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

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026
	QC arts leader resigns after confrontation with ‘Predator Poachers’ Rock Island police confirmed Ben Morris, the former director of Quad City Arts, is under investigation.
	Excessive heat cancels Bix @ 6 training run Excessive heat in the Quad Cities has canceled the Bix @ 6 training run scheduled for Thursday, July 2. The National Weather Service said dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected during the scheduled time of tonight's training run. Race organizers reviewed National Weather Service forecasts, consulted the event's Race Medical Director and followed established [...]
	4 Your Money \| Running Dry In Washington, concerns surrounding the long-term financial health of Social Security continue to draw attention. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, joins us to break down the income-versus-cost figures and highlights the key takeaway investors should keep in mind.
	In Kennedy Ryan's romance, happily-ever-after is for everyone The romance books Ryan read growing up rarely included characters who looked like her. Now she deliberately centers people the genre has left out, including Black, Indigenous and queer women.
	Here's why comic Craig Ferguson became an 'American On Purpose' The Scottish-born comic became a U.S. citizen in 2008. He showcases his goofy sense of humor, and his appetite for the unpredictable, in a new five-part documentary series for CNN.
	Bryan Bielanski performing in Burlington July 3 Bryan Bielanski, a self-described “traveling musician from Charlotte, North Carolina” will perform at Great River Casino, 3001 Winegard Drive in Burlington, on July 3 at 6:30 p.m. in support of his newest album, “Bryan’s Super Happy Fun Time.” Call 319-753-2946 for more information and tickets. Bielanski spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to [...]
	Where business aviation is climbing: The metros drawing more corporate jet traffic and high-income movers Where business aviation is climbing: The metros drawing more corporate jet traffic and high-income moversWhen it comes to measuring American wealth, tax return data and home-sales records are the usual go-to indicators. But by the time this information lands, it’s already a year or more after the migration trends have shifted. The growth of business aviation in specific areas offers a more unconventional and timely view. Private and corporate flying is discretionary, tracks closely to corporate profits, and the federal government counts nearly every operation right as it occurs. When jet traffic in a given region climbs, it’s an early sign that capital and dealmakers are close by.This signal rang particularly loud in 2025. Paramount Business Jets has pulled data from the Federal Aviation Administration, the IRS, the National Business Aviation Association, and more to find out which metropolitan areas are seeing the fastest growth in business aviation traffic and gaining high-income households.Why business aviation is a leading indicatorThough business aviation may not seem like a reliable indicator of high-income movers at first, the data tells a different story.Demand rises and falls in line with corporate earnings, equity markets, and capital spending. In 2025, all three of these categories were strong, bolstered by increased corporate investment in artificial intelligence. These data points can be easily analyzed alongside air traffic information, since the FAA monitors air taxi and general aviation operations on a monthly basis. The near-real-time data can be correlated with a trend as it happens rather than after the fact.The data: How the analysis was builtThe analysis draws on two primary public datasets: FAA operations data, specifically air taxi and general aviation counts by airport, and the IRS Statistics of Income migration series. The IRS data tracks where high-income households relocated and how much of their income moved with them.Though the flight figures are more current, running throughout 2025 and into 2026 while the IRS data is only updated through 2023, reading them together provides valuable insight. Aviation activity can be viewed as the first indicator of an emerging trend, and tax migration is the follow-up confirmation.The fastest-rising airports by flight activityRanking metros by their year-over-year changes in air taxi and general aviation flights surfaces a very different list than your standard volume leaders alone. Based on FAA data under the Department of Transportation, these are the top rising metro areas for business aviation in the U.S.: Paramount Business Jets Houma, Louisiana, tops the list with a 26.2% year-over-year increase, likely because the field serves offshore oil and gas operations in the Gulf. This top location is not likely tied to an increase in wealth but rather a rise in general economic activity.Charlotte, North Carolina, jumped 21%, which is fitting for a banking hub located in a state that has gained residents over the last year. Metros in Florida also appear repeatedly, with Fort Pierce, Lakeland, and Vero Beach seeing 18.5%, 16.3%, and 15.8% jumps, respectively. This is seemingly evidence of demand spilling away from the generic South Florida ramps and into secondary markets.Glendale, based in the Phoenix metro, also saw an impressive 17.3% jump. Austin, Texas, climbed by 15.5%. These trends indicate that the Sun Belt is acting as a stronger magnet than in years past.Both the Northeast and West Coast show up, too, but for different reasons. Caldwell, New Jersey (16.2%), White Plains, New York. (8.1%), and Farmingdale, New York (6.4%), are New York-area reliever fields that typically soak up overflow from the region’s busiest ramps, meaning the greater New York metro is growing.Washington, D.C., saw a 10.2% increase, indicating that government-adjacent travel seems to have recovered from the pandemic years. California is the surprise of the list, posting increases in fields across the state despite reports that high earners are leaving faster than from any other state due to rising prices.Layering in the wealth: High-income household migrationThe migration data from the IRS tells a parallel story. Between 2022 and 2023, 27 states showed net gains in income-tax filers.Texas was in the lead at a little over 56,000, and Florida was right behind with a little over 55,000 new filers. North Carolina (+39,118), South Carolina (+29,214), and Tennessee (+24,104) also saw respectable growth.Florida stood apart on dollars alone. It captured about $20.6 billion in net adjusted gross income, which is roughly $185,000 per new resident. It also gained more high-income households than any other state.California led the states with high out-migration, with over 100,000 filers leaving at a cost of $12 billion in tax revenue. It was followed by New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.Digging down to the metro level, many of the same names appear again: Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Nashville, Phoenix, Charlotte, and Raleigh have welcomed the influx of corporate relocations. Affluent households naturally follow. One common thread across the board is areas with low or no state income tax in the gaining markets.The quadrant: Where metros line upThis quadrant shows the correlation between flight activity and wealth movement, with business aviation operations growth on the x-axis and income tilt on the y-axis. The upper-right quadrant, representing positive growth for both, is the zone of reinforcement. Paramount Business Jets The plot shows that metros that are adding flights tend to be gaining income modestly as well.Much of the cluster sits to the right of the vertical line, meaning flying increased widely across the board regardless of income. Most metros still hugged the 1.0 wealth line, and a sizable group still sits in the lower right quadrant. What this means is that many metros are experiencing increased flights while simultaneously losing high-income households. Essentially, rising flight activity is prevalent, but rising wealth is not.Where they split and why it mattersThe lower right quadrant is one of the more interesting aspects of the story, and California is the clearest demonstration of this.Livermore, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, and Long Beach all logged more flights based on the FAA data, despite the fact that the state was shedding tax filers more than any other. The reason flying can climb when people with money are leaving is that business travel and tourism-based aircraft activity are not directly correlated to residency.The picture in New York is similar. The reliever fields in the state grew in a region that is also losing high earners. The increase for Washington, D.C., is also reflective of increased government travel, rather than an influx of new residents.The throughline is that aviation data captures economic activity broadly, which is a leading indicator of where money moves. It is not necessarily a map of where the wealthy live.ImplicationsTaken together, the trends revealed by the FAA and IRS statistics tell a more robust story than either dataset on its own.Both sets indicate that secondary markets around metros like Charlotte, Austin, Phoenix, and areas in Florida are seeing a greater concentration of wealth and flying. In certain metros, however, including those in California and New York, there is increased flight activity for tourism and business, yet many high-income residents are leaving.More air traffic congestion may follow in the markets that saw a rise in both high-income earners and flying activity, and the metros where travel is primarily for tourism or business may see softer activity in the years ahead. Business aviation provides a peek at trends first, but tax data will be the true confirmation in a year or two.This story was produced by Paramount Business Jets and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Feds: Burlington men stole millions from area investors The indictment lists luxury cars — including multiple Audis and a Dodge Viper — along with hundreds of acres of farmland and real estate purchases.
	A look at what’s ahead for first round of John Deere Classic tournament The John Deere Classic enters its first day of tournament play today and some of the world’s best golfers will be on the course.
	The Declaration of Independence 250 years ago this week, the Continental Congress declared independence from Britain. WVIK staff and listeners commemorate this anniversary by reading the Declaration of Independence.
	Deep-dive analysis of the death penalty at 50 finds systemic problems remain Deep-dive analysis of the death penalty at 50 finds systemic problems remainFifty years ago, Americans set out on a polarizing mission: to find a just and fair way to punish the worst of the worst crimes by execution.In some ways, this was a surprising choice. In 1972, a narrow majority of the U.S. Supreme Court had scrapped the country’s entire death penalty system, calling it “morally unacceptable,” “racially discriminatory” and “arbitrary.” It seemed possible that Americans might join their peers in Europe and Latin America, many of whom had ended executions for good.But then Americans, as they often do, went their own way. In the summer of 1976, the Supreme Court issued another landmark decision, Gregg v. Georgia, that brought the death penalty back with a set of attempted fixes intended to make it less arbitrary, including guidance for jurors and automatic appeals.On the 50th anniversary of Gregg v. Georgia, The Marshall Project analyzed more than 9,000 death sentences handed down across the nation since states brought the punishment back. The analysis also coincides with the release of “The Last 12 Weeks,” The Marshall Project’s new podcast with Serial Productions and The New York Times. The podcast features a case that has dragged on for more than 30 years, and the data suggests this is typical: People on death row and the families of their victims often have to wait decades for a resolution to their cases.And most of the time, the outcome is not an execution.If one goal of the death penalty is to deter crime, it’s hard to imagine anyone being deterred by a very low chance of being executed decades in the future. In mid-June, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine called for his state to abolish the death penalty, due to its failure as a deterrent and the emotional cost to victims’ families.“Our system is an epic fail,” said Frank Baumgartner, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor who spent years gathering the data along with researchers from the Death Penalty Information Center. “Every flaw they sought to rectify has been a failure, and now there are new problems that didn’t used to exist.”Black people are still overrepresented on state death rows. And whether someone gets the death penalty still depends more on where they commit a crime than on the crime itself. But the new data also reveals how rarely a death sentence ends as lawmakers intended: Fewer than 1 out of every 5 people sent to death row has been executed. Jill Castellano // The Marshall Project Supporters and opponents of capital punishment can debate who is to blame for this dysfunction, but the new data gives us a window into why the death penalty remains so broken.States passed new laws and started issuing new death sentences in 1972, inviting the Supreme Court to approve these efforts a few years later. Soon after, a network of highly skilled defense lawyers emerged — often with federal funding — to specialize in death row appeals. (Several such lawyers are featured in “The Last 12 Weeks” podcast.)These lawyers often opposed the death penalty as racist and immoral. They dug into trial transcripts and sent out investigators who found all kinds of problems, from prosecutors making racist statements and kicking Black people off juries to defense lawyers literally falling asleep at trial. Eventually, defense lawyers convinced the Supreme Court to nix the death penalty for crimes committed before the defendant turned 18 and for people with intellectual disabilities.All of these developments — the failures at trial and the defenses’ successes at finding them — help explain why more than a third of death sentences handed down over the last 50 years have been thrown out by the courts. When that happens, prosecutors can seek a new death sentence, and sometimes they do so multiple times. Curtis Flowers, whose case was made famous by the podcast “In the Dark,” faced the death penalty in Mississippi courts six times before the charges against him were finally dropped.But in other cases prosecutors have agreed to let the defendant plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence, or jurors refused to give the death penalty again. “It's such an inefficient system, as you're wasting huge amounts of money on capital trials that end up in reversals 20 years later,” Baumgartner said. These trials regularly hit the million-dollar mark to pay for all the lawyers, investigators, and expert witnesses involved.The 1990s saw the emergence of DNA testing and legal efforts to overturn wrongful convictions, like the Innocence Project. It became more common for judges to free people from death row — 1 out of 50 cases since 1972 — due to evidence of their innocence.But it wasn’t always a court that stepped in to stop an execution: In more than 400 cases, a governor or president has commuted someone’s death sentence. The reasons vary. Sometimes it’s because a state abolishes the death penalty, as 23 have done. Other times, a leader wanted to stop a successor from executing people; President Joe Biden freed 37 men from federal death row before leaving office. (He did not free three men convicted of mass shootings whose commutations would have been especially controversial: Dylann Roof, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, Robert Bowers.)Another big reason why people are not executed can be boiled down to politics. Support for the death penalty in polls has declined to around 50%. Amid pressure from activists and the public, pharmaceutical companies began refusing to sell their products for lethal injections. Governors like Ron DeSantis of Florida and Greg Abbott of Texas made executions a priority, and their states found new suppliers or alternate methods like firing squads. But others gave up. Jill Castellano // The Marshall Project Meanwhile, some governors oppose the death penalty on paper, but risk political blowback if they go too far. Gov. Gavin Newsom of California and Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania both halted executions in their states, but neither has commuted any sentences. The result is that more than 700 people remain on death row in those states — a de facto life sentence that costs far more taxpayer money, given the ongoing appeals.Of the more than 9,000 death sentences over the last half-century, 8% of cases have ended with the condemned person dying by causes other than execution. Some of those ended in suicide. At least one person was killed by another prisoner.Put together complex legal processes and political ambivalence, and the result is a system that takes a very long time to reach unpredictable outcomes.The average person executed last year waited on death row for almost 27 years. Three decades ago, the average wait was only 12 years. The irony is that lawmakers have spent a lot of that time trying to limit appeals and quicken executions. They have evidently failed, while also increasing the risk of executing innocent people, by restricting what kinds of evidence they can bring to court. Jill Castellano // The Marshall Project There are now more than 2,000 people on death rows across the country. More than a quarter of them have been there for more than 30 years. “They’re not leaving, so they’re just going to go into geriatric care,” said Baumgartner.The punishment’s future is anything but clear. Jurors are sending fewer people to death row. At the same time, President Donald Trump is pushing for a revival and talking about bringing back firing squads. But there is little indication that any of the problems that have bedeviled the punishment for the last half century — the racial disparities, the arbitrary outcomes, the endless waiting, the risk of executing the innocent — have been fixed, or whether they can be.This article was published in partnership with The Guardian.Additional data reporting by Steven Rich.This story was produced by The Marshall Project and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Can students really skip college and earn a good living? Here’s what the data shows. Can students really skip college and earn a good living? Here’s what the data shows.For much of the last few decades, some young people have heard a simple mantra: bachelor’s or bust. That is, they were told that the best and perhaps only path to economic prosperity is through a four-year college education. Now a wide swath of politicians, educators, and philanthropists are rethinking this. Some even suggest that there are numerous lucrative jobs that don’t require a degree.A New York Times video explained that “Job demand in fields like construction, along with the allure of potential six-figure salaries, have some high schools investing in hands-on classes that are redefining what success looks like for the Class of 2026.”At the recent Education Writers Association conference, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore suggested high schools are too focused on getting students into college. If a student chooses a different route, “and they find something that’s going to make them have economic mobility for them and their family, then right on,” he said.In this article, Chalkbeat looks at the data to answer a simple but contested question: How likely is it that students can skip a four-year degree and make a good living or achieve “economic mobility?”The short answer is it’s certainly possible, but the odds are stacked against workers without degrees. “We all want the $70,000 job that a student can access right outside of high school,” says Dom McKoy, executive director of the University of Chicago’s To&Through Project. But those opportunities are rare. “We have to be really clear-eyed about what is a true pathway at scale for young people,” McKoy says.Some non-college occupations offer solidly middle-class salaries — but the largest ones typically don’tTo analyze this issue, Chalkbeat used federal Bureau of Labor Statistics data on pay by occupation, organized by the share of workers with a bachelor’s degree or higher.On average, jobs where degrees are required or encouraged pay more. Notably, though, a handful of jobs in the blue-collar trades also make slightly above the national median. Those include plumbers, machinists, HVAC installers, and carpenters, among others. Although these jobs typically require some form of postsecondary training, and in some cases students take on debt, they don’t demand four-year degrees. Thomas Wilburn // Chalkbeat, Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Thomas Wilburn // Chalkbeat, Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Still, the most common non-college jobs make far below the median. For instance, there are over 4 million people who work as home health and personal care aides in America, the largest single occupation. That’s more than the number of plumbers, electricians, carpenters, HVAC specialists, welders, car mechanics, roofers, and power-line installers combined. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts more growth in jobs for home health aides than any other occupation. The median salary is about $35,000 a year.Other large non-college vocations — each encompassing millions of people — include retail sales workers, cashiers, order stockers, waiters and waitresses, fast-food workers, and janitors. All of these pay substantially below the median. One exception is truck driving, a position that pays relatively well and employs millions of people. But many fear the job is at particularly high risk of automation.All this maps onto other data showing that college-educated workers have a large wage advantage, on average, compared to those without a degree.Better-paid, non-college occupations employ few womenMost of these relatively well-paid blue-collar jobs are dominated by men. In some cases, fewer than 10% of the positions are filled by women. Many of the large, lower-paid occupations, including home health aides, have a high share of women.Some of the lower-paid careers where college degrees are required — including teaching and social work — are also largely staffed by women. Their salaries still outstrip the vast majority of non-college options, though. This suggests that forgoing college is particularly risky for girls and women.Despite the headlines, six-figure salaries are rare in non-college jobsThe vast majority of non-college roles, including blue collar trades, earn below-average wages. This is different from median wages, which capture the typical worker’s experience. The average salary is usually higher than the median because it includes more of the upside for top earners within a profession.This data indicates that non-college occupations have relatively low pay ceilings. The slew of headlines and viral social media videos about six-figure jobs in the trades appear to be outliers. In many cases, only the top 10%, or fewer, of those non-college occupations make such salaries, according to Chalkbeat’s analysis of federal Bureau of Labor Statistics data.Many occupations have a combination of workers with and without four-year degreesHowever, as the data makes clear, this is not a simple binary between college and non-college pathways.In many cases, degree-holders likely have an edge within an occupation. But in other cases, the degree may have little, if any, value. A significant minority of lower-paid jobs are held by college graduates; even more are held by those who attended college but didn’t earn a degree. For instance, nearly half of home health aides spent at least some time in college.Will AI change all of this?This data cannot answer whether a particular student should attend college. That depends on what profession they want to pursue, their chances of graduating, the debt they may have to take on, and the quality of college they would attend. It also depends on an unknown future. The economy is always changing and may shift rapidly in the coming decades.A recent Wall Street Journal survey found some economists predicting that AI will reduce demand for white-collar work. But others predicted no change or even said that there would be more demand for knowledge work.The bottom line: Considering how the economy is currently structured, it’s risky to bet against the value of a bachelor’s degree.MethodologyThe data used here extrapolates hourly pay rates into estimated annual salaries for full-time workers. These figures, including the national median and average, do not count overtime pay, certain bonuses, and some other forms of compensation. The researchers categorized the largest 250 occupations — encompassing the vast majority of workers — by the share of workers who have attained at least a bachelor’s degree. Other forms of postsecondary education are not included in this analysis. Keep in mind that there is substantial variation among workers in the same occupation, including by region, educational level, experience, union status, and more.This story was produced by Chalkbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What every parent should teach their kids about credit cards before college in 2026 What every parent should teach their kids about credit cards before college in 2026Your kids learn a lot about money from you. They watch how you manage your money. Before they go out into the world, they get their first financial lessons from you, and there’s plenty to cover. If college is fast approaching, now is the time to teach your kids how to use a credit card.By getting an early education about credit cards, your kids can start building credit at a young age and reap the benefits later. They can find out how to use credit cards without paying any interest or going into debt.Best of all, it doesn’t take a long time to teach your children about credit cards. Whether they already know a little about credit cards, or they’re starting fresh, you can explain everything they need to know in a few simple lessons.Freedom Debt Relief lists out four key lessons to share with your kids, as well as the features to look for when choosing a student credit card.1. Credit Cards Are a Way to Borrow MoneyA good place to start is the basics of how credit cards work. Explain to your kids that when they use a credit card, they’re borrowing money from the card issuer. The card issuer has approved them to borrow up to a credit limit. For example, if your kid gets a credit card with a $500 credit limit, the card issuer has agreed to loan them up to $500.If your kids have debit cards, make sure to tell them that credit cards and debit cards work differently, even though they look very similar. After a credit card purchase, the money doesn’t come right out of their bank account. The purchase gets added to their credit card bill, and they’ll get the bill later with all their charges.You could teach your kids to view a credit card as a middleman. The card makes the purchase, and later, the cardholder pays the credit card bill. If the cardholder can’t pay the bill in full, then they get charged interest, which makes the bill more expensive.Also go over the importance of sticking to a budget with credit card purchases. The most affordable way to use a credit card is to pay in full every month.2. Responsible Credit Card Usage Could Pay Off LaterA discussion about credit cards is also a smart time to talk about credit scores. A credit score is a snapshot that tells lenders how likely it is that you’ll repay a debt. Your credit score is determined based on the information in your credit reports, including your credit card and loan usage.If your kid uses a credit card responsibly, that could help them build a good credit score. What exactly does it mean to use a credit card responsibly? The most important habits are to always pay your credit card bill on time and avoid running up big balances. Keep the amount you spend well below your credit limit. If you lose control of your credit cards, you could end up in a situation where you need credit card debt relief. Getting out of debt is never quick or easy, so let your children learn and practice with your guidance.You’ll also probably want to mention what’s in it for your kids. A little motivation never hurts. Here are some of the perks that come with a high credit score:Your credit score could help you get approved to rent an apartment—without needing your parents to co-sign.You could get a lower interest rate on a car loan or, later in life, a mortgage.You might pay less for car insurance. In most states, insurance companies can use your credit score when setting your rates.You could qualify for credit cards with more features, like cash back or points you can use to book travel.3. You Don’t Need to Pay Interest on a Credit CardEven though you borrow money when you use a credit card, you don’t always need to pay interest. And if your kids play their cards right, they could avoid interest charges entirely.The key is to pay the statement balance in full every month. That’s the total amount on the billing statement. Let your kids know that the statement balance is the one to pay, not just the minimum. The minimum payment is usually only a small percentage of the total balance. If you pay that, you get charged interest on anything left over.You may also want to give them a quick example of how credit card interest adds up. Say your kid wants to buy a $200 pair of sneakers (feel free to swap that out for whatever fits their interests). Their credit card has an interest rate of 25%.If they put the sneakers on their credit card, and then pay it all off when the bill’s due, the total cost would be $200. But if they pay the sneakers off over the course of a year, the total cost with interest would be about $250. It’s an easy choice when you look at the real cost of each transaction.4. Keep Track of Your Credit Card ActivityYour kid’s credit card statement will have all the charges they made. But also let them know that they can also check their transactions whenever they want online. Most card issuers have apps, too. There are a couple of reasons for your kids to go over their credit card activity at least once a month.It’s a great way to know if they’re following a budget. They may also want to use a budgeting app that can link to their credit card and help monitor spending.Reviewing transactions also helps with catching fraud. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received nearly 450,000 credit card fraud reports in 2024, and those are just the cases that were reported. Credit card fraud can happen to anyone.There’s a federal law that requires credit card companies to give you 60 days to dispute charges and limits what you might have to pay. Most companies have zero-liability policies, meaning cardholders don’t need to pay anything for fraudulent charges. You still need to notify the card issuer of fraud, though, to get it taken off your bill.Bonus: 3 Credit Card Features That Are Great for College StudentsYou might want to help your kid choose their first credit card before they head off to school. Since you must be 21 to open a standard credit card account, they’ll qualify for a student credit card instead. These accounts usually have lower credit limits and don’t require a credit history. Look for these three features as you search for a student credit card:No annual fee. They won’t need to pay a yearly fee for the card, which is always nice when you’re trying to keep costs down.Cash back. Some student credit cards reward cardholders with a percentage back on each purchase. Cash back can add up over time and help your kids save a little money.Free credit score monitoring. This type of tool shows your kid their current credit score and may also include tips on how to improve. Set Your Kids Up for Credit Card SuccessYou can go over all those lessons with your kids over the course of a Saturday afternoon. And a little time on credit education now could give your kids the tools they need for a lifetime of good credit card habits.This story was produced by Freedom Debt Relief and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Inside the largest US measles outbreak in decades: Records reveal spread in vaccine-hesitant community Inside the largest US measles outbreak in decades: Records reveal spread in vaccine-hesitant communityThe first case in what would become the largest U.S. measles outbreak in decades was a parent in South Carolina’s Upstate region near Spartanburg.The next seven people to fall ill were all children. Three of them were being cared for at home — limiting their ability to spread the highly contagious measles virus to others.But the children who became Cases 5, 6, 7, and 8 were infectious while they mingled with other children at school and in daycare, according to internal records obtained by Healthbeat from the South Carolina Department of Public Health.By the second week of the outbreak, the number of known infections had grown to 12. The internal records, obtained under the state’s public records law, reveal all of them lived in just four households.At the center of the nearly seven-month South Carolina measles outbreak — from beginning to end — was a close-knit, vaccine-hesitant Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking community in and around Spartanburg County, according to South Carolina state health officials.By the time the outbreak was declared over on April 27, the handful of cases that were first identified among a couple of families in October 2025 had resulted in 997 documented measles infections.Healthbeat detailed the events of the 2025-26 measles outbreak in South Carolina and explained how such a disease can spread through close-knit, low-vaccination communities. Jennifer Morrow // Healthbeat, Source: South Carolina Department of Public Health outbreak report to the director for Oct. 9, 2025. South Carolina DPH estimates about 90% of these outbreak cases were among members of the area’s Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking community, which has around 15,000 people in Spartanburg County, the department said in emailed responses to Healthbeat’s questions.“This community was at the center of the outbreak for its whole course,” said the department, which did not grant an interview.The South Carolina outbreak is the latest example of a trend the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has documented for decades: Nearly all large U.S. measles outbreaks since 2000 — when the country attained measles-free status — have involved various types of close-knit groups with low vaccination rates.As measles makes a major comeback across the country, a Healthbeat examination of the challenges encountered controlling the South Carolina outbreak highlights the need for public health officials to understand the specific and sometimes differing reasons for vaccine hesitancy within individual groups.It also illustrates the importance of identifying at-risk pockets of unvaccinated people and building trusted relationships before outbreaks happen. All are complex tasks made more difficult amid heightened public distrust in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and during a time of cuts to public health staffing and funding.“Waiting for infectious disease to start spreading is too late. It is significantly more effective to prevent an outbreak than to contain it,” said Dr. Eliza Varadi, a Russian-speaking pediatrician in Charleston, South Carolina.“Even in a state where most people are vaccinated, those small pockets, that’s where diseases will spread,” said Varadi, the immunization representative for the South Carolina chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, who worked with DPH officials during the outbreak and provided advice on culturally sensitive outreach and education.Close-knit groups have fueled U.S. measles outbreaks since 2000South Carolina’s outbreak is a case study in how years of declining immunization rates — especially among children obtaining religious and nonmedical exemptions from school vaccination requirements — is making localized communities of various types across the country vulnerable to the spread of infectious diseases, according to Varadi and other health experts.Dr. Satish Pillai, the CDC’s incident manager for the 2025-26 national measles response, noted the role of close-knit groups in “nearly all” measles outbreaks with more than 50 cases since 2000 during a presentation to local public health officials earlier this month. Jennifer Morrow // Healthbeat, Source: South Carolina Department of Public Health response to Healthbeat’s questions. These outbreaks include those that have occurred in New York during 2018-19 largely in an Orthodox Jewish community; in Washington state in 2019 among a Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking community; in central Ohio in 2022 primarily among children of Somali descent; in Chicago during 2024 within a shelter for migrants who were mostly from Venezuela; in Minnesota in 2024 where a Somali community was disproportionately impacted; and in West Texas in 2025 among a rural Mennonite community.In recent months, Pillai noted, the types of close-knit groups driving measles outbreaks have been evolving. Large outbreaks this year have occurred on the campus of Ave Maria University in Florida and at a federal detention facility in Texas.“Having large college outbreaks and large detention facility outbreaks at these levels are unprecedented since 2000,” Pillai said.Meanwhile, lower vaccination rates throughout communities have begun allowing outbreaks that begin in close-knit communities to start spreading widely across populations, as has happened in the ongoing outbreak in Utah, he said.Schools, families, churches contributed to virus spread in South CarolinaSouth Carolina DPH officials told Healthbeat they do not know the infection source that led to the initial cases in the state’s measles outbreak. They said this indicates unrecognized spread of the virus was already occurring by the time cases started being reported to public health.Measles poses a significant outbreak threat for unvaccinated, socially and geographically connected people because it is so contagious and spreads through the air, where it can linger for up to two hours in enclosed spaces. Jennifer Morrow // Healthbeat, Source: South Carolina Department of Public Health data and an Oct. 15, 2025 email from DPH to the state’s governor’s office. To prevent ongoing transmission of measles within communities, 95% of people need to be fully vaccinated against the disease, according to the CDC.Some of the earliest cases in the South Carolina outbreak last October involved Global Academy of South Carolina. The Spartanburg County public charter school was founded by educators from Ukraine whose “passion to help families of immigrants” have prompted them to open tuition-free schools in California, Florida, and most recently South Carolina, according to the schools’ websites.When the outbreak started, Global Academy’s student body had one of South Carolina’s lowest levels of vaccination coverage: Only 21% of its students were up-to-date on their school vaccinations during the 2025-26 school year, state data shows. Even fewer of the school’s students — just 17% — were fully vaccinated during the previous school year.Officials with Global Academy of South Carolina, its board of directors, and founders have either declined to be interviewed, did not respond to interview requests, or could not be reached during and after the outbreak.As the measles cases continued to spread within households, some of those infected were unvaccinated children and teens who unknowingly brought measles into other schools — exposing scores more students who also weren’t vaccinated.“We know that some schools with a high percentage of children from Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking families have been impacted and a number of public exposures have been reported in churches attended by these community members,” DPH said in response to Healthbeat’s questions.In low-vaccination communities, one person can expose dozensBecause the initial symptoms of measles — such as a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and fever — can appear like those of a common cold or the flu, people can spread the disease before they know they have it. They are contagious beginning four days before the telltale measles rash appears on their face and body.Further complicating public health efforts to control the virus’ spread is that there can be a significant lag time from when someone is exposed to the virus and when they start feeling ill. Symptoms often develop seven to 14 days after exposure, but it can sometimes take up to 21 days.Internal South Carolina state health department records obtained by Healthbeat provide a window into how a single contagious person can expose dozens. Jennifer Morrow // Healthbeat, Source: South Carolina Department of Public Health email on Nov. 17, 2025 to staff in the state’s governor’s office. Outbreak Case No. 44, identified by state health officials in mid-November, exposed 66 close contacts to measles who were unvaccinated or lacked immunity to the virus through previous infection. They included three household members, four patients at a doctor’s office, 58 individuals at Lyman Elementary School (including one of the household members), and two school bus riders from D.R. Hill Middle School, according to an email update from DPH to the South Carolina governor’s office on Nov. 17.As state public health officials investigated outbreak Case No. 45, they identified an initial 61 close contacts who had been exposed and weren’t protected against measles. They included four household members and 57 individuals from Boiling Springs Middle School. The person, while infectious, also attended a church with about 250 people in its congregation, according to DPH emails to the governor’s office on Nov. 19 and 20 that do not name the church, but say notification letters in multiple languages were provided for distribution.As the outbreak continued, infected people participated in services and other activities at several Slavic churches, where services are held in the Russian or Ukrainian languages, including Slavic evangelical and Pentecostal churches.At one of these churches, the Way of Truth Church in Inman, South Carolina, a person who was infectious attended on the evening of Nov. 7 and morning of Nov. 9, exposing others who weren’t vaccinated. Over the weeks that followed, at least 30 infections were linked to the church.Of the 14 newly identified measles cases announced on Dec. 2 by state health officials, eight were people exposed at Way of Truth Church. Over the next week, 16 more people fell ill with measles from exposures at the church. Five more cases linked to the church were announced on Dec. 16, plus one more on Dec. 19.During late December and into January, state health investigators tracing the movements of people recently diagnosed with measles identified additional exposures that had occurred at several other Slavic churches, including Tabernacle of Salvation Church, Ark of Salvation Church, and Slavic Pentecostal Church of Spartanburg. Church leaders could not be reached or did not respond to Healthbeat’s interview requests during and after the outbreak.Slavic churches unwilling to host vaccination events during outbreakVaradi, the state American Academy of Pediatrics representative who worked with South Carolina DPH during the outbreak, told Healthbeat that vaccine hesitancy within the membership of some Spartanburg-area churches was a key challenge in stopping the outbreak.“The center of the outbreak was not the entire Russian-speaking or Ukrainian-speaking community. It was a small subset that may have been related to specific churches,” Varadi told Healthbeat.“It’s not that the church leadership was discouraging vaccinations, they just were not encouraging,” Varadi said. “We wish that there would have been a better partnership to work together to encourage vaccination.”DPH officials, who told Healthbeat that Varadi provided them with “valuable insights and assistance,” acknowledged that no church from within the area’s Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking community agreed to host a vaccination event during the outbreak.“As is often the case, church leaders made decisions about whether to interact with DPH based largely on the wishes and feelings of their congregations,” the department said in its written responses to Healthbeat’s questions. “While some were willing to discuss outreach and education opportunities, others were not. Importantly, none were forced to meet with DPH to discuss any of these topics.”One of the close-knit community’s “prominent churches” did voluntarily agree to meet with DPH leadership during the outbreak, the department said, “and that conversation was informative.” DPH declined to name the church.From the beginning of the outbreak, DPH officials in press briefings emphasized the importance of vaccination in stopping the outbreak. They separately made information about measles available in the Ukrainian and Russian languages on the DPH website and to churches and other groups.Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97% effective in protecting against measles, and even one dose is 93% effective, according to the CDC.While the Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking community remained a vaccination challenge, by January — as the outbreak spiked — the department started seeing wider increases in measles vaccination across Spartanburg County and the state. This increase, combined with the large number of people who became immune to measles through illness, helped end the outbreak, they said.Dr. Brannon Traxler, the South Carolina DPH’s deputy director and chief medical officer, in response to Healthbeat’s questions during the department’s last media briefing on the outbreak on April 27, said it is important to understand the community’s history and reasons for being hesitant about vaccines.“We recognize and appreciate there is history there that didn’t occur in South Carolina, often even before they came to the United States, that has led to very legitimate fears of government and of government health,” said Traxler, who was named the department’s acting director in May. “They have a reason to have the doubts that they do.”Traxler did not elaborate. DPH, in response to Healthbeat’s questions, declined to discuss the reasons public health workers have been given by community members for not vaccinating their families against measles.“Those reasons are theirs to communicate, not ours,” DPH said by email. “Our role in every communication was to provide the best factual information possible with which families could make informed decisions.”Vaccination programs and government trust have a complicated history in Ukraine and Russia.The more distant history includes the former Soviet Union’s mandatory and coercive national immunization programs and ongoing vaccine hesitancy and concerns about vaccine safety.There also was a history in former Soviet republics of some measles vaccines having lower levels of effectiveness in preventing outbreaks that has been attributed to poor manufacturing quality control and improper vaccine storage and handling practices.While the Russian Federation is estimated by the World Health Organization and UNICEF to have had high levels of measles vaccination coverage for many years, that has not been the case in Ukraine.In Ukraine, the country’s vaccination coverage dropped dramatically after the high-profile death in 2008 of a Ukrainian teenager, an event later determined to be unrelated to being vaccinated against measles as part of a large immunization campaign.According to the WHO, 95% of children in Ukraine in 2008 were fully vaccinated against measles. But by 2016, just 42% were protected with one dose of measles vaccine and 31% with two doses. And during 2017-19, the country experienced a measles epidemic that resulted in more than 115,000 reported cases.Since then, vaccination coverage has increased. As of 2024, about 91% of 1-year-old Ukrainian children and about 83% of 6-year-olds were vaccinated against measles, according to information released by UNICEF Ukraine last year.In South Carolina, DPH officials said members of the Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking community cooperated with the department’s recommendations for isolating and quarantining at home to prevent spreading measles to others.Quarantines, which could last up to 21 days, had a significant impact on these families’ daily lives, education, and finances, with children having to stay out of school and adults missing work.DPH said its community health workers, when asked, helped these families identify social service resources, including for food and utility support.Community members are key to building trust in public healthPublic health officials at the Washington State Department of Health found themselves facing similar challenges in 2019, following a measles outbreak among a Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking community.“We didn’t have a lot of connection with that community or a lot of resources for them in their language,” said Danielle Koenig, the department’s health promotion supervisor.In the wake of the outbreak, Koenig helped secure a CDC grant that for six years funded a project to better understand the needs of the community, build trust, and provide health resources. The grant ended last summer.The department found that a cornerstone of building trust is partnering with leaders and organizations from the impacted community, listening and responding to their needs, and hiring members of the community — like Vadim Gaynaliy — to help lead the outreach.Gaynaliy, a health educator at the department who speaks Ukrainian and Russian and is from a large Ukrainian community in northeast Portland, Oregon, said his background and those of others involved in the project provided insights into the community’s values and how it functions.“We’re not even talking about a single community here. There’s obvious political tensions between Russian and Ukrainian communities, there’s different religions and denominations. So we try to address them as different communities who will have different needs,” Gaynaliy told Healthbeat.The project resulted in the creation of the Nashi Immigrants Health Board — now an independent nonprofit organization run by and for the Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking community that provides a range of resources and support programs beyond just information about vaccination.“Trust is the biggest ingredient,” said Tamara Cyhan Cunitz, the board’s co-founder, executive director, and a registered nurse and educator whose relatives came to the United States after escaping the Soviet Union during World War II. “People who are from a cultural community will pay attention and connect better with someone who knows their culture and language.”South Carolina gets 5 months of funding to launch outreach projectThe huge measles outbreak in the Spartanburg area is finally over, but the area remains at risk of future outbreaks because it continues to have large pockets of people who are not vaccinated against the disease — including in the Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking community.To help address this, DPH told Healthbeat it is beginning a new partnership with two nonprofit public health organizations to hire community health workers to do education and outreach in two or three areas within Spartanburg County that face higher risks from measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.The CDC Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the CDC and public health, has agreed to provide five months of funding for the project, the groups said.“The idea is to reach the specific Slavic community, that from a health department perspective, they have had struggles with reaching over the years and to really make inroads around vaccines and vaccine education,” said Scott Thorpe, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Public Health Leadership, which is one of the project’s partners. “Doing this work outside of a crisis is really, really important.”Terri Jowers, executive director of the South Carolina Community Health Worker Association, the project’s other nonprofit partner, said the project plans to hire three community health workers, with two of them coming from within the Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking community.Jowers said the project will develop training for this soon-to-be hired team on how to better engage with communities through conversations about why they are hesitant or concerned about vaccines, what they have heard, and ways to work together to find sources they trust to figure out the facts. The training will also be made available to other community health workers in Spartanburg County and across the state, she said.“The goal is to really start training people by the end of June so that community health workers feel more comfortable having these conversations,” Jowers said.Five months is not a lot of time to build trust, and Jowers said she is hoping that the project will be able to identify additional funding for a year beyond the initial grant. “You have to build those trusted relationships,” she said.The CDC Foundation, which told Healthbeat it is providing more than $100,000 for the project, said that trusted messengers are critical. The foundation said the project’s limited time frame is based on funding availability. “If additional funding becomes available, we would consider extending the timing,” it said.This story was produced by Healthbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Warmer temps bring soaring tick populations. Here’s how to stay safe from Lyme disease Warmer temps bring soaring tick populations. Here’s how to stay safe from Lyme diseaseSpring’s warmer weather lures people outdoors, and into possible contact with ticks that spread Lyme disease.Already, the 2026 tick season is booming. On April 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that emergency room visits due to tick bites are at their highest level since 2017. That may portend an especially severe season for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.State health departments reported more than 89,000 cases of Lyme disease in 2023, the last year for which data is available. But public health experts believe that close to 500,000 people in the U.S. get Lyme disease every year.Lyme disease can be tricky, because people often don’t notice tick bites and may overlook early symptoms of an infection. But left untreated, the infection can cause serious lingering and even permanent health issues.Below, Lakshmi Chauhan, MD, of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus explains for The Conversation what you need to know about Lyme disease to stay safe this season.What causes Lyme disease?Lyme disease, named after the Connecticut town where the disease was first identified in 1975, is caused by a group of bacteria called Borrelia — most often, the species Borrelia burgdorferi.Deer ticks — also called black-legged ticks, and members of a group called Ixodes — transmit the disease after feeding on an infected animal, usually a bird, mouse or deer. When they then bite a person, they can transmit the bacteria into the person’s bloodstream.Usually, the tick must attach for 24-48 hours to transmit the bacteria causing Lyme disease.Where and when does Lyme disease occur?Lyme disease can occur in most regions where deer ticks live.These ticks are most active in late spring, summer and fall — usually April to November in most regions. They emerge when the temperature is above freezing. In years when winter is shorter, ticks can emerge earlier. And they may be active year-round in regions where freezing temperatures are rare.Approximately 90% of U.S. cases are reported from states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic from Virginia to eastern Canada, and Upper Midwest regions including Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota. A few cases occasionally pop up in California, Oregon and Washington. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Since 1995, the incidence of Lyme disease in the U.S. has almost doubled.Warmer weather and changes in rainfall patterns now allow ticks to survive in new regions of the country, and for longer periods. But even in regions where ticks lived before, Lyme disease has become more common due to increases in deer populations. As woodland areas are increasingly being developed, it may be bringing the habitat of deer and mice closer to people, increasing the risk of transmission.Lyme disease symptoms to watch forEarly symptoms of Lyme disease — fever, muscle aches and fatigue — generally emerge within three to 30 days after a tick bite. Another classic symptom in the first month is a target or bull’s eye rash at the site of tick bite, which occurs in about 70% to 80% of cases.Other rashes following a tick bite can also occur. Some may be due to irritation from the bite, and not necessarily an infection.If you know you’ve had a tick bite and experience flu-like symptoms, or if you see a bull’s-eye rash, whether you know you were bitten or not, it’s important to check with your healthcare provider about whether you should be treated with antibiotics.A blood test for antibodies can help confirm the infection, but it can sometimes yield a false negative result, particularly in the first couple of weeks of the disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention In most people, the rash goes away on its own. However, treatment may shorten its duration and is important for preventing other symptoms. A two- to four-week course of antibiotics can generally treat Lyme disease. Severe cases might require intravenous antibiotics.A promising new vaccine for Lyme disease is currently being tested. In March 2026, Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company developing it, announced that in a late-stage study, the vaccine prevented the disease in 70% of people who received it.Later Lyme symptomsIf left untreated, the bacteria that causes Lyme can spread, potentially causing longer-term symptoms. About 60% of people who get Lyme disease and don’t treat it can develop arthritis.In rare cases, Lyme disease can also affect the heart and the nervous system. Inflammation in the brain or the tissues surrounding it, called meninges, can cause headaches and neck pain, as well as balance issues and memory and behavior changes. It can also cause nerve damage that results in numbness, tingling and muscle weakness.These symptoms can appear right away or much later, sometimes months to years after infection. And in cases where the disease wasn’t promptly treated, late-stage symptoms can linger even after antibiotics kill the bacteria.Scientists don’t fully understand why, but one intriguing study found that some particles from the bacteria’s cell wall leak into the joints and can persist after treatment, spurring ongoing inflammation and arthritis symptoms.Another reason for Lyme’s long-term effects is that it can trigger autoimmune disease, which is when the immune system attacks its own cells. What’s more, because the nervous system may be particularly sensitive to damage caused by the bacteria and related inflammation, it may take an especially long time to heal. In some situations, the damage could be permanent.Preventing Lyme diseaseUntil a vaccine becomes available, there are steps you and your family can take to help protect against Lyme disease:Use tick and insect repellents such as DEET and picaridin, which can be applied to skin, and permethrin, which is sprayed onto clothing, to keep ticks at bay. Treating clothing with permethrin may be especially beneficial, since the substance withstands several washes.Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants while you are gardening, hiking or walking through grass or woods to prevent tick bites. Wearing light-colored clothes makes ticks more visible, and tucking your pants into your socks can also prevent ticksfrom traveling from your pants, shoes and socks onto your legs.Remove your outdoor clothes immediately. Washing and drying clothes at high temperature can help kill any ticks that managed to hitch a ride. And a quick shower immediately after spending time outdoors can wash ticks off the skin before they have a chance to attach.If you spend time outdoors, perform daily tick checks, paying special attention to warm areas like your armpits, neck, ears and underwear line. If you find a tick attached, pull it off with tweezers, holding them perpendicular to the skin.If you find a tick that may have been on the skin for more than 36 hours, ask your healthcare provider whether a dose of preventive antibiotics — generally given within 72 hours of the bite — would be appropriate.This story was produced by The Conversation and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Ride it out: How cycling helps kids focus Ride it out: How cycling helps kids focusJimmy G. was a distracted and disruptive fifth grader. “In the morning, when he came in, he’d be up in everybody’s business, up and out of his chair, constantly blurting stuff out,” says Amy Young, his science and social studies teacher at Spooner Middle School in the North Woods of Wisconsin. (Unlike most middle schools, Spooner spans fifth through eighth grade.) But once Jimmy (whose name has been changed to protect his privacy as a minor) started attending a cycling class, Young noticed a dramatic change in the 10-year-old’s behavior.“After riding, he can sit down, he’s focused, he gets right down to work,” she says. “He’s like a different kid!” Courtesy of Outride Jimmy has been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and takes medication for it. Even so, cycling makes a noticeable difference in his behavior — which his parents have recognized as well.Taught by P.E. teacher Ryan McKinney, the class began as part of cycling nonprofit Outride’s Riding for Focus program. Outride, formerly the Specialized Bike Foundation, was founded by Mike Sinyard (also the founder of bicycle brand Specialized). Fourteen years ago, Sinyard, who also has ADHD, noticed that going for a bike ride helped him focus. After a ride, he realized, he was more attentive in meetings, for example. “That really kicked off this bigger idea, ‘Is this something that is unique to him, or is there broader science to back it up?” says Esther Walker, Ph.D., Outride’s executive director — and a cognitive science researcher in her own right. In 2012, Sinyard partnered with RTSG Neuroscience Consulting to launch a pilot project at two middle schools in Natick, Massachusetts to see if integrating cycling into the school day could help kids pay attention and focus. Participating students biked for a half-hour before school, five days a week, for a full month. The results were encouraging: Not only did kids with ADHD see symptoms improve, every kid benefited. Courtesy of Outride “Teachers saw improvements in focus and better performances in those classes directly after riding,” Walker says. The riding class was widely embraced by the schools’ administrations, teachers, parents — and students. Buoyed by these results, Sinyard founded the Specialized Foundation in 2014 to spread the word — and cycling classes — to middle schools across the country, Reasons to Be Cheerful reports. The Foundation announced “Riding for Focus” (R4F) grants in 2015, offering bikes, helmets and annual teacher training events. (In 2019, the Specialized Foundation changed its name to Outride, wanting to bring in other partners and not be associated with just one brand.) Today, the program is in 400 middle schools in the U.S. and Canada. According to Walker, 85% of these are Title I schools or have a free and reduced lunch rate of at least 40%. The exceptions tend to be schools that serve students who have special needs, such as those with dyslexia, ADHD or autism spectrum disorder.Despite the fact that there are other partners now, the close connection with Specialized has been key to the success of R4F. The company designed the R4F bikes to be robust, so middle schoolers could ride them daily for years. Courtesy of Outride “The bikes are color-coded by size, and have nice big numbers on the seat posts. So the students come in and say, ‘OK: I’m going to be on a blue bike, and, you know, level three for my seat,’’ Walker says. “It really gives them all a level playing field to try the same bikes, learn about shifting bikes safely, and build confidence on the bikes.” Today, roughly seven million children and teens in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD, making it the most common neuro-developmental disorder in this age group. It’s well-established that exercise has a positive impact on mood and mental health — for all ages. More recent research has shown that exercise in general supports cognitive benefits like increased executive function, focus and self-regulation in children with ADHD. Some of that research has focused on cycling in particular. Outride has supported multiple studies, including two at Stanford. The first, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise in 2019, pioneered a unique imaging system called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which can look at blood flow in the brain in real time during exercise. (The device — similar to an MRI — was worn under each kid’s helmet, and plugged into a transmitter tucked into a backpack.) Building on that research, and also supported by an Outride grant, Stephanie van Riper and her colleagues at Stanford used fNIRS on teens while they were cycling and found that teens with ADHD showed brain activity patterns that became more like the control group’s while cycling. That said, they also found that when teens with ADHD did mental tasks while cycling, they were still overloaded more easily. However, doing both at the same time also appears to prime the brain for better focus after riding. Research into the impacts of cycling on the cognition and mental health of teens has also been done by scientists at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, the University of Tennessee and the University of Wyoming, where Dr. Cynthia Hartung is specifically studying college students with ADHD. Though there hasn’t been much research to prove that cycling is somehow better than other forms of exercise in supporting cognitive improvements in teens with ADHD, kids of all ages seem to love cycling, so it’s an easy sell. “Anecdotally, we’ve had teachers tell us that cycling attracts many of their students that typically don’t like P.E. or avoid team sports,” Walker says. Ultimately, the best type of exercise intervention is the kind that kids actually stick with. Somehow cycling hits that sweet spot of not only being aerobic — which has been shown to support executive function — but also low-barrier and intrinsically motivating. Most teens want to do it because it’s fun and it also provides feelings of independence. Outride has also been partnering with research institutions abroad, including Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland and Newcastle University in England. These studies aren’t out yet, but initial outcomes are exciting, Walker says. McKinney at Spooner Elementary initially launched R4F with Outride’s help — getting a fleet of bikes, helmets, teacher training and a full curriculum. Later, he started an after-school Bike Club, which is still going strong. He immediately heard positive feedback from parents. “Some of the parents at the time said things like, ‘My kid is such a different kid on the nights he has Bike Club. Other nights, he’ll be a couch potato. I wish the kid could be in Bike Club every day.” That got McKinney thinking. Spooner has a daily intervention class for students who need extra help called “What I Need” (WIN for short), that takes place first thing in the morning. Most kids in WIN do an online program that helps with math or reading. McKinney proposed doing a study looking at the impact on cycling and other outdoor sports as a WIN intervention. In the fall of 2021, he asked teachers to recommend students who struggled with attention, focus or behavior. These students — from fifth and sixth grades — were divided into two groups: 12 would go into McKinney’s daily WIN class (mostly cycling but also some cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter when it snowed too much for cycling). The other 12 would be in a control group — the typical WIN class. (Forty-eight students total participated in the study: 24 in fifth grade and 24 in sixth grade.)After their 45-minute-long WIN class, students would go directly to their core classes — usually math, science, English or social studies. (The core class teachers were not told who was in which group, although Spooner is a small school so McKinney admits they may have been able to guess.) At the end of that class, the teachers would rate, on a scale of one to four, the kids’ level of focus, and each kid would write down their own evaluation. Students also took a standardized test called FastBridge three times over the course of the year to evaluate their comprehension in reading and math. The results were astonishing. In math, the kids in the cycling intervention group improved, on average, twice as much as kids in the control group. In reading, they improved nearly twice as much. On average, the cycling group required much less office discipline, too.McKinney kept track of data for three years in a row, and now he’s compiled enough evidence to keep cycling in school revved up for good. Though his cycling-before-school WIN class is no longer supported by Outride, the school has now integrated cycling into its curriculum. Spooner also received one of Outride’s Community Impact Grants to support a pump track and bike skills park at the school, as well as an additional one a few years later that funded fat tire bikes. According to Walker, many teachers who initially receive an Outride grant take the idea and well, ride. McKinney at Spooner is a good example. “The Riding for Focus program is often the spark that gets schools going, and over time they adapt and add more in — like after school clubs, trails and so on.”This story was produced by Reasons to be Cheerful and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Accountability without micromanagement: How managers balance tracking and trust Accountability without micromanagement: How managers balance tracking and trustTracking work has become a normal part of managing teams. Pew Research Center data shows just how common this has become: More than half of workers who are not self-employed say their employer monitors the time they start and finish working, while large shares also report monitoring of messages, task speed, location, or work computer use.For many employees, it helps clarify expectations, keep schedules organized, and make sure work stays aligned. But there’s still a fine line between accountability and oversight.The challenge for managers is that the same practices that create visibility can also create tension. A check-in can feel supportive, or it can feel like hovering. Time tracking can help teams stay organized, or it can raise concerns about trust, privacy, and micromanagement.To better understand how managers are navigating that balance, Buddy Punch surveyed 531 U.S.-based people managers in March 2026. The survey explored how employees react to tracking, the concerns they raise, what tends to erode trust, and what helps accountability feel fair rather than intrusive. The findings suggest that most employees are not rejecting tracking outright. Instead, they want it to feel clear, relevant, transparent, and connected to real outcomes.Key FindingsTracking is usually seen as helpful or normal. Eighty percent of managers say employees either see tracking as helpful for staying organized and aligned or mostly accept it as part of the job. Only 4% say employees view it as unnecessary monitoring.But concerns still come up, especially about trust. Fifty-four percent of managers say employees raise concerns or feedback about tracking at least sometimes. Employees most often worry about feeling micromanaged, feeling untrusted, extra administrative work, privacy, and intrusive tools.Trust erodes when visibility turns into proof-seeking. Managers say trust is most likely to break down when employees feel they must constantly prove they’re working, expectations change without clear communication, or managers step in too often.Most managers are trying to avoid over-monitoring. Nearly three-quarters say they rely on regular communication, check-ins, or outcome-based expectations rather than primarily using tools to monitor work.Tracking feels better when it is clear, fair, and useful. Managers say employees are more comfortable when leaders explain why information is tracked, give employees visibility into their own progress, allow flexibility, and focus on outcomes. Buddy Punch Employees Mostly See Tracking as Useful or Normal, Not IntrusiveOne of the clearest findings is that employee reactions to work and time tracking are more positive than the broader conversation about “monitoring” might suggest.According to managers, 41% of employees generally see tracking as helpful for staying organized and aligned, while another 39% mostly accept it as part of the job. Taken together, that means 80% of managers say employees either view tracking positively or see it as a normal part of how work gets done.That does not mean employees love being tracked. But it does suggest that, in many workplaces, tracking has become routine enough that it’s not automatically viewed as micromanagement.Only 4% of managers say employees view work or time tracking as unnecessary monitoring. Another 15% say reactions are mixed, with some employees comfortable and others not. In other words, the strongest negative reaction is relatively uncommon, but discomfort still exists for a meaningful minority of teams.Most Managers Hear at Least Some Concern About TrackingStill, broad acceptance does not mean tracking is tension-free. Employees may see tracking as useful or routine overall, while still having concerns about specific tools, expectations, or how the information is used.That tension shows up clearly in the data: Just over half of managers (54%) say employees express concerns or feedback about how their work or time is tracked at least sometimes. This includes 18% who say it happens very often and 36% who say it happens sometimes.That means employee pushback is not constant for most teams, but it’s common enough that managers can’t ignore it.Glassdoor research reinforces why those concerns matter. In a 2023 survey of more than 2,300 U.S. professionals, 41% said employer monitoring of work devices made them feel less productive, and 36% were unsure whether they were being monitored at all.At the same time, nearly half of managers say these concerns come up rarely or never. Specifically, 37% say employees rarely express concerns, while 9% say they never do.Still, the split is important. If 54% of managers are hearing concerns at least sometimes, that suggests employees may be willing to accept tracking as part of the job, but they still have opinions about how it’s done. Buddy Punch Concerns Are Less About Accountability and More About TrustWhen employees do raise concerns about tracking or oversight, the most common issue is feeling micromanaged. Four in 10 managers say this is one of the top concerns employees express.That is followed closely by feeling that they’re not trusted, selected by 33% of managers. For many employees, tracking can start to feel less like a tool for coordination and more like a signal that managers don’t believe work is getting done without proof.The next set of concerns is more practical. Nearly one-third of managers say employees worry that tracking creates extra administrative work (31%), while 30% point to privacy or monitoring concerns. Another 27% say employees are concerned about tools that feel intrusive, such as activity monitoring.Employees may accept tracking when it helps clarify schedules, workloads, or expectations. But when tracking adds work, feels invasive, or seems disconnected from the real substance of the job, it becomes harder to defend.Several concerns also point to a broader problem with how tracking systems are designed and communicated. More than one-quarter of managers say employees worry that tracking does not reflect the actual work they’re doing (27%), that there are too many updates or reporting requirements (27%), or that it’s not clear how tracking data will be used (25%). Another 24% point to inconsistent rules across employees or teams.The pattern is clear: Employees are asking for oversight that feels fair, relevant, transparent, and proportional.Trust Breaks Down When Oversight Starts to Feel Like Proof-SeekingThose concerns point to a bigger trust issue. Employees may be willing to accept accountability, but that acceptance can weaken when tracking starts to feel less like coordination and more like proof-seeking.The biggest trust risk is employees feeling like they constantly have to prove they’re working. More than one-third of managers selected this as one of the top factors most likely to erode trust.Employees may accept visibility when it helps the team stay coordinated. But when visibility turns into a constant need to demonstrate activity, it can send a very different message: We don’t fully trust you unless we can see you.Several of the top responses point to the same issue. Managers say trust is also eroded by changing expectations without clear communication (34%), stepping in too frequently on day-to-day work (34%), and focusing too heavily on time spent rather than outcomes (32%).Together, these findings suggest that employees aren’t only reacting to tracking tools. They’re reacting to the management behaviors around those tools.The next tier of responses reinforces this pattern. Managers point to lack of clear goals or priorities (29%), frequent monitoring of employee activity (28%), lack of transparency about how performance is evaluated (25%), and inconsistent expectations across employees (25%). Requiring detailed reports or constant updates ranks somewhat lower, but still matters, with 22% selecting it as a trust-eroding factor.Microsoft’s research also warns that tracking activity rather than impact can push employees toward “productivity theater,” where people focus on appearing busy instead of doing the work that matters most. Buddy Punch Most Managers Are Trying to Stay Close Without Over-MonitoringWhen managers describe their own approach to balancing accountability and autonomy, the most common strategy is regular communication.Forty-two percent say they rely on communication and check-ins to stay aligned with their team. This suggests many managers are trying to manage visibility through conversation rather than surveillance. Instead of defaulting to tools or activity monitoring, they’re using check-ins to understand progress, clarify expectations, and keep work moving.Another 31% say they focus mostly on results and outcomes rather than monitoring how work is done. This points to a more autonomy-based approach: Employees are held accountable for what they deliver, but given more room to decide how they get there.Together, these two responses account for nearly three-quarters of managers. Most managers aren’t describing their approach as tool-driven or monitoring-heavy. They’re leaning more toward communication, alignment, and outcomes. Buddy Punch Comfort with Tracking Starts with Clarity, Control, and FlexibilityManagers point to a few clear ways to make accountability feel less like oversight and more like support.The top two responses are both about clarity and visibility. Thirty-nine percent of managers say employees feel more comfortable when leaders clearly explain why certain information is tracked. The same share of managers (39%) say it helps when employees have visibility into their own progress or performance.That suggests employees aren’t necessarily opposed to being measured. They’re more likely to accept tracking when they understand its purpose and can use the information themselves, rather than feeling like data is only being collected about them.Flexibility also matters. Thirty-eight percent of managers say employees feel more comfortable when they have flexibility in how they complete their work, and 36% say it helps to focus on outcomes rather than activity monitoring.Employees may be more comfortable with tracking when the system leaves room for judgment, autonomy, and different ways of getting work done.Communication also plays an important role. One-third of managers say discussing expectations openly during one-on-one meetings helps, while 32% point to applying expectations consistently across the team.Twenty-nine percent say employees feel more comfortable when reporting requirements are simple and minimal, and the same share say transparency about how tracking data is used helps.Key TakeawaysTracking itself isn’t automatically the problem. In many workplaces, employees appear to see it as useful or simply part of how work gets done. The bigger issue is how tracking is explained, applied, and used. When it helps people stay organized, aligned, and clear on expectations, it can support the team. When it feels unclear, excessive, inconsistent, or disconnected from the real work, it can quickly start to feel like surveillance.Even when tracking is broadly accepted, managers shouldn’t assume silence means everything is working. More than half of managers say employees raise concerns or feedback about tracking at least sometimes, suggesting that employees may accept accountability while still having opinions about how it’s handled.The most common concerns aren’t about avoiding accountability. They’re about trust, fairness, and relevance. Employees are more likely to push back when tracking feels like micromanagement, mistrust, busywork, privacy intrusion, or a poor reflection of the work they actually do.Trust is easier to maintain when employees know what success looks like, understand how they’re being evaluated, and don’t feel like every hour or action has to be defended. Clear goals, consistent expectations, and an outcome-focused approach can help prevent visibility from turning into proof-seeking.Managers appear to be looking for a middle ground. Most say they rely on communication, check-ins, and outcome-based expectations rather than primarily using tools to monitor work. That suggests many managers are trying to create accountability without removing autonomy.The strongest path forward is making tracking feel clear, fair, useful, and proportionate. Employees are more likely to feel comfortable when they understand why information is tracked, can see their own progress, have flexibility in how they complete their work, and know how tracking data will be used.MethodologyThis survey was conducted with 531 U.S.-based adults aged 18 or older who were employed full time or part time and held roles with direct people management responsibilities. Respondents included business owners, founders, and managers who directly oversaw at least one employee. All respondents were responsible for evaluating employee work progress, productivity, or time management, and interacted with the employees they manage at least once per week. Individuals who did not formally supervise employees or who had no management responsibilities were excluded. Participants worked at organizations with five or more employees and had been in their current role for at least three months. The survey was fielded online from March 11 to March 17, 2026. Results reflect descriptive statistics with no weighting applied.This story was produced by Buddy Punch and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why niche businesses are growing faster than the mainstream Why niche businesses are growing faster than the mainstreamCategories that didn't exist a few years ago now account for the majority of sales on Shopify—and AI is accelerating the trend.The fastest-growing area of commerce isn't one major category. It's thousands of new ones being created by entrepreneurs.As the barriers to starting a business collapse, people are turning their obsessions into viable businesses by reaching customers with something specific and meaningful. Increasingly, that connection is happening through AI matchmaking.Shopify data shows product categories outside the top 100 now account for nearly 55% of all sales on Shopify—and they're growing faster than the mainstream. Shopify A screenless phone for kids that looks like a tin can. Horse hay nets designed for slower, healthier grazing. Metal pill cases engineered so precisely that one customer wrote, "I am certain I will go to my grave owning this."These are businesses built by people who cared deeply about one specific thing and turned it into a specialized product. “Niche” no longer means “limited.” There’s no ceiling to the success of specificity.The long-tail of commerceCommerce has a shape. A handful of massive product categories (think clothing, electronics, and beauty) dominate the top. That’s the "head." Then there's the long, trailing distribution of thousands of more specific categories. This is the "long tail," a concept Chris Anderson named in 2004 when he predicted the internet would make these markets economically viable.And the tail keeps getting longer. Every year, entrepreneurs create product categories that didn't exist the year before. Entrepreneurs are continually expanding the landscape of commerce, and finding success as they do it.From 2021 to 2025, the number of Shopify stores selling sports trading cards grew more than six times, turning a hobbyist corner of commerce into a more than $500 million industry. Trading cards have been around for decades; what’s new is how much easier it is to build a business around them.One product is enough to startAs Tobi put it, “Shopify represents mostly the catalog of products that people really want rather than the necessities.”Products people really want tend to be specific, and often they're singular. Shopify Forty-one percent of Shopify stores sell a single product at launch, and nearly 54% of new Shopify stores launched in 2025 were in a long-tail category. The majority of new entrepreneurs are starting with one specific thing that matters to a specific group of people.Starting narrow doesn't mean staying narrow. It means the distance between "I have an idea" and "I have a business" has shrunk.AI favors the specialistEntrepreneurs are the biggest beneficiaries of AI. In addition to giving them a powerful Sidekick, AI collapses the distance between someone who makes something extraordinary and the person who's been looking for exactly that. The more specific the product, the better AI gets at making the match. Shopify AI-attributed orders—purchases where the buyer discovered the product through an AI-powered channel—skew heavily toward specialized products. 71% of those orders came from the long tail in 2025.A search engine rewards popularity. An AI agent recommends relevance. When a buyer asks an AI assistant to find the best kite for flying without wind, it doesn't default to the most popular result. It finds the specialist.Commerce as expressionOn a major marketplace, product reviews describe the category. "Great quality." "Keeps me organized." "Good value." The language is functional.On Ikigai Cases, reviews describe a relationship with an object. The weight of the metal. The click of the magnet. The go-to-your-grave-owning-this factor. And why? Because the business was created by two brothers whose dad couldn’t open his pill box easily. So they built him one.That’s what happens when someone creates the exact thing they want to exist in the world, and the exact right person finds it.The long tail has never been longer. If you have an idea that feels too weird for the mainstream, or too small to have legs, the data says you're looking at it backward. The most specific ideas have the most room to grow.MethodologyThis analysis draws on anonymized, aggregated data from Shopify's platform of millions of merchants across 175 countries. Product categories are classified using Shopify's machine learning-based taxonomy system. "Long tail" refers to categories ranked outside the top 100 by gross merchandise volume. “New Shopify store” refers to shops that were created in 2025, with the launch/start period being the first six months since creation. Growth rates reference year-over-year changes. AI-attributed orders are defined as purchases where the buyer's discovery path included an AI-powered channel. All external references are cited inline.This story was produced by Shopify and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Here’s how the Texas secretary of state’s resignation could complicate the midterm elections Here’s how the Texas secretary of state’s resignation could complicate the midterm electionsTexas Secretary of State Jane Nelson’s unexpected departure only a few months before the November midterm election, which includes one of the most hotly contested U.S. Senate races the state has seen in years, has some local election officials and voting rights advocates worrying the transition will complicate their ability to administer a smooth election.“It’s the unknown, the uncertainty that is scary,” said Tandi Smith, the Kaufman County elections administrator. “Are we going to continue to receive guidance? Are we going to be ensured that we’ll be prepared for any coming changes? We just don’t know.”Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, is required by law to appoint a new secretary as soon as possible. His office, in an emailed statement, said the new appointee would be announced “at a later date.”Nelson, who has been the state’s chief election official for more than three years, announced in early June that she’d be stepping down from the role effective July 17. Nelson’s departure will happen just as election officials across the state are preparing in earnest for the November general election. In the summer months, they’ll be recruiting election workers, seeking polling locations, and processing voter registration applications, among other duties.Some voting rights advocates say a new appointee may want to direct local election officials to change election procedures, Votebeat reports, which could lead to chaos and confusion for voters. Although the secretary of state’s office has no law enforcement authority and can’t change the law, it can issue election law opinions on how to implement election and voting rules.“If the new secretary of state has a laundry list of demands that election administrators can’t meet, that’s going to throw our elections into disarray,” said Emily Eby French, policy director at Common Cause Texas. French noted that there were three secretaries of state between 2017 and Nelson’s appointment in 2023, some of whom remained in the role only for about a year before resigning.“I am very concerned that we are going to go back to that period of instability that we were in before Jane Nelson,” she said.In the months leading up to the March primary election, county election officials across the state navigated challenges including a rare mid-decade residistricting cycle and issues with the statewide election management and voter registration system, known as TEAM. The majority of counties in the state rely on the system, which was overhauled last summer by the secretary of state’s office, to manage elections and to maintain voter registration lists.The Texas Association of County Election Officials has twice publicly asked Nelson’s office in the past six months to act and resolve the problems. The secretary of state’s office has said that problems with a new version of the system were expected, especially given that the system handles the data of more than 18 million voter registration records. They’ve also said the situation was aggravated by the unexpected midcycle redistricting and problems with an outside vendor that forced some counties to suddenly add large amounts of data to the state system with little warning.But despite these tensions, state election officials have consistently remained supportive of local election officials through politically tense periods and have maintained a nonpartisan approach when interpreting the law, said Chris McGinn, the executive director of the Texas Association of County Election Officials.The agency has also often promoted the idea that county election officials are the election experts in each of their communities.“There’s a fear that that could change to where the office is dictating how counties should operate with a more political approach,” he said.Others, including some local election officials, are less concerned about top-down interference and say that a leadership transition in the office now won’t affect election officials’ ability to conduct a smooth election in November. That’s because ultimately, the election is handled by local officials in each of the state’s 254 counties.Nelson’s sudden departure “shouldn’t have any noticeable impact on the ability of the election officials in Texas to run free and fair elections,” said Joshua Ferrer, an assistant professor of government at American University. Ferrer has done research on the recent heightened turnover of state and local election officials across the country.“Even when officials leave, the replacements, and the staff that are still there are able to do an equally good job,” Ferrer said.Smith, the Kaufman County elections administrator, said she’d like to see the incoming secretary of state advocate for more funding and resources for county election departments.“Funding is something we’ve talked about for years,” Smith said, recalling when a tornado touched down in the North Texas county during the 2024 primary runoff election and her office had to scramble to ensure polling locations stayed open. “We want to be able to provide secure facilities for our voters and to make sure that there are no delays when there are storms of that nature, but funds are limited.”This story was produced by Votebeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	More than headstones: IMEG engineer explains what goes into engineering a national cemetery "When you're faced with a design decision, it's always about what's best for the veterans," Matt Snyder, principal/project executive at IMEG, said of his work engineering national cemeteries.
	More heat and humidity and higher storm chances An "Extreme Heat Warning" remains in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday for much of the Quad Cities area. Even after that expires, it's still going to stay hot and humid. Showers and storms will become more likely later Thursday all the way through Sunday with severe weather possible. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Flood Crest This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Tornados, earthquakes, and lightning have this in common: they come quick without warning, like cats pouncing on mice.…
	Going outside in this heat? Follow these guidelines to stay safe Man, it's a hot one! Don't go out in this summer's heat wave before you arm yourself with these tips and a really big water bottle.
	The albums and songs of 2026 that we love the most (so far) As the year reaches its mid-point, we have answers to a question more pressing than what to wear to the cookout or how early should we arrive at the fireworks show: What should I listen to?
	Federal civil rights data holds schools accountable. Under Trump, it's 6 months late The Education Department has long collected civil rights data about things like bullying, harassment and disability services in schools, but it hasn't made the latest information public.
	Vatican declares Society of St. Pius X in schism, excommunicates bishops The Vatican responded Thursday to a traditionalist society that consecrated bishops without the pope's consent, declaring the Society of St. Pius X in schism and excommunicating its bishops and priests.
	Extreme Heat Warning until THU 10:00 PM CDT Extreme Heat Warning in Effect Until 10 PM CDT: High Heat Index Values
	Parasitic illness cases are spiking: The symptoms to watch for While cases are common this time of year, the number of cases is causing concern.
	U.S. and Iran hold separate meetings in Qatar and agree to continue discussions U.S. and Iranian negotiators met separately on Wednesday with Qatari and Pakistani mediators, with "positive progress made," and they agreed to continue discussions, host Qatar said.
	Russian missiles and drones kill 11 and cause damage across Ukraine capital The large-scale attack with ballistic and cruise missiles and drones damaged buildings and civilian infrastructure across the city. Many residents took shelter at metro stations.
Wednesday, July 1st, 2026
	Sleep Better This Summer with Breathable Bedding (Feature Impact) If warm summer temperatures have you tossing and turning at night, you aren’t alone. Heat is a common culprit behind seasonal insomnia and can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. When the body struggles to cool down properly, it may lead to restlessness, night sweats, and disrupted sleep patterns. Watch this video to learn more Before you reach for the thermostat, though, take some time to examine your bedroom setup. Switching to breathable bedding, like Bedsure PureWoven Bamboo Sheets, can help your body regulate its temperature better overnight. Made with bamboo-derived fibers, the sets include sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and comforters designed to keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep. The bamboo viscose material is moisture-wicking and smooth, and you can choose from a variety of colors to match your decor. In addition to choosing bedding made with soft, breathable materials like viscose derived bamboo sheets bamboo, try using fans to promote better airflow in your bedroom. You can also improve your overall sleep quality by winding down with soft, dim lighting as you prepare for bed, and using blackout curtains to keep your space dark overnight. Making simple swaps in your sleep environment can help you stay well-rested throughout the summer. Learn more at bedsurehome.com or search “Bedsure PureWoven Bamboo Sheets” on Amazon.
	July 4th fireworks: What to know about wildfire risk With wildfires raging across the Western U.S., cities and states are restricting fireworks just as the nation gears up for one of its biggest Fourth of July celebrations in decades.
	Davenport opens DREAM applications for homeowners and businesses around Rockingham Road Davenport is accepting applications through July 31 for new rounds of its DREAM and Commercial DREAM grant programs for homes and businesses.
	Fire destroys Hampton home on Wednesday, no injuries reported A fire destroyed a home in Hampton, Illinois, on Wednesday. No one was injured.
	Galesburg residents encouraged to stay cool as heat climbs With hot temperatures this week, the City of Galesburg is providing cooling centers for residents. Plus, how one family is beating the heat.
	Extreme Heat Warning until THU 10:00 PM CDT Extreme Heat Warning in Effect Until 10 PM CDT Thursday
	QC teen caddie could win $100,000 scholarship A QC teen could win the prestigious Chick Evans scholarship worth over $100,000.
	2 Bettendorf Catholic parishes unite Members of the parish shared their excitement for the change and said the collaboration will bring opportunities in Catholic education as well as bringing people closer together as they more forward in faith.
	QC teen caddy could win $100,000 scholarship A QC teen could win the prestigious Chick Evans scholarship worth over $100,000.
	Davenport crews respond to water main break Crews in Davenport responded to a water main break.
	Quad City Arts interim executive director resigns amid police investigation Quad City Arts sought the resignation of its interim executive director after a video circulated online. Police say the investigation remains ongoing.
	Muscatine announces July 4 road closures It's an Our Quad Cities News traffic alert. The City of Muscatine announced parking and traffic restrictions in Downtown Muscatine to ensure the safety of participants, spectators and visitors during Independence Day activities. According to a release: The annual Fourth of July Parade begins at 4:00 p.m. Traffic restrictions take effect at 2:00 p.m. Residents [...]
	Colona church to open pantry for baby supplies A church in the QCA is operating a baby pantry to help anyone in need of baby supplies. Grace Community Church of The Nazarene will open the pantry Saturday, July 18 from 10:00 a.m. until noon. The pantry will give away baby-related items like diapers, toys, car seats and clothes. The church is accepting baby [...]
	Strong at Every Age: How Women Can Help Combat Muscle Loss (Feature Impact) Aging is inevitable, but losing muscle and mobility doesn’t have to be. For many women, maintaining strength, independence, energy and mobility are top priorities as they get older, particularly as they deal with the mental and physical responsibilities that come with working, caregiving, keeping up with friends, hobbies and enjoying an active lifestyle. In fact, 58% of women in the United States are actively focused on staying healthy as they age, according to a recent survey commissioned by Viactiv, a line of award-winning supplements for women known for their unique formats and flavors. However, 73% of respondents weren’t aware of sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss. According to the “International Journal of Women’s Health,” age-related muscle loss often begins between ages 30-35, with women losing 3-8% of their muscle mass per decade and increasing to 5-10% loss per decade after age 60. Hormonal changes, decreased activity levels, stress, poor sleep and inadequate nutrition can all contribute to the decline in muscle, which can also negatively impact balance, bone health, metabolism, posture and everyday mobility. Yet, despite 70% of women reporting some level of concern about muscle loss, 54% are unsure how to protect their muscle health. “Women want to stay strong, active and independent as they age, but many are getting mixed messages about what actually supports long-term muscle health,” said Dr. Tania Elliott, a dual board-certified physician in internal medicine. “A lot of women are already making healthy choices like walking and staying active, which is a great start. However, maintaining muscle health really requires a more complete approach, and one that starts earlier than most women think, which is in your 30s.” Prioritize Strength Training Many women report barriers such as lack of time (15%), feeling overwhelmed (23%) or simply not enjoying exercise (23%). The key is finding realistic, sustainable habits. While walking and cardio exercise aid in heart health, which 58% of survey respondents report already engaging in, strength training is one of the most effective ways to preserve and build muscle as you age. Still, just 34% of women report doing strength or resistance training. You don’t need an intense fitness regimen to support healthy aging. Aiming for at least two strength-focused workouts a week – lifting weights, using resistance bands, practicing weight-bearing yoga or doing bodyweight exercises like squats and pushups – that target major muscle groups can help maintain muscle health. The goal is to fatigue your muscles during sets so they build. Fuel Muscles with Proper Nutrition Exercise is only part of the equation. Muscles also need proper nutrition to recover and stay strong. Protein plays a critical role in maintaining muscle mass, especially as women age. Incorporating high-quality protein throughout the day, such as eggs, Greek yogurt, fish, lean meats, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, may help support muscle repair and overall strength. Support Healthy Aging with Supplements In addition to a balanced diet and exercise, some women may consider supplements that support healthy aging and energy production, including CoQ10, which is a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps cells produce energy. According to research published in “The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging,” because muscles require significant energy to function, CoQ10 shows potential for managing sarcopenia by improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress. An option like Viactiv CoQ10 Cardio Complete, available in a tasty fruit-flavored chew, can help support heart health, muscles, nerve function and daily energy. Enhanced with vitamins D3 and K2, it provides daily essential nutrition for women without the need to swallow a large pill. Practice Healthy Habits Muscle health is influenced by more than workouts. Sleep, stress management and daily movement all play important roles. Adopting some simple habits, including prioritizing quality sleep, stretching regularly, staying properly hydrated, reducing sedentary time throughout the day and practicing stress-management techniques, like yoga, meditation or deep breathing, can help aid in healthy aging, including maintaining muscle. The earlier women begin prioritizing muscle health, the better positioned they may be to maintain strength and mobility as they age. Visit Viactiv.com for more information and resources to help combat muscle loss.
	University of Illinois men’s basketball head coach tees off in John Deere Classic Pro-Am Some famous faces made it to the course including Illinois head basketball coach Brad Underwood.
	Spring Forward QCA keeps kids learning and cool during summer heat The summer program helps elementary students stay engaged while school is out, with free enrichment programs and activities. Here's how they're beating the heat.
	Youth Day at the John Deere Classic brings families together Read what parents and kids at the John Deere Classic’s Youth Day had to say about the event, golf and family.
	Crews respond to house fire in Hampton, Illinois A News 8 photojournalist arrived on the scene of a fire on the 600 block of Second Avenue in Hampton around 5 p.m.
	Kids take over the John Deere Classic The main events of the 55th John Deere Classic get underway on Thursday, and on Wednesday kids and the Savannah Bananas stole the show before Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and more hit the stage this weekend. "I've been coming here since I was a little kid, like his age, even my newborn son's age," said [...]
	Iowa raises speed limit on some state highways, but DOT warns of safety concerns Iowa’s speed limit on some state highways is increasing from 55 to 60 miles per hour starting in July, but the Iowa Department of Transportation said not all roads are ready for the change.
	Health experts urge hydration and heat‑safety precautions as summer temperatures rise University of Iowa Health Care Health urges residents to stay hydrated, limit peak‑hour sun exposure and watch for early symptoms of heat illness as temperatures climb this summer.
	State health dept. confirms U.S. cuts for pregnancy prevention, seeks other funding The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is looking for ways to replace federal funds that have been cut for pregnancy prevention programs in the state. (Getty Images)More than a dozen Wisconsin organizations are affected by the Trump administration’s move last week to cut grants for teen pregnancy prevention programs, Wisconsin’s health department confirmed Wednesday. The programs were expecting to share in almost $1 million per year over the next two years — the remaining period in the five-year grants that were cut off abruptly by the federal government in June. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which has administered the Teen Pregnancy Prevention grant program in the Office of Population Affairs through several presidential administrations, notified 53 out of 67 grant recipients on Friday, June 26, that their grants were being canceled, Stateline reported. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services was among the agencies with canceled grants. DHS was just finishing the third year of a five-year grant period. The DHS grant totaled $1.162 million per year, and the department was expecting a similar amount for the next two fiscal years, 2026-27 and 2027-28. Most of the DHS grant — $986,375 — was distributed as subgrants to local or statewide organizations and agencies. Another $175,530 was set aside for DHS to cover grant administration costs. “All Wisconsin funding was cancelled,” DHS spokesperson Elizabeth Goodsit told the Wisconsin Examiner in an email message Wednesday. DHS is exploring whether the department can get funding elsewhere to replace the grants the federal government canceled, and DHS is “assessing all avenues possible to ensure the federal government is following all requirements in this funding agreement,” Goodsit said. Goodsit said the DHS teen pregnancy prevention program aimed to reduce unintended pregnancies as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among teenagers. Sexual health data demonstrates a need for those programs, she said. According to CDC data, the teen birth rate in Wisconsin in 2024 was about 10 per 1,000 girls, with the rate dropping steadily in recent decades from a high of nearly 45 births per 1,000 girls in 1991. “The overall rate is below the national average, but there are several counties with high rates,” Goodsit said. “We know the birth rates for Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native, and non-Hispanic Black teens were more than two times higher than the rate for non-Hispanic White teens.” Across all racial groups, the STI rate is 1,979 per 100,000, but rates for Black, Native American, and Hispanic youth are especially high, Goodsit said. Teen pregnancy prevention cuts hit Wisconsin program connecting health providers and teens The grants DHS made with the federal money supported programs for teens “in a variety of settings including clinics, schools, community-based organizations, juvenile justice settings, and shelters — with the goal of decreasing unintended youth pregnancy rates, reducing STI rates among Wisconsin adolescents, and increasing the number/percent of youth who feel connected to their community and have access to youth-friendly services and resources,” Goodsit said. The 13 grants went to nonprofit education programs, three county public health departments, one public school district, the Department of Public Instruction and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. Individual agency grants ranged from $7,500 per year to $130,375 per year. “They are focused on populations with the highest teen birth rates and highest STI rates,” Goodsit said. “Along with youth programming, organizations were also focused on family/parent/caregiver programming and engagement.” From July 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026, the Wisconsin organizations reached 942 youth participants and 17 non-youth participants. “But without this grant funding, these activities will stop,” Goodsit said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Wisconsin Examiner
	Fire destroys house in Hampton A fire destroyed a house in Hampton. Firefighters were called to the home on 2nd Ave. July 1 around 5:00 p.m. There's no word of any injuries or how it started.
	A look inside the plans for Raphael’s Emporium The City of Davenport has received a state grant to help redevelop a long-vacant historic building in the Hilltop Campus Village, with plans to create new commercial space and future housing.
	Bettendorf's school superintendent leaves district Bettendorf's superintendent has left her role and the district. According to a release from the Bettendorf Community School District, Michelle Morse's departure is effective July 1: We are grateful for Dr. Morse's six years of dedicated service to our students, staff, families and community. Her leadership and commitment to the district have made a lasting [...]
	No, your drinking water isn’t contaminated by abortion pills Mifepristone is one part of a two-drug regimen commonly used to terminate a pregnancy before 10 weeks and for miscarriage treatment. (Photo by Natalie Behring/Getty Images) This story was originally reported by Jenae Barnes, Climate Reporter of The 19th. Meet Jenae and read more of their reporting on gender, politics and policy. Anti-abortion advocates, including Republican lawmakers and state officials, want the EPA to review mifepristone as a water contaminant. Scientists say there’s no evidence it harms the environment or people. While there is no scientific evidence that abortion medication is contaminating Americans’ water supply, it has nonetheless become a central claim by the anti-abortion movement. Activists, Instagram influencers and Republican Party officials — including state and federal lawmakers — are doubling down on what experts describe as a disinformation campaign that mixes environmental policy and reproductive rights, and risks exploiting legitimate concerns about clean water. “What if I were to tell you that every time you fill up a glass of water at your kitchen sink from the tap, you were actually drinking someone else’s abortion,” influencer Isabel Brown wrote in an Instagram post in May. In the accompanying video, the Gen Z conservative content creator, who has more than 1 million followers on her platform, talks to Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, a national anti-abortion organization, and contends that anti-abortion medication is “poisoning” the water. The claim isn’t new. For decades, anti-abortion advocates have argued that abortion medications, primarily mifepristone, pollute the environment and put pregnant people’s health at risk. But the argument has now become part of a widespread and often coordinated effort to create federal and state policy that further suppresses abortion access. On June 5, 14 Republican state attorneys general and 19 GOP lawmakers in Congress urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to classify and regulate mifepristone as a water contaminant. In two concurrent letters, officials argued that the abortion medication, part of a safe and effective two-drug regimen to terminate pregnancies, is “a growing threat to the country’s waterways” and violates the Safe Drinking Water Act. Alaska attorney general among those urging EPA to classify mifepristone as water contaminant One letter was signed by attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas. The other letter, led by Republican Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, made similar claims and was signed by 18 other GOP lawmakers. Environmental health experts have consistently said there is no scientific evidence that abortion medication causes harm to the environment — or to humans. Both reproductive rights advocates and environmental scientists have said that the argument co-opts environmental policy as a pathway to weaponize and stigmatize health care. “This is really part of a broader effort to restrict access to medication abortion,” said Anna Bernstein, principal federal policy adviser at the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports reproductive rights. She said anti-abortion activists are increasingly turning to “every lever they can” as medication abortion has become the largest share of abortion care nationwide. Medication abortion accounted for 63 percent of all abortions in the United States in 2023, according to Guttmacher Institute data. Does oral abortion medication really end up in drinking water? Anti-abortion advocates contend that over 50 tons of medical waste “including blood, placental tissue, and human remains” are flushed into water systems each year as a result of these drugs. They argue high concentration of the elements of mifepristone in water, specifically a hormone called progesterone, disrupts and reduces fertility in women. They also say that previous results of federal testing of mifepristone’s environmental impact are outdated. Environmental health experts dismiss these claims. These experts consistently point out that there is no scientific basis for treating mifepristone or other abortion medication as a water contaminant. Nathan Donley, the environmental health science director at the Center for Biological Diversity, pointed out that mifepristone is used by a small fraction of the population and is typically taken as a one-time dose. By comparison, many pharmaceuticals taken daily by tens of millions of Americans enter wastewater systems in far greater quantities. He also noted that mifepristone was not included among nearly 700 pharmaceutical compounds the EPA previously screened for potential water contamination concerns. Instead, Donley described the effort as an attempt to use environmental concerns as a pretext for limiting reproductive rights. He noted that while proponents are seeking to add mifepristone to the EPA’s 6th Contaminant Candidate List (CCL6), a preliminary list of substances that could potentially be considered for future drinking water regulation, placement on the list would not itself regulate the drug but could begin a lengthy review process. Donley added that focusing on mifepristone distracts from well-documented water quality threats, including PFAS — known as forever chemicals — pesticides, lead and nitrate contamination. “There are legitimate water quality threats that we need to attack and rectify in a regulatory manner. And then there are things that are out in the left field that just distract people,” Donley said. Where did this argument come from and why is it gaining traction again now? In 1996, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tested for the environmental effects of mifepristone and found “no significant impact.” In the June letter, lawmakers cite the FDA study, and urge “reconsideration” of potential harm to the environment. Since the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization eliminated the federal constitutional right to abortion, opponents have increasingly focused on limiting access to abortion medication and prescribing it through telehealth, which has become a critical pathway for people living in states with abortion bans. But anti-abortion groups have ramped up efforts during the second Trump administration to advocate for the official classification of mifepristone as a water contaminant. Last November, Students for Life of America (SFLA), a national anti-abortion group, met with the EPA to advocate for adding mifepristone to the CCL6 as the agency carried out a routine update to a separate list of health benchmarks for pharmaceuticals that must be tracked in drinking water. The coordinated letters in June were timed toward the EPA’s 60-day comment period, which began in April and allowed members of the public to submit their thoughts on draft proposals to be reviewed by the agency. “SFLA asks that mifepristone be tracked, given the reasonable cause for concern that regular and ongoing exposure to a progesterone blocker is impacting public health, endangered species, and the environment,” the anti-abortion group said in a statement on their website, adding that the group plans to take on the issue in every state. “You don’t have to be pro-life to want clean drinking water. You don’t have to be pro-life to be concerned that we are being ‘microdosed’ by progesterone blockers, which are a factor in rising infertility.” The SFLA said it collected over 1,700 public comments to send to the EPA, and helped spearhead the 14-state campaign of letters from attorneys general to the EPA ahead of its public comment period for the CCL6. The draft for the CCL6 received nearly 22,000 public comments before closing on June 5, public records show. How are lawmakers trying to change environmental abortion policies? In 2025, anti-abortion policymakers introduced nine bills in seven states tying medication abortion to water pollution, according to the Guttmacher Institute. That same year, 25 members of Congress sent a similar letter asking the EPA to monitor for environmental harms of mifepristone. This March, U.S. Rep Mary Miller, a Republican from Illinois, introduced a Clean Water for All Life Act, citing similar claims of environmental degradation from abortion medication. According to Bernstein and Guttmacher state policy adviser Kimya Forouzan, some proposals would require state agencies to test wastewater for abortion medications. Others would require patients to use so-called “catch kits” and medical waste bags to collect and return pregnancy tissue after taking abortion medication. Some bills would create liability for drug manufacturers if abortion medications were detected in wastewater. While the bills vary, abortion rights advocates say they share a common goal: creating additional barriers to medication abortion access. “The CCL is one part of a broad regulatory process. This draft list is then used to inform another list, which determines which contaminants are monitored and regulated, but the surveillance really does happen at a municipality and then state level,” Bernstein said, adding: “So this would be setting federal benchmarks for localities to monitor in their wastewater.” To date, neither President Donald Trump nor EPA chief Lee Zeldin have explicitly spoken to any health risks of mifepristone in water. But the president and leading administration officials’ decision to stay silent on the issue may increase pressure from anti-abortion advocates, according to Bernstein. “We anticipate that disinformation campaigns surrounding mifepristone, including these false claims on the environmental impact, will continue to escalate — particularly as abortion opponents are frustrated at a perceived lack of action by the Trump administration,” Bernstein told The 19th. “We know, however, that restricting access to abortion is politically unfavorable, and candidates may be hesitant to focus on these efforts before the midterm elections. What are the stakes for pregnant people? As abortion rights and access have shrunk, Forouzan said that medication abortion has become a “lifeline” for many people seeking care after Dobbs, particularly through telehealth providers operating under shield laws, which are state-by-state legal protections to safeguard practitioners from being sued by states with abortion bans. As a result, anti-abortion officials at the state and federal level have increasingly focused on restricting the remaining ways people can access abortion care. Forouzan said the push to monitor abortion medication in wastewater contributes to a broader “culture of surveillance” surrounding abortion. She said proposals to test wastewater for mifepristone raise concerns about how such monitoring data could eventually be used and whether it could increase scrutiny of people who obtain medication abortions. Do these claims have the potential to impact federal policy? The potential of environmental harms continues to shape policy for abortion and anti-abortion advocates. On the anniversary of Dobbs, Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat from Colorado, submitted a resolution to address the disinformation campaign, saying that water systems should “not be weaponized for the purposes of surveilling, tracking, or detecting use of, stigmatizing, and further restricting access to medication abortion care.” Advocates also point to what they see as a contradiction in the campaign. Many of the same advocates and elected officials who support mifepristone monitoring have opposed other environmental hazard regulations. For example, in Indiana, where the state’s attorney general co-signed the letter, state lawmakers recently passed legislation to deregulate the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, an agency in charge of limiting pollution in the state’s air, water and soil. The EPA has already taken action to recommend states begin testing drinking water for abortion medications. In April, the agency released a list of 374 drugs that states should monitor. While it does not include mifepristone, it does include other medications used in abortions such as misoprostol and methotrexate, commonly used in daily birth control and the NuvaRing contraceptive. It’s the first time the agency has designated pharmaceuticals as a contaminant group, according to an April press release. The EPA did not respond to The 19th’s request for comment. The EPA’s comment period allowed 60 days for the public to weigh in on the list before agency staff began reviewing the feedback and finalizing. Now that the June comment period has closed, whether the agency will ultimately add the medication to the list remains uncertain. However, when federal regulators previously reviewed environmental concerns related to mifepristone, they found no evidence warranting restrictions, according to Bernstein. Bernstein and Forouzan said that anti-abortion states and lawmakers often learn from each other in order to pass bills in their respective states. Forouzan added these efforts work “parallel” to federal bill proposals, both with the same goal: to restrict further access. “Its really just to restrict access to mifepristone and specifically to roll back requirements to force in-person dispensation, which would really limit access to a lot of folks.” Four years after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs, reproductive advocates say the evolution of anti-abortion campaigns continue to “severely restrict” access to care across the country. Thirteen states currently enforce total bans, and 6 explicitly prohibit telehealth use to provide abortion pills, according to Guttmacher Institute. “It’s contributing to this culture of surveillance around medication abortion at a time when that is already increasing, and folks, especially in banned states, are facing increasing fear of criminalization,” Bernstein said. “There are concerns whether it will be eventually used for the criminalization of patients, in addition to creating a broader restriction of mifepristone and perpetuating these myths.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	Davenport's Veterans Memorial Park adds statues, memorial wall, brick display The additions include a veterans’ brick display, a Vietnam War veterans remembrance wall and three new statues.
	Iowa City braces for hundreds of thousands of visitors this weekend Law enforcement asks public to be patient as Savannah Bananas, Jazz Fest and Big and Rich concert converge on Johnson County
	Youth Day at John Deere Classic brings plenty of fun to kids and families As for at the golf course, Thursday morning tees off four days of tournament play.
	Minnesota set to divvy up 53M eggs with other states in settlement agreement over inflated prices The U.S. Department of Justice and 17 states, including Minnesota, announced a $3.3 million settlement agreement this week with egg producers accused of hatching a years-long scheme to inflate egg prices nationwide. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)The U.S. Department of Justice and 17 states, including Minnesota, announced a $3.3 million settlement agreement this week with egg producers accused of hatching a years-long scheme to inflate egg prices nationwide. As part of the agreement, settlement documents show, Minnesota will receive 2 million out of 53 million eggs procured at the companies’ expense to be donated to food banks and nonprofit organizations. All eggs donated by the defendants must be equivalent to products sold at grocery stores, according to settlement documents. The rest of the eggs will be distributed to other plaintiffs in the complaint, including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Wisconsin. Both the antitrust complaint and proposed settlements, which must still be approved by a judge, were filed Monday in Iowa. The Department of Justice accused the defendants — Cal-Maine Foods, Centrum Valley Holdings, Versova Holdings, Versova Management Cooperative and Hickman’s Egg Ranch — of conspiring to raise egg prices by collaborating on high-price bids to Urner Barry, a pricing service provider used for egg supply contracts. Versova Management Cooperative is a Minnesota cooperative association, a coalition to promote shared business and policy objectives, headquartered in Iowa. Cal-Maine denied “all wrongdoing and violations of law,” saying such claims are “baseless” in a press release. The company maintains that “its conduct was lawful, appropriate and in the best interest of supplying eggs to the marketplace” and did not interfere with egg prices. Centrum Valley Holdings, Versova Holdings, Versova Management Cooperative and Hickman’s Egg Ranch did not respond to the Reformer’s requests for comment at the time of publication. The DOJ conducted its investigation from July 2022 to March 2025. Investigators noted a significant drop in egg price quotations in March of 2025 after the defendants were informed of the investigation, according to the complaint. U.S. egg prices averaged $6.22 per dozen in March 2025 before dropping to $5.12 the next month, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. By March of this year, egg prices averaged $2.34 per dozen. The DOJ observed a direct correlation between the increase in Urner Barry’s quoted egg prices after communications between the defendants revealed attempts to flood the pricing service with high-price bids. One December morning in 2022, the defendants submitted dozens of bids in attempts to raise prices when all other market participants combined submitted less than six. Urner Barry increased its price quotation for white, large shell eggs the next day. “Corporations should be competing against one another for your business, not colluding with one another to keep prices high,” Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a press release. “As I travel Minnesota, I hear all the time from folks who are struggling to afford rising food prices. Unlawful and unethical behavior like this is a big part of the reason for that.” In addition to the egg donations, the settlement agreement would require defendants to appoint antitrust compliance officers within their respective organizations to report potential settlement violations. Courtesy of Minnesota Reformer
	No yolk: NC AG Jeff Jackson settles antitrust lawsuit for 3 million eggs (Photo: MirageC/Getty Images)Some might say the settlement wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. You might even think Attorney General Jeff Jackson went over easy on the perpetrators. Although the puns write themselves, Jackson’s recent legal settlement with bid-rigging egg producers is actually a serious story. And the eggs — about nine semi-truckloads of them — will be a welcome gift to the state’s food banks. The price of eggs played a big role in the 2024 elections, often standing in for larger consumer concerns about rising food prices. At the time, economists and industry insiders blamed higher egg prices on an outbreak of avian flu that began in early 2022, along with overall post-COVID inflation and higher demand. But a settlement signed this week by Jackson and 16 other attorneys general tells a different story. According to the settlement, three major national egg producers engaged in a price-fixing scheme to drive up egg prices. According to Jackson’s office, the producers set benchmark prices for wholesale to large national buyers like grocery store chains and restaurants. The complaint contends that the three big producers — Cal-Maine, Versova and Hickman’s Family Farms — coordinated with each other for years to artificially drive prices higher, violating the Sherman Antitrust Act. “In December 2022, Hickman’s CEO emailed Versova and Cal-Maine executives and urged them to submit ‘strong bids, early and often’ to push the benchmark higher,” Jackson’s press release said. “All three companies then submitted dozens of bids at higher prices, which led to the benchmark prices increasing.” The investigation began in early 2025 — about the time egg prices were peaking across the country. The prices fell dramatically over the next few weeks. Under the settlement, the egg producers will provide 50 million eggs to food banks across the country by October 2026. North Carolina food banks will receive three million of them. The producers also have to pay $1.5 million to the group of plaintiffs for legal fees, avoid any illegal cooperation in the future, and agree to more antitrust oversight. NC food banks can’t fill the hunger gap caused by federal SNAP cuts, nonprofit leaders say “This settlement makes sure they can’t rig the market anymore, and food banks in our state will get millions of eggs to help feed people who are hungry,” Jackson said in a statement. Three million eggs works out to 250,000 dozen eggs, or a little over nine truckloads, according to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. CEO Amy Beros said she’s excited to get the donation into the hands of needy families. “Hunger in our community is the highest we’ve seen in at least a generation — and more and more families are turning to food banks for help as everyday costs continue to rise,” Beros said. “Protein is consistently one of the most requested and hardest-to-source items, which makes these eggs an especially meaningful source of nourishment for families across North Carolina.” Courtesy of NC Newsline
	Crews respond to house fire in Hampton The house appeared to suffer extensive charring to its exterior.
	Nursing home cited for violations tied to three deaths and alleged abuse and neglect Pine Acres Rehabilitation and Care Center in West Des Moines was recently cited for 39 regulatory violations by state inspectors who reported the home’s quality-of-care issues and recurring, pervasive urine odors. (Photo via Polk County Assessor's Office)A West Des Moines nursing home could be facing more than $60,000 in fines after being cited for dozens of violations tied to allegations of neglect, physical abuse and three resident deaths. Citing the home’s quality-of-care issues and recurring, pervasive urine odors that inspectors describe as “overwhelming,” the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing recently cited Pine Acres Rehabilitation and Care Center for 39 regulatory violations – an extraordinarily high number for the 81-resident care facility in West Des Moines. The department also proposed, but held in suspension, a total of $66,250 in state fines. Those fines are being held in suspension while the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services determines whether a federal penalty is warranted for those same violations. Currently, Pine Acres is one of 10 Iowa nursing homes deemed eligible by the federal government for “special focus” status due to serious and recurring quality-of-care violations. In 2024, state inspectors cited Pine Acres for failing to ensure a male resident of the home was treated for foot ulcers, leading to a bacterial infection and the amputation of the resident’s left leg. The federal government subsequently fined Pine Acres $177,240. That was in addition to a federal fine of $71,169 imposed eight weeks earlier for violations stemming from two 2023 inspections that led to the home being cited for 62 violations, one of which was tied to a resident who contracted gangrene in the home and had to have a leg amputated. Latest inspection tied to multiple complaints State inspectors visited the home beginning on May 11, 2026, in response to nine complaints, all of which were deemed verified by the inspectors. Over the next 23 days, inspectors compiled a 355-page report detailing all of the violations that resulted in citations for deficient care. Among the alleged issues: resident abuse; failure to treat pressure sores; violations of residents’ rights; failure to provide a safe, clean and homelike environment; failure to investigate or report alleged regulatory violations; inadequate quality of care; failure to manage residents’ pain; insufficient nursing staff; a lack of competent nursing staff; a significant rate of medication errors, and failure to prepare or serve food in a safe and sanitary manner. The home’s administrator, Patricia Wiltfang, did not return messages from Iowa Capital Dispatch seeking comment on Wednesday. Specific incidents detailed by the inspectors as a result of their most recent visit include: Three deaths: According to inspectors, a male resident of the home fell from his bed on April 19, 2026, striking his face on the floor and sustaining a head injury. The facility allegedly failed to conduct ongoing neurological nursing assessments after the fall, despite a significant change in the man’s mental condition over the next seven days. On April 27, the man was admitted to a hospital’s intensive care unit and died there on May 3, 2026, of sepsis resulting from an infection and possible swelling of the brain or spinal cord. The home was also accused of failing to provide adequate assessments for another resident, in February 2026, who experienced nausea and vomiting hours before going into cardiac arrest and dying. Regarding the third resident who died, inspectors noted the man’s wife reported being at home the afternoon of March 23, 2026. According to inspectors, she stated that when she arrived, she saw two employees chatting outside her husband’s room and then found her husband in his room sitting in a recliner and “hanging on with fright” because the chair was tipped over so far forward the footrest was on the floor. The woman yelled for help as her husband’s oxygen levels dropped. Inspectors reported she told them the skin on her husband’s arm appeared to have been ripped off, causing him “extraordinary” pain. The wife told inspectors she informed the staff of the issue and waited six hours for assistance with no response from the nurses, according to state records. The man, who was already receiving hospice services prior to the incident, died several hours later. “He was so fearful that he did not want me to leave him,” the wife allegedly told inspectors. “I believe he just was frightened to death.” Quotation Damn it, I am at the facility because I need to be, not because I want to be, and the staff go through the motions just to get the state off their backs but they don’t really make any changes. – A Pine Acres resident, as quoted by state inspectors Resident abuse: Inspectors reported Pine Acres failed to prevent the physical abuse of one resident whose right elbow and left wrist were left bruised by a staff member holding the resident’s arms too hard. Inspectors also alleged the home failed to perform a thorough investigation regarding one resident who was left with rib fractures of an unknown cause. The home also failed to prevent “patterned issues of neglect,” the inspectors said, citing an alleged lack of assistance provided for residents who needed help with grooming, oral care, repositioning and incontinence. Residents and family members complained the staff was disrespectful and rude at times, with one resident stating an employee had called her a “stupid b—-.” Intimidation: A state inspector reported that during the course of the May 2026 inspection, she overheard what sounded like an argument between a female employee and a male resident, with the worker saying, “I am trying to take damn good care of you. I do everything for you. People deserve to be criticized, but you need to call those names out, just not my name. Talk about the good, not just the bad.” According to the inspector, the resident responded, “I will let the state know. I will not give your name.” The inspector intervened and the resident allegedly stated the staff had come around earlier than usual that day to provide him with a shower, which he felt was the staff’s way of “trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the state.” According to the inspector, the man also stated, “Damn it, I am at the facility because I need to be, not because I want to be, and the staff go through the motions just to get the state off their backs but they don’t really make any changes.” The inspector cautioned the worker against impeding the state’s investigation, advising her to refrain from telling residents what they could and could not say to inspectors. Staffing levels: Pine Acres was cited for failing to have sufficient staff on hand to meet residents’ needs, with inspectors stating the problem appeared to be “widespread” given the number of complaints and written grievances filed by residents. According to the inspectors, residents complained the staff took up to 90 minutes to answer call lights. One resident spoke to inspectors and stated that he was wet with urine at that time but knew that because of staffing issues, he wouldn’t be changed for another three hours. The state, the resident allegedly added, was the only thing that could make a difference because the facility’s leadership wasn’t going to improve matters. Another resident allegedly complained that she once sat in her wheelchair with blood on her face and hands and used her call light to summon assistance. A worker, she allegedly told inspectors, entered her room, turned off the light, and immediately left, never to return. Administration: The home was cited for failing to provide the necessary leadership to address residents’ grievances and the recurring quality-of-care issues within the home, leading to an ineffective quality-assurance program. Pervasive urine and ammonia odors were noted throughout the building by the inspectors and were described as “overwhelming” in some areas. One employee reportedly told inspectors she had relayed to the home’s administrator her concerns about the “terrible odor” and the fact that the housekeeping staff “cannot get the smell out.” The administrator also was reported to have no explanation as to why the facility wasn’t publicly posting up-to-date information on staffing levels for residents and family to read. The available postings, according to inspectors, were either outdated, printed in text that was small and hard to read, or posted in the staff restroom. Wrongful death lawsuit, allegations of neglect In 2025, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services gave Pine Acres one-star ratings for quality measures and inspection results on the government’s five-star quality scale. The ratings for Pine Acres are now suspended due to what CMS calls ongoing “serious quality issues” at the home. Pine Acres is currently being sued by the family of the late Richard M. Cox. The lawsuit alleges that on Oct. 21, 2024, Cox was able to exit the Pine Acres building unattended and without detection. He then sustained severe injuries in a fall about two blocks from Pine Acres and he died on Nov. 4, 2024, allegedly as a result of those injuries. Pine Acres has denied any wrongdoing, and a trial is scheduled for May 17, 2027. Earlier this year, a former Pine Acres certified nurse aide, Abigail Kromah, was awarded unemployment benefits after being fired from the home due to what her bosses characterized as “numerous resident complaints” regarding quality of care. According to a judge’s findings in her unemployment case, Kromah had received multiple disciplinary warnings for failing to answer residents’ call-lights in a timely manner, failing to properly assist residents with their personal care, and for telling a resident who needed to be toileted to go to the bathroom in their briefs. Pine Acres’ management alleged that in August 2025, Kromah failed to check on a resident’s feeding tube throughout the entire night, leaving the resident drenched in feeding solution from head to toe. One resident of the home had allegedly become so frustrated by the lack of response to his call-light that he contacted the police for assistance. According to federal records, Pine Acres is owned and managed by a New York-based group of investors that includes Yisroel Kaplan, who shares operational control of Pine Acres and a stake in another Iowa care facility, the Prestige Care Center in Fairfield. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Ronald Reagan's QCA first home tells his story The QCA has plenty of historic landmarks, including two presidential birth homes. Fortieth president Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois on February 6, 1911. That first home is now a museum, dedicated to teaching the public about Reagan. "It was a very difficult birth" said Joan Johnson, a volunteer at the birthplace. "He weighed [...]
	MercyOne Genesis Foundation delivers $132,645 grant to help care for moms and babies The grant was used to purchase life-saving technology for the MercyOne Genesis NICU, Davenport Birth Center and Silvis Birth Center.
	Kansas governor achieves goal to open early childhood office, months before her term ends Gov. Laura Kelly signs an executive order to establish the Kansas Childhood Advisory Council following the celebration of the Kansas Early Childhood Office opening on July 1, 2026 at the Docking Building in Topeka. (Photo by Baya Burgess/ Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said at a celebration Wednesday that she accomplished her “No. 1 priority” by opening the Kansas Office of Early Childhood. The office consolidates programs and staff from the state health and environment, children and families, and education departments as well as the Kansas Children’s Cabinet to create a single early childhood agency. Kelly, who spent 14 years in the state Senate and will conclude her second term as governor in January, said she has been working on this for decades, and that it will continue to improve Kansas after her time as governor ends. “I believe without a strong early childhood system, nothing else will work,” she said to reporters at the Docking State Office Building. The Legislature passed House Bill 2045 and Kelly signed it into law in 2025 to create the early childhood office, appoint an ombudsman to advocate for families, initiate childcare pilot programs and remove certain regulations. The law reduced staffing and licensure requirements for childcare providers, such as lowering age and education standards for assistant teachers and removing license regulations for providers watching four or fewer children and no more than two infants for less than 35 hours per week. The law also allowed families to opt out of vaccination requirements for religious reasons. In August 2025, Sen. Cindy Holscher, a Democrat from Overland Park who is running for governor, accused the governor’s office of leveraging campaign support to try to gain Holscher’s vote on the 2025 bill. Concerned with reducing regulations and vaccine mandates, Holscher voted no on the bipartisan bill. In November 2025, Kelly endorsed Democratic Sen. Ethan Corson of Fairway for governor. Corson voted yes on the bill and attended the Wednesday celebration. In December, Kelly appointed Christi Smith, the director of Child Care Aware of Kansas, as the early childhood office director. Smith told reporters Wednesday the office will improve childcare access from the state’s previous system spread across multiple agencies. “I hope we forget how fragmented all the systems were,” she said. “I hope that there’s a day that we forget we had to go from place to place to place. So that it’s a world in one year from now when a family walks into any office, they understand the resources and supports of everything that’s available, and not just what they intended to walk into that office for.” She said the first tasks are fully integrating staff and programs from the four state agencies and listening to the needs of constituents and childcare providers. In her speech, Smith spoke about a woman who could not get childcare without a job and could not get a job without childcare. “That’s why today matters,” she said. “House Bill 2045 doesn’t just ask to build new programs from scratch, it asks us to better organize what Kansas already has and to make our early childhood system more efficient, more effective, and easier to navigate.” Abdul Yahaya, the co-founder of Open Minds Child Development Center in Olathe and a speaker at Wednesday’s celebration, said the early childhood office fills the same gap that led him to create his childcare business for his family. “Kansas is doing something powerful,” he said. “It is removing barriers, streamlining access, and sending a clear message to families across the state: we see you, and we are investing in you.” Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	Enjoy the fun of camping with GLAMP at Camp Liberty You're never too old for the fun of camping, and you can enjoy an event for women of all outdoor interest levels! Andrea Gaskin joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about GLAMP. For more information, click here.
	Planned Parenthood expands mifepristone access to Kansas City suburbs Beginning June 22, Missourians could again access medication abortion for the first time since 2018 following a court ruling striking down dozens of the state's challenged abortion restrictions (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).The Planned Parenthood clinic in Gladstone began offering medication abortion on Wednesday, becoming the fourth location in Missouri to open appointments following a court ruling that expanded access to medication abortion for the first time since 2018. This is the first time the suburban Kansas City clinic has ever offered medication abortions. Planned Parenthood officials said the Gladstone clinic will initially open up several medication abortion appointments each month. Available appointments have “filled quickly,” a spokesperson said in a press release Wednesday. “This is what having constitutionally protected care looks like: appointments in more communities, with fewer burdens on patients,” said Emily Wales, president and CEO of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains. “Today’s expansion is another step toward ensuring Missourians’ rights aren’t just protected on paper; they’re available to patients closer to home.” The Gladstone clinic is located in Kansas City’s Northland, about 13 miles north of Planned Parenthood’s Kansas City location. It is one of four clinics in Missouri operated by Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which also oversees clinics in Kansas and Arkansas. In a June 19 decision, Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang struck down decades of laws enacted by anti-abortion lawmakers, including a mandatory pelvic exam for patients seeking medication abortion, a 72-hour waiting period between an initial consultation and an abortion, as well as a state-approved complication plan for doctors prescribing medication abortion. Planned Parenthood officials previously said these regulations made it all but impossible to prescribe the abortion pill in Missouri. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Medication abortion is used in about two-thirds of abortions in the United States, making it the most common way to end a pregnancy despite ongoing efforts at the federal level to limit access to mifepristone, the first of two medications used in a medication abortion. Planned Parenthood clinics in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis opened medication abortion appointments in the days following the ruling. But not every Planned Parenthood clinic in the state has the capability to offer medication abortion appointments. This is because of two statutes that remain in place. Zhang in her ruling upheld an in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone and a requirement that only physicians can perform abortions or prescribe medication abortion, making it more difficult for clinics that aren’t staffed by a full-time physician to begin offering it. The regulations were challenged by Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri in November 2024 and tried in court in January. “For years, Missouri physicians were prevented from providing the standard of care by politicians with no medical training,” Dr. Iman Alsaden, chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement Wednesday. “It’s difficult to put into words what it means to begin righting that wrong by once again offering medication abortion to patients in Missouri.” Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has said her office plans to appeal the decision to the Missouri Supreme Court. In November, Missourians will be asked to vote on a legislature-proposed constitutional amendment that would again ban abortion with limited exceptions for medical emergencies and for survivors of rape and incest. It will be listed on the November 2026 ballot as Amendment 3. Courtesy of Missouri Independent
	Lock 14 Dam Good Salsa opens new QCA home The folks behind the popular Lock 14 Dam Good Salsa are expanding to help other local businesses succeed through Lock 14 Kitchen. Lock 14's salsa has made waves over the past eight years, and they cut the ribbon on a new space on River Dr. in Moline. Staff plan to offer space to other local [...]
	Measles confirmed in Wyoming’s Teton County as summer crowds flock to national parks This illustration is a 3D graphic representation of a spherical-shaped, measles virus particle, that is studded with glycoprotein tubercles. (Graphic courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)This story was first published by WyoFile on June 30, 2026. After confirming a case of measles in an unvaccinated adult in Teton County, Wyoming health officials are warning the public about possible exposure at locations in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson. The news comes as summer crowds flood the region with tourists from around the world. The public may have been exposed between June 17-25 at several locations in Teton County, according to the Wyoming Health Department. They include restaurants in Grand Teton National Park’s Colter Bay Village on June 17-18; a Colter Bay convenience store on June 20 and the Target in Jackson on June 25. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); “We are asking people who may have been exposed to watch for measles symptoms for 21 days past the exposure date and consider avoiding crowded public places and high-risk settings such as daycare centers,” State Health Officer Alexia Harrist said in a press release. Monitoring is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, according to the health department. Measles vaccination rates dip It marks Wyoming’s second confirmed case of the highly contagious infection in 2026. Wyoming went 15 years without a confirmed case of measles until last year. Health officials confirmed Wyoming’s first 2026 case in May. An adult patient in Fremont County who did not have a confirmed vaccination status caught the disease, according to the Wyoming Department of Health. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 — indicating no endemic transmission for 12 months or more. But it re-emerged in recent years primarily due to declining vaccination rates and increased public health skepticism. Those trends worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic and have persisted during the second Trump administration. The neighboring state of Utah is one of America’s 2026 measles hotspots, with 499 cases reported so far this year. A vaccination rate of 95% is necessary for community immunity to prevent measles outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2025, Wyoming’s proportion of kindergarten students who had completed the MMR vaccine was 93.6%, the CDC reports. That rate is higher than Colorado, Utah and Montana for the same year. However, it’s declined overall since 2012-13, when Wyoming’s kindergarten vaccination rate was above 97%. It fell to 90.2% in 2020-21 before inching back up to the current 93.6%. A measles case had not been reported in the state since 2010 until July 2025, when the health department confirmed measles in an unvaccinated child from Natrona County. By year’s end, 13 more cases were confirmed. The majority involved unvaccinated children and adults. Along with being extremely contagious, measles can cause severe complications like pneumonia and brain swelling and can leave lasting impacts on the immune system. One to three out of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from complications, according to the CDC. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Idaho Capital Sun
	Statewide prevention initiative aims to combat Alaska’s high rates of child sexual abuse Student backpacks seen on the first day of school at Harborview Elementary School in Juneau on Aug. 15, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)Content warning: This story contains references to sexual violence and abuse of children. A new statewide initiative aims to prevent and reduce Alaska’s pervasively high rates of child sexual abuse. The statewide prevention plan is led by the Alaska Children’s Trust, a non-profit advocacy group focused on supporting children and families and preventing child abuse and neglect. Trevor Storrs, the president and CEO of the Alaska Children’s Trust, said a coordinated effort among state and community groups, service providers, schools, caregivers and youth is needed to make serious strides in intervening and preventing abuse. “We should not expect children to fight off these predators. We want them equipped with the tools, but it’s our job, not just as adults, but as a community and society, to make sure kids are safe,” he said. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse or are healing from a crisis, resources are available: STAR Alaska Crisis Line: Confidential 24/7 (800) 478-8999 The StrongHearts Native Helpline: Confidential 24/7 confidential helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives dealing with domestic and sexual violence. Call 1-844-762-8483 or use the chat feature. Child sexual abuse prevention resources provided by the Alaska Children’s Trust can be found here. AWARE’s list of resources, including housing, medical and financial resources Legal help through Alaska Legal Services Corp. The plan was developed last year with a variety of statewide groups, including representatives from Child Advocacy Centers, the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, the Office of Children’s Services, which runs the state’s foster care system, law enforcement, Tribes, health care providers, lived experience experts, faith communities, and the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Storrs said the plan focuses on education and raising awareness, as well as preventing harm by developing and strengthening institutions so that questionable behavior is identified and stopped. “If we don’t keep strong boundaries established, that’s when we start opening the door and predators see their opportunity,” he said. “If we keep those strong and not have those potential openings, it actually prevents the predators from ever accessing, or anybody who’s had even a slight inclination — they’re not being tempted to even try — and that is what our job is.” The group launched the plan earlier this month and is providing an initial $100,000 in grant funding for prevention work in the three priority areas outlined by the initiative. Nonprofit organizations, tribes, local or state governments, schools and regional attendance areas are invited to apply by July 17. Alaska has some of the highest rates of sexual violence and rates of child abuse, neglect, and child sexual abuse, in the nation. Many victims delay or never report abuse. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Child Maltreatment report published this year noted reports of child abuse and neglect have declined somewhat since 2020, but Alaska rates in 2024 were 80% above the nationwide average. Nationwide, American Indian and Alaska Native children have the highest rates of victimization, and in Alaska national data from the maltreatment report shows rates of abuse among American Indian or Alaska Native children are nearly three times higher than the overall statewide average. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. The Alaska Children’s Trust cites a national survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2013 to 2015 that showed on average one in five Alaska children experience sexual abuse. A 2023 report from the Alaska Children’s Justice Act Task Force showed that an estimated one in seven children will experience an allegation of sexual abuse before their 12th birthday. “The majority of child abuse and neglect cases that are substantiated are neglect, then it’s physical, and then it’s a small fraction of child sexual abuse,” Storrs said. But sexual abuse can have severe impacts on a child’s development, according to the CDC, with short and long term effects, including chronic health conditions, mental health issues and even post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Child sexual abuse is defined as any sexual activity between a child and adult or a child and another child that the child does not fully understand, does not consent to or is not developmentally prepared for and therefore cannot consent to. In Alaska, lawmakers this year changed the law to raise the age of consent to 18 years old. An estimated 90% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone known to the child or the child’s family, according to the CDC. Perpetrators can exploit what Storrs calls “natural trust” to get close to a child, including people in positions like a coach, teacher, religious leader or friend of the family, in a pattern of behavior called grooming. “Grooming is developing that relationship, developing a trust with the family that the child can be left alone with them,” Storrs said. “The trust with the child where their interactions may feel awkward, but are okay. The trust that it’s okay to keep secrets. They really build that trust and build that relationship that then allows them to abuse the child, to do what they do. And you see that in story after story when you talk to a survivor of child sexual abuse, they talk about the relationship.” Storrs says addressing the stigma to intervene when behavior is inappropriate, also means implementing proper protocols for adults interacting with kids. He said for example, coaches should not text youth individually, but include parents in all communications. That extends to online safety, he said. Nationally, there are increasing rates of predatory behavior and “sextortion,” a form of blackmail where perpetrators threaten to disclose information or images unless the victims make specific demands. Storrs said caregivers should talk with children and youth about what is and isn’t appropriate, in person and online. “It’s also making sure that your child understands what the expectations and rules are, as well, of what it’s like to interact with an adult, and what are those boundaries,” he said. Storrs said in raising awareness of potentially predatory behavior, it’s also important to trust children when they disclose inappropriate behavior. “A lot of kids don’t disclose that X is happening, what they start disclosing is, ‘I don’t feel comfortable, I don’t want to go. I don’t like hanging out with this person anymore.’ They don’t feel connected,” he said. “That’s a sign.” The statewide prevention plan likens preventing child sexual abuse to wildfire prevention. That means reducing risks, setting safety codes, educating communities and monitoring high risk situations — to prevent harm. Three approaches to prevention The statewide prevention plan has a three-pronged approach: educate and mobilize, cultivate safer environments and act early to prevent harm. Storrs says all three involve children, families, and community-wide efforts, and the plan calls for local advocacy groups, service providers, schools and governments to gather community input and develop their own child sexual abuse prevention programs and resources best fit around cultural values. The initiative calls for local communities to develop and strengthen systems for children to safely report harm without fear of punishment and family disruption. The first prong focuses on education: increasing awareness and reducing stigma, and increasing the number of people able to take action proactively. That means training for youth-focused employees like teachers and coaches, and building in protocols for reporting and addressing inappropriate behavior. It also involves providing educational resources for parents and caregivers on healthy boundaries, warning signs, and how to respond to concerns. The plan calls for education and resources for children and youth on what’s appropriate. Storrs says the plan suggests children receive human development education, not necessarily sex education, so that children develop an understanding of consent, their body anatomy and healthy relationships. “When you talk to a child about something, it does not give a child permission to engage in something or to act inappropriately,” he said, adding that teaching kids about sex does not give them permission to have it in the same way that teaching kids about car accidents doesn’t give them permission to drive recklessly. Education is aimed at empowering children to identify when physical boundaries have been violated, Storrs said. “So when a kid needs to talk about any of their private areas or someone is trying to talk about it or touch it, they’re able to know what’s appropriate and what’s not appropriate,” he said. Similarly, reducing shame and stigma can empower children to talk with an adult or caregiver when they’ve experienced or seen adults behaving inappropriately. Children should know that adults should never ask them to keep secrets, Storrs said, and when inappropriate behavior has occurred they can get help to stop it from continuing. The second prong, “cultivating safer environments,” calls for state and local governments, Tribes and service organizations to support programs and policies that help families meet essential basic needs to address conditions that put children at risk for sexual abuse. Storrs noted that children and families with unstable housing, inadequate child care or health care can create circumstances that put children at higher risk. “Our safety net plays a critical part in keeping kids safe, not just of child sexual abuse, but child abuse in general,” he said. “We know when families have stable housing, food security, all those things, it puts less stress on the family.” The plan calls for increasing safety of physical and digital spaces where youth spend time, and local community organizations to hold listening sessions in communities to identify risk factors and best prevention strategies. The third prong aims to prevent harm by increasing access to resources to respond to harmful sexual attitudes or behaviors. That includes addressing people who have harmed or are at risk of harming children. “I truly believe there’s more gray in our world ever than there is black and white,” Storrs said. “And there are definitely individuals who are 100% predators, and it’s very clear. Then you have individuals that may have some thoughts, but don’t act on it, or it’s controlled internally by themselves and by within the society they are.” The approach includes responding to harmful and problematic sexual behavior among youth. Storrs said with youth having access to graphic sexual material online, problematic behaviors and attitudes may arise. The plan aims to expand treatment and support services for youth to address harmful behaviors. “We’re seeing that kids are sexually maturing faster or becoming more hypersexual at a much younger age without the knowledge, skills, supports and resources to then deal with it or understand it,” Storrs said. “And if kids do not have an adult to talk to, or have learned this information, it starts creating hyper sexual experiences, which then can lead to this harmful sexual behavior.” Alaska has unique challenges with rural and remote communities having less access to services, Storrs said, as well as grappling with legacies of trauma and adversity. He said the initiative aims to push a statewide focus and investment in policies and programs that support children and families that can help prevent harm. The plan is a collaborative effort, he said, and in the first year advocates with the Alaska Children’s Trust will visit communities to discuss the plan, help raise awareness, identify gaps and strengthen protocols and safer environments to prevent abuse. “What we want to create that’s very clear in our community, in our state, that we as a community are watching and will not stand for any type of inappropriate behavior with our kids,” Storrs said. “And we will say something, we will step in, and you won’t be allowed.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	Eldridge Fire Department, city debate future of fire services in Eldridge The two organizations' negotiations have broken down and spilled onto social media and in the mailboxes of Eldridge residents as the officials debate how to address burnout and volunteer shortages.
	Youth Day, Pro-Am kickstart John Deere Classic week The John Deere Classic is in full swing with the first day of events teeing off Wednesday morning from TPC Deere Run.
	Coal Valley balloon artist inflates the decor at the John Deere Classic The display includes a golf bag and a golf ball made of balloons, as well as other pieces.
	New NC budget keeps Khanmigo contract, but slashes funding from $10 million to $500,000 The North Carolina Legislative Building (Photo by Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) Republican lawmakers have sharply reduced a proposal to fund an artificial intelligence platform for North Carolina schools, scaling back an earlier plan that would have directed $10 million to Khan Academy for an AI-powered tutoring and teaching assistant platform called Khanmigo. The conference budget proposal released Monday appropriates $500,000 in nonrecurring funding to the Department of Public Instruction to contract with Khan Academy for Khanmigo licenses and to develop an AI course over the next two years. The proposal still must be approved by the House and Senate before heading to Gov. Josh Stein. The funding marks a significant reduction from legislation introduced earlier this year that would have appropriated $10 million to Khan Academy to pilot Khanmigo in North Carolina classrooms. NC bill would steer $10 million to Khan Academy for AI tool of debatable value NC Newsline previously reported that the original proposal raised concerns because it directed the state to contract with a specific vendor without a competitive bidding process. Educators and artificial intelligence experts also questioned whether Khanmigo had been sufficiently evaluated before lawmakers proposed the funding, and whether it had demonstrated enough educational value to justify the investment. The latest budget proposal continues to identify Khan Academy by name, but reduces the appropriation to 5% of the amount originally proposed. The bill states the money would be used to contract with Khan for licenses to the Khanmigo application and to create an AI course required elsewhere in the legislation. Sen. Mike Lee (R-New Hanover), who spearheaded the original proposal, did not immediately respond to NC Newsline’s request for comment The reduced appropriation comes as lawmakers move forward with a broader package of AI initiatives for public schools. Elsewhere in the budget, lawmakers propose requiring the Department of Public Instruction to develop a model artificial intelligence policy for schools, requiring school districts, charter schools and laboratory schools to adopt AI policies, and directing N.C. State University’s Friday Institute for Educational Innovation to develop professional development for educators. Public school teachers would be required to complete AI training by June 30, 2028. The proposed budget is expected to receive votes in the House and Senate this week. Courtesy of NC Newsline
	New state law expected to increase patient access to Georgia’s medical cannabis program A new Georgia law eases barriers that advocates and physicians said hindered access to medical cannabis and hampered interest for those who may benefit. Kevork Djansezian/Getty ImagesA new state law that took effect Wednesday fundamentally changed Georgia’s medical cannabis program. The new law, named “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act,” significantly eases barriers that advocates and physicians said have hindered access to medical cannabis and hampered interest for patients. Georgia lawmakers first opened the door to medical cannabis in 2015 and created what has been called the state’s low THC oil program ever since. Under the bipartisan measure passed during the 2026 legislative session, Georgia’s program will have a new straightforward name – medical cannabis – and new rules. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Gary Long, the CEO of Botanical Sciences, a Georgia-based company that grows, processes and sells its products in its five dispensaries, with a sixth opening late summer in Augusta, said the new law “modernizes the state’s program and brings it in line with other states.” “We’ve been in that ‘low THC oil’ place, and it has limited the interest of the people that are out there,” said Long, who predicted the new changes could triple the number of patients by mid-2027. As of Tuesday, there were nearly 36,600 active patients enrolled. “In that former model, not only did it not allow for the potency but also the delivery methods that many of those patients are interested in consuming,” he added. Under the new law, Georgia will drop the “low THC” label, which capped products at a 5% THC limit, and adopt a milligram system, which allows patients to buy up to 12,000 milligrams of product at a time. The new law also allows patients over 21 to purchase oil and products for dry herb vaporization. Smoking cannabis is still prohibited by state law. The new law also adds new qualifying conditions, such as lupus and irritable bowel syndrome, and it gets rid of the requirement that certain conditions, like cancer and AIDS, must be “severe or end stage” to qualify. US Justice Department downgrades risk of state-licensed medicinal marijuana And coupled with April’s rescheduling of medical cannabis on the federal level, which allowed independent pharmacies to then start selling medical cannabis products, the state’s new law will ease access by allowing pharmacies that were previously prohibited from selling products due to being within a certain distance from schools and places of worship to participate in the program. The new law also decreases that distance for dispensaries, bringing them in line with stores that sell alcoholic drinks. Dr. Tiffanni Forbes, an internal medicine physician and certified cannabis doctor based in Fayetteville, said she’s most excited about the rebranding of the program that does away with the “low THC” name and the caps based on percentage. She said the old system led to confusion among patients who are used to medications being dosed in milligrams. Dr. Tiffanni Forbes, an internal medicine physician and certified cannabis doctor based in Fayetteville, sits for an interview in Newnan, Ga. on June 25, 2026. Alander Rocha/Georgia Recorder “People got very confused about what to take, how to take it, is this potent, is this not so potent, so we’re doing away with all of that,” Forbes said. “There will be certain things that are more potent based upon how much THC versus others, but you don’t also have this percentage sitting here, which means really nothing to us. It was just how the law was written.” While the new law is seen as a win for increased access to medical cannabis, advocates said the work is not finished. Yolanda Bennett, who is a patient herself and has advocated for the program’s expansion over the years as the co-head of the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society, an organization that advocates for medical cannabis access and educates patients, said she was excited about the changes. But she also said advocacy in the next lawmaking session will focus on pushing for insurance coverage, protecting patients who live in public housing and overturning restrictions on consuming medical cannabis outside a patient’s home. House passes bill seeking to ease access to Georgia’s medical cannabis program “I realized that consistency and advocacy do work when you have legislators that are listening, and since we were a part of moving the needle with this, it really and truly feels pretty good, even though I know that we have a long way to go. I want to make sure that the legislators know that this is not the finish line, and you shouldn’t forget about the patients, because this is a start,” Bennett said. Steph Sherer, founder and president of Americans for Safe Access, a national organization advocating for federal policy to make medical cannabis safer and more accessible, said that advocates hope the rescheduling of medical cannabis will lead to federal changes and more uniform laws across the country. “Now that registered medical cannabis patients have a stronger basis to assert protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other civil rights laws and do not have to fear losing their jobs, homes, healthcare, or basic rights, we expect a groundswell of advocacy demanding equal access nationwide,” Sherer said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Georgia Recorder
	Trump's crypto earnings far outpace the businesses he spent decades building NPR's Scott Detrow talks with Bernard Condon of the AP about how President Trump and his family raked in more than a billion dollars last year through crypto ventures.
	The benefits shift: What small businesses need to know The benefits shift: What small businesses need to knowBenefits play a significant role in how employees feel about their employer. According to the 2026 ADP TotalSource Employee Benefits Survey of 12,429 U.S. workers, 78% of employees say they feel valued because their employer offers medical benefits. Even more, 83%, say they feel valued because of nonmedical benefits like life and disability insurance, dental, vision, etc. Medical insurance remains the most valued workplace benefit, followed by retirement savings plans.For small businesses, these insights present a challenge and an opportunity. But the upside is when small businesses help their employees understand their benefits, it can build trust, improve retention and help people see the full value of their compensation.Benefits remain a powerful employee retention toolHealthcare costs, rising economic pressures and growing concerns about retirement are changing how people view workplace benefits. While competitive health insurance and retirement plans remain essential, workers are looking for more than access to coverage. They want help navigating complex decisions that affect both their financial well-being and their health.The Employee Benefits Survey’s findings suggest that benefits are one of the most visible ways people judge an employer's commitment to their well-being. Many view pay and benefits as a single package that contributes to both short-term financial stability and long-term security.For small businesses that may not always be able to match the salaries offered by larger organizations, benefits can reinforce the value of total compensation and help attract strong talent.Employees expect more than access to benefitsBenefits decisions have become more complicated. Choosing healthcare coverage, understanding out-of-pocket costs and planning for retirement all require people to make decisions that can have a lasting impact.Nearly three-quarters of people believe their employer will provide benefits that meet their needs. That level of confidence creates an opportunity for small businesses to play a more active role in supporting employee decision-making.Simple explanations, educational resources and year-round benefits communication can help people better understand their options and use available resources more effectively. In many cases, people may place as much value on guidance and support as they do on the benefits themselves.Rising healthcare costs are changing employee behaviorAffordability has become one of the defining issues in employee benefits. Rising healthcare expenses are forcing many workers to make difficult choices about care and coverage.More than one-quarter of people surveyed report skipping medical care for themselves or a family member because of out-of-pocket costs. And nearly 1 in 4 say they have taken less medication than prescribed to save money. Another 15% have declined dental or vision coverage so they could afford medical insurance.These decisions may help people manage short-term expenses, but they can create larger challenges over time. Delayed care can lead to more serious health conditions, higher treatment costs and increased absenteeism.At the same time, more people are taking an active role in managing their health. More than two-thirds report using the internet to seek medical information, while more than one-quarter have used generative AI tools for health-related advice. In addition, 78% say they are paying closer attention to wellness habits such as exercise, nutrition and mindfulness. Preventive care usage has also increased.People are caught between wanting to stay healthy and struggling to afford it. Small businesses can help close that gap through better benefits education, decision-support tools and plan options that work across different income levels.Retirement security is becoming a core employee concernWhile healthcare remains a major focus, retirement readiness is moving rapidly up the list of employee priorities: 63% of employees rank a 401(k)-retirement savings plan as a top-tier benefit. Retirement savings have now surpassed dental insurance to become the second most valued workplace benefit, only behind medical. The shift reflects growing concerns about long-term financial security.For small employers, retirement benefits are becoming a competitive necessity rather than a nice-to-have offering. Not having retirement offerings may put small businesses at risk of losing out on top talent, as people place greater value on employers that help them prepare for the future.Fortunately, several developments have made retirement plans more accessible for small businesses. The SECURE 2.0 Act expanded tax credits that can offset much, and in some cases all, of the startup costs for eligible small businesses. Additional incentives tied to employer contributions and automatic enrollment can further reduce the financial burden.Access to a retirement savings plan, employer matching contributions and financial education resources can help address one of the fastest-growing sources of employee anxiety.Employees have more savings but less confidencePerhaps the survey's most surprising finding is that employees report saving more money while feeling less financially secure. Nearly 40% say they are unprepared to handle unexpected out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Meanwhile, the percentage of people with less than $500 saved for unexpected medical costs has increased from 20% to 28% over the past five years. Even workers who are putting money aside often worry that they are not prepared for a medical emergency or other unexpected expense.Small businesses can support employees by strengthening financial wellness efforts. Benefits education, retirement planning resources and tools that help employees estimate healthcare costs can improve understanding and reduce uncertainty. Even modest improvements in benefits literacy can help your employees feel more prepared to manage financial challenges.What employers can do nowThe data points to several practical steps employers can take to improve the employee benefits experience:Simplify benefits communication. Use plain language and focus on helping people understand how plans work and how to use them.Extend education beyond open enrollment. Provide year-round resources that help people make informed healthcare and financial decisions.Promote financial wellness. Offer retirement planning support, educational workshops and resources that help people prepare for future expenses.Leverage technology. Decision-support tools, benefits calculators and personalized resources can help employees compare options and choose coverage that fits their needs.Highlight the full value of benefits. Many underestimate the investment employers make in benefits. Regular communication can help reinforce the value of the total compensation package.The new measure of benefits successBenefits have always been important for attracting and retaining talent. What is changing is the role small businesses play in helping their people understand and use them.People are not necessarily asking for more benefits. They are looking for benefits that are easier to navigate, better aligned with their needs and supported by practical guidance. As healthcare and financial decisions become more complex, offering strong benefits combined with ongoing education and support may help businesses gain a meaningful advantage in building trust, engagement and stability.This story was produced by ADP and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Rising costs are moving buyers to used vehicles, and public fleets are feeling it first Rising costs are moving buyers to used vehicles, and public fleets are feeling it firstWhen money gets tight at home, people get predictable. They buy the used car instead of the new one, they keep the old one running another year or two, and they trade down to whatever covers the daily drive and skip the extras. No one needs a degree in economics to understand when a monthly payment no longer fits the budget.But you may be surprised that school districts do the same thing. So do transit agencies, hospital van fleets, and the companies that bus their crews out to a jobsite. Yes, the vehicles are bigger, and there are a lot more of them, but the instinct is the same for the car sitting in your driveway. And in 2026, it’s showing up across fleets that have nothing else in common, whether they run school buses in Ohio or haul crews to an oil field.Of course, a salesperson won’t recommend this because they want to move a new bus off the lot. But more and more companies are finding that it’s what the company spreadsheet recommends. The logic is one a family would recognize.BusesForSale explored why households and fleets are opting for used vehicles instead of purchasing new ones.Why buyers are choosing used over newWalk onto any dealer lot, or just open the emails dealers send you, and reality hits your dreams of a new vehicle. New prices keep climbing, and tariffs on imported components are a major reason. The Detroit News recently said, “Used vehicles are having a moment as new costs rise.” JD Power's Tyson Jominy told CNBC that prices "have gone up about a third" while incomes haven't come close to keeping pace, leaving a smaller pool of buyers who can still afford new. New prices aren't going down. Used vehicle prices have also climbed, but they remain well below new-car prices. So more used cars are finding homes than ever before.For a household, a 30% jump like this will kill the new-car plan. For a fleet, a decision on what to do barely needs a meeting. A used bus earns the same revenue as a new one on the same route, so the operator who adds capacity without paying the new-vehicle premium is the one with more left over at the end of the run. The marketplace for new and used buses sees demand for used inventory first, for the same reason the family two doors down bought a three-year-old SUV instead of a new one. The used one does most of the same work at a fraction of the sticker price.Keeping buses longer instead of replacing themA squeezed budget quickly causes chief financial officers to fall in love with what they already own. When a new bus gets expensive enough, the replacement clock stretches. A transit bus that would have been retired at 10 years runs to 12, kept going by the maintenance shop rather than being traded in. Fleets can play that out because these are commercial-grade engines. Thomas Built Buses, one of the country’s major school bus manufacturers, notes that clean-diesel engines are built to last 15 to 20 years.That's the kind of runway that lets a maintenance shop justify keeping a bus another year or two instead of replacing it. It is the same bet a family makes putting new brakes on the Honda minivan instead of trading it for an SUV. The difference is that a fleet runs the math across 40 vehicles, and the savings come back with another zero on the end.Buying smaller and skipping the new-bus waitAn option many corporate fleet buyers are eyeing is rightsizing. When an organization shrinks, the fleet shrinks with it. More often, the buyer specs down on purpose, choosing the vehicle for everyday employee pickup instead of the bigger one bought for the worst day of the year.And a lot of them are choosing used vehicles because they can put them to work now. Even when funding is approved, a new bus does not show up next week. IC Bus told School Bus Fleet in December 2024 it was running close to a year's worth of order backlog, and while original equipment manufacturer delivery times have eased, they haven't snapped back to normal. Some public fleets have turned to leasing and the used market to get vehicles into service rather than sit in a production queue for the better part of a year. Cheaper and sooner tend to work together these days.Why school districts are buying used busesThe squeeze is easiest to see in student transportation, because the buyers are public agencies and their books are open. What districts actually spend to replace a single school bus has climbed past what their budgets planned for. Prices have been pushed up by a higher base price, the 2025 tariffs, and a federal rebate that stalled. Instead of living with that gap, more districts and contractors work the used market to keep routes covered. The ones who can put together a fleet of sound used buses quickly are the ones winning the contracts and getting paid.Where the squeeze is hitting hardestThe states that feel it first are the ones where the budget math broke first.Texas is feeling it more than others. Northwest ISD's CFO told CBS News the state allotted his district $3.5 million for transportation while the district spent more than four times that. And other Texas districts said the state's share covered as little as 12% of what they actually pay to move kids. When the gap runs that wide, every replacement decision gets harder, and buying used stops being a choice and turns into the default.The same pressure is forcing hard calls elsewhere. Columbus City Schools in Ohio cut back K-8 busing and moved to close four schools while working through roughly $50 million in budget cuts. In Connecticut, Bridgeport floated pushing its walk-to-school line out as far as 2.5 miles before a kid qualifies for a bus. Those are service cuts, not purchase orders. But they come from the same budget math that’s pushing a district toward the used lot when it does buy. When a board is debating whether to bus a kid who lives 2 miles out, it is not going to sign off on a new bus it can replace for a third of the price used.With the cost of a single replacement bus still climbing, the places that hit the wall first are the ones where buying used quietly became the whole plan.What it tells usCost pressure doesn’t freeze fleet purchasing. It just reorders a buyer's priorities toward buying preowned buses, keeping them longer, sizing down, and getting them sooner. The same type of moves a family makes with one car, a district makes with 80 and a city makes with a few hundred.Many transportation directors are making the same choice that local parents already made. A 3-year-old used bus that runs every morning beats waiting another year for funding approval on a new one.This story was produced by BusesForSale and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	SC law extends paid parental leave to temporary workers, ensures time off for stillbirths Gov. Henry McMaster signed the expanded paid parental leave bill into law on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (Stock photo by John Carleton/Getty Images)COLUMBIA — About a month before Liyun Zhang was due to give birth to her son, she got in a serious car crash that sent her to the hospital until late into the night. The next day, Zhang went back to work with bruises still on her belly. She didn’t want to call in sick because, as a grant-funded researcher for the University of South Carolina, Zhang had no paid parental leave under state law, meaning every day of paid time off she used was a day she wouldn’t get to spend with her newborn. “That was not a smart decision, now that I think about it,” Zhang told the Daily Gazette. “I should have taken some days off. I was just so driven by, ‘I need leave.’” Under legislation Gov. Henry McMaster signed Tuesday, full-time employees like her will qualify for up to six weeks of paid parental leave. The new law, which takes effect Oct. 1, further expands on the state’s first paid leave law passed in 2022, which provided employees of state agencies and colleges paid time off whether they give birth, adopt or foster a child. A year later, the Legislature also made K-12 public school employees eligible. Newly eligible starting this fall are employees who are temporary or whose position is funded by a grant. The new law also clarifies that women whose babies are stillborn are still entitled to their six weeks of paid leave. And it doubles paid leave for the parent who doesn’t give birth — or, in cases of adoption or fostering, the parent who’s not the primary caregiver — from two weeks to four. The intent is to help families “during both moments of joy and moments of unimaginable loss,” Sen. Darrell Jackson, the proposal’s lead sponsor, said in a statement. Both the House and Senate gave unanimous approval. “When we invest in parents during one of the most important moments in their lives, we strengthen families, improve employee retention and make state government a better place to work,” said Jackson, D-Hopkins. How many people the change might affect is unclear, since it depends on the number who plan to take parental leave. In 2024, 958 state employees used their paid leave benefits for the birth or adoption of a child, according to an analysis by the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office. Temporary and grant-funded workers For Zhang, now 39, guaranteed parental leave would have meant a lot less stress during a pregnancy already considered high-risk. Knowing her position as a researcher for the university’s Children’s Law Center didn’t come with maternity leave, Zhang saved vacation days for years so she could spend three months at home with her newborn son when he was born in June 2024, she said. Every day she took off for doctor appointments was another day she couldn’t use for her maternity leave. She and her husband skipped vacations out of fear Zhang might need those days down the line. “I had to be very careful to calculate, to see how much time I had,” she said. SC House tries again with 12 weeks of paid parental leave for state workers Zhang watched as colleagues employed directly through the university took time off before their baby’s arrival for anniversary trips and so-called babymoons, which are short trips meant to give new parents quality time before their baby is born. Under the 2022 law, covered employees don’t have to use up their accrued vacation and sick days for parental leave. “I was very, very happy for them, but at the same time, I wish I had those luxuries, too,” Zhang said. Unpaid leave was an option. A 1993 federal law guarantees parents up to 12 unpaid weeks off. But Zhang and her husband worried about the financial toll of going without her salary for weeks. Having a baby is expensive, and Zhang wanted to save up as much as possible, especially after undergoing pricey in-vitro fertilization treatments, she said. Before the law passed, Zhang and her husband worried about how they might handle time off if they had another child, which they both want. Zhang wasn’t sure how she’d save up enough vacation time again, since she used up years of saved time after the birth of her first child. “It was hard for us to even think about future children, even though we want more,” Zhang said. “The price of that is, if you want to have more children, you just need to do leave without pay, and that’s all stress, too.” Although time off won’t be the determining factor, it does make the planning much easier, she said. As does the additional two weeks guaranteed for her husband, since he also works for the university. If Zhang does have another child, she won’t have to scrutinize every sick day and vacation to make sure she has enough time to spend at home with her newborn, she said. “I’m just feeling so grateful and so hopeful for myself and for other people now that it won’t be so stressful,” Zhang said. “We can have a little peace of mind.” Stillbirths It took Mariah Kinnie more than a month after giving birth to realize she could use her paid maternity leave. Kinnie’s second son, Jennings, was stillborn in October 2024. The middle school social worker in Beaufort took about a month off work, unpaid, to recover and grieve. Even though she didn’t get to take her son home, Kinnie still went through the physically taxing process of giving birth, she said. “It wasn’t just like nothing happened,” Kinnie, whose first child is 4, told the SC Daily Gazette. About a month after she came back, a member of her grief support group asked why she didn’t use her paid parental leave. Curious, Kinnie asked her school district, which acknowledged she should have gotten that time and offered her the full six weeks. SC paid parental leave law covers stillbirths, attorney general’s office says District officials were very supportive once Kinnie raised the issue, she said. But because stillbirths weren’t mentioned in the law, neither Kinnie nor her bosses realized she qualified at first. “There wasn’t any clarification for anybody,” she said. In an interpretation of the law, the state attorney general’s office wrote last year that it does apply to stillbirths. Though not legally binding, the office’s opinion is a prediction of how a court might interpret the law. At least three school districts, including Kinnie’s, denied teachers paid time off following stillbirths because the law didn’t explicitly state that, said Rep. Neal Collins, the sponsor of the 2023 law expanding paid leave to teachers, in a letter asking for the opinion. The bill passed this year will further clarify that point, ensuring districts know immediately to approve paid leave for teachers who experience a stillbirth, Collins said this week. Two of the districts, which Collins declined to name, later offered the teachers paid leave. “As with everything, I’m excited about the progress we made,” he told the SC Daily Gazette. His biggest disappointment, he said, was that the bill didn’t also double the paid time off from six weeks to 12. The House added that in its version, but the Senate took it out. In situations like hers, Kinnie said, it’s hard enough without adding legal ambiguity. Many grieving parents might not think to ask if they can still take their paid leave or want to jump through bureaucratic hurdles right after losing a child, she said. The first few weeks after Kinnie’s son died were a blur, she said. Whether her benefits were correct was far from her mind. “That’s the last thing anybody should be thinking about,” the 34-year-old said. Kinnie ultimately opted not to take the full six weeks. By the time she knew to raise the legal question, she was already back at work and reestablished in her routine, she said. The district instead recouped the unpaid time she took off. Once the new law is in effect, she hopes parents will no longer have to deal with questions over their leave after the trauma of giving birth and losing a child, she said. “It’s one less stress that a grieving parent has to experience,” Kinnie said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of South Carolina Daily Gazette
	Extreme Heat Warning until THU 10:00 PM CDT Extreme Heat Warning: Dangerously High Temperatures Through Thursday Evening
	More states try to give patients relief from medical debt Legislators in at least six states this year have approved measures related to patient medical debt. (Photo by Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)Legislators in at least six states this year have approved measures related to patient medical debt, according to a report on legislative policy trends released Wednesday by United States of Care, a nonpartisan think tank. Many Americans are struggling to afford healthcare. A recent survey found that 46% of adults, regardless of their health care insurance status, reported struggling to pay for medical care last year. Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Oregon and Washington enacted laws this year related to medical debt. Hawaii legislators have approved a measure that is awaiting the governor’s signature, and other states have bills in committee. In 18 states, legislators introduced or approved measures related to preserving no-cost preventive care, and a dozen states weighed legislation related to hospital facility fees, according to the report. Louisiana enacted a law that limits the interest that providers and debt collectors can charge on medical debt. The new rule caps the annual interest rate on medical debt for “medically necessary care” at 3%. The law defines such care as services or medications deemed necessary by a licensed health care provider to prevent, diagnose or treat an illness or disease symptoms. Under Washington’s new law, unpaid medical bills can’t be assigned to a debt collector for at least 120 days after the first billing statement in situations where the patient is a pedestrian or bicyclist who has been struck by a motor vehicle. Maine’s law prohibits debt collectors from salary or wage garnishing for medical debt. And Hawaii’s legislature passed a medical debt forgiveness bill that is awaiting the governor’s signature. Indiana enacted a bipartisan measure that requires hospitals to inform patients of financial assistance programs for which they might be eligible before debt collection begins. The law also requires such information to be posted inside hospitals. It also prohibits health care providers from using automated tools to submit health benefits claims without a provider first reviewing the claims. Last year, Alaska Democratic state Rep. Genevieve Mina introduced legislation that prevents medical debt from showing up on patients’ credit reports. Michigan lawmakers introduced a similar bill, which has been referred for a second reading. And on Tuesday, Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey proposed an action that would stop medical debt from being reported to consumer credit agencies. New Mexico enacted a law prohibiting hospitals from charging patients facility fees for preventive outpatient care, vaccinations and telehealth, but preserves facility fees for inpatient and emergency care. Stateline reporter Nada Hassanein can be reached at nhassanein@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Stateline
	Pillen signs off on Nebraska medical cannabis regulations Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen signs official paperwork to certify Nebraska's May primary election. June 8, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)LINCOLN — Nebraska’s medical cannabis regulations will become a permanent fixture of the state regulatory code Monday, five days after Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen gave final approval. Pillen announced Wednesday that he had signed the proposed set of regulations from the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission. Under state law, the regulations will take the force of law five days after the governor’s signature and after being filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office. A temporary set of regulations, identical to the now-approved version, had been set to expire July 15. They will be replaced next week. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, whose statutory duty is to review proposed regulations for legal and constitutional validity, signed off on the medical cannabis regulations Tuesday. He said they “do not clearly violate the state or federal Constitutions on their face.” Nebraska AG Hilgers approves medical cannabis regulations; Governor Pillen to review next Pillen did not issue a statement about his approval of the regulations. In September, he rejected a draft set of regulations because they did not yet include a plant limit for licensed cultivators, but much of the rest of the regulations were the same. “If an inclusion of plant population limits for permitted cultivators can be included, I will support the remainder of the proposed emergency regulations to go into effect,” Pillen said in a Sept. 4 letter. “Again, thank you for your work on this matter and answering the call to public service.” Medical cannabis regulators answered Pillen’s request at a Sept. 8 meeting, limiting the state’s four licensed cultivators — the maximum number allowed under the regulations — to grow no more than 1,250 flowering plants at one time. One cultivator has so far passed inspection and has been approved to begin growing. Among other requirements in the regulations: Establishing a “Recommending Health Care Practitioner” directory and requiring patients who want to access Nebraska-licensed dispensaries to go through one of the providers. Restricting purchases of medical cannabis to no more than 5 ounces of medical cannabis in a 30-day period, of which no more than 5 grams can be delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from the same dispensary. Delta-9 THC is the part of cannabis most associated with a “high.” Allowing no more than 12 medical cannabis dispensaries statewide, arranged by judicial district. That would mean one dispensary each in Douglas County (584,526 residents), Lancaster County (322,608 residents), Sarpy/Cass Counties (217,202 residents) and Buffalo/Hall Counties (112,979 residents), according to 2020 census data. Prohibiting the sale of smoking or vaping products and edibles of any kind. Oral tablets with a “thin layer” of flavoring to make the products swallowable would now be allowed. Pillen and Hilgers, when the voter-approved medical cannabis laws took effect in December 2024, said they both believed “serious issues remain regarding the validity of these [ballot measure] petitions under federal law and the Nebraska Constitution.” In the time since, Pillen has taken a more open stance to the Medical Cannabis Commission than Hilgers, who has continued to oppose federal marijuana rescheduling efforts. His office had also threatened possible legal action against the commission if it issued licenses. When that occurred shortly after Oct. 1 last year, a voter-imposed deadline, no such lawsuit came. The next Medical Cannabis Commission meeting is July 20. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Nebraska Examiner
	Tailgate theft prevention: How to keep your tailgate from being stolen Tailgate theft prevention: How to keep your tailgate from being stolenTruck tailgate theft is on the rise in the U.S., especially in urban settings and high-traffic areas. What was once a rare nuisance has become a frequent and frustrating crime—often occurring in broad daylight, in your own driveway, and taking less than a minute to pull off.Why, you may ask, is this crime becoming increasingly common? The answer is simple—modern truck tailgates are valuable, easy to remove, and difficult to trace once stolen. For thieves, it’s a relatively low-risk, high-reward crime. But for truck owners, it can mean a costly and frustrating replacement.RealTruck.com shares several practical steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk of falling victim. From quick DIY deterrents to purpose-built locking systems, protecting your tailgate is easier and more affordable than ever.Why Are Tailgates Stolen?Tailgates are stolen because they’re worth loads of money and they’re easy to take.Modern truck tailgates aren’t just simple hinged panels—they’re full of expensive cameras, sensors, and power components, giving them a high resale value. Depending on the make and model, a tailgate can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the secondhand market.On top of their value, tailgates are easy to remove, tough to track, and in demand, especially in areas where rust runs rampant. While some steal tailgates for their own trucks, most are looking to flip a quick profit.According to an ABC7 news story posted in 2024, in Costa Mesa, California, the most common targets for tailgate theft include those without tailgate locks, such as the midsize Toyota Tacoma.Which States Report the Most Tailgate Theft?Some states are worse than others, with the highest recorded theft rates present in metropolitan areas with high truck ownership. According to a study published by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB), based on the most recent data available, truck thefts are most common in Texas, with 1,360 reported thefts in 2016–’17, followed closely by California, with 1,039 during the same time period. These two states also contain all five of the top cities for tailgate theft, including:Houston, TX (277)Dallas, TX (242)San Antonio, TX (196)Los Angeles, CA (97)Fresno, CA (79) How Are Tailgates Stolen?One of the biggest reasons tailgate theft is so common is the ease of the process. On most trucks, removing the tailgate requires no tools and takes less than a minute. On most applications, here’s how a tailgate is removed:Open the tailgate.Disconnect the support cables.Lift the tailgate to roughly a 45-degree angle.Pull upward to disengage it from the hinges.That’s it. Because most tailgates aren’t physically locked to the truck bed, a thief can easily make away with your truck’s valuable tailgate in minutes.How to Keep Your Tailgate from Being StolenPreventing tailgate theft comes down to one simple principle—make your truck a harder target than the one next to it. Most thieves are looking for a quick and easy score. Often, small deterrents are enough to make them move on to the next target.There are two main approaches to reducing the risk of tailgate theft: simple DIY methods and secure, purpose-built products.DIY SolutionsIf you’re looking for a fast, low-cost way to reduce the risk of tailgate theft, these DIY methods are a great place to start. These methods don’t require special tools or advanced installs—just a little time.The Hose Clamp MethodThe hose clamp method is one of the most popular and affordable tailgate theft deterrents. By placing a standard hose clamp around the tailgate hinge on the side that allows removal, you physically block the tailgate from being lifted off the truck bed.This solution prevents quick, tool-free removal, adds time to the theft process, and makes your truck less appealing to opportunistic thieves. While not foolproof, the hose clamp method is a solid deterrent, as most thieves won’t risk getting caught.For added security, consider using a keyed hose clamp, which requires a specific tool to remove.Park Close to a Wall or Parking PillarParking your truck strategically can make a big difference. If you can back into a parking space close to a wall, pole, or pillar, you limit how far the tailgate can open. Since removal requires lowering the tailgate to around 45 degrees, restricting that movement can prevent theft altogether.Parking in a spot that obstructs tailgate access is an effective solution, especially in public parking areas scouted by opportunistic thieves.Park in a GarageIt sounds obvious, but it’s one of the most effective solutions.Parking in a garage, whether at home or in a secured structure, limits access to your truck. Fewer eyes and less opportunity mean a much lower chance of theft.If the garage isn’t available, well-lit areas with security cameras are the next best option.Etch VIN on the TailgateOne of the biggest reasons tailgates are so easily stolen is due to how untraceable they are. Without a VIN (vehicle identification number) or any identifiers, thieves can easily swipe and resell them without repercussions. One way to combat this factor is to etch your vehicle’s VIN into the tailgate in a non-visible area, like the jambs. Even if the tailgate leaves the vehicle, there’s still an identifier marker that can be used to locate the stolen item.Use Factory LockMany modern pickup trucks have a factory-installed lock (electric or manual) that can be used to secure the tailgate in the closed position. When engaged, thieves will have a far more difficult time lowering the tailgate, a process necessary to remove the tailgate.If your truck didn’t come with a factory lock, consider a purpose-built tailgate security product. What to Do If Your Tailgate is StolenIf you’ve already been the victim of tailgate theft, don’t panic—there are a few important steps to take right away.File a police report: Doing so creates an official record of the theft and may be required for insurance claims.Document the loss: Take photos of your truck and gather any relevant details (make, model, condition of the tailgate).Contact your insurance company: Comprehensive auto insurance may cover tailgate theft, depending on your policy.Check local listings: Browse online marketplaces in your area as you might spot your tailgate being resold. Don’t confront the seller yourself. Reach out to law enforcement before taking action.Replace and upgrade: When replacing your tailgate, consider adding a lock or security device to reduce the risk of repeat theft.FAQsQ: How Long Does It Take to Steal a Tailgate?A: In most cases, less than a minute. Experienced thieves can remove a tailgate in 30 seconds or less.Q: Which Trucks Are Most Commonly Targeted for Tailgate Theft?A: The most common targets for tailgate theft are full-size pickup trucks—especially high-volume models like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Ram 1500—due to their popularity, interchangeable parts, and high resale value.Q: Does Car Insurance Cover a Stolen Tailgate?A: Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage. Liability-only policies typically won’t cover theft.Q: How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Stolen Tailgate?A: Costs vary widely, but modern tailgates with cameras and sensors can range from $150 to $1,200 depending on the options, and that’s secondhand. Ordering a new tailgate from the dealership can easily cost over $5,000.Q: Is the Hose Clamp Method Actually Effective?A: Yes, as a deterrent. It won’t stop a determined thief, but it adds enough difficulty to make most move on.Q: Will My Truck Alarm Go Off if Someone Tries to Steal My Tailgate?A: In most cases, no. Factory tailgates are rarely tied to the alarm system, except for some specific exceptions, like the GMC Sierra EV.Q: Why Is the Toyota Tacoma So Commonly Targeted for Tailgate Theft?A: The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most frequently targeted vehicles for tailgate theft for several reasons. According to an article posted by Jalopnik in late 2025, the primary reason for the increase in thefts is due to how easy Tacoma tailgates are to steal. While some newer, higher-trim models have locks, many owners aren’t in the habit of locking them. If left unlocked, it only takes a couple of seconds to drop the tailgate, disconnect the cables, and lift the gate.This story was produced by RealTruck.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What Iowa law says about saving children, pets from hot cars While Iowa has no specific laws about breaking into vehicles to save kids or animals from the heat, the state's "Good Samaritan Law" might apply in some cases.
	Why press releases alone aren't enough anymore, and what PR teams are doing about it Why press releases alone aren't enough anymore, and what PR teams are doing about itGetting a press release out used to be the job. Now it's the starting point.According to PR Newswire's 2025 State of the Press Release Report, 33% of PR professionals say their biggest challenge is not generating the media pickup they expected. That number has stayed stubbornly high, and it reflects something structural. The way people find information has changed, and communications strategies are catching up.Gartner predicts some earned media budgets could double by 2027. The reason, as reported by Inc., is that AI is replacing traditional search as the primary way consumers discover brands, drawing heavily from earned, third-party sources when building its answers.PR Newswire shares insights into why communications strategies now demand a coordinated approach to break through the noise and capture the attention of fractured audiences and AI bots.How AI search is changing brand discoveryAI-powered search tools no longer return a list of links. They synthesize, summarize, and recommend, pulling from sources that aren't determined by ad spend.Similarweb's 2026 Generative AI Brand Visibility Report found that 35% of U.S. consumers now use AI at the product discovery stage, compared to 13.6% who use traditional search. AI holds a more than 2-to-1 advantage at every stage of the purchase funnel until the final transaction. By the time a consumer opens a search engine, the shortlist is often already formed.Similarweb also tracked what happens when AI platforms send visitors to websites: In its data, those visitors convert at a 7% rate, compared to 5% from Google referrals. The volume is lower, but the intent is higher.For brands not appearing in AI responses, the loss is invisible. No bounce rate, no impression count. The consumer just moves on.Crafting content specifically for discovery and summarization by AI models, a practice sometimes called generative engine optimization (GEO), is a skill most PR teams haven't had to develop until now. As Courtney Sandora, owner of marketing consultancy Go Social, told Inc.: "AI doesn't rank brands like Google. It learns narratives from trusted sources.”On the media relations side, the volume problem hasn't gotten easier either. According to Cision's 2026 State of the Media Report, more than half of all journalists receive more than 50 pitches per week. Generic pitches will be deleted.What a modern campaign actually requiresThe multichannel approach isn't new. What's changed is why it matters and what it needs to accomplish: a consistent drumbeat of authoritative content that both journalists and AI systems will trust.That starts with a clear foundation before any content is produced:One clear takeaway. If the core message is ambiguous, every downstream asset suffers.A defined audience, including the AI tools they use to discover information.A "so what." Why this story matters, right now, to this reader.A one-sentence summary that can anchor every format without contradiction.From there, the goal is to repurpose the story, not duplicate it.The content types doing the workLuckily, many communicators are already using the exact types of content that AI models are learning from to build summaries and generate answers. “PR pros are perfectly positioned to adapt,” Orbit Media’s Andy Crestodina explains. “The goal is a large, visible digital footprint, but with AI, it’s more about providing rich, descriptive content that the AI can understand and recommend. It’s less about traditional links and more about ensuring your brand and expertise are well-represented in text.”According to Cision’s State of the Press Release Report, 91% of communicators repurpose their press release content. This coordinated push of multiple content types across earned, owned, paid, and shared channels, paired with the right distribution strategies, ensures a consistent message LLMs use as authoritative signals. Different content types surfaced in different places also help to ensure a brand’s story reaches the right audiences in the right places at the right time. PR Newswire Press releases remain the standard format for verified announcements. Cision's report found 66% of journalists still want news through this channel. A well-structured release that is factual, organized, and clearly sourced is also among the most AI-discoverable formats a team can produce. Despite past reports that the press release is dead, press releases are a credible resource with a structured format that can even include FAQs—a goldmine for LLMs.Personalized pitches matter more as inboxes get fuller. With most journalists receiving more than 50 pitches a week, a pitch that doesn't demonstrate familiarity with the reporter's beat gets deleted. One journalist surveyed by Cision put it directly: “Think deeply about why you are pitching me a story idea, then show me in the pitch that you understand why I would want to bite on it as editorial content." Simply put: Do the homework.Earned-media articles are bylined, editorially compliant pieces that can be placed in third-party publications. Newsrooms are dwindling, and editors need content. With articles, brands can help editors fill in content gaps. Earned pickups satisfy AI's preference for independent, third-party sources, contribute to the citation pool AI draws from, and reach audiences through editorial environments that carry their own authority. Gartner’s forecast is based on earned media’s influence on AI search.Blog posts on owned channels extend reach and signal consistency. Sixty-seven percent of communicators are already repurposing press releases into blog posts, according to the 2025 State of the Press Release Report. Regular, substantive owned content tells search engines and LLMs that a brand has standing in its field.Video travels in ways text doesn't. Thirty-two percent of journalists value multimedia content from PR teams, including video, per Cision's State of the Media Report. Subtitles and transcripts aren't optional; they're how video content gets indexed and cited across platforms.Social content works best when it's built for amplification, not just distribution. The 2025 Cision-PRWeek Comms Report found 53% of PR professionals consider branded social among the most effective formats for influencing behavior, and 52% identified employees as the most effective influencer type.Data visualizations and infographics give journalists something they can use directly. Nearly half of journalists in the 2026 State of the Media Report said they actively want original data and research from communications teams. A well-made infographic also travels long after initial placement, shared across platforms.Building the record that AI learns fromA failure to adapt to the new rules of content discovery means ceding the narrative to competitors or, worse, to misinformation. The stakes are no longer just about getting coverage; they are about creating a steady drumbeat of content in the digital record.A press release alone is not enough. A campaign that combines distribution, earned placement, owned publishing, and social amplification increases the chances of citations, and each piece reinforces the others over time. AI systems learn from that consistent record when forming the recommendations that a growing share of consumers are acting on.Here are four practices that hold this together.Plan the full campaign before publishing anything. A press release written without a downstream pitch, blog post, and social strategy in mind is a missed opportunity.Keep the message consistent, not uniform. The core facts stay the same across formats. Tone and length shift to fit the channel.Repurpose with a purpose. A press release becomes a blog post; that post becomes social copy; the data becomes an infographic. Each version should serve a distinct role, with the content being tailored to each platform.Measure the whole picture. Pickup, reach, AI-search citations, and social engagement, together tell the story that any one metric can't.The brands that show up in AI recommendations didn't get there by accident. They earned coverage, published consistently, and built a record that AI systems could learn from. That's the new job.This story was produced by PR Newswire and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: JOSHUA AVILA, 33, 5'9", 220 pounds. Wanted by Rock Island County Sheriff's Office for violation of murder and violent offender against youth registration. ZACHARY [...]
	The special green card option for doctors The special green card option for doctorsThe Physician National Interest Waiver (PNIW), which is a subset of the EB-2 National Interest Waiver visa, is one of the most direct paths to a U.S. green card for foreign doctors. It allows qualifying physicians to self-petition under the EB-2 visa category without a job offer and without going through the permanent labor certification Program Electronic Review Management (PERM), as long as they work full-time in a designated underserved area for five years. The process can be complex and includes interim check-ins throughout the service period, but it can also offer multiple advantages over other green card pathways.This article is informed by real-world insights from Manifest Law’s practicing immigration attorneys. It reflects not only what the law says, but also how USCIS officers are currently applying that law, and where risks are increasing.Key takeaways:The Physician NIW is a subcategory of the EB-2 NIW immigrant visa, but it has a different statutory framework and compliance requirements.Every state health department handles the public interest attestation differently. Delays here are one of the most common reasons filings slip.Miscounting prior clinical service is one of the most expensive Physician NIW mistakes. Getting it wrong can cost years of credit.Miss the 120-day interim evidence deadline at year two, and USCIS can deny your I-485 and revoke your I-140.What is the Physician NIW?The Physician National Interest Waiver is a pathway for certain EB-2-eligible physicians to qualify for a green card. Most EB-2 applicants who apply through the National Interest Waiver (NIW) must satisfy the three-prong Dhanasar test to argue their work is in the national interest of the U.S. Congress created a separate statutory pathway for physicians, allowing certain practicing doctors to bypass that test entirely if they commit to work for five years in an underserved area of the country.Who qualifies for the Physician NIW?To qualify for a Physician NIW visa, you must meet all four of the following requirements:Hold an M.D., D.O., or equivalent foreign medical degree (or demonstrate exceptional ability in medicine or science)Work full-time in clinical practice for an aggregate of five years. Time worked in a qualifying area before filing generally counts, but time in J-1 status does notWork in a qualifying practice site: HPSA, MUA, MUP, MHPSA (psychiatrists only), or a VA facilityReceive a public interest attestation letter from a state health department or federal agencyOnly M.D. and D.O. holders (and their foreign equivalents) who work in primary care or as specialty physicians qualify.Who doesn’t qualify for Physician NIW?Dentists, chiropractors, podiatrists, and optometrists are not eligible for the Physician NIW but could explore the regular NIW as a pathway to permanent residency.How to apply for the Physician NIWApplying for a PNIW requires you to get a qualifying position before you submit an EB-2 PNIW visa petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Your petition will require a handful of other forms, and cannot be approved until after you complete your five years of eligible service.Confirm your practice location is eligible for the PNIW. It must hold a current Health Professional Shortage Area, Medically Underserved Area, Medically Underserved Population, or Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (psychiatrists only) designation, or be a VA facility.Obtain an employment contract for full-time clinical practice. The contract must be for a qualifying site, and USCIS generally requires it to be dated within six months of when you file the visa petition.Obtain the attestation letter from your state department of health or a federal agency. Each state has its own process to get a letter. An immigration attorney can help you understand your relevant state’s requirements and process.File Form I-140 and other required forms. USCIS Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is used to petition for an EB-2 immigrant visa. You’ll also submit your work contract, attestation letter, proof of degree, medical license, and documentation of the site’s shortage designation. Premium processing is available for a faster decision.Wait for a current priority date. Once your I-140 is approved, you must wait until your priority date (your place in line for a visa) is current. At that time, a visa will be available for you, and you can submit the actual application for an EB-2 immigrant visa. Your priority date may be current at the time you submit I-140, allowing you to file both concurrently.Apply for a green card. The application process requires Form I-485 for adjustment of status if you currently live in the U.S. with valid status. If you are living abroad, you will instead go through consular processing. In either case, USCIS will not approve your green card application until the full five-year service is complete.Meet all interim evidence deadlines. USCIS requires you to submit interim evidence within 120 days of your I-140 approval’s second anniversary. Miss it, and USCIS can deny your I-485 and even revoke your I-140 petition. As you complete your five years of service, you also need to report any changes in your position or location to USCIS.Your priority date is the day USCIS receives your EB-2 PNIW petition. Once that date becomes current on the USCIS Visa Bulletin, you’re eligible to move forward with your green card application.How long does it take to get a Physician NIW?USCIS will not approve Form I-485 until your five-year service requirement is fully documented, so most physicians can expect at least five years from filing Form I-140. Beyond completing your service time, current I-485 processing times are nine months or more.Physicians from India and China will likely face longer wait times because of high demand and per-country caps on EB-2 visas.What should you look for in a Physician NIW lawyer?The Physician NIW has more moving parts than most green card petitions: a five-year service commitment, interim evidence deadlines, state attestation letters, and a priority date that may not be current when you are ready to file. The right lawyer will track necessary deadlines and handle your petitions and application so that you can focus on your day-to-day work.When evaluating a law firm, look for:Specific Physician NIW experience: The statutory framework and compliance requirements are different from standard EB-2 and EB-2 NIW work.State attestation know-how: Every state health department handles the public interest letter differently, and delays here are one of the most common reasons filings slip.Clear guidance on the J-1 exclusion: Miscounting prior clinical service is one of the most expensive mistakes in a Physician NIW case. In some cases, you also need to file for a J-1 waiver.Clear communication. While there’s significant waiting in the PNIW process, there are also interim deadlines you need to hit. A good lawyer will be able to track those deadlines and clearly communicate what you need to provide.FAQs on Physician NIWsCan I self-petition for a Physician NIW?Yes. The Physician NIW allows self-petitioning, so you do not need an employer sponsor to file Form I-140. You do need a qualifying employment contract and an attestation letter, but neither requires an employer to file the petition for you.Does J-1 time count toward the five years for a Physician NIW?No. Time in J-1 status does not count toward the five-year service requirement for a Physician NIW. That’s true even if you were working in a qualifying underserved area with your J-1. The clock only starts when you transition to another qualifying nonimmigrant status, such as H-1B.Can I change employers during the five years?Yes, you can complete your five years of PNIW service across multiple employers or positions, as long as you remain working full-time in a qualifying shortage area or VA facility. The five-year requirement is aggregate, so time at multiple qualifying employers counts cumulatively.This story was produced by Manifest Law and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Untold casualties and humanitarian needs: What to know a week from Venezuela's quakes Here's a look at some of the major developments since major back-to-back earthquakes rocked Venezuela on June 24, devastating parts of a country already reeling from crisis after crisis.
	Kids line up to get autographs from the Savannah Bananas at the John Deere Classic In the words of Gwen Stefani: Bananas.
	States where homeowners with fair credit struggle most to access home equity States where homeowners with fair credit struggle most to access home equityAmerican homeowners are sitting on a potential goldmine. By the end of 2025, total aggregate home equity in the United States reached a staggering $17 trillion. On average, this translates to roughly $295,000 in built-up property wealth per mortgaged homeowner.This massive cushion represents financial security on paper, but in reality, there’s a slowly widening chasm between the homeowners who hold this equity and those who can actually use it. For the millions of Americans carrying a fair credit score between 640 and 699, accessing wealth through traditional channels has become something of an uphill battle.Lending standards vary across state lines, meaning geography is one of several factors that affect who gets approved and who gets locked out of their own equity. Splitero has leveraged data from The Mortgage Reports, Experian, ATTOM, Realtor.com, and more to detail the states where this impact is greatest and why.The credit score gatekeeping problemTraditional financial institutions often view home equity lines of credit and home equity loans through a risk-averse lens. Since home equity products act as a second lien, they sit behind your primary mortgage. This means that if you were to default, the primary lender is paid first, leaving the equity lender to absorb the remaining risk.To protect themselves, traditional lenders price loans by credit tier. If your FICO score sits in the fair range, you likely won’t qualify for the lower rates offered to borrowers with good or excellent credit; in some cases, you may not qualify at all. In practice, that means a higher interest rate, a bigger monthly payment, or an outright denial.When looking at how different interest rates affect monthly payments on a typical $50,000, 15-year home equity loan, it highlights the compounding cost of traditional equity borrowing across different credit tiers: Splitero For a homeowner with fair credit, accessing the same exact pool of funds costs over $10,000 more in interest than a neighbor with excellent credit. Compounding this effect, specifically in a tightening credit market, is that a fair credit score may just mean an outright denial in some states.The state-by-state equity picture: Not all homes are equalEquity dispersion across the country varies greatly on a state-by-state basis, with some homeowners in key states having greater housing wealth than others. A property is considered “equity-rich” when the combined loan balance is no more than 50% of its estimated market value; the owner holds at least 50% equity. ATTOM Data outlined the state-level breakdown of equity-rich homes across the country based on data from the first quarter of 2026: Splitero High-appreciation and equity-rich states like Vermont, California, and portions of the Mountain West and Northeast show home equity levels soaring. However, a high concentration of equity-rich homes does not automatically guarantee easy access. In areas where values rose quickly, some lenders apply tighter terms or lower borrowing limits as a hedge against local price corrections.Home equity line of credit debt across the country has increased steadily in recent years. Experian data from 2022-2024 shows that average balances increased from $41,045 to $45,157 during that time period.When potentially inflated housing prices are combined with increased overall debt, it can be a red flag for certain lenders. As a result, potential borrowers with fair credit scores may face stricter traditional underwriting guidelines.A tightening environment: What 2026 means for borrowersThe macroeconomic landscape of 2026 has further added to the challenges borrowers face. As lenders face tighter regulatory capital requirements and shifting portfolio risks, many have implemented more defensive lending positions. Refi.com business manager Kyle Bass outlined in a conversation with Realtor.com that increased mortgage delinquencies and a softening housing market are two of the driving forces behind this tightened environment.Prime-rate borrowers can still secure lines of credit with relative ease. However, tightening debt-to-income caps and the push for higher minimum credit scores can harm potential borrowers with fair credit scores. A FICO score of 600 that may have gotten through an approval pipeline a few years ago may now trigger reviews, lower borrowing limits, or automated rejections.What homeowners should know before they applyIf you’re looking to access your home’s equity and you have a fair credit score, navigating your options requires a strategic approach. Consider the following tips.Assess your true equity position: Calculate your current loan-to-value ratio using recent comparable sales in your neighborhood, as this is what lenders and investment partners will look at to see how much accessible equity you have.Avoid headline interest rates: Traditional lenders love to advertise low introductory APRs, but those rates are typically reserved for borrowers with very good to excellent credit scores. Always ask for a personalized disclosure of pricing to know what your rates may be.Evaluate the best product for your needs: If you have steady income and excellent credit, a traditional HELOC may serve you well. However, if you fall into the fair credit tier and can’t afford a hefty monthly payment, explore alternatives like a home equity investment, which can give you access to cash while keeping your monthly payments low.Your home equity represents years of hard work, mortgage payments, and market growth. A single credit score shouldn’t stand between you and the financial flexibility you deserve. By looking beyond typical frameworks, you can confidently choose a financial instrument that puts your home’s wealth back where it belongs. Before accessing your home equity, it’s worth speaking with a qualified financial advisor who can weigh your specific circumstances.This story was produced by Splitero and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Cities where Americans are buying second homes at record rates and who is buying them Cities where Americans are buying second homes at record rates and who is buying themThe desire to own a secondary home somewhere else in the country has never been stronger for Americans. Whether it’s somewhere with a lake or a mountain view, or just fewer people, owning a second home is a pursuit of many, and the COVID-19 pandemic offered the perfect opportunity to achieve that goal with heavily cut interest rates and cheaper pricing.In the years since, demand has come down from its peak. SellMyTimeshareNow’s analysis of Federal Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data found that mortgaged second-home purchases dropped roughly 66% from their 2021 peak, falling from 257,547 to 88,158 in 2025.This correction was largely driven by elevated interest rates post-pandemic and the high median cost of vacation properties. That number, however, undercounts the real level of activity as many affluent buyers are utilizing cash to sidestep the mortgage market entirely.The demand for vacation homes is real, but it’s unevenly distributed and concentrated among older, wealthier and more geographically flexible buyers. This has resulted in a specific set of markets across the country emerging as the primary beneficiaries. AnyWho has examined data from the U.S. Census Bureau, National Association of Home Builders, Realtor.com, the National Association of Realtors, Fortune, and more to show where buyers are going and why.The scale of second-home activityU.S. Census Bureau data shows roughly 7.5 million homes are classified as seasonal, recreational, or for just occasional use as of 2023. These broad categories include vacation cabins, lakefront houses, beach houses and normal second homes that are used intermittently. They also found that these properties were heavily concentrated in some of the geographies you’d expect: lake towns, mountain resorts and small rural communities.Further, the National Association of Home Builders index tracks construction in second-home areas. While mortgaged second-home purchases have fallen by roughly two-thirds since their 2021 peak, the NAHB construction data from 2024 shows that new construction designated for that purpose remained at an all-time high. This is indicative of many wealthy buyers skirting the mortgage market with cash.It also shows how half the nation’s second homes are concentrated in a remarkably small number of congressional districts. Coastal Florida, coastal New England, the Upper Midwest lake country, and mountain resorts in Colorado, Utah and the Carolinas dominate. By studying where second homes are clustered, you can better understand the places where geography, accessibility and lifestyle intersect for the American upper-middle class.Who is buying: The buyer profile in 2025 and 2026The second-home buyer of 2025 looks different from the pandemic-era buyer of 2020, which is a trend that has carried into 2026. There are three distinct groups driving most of the activity today:1. Baby boomers cashing outBoomers reclaimed their position as the largest homebuying cohort in 2025, per Realtor.com data. Many are equity-rich after decades of primary residences that were increasingly mortgage-free. For some boomers, making second-home purchases as part of a broader transition toward retirement feels like a natural next step.These individuals sell a large primary home in an expensive major city, then buy a smaller replacement home in a lower-cost city. The remaining equity then goes toward a vacation property. The upper end of this cohort also uses cash, meaning their movement isn’t recorded in mortgage data at all.2. Millennials inheriting and co-buyingThe great wealth transfer is also finally starting to reshape the second-home market, too. As the Silent Generation and early boomers pass down their assets, a meaningful group of millennials are entering the second-home market for the first time. Younger millennials are still frugal, per home buying data from Motley Fool, with a median home purchase price of $250,000, but their older counterparts are acquiring more property through inheritance or co-purchase agreements.3. High-earning hybrid workersThe third buyer group is the one that is most associated with the pandemic: dual-income households with remote or hybrid flexibility. These individuals treat a second home as more of a secondary base of operations as opposed to a vacation home. These buyers can range in age and generation, but typically have household incomes over $200,000 to be able to afford this lifestyle.Where they're buying: The regional breakdownWhere these groups are purchasing homes is spread out across the country, but there are a few key trends defining the moves. Based on data from Realtor.com, GoBankingRates, the Wealth Enhancement Group, Pacaso and Fox Business, these markets are seeing the most growth:The Southeast Coast and Gulf: High Demand, Accessible Entry PointsFlorida dominates the national second-home market. It is home to five of the top 20 counties in many luxury second-home rankings and appears consistently from an investment perspective. The Florida panhandle, Gulf County, Walton County and Okaloosa Island in particular have emerged as the most active corridor, driven by white-sand beaches and relatively accessible flights.North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, also appears in many reports, reflecting the same drive to coastal demand that has made the Grand Strand one of the most accessible beach markets on the East Coast.The Mid-Atlantic Shore: Drive-To Proximity WinsCape May County, New Jersey, topped Pacaso’s luxury ranking by a wide margin, the result of its combination of coastal access, historic character and close proximity to Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore. The Jersey Shore broadly has seen sustained second-home interest from buyers seeking beach access without the logistics associated with flying, and Cape May’s unique Victorian architecture creates a natural appeal.The Delaware beaches of Rehoboth, Bethany and Dewey also operate in the same region, drawing D.C. and Baltimore buyers looking for proximity over name prestige.New England: From Prestige Markets to Underdog PicksBarnstable County near Cape Cod, Massachusetts, remains in the top five second-home markets nationally by transaction volume. However, it is increasingly a market of established owners holding rather than new buyers entering.Prices have gone up sharply since 2020 and the inventory remains thin. The underdog picks in this part of New England are all migrating inland: the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, specifically Meredith and Wolfeboro, and the coastal Maine communities north of Portland.The Mountain South and Appalachian Corridor: Affordability Meets SceneryThe Smoky Mountains region, anchored by Gatlinburg and Sevierville, Tennessee, is one of the most sought-after second home and vacation home regions in the country, not by luxury transaction value, but by volume. The area attracts buyers who want mountain scenery and cabin ownership at price points that remain cheap compared to the rest of the country. The short-term rental market provides a clear income offset to this.Asheville, North Carolina, and the surrounding Blue Ridge communities all serve a similar function, albeit at a slightly higher price point. This area draws buyers from Atlanta, Charlotte and the Research Triangle.The Midwest: Underappreciated and Increasingly Sought-AfterGoBankingRates identified Michigan and Wisconsin as hosting some of the hottest housing markets in the country. The second home dynamic is a meaningful part of that story. The Upper Midwest lake country, anchored by Vilas County, Wisconsin, the Traverse City area in northern Michigan, and the Lake Michigan shoreline, offers lakefront property at low price points.For Chicago buyers in particular, the Wisconsin Northwoods and Michigan’s Lower Peninsula are the primary second home destinations.The West: Constrained Supply, High StakesWestern second-home markets are considered to be the most supply-constrained in the country. Colorado’s resort corridor of Summit County, Eagle County and Pitkin County, for instance, have seen median second-home prices skyrocket above $1 million. This limits the buyer pool to the upper quartile of wealth distribution.The more accessible Western alternatives see buyers migrating outwards. The Bend, Ore., Ketchum, Idaho and Sun Valley corridor, and Montana’s Flathead Lake region are all absorbing demand from buyers priced out elsewhere. In California, the second-home geography concentrates around Lake Tahoe, the Central Coast near Paso Robles and Cambria, and the Palm Springs desert.The community trade-off: What influx means locallyThe communities that are absorbing all of the demand are not passive recipients. Second-home concentrations create a noticeable set of economic and social dynamics that play out consistently across the country. Regardless of whether these communities are in the Wisconsin Northwoods, the New Jersey Shore, the Tennessee Smokies or Lake Tahoe, the impacts are similar.First, the fiscal upside is real. Second-home owners pay property taxes without proportionally consuming the local services of the area. Children typically aren’t being sent to local schools and municipal services aren't being used, yet these individuals contribute heavily to the tourism economies of the areas through food, retail, and general service spending. This often results in property tax revenue from second homes serving as a form of subsidization year-round.However, the housing affordability problem is also equally real. When second-home buyers enter a local market, they are usually competing against local buyers who have less capital. Academic research published in Progress in Planing journal during the pandemic found that second-home influx into rural and small-town markets created devastating disparities and displacement of local buyers and renters. Price appreciation that outpaced local income growth and reduced supply of long-term rental housing were a few of the major downsides.The tension becomes most acute in small markets. A town of a couple thousand people having to absorb several hundred new second-home purchases over a short period of time is far more disproportional than a larger community facing the same issues. Gatlinburg, the Northwoods towns, and the Maine midcoast are a few areas that are hit hardest. Workforce housing availability, infrastructure strain during peak travel seasons, and the social textures of communities where a growing number of houses sit empty during the year are all important issues.What buyers should know before choosing a marketThe most important variable in a second-home purchase isn’t the property itself, but rather the market infrastructure around it. Markets sort into three categories that should shape how a buyer evaluates a purchase:Established markets with thin inventoryEmerging markets with improving fundamentalsHigh-volume rental marketsEstablished markets offer liquidity and proven demand, but appreciation is limited and there is little margin for timing errors. These are the markets where paying the wrong price is punished by slow recovery. On the other hand, emerging markets offer better entry prices and appreciation potential, but the offset is a higher required conviction about the trajectory of local demand and less reliance on short-term liquidity. High-volume rental markets should be viewed more as income-producing assets first and vacation home destinations second. These markets are defined by factors such as cap rates and rental yields, rather than the restaurants and shops nearby.Before committing to an unfamiliar market, it also pays to do your homework on the community itself. Verifying a seller's contact information, reconnecting with a local contact who can give you an honest read on a neighborhood, or simply getting a clearer picture of who your neighbors might be in a small town are all reasonable steps in the due diligence process. A people search can help buyers quickly surface contact details and background information on individuals before any money or trust changes hands.Across all categories, the financing environment is an underlying factor. Second-home mortgages carry a premium over primary residence rates. Lenders will scrutinize your debt-to-income ratio strictly and the down payment requirements will be higher. Cash buyers have an inherent structural advantage here, which is partly why the data shows mortgage activity declining despite increased demand. Buyers who need financing should model out their carrying costs at current rates, rather than the rates they expect to see in a couple of years.The second home as a concept has never been more aspirational given housing prices. The markets that support it are specific, the costs are hefty, and the communities absorbing the demand have many trade-offs. For buyers who do the work, though, the entry points are there so long as you know how to read the map.This story was produced by AnyWho and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Bettendorf Superintendent Michelle Morse announces departure Superintendent Michelle Morse has announced her departure from the Bettendorf Community School District in an email sent to families, effective Wednesday.
	Black Hawk College extends president's contract to 2030 The Black Hawk College Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a contract extension for President Dr. Jeremy Thomas through June 30, 2030, recognizing the college’s continued momentum under his leadership and reaffirming its confidence in its future. Dr. Thomas became the college’s president on June 1, 2023 and has successfully completed the original term of [...]
	Davenport opens DREAM applications for homeowners and businesses Davenport is accepting applications through July 31 for new rounds of its DREAM and Commercial DREAM grant programs for homes and businesses.
	Understanding heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke can be lifesaving, doctor says Prompt action in a heat stroke situation can save a life. Here's how you can tell the difference.
	Beating the heat as hundreds gather at TPC Deere Run Various cooling stations will be available throughout the concourse for spectators and athletes alike to get out of the heat.
	School budgets are under pressure nationwide. Here’s what’s driving the cuts. School budgets are under pressure nationwide. Here’s what’s driving the cuts.School districts are under pressure this year.Some of the largest in the country are handing out pink slips. Canceling technology contracts. And even slashing specific medications from employee health plans.As many school boards debate their budgets for the upcoming school year, a Chalkbeat analysis found a common thread: More than half of the country’s 50 largest school districts are poised to or already have made cuts, or are facing a reported deficit.Budget timelines vary from state to state. And it’s not fully clear if this year amounts to the “big shrink” that some in school finance have predicted. But experts say schools are facing a daunting combination of financial roadblocks. Some of them are wildly specific to the times in which we live: rising healthcare costs linked with GLP-1 weight loss medications, immigration fears keeping some students out of school, and rising gas prices.“There are a lot of expenses that are out there that are increasing and the districts don’t have a lot of control over them,” said Michael Griffith, an analyst at the Learning Policy Institute who studies school finance.But districts are also feeling the impact of yearslong declines in enrollment.Nearly 30 of the 50 largest districts have recently cited declining enrollment. Most school districts are funded based on how many students they have, so lower enrollment makes it harder to keep up with rising costs.The result: school closures, beloved staff members losing their jobs, and higher class sizes.Some districts, like Broward County in south Florida, say they have little choice. Enrollment in Broward County Public Schools — the sixth-largest in the country — has declined by nearly 40,000 students, or 17%, over the past decade.In what the district has billed to the community as a “realignment,” Broward is cutting its staff by 1,000 positions. The district is also closing six schools, with more closures possible. Superintendent Howard Hepburn said these are the toughest decisions he’s had to make in his two years leading Broward.“It costs us a lot of money on the operation side, so we’re spending more money on operating the school rather than spending a lot of money on actually educating kids in that school and providing all the bells and whistles that come with a school that’s at capacity,” he said.Why are school districts cutting staff and programs?Griffith and other experts say there’s not one overarching cause hurting school budgets.Decades-long enrollment decline is one driving force. This year appears to be a year for reckoning over enrollment for a lot of big school districts.Take Los Angeles Unified, the second-biggest district in the country. Like Broward, the district has hemorrhaged students over the last decade, with a 28% enrollment decline, according to state data. In February, L.A. Unified took steps to lay off as many as 3,200 people, though about 650 actual layoffs are expected, due to attrition and other strategies.Julien Lafortune, a senior fellow with the Public Policy Institute of California, said districts in his state this year are confronting enrollment declines of as much as 20%, in the case of some districts in the Los Angeles area. So even while total per student funding has increased in California — a fact politicians often tout — district administrators still have to cut, because they have fewer students.“You can have a situation where funding is going up, but districts are in deficits, are trying to find ways to cut, because the overall student count is going down, and so the total pie of funding is going down,” he said.Enrollment declines themselves have different causes in different districts. For example, the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement has led some families to keep their children home or move away.But there are several other reasons districts and outside experts have cited for cuts or potential budget cuts.Rising inflation, including food and fuel costs, has hit schools “across the board,” Griffith said. Many districts also agreed to teacher pay raises in recent years that are now hard to pay for at their current staffing levels.While states may be funding education at higher levels, federal pandemic relief funding has ended. Some districts still have employees and programs once funded by that money, a fact cited by Philadelphia’s school superintendent in explaining planned budget cuts this year. The same is true in Chicago, where leaders say they are facing a deficit of more than $730 million.Many school districts have not been able to find new local money to offset their rising costs. In Montgomery County, Maryland, the nation’s 14th-largest school district, county officials are balking at raising taxes to cover the school district’s budget request. A Michigan study found voters are rejecting property increases at the ballot at higher rates than in the past.Healthcare costs are also rising, Griffith said. While overall the costs of employer-sponsored plans are going up, the increased use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss is a notable factor. Some districts, including Broward County, are cutting employee coverage of these medications.Regardless of causes, some say that reductions are appropriate. They’ve pointed out that overall, schools are receiving more public funding than ever, even as the country’s test scores have declined.Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, has been an outspoken supporter of legislation passed last year to merge school districts into bigger, more efficient systems with class-size minimums, in order to cut costs.“In the last five years alone, property taxes have increased by over 40% with fewer kids in our schools, fewer opportunities in the classroom, and more inequities from town to town,” he said in a press conference in December.But Griffith said those critiques ignore the difficult reality of budgeting. For example, enrollment declines usually don’t happen evenly, so district officials may have to employ the same number of teachers to maintain state class size standards, even with fewer students.“Can there be efficiencies? Probably, you know, there can be efficiencies just about anywhere, right?” he said. “But the main driver right now is just inflation and the loss of students.”Painful school budget cuts in south FloridaThere may be no better region than south Florida that illustrates the complications of school budgeting this year.Overall the population of the state is increasing, including the number of people under 18. But school enrollment in several big districts like Broward and Miami-Dade Counties has declined. That’s likely due to declining birth rates, immigration policy, and an array of school choice measures giving families options outside of district schools.“I love competition,” Hepburn said. “I support parents’ rights to choose. So as a system, what we have to do to react is actually compete better and market ourselves.”Broward faces a $90 million budget deficit. The district’s budget for the current school year is $5 billion. To try to close the budget gap, district officials are cutting 1,000 positions. Of those, 700 are already vacant — the other 300 will be layoffs.Included in those layoffs are nearly 40 student support instructional specialists, who among other things identify students who may need help with their mental health.Slater Pauff, 14, an eighth grader at Westglades Middle School in Parkland, said the cuts mean he and his classmates will lose an adult he trusts enough to come to with sensitive problems.“It’s just important to have her, because a lot of kids know her, no one else really knows anyone else in the school board ... it’s important to have someone that actually helps,” he said.As the district grapples with layoffs that will go into effect at the end of the school year, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School media specialist Diana Haneski said some of the decisions board members are signing off on don’t make sense at the school level.“It feels like they don’t really understand what it’s like working at school,” she said.This story was produced by Chalkbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How cognitive automation can transform your business How cognitive automation can transform your businessIf you've ever copied/pasted the same thing 47 times while whispering "this is fine" to your laptop, congratulations, you've met the problem that cognitive automation is here to solve.For years, businesses have automated the obvious stuff: moving data from point A to point B, sending emails when a form gets filled out, scheduling posts to publish later. But cognitive automation is different. It's what happens when machines stop just doing tasks and start making decisions about them.In other words, it's automation that doesn't just follow instructions—it thinks (at least a little). It can read, classify, predict, summarize, and decide based on patterns it's learned, not just rules you painstakingly hard-coded during a caffeine spiral in 2019.Here, Zapier digs into cognitive automation and how it can transform a business.What is cognitive automation?Cognitive automation (often called AI automation) adds AI to traditional automation, with the goal of automating tasks that normally require human cognition (perception, understanding, learning, and decision-making).Classic automation thrives on strict rules and tidy inputs. Cognitive systems, on the other hand, can interpret information before acting on it. For example, it can read a casually-written email, extract details from a blurry image or PDF, or spot a purchase pattern hidden inside thousands of transactions—the kind of pattern a human could theoretically find, if that human had infinite patience and no desire to ever feel joy again.Here are the key components that make cognitive automation work:Machine learning (ML): This is what helps AI learn from data over time, so it gets better at its job without being told to. For example, the more call transcripts it reads, the better it gets at spotting hesitation signals.Natural language processing (NLP): NLP lets AI understand how we talk and interact, whether that's a formal contract or a terse Slack email.Computer vision and OCR: This allows automation to "see" and interpret images or scanned documents (like identifying a packaging machine in a picture of an assembly line).Agentic AI: In some setups, multiple AI agents can perceive, reason, act, and collaborate to achieve complex objectives, like managing an entire marketing campaign from content creation to ad placement and budget optimization.Sentiment analysis: This detects the emotional tone behind text or audio recordings (like knowing to prioritize an angry customer email over a simple return request).Cognitive automation vs. RPARobotic process automation (RPA) and cognitive automation are related, but they solve different problems. RPA is best for predictable, rules-based tasks. Cognitive automation is necessary when the system has to interpret information before deciding what to do.RPA is great for automating repetitive, high-volume data entry tasks, like a bot extracting data from a PDF invoice and manually entering it into a legacy ERP system without needing a direct API connection.Cognitive automation helps when the format changes. If an invoice arrives as a scan, payment details come through a voicemail, or a customer explains a problem in plain language, a cognitive system can help interpret that information and move the work forward.In other words, use RPA—or another type of workflow automation—to automate repetitive tasks. Use cognitive automation for processes where the end goal is clear, but the path to it changes every time.Benefits of cognitive business automationCognitive business automation isn't just about doing things faster—it's about doing them smarter. When systems can analyze information, spot patterns, and make judgment calls, you move beyond basic efficiency into actual strategic advantage. Less manual triage. Fewer bottlenecks. More time spent on work that requires a human brain—like creativity, empathy, and knowing when not to hit “reply all.”Complex analysis: It can process large volumes of emails, transcripts, documents, audio, and other unstructured data faster.Adaptability: It can handle more variation than rules-based automation, which is helpful when formats, phrasing, or inputs change.Efficiency: It understands the entire workflow, from trigger to completion. It can reduce the manual review work that slows down routing, triage, and decision-making.Accuracy: Human analysis is prone to bias, fatigue, and simple oversight errors. Cognitive automation reduces these risks, especially in data-heavy fields (though it still needs oversight for higher-stakes work).Scalability: It can help teams handle more volume without adding the same amount of manual effort. Zapier Cognitive automation examplesCognitive automation is most useful when work depends on interpreting something before taking action. Here are a few practical examples:1. Customer serviceSupport teams deal with a constant mix of simple requests, edge cases, and emotionally charged messages. Cognitive automation can help sort that queue before a human ever opens it.For example, AI can analyze an incoming email or voicemail, identify the customer's intent, detect urgency, and send the case down the right path. A billing question might get an automated reply, while a frustrated cancellation request might get escalated to a human agent right away.2. ITIT teams spend a shocking amount of time buried in repetitive tickets (think password resets, access permissions, and "my computer is slow" tickets). Cognitive automation can help triage those requests, suggest known fixes, and document what happened for audit or compliance purposes.3. HRHR teams spend a lot of time reviewing resumes, interview notes, and onboarding documents, much of it in inconsistent formats.A common use case for cognitive automation is initial candidate screening. AI can review incoming resumes, compare them against a set of requirements, and help recruiters prioritize which candidates to review first.4. SalesSales teams collect useful signals everywhere—call transcripts, emails, CRM notes, and meeting summaries. The challenge is turning messy, scattered data into something actionable before the moment passes.Cognitive automation can help by identifying signals like urgency, objections, budget concerns, or competitor mentions, then surfacing the next best action for your rep.5. MarketingMarketing teams often need to pull insights from online reviews, support tickets, surveys, social posts, and product feedback all at once. That's a perfect fit for cognitive automation.Add a brain to your workflowsWhen systems can interpret information, adapt to variation, and make informed decisions, teams stop spending their time translating chaos into structure and start actually using that structure to move faster.Instead of building endless workflows to handle every possible edge case, you build systems that can handle the edge cases for you. That means fewer brittle processes, less manual triage, and more capacity to focus on work that benefits from human judgment.This story was produced by Zapier and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Eldridge officials respond to volunteer fire department Eldridge officials are responding to claims made by the Eldridge Volunteer Fire Department on social media.

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