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

Thursday, July 9th, 2026
	New hope for evacuated Muscatine business in a temporary location Energy 108 YOGA is moving into a space in the Muscatine Mall after holding classes outdoors for almost a month.
	Fresh Films gives students hands-on experience as studio plans move forward Fresh Films hopes to bring a $12 million film studio to downtown Rock Island.
	Bettendorf woman located after going missing on Thursday 86-year-old Barbara Rhode was found after being reported missing on Thursday.
	North Liberty teen among 2 victims in fatal crash in Iowa County Investigators believe a 2014 Ford failed to stop at a stop sign, causing it to be struck by an oncoming dump truck.
	New hope for evacuated Muscatine business after finding a temporary location Energy 108 YOGA is moving into a space in the Muscatine Mall after holding classes outdoors for almost a month.
	Fresh Films gives students hands-on experience as plans for a new studio move forward Fresh Films hopes to bring a $12 million film studio to downtown Rock Island.
	988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline signs added to I-74 Bridge Local mental health advocates have been pushing for more suicide prevention measures at the bridge.
	Quad City Tennis Club's new grass courts bring Wimbledon to the QCA It takes a lot to surprise reigning state champion Connor Feehan out on the tennis court, but it happened Thursday. The Quad City Tennis Club unveiled its new grass courts. "I mean this one of a kind," Feehan said. "It's the most amazing place that I've ever played tennis and I feel like everyone from [...]
	President Trump cleans house at the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission With just months until the midterms, President Trump relieved the remaining members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, a move condemned by Democrats and voting rights advocates.
	Illinois' ban on assault weapons upheld An appeals court upheld Illinois' ban on assault weapons. The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in a 2-1 decision to uphold the statewide ban passed in the months after the deadly July 4, 2022 parade shooting in Highland Park. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul called the move "a win that enhances public safety in Illinois." [...]
	QCA veterans reunite through Honor Flight of the Quad Cities More than 6,000 veterans across the QCA have taken the adventure of a lifetime through the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities programs, and many reunited to reconnect at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center. Our Quad Cities News photojournalist Mike Colón was there as friends old and new shared their experiences serving their country and [...]
	Muscatine moves forward with stabilization of 200 block of East 2nd Street Muscatine city council members are moving forward with plans to stabilize the 200 block of E. 2nd Street. The decision came at Tuesday night's city council meeting. City council members decided stabilizing the buildings is the safest and quickest way to get residents back in their homes and businesses back open. “The safety of our [...]
	Hy-Vee, Rock Island, announces donation of $10,000 to QC nonprofit groups On Thursday, Hy-Vee - in coordination with Birdies for Charity - announced a $10,000 donation to local charities, which had representatives on hand to say thanks and accept the money at the Rock Island Hy-Vee. Hy-Vee partners with the John Deere Classic fundraiser Birdies for Charity to coordinate yearly donations like these. The store's director [...]
	‘Funnel of death,’ expert reviews the dangers officers faced in Bureau County hostage call Body camera video of a Bureau County hostage crisis sparks questions. TV6 Investigates tracked down an expert to give context to the dangers officers faced that night
	North Liberty teen among 2 victims in fatal Iowa County crash Investigators believe a 2014 Ford failed to stop at a stop sign, causing it to be struck by an oncoming dump truck.
	Police seek help finding missing Bettendorf woman The Bettendorf Police Department is asking for the community’s help locating a missing woman. According to a release, Barbara Rhode, 86, is 5’3” tall and weighs approximately 120 pounds. Rhode lives near Bettendorf High School and was last seen on Thursday, July 9 around noon, wearing a cream-colored top and tan pants. The Bettendorf Police [...]
	Bettendorf police looking for missing woman Police said the 86-year-old was last seen in the area of Bettendorf High School Thursday afternoon.
	988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline signs added to I-74 Bridge Local mental health advocates have been pushing for more suicide prevention measures at the bridge.
	In private call, Education Dept. tried, but failed, to reassure disability advocates The disability community has long worried about what would happen if special education oversight moved from the Education Department to another agency. Now, those moves are becoming more real.
	UPDATE: Kewanee woman arrested for first-degree murder in Creve Coeur shooting Caitlynn Girkin, 27, was arrested and booked on the single charge of first-degree murder in connection with the March 10 shooting death of Adolfo Cazares in Creve Coeur, Illinois.
	Do height limits apply to Trump's arch? A debate looms as it clears another vote The Interior Department is arguing D.C. height limits don't apply to federal projects, bucking a century of precedent. If the panel reviewing Trump's arch agrees, experts say it could change the city.
	Trump's arch clears another hurdle, setting up a big debate: Do height limits apply? The Interior Department is arguing D.C. height limits don't apply to federal projects, bucking a century of precedent. If the panel reviewing Trump's arch agrees, experts say it could change the city.
	Prosecutors file charges in July 4 shooting outside Rock Island bar Rock Island County prosecutors have charged a Davenport man in the July 4 shooting outside DeAnna's Place as the tavern awaits a liquor license decision.
	TV6 Investigates analyzes video of deadly Princeton police shooting Police released body cam video showing what led up to the shooting. TV6 Investigates reviewed the video in depth to unpack what led up to the shooting.
	Iowa farm seeks grocery store connections through Choose Iowa program A Conesville farm is using a Choose Iowa matching grant to expand produce deliveries.
	Quad Cities Tennis Club opens rare grass courts modeled after Wimbledon The Quad Cities Tennis Club has unveiled three new grass courts, becoming one of the few facilities in the Midwest to offer the playing surface used at Wimbledon.
	Findings from the Iowa Economic Development Authority assessment on Clinton's downtown Clinton's downtown district was the center of attention for the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) this week. Specialists spent time Monday through Wednesday researching the downtown area of Clinton through surveys, tours and interviews. This is a statewide voluntary service that Grow Clinton, the Downtown Clinton Alliance and the City of Clinton worked to bring [...]
	Study: Iowa has short-term cushion for $1 billion annual deficits Iowa’s new budget year is underway, marking the third consecutive year Republicans have used cash reserves to cover a deficit in which the state spends more than it takes in.
	Muscatine businesses find fresh start after downtown evacuations Weeks after structural concerns forced the evacuation of several downtown Muscatine buildings, some displaced business owners are rebuilding in new locations and looking toward the future.
	The Heart of the Story: Life lessons are the goal Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. With the FIFA World Cup taking center stage [...]
	Davenport man finishes visiting all 228 Pizza Ranch locations Jason Halkias' last stop was in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
	Quad Cities Tennis Club opens grass courts modeled after Wimbledon The Quad Cities Tennis Club has unveiled 3 new grass courts, becoming one of the few facilities in the Midwest to offer the same playing surface used at Wimbledon
	Davenport Skybridge closes for extreme heat According to the City of Davenport, the Davenport Skybridge will be temporarily closed due to the extreme heat. With all that glass and no shade, the inside gets much hotter than we can safely cool right now. New cooling equipment is on the way, but it won’t arrive until the fall. We’ll reopen the Skybridge [...]
	Why Gov. Kim Reynolds turned down previous request to send National Guard to D.C. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said that she rejected a previous request to send National Guard soldiers to Washington, D.C., but she now feels is the appropriate time to agree to the request.
	More highs in the 90s coming to the Quad Cities So far we've had 7 days with highs in the 90s this year...and we're going to add to that tally next week. The hottest we've been (temperature, not het index) is 92°. We'll be close to that a few times next week. The normal high for most of July is 86° in the Quad Cities.
	Over 30 young artists leaving their mark in this year’s Quad City Arts’ Metro Arts Apprenticeship Program The program is in its 26th year of providing paid creative outlets for area youth, ages 15-21, and business relations experience. Three murals, as well as a poetry apprenticeship, are underway this summer.
	98 workers to be laid off in Moline pharmacy closure 98 workers will be laid off due to the closure of a Moline pharmacy.
	Celtic Night Out returns to Rock Island The Scottish-American Society of the Quad Cities is preparing for its annual Celtic Night Out.
	France downs Morocco 2-0 to advance to the World Cup semifinal Morocco was no match for France, which lost 2-0. The French, one of the pre-tournament favorites, move on to the World Cup semifinals against either Spain or Belgium.
	Illinois to receive settlement against Cash App Illinois will receive $1.1 million multi-state settlement against Cash App. Block, Inc., the parent company of Cash App, reached a $45 million settlement with 47 states regarding deceptive safety claims, insufficient fraud protections and inadequate customer service. The lawsuit accuses the company of making it too easy to create fake or multiple accounts. The company [...]
	Honor Flight holds reunion for America 250 The event was open to all veterans who've been on an Honor Flight out of the Quad Cities.
	Muscatine to pursue six-month demolition, stabilization plan on Second Street The city is undecided on a cost estimate but intends to stabilize the remaining buildings on the 200 block of Second Street within six months.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Rock Island police on charges of sexual abuse and assault Christian Beard is wanted by the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office for failure to appear for armed violence.
	Crime Stoppers: Silvis police search for masked suspect who broke into tobacco shop Silvis police and Crime Stoppers are asking for help identifying a masked man who broke into Greenleaf Tobacco using a pry bar on June 16.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Bettendorf Police and Scott County Sheriff Diondre L. Wakefield is wanted by the Bettendorf Police Department and Scott County Sheriff's Office.
	East Moline reschedules Fourth of July fireworks for fair night East Moline has rescheduled its fireworks show to July 14 at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds, serving as a kickoff for fair week.
	Getting to Know John Byrnes Chief Meteorologist Andy McCray talks with familiar faces around the Quad Cities in the Getting to Know Podcast. Learn more about important people around our area and have a good time doing it. Each week will feature a new guest from restaurant owners, to area leaders, to Our Quad Cities News Staff. In this episode [...]
	Toiletries 4 Teens provides hygiene essentials for Quad Cities teenagers A Quad Cities nonprofit continues to provide hygiene products and everyday essentials for local teenagers while working to fill a gap for youth.
	‘Portrait of America’ honors U.S. milestones and Iowa’s Jim Leach at the Figge The Figge Art Museum’s new exhibition, Connie and Michael Roberts: Portrait of America, uses collaborative portrait panels and hidden storytelling elements to highlight influential figures in U.S. history during the nation’s 250th anniversary.
	UnityPoint Health – Trinity celebrates pulmonary rehabilitation patients of the year UnityPoint Health – Trinity celebrated its pulmonary rehabilitation patients of the year during a special ceremony July 9. According to a release, the event honored those with chronic lung conditions who have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving their health through the pulmonary rehab program. Steve Delf and Lucille Mumma were honored for their perseverance [...]
	Toiletries 4 Teens provides hygiene essentials for Quad Cities area teenagers A Quad Cities nonprofit continues to provide hygiene products and everyday essentials for local teenagers while working to fill a gap for youth.
	Quad Cities ‘Back the Blue Flight’ launches new honor program for local law enforcement Quad Cities Back the Blue Flight is launching one‑day honor trips to Washington, D.C., providing active and retired local law enforcement officers a no‑cost opportunity to visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and other historic sites while honoring fallen colleagues
	New study finds coffee is good for your liver The study found that while any coffee seemed to provide a health benefit, drinking five or more cups a day could be more beneficial
	Muscatine moves forward with plan to stabilize evacuated buildings on East 2nd Street City officials estimate it will take approximately six months to complete the work.
	Celtic Night Out returns to Rock Island celebrating Scottish heritage The Scottish-American Society of the Quad Cities is preparing for its annual Celtic Night Out.
	Alternating Currents announces 2026 comedy acts This year's offerings include a One Liner Madness tournament, a Kidz Improv Show and a humorous look through VHS in the Midwest.
	Optum to close divvyDOSE pharmacy in Moline, laying off 98 employees Optum will close its divvyDOSE pharmacy in Moline, with 98 employees set to be laid off in August and September, according to a state filing.
	The majority of CFOs require human oversight of agentic AI. Here are the 4 governance frameworks finance teams are actually using. The majority of CFOs require human oversight of agentic AI. Here are the 4 governance frameworks finance teams are actually using.For most enterprise finance teams, agentic AI is already up and running. For some businesses, it’s reconciling accounts, flagging anomalies, and classifying transactions. In others, it’s autonomously preparing the key components needed for indirect tax filings.The vendor pitch of faster close cycles, fewer manual errors, and a finance function that can scale is compelling. However, the chief financial officers and controllers actually deploying these systems are running more cautious experiments than marketing data suggests.A 2026 Maximor survey of 100 middle-market finance leaders found that 66% consider human oversight of agentic AI to be either extremely or very critical to deployment. More than 4 in 5 had ultimately encountered some type of AI-generated hallucination in finance. These factors, and more, result in a measly 14% stating they completely trust AI outputs even after a review.The key question for finance in 2026 isn’t whether or not to adopt agentic AI, but how to govern it well enough that the systems don’t produce errors that create significant liability. That governance architecture, including checkpoints, threshold rules, audit trail requirements, and accountability structures, is what the best finance leaders are focused on now.Anrok dug deep across leading sources, including Maximor, Wolters Kluwer, PwC, and EY, to find what key leaders are actually saying about agentic AI and how to deploy it correctly so that you don’t accidentally harm your organization's reputation.The trust gap in numbers: What CFOs are actually sayingHeadline CFO survey data tells a story that many enterprise AI vendors would prefer to ignore. Despite the widespread adoption of the technology, confidence in their outputs remains shockingly thin. Wolters Kluwer’s 2026 inTouch polling of global CFOs found that 58% still describe their finance environments as largely manual or siloed. Further, 47% cite trusted data as the single most important prerequisite for AI adoption.Their published Future Ready CFO Report also found similar themes. Most notably, AI investment is accelerating, but the needed governance layer is lagging behind deployment.The hallucination issue is particularly pertinent for tax. Unlike a general business analysis, where a confident-sounding answer that’s wrong is just inconvenient, an AI-generated tax error can have major legal and financial ramifications. In early 2026, the academic Journal of Accountancy flagged that incorrect indirect tax calculations, intercompany transactions, and multijurisdictional filings were the highest risk in agentic AI workflows.Inherently, the trust gap is a governance design issue. Finance teams that are seeing success moving agentic AI from a pilot phase to governed production all share one common thread: They built the key oversight architecture before they scaled deployment.The four governance architectures enterprise finance teams are usingThere is no single governance model that has emerged as the industry standard. At least not yet.However, four distinct architectures account for the vast majority of enterprise deployments in 2026. Each reflects a different answer to the same core question: At what point does an AI agent’s output require a human before it can become an action?Architecture 1: Tiered risk and materiality thresholdsAI operates autonomously below a defined dollar or risk threshold under this model. Human sign-off is required for any amount above it. PwC's Data Controls Engine with Google Cloud uses a tiered system that allows clients to calibrate their tax operating model in accordance with their risk and materiality. The practical effect is that routine and low-value transactions move without friction, whereas anything material requires a qualified reviewer.Architecture 2: Human-in-the-loop (HITL) checkpointsStructured review gates embedded at specific process stages before the agent acts on regulated outputs are the path some companies take. EY's CIO playbook on agentic AI explicitly identifies human-in-the-loop oversight and governance systems as one of four core enterprise infrastructure pillars. The key distinction is that HITL checkpoints are baked into the process from the start, meaning the agent can’t go to the next step without a documented human confirmation.Architecture 3: Multieye review for complex tax outputsMultieye review adapts a familiar accounting control to agentic AI: the party that prepares a material output is not the party that approves it. In practice, an agent’s tax calculation passes through layered human checkpoints before anything is filed, and the depth of review scales with stakes. A routine diagnostic might need a single reviewer, whereas a multijurisdictional filing or an intercompany position calls for two or three sign-offs and a documented trail that shows auditors who reviewed it and when. For the highest complexity tax positions, these structured multireviewer sign-off cadences can help govern the process and reduce errors.Architecture 4: Embedded governance within core finance platformsRather than a bolt-on oversight layer, this model integrates AI controls and anomaly alerts directly into close, plan, and report workflows within Corporate Performance Management platforms. Wolters Kluwer's CCH Tagetik, as noted by Fabrizio Tocchini, the vice president of technology product management, envisions this as a prerequisite for moving AI from pilot to governed production.The threshold question: When does the agent act vs. route to a human?Defining the autonomous action threshold is where many governance frameworks fall apart. Those that appear the most durable share three key characteristics:They are written, not just understood.They are jurisdiction-aware.They are reviewed on a defined cadence.Written threshold policies should specify which filing types, jurisdictions, dollar ranges, and transaction categories are eligible for AI action vs. mandatory routing.Jurisdiction awareness matters because indirect tax complexity is naturally geographic. A threshold that may be appropriate for a domestic sales tax in a single jurisdiction may be insufficient for the European Union, Value-Added Tax, Canadian Goods and Services Tax or Harmonized Sales Tax, or state-level economic nexus determinations.Governance frameworks on AI that only apply a single materiality threshold across every jurisdiction where business is performed may be underestimating risk in some of the most complex exposure areas.Further, threshold review cadences matter because both the AI agent’s capabilities and the underlying regulatory landscape change rapidly. Reviewing thresholds on a quarterly basis is the best way to stay on top of these changes. Additionally, triggering out-of-cycle reviews when any new jurisdiction is added or when an AI agent’s scope of work expands can help your organization determine whether a current threshold is miscalculated.Audit trail standards: What's becoming table stakesThe audit trail question is one where many governance programs separate into two tiers: those building for external scrutiny and those building for internal comfort. This distinction matters more than you may think.The IRS, state tax authorities, and external auditors are all focused on developing AI-specific examination protocols, and the standard they’re coming together on is not one of passive oversight. It’s of documented accountability.For instance, EY Canada’s six-step agentic AI governance framework identifies decision logging and traceability as two nonnegotiable requirements for regulated finance tasks. The specific standard is that every action taken by an AI agent should create a log entry that details the decision made, what data was used, whose authority it’s under, and at what time it was made. This log should also be structured in such a way that an external auditor can reconstruct the AI’s entire reasoning.IBM’s June 2025 governance research makes an even stricter claim. They say that most organizations running autonomous AI agents can’t currently demonstrate who approved what or under whose authority. By addressing this gap, you can ensure your governance program isn’t just compliant-ready, but also audit-proof.There’s also one more dimension to this that shouldn’t be overlooked. Capitol Technology University published a 2026 report on IRS AI adoption that added an interesting factor to the equation. They posit that the IRS is deploying AI tools to analyze filing data at scale and, as such, that the audit trail quality is no longer just an internal governance concern but is now a factor in any audit examination, too. There has never been a more critical time to ensure that your governance strategy isn’t just meeting internal compliance requirements but also protecting your business from future audits.The three failure modes governance programs most commonly missEven the most well-designed governance programs can fail. More often than not, it’s in a predictable manner. The three most common failure modes are structural problems that have shown up repeatedly in finance AI deployments:1. Dirty data, governed confidentlyGovernance frameworks are only as reliable as the data feeding the agents. When data lacks context or semantic structure, agents can hallucinate. When this happens, your governance layer will systematically validate wrong outputs as correct. Per Wolters Kluwer's inTouch 2026 polling, 47% of finance professionals cite trusted data as the top prerequisite, yet most organizations are not there yet.2. Security theater (oversight without accountability)Having a human review step doesn’t constitute governance on its own if there is no documented record of who approved what decision, under what authority, and at what time. Most teams running autonomous AI agents can’t demonstrate this. IBM's governance research identifies this as the transition from passive oversight to automated, technical control.3. Governance bolt-ons that live outside core systemsWhen AI agents are deployed outside of the systems of record, CFOs lose the deep data context agents need to be accurate. Further, they also lose the integration points that make governance enforceable. Wolters Kluwer's CEO Maria Montenegro explicitly warns against this, believing agentic AI tools need to be embedded in core finance platforms as opposed to sitting off to the side.On-record voices from enterprise finance and tax technology leadersIt’s one thing to read about the trends defining the implementation of agentic AI into finance, but it’s another to hear directly from the source. Dom Megna, Owen Ryan, Julie Iskow, and Fabrizio Tocchini all shared their thoughts on the topic in recent articles, offering a glimpse into the mindset of some of the foremost leaders:Dom Megna, U.S. AI tax leader, PwC (via CFO.com, June 2025): "We’re not just pushing a button and accepting the result. Our agents still live within a human-reviewed, multi-eye process. Especially for complex outputs, like tax calculations, the oversight is strong."Owen Ryan, CEO, BlackLine (via Diginomica, May 2026): "Our customers are telling us they want to move fast with AI, but they also tell us that trust, reliability and security are non-negotiables... Every one of those AI-generated transactions eventually hits the general ledger. Everyone must be reconciled, validated and audited."Julie Iskow, CEO, Workiva (via Diginomica, May 2026): "In the Office of the CFO, the tolerance for error is zero. And as reliance on AI increases and there's more unverified data and there are more unverified data sources, trust in data becomes even more critical."Fabrizio Tocchini, VP technology product management, CCH Tagetik (via Wolters Kluwer, May 2026): "Finance teams make progress with AI when it is grounded in trusted financial data, embedded directly into the workflows they already use, and designed to support decisions under real scrutiny."A framework for enterprise finance leadersThe organizations that are moving agentic AI into governed production, specifically in tax and finance functions, all share one common thread. They understand that it is not a technology-first deployment. Rather, it is about starting with the governance protocols and implementing the technology afterward. Below are six quick tips to set your organization up for success when building a governance framework for AI.Fix data before you scale agents: Data readiness is cited by 44% of the finance leaders surveyed by Wolters Kluwer as the key driver for increasing AI adoption, and without a semantic or context layer, governance is simply validating noise.Define written threshold policies: Document all materiality thresholds, filing types, and jurisdictions where agents act autonomously versus route to a human, then review them on a defined cadence.Embed governance in systems of record: Governance that lives outside core enterprise resource planning or corporate performance management platforms creates blind spots. Effective oversight requires integration, not parallel systems.Build the audit trail as a design requirement: Traceability, decision logging, and reversibility should be designed in from day one, not retrofitted after the fact.Distinguish oversight from accountability: A review step is not governance unless it is documented, attributed, and defensible to external auditors and regulators.Adopt a phased risk tolerance model: Start with high-volume, lower-complexity tasks such as data extraction, reconciliation diagnostics, and classification, opting to gate progression to complex indirect tax filings behind demonstrated accuracy thresholds.Human oversight is responsible adoptionThe small number of CFOs who say they completely trust AI outputs are either running simple workflows or just haven’t encountered a hallucination with major ramifications. Other wary individuals are intently focused on building governance architectures that last. The gap between those two groups will likely start to show up in audit findings, penalty exposure, and filing restatements over the coming years.This story was produced by Anrok and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Smithsonian chief emphasizes 'accuracy and integrity' after White House report The memo from the Smithsonian's secretary, Lonnie Bunch, responded to a White House report that calls the National Museum of American History driven by "a radical, activist ideology."
	Iowa confirms first case of measles in 2026 The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday that a vaccinated Iowa adult has contracted the measles virus. The confirmation marks the first case of measles in Iowa in 2026 after nine were reported in 2025.
	Valley Homes project receiving tax credits from state Community Home Partners (CHP) announced that Valley Homes, a new 60-unit affordable housing development in Rock Island,has received Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and Affordable Housing Tax Credits from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). The awards are a key source of financing for the $21.5 million developmentand move the project closer to construction. Valley Homes, [...]
	Moline OKs first step to sell former Catfish Charlie’s riverfront property The Moline City Council gave initial approval to sell the former Catfish Charlie's and Captain's Table riverfront property to its owners for $350,000.
	How to deal with seesawing gas prices Gas prices have fluctuated since the U.S. and Israel launched a war on Iran, which disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and left consumers unsure of what they'll pay at the pump.
	Actress Marlee Matlin to speak at Putnam Museum on Aug. 19 Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin will speak at the Putnam Museum on Aug. 19 during the Culture Bright Summer Series.
	JDC dates announced for 2027 The PGA tournament will run from June 28 to July Fourth, 2027.
	EPA proposes weakening heavy-duty truck pollution rules The Trump EPA calls Biden-era rules for cutting pollution from heavy trucks "unworkable." The proposed changes have been celebrated by trucking groups and denounced by environmental groups.
	Rock Island Arsenal to hold Change of Commany ceremony Col. William J. Parker III will relinquish command of U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Rock Island Arsenal to Col. Jason M. Knapp during a change of command ceremony July 14 at 10 a.m. on the lawn of historic Quarters One. Installation Management Command- Sustainment Director Jason W. Condrey will officiate the event. Parker is leaving USAG [...]
	Meet new Davenport Police Chief, Assistant Chief at meet & greet Residents are invited to a meet and greet event with Davenport’s newly promoted Police Chief Greg Behning and Assistant Chief Jason Smith on Monday, July 27 from 4 – 6 p.m. The event will be at the Davenport Police Department, 416 N. Harrison Street. This is an informal gathering and is an opportunity for the [...]
	3 Iowa men accused of grooming minor after social media conversations Three men from Davenport and Fruitland face felony grooming charges following a months-long investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies.
	NEST Cafe's head chef in the running for national culinary award While Annie Myer has been busy keeping up with the lunch rush, people across the region and country are keeping up with her in the Favorite Chef competition.
	Davenport house fire threatens neighboring home; no injuries reported A house fire in Davenport early Wednesday morning left neighboring structure damaged.
	A new kind of robot swims the seas and soars the skies Inspired by diving birds, roboticists built the lightweight machines to move from water to air. The design may one day lead to robots that can monitor and sample the coastal ocean.
	Beach safety for dogs: A vet-backed guide to a safer day by the water Beach safety for dogs: A vet-backed guide to a safer day by the waterA day at the beach with your dog is one of those summer activities that sounds simple and almost never is. The water's right there, the sand's hot, there's a hundred interesting smells, and your dog wants to investigate all of it at once. Most beach days go fine. The ones that don't tend to go wrong fast.More Americans are bringing their dogs along than ever. Pet ownership is at a record high, with 94 million U.S. households now owning a pet, and dogs lead the way. Summer is the peak season for taking them everywhere, beaches included.The problem is that the beach is one of the trickier environments to keep a dog safe in. There's the heat, which is more dangerous than most people realize. Heatstroke claims to pet insurers peak in July and have climbed 45% since 2020. There's the water, which presents drowning risk, whether in pools, lakes, rivers, or oceans. And there's the salt water itself, the sand, the wildlife, and whatever's washed up on shore that your dog decides looks edible.None of this means you should leave the dog home. It means a good beach day is mostly about prep. In this article, Spot & Tango veterinarians Dr. Stephanie Liff and Dr. Jordyn Zoul, discuss the hazards they see most often and the small things that prevent them. Almost everything that goes wrong at the beach is avoidable if you know what you're looking for.Salt Water Is More Dangerous Than Most Owners RealizeThis is the beach hazard that catches the most people off guard, partly because it seems so harmless. Your dog gets hot and thirsty, the ocean is right there, and they start lapping it up. A few mouthfuls won't hurt. The problem is when a few mouthfuls become a habit over a couple of hours."Ingesting salt water can be toxic to pets," says Dr. Liff, and the science backs this up plainly. Ocean water is around 3.5% sodium. When a dog drinks too much of it, the excess salt pulls fresh water out of the bloodstream and into the gut, which dehydrates the dog further and throws off their electrolyte balance. The clinical name for it is hypernatremia, or salt water poisoning, and at high enough levels, the Merck Veterinary Manual notes it can cause brain cell shrinkage, hemorrhage, seizures, and death.Dr. Zoul sees the milder version of this constantly. "Dogs tend to get pretty dehydrated and will develop bad diarrhea if they ingest too much salt water," she explains. Diarrhea is usually the first sign, and it's the body's early warning that the dog has had too much. Other symptoms to watch for include vomiting, unusual lethargy, excessive thirst, confusion, and in serious cases tremors or seizures, which can show up anywhere from one to 24 hours after a beach visit.Here's the frustrating part: It's almost entirely preventable. The single most effective thing you can do is bring more fresh water than you think you need and offer it constantly. A dog that's well-hydrated with fresh water has far less reason to drink from the ocean.A few practical habits that help:Pack a large supply of fresh water and a foldable travel bowl. Dr. Zoul specifically recommends one of the collapsible options if you'll be active with your dog.Take a water break every 15 to 20 minutes, away from the shoreline.Use floating toys instead of ones that sink, so your dog isn't gulping seawater every time they retrieve.If your dog is a wave-biter or tends to drink while swimming, watch them closely and pull them out for breaks more often.If you see repeated vomiting, seizures, extreme lethargy, or disorientation after a beach day, treat it as an emergency and call a vet right away. Saltwater poisoning gets worse quickly once it sets in, and early treatment makes a real difference.The Tennis Ball Problem Nobody Warns You AboutHere's one that almost no dog owner sees coming. Playing fetch on the beach, the most normal beach activity there is, can land your dog in surgery.The culprit is sand. When a dog chases a tennis ball or toy across the beach and scoops it up, they pick up a mouthful of sand with it. Do that a few dozen times over an afternoon and it adds up. "A big risk factor is dogs chasing tennis balls in sand," Dr. Liff explains. "They can end up swallowing a lot of sand, which can cause a gastrointestinal impaction."Sand impaction is exactly what it sounds like. Enough sand collects in the digestive tract that it forms a heavy, cement-like blockage that the dog can't pass. In mild cases, it causes vomiting and discomfort. In serious cases, it requires emergency veterinary care, sometimes surgery. It's not common, but it's common enough that emergency vets along the coast see it every summer, and it's almost always from a dog that looked like they were just having a great day.Sand sneaks in through other routes, too. Dogs dig holes and then lick their sandy paws. Treats dropped on the beach come back coated. Dogs that like to bite at the surf swallow sand suspended in the water.The warning signs of an impaction usually show up within a day or so: vomiting, lethargy, a hard or painful belly, loss of appetite, and not pooping when they normally would. If you notice that combination after a beach day, especially the not-pooping part, call your vet.A few ways to lower the risk:Skip the tennis ball on sand. Use a floating toy or a frisbee that your dog can grab cleanly without scooping up a mouthful of beach.Rinse toys between throws if they're getting sandy.Watch for digging-and-licking behavior, which is a sneaky source of ingestion.Bring their own food and treats and keep them off the ground.None of this means fetch is off-limits. It just means being a little thoughtful about where and how you play.Heat Stroke: The Beach Hazard That Moves FastestOf everything on this list, heat stroke is the one most likely to turn deadly, and it's the one that escalates the fastest. A beach checks every box for risk: direct sun, hot sand, physical activity, excitement, and often not enough shade or water. Dogs don't sweat the way humans do. They cool themselves mostly by panting, and on a hot beach, that system gets overwhelmed quickly.The data here is sobering. Heat-related insurance claims for pets peak in July, and one major pet insurer reported its summer heatstroke claims have jumped 45% since 2020. Research from the Royal Veterinary College found that during the heat waves of one recent summer, vets saw roughly five times the usual number of heat-related illness cases, and about one in four dogs treated for heat stroke at emergency clinics died. That's not a typo. One in four.The reason heat stroke is so dangerous is what it does internally. According to Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, prolonged high body temperature damages every organ system, and heat stroke commonly leads to acute kidney injury, blood clotting problems, and shock. It's not just "the dog got too hot." It's a full-body emergency.Some dogs are at much higher risk than others:Flat-faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs, boxers, French bulldogs) can't pant efficiently, which makes them dramatically more vulnerable to overheating.Thick-coated breeds (huskies, malamutes, golden retrievers) hold heat in.Senior dogs, puppies, and overweight dogs regulate temperature less effectively.Dark-coated dogs absorb more heat from direct sunlight.Watch for heavy or frantic panting, bright red gums, thick drool, wobbliness, vomiting, or a dog who suddenly seems disoriented or collapses. Those are not "wait and see" signs.If you suspect heat stroke, the current veterinary guidance is cool first, transport second. Move the dog into shade, pour or hose cool (not ice-cold) water over them, focusing on the belly, armpits, and groin where major blood vessels run close to the surface, and get them to a vet as fast as you can. Cooling a dog before transport has been shown to significantly improve survival odds. Don't use ice, which can constrict blood vessels and actually slow cooling.The simplest prevention is timing. Go early in the morning or later in the evening, bring shade and water, and build in rest. If the sand is too hot for the back of your hand for more than seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog.Even Strong Swimmers Can DrownThere's a widespread assumption that all dogs are natural swimmers and that swimming is the one beach activity you don't have to worry about. Both halves of that are wrong.Start with the numbers. An estimated 5,000 pets drown in swimming pools in the U.S. each year, and that figure doesn't capture the additional drownings in oceans, lakes, and rivers, which mostly go unrecorded. Plenty of those dogs could swim. The issue usually isn't the swimming, it's the tiring, the currents, or not being able to find a way out.Dr. Liff doesn't hedge on this one. "It is important that all dogs swimming wear a life jacket. Even good swimmers can tire, and life jackets prevent drowning." A canine life vest does for a dog what it does for a person: it keeps their head above water when they're exhausted, panicked, or caught in something they can't fight. For a long beach day, it's cheap insurance.A few things worth knowing before you let your dog in the water:Some breeds aren't built to swim. Dogs with short legs and heavy, large heads, like bulldogs, dachshunds, corgis, and pugs, struggle to stay afloat and tire fast. For them, a life vest isn't optional.Currents are deceptive. Dr. Liff points out that even fresh water can have undercurrents that are hard to navigate. Ocean rip currents are worse, and they can pull a strong swimmer out fast.Introduce water slowly. Dr. Zoul's approach is to keep a new or hesitant dog on leash, lead them toward the water, and let them set the pace. If they're eager, great. If they're scared, don't force it. "Never pull your dog into the water" is the rule most owners break with the best intentions.Skip rough or cold water. Dr. Liff advises against letting dogs swim in icy, very cold, or very choppy water, all of which raise the risk of trouble.And the rule that covers all of it: Watch your dog the entire time they're in the water, the same way you'd watch a small child. Dr. Zoul makes this comparison directly, and it's the right one. Drowning is fast and quiet. It rarely looks like the dramatic version people picture.If your dog has a pool at home, the same logic applies with one addition: a pet-safe gate, so the pool is only accessible when someone's actually watching. Most pool drownings happen when a dog gets in unsupervised and can't find the steps to get back out.Yes, Dogs Can Get SunburnedThis one surprises people: Dogs can get sunburned, and some get it badly. Their coat does most of the protective work, which is why it's easy to forget, but the spots where fur is thin or missing are genuinely vulnerable.Dr. Zoul breaks down who's most at risk. "Thinner-haired dogs will be more at risk, particularly those with lighter coat pigmentation," she notes. White dogs, gray dogs, and dogs with pink skin showing through their coat burn more easily. So do the low-fur areas on almost any dog: the bridge of the nose, the ear tips, the belly, and anywhere that's been shaved or naturally runs thin.Dog sunscreen is a real product, and you want the dog-specific kind. Human sunscreen can contain zinc oxide and certain other ingredients that are toxic to dogs if they lick it off, which they will. Dr. Liff's tip for application: "The spray products are easiest to apply," especially on a squirmy dog at the beach.When to bother with it: Dr. Zoul suggests sunscreen once the UV index climbs past 3 or 4, or anytime your dog is going to be out in the sun for an extended stretch. A quick morning beach walk probably doesn't need it. A full afternoon in July does.Sand deserves a mention here too, because it's not just an ingestion risk. It's a skin irritant. Sand works its way into the coat and against the skin, and left there, it can cause itching and irritation. Dr. Liff recommends rinsing your dog off well after a beach day to get all the sand and debris out of their fur. A thorough freshwater rinse also washes off any salt residue, which helps on the skin front and means less salt for them to lick off later.What to Pack For A Safer Beach DayThe right beach bag does a lot of the safety work for you. Most of what goes wrong at the beach traces back to something simple that got left at home. Here's what's worth bringing.Plenty of fresh water, and more than you think. This is the single most important item on the list. It's your defense against both salt water poisoning and heat stroke at once. Bring a large supply.A collapsible water bowl. Lightweight, packs flat, and makes it easy to offer water every fifteen minutes the way you should.A canine life jacket. Especially for weaker swimmers, flat-faced breeds, and any dog who'll be in deeper water. Look for one with a sturdy handle on top so you can lift them out quickly if you need to.Dog-specific sunscreen. The spray kind, for the nose, ear tips, belly, and any thin-coated areas.Shade. A beach umbrella or a pop-up tent gives your dog somewhere to cool down and gets them out of direct sun during the hottest stretch of the day.A blanket or towel. Sand gets dangerously hot, and a light-colored towel gives your dog a cooler surface to lie on. You'll also want it for the post-beach rinse and dry.Their regular food. Beach days are long, and a change in diet on top of an exhausting day in the sun is a recipe for an upset stomach. Bring what they normally eat. Whatever you feed, consistency is the goal. A beach trip is the wrong time to introduce something new to their system.A basic first aid kit. Gauze, antiseptic, tweezers for splinters or stingers, and a pet-safe wound cleaner cover most minor beach injuries.Updated ID. A well-fitting collar with current tags, and a microchip with up-to-date contact info. Unfamiliar, crowded places are exactly where dogs slip away.The nearest emergency vet's info. Look up the closest 24-hour clinic to the beach before you go and save it in your phone. With most of the risks on this list, saltwater poisoning, heat stroke, sand impaction, drowning, minutes matter. You don't want to be searching when you should be driving.A Few More Things Vets Wish Beachgoers KnewSome of the most useful beach advice doesn't fit neatly under sand, sun, or water. Here's the assorted stuff worth keeping in mind.Watch out for toxic algae, especially at lakes and ponds. This one is deadly serious and getting worse. Blue-green algae, technically cyanobacteria, blooms in warm, stagnant fresh water during summer, and can kill a dog within minutes to hours. There's no antidote. Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine is blunt about it: Exposure can cause liver failure, neurological injury, and death, and many dogs don't survive long enough to reach a hospital. Multiple states have already issued bloom advisories this summer. The water can look like pea soup, spilled paint, or have foam or scummy mats along the shoreline. The hard rule from vets: If the water looks off, keep your dog out of it entirely, and don't let them drink it or lick it off their fur afterward. When in doubt, stay out.Some dogs eat everything, and the beach is a buffet of bad options. Dead fish, discarded food, litter, sharp shells, sticks. Dr. Zoul has seen plenty of dogs get into things they shouldn't at the beach. For dogs who genuinely can't be dissuaded, she offers a practical suggestion most owners haven't considered: "You can always consider a basket muzzle for the short duration of being at the beach." It lets them pant and drink while blocking the snacking. Not for every dog, but a useful tool for the chronic scavengers.Hot sand burns paw pads. The same seven-second test that works for pavement works here. Press the back of your hand to the sand. If you can't hold it comfortably for seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog's feet. Burned pads are painful and slow to heal.Rinse them off before you leave. A thorough freshwater rinse gets rid of salt, sand, and anything else clinging to their coat, all of which can irritate skin or end up swallowed during post-beach grooming.Know where the emergency vet is. It's worth saying twice. Several of the worst beach scenarios, algae exposure, heat stroke, and saltwater poisoning, are time-sensitive emergencies where knowing where to go in advance can change the outcome.The Best Day of Their SummerFor all the hazards on this list, the beach really can be one of the best days a dog gets all year. The open space, the water, the smells, the undivided attention from their favorite person. Dogs love it for good reason. None of this is an argument against going.It's an argument for going prepared. Both Dr. Liff and Dr. Zoul keep seeing the same split. The owners who think through the heat, the water, and what their dog might get into tend to have the kind of beach day worth repeating. The ones who wing it are the ones telling a much worse story on the drive home. The difference usually comes down to a few items in a bag and a little attention.Keeping your dog's routine steady helps more than people expect, and that includes what they eat. A long, active day in the sun is hard enough on a dog's system without also introducing a new food into the mix. The fewer surprises you put your dog's body through on a big day out, the better they'll handle it.So pack the water, grab the life jacket, check the sand with the back of your hand, and go. Your dog won't remember whether the day was perfectly planned. They'll just remember the beach and the fact that you brought them along for it.This story was produced by Spot & Tango and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Makeup scams to watch out for before you buy your summer looks Makeup scams to watch out for before you buy your summer looksSummer travel and events drive a need for makeup looks that are not only seasonal trends, but can actually survive the hot and humid months. Scammers capitalize on this summer rush, knowing that many buyers make hasty decisions and don’t slow down to check whether they’re purchasing authentic beauty brands or products that deliver on their claims.The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development reports that cosmetics rank among the top eight most counterfeited product categories worldwide, and the industry loses an estimated $5.4 billion a year to fakes, according to the OECD and the Personal Care Products Council. AI-generated endorsements and overhyped marketing claims play an increasingly significant role in this type of fraud. SmartCustomer dug into the research and recent reviews to flag scams and unsupported claims shoppers should watch for this summer.1. Counterfeit Cosmetics and Black Market SellersCounterfeit cosmetics and black market sellers target platforms built to take advantage of impulse buys. More than three-quarters (81%) of TikTok Shop US sales fall into beauty and health categories. One investigation found that around two-thirds of cosmetics bought from sellers on major online marketplaces were likely counterfeit, including products marketed under popular and trusted brand names. One SmartCustomer reviewer shared that they only found out after their purchase that a $60 product was fake. When they sent photos of the knock-off product to the original manufacturer, the company confirmed the product wasn’t theirs, which led to an investigation into the matter.Even if a consumer sees a familiar retailer name on a website, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that retailer manufactured or personally verified the products. Some major marketplaces host third-party sellers who handle their own inventory and fulfillment, a structure that has fueled years of litigation over who’s actually accountable when something goes wrong. For example, one SmartCustomer reviewer shared an issue that arose from this organizational structure. The reviewer ordered a product from a third-party seller on a website and even though the product never arrived, the hosting website still marked it as delivered.Counterfeit listings have two major red flags. The first significant red flag is price. A listing that is significantly cheaper than a brand’s official retail channels is suspect. Packaging is another significant red flag: Common tip-offs are blurry logos or missing batch codes.To protect yourself from this type of fraud:Buy directly from the brand’s own site.Confirm the retailer or third-party seller is an authorized partner of the original company.2. AI-Generated “Miracle” EndorsementsA 2025study by McAfee found that nearly 3 in 4 Americans (72%) have seen a fake celebrity or influencer endorsement online, and fewer than a third (29%) feel confident telling a real one from a fake. Beauty and skincare have become a preferred target. NordVPN cybersecurity researchers reported a surge in AI-generated endorsement videos for skincare and cosmetics circulating on TikTok and Instagram, some convincing enough to slip past the platforms’ own AI-content labels.Some of these accounts create an entirely fictional identity or backstory to help promote and sell products. Scammers also use deepfake videos of real people. For example, in 2025, a cybercrime ring used deepfake video of a supermodel to push fake skincare giveaways, tricking victims into paying shipping fees for products that never arrived. Another drawback of this scam is that the AI versions of people’s likenesses, which are unblemished and near perfect, reinforce the beauty industry’s unattainable and unrealistic standards.To protect yourself from this type of fraud:View any endorsement that promises dramatic results or pressures an immediate purchase with skepticism until you’ve done your own research.Confirm the product through the brand’s own official channels before buying.3. Overhyped Sun and Shade ClaimsNot every summer beauty product trap is necessarily counterfeit. Some sellers promise more for their products than they can deliver. For example, sunscreens and tinted moisturizers marketed as a “universal" shade” or “zero white cast” have drawn repeated pushback for falling short of claims when used on darker skin tones. For example, one organization pulled its “no white cast” and "universal tint" claims this year after users reported a visible cast. The company’s founder acknowledged the brand had “missed the mark” despite its own testing. Despite these claims, brands are not currently required to test these claims across a full range of skin tones before making them.Shade range isn't the only complaint. Some brands market beauty products as sweat- or water-resistant, only for users to find it melts off or won't blend into skin at all in the heat.Still other brands might also lead consumers to mistakenly believe that makeup with SPF is a substitute for sunscreen. In fact, cosmetic products with SPF should not replace sunscreen. According to dermatologist Anna Chien at Johns Hopkins Medicine, people rarely apply enough product to achieve the labeled SPF.To protect yourself from unsupported claims:Check reviews for repeated complaints about a product melting, separating, or not blending.Apply a dedicated sunscreen first, with SPF makeup layered on top. Don’t use makeup as your only protection.Before You BuyEach of these scams and false claims count on consumers making hasty decisions without taking the time to confirm whether sellers are legitimate. Before buying from an unfamiliar seller or clicking on an ad, following the advice above and taking a quick look at verified buyer reviews on a brand's official retail channels is well worth the additional time.This story was produced by SmartCustomer and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	3 men charged in Louisa County child exploitation investigation Three men were arrested after a three-month Louisa County investigation and face charges including grooming a minor, authorities said.
	Class action suit against AI makers over deepfake child sexual abuse material expands New plaintiffs in a lawsuit against Elon Musk's SpaceXAI and Stability AI say the companies' AI tools were used to make sexually explicit images of them as children.
	Optum to close Moline pharmacy, lay off 98 workers Nearly 100 workers will lose their jobs when Optum closes its Moline divvyDOSE pharmacy operation on Aug. 6.
	Why America's drug shortages are lasting longer Why America's drug shortages are lasting longerAsk two trusted sources how bad America's drug shortage problem is, and you get two answers that seem to come from different countries.By the Food and Drug Administration's count, 2024 was the calmest year in more than a decade. The FDA's drug center recorded just 15 new shortages that year. That is down from a peak of 251 in 2011, and it is the lowest total in ten years.But by the count that hospital pharmacists watch most closely, 2024 was the worst year on record.The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the University of Utah tracked 323 active shortages in the first three months of the year. That is the highest number since the two groups started counting in 2001.Both numbers are correct. The gap between them is the real story.The country has gotten better at stopping new shortages before they hit. It has gotten worse at ending the ones already underway. A problem that used to come in sudden waves has turned into a long-term condition.Below, Kivo, a quality management system and RegOps platform for life sciences teams, looks at how America's drug shortages became fewer but longer-lasting, and which medicines keep running short.New Shortages vs Active ShortagesThe FDA tracks new shortages, and only for a set list of drugs that patients truly need. It marks a shortage as over once supply catches up to demand across the country. Under that definition, new shortages have fallen steadily.The drop began in 2012, when Congress started requiring drugmakers to warn the FDA early about manufacturing problems. The FDA reported 49 new shortages in 2022, 55 in 2023, and 15 in 2024. The agency also says it quietly prevented 283 shortages in 2024 by working with drugmakers before supply ran out. That is up from 222 in 2022.ASHP casts a much wider net. It counts every drug that is short from a pharmacist's point of view. That includes products the FDA does not track. It also includes local or regional gaps that never grow into a national shortage.This is why the pharmacist count runs so much higher. ASHP found 323 active shortages at the 2024 peak. The FDA counted 113 ongoing shortages at the end of that same year.Neither number is a trick. One measures how often a new fire starts. The other measures how many fires are still burning. Put together, they describe a system that has learned to prevent fires while still struggling to put any out.Which Drugs Have The Worst Shortages?The drugs at the center of the problem are rarely the ones patients see in ads. They are the cheap, hard-to-make basics that hospitals cannot work without.Sterile injectable drugs top the list, and they have for years. These are drugs given through an IV or a syringe. About half of the shortages ASHP recorded in 2024 were injectable products. They are hard to make, they need special sterile factories, and they often come from only one or two suppliers. So a single problem at one plant can ripple across the whole country.Sorted by type, the top of the 2024 shortage list included central nervous system drugs, antibiotics, hormone drugs, chemotherapy drugs, and IV fluids. Cancer care sits right in that mix. Generic injectable chemotherapy drugs and the emergency medicines kept on hospital crash carts have been among the most stubborn and worrying gaps, according to ASHP. Controlled substances make up a real share too, about 15% of active shortages in recent quarters. That pulls the Drug Enforcement Administration into the picture alongside the FDA.The Number That Explains The StoryCounting shortages tells you how many drugs are scarce right now. It misses the change that has really reshaped the problem. Shortages now last far longer than they used to.About half of the active shortages ASHP tracked in 2024 had already lasted two years or more. A Senate committee found that the average shortage runs about a year and a half. At least 15 critical drugs have been short for more than a decade. Some long-running shortages have started to ease lately. Even so, the backlog stays heavy. In one recent count, more than three out of four active shortages had started in 2022 or later.That length is what turns a short-term blip into a lasting health problem. A drug that is scarce for three weeks is a headache a hospital can plan around. A drug that is scarce for three years forces permanent workarounds. Staff have to switch patients to backup drugs that may work less well. They have to make hard choices about who gets a limited supply. And pharmacists end up spending their days hunting for substitutes instead of caring for patients.Why Why Shortages Are Lasting LongerDrugmakers rarely explain themselves. When the University of Utah looked at the causes behind 2023 shortages, 60% were listed as unknown, or the maker simply would not say.Of the reasons that were given, three came up most:Supply-and-demand problemsManufacturing problemsBusiness decisionsEach accounted for about an eighth of cases, with raw-material issues making up a small share as well.Behind that silence sit a few weak spots that show up again and again.Weak Point 1: Manufacturing is too centralizedA large share of a key drug's supply can rest on a single factory. So one accident becomes a national event. In 2023, a tornado damaged a Pfizer plant that made close to 8% of the sterile injectables used across the country. That one event helped trigger a string of shortages.In the fall of 2024, Hurricane Helene flooded a Baxter plant in Marion, North Carolina. It was one of the largest sources of IV and dialysis fluids in the United States. By some estimates, it supplied about 60% of the nation's IV fluids. The FDA helped restart the plant in about 60 days and allowed emergency imports of millions of units from overseas. Still, the flood showed how thin the margin really is.Weak Point 2: The supply chain reaches far overseas.About 60% of the active ingredients in U.S. prescription drugs come from India, China, and the European Union. That leaves whole groups of medicine exposed to political tension abroad and to failures at suppliers most Americans will never hear of.Weak Point 3: Generics aren't as profitable.Many essential drugs in shortage are cheap generics. Their profit margins are so thin that makers have little reason to expand or even to enter the market. An IQVIA study found that 37% of generics approved between 2013 and early 2024 never launched at all. It also found that most approved generics take more than four years to reach patients.When a drug is approved but never made, the market will not fix the shortage on its own.Surprise Demand Also Impacts ShortagesNot every recent shortage came from a broken factory. Two of the most visible ones came from demand shooting past supply. Both became household news.ADHD stimulants landed on the FDA's shortage list in October 2022 and have stayed there. They are tangled up with the DEA's power to cap how much of a controlled drug makers can produce. In 2024, the FDA formally asked the DEA to raise the production limit for lisdexamfetamine, a common ADHD medicine. The DEA granted the increase that September. Pharmacists have also warned about a DEA change that sets stimulant limits every three months instead of once a year. They say it makes it harder for makers to plan efficient production runs.The GLP-1 drugs tell a similar story from the business side. These are the weight-loss and diabetes drugs sold as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. Demand for them roughly doubled after 2020. It outran even a big push to build new factories, and the drugs sat on the shortage list for months. As new capacity came online, those shortages have mostly eased.As evidenced by these examples, demand-driven shortages usually don't last as long, since the money that comes with them usually incentivizes fast increases on the supply-side.How National and State Governments RespondDrug shortages have become a lasting item on the agenda in Congress. The government response now runs on several tracks at once.The FDA leans on a familiar set of tools. It speeds up reviews and inspections for makers trying to restart or grow production. It extends expiration dates when safety data allows. And it bends some rules on a temporary basis. In 2024, the agency fast-tracked 225 filings, moved 20 inspections up the line, and used this kind of flexibility 107 times. It has also pushed makers to build stronger quality systems through a voluntary program, since quality problems sit underneath many shortages. In 2024 it opened a public website so doctors and patients can report new gaps directly.The limits of these tools are getting clearer. In April 2025, the Government Accountability Office reported that the Department of Health and Human Services still had no formal way to coordinate shortage work across the FDA and its sister agencies. The GAO also kept the FDA's oversight of drug shortages on its High-Risk List. As the FDA itself has said, it cannot solve the problem alone.States have stopped waiting. Their approaches differ, but most fall into a few buckets. Some stockpile critical medicines. Some give pharmacists more room to swap in backup drugs. And some push for more transparency. A proposed New York law would create a public, searchable list of drugs in shortage, along with the pharmacies that still stock them. In 2025, Hawaii's Medicaid program adopted a plan that lets foreign-approved drugs fill in when a medicine is short. Federal regulators, for their part, finalized a rule to help small hospitals keep a backup supply of essential drugs.The Path ForwardPut the two sources side by side, and the path forward comes into focus. The early-warning system Congress built after the 2011 crisis works. Fewer shortages start now, and the FDA heads off hundreds more before they surface. What the system has not solved is how long shortages last. The ones that do take hold now dig in for years. They cluster in the cheap, single-source, injectable drugs that hospitals depend on and the market keeps refusing to fix.The headline number will keep bouncing between a few dozen and a few hundred, depending on who is counting and when. The more telling figure is the one that barely moves. It is the share of shortages that have already lasted longer than two years, and the patients quietly routed around them the entire time.This story was produced by Kivo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why concerns about tap water quality are getting harder to ignore Why concerns about tap water quality are getting harder to ignoreMost people assume their tap water has already been tested for anything that could affect their health. Public water systems do test and treat drinking water to meet current standards, but research is moving quickly, and scientists continue to discover potentially harmful substances that may be in drinking water before regulations are updated to address them. That gap is putting tap water under closer scrutiny.Case in point: Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency added microplastics, pharmaceuticals, PFAS ("forever chemicals"), disinfection byproducts, and other substances to a draft drinking water watch list used to evaluate contaminants that may occur in public water supplies. Being added to the list does not mean a contaminant is harmful at the levels found in drinking water, but it does signal that regulators believe it deserves closer study.Recent findings show why the topic feels timely across North America. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that at least 45% of U.S. tap water may contain one or more types of PFAS, while researchers have reported microplastics in tap water, bottled water, and human tissues and organs. Canada has also moved PFAS guidance forward, with an objective for a group of PFAS in drinking water due to concerns about long-term exposure.So what exactly could be in the water you drink, cook with, and use every day? As Culligan explains, the answer can depend on where you live, how your local water is treated, and which substances researchers and regulators are still working to understand.Why emerging contaminants are receiving more attentionThe growing attention around emerging contaminants can feel sudden, especially because many of these substances have been in use for years. What has changed is the science around them: Researchers can now detect smaller traces of chemicals and particles in water, and public agencies are taking a wider look at substances that older regulations were not built to address.The EPA watch list captures that broader focus. According to the Federal Register notice, the draft list includes 75 chemicals, four chemical groups, and nine microbes that may occur in public drinking water and may warrant closer review. For consumers, it points to a changing regulatory landscape, where agencies are looking beyond familiar contaminants while many newer concerns are still being studied.The contaminants scientists are watching most closelyThe contaminants drawing attention are not all the same. Some come from industrial products, some from consumer goods, and some can form during water treatment. Together, they show why the conversation around water quality is widening beyond the contaminants many people already know.PFASPFAS are often called forever chemicals because they break down very slowly in the environment. They have been used in products such as stain-resistant fabrics, nonstick cookware, food packaging, and firefighting foams, which have contributed to their presence in water, soil, and air. Studies have linked exposure to certain PFAS to increased risks of some cancers, reduced immune function, and developmental concerns.MicroplasticsMicroplastics are tiny plastic fragments that can come from larger plastic items as they break down or from products manufactured with small plastic particles. They have been found in rivers, lakes, bottled water, and tap water, and recent reviews have reported microplastics in human tissues and organs, adding to public concern while scientists continue to investigate what widespread exposure may mean for long-term health.PharmaceuticalsPharmaceuticals can enter the water cycle through human waste, agricultural runoff, and improper disposal. These substances include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and veterinary medicines.Water treatment can reduce some pharmaceutical compounds, but treatment capabilities vary by substance and system. Major health agencies, such as the World Health Organization, describe significant health risks as unlikely based on current exposure levels, though pharmaceuticals remain an area of ongoing research and public interest.Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with hormones and may come from plastics, pesticides, personal care products, or industrial processes. Because there are many types and multiple exposure routes, researchers are still working to understand their role in drinking water quality.What emerging water contaminants mean to youWater quality has become a mainstream concern, with media coverage of new research findings helping to spark conversations across North America. In some communities, public recognition of potential health risks is turning into action. Residents of Hazelbrook, P.E.I., for example, are suing the government over PFAS contamination in their drinking water.Navigating federal policy can feel confusing, but knowing what the rules actually mean can clear up a lot of uncertainty. While the EPA finalized national drinking water limits on "forever chemicals" in 2024, public water systems have years to comply, meaning strict enforcement won’t fully kick in until 2031 or later. Furthermore, recent federal updates mean these rules will focus on the two most common types of PFAS (PFOA and PFOS). Recognizing this long runway doesn't mean you are powerless — it simply gives you the reality you need to take control of your own home filtration with complete peace of mind.While broader solutions are underway, you don’t have to sit with the uncertainty of what's coming out of your tap. Taking a look at your community’s annual water quality report is a simple first step to clearing up any doubts. It's important to note that your local water provider is not necessarily testing for these emerging contaminants yet, as it is not required, so this should just be a starting point. The best step is to get your water tested, learn about certified water filters, and understand how your local utility treats its supply, which can give you total peace of mind and complete control over what’s in your glass.How to stay informed as water standards evolveAdvances in testing and monitoring are providing more data than ever before. As scientists learn more about contaminants in drinking water, consumers may see evolving guidelines, new technologies, and greater pressure for transparency from public agencies and water providers.Understanding what is in your water, following updates from trusted scientific and public health organizations, and knowing which treatment options are designed for specific contaminants can help you make informed decisions as standards continue to evolve.This story was produced by Culligan and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	3 Hanover residents arrested following overnight narcotics raid in Jo Daviess County Deputies arrested three Hanover residents on drug charges following an overnight search warrant on South Whitton Road in Jo Daviess County.
	Rock Island liquor commission holds emergency meeting after 2nd shooting at bar The Rock Island City Council held an emergency meeting after a second shooting at DeAnna's Bar led the city to temporarily close the business.
	The confidence rules of group hangs The confidence rules of group hangsConfidence starts with feeling good in your own skin. Sometimes that’s a great conversation. Sometimes it’s knowing you smell amazing when walking into the room. For young guys, that extra boost of confidence can make group hangs feel a whole lot easier. AXE, the deodorant brand for guys, asked Ben “Benny” Hart to unpack the confidence rules that help young men show up more naturally around other people.A New York City-based multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, author, speaker and dating strategist known for his raw, humorous and no-nonsense take on both business and human connection, Hart has nearly one million followers across TikTok and Instagram.Confidence looks different when you're out with friends versus when you're doing things on your own. When you’re in a group setting, you might find yourself feeling hyper-aware or hypersensitive. This means that you might be overly self-conscious, hesitating because you're constantly thinking about how others see you. And then you start to overthink.Here's what to do about it.Why Some Group Settings Can Feel OverwhelmingHere's the thing: With some groups, there's familiarity. There's social proof. You know somebody who knows somebody who knows you. It feels safe. There's already a preconceived notion of who you are, and a preconceived identity. It may feel safer because you don't have to define your role from scratch.That's really the key difference between being in a group and going out on your own. In a group, you have a shared identity, so there's a lot less pressure on you individually. But solo? Your identity is much more exposed. There's more pressure to prove yourself. AXE How to Read Group DynamicsHere are some subtle cues that are important to read in a group:Who people look at when they talkWhen somebody's speaking in a group, who are they making eye contact with mostly? Who are they looking for approval from? Who do they want to agree with them? That tells you a lot about the power dynamic in the room.Who interrupts, and who takes up spacePay attention to who cuts people off and who naturally commands the floor. This reveals the social hierarchy within the group.The energy of the roomRead the energy of the people and the individuals. Is it high? Low? Fun? Tense?Who talks the leastThis is an interesting one, because it doesn't necessarily mean they're introverted. It might just mean they're highly observant and taking a lot in rather than pushing a lot out.As for knowing when to speak—especially in group dynamics—speak when you can add something to the table: an opinion, a relevant experience, or a story of your own. People love stories. They’re one of the best ways to get people genuinely interested in what you have to say.Avoid Performing for AttentionMost guys perform in group settings because they're chasing significance. They want to prove they have enough value to add to the pot; like, if they don't contribute something, what are they even doing there? They're performing for validation because significance matters to them. On the flip side, there's the fear of invisibility. Many hate feeling invisible, so they overcorrect and perform even harder. Both scenarios come from the same need to feel significant.How to Stay GroundedSlow down: Don't speed up or try to over-assert yourself. Slow your speech, slow your movements. People don't necessarily pay the most attention to the loudest person in the room. They pay attention to someone saying something interesting. And often, the slower, more careful and considerate person has the most impact.Focus on one person, not the whole group: “I've had to learn this myself through speaking engagements,” Hart says. “I used to focus on the entire room, and it would distract me because I'd start thinking about how everyone was seeing me all at once. What actually works is focusing on one person and having that conversation with them. You can still look around, but anchor yourself to one person at a time. It helps you feel like you're in one conversation instead of ten.”You can always create a commonality out of nothing. Same shoes, same bag, same neighborhood. Commonalities are great icebreakers.In short, contribute, don't try to impress: When you're performing to impress, people feel it. But when you're genuinely adding value or contributing, that comes across completely differently.What Confident Body Language Looks LikeConfident body language is open. You're facing the group, not closed off in a corner. Your arms aren't crossed. Your movements are slow, composed and intentional.Hand gestures are fine, but crossed arms signal that you're closed off or reserved. Fast movements—especially ones that are close to people—can read as nervous or aggressive.Slow it down, stay open, and let your body communicate the same calm you want people to feel from you.How to Adjust The Way You Communicate In a Group vs. One-On-OneIn a group, you don't want to take over the stage. Leave room for people to talk. They notice when you call on them, ask them a question, and make them feel seen and heard. That's actually what gives the group more energy and power.When somebody dominates the whole time, people start to feel it. They might think: “This guy is doing too much. He's not asking any questions. He's just ranting.” So keep it short, contribute intentionally, and ask direct questions.The goal of a group isn't your goal alone. The goal of a group is bonding: people feeling heard and learning from one another. And ironically, when you ask someone a question or give them space to speak, they feel more comfortable around you because you’ve shown enough confidence to hand them the floor.People gravitate toward you not because you demanded their attention, but because you made them feel comfortable.Practical Tips to Show Up More Confidently in a Group1. Don't chase validationThis might be the most important one. Don't over-assert yourself or try to prove yourself too much. When you don't volunteer everything about yourself, you become more interesting. People want to learn more about you when you haven't given them everything up front. Mystery = confidence.2. ReactYou don't always have to say something significant to show you're present. A nod, a smile, a good question, a confirmation. Those small reactions let people know you're locked in and paying attention.3. Slow it downSlow your speech, slow your movements. Composed and intentional always reads as more confident than fast and reactive. You don't need to fill every silence or jump into every gap. The most impactful people in the room are usually the most measured ones.4. Have a signature scentWhen the vibes are vibing, your scent combo can seriously carry your confidence. A layered scent can help you stand out and become your signature. Think of your body wash as the base later — fresh, clean, setting the tone. Layer on deodorant to keep things smelling good all night. Finish off with a scent — something warm and slightly sweet with a bold scent — and suddenly, you’re not just showing up, you’re making an entrance.Confidence in group settings isn't about being the loudest, the funniest, or the most impressive person in the room. It's about being present, being open, and making the people around you feel seen and heard. People gravitate toward you not because you demanded their attention, but because you made them feel comfortable. That's what real confidence looks like. And the good news is, it's a skill you can build.This story was produced by AXE and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Do I really need a college degree to be successful? Do I really need a college degree to be successful?Deciding whether you need a college degree to build a rewarding future might feel overwhelming. Everywhere you turn — online, the news, your family — there’s a different story. Some people talk about billionaires who dropped out of college, while others point to studies showing that people with degrees tend to earn more over their lifetimes. The truth? There’s no single path to success or one-size-fits-all answer.This guide from The University of Olivet is here to help you make the choice that works for you. It breaks down the facts and shows you how a college degree impacts long-term career prospects and earning potential.Key TakeawaysHigher employment rates: People who finish four-year degrees are more likely to have a job than those without a degree.Significant wage premium: Degree holders earn more annually than high school graduates, with an average of over $1 million more in lifetime earnings.Financial aid availability: Roughly 90% of students receive financial aid, significantly reducing the actual cost below published tuition prices.Career opportunities: College provides connections, mentorships, and resources that open doors throughout your career.Career Success With a DegreeRecent studies have shown that people who finish college are on track to earn a median of $2.8 million over their lifetime. In contrast, someone with only a high school diploma is likely looking at $1.6 million. That $1.2 million difference represents decades of more choices and the confidence that comes with a stronger financial footing.Exceptions like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg reached incredible heights without a finished degree, but even they attended elite colleges before launching their ventures. For most people, though, the consistent pattern in the data is clear — degree holders have a clear advantage. They earn more, are more likely to find jobs, even in a shifting economy. They also benefit from having more career options.Financial Impacts of Having a College DegreeUnderstanding the financial benefits of having a college degree is about more than just your starting salary. You need to look at the bigger picture and assess how your education pays off over time through different life stages and career turns. The University of Olivet National Wage PremiumThe national wage premium for college graduates in the U.S. is significant. Bachelor’s degree holders typically earn 70% more than those with only a high school diploma. This “college wage premium” represents the amount you can expect to earn above someone without a four-year degree:Immediate earnings boost: If you have a bachelor’s degree, you could make $24,000 a year more on average than someone with just a high school diploma, even in your first full-time job.Long-term wage premium: Over the long run, the Brookings Institution has tracked an 88% wage premium for those with bachelor’s degrees. It’s encouraging to know that this edge hasn’t faded, even as more people obtain degrees.Economic stability: A college degree tends to keep proving its value across ups and downs. People with higher education are less likely to be out of work when the economy stumbles, showing that the investment pays off whether times are good or tough.Making Your Degree AffordableCost is often top of mind for future students and families. Here’s some relief — financial aid can significantly reduce the net cost of attendance for most students. Consider the following:Financial aid is widespread: About 90% of first-time undergraduate students at four-year private, nonprofit colleges received financial aid during the 2023-2024 academic year. Federal grants, work-study programs, and need-based or merit scholarships all combine to lower your bill.Grants don’t require repayment: Unlike loans, scholarships and grants allow students to make their degrees more financially manageable without creating debt. Many students use a mix of federal, state, and institutional scholarships to cover most of their expenses.Understanding available aid programs is essential when determining if a college degree is the right investment for your future.Unlocking Career Opportunities With a College DegreeBeyond just earning more money right away, a college degree opens up career paths where you can really grow and keep learning new things. Many colleges have career and leadership centers and resources to help you succeed in your career for the long haul.Building In-Demand SkillsCollege helps you build important soft skills that nearly every job needs. These skills give you more choices in your career later on, unlike training for just one specific role.A good education develops several critical capabilities: The University of Olivet Critical thinking: Learn how to look at information, think about different choices, and make smart decisions based on facts, not just guesses. This helps you in every job, whether you’re exploring new business ideas or addressing a tough problem.Problem-solving: College coursework helps you use your imagination and common sense to figure out solutions for hard problems in real life. Bosses love people who can solve problems, especially since many work challenges have more than one side to them.Communication: You’ll learn to write papers, give presentations, and talk in class discussions. This helps you explain your ideas clearly to people in different ways. Being a good communicator is super important, especially when you move up into leadership jobs where you need to share your plans and ideas.Adaptability: Learning about different topics and perspectives helps you change how you do things when circumstances change. This flexibility is key in fast-changing industries where you always need to learn new things and adjust your work.Emotional intelligence: Working on group projects and meeting different people on campus helps you understand how others think and feel. You can learn to work well with all sorts of personalities and communication styles. This interpersonal awareness helps teams work better and builds stronger work relationships.Teamwork: Group projects and campus clubs teach you how to work together, find middle ground, and solve problems as a team. These skills are exactly what you need at work. Most big successes come from teams and departments working together.This foundation teaches you how to learn and adapt, which is crucial in a changing job market where specific technologies and methods evolve.Accessing a Professional NetworkCollege is more than classes and a degree. It helps you build a network of professional contacts that will help you throughout your career. Making connections in college has distinct advantages:Meet new people: On campus, it’s easy to connect with other students, professors, and professionals who visit. These connections can open new doors and give you greater insight into the disciplines and types of work that interest you most.Get jobs more easily: Lots of people find jobs through people they know, not just by looking at job ads online. Alumni programs and college job fairs give you a direct link to the people who hire, and they often look for students from their own school.Access extra help: Colleges have career centers that offer workshops to help you write your resume, practice for interviews, and get training for specific jobs. These services make your job applications stronger and help you move smoothly from being a student to starting your career.Get mentorship: Learn from professionals already working in your field. Their real-world experience adds to what you learn in class. Mentors can give you advice on career choices, what’s new in your industry, and how to grow your career faster.The college has offices and groups, like career services, alumni groups, and professional clubs, to help you make these connections. Job experts say that college networking is important for landing your first job and moving up in your career. These relationships just get more valuable as you get older and your network grows.Frequently Asked Questions About Pursuing a College DegreeExplore key questions and factors to consider when deciding whether to pursue a college degree.Do I Have to Know My Major Before I Apply?Not necessarily. It’s totally normal and common to start college without knowing your major. Lots of students figure out what they love in their first year or two by taking different classes and learning new things. Colleges also have academic advisors whose job it is to help you figure this out.General education classes are set up to show you lots of different subjects, which can help you find what truly interests you. Advisors also help you pick classes so you stay on track to graduate while you decide.When Do Trade Schools and Certifications Make Sense?Skilled trades and professional certifications offer excellent paths for specific careers. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other skilled trades professionals earn high incomes with consistent demand for their services. These careers typically require shorter training periods and cost less up front than four-year degrees.Trade certifications train you for one specific job with certain skills. A bachelor’s degree, though, gives you more career options and usually leads to earning more money over time in many different industries. People with degrees often find it easier to switch between different types of jobs or move up into leadership positions as they get more experience.The best path depends on your career goals, learning preferences, and financial circumstances.What If I Struggle Academically When Pursuing My Degree?Everyone learns in their own way, and if you struggle in college, it often means you’re just adjusting to how things work at a higher level, not that you’re not smart enough.Most colleges have tons of ways to help students do well. This includes small classes where professors can get to know you personally and see when you might need extra help. Many professors also have regular office hours where you can meet with them one-on-one for advice.You can find help at places like peer tutoring centers. There are also workshops with experts who can assist you with writing and study tips, which are key to doing well in school.Make an Informed Decision for Your FutureThere are many ways to succeed, but a college degree remains a proven path to long-term financial stability and career choices. The numbers keep showing that people with degrees earn a lot more over their lives and get better job opportunities.The “right” choice is different for everyone and depends on your own goals and situation. It’s always best to make an informed choice. Use these ideas to see if college fits with what you want for your future. If you decide to go to college, look for a school with programs that match your interests.This story was produced by The University of Olivet and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Putnam welcomes Marlee Matlin for Aug. 19 event The Putnam Museum & Science Center welcomes Academy Award-winning actress, author and advocate Marlee Matlin on Wednesday, August 19 for an evening exploring accessibility, representation and how arts and culture can build communities where everyone belongs. Doors open, and cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m. Attendance is limited to 220 guests. Click here for tickets. [...]
	Why you're probably playing scratch-off tickets wrong Why you're probably playing scratch-off tickets wrongThere are 45 U.S. states that offer lotteries, plus three nonstate territories. The lottery is nearly everywhere, and with it comes those shiny, metallic cards inviting you to scratch away and reveal (hopefully) winning symbols. Bodog shared some of the top tips and tricks to make the most of your scratch-off experience.Note: The five states that don’t have lotteries are Alabama, Alaska, Hawai‘i, Nevada, and Utah. You can’t play—or at least you can’t purchase or redeem scratch-offs—in any of those states.The Odds Are Always Available To YouScratch-offs, or scratchers if you’re on the West Coast, are strictly governed by the lotteries that offer them and laws in each state requiring specific information to be public. The odds of winning on any ticket must be available to you. In most cases, this means you can flip your scratch ticket over to find the odds. You might see odds listed like so:1 in 3.181 in 5.61 in 4.7This represents your mathematical chances of winning any prize on the associated ticket, including break-even prizes. In other words, a $5 ticket that earns you a $5 prize still counts as a “win,” even though you’ve broken even.Pay attention to those odds as you decide which tickets to buy. You can also find them on lottery websites.Higher Price Doesn’t Always Mean Higher Win LikelihoodTicket prices can cover a wide range. In the Illinois lottery, for example, there are tickets from $1 all the way up to $50, with various increments in between.A common trap for scratch-off beginners is assuming a $20 ticket will give you a better shot at winning than a $5 ticket. The reality is more complex. Higher ticket prices often fund big jackpots, so they’re top-heavy. Sure, you might have a chance to win a larger grand prize with a $20 ticket simply because the $5 ticket’s top prize is commensurately smaller. But the odds are often identical or at least similar.To make a comparison from elsewhere in the world of gambling, consider high-value tickets as high volatility slots at a sweepstakes casino. You may win less frequently with bigger paydays.Another thing to consider is the entertainment value. If the fun part is scratching in anticipation, then a handful of low-value tickets will be more enjoyable than one or two big ones.Always Check For Remaining Top PrizesScratch-offs are printed in massive batches. That pool of tickets is then distributed across the state to thousands of locations. As the tickets sell and players win, you may find that top prizes are no longer available. The catch? The game tickets are still sold.This is because the lottery doesn’t know when a top prize will be awarded, and most tickets state on the back that games can continue to be sold after the top prizes have all been won. You can still win mid-tier or low prizes, but the jackpots may no longer be available.Fortunately, you can check the remaining prize pools for games. Check your state lottery’s website for the latest info.Scan For Wins, If AvailableThe Illinois Lottery has a ticket scanning function. Many other states offer the same function. It’s a real lifesaver. You might find yourself scratching all there is to scratch but missing a crucial spot, only to scan the ticket’s barcode to see that you actually won something.Don’t leave such mistakes up to chance. Before you throw away your losing tickets, scan them to be sure they aren’t winners.Second Chance DrawingsSome lotteries offer second-chance promotions for nonwinning tickets. They’re super simple and often only require an online account. For eligible games, you can scratch a separate code on the ticket and enter the code in the online drawing for ongoing prize pulls.How To Redeem WinsRedeeming small wins is easy. Bigger wins have more rules. Here are some things to know.Retail threshold: In most lottery-running states, the retail redemption threshold per day per person is $599. Higher prizes must be claimed through the lottery.$600+ wins: These usually require an online claim form, a mail-in request, or a visit to a lottery office. No matter your method, have your government ID available.Expiration: Many games have a final date by which you must claim your prize. If that date comes and goes, any winning tickets cannot be paid.Machine redemptions: Some scratch-off dispensing machines let you scan winning tickets to keep playing with your prize. State-By-State Rules ApplyOutside of multistate games like the Powerball or Mega Millions, state lottery games are sequestered and must abide by the rules of their jurisdiction. Here are some things to look out for.Return to player (RTP) baselines: State legislatures dictate the minimum payout percentages for their lotteries. A $10 ticket in one state may be required to have better odds than a similar ticket in another state.Dead tickets: Some states mandate the removal of games within a certain time after the top prizes are won. Others let retailers sell the remaining games indefinitely.Anonymity: Your state may have its own rules about whether you can remain anonymous after a big win.Online Play Is Increasingly AvailableCheck your state lottery for online games. Many now offer digital versions of their games and/or online-only titles. A lot of them recreate the fun of a scratch-off, replacing the actual scratching with fun animations or interesting mechanics that only work on a mobile device or desktop.The Fun Is In The ScratchSome folks at the store buy a handful of scratch-offs and immediately reveal the barcode at the bottom to see if they’ve won. While the desire to check for that instant win is understandable, others buy scratch-offs for the enjoyment and anticipation they get out of doing the physical scratching. It makes scratch-offs more of a hobby than a quick-hit chance at some money.This story was produced by Bodog and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Crypto rewards cards are everywhere. Here’s what consumers should know before signing up Crypto rewards cards are everywhere. Here’s what consumers should know before signing upOver 67 million Americans now own cryptocurrency, according to the National Cryptocurrency Association’s 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report. As regulators work to provide clearer rules for how digital assets fit into the financial system, established companies like Venmo and Mastercard are expanding tools that let consumers spend and manage cryptocurrencies like bitcoin.One way consumers can gain exposure to crypto is through credit card rewards programs that pay in bitcoin or let users convert cash back into various crypto tokens. These cards operate like standard rewards credit cards, but let users accrue crypto instead of statement credits, points or miles.In this article, OpenSea explains the different kinds of crypto rewards credit cards and what consumers should know about each. OpenSea What are crypto rewards cards?Crypto rewards cards are credit or debit cards that give users a percentage of their spending back in cryptocurrency instead of cash or points.“The card experience can feel familiar to a credit card, while the crypto experience underneath it is not the same as ordinary cash back,” said Corey Ballou, head of trust and safety engineering at OpenSea.Ballou worked on BlockCard, one of the earliest crypto credit card programs. He said the main difference between regular cash-back credit cards and crypto rewards cards is that customers must know how to use crypto wallets or exchanges to successfully use the latter.A crypto wallet is a digital account used to store, send and receive cryptocurrency. Some cards keep rewards inside the company’s app, others on a crypto exchange like Coinbase, and finally, others allow customers to move rewards into a separate wallet that they control themselves.The products you might find break into several different types of crypto rewards cards, and each is structured differently.Different types of crypto rewards cardsNot all crypto rewards cards work the same way. Some automatically drop rewards into your bitcoin or other digital currency wallet, while others let you convert your cash back into crypto after the fact. Some cards plug directly into your existing crypto wallet or stablecoin balance, while others hold your earnings inside their own app until you decide what to do with them. Those differences determine how easily you can access your rewards, whether you're truly in control of them and what limitations or risks might apply to your account.Direct crypto rewards cardsWith a direct crypto rewards card, you earn cryptocurrency instead of cash back, simple as that. Make a purchase, and a small percentage is credited to your crypto account on platforms like Coinbase or Gemini.From there, you can watch your balance grow, or you can sell when the moment feels right, hold for the long term or move everything to a separate digital wallet. Once the reward hits your account, it's generally yours to do with as you please, though the fine print varies from one platform to the next.Examples include the Gemini Credit Card and Coinbase One Card.Cash-back conversion cardsThese cards work like normal cash-back credit cards at first. Users earn cash back in regular U.S. dollars, but can later choose whether to turn that cash back into crypto inside the app. They can often store their rewards as crypto inside the app or platform itself, but can later transfer it to a crypto wallet or redeem it as fiat currency. Venmo Credit Card uses this model.Prepaid debit cardsThese cards aren't actually credit cards, but rather, they're prepaid cards tied to your account on a crypto exchange. You load money onto the card upfront and spend only what's already there, so instead of borrowing against a credit line, purchases come straight out of your existing balance.Some programs sweeten the deal by depositing a percentage of each purchase back into your exchange account as crypto rewards. And since there's no borrowing involved, there's typically no credit check required. The Coinbase Visa Prepaid Debit Card works this way.Tiered rewards cardsWith tiered rewards cards, the amount of crypto users may earn can vary based on how much they keep on the platform. Generally, holding more money or crypto with the company may make users eligible for higher rewards rates, a structure that functions similarly to a tiered loyalty program.Rewards, when offered, are often paid out in the platform's own token rather than a mainstream cryptocurrency. The Crypto.com Visa Signature Card uses this type of structure.Stablecoin spending cardsStablecoin spending cards target users who already hold stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies designed to track the value of the U.S. dollar. When a user makes a purchase, the card converts those stablecoins into dollars to pay the merchant. Users typically receive platform points or similar rewards. The KAST Card is an example.Crypto-native cardsCrypto-native cards connect directly to a user’s own crypto wallet, not a company account. A crypto wallet is a digital tool that allows users to store and manage their cryptocurrency. With this setup, users keep control of their crypto until they spend it with the card. That also means they handle their own security, including protecting access to the wallet. The MetaMask Card, which runs on the Mastercard global payment network, follows this model.What to know before using a crypto rewards credit cardBallou said consumers new to crypto rewards should “start small,” especially before moving funds they’ve earned on their credit card from the exchange or platform into a self-controlled wallet. He recommends sending a small test transaction first to confirm the crypto reaches the correct destination.“From a safety perspective, consumers should treat crypto transfers as irreversible financial transactions,” Ballou said. “That does not mean they need to be scared of them, but they do need to slow down and be deliberate.”He also advised consumers to learn about a type of crypto scam known as “address poisoning,” in which fraudsters send tiny transactions from lookalike wallet addresses in hopes of tricking users into sending funds to the wrong destination. The risk could appear when moving rewards out of the card app and manually copying wallet addresses to transfer crypto.Finally, consumers should also keep records of how and when they receive or sell crypto rewards. The values of many cryptocurrencies can change quickly, which means the value of rewards earned in bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies may rise or fall after you receive them as a reward. And when the dollar value of rewards is different at the time of earning versus the time of converting or withdrawing them, the resulting profit or loss might be considered a taxable event by the IRS.Consumers should consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to their situation.Understanding before earning cryptoAs crypto rewards cards become more common, consumers may increasingly encounter points in the form of cryptocurrency. But unlike standard cash back or points systems, crypto rewards can involve separate digital wallets, changing tax rules and additional security responsibilities.That’s why it’s important for consumers to understand how a crypto credit card works before treating it like any other rewards program.This story was produced by OpenSea and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport man charged with having handgun in his backpack despite prior felony Davenport police stopped a man late Wednesday and said they found a handgun in his backpack.
	Humility Homes to break ground on new supportive housing project in Davenport Humility Homes and Services Inc. (HHSI) is preparing to break ground on a new supportive housing project in Davenport. HHSI and Gratus Development have announced their newest initiative, Sheridan Point Place. The project is an 11-unit, newly constructed development that will provide long-term, stable housing for people and families experiencing housing instability in the Quad [...]
	240th Street road construction starts July 13 Beginning July 13, 240th Street will be under construction. The street between 180th Avenue and 240th Avenue will be reduced to one lane for a Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) resurfacing project. Drivers can expect high traffic on 240th Avenue during this period. Traffic will be maintained by flaggers and a pilot car. Scott County Road [...]
	Demand for premium brand experiences fuels growth in specialty printing Demand for premium brand experiences fuels growth in specialty printingWhile the focus on marketing and brand promotion may be weighted heavily toward digital content, companies are increasingly aiming to deliver premium experiences that are inherently tactile, in part in response to the trajectory of those very same digital trends. Connecting with customers through physical touchpoints brings brands and their target markets closer together and satisfies the spike in high-end demand.In this context, specialty printing services have gained renewed commercial interest, enabling a touch of luxury and bespoke to permeate packaging and marketing materials. There’s ample data demonstrating the correlation between the growth in premium brand experiences and specialty printing services. TEAM Concept, a specialty printing service in Chicago, took a look at what’s driving this growth and how it’s complementing rather than competing against digital marketing efforts. TEAM Concept The Significance of TactilityTouch has a long-standing link with customer decision-making, and a paper published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology outlines its importance in detail, pointing out that businesses can drive sales through tactility because humans have evolved to seek information through this core sense. In other words, we make decisions in part based on information delivered via our hands, so physically interacting with a product is as likely to determine whether a consumer chooses to buy it as the marketing blurb or a salesperson’s pitch.Merely touching a product or its packaging significantly increases a consumer's purchase intention and willingness to pay by creating a sense of ownership.The use of tactile materials and techniques like raised ink and embossing can serve this purpose especially effectively, with both packaging and marketing materials benefiting from this innate psychological incentive. It’s also a response to the decline in in-person retail experiences today, so the chances for a brand to impress a customer are reduced to a combination of digital content and the first postdelivery interaction with a product.When consumers cannot physically touch a product, such as seeing it on a shelf or on screen, visual cues that strongly imply texture, like high-definition gloss, metallic reflections, or deep-set embossing, act as tactile compensation. These cues stimulate the brain’s mental imagery, reducing the customer's perceived uncertainty and elevating their immersion in the brand experience. Again, research supports this, with the Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research analyzing the visual-tactile cues brands use to convey premium experiences in an online shopping context.The Elevation of Premium Brand ExperienceResearch by EY indicates the importance of perceived quality, with 75% of luxury brand customers placing it at the top of the agenda. The same study, which surveyed 1,211 people in 2025, found 96% of consumers in this market segment also feel in-store experiences are the optimal way for their needs to be met, with VIP treatment and personalization also a priority met by face-to-face interactions.Emulating this in an environment where brands cannot directly engage with customers in the flesh is thus exactly what specialty printing provides. It also ties into shareability, which is part and parcel of premium brand experiences at a time when social media is where tastemakers influence purchasing decisions and audiences go looking for their next acquisition.An even invitation printed with foil lettering can be snapped and showcased on Instagram or TikTok and convey the high-end nature of the evening ahead far more than flat, low-cost designs of the past. Likewise, product unboxing videos generate much more buzz if the packaging is of a premium nature, with printed elements embossed for that total tactility. When a customer sees a deep deboss or shimmering metallic foil, their brain simulates the physical feel of the product, making the brand feel instantly premium, even if it’s only seen on social media.The Market RealityWhat’s most apparent from the demand for premium brand experiences and its impact on the specialty printing market is not only how it’s influencing design choices, but how the broader printing market is being influenced. Higher-end options are enjoying 11.9% year-on-year growth, while the traditional commercial printing sector’s annual growth is around 3.6%, according to a Fortune Business Insights 2026-2034 forecast.Specialty value-add printing is growing because brands are desperate to create memorable physical touchpoints. Consumer expectations are moving further in this direction, so brands must adapt to remain relevant. This growth disparity reflects specialty printing's rising strategic value for brands.This story was produced by TEAM Concept and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	“Hamilton,” July 16 On July 16, the Putnam Museum & Science Center's GIANT Screen Theater auditorium will definitely be "the Room where it happens," with the Davenport venue hosting a 6 p.m. screening of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton.
	'Every day is a big difference': San Antonio tow truck driver hit on Loop 410 finally home after 137 days His family says every day brings new progress, but they're still pleading for help identifying the hit-and-run driver who forever changed their lives.
	What you need to know about HIV testing, treatment and care 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/9a99f2fe-93d3-43fc-a712-38a8858a8aed_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) - HIV was once considered a terminal diagnosis. However, this once life-threatening disease is now a manageable condition. People diagnosed with HIV are living longer, healthier lives thanks to advances in treatment and specialized care.That said, new diagnoses continue each year, particularly among younger adults and underrepresented communities, a trend that challenges the myth that HIV is an older person's disease."Many Americans believe HIV is no longer a serious health concern," said Helen Everett, a CVS Specialty pharmacist who supports patients across a range of complex and specialty conditions, including HIV. "This misconception — and lingering stigma — can delay testing, diagnosis and treatment, key actions that can help patients live longer and thrive."What living with HIV looks like nowLiving with HIV in 2026 looks very different from living with the disease in the '80s and '90s during the AIDS epidemic. Now, HIV is no longer a death sentence, and those diagnosed with the condition can expect to live as long as someone without HIV.In fact, more than half of the people living with HIV in the U.S., many of whom were diagnosed in their 20s and 30s, are now age 50 or older thanks to early detection and decades of consistent treatment.Earlier HIV treatments required taking multiple pills a day and often caused nausea, vomiting and other issues. With such a high pill burden and side effects that negatively impact daily life, it's not hard to see how patient adherence suffers.Modern HIV treatment regimens are much simpler."Today's treatments often involve taking one pill each day with fewer side effects," said Everett. "This makes it easier to stick with the therapy and keep the virus at an undetectable level, meaning it cannot be passed on through sex."Long-term health with HIV requires compassionate careTesting, diagnosis and treatment are key to living with HIV for years to come. However, establishing a strong patient-pharmacist relationship with a compassionate specialist is vital to long-term health as patients age."Long-term health takes long-term commitment, especially as we age and our needs change," said Everett. "As people are living longer, things like comorbidities and possible medication interactions have to be considered. That's why it's crucial to receive personalized care for healthy aging, especially if you're living with HIV."Christopher Hooper, a patient who has lived with HIV for decades, knows firsthand how far HIV treatment and patient outlook have come. He credits his treatment adherence and engagement in his care to his long-standing trusted relationship with his pharmacist."It's important to me to feel supported not only with comprehensive medication management and helping me stay on track, but that relationship also helps with my confidence, which affects my overall outlook."Know your status and find specialized careThe first step to getting treatment is getting tested.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. For those with risk factors, the CDC recommends getting tested at least once a year.No matter your age, knowing your status can help you seek treatment from specialty providers who offer understanding, compassionate care. To get tested, head to your nearest CVS Health clinic. To learn more, visit CVShealth.com.
	Former Olympian pleads not guilty in reflecting pool vandalism charges Canoeist David Hearn plead not guilty in D.C. Superior Court Thursday to a charge of destruction of property causing more than $1,000 in damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
	Former Olympian pleads not guilty in reflecting pool vandalism charge Canoeist David Hearn plead not guilty in D.C. Superior Court Thursday to a charge of destruction of property causing more than $1,000 in damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
	6 moves to make after a layoff 6 moves to make after a layoffLeaving a job can often come with many emotions. But an expected layoff can be especially challenging to navigate. “Our jobs aren't just how we identify ourselves in terms of who we are and what we do; they’re our source of security and our income. When all of those things are taken away from you very suddenly…it’s devastating,” says Octavia Goredema, a career coach and author of “Prep, Push, Pivot: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women.” “Your schedule immediately is gone. Your network feels like it's been ripped out from underneath you.”Many people are currently going through this experience as layoffs permeate industries from transportation to technology to health care. In May 2026, U.S. employers announced roughly 97,000 job cuts, up 16% from the month before and the highest for that month since 2020, according to a report by global outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.But if your job is eliminated, Current, a consumer fintech banking platform, has some steps you can take to get back on track. Here are six moves experts say to make now.1. Allow yourself time to processWhile it can be easy to immediately jump into job hunting, give yourself time to process the loss of your last job, if possible. Taking a few days or weeks to do activities you enjoy, such as reading, exercising, getting together with friends, or even organizing your home, can help you get into the right mindset to find the best next opportunity for you.“Think about how you might want to structure the time that you now have. It can feel very isolating to suddenly not have responsibilities with your work and the connections that your work provides, so try and find opportunities to connect,” Goredema says. “Try and find things that you can do that can add to your schedule and some form of routine of your own so that you know that when you wake up, you've got something that is structured for your day.”2. Make sure you have all your severance detailsIf your previous job offered you severance, it’s important to read through the package and understand what exactly is available to you and whether there are any actions you need to take on your end.“Especially in the heat of the moment, it can be easy to overlook or forget key details,” says Matt Berndt, career strategist at Indeed. “Ask for documentation that could come in handy later, and find out if you have a severance package, what it entails, and when you have to accept or reject it.”If you aren’t sure, ask and get it in writing so you don’t miss any key information, he adds.Ask for more time to review the package if you need it and consider bringing in a second pair of eyes, such as from an employment attorney, Goredema adds. Don’t forget that you can (and likely should) negotiate severance.3. File for unemploymentOne of the first things you should do if you’re laid off is gather all your documents to file for unemployment benefits. Do this as quickly as possible, since there’s typically one “waiting week” when you won’t be paid, and to account for processing time.“Having all your information in one place saves you the trouble of tracking it down and slowing down your filing process,” Berndt says. “The requirements vary by state, but often include your driver's license or valid ID, copies of recent pay stubs, and proof of unemployment.”The Department of Labor has a guide to filing for unemployment in each state.4. Get the word outGoredema recommends letting your network know that you’re looking for your next opportunity. While some people may feel embarrassed or don’t want to burden others, telling people you know — whether they’re your neighbor, friend, or family member — that you’re job searching could lead to surprising results.“You don't know who other people know. … It's not necessarily about that person who you're talking to; it's about the people in their network,” Goredema says. “It expands your reach.”It will likely get easier and easier to talk about with every new person you tell, she adds.5. Review your budgetIt can take time for unemployment benefits to kick in, so you need to make sure you can cover your living expenses in the meantime, Berndt says. “Break down your costs into must-haves and nice-to-haves, and consider where you can save money while you search for a new job,” he adds.Use that information to adjust your budget if necessary, or create one if you don’t already have a budget in place.Financial advisors tend to recommend keeping an emergency fund that can cover living expenses for three to six months in case a layoff or another costly surprise arises. You can keep this in a high-yield savings account so that your money works for you even when it’s sitting idly. If you don’t have an emergency fund in place, make a note to start saving for one once steady paychecks are hitting again.6. Treat your job search like it’s your jobWork provides a certain rhythm and structure to our daily lives, and when that rhythm and structure disappear, it can be easy to fall into a rut of inaction, Berndt says.“To avoid this, schedule your day like a workday,” he adds. “Budget time to research and explore your options, reach out to people in your personal and professional networks, stay current with trends and developments in your industry, gain new skills, take care of your physical and mental health, practice interviewing, and, of course, apply for jobs.” Start by updating your resume and online profiles, such as LinkedIn or a portfolio. Take the time to reevaluate your career options and consider a career pivot.“It’s certainly not the ideal way to do it, but this is an opportunity to think about where you want your career to take you. You have the freedom to explore new careers and industries,” Berndt says. ”Consider: what work did you love to do? Is there a new skill you want to learn? Something you’re really passionate about?”Once you’ve determined what you’re looking for, you can hit the ground running.This story was produced by Current and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Power vs. progress: How canceled energy projects are threatening the AI boom Power vs. progress: How canceled energy projects are threatening the AI boomOne factor often missing from discussions of data center energy use is the number of planned energy projects that could provide the power required. Driven by the exponential growth of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the tech boom has ignited an unprecedented wave of capital allocation. Technology giants — including Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft — are projected to invest a staggering $650 billion globally in capital expenditures, according to market analysis by Bloomberg. The vast majority of this capital is flowing directly into large-scale data center projects and the procurement of the advanced hardware required to train next-generation large language models (LLMs).In this article, ProLift, a full-service industrial rigging, crane, transportation, and warehousing company, examines the growing deficit in energy supply and electrical grid capacity affecting data center expansion. While technological advancement continues apace, the physical modernization of the U.S. electrical grid remains bound by complex industrial supply chains, long permitting timelines, and shifting regulatory frameworks.The primary constraint facing data center construction today is structural electricity access. This problem is significantly exacerbated by the cancellation of nearly 1,900 power projects, erasing roughly 266 gigawatts (GW) of planned generation capacity. With longstanding questions about how best to satiate the energy demand of the economy’s technological appetite, recent federal policy shifts, such as paying energy companies to cancel renewable energy projects, have added additional strain.The AI Boom’s Energy AppetiteArtificial intelligence workloads require orders of magnitude more electricity than traditional cloud computing. An LLM uses roughly 10 times more energy to respond to a query than a traditional search engine. This massive compute density is driving unprecedented power demand across major data centers in the U.S.According to research from Goldman Sachs, data center power demand is projected to increase by 160% through 2030. This steep demand curve has created a massive problem for utility operators. For more than a decade, regional grid planners operated under the assumption of flat or marginally growing electricity demand. The AI data center boom has disrupted these long-term projections. In high-density markets like the mid-Atlantic, the grid operator PJM Interconnection has reported record-high capacity prices.The question of how many data centers can operate in the U.S. by 2030 doesn’t depend on server capacity as much as it does on megawatt availability.The Collapse in New Energy SupplyWhen examining this issue, the sharp contraction of new energy projects can’t be ignored. The abandonment of 1,900 power generation and storage projects means the elimination of 266 GW of planned capacity. This equals the output of nearly a quarter of the entire operational U.S. generation fleet, and it leaves approximately $400 billion in capital investments unrealized, as estimated by Enki.The vast majority of these terminated projects consisted of low-cost clean energy resources, including solar arrays, battery energy storage installations, and wind. Clean energy projects have historically accounted for a huge portion of new capacity seeking entry to the grid. Now, their deployment has slowed. Interconnection queues — the formal review processes required to hook a new power plant up to high-voltage lines — have become bogged down in backlogs.And it’s not just federal policies designed to stymie renewable energy growth in favor of oil and gas that have exacerbated these issues. The Trump administration’s implementation of tariffs on imported equipment has increased parts costs in both the renewable and oil and gas sectors. While many of these tariffs have been suspended after their invalidation by the Supreme Court, the policies have introduced instability and cost uncertainties for energy developers. Now, nearly half of all planned U.S. data center capacity faces operational delays or cancellations tied directly to shortages of power and heavy grid equipment, such as large-scale transformers for data centers, high-voltage switchgear, and industrial-grade lithium-ion batteries.Where the Two CollideIt’s not difficult to understand why coupling skyrocketing computing demand and a constricting electrical grid is causing problems. These converging factors have transformed power access into a major gating factor for tech companies. If a company cannot secure a firm, long-term power allocation for a facility from a regional utility, it must pause or cancel its construction plans.The consequences are already unfolding across the country. In early 2026, Oracle and OpenAI terminated plans to expand a flagship AI data center campus in Abilene, Texas. The proposed expansion aimed to scale the facility’s capacity from 1.2 gigawatts to an unprecedented 2.0 gigawatts, but negotiations ultimately dissolved because of prolonged financing challenges and shifting energy infrastructure forecasts.This structural environment has altered the economics of American data centers. Historically, site selection depended on real estate costs, tax incentives, and fiber-optic considerations. Today, securing a physical interconnection agreement with a utility likely takes precedence over all other concerns.Not only has the principal problem before data center expansion changed, but the ability to solve that problem has also changed. Building enough data centers to meet the forecasted compute demand requires a massive feat of collective construction. The time required to build a modern data center facility is often less than 18 months. However, deploying the external high-voltage transmission lines and substations needed to energize that building can easily take five to seven years.Real-World ConsequencesThe upshot of all this is a deceleration in the deployment of advanced AI infrastructure. Because tech firms cannot secure uniform, high-capacity grid connections across the country, a distinct pattern of geographical concentration is emerging. New developments are clustering almost exclusively in regions that can provide immediate, surplus energy reserves or state-level regulatory environments that facilitate rapid grid attachment.And this geographic convergence is placing localized power grids under immense stress. For instance, during a severe winter storm, Texas data centers had to significantly curtail their power consumption to preserve regional grid stability and protect residential heating systems. This demonstrates the operational vulnerability of concentrating massive amounts of compute infrastructure within single, heavily leveraged energy markets.Concurrently, the broader financial cost of executing these builds continues to rise. Supply chain friction resulting from the aforementioned tariffs and the data center-led surge in demand has caused manufacturing lead times — and costs — for critical power equipment to skyrocket. Large electrical transformers now command much longer lead times and developers are caught in a highly competitive bidding market for available components. This is driving up the total cost of installation.The Workaround EconomyBecause of all this, hyperscalers are investing heavily in energy workarounds that bypass traditional public utility networks entirely. Specifically, they’re going “behind-the-meter,” opting for on-site industrial power generation.Rather than waiting half a decade for regional transmission line expansions, facility operators are forging direct, localized partnerships with independent energy producers. Industrial gas turbines and nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs) are two popular potential solutions. Nuclear energy offers the benefits of being reliable and carbon-free. Major tech firms have executed historic power purchase agreements tied directly to operational nuclear stations, while simultaneously funding the development of these SMRs for longer-term use.But utility-scale nuclear deployments and SMR technologies also require multi-year development cycles. So many operators fall back on fossil-fuel-based alternatives to meet immediate operational timelines. This has led to a proliferation of localized, natural gas-fired microgrids and massive arrays of diesel backup generators. And while these solutions allow companies to bridge the energy gap and keep momentum in the technological race, they create no small amount of friction. First, the increase of emissions conflict with any stated long-term sustainability and decarbonization targets previously established. Second, local pollution has become a source of major tension between data center operators and local residents.The OutlookSecuring the necessary energy to power the data center boom will likely continue to be the chief challenge for operators. Tech companies might be able to train and deploy an artificial intelligence model in a matter of months. But building the high-voltage transmission lines and physical infrastructure required to support that model requires years of careful engineering, transport logistics, and precise field execution.While some government initiatives look to balance localized consumer protection with national technological leadership, they underscore a highly fragmented industrial landscape. For the logistics, transport, and rigging specialists who move and install the massive components that comprise data centers and power substations, questions of digital trends and theoretical AI capabilities are background noise. The major issues remain the practical, core realities of supply chains, heavy asset management, and structural execution.Ultimately, it’s not the speed of software innovation or the availability of advanced silicon chips that will determine the trajectory of the AI boom. It will be the physical limits of electrical grids, the availability of specialized heavy machinery, and the strategic foresight required to execute complex industrial builds despite significant resource constraints.This story was produced by ProLift and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to get rid of swimmer’s ear and prevent it from coming back How to get rid of swimmer’s ear and prevent it from coming backYou don’t necessarily have to swim to get swimmer’s ear (otitis externa), an infection of the outer ear. Whether you’re spending time outdoors in humid weather, bathing, or running through the backyard sprinkler, it’s easy to get water in your ear. About 1 in 10 people will experience swimmer’s ear at some point in their lives.When water gets trapped in your ear canal, bacteria or fungi have a chance to grow. And that can lead to swimmer’s ear.The usual treatments for swimmer’s ear are eardrops that you put directly into your ear canal. In this article, GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, shares home remedies for swimmer’s ear that can help ease symptoms.Key takeaways:Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an outer ear infection that can develop when water gets trapped in the ear canal.Home remedies can lower the risk of developing swimmer’s ear and help relieve symptoms.Swimmer’s ear is usually treated with topical eardrops, not oral antibiotics.Home remedies for swimmer’s earIf you have water stuck in your ear, there are some simple home remedies that can help you manage your symptoms. Some of these self-care tips can even help prevent swimmer’s ear in the future.Keep your ears dryWhen you have swimmer’s ear, keeping your ears dry can help lower the risk of more bacteria and fungi growing in your ear canal. This can help prevent your infection from getting worse.Keeping your ears dry can also make you more comfortable. Drainage from swimmer’s ear can be irritating and itchy.Plus, keeping your ears dry can help prevent swimmer’s ear.Remember that swimming isn’t the only way to get water in your ears. Everyday things like bathing and humidity can trap moisture in your ears. If your ears are wet, try these tips to help prevent swimmer’s ear:Tilt your head to the side to help water drain out of the ear canal.Gently pat your ears dry.You can also use a hair dryer on the lowest setting to dry out your ear. Take a break from swimmingIf you have signs of swimmer’s ear, like pain, itching, or redness around the ear, it’s best to avoid swimming for a while. This can help you avoid getting a new infection while your old one is still trying to clear up.Most experts recommend staying out of the water for seven to 10 days if you have swimmer’s ear.If you can’t stay out of the water, take steps to avoid getting more water in your ears. Consider using a bathing cap or well-fitting earplugs to prevent water from getting in your ear. And pat dry your ears after you get wet.Use drying eardropsIt may seem counterintuitive, but using eardrops can help clear and dry out the ear canal.You can make eardrops to prevent swimmer’s ear at home by mixing equal amounts of rubbing alcohol and distilled white vinegar. After swimming, put a few drops in each ear. This combination helps dry out your ear canal and prevents the growth of bacteria.Good to know: Don’t use homemade eardrops if you have ear tubes or a hole in your eardrum without first talking with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a healthcare professional. Homemade rinses can increase the risk of serious infection in people with a hole in their eardrum.Homemade ear rinses can sometimes help relieve symptoms of swimmer’s ear. But many people also develop skin breakdown inside the ear canal when they have swimmer’s ear. Alcohol, vinegar, and other rinses may cause further irritation.It’s best to talk with a healthcare professional before using a homemade rinse when you have swimmer’s ear.Apply heatGentle heat around the ear can help relieve swelling and pain from swimmer’s ear. Try applying a heating pad or a warm compress around your ear for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Keep the heating pad on low and wrap it in a towel to avoid burns.Try over-the-counter pain relieversPain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) can reduce discomfort from swimmer’s ear. They’re available over the counter (OTC). Here’s what to know about them:Acetaminophen generally starts working in 45 minutes. You can take it every four to six hours.Ibuprofen starts working within 30 minutes. You can take it every six to eight hours.Make sure to follow the dosing instructions closely, especially for children.Prescription treatments for swimmer’s earHome remedies can help ease symptoms of swimmer’s ear. But in most cases, infections are treated with prescription eardrops. Oral antibiotics aren’t the first-choice options, though there are times when a healthcare professional may recommend them.Antibiotic and steroid eardropsPrescription medications are a common and effective swimmer’s ear treatment. They’re usually in the form of eardrops. A healthcare professional will prescribe the best medication for you based on whether your eardrum is involved and if you’re at high risk for complications.Prescription eardrops for swimmer’s ear often include antiseptics, antibiotics, steroids, or a combination of these. Common swimmer’s eardrops are:Hydrocortisone/acetic acid (Acetasol HC) eardropsNeomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone eardropsCiprofloxacin/dexamethasone eardropsCiprofloxacin eardropsOfloxacin eardropsCipro HC eardropsOral antibioticsFor a simple swimmer’s ear infection, it’s not recommended to use oral antibiotics. But there are some cases when a healthcare professional may recommend an oral antibiotic to help prevent a more serious infection from developing. For example, if you have a condition that makes you more prone to serious infections, or it’s too difficult for you to use eardrops. Options can include:LevofloxacinCiprofloxacin Are there home remedies you should not use to treat swimmer’s ear?Yes, some home remedies for otitis externa can make your symptoms worse. Here are home remedies to avoid when you have swimmer’s ear symptoms.Avoid garlic oilGarlic has some antibacterial properties. However, studies show that garlic doesn’t work as well as antibiotics to treat swimmer’s ear. Plus, garlic oil can cause skin irritation or burns inside the ear canal.Avoid hydrogen peroxideExcess earwax can sometimes make you more prone to swimmer’s ear. That’s because wax can trap bacteria and water in the ear canal.You can use OTC products like Debrox. Or you can use a home mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water to soften and remove wax. This may help to prevent swimmer’s ear.However, you should never use these drops if you have symptoms of swimmer’s ear. They can cause more damage to the ear canal. These drops should also not be used if you have ear tubes or a hole in the eardrum.Avoid ear candlesEar candles are a home remedy that some people use to remove wax and debris from the ear canal. However, ear candles can cause serious burn injuries and aren’t recommended for treating swimmer’s ear.Avoid cotton swabs (Q-tips)Resist the urge to put cotton swabs like Q-tips (or any other objects) into the ear to try to clean it out. This can damage your ear canal and increase your risk for infection.Avoid essential oilsVarious essential oils have been reported to help treat ear infections. One small study looking at a combination of three essential oils found that they worked as well as ciprofloxacin antibiotic eardrops to treat otitis externa. But the study was small. Essential oils can cause allergic reactions or damage the eardrum. That’s why experts don’t recommend essential oils for treating swimmer’s ear.When should you get medical care for swimmer’s ear?If you have symptoms of swimmer’s ear, it’s best to reach out to a healthcare professional for help. You’ll want to get care if you have:Itching in the earA sense of fullness or your ears feeling pluggedPain when pulling on the earlobe, chewing, or touching the earDischarge coming out of the earSwelling and redness of the ear or behind the earExtension of the ear away from the side of the headFeverMost cases of swimmer’s ear get better quickly with antibiotic or steroid eardrops. Rarely, though, swimmer’s ear can lead to a more serious infection, such as cellulitis or malignant otitis externa. Checking in with a healthcare professional can help you avoid more serious complications.Frequently asked questionsHow long does swimmer’s ear last without treatment?Swimmer’s ear symptoms can sometimes last for weeks without treatment. In some cases, swimmer’s ear can go away on its own. But if bacteria is causing your swimmer’s ear, you’ll likely need medication to get rid of the infection. If your symptoms are worsening or don’t improve within a few days, it’s best to see a healthcare professional to prevent complications.How long does swimmer’s ear last with treatment?Swimmer’s ear usually responds well to treatment, and you should see an improvement within 48 hours. Sometimes, there can be heavy debris in the ear that needs to be removed before the medication can properly work. So let your prescriber know if your swimmer’s ear hasn’t gotten better with treatment.The bottom lineHome remedies can help prevent swimmer’s ear by keeping the ear canal clear and dry. If you start to develop symptoms of an infection, you can use gentle heat and OTC pain relievers to help manage symptoms. But it’s best to have a medical professional examine your ear if you think you may have an ear infection. They can get you started on antibiotic or steroid eardrops to help you feel better faster and prevent more serious complications.This story was produced by GoodRx and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Can ChatGPT give good relationship advice? Can ChatGPT give good relationship advice?If you’ve hit a rough patch with your partner and aren’t sure who to talk to, you’re not alone. When emotions run high, communication can get tricky. It’s natural to look for a neutral third party as a sounding board for advice.As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more advanced and integrated into our daily lives, you may have already used AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, as your go-to source for all kinds of advice. When it comes to matters of the heart, does ChatGPT give good relationship advice? What are the limits to what ChatGPT can do for your relationship?In this article, Talkspace explores how relationship advice from ChatGPT may be helpful and where its use is limited.Why People Turn to ChatGPT for Relationship AdviceIt can be challenging to find someone to talk to about your relationship. Sharing with friends or family feels too personal, or they may be too close to the situation to give you impartial relationship or dating advice.Getting relationship advice from ChatGPT can have some advantages over turning to family or friends. Unlike friends and family, a chatbot is available at any time of the day. That means you can talk to ChatGPT at 2 a.m. after a fight or during your lunch break when you’re worried you’re overthinking in your relationship. Additionally, a conversation with ChatGPT is anonymous, which may make it easier to be honest, and it gives you the freedom to discuss relationship problems without fear of being judged or misunderstood by the people you're involving.What Kind of Relationship Advice Can ChatGPT Offer?While ChatGPT isn’t a therapist, it can be useful for some types of relationship advice and handling common relationship problems. Below are some examples of where ChatGPT can give good relationship advice.General communication tipsIf communication is an issue in your relationship, ChatGPT may be able to offer some general tips for improving your communication. If you ask ChatGPT for communication exercises for couples, you may get advice such as:Create a safe space for you and your partner to express your thoughts and feelings without judgment.Practice active listening and reflect back what you heard to make sure you understood your partner correctly.Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements to reduce blame.Set aside regular time to talk.Avoid bringing up the past.Take breaks if things get heated.Regularly acknowledge and appreciate each other's efforts and positive qualities.Although these tips are pretty general, they’re a good reminder to reflect on how you and your partner communicate.“Practicing for difficult conversations is always a good idea. Whether you jot down your thoughts and have them with you during the conversation, or you practice with a trusted friend, or discuss it with a licensed mental health professional, it is crucial to feel prepared for important conversations in life,” says Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH. The use of AI may offer another way to help prepare if you are stuck finding the words or tone for a difficult conversation. While it doesn’t take the place of speaking from your heart, it might help you get unstuck.”Conflict resolution techniquesDisagreements are a part of any relationship, so it’s important to understand some common conflict resolution techniques. ChatGPT can give you some techniques to resolve conflicts in a relationship with more awareness and care, such as:Pause before reacting.Look for common ground instead of trying to win.Stick to one issue at a time.Use calm language.Use the XYZ formula — “When you do X in situation Y, I feel Z.”Set a time limit on the argument.End with a connection, even if the conflict isn’t resolved.Empathetic language and supportSometimes, the hardest part of having a tough conversation is knowing how to express yourself in a supportive way that your partner can really hear. If you’re not sure how to express yourself without sounding critical or defensive, ChatGPT may be able to offer suggestions for more empathetic phrasing.For example, if you’re feeling frustrated with your partner for being distracted or on their phone when you try to talk to them, ChatGPT may be able to help you bring this up. It can suggest more empathetic ways to express your frustration, which might lead to a more productive conversation. You could explain the situation to ChatGPT and ask, “How can I phrase this without sounding annoyed or accusatory?” ChatGPT can make suggestions for more thoughtful and empathetic language to start a constructive conversation.Common-sense perspectivesWhen relationship problems create heightened emotions, it can be difficult to see your situation clearly. ChatGPT may be able to offer a calm, common-sense perspective on your problems, which can help you take a step back and see the bigger picture.After describing your relationship problem to ChatGPT, it may be able to point out common patterns or suggest reasonable next steps. ChatGPT’s relationship advice is often steady, neutral feedback, or it points out things you already know. For example, ChatGPT may say, “It’s okay to take a break and revisit the conversation later,” or “It’s normal to have ups and downs in any relationship.”These kinds of responses aren’t groundbreaking, but they can be reassuring when you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure. At the very least, they might help you take a step back and look at the situation with a bit more clarity.Limitations of Using ChatGPT for Relationship AdviceWhile ChatGPT can be a helpful tool for thinking through your relationship challenges, it definitely has its limits for relationship advice.Not a licensed therapistChatGPT can feel supportive, but can you use AI for therapy? It’s important to remember that a chatbot is not a licensed therapist and doesn’t understand human emotions. The relationship advice ChatGPT offers is based on patterns in language, not clinical judgment, lived experience, or emotional insight. Even though using ChatGPT as a therapist may feel and sound like the real deal, this AI tool doesn’t actually understand your situation.Unlike a licensed therapist, ChatGPT isn’t held to any ethical or professional standards. If it gives unhelpful or even harmful advice, there’s no accountability or protection for you.Cannot understand emotional nuance or historyIf you’ve ever stressed that a friend might misunderstand your sarcastic text, you know how hard it can be to convey emotional nuance with text alone. ChatGPT faces these same challenges, except it’s not human and doesn’t truly understand your emotions or tone. Although a chatbot is available 24/7, it doesn’t know your deep personal history or who you are as a person, the way people in your life, like friends, family, or your therapist, do.No memory in most versions; no continuity between chatsMost versions of ChatGPT — including the free versions — don’t remember one conversation from the next. That means if you start a new chat with a follow-up question, ChatGPT won’t remember what you’ve already told it. To continue a previous conversation, you’ll have to explain it again, which can be frustrating.Even if you have a version of ChatGPT with memory, its memory is still limited and still isn’t the same as talking to a human you’ve formed a real emotional connection with.Lacks context about your partner or dynamicWith no memory or knowledge of your history, ChatGPT only knows the information you tell it at the moment. That means it doesn’t have any insight into your or your partner’s personality, values, or your shared history. ChatGPT can’t observe your relationship dynamics or pick up on subtle patterns or shifts over time.With limited, one-sided information, ChatGPT lacks a deep understanding of all the layers at play. ChatGPT can offer general suggestions that sound reasonable but aren’t based on the full context of your relationship.“While it is tempting to want to have an “answer” to relationship challenges, the reality is human beings are complex, and so are the interactions between people in a relationship. The challenge with turning to AI for relationship advice is that AI simply does not know you or your partner and the nuances of being human,” Daino says. “The dynamics that contribute, the history, the context, and all the subtleties that make up a relationship cannot be boiled down to an AI response. Unfortunately, relying on AI can lead to generic responses without real insight into the people involved, potentially creating more difficulties along the way.”May provide irrelevant informationWhile ChatGPT can generate quick suggestions, it often pulls from patterns in language and large data sets rather than a clear, tailored understanding of your situation. This can result in answers that sound polished but don’t actually address your specific question or circumstances.In some cases, ChatGPT might even provide relationship advice that feels completely irrelevant or off-base, especially if your question is complex or layered. That’s because it lacks the human ability to ask clarifying questions, pick up on nuance, or verify the accuracy of its responses with real-world knowledge. While this doesn’t necessarily make ChatGPT unsafe, it does mean you should approach its advice with caution and a critical eye.Can be overly neutral or “safe”Without an emotional connection or memory of your history, ChatGPT’s relationship advice can be surface-level or detached from your situation. That’s because ChatGPT is designed to respond without taking sides or making any assumptions. If you turn to ChatGPT for guidance, you might get a response that doesn’t validate your experience.In some cases, a neutral or general response can be helpful. In fact, a 2025 study found that some participants in couples therapy actually preferred responses from a generative AI tool over a human therapist. Although a neutral stance can be helpful sometimes, it can also leave you feeling unseen and unsupported when you’re looking for empathy or clarity.When To Rely on ChatGPT vs. When To See a HumanAsking ChatGPT for relationship advice can be helpful in certain situations. ChatGPT may help if you’re feeling stuck and unsure of how to approach a difficult conversation with your partner. It can help you brainstorm ways to express yourself, explore a different perspective, or practice the conversation by role-playing.There are clear limits on using relationship advice from ChatGPT, though. ChatGPT isn’t the right tool to help you deal with trauma, abuse, or serious relationship crises. ChatGPT can’t offer appropriate clinical support or personalized care like a human can.For long-term issues or deep emotional processing, it’s best to talk to a licensed therapist to help you process complex emotions and offer support that's grounded in real understanding and accountability.Can ChatGPT Give Good Relationship Advice?Whether ChatGPT’s relationship advice is good or not depends on what you’re looking for. If you need a non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, rehearse difficult conversations, or get general communication tips and dating advice, ChatGPT can be a helpful tool. It’s always available and can offer you a neutral perspective. However, using AI for mental health support isn’t a replacement for emotional intimacy, personalized support, or professional guidance. ChatGPT doesn’t know your full story and can’t truly understand human emotions.This story was produced by Talkspace and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Rock Island City Council holds emergency meeting after second shooting at local bar The Rock Island City Council held an emergency meeting after a second shooting at DeAnna's Bar led the city to temporarily close the business.

Thursday, July 9th, 2026