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

Friday, May 8th, 2026
	ABC argues Trump administration is trying to chill free speech In a filing, ABC accuses the Trump administration of trying to chill its constitutionally protected free speech. The point of contention: "The View," and whether it's subject to equal time rules.
	Grow Clinton opens new visitors center as city sees business boom A new tourism center has opened in Clinton. The organization Grow Clinton cut the ribbon on the building Thursday. The visitor center has pamphlets, maps and other information about the area. There's also Clinton-themed merchandise for sale. Managers say the small city has seen the tourism push succeed in recent years. "It's kind of that [...]
	St. Ambrose preparing to host and play in NAIA Men’s Golf Championships The 74th annual NAIA men’s golf championships return to the Quad Cities next week at TPC Deere Run with Visit Quad Cities and St. Ambrose hosting the event.
	7th annual Life is Bigger than Sports event Muscatine team presents jersey to Coach David Gamble at Life is Bigger than Sports tournament.
	Trump says Russia and Ukraine have agreed to his request for a 3-day ceasefire President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Yuri Ushakov, President Vladimir Putin's foreign affairs adviser, both confirmed the agreement for a three-day ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners.
	No deal yet between Arconic and United Steelworkers USW announced Friday it would hold a strike authorization vote. This doesn't guarantee a strike will take place.
	Man arrested in Clinton after allegedly shooting 2 vehicles Larry Stauffer III has been charged with reckless use of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a domestic assault offender and intimidation with a dangerous weapon.
	Suspect shot by police in Peoria Illinois State Police said a suspect was shot while Peoria police responded to reports of a domestic disturbance.
	Davenport Central reflects on year one of cell phone restriction policies Davenport schools say cell phone restrictions will continue next year after officials and some students reported improved focus in classrooms.
	East Moline police ask for help locating missing teen East Moline police are asking for the public’s help locating 15-year-old Matthew Theuninck, who was last seen on May 3.
	Local transit agencies offering free rides for cyclists during Bike to Work Week If you are participating in Bike to Work Week, local transit agencies will provide free rides all week for bike riders.
	Visit Quad Cities expects boost in tourism during the second half of May The list is long for major events coming to the Quad Cities during the second half of May. There's everything from collegiate national championships to aviation competitions, and even a farmers convention. Visit Quad Cities research says there's more than 9,000 participants coming to the Quad Cities for those upcoming events and even more fans [...]
	Quad Cities Bicycle Club offering free breakfasts during Bike to Work Week Breakfast items will be served at each location from 6 to 9 in the morning, with those hours extended to 10 on Friday.
	Woman found with multiple knife injuries, man found dead in Good Hope home he allegedly set fire to A woman was found with multiple knife cuts Friday morning on U.S. 67.
	Harrison Elementary teacher wears 63 tattoos for school fundraiser Kids have been able to buy temporary tattoos for their teachers as a way to raise funds for the school’s PTA.
	Nearly $3 million to be used to fund levee system at Davenport plant The funding will go towards a levee system at the Davenport Water Pollution Control Plant.
	Garage fire in Muscatine causes estimated $30,000 in damage, officials say Firefighters battled a garage fire in Muscatine Friday afternoon.
	Clinton man arrested in connection with two shooting incidents A Clinton man has been arrested in connection with two shootings in the city, police said.
	13-year-old charged in connection to thefts, break-ins The incidents happened between April 25 and May 6, police said.
	Man charged with theft after stolen UTV found spray painted black Zachary Adcock, 30, faces multiple charges including felony theft and burglary.
	Fire severely damages garage at Muscatine home Muscatine firefighters are investigating the cause of a blaze that severely damaged a garage on Friday.
	Moline man arrested for allegedly possessing child sex abuse materials A Moline man has been arrested for allegedly possessing child sex abuse materials.
	No injuries reported following Muscatine fire No injuries were reported following a fire in Muscatine. According to a release from the Muscatine Fire Department, the Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call May 8 at approximately 3:35 p.m. for a fire in an unattached garage in the 1000 block of Lincoln Blvd. Fire crews encountered heavy smoke and flames. [...]
	Muscatine garage fire remains under investigation A Muscatine garage fire remained under investigation Friday afternoon, according to a news release from the Muscatine Fire Department. About 3:35 p.m. Friday, May 8, the Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM)received a 911 call for fire in an unattached garage on the 1000 block of Lincoln Boulevard. Fire crews saw heavy smoke and flames. A [...]
	Here's how you can celebrate mom in the Quad Cities region this weekend Mother's Day is this Sunday, and several local businesses and organizations are hosting special events to celebrate the women we look up to.
	Alabama Attorney General files motions with U.S. Supreme Court seeking to redistrict Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall speaks at a news conference in Montgomery, Alabama last month. The Alabama Attorney General's Office Friday filed motions in the state's congressional redistricting case with the U.S. Supreme Court asking it to consider overturning the lower court ruling for the second time after the Callais decision. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector)The Alabama Attorney General’s Office Friday filed motions in three separate cases seeking to lift a federal court’s injunction against the state changing congressional district lines before 2030. The office used the same motion in the filings with the U.S. Supreme Court, requesting the justices reconsider its ruling in light of last week’s Louisiana v. Callais that significantly narrowed the scope of Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. “It is irreconcilable with Louisiana v. Callais,” the Attorney General’s Office said in the motion. “For that reason and others, Alabama is highly likely to succeed in its pending motion that this Court vacate the injunctions and remand the cases in light of Callais.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In the majority opinion in Callais, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the court’s ruling did not affect the opinion in Allen v. Milligan, the main Alabama redistricting case before the court. Associate Justice Clarence Thomas set a deadline for Monday for the plaintiffs in Milligan and the two other cases to file their response to the Attorney General’s request. Since some have already voted by absentee and with the primary election a couple of weeks away, the Attorney General’s Office is seeking the court to stay the injunction that is in place by May 14 at 10 a.m. because the justices will not have another conference until May 18, one day before the primary election is scheduled. Friday’s request came hours after Gov. Kay Ivey signed bills allowing special primaries if the state prevails in the redistricting case. It also came on the heels of another appeal filed by the Attorney General’s Office at the end of April to have the court expedite the state’s request to overturn the 2030 injunction. The Attorney General’s motion states that the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais requires any proposed map meant to address racial discrimination in voting alleged by the plaintiffs must also consider the state’s interest. The AG’s Office added that the remedial map that the district court ordered Alabama to use, in fact, sacrifices some of the state’s interests. “The district court forced the State to sacrifice a variety of valid goals, such as maintaining the Gulf Coast community of interest in one district, maintaining the Black Belt in two districts, and protecting incumbents,” the Attorney General’s motion states. The remedial map also incorporated race that the U.S. Supreme Court prohibited when it wrote in the majority opinion in Louisiana v. Callais to “disentangle race from politics.” The Attorney General’s Office also said that the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision suggests that the state did not violate the Fourteenth Amendment. In Callais, Louisiana is prohibited from creating another majority-minority district. “That’s what Alabama did, and the district court punished it—not for violating the preliminary order, but for having the gall to enact a better map, present a better record at trial, and ultimately try ‘to ‘find another argument’ to persuade’ the district court that there was no Section 2 violation,” the motion states. Plaintiffs in the cases said that it is too late to revert to the 2023 maps because the primary election is in a couple of weeks and that absentee voting has already started. The attorney general’s motion said that was a question “for the state legislature to decide.” A three-judge panel on Friday rejected a request filed by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office on Tuesday to stay a 2023 order permanently blocking the state from using a proposed map that court ruled had discriminated against Black voters. The court ordered a new map that included a second opportunity district for Black voters. On Tuesday, the Attorney General’s Office requested the three-judge panel lift its injunction, indicating that the Callais decision requires the plaintiffs to prove the government had intended to create maps that are discriminatory whereas before the standard was that the maps only had to have discriminatory intent. Based on the Callais decision, the Attorney General argued that Alabama could succeed on the merits of its case. The plaintiffs across the three congressional redistricting cases filed a response on Wednesday and argued that it is too late to use the 2023 map that the Legislature created because it is too close to the primary election. “Granting a stay in this case would unquestionably be wrong—harming voters, election officials, and all candidates,” the plaintiffs said in their response. The panel cited a lack of jurisdiction, saying it had no authority to do and that only the U.S. Supreme Court could address the issues raised. “Our injunction is the status quo in Alabama. Indeed, our districting map has been the status quo since we and the Supreme Court declined to stay it in September 2023, and pursuant to the orders of this Court, the Secretary used our districting map for Alabama’s 2024 congressional elections and is using it for the 2026 congressional elections that are occurring now,” the three-judge panel stated in its order. Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	Moline's Wharton Field House gets major interior refresh A major restoration project is underway as crews repaint the iconic gym’s ceiling while working to preserve the building’s historic character.
	Davenport man sentenced to 100 years in prison for sexually abusing four children A Davenport man who was found guilty by a Scott County jury of sexually abusing four children under the age of 12 has been sentenced to 100 years in prison.
	Clinton police arrest suspect after gunfire incident A 31-year-old man was being held Friday in Clinton County Jail after gunfire rang out in Clinton, according to a news release from the Clinton Police Department. Shortly before 2 p.m. May 6, Clinton police responded to a report of a gunfire in the 200 block of Main Avenue in Clinton. The preliminary investigation indicated [...]
	Mother's Day looks pretty good (weatherwise) in the Quad Cities It's a big weekend for moms all around the Quad Cities (and beyond) and the weather looks pretty good here at home! We'll see some sunshine and highs in the 70s Saturday and then in the 60s Sunday.
	Muscatine garage fire causes an estimated $30K in damage The Muscatine Fire Department responded to an unattached garage fire on the 1000 block of Lincoln Boulevard.
	78 Rock Island seniors to be awarded scholarships from Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation The scholarships are worth more than $215,000 in total.
	Monster Jam roars into the QCA You can see some of your favorite monsters trucks in action as they roar into the QCA! Grave Digger driver Matt Cody joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about Monster Jam at Vibrant Arena at The MARK. For more information, click here.
	Davenport police investigate shots fired incident near St. Ambrose University Davenport police are investigating a shots fired incident that occurred between two vehicles near the campus of St. Ambrose University on Friday.
	Muscatine to honor fallen officers on Peace Officers Memorial Day The City of Muscatine and the Muscatine police Department will be observing Peace Officers Memorial Day on Friday, May 15th. The day also falls on National Police Week which runs from May 10th to May 16th. The City will be honoring officers: Thomas D. Moore - A patrolman who passed at age 31 on July [...]
	Beaux Arts Fair spring edition returns to fairgrounds this weekend The spring edition returns to Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds on May 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking for the all-outdoor, pet-friendly show are free.
	Man charged after firing gun at vehicles twice in one week, police say Larry Stauffer, III, has been charged after police said he shot at two vehicles within the same week.
	Muscatine police arrest 13-year-old for burglary, criminal mischief On Thursday, May 7, a 13-year-old Muscatine boy was arrested by Muscatine police for crimes that occurred between April 25 and May 6, according to a news release from the Muscatine Police Department. The boy is accused of stealing alcohol from Maverik Convenience Store, 1429 Park Ave., about 10:38 p.m. April 25. He also is [...]
	Multiple upcoming events planned across the Quad Cities Civil War reenactment, Monster Jam, Taco and Margarita Festival, Putnam Palooza and Big Brothers Big Sisters’ annual plant sale to be held in the Quad Cities.
	Davenport flood mitigation project receives $3M in federal funding City officials say the project was developed after the historic flooding of 2019, when river levels came dangerously close to impacting the facility.
	Man arrested in Clinton after allegedly shooting 2 vehicles Larry Stauffer III has been charged with reckless use of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a domestic assault offender and intimidation with a dangerous weapon.
	Gunfire damages car in St. Ambrose, Davenport, parking lot A car in a St. Ambrose University parking lot at Gaines and Lombard streets, Davenport, was damaged by gunfire Friday afternoon, according to Davenport police. After the incident, which happened shortly before 3 p.m., students gathered around the four-door sedan to see the damage. Our Quad Cities News crew saw broken glass near the car. [...]
	Iowa researcher exploring how untreated anxiety can lead to moments of rage in parents Have you ever experienced 'mom rage'? It turns out you're not alone, and it can impact mothers and fathers. Here's what research has found that could help reduce it.
	Man sentenced to 100 years in prison on sex abuse charges Daryl Guinn, 55, was charged in 2024 with four counts of sex abuse in the second degree for the sexual abuse of four children.
	Bird's-eye views from across the Quad Cities region during the week of May 8, 2026 Sit back, relax and enjoy these scenes captured by the News 8 drone from across the Quad Cities region this week.
	Civil War reenactments and annual quilt show coming to Bishop Hill next weekend You can enjoy a weekend of quilts, music, speeches and Civil War reenactments May 15-16.
	Man arrested after Davenport stabbing 49-year-old Maruion McDowell has been charged with willful injury causing serious injury, domestic abuse assault and possession of a controlled substance.
	Big Brothers Big Sisters' annual plant sale returns Every purchase helps fund the nonprofit's youth mentoring programs across the QCA.
	Shots fired in St. Ambrose parking lot on Friday afternoon University officials said the incident appears to have been perpetrated by people not affiliated with SAU and was not targeting the college.
	Officials: ‘No ongoing threat’ after gunfire at St. Ambrose University Preliminary information shows the people involved are not connected to the university, officials said.
	First Army honors Quad Cities World War II hero with exhibit at RI Arsenal Museum First Army will honor one of the Quad Cities most respected World War II heroes with an exhibit worthy of his contributions to a grateful nation, according to a news release. The Henry Langrehr family will donate military items to First Army headquarters and the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, in honor of Henry Langrehr, who [...]
	Free summer meals available for kids in Bettendorf The school district and the city parks and recreation department are collaborating to provide free breakfast and lunch for kids while school is out.
	Davenport receives $3 million for wastewater flood protection project City officials say the project was developed after the historic flooding of 2019, when river levels came dangerously close to impacting the facility.
	Iowa’s Coach McCollum getting contract extension, ESPN reports Iowa’s success in the NCAA Tournament is reportedly earning Ben McCollum a new contract.
	The new agentic AI battleground: The case for unified architecture The new agentic AI battleground: The case for unified architectureThis is an all-too-common scenario: An organization is excited about the possibilities of AI. There’s tremendous internal buzz about the launch of an AI pilot. After the launch, though, there’s not much news about any real results. Eventually, the pilot winds down with little fanfare, and things go back to normal, except for a lingering company-wide fear that the organization is further behind in the AI race.According to an IDC report, approximately 88% of AI proofs of concept (POCs) launched by surveyed enterprises never reach production. The report states, “The high number of Al POCs but low conversion to production indicates the low level of organizational readiness in terms of data, processes and IT infrastructure.” MIT Media Lab’s “State of AI Business 2025” report produced an even more stark finding: 95% of generative AI pilots in enterprises have delivered no measurable ROI.Why is this happening? Teradata, an autonomous AI knowledge platform, suggests that AI pilots stall and fail to scale because of fragmented data silos and architectures that are designed for static reporting instead of dynamic intelligence.The unstructured data gap enterprises can't afford to ignoreEnterprises are looking to extract insights, but they’re not taking the steps to handle structured data alongside the torrent of unstructured data like images, audio, PDFs and customer chats. They must come to grips with the fact that unified data architecture is not merely a technical preference for AI, but a strategic prerequisite.Structured data is relatively easy to query, parse, and analyze because it’s organized in databases with strict structures and predefined fields. But unstructured data is fueling this new era of LLMs — and to a greater extent, agentic AI.Gartner notes that unstructured data is growing rapidly, often at a rate of 40% to 60% per year. They further estimate this unstructured data, including documents, emails, images, audio and video files, comprises 70% to 90% of enterprise information.To understand why this gap matters, consider an airline trying to analyze customer feedback through unstructured channels such as emails, chat logs, and qualitative surveys. They tried to use an external LLM and strong prompt engineering. That approach worked well enough in development, but it broke down at scale.They solved the problem by using open-source models to convert customer messages to vector embeddings. Vectoring is a way to numerically represent pieces of unstructured data so AI models can parse them.)Then, they were able to match conversation based on topics and sentiment, rather than simply with keywords.The external model that the airline initially tried to use may have been perfectly capable, but the barrier to moving it into production was a data architecture problem that they had to solve first. The lesson is that many AI failures are not model failures. They are architecture failures. And solving them requires enterprises to rethink the way their data environments are built.Traditional data pipelines were built to move information from one place to another. Agentic AI requires something much more dynamic.From information pipelines to intelligence architectureInformation pipelines, along with extract, transform, load (ETL) processes that move structured data, are no longer sufficient. Today’s enterprise data also depends on an intelligence architecture comprising knowledge, context and measurable outcomes.Dynamic context engines handle constant uncertainty, unpredictability and variability, particularly within the context of an enterprise’s own knowledge. Even the most advanced model is only as useful as the context it can access.A unified knowledge layer is necessary to integrate important business context with data and insights to make data actionable — one where AI systems can reason, decide and act. Alongside measurable business outcomes, there must also be a governance layer built into the architecture, so enterprises can experiment and work safely, with built-in compliance and security.All of this has to happen at speed, not just at scale, especially in environments where decisions must be made in real time and governance cannot be compromised. One example is defense, where structured and unstructured data needs to be processed in real time within strict security protocols. For example, if military organizations need to determine the survivability of given camouflage applications in real time, troops on the ground can use secure apps to take images of camouflaged assets and send them to be analyzed.Combining structured and unstructured data in a single, governed database allows the system to process images alongside data such as terrain patterns and threat signatures and deliver guidance to soldiers in situ.The agentic AI opportunity, and the gap between ambition and executionGartner predicts that 40% of agentic AI projects will be canceled by 2027, “due to escalating costs, unclear business value or inadequate risk controls.” Regardless, enterprises need to invest in foundational capabilities to build towards implementation, which Bain reports could demand 5% to 10% of technology spending over the next three to five years.The Capgemini Research Institute pegs the economic value generation of agentic AI at $450 billion by 2028, even though just 2% of organizations surveyed are currently at full-scale deployment. And the Futurum Group predicts that as agentic AI replaces data pipelines, and enterprises move from experimental pilots to production, the data market could reach $541.1 billion in 2026 — and $1.2 trillion by 2031.The market opportunity is enormous, and there are numerous real-world examples of where a unified, context-rich architecture enables agentic AI to have an impact.The enterprises that move beyond AI pilot projects into production will be those who solve their data readiness challenges — unifying structured and unstructured data with agentic AI capabilities across any environment, and without compromising on governance.This story was produced by Teradata and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	4 Your Money \| Running on Empty For all the turbulence in the economy in recent months, American households have proved to be resilient but there are areas to watch. John Nelson, Financial Planner at NelsonCorp Wealth Management, shares the current auto loan delinquency rates that may indicate the first signs of consumer stress.
	UFO files spanning decades are released by Defense Department Cold War reports of mysterious rotating saucers; recent sightings of metallic elliptical objects floating in mid-air. Those and other reports of unidentifiable anomalous phenomena or UAPs — the military's term for UFOs — are described in documents released Friday.
	20th Cyclone Tailgate Tour comes to Davenport May 18 The 20th annual Cyclone Tailgate Tour comes to Rhythm City Casino, 7077 Elmore Avenue in Davenport, on Monday, May 18. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and a program from Iowa State staff and head coaches starts around 7 p.m. Each Cyclone Tailgate Tour stop is free and open to fans of all ages. These family-friendly events let [...]
	Man sentenced on indecent contact with a child, drug charges Robert Joiner, 48, was sentenced to 14 years in prison Wednesday on two indecent contact with a child charges and two drug distribution to a minor charges,
	From idle cash to active investing: How CFOs are unlocking hidden value From idle cash to active investing: How CFOs are unlocking hidden valueEconomic jitters and political shifts are hitting C-suites hard right now. You’d think CFOs would just hunker down, tighten the belt, and wait for the storm to pass—standard procedure when consumers are this nervous. But the actual numbers tell a much weirder story.Instead of locking the safe, finance leaders are actually getting more aggressive. Industry analysts are seeing a massive move away from old-school cash hoarding. As this article from Plains State Bank examines, recent industry reports confirm that these power players are pivoting toward an active, investment-heavy model, effectively betting on new tech to carry them through the current market volatility. Plains State Bank A Surprising Surge of ConfidenceDeloitte’s latest CFO Signals survey, conducted in Q1, offers a look at this strange trend. Usually, these reports are full of talk about defensive cash-piles, but this time, investment is the focus. About 52% of the executives surveyed are still sweating internal costs and supply chain mess, but nearly half—48% specifically—are being pushed to spend big on new tech rather than just trimming the fat. It is a total rejection of the classic playbook of sitting on capital and waiting for better weather.AI is driving a lot of this. Companies aren't just looking for shiny toys; they want process automation that actually works. The upfront costs are high, but the promise of long-term efficiency makes the expense worth it. However, they aren't buying the "agentic AI" hype just yet. Only 20% of CFOs think agentic tools are vital for their cost-management plans. Around 40% are sticking with the broader AI ecosystem because it feels safer and more predictable.There is a clear preference for cloud-based budgeting and data analytics over "do-everything" platforms. CFOs want humans at the wheel. They aren't trying to let an algorithm run the whole show. This cautious stance shows that even with digital transformation moving fast, financial oversight is still too complex to leave entirely to a machine. These tools are being used to help human teams, not replace the strategic frameworks they have spent years building.The survey also found a massive disconnect between the money and the company culture. CFOs are ready to invest, but the rest of the company isn't always on board. Around 38% said their corporate strategy didn't actually line up with their cost plans. Even worse, a full third of respondents said their organization has no real culture of watching costs at all. This misalignment makes "unlocking value" much harder than it looks on a spreadsheet.Safety Still MattersAnother useful source of CFO sentiment data is the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) and its most recent Liquidity Survey from 2025. It finds that safety is the main driver of investment decisions for 61% of organizations, unsurprisingly given the aforementioned market-wide uncertainty. At the same time, this study still shows a degree of confidence, with almost 30% of companies planning to switch up investment policies in the coming year, indicating a desire to take bold action and unlock value rather than resting on their laurels.In terms of the types of financial products that are the focal point of business investments, banks still lead the pack here. However, organizations are moving away from traditional bank products like CDs and deposits toward Money Market Fund ETFs to gain yield without sacrificing the immediate liquidity needed for rapid investment. So again, investment innovation is the name of the game, not doing things the old-fashioned way.A Strategic Pivot Toward Long-Term ValueWhat’s clear from research into CFO sentiment and market movements is that financial decision-makers remain intimately familiar with where things stand and where they’re headed, both for their individual organizations and the wider economy. How they’re tackling uncertainty and disruption with active investing rather than passive cash hoarding should signal that they’re familiar with the ongoing risks as well as the opportunities that come with them.While the scale of tech investment varies by organization size, the underlying shift toward active value creation remains a consistent theme across the corporate spectrum. Corporate CFOs at multinational organizations may possess greater leeway for aggressive tech bets, yet the objective of identifying and unlocking hidden value is increasingly prioritized by leadership at firms of all sizes as a means of navigating ongoing economic disruption.This story was produced by Plains State Bank and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why people still worry about EV range Why people still worry about EV rangeFor years, range anxiety has cropped up as a major factor holding people back from switching to an EV (electric vehicle). In dealer showrooms, family group chats, comment sections and road trip planning chats alike, questions are asked: Will it get me there? What do I do if things do not go to plan?Those concerns have not vanished, but it’s also no longer a simple conversation about how far an EV can drive on a single charge, or whether there will be a charger at the destination. EV technology has come a long way; the range anxiety conversation now hangs on a person's personal experience (or lack thereof) of owning an EV.MyNRMA's car battery and roadside team explores why range anxiety persists for prospective EV buyers and what the data and firsthand experience suggest about overcoming it.What is EV range anxiety?The old version of range anxiety was fairly straightforward. Early EVs often had shorter driving range, unreliable range status “guess-o-meters”, patchy charging options, and few EV trip-planning tools. If you were nervous, there was usually a good reason.Today, many EVs can comfortably cover daily driving and then some. There are more EV chargers around, and this is on the increase. Yet range anxiety still crops up – but why?Is range anxiety still a purchase barrier?For most drivers, daily travel is well within the capability of a modern EV. Commuting, school runs and local errands are rarely the issue. The anxiety tends to appear aroundexceptions: the annual road trip, a busy holiday weekend, extreme weather, towing, or the possibility that a charger may be occupied or out of service.That is one reason range anxiety still shows up strongly in consumer research. People may say they are worried about range, but the deeper concern is often whether the whole trip will feel easy and predictable.Recent studies backs that up. In EY's research on global consumers' enthusiasm for EV's, 29% of respondents cited range as a top reason they would not buy an EV. At the same time 28% of respondents cited a lack of charging infrastructure as another concern that would impact the realities of day to day life for an EV owner.This is not unique to Australia, though Australia provides a useful example. It combines long-distance driving conditions with a highly urbanized population whose day-to-day travel is usually modest. In other words, it is a place where modern EVs make sense for many households, but where concerns still flare around edge cases such as remote travel, school holiday traffic and less frequent regional charging.Why do people feel range anxiety?The same pattern can be seen elsewhere. In many countries, people are comfortable with the idea of an EV for city driving, but may be less certain about longer trips or homes without easy charging access. Apartment residents, renters and first-time EV users often have different concerns from households with a driveway and the ability to charge overnight.That helps explain who feels range anxiety most strongly. It is often highest among people who have never owned an EV or have had little direct experience with one. An apartment dweller, for example, may be navigating unfamiliar charging apps, public chargers and battery use for the first time. Even if the route is manageable, the experience can feel more complicated than a gas stop.Drivers can also overestimate how much range they need. Someone who usually travels 20 or 25 miles a day may still feel uneasy unless the car has several hundred miles in reserve. That does not always reflect actual driving needs. It reflects habit. Gas-powered cars taught drivers to refuel quickly and infrequently. EVs ask for a different mindset: charge more often when convenient, and plan longer trips a little differently.That learning curve is part of the story. So is the wider public narrative around EVs.Stories about broken chargers, queues or failed road trips tend to travel further than ordinary success stories. A difficult charging stop claims more of our memory’s real estatespace, even if thousands of uneventful trips happen every day. Some buyers are also still working from outdated assumptions based on earlier generations of EVs, when driving range was shorter and public charging was harder to find.This is why range anxiety can be thought of in three broad ways. There is the technical side, which includes actual driving range, weather, terrain and charger availability. There is the psychological side, which is about confidence, habits and perceived risk. And there is the public narrative side, shaped by headlines, media tropes and second-hand stories.All three matter, but they do not require the same solution.Is there a cure for range anxiety?Improving battery range remains helpful, especially for buyers who travel long distances. Charger coverage matters too, as does reliability, visibility, simple payment systems and accurate in-car route planning.Experience also matters. Longer test drives, EV rentals, workplace fleets and public education programs can make a real difference because they replace assumptions with familiarity. A review of NRMA’s EV Drive Days in collaboration with the DEECCW (The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) found that many participants felt less worried about range after first-hand exposure, although some still wanted more time behind the wheel. That points to a simple truth: information helps, but experience is often more powerful.For the next wave of EV buyers, the challenge is not necessarily building cars with longer range. It is making the whole ownership experience feel normal, visible and dependableThis story was produced by MyNRMA and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Golden visa rules changed in 7 popular investor residency destinations Golden visa rules changed in 7 popular investor residency destinationsThe original golden visa marketing pitch was straightforward: Invest enough money, usually in real estate, and get residency. That pitch has aged badly.Spain killed its program outright in April 2025. Portugal kept the wrapper but ripped the real estate, filling out two years earlier. Greece raised its property thresholds high enough that the old 250,000 euro entry point now buys very little. Malta lost a separate citizenship program at the European Court of Justice. Italy, which never really fit the property-purchase template anyway, is suddenly the awkward technical option for people who never wanted a beachfront apartment in the first place. The UAE built a sprawling long-term residency framework that bears almost no resemblance to a European visa. Cyprus settled into a quieter permanent-residence niche that confuses everyone expecting a passport.Two pressures drove most of this. The European Commission's January 2019 report on investor citizenship and residence schemes flagged risks around security, money laundering, tax evasion, corruption, and weak oversight, and pushed member states to tighten programs. Layered on top of that was the housing-affordability politics in Spanish and Portuguese cities, which turned investor visas into a domestic political problem rather than an administrative footnote. Movingto reports on what's actually open today, what changed, and where investors keep getting confused.Spain: Closed for new applicantsSpanish law (the amendment to Law 14/2013 published in the Official State Gazette on Jan. 3, 2025) abolished residence visas for investors, effective from April 3, 2025. Spain should not be on a comparison shortlist for anyone seeking residency through investment.The pre-abolition program let non-EU buyers qualify with 500,000 euros of property, or larger amounts in capital, government bonds, or business projects. Real estate dominated the inflows, which is why the closure had domestic political bite. Anyone interested in living in Spain now has to look at nonlucrative residence, work permits, the digital nomad visa, family reunification, or entrepreneurship routes — different rules, different timelines, different proof requirements.The unglamorous lesson from Spain: A popular golden visa can vanish on a few months' notice. Confirm the route is open before paying advisers, reserving property, or wiring funds anywhere.Portugal: Still open, but no longer a real estate playPortugal remains one of Europe's better-known residency-by-investment markets, but its program has been reshaped. The current rules, set by Law 56/2023 ("Mais Habitação," October 2023), are tracked in Movingto's Portugal Golden Visa guide. The 2023 housing reforms scrapped real estate-linked routes and pushed the program toward nonreal-estate collective investment undertakings, business capitalization, scientific research, cultural support, and job creation. AIMA's official guidance is now explicit that qualifying investment activities cannot be intended directly or indirectly for real estate.That clause matters more than it sounds. A fund branded "Portugal golden visa eligible" is not automatically clean. Investors now have to look at what the fund actually owns, how it's structured, and whether anything in the underlying portfolio could be construed as real estate exposure. A live Portugal funds database makes that side-by-side comparison easier when there are dozens of options to filter through.Portugal still appeals because it offers EU residency with light physical-stay requirements relative to most immigration routes. The legal review just got more technical. The question used to be whether an applicant had enough capital. Now, the question is whether a specific investment structure survives the post-2023 rulebook.Greece: Still property-driven, but the bar movedGreece is one of the few European programs where direct real estate purchases remain central. The old, easy 250,000 euro version is largely gone.Under the updated framework, the minimum investment is generally 800,000 euros in high-demand areas, including Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini (Thira), and islands with more than 3,100 inhabitants. In other parts of Greece, the minimum is 400,000 euros. The same circulars also impose a 120-square-meter minimum size for properties bought under the 400,000 and 800,000 euro tiers. The lower 250,000 euro route survives in narrow categories such as specific property conversions or restoration cases. Recent legal commentary on ministry circulars also highlights stricter single-property and size requirements.Greece is still active. The product is just very different from what it was three years ago. A property that looks eligible in a sales brochure can fail on location, type, size, use, or conversion status. The legal details now matter as much as the headline price.Malta: Residency, not a passport shortcutMalta's main residence-by-investment route is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). Residency Malta describes it as a program for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals seeking permanent residence in Malta, built around four components: property, a government contribution, an NGO donation, and an administrative fee. Multitiered due diligence applies to every applicant.Current regulations set a qualifying owned property threshold of 375,000 euros or a qualifying rented property threshold of 14,000 euros per year. The rules also include a 60,000 euro administration fee for the main applicant and a 37,000 euro contribution requirement, reflecting Malta's 2025 fee harmonization that replaced the previous split between purchase and rental contributions.Malta should not be confused with a passport-by-purchase route. The country's separate citizenship-by-investment program was struck down by the European Court of Justice in April 2025 and abolished by Maltese law later that year, leaving the MPRP as Malta's principal investment migration route. For families seeking long-term European residence, the program may be relevant. Anyone expecting an immediate Maltese passport is in the wrong country.Italy: An investor visa, not a property golden visaItaly's investor route looks different from the property-led programs people typically associate with the term "golden visa." The official Investor Visa for Italy is a two-year visa for non-EU citizens investing in strategic assets for Italy's economy and society. Qualifying options include 2 million euros in Italian government bonds, 500,000 euros in an Italian limited company, 250,000 euros in an innovative startup, or 1 million euros in a philanthropic initiative.Italy therefore suits investors who want exposure to Italian companies, startups, public debt, or philanthropy. It is the wrong route for someone who simply wants a holiday home and assumes the purchase would deliver residency.Italy also illustrates a separate trend: Investor visas are increasingly tied to sanctions and geopolitical screening. Italy's official investor visa site notes the program is suspended for Russian and Belarusian citizens, including certain dual passport holders, in line with EU recommendations.UAE: Long-term residency expanding beyond investorsThe United Arab Emirates is not a European program, but it has become one of the most visible long-term residency destinations globally.The UAE's Golden Residency offers eligible applicants long-term residence ranging from five to 10 years, renewable for the same duration, so long as the applicant continues to meet eligibility, and there is no need for a sponsor. Eligible categories include investors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline workers. For real estate investors, official guidance refers to property ownership valued at 2 million dirham or more.The UAE program is broader than a classic property golden visa. It is designed to attract capital, talent, founders, specialists, and high-performing students all at once. For investors weighing Europe versus the Gulf, the strategic difference is large: The UAE delivers long-term residency and business access in a major commercial hub, but it should not be evaluated as though it were an EU residence or citizenship pathway.Cyprus: Permanent residence by investment remains activeCyprus continues to offer a permanent residence route for qualifying investors. Official Cypriot migration materials describe an investor immigration permit requiring an investment of at least 300,000 euros in eligible categories. These include a newly built house or apartment bought from a developer, other real estate (new or used), shares in a Cyprus company that employs at least five people locally and has a physical presence on the island, or units in a Cyprus collective investment fund. Applicants must also show secured annual income from abroad of at least 50,000 euros, with 15,000 euros added for a spouse and 10,000 euros for each minor child. Following 2023 reforms, parents and parents-in-law can no longer be included on the application.Cyprus is often presented as a relatively straightforward permanent residence option, and that framing is roughly accurate. Investors still need to review income requirements, source-of-funds rules, property eligibility, family inclusion rules, and ongoing maintenance obligations.As with Malta, the distinction matters. Permanent residence is a real, valuable status. It is a separate legal animal from a passport.5 things to check before paying anyoneThe golden visa market has become more legalistic in the last few years. That is good for consumer protection. It also makes shortcuts more dangerous than they used to be.Before signing an engagement letter, reserving a property, or subscribing to a fund, investors should confirm five things.First, determine whether the program is still open to new applicants. Spain shows why this cannot be assumed even six months out.Second, find out whether the specific investment qualifies under current law. Portugal's shift away from real estate and Greece's tiered property thresholds are the obvious examples of why marketing claims need to be verified against the latest rules and circulars.Third, ask who is actually giving the advice. Investors should distinguish between licensed lawyers with firms like Golden Visa Lawyers, which specialize in this area, immigration consultants, real estate agents, fund promoters, and introducers. Conflicts of interest are common when the same party sells the investment and assesses the legal risk on the same call.Fourth, find out what happens after approval. Renewal rules, physical-stay obligations, family-member eligibility, tax residency consequences, and exit conditions can be just as important as the initial application — and far more expensive to fix later.Fifth, determine whether the route actually leads to the outcome the investor wants. Residency, permanent residence, long-term renewable residence, and citizenship are four different legal statuses. Treating them as interchangeable is one of the most expensive mistakes in investment migration.The new realityGolden visas are becoming more selective, more regulated, and harder to compare like for like.Spain closed its investor visa. Portugal redirected its program away from real estate. Greece kept property investment but raised the bar substantially. Malta and Cyprus remain focused on residence rather than instant citizenship. Italy emphasizes strategic investment in companies, debt, or philanthropy. The UAE built a broader long-term residency framework around capital, talent, and entrepreneurship. These shifts have rolled out on a staggered timeline: Cyprus ended its citizenship-by-investment program in late 2020, Portugal removed real estate in October 2023, Greece raised property thresholds in September 2024, and Spain's abolition and the European Court of Justice ruling against Malta's citizenship program both landed in April 2025.The right starting question for an investor is no longer "which golden visa is cheapest?" Better questions are whether the route is still open, whether the specific investment satisfies current law, whether the post-approval obligations fit the family's actual life, and whether the legal status at the end is the one the investor needs. Anyone who can answer all four with documents — not marketing brochures — is already further along than most applicants.This story was produced by Movingto and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Mike Ahrens retiring as Bettendorf swimming coach Mike Ahrens is retiring from coaching swimming and teaching after 32 years at Bettendorf High School. During his career, he coached teams to six state titles, was named national Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Iowa Hall of Fame earlier this year. His induction ceremony document says, in part, “Over the past 64 [...]
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	Khan Academy’s founder says AI tutoring revolution hasn't come for education, yet Khan Academy’s founder says AI tutoring revolution hasn't come for education, yetThree years ago, as Khan Academy founder Sal Khan rolled out an AI-powered tutoring chatbot, he predicted a revolution in learning.So far, the revolution hasn’t happened, he acknowledged.“For a lot of students, it was a non-event,” Khan told Chalkbeat about his eponymous chatbot, Khanmigo. “They just didn’t use it much.”Khan gives this analogy: Imagine he walked into a class, sat in the back of the room, and waited for students to seek out help. “Some will; most won’t,” he said. That’s been the experience with AI tutoring, he said. It doesn’t necessarily make students motivated to learn or fill in gaps in knowledge needed to ask questions.Khan’s comments are an acknowledgment that AI has not quickly allowed for the creation of an effective super-tutor, as some initially hoped. It’s an early indication of the limits of AI to drive massive learning gains, long an unrealized goal of various technologies. While Khan remains optimistic about various uses of AI in education, he’s also come to see its limits.“I just view it as part of the solution; I don’t view it as the end-all and be-all,” Khan said.In the summer of 2022, OpenAI leaders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman reached out to Sal Khan. They were months away from releasing ChatGPT, and were hoping Khan Academy — a large nonprofit that works with schools across the country — could showcase the technology’s potential benefits. “I didn’t realize it yet, but the world was about to be turned upside down,” Khan wrote in his 2024 book “Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That’s a Good Thing).”OpenAI provided Khan Academy with early access to a more advanced AI model, GPT-4. With that, the Khan Academy team then built a specialized chatbot, Khanmigo, designed to help students learn and restricted from simply giving them the answer. Khan himself quickly became an evangelist for the technology’s uses in schools.“We’re at the cusp of using AI for probably the biggest positive transformation that education has ever seen,” Khan said in a widely viewed TED Talk in 2023. “The way we’re going to do that is by giving every student on the planet an artificially intelligent but amazing personal tutor.”He suggested that eventually AI could turn the average student into an academic standout, citing a seminal but controversial 1984 study on the value of individualized tutoring.Khan also appeared in a “60 Minutes” segment that featured northwest Indiana’s Hobart High School, which was an early adopter of Khanmigo.Kristen Musall, a geometry teacher at Hobart High, gave Khanmigo a try when it first rolled out. Musall appreciated its encouraging, teacher-like tone, but she found that students didn’t really care for the bot. They found it frustrating — Khanmigo sometimes made mistakes, but also wouldn’t give away the answer. “If students don’t engage with the material enough to know what they’re looking for, then an AI like Khanmigo doesn’t necessarily help,” she recently told me.Musall no longer uses Khanmigo in her class. She says there’s been more enthusiasm for the product among administrators than teachers in her school.A few of Musall’s most advanced students have taken advantage of AI to learn new topics. But, as far as she can tell, more students are using it to just find answers, which has created a massive headache for teachers. Nationally, a majority of teenagers say AI-powered cheating is at least somewhat prevalent in their schools, according to a late 2025 Pew survey.Peggy Buffington, Hobart’s superintendent, said there’s been a range of reactions from teachers and students to AI. There was initially a learning curve for students to ask Khanmigo questions, but they’ve gotten a lot better, she said: “It’s like anything in education. You have to learn how to use the tool and use it appropriately.”Buffington says that schools need to prepare students to use AI responsibly and Khanmigo is preferable to commercial products they would use on their own. Overall, she’s found the tool beneficial. “Our kids can log in at home and they can get help with their homework and it won’t give them the answer,” she said.But Khan Academy officials have seen that many students won’t take advantage of that option or don’t know how to. Kristen DiCerbo, the organization’s chief learning officer, said AI can only respond to students based on what they ask. And it turns out, she said, “Students aren’t great at asking questions well.”DiCerbo was initially hopeful that AI would be able to personalize instruction to students’ needs and interests. That hasn’t happened. “So far, I am not seeing the revolution in education,” she said.AI is still poised to shake up American education in many ways — by making cheating easier, reshaping how teachers approach their work, and changing the broader economy in ways that affect schools. So far, the evidence base for AI in education remains “extremely limited,” according to an overview paper released last month.Khan Academy officials say they’re learning from their experience with Khanmigo and pairing it with other offerings.A 2025 study found that when teachers used Khan Academy to help students practice academic content, their classes made slightly faster learning gains. Lower-performing students, though, saw few if any improvements from Khan Academy. This was before Khanmigo.Khan Academy recently announced an overhaul of its product that provides students with additional academic practice. Now Khanmigo is incorporated directly as a way for students to get advice as they’re working through specific problems. A spokesperson said the organization made this change because “students were not seeking out Khanmigo’s help as much as we had hoped.”“AI is going to help,” said Khan of this reimagined Khan Academy. “But I think our biggest lever is really investing in the human systems.”This story was produced by Chalkbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Near this city's new green spaces, a dramatic reduction in crime Near this city's new green spaces, a dramatic reduction in crimeLinda Lloyd has lived in West Philadelphia her whole life. The 67-year-old, a retired municipal employee, has always taken pride in her community and tried to keep her neighborhood in good shape. But it hasn’t always been an easy task.“Before, it was pretty bad here,” Lloyd, who moved to her home on Wyalusing Avenue in 1989, tells Reasons to be Cheerful. “The poverty. It was drug-infested. We struggled a lot.”Like many Black Philadelphians, Lloyd grew up surrounded by stark poverty. For decades, Philadelphia was America’s poorest big city, suffering the highest poverty rate of the 10 most populous metropolises in the United States. Historic, racist urban policies such as redlining meant that poverty was — and still is today — unequally felt: 24.5% of Black residents now live below the poverty line, double the rate of white residents. Criminal gangs thrived in and preyed on Black districts. Courtesy of Pennsylvania Horticultural Society But over the past years, shoots of hope have begun to emerge in Lloyd’s community thanks to a groundbreaking project revealing an underappreciated upside to creating and maintaining urban green spaces: preventing violent crime.In the past, Lloyd’s block was filled with blighted lots, usually overgrown with weeds and effectively serving as dump sites for trash or abandoned automobiles. They were hubs for drug deals and criminal gangs across the city, spaces that created fear among residents.Then the clean-up began.Under the LandCare program, run by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and funded by the municipality, teams of workers began to transform lots: removing trash, cutting the grass, and adding soil.It was fairly simple work, but the project — piloted in the late 1990s before being officially adopted in 2003 — has taken on an impressive scale and has had a genuinely positive impact on neighborhoods. Some 12,000 cleared plots of land are currently being maintained — about 15 million square feet and a third of the city’s vacant land.“Philadelphia, like many other cities in the U.S., has a significant issue when it comes to blighted land, dating back to the decline of industry,” says Melissa Stutzbach, the director of LandCare. “These abandoned lots get in the way of vibrant, thriving neighborhoods. The overgrowth of weeds tends to attract criminal activity.”According to Stutzbach, criminals use abandoned lots to sell and use drugs, to dump stolen vehicles, to hide firearms, and as escape routes from police raids. “When there [is] trash and weeds and dumping, it signals that no one is watching, that no one cares,” she adds.LandCare takes a place-based approach to crime and violence prevention, a radical shift from the status quo of targeting individuals. Proponents argue that not enough attention is given to the role of urban design in preventing — or indeed, when done badly, encouraging — crime. By cleaning up the lots, authorities are deterring illegal dumping and also creating community assets, particularly for Black communities that don’t typically have access to green space, and improving mental health.The program works with locals and community groups to identify target areas and lots that are “abandoned, blighted, or subject to persistent illegal dumping.” With city approval, PHS is granted access to clean and green the vacant lots. Courtesy of Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Once these lots have been identified, PHS works with a network of 21 community organizations and 17 small business contractors to carry out the initial cleaning and to return twice a month for upkeep. This work represents an investment of $7 million a year, one that provides sorely needed jobs for the local post-industrial economy.But the project also relies on volunteers. Lloyd is what’s known as a “Block Captain,” and it is her responsibility to motivate residents on her block — which is home to about 40 households and a dozen vacant lots — to keep it clean. There are thousands of Block Captains across Philadelphia, thanks to a program run by the municipality.“We all have our own agendas,” she says. “I hate trash. I want to live on a beautiful block.”And so, vacant lot by vacant lot, Philadelphia is being transformed.Residents are using the reclaimed land to hold barbecues or even weddings. Some use the green spaces to walk their dogs or play with their children. In the Christmas holiday season, neighbors decorate the lot fences. They have also hosted Easter egg hunts.But research has shown that the project is having a more profound impact. Courtesy of Pennsylvania Horticultural Society A study in 2018 found that there was a 29% reduction in gun violence and a 21% reduction in burglary in neighborhoods near LandCare lots, among other benefits. Separate research also found a 41.5% reduction in depression among residents living near the greened lots. Meanwhile, other research showed that properties within a 1,000-foot radius of a greened lot increased in value by an average 4.3% after the first year, and 13% after six years.Broader findings across the U.S. suggest a link between green space and lower crime. In 2025, researchers at the University of Illinois published a study — the first of its kind — that showed a significant association between higher greenness levels and lower levels of fatal police shootings, using data for 3,108 counties in the U.S.“I was gobsmacked when I got the results,” says William Sullivan, a coauthor and landscape architecture professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “They were very clear: the greener the county, the fewer the fatal shootings.”And according to Sullivan, his previous research can help explain why that is. Green spaces can create stronger ties between neighbors, in turn increasing civic engagement and informal surveillance of neighborhoods. They also help people to recover from stress faster, making conflict less likely, and they can improve people’s awareness and reduce irritability and impulsivity.“When people are mentally fatigued, they are likely to miss details,” he says. “If you are a police officer, you could feel more of a threat than there is; you might be more likely to pull a trigger than not.”Amid growing urbanization in the U.S., and in light of the fact that violent crime tends to be higher in cities than in rural or suburban areas, Sullivan argues that urban greening could help keep cities safer. And there’s plenty to work with: The U.S. has about 3 million hectares of vacant or abandoned urban land — 15% of all land in cities.“I’m not saying you should plant trees instead of doing other reforms, but green spaces can play a role,” says Sullivan. “Everyday green spaces are critical to neighborhood infrastructure. We should prioritize them.”The cost of greening lots is low, too, especially when compared with what authorities have to spend when contending with illegal dumping and violent crime. The average lot, about 13,000 square feet, costs $1,800 to $2,000 to clear, and maintenance is about $300 a month. “It’s a low-cost intervention that can be reproduced fairly easily,” says Stutzbach.“It makes a huge amount of economic sense,” echoes Sullivan. “And the project has proven impact.”Yet one serious concern for Lloyd is the impact that increasing attractiveness of the area could have on local life. With less crime and more green space, property developers are tempted to move in and potentially displace longtime residents.“I’m not against development,” says Lloyd. “But we want to save areas for the old homeowners. Gentrification is starting. We have to fight predator[y] developers.”Since PHS doesn’t own the land, there are limits to what it can do in some cases. About 60% of the vacant lots are on public land, according to Stutzbach, and 40% are privately owned. PHS loses about a fifth of its cleaned lots a year as the owners develop on them. Most stay in their inventory for a few years, but some date back as far as the year 2000. “It does encourage development in good ways and more challenging ways,” she says. “We are definitely trying to not displace people.”Not all green spaces are equal, either. Criminals could benefit from vegetation that limits visibility or that provides hiding places. “Design of green spaces matters,” says Sullivan. “Sight lines and visibility, it’s really important.”But for now, PHS is attempting to maximize impact as part of its next generation. As such, it is targeting neighborhoods in need, particularly those with existing community networks, rather than previous, more scattered efforts. It is also prioritizing the creation of greened lots in flood-prone areas, boosting climate resilience, and enhancing interventions by creating pollinator gardens in the greened lots that can support local biodiversity. Meanwhile, this spring, PHS began to clear up 100,000 square feet of vacant land in the nearby city of Chester in collaboration with local authorities to see if its model can take root elsewhere.“When I open my door, I’m happy that I’m no longer stepping into a dumping facility,” says Lloyd. “My block is like my living room. I want to keep it clean.”This story was produced by Reasons to be Cheerful and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	East Moline Police request public's assistance finding missing teen The East Moline Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance locating a missing teen. According to a release, Matthew JM Theuninck, 15, was reported missing May 3. He was last seen at approximately 8:45 p.m. There is currently no information indicating Theuninck is in danger, but family and law enforcement are concerned for his welfare. [...]
	East Moline police ask for help locating missing teen East Moline police are asking for the public’s help locating 15-year-old Matthew Theuninck, who was last seen on May 3.
	Canvas is back online, but questions — and final exam disruptions — linger Some schools are warning users not to log back into Canvas yet, after a ransomware group claimed credit for a data breach. Half of North America's higher education institutions use the platform.
	How ADHD can affect your mental health How ADHD can affect your mental healthThe challenges that come with ADHD go way beyond trouble paying attention or staying organized. ADHD symptoms, like impulsivity, being late or forgetful, or having trouble managing emotions can cause serious life challenges. People with ADHD report consistently lower levels of self-esteem. And they’re more likely to have a negative self-concept than their neurotypical peers. It’s not hard to see why.The fallout from ADHD can make it feel like you’re always in trouble. You may feel like you’re letting people down. There are also other less-known issues, like trouble sleeping and extreme sensitivity to perceived rejection. These can add up to even more stress.Over time, these feelings and experiences chip away at your self-confidence. All of that can lead to poorer overall mental health. For some people with ADHD, it can end up leading to diagnosable psychiatric conditions, like anxiety and depression, Understood reports.Key takeawaysADHD does more than affect focus. It can also harm self-esteem, cause burnout, increase stress, and lead to sleep problems that make ADHD symptoms worse.ADHD often occurs alongside other mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder. That makes it harder to get the right diagnosis.Understanding how ADHD affects mental health can help you get the right support. Talking to a health care provider, counselor, or trusted person is a good place to start.ADHD plus other mental health challengesMany other disorders share symptoms with ADHD. That can make it hard for health care providers to find the right diagnosis. For example, ADHD and anxiety can both make it hard to focus and manage emotions. This overlap means you might get a different diagnosis before — or instead of — an ADHD diagnosis.Understanding how ADHD impacts your mental health can help you understand your needs. Keeping track of your mental health and how it affects your ADHD symptoms can help you and your health care provider identify trends. And these trends can help you identify when you might need some support.Read on to learn more about the connection between ADHD and mental health.Stress and burnoutADHD can make life feel overwhelming at times. Research suggests that people with ADHD experience higher levels of stress. This ongoing stress can feed a cycle of burnout.What a burnout cycle might look like:Your ADHD makes it hard to stay on top of tasks.You feel stressed because you’re struggling to get things done.The stress you feel makes your ADHD symptoms worse.And repeat.Tip: Be honest with yourself about what you can handle. It’s OK if you need to step back from some responsibilities or social plans. Sometimes with ADHD, everything feels equally important. Take some time to consider what you can let go. (Do you really need to color-code your socks right now?) This can help you identify and focus on your top priorities.Increased mental loadADHD brains work overtime. All the time. This leads to what’s called “cognitive overload.” Your working memory can’t keep up with all of the information you need in the moment. Being overloaded makes ADHD symptoms feel worse. And this can leave you feeling overwhelmed.Tip: Writing things down can help. Planners, calendars, or reminders make it easier to manage time and stay organized. Sticking to a consistent schedule can also help. Ask for support when you need it. That will ease stress and help you stay on track.Issues with self-confidenceWomen tend to feel greater pressure to be good at planning and organization — tasks that are more difficult with ADHD. It’s easy to blame yourself when you have a hard time with tasks you think you “should” be good at. These struggles mean that women with ADHD often grew up hearing a lot of negative feedback, such as “You’re lazy,” or “If you’d just try harder.”Being told these things again and again may have taken a toll on your confidence. You may have started to think it’s all true. That’s why it’s important to find the right diagnosis and get support.Tip: Reframe negative self-talk. Instead of saying “I’m such a mess,” you could try “My ADHD makes it hard for me to stay organized. I just don’t have those skills yet.”FatigueAdults with ADHD experience more fatigue than people without ADHD. After all, it takes a lot of time, energy, and brain power to manage life with ADHD.You might find it hard to get enough rest. ADHD can affect brain chemicals that trigger sleepiness and alertness. It also often shifts the body’s internal clock. That makes it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, or keep a normal schedule.People with ADHD are more likely to have sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea. Sleeplessness can make it harder to manage your emotions. And it may worsen ADHD symptoms like trouble with memory and focus. Research shows that sleep deprivation can raise the risk of depression in people with ADHD.Tip: Recognize that an ADHD brain may require more support for sleep. One place to start is by reviewing your sleep hygiene.Changes that might help:Exercising or moving more throughout the dayLimiting caffeineAvoiding screens for at least an hour before bedGoing to sleep and waking up at the same time every dayIf you still have trouble sleeping, consider seeing a sleep specialist.Other mental health concernsADHD often co-occurs with other mental health disorders. In fact, as many as 80% of adults and kids with ADHD have at least one other mental health condition. Some of the most common are:AnxietySymptoms of ADHD and anxiety can look similar. Either one might result in being easily distracted, feeling restless, or having trouble completing tasks. Because symptoms can look alike, some people receive an anxiety diagnosis when they actually have ADHD. Or they may be diagnosed with ADHD instead of anxiety.It’s also very common to have both ADHD and anxiety. As many as half of those living with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. And the disorders feed into one another. For example, if you’re anxious about a project, that anxiety can make it even harder for you to focus. And if your ADHD makes it hard to do a task, you may feel anxious about that.Tip: Both ADHD and anxiety are treatable, but the treatments are different. Getting the right diagnosis is key. Talk to your health care provider if you suspect you may have ADHD and anxiety.DepressionDepression is more than just feeling sad. It can make it hard to do everyday tasks, like doing laundry or even getting out of bed. ADHD and depression often go hand in hand. And the symptoms can look similar.Sometimes, people develop depression for reasons unrelated to ADHD. They may have a family history of depression or a physical illness. Other times, they develop depression because of their ADHD-related experiences. They may have low self-esteem and negative self-image. They may struggle in work or school life due to ADHD symptoms. Or have a hard time managing relationships.Tip: Among people with ADHD, women are more likely to have depression than men. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with depression than with ADHD. It’s important to get a good evaluation so that you can get the support you need.Social anxietyADHD symptoms can make it harder to connect with people. You might miss social cues, feel out of place, say too little, or talk too much. The more socially awkward you feel, the more anxiety it causes. You might feel anxious in social situations. But if you start to avoid or fear them, it can be a sign of social anxiety disorder. Many people with social anxiety disorder also have ADHD.Tip: Be gentle with yourself. Remember that you have a lot to offer. You are worthy of love and acceptance. The kinder you are to yourself, the more courage you will have to make small, manageable social moves. You might compliment a co-worker, chat with your barista, or speak up in a group chat. Over time, small successes will help you relax and feel less anxious.If your social anxiety keeps you from going out and interacting with others, speak to your health care provider.Postpartum mood disordersResearch shows that mothers with ADHD are five times more likely to experience postpartum depression or anxiety disorders than mothers without ADHD.The hormone estrogen increases during pregnancy. This increase boosts the happy hormone dopamine and can reduce ADHD symptoms. But this boost is only temporary. After pregnancy, estrogen and dopamine levels fall. This can leave you feeling sad or depressed. Sadness that gets worse or that doesn’t go away can be a sign of a postpartum mood disorder.Tip: Talk to your health care provider about the pros and cons of continuing ADHD medication during pregnancy. And let family and friends know that you may need extra support during those first few months after giving birth. If you notice that you’re still feeling down or anxious after a few weeks, consider talking to a professional.Bipolar disorderADHD doesn’t cause bipolar disorder. But the two share some symptoms.Bipolar disorder causes extreme changes in mood. Moods can shift from very low (depression) to very high (mania). Both ADHD and bipolar disorder can include mood swings, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. As many as 20% of people with ADHD also have bipolar disorder.Tip: Medication isn’t “one size fits all.” It requires careful management for people who have both bipolar disorder and ADHD.Eating disordersPeople with ADHD — especially women — are more likely to develop an eating disorder. The most common eating disorders associated with ADHD are binge eating disorder and bulimia.Researchers aren’t exactly sure why ADHD is linked to those eating disorders. Experts think some people with ADHD may overeat to satisfy their brain’s need for stimulation. Difficulty with self-control and inattention may also factor in. Healthy eating requires planning, organizing, managing time, and handling cravings — all of which are hard for people with ADHD. Some people may forget to eat all day and end up overeating later on.Tip: Eating disorders are serious. If you’re struggling with disordered eating, don’t keep it to yourself. Reach out to a friend or family member, or check out the National Eating Disorders Association for more resources.Substance use disorderAround 1 in 4 people with ADHD misuse substances like alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Misusing substances can cause impulsive behavior and problems at work and in relationships. All of this can worsen ADHD symptoms.Having ADHD can make you more impulsive or likely to take risks. This impulsivity can lead people with ADHD to try or misuse substances. Some people also use substances to self-medicate and improve their focus, mood, or sleep. Though substance use may offer temporary relief, it won’t help manage symptoms long-term. And it can ultimately end up worsening ADHD symptoms.Substance use disorder is more common in men. And, like ADHD, the disorder can run in families.Tip: Being thoughtful about your relationship with substances is important. Limiting substance use — and asking for help — can make a big difference. For help dealing with substance use, visit SAMHSA.gov/find-help. And if you or someone you know is in crisis, you can reach a reliable crisis helpline by dialing or texting 988.Next stepsUnderstanding how ADHD can affect your mental health is key. Don’t keep mental health concerns to yourself. Talk to a friend, your partner, or someone you trust. You can also reach out to a counselor or therapist. Or consider tapping into online resources and support groups. Finding resources can make it easier to get the support you need to thrive.This story was produced by Understood and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	10 ChatGPT examples that show its capabilities and limitations in 2026 10 ChatGPT examples that show its capabilities and limitations in 2026ChatGPT can do a lot more than answer trivia questions. Marketers, writers, and business owners use it every day to draft content, brainstorm ideas, write emails, and automate repetitive tasks.But not every use case delivers the same value, and the gap between a good prompt and a bad one can mean the difference between a usable output and wasted time.This guide from WebFX breaks down 10 real ChatGPT examples across writing, marketing, research, and email, each with ready-to-use prompts so you can see exactly what works, what doesn’t, and how to get the most out of it.7 ChatGPT examples showcasing its capabilitiesLet’s start by covering the things ChatGPT is good at. Here are seven ChatGPT examples that show how it can benefit your marketing efforts.1. Assist with blog post outlinesOne of the first things ChatGPT can do for you is help you write outlines for your blog posts and articles.In this example, ChatGPT was asked to generate an outline of a blog post about the benefits of partnering with a financial consultant. The prompt also specified:The desired length of the outline.The required number of sections.The nature of the business.ChatGPT did a relatively good job at following instructions. This outline works as a good starting point for a blog post — it sets up a basic structure for the page and lists a few different benefits of partnering with a financial consultant, including the expertise and personalized solutions that a consultant would provide.The outline is a good start, but it needs human editing. At the very least, it could provide some ideas for potential headers.You can use ChatGPT in the same way when you approach your own blog posts. Make sure you’re still relying primarily on human writers, but consider using AI to assist those writers and generate suggestions for them.Sample ChatGPT prompts to generate blog post outlinesIn [number of words] words, give me an outline for a blog post entitled [blog post working title]. Include an introduction, [number of sections] main sections, and a conclusion. This is for a [nature and location of the business].Create an outline for a blog post entitled [blog post working title]. This is for a [nature and location of the business]. The primary keyword is [keyword].2. Enhance headlinesAnother way ChatGPT can benefit your writing is by assisting with headline generation. These headlines might be email subject lines, blog post title tags, or ad headlines.In this example, ChatGPT was asked to create marketing email subject lines for a travel agency’s summer promo. The AI chatbot was given context with details about the special offers and different customer segments that will receive the email.It’s standard practice to write clear prompts that also provide context to get better output from an AI tool.Overall, this example shows that ChatGPT can be great for help with email subject line generation. While the headlines offered could use a couple of human tweaks, it’s a great start that can speed up your process.Sample ChatGPT prompts to generate headlinesFor email subject lines: Generate subject lines for a marketing email for a [business]. The email is about [briefly describe the email content: promotional, abandoned carts, or surveys]. Create options for my different customer segments: [customer segments].For article headlines: Give me headline suggestions for a blog post about [topic]. This will be published on a website for a [business or industry]. Here’s the blog post’s rough outline and key messages: [outline and key marketing messages].3. Provide basic info on topicsIf researching a topic that’s new to you, ChatGPT can help provide synthesized information on the topic.In this ChatGPT example, the prompt asked for information about a brand that recently opened nearby. Courtesy of WebFX ChatGPT neatly summarized the competitor’s showroom strategy. Because it was asked for citations, it also provided links for fact-checking its summary.This ChatGPT example also provided other details, including the new competitor’s strengths and weaknesses. It was also asked to offer starting marketing messages, and it provided a list. Courtesy of WebFX Note that information from ChatGPT and other AI tools is a good starting point. Always perform further research using search engines and checking citations and legitimate websites.Sample ChatGPT prompts for researchFor researching competitors: Give me more information about [competitor] with citations. What are my new competitor’s strengths and weaknesses? What are the opportunities for my business? My business is [nature and location of your business].For researching trends: Provide me with more information about [market trends] in the [your industry] industry with citations.4. Replicate certain tones and voicesIn addition to generating information, you can use ChatGPT to help you nail down the right tone.In this example, ChatGPT was asked to come up with a social media post that advertises a new line of clothing. The prompt specified that it should use a voice that sounded informal while still remaining professional. Courtesy of WebFX ChatGPT wrote a generic social media post, throwing in generic words that could be related to the sports mentioned. But the aim wasn’t to plan on using the post itself.Instead, the goal in generating this text was to get a feel for that “professional, but informal voice.” And as far as voice goes, ChatGPT definitely delivered.Taking after this ChatGPT example, you can also prompt it to respond with a tone that you’d like it to adopt. For example, if your brand is playful and cheeky, indicate it in your prompt.Sample ChatGPT prompts to replicate tonesFor generating a copy in a certain tone: I’m in the business of [industry or business]. Write a social media post for [product or service] on [social media platform]. Use a [indicate your preferred tone: friendly, informal, or professional]. My customers are [briefly describe your ideal customer profile].For revising a copy using a different tone: Rewrite this text in a more [specify your tone] manner: [original copy]. I’m in the business of [industry or business], and my customers are [describe your ideal customer profile].5. Summarize research papers or business documentsAnother excellent capability of ChatGPT is summarizing long documents and technical papers. In this example, the AI chatbot was asked to summarize the key points of a report. Courtesy of WebFX It was given context by specifying why the statistics and trends are needed. Of course, an AI tool’s summary is not a replacement for reviewing the document.With the list of key points you have, you don’t start from scratch when reviewing a document.Sample ChatGPT prompts to summarize research papersFor getting key points from a paper: Summarize the key points of this research paper on [research Topic]. I’m in the business of [nature and location of your business].For drawing out statistics and trends from a paper: List the key statistics and trends mentioned in this paper on the topic of [research topic].6. Brainstorm campaign ideasWhen you’re stuck in the early ideation phase of a campaign, ChatGPT can generate a volume of concepts fast enough to break through creative blocks. The trick is giving it enough constraints that the ideas come back relevant instead of generic.In this example, ChatGPT was asked to brainstorm five marketing campaign concepts for a midsize HVAC company launching a spring maintenance promotion. It was given these details: the audience (homeowners in suburban markets), the offer (discounted seasonal tune-ups), and the channels (email, paid social, local SEO). Courtesy of WebFX The ideas included a ‘Spring Ready HVAC Check’ campaign with a seasonal urgency hook, and a ‘Don’t Sweat Summer’ angle focused on beating the peak-season rush. Not all five were winners, but two were strong enough to develop further, and the others sparked angles that hadn’t been considered.The value here isn’t that ChatGPT gives you a finished campaign. It gives you raw material to react to, which is often faster than starting from zero.Sample ChatGPT prompts to brainstorm campaign ideasFor generating full campaign concepts: Brainstorm five marketing campaign ideas for a [type of business] launching [product/offer]. The target audience is [audience]. We plan to use [channels]. Include a hook, key messaging, and a CTA for each.For finding creative angles: Give me three creative campaign angles for promoting [service] during [season/event]. The audience is [ICP details]. Focus on ideas that stand out from typical industry marketing.7. Draft and refine business emailsBusiness emails eat up more time than most people realize. ChatGPT can draft cold outreach, follow-ups, meeting recaps, internal announcements, and other professional messages in seconds, giving you a starting point that just needs your personal touch.In this example, ChatGPT was asked to draft a follow-up email to a prospect who attended a webinar but didn’t book a demo. I specified the tone (helpful, not pushy), the key value prop to mention, and the CTA (book a 15-minute call). Courtesy of WebFX The result hit the right balance. It opened with a reference to the webinar, mentioned a relevant benefit without overselling, and closed with a low-commitment CTA. A few tweaks to personalize it, and it was ready to send.You can also use ChatGPT to refine emails you’ve already written. Paste in your draft and ask it to tighten the copy, adjust the tone, or make it more concise. This is especially useful for sensitive messages where word choice matters.Sample ChatGPT prompts to draft business emailsFor drafting follow-ups: Draft a follow-up email to a prospect who [describe interaction]. Keep the tone [describe tone]. Mention [key value prop] and end with a CTA to [desired action]. Keep it under 150 words.For refining existing drafts: Rewrite this email to be more concise and professional. Keep the main message but cut any filler. Here’s the draft: [paste email].3 ChatGPT examples showcasing its limitationsAs advanced as ChatGPT is, it’s still riddled with issues — some of which are fundamentally baked into the way the tool works.Let’s go through each one.1. Inaccurate informationAI tools like ChatGPT are prone to hallucinations. In AI speak, hallucinations are incorrect, inaccurate, or biased output generated by these tools. Training data, limited logical reasoning, or discriminatory data can cause AI systems to hallucinate.In this ChatGPT example, it was asked for animated movies that feature a Jack Russell terrier. The second item on the list is incorrect, listing a hamster as one. Upon fact-checking, Rhino is indeed a hamster and not a dog of a specific breed. Courtesy of WebFX Because ChatGPT is a general-purpose AI tool, it is trained with massive amounts of data that can mix up these small details. In fact, it has identified Rhino as a hamster in its second sentence, but added it to the list anyway.Addressing this ChatGPT limitation: Double-checking ChatGPT’s results against trustworthy websites remains a necessary step. In this case, a quick search for “Bolt movie characters” revealed the error.2. Biased responsesLike most AI tools, ChatGPT may respond with unfair or discriminatory statements. It goes to show that the quality of training data and algorithms directly impacts an AI system’s output.In this ChatGPT example, it was asked for tips on how to improve one’s diet for a park’s blog. The first tip makes sense, but it recommended foods that may not be accessible to people from a lower-income household, discriminating against certain groups in the process. Courtesy of WebFX Addressing this ChatGPT limitation: ChatGPT may provide biased responses for several reasons, which is why human review of its output is necessary. Businesses using AI tools for processes can mitigate this by auditing systems and diversifying data sets.3. Inability to understand contextChatGPT uses advanced models that can process massive amounts of data. Despite this ability, it has a limited ability to understand context and subtle nuances.In this ChatGPT example, it was tasked to analyze running training statistics for weeks. Let’s go through some of the finer details it missed throughout its analysis. Courtesy of WebFX ChatGPT is fed the day’s training program, including the rest and walk segments. These walking segments skewed the running efficiency metrics because they showed efficient vertical movement. Despite having this information, ChatGPT concluded that the athlete was running efficiently.At one point, ChatGPT also provided insights factoring in the athlete’s lack of sleep. But the sleep data was for a different day — again, ChatGPT didn’t recognize that it was analyzing a training session for another day.Addressing this ChatGPT limitation: This ChatGPT example shows that human oversight and critical thinking skills remain necessary when using AI tools. When drawing out insights using ChatGPT for marketing, verifying output with analytics tools and professional judgment is standard practice.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	"Stop the Scammers" fraud education event on Tuesday in Davenport “Stop the Scammers” fraud education event on May 12 in Davenport. Opportunity to hear from state leaders on scams impacting Iowans in the digital age.
	RDA awards grants totaling almost $2 million The Regional Development Authority (RDA) Board met at Rhythm City Casino Resort on May 7 to approve 54 grant awards totaling $1,975,156. These grants support a wide range of community development efforts in the Quad Cities region for economic development, arts & culture, human services, and education. The awards include payments for three Transformational Initiatives [...]
	Food & Water Watch protests Miller-Meeks outside MercyOne Genesis in Davenport On Thursday, advocates organized by Food & Water Watch protested in Davenport against U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ vote last summer on Medicaid cuts and their impact on water and health.
	Extreme weather patterns push builders toward stronger window designs Extreme weather patterns push builders toward stronger window designsAccording to Climate Central, since 1980, the U.S. has experienced 431 weather events with damages exceeding a billion dollars. 2025 saw 23 of these weather events. It’s important to always be prepared and have a plan in place. While people can evacuate to a safe place, their home and everything they own stay behind and face the environmental impact. Physical safety is important, but a home is a different type of safety: financial and emotional.Relying on historical weather averages has become an increasingly high-risk strategy for property owners. Data aggregated by NOAA illustrates a concerning shift; in 2024 alone, high-intensity weather events resulted in an estimated $182.7 billion in domestic damages. In response to this volatility, building science has pivoted toward proactive structural fortification, with engineers and manufacturers focusing on high-performance materials that maintain structural integrity under extreme stress.Below, Reece Windows & Doors explains how evolving weather patterns are influencing modern window design and home resilience. Courtesy of Reece Windows & Doors Low-Emissivity (Low-E) CoatingsWhile Gulf Coast states like Texas, Florida, and Louisiana have long managed predictable high-heat indices, this thermal volatility has expanded into traditionally temperate regions, including the Pacific Northwest and the California coast.To maintain interior climate stability, standard residential cooling strategies often involve running HVAC systems at maximum capacity for extended durations—a practice that leads to premature mechanical failure and inflated utility expenditures. A more sustainable mitigation strategy involves the integration of Low-Emissivity (Low-E) coatings. These microscopic, transparent layers are engineered to regulate thermal radiation by controlling how heat energy interacts with the glass surface.During periods of high solar intensity, these coatings reflect a significant portion of infrared heat away from the building’s interior. Conversely, during colder cycles, the same technology helps retain indoor ambient warmth by reflecting internal thermal energy back into the living space, effectively stabilizing the home's "thermal envelope."When installed correctly, these windows can significantly improve indoor comfort while reducing energy consumption. They also block a large percentage of UV rays, helping protect furniture, flooring, and finishes from fading over time.Impact-Resistant Laminated GlassHurricanes, high-wind events, and hail bring flying debris and increased pressure, putting windows at risk. In areas where these weather patterns are common, homes are equipped with storm shutters and panels, and more recently, impact-resistant glass has also become part of modern protection strategies.Impact-resistant windows use laminated glass, which consists of two panes of glass bonded together by a clear, flexible interlayer, typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ionoplast polymer. Due to this design, when struck by flying debris, the outer glass may shatter, but the fragments remain adhered to the interlayer.These windows are tested against high velocity impacts (such as a 9-pound 2x4 timber shot at 50 feet per second) to ensure the barrier remains intact during sustained storm cycles.Noble Gas Infills and Multipane InsulationIn areas with thermal extremes, condensation and moisture are the biggest enemies to windows. This is why manufacturers use noble gases like argon or krypton instead of ambient air to fill the space between double or triple-paned windows.These gases are denser than air and have lower thermal conductivity. By keeping the internal glass pane closer to the room's temperature, these gases prevent condensation and frost buildup during extreme cold snaps, which protects the window frame from moisture-related rot or mold.Advanced Frame MaterialsExtreme weather patterns often involve rapid temperature swings that cause materials to expand and contract, leading to cracked windows, loose frames, or expensive repairs. To avoid such inconveniences, modern frames use fiberglass or composite materials rather than traditional aluminum or unreinforced vinyl.Fiberglass has a very low expansion coefficient, similar to the glass it holds. This means the frame and the glass move together, maintaining the integrity of the weather seals even during 40-degree temperature shifts.Modern Window Designs Shaped By Extreme Weather PatternsExtreme weather is already shaping how homes are built, upgraded, and maintained. And while no window can make a home completely immune to the elements, the right design choices can significantly reduce risk, improve comfort, and lower long-term costs.Today’s window technology is designed around resilience and efficiency. From Low-E coatings that manage heat to laminated glass that withstands impact to advanced insulation and frame materials, each innovation solves a specific problem homeowners are increasingly facing.As weather patterns continue to evolve, homes that adapt with them will always be one step ahead.This story was produced by Reece Windows & Doors and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to qualify for a business credit card as a sole proprietor How to qualify for a business credit card as a sole proprietorIf you run a one-person business, you can qualify for a business credit card. Freelancers, consultants, independent contractors, gig workers, and anyone else earning self-employment income can apply at most major issuers using just their Social Security number. You don't need an LLC, a registered business name, or an EIN to apply.The right business credit card depends on where you spend and what you're trying to accomplish. Cash back cards work well for sole proprietors with predictable monthly expenses like software, advertising, and phone bills. Cards with introductory 0% APR periods are useful for sole proprietors planning a significant purchase. Credit-building cards give sole proprietors with a thin or damaged credit file a path to better options over time. And for owners who later form an eligible U.S. business entity, some corporate cards remove the personal guarantee requirement and underwrite based on the business rather than the owner.This article from Brex covers how to qualify, what to look for, how a business card affects your personal credit, and how to build business credit from scratch as a sole proprietor.Can a sole proprietor get a business credit card?A sole proprietorship is a legitimate business structure to get a business credit card, even if it doesn't always feel like one. Understanding how business credit cards work makes the application process much less daunting. From a credit card issuer's perspective, you're a business owner generating income, and that's what matters. Most major issuers explicitly accommodate sole proprietors in their applications, often with no additional requirements past what any other small business would face.The reason this works is that sole proprietors and their businesses are legally the same entity. There's no separation between you and your business, which actually simplifies the application process. Issuers don't need to evaluate a separate corporate entity because you are the business, and your personal financial history is the underwriting basis for approval.What sole proprietors need to qualify for a business credit cardThe minimum credit score for a business credit card varies by product and issuer, but approval for most sole proprietor cards comes down primarily to your personal credit score. A FICO score in the 670 to 690 range is a commonly cited benchmark for good credit, though requirements differ across issuers and some cards aimed at credit-building accept lower scores. Because you and your business are legally one, your personal financial standing is the proxy for your business's creditworthiness.Some issuers may also ask for estimated annual revenue and monthly business expenses. If you're just starting out, you can enter honest estimates rather than established figures. Proof of income isn't always required, but having recent tax returns or business bank statements on hand is useful if an issuer asks.What to fill out in your business credit card application as a sole proprietorOne of the most common points of confusion for sole proprietors applying for a business credit card is the tax identification number field. Most applications ask for an Employer Identification Number, which can make it seem like you need one to proceed. You don't. Sole proprietors who haven't obtained an EIN can enter their Social Security number instead, and most issuers accept this without issue.An EIN is a tax ID the IRS assigns to businesses, and it's required if you have employees or operate as a corporation or partnership. As a sole proprietor with no employees, you likely don't have one, and you aren't required to get one just to apply for a card. If you do have an EIN because you obtained one voluntarily or for another purpose, you can use that instead. Once you incorporate, EIN-only business credit cards become available and can remove the personal credit check from the equation.Business name and revenueIf your sole proprietorship doesn't have a formal business name, enter your legal name. That's not a workaround or a shortcut. It's the standard practice for unregistered sole proprietors and issuers expect it. If you operate under a Doing Business As (DBA) name, use that.For revenue, enter your honest annual business income. Some issuers allow sole proprietors to include personal income alongside business income in the revenue field, which can strengthen an application. When in doubt, read the application language carefully since some fields specify business revenue only.Your personal address and phone number are fine for the business contact fields if you don't operate from a dedicated location. The application isn't designed to screen out home-based businesses, and sole proprietors routinely list personal contact details without issue.Personal guarantee requirementsWhen you apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor, you'll agree to a personal guarantee. This means you're personally responsible for any balance on the card. If the business can't pay the bill, the issuer can pursue you personally for the debt. For most sole proprietors, this isn't a dramatic shift since there's no legal separation between you and your business to begin with, but understanding it clearly before you apply matters.The personal guarantee also means that late payments or defaults on a business credit card can affect your personal credit. Issuers handle reporting differently. Some report all activity to consumer credit bureaus while others only report negative events. Check how your specific issuer handles this before you submit an application, because the reporting policy isn't always easy to find and it's worth confirming directly.For sole proprietors who incorporate and want to remove the personal guarantee entirely, cards with no personal guarantee underwrite based on the business's cash position and revenue rather than personal credit, which changes both the approval process and the liability structure.How sole proprietors can apply for a business credit cardThe process to apply for a business credit card is straightforward for most sole proprietors, and many issuers return a decision within minutes. Knowing what to have ready before you start saves time and reduces the chance of inconsistencies that can trigger a manual review.Check your personal credit score before you applyBecause your personal credit history is the primary underwriting basis for most sole proprietor business cards, knowing your score before you apply lets you target cards where you're a realistic candidate. Applying for a card that requires excellent credit when your score is in the good range results in a hard inquiry that temporarily dips your score without producing an approval. Most major bureaus offer free score access, and several card issuers offer pre-qualification tools that give you a sense of your approval odds without a hard pull.Gather what you'll need before you startMost applications ask for the same core set of information. Having it ready before you open the form prevents you from abandoning a partially completed application, which some issuers treat as a signal worth flagging during underwriting.You'll typically need your legal name, which doubles as your business name if you don't have a registered DBA. You'll need your home address for the business address field if you don't operate from a separate location, your Social Security number or EIN, an estimate of your annual business revenue, an estimate of your monthly business spending, and the date you started earning self-employment income. Some issuers also ask for your industry type, which you can select from a dropdown.If you're asked for proof of income and don't have a full year of business tax returns, recent bank statements showing consistent deposits work as a substitute at most issuers.Submit and know what to expectMost online applications take under fifteen minutes to complete if you have your information ready. Many issuers return an instant decision. Others route applications to manual review, which can take a few business days, typically when something in the application warrants a closer look or the issuer wants to verify income.Once approved, some issuers provide a digital card number you can use immediately for online purchases while the physical card is in transit, though this varies by issuer and card product. Activate the card as soon as it arrives and set up autopay for the full statement balance before you make your first purchase. That single habit eliminates the risk of carrying a balance into a high interest rate and makes the card work the way it's designed to.Why sole proprietors are better off with a business credit card than a personal cardSole proprietors report business income and expenses on Schedule C when they file their taxes. If you've been running business expenses through a personal card, you already know how tedious it is to go through a year's worth of statements and separate what was business from what wasn't. A dedicated business card eliminates that problem because every transaction is already categorized as a business expense. The cleaner your records, the easier it is to identify what business expenses are tax deductible, support those deductions if you're ever audited, and hand accurate numbers to an accountant. If you carry a balance on a business expense, a dedicated card also gives you the clean documentation you need to deduct credit card interest for business.How sole proprietors can protect their personal credit scoreUnderstanding whether business credit cards affect personal credit is one of the most important questions to answer before you apply. Personal credit cards report everything to consumer credit bureaus, including your utilization rate, which can pull your score down even when you're paying the balance in full each month. A business card keeps that spending off your personal credit report at most major issuers, but not all of them handle reporting the same way.Some issuers report business card activity to consumer bureaus, meaning your utilization, payment history, and balance show up on your personal credit report just as if the card were a personal card. Capital One is a well-known example, and policies can vary by card product within the same issuer. Choosing business credit cards that don't report to personal credit is the most direct way to keep business utilization off your personal profile entirely, and it's worth confirming the reporting policy for the specific card you're applying for before you submit.If your issuer does report to consumer bureaus, paying your balance in full each month reduces the window during which high utilization might be reported, since issuers typically report balances as of your statement closing date. Keeping your balance well below your credit limit on that date limits the impact, but it's not a permanent fix. The cleaner move is to confirm reporting behavior upfront rather than managing around a card that doesn't work in your favor.Rewards sole proprietors leave on the table by using a personal cardBusiness credit cards are built around the spending categories that business owners actually use, things like advertising, software subscriptions, office supplies, internet service, and travel. Personal cards are calibrated for consumer spending patterns, which often don't match how sole proprietors spend month to month. If you're putting a few thousand dollars in business expenses on a personal card with a flat rewards rate, you're likely earning significantly less than you would with a card optimized for business categories. Most sole proprietors don't notice until they run the numbers.A business credit card also gives you a short-term cash flow buffer that a personal card can't replicate as cleanly. The grace period between your statement closing date and payment due date gives you three to four weeks before the bill comes due, which matters when client payments run on net-30 terms and income doesn't arrive on a straight line.How sole proprietors can build business credit from scratchYour personal credit history doesn't automatically become business credit history. They're tracked by different bureaus using different scoring models, and most lenders that extend business financing look at business credit when evaluating an application. As a sole proprietor, you likely have no business credit file when you start, which means you're invisible to business lenders until you build one.A strong business credit profile makes it easier to get higher credit limits, better financing terms, and access to products that aren't available to businesses with thin credit histories. Learning how to check your business credit score regularly is the first step toward managing that profile actively. If you ever want to take on a lease, purchase equipment, or open a business line of credit as your work grows, you'll want that profile already in place. Starting early is the only real shortcut.Getting a DUNS number as a sole proprietorUnderstanding how the business credit bureaus work makes this step much clearer. Dun and Bradstreet is one of the primary ones, and your DUNS number is your identifier in their system. Sole proprietors can register for one at no cost through the Dun and Bradstreet website. Having a DUNS number establishes you as a distinct business entity in their database, which is the prerequisite for payment history to count toward a D&B credit score specifically. Other bureaus like Experian Business have their own onboarding paths, so a DUNS number is a strong starting point rather than the single unlock for all business credit history.The application is straightforward, but Dun & Bradstreet says delivery can take up to eight business days and the process can otherwise take up to 30 business days. You don't need to have incorporated, and you don't need an EIN. A sole proprietor with a business name, address, and phone number can register and receive a number.Choosing an issuer that reports to business bureausIf building business credit without using personal credit is part of your goal, issuer reporting practices are a nonnegotiable filter. The best business credit cards for building credit report your payment history to Dun and Bradstreet, Experian Business, or Equifax Business. Not all of them do. Before you apply, confirm this. Using a card that only reports to consumer bureaus won't help your business credit at all, even if you pay on time every month. This catches a lot of sole proprietors off guard because it runs counter to the assumption that responsible card use always builds credit somewhere.Payment habits that build your profile over timeThe mechanics of building business credit are similar to building personal credit, but there are a few differences worth understanding. On-time payments are the foundation, and business credit scoring models weight payment promptness heavily. Dun and Bradstreet's PAYDEX score, for example, is built almost entirely around whether you pay on time or early. Keeping your utilization rate below 30% of your credit limit is a reasonable target, and lower is generally better. Some sole proprietors make the mistake of thinking that a zero balance helps most. In practice, some regular usage paired with full monthly payoff tends to signal healthy financial behavior to bureaus more than an account sitting dormant.Where sole proprietors often go wrong is using business credit cards inconsistently, charging heavily in one quarter and going dormant in the next. Regular, moderate use with full monthly payments builds the kind of business tradelines that create the strongest credit profile over time. It doesn't require hitting a specific spend threshold.Key factors when choosing a business credit card as a sole proprietorNot every business credit card is built with a sole proprietor in mind. Before you apply, it's worth knowing which variables actually move the needle for a one-person operation so you can filter out the noise and focus on what matters.Credit limits that fit how sole proprietors actually spendUnderstanding business credit card limits before you apply helps you set realistic expectations. Most personal credit cards aren't built for business-level spending, and the limits reflect that. Business credit cards generally offer higher limits, which matters when you're covering project costs, stocking up on supplies, or managing uneven cash flow between client payments. As a sole proprietor, you're the only one managing that timing, so having adequate credit available gives you room to operate without constantly watching your balance.If you're applying with just your SSN and personal credit history, your limit will reflect your personal financial profile rather than your business revenue. Set your expectations accordingly before you apply.Rewards that match your spending categoriesThe strongest business credit card for any sole proprietor is the one whose bonus categories align with where you already spend. A card that rewards software subscriptions and internet service makes sense for a freelance developer. A card optimized for travel and dining makes more sense for a consultant who's frequently on the road. Picking a card based on advertised rewards rates in categories you rarely use is how sole proprietors end up leaving money on the table.Flat-rate cash back cards are worth considering if your expenses are spread across too many categories to benefit from a tiered structure. Earning a consistent 2% on everything is often better in practice than earning 5% in one category and 1% on everything else. The simplicity also removes the mental overhead of tracking whether a given purchase qualifies for a bonus rate.Fees relative to the rewards you'll earnAnnual fees aren't inherently bad, but they need to be justified by the rewards and benefits you'll realistically use. Run the actual numbers before you decide. Take your typical monthly spend in each category, apply the rewards rate, multiply by 12, and subtract the annual fee. If that number beats what a no-fee card would return on the same spending, the fee pays for itself.Foreign transaction fees deserve equal attention if you work with international clients or travel for business. A 2% to 3% surcharge on every cross-border transaction adds up quickly and can quietly offset a strong domestic rewards rate. If any meaningful share of your spending happens outside the U.S., treat foreign transaction fees as a dealbreaker rather than a minor footnote.If you're planning a significant upfront purchase, a card with a 0% intro APR period lets you spread that cost across 12 months or more without interest. Divide the total by the number of months in the intro period and pay that amount monthly without exception, since the rate after the intro period ends is typically high.Whether the card reports to business credit bureausNot every business credit card builds your business credit profile. Some issuers report only to consumer bureaus, which means your on-time payments aren't building the separate business credit history you need to access better financing terms later. Before applying, confirm whether the issuer reports to Dun and Bradstreet, Experian Business, or Equifax Business. If building business credit is part of your plan, this is a nonnegotiable filter, not an afterthought.It's also worth asking whether the issuer reports to all three or only one. A card that reports only to Dun and Bradstreet builds your D&B profile but leaves gaps at Experian Business and Equifax Business, which some lenders pull independently when evaluating applications. Building across multiple bureaus over time gives your business the strongest position when you eventually need financing that a credit card alone can't provide.The personal guarantee and what it means for your financesNearly every business credit card available to sole proprietors requires a personal guarantee. That means you're personally liable for the balance; as mentioned, there's no legal separation between you and your business. Therefore, defaults or late payments can follow you personally, and that distinction matters if you ever plan to apply for a mortgage, personal loan, or other personal financing.Customer service you can reachA business credit card becomes a liability if you can't get support when something goes wrong. Disputed charges, fraudulent transactions, and card declines at critical moments all require fast resolution. Look for issuers that offer dedicated business support lines, responsive chat, and around-the-clock availability. User reviews that specifically mention dispute resolution and response times are more informative than general ratings when you're evaluating this.Finding the right card for your businessThe best business credit card for a sole proprietor is the one that matches how you actually spend. If your expenses concentrate in a few categories, a tiered rewards card will likely outperform a flat-rate one. If your spending is spread across too many categories to track, a simple flat-rate card removes the guesswork. And if you're starting with a thin or damaged credit file, a secured card gives you a path to better options over time.Beyond rewards, the details that matter most are ones that are easy to overlook before you apply: whether the card reports to business credit bureaus, how the issuer handles reporting to consumer bureaus, and what the personal guarantee means for your finances down the road. Getting those right from the start saves you from having to undo decisions later.This story was produced by Brex and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to staff for summer without straining your cash flow: A guide for growing businesses How to staff for summer without straining your cash flow: A guide for growing businessesSummer can be a great time for your business. That is, until the payroll bills arrive ahead of the revenue that’s supposed to cover them.This is one of the fundamental tensions at the heart of summer staffing. You need workers to meet the upcoming demand, but you won't have the extra income from their work until then. Whether you’re ramping up to meet seasonal demand, backfilling for vacationing employees, or just bringing on contractors for specific projects, the cash outflows happen right then and there.Revenue catch-up can take 30, 60, or even 90 days in some instances. For growing businesses already navigating the pressures of 2026, this timing mismatch can become a real issue. Fortunately, Gateway Commercial Finance, an invoice factoring company, put together a roadmap using data from CoreMBA, Rippling, the Small Business Administration, and more to help you keep your cash flow intact while your team grows.The 3 core summer staffing scenariosDuring the summertime, there are three staffing scenarios that can put pressure on your business: seasonal surges, vacation coverage, and project-based needs. Each of these circumstances brings unique challenges.Seasonal demand surgeSome businesses are naturally seasonal, including those in the hospitality, landscaping, construction, retail, and tourism sectors. For these companies, preparing for summer isn’t just a staffing inconvenience but rather a necessary sprint. The bulk of your annual revenue could be earned in a short period, and missing that window due to understaffing can define your entire year.The cash flow math can be brutal. Your business needs to hire and train workers ahead of the busy season, meaning you're paying for wages that haven’t paid themselves back yet. This problem is compounded by rising labor costs in recent years.In the hotel industry, for example, Hotel News Resources reported a 12.8% rise in hotel-specific labor costs in 2025. This upward trend, which is impacting other industries as well, can compress margins even as summer business increases. Getting ahead of rising costs requires planning, staffing, and financing strategies months before Memorial Day, or your specific seasonal period, rather than weeks.Vacation coverage for existing staffMany businesses see an increase in employee vacations during the months when the weather is warm and kids are out of school. When key people are out at the same time, productivity gaps can quickly emerge. Deadlines can slip, and the remaining staff can be stretched thin, leading to increased employee overtime.In addition to approved paid time off, business could be affected by an emerging phenomenon outlined by the AI people experience firm inFeedo: quiet vacationing.Quiet vacationing is where employees are technically taking time off but staying partially connected to work. Research from inFeedo found that, as of 2025, nearly 70% of workers did some form of work during their vacations, and half of those workers didn’t use their full PTO allocation. This results in a double bind of sorts, where companies are carrying billions in unused vacation liabilities while employees who do take time off don’t fully disengage. This can quickly lead to burnout and reduced productivity over time.From a pure cash flow standpoint, vacation coverage creates a layered cost issue. You’re paying a departing employee their vacation time as preaccrued wages and having to pay a temporary replacement or an existing employee overtime to cover their role.Project-based and contract needsAnother scenario sometimes plays out during the summer months: project hires. Construction firms, for instance, bring on crews for specific jobs. Marketing agencies add contractors for campaign pushes. Technology companies may accelerate project timelines to meet product launch deadlines. All of these engagements have defined scopes but more indefinite payment timelines.In this situation, the cash flow challenge is more structural. You may invoice on completion of a full project or on a milestone basis, but workers are typically paid weekly regardless of where your client is in the approval cycle. This can lead to stretched terms that burn liquidity.Calculating the true cost of summer staffingOne common mistake businesses make when budgeting for summer hires is anchoring on wages alone. The paycheck is only one small part of the entire equation.The real number your business needs to be planning around is the fully burdened cost of labor. In other words, the total annual cost to employ a person includes payroll taxes, benefits, equipment, overhead, and more. As defined by Rippling, the formula for this true cost is as follows:(Gross Employee Pay + Employee Benefits and Taxes + Overhead Costs) / Total WagesWhen put into practice, this means that a summer hire earning an hourly wage of $18 per hour may actually cost you in the low-to-mid $20s once you factor in Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes, workers’ compensation, unemployment taxes, and more.The most important way to factor this into your planning is to take your fully burdened labor costs, then layer in an additional 10%-20% for unexpected demand or schedule changes. Underestimating your staffing costs can result in significant cash flow issues.Financing strategies for summer staffing costsWhen the timing gap between staffing costs and incoming revenue starts to become too wide to bridge from your cash reserves, there are several financing tools available. The right one will be entirely dependent on your business's situation, your timeline, and how your revenue moves.1. Business line of creditA revolving business line of credit is often the most flexible tool for managing seasonal payroll. Unlike a standard term loan, a line of credit allows you to draw just what you need, then repay it as revenue comes in, and continue to borrow. This structure is particularly well suited to seasonal staffing companies as the borrowing will track hiring directly.One critical point to consider is that lenders will evaluate your business based on your current financial health and not just your projected summer revenue. As outlined by commercial lending broker Axiant Partners, the key metrics include:Total revenue over 12 months.Six to 12 months of bank statements.Strong historical revenue performance during your busy period.Lengthy history of weathering the ups and downs of seasonal periods.Strong personal and business credit.Ensure all these qualifications meet the lender's requirements, and complete your application well in advance of your busy season to get the line set up.2. Small Business Administration seasonal CAPLineAn alternative option to consider is a seasonal CAPLine from the Small Business Administration through their Working Capital Pilot program. This government-backed line of credit is specifically designed to finance seasonal increases in accounts receivable, inventory, and labor costs.Loans can be structured as either revolving or non-revolving, with maximum loan amounts typically capped at $5 million. SBA approval can take longer, however, making this more of a tool for businesses that are planning well in advance.To qualify, you will need to have at least one clean year of operations and to have demonstrated a proven seasonal need. There will also be a required “clean-up” period on the CAPLine, where it must be reduced to $0 for 30 consecutive days during the season.3. Short-term working capital loansWhen speed is more important to your business, a short-term working capital loan can be obtained quickly. These loans are often well suited for covering a specific preseason staffing push where you can project the revenue timeline with strong confidence. The trade-off for faster speed is a higher cost of capital than with bank loans or an SBA loan.4. Invoice factoringFinally, for businesses with outstanding invoices from creditworthy clients, invoice factoring can be a great option. This is a direct way to convert unpaid receivables into immediate working capital without adding debt to your balance sheet. Factoring companies typically advance 80%-95% on the invoice value, usually within a day or two, then collect directly from that client’s invoice when it comes due.Fees can vary widely and depend on client creditworthiness, invoice volume, and payment terms. It’s a model most seen in industries with structural payment delays, such as staffing, transportation, and construction, where payroll demands are weekly but client payments arrive on a standard net-30-60-90 basis.Structuring compensation timing to protect cash flowFinancing methods aren’t your only available lever to pull. The way your business structures the timing and form of compensation can also make a difference.Staggered or milestone-based bonusesRather than paying performance-based bonuses or season-end incentives as lump sums, consider staggering them across milestones or deferring portions of them. A structure that pays out half of a bonus at the midpoint of a project and the rest upon completion will align cash outflows more closely with revenue generation. This approach is best for project-based hires and temporary contractors where the work has a defined scope and timeline.Deferred compensation arrangementsFor any higher-earning employees or senior staff, nonqualified deferred compensation plans can allow compensation to be earned now but paid at a later date. As outlined by Hall Benefits Law, a nonqualified deferred compensation plan allows your business to time compensation payments with future cash flows when structured properly. These arrangements are governed strictly by Internal Revenue Codes, though, so it’s always best to consult a benefits attorney or certified public accountant before implementing any.Payroll timing and scheduling optimizationA less complex, immediately available lever to pull is simply to review your payroll schedule and cycle timing. PNC describes the benefits clearly. For hourly seasonal employees, aligning pay periods with your billing cycles so that revenue from a work period is partially collected before the payroll run can reduce your cash flow float.Additionally, your business should manage shift scheduling tightly to avoid unplanned overtime. Planning vacation coverage rotations in advance, rather than reactively, is the best and simplest way to contain this cost.Building a summer cash flow plan: A practical frameworkBusinesses that navigate summer staffing without cash flow crises don’t react to problems. They plan for those potential problems months in advance to account for timing gaps before they materialize.Always aim to calculate your true staffing costs and set up financing before you actually need it, whether through a business line of credit, an SBA line, invoice factoring, or another method. Proactively review your scheduling and payroll structure to identify any gaps you can fix right away.Summer staffing is arguably one of the most predictable cash flow challenges a growing business will face, meaning it is also one of the most preventable. The timing mismatch between paying workers and collecting revenue is structural, and the tools to effectively manage it are well-established. Begin your planning process right away, before the peak season arrives, and you’ll have the staffing you need without worrying about the cash flow impact.This story was produced by Gateway Commercial Finance and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The retail apocalypse of 2026: How accessibility could save struggling chains The retail apocalypse of 2026: How accessibility could save struggling chainsHundreds of well-known retail chains have announced store closures in 2026, and analysts say the wave isn't slowing down. According to Business Insider, more than 2,000 closures have already been publicly announced this year, spanning everything from legacy department stores to fast food chains to outdoor retailers.Retail experts point to the usual suspects: rising costs, shifting shopping habits, and too many physical locations chasing too few customers. For many chains, the response has been the same: close underperforming stores and double down on e-commerce. While retailers are fighting to hold onto every customer they can, many of their websites and apps are actively turning shoppers away due to inaccessibility. And as this article from AudioEye explains, that's a problem with a real price tag attached.What does ‘inaccessible’ actually cost a retailer?People with disabilities, along with their friends and family, control roughly $18 trillion in spending power globally, according to the Return on Disability Group. Retail brands are underserving this group, often without realizing it.AudioEye's Digital Accessibility Index found that retail sites have some of the highest failure rates for accessibility standards across any industry. The issues aren't always visible to the average shopper: product images without descriptions, checkout forms that don't work with a keyboard, buttons a screen reader can't identify. But for customers who rely on assistive technology, these are the difference between completing a purchase and leaving the site entirely.The cost isn't just lost transactions. According to a 2020 Click-Away Pound Report, 69% of users with access needs will leave a website they find difficult to use, and 83% limit their shopping to sites they already know work for them. In a moment when retail brands are desperately trying to grow their online revenue to offset store closures, that's a significant pool of customers to be pushing away.Why AI is making this more urgent, not lessRetailers are building and rebuilding their digital experiences faster than ever, and AI is a major reason for that. Landing pages that used to take weeks now get launched in days. Product content scales without additional headcount. The speed is real, and the efficiency gains are also real.The problem is that AI-generated web experiences aren't automatically accessible to everyone. When teams move fast, and accessibility isn't part of the process, accessibility issues get baked into new pages at the same speed new pages get built.The result is a compounding problem: more pages, more issues, and customers with disabilities arriving at digital experiences that look fine on the surface but don't work for them in practice.The lawsuit risk sitting on top of the revenue riskRetailers that aren't thinking about accessibility as a business issue are almost certainly going to encounter it as a legal one. According to AudioEye’s research, 78% of accessibility lawsuits target online retailers, and filings have doubled since 2020.The research also found that 38% of companies sued in 2025 were already using an accessibility tool of some kind. The issue isn't that businesses aren't trying. It's that the tools many of them are using, often simple automated widgets, don't cover enough ground to hold up when it counts.For brands already navigating the retail apocalypse, an accessibility lawsuit is the last thing they can afford. Settlements typically run between $15,000 and $75,000 and rise with each recurrence. Class actions can reach into the millions.What actually worksThe retailers best positioned to weather this moment are the ones reprioritizing and rethinking their digital experience from the ground up, and accessibility is an often-overlooked place to start. A more accessible website also loads cleaner, navigates more clearly, and converts better across the board. According to AudioEye research, 58% of business leaders believe accessibility gives their brand a competitive edge, with 42% reporting increased web traffic and 35% reporting improved site navigation and overall user experience.There's also a discoverability angle that most retail teams haven't fully reckoned with yet. The same issues that create friction for users with disabilities — things like inconsistent navigation, unclear structure, and unlabeled interactions — make it harder for AI systems to interpret and surface a site's content. As nearly 60% of consumers now use AI tools when researching purchases, according to a UVA Darden report, an inaccessible site could be the difference between being found in an AI search and being completely left out.Retail has always rewarded the brands that meet customers where they are. Investing in digital accessibility is one of the clearest ways to do that, making sure that when customers arrive, whether through a search engine, an AI tool, or a direct link, the experience actually works for them. For an industry facing one of its most disruptive moments in decades, that could be the survival strategy hiding in plain sight.This story was produced by AudioEye and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Resignations, hirings and other Moline School District personnel news from April 27 See the personnel items from the April 27 agenda of the Moline-Coal Valley School District. The board met at the Moline Education Center, 1900 52nd Avenue in Moline.
	Stamp Out Hunger food drive returns Saturday across the Quad Cities United Way of the Quad Cities is teaming up with the U.S. Postal Service and other local partners this weekend to fight hunger—right from your own home.
	The rise of extreme weather and how it’s impacting power outages and fire watch needs The rise of extreme weather and how it’s impacting power outages and fire watch needsRecord-breaking heat is hitting the Southwest, with temperatures shattering historical benchmarks. As spring intensifies, atmospheric instability drives a volatile spring storm season across the central and southern United States.Extreme weather threatens more than comfort or convenience. It dismantles the electrical infrastructure that powers fire detection, suppression and alarm systems. Power-dependent fire safety measures go dark as the grid goes offline, leaving properties vulnerable. Here are insights from National Firewatch on how climate patterns and power outages cause on-site fire risk.Key TakeawaysExtreme weather translates into fire safety vulnerabilities through several critical links:Weather volatility: Supercharged storms exceed the thresholds the electrical infrastructure was designed to handle. This intensity causes widespread and prolonged power outages.Fire safety systems: Fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinkler pumps and emergency communication systems stop functioning when the grid goes offline.Fire hazards: Downed power lines become active ignition sources, while facilities lose the ability to detect or suppress fires electronically.Manual fire watch: During system failures, trained human monitors provide the only viable countermeasure for fire safety and regulatory compliance.The Impacts of Extreme WeatherA warmer atmosphere holds more moisture and energy, altering weather patterns. Each degree of warming allows air to hold roughly 7% more water vapor, acting as fuel for intense storms.Most of our country’s power infrastructure was engineered for the climate conditions of decades past, not for today’s changing weather. Grid infrastructure now operates at the edge of its tolerance limits during destructive weather events.Intense weather manifests in forms that directly threaten grid stability:Intense thunderstorms: Clusters of powerful storms produce damaging winds, lightning strikes and heavy rainfall that can persist for hours across wide regions.Derechos and straight-line winds: Fast-moving windstorms generate sustained hurricane-force gusts capable of snapping utility poles and toppling transmission towers.Flash and river flooding: Flooding substations and underground electrical equipment cause cascading failures and extensive repair work.Heat domes and temperature extremes: Prolonged periods of excessive heat cause power lines to sag and drive electricity demand for cooling.Drought conditions: Extended dry periods weaken tree root systems, making vegetation more susceptible to toppling onto power lines during moderate winds.Climate scientists anticipate a forward-looking threat amplifier that compounds these risks. According to the NOAA El Niño Watch, there’s a 62% chance of El Niño conditions emerging by summer, which can intensify drought in some regions while triggering destructive storm outbreaks in others.How Severe Weather Knocks the Power Grid OfflineUnderstanding the mechanisms of weather-related grid failures helps facility managers expect vulnerabilities and plan accordingly. Three primary pathways account for most outages during extreme weather events.1. High Winds, Storm Clusters and DerechosPhysical force from high winds represents the most common cause of weather-related power outages. Thunderstorms routinely produce gusts exceeding 60 mph, strong enough to snap tree limbs and hurl debris into power lines. Multiple intense storms tracking across the same region in quick succession can leave hundreds of thousands of customers without electricity for days through cumulative damage.Derechos — a widespread, long-lived windstorm associated with rapidly moving thunderstorm clusters — represent an extreme manifestation of wind-driven grid failure. These rare but devastating events produce sustained winds of at least 58 mph across paths stretching 240 miles or more. May through August sees 70% of all derecho occurrences.When one of these systems tracks through populated areas, the damage to electrical infrastructure can be catastrophic, knocking down thousands of utility poles and leaving entire metropolitan regions in the dark.2. Flooding, Substations and Cascading OutagesHeavy rainfall and flooding pose unique threats to electrical infrastructure. Substations with high-voltage transmission lines connecting to lower-voltage distribution networks often include ground-level equipment that is vulnerable to inundation. Automatic safety systems trigger shutdowns as floodwaters reach sensitive components, preventing electrocution hazards and equipment damage.For example, in 2012, Hurricane Sandy provided a stark illustration of grid failure driven by flooding in New York City. The record storm surge knocked out the Con Edison East 13th Street Substation, plunging lower Manhattan into darkness for days. This shows how a single flooded substation can cascade into widespread outages affecting hospitals, high-rise buildings and emergency services.Unlike wind damage that utilities can often repair within hours, flood-related electrical failures require extensive drying, testing and equipment replacement before power can be safely restored. Extended restoration timelines like these create prolonged periods when buildings must operate without technology-based fire safety systems.3. Heat Waves and Demand-Driven BlackoutsExtreme heat threatens grid stability through two distinct mechanisms. First, high temperatures cause power lines to expand and sag physically. Utilities must de-energize transmission lines that droop too close to vegetation or structures, preventing fires but resulting in intentional outages. Second, heat drives record electricity demand as millions of air conditioning units strain to cool buildings, pushing the grid toward its maximum capacity.Heat records underscore the growing severity of this threat. On March 18 and 19, 2026, multiple locations across the Southwest recorded temperatures that would have been virtually impossible without climate change. Heat waves now occur earlier than expected and at record-breaking temperatures. This can catch unprepared utilities and facility managers off guard during a time when power demand would traditionally be moderate. Courtesy of National Firewatch From Power Failure to Fire RiskA power outage systematically dismantles the fire safety infrastructure that modern facilities depend on. Immediate fire safety crises emerge from downstream effects:Downed power lines become active ignition sources: Storms that knock out electricity often leave energized lines on the ground or draped across vegetation. This can spark wildfires and structural fires until crews can de-energize and repair them.Fire alarm systems go silent: Fire alarms and smoke detection systems in buildings lose power, eliminating the electronic early warning that allows occupants to evacuate before conditions become deadly.Suppression systems become inoperable: Sprinkler systems that rely on electric pumps to maintain water pressure stop functioning. This removes the primary defense against fire spread in large commercial and residential buildings.Emergency communication networks go dark: Public address systems, emergency lighting and communication infrastructure that coordinates evacuation and emergency response all depend on continuous electrical power.This convergence of failures shows why preparing for fire watch during extreme weather has become a critical planning priority. Fire risks comparable to buildings constructed before modern safety codes existed now threaten facilities when all power-dependent fire safety measures fail simultaneously.The Eight-Week OutlookLate March through May marks the peak period for weather-related grid failures across much of the U.S. Official meteorological data, combined with known seasonal patterns, in this forecast, provides facility managers with a forward-looking risk assessment.Late March to Early AprilAn upper-level ridge producing record-challenging heat across the western U.S. is increasing electricity demand and fire-weather risk. It’s also speeding up early-season snowmelt in the western mountains. Power demand surges, which drive this early-season heat wave, stress grid capacity when utilities would traditionally have comfortable reserve margins.Facility managers in the southwestern states face a dangerous combination of elevated fire risk and strained grid capacity. Dry conditions and high temperatures turn vegetation into tinder, while the electrical infrastructure that powers fire suppression systems operates near its limits. Early-season heat also accelerates snowmelt in mountain ranges, which can later contribute to flooding downstream as runoff overwhelms river systems designed for more gradual spring thaws.Peak Risk in AprilApril historically brings elevated risk for intense thunderstorms, high winds and tornadoes. Across the Mississippi Valley and Gulf Coast states, billion-dollar weather disasters are increasingly common. Violent storm clusters account for a significant part of the economic damage.Winter-to-summer atmospheric transitions create instability during this seasonal weather peak, fueling explosive thunderstorm development. Resulting storms can knock out power across multistate regions, leaving properties without electronic fire protection for extended periods. Facility managers in these regions should be proactive, with fire watch contingency plans in place before storm season peaks.Late April to MayHeat domes can expand into late April and May, straining electrical grids and rapidly drying out vegetation. Driving temperatures above normal for weeks at a time, these persistent high-pressure systems trap heat near the surface.Extreme heat from climate change is increasingly threatening U.S. energy supply and reliability. By 2050, billions of dollars in economic value and up to 18% of U.S. generating capacity could be exposed to heat risk. Electrical infrastructure strain during heat dome events creates a vicious cycle. Increased cooling demand pushes the grid toward failure, while those failures disable the cooling systems and fire suppression equipment that buildings need most.Dangerous fire weather conditions also come from heat domes, combining high temperatures with low humidity and persistent winds. Fire danger escalates rapidly when these atmospheric patterns settle over regions experiencing drought. A single spark from damaged electrical equipment or a lightning strike can ignite vegetation that burns with exceptional intensity under these conditions.May and Tornado AlleyMay through early June marks the statistical peak for tornado activity in the central Plains. Significant risk of grid damage from destructive storms arrives during this period, with tornadoes often accompanied by large hail, damaging straight-line winds and flash flooding.Challenges from heat and violent thunderstorms that facility managers already face become compounded by the tornado threat. A single tornado can destroy transmission infrastructure across a miles-long path, while intense thunderstorms that spawn tornadoes knock out power across much wider areas through wind damage and lightning strikes. Entire regions can remain without power after the most intense tornado outbreaks, leaving facilities reliant on backup fire safety measures for extended periods.Why Fire Watch Becomes Essential When the Power Goes OutPower-dependent fire safety systems become inoperable during outages, making manual human monitoring the only viable countermeasure. Professional fire watch services address specific vulnerabilities:Inoperable fire detection: Electronic systems require continuous electrical power to function. Buildings lose the ability to detect fires in their early stages and suppress them before they spread as that power goes offline.Heightened fire hazards: Power outages often occur during intense weather events and create more fire risks, including downed power lines, lightning strikes and disrupted emergency services responding to multiple simultaneous incidents. Regular fire watch drills, scenario-based grid-outage risk assessments and staff cross-training all enhance resilience.Regulatory and compliance: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards require a fire watch during periods when electronic fire protection systems are impaired or out of service. Maintaining compliance during extended outages protects you from regulatory penalties.Critical need for human vigilance: Trained fire watch guards provide continuous, 24/7 monitoring to detect fires early. This ensures emergency services can be contacted immediately and that compliance with fire codes is maintained during outages of any duration.As outages become more common, regulators may tighten compliance windows and require digital logs of fire watch patrols. Fire watch personnel operate independently of electrical infrastructure, using visual patrols, communication equipment with backup power and direct coordination with emergency services to maintain fire safety when technology-based systems stop functioning. Continuing to function regardless of grid status, weather conditions or infrastructure damage, this human element provides a layer of protection.A New Era of PreparednessExtreme weather drives power failures, which disable the electronic systems that facilities depend on to detect and suppress fires. Relying solely on technology that requires uninterrupted electricity is no longer a sufficient safety strategy.Manual fire watch has become a fundamental part of resilient property management. As such, professional fire watch services are crucial for commercial properties and emergency scenarios, including residential facilities, hot worksites, construction zones and special events. Trained guards deliver continuous, 24/7 monitoring that operates independently of the grid, ensuring early fire detection and compliance with OSHA and NFPA standards during system outages.Preparedness must evolve as climate patterns intensify and grid vulnerabilities multiply. Fire watch may have once been a reactive measure reserved for emergencies, but now it’s a proactive safeguard that belongs in every modern facility safety plan.This story was produced by National Firewatch and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Colombia's rogue hippos could find refuge in India In Colombia, a plan to cull Pablo Escobar's invasive hippos is challenged by an Indian billionaire's offer to relocate dozens of the animals to India's wildlife reserve instead.
	Drivers: Traffic alerts for Scott County It's an Our Quad Cities News traffic alert. According to releases from the Scott County Road Department, Park View Dr. may be restricted to one lane of traffic between Scott Park Rd. and Manor Dr. for a roadway improvement project. The project is set to include curb replacement, pavement scarification and asphalt resurfacing. When restrictions [...]
	Dentist is charged with incompetence, sued for alleged malpractice The Aspen Dental clinic in Ankeny, Iowa. (Photo by Google Earth)An Ankeny dentist who is being sued for alleged malpractice is now facing disciplinary charges of professional incompetence. The Iowa Dental Board has charged Dr. Steven Yuan of Aspen Dental in Ankeny with failure to maintain a reasonably satisfactory standard of competency in the practice of dentistry, and with knowingly making misleading, deceptive, untrue, or fraudulent representations in the practice of the profession. As is customary with all of Iowa’s licensing board actions, the Iowa Dental Board has not publicly disclosed the alleged conduct that gave rise to the disciplinary charges, or stated when that conduct is alleged to have occurred. Board records indicate two investigations into Yuan’s conduct were initiated by the board at some point in 2023. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The board filed the charges against Yuan on Feb. 9, 2026, but they were only recently made public. A board hearing on the charges is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2026. Yuan and Aspen Dental are currently defendants in a civil lawsuit that was filed April 10, 2026, by Linda M. Clouser of Boone. The lawsuit alleges that on May 28, 2024, Clouser visited Aspen Dental in Ankeny and was examined by Yuan, who recommended the surgical extraction of all of her existing upper teeth in anticipation of a full upper-denture implant. The estimated cost of the treatment was $4,774 for tooth extractions and installation of the full upper denture. The lawsuit claims Yuan extracted 13 of Clouser’s teeth but failed to perform an adequate bone reduction or alveoloplasty to eliminate sharp, uneven bone so as to better ensure a stable, comfortable foundation for dentures. The lawsuit claims Clouser was left with painful and bloody gums that caused considerable distress and interfered with her ability to eat. The denture Yuan and Aspen Dental then provided Clouser interfered with her speaking, eating and swallowing; impeded her tongue movement, and “had an outrageous appearance,” the lawsuit claims. In June 2024, Yuan allegedly ordered a remake of the dentures to be fitted on July 1, 2024. However, the lawsuit claims, Clouser was in extreme pain and suffering from swelling in her mouth, and Yuan “would not see Ms. Clouser” when she arrived at the clinic that day. A different dentist, Dr. Marion Jane Blount, attempted to fit Clouser with the remade dentures but without success, the lawsuit claims, and then informed Clouser that Yuan said he couldn’t make any dentures of any kind for her “because her mouth was deformed.” The Aspen Dental staff had provided Clouser with a “CareCredit” account to pay for her dental procedures, although that expense was significantly increased by an interest rate of 19.90%, the lawsuit claims. Clouser allegedly asked for a refund from Aspen Dental but that request was denied. Clouser was later examined by other dental professionals who advised her that reconstructive oral surgery was necessary, the lawsuit claims. Yuan and his fellow defendants have yet to file a response to the lawsuit’s allegations, and a trial date has yet to be set. Yuan did not return messages Thursday from Iowa Capital Dispatch seeking comment for this story. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Your Weekly Michigan Political Brief Illustration by States Newsroom Endorsements State Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) on Thursday endorsed state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) in her race for the Democratic nomination to U.S. Senate. In addition to nailing down the endorsement of former U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow in her run for the Democratic nomination to U.S Senate, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) was also endorsed by the Detroit-based political organization the Original Eastside Slate, community leader Colleen Ochoa Peters and by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. Abdul El-Sayed, who is also seeking the Democratic endorsement for U.S. Senate, announced endorsements from Wayne County Commissioner Martha G. Scott and Detroit City Councilmember Denzel McCampbell. El-Sayed was also endorsed by The Black Slate, a group composed of members of the historic Shrine of the Black Madonna. The Michigan Education Association announced Monday its endorsements for Michigan’s congressional races, all Democrats. They include: Callie Barr in the 1st District, U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten in the 3rd District, state Sen. Sean McCann in the 4th District, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell in the 6th District, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink in the 7th District, U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet in the 8th District, former Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel in the 10th District, state Sen. Jeremy Moss in the 11th District, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib in the 12th District and state Rep. Donavan McKinney in the 13th District. The People’s Coalition announced endorsements this week for Kyle Blomquist as he seeks the Democratic nomination in the 1st Congressional District, William Lawrence as he seeks the Democratic nod in the 7th Congressional District and for U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib as she seeks reelection to the 12th Congressional District. Bath Township Supervisor Ryan Fewins-Bliss and Lansing City Councilwoman Clara Martinez endorsed Bridget Brink for the Democratic nomination in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. Indivisible Michigan 7th endorsed William Lawrence for the Democratic nomination in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) announced on Wednesday the endorsement of musician and Michigan native Ted Nugent as he seeks the Republican nomination for governor. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1564 has endorsed former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan in his independent bid for governor. Announcements Soummer Moore-Crawford officially launched her campaign May 1 for the Democratic nomination to Michigan’s 5th State House District, which is currently held by state Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park). In March, Weiss announced she would not seek a fourth term to represent the district, which is solidly Democratic and covers Northwest Detroit, Oak Park, and all of Royal Oak Township. Kiel Reid, Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 88th House District, will officially launch his campaign at a kickoff party at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 8. Reid is the sole Democrat in the August primary as he seeks to unseat incumbent state Rep. Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores) in November. Also of interest On Wednesday, Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball announced it shifted it’s race rating for Michigan’s 4th Congressional District from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican,” which the campaign of state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) says show “real momentum” as he seeks to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Holland Township). McCann is seeking the Democratic nomination in the August primary against former congressional staffer Diop Harris. Courtesy of Michigan Advance
	Travel nurse destinations to consider in 2026 Travel nurse destinations to consider in 2026The world of travel nursing is fast-moving and exciting. With hospitals in major states and cities nationwide needing skilled nurses, it's an opportunity to earn a good wage while exploring the world. It's easy to feel overwhelmed when looking at so many different places you could go. But these decisions should never be made lightly, and there's a lot to consider before embarking on a new adventure.If you're a nurse eager to experience something new or get a fresh start, you may be considering a nursing role in another state to learn new skills. Or, perhaps you want a healthy balance between work and the lifestyle and appeal of a reliable contract. Either way, finding the ideal travel destinations doesn't have to be stressful. In fact, it can be fun with the right information and guidance.How can nurses make these important decisions based on what truly matters? And are there options out there for people who want a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Below, Trustaff outlines several travel nurse destinations to consider in 2026 and the factors that may influence those decisions.There's an option for every need and personality just waiting to be found. Let’s take a look at some key considerations for selecting an ideal location and what makes our chosen places so special.What Makes a Location a Good Destination for Travel Nurses in 2026?There are many factors for nurses to weigh when choosing their ideal destination. It's not just about enjoying a new job. It's about taking all your needs into account, including your income and overall happiness. These selections were based on what matters most to all nurses. Courtesy of Trustaff Here are important qualities to look for in a travel nurse destination:Real income: This refers to the actual take-home pay nurses in these places can expect. A nurse who receives a good salary in a destination with high taxes and cost of living may not earn their target amount. High pay and a low cost of living can help provide a more comfortable standard of living.Mobility: Most of these chosen destinations are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), meaning nurses with an NLC can travel without obtaining additional licenses. For nurses ready to help others in new parts of the country, this provides the ultimate ease of travel.Demand and job stability: It's easy for travel nurses to find jobs in new places, only to discover that they're only needed due to a seasonal spike in healthcare. That's fine for nurses looking for short-term work. But some of these destinations have also been chosen based on factors like industrial infrastructure. This helps to provide better insight into long-term career prospects.Lifestyle and support: Having a high quality of life outside the workplace is crucial, especially in jobs like nursing. These chosen destinations consider things like nearby nature, culture, and adventure beyond the hospital ward. It's common for nurses to experience burnout, and having access to fresh air, socialization opportunities, and stimulation is important for reducing these risks.All of these criteria have been founded on strong data. However, data alone can't give you an ideal destination. It's important to remember and respect the fact that each person is different. Being a nurse is your calling, but there's more to you than clocking in and out. Think of these choices as a strong framework you can use to help build your personal career and life goals.Which States Offer the Highest Compensation for Travel Nurses?It's important to be comfortable in every way as a travel nurse. This includes being financially comfortable enough to enjoy a work and social life. While money isn't the only thing to consider, knowing which states offer the most generous compensation for travel nurses is a good starting point.As of May 4, 2026, the following states typically offer the highest pay for travel nurses, along with many other enticing aspects that may make them appealing to ambitious individuals.CaliforniaThere are many reasons to consider the Golden State. The average travel nurse salary in California is 15% above the national average, making it the leading place in terms of gross pay. The state also has strong nurse legislation in place, which stipulates mandated ratios for the number of assigned patients per nurse. This has contributed to the quality of patient care and nurse retention.That being said, with a high average salary comes higher costs. Travel nurses considering California should also remember that its housing market is one of the highest in the country. It also has a very high tax rate compared to some other states.MassachusettsIn Massachusetts, travel nurses can expect a salary that's 15% above the national average. Boston's travel nurse salary is 20% above the national average. The Massachusetts tax rate is generally a flat 5% rate on both earned and unearned income. It's a strong potential choice for registered nurses seeking a high salary and employment opportunities across multiple nursing specialties.However, it's important to note that some nurses have reported staff shortages and other challenges when working in this state.New YorkNew York generally offers travel nurse salaries that are 11% above the national average. There's also a great demand for nursing. The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) has directly addressed the immediate need for more staff in hospitals across the state.Travel nurses looking for a place to settle and build a long-term career may enjoy the New York lifestyle. But with the state's homeownership rates being extremely low, finding a fair-priced rental property may be a challenge. Like California and Massachusetts, New York is a strong option for nurses looking to add a more prestigious state to their resume.AlaskaTravel nurses who want to broaden their resumes or earn good money may consider Alaska. The state's salary is 17% above the national average. Its rental market fluctuates by area within the state. Because this state isn't part of the NLC, working as a nurse in Alaska may require an endorsement for a nursing license.Alaska is widely considered one of the most beautiful states to live in. From glaciers and mountains to lush forestry, it's one of those places that offers a once-in-a-lifetime living experience. It provides a tranquil and serene lifestyle between shifts for travel nurses looking for a memorable workplace environment.Best States for Travel Nurses for Smart Money and LifestyleNurses can quickly experience burnout. This can impact mental health, patient safety, and even the quality of care. It's one of the many reasons why finding the best states for travel nurses isn't just about the salary. States with lower salaries but potentially higher real income opportunities offer many advantages.Travel nurse destinations with lifestyle options away from their wards also offer that extra level of depth for a more rounded life in each state.Texas: The state of Texas doesn't have an individual income tax. This is an important consideration, as the travel nurse salary in Texas is 16% below the national average as of May 4, 2026. Taking the salary and lack of state income tax into account provides a more livable potential income. The state also boasts some of the largest medical centers in the country, like Houston's Texas Medical Center (TMC).Tennessee: Tennessee's cost of living and housing are both below the national average, which can be a huge benefit for travel nurses seeking good value for their salary. There's also no state income tax on wages. The state's deep musical history and mountains make it a rich and diverse place full of local landmarks and vibrant nightlife.Washington: Washington state is one of the most overlooked travel nurse destinations. While the state salary is 5% above the national average, Washington is yet another state without an income tax. The surrounding mountains, beaches, and forests make it a fantastic place for nurses to live and enjoy nature in peace.These states offer nurses a smart way to live comfortably. While salaries are lower, the lack of income tax and a lower cost of living offer appealing alternatives.Best Cities for Travel Nurses Based on GoalsThe best city for a travel nurse can largely depend on the kind of experience they want. Some travel nurses are looking for a few months of work, and others are looking to find a career and save some money while doing so. There's no wrong answer. Finding the right option may depend on each nurse's personality.Below are some of the best cities for travel nurses based on the following personality types.Nurses who want to save: Cities in Ohio, like Columbus and Cincinnati, can offer a lower cost of living than many other places. With the general salary across Ohio meeting the national average, nurses can put aside a decent amount of their pay for saving.Nurses who want adventure: Certain cities in Colorado, such as Denver or Colorado Springs, aren't likely to be the most cost-effective place to live. But the outdoor lifestyle and culture make them some of America's most livable cities for people of all ages. If you're an adventurous nurse who enjoys out-of-work activities, these locations may be ideal.Nurses seeking a seasonal role: Nurses seeking seasonal work with a fun lifestyle might consider Phoenix or Scottsdale. There's a high demand for nurses during winter, and many work there to help address seasonal shortages in Arizona.Nurses looking for a bucket-list experience: Wild-card options like Honolulu offer the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience some nurses may be craving. While competition for these travel nurse destinations is high, it's a role that's impossible to resist.Being a nurse is stressful but extremely rewarding. But it doesn't define your entire life. Considering what you want out of your career and life doesn't have to be mutually exclusive. There's nothing wrong with comparing destinations with other criteria that matter to you.The Challenges of Finding Travel Nurse Destinations Courtesy of Trustaff It's helpful to know what you want. However, having a clear idea of what you're not looking for in a travel destination is equally important. This can narrow your short list of dream destinations and help you find the right place. Some of the most common challenges travel nurses face when moving to different destinations include:The shortages of housing in many of the popular destination cities.A lack of support and friendship, which can lead to isolation and stress.Licensing delays or challenges with choosing NLC states.The potential burnout associated with night shifts in a new area.An excessively low or high census.Nurses shouldn't have to feel alone in arranging everything necessary for travel and work. Given the high levels of occupational stress and burnout in the industry, having proper support is vital. Working with a trusted and leading travel healthcare company can alleviate these issues. It can provide you with support in your travel, housing, and career development goals.Finding Your Next Travel Nurse Destination in 2026Nursing is a challenging and noble profession. After a long shift, it's easy to become isolated and forget to look after yourself. Finding the right choice of state or city for your next travel nurse destination is a chance to start over. There's no universal reason to decide to explore nursing options elsewhere. Whether it's to pay off debt, build up your resume, or shake up your social life outside of work, there's a destination for everyone.Take all of these factors into account and begin your exciting next step in travel nursing. As long as you're passionate about what you do and have a clear idea of what you want out of your career, you'll soon find your perfect next placement.This story was produced by Trustaff and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	CDC hantavirus outbreak classification lowest emergency activation level: Report The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has activated its 24/7 emergency center and classified hantavirus as the lowest activation level, according to a new report on Thursday evening.
	Eastern Iowa Community Colleges impacted by Canvas attack Thousands of schools and universities across the nation were affected by a cyberattack on Canvas, an assignment and grade-tracking site, yesterday. Black Hawk College and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges are among thousands of schools that use the program. Brandon Lange, Associate Dean of E-Learning and Educational Technology at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, spoke with Our [...]
	Police: Man believed gun was empty before teenage boy was shot A 15-year-old boy was shot in Clinton Thursday.
	The complete guide to multi-pass welding The complete guide to multi-pass weldingWelding is a process used in many global industries, from construction and energy to aerospace and maritime. It’s a vital and nuanced skill, making it a highly respected profession that requires years of training.One particular welding nuance is multi-pass welding. Often used on heavier materials and when a superior weld is necessary, this technique allows welders to fuse materials that might otherwise not be fit for welding.This complete guide by Meritus Gas Partners explores multi-pass welding, its uses, and its benefits.What Is Multi-Pass Welding?Multi-pass welding is a process that deposits several weld metal layers to completely fill a joint and create a stronger weld than a single-pass weld could create. Multi-pass welding requires carefully controlled heat input to minimize distortion, which becomes more likely with multiple passes. Proper heat management also ensures that each layer properly fuses.There are different types of passes in multi-pass welding. The first pass is called the root pass, which fuses the root of the joint. The fill passes follow the root pass to build up the weld body until it reaches its required thickness and strength. The final passes are the cap passes. These are used to complete the joint and ensure the weld meets the required visual standards.Every pass adds more heat to the joint, so heat control is vital. Improper heat management can lead to distortion and hydrogen cracking. It could also compromise the base metals’ mechanical properties.What Is Multi-Pass Welding Used For?Multi-pass welding is used on joints that need a strong, durable weld. It’s often used on thick metals and is essential for any materials thicker than 3/8 inch (9.5 millimeters). It can be used to repair thicker materials or build up more material to fill an area. It’s also commonly used on materials that are more sensitive to heat, as multiple passes can allow for better temperature control than a single pass can. Courtesy of Meritus Gas Partners Industries that commonly require multi-pass welding include:Construction: Multi-pass welding is used in the construction industry to weld heavy beams and structural components.Oil and gas: Pipelines that have to be exceedingly strong, some of which are underwater, may require multi-pass welding.Power generation: Many parts in power generation facilities require the strength and flexibility that multi-pass welding delivers.Aerospace: Multi-pass welding is ideal for light materials that must withstand strong forces.Maritime: Thick, heavy materials used in maritime operations like shipbuilding can benefit from the additional strength that multi-pass welding provides.Benefits of Multi-Pass WeldingThe key advantages of this welding technique are:Compatibility with thicker materials: The main benefit of multi-pass welding is that it facilitates the joining of thicker materials that would otherwise be unsuited to welding. It does this by creating stronger welds that improve a joint’s durability and integrity. It even improves the joint on a microscopic level, reducing grain size and enhancing the microstructure. Each new layer normalizes the grain structure of the previous layer, which improves its mechanical qualities, durability and strength.Lower risk of defects: Multi-pass welding also reduces the risk of defects, as the welder has more control over heat input and other parameters. With the ability to evaluate and address any minor issues between each pass, there’s much less pressure for the welder to deliver a perfect single pass.Advanced designs: Multi-pass welding also allows for more complex shapes. Without this technique, many structures would be impossible to build.Challenges of Multi-Pass WeldingMulti-pass welding poses several challenges, such as:Distortion: The additional heat required in multi-pass welding can cause the metal to contract and expand, leading to warping. Distortion is more likely in thinner or larger pieces.Cracking: Incorrect heat management, improper preheating or high residual stresses can cause the weld metal to crack. Certain materials are at additional risk due to hydrogen-induced cracking.Undercut: Multiple passes increase the risk of undercut, where the base metal is melted but not sufficiently filled by the weld metal, resulting in a weakened material.Trapped porosity and slag: Insufficient cleaning between passes, incorrect travel speed or improper shielding can cause porosity or slag to become trapped.Lack of fusion: Caused by an incorrect torch angle, improper travel speed or ineffective heat management, the weld metal may fail to fuse to the previous layers or the sidewall, weakening the entire weld.Time and cost: Multiple passes require more time and resources than single-pass welding.Different Multi-Pass Welding TechniquesMulti-pass welding can use one of several techniques. Courtesy of Meritus Gas Partners MIG Welding (GMAW)Metal inert gas welding, also called gas metal arc welding, uses a wide electrode to heat the two metals to be joined. The electrode is fed through the welding gun at a continuous speed. As it’s fed through, it melts to form the weld metal. An inert gas is also used to create a shield around the weld. Argon, helium and carbon dioxide are commonly used.MIG is one of the fastest welding techniques with a high deposition rate, helping reduce the additional time that multi-pass welding demands. It’s also an efficient technique for filling larger joints and is commonly used on steel and aluminum. For the best results, MIG welding requires consistent travel speeds.TIG Welding (GTAW)Tungsten inert gas, or gas tungsten arc welding, uses gases to protect the weld material like MIG welding does, although MIG and TIG processes vary from there. Rather than a consumable electrode, TIG welding uses a nonconsumable tungsten electrode to create the arc that heats the metal. A separate weld material is then added.This technique requires excellent control and skill, and although TIG welding is slower than MIG welding, it delivers superior results. That’s why it’s often used for thin materials or applications where a superior weld is vital. Common uses of this technique include pressure vessels, airplanes and maritime applications. It’s also regularly used on steel or titanium.Stick Welding (SMAW)Shielded metal arc welding, commonly referred to as stick welding or arc welding, is a versatile technique. It doesn’t require a welding gun and instead uses a consumable electrode rod, which creates the arc and heat for the filler material to weld the materials. The electrode rod is coated in flux that produces carbon dioxide to prevent oxidation or contamination. Specifically, either E6010 or E6011 electrodes are used for the root passes, while E7018 electrodes are used for fill and cap passes.Since stick welding doesn’t require a welding gun, it’s seen as the most accessible welding technique and often chosen for outdoor welding. It’s also a simple — and usually less expensive — approach that doesn’t require as much skill as some other welding techniques.Flux Core Welding (FCAW)Fast and highly portable, flux core welding, also known as flux-cored arc welding, can operate at various voltage levels and angles. This is one of the most efficient welding techniques, with the joined metals cooling quickly. It is also commonly used outdoors, making it perfect for construction projects, particularly those operating in windy conditions.How to Multi-Pass Weld on Different Base MaterialsWhile the process doesn’t inherently change, you may have to adapt your technique to ensure you’re working with your base material’s unique properties in mind.Stainless SteelStainless steel is particularly sensitive to heat and can become sensitized if it gets too hot. Multi-pass welding can help reduce the heat used. Welding with a faster travel speed helps keep the temperature down, and multiple passes give the welder more control over the temperature. Clean the metal between passes to prevent contamination, and if necessary, allow the metal to cool.Carbon SteelSteel that has at least 0.3% carbon should be preheated before welding, and the temperature should be carefully monitored between each pass. For higher-strength grades of steel, use low-hydrogen welding techniques, such as TIG. Beware of hardening and distortion after each pass.High-Strength AlloysHigh-strength alloys can quickly lose their properties when they become too hot but can fail to fuse effectively if they’re too cold. That’s why it’s vital to stay within the narrow heat range specified for each base material.How to Plan and Execute Your Multi-Pass WeldA successful multi-pass weld requires proper preparation and careful execution.Select the welding technique: Decide which technique is best based on the location and application of the weld.Determine the number of passes: Evaluate the joint thickness and design, as well as the diameter of your electrode or wire, to estimate how many passes will be required.Consider preheat requirements: Certain materials, such as high-carbon steels or thicker metals, will require preheating.Create an effective sequence: Use back-stepping to minimize the risks of distortion or cracking. Apply balanced welding to maintain structural integrity and reduce warping.Prepare the joint: Create a smooth and clean bevel of the correct angle, ensuring that it’s free of any contaminants, such as oil, paint or rust.Root pass: Apply a weaving motion for open root joints using a smaller electrode or wire. Ensure proper penetration for the best results.Fill passes: Cover half of the previous pass with the next pass while maintaining good fusion with previous layers and sidewalls.Cap passes: Create a smooth appearance that meets the required visual standards by carefully controlling the weld. Maintain proper reinforcement, around 1/16-1/8 inch above base metal.Multi-Pass Welding Best PracticesWhile you may have to adapt your technique at times, some best practices can be applied to any multi-pass welding process.Choose the Right Welding TechniqueSome welding techniques are better suited to certain situations than others, so choosing the best technique can deliver better results. To find the right technique for your application, consider:What materials you’re welding.How thick the materials are.Whether speed or quality is a higher priority.Which weld properties are required.Adjust Parameters When NecessaryTo ensure the best results, remember that you may need to adjust your parameters from one pass to the next. After each pass, consider whether you need to adjust the voltage, current or travel speed of the next pass.Clean Between PassesFor a strong and smooth weld, clean the joint between each pass. Remove any slag with a wire brush and chipping hammer, paying special attention to the toe areas of the previous pass. Clean until bright metal is visible.Manage the TemperatureManaging the temperature is one of the most important steps to prevent distortion. Monitor the temperature of the joint after each pass with infrared thermometers or other temperature indicators. Typically, the temperature shouldn’t exceed 350-400 Fahrenheit, although this may vary from one application to the next. If the temperature is higher than desired, allow the metal to cool until it’s below the limit.Inspect Your WorkBetween each pass, check for undercut, porosity or incomplete fusion. It’s much easier to repair these defects immediately after they occur, rather than after you’ve made several more passes, so resolve any issues before moving to the next pass.Multi-Pass Welding FAQsSince multi-pass welding differs from single-pass welding in many ways, there are often questions on how to achieve the best results with this technique.How Many Passes Are Required in Multi-Pass Welding?The number of passes needed in multi-pass welding varies from one application to the next. A V-groove joint in a half-inch plate will likely need three to five passes, while the same joint in a 1-inch plate may need 10 or more passes. Other factors, such as the nature of the material, the angle, and the travel speed, will affect how many passes are needed.What Causes Defects in Multi-Pass Welding?Defects in multi-pass welding can be caused by many things, such as:Improper slag or contaminant removal between passes.Incorrect heat and parameter management.Incorrect method choice.Poor technique.Incorrect electrode or wire selection.Can All Welding Processes Be Used for Multi-Pass Welding?All common welding processes can be applied to multi-pass welding, although not every process can be applied to every application, just like with single-pass welding.What Is Porosity?Porosity occurs when gas pockets form in the molten weld metal. As the metal cools and solidifies, these gas pockets become trapped and create cavities in the weld. This weakens the weld and can compromise its integrity.These gas pockets can either be visible on the surface or hidden underneath it.How Do Multiple Passes Improve Weld Quality?Welding with multiple passes can improve the overall weld quality by giving the welder the opportunity to remove or fix defects after each pass. With single-pass welding, the welder can’t fix the defects or further strengthen the weld with additional metal layers. The welder can also control the temperature and other parameters more closely with multiple passes, allowing them to deliver a better final weld.Achieving Superior Welds With Multi-Pass WeldingMulti-pass welding is a vital process in many applications. With various techniques that can be applied to different scenarios to deliver the best results, multi-pass welding requires in-depth knowledge and skill to perform well. However, if applied correctly, multi-pass welding can offer many benefits and superior results, and help fuse materials that might otherwise not be suitable for welding.This story was produced by Meritus Gas Partners and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	QC 4-H members shine at state livestock judging contest Youth from Knox, Warren, and Henderson counties delivered standout performances at the 2026 Illinois 4‑H State Livestock Judging Contest, held April 27 on the University of Illinois campus, a news release says. This year’s contest saw 250 participants, marking a 38% increase from last year as interest in livestock evaluation continues to grow. Severe weather postponed the in‑person [...]
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	'Blue Film' is a disquieting sit for both characters and audience Blue Film is clearly designed to be unsettling. Its performances are haunting.
	Need readers? New tech-eyewear collaboration makes fashion functional (BPT) - If you're in the market for reading glasses to make your work and leisure activities easier, you might think you have to sacrifice style for practicality. The good news is, readers have come a long way. You can find more choices today than ever before — including the results of a new collaboration that merges technology that makes everyday life easier with the best in stylish eyewear design: Sharper Image x Foster Grant.Soft tech meets the soft life movementThis new partnership combines Foster Grant's proven expertise and originality in eyewear design with the innovative, user-friendly tech approach of Sharper Image. By joining forces, the brands have created elegant, everyday solutions for readers people need for work as well as for simply enjoying their daily lives. Their new readers are perfect not just for engaging with digital devices, but also for slowing down and reading, doing crafts or engaging in other hobbies involving near-vision tasks.Advanced technology that makes life easier These trusted leaders in their respective industries have developed four new collections of readers to meet the moment by satisfying both form and function, using cutting-edge tech and intentional design to combine ease of use with a definite sense of style.Reader with Flashlight Case: It will be easy to protect your wearable and slim new reading glasses, because they come with an efficiently designed, protective hard case. Even better, you'll help protect your vision thanks to the case's built-in compact flashlight that's perfect for reading in low lighting.Reader with Magnetic Sun Clip: You'll get double your value with these sleek clip-on sunglasses. Their quick-and-easy magnetic design makes it easy to switch from your readers to polarized shades while you're out and about.Compact Reader: When you're on the go, it's easy to worry about losing or breaking your readers. Worry no more, as these slim foldable readers come with an innovative, ultra-thin case. The glasses snap into the case for added security, making these glasses easy to carry — and they're great for travel.Tech Reader: Designed to tie back to the Sharper Image philosophy to make health and self-care effortless and intuitive in everyday life by merging thoughtful design with clever functionality, these stylish frames incorporate contemporary design with an emphasis on material and innovative frame features. Their memory metal and flex stainless steel elements ensure an optimal fit and comfort for wearers."We're always exploring new ways to push the limits of eyewear and meet the needs of the current moment, and we saw those same values reflected in Sharper Image," said Mark Flanagan, Director of Design, Foster Grant. "We combined Foster Grant's expertise in the eyewear space with the decades of experience Sharper Image has in integrating technology into everyday life and wellness. These new reader styles result from an optimal combination of technology and design, creating stylish, functional products to enhance your life."These new tech-enhanced options mean you'll never look at your readers the same way again. Learn more about the innovative features and seamless tech integration of the Sharper Image x Foster Grant collaboration, including where you can find these new readers, at https://www.fostergrant.com/collections/sharper-image-x-foster-grant.
	Why kids who love dinosaurs may be smarter than we think Why kids who love dinosaurs may be smarter than we think A child who falls completely in love with dinosaurs has a way of turning everyone around them into an accidental expert. Researchers who study early childhood development have been paying close attention to children who develop that kind of devoted interest in one subject. And what they are learning is helping explain why these early passions can offer important clues about how children begin building knowledge and confidence as they grow.Why Dinosaur Obsessions Are So CommonMost parents of a dinosaur-obsessed child can recall the exact moment they realized their 4-year-old knew more about prehistoric life than they did.The questions come fast, the facts come faster, and before long, family dinner sounds less like casual conversation and more like a nature documentary. And the appeal makes perfect sense. Dinosaurs are enormous, and they have been extinct for millions of years, which makes them endlessly fascinating to young minds eager to understand the world around them.Paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara, director of Rowan University's Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park, has talked about the particular pull these creatures have on children, pointing out that mastering dinosaur knowledge gives kids a rare sense of authority over something vast and complex.“Their parent may be able to name three or four dinosaurs, and the kid can name 20,” Lacovara told CNN, “and the kid seems like a real authority.” Experts say this combination of scale, mystery, and the thrill of knowing more than the adults around them helps explain why dinosaurs become such an all-consuming subject for many young children.Below, Sandbox VR explores how focused childhood interests can support learning and curiosity development.What Researchers Mean by ‘Intense Interests’Researchers who study early childhood development have a specific name for what parents often describe as an obsession, and it turns out there is real science behind it.They call it an "intense interest," and it refers to a focused, all-consuming passion for one particular subject that begins to shape nearly everything about how a child engages with the world around them, from the books they reach for to the questions they ask at the dinner table.Research from Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin found that somewhere between 30% and 50% of preschool-age children develop one of these strong interests at some point, with dinosaurs consistently ranking among the most common examples.Dr. Joyce Alexander, who led much of this research at Indiana University, found that these interests are not random. "The child's personal characteristics do have some effect on the kinds of interests these children develop, but parents clearly play a significant role," she noted, pointing to how the home environment shapes what a child feels free to explore and build on.How Dinosaur Interests Support LearningKnowing why a child locks onto a subject is one thing, but understanding what that focus actually does for their developing brain is where the research gets interesting.The 2008 study "The Development of Conceptual Interests in Young Children," conducted by Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin, found that children who sustain an intense interest show stronger memory, better attention spans, greater persistence, and more advanced language skills than children without a focused interest.Kelli Chen, a pediatric psychiatric occupational therapist at Johns Hopkins, told CNN that "asking questions, finding answers, and gaining expertise is the learning process in general." For young children, play is how that process happens, and an intense interest gives that play a much sharper sense of purpose.Dinosaurs as a Gateway to STEM ThinkingLoving dinosaurs turns out to be surprisingly good training for thinking like a scientist. Children who follow this interest naturally start sorting species by what they ate, how they moved, and when they lived, which is exactly the kind of organizing and categorizing that forms the foundation of scientific thinking.Dr. Richard K. Stucky, a curator at the Denver Museum of Natural History, has described dinosaurs and fossils as "the window through which most kids and many adults now get their first introduction to science," adding that paleontology "inspires a wealth of curiosity about ancient life."Sierra Lawrence builds on that idea about curiosity, pointing out that dinosaur-obsessed kids have “strong, abstract minds” because they are “fascinated by something they can’t see or touch.” She adds that these children “build a whole different world just from pieces of evidence,” and that “when parents encourage this kind of curiosity, it helps grow their kids’ imagination and love for learning.”Children exploring this subject are touching biology, earth science, and cause-and-effect thinking long before anyone formally introduces those concepts to them in a classroom, and they are doing it because they actually want to know the answers.Why Curiosity Matters More Than the Topic ItselfDinosaurs happen to be one of the most common subjects children lock onto, but plenty of kids channel that same level of focus into trains, insects, horses, space, or planes, and the developmental benefits appear to be just as strong regardless of the subject.Research from Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin found that the real value lies in the sustained curiosity itself, not the topic it happens to be attached to.Dr. Joyce Alexander, whose research tracked children from preschool through their early school years, found that early intense interests can shape how children see themselves as learners and can even influence the activities they pursue and the paths they consider later in life.For parents trying to understand where their child's passion comes from, her research suggests that it is rarely just one thing, noting that "it's realizing that these play patterns that we're seeing are just a reflection of this interesting confluence of child characteristics, home characteristics, and parental attitudes and beliefs."The Role of Immersive Learning ExperiencesGiven how much the environment around a child shapes their curiosity, many parents look for ways to build on that natural drive through experiences that bring a subject to life rather than just describing it.Museums, science centers, and hands-on exhibits give children a chance to engage with topics they love in ways that feel less like learning and more like exploration. And technology has since opened up a new layer of that entirely.Fully immersive, interactive experiences can now let children step into worlds they have only ever read about, such as exploring lifelike prehistoric environments alongside friends and family. Research on early childhood education shows that hands-on, interactive environments help children understand and retain information far better than passive forms of learning alone.Lucy Stirn, director of youth education at the International Spy Museum, has pointed out that education has become so focused on benchmarks and test scores that "we have moved away from remembering that not all children learn the same way and that learning can and should be fun."For curious kids, experiences that meet them where their interests already live tend to be the ones that stick.What This Means for ParentsFor any parent who has ever sat through a 40-minute explanation of why the Spinosaurus was bigger than the T. rex, this research offers something reassuring. A child's obsession with one subject, whether it is dinosaurs, trains, bugs, or space, is far more likely to be a sign of healthy, active learning than anything to worry about. Not every child who loves dinosaurs will grow up to be a paleontologist, and that was never the point. The real takeaway, according to researchers, is that the curiosity, persistence, and focus a child builds during these passionate early years tends to stay with them long after the interest itself fades.As Elizabeth Chatel, a marriage and family therapist, told CNN, "It's just that life gets busy and the world opens up, and other interests start to engage them." The obsession may pass, but simply sharing in a child's enthusiasm and showing real interest in what they love is often what keeps that curiosity alive the longest.This story was produced by Sandbox VR and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Free 'Stop the Scammers' roadshow comes to Davenport - sign up here The Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services’ “Stop the Scammers” roadshow, in partnership with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and AARP Iowa, will visit Davenport on Tuesday, May 12, according to a news release. The educational campaign and roadshow seeks to educate Iowans on scams impacting the state and how Iowans can best protect [...]
	New Mexico health officials reassure residents about hantavirus risk following cruise ship outbreak New Mexico public health officials say the deer mouse is one of the reservoirs and transmitters of hantavirus in New Mexico. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)Following a swell of interest in hantavirus after a cruise ship outbreak last week, New Mexico health officials seek to reassure residents that human-to-human transmission risk remains extremely low.SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A hantavirus outbreak sickened at least eight people on a Dutch cruise ship, according to the World Health Organization, resulting in three deaths. Health officials identified the virus as the Andes strain, which is found in Chile and Argentina. It is the only hantavirus strain to have documented person-to-person transmission, but spread is rare and usually linked to close contact over time. More than 30 strains of hantaviruses exist and can cause serious respiratory conditions after infection, according to New Mexico Department of Health officials. “Prevention is always important here in New Mexico because it does circulate in rodents here,” Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Erin Phipps told Source NM. “I do want to emphasize that the Sin Nombre virus, the virus that circulates in New Mexico, does not transmit person-to-person. It transmits only from rodents to humans.” So far, the state has reported only one case in 2026. Phipps said no New Mexicans were reported to be on the cruise ship, according to NMDOH. New Mexico leads the nation in hantavirus infections reported over years. Between 1975 and 2025, New Mexico reported 142 Sin Nombre hantavirus cases resulting in 55 deaths, according to the state’s health department. The disease was the cause of the high-profile death of Betsy Arakawa, the classical pianist married to actor Gene Hackman, who were both found dead in their Santa Fe home last year. Flu-like symptoms of the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome typically develop within one to six weeks from exposure, and can progress into a severe illness. There is no specific treatment for hantavirus, only supportive treatment to reduce fever and ease symptoms, Phipps said. The biggest threat to contracting hantavirus in New Mexico remains coming into contact with infected droppings or nests. The NMDOH has a step-by-step guide to preventing contraction of hantavirus, which includes always using a mask and gloves for contact with rodents and soaking nests and droppings with a disinfectant such as a 10% bleach solution before wiping them up with paper towels. The guide states to never vacuum or sweep up rodent droppings because that can spread virus particles, which can then be inhaled. “I think it’s important to make sure that we provide accurate information to the public so that they know how to best protect themselves,” Phipps said. Courtesy of Source New Mexico
	Court rejects Virginia redistricting in a blow to Democrats' counter to Trump, GOP Virginia voters approved redistricting that could help Democrats pick up four House seats. Democrats said it was to counter the gains that Trump and the GOP have picked up in Republican-led states.

Friday, May 8th, 2026