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

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
	Autopsy finds Cuban immigrant in ICE custody died of homicide due to asphyxia A Cuban migrant held in solitary confinement at an immigration detention facility in Texas died after guards held him down, according to an autopsy report released Wednesday that ruled the death a homicide.
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
	No.10 Pleasant Valley defeats No.8 Bettendorf boys wrestling 36-34 Pleasant Valley defeats Bettendorf boys wrestling in a close one 36-34.
	Dozens speak on their issues with power plant proposal in Scott County Dozens of people gathered at the Eldridge library with a message, 'say no to CIPCO.' The Scott County Board of Supervisors is considering a new natural gas power plant, in between Maysville and Hickory Grove. However some say it is better off in an urban area. "We think they belong probably in town, where you've [...]
	Quad Cities schools preparing for cold weather With frigid temperatures set to hit the Quad Cities on Friday, school districts are preparing for what they will do.
	Scott County residents rally against proposed natural gas power plant The plant, operated by Central Iowa Power Cooperative, would turn on when the demand for power is highest.
	Residents call for Scott County to reject proposed natural gas plant near Maysville Barbara Holtz has COPD, asthma, and emphysema. She lives across the road from the land proposed for a natural gas plant and wants the supervisors to reject it.
	No injuries reported following Davenport house fire No injuries were reported following a house fire in Davenport. Firefighters were called to the home on Eastern Ave. near Locust St. around 7:00 p.m. January 21. Crews saw flames coming from the back of the home when they got there. No one was home at the time of the fire. There's extensive damage on [...]
	2 displaced after crews battle fire on Eastern Avenue amid harsh weather conditions Fire crews responded to the 1900 block of Eastern Avenue in Davenport Wednesday night.
	Winds HOWLING in the Quad Cities right now It is loud outside right now! The wind really picked up in the Quad Cities Wednesday evening...with a gust over 50 mph between 7 and 8pm. There's a Wind Advisory until midnight, with the potential for more 50 mph wind gusts! This makes it feel colder than it is too. Right now temps are in [...]
	Country Manor, Davenport, will present free memory care session Country Manor Memory Care, 900 W. 46th St., Davenport, will host a free memory-care informational presentation from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26. The public is welcome. Country Manor Memory Care is managed by Health Dimensions Group, a leading management and consulting organization based in Minneapolis serving senior living, post-acute, and long-term care providers, as well as hospitals [...]
	Crews battle fire on Eastern Avenue amid harsh weather conditions Fire crews responded to the 1900 block of Eastern Avenue in Davenport Wednesday night.
	Confused by all the notices issued for intense winter weather? Here's your guide The National Weather Service issues a litany of notices before and during inclement weather events. They can be important signals on how to respond.
	Scott County residents voice concerns over proposed natural gas power plant Community group holds public meeting to discuss environmental and health impacts of CIPCO facility near Maysville
	For-sale sign appears at former Quad-City Times building in Davenport Now that the Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus has moved from Davenport to East Moline, a for-sale sign is in place at the former Quad-City Times building, 500 E. 3rd St., in Davenport. The Quad City Times building had been at that location since 1989. In December, the Quad-City Times moved its offices to 1033 7th St., East [...]
	Snow Squall Warning until WED 7:15 PM CST Intense Snow Squall with Whiteout Conditions Until 7:15 PM CST
	Tips to get your car ready for winter weather With temperatures expected to drop below zero in the upcoming days, here’s how you can get your car ready for the cold.
	UI Health Care’s AirCare base brings faster critical care to Quad Cities AirCare’s new Davenport helicopter base expands critical‑care access and speeds emergency response for Quad Citians through its direct connection to University of Iowa Health Care.
	Iowa bill would require state to use federal database to confirm immigration status for driver's licenses Republican Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink, of Fort Dodge, said the legislation is necessary to codify the use of SAVE or another verification program to ensure the DOT is verifying immigration status.
	Davenport food pantry volunteer shares recipes, samples with visitors Donna Sweeney's recipes only use food that's available at the YWCA Empowerment Center food pantry, bringing variety and flavor for visitors.
	Davenport food pantry volunteer shares recipes, samples with visitors Donna Sweeney's recipes only use food that's available at the YWCA Empowerment Center food pantry, bringing variety and flavor for visitors.
	Quad Cities musicians to hold memorial concert for late QC Rock Academy founder Greg Hipskind Proceeds from the Feb. 14 benefit concert will go toward the Hipskind family. You can also support the family through an ongoing shirt fundraiser.
	Muscatine fire department trains future responders through Explorers program The Muscatine Fire/EMS Explorers group gives kids ages 14-21 hands-on training, experience with equipment and time with working firefighters and EMS workers.
	Iowa House passes ban on eminent domain for CO2 pipelines The Iowa House of Representatives has passed a bill that would ban the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines on private land.
	Extreme Cold Watch for Quad Cities on Friday - what does that mean exactly? As we get closer to Friday, things are NOT looking any better for the bitter cold that's moving in. Friday morning temps will dip down to around -10°, but a fierce wind will send wind chills down to -35°! Even the best case scenario would have wind chills down around -23°! Frostbite and other health [...]
	Meet the Muscatine Fire/EMS Explorers Kids 14-21 are able to get hands-on training, experience with firefighting equipment and time with real Muscatine firefighters and EMS workers.
	Collaboration to expand Burlington business park announced The Greater Burlington Partnership (GBP) and Great River Health on Wednesday announced a collaboration to expand the Flint Ridge Business Park, a news release says. Through this partnership, Great River Health has agreed to list 24 acres adjacent to the business park with GBP's commercial broker, paving the way for the largest expansion of the [...]
	A massive winter storm will hit large parts of the U.S. through the weekend A large storm system is expected to hit this weekend, with snow and ice from Texas to the Carolinas and up the Eastern seaboard. The winter system could bring more than a foot of snow.
	Help empower youth with Big Brothers Big Sisters' Putt-A-Round Enjoy exciting mini-golf, food, music and networking opportunities and help empower youth, support mentoring programs and build brighter futures! Michelle LeMoine from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about the 2026 Putt-A-Round. For more information, click here.
	Special Weather Statement until WED 6:15 PM CST Strong Snow Showers Bringing Low Visibility and Hazardous Travel Conditions This Evening
	New legislation could make buying a first home in Illinois easier A new bill aims to make first-time home buying more affordable for buyers in Illinois.
	Historic donation places Towhead Island under community stewardship The donation is among the most significant conservation-focused philanthropic gestures in the Muscatine region’s history. Here's what will happen to Towhead Island.
	Free blood pressure, cholesterol checks planned across QCA Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Throughout February, UnityPoint Health will offer the free checks at three Quad City locations and Muscatine.
	Stolen vehicle crashes into Rock Island homeowner’s fence, house An SUV drove off the road, striking a Rock Island homeowner’s fence and house
	High School basketball games rescheduled ahead of severe cold Officials said the varsity boys and girls basketball doubleheader against North Scott is rescheduled for Thursday, according an X post.
	Quad Cities musicians to hold memorial concert for late QC Rock Academy founder Greg Hipskind Proceeds from the Feb. 14 benefit concert will go toward the Hipskind family. You can also support the family through an ongoing shirt fundraiser.
	Monmouth College gets $5 million gift from alumni couple Bill and Beverly Goldsborough's donation will fund campus-wide digital upgrades, student housing, the removal of vacant buildings and more.
	Warming centers and emergency shelters open up across the QCA First Alert Days are in effect for wind chills near -40 degrees possible heading into the weekend.
	This flash fiction author from Oskaloosa wants you to write your own story Grant Faulkner will be at Beaverdale Books in Des Moines on Jan. 23 to promote “something out there in the distance,” a novel written in the flash fiction style.
	Here’s what is in new Iowa plan to limit property tax increases Iowa House Republicans have released a plan that would limit property tax increases.
	Iowa bakery, bar and chefs named semifinalists for 2026 James Beard Awards The prestigious James Beard Awards, which recognize culinary excellence in the U.S., released its list of 2026 semifinalists. It includes a bakery in Iowa City, a cocktail bar in Des Moines and chefs at two Des Moines restaurants.
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: REGGION ANDERSON, 24, 5'9", 120 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Wanted by Iowa DOC High Risk Unit for escape and probation violation on a [...]
	78-year-old airlifted after truck, train crash Deputies said a 78-year-old man from Princeton, Illinois, was driving a truck north of East Street when it crashed with an Iowa Interstate train.
	Recetas saludables para la vida diaria: Desayunos nutritivos, energéticos e inspirados en huevos que ahorran tiempo (Family Features) Al planificar las comidas, especialmente los desayunos, hay algunos factores críticos que muchas familias consideran: sabor, simplicidad y nutrición. Comer más sano no tiene por qué ser complicado ni estar fuera de nuestro alcance. Con la inspiración adecuada, la comida saludable puede ser deliciosa, nutritiva y conveniente. Al elegir ingredientes como los huevos, que son fáciles de usar y versátiles, puede hacer que la vida saludable se adapte a su vida en la mesa del desayuno como parte de una dieta equilibrada. Por ejemplo, estas recetas inspiradas en huevos son parte de la iniciativa Healthy for Good Eat Smart de la American Heart Association, apoyada a nivel nacional por Eggland's Best. Además de los beneficios sociales y emocionales de comer juntos, las comidas familiares compartidas pueden ayudar a promover opciones más saludables en la mesa. Con el respaldo de consejos de expertos en nutrición, recetas como quiche de pavo, tocino y espinacas con costra de batata son saludables, sabrosas y rápidas, perfectas para los días de semana ocupados o en cualquier momento en que necesite un impulso nutritivo. La corteza de batata ofrece una versión más saludable de las cortezas preparadas o tradicionales hechas con mantequilla, y se puede servir con rodajas de melón dulce o bayas para darle un toque adicional de dulzura. Para un plato rico en proteínas cualquier día de la semana, el revuelto de claras de huevo con brócoli y queso sobre muffins ingleses integrales puede ayudarle a resolver el ajetreo de la mañana. O para ahorrar realmente tiempo, estos “muffins” de huevo con salchicha de pavo y champiñones se pueden preparar durante el fin de semana y congelar o refrigerar para tener comidas rápidas para llevar durante la semana. Recuerde que una alimentación saludable no se trata sólo de un alimento: se trata de una combinación de ingredientes saludables para crear comidas completas. Por ejemplo, los huevos pueden incluirse como parte de una dieta saludable para el corazón que enfatice verduras, frutas, frijoles, nueces y semillas, granos integrales, proteínas magras y pescado, según la American Heart Association. Comer huevos junto con alimentos ricos en grasas saturadas, como tocino, es diferente a comer huevos con verduras al vapor, cereales integrales o una guarnición de fruta. Para encontrar más consejos y recetas de alimentación saludable que le ayuden a comer de forma inteligente, moverse más y vivir de forma más saludable, visite Heart.org. Quiche de tocino de pavo y espinacas con costra de batata Receta cortesía de la American Heart Association con el apoyo de Eggland's Best Porciones: 5 Aerosol antiadherente para cocinar 1 batata mediana, pelada 1 cucharadita de aceite de canola o de maíz 1 cebolla amarilla mediana, cortada en cubitos 6 rebanadas de tocino de pavo sin curar, sin nitratos, cortado en rodajas finas 10 onzas de espinacas picadas congeladas, descongeladas 3/4 cucharadita de eneldo seco, desmenuzado 1/4 cucharadita de sal 1/4 cucharadita de pimienta recién molida 4 claras de huevo grandes 2 huevos grandes 1/4 taza de leche descremada 1 1/2 cucharadas de queso feta sin grasa Precaliente el horno a 400 F. Rocíe ligeramente un molde para pastel de 9 pulgadas con aceite en aerosol antiadherente. En un tazón mediano, utilizando un rallador de caja, ralle la batata. Mida 2 tazas. Presione suavemente la batata en el fondo y los lados del molde, formando una costra. La batata quedará suelta pero se mantendrá unida una vez cocinada. Hornee durante 20 minutos o hasta que la corteza esté cocida. Retirar del horno. Dejar reposar para enfriar. Reducir la temperatura del horno a 350 F. En una sartén mediana, caliente el aceite a fuego medio-alto, removiendo para cubrir el fondo. Cocine la cebolla durante 6 minutos, o hasta que esté casi translúcida, revolviendo con frecuencia. Añada tocino de pavo. Cocine durante 3-4 minutos, o hasta que la cebolla y el tocino comiencen a dorarse, revolviendo con frecuencia. Agregue las espinacas, el eneldo, la sal y la pimienta. Cocine durante 1 a 2 minutos o hasta que la espinaca suelte el agua. Retire del calor. Transfiera la mezcla a la base de batata. En un tazón mediano, bata las claras de huevo, los huevos y la leche. Vierta la mezcla sobre la base. Espolvoree queso feta por encima. Hornee durante 35 a 40 minutos, o hasta que al insertar un cuchillo en el centro, éste salga limpio. Pasar a una rejilla para enfriar. Dejar enfriar 10 minutos antes de cortar en gajos. Brócoli y queso revueltos con claras de huevo sobre muffins ingleses integrales Receta cortesía de la American Heart Association con el apoyo de Eggland's Best Porciones: 4 Aerosol antiadherente para cocinar 1 1/2 tazas de floretes de brócoli frescos o congelados finamente picados, descongelados si están congelados 1/4 de taza de agua 8 claras de huevo extra grandes 1/2 taza de leche descremada 1/4 cucharadita de pimienta recién molida 1/4 taza de queso cheddar rallado sin grasa 2 muffins ingleses integrales bajos en sodio Rocíe ligeramente una sartén grande con aceite en aerosol antiadherente. Calentar a fuego medio-alto. Cocine el brócoli y el agua durante 4 a 5 minutos, o hasta que el brócoli esté tierno. Retire del calor. Transfiera el brócoli al plato. Utilice toallas de papel para limpiar la sartén. En un tazón grande, bata las claras de huevo, la leche y la pimienta hasta que se combinen. Rocíe ligeramente la sartén con aceite en aerosol. Calentar a fuego medio-alto. Vierta la mezcla de clara de huevo. Cocine durante 2-3 minutos, o hasta que esté casi firme, revolviendo constantemente con una espátula. Incorpore el brócoli y el queso cheddar. Retire del calor. Justo antes de servir, abra y tueste los muffins ingleses. Colóquelos en los platos. Vierta la mezcla de huevo sobre los muffins. Muffins de huevo con salchicha de pavo y champiñones Receta cortesía de la American Heart Association con el apoyo de Eggland's Best Porciones: 6 Aerosol antiadherente para cocinar 1/2 cucharada de aceite de canola o de maíz 1 cebolla amarilla, finamente picada 1 paquete (8 onzas) de champiñones blancos en rodajas 1 paquete (6.4 onzas) de salchichas de pavo congeladas, cocidas y sin nitratos, descongeladas 7 huevos grandes 1/4 taza de leche descremada 1/4 cucharadita de pimienta 1 taza de queso cheddar rallado sin grasa Precaliente el horno a 350 F. Rocíe ligeramente un molde para muffins de 12 tazas con aceite en aerosol antiadherente. En una sartén antiadherente mediana, caliente el aceite a fuego medio-alto. Cocine las cebollas y los champiñones durante 10 minutos o hasta que estén tiernos, revolviendo ocasionalmente. Calentar la salchicha de pavo según las instrucciones del paquete. Corte el pavo en trozos del tamaño de un bocado. Incorpore la mezcla de cebolla hasta que esté bien combinado. Vierta la mezcla en moldes para muffins. En un tazón pequeño, bata los huevos, la leche y la pimienta. Vierta la mezcla de huevo en moldes para muffins. Cubrir con queso cheddar. Hornee durante 25 minutos o hasta que los huevos estén listos. Retirar del horno. Deje enfriar un poco. Para retirar fácilmente los muffins del molde, pase un cuchillo por los bordes de cada muffin.
	Reconocimiento de los signos de deficiencia de la hormona del crecimiento pediátrica (Family Features) “Nuestras preocupaciones sobre el crecimiento de Alex comenzaron alrededor de los 7 años”, dijo su madre, Diane Benke. Aunque Alex medía alrededor del percentil 50 en peso, su altura rondaba constantemente el percentil 20. Los instintos de Benke le decían que algo no estaba bien. “Seguí preguntándole a nuestro pediatra si esto podría significar algo más”, dijo. “Cada vez me aseguraban que todo estaba bien. Después de todo, yo solo mido 5 pies”. Al principio, Benke intentó dejar sus preocupaciones a un lado. Alex era uno de los más jóvenes de su clase, y ella se preguntaba si simplemente era alguien que “desarrollaba tardíamente”. Sin embargo, a medida que Alex avanzaba en la escuela primaria, particularmente en el cuarto y sexto grado, su percentil de altura cayó a un solo dígito. La diferencia de altura entre Alex y sus compañeros se volvió imposible de ignorar. A pesar de las crecientes preocupaciones de Benke, su pediatra continuó asegurándoles que Alex estaba bien. “Nos dijeron que mientras progresara en la tabla de crecimiento, no había necesidad de preocuparse”, dijo, “pero en realidad nunca nos mostraron las tablas”. No fue hasta que una de las amigas de Benke le confió que recientemente a su propia hija le habían diagnosticado deficiencia de la hormona del crecimiento pediátrica (PGHD) que decidió buscar un endocrinólogo. “Aunque nos llevó varios meses conseguir una cita”, dijo Benke, “estábamos decididos a obtener más respuestas”. Navegando por el proceso de diagnóstico Obtener un diagnóstico para muchas afecciones médicas puede ser un largo camino. Sin embargo, la detección y el diagnóstico tempranos de PGHD son importantes. Puede ayudar a minimizar el impacto en la salud general y favorecer un crecimiento óptimo. Una vez que Alex fue visto por un endocrinólogo pediátrico, se sometió a una serie de evaluaciones, incluyendo análisis de sangre, una radiografía de la edad ósea para comparar su edad cronológica con su edad esquelética y una prueba de estimulación de la hormona del crecimiento, que mide la capacidad del cuerpo para producir la hormona del crecimiento. También le realizaron una resonancia magnética del cerebro para descartar la posibilidad de cualquier anomalía pituitaria. Los resultados de estas pruebas confirmaron el diagnóstico de PGHD, una enfermedad poco común que ocurre cuando la glándula pituitaria no produce suficiente hormona del crecimiento. Se estima que la PGHD afecta a 1 de cada 4,000 a 10,000 niños. Algunas señales comunes que los padres pueden notar incluyen: que su hijo sea significativamente más bajo que otros niños de su edad, una tasa de crecimiento más lenta a lo largo del tiempo, pubertad retrasada, fuerza muscular reducida o niveles de energía más bajos, desarrollo óseo más lento y retrasos en los hitos físicos. “Recibir el diagnóstico de Alex fue un alivio”, dijo Benke. “Nos proporcionó claridad y un camino a seguir”. Avance con el tratamiento “Si bien el proceso de diagnóstico fue agotador, comenzar el tratamiento hizo que valiera la pena”, dijo Benke. Durante décadas, las inyecciones diarias de un medicamento llamado somatropina, que es similar a la hormona del crecimiento que produce el cuerpo, han sido el estándar de atención para la PGHD. No fue hasta 2015 que la Sociedad de Investigación de la Hormona del Crecimiento reconoció la necesidad de una hormona del crecimiento de acción prolongada (LAGH), ofreciendo una dosis semanal como alternativa a las inyecciones diarias. Benke explicó que navegar por el proceso de aprobación del seguro fue otro desafío. “Nuestro seguro nos exigía probar una medicación diaria antes de aprobar una opción semanal”, dijo. Alex pasó tres meses tomando medicación diaria, omitiendo a menudo dosis, antes de que le aprobaran cambiar a una opción de tratamiento semanal. “La opción semanal tuvo un impacto muy positivo”, dijo Benke. “Ahora tenemos interrupciones mínimas en nuestra rutina diaria y Alex no se ha saltado ninguna dosis desde entonces”. Más allá de una opción de dosificación más conveniente, el cambio le dio tranquilidad a Benke. “Podíamos concentrarnos más en volver a ser una familia, sin las preocupaciones diarias de su próxima dosis”, dijo. Si está preocupado por el crecimiento de su hijo, hable con su médico lo antes posible. El diagnóstico temprano es importante, ya que el tratamiento se vuelve menos efectivo una vez que los huesos del niño dejan de crecer. El consejo de Benke a otros padres: “Confíe en sus instintos. Si siente que algo no está bien, busque un especialista y esfuércese por obtener respuestas. No se rinda, incluso ante los obstáculos. Mantenga la esperanza y la perseverancia: es un camino por el que vale la pena luchar”. Visite GHDinKids.com para descargar una guía de discusión con el médico para ayudarlo a prepararse para su próxima cita.
	Vehicle drives through Rock Island homeowner’s fence Developing.
	Burlington police chief to retire after over 33 years of service The city said it will begin the process to identify and appoint the next police chief.
	Death Notice: Carl Albers A memorial service for Carl H. Albers, 87, of Eldridge, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in the Runge Mortuary Chapel, Davenport. Cremation rites have been accorded, and burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park at a later date. Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 23, from 4-7 p.m. at the mortuary. Mr. Albers died Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Scott County or to Empowering Abilities. Online condolences may be made at www.rungemortuary.com. A full obituary will appear in the Jan. 28 edition of The NSP.
	Lindsey Halligan, Trump's former personal attorney, exits Virginia prosecutor's office The move comes after a federal judge wrote in court document that the "charade of Ms. Halligan masquerading as the United States Attorney … must come to an end."
	'There is a time to be bold': Emergency winter shelter set to open in Moline The 60-bed facility in the old KONE elevator manufacturing campus will be open until April 15.
	Tony McCombie: Affordability cannot exist without government oversight The House Minority Leader outlined Illinois Republicans' top priorities for the 2026 legislative session, including no tax on tips or overtime and education credits.
	Project NOW partners with City of Moline to operate new temporary winter shelter downtown City of Moline leaders and Project NOW officials held a press conference Wednesday morning (Jan. 21) at 1 Montgomery Drive, to announce the plan to serve a capacity of 60 unhoused individuals on a first-come, first-served basis. The shelter will operate from Wednesday night through April 15.
	Learn about heart health at free UnityPoint events UnityPoint Health is ensuring the public knows about the risks of heart disease with a series of free seminars on heart health in February. In recognition of Heart Month, UnityPoint Health is hosting free blood pressure and cholesterol checks so the community can be proactive toward heart health. Click here for more information on heart [...]
	Antibiotic resistance could undo a century of medical progress – but four advances are changing the story Imagine going to the hospital for a bacterial ear infection and hearing your doctor say, “We’re out of options.” It may sound dramatic, but antibiotic resistance is pushing that scenario closer to becoming reality for an increasing number of people. In 2016, a woman from Nevada died from a bacterial infection that was resistant to all 26 antibiotics that were available in the United States at that time. The U.S. alone sees more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant illnesses each year. Globally, antimicrobial resistance is linked to nearly 5 million deaths annually. Bacteria naturally evolve in ways that can make the drugs meant to kill them less effective. However, when antibiotics are overused or used improperly in medicine or agriculture, these pressures accelerate the process of resistance. As resistant bacteria spread, lifesaving treatments face new complications – common infections become harder to treat, and routine surgeries become riskier. Slowing these threats to modern medicine requires not only responsible antibiotic use and good hygiene, but also awareness of how everyday actions influence resistance. Since the inception of antibiotics in 1910 with the introduction of Salvarsan, a synthetic drug used to treat syphilis, scientists have been sounding the alarm about resistance. As a microbiologist and biochemist who studies antimicrobial resistance, I see four major trends that will shape how we as a society will confront antibiotic resistance in the coming decade. 1. Faster diagnostics are the new front line For decades, treating bacterial infections has involved a lot of educated guesswork. When a very sick patient arrives at the hospital and clinicians don’t yet know the exact bacteria causing the illness, they often start with a broad-spectrum antibiotic. These drugs kill many different types of bacteria at once, which can be lifesaving — but they also expose a wide range of other bacteria in the body to antibiotics. While some bacteria are killed, the ones that remain continue to multiply and spread resistance genes between different bacterial species. That unnecessary exposure gives harmless or unrelated bacteria a chance to adapt and develop resistance. In contrast, narrow-spectrum antibiotics target only a small group of bacteria. Clinicians typically prefer these types of antibiotics because they treat the infection without disturbing bacteria that are not involved in the infection. However, it can take several days to identify the exact bacteria causing the infection. During that waiting period, clinicians often feel they have no choice but to start broad-spectrum treatment – especially if the patient is seriously ill. Amoxicillin is a commonly prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotic. TEK IMAGE/Science Photo Library via Getty Images via The Conversation But new technology may fast-track identification of bacterial pathogens, allowing medical tests to be conducted right where the patient is instead of sending samples off-site and waiting a long time for answers. In addition, advances in genomic sequencing, microfluidics and artificial intelligence tools are making it possible to identify bacterial species and effective antibiotics to fight them in hours rather than days. Predictive tools can even anticipate resistance evolution. For clinicians, better tests could help them make faster diagnoses and more effective treatment plans that won’t exacerbate resistance. For researchers, these tools point to an urgent need to integrate diagnostics with real-time surveillance networks capable of tracking resistance patterns as they emerge. Diagnostics alone will not solve resistance, but they provide the precision, speed and early warning needed to stay ahead. 2. Expanding beyond traditional antibiotics Antibiotics transformed medicine in the 20th century, but relying on them alone won’t carry humanity through the 21st. The pipeline of new antibiotics remains distressingly thin, and most drugs currently in development are structurally similar to existing antibiotics, potentially limiting their effectiveness. To stay ahead, researchers are investing in nontraditional therapies, many of which work in fundamentally different ways than standard antibiotics. One promising direction is bacteriophage therapy, which uses viruses that specifically infect and kill harmful bacteria. Others are exploring microbiome-based therapies that restore healthy bacterial communities to crowd out pathogens. Researchers are also developing CRISPR-based antimicrobials, using gene-editing tools to precisely disable resistance genes. New compounds like antimicrobial peptides, which puncture the membranes of bacteria to kill them, show promise as next-generation drugs. Meanwhile, scientists are designing nanoparticle delivery systems to transport antimicrobials directly to infection sites with fewer side effects. Beyond medicine, scientists are examining ecological interventions to reduce the movement of resistance genes through soil, wastewater and plastics, as well as through waterways and key environmental reservoirs. Many of these options remain early-stage, and bacteria may eventually evolve around them. But these innovations reflect a powerful shift: Instead of betting on discovering a single antibiotic to address resistance, researchers are building a more diverse and resilient tool kit to fight antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. 3. Antimicrobial resistance outside hospitals Antibiotic resistance doesn’t only spread in hospitals. It moves through people, wildlife, crops, wastewater, soil and global trade networks. This broader perspective that takes the principles of One Health into account is essential for understanding how resistance genes travel through ecosystems. Researchers are increasingly recognizing environmental and agricultural factors as major drivers of resistance, on par with misuse of antibiotics in the clinic. These include how antibiotics used in animal agriculture can create resistant bacteria that spread to people; how resistance genes in wastewater can survive treatment systems and enter rivers and soil; and how farms, sewage plants and other environmental hot spots become hubs where resistance spreads quickly. Even global travel accelerates the movement of resistant bacteria across continents within hours. Antibiotic misuse in agriculture is a significant contributor to antibiotic resistance. Together, these forces show that antibiotic resistance isn’t just an issue for hospitals – it’s an ecological and societal problem. For researchers, this means designing solutions that cross disciplines, integrating microbiology, ecology, engineering, agriculture and public health. 4. Policies on what treatments exist in the future Drug companies lose money developing new antibiotics. Because new antibiotics are used sparingly in order to preserve their effectiveness, companies often sell too few doses to recoup development costs even after the Food and Drug Administration approves the drugs. Several antibiotic companies have gone bankrupt for this reason. To encourage antibiotic innovation, the U.S. is considering major policy changes like the PASTEUR Act. This bipartisan bill proposes creating a subscription-style payment model that would allow the federal government up to US$3 billion to pay drug manufacturers over five to 10 years for access to critical antibiotics instead of paying per pill. Global health organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), caution that the bill should include stronger commitments to stewardship and equitable access. Still, the bill represents one of the most significant policy proposals related to antimicrobial resistance in U.S. history and could determine what antibiotics exist in the future. The future of antibiotic resistance Antibiotic resistance is sometimes framed as an inevitable catastrophe. But I believe the reality is more hopeful: Society is entering an era of smarter diagnostics, innovative therapies, ecosystem-level strategies and policy reforms aimed at rebuilding the antibiotic pipeline in addition to addressing stewardship. For the public, this means better tools and stronger systems of protection. For researchers and policymakers, it means collaborating in new ways. The question now isn’t whether there are solutions to antibiotic resistance – it’s whether society will act fast enough to use them. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: André O. Hudson, Rochester Institute of Technology Read more: Antibiotic resistance is at a crisis point – government support for academia and Big Pharma to find new drugs could help defeat superbugs Bacteria can develop resistance to drugs they haven’t encountered before − scientists figured this out decades ago in a classic experiment Seagrass meadows could be good for your health – yet they’re disappearing fast André O. Hudson, PhD. receives funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.
	America’s next big clean energy resource could come from coal mine pollution – if we can agree on who owns it Across Appalachia, rust-colored water seeps from abandoned coal mines, staining rocks orange and coating stream beds with metals. These acidic discharges, known as acid mine drainage, are among the region’s most persistent environmental problems. They disrupt aquatic life, corrode pipes and can contaminate drinking water for decades. However, hidden in that orange drainage are valuable metals known as rare earth elements that are vital for many technologies the U.S. relies on, including smartphones, wind turbines and military jets. In fact, studies have found that the concentrations of rare earths in acid mine waste can be comparable to the amount in ores mined to extract rare earths. Scientists estimate that more than 13,700 miles (22,000 kilometers) of U.S. streams, predominantly in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, are contaminated with acid mine discharge. A closer look at acid mine drainage from abandoned mines in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. We and our colleagues at West Virginia University have been working on ways to turn the acid waste in those bright orange creeks into a reliable domestic source for rare earths while also cleaning the water. Experiments show extraction can work. If states can also sort out who owns that mine waste, the environmental cost of mining might help power a clean energy future. Rare earths face a supply chain risk Rare earth elements are a group of 17 metals, also classified as critical minerals, that are considered vital to the nation’s economy or security. Despite their name, rare earth elements are not all that rare. They occur in many places around the planet, but in small quantities mixed with other minerals, which makes them costly and complex to separate and refine. MP Materials’ Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine and Processing Facility, in California near the Nevada border, is one of the few rare earth mines in the U.S. Tmy350/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA China controls about 70% of global rare earth production and nearly all refining capacity. This near monopoly gives the Chinese government the power to influence prices, export policies and access to rare earth elements. China has used that power in trade disputes as recently as 2025. The United States, which currently imports about 80% of the rare earth elements it uses, sees China’s control over these critical minerals as a risk and has made locating domestic sources a national priority. The U.S. Geological Survey has been mapping locations for potential rare earth mining, shown in pink. But it takes years to explore a locations and then get a mine up and running. USGS Although the U.S. Geological Survey has been mapping potential locations for extracting rare earth elements, getting from exploration to production takes years. That’s why unconventional sources, like extracting rare earth elements from acid mine waste, are drawing interest. Turning a mine waste problem into a solution Acid mine drainage forms when sulfide minerals, such as pyrite, are exposed to air during mining. This creates sulfuric acid, which then dissolves heavy metals such as copper, lead and mercury from surrounding rock. The metals end up in groundwater and creeks, where iron in the mix gives the water an orange color. Expensive treatment systems can neutralize the acid, with the dissolved metals settling into an orange sludge in treatment ponds. For decades, that sludge was treated as hazardous waste and hauled to landfills. But scientists at West Virginia University and the National Energy Technology Laboratory have found that it contains concentrations of rare earth elements comparable to those found in mined ores. These elements are also easier to extract from acid mine waste because the acidic water has already released them from the surrounding rock. Acid mine drainage flowing into Decker’s Creek in Morgantown, West Virginia, in 2024. Helene Nguemgaing Experiments have shown how the metals can be extracted: Researchers collected sludge, separated out rare earth elements using water-safe chemistry, and then returned the cleaner water to nearby streams. It is like mining without digging, turning something harmful into a useful resource. If scaled up, this process could lower cleanup costs, create local jobs and strengthen America’s supply of materials needed for renewable energy and high-tech manufacturing. But there’s a problem: Who owns the recovered minerals? The ownership question Traditional mining law covers minerals underground, not those extracted from water naturally running off abandoned mine sites. Nonprofit watershed groups that treat mine waste to clean up the water often receive public funding meant solely for environmental cleanup. If these groups start selling recovered rare earth elements, they could generate revenue for more stream cleanup projects, but they might also risk violating grant terms or nonprofit rules. To better understand the policy challenges, we surveyed mine water treatment operators across Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The majority of treatment systems were under landowner agreements in which the operators had no permanent property rights. Most operators said “ownership uncertainty” was one of the biggest barriers to investment in the recovery of rare earth elements, projects that can cost millions of dollars. Not surprisingly, water treatment operators who owned the land where treatment was taking place were much more likely to be interested in rare earth element extraction. Map of acid mine drainage sites in West Virginia. Created by Helene Nguemgaing, based on data from West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, West Virginia Office of GIS Coordination, and U.S. Geological Survey West Virginia took steps in 2022 to boost rare earth recovery, innovation and cleanup of acid mine drainage. A new law gives ownership of recovered rare earth elements to whoever extracts them. So far, the law has not been applied to large-scale projects. Across the border, Pennsylvania’s Environmental Good Samaritan Act protects volunteers who treat mine water from liability but says nothing about ownership. Map of acid mine drainage sites in Pennsylvania. Created by Helene Nguemgaing, based on data from Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access This difference matters. Clear rules like West Virginia’s provide greater certainty, while the lack of guidance in Pennsylvania can leave companies and nonprofits hesitant about undertaking expensive recovery projects. Among the treatment operators we surveyed, interest in rare earth element extraction was twice as high in West Virginia than in Pennsylvania. The economics of waste to value Recovering rare earth elements from mine water won’t replace conventional mining. The quantities available at drainage sites are far smaller than those produced by large mines, even though the concentration can be just as high, and the technology to extract them from mine waste is still developing. Still, the use of mine waste offers a promising way to supplement the supply of rare earth elements with a domestic source and help offset environmental costs while cleaning up polluted streams. Early studies suggest that recovering rare earth elements using technologies being developed today could be profitable, particularly when the projects also recover additional critical materials, such as cobalt and manganese, which are used in industrial processes and batteries. Extraction methods are improving, too, making the process safer, cleaner and cheaper. Government incentives, research funding and public-private partnerships could speed this progress, much as subsidies support fossil fuel extraction and have helped solar and wind power scale up in providing electricity. Treating acid mine drainage and extracting its valuable rare earth elements offers a way to transform pollution into prosperity. Creating policies that clarify ownership, investing in research and supporting responsible recovery could ensure that Appalachian communities benefit from this new chapter, one in which cleanup and clean energy advance together. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Hélène Nguemgaing, University of Maryland and Alan Collins, West Virginia University Read more: How the US can mine its own critical minerals − without digging new holes Even with Trump’s support, coal power remains expensive – and dangerous Greenland’s melting ice and landslide-prone fjords make the oil and minerals Trump is eyeing dangerous to extract The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
	Gov. Reynolds loosens regulations for transportation of heating fuel The state of disaster emergency will be in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 29, according to the proclamation.
	Free blood pressure, cholesterol checks planned across QCA Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Throughout February, UnityPoint Health will offer the free checks at three Quad City locations and Muscatine.
	Global buzzwords that will be buzzing in your ear in 2026 Will it be a year of "fractured resilience"? Or "pragmatic empathy"? Will "MOUs" be the next global health strategy? Are we in a new age of "decolonization" — or of "localization"?
	QCA nonprofits receive $2+M from Hubbell Waterman Foundation Dozens of QCA nonprofits are getting major financial boosts from a nearly 60-year-old Quad Cities foundation. The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, a private foundation founded in 1967 by the late Larned and Mary Hubbell Waterman, is awarding over $2 million in grants to 67 area nonprofits in 2026 to advance its vision of a growing, thriving, inclusive [...]
	Moline, Project NOW partner to open winter emergency shelter The shelter will house up to 60 people each night through April 15, organizers said at a press conference Wednesday morning.
	QCA warming centers open this weekend Dangerous wind chill conditions are expected this weekend, possibly hitting -35° on Friday morning. Several cities in the QCA are opening warming centers to help residents avoid the cold. The following is a list of warming centers that will be open this weekend, from the Rock Island County Health Department’s Facebook page. Illinois Rock Island [...]
	Supreme Court appears wary of allowing Trump to fire Fed's Cook in closely watched case The administration wants the authority to fire Lisa Cook, a Fed governor. Experts say that would undermine the independence of the central bank.
	Trump heading to Iowa, Vance to Ohio and Minnesota in coming days President Donald Trump is scheduled to travel to Iowa on Jan. 27.
	How a printer can help with your security and environmental sustainability efforts (BPT) - Even in the digital world, offices of every size use printers. Whether you're making copies of documents, printing reports, scanning important information to deliver to your computer or faxing documents to vendors, having a reliable printer matters to everyday operations that keep your business running.When choosing a printer, you likely prioritize visuals like print quality, speed, connectivity, efficiency and multifunctionality. However, these are just the basics. As you review your options, look for key security and environmental sustainability features that meet the demands of the modern work environment.With these features in mind, Canon has expanded its imageFORCE printer lineup. The imageFORCE platform is engineered for versatility and performance, delivering Canon's renowned image quality and robust high-volume systems which are great for busy departments, to space-saving models suited for smaller workgroups.More importantly, this range of printers features various security and environmental sustainability features that can help your office step into the new year with smart and fast printing.*Security features that can be integrated as part of your business efforts Cyberattacks are on the rise, which can have the potential to put businesses of all sizes at risk of financial loss and data breaches and can also lead to a loss of client trust and reputation.You may already have cybersecurity measures like antivirus software and firewalls in place, but what types of security features does your printer offer?To help you in your efforts to protect your digital assets, you'll need a printer with security features made to help you.Luckily, Canon's imageFORCE printer lineup is equipped with various security features designed to help you as part of your efforts to safeguard your infrastructure. For example, the Security Environment Estimation feature is designed to help take the guesswork out of security settings by using an estimation algorithm developed by Canon to analyze the printer's operating environment and make security setting recommendations suited to your specific office.*imageFORCE printers also have the Trellix Embedded Control option. Once turned on, it uses whitelisting to help protect against malware and prevent tampering of existing firmware and applications.*Finally, Canon's Unified Firmware Platform (UFP) does the work of keeping your printer updated. With the UFP, your imageFORCE printer receives ongoing updates that may include additional security features as well as new features like synchronized user settings and expanded print and scan capabilities.With imageFORCE devices you can print, scan, fax and store important documents while implementing these helpful features.*Environmentally sustainable features that can support your business effortsEnvironmental sustainability isn't just a buzzword. In fact, it's become an important area for businesses to consider. Not only can environmentally sustainable practices provide the potential to help your business cut down on costs, but they can also provide the ability to boost your reputation with eco-conscious consumers now and in the future.Making positive changes doesn't mean you have to overhaul your business practices overnight. Small steps can make a huge difference in the long run, like switching to a printer with a number of built-in environmental sustainability features.As part of the company's commitment to Kyosei — the idea of living and working together for the common good — Canon has created the imageFORCE printer line with a number of features that are designed to help reduce power consumption.imageFORCE printers use a combination of highly efficient fusing technologies and low-melting-point toner that are designed to help minimize power requirements. Several products across this printer line are also backed by well-known certifications for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility including ENERGY STAR®, EPEAT 1.0 Gold, and EPEAT 1.0 Silver. EPEAT-registered imaging products meet an extensive list of environmental lifecycle-based criteria, and undergo verification by an independent third party to ensure they meet the ecolabel standards.In addition, Canon has also reduced its use of plastic materials used for packaging select printer models in the imageFORCE lineup by switching from conventional foam packaging to interior cardboard packaging materials for the main unit, a widely recyclable material.Print better, do more and stay ahead in 2026Your office may be small, but your dreams are big. Start the year with technology that can support your business's security and environmental sustainability efforts. To learn more and find the printer that's right for your company in 2026 and beyond, visit www.usa.canon.com/imageforce.Not available on all models. This feature is off by default and must be turned on by the user. Warm up times are affected once turned on.**Canon products offer certain security features, yet many variables can impact the security of your devices and data. Canon does not warrant that use of its security features or recommendations will prevent security issues. Customers should perform their own due diligence and consult with their security expert to determine what security features to implement for their organization.
	Davenport goal-setting workshops postponed because of weather The sessions would be the first goal-setting workshops conducted by the city in recent years.
	Project NOW partners with City of Moline to open emergency winter shelter at former KONE building The overnight shelter will be open seven days a week through April 15. It will also serve as a day shelter on Saturdays and Sundays.
	Dangerously cold winds prompt frostbite, car safety reminders Dangerously cold wind chills this weekend raise frostbite and hypothermia risks. Officials urge proper clothing, layering and emergency car kits before traveling.
	9 everyday things tourists do that are accidents waiting to happen 9 everyday things tourists do that are accidents waiting to happenTourists often move through American cities, beaches, and national parks with a sense of ease, soaking in places locals know can change quickly. Residents in major destinations say many of the mishaps they witness don’t stem from thrill-seeking but from the everyday habits visitors bring with them: stepping into a busy street for a better angle, edging too close to wildlife, or venturing into water that looks calmer than it is. These routines, familiar at home, can become far riskier in unfamiliar surroundings where the environment, traffic patterns, and local norms differ sharply from what travelers expect.To better understand the behaviors that communities warn about, Recovery Law Center, a personal injury law firm, examines these details to highlight the everyday habits most often linked to tourist mishaps.1. Running into the street for photos in busy tourist corridorsNew York City Department of Transportation data shows that crashes are concentrated in major tourist and commercial hubs, such as Manhattan. Recent analyses show that while Manhattan initially appears to have the highest rate of pedestrians (with 100,000 pedestrians who are killed or seriously injured, or KSI), this changes once its enormous daily influx of approximately 1.4 million commuters is taken into account. When adjusted for this population surge, Manhattan’s pedestrian KSI rate actually falls below those of Brooklyn and Queens and is below the citywide average.Because Midtown and Lower Manhattan serve as the region’s two largest business districts, pedestrian safety in these areas affects far more than just Manhattan residents. In fact, 43% of pedestrians who lost their lives in Manhattan lived in another borough or outside New York City altogether. With the influx of tourists, transportation officials have repeatedly warned visitors that even slow-moving traffic can cause severe or fatal injuries.2. Stopping abruptly on bike lanes or scooter pathsAmerican cities with protected bike lanes have seen a sharp rise in collisions involving distracted visitors. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, micromobility injuries increased 21% from 2021 to 2022, with many incidents tied to crowded shared-lane environments. Stopping suddenly to take photos or check maps is one of the most common triggers.3. Underestimating rip currents and strong surfBeach destinations report that tourists frequently misjudge powerful ocean conditions. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data show that rip currents cause more than 100 deaths in the U.S. each year, making individuals unfamiliar with local beaches vulnerable. This happens because visitors often ignore posted surf warnings or swim outside lifeguarded areas.4. Approaching wildlife too closely in national parksDespite repeated advisories, park officials say many tourists attempt to get close-up photos of bison, elk, bears, and other wildlife. The National Park Service reports wildlife-related injuries, nearly all involving visitors crossing protective boundaries or ignoring distance guidelines.5. Driving mountain or desert roads without understanding the local terrainTourists often rent cars and set off on scenic drives without realizing the hazards of steep grades, narrow shoulders, or extreme temperatures. Car accidents occur on rural, mountainous roads due to misjudged speed and unfamiliar road curvature.In a report from Fox 8 News, a serious crash happened near Yellowstone National Park in eastern Idaho involving a tour van and a pickup truck. The accident occurred on a busy highway that many visitors use to reach Yellowstone. Both vehicles caught fire after colliding. Seven people died, and several others were injured and taken to hospitals. The tour van was carrying a group that had been traveling to see Yellowstone’s natural attractions, which draw millions of visitors from around the world each year.Officials say the crash highlights how dangerous some of the scenic roads leading to the park can be, especially for travelers unfamiliar with them. Investigators are still looking into exactly what caused the collision, including why the pickup truck crossed into the opposite lane of traffic.6. Standing too close to train platforms or ignoring transit safety guidelinesAt major transit hubs, safety markings and platform announcements are designed to keep riders clear of fast-moving trains. Yet visitors navigating unfamiliar stations may drift beyond those boundaries or step too close to the platform edge while checking signs or attempting to board. Transit officials routinely caution that trains can arrive with limited warning and that platform areas can become hazardous when riders crowd entry points or try to board after doors begin closing.Public transportation agencies emphasize that staying behind marked lines, waiting for passengers to exit before approaching train doors, and avoiding sudden stops near platform edges are among the simplest ways to prevent injuries in busy stations. As rail systems experience heavier seasonal travel, agencies often increase signage and audio reminders to reinforce these basic safety practices.7. Swimming in waterfalls or swift inland riversWaterfalls, rivers, and other natural swimming areas can appear calm at the surface, but conditions beneath the water often move faster or change more abruptly than visitors expect. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show that natural bodies of water account for 40% of drownings in the United States, particularly among older children and adults. For children between 5 and 14, a significant portion of drowning deaths happen in lakes, rivers, and other outdoor water settings. Among teens and adults, most deadly and nonfatal drowning incidents also occur in open or natural water rather than in pools.Safety officials remind that life jackets remain one of the strongest protections for anyone recreating in natural water. Coast Guard-approved vests that fit properly and are fully secured are recommended for both swimming and boating.8. Ignoring heat advisories during outdoor attractionsTourists may push through theme parks, hikes, rooftops, or long outdoor queues without accounting for regional heat. NOAA reported nearly 1,200 heat-related deaths in 2023, and local emergency departments noted spikes in heat exhaustion cases during the summer. Community health officials say dehydration and a lack of awareness about shade are the primary risk factors.9. Wearing unsafe or inappropriate footwear for the terrainIn popular hiking locations and historic districts with uneven surfaces, improper footwear consistently contributes to falls. Tourist areas that feature natural trails, steep paths, or historic walkways often include surfaces that are irregular, slippery, or sharply inclined. Footwear that lacks traction or support can make it easier to lose balance on such terrain.Simple choices like wearing closed-toe footwear with grip, securing laces, and avoiding styles that shift while walking can help reduce the likelihood of slips and missteps, particularly in areas that see heavy foot traffic or sudden changes in elevation.How residents see the broader trendAcross the country, destination communities share a common theme: Most tourist accidents occur not from extreme activities but from mundane moments, such as misreading a sign or assuming conditions are safer than they are. Local safety officials say visitor education, infrastructure design, and clearer warnings help, but awareness remains the most consistent line of defense as travel volumes continue to rise.This story was produced by Recovery Law Center and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	10 warm winter destinations you can fly to for under 10,000 points 10 warm winter destinations you can fly to for under 10,000 points Before the holidays, winter can feel like a wonderland, filled with decorations, loved ones, and festive treats. However, once January starts, winter can quickly become dreary, complete with early sunsets, cold weather, and too many indoor activities. If you’re looking for a reprieve from the winter blues, there are plenty of warm-weather destinations within a few hours of the U.S. that you can visit without breaking the bank. Point.me compiled a list of 10 destinations you can visit for as few as 2,500 points using sample fares and average ranges from point.me data. Here’s what you need to know about the cheapest warm-weather destinations you can head to this winter, including why you should visit and the smartest ways to get there. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Lowest fare: 5,000 points each way Average fare: 22,000 points each way Puerto Vallarta is on the Pacific side of Mexico, and it doesn’t get nearly the same publicity as the Caribbean side. However, it’s still known for world-class beaches and a fantastic nightlife scene. Whether you’re a digital nomad looking to escape the rest of the winter months or you just need a quick beach getaway, Puerto Vallarta is the perfect destination. You can find a large array of outdoor activities you might be interested in, from hiking to snorkeling and everything in between. When you visit, be sure to fill up on as many seafood tacos as you can find. You can reach Puerto Vallarta (PVR) via a nonstop flight from close to two dozen hubs throughout the U.S., including San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Salt Lake City (SLC), New York (JFK, EWR), Atlanta (ATL), and Dallas (DFW). Each major alliance (SkyTeam, Oneworld, and Star Alliance) offers impressive connectivity. Although rates have been as low as 5,000 points each way to get to Puerto Vallarta, the average fare will be around 22,000 points. As always, this will depend on where you’re traveling from. For instance, the six-hour flight from New York (JFK) to Puerto Vallarta might cost 15,000 Atmos Rewards points, which you can transfer at a 1:1 ratio from Bilt Rewards. Although Alaska Airlines publishes a partner distance-based award chart, it lists “starting at” values, which means prices can vary based on demand and seasonality. On the other hand, the three-hour flight from Los Angeles (LAX) might cost just 5,000 Delta SkyMiles, which you can transfer from American Express Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Cancun, Mexico Lowest fare: 2,500 points each way Average fare: 24,000 points each way Cancun needs no introduction. It’s one of the most famous destinations in the Caribbean for a reason. You’ll be hard-pressed to find more beautiful beaches this close to the U.S., and the abundance of resorts means you can find a hotel at any price point. Plus, each of the major hotel chains has several properties in Cancun, so you can easily use points for your stay — including at all-inclusive resorts. Even though you’ll fly into Cancun, you don’t necessarily have to stay there. It’s an easy drive to neighboring beach resorts like Playa del Carmen and Tulum, or a quick boat ride to Cozumel. The city’s popularity among U.S. residents is likely why there are so many nonstop flights between the U.S. and Cancun. Whether you’re visiting from Seattle or Dallas, you have almost unlimited options to get to Cancun. A few months ago, Bilt added Spirit as a transfer partner. Although Spirit might not have the best reputation, it does offer some of the most affordable flights to Cancun. For instance, you can fly nonstop from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Cancun for just 2,500 Free Spirit points, transferred from Bilt at a 1:1 ratio. If you prefer a legacy carrier, you still have plenty of affordable options. You can transfer 12,500 Bilt Rewards to Atmos Rewards to book a nonstop flight from Chicago (ORD) operated by American Airlines. The average fares for winter travel to Cancun are 24,000 points, so this represents solid value. You can also book a United business-class flight to Cancun from several hubs, like San Francisco (SFO) or Washington D.C. (IAH), via Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles for just 22,500 miles, but availability is often limited. Turks and Caicos Lowest fare: 4,500 points each way Average fare: 24,000 points each way If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean getaway this winter, Turks and Caicos is surprisingly easy to get to. A two-hour flight from Miami will bring you to the idyllic Providenciales, which is known for its luxury resorts. Anyone looking for a high-end vacation should consider Turks and Caicos, which also happens to have one of the largest reef systems in the world. If, apart from relaxing, you enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving, Turks and Caicos is the perfect place to visit. You can only fly nonstop to Providenciales (PLS) from East Coast or Midwest hubs. If you live on the West Coast, you’ll need to book a connecting flight. However, that doesn’t mean that flights are more expensive. You can book an American Airlines flight from San Francisco (SFO) with a layover in Charlotte (CLT) for just 22,500 Bilt Rewards points transferred to Atmos Rewards. Or, fly with Delta with a layover in Atlanta (ATL) for 17,000 SkyMiles transferred from American Express Membership Rewards. The lowest fare that’s been seen is just 4,500 points each way (for the two-hour nonstop from Miami operated by American Airlines), but on average, you can expect to spend around 24,000 points to get to Turks and Caicos. British Airways Avios can also sometimes be a good way to book American Airlines awards to the Caribbean, primarily following an unpublished distance-based award chart. However, American Airlines has some impressively low fares, and now that you can transfer your Citi ThankYou Points to AAdvantage, you have more flexibility. Bahamas Lowest fare: 4,500 points each way Average fare: 28,000 points each way The Bahamas are among the closest islands to the U.S., and you can get to the capital, Nassau, in just over an hour from Miami. If you’re seeking out turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and relaxed island life, this is the place to go. You can time your visit around the Junkanoo Festival, a parade celebrating Bahamian culture, held on Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. Downtown Nassau offers a variety of museums and the Nassau Straw Market, which is perfect for finding souvenirs to take back home. Just as with Turks and Caicos, Nassau is easiest to reach from the East Coast. There have been flights as low as 4,500 points each way, but the average you can expect to spend is 28,000 points. Naturally, the hour-long flight from Miami will typically be the most affordable. However, if you are avoiding the snow in Denver, you can transfer 10,000 Citi ThankYou Points to American Airlines to book your trip to Nassau with a layover in Charlotte (CLT). If you prefer a nonstop flight, you can transfer 20,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards to United MileagePlus. You can also find some fantastic deals on flights operated by Delta by booking through Virgin Atlantic. Virgin uses a distance-based partner award chart, so if you see availability, you’ll know exactly how many points you’ll need to use. For instance, a nonstop flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Nassau (NAS) is just 11,000 Virgin Atlantic points, which can be transferred from American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, and Bilt Rewards. Belize Lowest fare: 5,500 points each way Average fare: 29,000 points each way Belize is a fascinating country that seamlessly blends Caribbean and Central American cultures. It’s also a perfect starting point for visiting the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, only behind the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It’s also famous for the Great Blue Hole — a 400-foot deep underwater sinkhole. When you’re out of the water, you can visit a rainforest, Mayan ruins, and eat some delicious food. Plus, the official language is English, so you’ll have no issue communicating with locals. Belize City (BZE) might not offer as many nonstop routes as some of the other destinations on this list, but it does offer connectivity throughout the U.S., including East Coast, West Coast, and Midwest hubs. You can fly nonstop on Spirit Airlines from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Belize City (BZE) for as few as 5,500 Free Spirit points each way. Keep in mind that Bilt Rewards transfers to Free Spirit at a 1:1 ratio. You can also find flights from Seattle (SEA) to Belize (BZE) with a layover in Dallas (DFW) for just 10,000 AAdvantage miles each way. If you have an eligible Citi credit card, your ThankYou Points transfer to AAdvantage at a 1:1 ratio. Puerto Rico Lowest fare: 5,000 points each way Average fare: 34,000 points each way Puerto Rico is another destination to visit if you are seeking a vibrant culture, a historic old town, and pristine beaches. Plus, it’s a U.S. territory, making it incredibly easy to reach and enjoy. The island is filled with attractions to enjoy, from the El Yunque National Forest, with 29,000 acres of waterfalls, bamboo groves, and views, to Flamenco Beach, considered one of the top beaches in the world. Similar to the other Caribbean islands on this list, you’ll only be able to fly nonstop if you’re based on the East Coast or from a select few Midwest hubs. On the low end, you can get to San Juan (SJU) for just 5,000 miles. However, on average, you might spend closer to 34,000 miles each way. JetBlue is one of the best ways to book an affordable flight to Puerto Rico. You can fly from New York (JFK) to San Juan (SJU) nonstop for just 5,000 miles. JetBlue partners with Wells Fargo, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points, giving you several different ways to transfer your points. Panama Lowest fare: 6,700 points each way Average fare: 37,000 points each way Panama is best known for the Panama Canal, but the country offers so much more. When you fly into Panama City, you’ll be greeted with a modern capital city. However, you can easily explore the rest of the country by renting a car or taking a tour. If you want to surf 30-foot waves, head to Santa Catalina on the Pacific Coast of Panama. Or, head to Volcán Barú to see the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from the highest peak in the country. If beaches are what you’re after, head north to Bocas del Toro and the Caribbean coastline, where you can find snorkeling, marine life, and crystal clear waters. The lowest fare to Panama City (PTY) that’s been spotted is 6,700 miles each way. On average, you can expect to spend around 37,000 miles to reach the city. Copa Airlines is the flag carrier of Panama and a member of the Star Alliance. This means that fellow Star Alliance members, like Avianca and United, might offer the most affordable flights to Panama City. That said, Copa Airlines and Air France have a codeshare partnership, which means you can also find great deals through Flying Blue. For instance, you can book a nonstop flight from Raleigh, North Carolina (RDU) to Panama City (PTY) for just 9,500 Air France Flying Blue miles. Air France partners with every major transferable point currency — American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, and Wells Fargo Rewards. In other words, you should have no issue booking an award flight to Panama City. Miami, Orlando, and Key West, Florida Lowest fare: 2,500 points each way Average fare: 25,000 points each way If you don’t want to pack your passport, you can escape the cold by heading to Florida. Whether you’re interested in the theme parks in Orlando or the white sand beaches of Key West, you have numerous options for your winter getaway. In Miami, it’s summer year-round. No matter when you visit, make sure you pack your bathing suit. Florida has a lot to offer, and since it’s so easy to get to, you can head there for a quick weekend trip without taking too much time off work. There have been fares as low as 2,500 miles to visit Florida hubs like Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA/FLL), and Key West (EYW). However, if you’re visiting from the West Coast, you might see fares around 25,000 points. You can book a nonstop flight from Charlotte (CLT) to Key West (EYW) for just 7,500 Atmos Rewards points. Or, fly from Dallas (DFW) to Orlando (MCO) for just 2,500 Free Spirit points. You can also find some great deals on short-haul Delta flights through Virgin Atlantic. The hour-and-a-half flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Orlando (MCO) would cost just 7,500 Virgin Atlantic points. Costa Rica Lowest fare: 7,500 points each way Average fare: 34,000 points each way Although this list is primarily beach-focused, Costa Rica offers the perfect blend of nature and city life. If beaches aren’t your thing, you can go in search of waterfalls, hiking, and zip-lining in Liberia, or explore some phenomenal museums in San Jose. Of course, beaches are a major attraction for visitors to Costa Rica as well. Costa Rica is also a major hub for digital nomads, so it’s somewhere you can easily spend a few months exploring. You can fly nonstop to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO), and Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR), from hubs across the U.S. The lowest fare that’s been seen is 7,500 points each way, while the average ranges from 34,000 to 40,000 points. Avianca Lifemiles is a fantastic program for booking Star Alliance flights. For instance, you can fly nonstop on a United-operated flight from Houston (IAH) to San Jose (SJO) for just 15,000 Lifemiles each way. Lifemiles partners with American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, Citi ThankYou Points, Wells Fargo Rewards, and Bilt Rewards. There’s almost always a transfer bonus from one partner, which allows you to stretch your points even farther. Right now, you can take advantage of a 15% transfer bonus from Capital One, meaning you can book this award for just 13,100 Capital One miles. You can also leverage Etihad Guest’s distance-based award chart to book affordable JetBlue awards. For instance, a nonstop flight between Boston (BOS) and Liberia (LIR) would fall into the 2,000- to 2,500-mile distance band. That means you can book a JetBlue Mint award for just 50,000 Etihad Guest points, which can be transferred from Bilt, American Express, Citi, and Capital One. Hawai’i Lowest fare: 4,000 points each way Average fare: 41,000 points each way Hawai’i is a dream destination for many, but it doesn’t have to stay a dream. You can head to Honolulu or Maui this winter for just 12,000 points from several West Coast hubs. When you visit Hawai’i, it’s as if you’re on another planet. The natural beauty is unmatched, whether you prefer the beach or the mountains. You can discover some wildlife that’s new to you, as well as eat lots of delicious food. Maui is also an excellent place for whale watching, which is something most of us can’t do in the middle of winter. However, January through March is the best time of year to see the humpback whales in Maui, giving you even more reasons to visit. Unfortunately, one of the best ways to reach Hawai’i from the mainland U.S. no longer exists. You used to be able to book a United-operated flight to Hawai’i through Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles for just 10,000 miles each way. These awards now cost 25,000 miles each way, so your miles don’t take you nearly as far. Luckily, there are still plenty of options for travelers to experience Hawai’i for less. There have been great deals on flights to Honolulu (HNL) and Maui (OGG). On average, you can expect to pay between 41,000 and 45,000 points for a flight to Hawai’i, but prices as low as 4,000 to 7,500 points have been spotted. A nonstop Hawaiian Airlines flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Honolulu (HNL) might cost 15,000 Atmos Rewards points each way, which you can transfer from Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Southwest could also be a solid option for reaching Hawai’i without breaking the bank. You can fly nonstop from San Diego (SAN) to Honolulu (HNL) for just 11,500 Rapid Rewards points, which you can transfer at a 1:1 ratio from Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards. If you have Southwest’s coveted companion pass, you could book a buy-one-get-one free ticket to Hawai’i, even on award travel. That means you and your companion could travel to Hawai’i for just 11,500 points total, only paying taxes and fees for the second ticket. Bottom Line You don’t need to break the bank to escape the cold this winter — you can visit some warm weather destinations for as few as 2,500 miles each way. By leveraging airline partnerships and alliances, you can book fantastic award redemptions to help you see the world for less. Always keep an eye out for transfer bonuses from a specific credit card, as they can help you stretch your points as far as possible. Whether you’re looking for an international trip to Central America or a domestic flight to Florida, you have plenty of options. This story was produced by point.me and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	10 warm winter destinations you can fly to for under 10,000 points 10 warm winter destinations you can fly to for under 10,000 pointsBefore the holidays, winter can feel like a wonderland, filled with decorations, loved ones, and festive treats. However, once January starts, winter can quickly become dreary, complete with early sunsets, cold weather, and too many indoor activities. If you’re looking for a reprieve from the winter blues, there are plenty of warm-weather destinations within a few hours of the U.S. that you can visit without breaking the bank.Point.me compiled a list of 10 destinations you can visit for as few as 2,500 points using sample fares and average ranges from point.me data. Here’s what you need to know about the cheapest warm-weather destinations you can head to this winter, including why you should visit and the smartest ways to get there.Puerto Vallarta, MexicoLowest fare: 5,000 points each wayAverage fare: 22,000 points each wayPuerto Vallarta is on the Pacific side of Mexico, and it doesn’t get nearly the same publicity as the Caribbean side. However, it’s still known for world-class beaches and a fantastic nightlife scene. Whether you’re a digital nomad looking to escape the rest of the winter months or you just need a quick beach getaway, Puerto Vallarta is the perfect destination. You can find a large array of outdoor activities you might be interested in, from hiking to snorkeling and everything in between. When you visit, be sure to fill up on as many seafood tacos as you can find.You can reach Puerto Vallarta (PVR) via a nonstop flight from close to two dozen hubs throughout the U.S., including San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Salt Lake City (SLC), New York (JFK, EWR), Atlanta (ATL), and Dallas (DFW). Each major alliance (SkyTeam, Oneworld, and Star Alliance) offers impressive connectivity.Although rates have been as low as 5,000 points each way to get to Puerto Vallarta, the average fare will be around 22,000 points. As always, this will depend on where you’re traveling from. For instance, the six-hour flight from New York (JFK) to Puerto Vallarta might cost 15,000 Atmos Rewards points, which you can transfer at a 1:1 ratio from Bilt Rewards.Although Alaska Airlines publishes a partner distance-based award chart, it lists “starting at” values, which means prices can vary based on demand and seasonality.On the other hand, the three-hour flight from Los Angeles (LAX) might cost just 5,000 Delta SkyMiles, which you can transfer from American Express Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.Cancun, MexicoLowest fare: 2,500 points each wayAverage fare: 24,000 points each wayCancun needs no introduction. It’s one of the most famous destinations in the Caribbean for a reason. You’ll be hard-pressed to find more beautiful beaches this close to the U.S., and the abundance of resorts means you can find a hotel at any price point. Plus, each of the major hotel chains has several properties in Cancun, so you can easily use points for your stay — including at all-inclusive resorts. Even though you’ll fly into Cancun, you don’t necessarily have to stay there. It’s an easy drive to neighboring beach resorts like Playa del Carmen and Tulum, or a quick boat ride to Cozumel.The city’s popularity among U.S. residents is likely why there are so many nonstop flights between the U.S. and Cancun. Whether you’re visiting from Seattle or Dallas, you have almost unlimited options to get to Cancun.A few months ago, Bilt added Spirit as a transfer partner. Although Spirit might not have the best reputation, it does offer some of the most affordable flights to Cancun. For instance, you can fly nonstop from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Cancun for just 2,500 Free Spirit points, transferred from Bilt at a 1:1 ratio.If you prefer a legacy carrier, you still have plenty of affordable options. You can transfer 12,500 Bilt Rewards to Atmos Rewards to book a nonstop flight from Chicago (ORD) operated by American Airlines. The average fares for winter travel to Cancun are 24,000 points, so this represents solid value.You can also book a United business-class flight to Cancun from several hubs, like San Francisco (SFO) or Washington D.C. (IAH), via Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles for just 22,500 miles, but availability is often limited.Turks and CaicosLowest fare: 4,500 points each wayAverage fare: 24,000 points each wayIf you’re dreaming of a Caribbean getaway this winter, Turks and Caicos is surprisingly easy to get to. A two-hour flight from Miami will bring you to the idyllic Providenciales, which is known for its luxury resorts. Anyone looking for a high-end vacation should consider Turks and Caicos, which also happens to have one of the largest reef systems in the world. If, apart from relaxing, you enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving, Turks and Caicos is the perfect place to visit.You can only fly nonstop to Providenciales (PLS) from East Coast or Midwest hubs. If you live on the West Coast, you’ll need to book a connecting flight. However, that doesn’t mean that flights are more expensive.You can book an American Airlines flight from San Francisco (SFO) with a layover in Charlotte (CLT) for just 22,500 Bilt Rewards points transferred to Atmos Rewards. Or, fly with Delta with a layover in Atlanta (ATL) for 17,000 SkyMiles transferred from American Express Membership Rewards.The lowest fare that’s been seen is just 4,500 points each way (for the two-hour nonstop from Miami operated by American Airlines), but on average, you can expect to spend around 24,000 points to get to Turks and Caicos.British Airways Avios can also sometimes be a good way to book American Airlines awards to the Caribbean, primarily following an unpublished distance-based award chart. However, American Airlines has some impressively low fares, and now that you can transfer your Citi ThankYou Points to AAdvantage, you have more flexibility.BahamasLowest fare: 4,500 points each wayAverage fare: 28,000 points each wayThe Bahamas are among the closest islands to the U.S., and you can get to the capital, Nassau, in just over an hour from Miami. If you’re seeking out turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and relaxed island life, this is the place to go. You can time your visit around the Junkanoo Festival, a parade celebrating Bahamian culture, held on Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. Downtown Nassau offers a variety of museums and the Nassau Straw Market, which is perfect for finding souvenirs to take back home.Just as with Turks and Caicos, Nassau is easiest to reach from the East Coast. There have been flights as low as 4,500 points each way, but the average you can expect to spend is 28,000 points. Naturally, the hour-long flight from Miami will typically be the most affordable.However, if you are avoiding the snow in Denver, you can transfer 10,000 Citi ThankYou Points to American Airlines to book your trip to Nassau with a layover in Charlotte (CLT). If you prefer a nonstop flight, you can transfer 20,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards to United MileagePlus.You can also find some fantastic deals on flights operated by Delta by booking through Virgin Atlantic. Virgin uses a distance-based partner award chart, so if you see availability, you’ll know exactly how many points you’ll need to use. For instance, a nonstop flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Nassau (NAS) is just 11,000 Virgin Atlantic points, which can be transferred from American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, and Bilt Rewards.BelizeLowest fare: 5,500 points each wayAverage fare: 29,000 points each wayBelize is a fascinating country that seamlessly blends Caribbean and Central American cultures. It’s also a perfect starting point for visiting the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, only behind the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It’s also famous for the Great Blue Hole — a 400-foot deep underwater sinkhole. When you’re out of the water, you can visit a rainforest, Mayan ruins, and eat some delicious food. Plus, the official language is English, so you’ll have no issue communicating with locals.Belize City (BZE) might not offer as many nonstop routes as some of the other destinations on this list, but it does offer connectivity throughout the U.S., including East Coast, West Coast, and Midwest hubs.You can fly nonstop on Spirit Airlines from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Belize City (BZE) for as few as 5,500 Free Spirit points each way. Keep in mind that Bilt Rewards transfers to Free Spirit at a 1:1 ratio.You can also find flights from Seattle (SEA) to Belize (BZE) with a layover in Dallas (DFW) for just 10,000 AAdvantage miles each way. If you have an eligible Citi credit card, your ThankYou Points transfer to AAdvantage at a 1:1 ratio.Puerto RicoLowest fare: 5,000 points each wayAverage fare: 34,000 points each wayPuerto Rico is another destination to visit if you are seeking a vibrant culture, a historic old town, and pristine beaches. Plus, it’s a U.S. territory, making it incredibly easy to reach and enjoy. The island is filled with attractions to enjoy, from the El Yunque National Forest, with 29,000 acres of waterfalls, bamboo groves, and views, to Flamenco Beach, considered one of the top beaches in the world.Similar to the other Caribbean islands on this list, you’ll only be able to fly nonstop if you’re based on the East Coast or from a select few Midwest hubs. On the low end, you can get to San Juan (SJU) for just 5,000 miles. However, on average, you might spend closer to 34,000 miles each way.JetBlue is one of the best ways to book an affordable flight to Puerto Rico. You can fly from New York (JFK) to San Juan (SJU) nonstop for just 5,000 miles. JetBlue partners with Wells Fargo, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points, giving you several different ways to transfer your points.PanamaLowest fare: 6,700 points each wayAverage fare: 37,000 points each wayPanama is best known for the Panama Canal, but the country offers so much more. When you fly into Panama City, you’ll be greeted with a modern capital city. However, you can easily explore the rest of the country by renting a car or taking a tour. If you want to surf 30-foot waves, head to Santa Catalina on the Pacific Coast of Panama. Or, head to Volcán Barú to see the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from the highest peak in the country. If beaches are what you’re after, head north to Bocas del Toro and the Caribbean coastline, where you can find snorkeling, marine life, and crystal clear waters.The lowest fare to Panama City (PTY) that’s been spotted is 6,700 miles each way. On average, you can expect to spend around 37,000 miles to reach the city. Copa Airlines is the flag carrier of Panama and a member of the Star Alliance. This means that fellow Star Alliance members, like Avianca and United, might offer the most affordable flights to Panama City. That said, Copa Airlines and Air France have a codeshare partnership, which means you can also find great deals through Flying Blue.For instance, you can book a nonstop flight from Raleigh, North Carolina (RDU) to Panama City (PTY) for just 9,500 Air France Flying Blue miles. Air France partners with every major transferable point currency — American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, and Wells Fargo Rewards. In other words, you should have no issue booking an award flight to Panama City.Miami, Orlando, and Key West, FloridaLowest fare: 2,500 points each wayAverage fare: 25,000 points each wayIf you don’t want to pack your passport, you can escape the cold by heading to Florida. Whether you’re interested in the theme parks in Orlando or the white sand beaches of Key West, you have numerous options for your winter getaway. In Miami, it’s summer year-round. No matter when you visit, make sure you pack your bathing suit. Florida has a lot to offer, and since it’s so easy to get to, you can head there for a quick weekend trip without taking too much time off work.There have been fares as low as 2,500 miles to visit Florida hubs like Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA/FLL), and Key West (EYW). However, if you’re visiting from the West Coast, you might see fares around 25,000 points.You can book a nonstop flight from Charlotte (CLT) to Key West (EYW) for just 7,500 Atmos Rewards points.Or, fly from Dallas (DFW) to Orlando (MCO) for just 2,500 Free Spirit points.You can also find some great deals on short-haul Delta flights through Virgin Atlantic. The hour-and-a-half flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Orlando (MCO) would cost just 7,500 Virgin Atlantic points.Costa RicaLowest fare: 7,500 points each wayAverage fare: 34,000 points each wayAlthough this list is primarily beach-focused, Costa Rica offers the perfect blend of nature and city life. If beaches aren’t your thing, you can go in search of waterfalls, hiking, and zip-lining in Liberia, or explore some phenomenal museums in San Jose. Of course, beaches are a major attraction for visitors to Costa Rica as well. Costa Rica is also a major hub for digital nomads, so it’s somewhere you can easily spend a few months exploring.You can fly nonstop to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO), and Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR), from hubs across the U.S. The lowest fare that’s been seen is 7,500 points each way, while the average ranges from 34,000 to 40,000 points.Avianca Lifemiles is a fantastic program for booking Star Alliance flights. For instance, you can fly nonstop on a United-operated flight from Houston (IAH) to San Jose (SJO) for just 15,000 Lifemiles each way. Lifemiles partners with American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, Citi ThankYou Points, Wells Fargo Rewards, and Bilt Rewards.There’s almost always a transfer bonus from one partner, which allows you to stretch your points even farther. Right now, you can take advantage of a 15% transfer bonus from Capital One, meaning you can book this award for just 13,100 Capital One miles.You can also leverage Etihad Guest’s distance-based award chart to book affordable JetBlue awards. For instance, a nonstop flight between Boston (BOS) and Liberia (LIR) would fall into the 2,000- to 2,500-mile distance band. That means you can book a JetBlue Mint award for just 50,000 Etihad Guest points, which can be transferred from Bilt, American Express, Citi, and Capital One.Hawai’iLowest fare: 4,000 points each wayAverage fare: 41,000 points each wayHawai’i is a dream destination for many, but it doesn’t have to stay a dream. You can head to Honolulu or Maui this winter for just 12,000 points from several West Coast hubs. When you visit Hawai’i, it’s as if you’re on another planet. The natural beauty is unmatched, whether you prefer the beach or the mountains. You can discover some wildlife that’s new to you, as well as eat lots of delicious food. Maui is also an excellent place for whale watching, which is something most of us can’t do in the middle of winter. However, January through March is the best time of year to see the humpback whales in Maui, giving you even more reasons to visit.Unfortunately, one of the best ways to reach Hawai’i from the mainland U.S. no longer exists. You used to be able to book a United-operated flight to Hawai’i through Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles for just 10,000 miles each way. These awards now cost 25,000 miles each way, so your miles don’t take you nearly as far. Luckily, there are still plenty of options for travelers to experience Hawai’i for less.There have been great deals on flights to Honolulu (HNL) and Maui (OGG). On average, you can expect to pay between 41,000 and 45,000 points for a flight to Hawai’i, but prices as low as 4,000 to 7,500 points have been spotted. A nonstop Hawaiian Airlines flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Honolulu (HNL) might cost 15,000 Atmos Rewards points each way, which you can transfer from Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.Southwest could also be a solid option for reaching Hawai’i without breaking the bank. You can fly nonstop from San Diego (SAN) to Honolulu (HNL) for just 11,500 Rapid Rewards points, which you can transfer at a 1:1 ratio from Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards.If you have Southwest’s coveted companion pass, you could book a buy-one-get-one free ticket to Hawai’i, even on award travel. That means you and your companion could travel to Hawai’i for just 11,500 points total, only paying taxes and fees for the second ticket.Bottom LineYou don’t need to break the bank to escape the cold this winter — you can visit some warm weather destinations for as few as 2,500 miles each way. By leveraging airline partnerships and alliances, you can book fantastic award redemptions to help you see the world for less. Always keep an eye out for transfer bonuses from a specific credit card, as they can help you stretch your points as far as possible. Whether you’re looking for an international trip to Central America or a domestic flight to Florida, you have plenty of options.This story was produced by point.me and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	President Trump set to visit Iowa Tuesday Susie Wiles has confirmed President Donald Trump will speak on the economy in Iowa on Jan. 27.
	Moline, Project NOW open new temporary shelter There’s a new temporary shelter in the Quad Cities to help protect people during extreme cold weather. The City of Moline and Project NOW held a news conference on January 21 at the BridgePoint 485 building, 1 Montgomery Drive, to announce a new partnership to address emergency housing needs in the Quad Cities. "We need [...]
	Learn about US 67 Corridor Project at public meeting Residents can weigh in on the future of the US 67 (Centennial Bridge) corridor at an open house in Davenport next week. Attendees can stop by The Current Iowa, 215 N. Main Street, second floor, in Davenport on Wednesday, January 28 between 3 – 6 p.m. There will be no formal presentation, so the public [...]
	Top-rated companies hiring now, according to Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2026 Top-rated companies hiring now, according to Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2026The past year tested the resilience of workers and employers alike. As the job market tightened and opportunities became scarce, employees faced a double challenge: Not only were roles harder to find, but many companies rolled back the flexible arrangements workers had come to value, mandating return-to-office (RTO) policies that challenged work-life balance. Layoffs cast long shadows, AI anxiety peaked, and the economic turbulence of the world outside inevitably found its way inside the office walls. Despite those factors, Glassdoor is highlighting a few companies that managed to maintain high morale through it all and gain their employees’ approval.What is the Glassdoor Best Places to Work 2026 list?Glassdoor’s 100 Best Places to Work 2026 is an employee-driven ranking of top U.S. companies across a range of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more, based on authentic reviews. In a year defined by RTO mandates and "forever layoffs," these winning organizations stood out for strong leadership, supportive cultures, and clear career growth opportunities.What makes a company a "Best Place to Work" in 2026?The organizations that earned a spot on this year's list didn't retreat to rigid policies or top-down mandates. They listened. These companies proved that true workplace excellence isn't built on what sounds good in a press release but on what actually works for the people doing the work. They cultivated people-first cultures, offered genuine flexibility, invested in career growth, led with transparency, and provided competitive compensation that reflects employees' true value. In a year when many workers felt the ground shifting, these companies stood out by providing something increasingly rare: workplaces that truly understood and supported their most important asset: their employees. A recent poll of workers revealed that poor leadership is the number one factor for turning a “good” job into a bad one (51% said so). These companies are leading in a way that makes employees want to stay.If you’re looking for a workplace with a culture where you can thrive, here are this year’s 25 Best Places to Work with the most open roles.Best Places to Work 2026: 25 U.S. large companies hiring the most right nowCostco WholesaleChick-fil-A RestaurantsAppleJPMorganChaseLongHorn SteakhouseRDSolutionsLockheed MartinBath & Body WorksGoogleHDRKeller WilliamsBurns & McDonnellPower Home RemodelingBooz Allen HamiltonStake Center LocatingKBRBank of AmericaFidelity InvestmentsNVIDIAHouston MethodistMorgan StanleyDutch Bros.lululemonH-E-BMethodist Health System 1. Costco Wholesale (#82)Industry: Retail & WholesaleWhat employees are saying: “Good pay, good benefits, friendly people, good work environment.” Chick-fil-A (#67)Industry: Restaurants & Food ServiceWhat employees are saying: “Schedule flexibility, Team Member relations, fun atmosphere.” Apple (#77)Industry: Information TechnologyWhat employees are saying: “Stable company, competitive salary, helpful colleagues, and a collaborative culture.” JPMorganChase (#94)Industry: Financial ServicesWhat employees are saying: “PTO is beyond what [the] majority of companies offer. Supportive management. Tuition Assistance (They paid for my associates).” LongHorn Steakhouse (#70)Industry: Restaurants & Food ServiceWhat employees are saying: “Great work culture and scheduling. A lot of support to help you succeed.” RDSolutions (#19)Industry: Management & ConsultingWhat employees are saying: “Flexible schedule. Decent pay. Great training. Awesome management and HR staff.” Lockheed Martin (#36)Rating: 4.1Industry: Aerospace & DefenseWhat employees are saying: “4/10 schedule with Fridays off and flexible hours. Generous PTO policy. Decent benefits.” Bath & Body Works (#80)Industry: Retail & WholesaleWhat employees are saying: “Work-life balance is great, lots of culture, everyone wants you to succeed.” Google (#11)Industry: Information TechnologyWhat employees are saying: “Enjoy the work, culture, and team. Ability to work remotely and paid travel.” HDR (#21)Industry: Construction, Repair & Maintenance ServicesWhat employees are saying: “- 100% Employee-owned (private stocks)- Clear and diverse growth potential- Workshare opportunities" Keller Williams (#5)Industry: Real EstateWhat employees are saying: “Keller Williams is an amazing brokerage and will give you all the tools necessary to be a successful Realtor.” Burns & McDonnell (#56)Industry: Construction, Repair & Maintenance ServicesWhat employees are saying: “Flexible working hours, interesting work, events outside of work to build culture.” Power Home Remodeling (#79)Industry: Construction, Repair & Maintenance ServicesWhat employees are saying: “There are no ceilings or limitations, which allows you to not only grow in your department, but you can expand your knowledge and learn other departments as well!” Booz Allen Hamilton (#48)Industry: Information TechnologyWhat employees are saying: “Incredible benefits and opportunities are endless for you to try new things.” Stake Center Locating (#40)Industry: Energy, Mining & UtilitiesWhat employees are saying: “Management is very easy to contact and is always working with technicians to make the job a better experience.” KBR (#52)Industry: Aerospace & DefenseWhat employees are saying: “Excellent work-life balance, good mentoring, cooperative and supportive environment, opportunities to build a career as you desire.” Bank of America (#96)Industry: Financial ServicesWhat employees are saying: “- Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule - Light workload - Great culture” Fidelity Investments (#29)Industry: Financial ServicesWhat employees are saying: “Work-life balance is good, you can typically leave work at work.” NVIDIA (#3)Industry: Information TechnologyWhat employees are saying: “Great CEO! - love the sense of humor, and he shows real empathy for the team.” Houston Methodist (#9)Industry: HealthcareWhat employees are saying: “There is a fairly good culture here with high standards for the employees. I feel that compensation is fair for the work that I do.” Morgan Stanley (#93)Industry: Financial ServicesWhat employees are saying: “A top-tier firm that cares about your career, work-life management, and the community it operates in.” Dutch Bros. (#75)Industry: Restaurants & Food ServiceWhat employees are saying: “Flexible hours, competitive pay, customer connections, crew connections, 401k, tips, swag, free drinks.” Lululemon (#81)Industry: Retail & WholesaleWhat employees are saying: “Amazing team and personal growth opportunities. A fun work environment.” H-E-B (#13)Industry: Retail & WholesaleWhat employees are saying: “Amazing growth opportunities, great leadership, good atmosphere, excellent benefits. I find it genuinely fun to work here.” Methodist Health System (#25)Industry: HealthcareWhat employees are saying: “MHS is a wonderful place to work! Staff truly care about their patients and believe in the mission of the organization. Not only am I proud to work here, but I would bring my family here for care in a heartbeat!”This story was produced by Glassdoor and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Top-rated companies hiring now, according to Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2026 Top-rated companies hiring now, according to Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2026The past year tested the resilience of workers and employers alike. As the job market tightened and opportunities became scarce, employees faced a double challenge: Not only were roles harder to find, but many companies rolled back the flexible arrangements workers had come to value, mandating return-to-office (RTO) policies that challenged work-life balance. Layoffs cast long shadows, AI anxiety peaked, and the economic turbulence of the world outside inevitably found its way inside the office walls. Despite those factors, Glassdoor is highlighting a few companies that managed to maintain high morale through it all and gain their employees’ approval.What is the Glassdoor Best Places to Work 2026 list?Glassdoor’s 100 Best Places to Work 2026 is an employee-driven ranking of top U.S. companies across a range of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more, based on authentic reviews. In a year defined by RTO mandates and "forever layoffs," these winning organizations stood out for strong leadership, supportive cultures, and clear career growth opportunities.What makes a company a "Best Place to Work" in 2026?The organizations that earned a spot on this year's list didn't retreat to rigid policies or top-down mandates. They listened. These companies proved that true workplace excellence isn't built on what sounds good in a press release but on what actually works for the people doing the work. They cultivated people-first cultures, offered genuine flexibility, invested in career growth, led with transparency, and provided competitive compensation that reflects employees' true value. In a year when many workers felt the ground shifting, these companies stood out by providing something increasingly rare: workplaces that truly understood and supported their most important asset: their employees. A recent poll of workers revealed that poor leadership is the number one factor for turning a “good” job into a bad one (51% said so). These companies are leading in a way that makes employees want to stay.If you’re looking for a workplace with a culture where you can thrive, here are this year’s 25 Best Places to Work with the most open roles.Best Places to Work 2026: 25 U.S. large companies hiring the most right nowCostco WholesaleChick-fil-A RestaurantsAppleJPMorganChaseLongHorn SteakhouseRDSolutionsLockheed MartinBath & Body WorksGoogleHDRKeller WilliamsBurns & McDonnellPower Home RemodelingBooz Allen HamiltonStake Center LocatingKBRBank of AmericaFidelity InvestmentsNVIDIAHouston MethodistMorgan StanleyDutch Bros.lululemonH-E-BMethodist Health System 1. Costco Wholesale (#82)Industry: Retail & WholesaleWhat employees are saying: “Good pay, good benefits, friendly people, good work environment.” Chick-fil-A (#67)Industry: Restaurants & Food ServiceWhat employees are saying: “Schedule flexibility, Team Member relations, fun atmosphere.” Apple (#77)Industry: Information TechnologyWhat employees are saying: “Stable company, competitive salary, helpful colleagues, and a collaborative culture.” JPMorganChase (#94)Industry: Financial ServicesWhat employees are saying: “PTO is beyond what [the] majority of companies offer. Supportive management. Tuition Assistance (They paid for my associates).” LongHorn Steakhouse (#70)Industry: Restaurants & Food ServiceWhat employees are saying: “Great work culture and scheduling. A lot of support to help you succeed.” RDSolutions (#19)Industry: Management & ConsultingWhat employees are saying: “Flexible schedule. Decent pay. Great training. Awesome management and HR staff.” Lockheed Martin (#36)Rating: 4.1Industry: Aerospace & DefenseWhat employees are saying: “4/10 schedule with Fridays off and flexible hours. Generous PTO policy. Decent benefits.” Bath & Body Works (#80)Industry: Retail & WholesaleWhat employees are saying: “Work-life balance is great, lots of culture, everyone wants you to succeed.” Google (#11)Industry: Information TechnologyWhat employees are saying: “Enjoy the work, culture, and team. Ability to work remotely and paid travel.” HDR (#21)Industry: Construction, Repair & Maintenance ServicesWhat employees are saying: “- 100% Employee-owned (private stocks)- Clear and diverse growth potential- Workshare opportunities" Keller Williams (#5)Industry: Real EstateWhat employees are saying: “Keller Williams is an amazing brokerage and will give you all the tools necessary to be a successful Realtor.” Burns & McDonnell (#56)Industry: Construction, Repair & Maintenance ServicesWhat employees are saying: “Flexible working hours, interesting work, events outside of work to build culture.” Power Home Remodeling (#79)Industry: Construction, Repair & Maintenance ServicesWhat employees are saying: “There are no ceilings or limitations, which allows you to not only grow in your department, but you can expand your knowledge and learn other departments as well!” Booz Allen Hamilton (#48)Industry: Information TechnologyWhat employees are saying: “Incredible benefits and opportunities are endless for you to try new things.” Stake Center Locating (#40)Industry: Energy, Mining & UtilitiesWhat employees are saying: “Management is very easy to contact and is always working with technicians to make the job a better experience.” KBR (#52)Industry: Aerospace & DefenseWhat employees are saying: “Excellent work-life balance, good mentoring, cooperative and supportive environment, opportunities to build a career as you desire.” Bank of America (#96)Industry: Financial ServicesWhat employees are saying: “- Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule - Light workload - Great culture” Fidelity Investments (#29)Industry: Financial ServicesWhat employees are saying: “Work-life balance is good, you can typically leave work at work.” NVIDIA (#3)Industry: Information TechnologyWhat employees are saying: “Great CEO! - love the sense of humor, and he shows real empathy for the team.” Houston Methodist (#9)Industry: HealthcareWhat employees are saying: “There is a fairly good culture here with high standards for the employees. I feel that compensation is fair for the work that I do.” Morgan Stanley (#93)Industry: Financial ServicesWhat employees are saying: “A top-tier firm that cares about your career, work-life management, and the community it operates in.” Dutch Bros. (#75)Industry: Restaurants & Food ServiceWhat employees are saying: “Flexible hours, competitive pay, customer connections, crew connections, 401k, tips, swag, free drinks.” Lululemon (#81)Industry: Retail & WholesaleWhat employees are saying: “Amazing team and personal growth opportunities. A fun work environment.” H-E-B (#13)Industry: Retail & WholesaleWhat employees are saying: “Amazing growth opportunities, great leadership, good atmosphere, excellent benefits. I find it genuinely fun to work here.” Methodist Health System (#25)Industry: HealthcareWhat employees are saying: “MHS is a wonderful place to work! Staff truly care about their patients and believe in the mission of the organization. Not only am I proud to work here, but I would bring my family here for care in a heartbeat!”This story was produced by Glassdoor and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Make 2026 the Year You Quit Tobacco for Good By Lacoadia Burkes, Acting Bureau Chief, Tobacco Free Florida (NAPSI)—New Year’s resolutions often focus on health, finances, and fitness, but quitting tobacco might be the one change that unlocks them all. According to recent research, nearly four in five New Year’s goals involve improving health. Other perennial favorites include things like having a better financial outlook and being more active. One thing these and many other self-improvement goals have in common is—quitting tobacco is one of the best and most impactful ways to achieve them. Connection Between Resolutions and Quitting Smoking When you quit smoking, your body will start to reward you almost immediately. Within days, your sense of taste and smell improves. Within weeks, your breathing becomes easier, and your circulation improves. And over time your risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer drops significantly. Financially, the impact is equally dramatic. A pack-a-day smoker in Florida spends over $2,000 a year on cigarettes. Think about what that money could mean for your family—a vacation, a down payment on a car, simply more breathing room in your monthly budget. If saving money is part of your resolution, keep a visual reminder of your goal, like a picture of that dream vacation or new car, in your wallet or on your mirror to stay motivated. Why Resolutions Fail—and How to Succeed Of course, we all know that even the most well-intended New Year’s resolutions often fail. Studies show that nearly half of people abandon their resolutions by the end of January. But here’s the important part: when it comes to your resolution to quit tobacco, you don’t have to go it alone—there is help. Quitting without help can be extremely difficult, and for many people it takes several attempts to succeed. The good news is that evidence-based tools like nicotine replacement therapy—including gum, patches, and lozenges—can significantly improve your chances of keeping your resolution. Tobacco Free Florida, provides these products to free to all Floridians, regardless of insurance status. Tools and Support to Help You Keep Your Resolution If you plan to quit tobacco in 2026, Tobacco Free Florida offers a variety of free Quit Your Way services designed to meet you where you are. Group Quit classes are available both in-person and virtually, offered in English and Spanish. These sessions provide peer support and expert guidance as you navigate your quit journey. Phone Quit and Web Quit offer personalized coaching and support tailored to your schedule and preferences. Your doctor or pharmacist can be an important part of your quit plan too. They can offer medical guidance and help you determine which quit tools may be most effective for sticking to your resolution. Set Yourself Up for Success Beyond using proven quit tools, there are practical steps you can take to help your resolution stick. Set a specific quit date and mark it on your calendar. Tell friends and family about your plan—their support and understanding can make a real difference. Remove triggers from your environment by getting rid of ashtrays, lighters, and any other items associated with smoking. Keep your “why” front and center. Whether it’s your health, your finances, or your family, remind yourself daily why you’re making this change. Learning from Slip-Ups Finally, remember that a slip-up doesn’t mean your resolution has failed. Just as many people restart their exercise or diet resolutions after a setback, you can get back on track with quitting tobacco. Use slip-ups as learning opportunities. What led to the slip-up? Do you always crave a cigarette in a certain place or while doing a certain activity? Understanding your triggers allows you to develop better strategies for your next quit attempt. Each attempt brings you closer to success. With the right tools, support, and mindset, your 2026 resolution to become tobacco free can be the one that finally sticks. You can do it. We can help. For more information about Tobacco Free Florida’s free Quit Your Way services, visit TobaccoFreeFlorida.com/QuitYourWay or call 877-U-CAN-NOW (877-822-6669). Word Count: 644
	Greetings from Kalk Bay, a South African fishing village where wild seals await scraps Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares moments from their lives and work around the world.
	Tax returns with ChatGPT: 10 typical misconceptions Tax returns with ChatGPT: 10 typical misconceptions For many, filing a tax return is about as pleasant as dental treatment without anesthesia. However, the effort often pays off. In recent years, the average tax refund in the U.S. was around $3,000. Enough for a vacation, home improvements, or paying down debt.Today, more and more people are turning to AI chatbots to prepare their taxes. According to the D21 Digital Index 2024/25, AI has become a staple for general research, with 25% trusting ChatGPT as a reliable tool for looking up information.A survey conducted by the Germany-based tax platform BuchhaltungsButler, in collaboration with Berlin-based data studio DataPulse Research, shows just how far this trust extends: Almost half of those surveyed can imagine replacing their own tax advisor with ChatGPT or a similar AI tool. This applies particularly to younger generations and high earners.We asked over 1,000 people how they feel about filing tax returns with the help of ChatGPT or similar AI tools. The surprising result: 47% of respondents can imagine replacing their tax advisor with AI. Source: BuchhaltungsButler in collaboration with DataPulse Research / norstat, November 2025 \| n = 1,009, representative for Germany Online forums like Reddit are chock-full of anecdotal experiences using the tool, with some raving about it and others warning against it. In subreddits like r/tax or r/personalfinance, proponents report that AI support saved them time and money when preparing tax returns.However, other people have had mixed experiences. Hernán Barahona, an expat freelancer living in Germany who prepared his tax return with AI support, explains that ChatGPT helped him to better understand the basic terms and structures of foreign tax law. Also, as a nonnative German speaker, he had many things explained to him in English. However, ChatGPT sometimes lost the thread over long conversations and was prone to oversimplifying nuanced information. Relying solely on the AI almost cost him more than 4,000 dollars.The bottom line: Enlisting AI support for tax returns might be helpful, but it should also be used with caution.How do ChatGPT and other chatbots work? ChatGPT and other AI chatbots operate based on statistical patterns. They calculate the probability for every possible next word in their answers and assemble each sentence word by word. Thus, every answer is newly generated, which means that even the same question can lead to different answers.BuchhaltungsButler explains how to sensibly use AI for tax returns.Misconception No. 1: ChatGPT always tells the truthOne of the most frequent errors when dealing with AI is taking its responses as gospel. But ChatGPT does not provide vetted explanations, like an encyclopedia or a dictionary; instead, it generates text based on probabilities of words occurring together in a phrase. This is exactly why so-called hallucinations occur: The AI can articulate false information so convincingly that it sounds like a fact.Because tax law depends not only on raw numbers but also on the correct interpretation of legal terms and regulations, misinformation is an inherent risk. A recently published study by EBU, an alliance of public service media, revealed alarming error rates: In a systematic test regarding AI-generated responses, 20% of the statements were erroneous, partly outdated, or partly invented. Although the study concerned journalistic content, the mechanism is the same for just about any subject, including taxes: Where interpretation is required, uncertainty looms.This becomes particularly tricky when the chatbot cites court rulings or other seemingly authoritative sources. Whoever reads those will automatically believe those citations are true. Yet often enough, the citation — or even the source itself — does not exist at all. A well-known example happened in June 2023, during legal proceedings in the Southern District Court of New York, when lawyers submitted a brief that cited several court decisions generated by ChatGPT, which turned out not to exist at all. The judge ultimately sanctioned the attorneys and noted that parts of the AI-generated analysis were essentially gibberish.Pro Tip: Actively ask ChatGPT for the source of a piece of information, for example, with the prompt: “Where did you get this information?” If no clear source is named, you should be particularly careful. And if a source is named, it’s best to double-check that the information did, in fact, come from that source, and that the source is reliable.Misconception No. 2: ChatGPT is always up to dateMany users assume that ChatGPT is providing the most recent information available. But that is not true, and it can become expensive when doing a tax return.All ChatGPT models are trained on a set body of information. This information is vast, but it’s not always up to date. The latest information only appears if the model actively searches the web and finds the most current information. Depending on the query, the AI either uses its stored knowledge or fetches current information, if the feature is available. Which sources are included is not always transparent.However, in tax law, it’s imperative to be up to date on new policies stemming from one-off tax reforms as well as the provisions that change on a set schedule (such as the standard deduction, which is adjusted annually for inflation). Anyone working with outdated guidance risks making errors.Pro Tip: Anyone using ChatGPT should actively prompt the model for a current answer. Formulate your questions so that the chatbot performs an online search. Simply add “please search online” at the end. This reduces the risk of adopting outdated information. Nevertheless: Always double-check.Misconception No. 3: ChatGPT is knowledgeable about tax lawsAnyone using ChatGPT has probably seen the many community and custom GPTs that are tailored for a specific purpose. Some even promise help with U.S. taxes. If you type tax return into the GPT Store, you’ll quickly find plenty of them. Many of these models look professional at first glance.However, that doesn’t change the core problem: ChatGPT, whether the standard model or a custom GPT, is a general-purpose language model. It was not specifically trained on tax law, and it has no direct access to professional legal or tax research databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, Thomson Reuters Checkpoint, or CCH.In contrast, professional accounting or tax software systems utilize specialized Tax AIs. These access verified legal texts, rulings, administrative guidelines, and commentaries, and can therefore not only reference exact tax provisions but also correctly explain their application. Furthermore, they recognize erroneous entries or missing mandatory fields in the tax return.Pro Tip: Use ChatGPT for initial explanations or to gain a general understanding for completing a tax form, but not as a replacement for specialized software. Only specialized tax software has access to current legal databases that are designed to complete tax forms.Misconception No. 4: ChatGPT is good at mathChatGPT replaces neither a calculator nor a spreadsheet. Although the most recent models calculate significantly more reliably than earlier ones, errors still repeatedly occur with longer or more complex calculation paths. ChatGPT is prone to skipping steps and making mathematical errors that can impact the bottom-line figures. This can become problematic with any mathematical task, but especially with a tax return, where amounts must be precise.Those using AI for calculations should clearly formulate how the calculation is to be done. An example would be: “Please calculate step by step and check the result.” It also helps to have the complete calculation path displayed so that a human can double-check the formulas and the results.Pro Tip: For calculations, look closely and always check important results yourself or recalculate with a spreadsheet. For more complex calculations, it is better not to leave it to a chatbot at all.Misconception No. 5: It’s all a matter of the prompt“You just have to write the right prompt!” This sentence has become a mantra when it comes to AI. And yes: A clearly formulated prompt helps enormously in getting better answers. But with a tax return, good prompting alone is not enough. In order to give an AI chatbot the right information in the first place, you yourself need a certain basic understanding of your tax situation: What types of income do you have? What counts as a business expense? Which lump sums currently apply?Tax law is complex and full of special rules. Even in seemingly simple cases, there can be exceptions that one must know in order to account for them correctly.So anyone who believes they can generate their entire tax return with a single super prompt will quickly hit a wall. It is better to work in stages, ask follow-up questions, and feel your way step-by-step to the suitable solution. And above all: remain critical.Pro Tip: To get the most accurate results, you must feed the AI as much concrete context as possible, such as specific income types, professional details, or unique life events. However, this creates a fundamental trade-off: The more precise you want the AI to be, the more personal data you have to “sacrifice” to the model. Work in sections and have intermediate steps explained to you. This way, you avoid important details getting lost.Misconception No. 6: ChatGPT can help reduce tax liabilityUsing AI for tax savings sounds tempting, but it is also more complicated than many people think. The reason for this is that tax optimization is not a single action, but a broad strategy. It is about strategically linking different incomes, deduction possibilities, and life circumstances, and coming up with the best scenario that factors in all variables. It therefore requires a certain overall understanding of the filer’s unique financial situation and the ability to recognize complex tax regulations and to use them most effectively.For example, losses from a sole proprietorship or other pass-through business can often be used to offset other income, such as wages or rental income, but limits and rules may apply. In contrast, investment losses face tighter caps. Certain home improvements made for medical reasons may be deductible, while others are not, and business owners who time investments for tax purposes must navigate complex depreciation rules and incentives. In other words, choices about when and how to spend or donate money, or invest, or sell assets affect how different tax rules interact with each other in a given year and over time. ChatGPT has no full view of your overall situation, so it cannot weigh the trade-offs or understand how one decision reshapes the rest of your financial picture, particularly over a longer period of time.In short, tax optimization is not the same as a tax trick. It requires a holistic overview and detailed personal knowledge.Pro Tip: It is not enough to ask individual questions. Only someone who oversees the entire tax situation, including special, personal circumstances, allowances, and loss offsets, can truly optimize. This generally only succeeds with professional support. ChatGPT can provide ideas, but not an individual tax strategy.Misconception No. 7: ChatGPT detects errors and gaps by itselfA tax return follows clear structures: There are many mandatory fields and cross-references, where the answer to one section may impact the results of another. This is exactly where ChatGPT reaches its limits: The AI knows no mandatory fields, checks no plausibility, and does not recognize contradictions either. It also cannot import information that the IRS has on file (such as withholdings) into the proper fields, the way tax software systems often can.ChatGPT cannot recognize, for example, whether an entry is relevant or useful for calculating taxes. Tax filers often enter amounts that seem necessary but have no tax impact, such as itemizing deductions even though they take the standard deduction, which is a single fixed dollar amount.While commercial U.S. tax software (including those affiliated with IRS Free File) automatically flags missing entries or inconsistencies through built-in validation rules, ChatGPT processes all inputs purely as text. The model cannot reliably determine whether information is complete, accurate, or even permissible.Added to this is an often-overlooked risk factor: ChatGPT does not recognize so-called “negative signals” (i.e., entries that lead to higher probabilities of inquiries or an audit from the government). Certain red flags, like large expenses with low income, or special foreign declarations, or unusual deductions, can trigger an audit.In more complex cases, this risk becomes even greater: Anyone who has income from various sources, works abroad, or claims special allowances cannot rely on a chatbot to give extra attention to their unique circumstances.Pro Tip: Use ChatGPT only to gain general knowledge, not as a final review authority. Tax software can automatically reveal which fields actually change your expected refund or balance due. Also, pay close attention to whether ChatGPT suggests entries that could unintentionally appear unusual or high-risk to the IRS. A critical review can save you a lot of trouble.Misconception No. 8: ChatGPT is data secureChatGPT often seems harmless in everyday life, like a smart, chatty friend. Yet behind the tool stands an American company that processes and stores the entered data and is allowed to use parts of it for the further development of the AI and the growth of the company. What exactly happens with your data is not always transparent to users.This is a risk, especially with sensitive tax data. Information regarding income, assets, children, or health costs should not simply be transmitted to a system where it is unclear where and how the data is stored, and whether it is made accessible to third parties.For U.S. tax professionals, this is unthinkable. Under Internal Revenue Code §7216 and professional ethics rules, they are bound by strict confidentiality. Anyone who feeds client data into unsecured external systems risks serious professional sanctions and even criminal penalties.Nevertheless, there are some ways to limit the data that ChatGPT can trace and store. Those who use the tool without logging in remain fundamentally more anonymous; however, functions such as chat history, file upload, and access to specialized GPTs aren’t available. In the Pro version with login, the use of one’s own inputs for model training can be deactivated in the settings. Furthermore, saved conversations can be deleted regularly. Important to know: These protection mechanisms must be set manually.Pro Tip: Avoid entering or uploading sensitive tax data or documents directly to ChatGPT. Instead, use anonymized formulations (e.g., “Assume someone has 2 incomes from renting…”) and deactivate training usage in the settings if you are logged in.Misconception No. 9: ChatGPT automatically files your tax returnChatGPT can explain a lot, but it cannot submit a tax return. The model has no technical interface to IRS systems or commercial tax software. Anyone working with ChatGPT must later transfer their information manually into their filing system, whether that’s TurboTax, H&R Block, or other tax software, including all return forms and schedules.Certified U.S. tax software, by contrast, is built to connect securely to IRS e-file systems. Data is transmitted electronically, often with built-in validation checks, plausibility warnings, and automatic archiving. Some providers can even prefill parts of the return by importing data directly from employers or financial institutions, but the taxpayer still has to review everything carefully.Pro Tip: If you prepare your tax return with ChatGPT, document the key facts and decisions in a structured way, for example, in a spreadsheet or a checklist mirroring typical U.S. tax categories (wages, self-employment income, deductions, credits, dependents, etc.). That makes it much easier and less error-prone to enter everything later in your tax software or on IRS forms.Misconception No. 10: Someone else is liable for AI errorsEven if ChatGPT formulates with great certainty, in the end, you alone are liable for the accuracy of the information in the tax return. Neither OpenAI nor anyone else is liable for errors or false recommendations. This is also confirmed by a look at the terms of use, which state that the results must be checked independently by the user, especially before they are used further or transmitted to third parties (like the tax office).While U.S. policymakers are discussing AI regulation and transparency requirements, none of these efforts change the fundamental legal principle: the taxpayer is responsible for their own return, whether it was prepared manually, with tax software, or with assistance from an AI model.Pro Tip: Use ChatGPT like an inexperienced assistant, not like a tax consultancy. If you want to use an answer, verify it with official sources (e.g., www.irs.gov/help/let-us-help-you) or get a second opinion in case of doubt. You are liable for tax assessments, not the chatbot.Conclusion: AI can support, but does not replace expertiseIs ChatGPT totally useless at tax time or a real replacement for the tax advisor? Probably neither one nor the other. For very simple filings, the AI tool can certainly be a good helper to find one’s way through the tax jungle.Barahona also comes to this conclusion; he plans to continue using AI in the future. However, always with the knowledge that professional support remains crucial to guarantee accuracy and conformity.From an expert perspective, this is also true: Anyone working with ChatGPT should assess the role of the AI realistically.This story originally appeared on BuchhaltungsButler, was produced in collaboration with DataPulse Research, and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Dangerously cold days ahead and weekend snow chances increasing It's much warmer this morning than it was Monday morning across the Quad Cities. Today's highs will be topping out in the 30s, but those winds are really going to pick up this afternoon. After another decent day with highs in the 20s Thursday, brutally cold temperatures and wind chills arrive Thursday night into the [...]
	How a university research associate happened upon the only known copy of this ‘revolutionary’ software How a university research associate happened upon the only known copy of this ‘revolutionary’ softwareStorage room 3495 at his University of Utah computing lab had gotten so packed full of cardboard boxes, Aleks Maricq jokes it had become hard to even see the floor.It rivaled a game of Jenga — or maybe Tetris — as the research associate took down one box after another to clear it out. There were old cords from unknown sources and mountains of papers that had been dumped from a former professor’s file cabinet, including old drawings from his kids and saved plane ticket stubs.A few boxes in, though, Maricq stumbled on something unusual, a find older than the game of Tetris itself (created in 1985).“I knew it was very old, likely very rare,” he said of his summer discovery. “And then after a quick Google search, I realized just how rare.”It’s so old and rare, in fact, that the U. no longer has the computing equipment needed to confirm it is what the label says it is: “UNIX Original from Bell Labs V4.”The 9-track magnetic tape discovery included the helpful note “see manual for format.” The less helpful part? No manual was found with it.And the least helpful part: Even with the manual — and the right equipment — the tape is so old and fragile that analysts likely only had one chance to read it.“We didn’t want to risk anything,” Maricq said.So they waited until Jon Duerig, another research associate at the U. computing lab, could drive it this December to California’s renowned Computer History Museum, where staff have the machinery and expertise. Mailing it could have resulted in damage, even with precautions, from heat or rough handling. And flying with the tape on a plane likely would’ve meant exposing it to radiation through security checks.But now, after a journey more akin to The Oregon Trail computer game, the Computer History Museum has confirmed: It’s believed to be the only remaining copy of the full operating system that is the foundation for the computing we rely on today.The tape of the UNIX software, version 4, was made in 1973 — 52 years ago — and only 20 copies were ever produced, said Robert Ricci, a research professor in the U.’s Kahlert School of Computing and one of the directors of the Flux Research Group, where Maricq and Duerig work.UNIX V4 is the computer operating system, which basically tells the computer or device how to run, that serves as the basis for iOS on iPhones and macOS on Apple computers, The Salt Lake Tribune reports. Apple’s website today literally describes its products as having a “UNIX foundation.”“The UNIX system was a pretty revolutionary way of thinking,” Ricci said.For non-computer experts, Ricci compares it to the Ford Model T, an early car introduced in 1908 that paved the way for the cars of today.“In a similar way, we can look at a Model T and recognize it’s not like any car that any of us drive now. But it’s got four wheels and a steering wheel,” he said.Ricci added: “And in the same way that people are into old cars and restoring those, there are people really into these old operating systems.”That includes the people at the U.’s Flux Research Lab. They’re excited to try to get it running on modern computers to see if there are any design notes left in it by the creators and review the source code on a deeper level.A fragile formatRecovering the information on the tape was a difficult and delicate process. And it speaks to both the speed and transience of technology.The UNIX operating system was cutting edge in 1973, and the U. once had one of the few early computers that could have processed the tape. But the school got rid of it long ago when it became obsolete.If the Computer History Museum had just run the 9-track through a standard reel-to-reel tape reader, the tension on it could have broken the tape or even shattered it to pieces because of its age, Maricq said. It could have literally turned to dust.There’s also a risk in unreeling 50-year-old tape based on how it was stored. Magnetic tape needs to be kept in cold temperatures for the best preservation. And since this tape was found in a box in a storage room — even though it looked like it was in good shape — the magnets and the chemicals on it also could have fused together over time, Maricq noted.If it gets pulled apart too quickly, layers get stuck to the wrong side of the tape, making it nearly impossible to read.“You don’t know what’s happened to that magnetic track over 50 years,” the research associate added.With magnetic tracks, data was encoded by magnetizing parts of the tape either north or south to indicate the ones and zeros of coding. That also meant it could be reused and overwritten. It’s not the best method for keeping information anymore. (Master tapes in the music record industry are facing the same fate.)“At the time, they were doing their best at trying to make these tapes last a certain amount of time,” Maricq said.As much as the software system on the tape has evolved, so have methods for saving information — from floppy disks to CDS to USBs to hard drives. Technology moves quickly, and sometimes that leaves information behind, Ricci said.Luckily, the Computer History Museum had a way to reach back in time.To decipher the tape, the staff there took measurements and photographs of it at a microscopic range to try to preserve the information. Even if a specific magnetized part is hard to read, the outlines should still be there.It’s like taking a close-up picture of an old newspaper, Ricci said. Specific letters might be gone, but hopefully the context is still there around the missing parts or there’s a faint outline of what once was printed.The recovery is so detailed that it actually ends up creating more data than what a 9-track can hold. The raw coding stored on the tape probably takes up about 20 megabytes, Maricq estimated — less data than a high-quality photo from a modern camera.By comparison, the data collected is likely around 100 gigabytes. That’s about 5,000 times bigger.The computers it would have run on, the professor said, were also far less powerful. Today’s dishwashers and toasters now have computer chips that are far superior.How the tape got to the UniversityThe UNIX V4 operating system was transformative because it was the first to be written largely in the C programming language.Before that, machine language was basically simple math. Operations were based on adding or multiplying numbers. Trying to write software with that, Ricci said, is complicated. Anything with images or text would’ve been extremely hard to produce.The C programming language — which was created at Bell Labs, which made UNIX — was higher level and introduced strings of text for the first time.It would’ve run on computers using teletypes. That was basically a typewriter, where each keystroke fed into a computer.At the time, in the 1970s, Ricci estimates there would have been maybe two or three of those computers — called a PDP-11, or programmed data processor — in Utah that could have run UNIX V4, including the one at the U.Having that technology is part of why he believes the U. got a copy of the rare software. The other part was the distinguished computing faculty at the school.The new UNIX operating system would’ve been announced at conferences in the early 1970s, and a U. professor at the time named Martin Newell frequently attended those because of his own recognized work in the field, Ricci said.In another box, stuffed in under manila envelopes, Maricq found a 1974 letter written to Newell from Ken Thompson at Bell Labs that said as soon as “a new batch comes from the printers, I will send you the system.”Ricci and Maricq are unsure if the software was ever used. They reached out to Newell, who is now 72 and retired, as well as some of his former students. None of them recalled actually running it through the PDP-11.Newell went on in 1975 to break his own ground in the field. He created one of the first-ever three-dimensional computer models: A ZCMI department store teapot, recreated with computer graphics to match the one he always kept on his office desk.The teapot has become famous and ubiquitous in computing.The Computer History Museum’s collection actually includes Newell’s physical teapot, which his digital model was meticulously based on.Ricci called it “colliding history.” And it goes a little further.‘Lots more’ to look throughThe late Jay Lepreau also worked at the U.’s computing department and created the Flux Research Group that Ricci, Maricq and Duerig are now part of. Lepreau overlapped just barely with Newell’s tenure.In 1978, Lepreau and a team at the U. worked with a group at the University of California, Berkeley. Together, they built their own clone of the UNIX operating system. They called it BSD, or Berkeley Standard Deviation. Steve Jobs, the former CEO of Apple, worked with BSD, too, and it influenced his work.Ultimately, it was Lepreau who saved the 9-track tape with the UNIX system on it in his U. office. And he’s why the university still has it today.“He seems to have found it and decided it was worth keeping,” Ricci said.It’s all a powerful nod to how the U. has been a pioneer in the computing field, the professor added, and today remains one of the more respected departments in the country for its research. The faculty there are well-known for discovering new developments and, apparently, rediscovering old ones along the way.Now that the information has been recovered from the 9-track, the staff at the Flux Research Group hopes to make copies of the UNIX V4 system widely available so anyone can look at it. There will be a lot of fans in the computer world, he said, with interest.The U. will also get the tape back from the museum. Maricq said it will likely be displayed in the university’s new engineering building that’s set to open in January 2027.That’s why, the research associate said, he was cleaning out the storage room to begin with — to try to prepare for the move. He was mostly just excited to see the floor again. “I thought we’d find some old stuff, but I didn’t think it’d be anything like this,” he said.And Maricq still has boxes to go through, including more believed to be from Lepreau’s office.“There’s lots more stuff,” Ricci added. “We still have a bunch of his stuff.”They’re not sure anything, though, could beat their already high score.This story was produced by The Salt Lake Tribune and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	One top 2026 hardwood floor finishing trend: Waterborne systems (BPT) - Key takeaways:Waterborne floor finishing systems are water-based and environmentally friendly.With low VOCs, waterborne options are better for indoor air quality.Waterborne finishes are durable and can last a decade or more.Always use cleaning and maintenance products made for your type of flooring.Does your home have hardwood floors or would you like them in the future? If your answer is yes, you're not alone. More than half (61%) of American homeowners say wood flooring was a priority when deciding to design or purchase their home, according to the 2026 Bona Floorcast report.Hardwood floors are a smart choice, but the finishing system you choose is just as important as the flooring itself. Finishes and sealers can impact the durability and integrity of the flooring, plus some options are more harmful to the home environment than others. Doing your research can help you determine the best system for your home. "Whether a new build, renovation or refresh, it's important to research the types of products used to treat your wood floors," said Matt Casey, Director of Professional Marketing & Bona Certified Craftsman Program, Bona. "When it comes to hardwood floor finish, the best choice is a waterborne finish."To help homeowners decide the right option for hardwood floors through 2026 and beyond, Matt answers common questions about waterborne floor finishing systems for hardwood."When it comes to hardwood floor finish, the best choice is a waterborne finish."Matt Casey, BonaDo hardwood floor finishes impact indoor air quality? Yes, hardwood floor finishes can impact the air quality in your home. Waterborne, sometimes referred to as water-based, is a wood finish system where water is the carrier for resin particles rather than oil or chemicals. Waterborne finishes are durable, sustainable and have low VOC emissions, making them better for the indoor environment. They are safe enough for homeowners, pets, plants and food to remain in the home during the entire finishing process.Other hardwood floor finishing systems like acid cured (also called Swedish finish) and moisture-cured finishes, which use toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, and oil-modified are high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).What does off-gassing mean for hardwood floor finishing systems? VOCs are human-made chemicals present in many household products. Off-gassing occurs when VOCs and other chemicals are emitted from manufactured products during use. While all hardwood finishing systems have some level of VOCs, waterborne are most often the lowest and therefore better for indoor air quality.Acid-cured and oil-modified finishes have high VOC levels ranging from 275 to more than 700. Waterborne finishes are considered low VOC typically at 150 or less.What is GREENGUARD Certification? It's smart to look for hardwood floor finishing systems with UL GREENGUARD Certification. GREENGUARD is a third-party organization that ensures products used for indoor spaces meet strict chemical emission limits.For example, Bona Traffic HD is a high-durability waterborne finish that is GREENGUARD Gold certified. The GREENGUARD Gold certification has stricter criteria and considers safety factors for sensitive individuals like children and the elderly. How long will waterborne hardwood floor finish last? Advancements in waterborne finishing systems mean they are more durable than ever. High-quality waterborne floor finishes can often last well over 10 years depending on use and maintenance. Plus, unlike oil-based polyurethane that will amber over time, the color of waterborne finishes tends to maintain a more natural look.Do waterborne finishes dry quickly?Getting back to normal life as soon as possible is a priority when researching hardwood finishing systems. A waterborne finish is ready to walk on hours before an oil-based polyurethane finish dries. For example, Bona Traffic HD dries within two to three hours before it can be walked on in socks, with a full cure happening in three days."Investing in waterborne finishing systems for hardwood flooring is a smart choice for homeowners," said Matt. "They create durable floors, allow for a range of color options and support a healthier home and environment."How do you best care for hardwood flooring? Proper maintenance keeps floors looking their best and extends their lifespan. When choosing cleaning products, opt for a microfiber mop, which controls moisture better than a traditional string mop. Use a pH-neutral, residue-free cleaner formulated specifically for your type of wood flooring. The right cleaning products protect the finish and keep newly refinished floors looking beautiful longer.To learn more about the benefits of waterborne flooring systems visit Bona.com.
	New year, new you … and maybe new Wi-Fi, too (BPT) - If your 2026 goals include catching up with family on video calls, sharpening your skills or just streaming more of what you love, there's one resolution that makes all the others easier: upgrade your connections.With the right internet, mobile and entertainment setup, you're not just checking a box — you're supercharging your whole year. Here's how Xfinity can help you kick things off with a fresh connection.Power up your home base with fiber-powered internetSay goodbye to slow speeds and unreliable connections. If your home Wi-Fi can't keep up with all the laptops, TVs, smart home gadgets and gaming consoles in your house, it's time for an upgrade.Xfinity Internet delivers a fiber-powered Wi-Fi experience designed for how we actually live online today — think multi-gig speeds, low-lag connections for gaming and streaming, the power to connect hundreds of devices in your home and wall-to-wall coverage so you can scroll, stream and work from just about any room.Every plan comes with a powerful Wi-Fi Gateway that helps protect your home network with built-in cybersecurity and gives you advanced Wi-Fi and parental controls right from the Xfinity app. Unlimited data is now included for one simple monthly price, with no contracts and the option to lock in a five-year price guarantee for extra peace of mind.New year, new phone (and major mobile savings)If your phone is hanging on by a cracked screen and sheer willpower, make 2026 the year you finally upgrade not only your device, but your network too. When you switch your mobile service to Xfinity, you can save $1,000 or more in your first year by moving two lines from the big three mobile providers — all while getting a new device you're excited to show off.Not sure how your current plan stacks up? Use Xfinity Mobile's savings calculator to compare and see just how much money you could be putting back in your pocket instead of into your phone bill.All Xfinity Mobile customers get WiFi PowerBoost included at no extra charge, which can deliver speeds up to 1 gigabit per second on Wi-Fi — at home or on millions of secure Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country. And if you choose a Premium Unlimited plan, you'll unlock even more perks, like 4K UHD streaming, extra mobile hotspot data, advanced spam call protection and the flexibility to upgrade your device anytime.Level up your entertainment experienceBetween live TV, streaming, sports, apps and endless "what should we watch?" debates, finding your next show or game can feel like a full-time job. Xfinity TV makes it simple.Every Xfinity TV package includes a 4K TV Box, so you can easily search across live TV, on demand and your favorite streaming apps all in one place — just use your voice remote to find what you want and start watching.Sports fan? Xfinity has you covered with innovative features that make game day feel like an event:Multiview lets you watch multiple live events at once on a single screen, so you never have to choose between the big game and the big rivalry.Enhanced 4K makes it feel like you're watching from the stands ... crystal clear picture quality and only seconds behind all the live action on the field.Fan View brings real-time stats, scores and more right alongside the action, so you're always in the know.And when the game's over, you can shift seamlessly into play mode with Amazon Luna cloud gaming on compatible Xfinity devices — no console required. Just fire up Luna, grab a compatible controller or your smartphone and stream popular games right from the cloud on your TV.Best of all, Xfinity has simplified TV pricing with straightforward, all-in options — no surprise line items, just clear, value-packed choices.Bundle it up and save all year longWhy stop at just one upgrade? When you combine select Xfinity Internet, Mobile and Xfinity TV packages, you can save over $70 a month compared to similar triple-play bundles from other carriers — all while enjoying a better-together experience for internet, mobile and entertainment.These are just a few of the ways Xfinity can help you start the year off strong and stay connected, entertained and on track for all your 2026 goals (and beyond).Ready to give your resolutions a boost? Visit Xfinity.com to explore plans, check availability and build the perfect setup for the new year.
	9 ibuprofen interactions: What to avoid when you’re taking ibuprofen 9 ibuprofen interactions: What to avoid when you’re taking ibuprofen Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications. While it’s effective for headaches, muscle aches, and fever, it’s not without risks when combined with other substances. Interactions can increase the chance of side effects like stomach bleeding, kidney damage, or reduced drug effectiveness.Knowing what to avoid while taking ibuprofen is essential for your safety. Doctronic breaks down nine important ibuprofen interactions to watch out for, explaining why they happen and what signs to look for.Key takeawaysIbuprofen can interact with a variety of medications, supplements, and substances, potentially causing serious side effects or reducing effectiveness.Common interactions include blood thinners, lithium, certain blood pressure medications, and other NSAIDs.Alcohol and some foods can worsen ibuprofen’s side effects, especially on the stomach and liver.Always consult a healthcare professional before combining ibuprofen with other drugs or supplements.1. Ibuprofen and Blood ThinnersCombining ibuprofen with blood thinners such as warfarin or newer anticoagulants can increase your risk of bleeding. Ibuprofen itself can irritate the stomach lining and affect platelet function, which helps blood clot. When paired with blood thinners, this effect can become dangerous.Signs of bleeding include unusual bruising, bloody stools, or prolonged bleeding from cuts. If you’re on blood thinners, talk to your doctor before using ibuprofen or opt for safer alternatives.2. Ibuprofen and Other NSAIDsTaking ibuprofen alongside other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or naproxen can raise the risk of gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers and bleeding. It also increases the chance of kidney damage, especially if used frequently or in high doses.Avoid stacking NSAIDs unless specifically advised by your healthcare provider. If you need pain relief, consider alternating medications or using acetaminophen instead.3. Ibuprofen and Blood Pressure MedicationsIbuprofen can interfere with the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications, including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics. This interaction may lead to higher blood pressure or reduced kidney function.People with hypertension should monitor their blood pressure closely and consult a healthcare professional before using ibuprofen regularly.4. Ibuprofen and LithiumIbuprofen can increase lithium levels in the blood, potentially causing lithium toxicity. Symptoms of toxicity include tremors, confusion, nausea, and irregular heartbeat.If you’re taking lithium for mood disorders, avoid ibuprofen unless your doctor approves and monitors your lithium levels carefully.5. Ibuprofen and MethotrexateMethotrexate, used for cancer or autoimmune diseases, can have increased toxicity when taken with ibuprofen. This happens because ibuprofen reduces the elimination of methotrexate, leading to higher blood levels.Patients on methotrexate should avoid ibuprofen or only use it under strict medical supervision.6. Ibuprofen and SSRIsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly prescribed for depression, can increase the risk of bleeding when combined with ibuprofen. This is due to both drugs affecting platelet function.Watch for signs like bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or unusual bruising. Discuss pain management options with your doctor if you take SSRIs.7. Ibuprofen and Supplements Like Ginkgo Biloba and GarlicSome supplements, such as ginkgo biloba and garlic, have blood-thinning properties. When taken with ibuprofen, they can heighten bleeding risk.Always inform your healthcare provider about any supplements you take, especially if you use ibuprofen frequently.8. Ibuprofen and CorticosteroidsCombining ibuprofen with corticosteroids like prednisone can significantly increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. Both medications tend to irritate the gastrointestinal tract.If you are prescribed corticosteroids, discuss safer pain relief options with your healthcare provider.9. Ibuprofen and Certain Blood Sugar MedicationsIbuprofen may affect blood sugar control in people taking diabetes medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas. It can either enhance or reduce the effect of these drugs, leading to unstable blood sugar levels.If you have diabetes, monitoring blood sugar closely and consulting your doctor before using ibuprofen are important.Ibuprofen Interactions With Supplements and OTC MedicationsMany over-the-counter supplements and medications can interact with ibuprofen. Common examples include antacids, which may reduce ibuprofen absorption, and herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort, which can affect liver enzymes.Always check with a healthcare provider or other reliable resource to understand how your supplements and OTC drugs might interact with ibuprofen.Ibuprofen and AlcoholAlcohol can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when combined with ibuprofen. It also puts extra strain on the liver and kidneys.Drinking alcohol while taking ibuprofen should be done cautiously or avoided altogether, especially if you consume alcohol regularly or in large amounts.Ibuprofen and Food InteractionsWhile ibuprofen doesn’t have many direct food interactions, taking it on an empty stomach can increase the risk of stomach irritation and ulcers. It’s best to take ibuprofen with food or milk to protect your stomach lining.Avoiding spicy or acidic foods while on ibuprofen can also help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.Avoiding Ibuprofen InteractionsThe best way to avoid dangerous ibuprofen interactions is to:Keep an updated list of all medications and supplements you take.Consult your healthcare provider before starting ibuprofen, especially if you have chronic conditions.Use ibuprofen at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.Be vigilant for symptoms like unusual bleeding, stomach pain, or changes in mood or heart rhythm.When to Contact Your Doctor About Ibuprofen InteractionsSeek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following while taking ibuprofen:Severe stomach pain or black, tarry stoolsUnexplained bruising or bleedingDizziness, fainting, or rapid heartbeatSigns of allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathingConfusion, tremors, or unusual behavior (especially if on lithium or methotrexate)Even if symptoms are mild, consulting a healthcare professional can prevent complications.The Bottom Line About Ibuprofen InteractionsIbuprofen is a powerful and effective medication when used correctly. Understanding its interactions with other drugs, supplements, alcohol, and food can prevent serious health issues. Always communicate openly with your healthcare providers about all substances you take.Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I take ibuprofen with aspirin?It’s generally not recommended to take ibuprofen and aspirin together regularly. Ibuprofen can interfere with aspirin’s heart-protective effects and increase bleeding risk. If aspirin is prescribed for heart health, talk to your doctor about the safest pain relief options.Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking ibuprofen?Occasional small amounts of alcohol might be okay, but drinking alcohol regularly or in large quantities increases the risk of stomach bleeding and liver damage when combined with ibuprofen. It’s best to avoid alcohol while using ibuprofen frequently.Can ibuprofen affect my blood pressure?Yes, ibuprofen can raise blood pressure or reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications. People with hypertension should use ibuprofen cautiously and monitor their blood pressure closely.What should I do if I accidentally take ibuprofen with a medication it interacts with?If you realize you’ve taken ibuprofen with a potentially interacting medication, monitor for symptoms like bleeding or dizziness and contact your healthcare provider immediately.Are there safer alternatives to ibuprofen for pain relief?Acetaminophen is often a safer alternative for pain relief without the same risk of stomach irritation or bleeding. However, it doesn’t reduce inflammation. Always consult your doctor to find the best option for your specific needs.This story was produced by Doctronic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	9 ibuprofen interactions: What to avoid when you’re taking ibuprofen 9 ibuprofen interactions: What to avoid when you’re taking ibuprofen Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications. While it’s effective for headaches, muscle aches, and fever, it’s not without risks when combined with other substances. Interactions can increase the chance of side effects like stomach bleeding, kidney damage, or reduced drug effectiveness.Knowing what to avoid while taking ibuprofen is essential for your safety. Doctronic breaks down nine important ibuprofen interactions to watch out for, explaining why they happen and what signs to look for.Key takeawaysIbuprofen can interact with a variety of medications, supplements, and substances, potentially causing serious side effects or reducing effectiveness.Common interactions include blood thinners, lithium, certain blood pressure medications, and other NSAIDs.Alcohol and some foods can worsen ibuprofen’s side effects, especially on the stomach and liver.Always consult a healthcare professional before combining ibuprofen with other drugs or supplements.1. Ibuprofen and Blood ThinnersCombining ibuprofen with blood thinners such as warfarin or newer anticoagulants can increase your risk of bleeding. Ibuprofen itself can irritate the stomach lining and affect platelet function, which helps blood clot. When paired with blood thinners, this effect can become dangerous.Signs of bleeding include unusual bruising, bloody stools, or prolonged bleeding from cuts. If you’re on blood thinners, talk to your doctor before using ibuprofen or opt for safer alternatives.2. Ibuprofen and Other NSAIDsTaking ibuprofen alongside other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or naproxen can raise the risk of gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers and bleeding. It also increases the chance of kidney damage, especially if used frequently or in high doses.Avoid stacking NSAIDs unless specifically advised by your healthcare provider. If you need pain relief, consider alternating medications or using acetaminophen instead.3. Ibuprofen and Blood Pressure MedicationsIbuprofen can interfere with the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications, including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics. This interaction may lead to higher blood pressure or reduced kidney function.People with hypertension should monitor their blood pressure closely and consult a healthcare professional before using ibuprofen regularly.4. Ibuprofen and LithiumIbuprofen can increase lithium levels in the blood, potentially causing lithium toxicity. Symptoms of toxicity include tremors, confusion, nausea, and irregular heartbeat.If you’re taking lithium for mood disorders, avoid ibuprofen unless your doctor approves and monitors your lithium levels carefully.5. Ibuprofen and MethotrexateMethotrexate, used for cancer or autoimmune diseases, can have increased toxicity when taken with ibuprofen. This happens because ibuprofen reduces the elimination of methotrexate, leading to higher blood levels.Patients on methotrexate should avoid ibuprofen or only use it under strict medical supervision.6. Ibuprofen and SSRIsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly prescribed for depression, can increase the risk of bleeding when combined with ibuprofen. This is due to both drugs affecting platelet function.Watch for signs like bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or unusual bruising. Discuss pain management options with your doctor if you take SSRIs.7. Ibuprofen and Supplements Like Ginkgo Biloba and GarlicSome supplements, such as ginkgo biloba and garlic, have blood-thinning properties. When taken with ibuprofen, they can heighten bleeding risk.Always inform your healthcare provider about any supplements you take, especially if you use ibuprofen frequently.8. Ibuprofen and CorticosteroidsCombining ibuprofen with corticosteroids like prednisone can significantly increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. Both medications tend to irritate the gastrointestinal tract.If you are prescribed corticosteroids, discuss safer pain relief options with your healthcare provider.9. Ibuprofen and Certain Blood Sugar MedicationsIbuprofen may affect blood sugar control in people taking diabetes medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas. It can either enhance or reduce the effect of these drugs, leading to unstable blood sugar levels.If you have diabetes, monitoring blood sugar closely and consulting your doctor before using ibuprofen are important.Ibuprofen Interactions With Supplements and OTC MedicationsMany over-the-counter supplements and medications can interact with ibuprofen. Common examples include antacids, which may reduce ibuprofen absorption, and herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort, which can affect liver enzymes.Always check with a healthcare provider or other reliable resource to understand how your supplements and OTC drugs might interact with ibuprofen.Ibuprofen and AlcoholAlcohol can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when combined with ibuprofen. It also puts extra strain on the liver and kidneys.Drinking alcohol while taking ibuprofen should be done cautiously or avoided altogether, especially if you consume alcohol regularly or in large amounts.Ibuprofen and Food InteractionsWhile ibuprofen doesn’t have many direct food interactions, taking it on an empty stomach can increase the risk of stomach irritation and ulcers. It’s best to take ibuprofen with food or milk to protect your stomach lining.Avoiding spicy or acidic foods while on ibuprofen can also help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.Avoiding Ibuprofen InteractionsThe best way to avoid dangerous ibuprofen interactions is to:Keep an updated list of all medications and supplements you take.Consult your healthcare provider before starting ibuprofen, especially if you have chronic conditions.Use ibuprofen at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.Be vigilant for symptoms like unusual bleeding, stomach pain, or changes in mood or heart rhythm.When to Contact Your Doctor About Ibuprofen InteractionsSeek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following while taking ibuprofen:Severe stomach pain or black, tarry stoolsUnexplained bruising or bleedingDizziness, fainting, or rapid heartbeatSigns of allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathingConfusion, tremors, or unusual behavior (especially if on lithium or methotrexate)Even if symptoms are mild, consulting a healthcare professional can prevent complications.The Bottom Line About Ibuprofen InteractionsIbuprofen is a powerful and effective medication when used correctly. Understanding its interactions with other drugs, supplements, alcohol, and food can prevent serious health issues. Always communicate openly with your healthcare providers about all substances you take.Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I take ibuprofen with aspirin?It’s generally not recommended to take ibuprofen and aspirin together regularly. Ibuprofen can interfere with aspirin’s heart-protective effects and increase bleeding risk. If aspirin is prescribed for heart health, talk to your doctor about the safest pain relief options.Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking ibuprofen?Occasional small amounts of alcohol might be okay, but drinking alcohol regularly or in large quantities increases the risk of stomach bleeding and liver damage when combined with ibuprofen. It’s best to avoid alcohol while using ibuprofen frequently.Can ibuprofen affect my blood pressure?Yes, ibuprofen can raise blood pressure or reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications. People with hypertension should use ibuprofen cautiously and monitor their blood pressure closely.What should I do if I accidentally take ibuprofen with a medication it interacts with?If you realize you’ve taken ibuprofen with a potentially interacting medication, monitor for symptoms like bleeding or dizziness and contact your healthcare provider immediately.Are there safer alternatives to ibuprofen for pain relief?Acetaminophen is often a safer alternative for pain relief without the same risk of stomach irritation or bleeding. However, it doesn’t reduce inflammation. Always consult your doctor to find the best option for your specific needs.This story was produced by Doctronic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Tips for passenger safety National Passenger Safety Week reminds us that passengers have a voice, and it can save lives. Speaking up when a driver is taking risks can make all the difference. Sandy Spavone shares how passengers can help keep our roads safe.
	Galva Park District plans upgrades after receiving $600k in state grants After decades of work at Galva Park, Doug Anderson says $600,000 in OSLAD grants will fund long-awaited upgrades across the park’s 33 acres.
	Give your finances a fresh start in the new year with a subscription cleanout (BPT) - Do you know how much you're spending on subscriptions each month? If you're like most Americans, the figure is probably higher than you think. A survey by C+R Research found that on average, consumers' real spending on monthly subscriptions was two and a half times higher than they initially estimated ($219 vs. $86). And 42% of respondents admitted to having forgotten about a recurring monthly subscription that they were still paying for but no longer using.Clearly, there's a lot of subscription waste — and the start of a new year is the perfect time to tackle it.Many New Year's resolutions fade by February, but smart financial habits pay off month after month. Taking a fresh look at your subscriptions can help you cut unnecessary costs, choose better options and keep your goals on track long after January ends. Now is a great time to review your subscriptions, cancel unused services and switch to smarter options, freeing up money every month for what matters most. Following are a few tips to help you get started.Cancel what you don't use. Most people have subscriptions on auto-pay, and it's easy to lose track of all the services you've subscribed to. Make sure you only keep the ones you actively need or want.Prevent surprises. Turn on alerts for all subscription charges, so you know exactly what you're being charged for each subscription and when.Pay annually. If you know you're going to use a service for at least a year, pay annually if you can, as annual rates are usually cheaper than monthly ones.Be open to changing providers. Sometimes loyalty is rewarded, but special offers for new customers might make it worthwhile to jump ship. Check out competing providers to make sure you're getting the best rates.Consider family plans. You might be able to reduce your total cost for streaming, music or news subscriptions, for example, if you switch to a family plan, giving multiple people access under one payment.Pay attention to special offers when you make a purchase. Cellphone plans, internet/cable plans, electronics purchases and retail memberships often come with free or discounted subscriptions as a bonus. Make sure you cash in on these if they're services you need and would otherwise be paying more for.Take advantage of credit card or banking perks. Credit cards and bank accounts sometimes come with bundles of benefits that can save you money too. For example, ICCU's Central Plus Checking benefits include phone insurance and roadside assistance, allowing you to reduce the cost of your monthly phone plan and skip annual roadside assistance membership. Plus, the ability to manage your money and subscriptions in one place makes saving even easier.As the subscription economy continues to expand, maintaining oversight and control will only become more important, so make this New Year financial cleanout an annual practice. Give your budget a boost every year by getting rid of unused subscriptions, reviewing opportunities to save, and combining memberships with overlapping benefits.
	Orion moves slowly to recreate accounts, correct errors Village president Steve Newman said that shortly after he assumed the role of village president, the federal government returned at least $10,000 in checks simply made out to "The Fed."
	Illinois growers call new H-2A rule 'step in the right direction' Employers now pay wages based on tiers of job experience requirements and receive adjustments to offset the nonwage costs of the H-2A program, lowering employment costs for many H-2A workers.
	Bettendorf approves new program to help homeowners with costs of sewer lateral replacement Eligible homeowners would be required to have lived in the home for at least two years. The city set aside $75,000 for the new program.
	How North Carolina erased medical debt for 2.5 million people The state partnered with a nonprofit to wipe out the debts. It also has a plan in place to prevent medical debt for people in specific income brackets.
	Public domain contest challenges filmmakers to remix Betty Boop, Nancy Drew and more Nearly 280 filmmakers entered the Internet Archive's annual contest celebrating creative freedom without copyright restrictions.
	Bettendorf honors two men who sprang into action to save a man who collapsed The City of Bettendorf honored two men on Tuesday who took quick action to help a man who collapsed at the Palmer Hills Golf Course in November.
	Alice's Garden This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Do you remember the phrase we all used to use before the good times started rolling? "Making do." I grew up in a family…
	US hits one year of measles spread. CDC's No. 2 calls outbreaks 'cost of doing business' The U.S. on Tuesday met one of the key conditions for losing its measles elimination status, more than 25 years after it achieved this distinction and one year into a second Trump administration that has deprioritized infectious diseases.
	It's showdown time for the Fed's independence at the Supreme Court At issue are President Trump's efforts to break with 112 years of law and precedent by firing Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve's governing board.
	Trump heads to Davos after upending European relations over Greenland The U.S. president is set to meet with an array of leaders to discuss Greenland. Trump's push to acquire Greenland has turned to antagonism toward allies in recent days.
	1 year into Trump's second term, a consumer watchdog agency is 'hanging by a thread' The Trump administration has ordered work stoppages and layoffs and has tried cutting off funding to effectively dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
	How ICE grew to be the highest-funded U.S. law enforcement agency ICE's budget hovered around $10 billion for years. But President Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress are taking the agency's funding to unprecedented levels.
	How the word 'cravat' came from the battlefields of 17th century Europe In this installment of NPR's "Word of the Week" series we trace the origins of the "cravat" (borrowed from the French "cravate") back to the battlefields of 17th century Europe.
	Québec jazz group Christine Tassan et les Imposteures to play Bishop Hill Christine Tassan et les Imposteures will appear in concert at Bishop Hill Creative Commons. According to a release, Crossroads Cultural Connections presents this jazz group from Québec January 26. The evening begins with an optional potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m. (bring a dish to share if you’d like to join), followed by the concert at [...]

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026