs.1. Appliance Breakdown and Replacement CostsHard water isn’t just a nuisance—it’s rough on your appliances, too. The minerals in unfiltered water build up over time, forcing your appliances to work harder and wear out faster. Water heaters take the biggest hit, with 75% failing by year 12 due to mineral buildup and corrosion, according to IBHS. When that happens, homeowners face an average replacement cost of $1,500-3,000.Dishwashers and washing machines also struggle with hard water. The scale buildup inside these appliances reduces efficiency, leads to frequent repairs, and eventually causes them to break down (USGS). That means more unexpected costs, with replacements running between $500 and $1,500 per unit, according to the NAHB Repair Cost Report. Over time, these expenses add up, making hard water a costly problem for any home (Fig. 1). Leaf Home 2. Plumbing Repairs and Water Damage CostsHard water doesn’t just affect appliances—it also takes a serious toll on your plumbing. Over time, mineral deposits build up inside pipes, restricting water flow and increasing pressure. This leads to clogged pipes, corrosion, and, eventually, leaks or even major plumbing failures. When pipes start to fail, the repair costs can be steep. On average, homeowners pay $5,000 per insurance claim for plumbing failures caused by hard water, according to NAHB.Even small leaks can add up fast. Mineral buildup weakens pipes, causing slow leaks that go unnoticed until they turn into costly problems. Repairs for these leaks typically range from $1,300 to $6,000 per incident . In homes with extremely hard water, the damage can be so severe that whole-house repiping is needed within 10–15 years—an expensive project costing anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 (NAHB). That’s a big price to pay for something as simple as unfiltered water (Fig. 2). Leaf Home 3. Stained Fixtures and Increased Cleaning CostsIf you’ve ever scrubbed and scrubbed but couldn’t get rid of those stubborn stains in your sink or bathtub, hard water is likely to blame. The minerals in unfiltered water leave behind chalky white residue and rust-colored stains on sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. Over time, these stains become harder to remove, leading to more frequent deep cleanings or even premature fixture replacements.Hard water also wreaks havoc on showerheads and faucets. Showerheads can lose up to 75% of their flow within just 18 months due to mineral buildup, often requiring replacements that cost between $100 and $300 per fixture (WQRF). Faucets in hard-water homes need regular descaling and repairs, adding an extra $150–$500 per year in maintenance costs (NAHB). When you add up the constant cleaning, repairs, and replacements, hard water quickly becomes an expensive—and frustrating—problem (Fig. 3). Leaf Home 4. Increased Energy Bills from Efficiency LossesHard water damages appliances and drives up your energy bills because they have to work harder. The mineral buildup inside water heaters and dishwashers reduces efficiency, meaning they need more power to do the same job. Every 5 grains per gallon of water hardness causes a 4% drop in water heater efficiency (EPA), and that lost efficiency shows up in your monthly energy costs.For homes with very hard water, the impact is even worse. Gas water heaters can lose between 24–48% of their efficiency , forcing them to run longer and use more energy. In extreme cases, hard water can drive up water heating costs by as much as 40–57%. Over time, that adds up to hundreds of extra dollars spent on utilities—money that could have been saved with filtered water (Fig. 4). Leaf Home Filtered vs. Unfiltered: The Cost GapThe costs of hard water add up fast, but there’s a simple solution: water filtration. Homes with softened (filtered) water see up to 40% lower water heater operating costs, according to EPA, meaning more money stays in your pocket instead of going to utility bills. Plus, filtered water helps appliances last significantly longer—tankless water heaters in hard-water homes fail in just 1.6 years, while those with softened water last over a decade =.Beyond just saving on appliances, homeowners in hard-water regions spend hundreds of extra dollars each year on repairs, energy bills, and cleaning products. Investing in a whole-house water filter or softener can quickly pay for itself, often within a year, thanks to the long-term savings in maintenance and efficiency. With fewer breakdowns, lower energy costs, and less time scrubbing stains, the choice between filtered and unfiltered water is clear.Help Protect Your Home and Your Wallet with Better WaterThe hidden costs of hard water add up quickly. From expensive appliance breakdowns and plumbing repairs to stained fixtures and higher energy bills, unfiltered water puts unnecessary strain on your home and budget. Over time, these issues can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements—costs that could be avoided with the right water treatment solution.MethodologyThis article is based on data from reputable sources, including the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF). These sources provide industry-backed insights on the potential impact hard water can have on your finances and the structural integrity of your home, helping ensure accurate and reliable information for homeowners looking to protect their homes and reduce long-term costs.This story was produced by Leaf Home and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Augustana hosting volunteer fair March 7 Over 30 Quad Cities nonprofit organizations and students will gather for a volunteer fair and festival on March 7 from 2 – 4 p.m. at Augustana College’s Gerber Center for Student Life, 3435 9½ Ave., Rock Island, Ill. People can explore volunteer opportunities, hear “Living Stories” from community volunteers and take part in interactive activities. [...]
	Fire crews were called to a home along 178th Avenue News 8 is on scene and working to get details.
	Galesburg house fire victim identified Officials say 70-year-old Eulon Cooper died Saturday morning and his autopsy is scheduled for today.
	Review of Barely There Theatre: word play at Moline's The Black Box Theatre Now playing at The Black Box Theatre in Moline is Barely There Theatre’s offering of local playwright Alexander Richardson’s thought provoking script “word play” and, in his own words, “This play is about four adults stuck in that phase of life between where their parents have relinquished stewardship but before the realities of family, duty, and obligation have set in.”
	Clinton County house fire seen from QCA skyline The smoke could be seen from the KWQC Skyview camera about 9:15 a.m. coming from the Clinton County area.
	Do you want to be like Mike? A look at Michael Jordan’s Gulfstream fleet Do you want to be like Mike? A look at Michael Jordan’s Gulfstream fleetMost people look at Michael Jordan’s jets and see a high-end brand. But behind the signature “Jumpman” paint jobs, Jordan’s flight department runs on a cold, disciplined asset management strategy. In the world of high-stakes aviation, global mobility has stopped being about prestige. It’s now about pinning down predictable operating economics and maximizing range.The FAA registry and reporting from Simple Flying recently caught a major tail number swap in late 2024. Jordan moved into a state-of-the-art Gulfstream G650ER (N236MJ, serial number 6579), shelving his 2006 G550 in the process. This wasn't an upgrade for the sake of a new toy. It was a calculated move to sunset an aging airframe before it hit a multimillion-dollar heavy maintenance wall.It was essentially a math problem. Jettly, a private jet charter broker, looks at how by ditching legacy hardware for modern performance, Jordan’s “MJ Air” team solved a headache every corporate flight department eventually faces: the exact moment a plane becomes a liability rather than a tool. For anyone managing a seven-figure travel budget, this is about smart capital. It’s about ensuring an aircraft can actually sustain a global schedule without the constant downtime risks that come with an aging fleet. Jettly Why the G650ER Represents a Financially Rational UpgradeThe Gulfstream G550 was a proven industry workhorse for nearly two decades, but the technological floor of the market has shifted. Long-range operational requirements and fuel-burn efficiencies now favor newer platforms like the G650ER.Its extended range enables it to connect cities such as New York to Hong Kong or Miami to Dubai without refueling, which significantly reduces repositioning costs and crew idle hours. For travelers conducting high-frequency transoceanic missions, range directly translates into utilization efficiency.Business Insider estimates the G650ER acquisition range at roughly $65-$70 million, depending on specifications and year of manufacture. While the capital requirement is substantial, its economic justification lies in reduced flight time, lower operating hours per mission, and enhanced residual value relative to aging legacy platforms.The G650ER remains one of the most in-demand business jets globally, which cushions depreciation compared to older large‑cabin models.How Jordan’s Former G550 Fits Into His FleetJordan’s previous primary jet, the G550 registered as N239MJ, served his business operations reliably for years. However, even the most legendary airframes eventually face the challenge of maintenance variability. Shifting from a G550 to a G650ER is a textbook move for ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) travelers looking to reduce exposure to aging-aircraft downtime.As an airframe ages, the frequency of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events inevitably increases. For a traveler with a high-frequency international schedule, a “grounded” aircraft represents a massive mission failure.By moving up to a newer model like the G650ER before these lifecycle costs begin to accelerate, Jordan is essentially hedging against the rising cost of parts and specialized labor. This logic mirrors the fleet strategies used by the most efficient corporate flight departments across North America and Europe.Customization as a Strategic AssetWhere Michael Jordan distinguishes himself is in the aircraft’s bespoke design. Media outlets like Yahoo News have frequently highlighted the striking exterior, which features a silver-and-black elephant-print livery inspired by the Air Jordan 3.This isn't just a high-gloss finish; reporting indicates the custom paint job alone cost an estimated $500,000. While these aesthetic choices are often viewed as purely personal, they signal a broader trend in UHNW aviation toward brand-aligned personalization. For a public figure, the tail number N236MJ acts as a flying resume—incorporating his jersey number (23) and his six championship rings.Inside, the G650ER platform offers a massive cabin with up to four distinct living zones. While specific interior selections for Jordan’s aircraft remain private, the G650ER typically supports modular layouts for dining, collaborative work, and overnight rest.From an operational standpoint, the jet’s value as a productivity tool lies in its environmental controls. The G650ER maintains a cabin altitude of 4,850 feet even while cruising at 51,000 feet, which, combined with a fresh-air replenishment system that cycles every two minutes, reduces physical strain on longer flights.Understanding the Economics Behind Jordan’s Fleet EvolutionJordan’s name may dominate the headlines, but his fleet decisions reflect the market realities that many UHNW and corporate travelers face. Large‑cabin demand has tightened worldwide, and long‑range platforms continue to command higher residual values due to their mission flexibility. The economics justify moving into newer models sooner, but typically only for owners flying substantial intercontinental hours.Additionally, the G650ER’s performance profile aligns with global routing patterns that demand fewer technical stops, reduced crew days, and improved scheduling reliability. These are quantifiable operational advantages applicable in any corporate context and relevant to celebrity lifestyles, creating an interesting overlap.What Jordan’s Fleet Says About the Future of UHNW AviationMichael Jordan’s fleet evolution mirrors a broader reconfiguration of the private aviation market. Ultra-wealthy travelers are increasingly prioritizing global reach, reliability, and residual value over mere ownership prestige.Newer long‑range platforms offer a strategic advantage in an environment where maintenance downtime has become a volatile planning variable. Gulfstream’s G650ER remains a benchmark for connecting major financial and sports markets without delay, which explains its adoption among business, political, and sports figures.As long‑range platforms continue to advance, and as environmental pressures shape fleet modernization, owners may increasingly mirror Jordan’s behavior by retiring aging legacy aircraft in favor of more efficient, longer‑range models that preserve value while expanding mission capability. Jordan’s fleet is a reflection of strategic asset management that may serve as a predictive indicator of where the industry is moving in the next decade.This story was produced by Jettly and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Fire crews respond to blaze in rural Calamus Crews respond to a structure fire in rural Calamus, Iowa. News 8 saw smoke rising and multiple emergency vehicles at the scene. Updates to come.
	Person scammed out of $600 in an attempt of bond, Henry County Sheriff's Office warns community Officials received reports from an individual saying they were scammed out of $600 while attempting to bond another individual in the Henry County jail.
	Everything you need to know about advertising on AI search engines Everything you need to know about advertising on AI search enginesIn a world where AI-powered search experiences are redefining how people find answers, AI search engine advertising gives marketers a new frontier for pay-per-click reach. Instead of relying solely on traditional search results, brands can place ads within AI assistants and answer engines such as Microsoft Copilot, Google AI Overviews and Perplexity — landing ad placements inside the conversation, not just above it.Instead of using AI to manage ads, marketers can now place them directly within AI-driven search experiences. This guide by WebFX explores these emerging paid-search opportunities.What is AI search engine advertising?AI search engine advertising is the use of pay-per-click (PPC) ads in AI-powered experiences, like Microsoft’s Copilot or AI Overviews in Google Search. This type of advertising is not the use of artificial intelligence to generate or manage ads.Why advertise on AI search engines? WebFX Advertising on AI search engines offers a few benefits, including the following:Get the first-mover advantage: Becoming one of the earliest companies to advertise on AI answer or search engines gives your organization a competitive edge in the marketplace. You get to own that advertising real estate versus sharing it with competitors.Improve paid performance: According to Microsoft, ads within AI-powered search experiences perform better. Copilot ads, for example, have a 69% higher click-through rate and 76% higher conversion rate than traditional search.Reach users across search experiences: From using Perplexity to asking ChatGPT, how people search is changing. With multiple advertising outlets, you make it possible to reach users no matter how they search online.Scale marketing efforts: Like other paid advertising efforts, ads in AI engines can support other marketing efforts. For example, you could use ads in AI Overviews to achieve micro-conversions like growing an email list via a downloadable resource.Expand revenue streams: Investing in new ad placements can create new revenue streams. For example, advertising on Perplexity (a brand-new ad network) could help your organization reach specific audience subsets.Offset decreased performance: With search preferences changing, businesses can expect decreased performance, whether in organic traffic or ad conversions. Adapting to this shift, like by advertising on AI answer engines, can offset this change.For advertisers switching over from an exact-match keyword strategy, it can be difficult to give the AI-powered campaign types the freedom to learn and optimize accordingly. However, once you ensure your data foundations are solid, it’s best to loosen control somewhat.Continue to monitor performance closely, and definitely monitor search terms and placements for exclusions, but don’t be quite as strict with your controls as you would with traditional exact- and phrase-match search campaigns. Give the campaign room to breathe and learn.Which AI search engines support advertising? WebFX The following AI search engines or AI-powered experiences support advertising:Google AI OverviewsMicrosoft CopilotPerplexityAs of now, those are the only three major AI platforms to offer advertising support. However, there have been plenty of rumors that ChatGPT ads might be close, based on a recent code leak. It’s unclear what those ads would look like.Additionally, some programmatic ad platforms are making plans to incorporate AI platforms into their offering.Inside the AI answer engines offering advertisingLearn more about the AI-powered experiences offering advertising options now.Microsoft CopilotAbout: Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant and is available as a standalone product and throughout Microsoft’s product suite. Whether users are looking to search online, generate ideas, or find files within their workspace, Microsoft Copilot can do it.Placements: Bottom of answerSince Copilot’s launch in 2023, Microsoft has been researching how Microsoft Copilot ads impact the user experience — and ad performance. So far, various ad types, from Responsive search ads to Multimedia ads, have performed better in Copilot than in traditional search results.Part of the reason is that Microsoft Copilot uses context to determine if, and when, to deliver an ad. The AI assistant considers the entire conversation and — if an ad seems relevant — shares its reasoning for including the advertisement (Microsoft calls this ‘ad voice’).You can see an example of an ad voice in the earlier image. Before the ad, Copilot says, “Considering you’re looking for something easy to schedule and close to Alexandria, I’d have a look at these guided activities from…”Copilot ads have a “Sponsored” label like other Microsoft Advertising ads.When it comes to getting started with advertising on Microsoft Copilot, advertisers’ existing ads can appear in Copilot conversations. However, whether these ads will appear depends on the ads relevant to the conversation.Google AI OverviewsAbout: Exclusive to Google Search, AI Overviews appear above organic search results and aim to answer the user’s search intent with a written summary (including citations) based on the content within Google’s index.Placements: Above and below the AI OverviewAccording to Google, AI Overviews have increased user satisfaction with search results — that satisfaction increased when the AI Overview included ads, with users finding the advertisements helpful.Companies looking to advertise in AI Overviews can do so with these ad and campaign types:Search adsGoogle Shopping adsPerformance Max campaignsHaving said that, in order for search ads to appear in AI Overviews, advertisers must use broad match, AI Max for Search, or Dynamic Search Ads.Also, for reference, Google Shopping ads require a Google Merchant Center account and a shopping feed. You’ll most often find retail or e-commerce companies versus service providers using this type of Google ad.Like Microsoft Copilot, AI Overviews uses an ad voice to introduce the ad. In the earlier example, for instance, Google introduces the advertisement with the text, “Here are some products to help get grass stains out.”Similar to Microsoft Copilot (and Google Ads), AI Overview ads are labeled “Sponsored.”PerplexityAbout: Perplexity is an answer engine. Within its interface, users can ask questions and submit prompts to learn more about a topic, discover brands, research purchases, and more. Understanding its advertising opportunities is a key component of the platform.Placements: Related Questions, Answer Page, Third-party sitesWith Perplexity ads, the company plans to offer businesses across industries, from travel to finance, multiple placement options in its AI-generated answers. Advertisers will also have access to essential data points, like:ImpressionsUnique impressionsClick volumeQualifying queriesLike other new ad networks, Perplexity plans to limit access to a “select few partners” at launch. Once opened to all businesses, the network will offer the benefits of AI search advertising.Since Perplexity doesn’t currently have conversion tracking, metrics like traffic, the post-click user journey, and branded search volume are used for measurement. Measurement platforms can unify visits across sessions to track user behavior from ad click to purchase.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Know more sooner: The benefits of prenatal genetic screening (BPT) - As hopeful parents start their reproductive journeys, they may be offered a variety of tests and screenings, which can be opportunities to learn more about their own health and about a pregnancy and developing baby. These tests and screenings may provide reassurance that all is well, or chances to seek further information.Prenatal genetic screenings, in particular, can help determine whether your baby may be at risk for certain genetic or chromosomal conditions. With the help of a clinician, you'll be able to navigate genetic screening information without feeling overwhelmed and make a plan for what comes next.What is prenatal genetic screening?Prenatal genetic screenings use a blood sample to test the parents or the pregnancy. These screenings allow expecting parents to learn about their own genes and how those may impact their baby, or get insights into the baby's development and discover the baby's predicted sex — well before birth.There are two types of prenatal genetic screenings:Carrier screening: This prenatal genetic screening lets parents know if they're carriers of a serious genetic condition and can help determine a baby's chance of having specific inherited conditions like cystic fibrosis or fragile X syndrome. It's possible to be a carrier of a genetic condition without showing any symptoms of the condition. Carrier screening can be done before or during pregnancy.Non-invasive prenatal screening: Cell-free DNA screening, also known as NIPS or NIPT, can help determine if a baby has a chance of having specific chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome. This screening is done during pregnancy.Why does clear information matter?Prenatal genetic screening can play an important role in helping expectant parents make informed decisions during pregnancy. By identifying potential genetic risks early, screening may provide valuable insight into a baby's health risks giving families time to learn, ask questions, and consider next steps such as diagnostic testing or other care options recommended by their healthcare providers. These screens can help guide conversations between families and their health care providers as well as support personalized care and informed planning during an emotionally complex time."Knowing medical information early in their pregnancy can give expectant parents the most options," said Dallas Reed, M.D., FACMG, FACOG, obstetrician-gynecologist and medical geneticist, and principal medical advisor of Women's Health for Myriad Genetics®. "Normal results can provide reassurance, while positive results open the door to thoughtful conversations about next steps between families and their healthcare providers, helping them feel more prepared and supported as they make choices for their pregnancy."A prenatal genetic screen for everyoneAny expecting parent can benefit from a genetic test, not just those who have a family history of certain inherited conditions. If you're considering having a baby, ask your doctor about the Prequel® Prenatal Screen and the Foresight® Carrier Screen, non-invasive blood or saliva tests designed for everyone regardless of ancestry or BMI.The Prequel screen checks for increased risk of certain common chromosome conditions by analyzing placental DNA in the pregnant person's blood, and with most results available in seven to 10 days. This prenatal screening can be done as early as eight weeks, giving parents as much time as possible to make a plan with their healthcare provider based on the screening results. The Foresight screen can help determine whether parents carry inherited health conditions that they may pass on to their child.While most reports deliver low-risk results, if you do want to talk them through, Myriad offers on-demand access to board-certified genetic counselors to help interpret results and answer questions about your baby's health risks.Determining next stepsIf a screen reveals a high-risk result, it's important to keep in mind that screening is just the first step. Genetic insights based on prenatal screening give you precious time to pursue diagnostic tests like amniocentesis, consult specialists, find the best-equipped medical facilities for your birth, and connect with parents who have been in your shoes.Your healthcare provider may offer follow-up testing or a conversation with a specialist to explore results further and discuss options.Feel empowered, not overwhelmedGenetic testing helps parents understand what to expect, giving them insights to help make thoughtful choices for their family.If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, check out Myriad's Prequel Prenatal Screen, a screen that assesses common chromosomal conditions, as well as the Foresight Carrier Screen, which looks for genetic conditions that parents might pass down to their children, and SneakPeek® Early Gender Test, which allows parents to learn about their baby's predicted sex as early as six weeks.Myriad Genetics also offers resources like Know More Sooner to help make the pregnancy journey clearer and more supportive for families, and debunk common myths about genetic screening.
	Davenport rally marks 4 years since Russian invasion of Ukraine Dozens gathered in Davenport to mark four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, urging continued global pressure and solidarity.
	Should I pay off my mortgage before I retire? Should I pay off my mortgage before I retire?If you're approaching retirement and still carrying a mortgage, it can be tempting to prioritize eliminating it as soon as possible. But deciding whether to pay off your mortgage before retirement isn’t always clear-cut. It involves balancing several factors to see what’s right for your situation.In this guide, Splitero walks through five key factors: your monthly budget, your savings, market risk (sequence of returns), tax implications, and alternatives.Key TakeawaysIt's important to consider your monthly retirement budget and how much cash you need to have available to you. A lower mortgage payment can reduce the income you need each month, but you want to be sure you still have enough accessible funds for surprises.A mortgage payment can increase the amount you need to withdraw during market downturns, especially early in retirement, when withdrawals can have an outsized impact.Funding a payoff from tax-deferred accounts can create a one-year income spike and may affect Medicare premiums later, so timing and tax planning are part of the decision.If a full payoff doesn’t fit cleanly, alternatives like a recast, extra principal payments, or equity-access options that avoid a new monthly payment can help you balance lower housing costs with flexibility.1. Your retirement budgetIf the mortgage is a large part of what you spend each month, paying it down or paying it off could reduce the income you need to reliably bring in each month. That can also reduce how much you may need to withdraw from savings in the early retirement years.If the payment is already easily covered by a steady income (for example, Social Security plus a pension), or if your interest rate is low and the payment does not strain your budget, the monthly benefit of paying it off may be smaller. In that case, the decision may come down more to what you would give up to make a payoff happen.It’s also important to note that paying off the mortgage does not eliminate housing costs. Property taxes, insurance, and maintenance still remain, so you are evaluating the impact of removing the principal-and-interest payment, not the full cost of owning a home.Questions to considerHow much of your monthly income is going towards your mortgage payment?If you removed that payment, would you feel meaningfully more confident about your retirement budget?If you keep the mortgage, does your plan still work in months when expenses run higher than expected?2. How much cash you have availableCash in a bank account or a brokerage account is easy to use. But retirement accounts can have tax consequences for withdrawals, annuities and pensions may be fixed, and other assets like a rental property or a small business can take time (and paperwork) to turn into cash. With that in mind, it’s important to ask yourself if, after any mortgage payoff, you will still have enough money that’s easy to use if you need it.Paying off a mortgage often requires using a large lump sum. If that payoff leaves you with very little cash or non-retirement savings available, you may be more vulnerable to common retirement surprises like medical expenses, a major home repair, or helping family.This is where a mortgage payoff can create a tradeoff. Paying off the loan may reduce your monthly expenses, but it can also move a large amount of cash out of savings and into the home. If that leaves you with a thin cash cushion, everyday surprises can become harder to handle.Questions to considerAfter a payoff, would you still have a healthy emergency fund and accessible savings?If you had a large expense next year, what is the most likely source of funds?Would paying off the mortgage reduce your cash reserves enough that you would feel financially vulnerable?Homeowners often assume they can use their home equity whenever they need to, but many ways of accessing it depend on lender requirements, such as income verification, which may be harder in retirement. If you have significant equity in your home and are considering it part of your future cash reserves, it’s crucial to assess your options for accessing it as you weigh the pros and cons of paying off your mortgage before you retire.3. Market risk and sequence-of-returnsSequence-of-returns risk, also referred to as sequence risk or withdrawal risk, means that once you start withdrawing from investments, the timing of market ups and downs matters. A downturn early in retirement can do more damage than the same downturn later, because you may be pulling money out while account values are lower.This connects directly to your mortgage because a mortgage is a fixed monthly obligation. You can cut discretionary spending in a rough year, but you usually can’t pause your mortgage the same way. If paying down (or paying off) the mortgage reduces your required monthly expenses, you may be able to withdraw less from investments during volatile markets. That can lower the chance you’re forced to sell at an inconvenient time.Questions to considerIf markets dropped meaningfully in your first 1–3 years of retirement, how would you cover monthly expenses?Does your mortgage increase the amount you’d need to withdraw from investments in down markets?Do you have a “bad market” plan (cash buffer, flexible spending, other income sources), and does the mortgage fit comfortably within it?4. Tax implicationsIf you pay off the mortgage using a large withdrawal from a traditional IRA or 401(k), that withdrawal generally counts as taxable income. If you take a large lump sum in one year, it can push more of your income into higher tax brackets and can affect other parts of your tax picture (including how much of your Social Security becomes taxable).Medicare is another layer. Medicare premiums can be affected by the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), a surcharge added to Medicare premiums for those with high adjusted gross incomes. Your IRMAA is based on your income from two years earlier, so a large one-time income spike to fund a payoff can raise Medicare premiums later, even if only for a limited period.Finally, if you currently itemize deductions, mortgage interest may be part of that. Paying off the mortgage can reduce interest deductions, although many households take the standard deduction and won’t see a major change here.Questions to considerWhere would the payoff funds come from (taxable savings, brokerage, IRA/401(k), a mix)?Would a lump-sum withdrawal push you into a higher tax bracket or create a big one-year tax bill?Are you near Medicare/IRMAA income thresholds where a one-year spike could raise premiums two years later?Would spreading the payoff over more than one year reduce the tax impact?Alternatives to a full payoffIf paying off the mortgage all at once would strain your cash reserves or create a tax spike, you’re not limited to “all or nothing.” There are several ways to reduce the mortgage’s impact on your retirement budget while keeping more flexibility in the rest of your plan.A mortgage recast: If your loan qualifies, recasting lets you pay a lump sum toward principal. Your lender then recalculates your monthly payment based on the new balance. You keep the same loan and interest rate, but your payment drops.Extra principal payments (lump sum or spread out): Another option is to put additional money toward the principal without fully paying off the loan. You can do this as a one-time lump sum to reduce the balance right away. Or you can spread extra payments over time, especially if the money would come from a tax-deferred retirement account, so you can manage taxes and keep more accessible cash along the way.If the real issue is needing cash while keeping monthly obligations low, it may also be worth comparing options that turn home equity into usable funds without adding a new monthly payment. Depending on your circumstances, that could include a reverse mortgage or a home equity investment (HEI).An HEI provides cash upfront in exchange for sharing a portion of the home’s future value, and because an HEI doesn’t require monthly payments, it typically doesn’t require income verification the way monthly-payment loans do, which can make qualification simpler for retirees.The bottom line: Prioritize flexibility and retirement resiliencePaying off your mortgage before you retire can change your plan in meaningful ways. It’s a good idea to consider what a payoff would do to your monthly budget, how much accessible cash you’d still have, how flexible your plan would be in a down market, and whether the way you fund the payoff creates avoidable tax or Medicare premium surprises.In many cases, the most helpful approach is to compare a few paths side by side (full payoff, partial paydown, recast, downsizing, or using home equity without adding a new required monthly payment) so you can choose the option that best fits your goals and timeline.Because the tradeoffs can depend on details like taxes, Medicare timing, and how your accounts are structured, it can be worth running the numbers with a qualified professional, such as a fiduciary financial planner or tax advisor, before deciding to pay off your mortgage before retiring.Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I use my 401(k) to pay off my house?You can, but it’s worth running the numbers first. Withdrawals from a traditional 401(k) or IRA are generally taxable, and if you’re under 59½ you may also owe a 10% early-withdrawal penalty. Even after 59½ (when the penalty usually goes away), a large one-time withdrawal can create a big tax bill and reduce the retirement savings you have invested for the future. Consider talking with a financial or tax professional before using retirement funds to pay off a loan.Can I do this penalty-free after age 59½?After 59½, you can typically withdraw from retirement accounts without the 10% early-withdrawal penalty, but you may still owe ordinary income tax on traditional 401(k) or IRA withdrawals. There are also exceptions like the “Rule of 55” for some 401(k) plans, but it’s plan- and situation-specific. If you’re considering a large withdrawal, it may help to plan the timing (or spread it out) to manage the tax impact.Will a lump-sum withdrawal to pay off my mortgage raise my Medicare premiums?It can. Medicare IRMAA is based on your income from two years prior, so a large one-year income spike to fund a payoff can increase your Part B (and possibly Part D) premiums later, even if only temporarily. If you’re close to IRMAA thresholds, it may be worth coordinating withdrawal timing with a tax professional.Does a mortgage recast require an appraisal?Usually not. A recast typically keeps your existing loan and rate, and the lender recalculates the payment after you make a principal reduction, often with a processing fee, but without the full refinance process. The key is that not all lenders (or loan types) allow recasting, so you’ll want to confirm eligibility and minimum-paydown requirements with your servicer.This story was produced by Splitero and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How To Make The Most of Your Parkinson’s Care by Sneha Mantri, MD, MS, FAAN (NAPSI)—If you or someone you care about is among the 10 million people worldwide who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), there are a few facts you should know.What is Parkinson’s disease (PD)? PD is a progressive brain disorder that damages dopamine-producing neurons. Symptoms include tremor, stiffness, slow movement and such issues as depression or sleep problems. Though no cure exists, treatments can help improve quality of life.Scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause. How Can People with Parkinson’s Advocate for Their Needs?PD appointments can be overwhelming. The Parkinson’s Foundation offers resources to empower people with PD to focus appointments on what matters most to them:Webpage at Parkinson.org/Optimizing Care Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473 -4636) Worksheet: “Steps to Prepare for a Parkinson Appointment,” available on the Parkinson’s Foundation website or in hard copy. It can help guide your thinking about PD-related concerns that may affect your life, work, family, hobbies and safety. Webinar & Podcast: Also available on the Parkinson’s Foundation website are options to watch and listen. The “Strategies for Meaningful Healthcare Visits” webinar and “Make Every Minute Count” podcast features expert suggestions on how best to prepare before, during, and after a visit with your doctor.The Parkinson’s Foundation recognizes three challenges that can happen with Parkinson’s healthcare appointments: 1. The limited length of the visit 2. A lack of shared focus with the healthcare team 3. The complexity of PD care and treatment People living with PD can make the most of visits and be an active partner in their care through self-reflection, education, and advocacy. While the healthcare team may have many years of medical expertise, each person brings their own lived experiences and unique needs. The Parkinson’s Foundation offers resources to empower people with PD to change their approach to PD care through simple steps before, during and between PD appointments.• Mindful, active preparation for a visit with your doctor is a first step to becoming an active partner. • Do some holistic self-assessment, to identify any issues with emotional or social wellness, cognition, challenges with daily tasks, and safety. • During the appointment, be sure to speak up about what matters to you most. Bring a list of your top three appointment topics to every visit.• Bring a trusted person along. Consider who in your life might play this role, beyond a spouse or care partner. From having another set of ears for the discussion, to helping voice a concern that’s difficult to bring up, the companion can have a great effect on the outcomes of a visit. • Between visits, focus on what you can do to live well with PD. Review appointment notes, track progress, and stay active. Dr. Mantri is the Chief Medical Officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation. Word Count: 452
	What NPR reporters will remember most about these Winter Olympics NPR's reporters on the ground in Italy reflect on a far-flung, jam-packed Winter Olympics.
	Smoke seen over Quad Cities area skyline The smoke could be seen from the KWQC Skyview camera about 9:15 a.m. coming from the Clinton County area.
	Be The Good Foundation awards grant to Living Lands & Waters Be The Good Foundation has awarded its first grant. The foundation presented its inaugural grant to Living Lands & Waters (LL&W). LL& W was chosen as the foundation’s first grant recipient for its meaningful impact and ongoing commitment to protecting natural resources. The $500 grant was presented during a check ceremony with representatives from both organizations. “Launching Be The Good [...]
	Third Place QC serving up to 100 daily, leaders say center already making impact The Rock Island daytime resource center is now serving up to 100 people each day, with leaders reporting strong demand and early signs of progress for visitors.
	Clinical Trial Aims to Improve Daily Life for People with Prader-Willi Syndrome and Their Families (BPT) - For Kevin and Karin Sweeney, the distress was immediate. Moments after the birth of their daughter, Klara, doctors and nurses gathered in the delivery room in a quiet cluster. Their whispers were a vivid and unnerving sign that something was troubling them about the baby. Karin sensed it, too. Klara wasn't crying and would not latch on to nurse. She needed a feeding tube and further evaluation in the neonatal intensive care unit.Soon after, genetic testing revealed that she had Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a rare disorder characterized by chronic hunger, growth hormone deficiency, and behavior changes.Many questions, few answersThe diagnosis left the Sweeneys full of questions they couldn't easily articulate. As parents of a newborn, their future felt uncertain."We felt isolated and alone," says Karin. "But we refused to accept a future that was grim for our daughter. We focused on learning all we could about PWS to help us adapt to the new reality we were facing.""The hungriest you've ever been"That new reality included dealing with one of the most challenging symptoms of PWS, called hyperphagia, or unsatisfiable hunger. If not proactively managed, hyperphagia-associated PWS can result in life-threatening obesity and lead to other health complications."People with Prader-Willi syndrome do not feel full. They usually cannot live independently because they are consumed with their overwhelming need for food," says Jennifer L. Miller, M.D., professor of pediatric endocrinology at the University of Florida, Gainesville, who specializes in treating children and adults with PWS. "When I first started treating this disorder, a patient told me, 'Imagine the hungriest you've ever been. That's how I feel all the time.'"A new version of life – in and out of the homeFamilies navigate the burden of PWS in different ways, often building their days around structure, including consistent mealtimes and controlled food access. For the Sweeneys, this has meant increased vigilance in controlling what and when their daughter eats. Inside their home, they have been able to keep Klara, now 15 years old, on a strict "clean" diet to help her maintain a healthy weight.Other families coping with PWS often turn to more extreme measures to control their child's food access, including locking fridges and pantries.Outside the home, PWS can have a significant impact on quality of life. With less control over food access at parties and other social gatherings, families often are forced to isolate themselves from friends and loved ones."Hyperphagia is complex and challenging. If it were simple, we would have had an answer long ago," says Dr. Miller. "Clinical research and education play a critically important role in giving hope to patients and families that we can find answers to help them thrive and have a better quality of life."The HERO studyOne clinical research study being led by investigators such as Dr. Miller is exploring a potential treatment option for PWS. The clinical trial, called the Hunger Elimination or Reduction Objective (HERO) study, is focused on assessing the effectiveness and safety of an investigational drug for the treatment of hyperphagia in PWS. The therapy is being studied to see if it can help the body release certain gut hormones that may help reduce excessive hunger and food-seeking behaviors in people with PWS.The study is open to males and females 7 years of age or older in the United States who have a documented diagnosis of PWS. Eligible participants will receive the study drug or a placebo orally twice daily for 12 weeks. Travel expenses and lodging, if required, for the participant and a primary caregiver will be covered. To learn more, visit www.heroforpws.com.
	What a complete stranger can take from you with just your name and city What a complete stranger can take from you with just your name and cityWith how advanced technology has gotten, your personal information doesn’t only live on official documents or personal files—it all exists somewhere online. And most of the time, it’s easier for strangers to find than you’d expect. In fact, in 2025, a record 279 million people were affected by data compromises, according to a report by the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC).Even with just your name and the city you’re in, anyone can uncover details about your background, lifestyle, and even your finances. While all of that can be used for legitimate purposes, like background checks for jobs, for example, your information can also become an opportunity for scammers, identity thieves, and data brokers.PeopleFinders explains what information is publicly accessible, how it can be misused, and what you can do to protect yourself from potential scams.Modern Scammers Adopt Modern Tactics — Can You Keep Up?In the past, people scammed their way in through emails. Today, fraudsters use publicly available data and advanced tools, such as artificial intelligence, to personalize their crimes.Americans alone have lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a 14% increase from the year prior. With the newfound openness for data, scammers can easily impersonate you. The more personal details a scammer has, the more believable—and dangerous—their techniques become.What’s In a Name? What Strangers Can Learn From YoursThe unsettling truth is that many people have little to no idea how visible their private information is — or how easily that information can be weaponized. Your name alone can unlock a detailed snapshot of your life, including the following:Home Address (Past and Present)Public records and data broker listings often reveal where you live and where you’ve lived before. All this information can be used to impersonate you, answer security questions, or target your home for fraud or theft.Family, Friends, and Close ConnectionsMany databases can also link you to relatives, roommates, or even past partners. Scammers can absolutely use this to pose as your loved ones, reference real people to build your trust, just to break it. They can use it to blackmail, manipulate, or potentially victimize you.Phone Number and EmailOnce your contact info is out in the open, you’re automatically vulnerable to phishing messages, spam, and spoofing attacks designed to extract money or personal data.Job and Professional HistoryEmployment details can help scammers craft emails that look like they’re coming from your boss, coworker, or HR department. They make fraud easy and legitimate.Legal RecordsWhether you’ve got court filings, bankruptcies, or property disputes, your information can still appear online, even if already resolved. This can be exploited for blackmail, scams, or reputation harm.It can be easy to pay no mind to these details. But together, they form a digital footprint of your life.What Your City Reveals to ScammersYour city also adds another layer of insight. One that scammers have been utilizing to sharpen their harmful strategy.Income and AssetsScammers obviously target individuals in higher-income areas or cities with rising property values, assuming greater access to money, investments, or retirement accounts.Home Value and Ownership StatusProperty records can also reveal whether you rent or own and even how much your home is worth. With this, you become a prime target for mortgage, refinancing, or real estate scams.Demographics and LifestyleFrom age and family status to political beliefs and general lifestyle, fraudsters can tailor their tactics by making quick inferences from your location data alone.Local Trends and Crime RatesScammers may reference crimes, disasters, or events in your area to create urgency and fear, pushing you, as a victim, to act quickly to protect yourself.With that said, location doesn’t only provide context. For criminals out there, your city also provides leverage.How to Protect Yourself from Potential ScamsYou may not be able to completely erase your digital footprint, but you can shrink it and take back control of your privacy. Protecting yourself begins with understanding what information is publicly available.Do a simple search of your name online, or use a people finder to see what others can access. From there, you can:Opt out of data broker sites that publish your personal details,Strengthen your online security with unique passwords or two-factor authentication,Stay cautious of messages that reference personal information,Limit what you share on social media to reduce your exposure.These simple, proactive steps can go a long way in safeguarding your privacy and peace of mind. You make it easier to protect yourself, but harder for scammers to target you effectively.Final Thoughts: Your Name and City are More Powerful Than You ThinkThese seemingly harmless facts about you live somewhere in the digital world. Although in the wrong hands, they can unlock a detailed map of your life. From addresses and relatives to employment and financial history, your online footprint is larger than you may realize.The good news? Awareness is the first step toward protecting yourself. Understand what information is out and about and take proactive steps to safeguard your privacy. Even better news? Search tools are available to help significantly reduce your exposure to scams, identity theft, and unwanted content.Know and remember that your information has value. Make sure that you—not scammers—stay in control. In a world where data has become its own kind of currency, protecting your personal information is essential, not optional.This story was produced by PeopleFinders and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	One Veteran’s Successful Battle with a Hidden Cause of Chronic Back Pain (NAPSI)—As a veteran and lifelong athlete, Willie Williams was used to pushing through pain. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point who served with the prestigious 101st Airborne Division Willie spent years jumping out of planes, competing in a variety of sports, and later tending to his land in Spring Branch, Texas. But when he began suffering from a specific type of chronic pain, called vertebrogenic back pain, even such simple tasks as bending over and brushing his teeth became too difficult. “I worked through the pain, but I remember once having to stop in the middle of a basketball game because I couldn’t move. I felt frozen,” said Willie. “That’s how acute the pain was.” What is Vertebrogenic Back Pain?Vertebrogenic back pain is a form of chronic low back pain caused by damage within the spine itself, specifically the thin layers of tissue between the spinal bones and discs. Over time, normal wear and tear or disc degeneration can stress these layers, causing inflammation and pain. Williams’s battle with back pain is not uncommon. Nearly 1 in 4 of U.S. adults live with chronic pain.1 Experts estimate about one in six of these cases may be vertebrogenic in nature.2 Yet despite how common it is, this type of pain is often misdiagnosed because chronic pain may come from several different sources. Many people spend years trying to find relief through physical therapy, chiropractic care, injections, medications or even opioids—often with limited success. Without a clear diagnosis, it’s difficult to find a treatment that truly addresses the root cause. Fortunately, doctors can diagnose vertebrogenic back by using an MRI to look for specific changes with endplate inflammation called Modic changes. Finally Finding ReliefFor decades, Willie managed his pain with medication and various treatments, but with limited relief. That was until 2024 when his doctor told him about Boston Scientific’s Intracept™ Procedure, a minimally invasive, FDA-cleared option designed to treat chronic, vertebrogenic pain. It works by using targeted radiofrequency energy to stop the basivertebral nerve from carrying pain signals to the brain. To date, more than 60,000 people have now been treated with this procedure. “Like Willie, many patients are not aware that there is a specific solution for this type of back pain,” said Dr. Tristan Lai of the Pain and Wellness Institute of Texas, who is an Air Force veteran and Willie’s physician. “The Intracept Procedure offers an effective solution, providing pain relief which can significantly improve the quality of life for my patients and get back to living life with minimal pain.”“I didn’t like taking all the medications, so I was open to learning about all of the available options,” Willie said. “I just wanted to be able to bend over without pain.”About a week after receiving the treatment, Willie was back to doing the things he loves—playing racquetball and tending to his yard—without pain. Everyday tasks became manageable again. “My wife loves that I can help her plant flowers in the garden now and traveling has become so much easier,” Willie said. “Even when you think you are managing your pain, it can limit you. I don’t want to be limited in what I can do.”Boston Scientific’s Intracept Procedure is now covered by a growing number of insurers including TRICARE, which serves veterans and their families, Medicare Advantage plans and other major private payers such as HealthPartners, expanding access to millions of eligible patients across the U.S.Individual results may vary, and individuals with chronic pain should consult their doctor about the risks and benefits of any medical procedure. To learn more about vertebrogenic back pain and Boston Scientific’s Intracept Procedure, visit www.Pain.com.Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the Intracept Procedure and if it is an option for you. 1 Lucas JW, Sohi I. Chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain in U.S. adults, 2023. NCHS Data Brief, no 518. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2024. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc/169630. 2 Hoy D, March L, Brooks P, et al. The global burden of low back pain; estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2014;73:968-974;The global point prevalence of LBP was 9.4% (95% CI 9.0 to 9.8), (333M U.S. pop * 9.4% = 31M); Lorio et al. International Journal of Spine Surgery December 2022, 16 (6) 1084-1094Word Count: 732
	Empowering patients: How technology is reshaping doctor-patient interactions Empowering patients: How technology is reshaping doctor-patient interactionsIn today's fast-paced world, a 30-minute annual check-up with your primary care doctor may seem insufficient to manage your overall health. However, technology is transforming these interactions, allowing patients to become more involved in their healthcare. Home monitors, smart watches, and wearable tech enable patients to bring their own health data to appointments, providing valuable context and insights for their doctors, Doctronic reports.Key TakeawaysHome blood pressure monitoring requires validated devices with proper cuff sizing, taking readings twice daily before medications while seated with back support for five minutes to ensure accuracy.Glucometers and electronic scales provide the most clinically actionable patient-generated data, allowing physicians to adjust medications and treatment plans based on real-world measurements between visits.Smart watches can detect irregular heart rhythms and alert users to potential atrial fibrillation, but require medical follow-up since accuracy varies and cannot replace professional ECG diagnosis.Patient-generated health data enables more personalized treatment plans and medication adjustments, transforming the traditional reactive healthcare model into proactive management.These monitoring tools enhance doctor-patient communication by providing objective data trends, but complement rather than replace comprehensive in-person medical assessments and the therapeutic relationship.The Benefits of Patient-Generated Health DataAccording to Dr. Daniel Sands, a primary care physician at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, patients can now be "co-creators of their health and healthcare." By gathering information outside of office visits, patients can help their doctors take better care of them. The most useful data comes from:Home blood pressure monitorsGlucometers (which measure blood sugar)Electronic scalesThis information helps doctors adjust medication dosages and provide personalized lifestyle recommendations.The Role of Wearable TechWhile wearable tech, such as activity trackers and smartwatches, is becoming increasingly popular, the data they provide may not be as actionable for healthcare providers. According to Dr. Sands, step counts and sleep details aren't necessarily something that can be incorporated into a patient's health plan. However, these devices can still play a role in patient empowerment and motivation.Tracking Heart Rhythm with Smart WatchesSome smart watches, like the Apple Watch, can detect irregular heart rhythms and alert wearers to the possibility of atrial fibrillation (afib). While the accuracy of these alerts is still being improved, they can prompt patients to seek further evaluation from their doctors, such as an ECG or long-term cardiac monitoring.Ensuring Accurate Blood Pressure Readings at HomeDr. Jennifer Cluett, a primary care physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, emphasizes the importance of using validated home blood pressure monitors. To ensure accuracy:Bring your monitor to your doctor's office for calibrationUse a monitor with an automatically inflating cuff for the upper armMake sure the cuff is the correct size for your armPlace the cuff over your bare upper armWait 30 to 60 minutes after eating or exercising before taking a readingSit with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, and arms resting at heart levelTake readings twice a day, morning and evening, before taking medicationsThe Future of Doctor-Patient InteractionsWhile technology is transforming doctor-patient interactions, it's essential to recognize that annual check-ups still provide a valuable opportunity for doctors to get to know their patients and their lives in a way that cannot be replicated by other means. As technology continues to advance, it will be crucial to strike a balance between leveraging patient-generated health data and maintaining the personal connection that is at the heart of healthcare.For more information on how technology is shaping healthcare, visit:HealthIT.gov: Patient-Generated Health DataThe Impact of Patient-Generated Health Data on Clinical PracticeWorld Health Organization: eHealthThe Bottom LineHome monitoring devices like blood pressure cuffs, glucometers, and smart watches empower patients to generate clinically useful data that helps doctors make better treatment decisions between visits. Proper technique and validated equipment are essential for accurate readings that can meaningfully impact your care.This story was produced by Doctronic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

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Monday, February 23rd, 2026