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

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
	Muscatine proclaims May as Affordable Housing Month The City of Muscatine has declared May 2026 is Affordable Housing Month. The proclamation was made during the May 19 Muscatine City Council meeting. According to a release: Why Affordable Housing Matters in Muscatine - Community Stability — Safe, attainable housing helps families build long term roots and contributes to neighborhood resilience. - Workforce Support [...]
	Sunsets getting later and later this month in the Quad Cities Have you noticed how long the days are this time of year? The sun comes up around 5:30 and doesn't set until almost 8:30! This gaining daylight trend keeps up for another month, until we hit the summer solstice on June 21st. Here's a look at the sunset specifically, it's heading toward the latest ones [...]
	MercyOne announces new president/CEO After a nationwide search, Robert Baxter, FACHE, has been named the new president and CEO of MercyOne beginning Monday, June 22, according to a news release. He will succeed Michael Taylor, who has served in an interim capacity since the beginning of January. Baxter brings more than 30 years of health care experience, most recently [...]
	Researchers looking for endangered Blanding's turtles in the Milan Bottoms Elizabeth VanCamp joined The Current to discuss the difficulties with finding the turtles and why people should care about their shelled friends.
	‘Santa’ facing extradition after being accused of money laundering, police say A 73-year-old man who is known locally for portraying Santa Claus is facing extradition after being charged with several fraud and money laundering charges.
	MercyOne names Robert Baxter as new president and CEO MercyOne names Robert Baxter as new president and CEO, effective June 22. Baxter, a University of Iowa alum, joins from Bon Secours Mercy Health.
	Black bears becoming regular visitors in northeast Iowa Vince Evelsizer with the Iowa DNR joined The Current to discuss where the bears are being spotted and what you need to know to keep safe around them.
	Advice for 2026 commencement speakers: Don't bring up AI Commencement speakers who bring up the sweeping changes that artificial intelligence is driving are facing boos from the Class of 2026.
	A sneak peek into the Memorial Day Weekend Just a couple of days now until the Memorial Day weekend here in the US, and for us here in the Quad Cities, it couldn't be any better. While temperatures have been a bit on the cooler side so far this week and will continue to remain that way through Friday, things are warming up [...]
	2026 Quad Cities Chalk Art Fest, May 30 and 21 With the eagerly anticipated weekend event hosted by Rock Island's Quad City Arts and taking place for the 10th time, glorious colors and imaginative designs will be gracing the pavement of Rock Island's Schwiebert Riverfront Park in the Quad Cities Chalk Art Fest, a May 30 and 31 pre-summertime fixture boasting free admission, beautiful artistic creations, live music, children's activities, food and drink vendors, and more than $2,000 in cash prizes.
	Elon Musk's SpaceX files paperwork for what's likely to be the biggest IPO in history The company is on track to pull off the largest IPO in history — making CEO Elon Musk even wealthier.
	Elon Musk's SpaceX IPO plans reveal blockbuster spending on rockets and AI The company is on track to pull off the largest IPO in history — making CEO Elon Musk even wealthier.
	Final major group of Iowa National Guard soldiers to return home soon Nearly 200 soldiers are now back in America.
	Former Dubuque Teacher facing federal child exploitation charges A former Dubuque high school teacher is charged with six federal charges connected with child exploitation allegations.
	ORA Orthopedics introduces first-in-the-nation weight-bearing CT scanner The Planmed XFI Cone-beam CT Scanner can take scans while patients are standing or seated, instead of only while laying down.
	Channel Cat Water Taxi to open for 2026 season with expanded experiences, live music series The Channel Cat Water Taxi, a Quad Cities summertime staple is opening for the 2026 season, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
	MercyOne announces new president and CEO An interim president and CEO has been leading the company since January.
	“The Rainmaker,” June 4 through 14 Hailed by the New York Daily Mirror as “a hit you must see” and by the Los Angeles Times as “a handsomely staged case for miracles,” playwright N. Richard Nash's 1953 classic The Rainmaker enjoys a June 4 through 14 run at Geneseo's Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, this optimistic charmer famed for its beloved 1956 movie adaptation starring Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn.
	Quad City Arts' Chalk Art Fest needs volunteers Quad City Arts needs volunteers for the 2026 Chalk Art Fest, taking place on May 30 – 31 in Schwiebert Park in Rock Island. Chalk Art Fest is a free, live outdoor arts festival that brings hundreds of artists together who spend hours transforming the cement pavement at Schwiebert Park into a museum of chalk [...]
	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: GONKARNUE KPAN, 37, 6’2”, 182 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Wanted in Scott County for parole violation and escape on a conviction for indecent [...]
	Bettendorf man arrested after alleged rifle sale to undercover agent A Bettendorf man is accused of trying to sell a rifle to an undercover MEG agent. Read more about the case here.
	How to help children cope after shootings like the San Diego mosque killings Children closest to an incident of gun violence have the most risk of lasting psychological effects. Here's what all parents should know about how to buffer trauma.
	Channel Cat Water Taxi opens for the 2026 season this Friday New this season, local musicians will perform live on the boat during regular operating hours. Here are the details.
	Ascentra Credit Union to break ground in Rock Island on new branch Ascentra Credit Union is planning to add another branch to the Quad Cities community.
	3 QC men arrested, accused of selling drugs at work Three Quad Cities men have been arrested after Davenport Police say they distributed drugs at a business where they were employed. Criminal complaints filed in Scott County Court say the Davenport Police Department's Tactical Operations Bureau executed a search warrant on April 28 at the Breeze Market Shell, 3622 N Brady Street, regarding a marijuana [...]
	Death Notice: Louis Allers A Celebration of Life luncheon for Louis D. Allers Sr., 70, of Davenport, will be held at noon on Wednesday, May 27, at the Walcott American Legion. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 26, from 4-7 p.m. at the Runge Mortuary, Davenport. Mr. Allers died Monday, May 18, 2026. Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.rungemortuary.com. An obituary will appear in the May 27 edition of The NSP.
	The U.S. threatens to revoke the Palestinian U.N. ambassador's visa A leaked State Department memo shows the U.S. threatened to revoke Palestinian visas if they pushed for a senior United Nations post.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for May 20, 2026 Illinois and Iowa DOT officials are hosting an open house to discuss the Centennial Bridge project, and welding students are gearing up for an annual competition.
	Centennial Bridge future: DOTs narrow replacement options for 80-year-old span The Illinois and Iowa departments of transportation say they have narrowed the options as they weigh the cost of repairs and replacement of the Centennial Bridge.
	Meta slashes 8,000 jobs as it pivots towards AI Facebook and Instagram's parent company has been investing huge sums of money in AI, but it lags behind competitors.
	2026 Choose Iowa Passport Adventure launches The 2026 Choose Iowa Passport Adventure launched today, helping visitors find Iowa-sourced products and agritourism opportunities. Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to explain how the passport helps visitors find ag-related products and experiences in the state. “Today we launched the 2026 version of the Choose Iowa [...]
	After the Kars4Kids ad is banned in California, we check in on nostalgic jingles past A California judge has given Kars4Kids 30 days to either take its ads off the air or update them to disclose its affiliations to a Jewish charity based in the Northeast.
	U.S. grand jury indicts Raul Castro, ex-Cuban president The 94-year-old former leader of Cuba faces several charges, including four counts of murder for an attack on a humanitarian group more than 30 years ago.
	PHOTO GALLERY: Donahue digs in Last Thursday marked one of Donahue mayor Ken Schoenthaler's favorite days of the year. John Glenn fifth graders walked down to the fire station to plant flowers that will be placed around town. Schoenthaler said it's a great opportunity for students to learn small ways they can make a big impact on their community. NSP photos by Erin M. Gentz
	Davenport Democrats weigh experience, fresh voice in House District 97 primary Democratic voters in Iowa House District 97 will choose between Ken Croken and Adam Peters in the June 2 primary. Find more on the candidates and where they stand here.
	Bipartisan home affordability bill passes the House The bill is meant to encourage home construction, and would ban corporate investors from buying up more homes to rent out.
	Davenport man accused of sexual abuse A Davenport man is charged after an investigation into a sexual abuse that police said spanned several months.
	WATCH LIVE: RFK Jr. attends signing of Iowa MAHA bill into law Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is on hand as Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signs into law a bill inspired by his Make America Healthy Again movement.
	The San Diego mosque shooting victims remembered as 'heroes' for protecting children Amin Abdullah, Nadir Awad and Mansour Kaziha distracted and delayed two gunmen at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Their actions saved the many children and staff inside the mosque and cost them their lives.
	Greetings from Bali, where a kecak dance shows the triumph of good over evil The kecak dance involves a retelling of one of the stories in the Ramayana, the Hindu epic poem. At the story's climax, there is an eruption of fire as tufts of dried coconut husks are set aflame.
	QCA gas station receives grant to sell Iowa-grown products With holiday travel just around the corner, the American Automobile Association (AAA) reports the national average for gas is just over $4.50. It's over $5 a gallon across Illinois. While Iowa sits at a little less than the national average at $4.31 per gallon, a Davenport gas station is using a grant to uplift small [...]
	Having trouble focusing on your book? Try immersive reading Reading text of a book while listening to the audiobook is gaining steam among online book communities.
	Convicted sex offender facing new sexual abuse charge A Davenport man is charged after an investigation into alleged sexual abuse.
	Channel Cat Water Taxi returns for 2026 season, including new live music sessions Read the story to see what changes are coming to the Quad-Cities river taxi this season.
	Davenport man arrested, charged with lascivious acts with a child A Davenport man is in the Scott County Jail on a $1 million bond after police say he committed lascivious acts with a 5-year-old. The criminal complaint filed in the case said between early summer 2025 and the end of December 2025, the defendant, identified as Alan Mendez Pablo, 18, committed second-degree sexual abuse and [...]
	Drake's target audience is you, whoever you are On three new albums — Iceman, Maid of Honour and Habibti — the streaming era's defining star doubles down on a strategy of abundance, no matter the creative cost.
	Caffeine doesn't create energy. Here's what it really does Caffeine doesn't create energy. Here's what it really doesCaffeine might be one of the most misunderstood molecules out there. What it does in your body and what most people think it does are two very different stories.Caffeine is packaged and sold as energy, described as energy, and can sure feel like energy, in the near term.But at the biochemical level, caffeine doesn't produce a single unit of energy. It blocks fatigue signals and cranks up neurotransmitter activity. That distinction matters more than most people realize.This article from LMNT will help you understand how caffeine works, so you can start using it strategically — optimizing for focus and performance rather than chasing the buzz and riding out the crash.Key TakeawaysCaffeine doesn't produce energy — it blocks fatigue signals. At the biochemical level, caffeine creates zero units of energy. It just mutes the chemical messenger telling your brain you're tired.Caffeine works because it looks like adenosine, the “sleepy” molecule. Its molecular structure is similar enough to slip into the same receptors — crowding out adenosine and blocking the fatigued signal.Feeling more alert after consuming caffeine is a downstream effect. With adenosine blocked, stimulating neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine may increase. That's where the focus, mood lift, and mental sharpness come from.The fatigued signals that were muted don’t disappear. Adenosine keeps building in the background while caffeine blocks the receptors. Once caffeine clears, you return to baseline plus everything that accumulated while caffeine was in your system.What Makes You Feel Tired: The Role of AdenosineThat sluggish feeling that creeps in throughout the day? It's the predictable result of a molecule called adenosine building up in your brain.Here's the basic biochemistry: Your body runs on adenosine triphosphate (ATP); think of it as cellular currency — and electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are what keep that currency in circulation. Every time your cells spend ATP to do something like retrieve a memory, contract a muscle, or fire a neuron, they leave behind a metabolic byproduct called adenosine. The longer you’re awake, and the more you’re doing, the more adenosine accumulates. For most folks, adenosine is lowest in the mornings and slowly builds over the day.Your brain has specific receptors for adenosine — think of them like docking stations — called A1 and A2A receptors. As adenosine builds, it binds to those receptors and progressively suppresses your brain’s alertness circuits that promote wakefulness and neuronal firing. The result is fatigue.“The more adenosine builds up, the sleepier you feel,” says neuroscience professor and sleep expert Matthew Walker, Ph.D. “Usually after about 16 hours of being awake, you feel enough sleep pressure to fall asleep.”Sleep hits the reset button. Overnight, enzymes recycle adenosine and free up receptors. After a good night’s sleep, you wake up refreshed. Then the cycle repeats.How Caffeine Keeps You AwakeCaffeine’s molecular structure is remarkably similar to adenosine, so similar that it can bind to A1 and A2A receptors. And that’s where things get interesting.By occupying those sites, caffeine effectively crowds out adenosine, blocking the signals that would normally make you feel tired.The result is:A relative surge in stimulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.Short-term increase in concentration.Short-term decrease in drowsiness.Dr. Walker offers an analogy to visualize this process in action. Picture a room full of chairs. Those chairs represent your adenosine receptors. Normally, adenosine molecules fill those chairs, and when they do, they send your brain a clear message: You're tired, go to sleep.But when you consume caffeine, it races into the room and — elbowing adenosine out of the way — fills the seats instead. Adenosine is still there in the room, waiting and accumulating, but it can't sit down. If it can't sit down, it can't alert the brain of your mounting fatigue.This explains why caffeine doesn’t create energy. “It essentially hits the mute button on your sleepiness,” says Dr. Walker.Only after your liver metabolizes the caffeine and it clears your system can adenosine reclaim its chairs — giving your brain the full, unfiltered signal that it's time to rest. And that's when you feel every hour of buildup that was quietly accumulating in the background.Downstream neurotransmitter effectsIn addition to making you feel more alert and awake, research suggests low to moderate doses of caffeine can:Sharpen attention.Help you stay mentally locked in on tedious tasks.Boost mood.Speed up mental processing and reaction time.Enhance other cognitive processes.So caffeine can be your friend, when used strategically. The key phrase here is low-to-moderate doses.The positive downstream effects all trace back to mechanisms of caffeine mentioned previously: It has the ability to block adenosine receptors and trigger a relative surge in the activity of stimulating neurotransmitters that impact cognition and perceived energy.Those neurotransmitters include:Dopamine: Involved in our reward system, it boosts mood, pleasure, arousal, and motivation, and aids in learning, concentration, and achieving that coveted “flow state.”Norepinephrine: It is key to the fight-or-flight response — too much can make you jittery, but the right amount enhances alertness, arousal, attention, decision making, and focus.Acetylcholine: An important player in the central nervous system, acetylcholine helps enhance memory, learning, motivation, arousal, and attention.When adenosine is blocked:Dopamine receptors become more responsive to the dopamine already there.There’s likely a modest bump in dopamine release itself.Other stimulating neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and acetylcholine rise too. Together, these shifts in brain chemistry are what produce the classic caffeine buzz: the mood lift, the mental sharpness, and the performance benefits.The caffeine crashGoing back to the analogy of a room full of chairs, remember:Caffeine temporarily steals adenosine’s seats, but it doesn’t kick adenosine out of the room.Instead, adenosine builds in the background, quietly stacking sleep pressure.Once your liver has metabolized and cleared the caffeine, adenosine can bind to its receptors again. What happens next?“You don't return to the same level of tiredness you had before consuming caffeine,” explains Dr. Walker. “You return to that level plus everything that continued to build while the caffeine was blocking the signal. That's the caffeine crash.”Of course, the crash isn't always dramatic. It depends on the amount of caffeine you consumed, when you consumed it, your unique metabolization rate, and other contributing factors like sleep debt, lifestyle choices, and amount of stress.How Caffeine Works is Only Half the StoryCaffeine doesn’t give you energy. It temporarily mutes your brain’s fatigue signals while increasing neurotransmitter activity that keeps you alert and focused.It can absolutely be useful, but only when used strategically. The best strategy is one that is unique to your individual health blueprint.The mechanisms of caffeine are universal. The experience is not. The same dose and timing can make one person feel “in the zone” and another anxious and shaky.The gap comes down to how your body handles caffeine once it’s in your system. When it comes to caffeine tolerance, one-size-fits-all caffeine advice falls short. You’ll need to experiment to find what works for you.This story was produced by LMNT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to adapt and future-proof your SEO strategy for AI search results How to adapt and future-proof your SEO strategy for AI search resultsFun fact: Generative AI traffic grew 796% from January 2024 to December 2025. That growth doesn’t mean search engine optimization (SEO) is going away, but it means your prospects are discovering brands in new ways.The question is: Does your brand show up when prospects ask AI tools for answers and recommendations in your industry? Businesses need to rethink how to adapt SEO for AI search.A strong SEO program still matters, but rankings alone don’t keep you top-of-mind. To build a future-proof SEO strategy, you need strong foundational SEO, content that answers real buyer questions, visible trust signals, and a way to measure your visibility in AI-generated answers.WebFX’s guide will walk through how to update your SEO strategy for AI search without abandoning the fundamentals that still drive traffic, leads, and revenue.Why AI search changes how businesses should think about SEOSEO still matters in the age of generative engine optimization (GEO). That’s because GEO requires content that’s accessible, useful, and trustworthy, which are foundations of search-optimized pages.The next step is building on that foundation. GEO adds another layer to SEO by helping your content become easier for AI systems to understand, reference, and cite.That matters because AI search can influence your prospect’s buying journey before they click through to your site. If your brand appears in an AI answer, you may earn awareness, trust, or shortlist consideration earlier. If a competitor appears instead, they may shape the conversation before your analytics platform records a session.How to future-proof your SEO strategy for AI searchTo future-proof SEO for AI search, don’t replace your current SEO program with a separate “AI search” checklist. Build on the SEO foundation you already have, then improve how your content answers questions, demonstrates authority, and supports AI visibility.Use these tips to strengthen your SEO strategy for AI search:1. Keep your SEO foundation strongStart with the basics that make your content accessible and useful. Technical SEO plays a major role here because search engines and AI-powered search experiences need to crawl, render, understand, and index your content before they can show it to users.That said, your SEO foundation also includes on-page SEO, authority signals, and off-page SEO. Technical SEO gets your content in the door, but helpful content and trust signals improve its visibility.Make sure your product, service, pricing, and other important pages:Can be crawled and indexedUse clean, descriptive URLsInclude helpful internal linksHave an accurate XML sitemapAvoid conflicting canonical tagsDon’t hide important content behind scripts, tabs, or blocked resourcesAlso, check your visibility controls. Tags and settings like nosnippet, data-nosnippet, max-snippet, and noindex can limit how your content appears in search. Use them on pages like thank-you and welcome pages that you intentionally want excluded from search results or limited in snippets.2. Answer the real intent behind a keyword or questionTo make your content more useful for traditional search and AI search, identify your audience’s search intent behind each priority keyword.For each priority page, ask:What question brought this person here?What decision are they trying to make?What concerns could stop them from moving forward?What would they ask next?What proof would help them trust the answer?For example, you’re marketing a heavy equipment rental company. If someone searches “excavator rental,” they may want to know which excavator size fits their project, how much the rental will cost, whether delivery is included, and whether renting makes more sense than buying.That means your page can include sections like “What size excavator do I need for a commercial site?” “How much does a weekly excavator rental cost?” and “Should I rent or buy for a six-month project?”This approach supports traditional search intent and AI answer inclusion because the page gives search engines and readers more complete information to work with.3. Put direct answers where AI tools and readers can find themAI search tools and busy prospects have one thing in common: They need answers they can find quickly.Place a short, direct answer near the top of important sections. Use clear headings, concise paragraphs, bullets, tables, and summaries when they make the content easier to scan.Then, expand the answer with the details readers need to make a decision, such as cost factors, examples, requirements, comparisons, or next steps.This structure helps readers get the answer quickly while still giving them enough context to make a business decision.4. Add original insight that matches your audience’s intentAI can summarize common advice. To stand out in a sea of AI-generated content, your content needs to add what generic summaries can’t provide — experience, audience-specific context, original data, examples, and trust signals.Lean into what Google’s AI Overviews want to deliver — helpful content with unique perspectives that users can trust.That means letting experience and human expertise inform the content, adding videos or custom graphics when they help users, and including trust signals like certifications, awards, and author biographies.This is also where audience context matters. Two businesses can cover the same topic and need very different content angles.For example, a single-location dental clinic and a large dental office chain may both write about dental implants. The local clinic may need to emphasize nearby availability, the dentist’s experience, financing options, and insurance questions.Meanwhile, a multi-location dental office chain may lead with broad service coverage, flexible scheduling, multiple locations, and the ability to handle several dental needs under one brand.AI-assisted content can help with research, drafting, and structure, but the finished piece still needs to provide real value. Add expert review, specific examples, accurate information, and brand-specific context before publishing.5. Cover the questions buyers ask before they purchase or convertA single page rarely answers every question a buyer has. That’s why future-ready SEO needs topic coverage across the buying journey.Build content clusters that support questions at each stage:Awareness: What problem does the buyer need to solve?Research: What options do they have?Comparison: How do different providers, services, or products compare?Evaluation: What proof, pricing, and implementation details do they need?Purchase: What should they do next?For example, a heavy equipment company could build a topic cluster around excavator rentals with pages about rental pricing, excavator sizes, delivery fees, rental vs. buying, operator requirements, maintenance responsibilities, and project-specific use cases.As AI search becomes more conversational, this strategy becomes important. If your site covers only the broad topic, competitors with deeper supporting content may have more chances to appear in AI answer engines.6. Make trust signals visible on the pageWhen a prospect lands on a high-value page, they should quickly understand why they can trust the information. Add relevant trust signals such as:Author biosExpert reviewersCertificationsAwardsCase studiesClient testimonialsFirst-party researchSource citationsProduct screenshotsIndustry experienceClear “last updated” dates7. Use structured dataStructured data helps search engines understand your page. It can also make your content eligible for certain rich results, depending on the page type and supported features.Use schema where it fits the page, such as:Article schema for blog posts or informational articlesOrganization schema for business informationLocalBusiness schema for location pagesProduct schema for product pagesBreadcrumbList schema for site navigationFAQPage schema when the page meets requirementsHowTo schema where step-by-step instructions fit the contentThat being said, don’t treat schema as a shortcut to AI visibility. Structured data doesn’t replace helpful content, technical accessibility, or trust signals.Make sure your structured data matches the visible page content. If users can’t see it, don’t mark it up as if they can.8. Improve page experience for users who click throughAI visibility can get your brand into the conversation, but your website still needs to turn that interest into action.Focus first on the page experience elements that affect whether visitors stay and convert:Fast load timesMobile-friendly designClear headingsUseful visualsHelpful navigationThen, remove friction from the rest of the experience by:Limiting intrusive pop-upsMaking navigation easy to followGiving visitors accessible forms, clear next steps, and simple ways to contact your businessFor example, if a buyer clicks from an AI answer to your “commercial roofing services” page, they should quickly see what you offer, where you operate, the types of roofs you handle, why your team is qualified, and how to contact the business.9. Refresh priority pages before they become outdatedRefreshing priority pages helps your strongest content stay useful, accurate, and competitive. Start with pages that already influence your visibility, leads, revenue, or sales conversations.Prioritize updates for pages that:Already rank wellDrive leads or revenueSupport important sales conversationsTarget fast-changing topicsContain statistics, pricing, or product detailsInfluence comparison or purchase decisionsA quarterly review works for many evergreen pages. Fast-changing topics, such as AI search, paid advertising platforms, or software pricing, may need more frequent updates.For each update, check the substance and the structure. Don’t only add the current year to the title. Refresh the advice, examples, sources, screenshots, internal links, and next steps.If a page includes old statistics or outdated pricing, update those details before they create doubt for readers.Common mistakes when future-proofing your SEO strategyAdapting SEO for AI search can help your business stay visible, but over-optimizing for AI can pull your focus from what truly matters: helpful content, strong technical SEO, trust signals, and business results.Avoid these common mistakes when building your AI-ready SEO strategy:Treating AI search as a separate strategyYour GEO efforts should support your SEO strategy. Your SEO, content, PR, and analytics teams should work with the same goals: visibility, qualified traffic, leads, and revenue.Focusing on prompt testing and brand appearances in AI answersWhen marketing teams rewrite content to get mentioned by AI tools, they risk ignoring other fundamental SEO practices, which might affect visibility in organic search results and other channels, or for important prompts. Fix your site’s technical, on-page, and off-page SEO first before trying to gain visibility in AI platforms.Publishing generic AI-written content without human reviewAI tools can help with research, outlines, summaries, and content gap analysis. However, AI tools shouldn’t replace subject matter expertise.Mass-producing generic pages to target search visibility can create low-value content that doesn’t help readers or support your brand. You can use AI to support your process, but have your team review and add expert insights, original examples, and business-specific context.Adding schema markup that doesn’t match visible contentStructured data should clarify your content and help search engines understand your page. If you add FAQ schema for answers that don’t appear on the page, or mark up reviews that users can’t see, you create a trust problem.Use structured data honestly, and validate it before publishing.Tracking only rankings and organic sessionsAdd AI visibility metrics to your reporting, such as AI mentions, AI citations, AI-referred traffic, assisted conversions, and lead quality.This helps you understand whether your brand shows up when buyers ask AI tools about your industry, products, services, and competitors.Updating content structure without improving substanceFormatting alone can’t earn you citations and readers’ trust. To gain your customers’ trust and enhance AI visibility, you must publish authoritative content.Add original data, expert insights, real-world examples, and stronger proof points so your audience, search engines, and AI platforms can consider you a reliable source in your niche.Assuming every AI answer will drive a clickAI visibility doesn’t always lead to immediate traffic, so don’t measure it solely by clicks. Track visibility, but keep tying your work back to qualified traffic, leads, pipeline, and revenue.What the future of SEO looks like with AIThe future of SEO is broader search visibility. Your prospects are still using Google search, but they may also discover brands through ChatGPT, Perplexity, YouTube, and review sites.Generative AI is becoming a strategic channel. Although it accounts for only 0.18% of traffic in 2025, conversions from AI-referred traffic increased by 6,432% YoY. This means visitors coming from AI sources are turning into leads, customers, or engaging with your brand.That doesn’t mean businesses should abandon traditional SEO, though. It means SEO strategies need to account for how people research and make purchase decisions today.Your content should help prospects find helpful answers, understand their options, and see why they can trust your business across search engines and other emerging channels.The future of SEO belongs to brands that can stay visible wherever prospects search.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Voice AI in healthcare: Strategy, safety, and deployment for health systems Voice AI in healthcare: Strategy, safety, and deployment for health systemsLeading healthcare organizations are deploying voice AI agents that handle hundreds of thousands of interactions monthly, driving patient satisfaction up while costs and no-shows go down. This guide from Quiq provides your strategic roadmap, from business case and safety to technical architecture and change management.Key TakeawaysVoice AI can transform access and operations, not just reduce costs. Health systems using AI voice agents for scheduling, reminders, and outreach reduce call-center volume, cut no-shows, and improve access without adding staff, all while building a differentiated patient experience.Start with high volume, low complexity calls for fastest wins. Appointment scheduling, rescheduling, and reminders often represent 40%–60% of inbound volume and can achieve 70%–80% containment with a well-designed AI voice agent.Robust safety and compliance unlock responsible innovation. HIPAA compliance, BAAs, explicit scope limits, and clear escalation rules make voice channels safe, which is critical for maintaining trust in healthcare.Generative AI improves patient experience at scale. Modern conversational agents understand natural language, adapt naturally to conversations, and personalize interactions, all within strict guardrails.Success requires a phased, governed rollout. The most effective systems start with a narrow pilot, validate, track KPIs, then expand use cases based on proven outcomes, mirroring a structured “pilot to scale” roadmap.Executive Summary for Health Systems and Health CareVoice AI is emerging as a core lever for health systems that need to improve patient access, stabilize staffing, and protect margins. Modern agentic AI agents understand natural language, connect to your Electronic Health Record, and complete nonclinical workflows like scheduling and outreach—24/7. Quiq Deployed well, voice AI can achieve 70%–80% containment on routine interactions, cut call-center costs by double digits, and significantly reduce no-shows through smarter reminders and easy rescheduling. Patients experience faster access and less friction; staff reclaim time for complex, high-value work.Because voice AI touches patient data and live patients, safety, privacy, and governance must be foundational. That means clear scope limits, HIPAA-grade security, and explicit escalation rules.Business Case: ROI for Call Centers and Health System OperationsBuilding your business case requires quantifying three key benefits: cost savings from automating routine interactions, staff time reclaimed for complex cases, and revenue protection from reducing missed appointments.1. Estimating Cost Savings from Call‑Center AutomationHealthcare systems’ access centers routinely handle hundreds of thousands to millions of calls annually. A large share are routine scheduling and basic information, which are ideal for automation.Consider this model: your access center fields 1.2 million inbound calls per year at a fully loaded cost of $5 per call. If 50% are routine scheduling and simple questions (600,000 calls costing $3 million), and a voice AI agent contains 75% of those, it automates 450,000 interactions—saving roughly $2.25 million in operational costs, minus platform fees.2. Quantifying Staff Time Reclaimed for Complex CallsYour healthcare workforce spends much of their day on low‑complexity work: straightforward bookings, “when and where” questions, and basic intake. When voice AI absorbs these predictable interactions, staff can redirect time to higher‑value tasks like supporting vulnerable or high‑risk patients, untangling complex issues, and collaborating directly with healthcare providers.Across a team of dozens of schedulers, automating hundreds of thousands of phone calls per year can free the equivalent of several full‑time roles, without additional hiring.3. Modeling Revenue Protection from Missed‑Appointment ReductionNo‑shows and late cancellations quietly erode revenue and access. Every empty slot means lost visit revenue and wasted provider time.Voice AI helps reduce no‑shows by delivering timely, personalized reminders, letting patients confirm or reschedule in natural language, and quickly backfilling cancellations from waitlists. For example, if your system runs 500,000 appointments annually with a 20% no‑show rate (100,000 missed visits) and earns $100–$250 net per visit, cutting no‑shows by 20% relative—from 20% to 16%—recovers 20,000 visits, protecting $2–$5 million in revenue each year and driving operational efficiency.AI Voice Agent Types and Use Cases in Health CareInbound Scheduling and Access ServicesScheduling and access questions represent the vast majority of inbound call volume, making them ideal for automation.Voice AI can handle variations like “Can I move my MRI to next week?” or “What time is my appointment and where do I go?” An AI voice agent can verify identity, check real‑time provider schedules, offer time slots, and confirm bookings.When it detects complexity or distress, it follows clear rules to escalate to a human agent with full context for a seamless handoff.Outbound Outreach and Patient EngagementInstead of generic robocalls, patient engagement voice AI can place personalized reminder calls:“You have an appointment with Dr. Patel this Thursday at 2 p.m. Can you still make it?”If the patient says no, the agent offers alternative times and reschedules.Similar workflows power proactive outreach for overdue screenings, chronic‑condition follow‑ups, and simple post‑discharge check‑ins.The same agent can continue the conversation over SMS or web chat, so outreach and rescheduling stay in sync across channels.Agentic AI for End‑to‑End WorkflowsAgentic AI agents go beyond handling a single question; they can autonomously complete multi‑step workflows by coordinating across existing systems.In scheduling, that might look like: verify the patient, check eligibility and visit type rules, search for appropriate providers and locations, present time options, book the visit, send confirmation and pre‑visit instructions.Voice AI platforms enable you to build these agentic workflows, while ensuring your agent adheres to your specific guardrails and escalation rules.Documentation and Clinical Intake SupportFor documentation, your agent can summarize scheduling and outreach calls, and push that information into your EHR or CRM. Access staff spend less time typing, and clinicians see clearer context when patients arrive.For patient intake support, your agent conducts structured symptom gathering under clinician‑approved scripts: what symptoms the patient is experiencing, when they started, and other relevant information.It clearly states that it collects information, does not give medical advice, and routes the call to clinical staff when appropriate.Conversational AI and Generative AI CapabilitiesModern large language models and generative AI give voice AI agents the ability to understand varied phrasing and accents, keep track of multi‑turn conversations, and respond in natural, empathetic language instead of rigid scripts. Human-like conversations are now possible at scale.When a patient says, “I had to cancel yesterday—my schedule is crazy next week. Anything after 3 p.m.?”, the agent can interpret both the need to reschedule and the preference for late‑afternoon slots, not just match keywords.For patient engagement, the goal is to lower friction and shorten waits: let patients say what they need in their own words, answer instantly 24/7, and avoid making them repeat information as the conversation progresses or hands off to a human. The agent should also adjust tone when it detects stress or confusion, and escalate quickly when a situation sounds sensitive or complex.Personalization must stay safe and nonclinical. That means remembering and referencing upcoming or recent visits, offering familiar locations or providers, and honoring language and channel preferences, without straying into diagnosis or treatment advice.Handling Complex Calls and Escalations in Call CentersAutomation has to stop the moment there is clinical risk. Healthcare voice AI should escalate as soon as a patient mentions red‑flag symptoms—chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke signs, suicidal thoughts—or when the system detects high distress or uncertainty.Clinical leadership should explicitly define, test, and approve those triggers and confidence thresholds.When escalation happens, the AI should pass relevant conversation context to the receiving nurse or scheduler—why the patient is calling, key details gathered so far, and any urgency flags—so the clinician can pick up without asking the patient to repeat themselves.If the voice assistants can’t confidently understand a request after one or two clarifications, they should simply acknowledge that, offer a human, and transfer the call with whatever context it has already captured.Triage and Warm Handoff WorkflowsFor pre‑triage, voice AI can follow clinician‑approved scripts to collect basic symptom information: what the patient is experiencing, when it started, how severe it is, and whether any alarming signs are present.The agent must clearly state that it is gathering information, not giving medical advice, and immediately escalate when certain phrases or patterns appear. When a nurse or clinician takes over, they should receive that structured intake—reason for call, key answers, and risk indicators—so they can focus on clinical decision-making rather than re‑collecting details. Quiq Technical Architecture for AI Voice in Health SystemsWhen evaluating voice AI systems for healthcare, technical excellence and clinical safety are non‑negotiable. Here’s what to look for in an enterprise‑grade solution:ASR Accuracy and Latency Requirements: Automatic Speech Recognition needs to reliably capture everyday language and common medical terms with high accuracy, typically 95%+ for general conversation and 98%+ for key clinical vocabulary. Latency from the end of a patient’s utterance to the AI’s response should stay under 300 ms to feel conversational, not stop‑and‑go.TTS Naturalness and Multi‑Voice Needs: Text‑to‑Speech quality shapes patient perception. Voices should be clear, natural‑sounding, and support the languages and dialects in your patient population, ensuring leading voice quality.Model Hosting Options: Most health systems deploy in HIPAA‑compliant cloud environments with SOC 2 Type II certification, encryption in transit and at rest, and regional data residency. Some may require hybrid or on‑premise components. Vendors should provide clear data‑flow diagrams and options that meet your security requirements.Integration with EHR, Telephony, and APIsVoice AI only delivers value if it connects seamlessly to the systems that run your operations today.Integration with your EHR should allow the agent to read relevant data and write back bookings, reschedules, and cancellations, keeping schedules accurate.On the telephony side, the platform should plug into your existing PSTN or SIP infrastructure, so inbound and outbound calls flow through the carriers and numbers patients already use, with support for routing rules, caller ID, high concurrency, and fallback to human queues if needed. This allows the system to handle thousands of calls simultaneously.Beyond EHR and telephony, integration with CRM, identity providers, and messaging channels let a single voice AI agent follow the patient from phone to text to live agent without losing context.Data Security, Privacy, and ComplianceMap regulatory requirements by jurisdiction: U.S. health systems must comply with HIPAA, HITECH, and state privacy laws. Multi‑national organizations face GDPR and varying rules across regions. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act sets the baseline.Before any PHI is processed, require a signed Business Associate Agreement.In addition, you’ll need security infrastructure that enforces encryption for patient data in transit and at rest, implements role‑based access controls and data retention policies, mandates comprehensive audit logging, and supports independent security and compliance audits on a regular basis. Patient consent must also be managed appropriately within these workflows.Safety, Validation, and Risk Mitigation for AI AgentsBefore deployment, health systems should run structured clinical validation with real but controlled scenarios to confirm that the agent stays within its nonclinical scope, follows approved scripts, and escalates appropriately when risk appears.Comprehensive Testing and Auditability: Testing should go beyond basic pass/fail checks. Save and rerun tests on demand to audit the entire AI agent chain—not just the final response, but how the ASR transcribed speech, which topic was detected, what data was retrieved, and why the agent made each decision. This end-to-end traceability is critical for catching edge cases and ensuring consistent performance over time.Confidence Thresholds and Real-Time Escalation: Implement confidence thresholds so the agent can analyze the conversation in real time. If confidence is low, the patient sounds upset, or the topic strays outside approved domains, the AI should escalate immediately, rather than attempt to continue.Human Review for Clinical Workflows: For workflows that approach clinical advice or triage—like symptom intake or post‑discharge check‑ins—escalation to a nurse or clinician isn’t optional; it’s the core safety mechanism that keeps AI assistive rather than autonomous in clinical contexts.Platforms should provide conversation history, decision logs, and analytics so that teams can validate behavior, diagnose issues, and refine prompts, flows, and escalation rules over time. This approach respects the need for human intervention when AI reaches its limits.Implementation Roadmap for Health Systems DeploymentsPhase 1 – Foundation: Assemble cross-functional team including executive sponsor, project owner, clinical leadership, access operations, IT/IS, compliance/privacy, and patient experience. Audit legacy IVR and access center systems—document existing call flows, call volumes, authentication methods, EHR integration points, and assess API availability.Phase 2 – Design and Prototyping: Prototype conversational flows. Script 3–5 core scheduling scenarios, involve frontline schedulers and nurses in workflow design, recruit 20–30 patients, conduct testing with real interactions, gather qualitative feedback through built-in analytics, and iterate based on findings.Phase 3 – Pilot Launch and Evaluation: Launch phased pilot with single high-volume use case—such as primary care scheduling—directing 5%–10% of calls initially for 60–90 days. Target patient satisfaction >60%, containment >70%, escalation accuracy >95%—all metrics trackable in real-time through insights. Collect daily dashboards showing AI agent performance and rapidly iterate based on real-world patient interactions.Phase 4 – Phased Rollout: Once pilot metrics hit patient experience and safety targets, schedule phased rollout by call volume priority through vertical scaling (10% to 100% traffic on the proven line), horizontal scaling by adding use cases, geographic scaling across facilities, and channel scaling to messaging platforms. Quiq Vendor Selection and Procurement for AI Voice AgentsWhen selecting a vendor, require clear evidence of SOC 2 and HIPAA alignment, plus willingness to sign a BAA.Ask for deployment architecture diagrams and data‑locality options, so you know where PHI lives and how it flows.Finally, evaluate how well the platform handles complex, multi‑turn calls and escalations—not just simple FAQs—including support for warm handoffs and troubleshooting when something goes wrong.Measuring Success: KPIs for Conversational AI and Call CentersTrack call containment rate weekly by use case and topic.Measure average hold time, and average work time, and speed to answer for both AI and human channels.Monitor clinical escalation accuracy to ensure escalations are appropriate and timely.Survey staff satisfaction and perceived workload changes quarterly to understand the impact of automation on your teams. These metrics provide actionable insights to refine the patient journey.Regulatory and Governance Considerations for Generative AIMap your Voice AI features against SaMD and clinical decision‑support boundaries to ensure the system stays clearly outside regulated diagnosis and treatment functions.Prepare documentation for post‑market surveillance, including incident logs, performance metrics, and change history. Establish a formal policy for AI models and prompt updates, with required approvals, testing, and audits before changes are promoted to production.Roadmap for Responsible AI Voice Adoption in Health SystemsHealthcare AI on voice is becoming a strategic lever for access and efficiency—but it has to be deployed responsibly.Early deployments commonly achieve 70%–80% containment on targeted scheduling lines, reduced wait times and abandonment, improved completion of screenings and follow‑up visits through outbound programs, and positive patient feedback on faster access and 24/7 availability.In summary:Prioritize Your Pilot Use Case: Start with high‑volume, low‑complexity lines like central scheduling and appointment reminders, where risk is low and results are easy to measure.Commit to Safety, Security, and Governance: Bake in clinical scope limits, escalation rules, and ongoing safety and privacy reviews from day one, and continue them as you scale.Pilot, Measure, Then Scale: Run a time‑boxed pilot with clear KPIs, collect clinician and patient feedback, tune based on real conversations, and then expand based on proven outcomes.The future of patient-centered care is conversational, intelligent, and always available. The goal isn’t replacing human care—it’s amplifying it, so your teams focus where they’re needed most.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)How do voice agents help with administrative load in the healthcare industry?Voice agents (also called virtual assistants) handle high-volume phone based tasks like insurance verification, prescription refills, and the ability to schedule appointments. By managing these automated systems in healthcare organizations, the AI reduces the cognitive load on healthcare providers and staff, allowing them to focus on direct patient care and treatment plans. Ultimately, voice AI agents improve patient outcomes.Can AI voice agents handle sensitive topics like mental health?While voice systems can assist with initial intake and schedule appointments for mental health services to reduce administrative burden, they must operate with strict guardrails. Advanced natural language processing in patient calls allows the agent to detect distress. However, patient trust and safety are paramount. If a patient indicates a crisis, the system should immediately transfer the call to a human professional, rather than attempting to manage the situation alone.Are healthcare AI voice agents used in clinical trials?Yes, voice agents are increasingly used in clinical trials for modern medicine to improve participant retention and data collection. They can conduct automated follow-up calls to check on healthcare services utilization or side effects, ensuring consistent performance in data gathering without placing a heavy burden on the research staff.What is the role of human interaction when using an AI voice agent?Human interaction remains the gold standard for complex medical care. The goal of an AI voice agent for healthcare organizations is not to replace humans, but to handle routine tasks via human-like conversations, so that staff are available faster and when they matter most. A well-designed system ensures a seamless handoff to a human when the request is complex or requires clinical judgment.This story was produced by Quiq and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Can you develop allergies later in life? Can you develop allergies later in life?If you've made it through childhood and young adulthood without sneezing, itchy eyes, or congestion, you might think you're in the clear. Unfortunately, that's not necessarily the case. While most people develop allergies during childhood, your immune system can still decide to overreact to previously harmless substances well into your adult years. Understanding adult-onset allergies can help you recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate treatment to maintain your quality of life as you age.Below, Doctronic examines adult-onset allergies, including common triggers, symptoms, and treatment options.Key TakeawaysAdult-onset allergies can develop at any age, even into your 60s and 70s.About 20% of allergies develop in adulthood, while 80% occur during childhood.Seasonal and perennial allergies have different triggers and timing patterns.Genetics play a role, but environmental factors and life changes can trigger new allergies.Proper testing and treatment are essential to prevent complications like secondary infections.Understanding Adult-Onset AllergiesAllergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances as dangerous invaders and launches an aggressive defense response. This overreaction produces antibodies that trigger the uncomfortable symptoms we associate with allergies, including sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. While about 80% of people with allergies develop them during childhood, the remaining 20% experience their first allergic reactions as adults.Healthcare providers regularly see patients developing new allergies in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and even 70s. These late-onset allergies can be just as severe and disruptive as those that develop earlier in life. The substances that trigger adult allergies are typically the same ones that affect children, including pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, certain foods, and environmental pollutants. What makes adult-onset allergies particularly challenging is that people often dismiss their symptoms as cold, sinus problems, or simply getting older, when proper essential life-planning tips should include awareness of changing health patterns.Seasonal vs. Perennial AllergiesAdult-onset allergies generally fall into two categories: seasonal and perennial. Seasonal allergies occur at specific times of the year when certain plants release pollen into the air. In most regions, there are three primary allergy seasons. Spring allergies typically peak in April and May when trees like oak, maple, and birch release their pollen. Late spring and early summer allergies occur from May through early July when grasses pollinate. Fall allergies strike from late August through early October when ragweed dominates the air.Perennial allergies, on the other hand, can cause symptoms year-round because they're triggered by indoor allergens that are always present. These include dust mites, pet dander, and indoor mold. Interestingly, perennial allergies often worsen during winter months when people spend more time indoors with windows closed, concentrating these allergens in living spaces. Outdoor mold can also cause year-round symptoms, particularly during wet periods and in late fall when decomposing leaves create ideal conditions for mold growth.The distinction between seasonal and perennial allergies is important for treatment planning. People with seasonal allergies might benefit from starting preventive medications before their allergy season begins, while those with perennial allergies need consistent, year-round management strategies. Some individuals develop both types, creating complex symptom patterns that require comprehensive evaluation and treatment approaches.Risk Factors and CausesWhile genetics plays a significant role in allergy development, having parents without allergies doesn't guarantee you'll remain allergy free throughout life. Family history of allergies increases your risk, but allergic tendencies can skip generations or manifest differently. You might develop completely different allergies from your relatives, such as developing a ragweed allergy even though your parent only reacts to tree pollen.Several factors can trigger the development of adult allergies. Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, can alter immune system function and sensitivity. Previous illnesses, especially respiratory infections, can sometimes trigger new allergic responses. Environmental factors like moving to a new geographic area with different allergens, increased pollution exposure, or changes in lifestyle can also contribute to adult-onset allergies.Stress, both physical and emotional, may weaken the immune system and make adults more susceptible to developing allergies. Some medications can also trigger allergic responses or make the immune system more reactive to other substances. While these factors don't guarantee you'll develop allergies, they can increase your risk, especially if you have a genetic predisposition. Understanding these risk factors can help you monitor for symptoms and seek early treatment when necessary, which is particularly important, given certain life expectancy trends and the importance of maintaining health throughout aging.Diagnosis and Testing OptionsRecognizing allergy symptoms in adults can be challenging because they often mimic other conditions like colds, sinus infections, or age-related changes. If you experience persistent sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, or fatigue that seems to follow seasonal patterns or occur in specific environments, allergies might be the culprit.Proper diagnosis requires professional evaluation. Your primary care provider can perform initial assessments and may recommend blood tests that measure specific antibodies to various allergens. These tests can identify reactions to common triggers like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods. For a more comprehensive evaluation, you might be referred to an allergist who can perform skin prick tests, where small amounts of potential allergens are introduced under the skin to observe reactions. Courtesy of Doctronic Getting tested is crucial because many conditions can mimic allergy symptoms. Proper diagnosis ensures you receive appropriate treatment rather than ineffective allergy medications for nonallergic conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications like secondary sinus infections, which might require more intensive care, potentially involving visits to urgent care facilities, where whether or not urgent care bills patients immediately or you later becomes a concern for those without insurance coverage.Treatment and Management StrategiesOnce allergies are properly diagnosed, several treatment options can help manage symptoms effectively. Environmental controls form the foundation of allergy management and involve reducing exposure to known triggers. During pollen seasons, keep windows closed and use air conditioning with high-efficiency filters. For indoor allergens, regular vacuuming with HEPA filters, washing bedding in hot water weekly, and maintaining low humidity levels can significantly reduce dust mites and mold.Medications provide symptom relief and include several categories. Antihistamines help control sneezing, itching, and runny nose symptoms. Nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation and congestion. Decongestants can provide short-term relief from stuffy noses, while eye drops address itchy, watery eyes. These medications work relatively quickly but typically need daily use during symptom periods.For long-term management, immunotherapy or allergy shots can be highly effective. This treatment involves regular injections of gradually increasing amounts of specific allergens, helping your immune system become less reactive over time. While immunotherapy requires a commitment of several years, it can provide lasting relief and potentially prevent the development of new allergies. Some people also benefit from sublingual immunotherapy, where allergen drops are placed under the tongue rather than injected. Severe allergic reactions require immediate medical attention, and in life-threatening situations, understanding advanced cardiac life support becomes crucial.Frequently Asked QuestionsCan stress cause adult-onset allergies?While stress doesn't directly cause allergies, it can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to developing allergic reactions. Chronic stress may also worsen existing allergy symptoms by increasing inflammation in your body.Are adult allergies usually less severe than childhood allergies?Not necessarily. Adult-onset allergies can be just as severe as those that develop in childhood. Some adults may experience more intense symptoms because their immune systems react strongly to substances they've been exposed to for years without problems.Can pregnancy trigger new allergies?Yes, hormonal changes during pregnancy can alter immune system function and potentially trigger new allergies. Some women develop allergies for the first time during pregnancy, while others may find their existing allergies improve or worsen.Do adult allergies ever go away on their own?While possible, adult allergies rarely disappear without treatment. However, symptoms may fluctuate in severity over time due to environmental factors, stress levels, and overall health. Proper treatment is usually necessary for effective symptom management.Can moving to a different climate cure my allergies?Moving might temporarily reduce symptoms if you're avoiding specific local allergens, but you may develop new allergies to substances in your new environment. Additionally, many allergens like dust mites and pet dander are present everywhere, making complete avoidance difficult.The Bottom LineAdult-onset allergies are more common than many people realize, and they can develop at any stage of life. While you can't prevent allergies from developing, recognizing symptoms early and seeking proper diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life. Environmental controls, medications, and immunotherapy offer effective management options for most people with adult allergies. Don't dismiss persistent cold-like symptoms as simply part of aging, and remember that some allergic reactions can be serious enough to require immediate medical attention, as seen with potentially life-threatening skin conditions. If you suspect you've developed allergies, consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment planning.This story was produced by Doctronic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Here's what social media is doing to your finances and mental health Here's what social media is doing to your finances and mental healthIn the beginning, social media was a place to people-watch, interact, and reconnect. But that initial premise was soon inundated with product placements — and now more than one-third of U.S. adults say they’ve purchased an item directly through a social media app.That means that using social media is no longer just a way to burn time and relax. And if you’re an active user, that means you’re at risk of being influenced into spending your hard-earned cash. This type of window shopping can take a toll — and not just on your wallet but on your mental well-being.Below, Beyond Finance examines how social media habits can influence spending behavior, stress, and overall financial well-being.The Emotional Price of Constant ComparisonSocial media isn’t designed to make you feel content. Everything your feed presents to you is a bid for your attention, money, or data. But there are subtle ways that social media can prey on your insecurities, costing you both money and self-esteem.Think of all the times you see videos of perfect homes, vacations, or bodies. Presenting you with an idealized version of reality is a great trick to try to sell you on the normalcy of excess — and for many, it works all too well.The gap between your reality and what you see online can trigger stress, anxiety, and even depression. And when you’re feeling down, it’s easy to chase comfort through spending. After all, buying something like what you saw online can make you feel closer to achieving the “ideal” — but that momentary belonging is usually all-too short lived.After the high of your purchase, you’re faced with the reality of your actual budget (or the debt and guilt that comes with overspending).How to Tell if Social Media Hurts More Than HelpsYou don’t need to abandon social media entirely to protect your peace, but it’s worth checking in with yourself (especially before you break out the credit card). Here are some warning signs for when you need to put down the phone and take a break:You feel anxious or “behind” after scrolling.Your spending has gone up — especially on nonessentials.You compare your progress or lifestyle to others often.You use shopping or scrolling to escape boredom or stress.Your sleep, focus, or mood has taken a hit.If these sound familiar, your “for you page” might be feeding more than just your attention — it might be fueling emotional burnout.How to Reclaim Your Focus and Your FinancesWe’re not Luddites — you don’t need to delete every app, put your phone into cement, and throw it into the closest body of water. The best thing you can do is to begin reevaluating your relationship with your news feed, and see where it serves you (and where it doesn’t).Refresh your echo chamber. Follow accounts that educate, uplift, or inspire gratitude instead of comparison.Build breaks into your day. Try screen-free mornings or no-scroll evenings to help your mind reset.Delay purchases. Give yourself at least 24 hours before buying anything that isn’t essential.Make a “value list.” Jot down a few things you already own or experiences that make you happy.Small steps like these build awareness — and over time, both your mental health and finances benefit.This story was produced by Beyond Finance and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	2024 compact SUVs compared: Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 vs. Nissan Rogue 2024 compact SUVs compared: Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 vs. Nissan RogueThere's a reason the compact SUV has become Americans' vehicle of choice. These SUVs can do everything from the daily commute to hauling the family on long road trips in comfort. The Toyota RAV4 is one of the bestselling vehicles in the United States thanks to its versatility, not to mention name recognition. But the RAV4 isn't the only game in town: The Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue are two of the RAV4's biggest competitors.Independent reliability tracker RepairPal says the CR-V is the most reliable of the three SUVs, with a lower annual repair cost than the RAV4 or Rogue, though not by a whole lot. The Rogue comes with the highest annual repair cost but is, on average, less expensive than the repair cost for either the RAV4 or CR-V.So, which compact SUV comes out on top? In this article, CarMax looks at the 2024 model for each SUV to find out.Toyota RAV4 BasicsToyota introduced this version of the RAV4 back in 2019 and has only tinkered at the margins since its debut. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available and comes standard on the off-road-friendly Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. The SUV offers seating for five, is easy to live with, and comes with lots of helpful standard tech features. A hybrid version of the RAV4 gets an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined, though it performed a little worse in Edmunds' testing at 35.2 mpg. Still, that's a big improvement over the nonhybrid RAV4.Honda CR-V BasicsThis version of the Honda CR-V debuted in 202,3, and the Japanese automaker added a new trim, the Sport-L, for 2024. Its roomy interior and large cargo space are standout features, though small-item storage is not as good as in competitors. The tech features inside the CR-V are plentiful and easy to use, and the standard engine makes for pleasant driving. A hybrid engine is available, though Edmunds found it to be noisy and lacking power while not being much more efficient than the regular engine.Nissan Rogue BasicsNissan introduced the latest generation of the Nissan Rogue in 2021 and introduced a new Google-based infotainment system in 2024. That system comes on SL and higher trim levels with the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, and Edmunds found it works well. The Rogue can often be a great bargain compared to the competition, packing in many features for the money.Compact SUV ShowdownLet's take a look at the features available on each of these SUVs.Passengers and cargoAll three compact SUVs offer seating for five, though passenger comfort is not created equal. The RAV4 has the smallest rear passenger legroom, though Edmunds' testing found those seats to be a bit more comfortable than the similarly small Rogue back row. Edmunds noted the CR-V for having a large, spacious interior that translates into great passenger comfort in the second row.How about room for the passenger's gear? The Honda CR-V wins here, offering 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. The RAV4 isn't far behind, delivering 37.5 cubic feet while the Rogue brings up the rear with 31.6 cubic feet. That's a couple of grocery bags worth of difference between the CR-V and RAV4, and more like half a dozen between the RAV4 and Rogue. If you plan on folding down the second row to open up the whole cabin for storage, the CR-V (76.5 cubic feet) and Rogue (74.1 cubic feet) come out on top, while the RAV4 lags behind (69.8 cubic feet).Both the CR-V and RAV4 can accommodate three car seats in the second row, though it will be a tight fit depending on the size of the car seats you're installing. The Rogue only has anchor spots for two car seats in the second row.VerdictThe Honda CR-V is the clear winner here. It's impressive how much interior space Honda provides for passengers without compromising on gear storage. Small-item storage is just okay on the CR-V, but Honda makes up for it everywhere else.Engine choicesYou get two choices of engine with the Honda CR-V: a regular 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Edmunds found that hybrid engine disappointing. It's noisy, not very powerful, and barely more efficient than the regular engine, so Edmunds recommends the regular engine.All Nissan Rogues come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that Edmunds' testing found to be plenty powerful. The transmission is just okay. It can feel like the engine takes a long time to respond in regular city driving, such as pulling away from stoplights. This is more annoying than anything else, but if you do a lot of driving around town, you should keep that in mind.The Toyota RAV4 is available in two flavors: regular and hybrid. The regular RAV4 engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which has enough get-up-and-go around town, though you may find the RAV4 lacking in power if you're trying to get up to speed quickly or if you're driving up a big hill. The hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving, but Edmunds was not able to replicate that number. Still, the 35.2 mpg the Edmunds test returned is a big improvement over the nonhybrid.VerdictThe edge goes to the CR-V. It has the most satisfying engine of the three, though if performance is really what you're after, you're best off looking at something like the Mazda CX-50.TechTech is a strength in all three of these compact SUVs. The Honda CR-V has the smallest of the three standard screens (7 inches vs. 8 inches for the Rogue and RAV4), but it works just fine, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features. Desirable driver aids like adaptive cruise control—which is cruise control that keeps a set distance between you and the vehicle in front of you—come standard and work very well on the CR-V.The standard 8-inch screen on the Rogue works fine, but the upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen (on SL trim Rogues and above) is great. It features a Google-based infotainment system and adds wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Getting the second-tier SV trim gets driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, though Edmunds' testing found these systems work just OK, especially in stop-and-go traffic.Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features on the RAV4, along with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and forward collision warning. These driver aids are some of the most impressive among compact SUVs, especially adaptive cruise control. But the touchscreen, outside of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, felt dated the moment it came out. The Toyota software is clunky and slow.VerdictThe Honda CR-V takes it here on the strength of a slightly better infotainment system.Choose WiselyOverall, the Honda CR-V wins out, though not by a whole lot. It's just a little bit better in most areas, except for cargo space, where it wins in a blowout. But as always, you know best what you need out of a compact SUV. If it's interior space and cargo, the CR-V is the obvious choice. But if you're shopping with a strict budget, the Rogue is definitely worth a look. And the RAV4's advanced driver aids make it a very compelling choice.This story was produced by CarMax and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	‘The Chosen’ director to Latter-day Saints: Loosen up ‘The Chosen’ director to Latter-day Saints: Loosen upThe director of the indie streaming hit “The Chosen” recently gave Latter-day Saints a bit of tough love when it comes to their worship style and portrayals of Jesus.“I feel like it’s OK for me to say this because, as you know, I’m the honored evangelical mascot of the LDS Church,” filmmaker Dallas Jenkins said in an interview on the podcast “followHIM.” “I would say that there’s such a reverence and there’s such a genuine respect for Christ, which is great. You guys probably do that better than evangelicals do.”Then came the pivot.“But,” Jenkins told his Latter-day Saint hosts, popular authors and speakers Hank Smith and John Bytheway, “sometimes it can lead to a formality.”The director didn’t say this kind of formality can be alienating. Nevertheless, the subtext was there, The Salt Lake Tribune reports.“I’ve seen it in paintings,” Jenkins said. “I’ve seen it in some of the LDS videos and portrayals of Christ. … He looks and sounds like he’s quoting the King James Bible, which he is. And again, this comes from a good place of honoring scripture.”In contrast, it’s the human moments — he and his hosts agree — that have made his show, a retelling of the New Testament’s Gospels, meaningful to a global audience who have taken up the challenge to “binge Jesus.”The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ view of reverence is hardly new, nor is it by accident. For decades, its youngest members have sung “reverently, quietly, lovingly we think of thee.”The church’s handbook for lay leaders uses “reverent” to describe how meetings ought to be conducted, connecting the term to “quiet prayer and pondering.”According to the late historian Ardis Parshall, then-apostle Spencer W. Kimball once complained that the Saints were guilty of singing church hymns too fast.Church-approved paintings of Jesus, meanwhile, for years were largely limited to the unsmiling and statuesque.That might be changing, with church-owned Deseret Book increasingly adopting diverse and down-to-earth portrayals of the religious figure and the adoption of a handful of spirituals into the faith’s ever-evolving new hymnbook.Apostle Patrick Kearon, a convert, has also prodded his fellow members to permit themselves a bit more, well, exuberance in meetings.“We are members of the church of joy!” the British leader encouraged listeners in a 2024 General Conference sermon. “And nowhere should our joy as a people be more apparent than when we gather together each Sabbath in our sacrament meetings to worship the source of all joy!”Jenkins agreed, especially when it comes to Christianity’s holiest day, Easter, the celebration of the resurrection.“I would say it’s OK to express as much joy, or more, in the resurrection of your Savior as it is the student that hit a half-court shot that I just saw at the [Brigham Young University] game on Friday,” Jenkins said. “I saw all these LDS folks just going crazy. So I know you can do it. It’s OK to do it in the context of the greatest moment in the history of the world.”This story was produced by The Salt Lake Tribune and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Driver of North Scott school bus issued traffic citation for crash with pickup Both drivers were taken to the hospital after the crash.
	How contagious is Ebola? And how worried should you be about the current outbreak? This outbreak is being called "the perfect storm." How did it start, what are the characteristics of the strain that's causing it and how much of a threat is it to global health?
	A rare Ebola strain is spreading with no vaccine. Here's what you need to know This outbreak is being called "the perfect storm." How did it start, what are the characteristics of the strain that's causing it and how much of a threat is it to global health?
	Channel Cat has new offerings for 2026 season The Channel Cat Water Taxi starts the 2026 season on Friday, May 22. The water taxi will operate daily through the end of September, with weekend-only service continuing through mid-October, weather permitting. Operating hours are Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 7:40 p.m. and Friday – Sunday:9 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. Click here for a [...]
	The financial cost of ignoring your mental health The financial cost of ignoring your mental healthYou’re running on five hours of sleep, holding down a job that’s draining the life out of you. Somehow, you still manage to show up for your kids, your partner, your aging parents, and that one friend who always seems to have it even worse. You are exhausted. And somewhere in the back of your mind, you know things aren’t quite right with your mental health. But therapy feels like something you just cannot afford right now.Unfortunately, not getting the mental health support you need may actually be costing you more than the support itself ever would — in unearned money, in missed raises, in growing medical bills, and in the small ways we cope with emotional pain that feel good in the moment only to hurt us later.Below, Alma shares five ways that ignoring your mental health can empty your wallet.1. Lost income due to missed work days or inability to focusA 2022 Gallup poll found that more than 1 in 5 U.S. workers rate their mental health as fair or poor, and those workers report about four times more unplanned absences than their counterparts with good mental health.If you have an hourly job, that’s lost income; if you are in a salaried role, that’s an attendance pattern that will shape how management sees you and how quickly your name comes up when a promotion or raise is on the table.And this is before we even get to presenteeism, aka showing up to work while functioning at a fraction of your capacity. You’re physically there, but not really engaged — you have brain fog, emotional exhaustion, difficulty concentrating. It’s hard to shine in a performance review when you’re just trying to survive the day.2. Retail therapy and “I deserve this” spendingWhen emotional pain goes unaddressed, people find ways to manage it, just not always in healthy ways. Sometimes the coping strategy is expensive, sometimes very expensive.In a 2023 survey of over 1,000 Americans conducted by Self Financial, almost 90% reported engaging in emotional spending in some capacity. Over half said they bought new products purely to feel happier. The average emotional purchase runs about $65 each time, which might sound small until it happens several times a week. Source: Self Financial Survey, 2023 For someone who is overwhelmed and quietly struggling, online shopping late at night becomes a coping mechanism. So does that extra beer or glass of wine after the kids go to bed, or the casino app on your phone. This is your nervous system responding to unmet emotional needs. And it has a line item in your budget whether you name it or not.When we overfunction by running the household, managing everyone else’s stress, and never saying no, our brains start negotiating. You put in a brutal week and the mental calculus goes something like: I worked hard, I deserve this. A justification like that leads to purchases of things the budget simply cannot support.You are not trying to be irresponsible; you just want to find a way to fill your tank back up. Unfortunately, shopping can’t restore your inner resources.3. Staying in a job that doesn’t align with your passion or valuesUntreated mental health struggles affect more than just keeping your job. It also means thriving versus surviving at work. The difference between the two can significantly impact your salary.When anxiety, depression, burnout, unresolved trauma, or any other mental health struggle goes unaddressed, people frequently stay stuck in positions that don’t align with their values, their strengths, or their potential.This is most often due to one’s mental state, making it nearly impossible to take risks, advocate for oneself, or pursue opportunities that require self-worth and a clear sense of direction.According to the APA’s Stress in America 2025 Report almost 70% of employed adults identify work as a prominent source of stress, yet most won’t pursue mental health support that could fundamentally change how they show up and perform. As a result, those frequent absences and difficulty concentrating end up having real consequences for performance, like receiving negative reviews and missing out on promotions or pay increases.Over the course of a 20-year career, staying stuck in a role that underpays, underutilizes, or undervalues you is not just emotionally costly. It represents a quantifiable and compounding financial loss: raises not pursued, promotions not sought, or a lateral move never made because the confidence wasn’t there to try.4. Higher medical bills due to chronic pain and illnessPeople with untreated mental health issues have a heightened risk of developing chronic health conditions, including heart disease, chronic pain, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. The stress and anxiety associated with unaddressed mental health problems can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to illness over time. To make matters worse, chronic health conditions often exacerbate mental health concerns.Your mind and body are not separate systems; what you don’t process emotionally, your body processes physically. Chronic stress creates chronic inflammation, chronic inflammation creates chronic illness, and chronic illness creates medical bills. In many middle-class households, this cycle ends up creating medical debt.Individuals who don’t receive treatment for mental health conditions in a timely manner are more likely to develop additional physical health problems requiring more frequent hospitalization and higher overall healthcare spending, according to a School of Global Health at Meharry Medical College and the Deloitte Health Equity Institute report. These costs end up landing directly in your lap through higher premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, copays, missed workdays, and the ongoing financial strain of managing a condition that could have been caught earlier.It is also important to mention the impact on one’s self-worth. When someone doesn’t fundamentally believe they matter, and their self-worth is quietly eroded by chronic stress, trauma, or years of putting everyone else first, they often stop making their own physical health a priority. Skipping the annual physical, ignoring symptoms, or delaying a needed scan. Down the road, they end up managing a condition at a far more advanced and expensive stage than necessary.5. Combatting loneliness with more spendingEighty percent of adults reporting a high level of loneliness also report at least one chronic physical illness, according to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America survey. Stress symptoms, including anxiety or feeling nervous, fatigue, and headaches, are far more common among those experiencing social disconnection.Why does this matter for your wallet? People who feel isolated and unsupported are more likely to seek comfort through unhealthy coping strategies like unnecessary spending, using addictive substances, eating unhealthy foods, or engaging in avoidance or isolating behaviors.Without a support system, people are more likely to stay in jobs or relationships that don’t serve them, because change feels impossible without anyone cheering them on. They are more likely to neglect physical health until a crisis forces the issue. Unfortunately, crises are almost always more expensive than prevention.Loneliness is a risk factor for physical illness, for poor decision-making, and for financial instability. Connection is, among other things, a protective factor for you and your bank account.Protecting your finances and mental wellbeingFrom the outside, the financial side effects of unaddressed mental health can be hard to spot: a bank statement that doesn’t add up, a medical chart that keeps growing, a career that’s been idling for years, a lack of social support.Consider therapy a financial decision that has a measurable return, even if you don’t feel it at the onset. Research examining the combination of therapy and medication for adults who were managing a chronic physical condition found that this approach reduced the increase in overall annual healthcare costs by more than 20%, or approximately $2,700 per person. That’s money that could go to car payments, childcare, or even a family vacation.If the behaviors above are all too familiar, it may be time to reframe your thinking: Mental health neglect can cost you far more than mental health care. The therapy session you skip to save on a $20 weekly co-pay may cost you three times that in impulse purchases, missed workdays, or a medical appointment you could have avoided entirely.This story was produced by Alma and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Scan now, use later: Designing QR Code journeys for delayed value Scan now, use later: Designing QR Code journeys for delayed valueAccording to Uniqode’s State of QR Codes 2026, 42% of consumers still want QR Codes to load faster and work more reliably. But that number hides a more fundamental problem. Even when QR Codes work flawlessly in the moment, they break down over time. Links expire, campaigns end, and content gets pulled. Meanwhile, the codes stay exactly where they were on packaging, posters, business cards, inviting scans that now lead nowhere useful.Here's the shift: 31% of consumers say they want scanned information to be easier to save and revisit later. Expectations have changed. People want QR Codes to give them something they can come back to, not something that vanishes after one use. Uniqode Most QR Code strategies are still built for instant interactions. But real decisions don't happen that fast. They take hours, days, sometimes weeks. They happen across different devices, in different contexts, at different levels of readiness. This article from Uniqode shares highlights from the report and walks through how to redesign QR Code journeys around that truth, so the value doesn't disappear when the browser closes.The problem with today’s QR Code journeysAbout 71% of consumers now describe QR Codes as at least somewhat helpful in their lives. QR Codes have moved from novelty to utility, something people use routinely without much thought. Yet most QR Code experiences are still designed to succeed in a narrow window of a few seconds after someone scans, and fail everywhere else.In practice, this creates journeys that are:Built for single-use moments.Tied to campaign timelines, not product or customer lifecycles.Considered “done” once the page loads or the action completes.The cost of that short-term thinking shows up later. Nearly a third of consumers say they've scanned a code only to hit a broken or outdated destination. The codes stay visible on packaging, in stores, and on printed materials, but the content behind them has already expired.Part of the issue is that most QR Code usage is immediate:58% scan most frequently at restaurants, cafes, and bars to view menus, order, or pay.35% scan to make payments.52% scan for discounts or offers, typically at the point of purchase. Uniqode But not every use case fits that pattern. Product documentation, care instructions, warranty details, and technical specs deliver value after the first scan, when someone needs to reference them again. When QR Codes are designed for that second or third visit, they become dependable access points rather than disposable shortcuts.Designing QR Code journeys that work today and tomorrowDesigning for delayed value starts with one assumption: people will come back. The goal isn't just to drive a one-time action but to make information easy to retrieve when it's actually needed.Below are patterns already in use by brands that treat QR Codes as durable access points, not disposable links.Save to walletWhen information matters later, saving it somewhere persistent beats asking people to remember a link. "Save to wallet" works because it places information in an environment people already trust for things that are important and time-sensitive.This pattern is most effective when information:Needs to be shown more than once.Must be accessible quickly or offline.Is tied to proof, status, or entitlement.Pro tip: Patterns like "save to wallet" work best when people already feel comfortable scanning. Uniqode's consumer survey found that 58% of consumers feel confident using QR Codes, while 26% say they trust them more than before. Turning a scan into a pass that stays in a wallet builds on that confidence instead of risking it on a single-use page.One of the clearest examples of this can be seen in the airline industry. Boarding passes delivered via QR Codes are routinely saved to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.Travelers don’t think of this as a QR Code experience; they think of it as access that works when they need it. The QR Code is scanned multiple times across a journey: at security, at the gate, during boarding.This same pattern is now being applied aside from travel.Electronics and appliance brands increasingly use QR Codes to let customers save warranties, receipts, or service eligibility details.Retailers use wallet passes to store loyalty status, reorder links, or subscription reminders.Email to selfMany scans happen in the middle of something else: checking a product on the shelf, opening packaging, or skimming a long guide on a small screen. According to the consumer survey, 75% of people scan QR Codes primarily to access information rather than discounts. That means a lot of journeys now lead to content people may want to revisit.An "email this to me" option makes that easier. It lets someone send themselves a guide, checklist, or set of instructions so they can finish the task later without losing the context of why they scanned it in the first place.Brands can apply this pattern directly to packaging and in-store signage. Since 40% of consumers scan QR Codes on product packaging, letting them send setup guides or product details straight to their email turns a common scan into something they can complete later.While the feature is often invisible, it consistently improves follow-through because it moves the task into the place where people already manage things they plan to handle later: their inbox.Persistent profilesNearly 70% of respondents scan at least once a month, and 35% scan weekly, which means weak scan journeys are felt repeatedly. When people scan the same QR Code more than once, the experience should evolve.Persistent profiles enable brands to recognize returning users and tailor content based on their stage in the journey.This pattern is especially important for:Products with long lifecycles.Membership or subscription services.Learning, wellness, or fitness programs.Automotive manufacturers place QR Codes inside vehicles or on documentation that link to digital owner portals covering manuals, service schedules, recalls, and warranty information. Owners return to these resources over the course of months or years.For example, Toyota’s Corolla QR Code is used to activate connected services, which link the car to their app for features such as vehicle health, alerts, and remote start or lock.Here, the QR Code is not a campaign link but an ongoing access point tied to ownership.Contextual return pointsOne of the fastest ways to lose trust is when a return scan leads to outdated or irrelevant content. Contextual return points solve this by allowing the destination behind a QR Code to change over time while the printed code remains valid.This approach is especially important when:QR Codes live on packaging or physical materials.The information a customer needs changes after purchase.Campaigns end, but the product is still in use.Meal kits and CPG brands like PepsiCo use QR Codes on packaging to link to nutritional information, allergens, sustainability, recycling, loyalty programs, and other consumer-centric information, ensuring the experience stays useful long after delivery.Since skincare and cosmetics are used daily, beauty brands like L’Oréal use on‑pack QR Codes to offer ingredient, usage, and quality control information that customers can revisit throughout their routine after purchase.Where scan-to-save behaviors create the most advantageWhen QR Codes are designed for saving and return, their impact isn't evenly distributed. The strongest gains show up in categories where information gets reused, referenced over time, or needed at different moments after purchase or sign-up.Here's how some industries use scan-to-save to consistently deliver value.Electronics and appliancesMost electronics and appliances only begin their real journey after purchase. Setup, troubleshooting, maintenance, and service all happen later, often multiple times over the product's lifespan. Customers don't want to search for manuals or dig through emails months after buying a device.This is why QR Codes on products or packaging work best when they support saving and return:Digital manuals that can be revisited during setup or repairs.Warranties and proof of purchase stored for future service.Service reminders and support access without hunting for links.Here, QR Codes work as long-term ownership tools rather than just onboarding aids.Beauty, wellness, and CPGIn beauty and wellness, usage happens in routines. Products are applied daily, weekly, or in specific sequences. The information that matters about how to use something, how often, and in what order is rarely absorbed at first glance.This makes scan-to-save especially valuable:Step-by-step routines customers return to repeatedly.Ingredient explanations revisited as part of ongoing use.Reorder links accessed when products run low.You can see this pattern in action in how CPG brands use QR Codes to improve transparency around ingredients and sourcing.Retail and packagingPackaging often outlives the moment it was designed for. A QR Code printed on a box, label, or receipt may still be scanned weeks or months later, long after a campaign has ended. Scan-to-save helps packaging stay useful:Care instructions referenced after wearing or washing items.Sustainability and sourcing information revisited at home.Loyalty benefits or receipts saved for later use.This is where contextual return points prevent QR Codes from becoming dead ends.Travel and hospitalityTravel information is rarely needed just once. It's checked before departure, during the journey, and often again on arrival. Expecting travelers to complete everything at the moment of scan ignores how fragmented travel actually is. Scan-to-save supports this reality:Itineraries and booking details saved for repeated access.Check-in instructions revisited at different stages.Event or stay information updated as plans change.Here, QR Codes function best as journey companions rather than single-touch confirmations.Learning and community spacesLearning and participation unfold over time. Whether it's a class, event series, or community program, people return to schedules, materials, and updates repeatedly. Scan-to-save enables:Easy access to schedules and session details.Ongoing reference to resources and coursework.A stable entry point that supports continuity and engagement.These industries demonstrate a larger principle. When the value of information extends beyond the moment of access, scanning to save becomes essential. Without it, the QR Code becomes obsolete while the need for it continues.Creating value beyond the first QR Code scanThe consumer survey part of the State of QR Codes 2026, points to a clear shift: The question has gone from "Will people scan?" to "Will this still be useful when they come back?" People already scan frequently, and they do it mainly for information rather than discounts.The path forward is designing QR Code journeys that create access points instead of one-time pages. That means destinations that stay stable, are easy to save, and feel ready for repeat visits over the life of the product or relationship. Tools like dynamic links, save options, wallets, email integrations, and product hubs keep that value intact beyond the first session.Getting this right means every QR Code from your brand becomes proof that your information is reliable. And that compounds to higher confidence, more repeat scans, and stronger loyalty.This story was produced by Uniqode and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Does your organization need scalable grant management software? Does your organization need scalable grant management software?Managing grants can become increasingly demanding over time. What may begin as a straightforward process with a few applications and limited reporting requirements can quickly grow into a complex system involving multiple funding programs, review stages, compliance checks and stakeholders.Management software is often introduced as a way to bring more structure and visibility to that work. However, simply having software is not always enough. Organizations that manage grants also need systems that can grow with them as funding programs expand, application volume increases and reporting requirements evolve.This is where scalability becomes especially important. Learn more in IGX Solutions’ guide on grant management software, including why scalability matters for organizations managing grants and the signs that may indicate your current systems are struggling to keep up.What Is Grant Management Software?Grant management software helps organizations manage the full life cycle of a grant program in a structured and organized way. Instead of relying on spreadsheets, emails and disconnected tools, agencies can use a centralized system to track applications, review submissions, manage approvals, monitor funding and generate reports.What Are the Core Functions of Grant Management Software?Grant management software typically supports the following key functions to help agencies administer funding programs more efficiently: Courtesy of IGX Solutions Application management: Organizations can collect grant applications via structured forms and digital portals, making it easier to review submissions and maintain organized records.Review workflows: Applications often move through multiple levels of evaluation. Software can route applications through different reviewers, assign tasks and track approval progress.Document collection and storage: Supporting materials like financial records, reports or verification documents can be uploaded and stored in one centralized location.Budget and funding tracking: Agencies can monitor available funds and see how funding is distributed across different programs or recipients.Communication tracking: Communication logs allow teams to keep records of messages, requests for additional information or status updates for each application.Audit trails: Systems record who accessed or modified information and when those changes occurred, helping agencies maintain transparency and accountability.What Kind of Programs Can Grant Management Software Track?Grant management software can support a wide range of funding programs across different sectors. The system’s structure enables organizations to manage complex workflows while maintaining consistent documentation and oversight.Examples of programs that can be managed through grant systems include:Government funding programs, which are distributed to municipalities, nonprofits or contractors.Education grants for schools, universities and workforce initiatives.Nonprofit grantmaking programs that support community organizations.Public safety or transportation funding programs.Disaster recovery or community development initiatives.Beyond traditional grants, many organizations use these systems to manage structured approval processes like inspections, loan programs, tax credit programs or other funding-related initiatives. Any process that involves applications, reviews, approvals, documentation and reporting can benefit from a structured workflow system.Why Is Scalable Software Important?Organizations that manage grants often experience changes in the size and complexity of their programs. Scalable grant management software offers many benefits, enabling organizations to adjust processes without completely rebuilding their systems.Supporting Growth in Grant Applications and Funding ProgramsScalable grant management software allows organizations to process larger volumes of applications without overwhelming staff or disrupting existing workflows. For example, an agency responsible for distributing public infrastructure funding may initially review a small number of applications each year. As additional funding programs are introduced, the number of applications may grow. A scalable system allows the agency to manage this growth while maintaining clear processes for submission, review and approval.Managing More Complex Grant Review and Approval WorkflowsAs programs expand, the review process often becomes more detailed. Applications may require evaluation by multiple departments, financial reviews, compliance checks or program-specific approval stages.Scalable systems allow organizations to build workflows that reflect these evolving requirements. Instead of forcing teams to manage approvals through email threads and separate documents, software can route applications through defined review stages and track decisions along the way.Maintaining Visibility Across the Entire Grant Life CycleGrant management involves several stages, including application submission, evaluation, award decisions, monitoring and reporting. As programs grow, maintaining visibility across all these stages becomes more challenging.Scalable grant management software helps centralize this information in a single system. Program managers can track application status, monitor funding allocations and review program data without switching between multiple platforms or files.Preventing Operational Bottlenecks as Programs ExpandWhen systems can’t scale effectively, organizations often rely on manual workarounds to keep their programs running. Over time, these workarounds can create operational bottlenecks that slow down program administration.Common challenges include maintaining multiple spreadsheets, manually reconciling data between systems and spending additional time compiling reports. As grant programs grow, these tasks can place increasing pressure on staff responsible for managing applications and reporting requirements.Scalable grant management software helps reduce these bottlenecks by supporting automated workflows, centralized data management and consistent documentation practices. As a result, organizations can maintain efficiency even as their funding programs expand.What Features of Grant Management Software Support Scalability?Scalable grant management software usually combines several capabilities that support efficiency, visibility and accuracy. These features allow organizations to manage complex programs without increasing administrative workload.Workflow AutomationWorkflow automation reduces repetitive tasks and ensures work moves through the appropriate review stages. This feature:Automatically assigns applications to reviewers.Triggers reminders for upcoming deadlines.Updates status fields as tasks are completed.Routes approvals through defined workflows.Centralized Data ManagementCentralized data management ensures all grant information is stored in a single, consistent system, leading to:Easier application status tracking.Improved visibility into funding allocations.Reduced record duplication.More reliable reporting data.Compliance and Reporting ToolsCompliance tools, such as activity logs and document history tracking, help organizations maintain accurate records and demonstrate accountability during audits or reporting reviews. Reporting tools allow organizations to analyze program activity and monitor funding distribution. Examples include export options for sharing information with stakeholders or real-time dashboards that show program activity.Role-Based SecurityGrant programs often involve sensitive information about applicants, funding decisions or financial records. Role-based security ensures users can only access the information necessary for their roles. This structure helps protect sensitive data while allowing teams to collaborate effectively.Integration With Other SystemsMany agencies rely on multiple systems to manage financial records, applicant information or compliance documentation. Integration capabilities allow grant management systems to connect with these tools, so information can move between systems more efficiently and accurately.Organizations That Can Benefit From Scalable Grant Management SoftwareWhen funding programs expand or reporting expectations increase, scalable systems help organizations maintain efficiency without overburdening staff.Government Agencies Managing Public Funding ProgramsGovernment agencies frequently manage large funding programs that involve multiple applicants, reviewers and oversight requirements. These programs often require structured documentation and strong accountability practices.The following factors make scalability particularly important for government agencies:High application volume: Funding opportunities may attract a large number of applicants, especially when programs support public infrastructure, education or community development.Multiple approval layers: Applications may require review from several departments or specialists before funding decisions are made.Public accountability: Agencies must maintain transparency regarding how public funds are distributed.Compliance requirements: Programs funded by federal or state sources often require detailed reporting and documentation.Education Agencies Managing Research, Workforce and Institutional GrantsOrganizations outside government agencies also manage complex funding programs that can benefit from structured systems. For example, educational institutions may manage research grants, scholarship programs or workforce funding initiatives. In addition, nonprofit organizations may distribute grants to community programs or partner organizations.As these organizations grow or receive additional funding streams, scalable systems help ensure application reviews, documentation and reporting remain organized and consistent.Other Programs That Use Structured Application and Approval WorkflowsIn many cases, organizations discover that the same workflow tools used for grant management can support additional programs that require structured oversight and reporting. These platforms can support other structured workflows that involve applications and approvals, such as:Disaster recovery assistance programs.Inspection or compliance tracking programs.Business enterprise or vendor programs.Loan or tax credit applications.Regulatory approval processes.Signs Your Organization Needs Scalable Grant Management SoftwareOrganizations managing grants may gradually notice operational pressure building in the form of administrative workload, reporting challenges or system limitations. Recognizing these signs early can help agencies evaluate whether their current processes still meet their needs. Courtesy of IGX Solutions 1. Increased Administrative BurdenWhen grant programs rely heavily on manual processes, administrative work can quickly become overwhelming. Over time, these processes can reduce productivity and increase the likelihood of errors.Paper-based documentation: Staff must handle physical forms, attachments and approvals across multiple stages of review.Spreadsheet tracking: Application information is stored across multiple spreadsheets that require constant updates.Manual communication: Teams must send individual emails or reminders to applicants and reviewers.Time spent on routine tasks: Staff spend large portions of their day tracking status updates rather than managing programs.2. Difficulty Tracking and Reporting Grant DataGrant programs generate significant amounts of data related to applications, funding decisions, reimbursements and reporting requirements. When that information is spread across multiple systems, it becomes difficult to maintain a clear view of program activity.Data silos: Information is stored in different locations, making it harder to compile a complete record.Limited visibility: Staff may not know where an application stands within the review process.Reporting delays: Generating reports requires gathering information from multiple sources.Inconsistent records: Different versions of the same data may exist across files or systems.Centralized systems help address these challenges by keeping grant information organized in one place.3. Challenges in Complying With Regulations and AuditsOrganizations responsible for distributing funds must maintain accurate records to demonstrate accountability and compliance with program requirements. Without structured systems, audit preparation can become time-consuming and stressful. Structured systems can help maintain documentation and provide the audit trails needed for oversight and reporting.Incomplete documentation: Important records may be difficult to locate if they’re stored across multiple platforms.Limited audit trails: Teams may not have clear records showing who approved or modified information.Manual verification processes: Staff must cross-check information across systems to ensure accuracy.4. Inability to Effectively Manage Increasing Grant Volumes or ComplexityGrowth in funding programs often brings additional layers of complexity. Organizations may need to manage multiple funding streams, review committees and reporting timelines at the same time. Systems designed to support scalable workflows allow agencies to adjust processes without disrupting existing programs.5. Disparate Systems That Don’t Work TogetherMany organizations rely on several systems to manage different aspects of grant administration. When these systems don’t communicate effectively, staff must manually reconcile information across platforms.Common indicators that an organization’s systems aren’t working well together are:Duplicate data entry.Inconsistent information between systems.Communication gaps between teams.Delays caused by reconciling data across platforms.Integrated systems help reduce these challenges by allowing information to move more smoothly between processes.How Can You Implement Scalable Grant Management Software?Implementing grant management software typically involves more than installing a new system. Organizations must also consider how the software will support existing workflows and reporting requirements.Evaluate Before ImplementationBefore adopting a new system, agencies often review several operational factors, such as:Current grant review workflows.Approval structures.User roles and permissions.Reporting needs.Existing data sources.Understanding these factors helps organizations choose systems that support their operational needs.Common Implementation ApproachesImplementation strategies may vary depending on program size and organizational needs.Full implementation across all programs.Phased rollouts that introduce features gradually.Pilot programs that test workflows before full adoption.Training and support programs to help staff adapt to new systems.Careful implementation planning helps ensure systems support long-term program management.Scalable Grant Management Software Is a Strategic PriorityOrganizations responsible for distributing grants often face increasing operational demands as funding programs expand. Application volume, reporting requirements, compliance expectations and stakeholder involvement can all grow over time.Scalable grant management software helps agencies manage these responsibilities in a structured and organized way. By supporting automated workflows, centralized data management, reporting tools and integrated systems, scalable platforms allow organizations to maintain visibility and consistency across the grant life cycle.For government agencies, education institutions, nonprofits and other organizations that manage funding programs, scalable systems can provide the flexibility needed to support both current operations and future program growth.This story was produced by IGX Solutions and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	All about specialty bras: From bullet bras to extreme push-ups All about specialty bras: From bullet bras to extreme push-upsBras aren't just for lift and coverage — they're also tools to enhance your style and help you express yourself. Have you ever tried any of these extreme, specialty bras? If not, Honeylove recommends at least learning about the styles that are out there so you can get inspired to try something new.The History and Purpose of Bullet BrasBullet bras first emerged in the 1940s as a functional garment for women working in factories during World War II. The conical shape was actually designed to provide maximum protection and support for long days of physical labor.After the war, the bullet bra's popularity continued to rise, becoming a fashion statement in the 1950s. Style icons like Marilyn Monroe and Lana Turner embraced the look, solidifying it as part of the era's signature aesthetic. The bra's structure helped create the coveted "sweater girl" silhouette.Today, bullet bras are sought after for their vintage flair and unique shaping abilities. Modern brands have updated the style with lighter fabrics and more flexible construction while maintaining the iconic shape.How to Wear a Bullet Bra for a Retro LookBullet bras are perfect if you want to channel a vintage, pin-up-inspired style. Look for authentic vintage designs or modern reproductions made with sturdy fabrics and authentic details like spiral stitching.To complete the retro ensemble, pair your bullet bra with high-waisted bottoms, wiggle dresses, or snug knit tops. The goal is to create an hourglass shape by emphasizing the bust and nipping in at the waist. Have fun experimenting with layering bralettes or corsets over the bullet bra too.Remember, a bullet bra is a statement piece. Lean into the vibe with red lipstick, victory rolls, and seamed stockings if you really want to transport to another era. Of course, you can also mix one retro element with modern pieces for a subtler take on the trend.This bullet bra is a slightly more wearable, modern version where the apex of the cups is less extreme. However, you’re still going to get an exaggerated, pointed look. This is great for anyone trying to get a vintage, ‘50s style, or experiment with the shape of their breasts.Super Push-Up Bras: Go Up 1-2 Cup SizesFor those seeking a little more oomph up top, the super push-up bra is a go-to for creating dramatic cleavage. Most super push-up bras contain substantial padding, sometimes filling the entire cup, to lift the breasts and bring them closer together.Despite their exaggerated appearance, quality push-up bras are designed to accommodate your natural breast tissue and shape. Resist the urge to size up — these bras are meant to fit very snugly in order to get the best push-up effect.Super push-up bras are an excellent choice when you want a temporary boost in cup size and cleavage for a special occasion outfit.Fake Nipples for a Realistic LookLast up, there are nipple covers with fake nipples. These recently came back into the public consciousness thanks to one of the world’s most famous women, but who could forget the “Sex and the City” episode where Miranda takes them out for a spin on a date?However, in addition to giving you an “always-on” look, they’re really great for women who have had post-mastectomy reconstruction surgery. They can be extremely lifelike, have various levels of adhesion, and they can go a long way toward making women feel more like themselves. It’s also helpful to wear these underneath something tight, like a tight top or a mesh bra, to get some lift without hiding the fake nipple effect.These Perkies fake nipples work like a pasty, covering your actual nipple and sticking to your breast tissue with skin-safe adhesive.Looking to get the most out of your lift? Use a bra size calculator to find your exact bra size.This story was produced by Honeylove and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	OSF Saint Mary Medical Center completes emergency department expansion Hospital leaders said they have seen a 30% decrease in the time it takes for patients to see a provider since opening the renovated space.
	Musser Public Library to cut hours, programs after federal funding reduction The Musser Public Library will reduce its hours and suspend some programs after losing $104,000 in federal funding.
	Why we crave ‘comfort food’ Why we crave ‘comfort food’When they’re stressed, many people reach for comfort foods. For some, that may come in the form of a bowl of pasta topped with their great-grandmother’s beloved tomato sauce. Others may crave traditional dishes usually reserved for holidays, such as kasha varnishkes, an Ashkenazi Jewish dish made from buckwheat groats, sautéed onions and bow-tie noodles. When there’s no time for old-world cooking, ice cream may work just as well.This is the essence of a term apparently coined in a 1966 newspaper column by psychologist Joyce Brothers: “Adults, when under severe emotional distress, turn to what may be called ‘comfort food’ — food associated with the security of childhood, like mother’s poached egg or famous chicken soup.”Back in Brothers’s day, most comfort food (like most foods) would have been homemade or minimally processed. But in the decades since, food manufacturers have used increasingly sophisticated technologies to create affordable, highly processed versions of favorite American comfort foods like mashed potatoes, cake, and ice cream. Calorie-laden and heavy on salt, fat, and sugar, these ultraprocessed foods make today’s comfort foods more bingeable and less healthy than those of previous generations.Science, though, may show the way to comfort foods that are more healthful and have fewer calories. Research shows that the effects of these foods are largely psychological, so you might be able to train your brain to seek more nutritious foods — or maybe find the comfort you seek without eating anything at all.Below, Knowable Magazine explores the psychology behind comfort food cravings and how nostalgia, culture, and ultraprocessed foods shape eating habits.UltraprocessedThanks to the modern world’s need for convenience, odds are high that at least one of your comfort foods is ultraprocessed. In a not-yet-published study, A. Janet Tomiyama, a psychological scientist at UCLA, examined data from the UCLA Eating in America Study, in which 1,760 respondents who self-identified as “comfort eaters” listed their top three choices. Of the 300 comfort foods listed by participants, 42.7% were ultraprocessed, Tomiyama’s team found.These foods approximate their homemade analogs with ingredients that are extracted from whole foods, rather than using the foods themselves. For instance, all mac and cheese is processed since both macaroni and cheese are themselves minimally processed, but ultraprocessed versions use the most highly refined options. They often include stabilizers, flavor enhancers, and other substances you wouldn’t use in your home kitchen, added to maximize shelf life, and the palatability produced by salt, fat, and sugar. And since heavily processed foods tend to require little to no cooking, busy parents have come to rely on them.Ultraprocessed foods are also easier to overeat, because they require less chewing — processing strips away the ingredients’ innate structure, so the product goes down quicker. Research shows that we consume them faster than unprocessed or minimally processed foods, taking in up to twice as many calories per minute. In a 2024 study, participants ate an ultraprocessed breakfast sandwich prepared either on commercial toast with margarine, ham, and cheese or a minimally processed sandwich using bread from a local bakery and eggs cooked in soybean oil. The meals were matched for calories and macronutrients, but the ultraprocessed sandwiches went down faster, with fewer bites and less chewing — and those who ate them reported feeling more hunger afterward than those who’d eaten the whole-food option. Knowable Magazine But that’s not all: Scientists have evidence that ultraprocessed foods pose risks beyond mere overindulgence. Some research also suggests that these packaged foods, especially sweet ones, can hijack the brain’s reward system to create an addictive effect.To try to sidestep the link between ultraprocessing and comfort, nutrition scientists are working to understand how and why certain foods lift our moods. They’ve found that Brothers was right: Comfort food does reach back to childhood.In a 2025 study, for example, University of Pittsburgh sociologist Nick Rogers and colleagues conducted long-form interviews to find out why, exactly, comfort food is so comforting. Nearly every one of the 27 demographically diverse participants, each of whom was interviewed for about an hour across several occasions, described an emotional attachment to particular dishes they ate as children, though the specific dishes varied by culture. Those experiences steeped the foods in memories of good times, of feeling safe and cared for. As adults, participants said, they turned to those foods during bouts of loneliness.“Comfort food has an ability, it seems, to make us feel safe, content, and connected in a way that maybe nothing else can quite match,” Rogers says.Familiarity, reliability, and convenience factored in for many of the participants, so it’s not surprising that ultraprocessed foods like McDonald’s french fries and Kraft macaroni and cheese got name-checked. But the childhood link still holds: Because food manufacturers have spent decades engineering ultraprocessed foods to be cheap, accessible, and enticing, parents have come to lean on them heavily — and now their children carry those associations forward.It is, in essence, conditioning. “Most cultures celebrate with food, or they use food as a way to come together with friends and loved ones,” Tomiyama says. “People learn to associate that with positive emotions, and that connection gets strengthened across a lifetime, but especially in your early years.”This means that the food each of us finds comforting is highly personal, stemming from a combination of psychological, cultural, and physiological factors, says John Munafo, a flavor scientist at the University of Tennessee, who cowrote an article about the science of comfort food in the 2025 Annual Review of Food Science and Technology. Without the psychological connection to a specific food, you may enjoy eating it, but you won’t find the soothing sensation you seek.To many Americans, comfort food is synonymous with indulgence, but the food’s nutritional value varies by culture, Munafo’s review of the research makes clear. Whether that's straight carbs, Vietnamese pho, or Colombia's ajiaco soup, it's the psychological connection that matters more than the food itself. Knowable Magazine Nostalgia, that wistful yearning for a time when you felt happy and connected to others, is a key element of comfort food’s power, says Chelsea Reid, a social psychologist at the College of Charleston. She and colleagues conducted four experiments, published in 2025, exploring the links between food nostalgia, social connectedness, and comfort. When they asked participants to rate foods on their ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort, they found that the more nostalgia a food inspired, the more likely it was to make the participant feel comforted: Participants would recall times when they felt connected to others, and those recollections enhanced their mood. In other words, Reid says, the comfort food served as a reminder of missing friends and caregivers.In three out of four of Reid’s experiments, participants didn’t actually eat anything. Instead, they just visualized the experience of eating certain foods and wrote about the imagined experience, then rated the foods for nostalgia and comfort. Even without eating, they experienced emotional benefits. This fits with previous research that found merely writing about comfort food can reduce feelings of loneliness.“It points to the psychological component being incredibly important, maybe over and above active chewing or tasting,” Reid says. “It’s really the pairing of, ‘This is what the food means to me, this is the situation I consumed it in, and with these individuals,’ that seems to be driving that relationship.”Reid’s research suggests that while the mood-boosting effects of comfort food are genuine, it may not be only the act of eating that provides them. Just thinking about your culinary source of comfort could evoke similarly warm, nostalgic feelings.ReprogrammingScientists have also explored whether we can recondition our brains to connect comfort with health, and thus find solace without indulgence. In one experiment, Tomiyama and her colleagues had people listen to a recorded relaxation session, known to reduce stress, while eating fruit. The volunteers did this every day for one week, and then got the fruit alone. The Pavlovian connection worked, Tomiyama says — participants reported a greater decrease in negative emotions compared to a control group, as if their brains had learned to associate relaxation with fruit.Another study by Tomiyama and colleagues takes this a step further. Participants were first asked to choose their preferred comfort foods from two lists, one made up of processed foods high in fat and/or sugar, and the other of fruits and vegetables. On experiment day, each participant was required to deliver a five-minute speech to induce high levels of stress. Then they were presented with their top choice from either the healthy or the unhealthy comfort food list, or no food at all. Throughout, they were monitored on physiological and psychological measures.The results showed that everyone’s mood rebounded after the stress of the speech, whether they ate their favorite ultraprocessed food, fresh produce, or nothing at all. Their negative feelings simply ebbed with time. Eating comfort food didn’t provide any extra boost beyond normal recovery, and the ultraprocessed “treat” foods were no more soothing than fruits and vegetables.Even participants in the no-food condition, who just sat and later watched a neutral video about how hearing aids are made, felt better as the stress passed. In other words, we may be giving indulgent comfort foods credit for a mood lift we’d experience anyway.Collectively, Reid’s and Tomiyama’s experiments suggest there’s nothing uniquely comforting about the act of eating calorie-dense, ultraprocessed foods. That’s good news for the world’s stressed eaters. “People don’t necessarily have to reach for that pint of ice cream in order to get comfort,” Tomiyama says.So while you may think eating your childhood comfort food will make you feel better, you can almost certainly find relief another way.This story was produced by Knowable Magazine and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to use rent payments to build credit and improve your score How to use rent payments to build credit and improve your scoreEvery month, tens of millions of Americans make their biggest payment of the month and get nothing to show for it on their credit report. With a few small exceptions, rent payments are not reported to credit bureaus and are therefore nothing more than a transaction that disappears.Reporting on-time rent payments to the three major credit bureaus is one of the fastest ways to build or improve a credit score, and it turns something renters are already doing into a valuable financial asset. RentRedi explains why rent reporting is so consequential and how to make the most of it.Rent and credit don’t connect automaticallyYour credit score is built from your history of making payments on car loans, credit cards, and student loans. All of these payments, including late or missed ones, get reported automatically to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to create a personalized credit score and report. Lenders then use your score and/or report to decide whether to approve you for a loan or credit card, along with the amount you can borrow and the interest rate you’ll be charged to pay it back.Rent works differently. For most renters, monthly payments are not automatically reported to any of the three major bureaus. Unless you or your landlord enrolls in a reporting service, those payments vanish from a credit perspective, even if you’ve paid rent on time for years. If you’re working to build credit from scratch, recover from a financial setback, or establish a stronger score and profile before applying for a car loan or mortgage, that’s years of missed opportunity.There is one exception: A new California law went into effect in April 2025, requiring landlords with 16 or more units to offer tenants the option to report positive, on-time rent payments to credit bureaus. But everywhere else it remains entirely optional, and most renters don’t know it’s even possible to report their rent, nor fully realize the benefits of doing it.How reporting rent affects your credit scoreTransUnion data puts the average score improvement from 12 months of reported on-time rent payments at up to 26 points. Sixty percent of renters see increases after just the first month.How those points factor into your overall financial health matters more than your raw credit score. Moving from a nonprime score (roughly 601 to 660) into the prime range (661 to 780) changes what lenders will offer you. Prime borrowers qualify for lower interest rates and better loan terms because they’re considered lower risk for repayment.For renters carrying credit card debt, the savings can be significant. In Q3 2025, the average American held roughly $7,886 in credit card balances. Moving from a nonprime to a prime APR (about 10-13 percentage points) on that balance amount can save up to $1,000 in interest per year.Renters who aren’t actively borrowing still benefit. Utility companies and cell phone carriers often check credit scores before setting deposit requirements. Landlords pull credit reports during the screening process. And mortgage lenders like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA are already incorporating rent payment data into underwriting decisions, so the track record you establish now will be important down the road when you’re looking to buy a home.How to report your on-time rent paymentsYou may already have access to rent reporting through your landlord’s property management software without realizing it. Start by asking your landlord if they use a rental management platform that offers a rent reporting feature. These can typically be accessed at little or no cost. Most renters want their on-time payments factored into their credit scores, and many landlords simply don’t know this matters to their tenants, so the conversation is worth having.If your landlord doesn’t have access to this type of feature, third-party reporting services can do it on your behalf. These services charge a small monthly or annual fee and report to all three major bureaus. But before signing up, confirm that the service covers all three. Lenders pull from different bureaus, and a service that only reports to one or two leaves gaps in your profile.Regardless of how you implement rent reporting, here’s another practical step you should take with it: Set up automatic rent payments. Automating your rent payments removes the risk that you’ll forget and miss one.Why some landlords offer rent reportingAs RentRedi’s internal data proves, landlords who offer rent reporting tend to see near-perfect on-time payment rates. When renters know their payment affects their credit score, they treat it with the same urgency as a car or credit card payment.Moreover, TransUnion found that 67% of renters would choose an apartment offering payment reporting over one that doesn’t. That’s a preference that can offer landlords a competitive advantage in attracting quality tenants, so more are paying more attention to it, especially since the benefits extend beyond payment rates.Renters who actively want to build credit tend to be more financially engaged tenants, which reduces vacancy risk and turnover over time. And offering something that genuinely helps tenants get ahead financially builds a better landlord-tenant relationship that encourages retention and lease renewals.This story was produced by RentRedi and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to fix cash flow problems for your business How to fix cash flow problems for your businessCash flow problems happen when money isn’t coming in fast enough to cover what’s going out. To fix them, you need to speed up collections, manage expenses more deliberately, and get better visibility into future cash gaps. With the right systems and discipline in place, you can stabilize short-term shortages and prevent them from becoming recurring crises.Quick fixes: 3 immediate steps to solve cash flow problemsIf you need immediate relief, focus on three levers: Increase cash coming in, delay cash going out, and strengthen planning so you can see gaps before they hit.Accelerate cash inflowSend invoices immediately after completing work or delivering goods.Offer early payment discounts such as 2/10 net 30, a 2% discount for invoices paid within 10 days.Accept credit cards and digital payment options.Tighten credit terms and require deposits for large orders.Manage cash outflowNegotiate net 60 or net 90 terms instead of net 30.Audit recurring expenses and cut nonessential spend.Reduce excess inventory and avoid tying up cash.Strengthen financial planningBuild a cash reserve covering 3-6 months of operating expenses.Create a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast.Use a business line of credit for short-term gaps.Monitor margins and adjust pricing if needed.Common cash flow problems and their root causesSmall businesses face recurring cash flow challenges that often stem from predictable operational patterns. Identifying these root causes helps you address issues before they escalate.1. Late customer paymentsLate payments remain one of the most common causes of cash flow problems. According to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Small Business Credit Survey, 39% of firms cited customers being slow to pay as a challenge of payments processing.Delayed payments impact operations by:Disrupting payroll schedules: Late payments force businesses to use reserves or credit. This increases financial stress and borrowing costs.Delaying vendor payments: Suppliers may impose penalties or halt deliveries. This disrupts operations and supply chains.Reducing investment capacity: Businesses cannot reinvest in growth. This slows expansion and competitiveness.2. Seasonal revenue fluctuationsIndustries such as retail, tourism, and construction often experience seasonal revenue cycles. During off-peak periods, fixed costs continue even when income drops. Planning strategies include forecasting seasonal trends and building reserves during peak months. Diversifying revenue streams also helps reduce reliance on seasonal demand.3. Rapid growth without capitalGrowth can create cash flow problems when expenses increase faster than revenue collection. Hiring staff, purchasing inventory, and expanding operations require upfront cash.Warning signs include:Increasing accounts receivable balancesRising short-term debtFrequent cash shortages despite sales growth4. High overhead costsOverhead expenses include rent, salaries, and administrative costs. High fixed costs reduce flexibility during revenue fluctuations. Healthy overhead ratios vary by industry, but many financial experts recommend keeping overhead below 35% of revenue to maintain stability.5. Poor inventory managementExcess inventory ties up cash and increases storage costs. Businesses may struggle to convert inventory into revenue quickly. Just-in-time inventory strategies reduce holding costs by aligning purchasing with demand forecasts.Diagnostic tools: How to identify your cash flow problemsIdentifying cash flow problems requires consistent financial monitoring and clear visibility into how money moves through your business. Reviewing both financial statements and performance metrics helps you spot early warning signs before cash shortages become urgent.Use this checklist to quickly assess whether your business is at risk of cash flow problems:Do your customers regularly pay invoices late?Is your accounts receivable balance growing each month?Do you frequently rely on credit to cover operating expenses?Are your fixed costs high compared to revenue?Do you lack a formal cash flow forecast?Is your inventory turnover slow?Do you review financial statements less than once per month?Are your cash reserves below three months of expenses?If you answered yes to three or more questions, your business may need immediate cash flow improvements.Cash flow statement analysisYour cash flow statement shows whether operating activities are generating enough cash to sustain the business. Negative operating cash flow over multiple periods is a clear sign that underlying issues need attention.Days sales outstanding (DSO)Days sales outstanding (DSO) measures how long it takes to collect payment after a sale. If your DSO consistently exceeds your stated payment terms, collections may be slipping.Days sales outstanding (DSO) = (Accounts receivable / total credit sales) X number of days in the period being analyzed.For example, if your standard payment term is 30 days but your DSO is 52 days, customers are taking significantly longer to pay than expected. That gap directly impacts available cash.Inventory turnover reviewInventory turnover indicates how efficiently you convert inventory into sales. Slow turnover ties up cash and may signal overordering or weak demand. Monitoring these metrics monthly, rather than quarterly, gives you earlier insight into emerging cash flow risks.Long-term solutions for sustainable cash flow managementSustainable cash flow comes from building strong financial systems rather than relying on short-term fixes. These long-term strategies help you maintain consistent liquidity and reduce recurring cash shortages.Implement cash flow forecastingA 13-week rolling forecast tracks expected cash inflows and outflows weekly. This approach provides early warning of potential shortages and gives you time to adjust spending or financing plans.Forecasting tools range from simple spreadsheets to fully integrated platforms: Ramp Diversify revenue streamsReducing dependence on a single customer improves financial stability. Recurring revenue models, such as subscriptions, create more predictable income streams.Businesses with diversified income streams typically experience more stable cash flow and lower financial risk. Diversification can also create opportunities to cross-sell products and expand customer relationships.Build cash reservesFinancial experts often recommend maintaining 3-6 months of operating expenses as reserves. This cushion helps manage seasonal slowdowns, delayed payments, and unexpected costs.Systematic saving strategies include:Setting automatic transfers to reserve accountsAllocating a percentage of monthly profitsReducing discretionary spendingChoosing the right business checking account can also make a difference — some accounts offer higher yields or fewer fees that compound over time.Automate financial processesDigital invoicing systems accelerate collections and reduce errors. Opening a dedicated business bank account is the foundation for automating financial processes — it keeps cash flows clean and simplifies reconciliation.Automation reduces human error and improves decision-making speed. Real-time financial data allows you to identify cash shortages early and take corrective action. Automated workflows streamline approvals, invoice processing, and expense tracking, which reduces administrative overhead.Metrics and tools for monitoring cash flow healthMonitoring cash flow requires consistent measurement and reliable tools. You should track both financial ratios and operational indicators to assess liquidity over time.Essential cash flow metricsOperating cash flow ratio measures your ability to cover liabilities using operating cash flow. A ratio above one indicates strong liquidity.Free cash flow represents cash available after operating expenses and capital expenditures. Positive free cash flow supports growth and debt repayment.Cash runway measures how long your business can operate using current reserves.Recommended cash flow management toolsYou can use accounting platforms, forecasting software, and expense management tools depending on your business size and needs. Ramp Integration with accounting systems ensures data accuracy and reduces manual work. Automated expense management tools often deliver significant return on investment by improving efficiency and reducing financial errors.This story was produced by Ramp and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Millions of AI agents are running without oversight. Is yours one of them? Millions of AI agents are running without oversight. Is yours one of them?Shadow IT has been a challenge for security teams for years, and now AI is raising the stakes. As organizations race to adopt new tools, shadow AI is spreading across teams. ‍Vanta data shows that 70% of companies have AI tools accessing their environment without going through proper procurement channels, and fewer than 2% of unmanaged vendors ever receive a security review. The result is a growing gap between adoption and control—one that’s harder to manage because these systems can take action, not just store data.‍To close that gap, organizations need a clearer way to see, manage, and control how AI is used across the business. This guide from Vanta covers how to:‍Identify where AI is being used across your organization.Define the right level of autonomy for each agent.Put guardrails and access controls in place.Monitor activity continuously.Assign clear ownership.AI agents are already everywhereAI agents sit inside customer support platforms, procurement tools, engineering workflows, and compliance processes. They both assist with and participate in how work gets done.Eight in 10 organizations are already deploying or planning to deploy agentic AI. Looking ahead, Gartner predicts that 40% of enterprise applications will include task-specific AI agents by the end of 2026.AI agents are spreading across marketing, sales, HR, finance, and security, but ownership doesn’t always follow. Organizations may not have a reliable way to answer basic questions like:‍How many agents are running?Where are they deployed?What systems can they access?What actions can they take?Without a baseline, governance can be reactive and incomplete by default.‍Adoption is coordinated—understanding isn’tThere’s a noticeable mismatch between how quickly organizations adopt AI and how well they understand it. That’s when the shadow AI starts to take hold.Vanta data shows that shadow IT is growing 36% year over year, fueled in part by AI adoption.Microsoft’s Cyber Pulse Report, released in February, also found that 29% of data security professionals surveyed in July 2025 reported using unsanctioned AI tools at work. For example, a team might give an agent broad API access just to get it working, or skip review because a tool seems low risk. Over time, those decisions add up to systems no one fully owns or understands.AI incidents are outpacing governanceAs AI spreads across more systems without clear guardrails, incidents are becoming more common and harder to catch before they cause damage. The missing piece is dependable governance.‍The data reflects that shift:‍According to the AI Incidents Database, AI-related incidents increased 56% year over year from 2023 to 2024, with 233 reported cases in 2024.The IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025 found that 97% of organizations that reported an AI-related security incident didn’t have proper AI access controls.These cases are a byproduct of fast adoption without consistent oversight. One example may be an AI agent pulling sensitive data into logs, triggering the wrong workflow, or exposing information through downstream systems. Without clear visibility, it’s hard to trace what happened or where it started.At the same time, most teams don’t have the capacity to keep up. Nearly two-thirds of organizations say they spend more time proving security than improving it, according to Vanta’s fall 2025 The State of Trust Report. Per the report, teams already spend about 12 weeks a year on compliance work. That leaves little room to manage systems that are constantly changing—especially when they can act on their own.‍As incidents become more common, some patterns are starting to emerge in how organizations respond.What effective AI governance looks like in practiceAs AI risk grows, a few patterns are starting to emerge in how organizations approach governance. The shift is toward more consistency in how AI systems are understood and controlled. ‍In many environments, AI agents are increasingly treated like identities. If a system can access data or take action, it’s given defined permissions, with clearer boundaries around what it can and can’t do.‍There’s also more attention on autonomy. Rather than letting capabilities expand organically, teams are starting to define where automation is appropriate and where human review still matters.‍Monitoring is shifting, too. Periodic reviews are giving way to more continuous visibility, especially as systems begin to act across multiple tools and datasets.And as AI spreads across teams, ownership is becoming more explicit. Instead of shared or unclear responsibility, organizations are starting to define who is accountable for how each system behaves.Across all of this, the direction is consistent: moving from fragmented oversight to systems that can keep pace with how quickly AI is actually used.Where teams are starting with AI governanceFor most organizations, this shift doesn’t begin with a full governance overhaul. It usually starts with visibility.‍As AI use expands, teams are working to answer a basic set of questions: What’s running, where it’s connected, and what it’s allowed to do? That baseline is often incomplete at first, especially in environments where tools have been adopted quickly.‍From there, structure tends to build gradually. Teams start adding guardrails around higher-risk actions, clarifying access, and introducing more consistent monitoring as systems evolve.‍The process isn’t always linear. But over time, organizations that invest in visibility and control tend to move away from reactive fixes toward something more sustainable, where AI governance can keep up with how AI is actually used.‍Customers expect security—and proofVanta’s research has identified another dynamic shaping how organizations approach managing AI: External expectations are on the rise.82% of organizations say security and compliance directly impact customer trust.77% report that stakeholders expect verified proof of security and compliance.Those expectations extend to AI. Customers want to understand how AI is being used, what controls are in place, and how risks are managed, and partners are asking similar questions as procurement processes evolve.When organizations can clearly show how they control and monitor their AI systems, it builds confidence with buyers, makes security reviews smoother, and helps unblock deals that might otherwise stall.AI governance plays a direct role in revenue, partnerships, and growth.You can’t manage what you can’t seeYou can’t manage what you can’t see, and AI adoption isn’t slowing down. It’s only getting more embedded, more distributed, and more essential to how work gets done.‍However, most organizations don’t yet have a clear picture of their own AI footprint. They might not know exactly how many agents are running, where they’re deployed, or what they’re allowed to do.‍Without visibility, risk grows alongside adoption. Unmanaged AI might not fail loudly in the beginning. Instead, it accumulates small gaps with unclear permissions, missing oversight, and fragmented ownership. But those gaps can connect.The most practical place to start is also the most foundational: Make AI visible. Once you can see it clearly—where it lives, what it touches, how it behaves—you can begin to shape it.This story was produced by Vanta and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How one Oregon city has raised a billion dollars for climate change The Portland Clean Energy Fund has raised a billion dollars for climate change action via a retail tax on large corporations in the city. Other cities are starting to shape similar funds.
	Severe weather and car insurance claims: What causes the most damage and what to do about it Severe weather and car insurance claims: What causes the most damage and what to do about itWhen storms strike, car damage from hail, wind, flood or falling debris can be costly. Most weather-related car insurance claims are paid under comprehensive coverage — an optional part of your policy that protects against noncollision losses.Extreme storms and floods can happen without warning. Driving in hazardous weather can damage your vehicle and leave you with thousands of dollars in repairs — or even a total loss. Comprehensive car insurance covers storm-related damage to a car, such as hail, falling debris, flooding or fire.To ensure you know what to do when weather strikes, CarInsurance.com explains some of the most common weather-related car insurance claims and what steps to take during the aftermath.Keep in mind that once a storm has been named, you won’t be able to add or change your insurance coverage. You must have your coverage in place beforehand.Key InsightsSince insurers place binding restrictions on policy changes once a storm is named, add comprehensive coverage to your policy before hurricane season begins on June 1.Comprehensive coverage is imperative in protecting your vehicle against storm damage.Hail generates the most car insurance claims by volume — 12% of comprehensive claims in the U.S.Flooding generates the most expensive insurance claims, often because water-damaged electronics result in the vehicle’s total loss.The January 2025 Southern California wildfires cost $41 billion in insured losses, according to Gallagher Re's report.Which weather events cause the most car insurance claims?Severe thunderstorms, particularly hail, cause the highest volume of car insurance claims. Nearly 12% of all comprehensive claims filed in 2023 in Texas were for hail, up from 6.8% in 2022, according to the Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions.“The assessed annual risk from frequency perils, particularly losses from severe thunderstorms, winter storms, wildfires, and inland floods, accounts for a 12% greater share of the total modeled risk in 2025 over 2024,” risk-modeling company Verisk said in its report, Modeling Insured Catastrophe Losses: A Global Perspective for 2025.Furthermore, the report states that, specifically for severe thunderstorms, there’s a 59% increase in events generating insured losses exceeding $1 billion from 2020 to 2024, compared with the prior five years.Wildfire poses an ongoing risk to the American West: “The Verisk Wildfire model for the United States, for example, shows a markedly increased hazard relative to historical records in most, but not all, locations. This signal reflects how well-understood, large-scale warming and drying connect to the mechanisms underlying wildfire,” according to the Verisk report.Hurricanes and tropical storms along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts cause claims clusters that can clutter appraisersâ€™ desks in those regions for months at a time."Hail generates the most claims by volume, but flooding generates the most expensive ones,” says Brent Buell, lead data analyst at CarInsurance.com. Water damage to a vehicle's electrical system frequently results in a total loss, and total losses are settled at actual cash value, not replacement cost."What does car insurance actually cover when weather damages your car?If your car is damaged during a storm or other weather event, comprehensive coverage pays to repair or replace it, not collision or liability coverage. Comprehensive car insurance typically covers:Hail dentsFlood damageHurricane debrisTornadoesWildfiresFalling treesIce damageIf you don’t carry comprehensive coverage (for example, if you have state minimum coverage), any repair costs come out of your pocket. The table below shows common weather events and the insurance coverage that applies. CarInsurance.com If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you may be able to get federal disaster assistance to help pay for damage and weather-related costs, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.Expert TipIf you live in a state with an active hurricane corridor — Florida, Louisiana, Texas, the Carolinas — the best time to add comprehensive coverage is before June 1, not after you hear the first storm named. Once a watch is issued, most insurers freeze coverage changes.Which states have high weather-related auto claims?Texas recorded the most hail events of any state in 2023, with more than 1,100 recorded, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. Florida drivers filed more than 80,000 auto claims for damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to a ProgramBusiness report. And in Georgia, Hurricane Helene flooding damaged 16,800 vehicles, according to CARFAX. Where you park your car is one of the most significant factors in your comprehensive coverage cost.According to NOAA data, Michigan saw more than 100 hail events in both 2023 and 2024, following seven straight years below that threshold.The California Department of Insurance notes that wildfires generated at least 5,597 claims as of Feb. 5, 2025, though the number of destroyed vehicles is higher. Similarly, while Florida hurricane-related auto insurance claims topped 88,000, CARFAX estimates 138,000 total vehicles were damaged.Overall, 2025 was the most expensive year on record for weather-related damage. Twenty-three events caused an estimated $115 billion in damage, according to Climate Central’s report.According to Gallagher Re’s Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report 2025, the U.S. experienced its costliest wildfire season on record (more than $41 billion) and third-costliest severe convective storm season on record (more than $51 billion).While tropical cyclone activities were significantly reduced in 2025 because the U.S. mainland went without a landfalling hurricane for its first season in 10 years, flash flood events affected communities in Texas, New York, Florida, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Washington and California.When does weather damage total a car — and how does the math work?Insurers declare a vehicle a total loss when the cost to repair it exceeds a particular threshold. The threshold is usually 70% or 80% of the car’s actual cash value (ACV), but details vary by state and insurer. Flooding and wildfire have the highest total-loss rates because electrical system damage often makes repairs impractical.A vehicle’s actual cash value is its market value at the time of loss. This figure reflects the car's depreciation over time, not its replacement value, which is the price you paid.Suppose you have a damaged vehicle with an ACV of $14,000 and a repair estimate of $12,000. The repair cost is 86% of the car’s value, which would be considered a total loss by most insurers.For flood and hurricane damage, your insurer pays the actual cash value of your vehicle minus your deductible. Because water damage to a car's electrical system almost always results in a total loss, that payout is effectively your vehicle's market value at the time of the storm. For a car worth $20,000 with a $500 deductible, the settlement check would be approximately $19,500.If the balance on your auto loan exceeds the vehicle's ACV, gap insurance could cover the difference.“The gap between what drivers expect and what insurers pay is one of the most common sources of frustration after a weather claim. Drivers are often surprised by the actual cash value payout,” says Laura Longero, editor-in-chief, CarInsurance.com.Check your deductible now: Could you afford to pay it? Most deductibles are in the $250 to $1,000 range. Increasing your deductible could help lower your rates, but a deductible that's too high could be difficult to pay after a damaging storm.Expert TipWith electric vehicles, the cost of battery replacement alone can exceed the vehicle's market value after a flood or fire. That’s why EVs are considered totaled at lower damage thresholds.How to file a car insurance claim after severe weather — step by stepYou should file your weather damage auto claim as soon as it’s safe to do so. Most insurers recommend reporting the claim within 48 hours or even 24 hours if possible.Document the vehicle's damage with photos and notes before making any permanent repairs, then contact your insurer directly to open the claim. Here is the step-by-step process for filing a claim, from storm to settlement.Safety first. Never enter areas with downed power lines and watch for large branches and deep or rushing water. Avoid inspecting or starting a flood-damaged car, especially if saltwater is involved, as this can cause further engine damage.Document damage thoroughly. Take time-stamped photos and video from multiple angles and distances to document damage to the car’s exterior and interior. Also, document your surroundings, including rushing water, fire, smoke or other aftermath damage.Report to your insurer within 24 to 48 hours. Have the date, location and your policy number ready. Make sure to call the insurance company directly; don’t go through a third party.Hold off on permanent repairs for now. You can make temporary fixes, like covering broken windows with a tarp, but don’t make permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster has taken a look. Save your receipts from all repairs and related costs.Meet with the adjuster. Walk them through all vehicle damage and ask for an itemized written estimate.Review the settlement offer. If the estimate seems low, you can negotiate it or request a re-inspection. If your claim is denied, request a denial letter to get the reason in writing.Choose a repair shop. Your insurer may have a preferred network of repair facilities, but in most states, you have the right to choose your own.Most repairable weather claims can be resolved within a few weeks, whereas total-loss determinations typically take longer.For example, in Texas, the insurer must acknowledge the claim within 15 calendar days. After receiving all required documentation, the insurer has 15 business days to accept or reject the claim in writing. After accepting, the insurer has five business days to pay. If the damage results from a declared catastrophe, the insurer may have a 15-day extension.Expert TipBefore you call your insurer, make sure your photos include the VIN plate, the vehicle's surroundings, and any storm-related debris still near the car. Adjusters use context, not just close-ups — a photo showing a downed tree next to your dented hood is more useful than a close-up of the dent alone.What can get your weather damage claim denied — and how to prevent itWeather damage claims are denied for four main reasons: The driver carried liability-only coverage, the damage was deemed pre-existing, comprehensive coverage was added after the storm or the claim was filed too late. However, you can avoid these problems if you act now, before a storm hits. Here’s how to help ensure your claim is accepted. CarInsurance.com If the insurer denies your claim, request a written reason for the denial. You have the right to appeal the decision or escalate your case to your state’s Department of Insurance.Will filing a comprehensive claim raise your car insurance rates?Filing a single weather-related comprehensive claim won’t typically raise your rates the way an at-fault accident does, because weather-related events are outside your control. However, filing multiple claims in a short window could affect your rate at renewal. So could a pattern of weather claims in a high-risk ZIP code.When claims volume spikes in a geographic area, all policyholders in that ZIP code could see rate adjustments at renewal, not just people who filed claims.Regarding multiple claims, the general industry practice is to allow a maximum of two or three comprehensive claims within 24 months. More than that will likely prompt an insurer review of your insurance record, regardless of whether you were at fault for the claims.Motor vehicle insurance costs rose as much as 6.4% year-over-year as of April 2025, according to Consumer Price Index data, with the rate slowing to 2.8% year-over-year by December.The best way to avoid a rate increase is to compare quotes as soon as your claim settles. That way, higher rates aren’t locked in at your current insurer.How much does comprehensive coverage cost — and is it worth it?According to CarInsurance.com’s data study, comprehensive coverage averages $451 per year nationwide. But the cost of comprehensive coverage more than offsets the cost of a claim after a severe weather event.For instance, in 2021, a single hail claim in Texas averaged more than $5,700 — often more than a full year of comprehensive premiums. For most drivers in states where severe weather is a significant risk, the coverage math is straightforward. CarInsurance.com Budget-conscious drivers often skip buying comprehensive coverage. However, if you live in a weather-exposed state, it often makes more sense to buy it, since you’re more likely to file a claim — and the cost is likely to exceed a year’s worth of premiums.“Keeping comprehensive coverage might not make sense if you end up paying more than you would get back from a claim. Check if your premium and deductible together are higher than your car’s value. If so, comprehensive coverage probably is not worth it,” says Shivani Gite, contributing writer and researcher at CarInsurance.com.Expert TipIf your car is less than 10 years old and you are in a hail belt or hurricane corridor, the math on comprehensive is usually not close. One covered claim can repay several years of premiums. The question is not whether comprehensive is worth it — it is whether you can absorb a total loss without it.Not sure whether your current coverage would hold up in a storm? A free ZIP code calculator can show you through your options based on your situation — no personal information required to get started.Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive car insurance claimsDoes car insurance cover all types of weather damage?Car insurance only covers weather damage if you have comprehensive coverage. It covers hail, flooding, hurricane wind and debris, tornadoes, wildfires, falling trees and ice damage. A liability-only policy doesn’t cover any of these, leaving you to pay for repairs out of pocket. Review your declarations page to confirm your coverage types before storm season.What is the difference between comprehensive and collision for storm damage?Comprehensive covers storm damage, such as hailstorm dents or hurricane flooding. Collision pays when your car hits something, such as another vehicle or someone else’s property. If you skid on ice and collide with another vehicle, you’d file a collision claim. If a tornado flips your car, you’d file a comprehensive claim. Each carries a separate deductible.Can I add comprehensive coverage right before a storm?No, not once a storm watch or warning is issued. You’ll need to have coverage in place before a weather event. Most insurers impose a binding restriction (a temporary freeze on coverage additions) when a storm is named or a severe weather watch is active. Add comprehensive coverage to your vehicle before June 1 for hurricane season or before spring for hail season.How long does a weather damage car insurance claim take?It varies by state and insurer. For example, Texas law requires insurers to acknowledge claims within 15 calendar days, accept or reject within 15 business days and pay within five business days of acceptance. Most states have similar frameworks. High-volume weather events — a major hurricane or regional hailstorm — can extend timelines as adjusters work through a surge of claims.Does filing a weather damage claim raise my car insurance rates?Filing a single comprehensive claim for weather damage rarely triggers a surcharge. Most insurers understand that weather events are outside your control, although multiple claims in a short time will typically trigger a review. The bigger risk is when your area experiences high claim volume after a single major event. In that case, all policyholders are more likely to see a rate increase at renewal.What should I do immediately after a storm damages my car?Once it’s safe, take photos and video of the vehicle and your surroundings from every angle. Report it to your insurer within 24-48 hours. Don’t start your car or make any permanent fixes until an adjuster has inspected it. Keep all receipts for any temporary fixes, like covering windows with a tarp.Does standard car insurance cover flood damage, or do I need separate flood insurance?Your standard comprehensive auto policy covers flood damage to your car, so you do not need a separate flood insurance policy for it. FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program or private flood insurance covers your home, not your car.MethodologyCarInsurance.com conducted a detailed analysis using billions of data points to provide accurate, insightful information on comprehensive coverage cost.To ensure consistency, the researchers based their calculations on male and female drivers aged 40 carrying a full coverage policy, with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 collision/comprehensive deductibles. The driver has a 12-mile commute, an annual mileage of 10,000 miles and maintains a clean driving record with no accidents or violations.This story was produced by CarInsurance.com, and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to improve AI agents How to improve AI agentsTrusting a new AI agent you just released can take time. You run it through your work data, watch it closely for days and weeks, always judging if it's working for you or against you. Just when you're starting to relax and enjoying the productivity boost, the AI provider launches a model update. The responses have now shifted, your instructions get interpreted differently, and you're back to zero trust again.This is normal, as AI needs maintenance like any other tool or product. Here, Zapier shares a framework that will help your AI agents stay fresh and powerful.Part 1: PreparationAdd version control and set up a sandbox Zapier Version control sounds boring, but saving and naming your AI agent versions will save you a lot of trouble as you update it over time. Without it, you can't easily collaborate with other builders in your team, and you can re-introduce bugs that you previously fixed.Some AI agent builders offer built-in version control. This is ideal. If yours doesn't, save every part of your configuration in a single source of truth. Here are the kinds of things you'll want to track:Which AI model you're usingAny system instructionsA list of connected toolsKnowledge base version (including the versions of each document included in it)Any other elements that change your agent's behavior when added, changed, or removedIf this is your first time adding version control, you can keep it simple and set it to v1.0.0. Later in this guide, you'll learn how to increment versions and what to keep track of.Lastly, before making changes, duplicate anything you're planning to work on for the new version. This will be your sandbox to play around and test without breaking the current version. If you have multiple builders in your team, you can create one for each person to brainstorm approaches, and pick the best candidate for release as you wrap up.Set objectives and a scorecardLike with any project, you start by setting where the finish line should be. The very first step is deciding what you're improving:Model fails to reply on-target? Focus on accuracy.The voice is off-brand? Focus on tone and style.Tool calls and actions got unpredictable? Get ready to dive into schemas, MCP, and APIs.With your objective in mind, create a scorecard. This will help you rank responses, separating useful results from bad outputs. There are two main rubrics in the scorecard.Rubric 1: Dealbreakers. These are pass/fail conditions. If the model hallucinates, ignores a critical instruction, violates safety or compliance, or uses a tool incorrectly, these are instant fails.Rubric 2: Quality scoring. This is a 0 to 2 scale across metrics to help you identify the severity. Here are a few examples you can use as a base, but you can include your own quality scoring for what matters in your use case. Zapier Collect outputs Zapier Time to collect agent responses. Gather 20 to 50 recent responses from conversations or agent runs, enough for getting good results without overwhelming yourself with too much data. Make sure this response set reflects the full range of what users are asking; otherwise, you'll be optimizing for a narrow range of uses and make the agent inflexible.For single-turn Q&A chatbots and simple agentic AI tools that only run a couple of tool calls for every user prompt, pairs of user prompts and agent responses work fine. But if you're running a full AI agent with multi-turn reasoning and lots of tool calls, and it's embedded in a multi-agent system, you need full chat/run threads.In either case, store everything in a spreadsheet or database tool and add this metadata to each message or run to keep things organized:User message(s) and agent response pairsTimestampAgent version: add 1.0.0 if you're just startingTool calls executed in the run and tool outputsRetrieved knowledge base chunks to ground the responseOutcome: did this solve the requestUser feedback: if your AI agent platform supports upvotes/downvotes on a responseGrade outputs and find top problemsAdd the grading columns from the first step to the spreadsheet, one for the pass/fail dealbreakers, and multiple for the quality metrics (correct and complete, grounded, etc). Go over every response: Did the agent pass or fail? If it passed, add the 0-2 quality score. Keep going until all of them are graded.Next, prioritize the responses based on:Severity. If a response causes harm, triggers a compliance issue, or is risky in any way, put it at the top of the list. These usually fail on the dealbreakers, so they're easy to spot on the spreadsheet.Frequency. Problems that keep showing up repeatedly go second on the list.Business impact. These are the outputs tied to improving productivity, unlocking opportunities, or otherwise creating business impact.Looking at your graded list, you can get a good sense of where to focus. At first, you might have plenty of high-severity rows; however, as you improve your agent, you'll find yourself moving on to frequent issues and then to business impact.Build a test suiteSince you have your graded list at hand, this is a good time to save responses to help you test your AI agent at the end of every future project, so you can be sure the problems you're solving aren't coming back.From your original responses list, create three other lists with:10 happy-path responses, where the agent successfully responded to and solved critical tasks10 worst-case responses, a list of the messiest and most broken outputs with the worst scores10 red-team responses, which cover sensitive topics, edge cases, or inputs that try to break your systemThese lists will become your test suite. You can put these lists away for now—you'll come back to them later.Part 2: Finding solutionsBrainstorm approachesSome problems are pretty straightforward: You look at your grading list and instantly know this is a knowledge base issue or a tool call that's going off track. In these cases, you can jump in right away and start building. But there are also situations where the problem is hard to diagnose: It could be two documents with conflicting information, but it could also be that the system instructions need a revamp.For harder problems, brainstorm potential solutions first before jumping into building, as each attempt is part finding the correct diagnosis, part getting to the solution. At this stage, make a simple list of issues you found in the grading list and how you're planning to address them. Here's an example of what that might look like:Agent is too chattyChange system instructions to control lengthCheck model API settings to see if there are verbosity controlsAdjust max output length in API (last resort)When switching from chat mode A to chat mode B, the agent loses memoryCheck system instructions for both conversation modes to understand if/how they limit topicsCheck if my system is sending the full conversation thread to the AI providerAgent fails all tool calls that involve adding a new recommendation to a user's accountCheck the tool call schema to see if all details are correctCheck my system's API permissions to see if they accept agent callsIf you look at your graded list and don't know where to start, here are a few leads to help you brainstorm:Hallucinations and wrong/fabricated factsConnect a knowledge base (RAG) to your agent and load it with your documents and data.If you already have a connected knowledge base, re-check the document content to see if there's conflicting or incorrect information.If your agent has to process a lot of data, consider switching to a model with a larger context window.Unpredictable tool useCheck if tool descriptions are too similar and confusing the model as to which is best for each task.Models with lots of connected tools (more than 15-20) can become more unpredictable when picking the best one. Consider splitting the functionality into two agents or into a multi-agent system.Consider if the model you're using has high enough intelligence to understand the nuance of user commands. Smaller models can sometimes struggle and need more direct commands.Unpredictable or failed interactions with external systemsCheck connected tool descriptions to make sure the model understands the purpose of the tool and that it knows how to fill each parameter correctly.Limit access privileges for the AI agent in your API endpoints to prevent unintended CRUD operations.Verbose or off-brandYou're using a model tuned for chattiness. Consider switching to a different model or adjusting settings.Adjust verbosity settings in the model API.Adjust system instructions to control response length, tone, and style.Compress your tone and style instructions to the essentials, as longer instructions can sometimes invite unpredictable behavior.Consider setting a maximum output token limit in the API settings to force shorter outputs.Consider adjusting temperature or top-k (not both at the same time) to reduce how much each response varies.High token usageCheck all inputs for lots of text being passed to the model: system instructions, knowledge base chunking length/overlap, user prompts.If available, check the reasoning strength API setting: higher settings consume more tokens.If your tool needs to support long chats, consider summarizing the conversation as it progresses instead of always sending the full thread.Start building and experimenting Zapier You have your brainstorming list; it's time to execute. Starting with the first line of your list, make changes to your setup, and keep the build/test loop tight: every time you make meaningful progress, test it by feeding 5-10 response examples from your graded list, and see how the agent behaves. This approach is good for two reasons:If there's an error or something that doesn't look right, it's easy to reverse it.You're building your understanding of the system as much as you're building a tool. Once it's clear in your mind, you usually get to the solution surprisingly fast.Keep going through the list, and take notes as you go. If you get stuck or if you run out of potential solutions, review your notes and come up with more hypotheses. For really hard problems, shorten the build/test loop even more so you get as much understanding as possible over every change you're making.You know you're on to the result when an agent response consistently passes on the dealbreaker scoring rubric and has the highest 2 scores in the quality metrics across 5-10 tests.Run your test suiteOnce you find a viable solution that does well during your build/test loop, try to break it with your test suite. Grab your happy-path, worst-case, and red-team lists, and run all the inputs to check that the agent still:Completes all the tasks in the happy-path list accurately.Responds appropriately (or at least shows improvement) on the worst-case list.Doesn't fail any of the red-team tests.You can grade the responses just like you did at the start to have an objective metric to understand what counts as an improvement. If the agent fails these tests, keep changing your configuration and re-running these tests until the scores improve.While you may be forced to go back to the drawing board when you run the agent against the test suite, this ensures that you're actually making progress across versions, not just fixing some issues while introducing or re-introducing others.Optional: use AI to evaluate your agent's responsesAs you grade your test's results, you'll know how to articulate what you're looking for and what's a bad output. At this point, you can use AI to scale testing, using it to evaluate responses quickly, so you can spend more time building.Document the reasoning behind your scores. What must be in the output for "grounded" being a 2 instead of a 1? What counts as on-brand? Write down the criteria in a system prompt, including examples, and save it to a GPT in ChatGPT, for example. Then, every time you run your agent, send the responses to your AI evaluator GPT and see if it reproduces your judgment pattern accurately.Beyond speeding up development, you can use this AI evaluator on the responses of the live tool in the future. Export a list of latest responses, run them through the evaluator, and read what it tells you. This can help you detect if your agent is drifting again and needs to be improved soon, or if you can focus on other projects.Part 3: ImplementationWrite a changelogNow that you've found and validated your solution, it's time to save what changed. Pick your favorite workspace app, open a new folder to organize all your changelogs, and increment the version of your AI agent using this framework:Increase the main version number for large changes that drastically change the way the agent works and behaves. Example: change v1.0.0 to v2.0.0.Increase the middle number for noticeable changes but not radical. Example: change v1.0.0 to v1.1.0.Increase the last number for bug fixes and very small changes. Example: change v1.0.0 to v1.0.1.After the version number, add a short title of the major changes so you can see what each version is about with just a glance. Lastly, 2-5 bullet points of the major changes will do wonders to give more context. Keep it simple but descriptive enough.Go live with the new toolYou're ready to launch. Replace the access links to the old version with the new one, including any embeds in internal tools. Email the changelog to your coworkers to let them know what's new, and invite their feedback.Make it repeatableMore than a one-time fix, you want to build a system that'll help you improve your AI agent over time as circumstances change. With that in mind:Create a simple feedback form so users can flag problems as they encounter them. This makes it easier to grade response lists in the future and find new quality metrics to optimize for.Mark a review on your calendar. For a new agent sitting on a critical workflow, you might want to look at responses once a week; for an agent with a proven track record of delivering good responses, you may move this to monthly, or quarterly.Reuse and curate your test suite. As you add more features and capabilities to your agent, the ways it can mess up may also increase. Keep your happy-path, worst-case, and red-team lists up to date by adding new entries, so you can test your agent against evolving needs and threats and make sure everything works as it should.AI agent tips and additional guidanceAI modelsChanging AI models can completely change the agent's behavior, depending on your setup and model capabilities. Make sure to retest everything against the latest responses and your test suite to make sure behavior improves.Depending on the provider and the model, you may be able to change settings that control how it processes your requests. Here's a shortlist of settings worth exploring:Temperature and top-k control randomness. You should pick one or the other; never use both at the same time. Lower values have more predictable outputs, while higher values introduce more variety in wording and sometimes structure. Adjust this when responses are either repetitive (low temperature) or too chaotic (high temperature).Extended thinking or reasoning strength, available on some API models, can improve response quality for complex tasks, at the cost of more tokens and longer response times.Smaller models can work well for simple tasks such as classification or text extraction. Try your setup with a smaller model for faster responses and lower token costs.System instructions Zapier The system prompt is where you define the agent's personality, rules, constraints, and behavior. This is usually the first thing to adjust when something goes wrong and the most cost-effective fix available.Small changes to wording can sometimes produce large changes in behavior. Be specific. Use examples. State constraints explicitly rather than hoping the model infers them.Connected tools and tool configurations Zapier If your agent uses tools (MCP, APIs, database lookups, actions), check three things:Whether the right tools are connectedWhether the agent is choosing the right tool for each situationWhether the tool itself is functioning correctlyIf you have access to the underlying workflow or logic that runs when a tool is called, review it. A tool can be triggered correctly by the agent but still produce bad results because of a bug or misconfiguration in the tool itself.Knowledge bases (RAG)If your agent uses retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) or pulls from a knowledge base, the quality of that content directly affects response quality.Add, remove, or rewrite documents to improve accuracy.Writing knowledge base content in your target brand voice can improve the consistency of the agent's tone.Adjust chunking length and overlap based on your data. Short chunks work better for factual lookups. Longer chunks preserve more context for nuanced questions.Orchestration architecture Zapier If your agent is part of an orchestrated system—a network of connected systems and tools that are activated and sequenced based on a set of rules—then the action triggers and flow of information matter. Depending on where your agent is sitting:It might not have enough information to provide a grounded answer if the bulk of data searching happens after your agent is triggered.It may have too much information if your orchestration is returning 15 Google Drive files, 20 documents, and five sheets. You need a way to summarize the results.If the agent you're improving depends on the results of other agents, make sure they run upstream and that you set the agent to wait until all responses come in, especially if reasoning time varies a lot per task.Troubleshooting and building advanced functionality depends a lot on which orchestration platform you're using. Some platforms expose all data and capabilities to all agents/nodes in a single project; others limit them to each processing step for security reasons.Humans in the loopAI does better with humans keeping an eye on it. At first, it's best to have your agents ping you with outputs so you can see if they're useful. If so, you can greenlight the next step. As you trust your agents more, you can remove human in the loop stations to try to automate a workflow end-to-end as much as possible. In this case, make sure you have good auditing logs, as an error is no longer a quick check of one response list. It becomes a cross-system investigation.Keep improving your AI agentsAI is super flexible, but that doesn't mean that you can launch it once and be done with it. Each improvement project is an opportunity to provide more context about the work you do, the workflow the agent sits on, and what are the core do's and don'ts of the tasks.Use this article as a blueprint to guide you the first few times you want to improve your AI agent tools, and add your notes and constraints to expand it and make it more useful for your circumstances.This story was produced by Zapier and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	QC Community Foundation Teens for Tomorrow direct support to nonprofits For more than 20 years, the Quad Cities Community Foundation’s Teens for Tomorrow Program has empowered high-school students from across the region to direct philanthropic funding to local nonprofits. This year, students awarded $28,000 in grants to seven organizations serving the Quad Cities, a news release says. Through the program, students reviewed grant applications, met [...]
	Everclear will bring its Lucky 7 Tour to The Rust Belt, East Moline Everclear will bring its Lucky 7 Tour to The Rust Belt, East Moline, on Friday, Nov. 13. Tickets are available here. Everclear, one of the defining alternative rock bands to emerge from the ‘90s – led by vocalist, guitarist and founder Art Alexakis – has announced The Lucky 7 Tour will feature special guests American Hi-Fi. (Photo Credit: Natalie J. Russell) [...]
	How predictive AI is changing the way contractors assess storm damage How agentic AI is changing the way contractors assess storm damageHours after a storm, teams of professionals need to move quickly to assess the damage. Thatwork used to take days of site visits and time-consuming analyses.Now, a roofing contractor can pull up a color-coded map of every roof over 15 years old within two miles with agentic tools. An insurance claims manager can see which homes have the worst damage and need to be inspected first. A government assessor can map which neighborhoods were hit hardest. As hurricane season opens June 1, Eagleview Horizon, an agentic AI engine, shows how predictive AI is giving these professionals a head start.Why the trades are under pressureBillion-dollar weather and climate disasters in the U.S. have nearly tripled since the 2000s, now averaging 19 per year, according to NOAA. The trades are paying for it. Insurance carriers are required to handle more claims. Contractors race to keep up with demand. And government planners assess wider damage zones due to population increases. For insurers, that pressure is already showing. AM Best reported that the homeowners insurance segment had its toughest first quarter in five years, driven by January wildfires in California and tornado outbreaks across the Midwest, Southern and Plains states. That hit a property and casualty insurance market where U.S. premiums crossed $1.05 trillion in 2024, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.For the majority of the 100,000-plus contractors in the $25 billion U.S. roofing industry, the work hasn't changed much. They still spend hours canvassing neighborhoods street by street. Adjusters drive door-to-door. Government planners wait for damage reports to come in. As storm seasons grow more intense and claims volume rises, that model is starting to crack.A shift across multiple industriesAI can find information faster, but newer systems can also turn a question into a workflow.For early adopters, that is changing more than storm response. Commercial roofers can use these tools to pinpoint structural changes and complete annual inspections more safely. Infrastructure managers can track changes over time to flag maintenance needs. Property managers can identify which assets in large portfolios are approaching maintenance risk before they fail.What may matter most is who can do this work. Until recently, sophisticated property analysis required trained specialists and could take weeks. Now any contractor, adjuster, assessor or planner can begin with a plain question and get a clearer view of where to act first.What this means for storm seasonTrades will keep facing issues caused by more storms, and time will tell whether new tools can spread fast enough to meet the overwhelming demands of the industry.This story was produced by Eagleview Horizon and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to prepare for job loss or income disruption How to prepare for job loss or income disruption Imagine that your contract ends with no warning. You may immediately think of your house payment, your daughter’s upcoming college tuition, and the family vacation you have already paid for. In those first 48 hours, you can make choices that will either help preserve or erode your family’s wealth for years to come.Financial advisors see this scenario often. Clients who follow an emergency response plan in the first few hours, weeks, and months are more likely to preserve their long-term investment strategy. Those who don’t often make rash decisions that can undo years of careful planning.Job loss isn’t always a single moment. Income disruption can come from a layoff, a contract ending, a business slowdown, or caregiving demands. In those moments, the biggest risk isn’t just lost income; it’s acting before you’ve seen the full picture.In this article, Wells Fargo shares tips for helping create a practical, phased plan for what to do right now and how to stabilize and rebuild in the weeks and months ahead.Key takeawaysLiquidity beats panic: Having three to six months of expenses in fast-access accounts helps prevent hasty decisions.The 48-hour triage rule: Freeze spending, assess cash flow, verify insurance, and list liquidity sources.Activate support systems before you need them: Systems include lines of credit, advisor consultation, and family alignment.Insurance continuity is nonnegotiable: COBRA, life insurance, and disability coverage shouldn’t lapse.Recovery is faster with professional guidance: Your team of advisors can help you avoid tax penalties and maintain long-term goals.What to do in the first 48 hours after losing your jobWhen income disruption happens, the immediate question is: How long will this last? “Understanding the situation is really important so that you can move forward with a different plan,” said Wealth & Investment Management private wealth planning director Jaclyn Smith. She recommends looking at “all of the circumstances to which that income was disrupted and trying to plan accordingly.”Your triage checklist for the first 48 hoursFreeze nonessential spending.List cash on hand and bills due in the next 14 to 30 days.Verify insurance coverage and key dates.Write down potential liquidity sources.Book time with your advisor for the next steps.Calculate your monthly expenses: Needs vs wants budgetingFinancial planning for unemployment starts with knowing exactly where your money goes each month, so tracking your expenses and knowing your budget is the first critical step.When income stops suddenly, Smith notes that most people don’t know their true financial baseline. “They don’t factor in all of their income or have a full grasp of their expenses,” she said. “Understanding your cash flow — income and expenses — is step one.”Mariana Martinez, a family dynamics, education, and governance consultant with Wealth & Investment Management, recommends writing down all your assets and debts and discussing expected expenses and any necessary adjustments with your partner or family. “Adjusting can feel emotional, but it doesn’t mean everything is lost,” Martinez said. “When you approach it as temporary — not terrible — it can become much easier to move forward.”How to track expenses and save money during unemployment1. Pull up last month’s statements for checking, savings, money market, credit lines, credit cards, and so on.2. Write down what you’re actually spending and making payments for.3. Separate these expenses into two categories:Needs: Absolute must-haves to survive: Housing (rent/mortgage), utilities (electricity, water, heat), food and groceries, transportation (car payment, insurance, gas), and health insurance and medical costs.Wants: Things that are important to you, but you could live without, like monthly subscriptions, memberships, entertainment, eating out, and travel.4. Take a good, hard look at those wants, because that’s where you may “find” money immediately for your emergency fund.Your runway calculation: Your “runway” is the number of months you can sustain your household on current savings without additional income. It’s how long you have a financial cushion while you’re out of work. Calculate it by dividing your total available cash by your monthly Needs spending.Example: $15,000 in savings ÷ $5,000 monthly needs = 3 months of runway“Having enough liquidity available in savings to help offset the lack of an income stream for a relatively short period of time … this really does go back to financial modeling,” said Smith.What this reveals: This budget analysis creates your financial emergency baseline. As Smith explains, it helps you “work with your advisor to go through these what-if scenarios, like ‘What if something happens with my job, how would I continue, what type of reserve do I have, and how long would that last?’”How to talk to your family about job lossJob loss doesn’t just impact finances. It affects everyone in your house. How you discuss this transition can either create unnecessary anxiety or build resilience as a family unit. Unlike other financial emergencies, job loss often combines income disruption with identity loss, making clear communication even more important.Aligning with your spouse or partner on a transition budgetBefore talking to children or extended family, get on the same page with your partner to help prevent fear-driven decisions that are hard to undo later, even after one of you is employed again.Martinez recommends getting specific together: “Write down, ‘This is what we have, this is what we expect our expenses to be, and this is how we are going to be adjusting,’” she said. “It takes some emotional movement, but starting with the facts helps you stay grounded and focus on what you can actually control.”The goal isn’t predicting every outcome but agreeing in advance on how decisions will be made while income is disrupted. Work with your advisor to formalize this plan.Talking to your children about changeLorilee Mills, a family dynamics, education, and governance consultant with Wealth & Investment Management, sees a common pattern after a parent loses a job: “A lot of worry. A lot of quiet behind-the-door conversations. But no direct conversation with the children.” This silence, she notes, often creates anxiety.What children want is a straightforward conversation, she explains: “All that really needs to happen is for parents to say, ‘Hey, you know, Dad (or Mom) lost a job. You’re going to see some changes in the way that we’re spending today. But what you need to know is that we’re going to be okay.’”“Don’t dismiss the impact,” Mills emphasized. “If you do have younger kids, they are watching and learning and potentially taking some of those things into their adulthood. You can mitigate that by having the age-appropriate conversation.”Setting boundaries with extended family during unemploymentSmith emphasizes communicating beyond your household: “Talking with your family about your situation is important so that you have not only support from them, but if any financial support is needed, that they can plan accordingly as well.”While borrowing from family may seem like a quick fix, it can create risks for everyone involved.In the wake of a job loss, open conversations can reduce fear and help families make clearer decisions. Martinez shared how one family transformed their situation through transparency. They “took the initiative of speaking with the children, saying, ‘We’re going to have to change schools, and this is why, and you’re going to have to get a job after school, and this is why.’ And just speaking about it and making plans made it so much better.”Liquidity options at a glanceEmergency savings (if any)Line of credit (home, pledged asset, business)Personal loanShort-term credit card (bridge only)Family loan or gift (document expectations)Negotiating bills (rent, utilities, subscriptions)Selling marketable assets (avoid rapid, deep discounts)What to do in the first weeks: Stabilize cash flow and activate temporary supportsThe first weeks after a job loss are about buying time, not making permanent decisions. Once you’ve completed your 48-hour triage, take the next two to four weeks to focus on stabilizing cash flow, maintaining critical protections, and creating breathing room so you can think clearly about next steps.Emergency liquidity sources: Where to find short-term cashIf your emergency fund can’t cover three to six months, you’re not alone. “Even some affluent families may not have established an adequate emergency fund,” said Bob Petix, private wealth strategist with Wealth & Investment Management. These temporary solutions can help bridge income gaps during your job search:Unemployment benefits: File immediately. Most states process claims within two to three weeks. Unemployment insurance typically replaces 40% (and sometimes more) of previous wages for up to 26 weeks (longer in some states during high unemployment periods).Available credit: Consider unused credit card capacity or a personal line of credit.Family support: If you borrow, treat it formally. Write a simple loan agreement to help protect relationships and prevent misunderstandings.Personal loans: These can help fill immediate gaps, but only do so if you’re confident about repayment timing.“Your last choice typically would be retirement assets because they are often tax deferred, and withdrawals may be subject to income taxes and penalties,” said Petix. “Retirement assets generally grow on a tax‑deferred or tax‑free basis, depending on whether an account is a Roth or not, and distributions may come out tax‑free if certain requirements are met. However, they’re typically the least desirable option because of the potential loss of future tax‑advantaged growth, potential negative income tax consequences, and overall loss of savings for retirement.”Strategic credit use: When lines of credit make sense during unemploymentFor families with investment portfolios or significant assets, certain lines of credit may provide temporary liquidity without disrupting long-term wealth strategies. “A line of credit can give you the flexibility to absorb an unforeseen event without devastating your situation,” said Petix. Borrowing against non-retirement investments helps you avoid dipping into retirement accounts too early.Types of credit lines for wealth preservationSecurities-based lines of credit: Borrow against non-retirement investment portfolios without selling holdings. This may help preserve your investment strategy and avoid triggering taxable gains during a down market.Home equity lines of credit (HELOC): Tap home equity for low-interest borrowing. This may be best suited for those with significant home equity and stable long-term housing plans.Pledged asset lines: These are similar to securities-based lines but often with more flexible terms for high-net-worth clients with substantial portfolios.Business credit facilities: If you own a business, existing credit lines can bridge personal income gaps. Work with your advisor to help ensure you’re not creating business cash flow problems.Portfolio repositioning: Rather than borrowing, your advisor can help you reposition investments to help increase cash distributions temporarily, pausing dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) or selling highly appreciated assets strategically to help minimize tax impact.Work with your advisor to determine which option aligns with your expected unemployment timeline and repayment capacity. For extended job searches beyond six months, reassess whether credit is still the right solution or if portfolio adjustments are needed.Insurance continuity during unemployment: Critical coverage to maintainOne of the most common and costly mistakes after a job loss is letting insurance coverage lapse. “People roll the dice after a layoff, but you never know what might happen,” Mills said.She shared a client story: Their son was scheduled to go skiing in January, just after a December layoff. Rather than risk a gap in coverage, they paid for one month of insurance so their son wouldn’t go skiing uninsured.Health insurance options after job lossCOBRA coverage: Expensive but seamless continuation of employer plan (up to 18 months). Premium is typically 102% of the full cost.ACA Marketplace plans: Open enrollment is typically November-January, but job loss qualifies as a special enrollment event (60-day window).Spouse’s plan: If your partner has employer coverage, the loss of health coverage (triggered by job loss) is a qualifying life event for midyear enrollment.Disability insurance: If you have individual disability coverage (not employer-provided), maintain it. If you’re between jobs and working as a consultant or contractor, short-term disability becomes even more critical since you have no sick leave.Life insurance: If you have dependents relying on your income, keep life insurance active. If you have employer-provided group life insurance, you typically have 31 days to convert it to an individual policy (though it will be more expensive).What to ask your advisor in weeks 1 to 3Ask your advisor to run three-, six-, and 12-month projections showing when to tap liquidity sources, tax implications of withdrawal sequences, retirement goal impact, and replenishment strategies once income resumes.Ask about near-term cash flow from your portfolio:Can existing investments temporarily generate more cash?Should distributions flow to your checking account instead of being reinvested?Which changes are reversible once income resumes?Plan for re-employmentSmith recommends regular check-ins to “prepare and pivot” as your job search progresses. Mills suggests asking proactively: “What if I get displaced or laid off next year? What’s that going to do to us?” Running these scenarios helps families avoid panic-driven decisions.Your financial emergency kit checklistCash‑flow snapshot: Write it down, track it for 30 days, and set temporary limits.Emergency fund access plan. Choose the order of funds to tap as needed over a three- to six-month window.Liquidity backups. Establish lines of credit while you’re in a stable place. Use it intentionally if the pressure is short-term.Insurance check: Avoid gaps. Ensure dependents remain covered.Advisor coordination. Set quarterly check-ins. Model what-if scenarios and replenishment plans.First months: Rebuild, reset, and reduce future vulnerability“Get back to replenishing the emergency fund or paying off the line of credit as quickly as possible,” said Petix. As income begins to return, the focus shifts from stabilization to rebuilding. The goal in the first few months is to restore flexibility so a temporary disruption doesn’t create long-term damage.Focus on these priorities:Rebuild your emergency fund.Automate savings transfers so rebuilding happens consistently.Review your budget monthly and adjust limits as income stabilizes.Refinance or restructure if rates or terms have shifted in your favor.Clarify short- and longer-term payment needs so cash is available when you need it most.Establish a line of credit for backup liquidity, which can help you avoid dipping into retirement accounts too early.A thoughtful planning process at this stage can help you stay ahead of future financial pressure and avoid being forced into reactive decisions if income changes again. Income disruption is tough, but the combination of clarity, communication, liquidity, insurance continuity, and advisor support helps you move deliberately instead of reactively. With a phased plan for the first 48 hours, first weeks, and first months, you can protect today and set up tomorrow.FAQsHow much should I have in an emergency fund to prepare for job loss?Aim for three to six months of living expenses in readily accessible cash. If you’re not there yet, start small and automate savings. For households with more complex finances, a well-structured line of credit can serve as backup liquidity while you rebuild cash reserves.What financial steps should I take immediately after losing my job?In the first 48 hours, focus on stabilization: Capture current cash flow, pause discretionary spending, verify insurance coverage and key deadlines, list liquidity options, and schedule a triage conversation with your advisor to map next steps.Should I tap into retirement savings during unemployment?Usually no. Early withdrawals can trigger taxes, penalties, and long-term opportunity costs from lost compounding. Before touching retirement assets, consider other options, such as emergency savings, lines of credit, or short-term loans, with a clear repayment plan once income resumes.What are the best ways to save money during unemployment?Start with a budget reset that separates essential from discretionary spending. Renegotiate major bills where possible (including rent, insurance, and subscriptions), switch to essential-only spending, and automate even small savings transfers so momentum continues until income returns.I’m a small business owner. How do I manage finances after revenue disruption?Separate business and personal cash flows, confirm available credit, and model multiple scenarios with your advisor. Maintain essential insurance coverage and plan for tax implications tied to severance, unemployment benefits, or irregular income so short-term decisions don’t create longer-term strain.How can I manage severance and unemployment benefits effectively?Coordinate severance pay, unemployment benefits, and other income sources with your advisor to understand timing and tax implications. Planning ahead can help you avoid benefit delays, estimate after-tax cash flow accurately, and decide when — and how — to tap other liquidity sources.What strategies help maintain long-term investment goals during income disruption?Focus on liquidity first so you’re not forced to sell long-term investments at the wrong time. Work with your advisor to sequence withdrawals thoughtfully, use temporary liquidity buffers when appropriate, and adjust plans so your long-term investment strategy stays intact while income is disrupted.This story was produced by Wells Fargo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Hy-Vee honors current, former veterans with annual breakfast This free Hy-Vee breakfast event kicks off multiple projects that raise money to support initiatives for local veterans.
	MARS scheduled to invade Davenport Speedway SR Promotions keeps bringing the adrenaline-pumping action to the Davenport Speedway in the month of May. On Friday, May 22, the Corn State Nationals will be held at Davenport. The event features the cars and stars of the MARS racing series competing for a $5,000 top prize. Different from previous years, the 2026 Corn State Nationals [...]
	QC Craft Beer Week raises a glass to its 15th anniversary The Quad Cities is ready to raise a glass as QC Craft Beer Week returns May 29 through June 5, celebrating its 15th anniversary, a news release says. Breweries across the region will invite both residents and visitors to experience the energy of the Quad Cities’ craft beer scene. Throughout the week, Visit Quad Cities [...]
	Eastern Avenue bridge reconstruction bringing safety upgrades By raising the bridge about four feet, the new bridge will be out of the floodplain and allow the Duck Creek Trail to reroute underneath.
	Everyday People: Faith and family shaped one Bettendorf couple’s 52-year marriage From college students to grandparents of 19, the Pearsons built a life rooted in faith and family.
	Former NFL MVP to speak at Augustana College commencement 1981 NFL MVP Ken Anderson will give a speech at the commencement ceremony for his alma mater, Augustana College, on Saturday.
	R & R Kids' Fishing Derby planned for Lost Grove Lake, Eldridge The R & R Sports Inc. kids' fishing derby for ages 12 and younger will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 6, at Lost Grove Lake at the Old Red Barn Boat Ramp, 23101 250th St., Eldridge. Bring a pole, fishing gear and a l;awn chair. Registration, from 7:45-8:15 a.m., is $5. [...]
	Career Pathways program provides new opportunities at UnityPoint Health — Trinity "This job has made me realize how much I want to be a nurse," Emelia Miller said. "... It made me realize this is my calling."
	Orion trustees approve incentive for pizza place The board approved providing up to $12,000 in TIF money, representing half the business' start-up costs, in a five-year forgivable loan.
	You can meet finalists for vice chancellor of academic affairs at EICC Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) has named three finalists in the search for the college’s next vice chancellor of academic affairs, according to a news release. Faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to participate in upcoming virtual forums with each candidate. The forums are an opportunity for the college community to hear directly [...]
	Moline Centre announces full summer of classes, music, yoga The Historic Block Courtyard in downtown Moline is set for another active season in 2026, bringing live music, fitness classes, tournaments and community gatherings to one of the city’s most unique outdoor spaces, according to a news release. Located at 1520 River Drive between The River House and Dead Poet's Espresso Ltd., the Historic Block [...]
	Every season of 'Survivor,' ranked worst to best, by NPR's resident superfan Survivor is a sport, a metaphor for society and yes, entertainment. As its 50th season ends, NPR critic Stephen Thompson ranked every season so far.
	Pleasant weather ahead for the Quad Cities More warm weather is just around the corner, but it's going to be nice today and tomorrow. Rain chances return to the forecast by the end of the week. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Honor Flight benefit to be held in Bishop Hill The 17th annual Honor Flight Benefit returns to Bishop Hill on Saturday, June 13, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Filling Station Restaurant, 303 N. Bishop Hill St. All proceeds from theday’s events will be donated to Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. To volunteer or for more information, contact Nicci Dillon at [...]
	Former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero is under investigation A Spanish court is investigating former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero for alleged influence peddling and other possible crimes tied to a government airline bailout.
	One With Nature This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Most of us Rock Islanders go about our business efficiently. We dress, drink our coffee, put in our eight hours, eat,…
	Bees have coexisted with us for over a millennia. Their name remains a mystery Its name is short — like its size — but bees are one of Earth's most important and busy creatures.
	Gun rights groups see 'golden age' under Trump administration New gun rules and lawsuits against states signal how this Trump administration is using its powers to align itself with the wishes of the gun rights movement.
	4 takeaways from Tuesday's primary night in half a dozen states While Trump continues to rack up victories on his vengeance tour, general-election opponents are waiting in swing districts and swing states. Can frontline GOP candidates navigate these choppy waters?
	Shirtless fans cheer at MLB stadiums as "Tarps Off" trend sweeps baseball world At ballparks all across the country, groups consisting of mostly young men are joining in on the trend: Go to the section where the party is happening, take off your shirt and start twirling it above your head.
	Patio swings sold at Costco recalled amid 'risk of serious injury or death' More than 18,000 woven patio swings sold at Costco have been recalled over concerns that the swing seat could detach from the frame.
	Bolivia's capital under siege as protests deepen crisis for President Paz Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz faces a deepening crisis as widespread protests and blockades leave the political capital under siege less than six months after he took office.
	WHO chief concerned over 'scale and speed' of Ebola outbreak The World Health Organization top official has expressed concern over the rapid spread of a rare type of Ebola in Congo. Authorities have reported at least 134 suspected deaths and over 500 cases.
	Xi and Putin meet to reaffirm China-Russia ties days after Trump's visit Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday in a meeting meant to reaffirm ties and that takes place only days after a visit by President Donald Trump.
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
	CAIR v. Ron DeSantis and the State of Florida: What’s behind the terror designation? CAIR Florida interim executive director HIba Rahim speaking at a press conference at CAIR Florida's Tampa headquarters in Temple Terrace on April 7, 2026 (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix).In December, Gov. Ron DeSantis designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood “terrorist organizations.” His executive order called upon the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to “undertake all lawful measures to prevent unlawful activities” by those groups, and requires all executive agencies to prevent “any person known to have provided material support or resources to such organization” from receiving “any contract, employment, funds or other benefit or privilege” from “any state executive agency, any state entity regulated by such agency, or any county or municipality in the state.” CAIR Florida immediately went to federal court and persuaded U.S. District Judge Mark Walker to issue a temporary injunction blocking the designation, citing First Amendment concerns. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier responded on April 20 by filing a 55-page plea in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, arguing the executive order doesn’t target protected speech or activity but “simply designates terrorist organizations in an effort to keep state resources from those designated entities and their material supporters.” (In a separate filing, the AG’s office is trying to get Walker tossed from the case, alleging he made “several derogatory statements directed at Florida officials” that demonstrate bias against DeSantis and Uthmeier.) DeSantis’ move came weeks after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott similarly designated the two groups as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations. Meanwhile, Florida GOP U.S. Rep. Randy Fine filed legislation in Congress a year ago designating CAIR a foreign terrorist organization. The measure has picked up just seven co-sponsors and has never received a committee hearing. (Fine sponsored a similar bill in the Florida House during the 2024 session; it passed but never acquired a Senate companion). That followed correspondence by Arkansas Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton and then-Republican New York Rep. Elise Stefanik requesting that U.S. Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent investigate potential ties between CAIR and Hamas, already a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. CAIR, founded in 1994, has labeled itself the most prominent civil rights organization for the Muslim community in the United States. Its national headquarters is in Washington, D.C., and it has more than 25 chapters around the country, including in Tampa and Sunrise, in Broward County. So why, during the past year, has the organization has become such a target for some conservatives? CAIR’s critics would say it’s not an overnight epiphany. They look back to the aughts, when CAIR was listed as an “unindicted co-conspirator” in the U.S. v. Holy Land Foundation (HLF) for Relief & Development case in 2007. That listing lost the organization credibility and support in certain circles. Nearly two decades later, it remains the top talking point when critics such as DeSantis and Abbott attack CAIR. Gov. Ron DeSantis speaking about HB 1471 at bill signing ceremony on the USF campus in Tampa on April 6, 2026. The measure allows government officials to designate domestic terrorist organizations in Florida and expel college students who “promote” them. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix). The Holy Land Foundation case The foundation at the time was considered the largest Muslim charity in the country. In a 42-count indictment unveiled on July 27, 2004, a federal grand jury in Dallas accused it and seven of its senior leaders of providing and conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, the Islamic militant group that operates in Gaza and was designated a foreign terrorist group by the U.S. government in 1997. A May 29, 2007, government filing listed 246 individuals and entities as unindicted co-conspirators in the case, including CAIR. They were accused of acting as part of a network designed to aid Hamas, although they were not criminally charged or indicted. CAIR was cited for alleged involvement with the U.S. Muslim Brotherhood’s Palestine Committee (a designated foreign terrorist organization since 1997) or its offshoots. CAIR responded by filing a brief with the U.S. District Court for the Northern Division of Texas asking the court to remove its name, arguing the filing continued the “demonization of all things Muslim” that began after Sept. 11, 2001. Both the federal trial court in Dallas and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that the release of the names of those 246 groups and individuals violated their due-process rights under the Fifth Amendment. However, U.S. District Court Judge Jorge Solis found that the government had presented “ample evidence to establish the association” of CAIR as well as the Islamic Society of North America and the North American Islamic Trust with Hamas, by as reported by Politico’s Josh Gerstein. Shirin Sinnar, a law professor at Stanford University, says that move was extremely prejudicial to all the organizations named in that document. “There’s a number of Muslim organizations and people named, and the decision to do that when you don’t have evidence actually to accuse them of a crime, but to surface their names in that fashion and expose them to public vilification, is a problem,” she told the Phoenix. “I think that was a deeply problematic decision and it did have consequences, unfortunately, for those whose names were raked through the mud at that time.” CAIR officials emphasize a fact: Neither they or their organization has ever been charged with any crime. “Not once,” the group says on a page on its website set aside to address “conspiracy theories about CAIR.” Hiba Rahim, executive deputy director for CAIR-Florida, speaking in the Capitol in Tallahassee on Feb. 2, 2026. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix) “The HLF case in Texas is probably one of the classic examples of a mockery in the courts,” CAIR Florida executive editor Hiba Rahim told a Phoenix reporter during a news conference in Tampa on April 7. “There were over 200 organizations that were listed at that time as unindicted co-conspirators. The court struck that down. And since then, CAIR has never been accused of anything. And I’d like to draw everyone’s attention to this word ‘unindicted,’ which has a very heavy meaning. If there was anything to be charged with, we would be indicted, which we have not been, because there is nothing there.” As Rahim noted, the first prosecution against the HLF defendants ended in a mistrial. In a second trial in 2008, the Holy Land Foundation and five of its leaders were found guilty of providing material support to Hamas. One of them, Ghassan Elashi, a co-founder and former chairman of HLF who was reported to have been a founding board member of CAIR’s Texas chapter, was sentenced to 65 years in prison. The reverberations for CAIR were palpable. The FBI says evidence introduced in that trial “demonstrated a relationship between CAIR, individual CAIR founders (including its sitting president emeritus and executive director) and the Palestine Committee,” wrote Richard C. Powers, assistant director in the Office of Congressional Affairs in the FBI, in a letter to then-Arizona U.S. Sen. Jon Kyle in June 2009. “The FBI’s decision to suspend formal contacts was not intended to reflect a wholesale judgement of the organization and its entire membership,” Powers wrote. “Nevertheless, until we can resolve whether there continues to be a connection between CAIR or its executives and HAMAS, the FBI does not view CAIR as an appropriate liaison partner.” In June 2009, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio said she would no longer designate a day in November of that year to honor CAIR, citing communications from at least two interest groups about the group’s alleged ties to terrorism, as reported in the Tampa Tribune. In 2011, then-FBI Director Robert Mueller said the bureau had no “formal relationship” with CAIR, but that the organization’s officials and chapters regularly worked with FBI officials on investigations and related matters, The New York Times reported. (It’s not unprecedented for the FBI to cut ties to groups it has previously worked with. The agency announced in October that it was cutting ties with both the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center). Elad Ben David is a researcher in the Institute for National Security Studies-Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and an expert on contemporary Islam in the United States and other western societies. Ben David, who holds a doctorate in Middle Eastern studies, says that, for CAIR’s critics, the designation in the HLF case has become a recurring reference point — often invoked without much legal context — serving more as a “symbolic marker than as definitive proof of wrongdoing.” “Over time, this has created a kind of reputational stickiness,” he wrote in an email to the Phoenix. “Once an organization is publicly linked to a major terrorism-related case, that connection can endure well beyond the legal process itself. It tends to resurface in public debates, policy discussions and even official rhetoric, reinforcing a particular narrative regardless of the lack of prosecution.” The Hamas surprise attack against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis, gave the issue fresh urgency. That was followed by the furious military response by the Israeli Defense Forces, which has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to an Israeli military spokesperson, the Times of Israel reported in January. That’s roughly the figure given by the Gaza Health Ministry. The Florida State University chapter of Students for a Democratic Society holds a protest on Aug. 9 in front of the Leon County Courthouse. The students gathered in solidarity with a group arrested during a protest at the University of South Florida. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix) Protests against Israel’s response took place on Florida university campuses in the fall of 2023, led by the group Students for Justice in Palestine. In response, Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System, issued an order banning the group from participating in protests at the University of Florida and the University of South Florida. CAIR Florida filed a legal complaint challenging that order, although ultimately the case was dismissed. A year later, DeSantis opined that pro-Palestinian student protesters should be expelled from their universities, and that those who were international students should have their visas canceled. “CAIR’s conduct following the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks, merit [sic] renewed scrutiny,” Cotton and Stefanik wrote in their letter to Secretary Bessent in October. As did CAIR’s efforts “supporting anti-Israel campus protests,” which, the two Republicans said, “have led to incidents of antisemitic harassment and violence.” Ben David believes the convergence of those factors helps explain the escalation. “It’s less about a single organization in isolation and more about a broader political and cultural moment in which issues related to Islam, Israel and activism have been become especially salient,” he said. No Florida lawmaker has been more critical of CAIR than Fine, whose X post that, “if they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one,” prompted CAIR to demand he resign, calling him a “a modern Klansman and Nazi all wrapped into one, only his targets are Muslims and Palestinians.” “CAIR was formed for the sole purpose of supporting Muslim terror,” Fine, who is Jewish, told the Phoenix in a text message. “These disgusting people said what happened on Oct. 7 made them happy. Muslim terror has no place in the state of Florida — or America — and I am glad to see the state continuing the efforts I began with HR 1209 in 2024, where the Florida House officially designated CAIR Muslim terrorists. I am continuing that fight at the federal level.” Nihad Awad via CAIR Shortly after the Oct. 7 attack, Nihad Awad, CAIR’s national executive director, said he was “happy to see people breaking that siege and throwing down the shackles of their own land and walk free into their land, that they were not allowed to walk in,” in a video posted on X by the Middle East Research Institute. “And yes, the people of Gaza have the right to self-defense, have the right to defend themselves, and yes, Israel as an occupying power does not have that right to self-defense.” Those comments triggered a firestorm of criticism. Awad released a statement two weeks later claiming “an anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian hate website selected remarks from my speech out of context and spliced them together to create a completely false meaning,” referring to the Middle East Research Institute. Targeting civilians “is never an acceptable means of doing so, which is why I have again and again condemned the violence against Israeli citizens on Oct. 7 and past Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians, including suicide bombings, all the way back to 1990s — just as I have condemned the decades of violence against Palestinian civilians.” Nevertheless, the remarks sparked sharp objections, this time from Democrats. The New York Times quoted a spokesperson for then-President Joe Biden as condemning “these shocking, antisemitic comments in the strongest terms.” Arizona Democratic U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego called the comments “despicable and downright antisemitic.” Ben David argues it was a “mistake” for CAIR not to be clear in condemning the Oct. 7 attack, but one that reflected strategic tension CAIR faces “between the expectations and prevailing sentiment of a Muslim base that is hostile toward Israel, and the need to maintain public political legitimacy — against the backdrop of intensified anti-Israel discourse following Oct. 7.” Last month, three groups — the Middle East Forum, the National Jewish Advocacy Center, and the Network Contagion Research Institute — filed an amicus brief in support of DeSantis’ executive order against CAIR. “CAIR is not the benevolent civil rights organization that it purports to be or that the district court believed it to be,” the brief argues, contending Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood created CAIR to “carry out their mission within” the United States. Their brief repeats another argument critics of CAIR have alleged over the years: that it was conceived “not as an independent ‘civil rights’ organization” but instead “as an instrument to support Hamas’ political, financial and ideological campaign in the U.S. while avoiding detection.” The Phoenix reached out to all three groups behind that brief, as well as the law firm that filed it. A representative of the National Jewish Advocacy Center initially agreed to speak but ultimately declined to do so. When asked to respond, a CAIR spokesperson referred the Phoenix to a section of the organization’s website that addresses “urban legends.” The page cites a letter by then-Secretary of State John Kerry in 2014 to Awad in which he wrote, “Let me reiterate, first, that the U.S. government clearly does not consider CAIR to be a terrorist organization.” CAIR also cites a newsletter written by Awad in 2000 in which he states that the organization was formed to address “stereotyping and defamation” of Muslims in the United States. Members of the Jewish and Christian communities have appeared with CAIR Florida at press conferences in Tampa and Tallahassee in support of the group. “The most important thing is solidarity. CAIR has always stood with us in the community,” said Samuel Ronen of the Progressive Jewish Coalition of Tampa Bay. “CAIR on paper and in practice is really no different than an organization like the ACLU, which, while the right might target every now and then, certainly not with the same bile, not the same fear mongering that they’re bringing to CAIR, right?” Rosen said. “And the only real difference there that I can tell, at least based on the work that I have seen inside the ACLU and the work that I’ve seen being an ally of CAIR, is that these are Muslims. That’s truly the only difference that I can think.” Andy Oliver, pastor of Allendale Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, said in a text message to a reporter that his faith compels him to “stand with my Muslim neighbors when they are targeted by the state.” “If I follow Jesus, I cannot stay silent while another community is scapegoated. Today, it’s Muslims being called terrorists. Tomorrow it will be churches, nonprofits and anyone else who refuses to bend to DeSantis’ narrow view of who belongs in Florida.” Some conservatives have advanced that same argument, at least regarding legislation DeSantis signed into law last month allowing a handful of state government officials the power to designate domestic terrorist organizations in Florida. The bill (HB 1471), sponsored by Rep. Hillary Cassel, R-Dania Beach, also bans state funds for schools affiliated with designated foreign or domestic terrorist groups. “I think that when you give that much authority to an elected, or, in the case of this bill, sometimes non-elected officials, I think that’s very dangerous,” former Florida Panhandle state House Republican Joel Rudman told a Phoenix reporter on WMNF radio in Tampa in March. “Now, my colleagues on the Republican side of the aisle, I’m sure they’re looking at this bill, saying, ‘These statutes. They can’t be warped. They can’t be abused. We have no intention of abusing them.’ But you have to understand that every bill you pass into law, there’s going to have some unintended consequences, and you have to be prepared for how those statutes are going to be interpreted when you’re not the majority party. … I think any constitutional conservatives Republicans should have a problem with that bill.” Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner in Tampa on March 24, 2026. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix) A focus on Sharia law That bill also bans Sharia law in Florida. Mustafa Akyol is a senior fellow at the libertarian CATO Institute’s Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity. He wrote in The Dispatch in October that, as a Muslim who has long admired America’s freedoms, he agrees Sharia should “never be the law of the land, not only in America but anywhere else, including the Muslim world.” Aykol writes that in places like Iran, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia, Sharia is a “huge concern” but says that it’s not really “law” in the Western sense. “It is rather about how Muslims pray, dress, eat, or fast,” he says. “It also includes rules of marriage, divorce and raising children, as well as business contracts and loans. None of these mandates violate human rights, as long as they are observed voluntarily, and they don’t have to define the laws of any state.” He goes on to note that while the Muslim-majority world itself is considerably secular, fearing Sharia law in the United States — where the Muslim minority makes up 1% of the population “is highly far-fetched.” Some GOP candidates have put their opposition to Islam and the threat of Sharia law at the center of their campaigns in the past year. In late March, Republican former Florida House speaker and gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner held a press conference in Tampa during which he claimed “the long-term compatibility of Islam in this country does not exist.” If elected governor, he said, he would propose a federal ban on Muslim immigration to the United States. Other Republicans around the country have made startingly brash comments about Islam. “Muslims don’t belong in American society,” Tennessee U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles has said. Akyol worries the elevated anti-Muslim rhetoric will leave Muslims unsafe. “This will also harm America’s story of being a free country where everybody can worship freely and everybody can live in peace and equality regardless of their religion,” he told the Phoenix in a phone conversation. “And these politicians that are worried about Islamists — they see Islam as a major problem. They have a point — Islamism is a major problem in some parts of the world but, if American Muslims are unsafe, if American Muslims are demonized, I think the biggest winners will be the Islamists, because their narrative to other Muslims is that ‘freedom is a lie. Democracy is a lie. The western countries are always hypocritical and hateful of Muslims. Never trust in them. They will always come after you.’ “And, actually, if Muslims are demonized simply because for what they are or what they believe in or how do they live, then that will be a vindication of the Islamists’ narrative, which will use this very effectively.” Meanwhile, litigation continues in CAIR’s lawsuit. The DeSantis administration hopes the Eleventh Circuit overturns Judge Walker’s injunction halting the governor’s executive order. The underlying lawsuit challenging the designation remains in Walker’s court in Tallahassee. For now, anyhow. DeSantis and Uthmeier want the Eleventh Circuit to remove Walker from the case, claiming that his order blocking the designation of CAIR as a terrorist organization “demonstrates his inability to put aside his contentious history with the governor and fairly decide the case.” As examples, the governor’s attorneys cite Walker’s written comment in his order granting CAIR Florida’s motion for a preliminary injuncton that, “The First Amendment bars the governor from continuing the troubling trend of using an executive office to make a political statement at the expense of others’ constitutional rights.” Another sentence they say that demonstrates his bias is this: “Once again, Florida chooses political posturing over the First Amendment.” In all, they cite six statements from Walker that they claim show his alleged bias. Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Eastern Avenue bridge reconstruction bringing safety upgrades By raising the bridge about four feet, the new bridge will be out of the floodplain and allow the Duck Creek Trail to reroute underneath.

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026