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

Thursday, October 1st, 2026
	Major police presence near Brady Street Stadium There is a major police presence in the area around Brady Street Stadium in Davenport. Our Quad Cities News was on the scene October 1 after 7:00 p.m. and saw the crime scene unit pull up to the scene. The incident looks to be blocking traffic in the area. Our Quad Cities News will update [...]
	Police investigating reports of gunfire near gas station in Davenport KWQC is working to learn more information.
	Flood Warning from THU 7:08 PM CDT until FRI 1:00 PM CDT Flood Warning in Effect Until 1 PM CDT Friday
	Families invited to free 'Noogiefest' at MercyOne Genesis West, Davenport Cancer Support Community Iowa and Northwest Illinois at Gilda's Club will present Noogiefest from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at MercyOne Genesis West, 1351 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport. Children must be accompanied by an adult at this indoor event. No pets except service animals will be permitted. The free event will feature trick-or-treat stations, [...]
	Hispanic Heritage Month: Preserving heritage through language In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, one local educator is using her own story to inspire and empower the next generation.
	Iowa vs Ohio State football forecast still looking great After some HEAVY rain Wednesday and Thursday we're still looking really good in Iowa City on Saturday...and that's great news for the Ohio State vs Iowa game at Kinnick. Temps will be in the 60s with a lot of sunshine. If you're tailgating it will be a little cool early in the day.
	The Heart of the Story: Right on target Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies, and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. Online sales may seem like the wave of [...]
	Getting to Know Michelle Solis Russell Chief Meteorologist Andy McCray talks with familiar faces around the Quad Cities in the Getting to Know Podcast. Learn more about important people around our area and have a good time doing it. Each week will feature a new guest from restaurant owners, to area leaders, to Our Quad Cities News Staff. In this episode [...]
	ImpactLife presents check for $4,000-plus to River Bend Food Bank Thanks to contributions from blood donors, ImpactLife presented a check for $4,380 to leaders of River Bend Food Bank on Thursday, Oct. 1, a news release says. Funds are provided through the blood center's Good Giving program, which gives donors have the opportunity to redeem a voucher for their choice of an electronic gift card, [...]
	High grocery prices hitting shoppers and sellers in the Quad Cities Saul Hernandez, owner of Supermercado Monarca in East Moline, said wholesale prices and utility bills are up, and customers also have less to spend.
	Iowa ag secretary candidates debate diesel relief for farmers The two candidates running for Iowa secretary of agriculture discussed plans to lower diesel prices during a debate on Iowa PBS.
	Playcrafters’ ‘Real Women Have Curves’ draws support amid online controversy The Moline production deals with topics of immigration, gender, family and dignity. Despite online backlash, the cast and crew say the community is standing by them.
	Quad Cities shoppers and sellers hit by high grocery prices Saul Hernandez, owner of Supermercado Monarca in East Moline, said wholesale prices and utility bills are up, and customers also have less to spend.
	ImpactLife blood donors make double the impact with River Bend Food Bank donation ImpactLife donors chose to give back the gift cards they earned through the nonprofit's Good Giving program. Those gift cards were turned into a $4,380 donation.
	Impact Life blood donations earn $4,300 in gift card donations for River Bend Food Bank Gift cards earned through Impact Life blood donations were given back to help River Bend Food Bank.
	Rhythm City Casino adds to concert lineup Elite Casino Resorts adds to its 2026 entertainment lineup to end with a bang, a news release says. Featuring a mix of national touring artists and popular regional acts taking place across Elite’s seven casino resorts, guests have even more opportunities to see their favorite artists and discover new performers — all close to home. [...]
	City of Rock Island invites families to open house The City of Rock Island will hold its third annual open house from 10 a.m-noon Saturday, Oct. 3 for members of the public to explore city vehicles and the mobile library, learn more about city services, programs, and watch live K-9, drone and fire hose demonstrations, a news release says. It will be held in [...]
	Bettendorf to host annual Public Safety Open House on Oct. 17 Area residents will have the opportunity to explore police and fire department facilities and equipment at the second annual event.
	Fillmore Elementary students get spooky with edible blood science lab Fillmore Elementary fourth graders in Davenport were rewarded for outstanding attendance with a Halloween-themed science lab where they made edible blood.
	Playcrafters Barn Theatre putting on final performances of 'Real Women Have Curves' this weekend! The production has garnered some controversy, but cast and crew say that's all the more reason to bring it to the stage.
	Project NOW opens annual LIHEAP applications to help families in need Applications are now open for certain households for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Officials said demand is high for assistance this year.
	Funeral procession for former Davenport Fire Chief Mark Frese travels through city he served Former Davenport Fire Chief Mark Frese was laid to rest Thursday after a funeral procession through the city.
	Blackhawk Bancorporation, Liberty Trust, announce merger Blackhawk Bancorporation, Inc. (“Blackhawk Bancorporation”) the parent company of Blackhawk Bank & Trust (“Blackhawk Bank”) and Liberty Bancorporation (“Liberty Bancorporation”), the parent company of Liberty Trust & Savings Bank (“Liberty Trust,) have announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Liberty Bancorporation will merge with Blackhawk Bancorporation. Upon completion of the [...]
	Funeral held for former Davenport Fire Chief Frese Members of the public lined the route to pay their respects to Frese’s 37 years of service.
	Iowa DNR biologist surprised with award from National Fish and Wildlife Agency Iowa DNR Upland Game Biologist Todd Bogenschutz received special recognition for his work to improve game bird populations and habitats.
	Crime Stoppers: Bettendorf police seek suspect after concession stand theft Bettendorf police seek public help identifying a suspect who broke into the Isle Marina concession stand and stole alcohol and snacks.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Iowa DOC High Risk Unit for Escape Iowa DOC High Risk Unit seeks escaped burglary convict Domingo Monge, 30; Crime Stoppers offers cash reward for anonymous tips.
	Crime Stoppers: Rock Island Co. Sheriff searches for wanted fugitive on meth charge Rock Island County Sheriff seeks wanted fugitive Kyler Pickett-Williams on felony methamphetamine charges; cash reward for tips.
	Help make a meaningful difference for QCA kids and families at Champion a Child Gala You can enjoy a night out in style and help make a meaningful difference for children and families across the QCA. Christina McNamara joined Our Quad Cities News with details on the Champion a Child Gala. For more information, click here.
	Realtors offer advice as mortgage rates near 7% Mortgage rates are back near 7%, but Realtors say there are still options for those who want to purchase a home.
	Quad Cities nonprofit providing necessities to foster children receives 'Angels in Adoption' award Liz Estilow founded My G.E.A.R Outreach so that children entering foster care can have their own toys, clothes and necessities, easing the transition.
	Citizen watchdog reminds Ameren customers of prices set to drop in days are still higher than last year Ameren Illinois customers will see a new electricity supply price, lower than the summer price, but still higher than the same time last year.
	Sand completes second 99-county town hall tour of gubernatorial campaign Iowa Auditor of State Rob Sand called for supporters to keep momentum up and bring “divided government once again” to Iowa.
	Zach Lahn expects Iowans to reap benefits of proposed steel mill for decades Zach Lahn called a $15 billion steel mill project planned for Iowa a “once-in-a-lifetime project.”
	Rock Falls Township High School cancels homecoming parade Rock Falls Township High School’s homecoming parade was cancelled Thursday.
	Man arrested after stabbing at Davenport convenience store Davenport police responded to the 7500 block of Northwest Boulevard in reference to a disturbance where they found one person suffering stab wounds to their neck.
	Cedar County farmer receives free Hy-Vee groceries for one year Hy-Vee and Farm Rescue partnered to surprise Darin Axline and his family at their farm near Lowden with $5,200 in Hy-Vee gift cards.
	Blackhawk Bank & Trust merging with Liberty Trust & Savings Blackhawk Bank & Trust and Liberty Trust announced they have entered a merger agreement.
	The family of Renee Good files lawsuits over her death during Minneapolis ICE raids The fatal shooting of Renee Good by a federal immigration agent last January in Minneapolis set off a firestorm of protests around the U.S. Her family is speaking out for the first time.
	Flood Warning until THU 8:15 PM CDT Flood Warning in Effect Until 8:15 PM CDT for Scott County, Iowa
	New developments in breast cancer surgery October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. and while we often talk about the importance of early detection or prevention, it’s also good to know your options when it comes to treatment.
	Healey asks Trump administration to speed up review of planned gas expansion in latest sign of shifting energy politics HERE’S SOMETHING you probably didn’t have on your bingo card: The Democratic governor of Massachusetts asking President Trump’s administration to move faster in approving a gas expansion project. That’s exactly what Gov. Maura Healey did on Thursday, imploring Energy Secretary Chris Wright in a letter to move with a “sense of urgency” in issuing required permits for the project to quickly move forward. Healey, citing her “all of the above” approach to energy issues, previously expressed support for the proposal, a relatively small expansion of 73,500 dekatherms per day of an existing gas pipeline owned by Canadian energy company Enbridge. State regulators approved contracts earlier this year for Eversource to purchase the additional gas from the expansion project, known as the Reliable Affordable Resilient Enhancement, or RARE. But now, as Healey hunts for ways to bring down soaring gas and electric costs and campaigns for reelection in a race defined by the affordability crisis gripping the state, the governor sees an opportunity to appeal to the fossil fuel-friendly Trump administration to bring more natural gas into the state to both power and heat homes and businesses. What’s more, Healey said that she and Wright have “on several occasions” discussed their “mutual desire” to bring more gas into New England. “I ask that you work across the Administration to ensure that the federal reviews and permits needed for RARE move without delay; that agencies establish clear schedules and coordinate their work wherever legally permissible; and that sufficient staff and resources are dedicated to completing the required reviews in time to preserve the project’s planned 2028 in-service date,” Healey wrote to Wright. The overture from Healey is noteworthy, too, because of how critical she has been of the Trump administration for raising energy costs by canceling new offshore wind projects and launching hostilities in the Middle East that have sent oil prices surging. In this case, Healey is backing the RARE project citing expectations that it would deliver real savings to customers, though the expansion isn’t planned to be ready until 2028. The Department of Public Utilities found that RARE would save about 600,000 Eversource customers roughly $40 million per year over the course of a decade by displacing reliance on more expensive, foreign liquefied natural gas delivered through the Everett Marine Terminal. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission began its review this past February. “While we anticipate significant cost and reliability benefits for our natural gas customers from this precedent agreement, by no means will it solve our region’s energy affordability challenge alone,” William Hinkle, an Eversource spokesperson, said in a statement. “As we continue working to advance the Commonwealth’s decarbonization and electrification goals, it’s our responsibility to evaluate any and all solutions that will improve reliability and affordability for our customers, including additional natural gas supply.” High energy costs have emerged as the top household concern in Massachusetts, with electricity prices reaching double the national average, though Bay State voters by and large hold Trump — not Healey — as primarily responsible for that dynamic, according to a recent CommonWealth Beacon poll. Natural gas remains the backbone of New England’s electric grid, accounting for roughly half of all electric generation in the region, as power demand is projected to rise. Healey’s championing of RARE, though, is likely to ignite the ire of environmental advocates concerned that locking in more natural gas runs counter to the state’s commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Just two years ago, dozens of green groups demanded that Northeast governors oppose a different major pipeline expansion proposal that ultimately fizzled. Environmental nonprofit Acadia Center found that despite a sharp increase in the use of natural gas for power and heating in New England since the start of the century, energy prices have only gone up, too. Gas capacity in the region rose by about a third between 2010 and 2024, but prices nevertheless increased, according to the analysis. Caitlin Peale Sloan, vice president for climate and energy at Conservation Law Foundation, said in a statement that “this letter unwittingly adopts the false narrative that expansion of gas infrastructure will lower heating costs.” And Amy Boyd Rabin, vice president of policy and regulatory affairs at Environmental League of Massachusetts, said that “more natural gas supply is not the answer to Massachusetts’s rising energy costs.” Healey’s letter didn’t stop at advocating for RARE. She cracked open the door to a much larger and potentially more controversial pipeline expansion that Enbridge is actively considering known as Project Beacon. That proposal, about four times larger than RARE, would increase gas supply by as much as 10 percent on the Algonquin pipeline system and potentially start operations in 2030. Enbridge executives said on an earnings call over the summer that interest from energy producers and suppliers in purchasing the additional gas “exceeded our initial expectations.” Getting RARE quickly approved, Healey said, could be the start of a new paradigm — and a sign that “all of the above” really could mean much more additional gas. “There may be,” she wrote to Wright, “more opportunities ahead.” Courtesy of Commonwealth Beacon
	A new California law bans child marriage. What's the global outlook on the practice? The governor of California has signed into law a ban on child marriage. What is the status of other efforts to ban the practice? And do bans prove effective?
	After settlement, CT mom pushes Congress to take up online safety Tammy Rodriguez was taking a step back from her front-facing role of advocating for federal online protections for children when she got a call from the Connecticut attorney general’s office in late August. She was asked to attend a press conference the following day but received only vague details. Rodriguez has worked on the issue of online safety since the death of her 11-year-old daughter, Selena, in 2021. When she traveled from Windsor to Hartford for the announcement on Aug. 26, Rodriguez learned in “real time” about the multistate landmark settlement with Meta, the parent company that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. It was an emotional culmination of the work she and others did to seek accountability amid a mental health crisis among minors that many believe is exacerbated by social media. The settlement will pay out millions of dollars to most states, including Connecticut, to address social media harms and push Meta-owned platforms to implement certain guardrails. She sees it as major progress, but Rodriguez hopes it continues to spur action at the federal level, even with the window for Congress to take up such legislation closing at the end of the year. “It was just wonderful to hear people are listening to the parents’ and kids’ stories, believing us finally,” Rodriguez said, later adding that federal action is still needed. “I really think legislation needs to be passed to make this across-the-board for all these companies,” she said. “We need the legislation because [the companies] don’t do these things on their own or unless they’re forced to do it.” Rodriguez and advocacy groups like ParentsSOS and Parents Together have been calling on Congress for years to take up the Kids Online Safety Act, specifically the Senate version of KOSA co-authored by Connecticut’s Richard Blumenthal and Tennessee’s Marsha Blackburn. The bill has gone through several iterations and overwhelmingly passed the Senate in 2024. But it ultimately stalled in that session and could face similar prospects again. Blumenthal made a last-ditch effort Wednesday night to pass KOSA in the Senate before the chamber breaks for the midterm elections. But Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., objected. It only takes one senator to block a unanimous consent request. “Sen. Blackburn and I will fight as long and hard as necessary to pass this bill,” Blumenthal said from the Senate floor Wednesday night, urging Congress to pass the bill “as soon as we return.” The Senate version of KOSA aims to put in place stricter settings by allowing children and parents to disable addictive features like infinite scroll and autoplay of videos, enable privacy settings and opt out of algorithmic recommendations. There’s also a “duty of care” section to hold platforms legally responsible for mitigating certain harms to minors, which has come under scrutiny and was taken out of the House version. But for Rodriguez, the duty of care provision is a critical part — one she believes would adequately hold companies accountable and enforce the rules. The coalition of survivor parents seeking change at the federal level spans the ideological spectrum and has members with varying levels of advocacy experience in politics. For Rodriguez, getting involved in this way was uncharted territory. “Before, I was quiet. I was in the background,” Rodriguez said. “I’d say that Selena left me her spice, because this was not me.” “I went to do a direct action at the Apple store in Grand Central Station” in 2024, she said. “If you ever told me that’s what I would be doing, walking through, telling Selena’s story in a microphone for everybody to hear, I would have told you you were crazy.” Tammy Rodriguez keeps a posterboard of photos of her daughter Selena, which was on display at her funeral, at her home in Windsor on Thursday, June 25. After losing her 11-year-old daughter to suicide in 2021, Rodriguez was one of the first plaintiffs to join a lawsuit against social media companies. Credit: Sarah Gordon / CT Mirror Selena’s story Rodriguez described her daughter as kind, compassionate and full of life. She enjoyed dancing and took up running as part of a group aiming to empower kids about mental health. But she never got to run the 5K at the end of the program because of COVID. The pandemic was a turning point in Selena’s life and demeanor. She was in 5th grade when lockdown took effect, with no more in-person activities and the introduction of devices. “After COVID started and everybody lost everything, she lost her dance class, she was just in the house,” Rodriguez said. “She just changed from there.” Rodriguez said she had closely monitored her daughter’s social media usage. She was allowed to use Snapchat in certain circumstances: she couldn’t post and could only save photos to her phone. Eventually, Rodriguez found out she was using much more. She recalled Selena’s behavior rapidly changing, becoming increasingly violent and reliant on devices. Rodriquez said her daughter facing bullying and body image issues, using filters on the apps to alter her face. That led to an inpatient stay because she stopped eating. On top of that, she was dealing with the grief over losing her uncle that had lived with the family and was “kind of her father figure.” “She went from being that bright ray of sunshine to being locked in the room and just always angry,” Rodriguez said. “Our life in those last few months was like chaos. There’s no other way that I could put it. I never knew what I’d come home to.” Rodriguez eventually learned what Selena was viewing on social media and the types of encounters she was having. Selena died by suicide in 2021. Rodriguez attributes her child’s death to the addictive nature of social media and the harms her daughter confronted on those platforms. Rodriguez said she didn’t make the connection surrounding social media harms and addiction until after Selena’s death and came across a Facebook ad about it through the law firm she now uses. Tammy Rodriguez poses for a portrait with a posterboard of photos of her daughter Selena, that was on display at her funeral, at her home in Windsor on Thursday, June 25. After losing her 11-year-old daughter to suicide in 2021 Rodriguez was one of the first plaintiffs to join a lawsuit against social media companies. Credit: Sarah Gordon / CT Mirror “Like they say, hindsight’s 20/20, but seeing where those addictive traits were coming out and how you wouldn’t have even thought that way,” she said. “Until they connected the two when I had gotten involved in this, [I] never would have put the two together.” Rodriguez filed a lawsuit against social media companies like Meta and Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, in January 2022. She was the first person to file with the Social Media Victims Law Center. Her federal case is pending. Shortly after, Rodriguez ramped up her involvement in these advocacy circles. She first traveled to Washington, D.C., in 2022 to meet with members of Congress. And she was one of the mothers holding up photos of their children as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified at an online safety hearing in 2024 and apologized to the families. When reached for comment about Rodriguez’s lawsuit and KOSA, Snap reiterated its support for the federal legislation. Meta did not respond to a request for comment. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., joined advocates at a May 12, 2026, rally to push for action on his version of the Kids Online Safety Act. Credit: Lisa Hagen / CT Mirror Will there be a last-minute breakthrough on KOSA? The overall issue of online safety, particularly regarding minors, is one of the few issues that defies traditional political ideologies. But even with an issue that’s garnered significant bipartisan support, Congress has still struggled to tackle it in recent years. One of the biggest points of contention that’s divided the two chambers is over the “duty of care.” It would require companies to “exercise reasonable care” when designing a platform to mitigate a defined list of potential harms to minors, including certain mental health disorders, substance use disorders and physical and sexual abuse. The duty of care section has undergone multiple revisions throughout years of negotiations. Critics of the Senate legislation have voiced concerns around free speech. Criticism has also stemmed from some LGBTQ+ advocates who argue it could ultimately limit access to critical services for vulnerable children and communities. (Other LGBTQ+ groups have dropped their opposition after a past revision to address concerns.) Groups such as the Center for Democracy and Technology and Electronic Frontier Foundation argue the Senate’s KOSA would incentivize age verification systems and say Congress should instead pursue legislation more focused on things like data privacy and consumer protection. “Legislative proposals that would enact meaningful data minimization restrictions and other data privacy protections either for everyone or, at a minimum, beginning with enhancing protections for children would help to address some of the root causes animating the concerns for kids’ safety online,” the Center for Democracy and Technology wrote in a letter ahead of the August hearing during which KOSA was up for consideration. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation ultimately approved KOSA through a unanimous voice vote at its Aug. 5 markup. The House passed its own version over the summer as part of the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act, which strips out the duty of care language. Supporters of the House bill cite potential First Amendment and censorship concerns. Blumenthal vehemently opposes to the House’s efforts, noting that KOSA is focused on design and is “content neutral.” Some tech companies have rallied behind KOSA. Snap, the parent company that owns Snapchat, led the pack along with X, formerly known as Twitter, and Microsoft. But NetChoice, a tech trade association representing members like Meta and Snap, has lobbied against both the Senate and House versions of kids online safety legislation, arguing they threaten free expression and innovation. A few hours after Blumenthal’s unanimous consent request to quickly pass KOSA, the Senate departed for a month-long recess, meaning no business will happen until after the Nov. 3 elections. Lawmakers will try again in the lame-duck session to see if they can get it done on an accelerated timeline. Supporters made a similar push in the lame duck session at the end of 2024 but ultimately fell short. Blumenthal hopes to see action on KOSA in the lame-duck session. He said they got a “general commitment” but not a specific date for a vote. And while differences remain between the House and Senate, he said they’re speaking with tech companies to garner support for their version over the House’s KIDS Act. “I’m feeling very hopeful because the focus on AI is building the momentum for the Kids Online Safety Act,” Blumenthal said in an interview from the Capitol earlier this week. “I think there will be a real push for it.” When Congress returns post-election, they’ll have about a month to finish up any remaining work, which includes government funding, the annual defense policy bill and a slate of priorities that got pushed off until the final weeks. It remains to be seen how much can get done before a new session in January restarts the clock. “If they can’t get this done, what does that say about our Congress? That says to me it’s pretty dysfunctional. They need to get it together. They should be able to pass a strong bill,” said Deb Schmill, another parent advocate whose 18-year-old daughter Becca died in 2020 after taking fentanyl-laced drugs purchased on social media. Schmill said her daughter suffered for years as a victim of revenge porn and sexual assault. Parents, including Deb Schmill (left), advocate for the Kids Online Safety Act at a Mother’s Day rally held in D.C. on May 12, 2026. Credit: Lisa Hagen / CT Mirror Focus on the courts Even with the slim odds of getting it all done by the end of the year, advocates say they are seeing movement in the courts. In a case this spring, a jury in California found Meta and YouTube liable in a social media addiction case. Around the same time, a jury in New Mexico found that Meta misled people about the safety of its apps. Months later, Meta settled with Attorney General William Tong and dozens of other state attorneys general who had filed a multistate lawsuit against the company. As its piece of the settlement, Connecticut will get up to $265 million that will go to reducing youth harms on social media as well as programs like mental health and crisis intervention, after-school and summer school programming, and phone-free school zones. On top of that, Meta, which did not admit to wrongdoing, will need to implement safety features for minors for at least the next five years including time limits with pauses after 15 minutes of continuous use of the apps, restrictions on access between midnight and 6 a.m. and limits on weekdays during the school year. Rodriguez got to privately speak with Tong the day of the settlement’s announcement and was told advocates and parents like her would get a chance to give input and suggestions about how to allocate the funds. She said she’d like to see some of it go toward groups focused on mental health and education for teachers and staff on the signs to look out for. Bracelets on Tammy Rodriguez’s arm remember children who took their lives as she talks at her home in Windsor on Thursday, June 25. After losing her 11-year-old daughter to suicide in 2021 Rodriguez was one of the first plaintiffs to join a lawsuit against social media companies. Credit: Sarah Gordon / CT Mirror States may get more money through the settlement, but it’s contingent on whether other social media platforms like Snapchat and TikTok agree to settle and implement the guardrails. Meta called on others like YouTube and TikTok to adopt similar parameters for their platforms. “But this framework will only work if all our peers join us,” Meta’s Chief Legal Officer J. Mahoney said in a video following news of the settlement. “Because teens move fluidly across dozens of apps, we need an industry-wide solution.” Tong had a similar message for Meta’s counterparts. “This is the largest settlement in American history with a single defendant, reflecting the magnitude of Meta’s misconduct and the unprecedented wealth they amassed from it,” Tong said in a statement. “But this has never been about money.” “This settlement charts a new course for online safety, enforcing sweeping reforms to fundamentally alter the experience for kids on Instagram and Facebook,” he continued. “To TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat — our expectations are clear. You’re next.” But Rodriguez is taking it one moment at a time. She feels like the resolutions in courts and the growing network of support signals to parents like her that people are “believing us, finally.” That propels them not to give up hope about passing legislation even if it remains unresolved heading into the next session of Congress. “We’ve had so many new parents join this fight and join the parent networks. They have that beginning fire,” Rodriguez said. “Their fight is helping reignite our fight. So to us, it’s like we can’t stop because we now need to keep doing it for their kids.” Courtesy of CT Mirror
	Field of Dreams movie site music festival to return on Labor Day weekend in 2027 This year, the festival featured three days of concerts from Creed, Carrie Underwood and Shinedown.
	Rain causes flooding throughout the Quad Cities, River Drive closed Flood warnings are in effect for Rock Island, Muscatine, Louisa, and portions of Mercer, Henry (Ill.) and Whiteside counties in Illinois through Thursday evening.
	Independent candidate Michael Bridgford files FEC complaint over debate exclusion Michael Bridgford, the independent candidate for Iowa's First Congressional District, said he filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission over his exclusion from an upcoming debate.
	Flood Warning from THU 2:10 PM CDT until THU 8:15 PM CDT Flood Warning: Expect Urban and Small Stream Flooding in Scott County Until 8:15 PM CDT
	Pay It Forward: Sheffield woman runs free store for people in need Erin Rosenthal opened "The Store" four years ago to help people get what they need at no cost. She is this week's recipient of our Pay It Forward award.
	3 iconic animals show the value of the US Endangered Species Act – and the harm in stripping it away It used to be considered against the law in America to starve a member of an endangered species to death or harm it by destroying its home. That’s changing as the federal government chips away at the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Under the Trump administration’s new interpretations of the law, as long as the animal isn’t directly targeted, there is no violation. The new interpretations, if they hold up to court challenges, could leave a vast number of endangered species at higher risk. Many of the country’s shipping, logging, mining and development practices are influenced by the Endangered Species Act’s protections. In some cases, entire species could face extinction if their habitats are no longer protected. A Coast Guard cutter assists NOAA Fisheries and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission members in an attempt to free a North Atlantic right whale that became entangled in fishing gear. Fishing gear entanglements and vessel strikes are two of the biggest threats to these endangered whales. Alicia Windham-Reid As an environmental conservation scientist, I have been following these and other changes affecting endangered species. To understand what they mean, let’s take a look at the potential impact on three very different species that are at risk: the Florida panther, the North Atlantic right whale and the monarch butterfly. What’s changing in how the law is carried out First, here’s what’s changing. On Sept. 14, 2026, a Trump administration rule change went into effect that redefines harm under the Endangered Species Act to mean only directly injuring or killing a member of an endangered species. The new definition removes an interpretation that had been used for half a century, and upheld by the Supreme Court, that harming an endangered species includes eliminating that species’ habitat. A monarch butterfly caterpillar crawls on a milkweed pod. Monarchs rely on milkweed for food and lay their eggs on the plants, but milkweed is also an aggressive weed in the Midwest. Ron Singer/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service That move alone could gut the law’s ability to protect many species that face their biggest threat from losing habitat they rely on. But that isn’t all. The director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wrote a memo to the services’ leadership team dated Sept. 14, 2026, further reinterpreting the law by arguing that it applies only to intentionally injuring or killing an endangered species. So, if you didn’t target that animal, that would be OK. If your ship strikes a whale, or you kill endangered animals while building a new data center, that would no longer be a problem under this interpretation of the law unless you meant to kill the animal. The administration also recently finalized its removal of what’s known as the Blanket 4(d) Rule. That rule provided automatic protections for species listed as “threatened,” one step before they become “endangered,” and for their critical habitat. As a result of these changes, species are still listed on paper as endangered but are largely unprotected. Florida panther: Territory loss and fragmentation The Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) is a majestic big cat that stalks the state’s southwestern pine forest and swamplands, including the Everglades. Its population crashed in the 1900s from overhunting, in part to protect livestock, and from habitat loss. The Florida panther was close to extinction when the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966, the predecessor of the Endangered Species Act, was passed and led to changes that began to help stabilize the population. The state’s wildlife agencies believe the number of adult panthers today to be between 120 and 230. Florida panthers are losing territory to development and face risks from road traffic. Only 120 to 230 of them remain. Connie Bransilver/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region, CC BY These top predators require large home ranges to live and hunt in, about 200 square miles (518 square kilometers) for males and 75 square miles (194 square kilometers) for females, so space is a scarce resource. And that’s where the challenge lies. The public conservation areas are not capable of fully supporting the panther population. Roughly one-third of the panther’s main habitat is on private ranches and timberlands that are frequently targeted for suburban development in southwestern Florida. Under the new Endangered Species Act interpretations, it would not be considered a federal offense to clear private palmetto flatwoods or cypress domes. Yet ecology research indicates that fragmenting habitat by breaking it up with roads and development results in panther deaths. The majority of panther deaths that aren’t natural are due to collisions with vehicles as they attempt to cross busy roads. The revised rule also allows landowners to clear areas that had been preserved as wildlife corridors on their land without being liable for harming the panthers. That could accelerate habitat loss in southwest Florida’s Caloosahatchee River basin and undermine many years of effort put into the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a connected network of public and private lands that allow the Florida panther and other species to roam. North Atlantic right whale: Noisy, dangerous seas In the ocean, habitat is influenced not only by the water but also by sounds that travel through it. That’s particularly true for whale habitat. The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is one of the most endangered whale species, with an estimated population of about 380 animals and only around 70 breeding females remaining, primarily along the North American Atlantic coast. North Atlantic right whales rely on sound traveling long distances through water to communicate. That communication gets harder as the ocean becomes noisier. NOAA Right whales communicate with low-frequency sounds that help them navigate, locate food and connect with their calves. The noise caused by ships, seismic surveys used in oil exploration, and pile-driving associated with offshore energy projects results in background noise that can disrupt these signals. In addition to sound interference, whales face physical risks from being struck by boats and becoming entangled in fishing gear. The new interpretations of the Endangered Species Act remove some of the legal basis for enforcing rules for noisy seismic surveys, speed limits on vessels and restrictions on shipping routes designed to help protect the whales from harm. Monarch butterfly: Living in a regulatory limbo The eastern migratory monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), a delicate orange-and-black butterfly that was once plentiful across North America’s prairies in summer, is an example of a species that would benefit from the Blanket 4(d) Rule. The butterfly’s population has fallen by about 80% over the past decade, largely due to habitat loss. In the U.S., that includes the loss of milkweed, which the butterflies rely on for food and laying eggs as they travel through the Midwest, but that can compete with crops. A monarch butterfly on a milkweed flower. Monarchs are considered threatened, and changes to rules around the Endangered Species Act mean they may wait much longer for protective actions. Jim Hudgins/USFWS In the past, whenever a species was listed as threatened – a step below endangered, and the status being recommended for the monarch butterfly – it automatically received protections under the Blanket 4(d) Rule. Without that rule, threatened species no longer get automatic protections and instead rely on agencies drawing up species-specific rules for each one, a process that can take years. Losing proactive protection The reinterpretations of the Endangered Species Act change the law from one that is proactive to one that takes action only after there has been immediate and intentional physical harm. A North American right whale sticks its rostrum – its jaw and snout – above the water. Moira Brown/New England Aquarium Hunting is not the primary threat today to the Florida panther, the North Atlantic right whale or the monarch butterfly. Their survival instead relies on the pine flatwoods being in good health, the ocean remaining quiet, and milkweed corridors existing across the continent. Since nature does not abide by the legal boundaries between species and their habitats, damaging the habitat can result in the loss of the species. 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: Timothy Randhir, UMass Amherst Read more: How redefining one word strips the Endangered Species Act’s ability to protect vital habitat Why Trump’s move to gut the Endangered Species Act likely won’t hold up in court Trump’s ‘God Squad’ pits energy vs. endangered species, but it’s a false choice – protecting wildlife can be good for business Timothy Randhir does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
	Find autumn fun at Aledo Fall Fest, Mercer County Art Gala Aledo is ready for autumn with fall festivals that have fun for everyone. "Downtown Aledo is a defining feature of our community, and autumn brings a special warmth to our streets and local businesses," said Chris Hagloch, Mayor of Aledo. "Whether you are coming to catch live music, shop our unique boutiques, or enjoy farm-fresh [...]
	Rain causes flooding throughout the Quad Cities Flood warnings are in effect for Rock Island, Muscatine, Luisa, and portions of Mercer, Henry (Ill.) and Whiteside counties in Illinois through Thursday evening.
	Google launches Project Suncatcher, a step towards AI data centers in space The fridge-size satellite with AI chips on board is part of Project Suncatcher, the company's moonshot effort to put AI data centers in space and harness solar energy.
	North Scott student sustains minor injuries following Thursday morning accident A North Scott student sustained minor injuries Thursday morning after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of West Valley Drive and South 5th Street. According to a press release sent by the Eldridge Police Department, the incident happened at approximately 7:36 a.m. Thursday. The juvenile was evaluated at the scene by emergency medical personnel and returned home. The accident remains under investigation by the Eldridge Police Department, although no further information will be released at this time regarding the juvenile due to age and privacy concerns. The Eldridge Volunteer Fire Department, Scott County Sheriff’s Office and Medic EMS assisted at the scene. Meanwhile, the North Scott School District sent out a message to families regarding the incident. The message, which was signed by superintendent Joe Stutting, junior high principal Chad Jones, and Ed White principal Stephanie Fahrenkrog, said classes at Ed White were slightly delayed Thursday morning to “prioritize our students’ emotional well-being.” School counselors and other staff support will be available to students. The district also sent out a reminder of safety procedures, including: Discuss at home: Please take time today to talk with your student(s) about emergency services. Remind them that first responders are here to help and that giving them space to assess situations safely is vital for everyone's well-being. Use Designated Crosswalks: Pedestrians should only cross the lane at designated crosswalks and where staff members are present to assist. Stay Alert and Unplugged: Drivers and pedestrians alike are asked to keep eyes up and put away mobile devices while in the parking lot and drop-off areas. Maintain Low Speeds: Please drive strictly at walking speed (under 5–10 mph) once on school grounds. Pull All the Way Forward: Drive as far forward along the curb as traffic allows before letting your child out of the vehicle on the curbside only. Follow Staff Directions: Please respect and follow the instructions of our morning duty staff and traffic monitors—they are there to keep your children safe.
	Dixon police sound alarm on phone scam Dixon police are warning people about a phone scam involving financial institutions.
	Federal judge orders reinstatement of Bureau of Prisons' collective bargaining agreement A federal court order has reinstated the collective bargaining agreement that covers law enforcement officers working with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), including staff at FCI Thomson in Thomson, Ill. that was canceled last year. A news release from AFGE 4070, which represents BOP officers, said on Sept. 29, a U.S. District judge granted [...]
	Three Things to Know: Oct. 1, 2026 Walk in Her Shoes in Moline, CornCon Cybersecurity Conference and a quick look at the weather.
	Micah Hyde picked as Honorary Captain at Iowa-Ohio State game Former Hawkeye and NFL player Micah Hyde will return to Kinnick on Saturday as the team’s Honorary Captain.
	EICC generated over $700 million to Scott County, other Eastern Iowa regions This is the equivalent of 3.3% of the region's economy and supported over 9000 jobs.
	Debate stays civil: disagreement over war, health care, affordability Health care and the war with Iran separated the two candidates running for Iowa's 4th Congressional District during a debate Wednesday night that featured extended civility between the two candidates.
	AI data centers: How much are ratepayers on the hook for? Data centers consume large amounts of power and require upgrading infrastructure. But it's difficult to determine how much residential customers benefit and how much they actually pay for the benefit.
	Study shows Eastern Iowa Community College's economic impact on region A new study reveals the economic impact Eastern Iowa Community Colleges have on the region. The colleges partnered with Lightcast to measure economic impact and return on investment. The study shows EICC student, employee and financial data from fiscal year 2024-25, examining EICC from two perspectives. Economic impact analysis measures the added income and jobs [...]
	Cornell Jane Doe's attorney says she told police in 2024: 'I was raped' Counter to what a local prosecutor has claimed, the alleged victim of a 2024 gang rape at Cornell University clearly said in her police statement that she was sexually assaulted, her attorney told NPR.
	‘It’s like my home’: Skater speaks out after vandals cause $165K in damage to Davenport center Quad Cities skaters and outreach workers vow to stay open despite $165,000 in HVAC wreckage caused by thieves targeting their Davenport center.
	Pay It Forward \| Woman creates free community store 'The Store' Founder Erin Rosenthal, opened her free community clothing shop as a place for people to get what they need for free.
	State leaders distribute 8,000 books to children during Illinois Literacy Day Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias joined the Illinois Literacy Foundation to donate books to families at 22 YMCA locations, reaching 118 early childhood centers and afterschool programs.
	Another explosion reported at feed mill in Sheldon, IA No injuries were reported after an explosion was reported at a Sheldon feed mill.
	Child on bicycle struck by vehicle in Eldridge Police say the juvenile suffered minor injuries.
	Don't wonder what to do this weekend! How about a scare, some music, or a good cause? Plan something for the family or just for yourself. There's still time!
	Student loan borrowers face higher payments after SAVE plan deadline passes If you have student loans, it's possible your payment increased without you changing anything after the SAVE plan was terminated.
	‘A gaping hole’: Iron Range leaders react to Mesabi Metallics’ Iowa steel mill plan Essar still owes the state roughly $22 million from a $71 million infrastructure debt. While payments are being made, the long-term sting remains.
	NAMIWalks raises awareness, funds for mental health programs Walkers from around the Quad Cities are joining forces on Oct. 10 for NAMIWalks Greater Mississippi Valley, part of the nation’s largest mental health awareness event series. The walk will be at Veterans Memorial Park, 1645 23rd Street in Bettendorf. Check-in and the program start at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. [...]
	Child riding bicycle hit by vehicle in Eldridge A child riding a bike was struck by a vehicle in Eldridge shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Thursday morning.
	Rep. Miller-Meeks pens letter to DHS asking for Iowa City woman’s release Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks has written a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin requesting the release of an Iowa City woman from ICE custody.
	The benefits of testosterone for women, according to 1,220 patients In September 2026, the FDA held its first-ever public workshop on testosterone use in menopausal women. The questions on the table: What can testosterone actually do for women? How can they use it safely? And what will it take to develop standardized treatments designed for their bodies?Testosterone is not currently FDA-approved for women, although doctors increasingly prescribe it off-label, with prescriptions to women nearly tripling from 2016 to 2025.FDA workshop experts agreed that the evidence for testosterone in women is strongest for treating low sexual desire, known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, or HSDD. Benefits for energy, mood, memory, and muscle, they said, need more study.But in an analysis of more than 1,220 women in perimenopause or menopause from physician-led longevity platform Hone Health, women who took testosterone reported meaningful improvements across 18 menopause symptoms, with the biggest gains in sexual desire, energy, strength, and stamina.What Women on Testosterone ReportedIn September 2026, Hone analyzed menopause symptom improvement in 1,220 women taking testosterone but not estrogen or progesterone menopause hormone therapy. Symptoms were ranked using a standard questionnaire that healthcare providers use to track how menopause affects daily life.The biggest improvements for women taking testosterone fell into three categories: sexual health, energy and stamina, and physical improvements such as muscle mass. Hone Health These improvements suggest that testosterone drives gains in energy, desire, and vitality in menopausal women."Much of this doesn't surprise me because it lines up with what we know testosterone is doing in the body," says Dr. Natalie Kunsman, MD, a Hone-affiliated family doctor who specializes in hormone health and regenerative medicine. “Tracking specific symptoms is like looking through a keyhole when we know testosterone is working the whole room."Testosterone Benefits For Women, According to Their DoctorsDoctors affiliated with Hone Health say testosterone’s benefits can extend well beyond sexual health. That makes sense given that testosterone receptors sit across multiple systems in the female body: throughout the brain, muscles, bones, and cardiovascular system. Women’s testosterone levels gradually decline with age, although the drop isn’t as closely tied to menopause as the declines in estrogen and progesterone.Kunsman emphasizes that testosterone’s benefits for women don't always show up in symptom scores, but research increasingly backs them:Lean muscle mass. As women age, they lose lean mass, which raises the risk of frailty and worsens metabolic health. It's the same process that causes muscle wasting, or sarcopenia. "Without testosterone optimization, we have difficulty holding on to our lean mass," Kunsman says.Metabolic health. Muscle helps the body regulate weight and blood sugar, and low testosterone is linked to more body fat after menopause. Women in menopause who take GLP-1 agonists for weight loss may lose even more muscle, Kunsman says, since those drugs can strip muscle along with fat. She checks that women have optimal hormone levels before GLP-1 treatment to help protect against muscle loss.Bone density. Testosterone supports bone density, which declines in women through menopause. Low testosterone levels in women have been linked to osteoporosis. Testosterone spurs bone formation directly and also converts into estradiol, the estrogen that slows bone loss and reduces fracture risk.The brain. Testosterone plays a role in neuroplasticity, dopamine, and drive. In a 2025 pilot study of women already on hormone therapy, 47% reported better mood and 39% sharper thinking after four months on testosterone.Heart health. Testosterone may support blood vessel function in women and lower their blood pressure.Inflammation. Testosterone helps regulate immune function and can lower chronic low-grade inflammation, partly by reducing the excess body fat that fuels it.Kunsman believes testosterone should be part of the HRT conversation alongside estrogen and progesterone. "Just because we don't have testicles doesn't mean we don't need testosterone," she says. The aim is physiological dosing that restores a woman to a range that’s optimal for her age and life stage. Hone Health Questions to Ask Your Doctor About TestosteroneIf you're dealing with low sexual desire, low energy, loss of strength, or weight gain, especially in perimenopause or postmenopause, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. These questions can help guide the conversation:Am I a candidate for low-dose testosterone?Do I need a blood test to confirm low testosterone?Are you willing to prescribe low-dose testosterone, with or without blood testing?What form of testosterone would you prescribe, and why? (Cream, patch, and injection all avoid the cholesterol problems the FDA flagged with oral testosterone.)What do you consider an optimal testosterone range for a woman my age?How will we monitor my levels and adjust the dose over time?Are there safety considerations I should know about based on my health history?If your physician isn't open to prescribing testosterone within the normal female range, telehealth companies offer physician-guided testosterone therapy for women as part of a hormonal assessment that includes lab work and regular follow-up appointments.MethodologyResults come from Hone Health patient data in the Women's Optimization category, as of September 2026. Symptom outcomes were measured using the Menopause Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), a validated clinical tool that scores symptoms from 0 to 6, where lower scores mean fewer or less bothersome symptoms. In men, physicians use the qADAM questionnaire to assess testosterone deficiency, but there is no equivalent for women.The analysis compared each patient's first and most recent MENQOL assessment. Women with fewer than two assessments were excluded. The test group included 1,220 patients who had a testosterone prescription and no recorded estradiol, estrogen, or progesterone prescription through Hone.These are observational findings with no randomized control group, so they show association, not proof of cause and effect. Prescription records reflect Hone history only. Some patients may have received hormones from other providers not captured in this data.This story was produced by Hone Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Money milestones parents should plan for their kids Raising a child can be expensive: You could spend around $300,000 before it's time for them to leave the nest. Whether you're planning for kids, currently expecting or are already a parent, Ally Financial highlights how knowing and planning for their key financial milestones can set you both up for success.Introducing an allowanceThe first purchase a kid makes with their own money is a big deal. Even when they're small, giving your kid the ability to make their own financial decisions can be a way to develop independence and identity. Creating early money memories can give your child a head start on understanding financial concepts like saving and spending.This could also be a good time to open their first bank account. They likely wouldn't be able to open an account on their own until they turn 18, but you may want to look into opening a custodial savings account.Landing their first jobYour child's first job will add a hefty dose of responsibility — not only at work but also in their wallet. Help them navigate this stage by reviewing key financial skills like budgeting and saving. Now might also be a good time to talk about more adult expenses like income tax.Cruising toward independenceRemember the feeling of freedom when you got your first set of car keys? Help your child with this significant milestone by planning together:Talk with your child to develop a savings plan and budget for everything that comes with car ownership (maintenance, gas, etc.).Explore the pros and cons of buying a used car, as well as a new one.Decide if you will buy yourself a new car and hand down your old one to your child. If so, be sure to check up on your credit score.Discuss whether it's more appropriate to lease or purchase a new vehicle.Explain how to mindfully select car insurance and determine if you'll be adding them to a family policy.No matter which road you take, working with your child toward this big purchase can help build their financial confidence for other money milestones ahead.Heading for higher educationA degree from a four-year university isn't for everyone, but make sure to talk to your child about their plans. If you've been saving for college for them, now might be the time to let them know where things stand. Talk to them about which college expenses they will be responsible for and don't forget to discuss student loans, financial aid, scholarships and other programs that could help cover costs.Saving for the first apartmentBefore you know it, your kid will be planning to move out of the house. As you and your child navigate this money coming-of-age together, it's a great time to:Discuss when they plan to move.Look together at their paycheck and expenses to develop their first budget and savings plan.Consider what expenses you'll continue to help with (phone bill, streaming services, etc.).Think back to your first few months after moving out and the kind of questions you had. Your child may need help searching for an affordable apartment, stocking their pantry or saving up for a sofa. Making sure they're well prepared can help them avoid any high-dollar spending once they're out of the nest.Having important conversationsAs your child moves into young adulthood, you can still give guidance on life's big money moments. When they reach milestones like working a full-time job or getting married, you can start conversations about how to save for retirement, get health insurance or make a down payment on a home.A life of financial independenceStarting to save early, having candid conversations about money, being prepared for financial milestones and explaining your own money decisions can give your child the ability to face the future with confidence.This story was produced by Ally Financial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	New space station crew launches from Florida on SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule The crew of four — two NASA astronauts, one from Canada, and a Russian cosmonaut — heads to the International Space Station after liftoff from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
	Eldridge child hit by a car while riding bike to school A child riding their bike to school was hit by a vehicle Thursday morning.
	Rediscover the lost secrets of history, one mystery at a time (BPT) - Where is Alexander the Great really buried? What led to the disappearance of the dodo? And how much do we truly know about the Neolithic cultures that shaped the earliest chapters of human history?These are just a few of the mysteries explored in Sam Kean's The Museum of Lost Things: True Tales of Fabled Treasures, Legendary Cities, and Mythical Creatures That Vanished From History.For anyone drawn to historical mysteries, lost civilizations, extinct species, and the artifacts that help explain the past, Kean's latest book offers a smart, entertaining guide. The New York Times bestselling author and host of The Disappearing Spoon takes readers on a globe-spanning journey through vanished worlds, legendary treasures, forgotten knowledge, and the discoveries that continue to reshape what we know about human history.What connects these stories, even across millions of years? Loss. Over 13 chapters, Kean explores a wide range of disappearances and rediscoveries, from missing tombs and lost cities to stolen art, ancient technology, vanished species, and entire bodies of knowledge erased by time.The result is history writing that feels both deeply researched and highly accessible. Kean has a gift for blending big ideas with vivid detail, surprising context, and moments of humor that make the material feel alive. In the section on Leonardo da Vinci, for example, readers not only encounter the mystery of lost and recovered works, but also a more personal glimpse of the artist, including his habit of clashing with Michelangelo over Dante.Among the many fascinating subjects covered in The Museum of Lost Things are:The lost city of TroyThe hidden tomb of Genghis KhanThe destruction of the Library of AlexandriaThe near loss of the Mona Lisa and other priceless works of artThe decipherment of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphsThe extinction, and possible revival, of dodos, mammoths, and other iconic speciesAlong the way, readers will pick up plenty of unforgettable stories and surprising facts, including the creation of the Antikythera mechanism, often described as the oldest known analog computer, and the remarkable story of deciphering the Mayan language.Why The Museum of Lost Things stands outMore than a collection of history stories, Kean's book explores how fragile human knowledge can be—and how much effort it takes to recover it. Archaeologists, historians, linguists, and scientists all appear in these pages as part of a larger story about curiosity, persistence, and the challenge of reconstructing the past from whatever survives.That makes The Museum of Lost Things especially appealing for readers interested in archaeology, ancient history, lost artifacts, forgotten civilizations, and the enduring mysteries that still shape our understanding of the world. It's the kind of book that invites you to look backward—and then wonder what traces of our own era will remain for future generations.If you're looking for a compelling history book about lost treasures, legendary cities, extinct animals, and the search for the past, The Museum of Lost Things is well worth adding to your reading list. Find it on Disney Books or wherever books are sold.
	Assisted living vs. home care: What’s the difference? The primary difference between assisted living and home care is the setting, but there are other important differences. Both assisted living and home care help with activities of daily living, such as toileting, bathing, and dressing. Social opportunities and activities are also a feature of assisted living, but not typically part of home care. In an assisted living community, caregivers help multiple residents throughout the day while an in-home caregiver focuses on one person. The overall costs associated with each type of care vary greatly depending on how much assistance your loved one needs.Key takeawaysAssisted living and home care provide similar support with activities of daily living like bathing and dressing.Assisted living offers many on-site activities to keep residents engaged, while an in-home caregiver provides companionship for the senior they help.Home care can become more expensive than assisted living when someone needs full-time care.Both home care and assisted living can be customized depending on your loved one’s care needs and preferences. A Place for Mom Cost of assisted living vs. home careThe average nationwide cost of assisted living is $5,830 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary cost data. In comparison, the national average cost of in-home care is $32 per hour. For full-time care at home, the cost is $6,096 per month, based on a schedule of 44 hours per week.At a difference of more than $200 per month, finances play a role in choosing care. However, it’s important to consider what’s included with each type of care and how these costs are determined before deciding.How are assisted living costs calculated?Assisted living costs typically include care services, housing, and meals in one monthly fee. The monthly costs can vary greatly depending on factors like apartment size, state of residence, whether your senior loved one chooses to live with a roommate, and their required level of care.What costs are associated with home care?Just like with any market, in-home care prices depend on supply and demand. Costs for home care can vary greatly based on your location, the home care agency, staff salaries, and more. Remember that home health care is a little different, because it’s medical care ordered by a physician and may be covered by Medicare or private insurance if certain criteria are met.Families and seniors considering home care should evaluate additional related costs, such as utilities, maintenance, repairs, and groceries. For an in-depth look at how the cost of home care would compare to assisted living costs in your area, try using a senior living cost calculator. You’ll be able to factor in common home expenses like utilities, groceries, and home maintenance when weighing your senior care options.How can I pay for assisted living and home care?There are a variety of ways to pay for senior care for your loved one. It’s important to consider that each situation is unique and that not everyone will be eligible for the options presented below. Payment options include, but aren’t limited to:Public programs, such as Medicaid and MedicareVA and military benefits, such as the Aid and Attendance benefitInsurance, such as long-term care insurance or health insurance for medical expensesOut of pocket sources, such as savings, retirement funds, investments, and home equityLevel of careWhether someone resides in an assisted living community or receives in-home care, they’ll typically receive the same level of care. In both settings, nurse’s aides and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) take vital signs, remind people to take their medication, and help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting.Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) do work in assisted living communities and do make house calls, but more intensive medical care is provided less frequently in these settings than in nursing homes, for example.Medication managementProfessional caregivers in both assisted living and home care remind seniors to take their medication, but not all caregivers are permitted to administer medication. State laws vary, but in many states, only RNs and LPNs are allowed to give someone their medication.Safety considerationsDepending on the amount and type of support your loved one needs, assisted living may provide greater peace of mind because staff are available at all hours in case of emergency.“There are aides on staff around the clock to assist with personal care needs,” says Michelle Aweshah, a regional manager at A Place for Mom. “Most communities also have nurses on site, as well as mobile services for physician appointments, therapy services, and more.”Social lifeUnlike home care, assisted living communities provide planned on- and off-site leisure activities as well as social activities, like happy hours and holiday celebrations, which are all very popular with residents. That said, professional in-home caregivers do provide companionship, and many will provide transportation to medical appointments and social outings.Additional benefits of assisted living can include a host of helpful amenities and services:Nutritious meals and snacksBeauty salons and barber shopsConcierge servicesGyms and poolsGame roomsMovie theatersTransportation to off-site activities or appointmentsBusiness centersMail servicesIndependence“For many, being home may feel independent, but if they’re unable to drive, don’t visit friends as often anymore, or don’t eat as well, this can be very isolating and can lead to depression,” says Aweshah. “Being ‘independent’ can quickly become a detriment to quality and longevity of life.”In an assisted living community, meals, social activities, and other amenities are available on site, so there’s less need to travel. Residents are free to engage in whatever activities interest them.Caregiver’s roleIn a home care situation, family caregivers sometimes spend a fair amount of their time coordinating schedules. In assisted living, since staff are present daily and around the clock, family caregivers don’t need to ensure someone is available for their loved ones.Assisted living vs. home care: Which is best for my family member?For seniors who need some daily assistance but remain independent and prefer to age at home, home care may be a good choice. However, if someone requires more than four or five hours of home care a day, assisted living may be the better choice financially. A Place for Mom “It’s a personal decision, and it can be difficult to reach out or ask for any type of assistance,” says Aweshah. “It’s always best to prepare yourself with the most information possible so you can make a choice that’s right for you and your loved one.”This story was produced by A Place for Mom and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Could GTA VI bring back casinos? Grand Theft Auto makes torching cars and getting half the city on your tail look routine, yet getting through a casino’s front door has sometimes taken years.For all the freedom Rockstar sells, its worlds still pick and choose which habits make the cut. Now, with Vice City returning and clues coming from both the series’ past and Rockstar’s latest material, Bodog explores whether gamers can expect some form of gambling in GTA VI.GTA VI’s latest preview leaves the gambling question openRockstar Games pulled back the curtain a little further on the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, due to launch November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X\|S. The extended look gives Vice City and the wider state of Leonida more time in the spotlight, along with Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, the two characters at the heart of the story. Rockstar says the footage was captured in-game using PlayStation 5 hardware.The new material spent more time showing what life in Leonida looks like between the bigger jobs. Jason and Lucia can be seen kayaking and scuba diving, while a separate sequence confirms players can switch directly between the two protagonists during gameplay.Given how much gambling has worked its way into video games in recent years, and the fact that earlier GTA entries had their own take on it, it’s normal to wonder whether anything similar is headed for GTA VI. Bad news for anyone hoping for a firm answer.There are, however, a few subtle hints. About 42 seconds into the second trailer, Jason passes a store kiosk branded Leonida Lottery, with a promotion for Ballfin, apparently Rockstar’s parody of Powerball. Rockstar’s GTA VI website gets cheeky with gambling language, too. The main story description says Jason and Lucia know “the deck is stacked against them,” while Raul Bautista’s profile warns his crew may “double down or pull their chips from the table.”GTA’s take on gambling has changed from game to gameThe first GTA to put casino gambling within easy reach was none other than San Andreas. Once CJ’s story reaches Las Venturas, Rockstar’s take on Las Vegas, players can walk into casinos and wager money at blackjack, roulette, video poker and slot machines. Later in the plot, CJ and his crew plan and carry out a heist at Caligula’s Palace.GTA IV had none of that, though one early mission sees Roman leave Niko outside an illegal gambling operation to watch for loan sharks. The following year’s expansion, The Ballad of Gay Tony, gave players the chance to bet on underground cage fights.Then GTA V arrived in 2013 with a casino property right beside the racetrack, but players could only look at it from the outside. Nearly six years later, GTA Online finally opened the doors and turned the property into the Diamond Casino & Resort. Elsewhere, Lester’s assassination jobs let Franklin cash in on stock swings he helped trigger, which is not a million miles from the Paris $35,000 “hair dryer” hack on Polymarket.You could put real money into GTA Online’s casino ... sort ofThe years after GTA V were anything but quiet for GTA Online. Rockstar kept stacking the game with heists, biker businesses, bunkers, executive operations and nightclubs, before another major addition arrived in 2019 — the Diamond Casino & Resort.In a lot of ways, it was San Andreas all over again. One could walk inside the venue and bet on horse racing, then head over to the slots, blackjack, or roulette tables. What the earlier entry never gave players was much reason to learn poker hand rankings. GTA Online brought that into play with Three Card Poker. Plus, you also had the option to buy a customizable Master Penthouse, which came with VIP Membership. The latter followed much the same playbook as the casino loyalty programs available at major resorts.But perhaps the bigger deal was how real money could work its way toward the gambling floor. There was no cash payout, of course, much like play-for-fun social casinos such as BetRivers.NET and Gambino Slots, where anything won stays virtual.GTA Online sold GTA$ through Shark Cards, while casino chips could be purchased separately with GTA$ at a one-to-one rate. That created an obvious real-money connection, even though casino winnings could never be cashed out for real money, and gambling access has been restricted in some regions.Leonida already has a gambling blueprint to borrow fromFlorida’s legal setup around casinos and sports betting already gives Rockstar plenty to work with when deciding what belongs in Leonida. Since 2023, Seminole Gaming has brought live craps, roulette and retail sports betting to all six of its properties within the state, including three across South Florida. Its Hollywood flagship is packed with popular slot machines, more than 2,500 in all, alongside roughly 200 table games and a 45-table poker room.None of this means Rockstar is going to copy the blueprint beat-for-beat, but if it does, the gambling wouldn’t feel nearly as out of place as it would in some fictional spin on Utah or Hawaii.Kalshi and Polymarket are trading GTA VI outcomesA fictional exchange built around some sort of yes-or-no event contracts, though new territory for GTA, would fit right in with the series’ appetite for American absurdity and how much prediction markets have blown up lately.Meanwhile, GTA VI is already getting plenty of action outside the game. Kalshi has contracts covering everything from its release timing and Metacritic score to whether it breaks sales records, with some getting as oddly specific as which songs make the radio lineup at launch. There are similar markets on Polymarket, though nowhere near the same depth. Bodog The GTA VI casino question is still openPrevious GTA games prove Rockstar knows how to make putting money on the line part of the experience, but nothing announced so far confirms a full casino or prediction exchange for launch.Take-Two’s June preorder release describes GTA VI as a single-player experience. If Rockstar has something bigger tucked away, it is keeping that card very close to its chest for now.This story was produced by Bodog and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	She can communicate with ghosts. Here's what she learns from the 'Sad Dead' My Sad Dead is about an Argentinian doctor who can speak with ghosts. The Spanish-language miniseries blends creepiness, melancholy, sarcastic humor and political anger unlike anything else on TV.
	Most breast cancers aren't genetic. Here's what doctors want women to know Half a century of progress against breast cancer comes down to a pair of numbers most patients never hear. "In the 1970s, the five-year survival was in the 70% range," said Dr. Alberto Montero, a medical oncologist, associate professor of medicine at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and clinical director of the Breast Cancer Medical Oncology Program at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. "Now it's an upwards of 95%. And one of the key things is really early detection."Montero wants people to take one thing from those numbers. Breast cancer is now highly curable, he said, and the progress rests on catching it early. Mammography can find small cancers, and the outcome is closely related to how early the cancer is detected.The National Cancer Institute's SEER program reports five-year relative survival of 91.9% for women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2016 and 2022, compared with roughly 76% for women diagnosed in the mid-1970s. Survival varies sharply by how far the cancer has spread. About 64% of cases are caught while still confined to the breast, and five-year relative survival for that group is 100%, meaning those women are, on average, as likely to be alive five years later as women who never had the disease.Based on an interview with Montero, this article from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine examines what the screening guidelines actually cover, why most patients have no genetic cause, and how molecular testing now decides who can skip chemotherapy.What the screening guidelines actually coverMammography, Montero said, remains the test against which everything else is measured. "It's still the gold standard," he said. The current guidance, as he described it, is a baseline mammogram at around age 40.His second point is the one he said gets lost. Those guidelines are written for women at average risk. A woman with a strong family history or a known genetic mutation follows a different algorithm, and her physician can help work out her actual risk.Guidance from the major bodies has converged on 40 in recent years, though they still differ on how often to screen:The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered its recommended starting age to 40 in April 2024, advising a mammogram every other year through age 74 for women at average risk.The American Cancer Society says women should have the option to begin annual screening at 40, with regular screening for all women starting at 45.Neither set of recommendations applies to women at high risk, who are generally screened earlier, more often, or with additional imaging.Not one disease, but at least four"Breast cancer is indeed not just one kind of cancer," Montero said. "I think that's another thing that a lot of people may not understand." Better science and better molecular testing, he said, have shown that breast cancer is at least four different subtypes, each treated differently and each with its own natural history.Researchers generally group those subtypes as luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched and basal-like, the last of which overlaps heavily with triple-negative breast cancer, according to Susan G. Komen. Komen notes that treatment decisions are guided mainly by stage, grade, hormone receptor status and HER2 status rather than by the molecular subtype label itself, though in practice the two largely track together.Genetics explains less than most people assumeAsked who should be tested for an inherited risk, Montero started by resetting the premise. "The important thing to know is that 90% of women who have breast cancer don't have a genetic cause," he said.Hereditary cases are a small slice of the total. About 5% to 10% of breast cancers are linked to inherited gene mutations, with BRCA1 and BRCA2 the most common. Inheriting one matters enormously for the woman who has it. More than 60% of women with a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 change develop breast cancer in their lifetime, compared with about 13% of women in the general population, according to the National Cancer Institute. Testing has widened accordingly. A 2024 guideline from the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Society of Surgical Oncology recommends offering BRCA1/2 testing to every patient newly diagnosed at 65 or younger, and to selected patients over 65 based on family history, ancestry, tumor type or eligibility for specific drugs.Deciding who can skip chemotherapyThe same molecular tools that sorted breast cancer into subtypes are now used to decide how aggressively to treat it. "Before, we used to give chemo to almost any patient who had a tumor above a certain size," Montero said. "Now we can do genetic testing, and we can understand who has a higher risk cancer or a lower risk cancer and who needs chemotherapy, who doesn't need chemotherapy."The evidence behind that shift came from TAILORx, a trial of 10,273 women with hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative, node-negative breast cancer. Researchers scored each tumor with a 21-gene assay. Among the 9,719 participants with follow-up data, 69% scored in the middle of the range, and for them, hormone therapy alone worked as well as hormone therapy plus chemotherapy, with some benefit from chemotherapy remaining for women aged 50 and younger. It was the largest breast cancer treatment trial conducted to that point, and the results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2018.For Montero, that is the direction the field is moving. "There's a lot of progress in being able to personalize a treatment for patients so that they get only the treatments that they need," he said, "and they avoid any toxic treatments that they might not need."This story was produced by Campus Insights Media on behalf of Case Western Reserve University and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	America's most dangerous roads: Which states are failing drivers Traffic deaths have fallen from their pandemic-era peak, but the risk of dying on the road still varies sharply depending on where Americans drive. In 2024, 39,254 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the United States, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s analysis of U.S. Department of Transportation data. That amounts to 11.5 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.19 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.To identify where drivers face the highest roadway fatality risk, the Law Offices of Pius Joseph, a Pasadena personal injury law firm, reviewed 2024 state-level motor vehicle crash death rates using IIHS Fatality Facts data based on federal crash and mileage records.Mississippi had the deadliest roads by miles drivenMississippi had the highest motor vehicle crash death rate in the country in 2024, with 1.81 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. The state also had the highest population-based fatality rate, at 25.6 deaths per 100,000 residents.Arizona ranked second by deaths per miles driven, with 1.74 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. South Carolina followed at 1.67. Arkansas and Tennessee rounded out the top five, with rates of 1.53 and 1.52, respectively. Law Offices of Pius Joseph The lowest fatality rate by miles driven was in Massachusetts, at 0.59 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Rhode Island had the lowest rate by population, at 4.7 deaths per 100,000 people.The biggest states had the most deaths, but not always the highest risk Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Texas recorded the highest number of motor vehicle crash deaths in 2024, with 4,160 fatalities. California followed with 3,876, and Florida had 3,138. But none of those states ranked among the five deadliest by miles driven.Texas had 1.35 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, California had 1.19, and Florida had 1.26. By comparison, Mississippi’s rate was 1.81, meaning the fatality risk per mile traveled was higher even though the state had far fewer total deaths than Texas or California.IIHS notes that many factors can affect state fatality rates, including vehicle types, travel speeds, licensure rates, state traffic laws, emergency care capabilities, weather, and topography.Rural roads remain a major part of the safety gap Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Nationwide, 16,006 of 39,254 motor vehicle crash deaths in 2024 occurred in rural areas, or 41%. Rural deaths accounted for a majority of crash deaths in each of the five states highlighted here: Montana, 79% (163 deaths); Arkansas, 68% (411); Mississippi, 67% (505); Kentucky, 62% (438); and West Virginia, 56% (144).Rural roads often carry different risks than urban streets. Drivers may encounter higher speeds, longer distances to emergency services, fewer divided highways, limited lighting, and more two-lane roads, where run-off-road crashes or head-on collisions can be fatal. The data does not show that rural roads alone explain a state’s fatality rate, but it shows that rural crash deaths remain a major feature in many high-risk states.Single-vehicle crashes accounted for most roadway deaths Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) More than half of U.S. motor vehicle crash deaths in 2024 occurred in single-vehicle crashes. Nationwide, single-vehicle crashes accounted for 52% of motor vehicle crash deaths, while multiple-vehicle crashes accounted for 48%.Several states near the top of the fatality-rate rankings had single-vehicle shares above the national average. Mississippi had 58% of deaths in single-vehicle crashes, Montana had 60%, Arkansas had 57%, West Virginia had 57%, and Oregon had 55%.Single-vehicle crashes can include vehicles leaving the roadway, rollovers, collisions with fixed objects, and other crashes involving only one moving vehicle. They can reflect a mix of roadway conditions and driver behaviors, including speed, impairment, fatigue, distraction, restraint use, weather, and road design.Speeding was a factor in nearly 3 in 10 deaths Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Speeding was involved in 29% of motor vehicle crash deaths nationwide in 2024. The highest shares were in Vermont, where speeding was a factor in 54% of crash deaths, and in Alaska, where it was involved in 50% of crash deaths.Among the states with the highest death rates per mile driven, speeding involvement varied widely. Arizona had speeding involved in 36% of motor vehicle crash deaths; South Carolina had 38%; Montana had 43%; and Nevada had 33%. Mississippi, despite having the highest fatality rate overall, had speeding involved in 17% of crash deaths.The variation shows that no single factor explains why roads are deadlier in some states than others. Fatality rates can reflect a combination of roadway design, travel speeds, enforcement, driver behavior, vehicle mix, emergency response, and geography.Roadway risk looks different depending on who is traveling Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) The types of people killed in crashes also varied by state. Nationally, 30% of motor vehicle crash deaths were car occupants, 27% were pickup or SUV occupants, 16% were motorcyclists, 18% were pedestrians, and 3% were bicyclists.Montana had the highest percentage of deaths involving SUV and pickup occupants, at 47%. South Carolina had the highest percentage of car occupants, at 38%. Hawai‘i had a comparatively high share of pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorcyclist deaths, with pedestrians accounting for 34%, bicyclists 7%, and motorcyclists 25% of crash deaths in the state.Those differences matter because road safety risks are not experienced the same way by every road user. In some states, the deadliest crashes are more concentrated among vehicle occupants on rural roads. In others, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists make up a larger share of the fatality burden.Where the numbers pointThe latest data above shows that roadway safety remains deeply uneven across the country. The states with the deadliest roads were not defined by one common pattern. Some had high rural fatality shares. Others had high speeding involvement. Some had more single-vehicle deaths, while others saw a larger share of deaths among pedestrians, motorcyclists, or occupants of specific vehicle types.Together, the figures show how much a driver’s risk can depend on where a trip takes place. Personal choices behind the wheel matter, but so do road design, traffic laws, enforcement, emergency response, and the conditions drivers encounter long before a crash happens.This story was produced by Law Offices of Pius Joseph and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Augustana connects students with local volunteer opportunities Augustana College students learned how they can give back to the Quad Cities during a volunteer recruitment fair. “Volunteers Rock! The Power of Participation” brought more than a dozen local organizations to campus, including Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities, Quad City Arts and the YWCA. Students explored volunteer opportunities and ways to use their own [...]
	New dog park, fall markets and a mystery \| Dani's Weekend Rundown for Oct. 1-4 Is it finally time for pumpkin spice? YES! Markets in the area are offering that and more this weekend, plus some scares, open houses and live music.
	Social Security reform: What wealthy taxpayers should know Headlines about the Social Security Trust Fund “running out of money” can understandably unsettle retirees and high‑earners alike. But the situation is more nuanced than the sound bites suggest. Bernstein Private Wealth Management explores what projected depletion actually means, which reforms are most likely, and how affluent families should incorporate Social Security into broader retirement and wealth transfer planning.Despite Headlines, Social Security Isn’t VanishingEvery year, the Social Security Trustees estimate how long trust‑fund assets can cover scheduled benefits. Current projections place Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) depletion in 2033—assuming Congress makes no changes.What depletion doesn’t mean:Social Security cannot “go bankrupt” like a corporation.Benefits won’t drop to zero.Workers and employers will continue paying payroll taxes, ensuring ongoing inflows.What depletion does mean:Once the trust fund reaches zero, the program can pay only what it collects each year. That equates to roughly 75%–80% of scheduled benefits, based on current Trustee estimates.Yet affluent investors—who are accustomed to probability‑based planning rather than headline‑driven reactions—may want to ask a different question: How does uncertainty about Social Security reform influence their retirement strategy?Why Social Security Reform Is Extremely LikelyCongress has adjusted Social Security many times, including the major bipartisan overhaul in 1983 that pushed the original exhaustion date back by five decades. Today’s reform menu is well modeled and familiar:Raising or eliminating the wage tax capGradually increasing full retirement ageAdjusting COLA formulasModest payroll tax increasesHigher taxation of benefits for upper‑income retireesMeans‑tested formulas for benefit calculationExpanded taxable income definitionsNone are politically painless, but all are politically available. Historically, Congress has preferred reforms that preserve benefits for lower‑income households while shifting more of the fiscal adjustment to higher‑income earners.How Should High-Net-Worth Families Think About Benefits?1. Don’t Dismiss Social Security as Irrelevant or “Ancillary”Even for affluent retirees, Social Security is a uniquely valuable asset, offering:Longevity insurance: Lifetime, inflation‑adjusted incomeSpousal and survivor protection: Often exceeding private‑market alternativesExceptional return for delaying: An 8% annual credit from full retirement age to 70, plus compounding COLAsViewed through a portfolio‑construction lens, Social Security resembles a risk‑free, inflation‑protected bond—one that private markets cannot replicate at a comparable cost.2. Plan Under Multiple Scenarios—Not a Single AssumptionA robust plan models Social Security not as a fixed number but as a range. Here’s a simple framework:Conservative: 20%–25% benefit reduction around 2034Base case: On‑time benefits but higher taxation for affluent retireesOptimistic: Modest reforms with scheduled benefits largely intactThis framework will help validate whether spending, gifting, and long‑term capital allocation remain resilient under evolving policy conditions.3. Delay Benefits When Possible—Even Under Reform ScenariosOne of the most common questions among high‑earning households is: “If benefits may be cut, shouldn’t I claim earlier?” Surprisingly, the answer is still usually no. In each case, the goal is to find the “tipping points”—the age at which delaying until 70 produces more cumulative wealth than claiming at 67.Baseline Case (No Benefit Reduction)A 67‑year‑old eligible for $49,824 per year could instead receive $61,782 per year at age 70. If the retiree chooses to wait until then, the higher annual benefit allows them to break even in 12.5 years. In other words, living beyond age 81.5 favors delaying.Stress Test: 25% Benefit Reduction at Age 70Assume the retiree delays to 70—and in the very year they claim, benefits are slashed 25%. Even when the retiree misses out on three full years of benefits and collects reduced benefits of $46,336 per year:The tipping point merely shifts to age 85.7. And if cuts come later (5–10 years after claiming), the tipping point barely moves because the retiree collects several years of intact benefits before the reductions apply. Bernstein Private Wealth Management More Drastic, Targeted CutsIf Congress enacts deeper reductions for certain beneficiaries, such as means‑tested formula changes, the tipping point moves further. For example, a 50% cut in benefits in three years at age 70 pushes the tipping point out to age 94. If the 50% cut is delayed until 2033, the tipping point shifts to age 90 .Even in these challenging scenarios, delaying preserves better longevity protection, higher inflation‑adjusted income in advanced age and stronger survivor benefits (especially valuable for age‑gap couples). Bernstein Private Wealth Management 4. Reevaluate the Tax Treatment of BenefitsFor higher‑income households, up to 85% of Social Security benefits are taxable—and the thresholds are not indexed for inflation. What if policymakers raise the taxable percentage or modify how “combined income” is calculated?In that case, planning opportunities include:Roth conversions during low‑income yearsWithdrawal sequencing to manage future taxable incomeCharitable planning, including Qualified Charitable Distributions, to reduce RMD‑driven income spikes5. Stress Test Lifetime Spending and Legacy PlansWhile Social Security uncertainty shouldn’t derail long‑term wealth transfer structures, it should inform your liquidity and spending assumptions. For instance:Families considering large gifts should model conservative Social Security assumptions to reduce the chances of outliving their wealth.Drawing retirement assets earlier may reduce RMDs and lower future taxes on benefits.Couples with age gaps should evaluate strategies that maximize survivor benefits across multiple policymaking scenarios.Beat Social Security Uncertainty with Smart PlanningWhile Social Security is likely to change, we don’t see it disappearing as Congress has numerous feasible levers to restore solvency. That means Social Security remains a high-value, inflation-protected asset for affluent families, especially when claiming is delayed to age 70 (even when modeling benefit cuts). Importantly, Social Security planning should be integrated into broader tax, withdrawal, and estate planning.Ultimately, high‑net‑worth families should:Focus on tangible risks and consider multiple reform outcomes.Treat benefit timing analytically, not emotionally.Recognize the lasting value of delaying—even under benefit-cut scenarios.Integrate Social Security into tax‑efficient withdrawal and legacy strategies.Avoid irreversible decisions (like early claiming) driven by fear rather than probability.Trust‑fund depletion does not eliminate benefits—ongoing payroll taxes still fund ~75%–80%.This story was produced by Bernstein Private Wealth Management and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Cold cities are the most ready for winter, with one exception. See where your city ranks Every neighborhood has a mix of homeowners who approach seasonal home maintenance differently—there are the people who stay on schedule, and on the other end, the procrastinators. There are the dedicated DIYers, and those who have their favorite maintenance pro saved as a favorite contact in their phone. As it turns out, cities are no different. Some metropolitan areas keep their neighborhoods in tip-top shape, while others are a little more slow-going.New data from home services company Angi, covering fall maintenance activity in August, reveals which U.S. metropolitan areas are the most proactive with fall maintenance. Washington, D.C., tops the ranking with the strongest demand for fall maintenance in the country, followed by Columbus, Ohio, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Northern cities dominate the rest of the list.Cleveland, Ohio, and Albany-Schenectady-Troy, New York, round out the top five. Cold-weather markets dominate the ranking, accounting for eight of the 10 most-prepared metros. Rochester, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago; Indianapolis; and Pittsburgh complete the top 10.Least fall-ready metrosFewer than 1 in 5 American cities is prepping for fall at an above-average rate. Among the 66 metros that recorded at least 100 fall maintenance service requests during the analysis period, Los Angeles had the lowest level of per-capita activity, followed by Oklahoma City and Riverside, California. California accounts for four of the bottom 10 markets, with Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and San Francisco all appearing on the list. These metros historically don’t experience the colder winter climates of the Northeast and Midwest, making fall maintenance less of an imperative.Grand Rapids, Michigan, stands out as the only clearly cold-weather metro among the 10 least-prepared large metros. The New York City metro, which includes Newark and Jersey City, ranked just outside the 10 least-prepared large metros, coming in at number 11. Other New York state metros, including Syracuse, Rochester and the Albany metro area, were on the most prepared list.Homeowners are choosing upkeep over upgradesSixty-three percent of homeowners who have recently hired a professional completed maintenance work, and 58% completed repairs. Although they may be waiting to do that dream kitchen or bath renovation, they’re focusing for now on the maintenance that keeps their homes in order.The most common fall maintenance projects focus on outdoor upkeep. Nationally, tree trimming was the most popular, followed by lawn and yard waste cleanup and shrub care.What homeowners should do nowWhen tackling a home maintenance list, start at the top of the home by inspecting the roof and gutters. Look for loose or damaged shingles, and make sure gutters are debris-free. It’s also a good idea to ensure downspouts direct water far away from the foundation. Homeowners should inspect these areas from the ground or hire a professional if the work requires climbing or feels unsafe.Next, check for drafts around the windows and doors. Replacing worn weatherstripping and damaged caulk in the fall can prevent warm air from escaping once the heat comes back on. Homeowners should also inspect their HVAC filters and have the heating system checked before the temperatures drop.Every home’s maintenance needs will vary, depending on the age and condition of the house and where it’s located. Whether homeowners hire a professional or safely address small issues, making the fixes can prevent larger and more expensive problems later.The ranking: Metros from most to least preparedAmerica’s 10 Most Fall-Prepared Metros1. Washington, D.C.2. Columbus, Ohio3. Milwaukee, Wisconsin4. Cleveland, Ohio5. Albany-Schenectady-Troy, New York6. Rochester, New York7. Charlotte, North Carolina8. Chicago, Illinois9. Indianapolis, Indiana10. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania10 Metros With the Most Opportunity to Get Fall-Ready1. Los Angeles, California2. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma3. Riverside, California4. Miami, Florida5. San Diego, California6. Houston, Texas7. Grand Rapids, Michigan8. San Francisco, California9. Austin, Texas10. Memphis, TennesseeMethodologyThe rankings are based on fall maintenance activity recorded on Angi during August 2026. Projects included yard cleanup, winterization, roofing and gutters, heating systems, water and drainage, outdoor plumbing, fireplaces and chimneys, pest prevention, and snow and storm preparation. U.S. metropolitan areas were ranked by activity per 100,000 residents using 2020 U.S. Census population data. To qualify for the least-prepared ranking, metros were required to have at least five service requests or jobs during the analysis period. The rankings reflect activity on Angi’s platform and are not a complete measure of all home-maintenance activity within each metro. These rankings reflect activity observed on Angi's platform and should not be interpreted as a complete measure of all home-maintenance behavior within a metro area.This story was produced by Angi and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	From 3,000 students to about 90: Inside the decades-long failure to fix or close NYC’s smallest high school On the fourth floor of a fortress-like building in lower Manhattan housing four public high schools, more than 500 students cram into classes such as calculus and agriculture. They operate 3D printers and tend herbs in a hydroponic farm.In the basement, about 500 students at another high school prepare for emergency medicine careers with a new ambulance simulator. They can graduate with associate degrees and participate in activities that include cursive club and lip sync battles.Meanwhile, the campus’s original school, Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers, sits largely empty on the ground floor.With about 90 students, it is New York City’s smallest traditional high school. The school advertises no extracurricular activities outside of the sports it shares with the other schools on campus. Its lone math teacher cannot teach every class that students need each semester, forcing some to attend night school on other campuses. That’s despite receiving more than $46,000 per student last year, roughly twice the citywide average.“When you look at the other schools, it’s mad people, mad opportunities,” said Christopher Vasquez, who recently finished his senior year at Murry Bergtraum after making up a math class at night. “But when you come to our school, really nothing.”For the past two decades, Murry Bergtraum has been locked in a downward spiral. The school, which once enrolled 3,000 students and was an academic standout, is now in the bottom 1% of city high schools in four-year graduation rates and attendance. Yet city officials have made no meaningful efforts to turn the school around. Instead, they have allowed it to remain open despite repeated acknowledgments from high-ranking leaders that the school should be closed, a Chalkbeat investigation found.Vivian Orlen, the former superintendent of Manhattan high schools, who oversaw Murry Bergtraum between 2018 and 2022, said she raised the idea of closing or merging the school every year with Education Department leaders, but there was “no appetite” for the proposal.“What we all know about what kids deserve is not happening there,” Orlen said.Murry Bergtraum is in a growing club of schools too small to function well: Citywide, 33 high schools now have fewer than 150 students, and 113 have fewer than 250, an eightfold increase from 25 years ago, Chalkbeat found.The Education Department declined to answer specific questions about Murry Bergtraum, as did the school principal. Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels has acknowledged that the city has too many small schools and has started conversations about underenrollment in some districts. But the Mamdani administration has not announced a citywide plan to address the issue — or to improve the situation at Murry Bergtraum.A school of last resort: The decades-long decline of Murry BergtraumMurry Bergtraum, which was named after a former president of the city’s Board of Education, opened in 1975 near City Hall as the nation’s first high school to focus on business careers.For decades, it was one of the city’s most in-demand high schools, attracting mostly Black and Latino students who were interested in business. Its alumni include Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and actors John Leguizamo and Damon Wayans.Chalkbeat spoke to more than a dozen students, current and former staff, administrators, and district officials familiar with Murry Bergtraum to understand how the once-thriving school diminished to its current state.Murry Bergtraum’s fall began during Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s push in the early 2000s to shutter large, troubled high schools and replace them with scores of smaller ones. City officials kept Murry Bergtraum open, but it became a school of last resort for students who were displaced by the closures and didn’t seek out or find seats in the new, smaller high schools. Multiple teachers said the changes brought new academic and behavioral challenges.John Elfrank-Dana, a former social studies teacher and chapter leader of the United Federation of Teachers who worked at Murry Bergtraum for 25 years, compared the upheaval to an influx of patients at a hospital’s intensive care unit.“Imagine a hospital being required to take on four times as many ICU patients, but with no additional supports,” he said.Those challenges were compounded by a revolving door of new principals and a series of embarrassing scandals that repeatedly landed the school in the New York Post between 2010 and 2014. One article called Murry Bergtraum “the shame of the city education system.”As the school’s reputation and academic outcomes plummeted, so too did its enrollment: By 2014, it had fallen under 1,000 students. Dozens of teachers left, and the deteriorating conditions made it harder to recruit new ones. Programs, classes, and activities disappeared.Aristotle Galanis, a 22-year-veteran physical education teacher and the school’s current chapter leader, said workloads grew for the teachers who remained.“We’re a skeleton crew,” he said.Eight years, three mayors, no plan: The policy vacuum keeping a declining school openAs Murry Bergtraum floundered, the Education Department did not create a plan to attract more students or bring in new resources. District officials instead opened competing schools in the same building.In 2013, the Urban Assembly Early College High School for Emergency Medicine moved into the basement. A year later, Urban Assembly Maker Academy moved onto the fourth floor, and Manhattan Early College High School for Advertising took over the third floor.As those schools grew, so did their course offerings. Last year, they each offered between 42 and 52 different courses, according to city data. Murry Bergtraum offered 23.The increased competition, coupled with falling enrollment citywide, has made it nearly impossible for Murry Bergtraum to recover.When Orlen took over as superintendent in 2018, the school had about 180 students. She began lobbying Education Department leaders to close the school and hired the current principal with the stated goal of shutting it down, she said.Multiple factors got in the way of closing the school, said Karin Goldmark, a former deputy chancellor under former Mayor Bill de Blasio who oversaw school closures and mergers. A new chancellor, Richard Carranza, took over in 2018. Two years later, the COVID-19 pandemic started and the next couple years were focused on when and how to reopen schools.But she acknowledged it’s ultimately the responsibility of the city to take action.“There’s always some crisis that makes it convenient to do this hard work another day,” Goldmark said. “It’s almost impossible for a school that size to serve students well.”Under former Mayor Eric Adams, Murry Bergtraum repeatedly came up in discussions about chronically underenrolled schools, according to a former Education Department official who requested anonymity in order to speak about internal conversations.But the Adams administration focused on opening new schools to draw students back to the system, leaving decisions about closures and mergers largely to district superintendents. Orlen’s successor, Gary Beidleman, who has overseen Murry Bergtraum since 2022, did not respond to a request for comment.Eight years after Orlen began her push to close it, she’s dismayed Murry Bergtraum remains open.“It is institutional failure,” she said.High spending, low enrollment: What it’s like inside an empty schoolMurry Bergtraum’s $46,000 per student budget — driven by high administrative costs, a high-need demographic, and city policies propping up underenrolled schools — dwarfs the $19,000 per student the basement school received for serving a similar student population. Yet, Murry Bergtraum can feel like a ghost town — one that few students seem to want to be in.Last year, 39 eighth graders applied. Some students transferred in after running into disciplinary issues elsewhere. Some said they enrolled by accident because they confused it with the other schools in the building.Though class sizes average 15 students, many students don’t come to school regularly. Three-quarters of Murry Bergtraum students missed at least 18 days of the 2024-25 school year, according to the most recent data.Galanis, the P.E. teacher, argued that the school’s attendance and graduation rate aren’t a fair measure of its quality because in such a small school, a few students disengaging can have an outsized effect on outcomes.Murry Bergtraum, like many other small high schools, disproportionately enrolls the most vulnerable students. Nine in 10 students at the school live in poverty, and 20% were homeless last year. (The city also runs transfer high schools designed specifically for at-risk older students, several of which are even smaller than Murry Bergtraum.) Sophie Hayssen // Chalkbeat, Source: New York State Education Department Despite the difficult circumstances, the small staff works hard to create “good stories,” like a student who recently transferred into the school and became valedictorian, Galanis said.Some students appreciate the school’s smaller size. Madison Vernon, a senior who transferred to Murry Bergtraum after getting in a fight at her last school, said the atmosphere feels like “a little family.”Other students, though, say the school’s size is limiting.“Having such a small community, you’re not getting open to the same knowledge or experiences you could if you have more students in your school,” said Jada Thomas, a senior.Some students see the differences between their school and others in the building and feel shortchanged. While several Murry Bergtraum students said they get perks like AirPods Max headphones, the school still fails to offer essential classes.“We’re a last line type of school,” said a student named Saany, who declined to share his last name. “They give all the necessities to the other schools. I feel like they just left ours.”Kae Petrin contributed data analysis.This story was produced by Chalkbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How long it takes to get a car insurance payout in every state A car crash can be over in seconds. The insurance paperwork can last much longer. After an accident, how long it takes to receive an insurance payout depends on several factors. These include the type of claim, whether the insurer has all the required documents, whether liability is disputed, and whether the claim involves vehicle damage, personal injury protection, bodily injury, or another form of coverage.The National Association of Insurance Commissioners says some states set specific deadlines for insurance claims, while others simply require insurers to pay claims within a “prompt and reasonable” time. Claims that need more investigation or are filed during busy periods may take longer.There is no single national clock for car insurance payouts. In some states, the countdown begins after an insurer accepts the claim. In others, it begins after proof of loss, a settlement agreement, an affirmation of liability, or receipt of signed settlement documents.To compare how those timelines vary, Temple Injury Law, a personal injury law firm, reviewed claims-settlement provisions compiled by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and identified the payment benchmark most relevant to auto, property and casualty, liability, or all-line insurance claims in each state.The fastest payout clocks often start after agreement or acceptanceSome of the shortest listed payout windows begin only after the insurer has already accepted the claim or the parties have reached a settlement.New York requires payment within five business days after the agreement under Regulation 64. Ohio lists five days after agreement for all claims, with a separate 10-day window after acceptance for first-party property and casualty claims. Texas requires payment no later than five business days after acceptance of a claim, with a longer 20-business-day rule for eligible surplus lines. New Hampshire also has a short window for property and casualty claims: five working days after settlement or after receiving documentation needed to process the claim.Those short deadlines do not mean a driver will receive money within five days of a crash. They typically apply after the claim is accepted, settled, or adequately documented.The NAIC data below shows the state-by-state breakdown of how payout benchmarks differ across the country and what event typically starts the clock. Temple Injury Law Why the same accident can move at different speedsThe payout clock is not always triggered by the crash itself. In many states, the timeline starts later, after the insurer receives proof of loss, confirms coverage, accepts liability, receives a signed release, or reaches a settlement with the claimant.A claim may involve several stages before payment: reporting the crash, opening a claim, inspecting the vehicle, reviewing a police report, determining fault, collecting medical bills, confirming coverage, and resolving disputes over repair costs or injury damages.In Alabama, for example, the NAIC chart lists a 30-day payment window after agreement on liability for property and casualty claims. Alaska lists 30 working days for undisputed claims and separate rules for acknowledging and accepting or denying first-party claims. California lists 30 days for most claims, but also notes that insurers generally must acknowledge claims within 15 days and accept or deny them within 40 days unless additional time is needed.Other states tie deadlines to later claim milestones. Nebraska requires property and casualty insurers to make payment 15 days after a claimant accepts an offer. Washington requires payment of a settled claim within 15 business days after receipt of properly executed release or settlement documents.The practical takeaway for driversA state’s deadline is best understood as a claims-handling benchmark, not a guaranteed payout date after a crash. The most important question is not only how many days a state allows, but what event starts the clock.For drivers waiting on payment, that means documentation can matter as much as the deadline itself. A repair estimate, proof of loss, medical records, signed release, or other requested paperwork may determine whether a claim is considered ready for payment. In disputed claims, the process can stretch further, especially when an insurer requests additional information or issues periodic delay notices permitted under state rules.The rules also show why payout timelines vary widely across the country. Some states set short post-settlement deadlines measured in business days. Others use 30- or 60-day payment windows. A smaller group relies on a general requirement that insurers act “promptly,” leaving more of the timing to the facts of the claim and the state’s claims-handling standards.This story was produced by Temple Injury Law and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	'STRONG Minds' helps teens build mental health skills A new program from Davenport Parks and Recreation will help teens build the mental health skills they need to regulate their emotions and thoughts. The Davenport City Council accepted a $460,525 AmeriCorps grant during its regular meeting on August 26. Part of the grant will support launching and programming for “STRONG Minds”, a weekly programming [...]
	What a Pearly King taught me about Cockney rhyming slang and East London history In mother-of-pearl suits, the Pearly Kings used to canvass East London for charity. The most famous one, George Major, died in August. A look back on this larger-than-life figure and the Pearly King tradition.
	Power out? Here's how to keep your fridge on (BPT) - If you've ever endured a power outage for any length of time, you know what a hassle it is. And one of the biggest issues? The loss of food and/or medications in your fridge and freezer. What you may not know is that you don't have to buy a big, general purpose power station that provides more capacity than you'll ever need. Before the next power outage, be prepared with a smart solution designed just for your refrigerator, even if you have a limited budget and minimal space.Here are four key areas to keep in mind when choosing backup power for your kitchen's most essential appliance.1. Focus on fit and placement Especially if you live in a small home or apartment, every inch counts. You'll need a backup power solution that fits easily in a narrow gap whether that's beside, behind or on top of your refrigerator. Unfortunately, many dedicated fridge backup units on the market today run close to 2.9 inches thick, which can make it challenging to fit in a narrow space.One great solution is the ultra-slim 2.6-inch FridgeGuard from Jackery, a global leader of essential home backup, innovative solar generators and portable power stations. This unit comes with a gravity sensing display that automatically adjusts between portrait and landscape, depending on which way you want to mount it. FridgeGuard also weighs nearly half of what many competitors' models weigh, making it easier to fit anywhere in your kitchen.2. Choose design that makes a difference Because your fridge backup may be highly visible in your kitchen, you'll want a design that looks good and easily blends into the room.FridgeGuard was developed with the award-winning industrial design studio Huge Design in California, and is the winner of five international design awards: iF Design Award, MUSE Design Awards, Green Good Design Award, A' Design Award and Competition and SHOP Design Award. The unit boasts a paint-free metal injection molded front cover with a quick release, customizable design.3. Seek technology created with purpose The last thing you want in a backup system is to pay for a huge amount of capacity your fridge will never use, that can't act quickly enough to ensure your fridge won't lose power, or that puts undue strain on your refrigerator's motor.Instead of the significantly higher output most comparable units carry, FridgeGuard's 800W rated output and 1600W surge capacity are sized specifically to what a refrigerator actually draws, roughly 100W to 200W continuous with startup surges up to 800W.FridgeGuard's Delay Start mode also gives your refrigerator compressor a moment before restart, easing strain on the motor and extending backup runtime. You can choose Delay AC mode to relieve the refrigerator compressor or a sub-10ms UPS to seamlessly restart your refrigerator so that the compressor won't stop at all.The result? A system built around one job: making sure your refrigerator retains power.4. Select an accessible, well-priced unit The last thing you want is to spend money on an electrician on top of buying expensive backup power that's more than you need. Unlike other units that require installation, FridgeGuard simply plugs in and is ready to go, no installation or electrician required, making it a practical choice for renters and first-time buyers.And unlike the roughly $900 price point of other major dedicated fridge backup systems currently on the market, FridgeGuard starts at $549.99 at Costco, providing a more accessible, affordable unit to protect your fridge through an outage.Backup you can count onWith FridgeGuard you'll also get a five-year warranty, plus a LiFePO4 battery rated for 6,000 charge cycles at 70% capacity retention, which translates to 16 years of reliable daily use. Choosing a smart solution can give you peace of mind, even during an extended power outage.Learn more at Jackery.com.
	New prison policy gives Trump administration more power to punish enemies The Trump administration in May quietly altered an obscure prison policy that could give the Department of Justice more power to punish the president’s enemies and reward his allies.A revised Bureau of Prisons policy now grants U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche the authority to overrule the agency's guidelines and unilaterally determine where federal prisoners serve their sentences. Critics of the administration say the policy change opens a pathway for corruption.“If you're MAGA, you might go to a minimum security camp, or if you've got a couple million bucks to spend, you could buy your way into a halfway house or even home detention,” said Liz Oyer, the former pardon attorney for the Department of Justice who broke the news of the new policy on Instagram in June. The Trump administration fired Oyer in 2025 — she recently filed a lawsuit over her dismissal — and she’s since publicly documented how the Justice Department has corrupted the process of granting presidential pardons. “If you're prosecuted for protesting ICE, for example, or for vandalizing Trump's reflecting pool, you could serve your sentence alongside murderers and rapists.”The prison assignment policy mirrors other steps that critics say President Donald Trump has taken to use the Justice Department as a political cudgel and a revenue source. Trump has employed his pardon powers to reward donors and allies. And he has used the Department of Justice to prosecute people he considers his enemies, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.The new policy radically changes decades-old rules that the Bureau of Prisons used to assign incarcerated people to facilities based on behavior, public safety concerns and other factors, such as crimes, convictions, arrests, escapes, prison disciplinary history, and their mental health and education.To be sure, the new policy won’t affect most of the 153,000 people in federal prisons. But it could affect those with political connections.When asked in writing about the new policy by Democratic senators during his confirmation as attorney general, Blanche asserted that prison assignments would be made on “legitimate grounds, and not to favor or to retaliate against any person based on political considerations.”The Department of Justice, which oversees the Bureau of Prisons, first departed from its traditional prison assignment policy to benefit former socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking of a minor and who was a close associate of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell, Epstein and Trump were friends in the 1990s and early 2000s.In July 2025, then-Deputy Attorney General Blanche interviewed Maxwell in prison for nine hours over two days. Maxwell told Blanche that she never witnessed Trump doing anything inappropriate, according to a transcript released by the Justice Department. A week later, the Bureau of Prisons transferred Maxwell to a federal prison camp, the system’s lowest-security facility.BOP policy prohibits the placement of sex offenders and sex traffickers in a prison camp without a waiver. “This is not a gray area, not even a question,” said Maureen Baird, a former senior BOP official who helped write the department’s assignment policy. In her experience, Baird said Maxwell is the only sex offender granted a waiver and transferred to a prison camp since the policy took effect in 2006.U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, a North Carolina Democrat, told The Marshall Project that BOP created the new policy after she grilled then-Attorney General Pam Bondi at a House hearing in February about Maxwell’s lenient treatment. Ross demanded to know who approved Maxwell’s transfer and special privileges. Bondi declined to say who approved the transfer and said she had nothing to do with it. Bondi added that the answer lay with the Bureau of Prisons, which she oversaw.A source told The Marshall Project that Rick Stover, special assistant to the director, approved Maxwell’s move to the Bryan prison camp in Texas. On Sept. 14, the Bureau of Prisons press office confirmed that Stover was the “approving official” in Maxwell’s transfer. Stover didn’t respond to a request for comment.Ross said she thinks Maxwell’s case led to the prison assignment policy change. “It was established to retroactively approve moving Ghislaine Maxwell from a low-security prison, which arguably she shouldn't have been in, to Club Fed, where she could have grapefruit juice and dogs to give her comfort,” she said.She believes Trump officials later realized the policy could be used to punish enemies, Ross said.Prior to his confirmation as attorney general, Blanche told Congress he had nothing to do with Maxwell’s transfer. Under both Blanche and Bondi, the Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice have failed to provide records of Maxwell’s prison transfer to the Senate and House despite multiple requests and the requirements of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.In a Sept. 11 letter to Ross and other House members, a BOP official wrote that the new assignment policy allowed the transfer of sex offenders to minimum security camps.Maxwell’s transfer isn’t the only one that broke with BOP guidelines. On Christmas Day 2024, before his second term began, Trump railed on his social media platform about President Joe Biden’s commutations of the sentences of all but three men on death row in federal prisons: “To the 37 most violent criminals, who killed, raped, and plundered like virtually no one before them, but were just given, incredibly, a pardon by Sleepy Joe Biden. I refuse to wish a Merry Christmas to those lucky ‘souls’ but, instead, will say, GO TO HELL!”The Bureau of Prisons began assigning the men to medium or maximum security prisons, depending on the factors in the long-standing assignment policy. But on his first day back in office, Trump issued an executive order directing the attorney general to imprison the men in conditions “consistent with the monstrosity of their crimes.”The BOP then assigned all 37 men to the country’s harshest prison in Florence, Colorado, where they would serve their sentences in solitary confinement. Under the prior guidelines, eight prisoners with severe mental illness would not have gone to the supermax. Neither would a man working as a prison porter with a spotless disciplinary record after 24 years nor men with serious medical conditions.The ACLU and federal public defenders have challenged many of the transfers in court. A Bureau of Prisons official asserted in a court filing that he weighed every case individually before assigning all to the supermax. A federal judge disagreed, calling the exercise “a cookie-cutter process that yielded the same predetermined result.” Only 12 of the men are currently at the Colorado supermax.The prison assignment policy may become yet another example of what critics say is Trump turning the Department of Justice into his personal and political law firm. He appointed Blanche, his former criminal defense lawyer, as deputy attorney general and later elevated him to attorney general.On the first day of his second term, Trump pardoned more than 1,500 people convicted in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Now, Trump has allegedly turned pardons into a pay-for-play economy.One prominent pardon recipient was Trevor Milton, the founder of electric truck startup Nikola, who was convicted on fraud charges in 2022. He and his wife donated $1.8 million to Trump’s 2024 election. Days before Milton was to report to prison to serve a four-year sentence, Trump pardoned him. This wiped out the $675 million in restitution that prosecutors said Milton owed his victims. Milton has maintained his innocence and has said his contributions to Trump had nothing to do with his pardon.Just as the new prison assignment policy has broken with long-standing BOP rules, recent pardons have violated decades-old Justice Department guidelines while depriving crime victims and taxpayers of more than $1.5 billion in restitution and fines.The new assignment policy is likely to make prisons more dangerous and difficult to manage, said Janet Perdue, a former senior BOP official. Giving special treatment to certain well-connected people or punishing enemies can demoralize staff and build resentment among other prisoners, she said.“This classification tool is the safest way to house people, that's safe for staff, and that's safe for inmates,” Perdue said. “If you start pulling people out of their element and putting them in places where it leaves them vulnerable, that can become a dangerous situation.”Ross said she expects Blanche to use the prison assignment power corruptly. “He would never be in this position but for Donald Trump,” she said. “He's going to use whatever power he has for Donald Trump.”This story was produced by The Marshall Project and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Muscatine's police dog to receive bullet- and stab-protective vest Muscatine's K9, "Six," will be getting a bullet- and stab-protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization called Vested Interest in K9s.
	One measles case could upend a campus for weeks. Colleges urge faculty to locate proof of immunity now. While reporting a recent story on the surge in older adults seeking measles immunity tests, Healthbeat found something unexpected. Colleges and universities were encouraging faculty and staff to gather proof of their immunity to measles before an exposure ever occurred on campus.There was another story unfolding. It wasn’t just that individuals were taking a personal interest in knowing their immunity. Some educational institutions also were preparing for the growing threat of measles, including looking for ways to prevent the disruption a single case could bring.Here’s what Healthbeat learned.The lead signalWhen a measles outbreak hit a suburban Denver school district earlier this year, it sent 80 exposed students and employees into home quarantine for weeks. It also spurred officials at the University of Northern Colorado to start preparing for the disease to arrive on their campus.“This is going to be a problem that more and more educational entities are dealing with, both K-12 and higher ed, so we’re trying to be proactive about it,” Blaine Nickeson, the university’s associate vice president for administration, told Healthbeat.The university has begun alerting students, faculty, and staff about the importance of having documentation of measles vaccination or immunity.The push is not only to protect against the disease, but to help individuals avoid the significant disruptions that could result from just a single case of measles on campus — even for those who aren’t known to be infected.“If even a single measles case is confirmed at UNC, state and county public health officials will collaborate with the university to orchestrate a significant public health response. This may include exclusion from campus for 21 days or more … Having a vaccine exemption on file will not prevent exclusion,” the university’s new measles awareness web page warns.Students and their parents might not fully realize how a decision not to get vaccinated against measles could result in their exclusion from campus — including campus housing — during an extended quarantine period, Nickeson said.Faculty and staff might not have thought about their measles immunization status in many years, but would face missing work if they are exposed to measles and lacked proof of vaccination or immunity, he said.Unlike students, faculty and staff at colleges and universities generally don’t have campus vaccination requirements unless they work in certain hospital or health sciences settings.The university highlights that measles shots and titer tests to check for immunity are available at the campus health center. The vaccine is typically covered by insurance, and the out-of-pocket cost of the titer test at the center is about $20 if insurance won’t cover it.Where else we’re seeing thisUniversity of Colorado Boulder: The university’s measles web page says: “To prevent unnecessary absences, faculty and staff are encouraged to have their immunization records or other evidence of immunity readily available for review if requested.” Faculty and staff can receive walk-up measles immunity testing on the Boulder campus for an out-of-pocket cost of $5.University of Tennessee Chattanooga: The school’s measles preparedness efforts and recommendations for having proof of immunity were spurred in part by watching South Carolina’s Clemson University deal with measles earlier this year, said Jordan Jacobs, a UTC infectious disease nurse practitioner.“For the majority of our faculty and staff, it is a new concept,” Jordan said. Their main question: How do they find their old immunization records? If their shots aren’t in state immunization registries, Jordan advises checking with past healthcare providers and schools. “Some staff do ask about titers and vaccinations,” she said.University of Massachusetts Amherst: “Knowing and documenting your immunity status is critical as it determines whether you may continue working in the event of a confirmed exposure,” says the university’s measles web page, which was launched last year in response to the West Texas measles outbreak and continues to be updated. Dr. Khama Ennis, associate medical director for university health services, said there has been little feedback from faculty and staff, but the campus plans to do additional outreach this fall.The national playbookOn the national level, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has created a checklist for higher education institutions to help prepare to respond to measles cases on campus.The checklist notes the importance of maintaining records in accordance with legal requirements for privacy and confidentiality. Some university officials told Healthbeat that navigating privacy issues and the continued fallout from COVID vaccine mandates are among the reasons they are only advising faculty and staff to have their measles immunity documentation readily available, but not asking them to turn it in.Some state health departments also are providing guidance: Among the proactive steps recommended by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, colleges and universities should create a list of students who do not have appropriate documentation of immunity and recommend that faculty and staff have their evidence of immunity readily available.“Obviously quarantining can have a significant impact,” said Dr. Emma Doran, medical director of the department’s Vaccine Preventable and Respiratory Diseases Medical Consultation Unit.“Health systems and local health departments and the state health department have been preparing for this for a while, but I think we’re getting a little bit more traction in terms of preparing school systems and universities to think about it.”How we got hereHistorically, school vaccination laws and requirements were created as conditions of student enrollment as a way to combat childhood diseases — not usually as conditions for employment. So faculty and staff pose different challenges.Many older faculty and staff don’t have easy access to records from shots given decades ago, before the creation of electronic medical records and state immunization registries. Unless they work in healthcare or laboratory settings, universities don’t generally require or track employee immunizations.And in fact, the American College Health Association’s vaccination recommendations are specific to students and do not provide guidance related to faculty and staff.JoLynn Montgomery, chair of the ACHA’s vaccine-preventable diseases committee, said the focus is on students because of their unique risk factors. “Many are navigating the healthcare system on their own for the first time,” she said.But with measles cases at high levels, Montgomery said that generally it’s a good idea for all individuals, including faculty and staff, to be ready.“Personally, I don’t have documentation for my doses, and I just went and got revaccinated,” said Montgomery, who is the senior manager for applied public health at the University of Michigan. She said her husband decided to get a measles titer test to check his immunity.Why it mattersA single measles infection on campus can impact far more people than just the person who becomes sick.As the infected person moves about campus, hundreds more can be exposed — and required to quarantine for up to 21 days — if they don’t have proof of vaccination or immunity.“It’s not only disruptive to the patient, to the person who’s quarantined, but it’s disruptive to the school, the university. It’s very disruptive to have people out of work,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, the public health director in Clark County, Washington, and a board member of the National Association of County and City Health Officials.The virus is highly contagious and spreads through the air. It can linger in a room for up to two hours. People can spread the disease in lecture halls, cafeterias, and communal housing beginning four days before the telltale measles rash appears.What to watchWith U.S. measles cases so far this year already surpassing last year’s record number — the worst since 1991 — we’re watching whether:More colleges and universities take measles preparedness actions.Faculty and staff become a larger focus of campus communications, and how they respond.More health departments and public health organizations issue guidance about having readily available documentation of measles immunity to avoid quarantine.The bottom lineBy urging faculty, staff, and students to gather proof of measles immunity before an exposure occurs, some colleges and universities hope to reduce weeks of disruption if measles reaches their campuses. It’s another example of how the return of measles across the United States is changing how we live.This story was produced by Healthbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Canada’s sustainable finance taxonomy: What it is, what is happening, and what’s coming next Canada needs to raise $115 billion by 2050 to meet its net-zero targets. Where will that money come from? Increasingly, the answer is private capital — pension funds, banks, and investors deciding where to put their money. But there's a problem: Right now, nothing stops a company from calling any investment "green" if it feels like it. As Future of Good reports, that's what a sustainable finance taxonomy is meant to fix.In August, the public consultation on Canada’s draft sustainable finance taxonomy closed. More than 175 submissions came in from banks, pension funds, oil and gas companies, environmental groups, Indigenous financial institutions, credit unions, and Canadians.The submissions responded to a draft released on July 9 by the Canadian Climate Institute and Business Future Pathways, working with the newly formed Taxonomy and Transition Planning Council.The Climate Institute does the research and technical work, Business Future Pathways convenes the process, and the Council, made up of leaders from finance, sustainable investment, and policy, has the final word on what the taxonomy actually says.The Council chose six priority sectors for applying the taxonomy: electricity, buildings, transportation, mining, manufacturing, and agriculture and forestry. The picks were based on where emissions are highest, where decarbonization is most achievable, and where the potential to unlock further investment is greatest.What is a taxonomy, and how granular is it?A sustainable finance taxonomy is a classification system that tells investors and lenders which economic activities credibly count as climate-aligned, using standardized, science-based definitions rather than each institution making up its own criteria.Getting those definitions right matters because capital is finite; money that goes to one project doesn’t go to another.Aequo, a shareholder engagement firm, flagged a real risk of this in its submission: The presence of a weaker category inside the taxonomy can pull investment away from stronger ones.Here’s the part that surprises most people: A taxonomy doesn’t rate a sector as a whole. It rates specific activities within it, one by one.Take electricity, one of the first three sectors to be subject to detailed criteria by the end of 2026.Australia already finished its own taxonomy, and for electricity, it didn’t just say “renewables good, fossil fuels bad.” It set an actual number: To count as green, a power plant must emit less than 100 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour of electricity it produces.Solar and wind pass easily; they emit close to zero. A coal plant fails badly, as it’s way over the threshold.Natural gas fails too; even a modern, efficient gas plant typically emits three to four times that limit.That turned out to be one of the more contested outcomes of Australia’s process: Gas didn’t just miss the “green” label, it was left out of the “transition” category as well, despite grid operators saying gas will likely still be needed to back up renewables for the foreseeable future.It’s a preview of the kind of hard call Canada’s Council is now facing with oil and gas.Australia’s limit isn’t frozen. After 2030, the rules will become stricter, so plants that qualify today may not qualify in 10 years unless they clean up further.This is what a taxonomy can look like when it’s specific and measurable; while Canada will not copy this exact number, it is a reference point for the kind of precision some countries have chosen.Every eligible project must also demonstrate that it won’t significantly harm nearby biodiversity or water resources and that it meets minimum standards for how it treats workers and communities.The taxonomy groups these criteria together as “Do No Significant Harm” and “Minimum Social Safeguards.”Multiply that level of detail across dozens of activities and six sectors, and you get a sense of the scale of the exercise.But there’s a snag: The taxonomy rates individual activities, and investors don’t buy activities. They buy shares in companies, units in bonds, stakes in funds that might run ten different operations at once. Some are clean, some are not.Quebec-based sustainable finance consultancy Rose des vents flagged this issue in its submission: Knowing that one project measures up doesn’t yet tell an investor how to add it up across a real portfolio, or a real company’s balance sheet.It comes down to one question: Where does the money actually go?That unresolved question is one thread in a larger set of disputes over what this taxonomy should and shouldn’t count.The abatement divide: who gets called “declining”?Picture two nearly identical decarbonization projects.One retrofits a steel plant, sharply cutting its emissions. The other captures carbon at an oil sands facility, cutting emissions by a comparable amount. But under the draft taxonomy, only the steel project gets to call itself “transition,” a category built for industries expected to stick around.The oil sands project gets shunted into a proposed third category, “abatement,” reserved for sectors the taxonomy’s own scenarios expect to shrink.The abatement category is the least developed of the three: Guidance for it isn’t expected to be finalized until a later phase of the process, well after the green and transition criteria are locked in.That distinction is the most contested design choice in the draft.Stakeholders such as the NGO Environmental Defence Canada, the fund manager Raven Indigenous Outcomes, and the financial institution Desjardins all object, saying Canada should not dignify oil and gas with a taxonomy category.Meanwhile, the Oil Sands Alliance, representing Canada’s largest oil sands producers, agrees the abatement category should disappear for the opposite reason.They want carbon capture and other emissions-cutting projects in the oil sands folded into the same “transition” category as steel and cement, judged on the same test as everyone else.So the sector the category was built for doesn’t want the category.Why? It wants full membership in the room next door, because that’s where the capital is.Aequo isn’t ready to hand out that membership, and its objection comes from the money-eye view. It’s a worry: An oil and gas company that issues an “abatement-aligned” bond can attract climate-conscious investors who’d otherwise skip the sector entirely, freeing up its own cash.Without a credible plan to wind down the business, that freed-up cash likely flows right back into production.So how do the taxonomy’s authors solve this unusual problem: a category that manages to unite its intended beneficiaries, its fiercest critics, and the investors meant to fund it, who all want to scrap it for different reasons?Indigenous rights: consultation, or the final word?Indigenous rights surface in nearly every submission that touches the taxonomy’s “do no significant harm” requirements.It isn’t about whether those rights matter; it’s about how much power they carry, and by extension, whether a project can be financed at all without a First Nation’s sign-off.Several organizations, in their submissions, want free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) written as a precondition for eligibility, not as a single disclosure item among many.Vancity pushes that further on the procedural front: It argues FPIC shouldn’t be a one-off checkpoint before a project breaks ground, but an ongoing obligation throughout the life of a project.The submission also pushes back on treating all Indigenous entities as interchangeable, noting that a corporation, a business, and a rightsholder don’t carry the same weight when a project is being approved.The First Nations Financial Management Board raises a related but more technical concern: The draft methodology currently bundles Indigenous rights in with the other four minimum social safeguards (human rights, labor standards, anti-corruption, tax integrity) under a single due diligence approach.FMB wants Indigenous rights carved out as their own legal category in the drafting itself, warning that without that explicit split, the assessment of Indigenous rights risks being written using boilerplate built for the other four domains.Raven Indigenous Outcomes Funds go furthest, drawing a sharp line between businesses that happen to be Indigenous-owned, which it says warrant no special status beyond normal corporate rules, and Indigenous Nations themselves, which it holds should be recognized as independent, self-determining bodies with final say over what happens on their own territory.For a lender or investor, that’s not a philosophical distinction; it determines whether a signed consultation record is enough to finance a project, or whether the Nation itself holds a veto that no amount of process can substitute for.Who decides, and does it actually matter?The Council has the final say over what the taxonomy actually says. There’s no further step where the document goes to Ottawa or Parliament for sign-off. The federal government mandated the process and helped fund it, then deliberately stepped back.Canada’s taxonomy, like most in the world outside the European Union, will be voluntary, not law.However, voluntary doesn’t mean toothless. Ottawa doesn’t need to legislate the taxonomy for it to be consequential; it only needs to use it as the eligibility bar for its own borrowing.Ottawa has issued green bonds since 2022, and in its Spring 2026 economic update, the government said it’s exploring a new sustainable bond framework built around the taxonomy once it’s finalized, which would open the door to transition bonds alongside green ones.Once federal borrowing starts requiring taxonomy-aligned criteria, provinces, Crown corporations, and private issuers seeking the same investor confidence will have a strong market incentive to follow suit.Rose des vents made a version of this same argument to the Council: The state’s own use of the taxonomy, in public investment decisions, infrastructure spending, and how Crown corporations finance their operations, would do more than anything else to build the critical mass of users a voluntary framework needs to actually work.Interview: “Including a sector means giving it a gold star”Future of Good spoke with Julie Segal, senior manager, climate finance at Environmental Defence Canada, one of the organizations that filed a submission on the draft taxonomy.Q: What is the most critical criterion for a sustainable finance taxonomy?A: That it is scientifically accurate. Including activities that are not aligned with net-zero goals is more harmful than not having a taxonomy at all.Q: One of the Council’s own consultation questions asks whether the taxonomy should be “regionally specific.” How should people interpret that?A: My understanding is that it’s about making sure capital flows to every part of the country, not just where it’s cheapest or easiest to invest — North and South, not just East and West. I hope the concept of regional disparity isn’t stretched to include oil and gas in ways that aren’t aligned with climate science.Q: Canada is an oil and gas producer. It creates jobs and wealth in many communities, and the world still needs it until the transition to clean energy is complete. Should it be considered a transition activity?A: Including a sector in the taxonomy means giving it a gold star as contributing to getting Canada to net-zero emissions. Not including it doesn’t mean it won’t get financed.Oil and gas producers can still access capital without the gold-star label because investors believe they will generate good returns.Q: Australia’s taxonomy excluded the oil and gas sector; what about Europe?A: Europe, which has one of the foundational, world-leading taxonomies, made a political compromise to include gas at the eleventh hour. They allowed very limited use of gas for electricity and utilities, but set an emissions threshold so restrictive that, to my knowledge, no project has yet met it. The EU was actually sued by countries and environmental experts over that inclusion, because it was clearly a political call, not a technical one.Q: At this point, what can people expect from Canada’s Council on oil and gas?A: I’ve seen a number of submissions recommending that oil and gas be included. The mandate of this taxonomy is to identify what gets Canada to its net-zero commitments. To be scientifically accurate and avoid misuse of the label, it would be very important that oil and gas not be included.Q: That would put the taxonomy at odds with the federal government’s own recent posture on oil and gas.A: The taxonomy isn’t supposed to be a political document; it’s a technical one. If it’s not technically accurate that oil and gas get us to net zero, it wouldn’t make sense to give it the gold star. This is an independent body, and that’s what its conclusions should reflect.This story was produced by Future of Good and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Rock River at Moline expected to crest at 13.4 feet Sunday Remnants of Hurricane Polo mixed with some Gulf moisture had dumped 1.49 inches of rain by 7 p.m. Wednesday, meteorologist Mike McClure of the National Weather Service, Davenport, said.
	Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey, running mate stump at Black Hawk College Illinois Governor hopeful Darren Bailey and running mate for Lt. Governor Aaron Del Mar stump at Black Hawk College in Moline on Tuesday.
	The events that nearly double a city's hotel rates October is the most expensive month of the year in eight of the 50 largest U.S. hotel markets, more than any other month outside of summer. Albuquerque hits its peak when the Balloon Fiesta comes to town. Austin gets there during Austin City Limits and the Formula 1 race. New Orleans, Las Vegas and Boston all peak during convention season.Look at a full year of rates in some of these cities and one month looks like a data error. Omaha sits between $95 and $126 a night for eleven months, then June jumps to $182. That is the College World Series, which has been played there every June since 1950.Engine, a platform companies use to book work travel, analyzed 128.5 million hotel searches across 50 U.S. markets over two years. These are the cities where a single event does the most to the rate, and how far a trip has to move to get around it. Engine Flat all year, then one spikeOmaha's June is 1.48 times the months on either side of it, the second-sharpest single-month jump in the data behind New York's December. Albuquerque follows the same pattern in October. It runs between $111 and $156 for eleven months, then hits $179 for the Balloon Fiesta, 1.43 times its neighbors.San Diego drifts between $156 and $231 all year except July, which hits $292, about $70 above the months around it. Comic-Con runs there for four days that month. Indianapolis does the same thing in May, when the Indy 500 arrives at the end of the month, and Houston does it in March during the Livestock Show and Rodeo.Cities with two peaksNew Orleans spikes twice for different reasons. February hits $231 around Mardi Gras and October hits $228 during convention season. The cheapest month is August at $124, when heat and humidity empty the city out.Boston's two peaks are academic and seasonal. May reaches $390 when commencement weekends stack across dozens of colleges, then October climbs to $458 when leaf season meets conference season. January is $166, a 64% spread that ties New York for the widest in the country.The famous event is not always the peakAustin's best-known event is SXSW in March, but its most expensive month is October at $209, when Austin City Limits runs two weekends in Zilker Park and the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix runs at Circuit of the Americas. Its cheapest month is August at $134, when it is 100 degrees and SXSW is seven months away in either direction.Las Vegas has the same story. CES fills the city in January, but the peak is in October at $180, one of the heaviest convention months of the year. The cheapest month is June at $132, because of the heat.Phoenix's peak is a season rather than a weekend. Cactus League spring training fills ten area ballparks across February and March and the rate hits $246 both months. August is $96.Why one week can move a whole monthThe cities that spike hardest have the same profile. They are mid-sized markets with steady, modest business demand and no leisure season to speak of, so a single event that fills every room for a week shows up clearly in the monthly median. Big convention cities absorb the same event without much movement, because the hotel inventory is deep enough to soak it up.Weather-driven cities look different. Seattle climbs from $139 in January to $297 in July with no event behind any of it, and the rate moves a little every month rather than all at once.What a spike means for a tripThe months on either side of these spikes sit far closer to the city's normal rate than to the spike itself. A trip that can move a week or two in either direction usually clears it. When a month looks broken, check the calendar before you blame the city.One caveat. The event dates line up with the spikes, but the data cannot prove one caused the other. Either way, the fix is the same. Check what is on the calendar before the dates are set, and give the event a week on either side.Methodology: figures are the median nightly rate for searches made 10 to 180 days before check-in, on business accounts, from May 2024 through April 2026. Rates are public shelf prices shown in a live search, not negotiated company rates, which typically run lower. Event explanations describe what is on the calendar in a given month and are Engine's reading of why a rate moves, not a separate measurement.This story was produced by Engine and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Thursday, October 1st, 2026