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

Tuesday, March 10th, 2026
	Helen Burkhiser This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.If only Helen Burkhiser had read Little House on the Prairie when she first began teaching school in 1937, Mankato,…
	Trump gives mixed messages about when the war with Iran will end In a phone call with CBS News Monday, Trump said "the war is very complete." But at a separate event with Republican lawmakers, he said the U.S. still needed to achieve "ultimate victory."
	Alexander brothers convicted of sex trafficking in Manhattan federal court Three brothers, including two of the nation's most successful luxury real estate brokers, were convicted of sex trafficking Monday after a five-week trial.
	Australia grants asylum to 5 members of the Iranian women's soccer team Australia has granted asylum to five members of the Iranian women's soccer team who were in the country for a tournament when the Iran war began.
Monday, March 9th, 2026
	Officials: Pedestrian struck, killed in Scott County motor vehicle crash Officials say the names of all involved are being withheld until families can be notified.
	Galesburg superintendent to retire Dr. John Asplund will retire on June 30, 2027 after leading the Galesburg school district since 2017.
	Augustana college hosts Shades of Beauty event to celebrate International Women’s Day In honor of International Women’s Day, Augustana College hosted its annual Shades of Beauty event.
	Rock Island leaders consider rezoning west side land for potential industrial development The zoning change would also allow the city to apply for up to $150,000 in site readiness grant funding.
	Galesburg superintendent announces plans to retire Galesburg’s superintendent has announced plans to retire.
	Iowa bill to help first responders send their children to college A bill in Iowa aims to make it easier for first responders to send their kids to college. Per House File 2654, tuition would be covered if the student is pursing an associate's degree to a career in public safety or a career that workforce development deems a high-demand job. The first responder needs to [...]
	Iowa bill restricting cities’ civil rights expansions heads to governor Iowa Senate Republicans approved legislation that would prohibit cities and counties from expanding civil rights protections beyond state law, sending the measure to the governor.
	Death Notice: Jack Keppy Visitation for Jack Keppy, 81, will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. A private funeral service will be held, and burial will be in the Walcott Cemetery. Mr. Keppy died Thursday, March 5, 2026. Memorials may be made to the Donahue Volunteer Fire Department or the Walcott Hearts & Hands Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com. A full obituary will appear in the March 18 edition of The NSP.
	Illinois expands savings program for people with disabilities Illinois is expanding a program for people with disabilities to help them save for their future without risking their federal benefits. People who were diagnosed with a disability before the age of 47 are now eligible to open an ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account. The tax-exempt savings accounts allow people with disabilities to [...]
	Geneseo siblings win Food Network's Baking Championship: Next Gen Abigail and Kenneth Wolf are celebrating after winning the nationally televised competition, taking home $25,000 after competing against 11 teams.
	Two teams, one community; Bellevue supports two schools at state tournament In the middle of a normal weekday, the streets of Bellevue, Iowa are quiet. You can hear the flapping of a passing birds' wings. But not on Monday. That afternoon the streets were filled with honks, sirens, cheers, and joy. A celebration for two high school boys' basketball teams qualifying for the state tournament, both [...]
	Geneseo siblings win Food Network's 'Baking Championship: Next Gen' Abigail and Kenneth Wolf are celebrating after winning the nationally televised competition, taking home $25,000 after competing against 11 teams.
	Augustana professor receives national recognition for helping Ukrainian families A local professor is receiving national recognition for helping Ukrainian families rebuild their lives in eastern Iowa.
	Davenport Central prepares for Show Choir National Championship Series The Central Singers Incorporated will compete against schools from five states.
	Rock Island City Council considers rezoning area near Sunset Park Rock Island City staff want to change the zoning from nature conservation to light industrial.
	Randy Feenstra and Rob Sand both take next steps for governor Rob Sand and Randy Feenstra turned in thousands of signature for their campaigns for governor.
	Wake Up, I Think Maggie's Got Something to Say to You: “The Bride!”, “Hoppers,” and the 2026 Oscar-Nominated Short Films: Animation If possible, Maggie Gyllenhaal's intensely watchable, intensely problematic revisionist salute is an even nuttier achievement than Young Frankenstein, if not always nutty in appreciable ways.
	Severe weather chances on the rise for Tuesday evening After a record high on Monday, we're looking at a rough go of it Tuesday night around parts of the area. the Storm Prediction Center has placed a large part of our area in the "Enhanced Risk" are for severe t'storms. All modes of severe weather are on the table for the Quad Cities: As [...]
	Traveling flag honoring nation’s 250th anniversary flies over Iowa State Capitol An American flag traveling across the country as part of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration flew over the Iowa State Capitol Monday morning.
	Record high of 75° in the Quad Cities! We'd been close to a few record highs lately, and Monday we finally got there! The old record high for March 9th is now 71°, beaten out by today's 75°! We had plenty of sunshine across the area too. Making matters even better? The wind wasn't all that bad, with gusts up to about 20 [...]
	Family dog rescued from house fire in Davenport Two residents displaced and a family dog was rescued after a Davenport house fire.
	Rock Island Arsenal shuts off power due to electrical emergency The Rock Island Arsenal shut off its power across the island due to an electrical emergency.
	Eastern Iowa Community Colleges receiving $1 million grant for career education programs The grant funding will go towards EICC's programs in criminal justice, IT and healthcare.
	ICE contract with Iowa jail increased funding for detentions by 75% The Muscatine County Jail was promised a 75% increase in potential revenue for holding federal immigration detainees during the first year of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration, newly disclosed records show.
	Eastern Iowa Community Colleges receiving $1 million grant for career education programs The grant funding will go towards EICC's programs in criminal justice, IT and healthcare.
	The Waiting Child: Outgoing Lacy loves dancing; waits for a Big Brothers Big Sisters ‘Big’ More than 200 kids in the area are on the waiting list for a ‘Big.’ Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley needs volunteers to spend time with them. In this week’s The Waiting Child, Our Quad Cities News' Eric Olsen introduces us to Lacy, an outgoing soul who loves dancing. Lacy shares what [...]
	‘I didn’t believe it’: Illinois, Cook County wipe out $2B in medical debt for pennies on dollar Programs help over 1 million residents, but lawmakers debate whether future funding will be there.
	Stay safe from 'yes scam;' tattoo shop owners arrested: Crime Watch Episode 57 Watch crime reporters Linda Cook and Sharon Wren talk about crime and courts in our area with the latest episode of the Our QC Crime Watch Podcast. In this episode Linda and Sharon discuss: updates on: To view, click the video above or watch on-the-go on Spotify. The QC Crime Watch Podcast \| Podcast on [...]
	Iowa politics latest: SNAP changes, limits on city civil rights codes, property tax proposal Dana Searles from our sister station in Des Moines joined The Current to discuss the latest movement at the Iowa Statehouse.
	Quad Cities Lock and Dam 15 turns 92-years-old It first opened back on March 7, 1934. The Army Corps of Engineers says an average of 18 million tons of cargo pass today.
	Celebrate Irish spirit and support area businesses at the Shamrock Showcase Celebrate Irish spirit and support Rock Island businesses! Jack Cullen, Bill Healy and Jeff Rusk joined Our Quad Cities News with details on the weekend Shamrock Showcase. For more information, click here.
	Tennessee GOP Rep says Muslims 'don't belong in American society' Rep. Andy Ogles' social media post is the latest in a series of Islamophobic statements from House Republicans.
	2 Davenport women arrested, charged for attempted stabbing Two Davenport women have been charged with assault after an attempted stabbing, according to court documents.
	Clinton Career Advancement Center receives state grant Four community colleges in Iowa are being awarded $4 million dollars from the Iowa Career Academy Incentive Fund. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges is a recipient in the funding. Three career academies at the Clinton Career Advancement Center will be updated to improve facilities. This includes academies for health care, criminal justice and networking for systems [...]
	Trump set to hold a press conference as U.S.-Israel-led Iran war enters second week It comes as oil and gas prices soar, throwing the global economy into turmoil.
	Trump set to hold a press conference as U.S.-Israel-led Iran war enters second week It comes as oil and gas prices soar, throwing the global economy into turmoil.
	Trump holds a press conference as U.S.-Israel-led Iran war enters second week It comes as oil and gas prices soar, throwing the global economy into turmoil.
	Trump says U.S. is 'achieving major strides' in Iran toward military objectives It comes as oil and gas prices soar, throwing the global economy into turmoil.
	Trump says U.S. is 'achieving major strides' in Iran but doesn't cite endpoint President Trump held his first news conference since the beginning of the U.S.-Israel-led Iran war on Monday as oil and gas prices soared, throwing the global economy into turmoil.
	Police identify woman killed in Saturday Burlington shooting Authorities have identified the woman who police say was shot to death on Saturday. A homicide investigation is underway.
	How are fuel prices impacting travel? Gas prices continued to be affected by the conflict in the Middle East. According to AAA, the national average price for gas today is $3.478 per gallon. The average price in Illinois is $3.524 and the average price in Iowa is $3.175. The effect on aircraft fuel is even more stunning. According to Global Air, [...]
	Two charged in attempted stabbing in Davenport Police charge two people for an attempted stabbing in Davenport on Friday night
	Federal funding furthers Project NOW's Head Start educational program A nonprofit organization in Rock Island is receiving over $1.8 million in federal funding to aid its Head Start program, which provides Pre-K children with early education.
	Big Brothers Big Sisters Plant Sale underway The weather is warmer, now it’s time to start planning the garden and hanging baskets. The 37th annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Plant Sale will help bring color to your yard while helping children in the Quad Cities. Click here for more information and to place orders. The deadline to preorder is April 20. Kylie [...]
	Man charged with stealing car, driving 100 mph on the wrong side of the road A Davenport man is accused of stealing a car and driving more than 115 miles per hour while trying to escape police
	Rock Island Arsenal shuts off all electricity for up to 3 hours Monday afternoon The announcement recommended employees scheduled for second or third shifts to monitor the Rock Island Arsenal website for status updates, or to contact their supervisor for updates.
	YWCA in Rock Island renovates its former home to become new group home for youth Nearly two years after opening its new downtown Rock Island facility, the YWCA Quad Cities is getting ready at its old building blocks away to open a state-licensed group home for youth who have been removed from their families due to abuse, neglect or other circumstances.
	The Cities Private Wealth Group celebrates major growth with a new office designed for exceptional client experience Content by The Cities Private Wealth Group. Learn how The Cities Private Wealth Group is elevating their client experience with a new location in Bettendorf.
	Rock Island Arsenal shutting power down island-wide Monday afternoon due to electrical emergency The shutdown will close all child development centers and youth services, as well as the post exchange and commissary, according to the Arsenal.
	Whitey’s Ice Cream launches 2026 “Flavor Madness” bracket to crown best shake Whitey’s Ice Cream has launched its 2026 Flavor Madness bracket, letting fans vote for the best shake. The winning shake will be announced March 27.
	Epstein used his ties to Nobel laureate scientists to try to rebuild his image A 2006 conference for physicists in the U.S. Virgin Islands that included a trip to Jeffrey Epstein's private island shows how he used his wealth to build relationships with prominent scientists.
	Arsenal Island to cut power this afternoon for electrical emergency Power across all of Arsenal Island is expected to be shut off at about 3 p.m. because of an electrical emergency, with the outage anticipated to last about two to three hours.
	Polar Plunge surpasses $55K goals for athletes, Special Olympics Illinois says Special Olympics Illinois surpassed its fundraising goal Sunday, raising more than its $55,000 goal for Special Olympics athletes.
	Lab-grown diamonds now cost 73% less than natural diamonds. What that means for buyers in 2026 Lab-grown diamonds now cost 73% less than natural diamonds. What that means for buyers in 2026Over the past five years, lab-grown diamonds have fundamentally reshaped the diamond jewelry industry, evolving from a niche product into a mainstream choice now accounting for more than 45% of all US engagement ring purchases. This dramatic growth has been fueled by improved manufacturing efficiencies, changing consumer preferences — especially among Millennials and Gen Z — and shifting market dynamics exacerbated by COVID-era inflation.Proprietary data from insurance technology company BriteCo reveals significant changes in pricing, style, and consumer purchase behavior, including a marked increase in carat size, quality, and diversity of shapes in lab-grown diamonds for engagement rings. As prices for lab-grown stones continue to fall and natural diamonds work to reclaim their luxury status, the industry is bifurcating: Lab-grown diamonds are emerging as accessible, everyday luxury, while natural diamonds reposition as exclusive symbols of enduring value. BriteCo The past five years have been tumultuous for the jewelry industry. Retailers and wholesalers have had to navigate industry-specific and macroeconomic factors. Lab-grown diamonds, in particular, have become a serious disruptor. What was once a small, niche market compared to the multi-billion dollar sales of natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds have gone mainstream, accounting for as much as 45% of diamond engagement ring purchases in the US in 2024.The impact on diamond prices from the introduction of lab-grown stones has been just as dramatic. The rapid improvement in lab-grown diamond quality and a steep decline in prices have created significant competitive pressure on the sale of natural diamonds, resulting in declining average engagement ring prices — from about $6,000 in 2021 to $5,200 by 2024. The acceptance of lab-grown diamonds and their widespread availability hasn’t just impacted prices; however, it has also influenced styles.To help understand the dramatic changes occurring in the diamond market, this report aims to help explain the impacts lab-grown diamonds are having on the jewelry industry and consumers. The researchers tapped into hundreds of thousands of proprietary appraisal and insurance data points over the past five years from BriteCo to identify several trends and make educated predictions.The Rise of Lab-Grown DiamondsFor practical purposes, the lab-grown diamond is a “real” diamond in that its properties are identical to that of an earth-mined diamond. However, as the name implies, lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled-environment manufacturing process in a matter of weeks. That contrasts with the formation of earth-mined or “natural” diamonds that have taken shape in the earth over millions of years.The technological breakthroughs in producing lab-grown diamonds, introduced around 2015, have radically reshaped the diamond industry. Although scientists had been attempting to synthesize diamonds since the 19th century, success remained elusive until high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques matured.By 2015, lab-grown diamonds could be produced with a quality on par with natural stones. This innovation disrupted the traditional pricing model for natural diamonds which have seen a decline in price as lab-grown diamonds have flooded the market. By 2025 a natural 1-carat diamond cost an average price around $4,200 (with a typical range from $3,000 to $6,000 or higher depending on quality), while a lab-grown 1-carat diamond average price cost $1,000 or less.In 2019, a mere 5.2% of all diamond jewelry sold was primarily lab-grown diamonds. Of diamond engagement rings, only 6.3% had a lab-grown center stone. For diamond jewelry outside of engagement rings, a mere 2.5% of all items sold were made from lab-grown diamonds.The past five years have seen explosive growth in lab-grown diamond jewelry. Today, 42.1% of all diamond jewelry sold comprises lab-grown diamonds: 47.7% of all engagement rings, (Fig 1) and 22.4% of other jewelry types sold in 2025 were primarily lab-grown diamonds.Thus, the relative market share of lab-grown jewelry has grown 709.6% over the past five years. That phenomenal market shift can be attributed to a number of forces operating simultaneously in the US during this time. BriteCo Coalescing Forces Causing Market ChangesThe rise of lab-grown diamond popularity can’t be attributed to a single market force, but rather the coalescence of circumstances. While the proliferation of lab-grown diamonds may be considered by some to be inevitable given the improvements in technology, the cumulative impact of external forces accelerated this trend. Several major market drivers contributed most to the rise of lab-grown diamonds.1. Increased Manufacturing Efficiencies and Growth in Supply — Retail prices for lab-grown diamonds have dropped sharply due to improved manufacturing efficiency and significant supply increases from producers in China and India. This has spurred market competition, making lab-grown diamonds far more affordable than natural diamonds.In 2019, for example, the cost of a lab-grown engagement ring on a per-carat basis was 26.6% lower than its natural diamond counterpart. Today, the difference is even more dramatic — 72.8%. Thus, the larger the diamond, the larger the discount for a lab-grown diamond versus a natural diamond. BriteCo 2. A New Generation of Consumers — A study of US consumers in 2022 indicated that younger generations were embracing lab-grown diamonds and were fast becoming a major force in their acceptance. Millennials, and especially Gen Z, are at the forefront of lab-grown adoption.For Millennials, there’s a near 50/50 split of engagement ring sales between natural and lab-grown. For Gen Z, it’s not even close. Two-thirds of Gen Z engagement ring purchasers opt for lab-grown diamonds. BriteCo As Gen Z and Millennials have chosen more lab-grown diamonds, especially for engagement rings, the price of engagement rings has trended down. BriteCo 3. Shifting Sentiment Among Consumers and Retailers — While Gen Z and Millennials have led the way in the growth of lab-grown diamonds, there has also been a shift among consumers of all ages towards lab-grown. Every group experienced double or triple-digit growth in the market share of lab-grown diamonds. BriteCo Retail jewelers have responded to the demand for lab-grown diamonds by expanding their offerings, investing in consumer education, innovating with new designs, adjusting pricing strategies, and promoting the perceived ethical and environmental benefits of lab-grown stones.These adaptations have allowed them to capture a rapidly growing segment of the market, though they also face new challenges in profitability and competition as the market matures.4. A COVID Inflation Spike — The wholesale price of 1-carat natural diamonds in the US from 2019 to 2025 shows a notable peak during the pandemic years, followed by a steady decline and some recent stabilization. BriteCo Over the same period, lab-grown diamond prices have steadily declined as supply has flooded the market. BriteCo The difference in price per carat between lab-grown and natural engagement ring diamonds has increased every year, but saw the largest jump in 2022, when it grew 67.7%. BriteCo The natural spike in 2021 was a major driver in lab-grown adoption. Once consumers saw the value in purchasing a lab-grown diamond, there was no going back.5. Gold Prices — Investors have rekindled interest in gold as an asset class. The price rose from $1,725.65 an ounce in May 2020 to $3,289.55 in May 2025, a 90.6% increase in just five years. BriteCo With the price of gold nearly doubling, the cost of the setting relative to the diamond saw a significant increase. For budget-constrained customers, this may indicate they are opting for a lab-grown diamond instead of a natural diamond to stay within a given budget.The rapid changes brought about by the popularity of lab-grown diamonds go beyond their impact on price. Several noticeable style trends are directly attributable to the broader availability and lower costs of lab-grown diamonds.Trend #1 — Bigger Diamonds PreferredConsumers aren’t just pocketing the savings from lower natural and lab-grown diamond prices. They have been using part of those perceived sayings to buy bigger diamonds, especially lab-grown diamonds.The average size of a lab-grown center diamond for an engagement ring increased from 1.31 to 2.45 carats from 2019 to 2025, an 87.0% increase. BriteCo For reference, the average width of a 1.31-carat diamond is about 7.1 mm, while the average width of a 2.45-carat diamond is about 8.9mm. The surface area of the top of a lab-grown diamond increased 57.1% over that same time period.Millennials in particular are changing the landscape of engagement rings and fine jewelry purchasing. Many value the ability to get a larger or higher-quality lab-grown diamond for the same price as a mined or natural diamond. In contrast, natural diamond engagement ring weight (carat) showed much less growth in size. BriteCo Trend #2 — Better Quality Diamonds EmergeThanks to an improvement in production processes, many lab-grown diamonds today exhibit higher quality in terms of color and clarity. In 2020, for example, 37.7% of all lab-grown diamonds sold were colorless. By 2025, that increased to 85.9%.Likewise, in 2020, VVS1 and VVS2 lab-grown diamonds represented 6.6% of lab-grown diamonds sold, which increased to 35.3% in 2025. VVS1 and VVS2 are clarity grades used to describe the quality of both natural and lab-grown diamonds, specifically referring to the presence and visibility of internal flaws known as inclusions.The same trend applies to natural diamonds. This reinforces the trend that consumers aren’t just taking advantage of lower prices to save money, but rather making purchases based on a specific budget and “buying up” on quality. BriteCo Trend #3 — Diamond Shapes Are ShiftingAccording to BriteCo data, the increase in lab-grown diamond sales has shifted consumer preferences from round shapes to other shapes. In 2020, more than half or 53.8% of lab-grown diamonds and 55.2% of natural diamonds sold were round in shape.By 2025, only 24.3% of lab-grown diamonds sold and 47.9% of natural diamonds sold were round in shape. In 2025, oval was the most popular shape for lab-grown diamonds.The change in diamond shape preferences may be due to natural diamond consumers traditionally choosing round shapes because they are perceived as more rare and valuable. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, have little or no perceived after-market value, and therefore, a consumer would likely choose whatever shape best fits their personal tastes. BriteCo Trend #4 — Consumers Adding to Their Jewelry BoxesConsumers have also been taking advantage of low diamond prices by purchasing more non-bridal pieces of jewelry.In 2020, bridal, consisting of engagement rings and wedding bands, represented 69.5% of all purchases. By 2025, that decreased to 60.2%. One item whose popularity has increased over time is tennis bracelets. In 2020, tennis bracelets were only 3.5% of sales. By 2025, that number grew to 11.9% – a substantial 240% increase in market share. Thus, lab-grown diamonds have helped make a tennis bracelet much more affordable and popular for consumers.Trend #5 – Shifting Retail MarginsThe cost of a jewelry piece has two distinct parts. One part is for the gemstones (including diamonds) in the piece, and one for the setting. Historically, retail jewelers made small margins on expensive diamonds and large margins on relatively inexpensive settings.A simple analogy for the jewelry setting is the typical “loss leader” product that helps bring the customer into the store to purchase other higher-margin products. Since the price of diamonds has dropped, however, jewelers are selling higher overall purity settings. This suggests that jewelers are making up for lower prices and margins on diamonds with more expensive settings to help maintain their margins.Based on the engagement ring data, 14K settings represented 76.5% of new sales in 2020. By 2025, that dropped to 62.6%. Meanwhile, the share of engagement rings with 18K settings grew by 52.5% during that same time period. BriteCo What’s Next For Lab-Grown Diamonds?Given the popularity and growth of lab-grown diamond sales, the market for diamond jewelry has experienced irreversible change. However, it’s important to remember that the fine jewelry industry has been around a very long time, and has survived and even thrived through other rapid and dramatic changes. What happens next? Which of these trends will continue, which will recede, and which will change course? Here are several predictions about the future of lab-grown and natural diamonds based on data and experience in the industry. Note, these predictions are not meant to be financial advice.Prediction 1 — Lab-Grown Brand Differentiation BlursThe lab-grown industry has laser-focused on a single message for consumers: Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds and no different from natural diamonds. Meanwhile, the lab-grown producers have produced lab-grown diamonds in massive quantities, flooding the market and sending prices, including natural diamonds, on a steep decline.The disconnect between rhetoric and price tells a different story. At the current rate, lab-grown diamonds may simply be seen as a rapidly depreciating asset, a cheap imitation of the real thing. Recent action by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) confirms that lab-grown diamonds are becoming more of a commodity, not to be graded on individual quality scales but in larger commercial groupings.According to GIA, “Beginning later this year [2025], GIA (the Gemological Institute of America) will start using descriptive terms to characterize the quality of laboratory-grown diamonds and will no longer use the color and clarity nomenclature that GIA developed for natural diamonds….The revised GIA description system for laboratory-grown diamonds will confirm that the submitted item is a laboratory-grown diamond and whether it falls into one of two categories, ‘premium’ or ‘standard.’”Prediction 2 — Natural Diamond Producers Accelerate MarketingWith more than 10 million people worldwide relying on the diamond mining industry, natural diamond perceptions have made significant progress in the past three decades, focusing on improving the lives of those closest to the mining process. Seeking to put the perception of “blood diamonds” behind it, the industry has repositioned itself to be a greater source of good in some of the poorest parts of the world.Most recently, the natural diamond industry has accelerated its marketing to consumers. The Natural Diamond Council has a website full of articles and an education center. De Beers, the world’s dominant earth-mined diamond company, is introducing a new “beacon” and brand. In addition, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre and the WFDB have developed their own pro-natural campaigns.Prediction 3 — Lab-Grown Becomes a New Class of JewelryIt’s possible lab-grown diamonds won’t be regarded as a luxury item in the future, but that doesn’t mean lab-grown diamonds would be considered on par with fashion or costume jewelry. Instead, a new class of jewelry could emerge. These jewelry items would be made of various precious metals and lab-grown diamonds.They would be positioned as everyday wear jewelry pieces, featuring diamonds that consumers don’t worry about getting nicked, scratched, dented, and dinged. This new class of diamond jewelry would likely be composed of items such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and pendants. BriteCo Prediction 4 — Engagement Rings Swing Back to NaturalWith the commoditization and extreme price gap between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds, consumers might feel that an item so inexpensive cannot be a good representation of lasting love and commitment. Since an engagement ring usually consists of one larger center diamond, consumers may prefer to keep engagement rings natural.One trend that points to this conclusion is the difference in average carat weight for natural and lab-grown diamonds over time. Like many fads, very large lab-grown rings may be seen as a lower status symbol than smaller natural diamonds. Thus, a higher social status may be attributed to natural diamonds by assuming “if you can afford it, you would choose natural diamonds.”At the end of 2024, according to the data, 52.6% of engagement rings sold were with natural diamonds. However, there was a comeback for natural diamonds over the last two quarters heading into 2025 to 57.3%. While too little data has been collected to identify a clear movement in the market, it could be a sign of an early trend. BriteCo Prediction 5 — The Rise of Fancy Colored Lab-Grown DiamondsOutside of brown and yellow diamonds, different diamond colors are exceptionally rare and extremely expensive. While natural diamonds do occur in many colors, truly vivid and intense fancy colors are extremely rare and command very high prices.In contrast, lab-grown diamonds can be produced in vivid colors more consistently and at much less expense. Advances in lab diamond technology enable the creation of diamonds in a broad spectrum of colors — including yellow, blue, pink, green, orange, and even rarer hues like red and purple — with high saturation and vibrancy. This gives consumers many more color options at affordable prices when shopping for lab-grown diamonds, and will likely boost demand in the future. BriteCo The Importance of Jewelry Insurance for Lab-Grown DiamondsClearly, lab-grown diamonds are here to stay and deserve the same protections as natural mined diamonds. While some jewelry owners may rely on standard homeowners or renters insurance, these policies usually come with low coverage limits and exclusions, with covered claims typically limited to theft that occurs inside the home. But there are so many other risks that can affect lab-grown pieces. Comprehensive coverage from a specialized jewelry insurance provider not only covers theft but also damage, loss, and mysterious disappearance that may happen anywhere around the world. Policies can ensure the full replacement or repair cost of the jewelry item, and coverage can come standard with zero deductibles, providing the ultimate peace of mind in case anything happens. As diamond prices continue to fluctuate and the financial value of lab-grown diamonds increases, stand-alone jewelry insurance protects the full financial investment, allowing consumers to forget all the “what if” scenarios and wear all their diamond pieces with confidence.ConclusionLab-grown diamonds have had one of the most disruptive impacts on the diamond jewelry industry in many years. It’s clear that lab-grown diamonds are here to stay and will influence both industry and consumer buying behaviors in the future.About the Report MethodologyFor this report, the researchers utilized BriteCo data from 03/01/2019 through 05/31/2025 to build the analysis. No personal data was employed in creating this analysis. The researchers had detailed information on each piece, but all other personally identifiable information, in accordance with best data practices, was anonymized.This story was produced by BriteCo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How sustainable packaging became a brand's most powerful signal in 2026 How sustainable packaging became a brand's most powerful signal in 2026A new survey of 1,000 consumers finds that packaging has stopped being a container and started being a conversation. And most brands are not keeping up.Key Takeaways68% of consumers have changed how they shop specifically to reduce plastic waste.93% would choose the more sustainable-looking product when prices are equal.77% say they trust brands more when packaging appears eco-friendly.53% of Gen Z have stopped buying from brands due to excessive plastic packaging.49% of parents associate eco-friendly packaging with higher product quality.32% of consumers are willing to pay 6-10% more for sustainably packaged products.57% believe brands and manufacturers, not consumers, should lead the effort to reduce packaging waste.Pick up almost any product today and the packaging tells you something before you even read the label. The weight of it, the materials, the amount of empty space inside the box. Consumers have become fluent readers of these signals, and a new survey makes clear just how much they are acting on what they find.For this article, UPrinting, a custom packaging and printing solutions company, surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults in October 2025 to understand how sustainable packaging design is shaping purchase decisions, brand trust, and consumer expectations. The findings are striking, and they carry a clear message for any brand that thinks packaging is just a wrapper.1. Nearly Seven in Ten Consumers Have Already Changed How They ShopThe survey opens with a number that reframes the entire conversation: 68% of consumers have actively changed their shopping habits to reduce plastic waste. This is not a niche behavior. It is a majority position, playing out in grocery aisles, online carts, and brand loyalties across the country.What makes it more significant is what happens when price is removed from the equation. At equal price points, 93% of consumers said they would choose the product with more sustainable-looking packaging. Visual design, not just environmental messaging, is driving decisions. The implication for brands is direct: How custom packaging looks and feels is now as strategically important as what it says.2. Packaging Has Become the Fastest Test of Brand TrustWhen 77% of consumers say they trust a brand more because its packaging appears eco-friendly, packaging has crossed into new territory. It is no longer just a delivery mechanism for a product. It is a credibility signal, evaluated in seconds, before a word of marketing copy is ever read.Consumers are scanning for proof that a brand walks its talk. Minimalist design, right-sized boxes, recycled materials, and honest labeling are all being interpreted as evidence of values. Brands that invest in thoughtful custom packaging design, the kind that communicates responsibility through material and structure rather than just claims, are building trust at the point of first contact. Those that do not are being read just as quickly, and judged accordingly.3. Gen Z Is Voting With Its Wallet, and It Is Not Coming BackAmong Gen Z consumers, the stakes around packaging are not just emotional; they are behavioral. According to the survey, 53% of Gen Z shoppers have actively stopped buying from brands that use excessive plastic packaging. They have already left. And 21% say they always check for sustainability disclosures before making a purchase decision.This generation evaluates custom packaging through a dual lens of design and values. They are reading typography, checking certifications, assessing material quality, and judging the overall coherence between what a brand says and what it ships its products in. For Gen Z, greenwashing is not just off-putting; it is disqualifying. The brands earning their loyalty are the ones whose packaging design makes the sustainability commitment visible and credible from the outside in.4. Eco-Friendly Packaging Now Signals Quality, and Consumers Will Pay for ItPerhaps the most commercially significant finding in the report: 49% of parents associate sustainable packaging with higher product quality. Not just ethical intent. Quality. The definition of premium has quietly shifted, and it no longer looks like glossy finishes or heavy plastic. It looks like restraint, clarity, and materials that feel considered.That perception translates directly to price tolerance. Thirty-two percent of consumers said they are willing to pay 6% to 10% more for a product that comes in sustainably designed packaging. For brands working with a custom packaging partner to rethink their unboxing experience, this is meaningful: Sustainable packaging design is not a cost center. It is a margin opportunity.And the responsibility question has been settled, at least in the minds of consumers. Fifty-seven percent believe brands and manufacturers, not individuals, should lead the effort to reduce packaging waste. The expectation is no longer that customers will make up for poor packaging choices. It is that brands will not make those choices in the first place.The Bottom Line for Brands: Sustainable Packaging is StrategicThe data from this survey does not describe a future trend. It describes a present reality. Consumers have already changed their behavior, already formed their judgments, and already drawn their lines. Packaging, specifically sustainable and intentionally designed custom packaging, is now one of the primary ways a brand communicates its values before a single word of copy is read.The brands that understand this are treating packaging not as overhead but as strategy. The ones that have not may find that the box their product arrives in is quietly costing them the relationship.MethodologyTo understand how consumers approach reducing plastic waste and choosing sustainable alternatives, UPrinting surveyed 1,000 adults across the United States via Pollfish in October 2025. Participants answered questions about their concern around plastic waste, whether they had changed purchasing habits to reduce plastic use, their willingness to pay more for sustainable packaging, and the key factors influencing trust, quality perception, and brand loyalty. Demographic groups were analyzed to identify trends and disparities across age, income, and parental status.This story was produced by UPrinting and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois receive $50,000 donation Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois received $50,000 for their leadership programs from the Bechtel Charitable Trust.
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	Top Arizona lawmaker says he's complied with a subpoena for 2020 election records Arizona's state Senate president says he has complied with a subpoena he received last week seeking records from a flawed, Republican-led review of the 2020 election in Maricopa County.
	Could Ozempic and other GLP⁠-1s help ADHD symptoms? Could Ozempic and other GLP⁠-1s help ADHD symptoms?GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound have transformed medical treatment for obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Some people with ADHD who take the drugs for other conditions say they feel calmer and more focused while taking these medications.GLP-1 drugs act on parts of the brain that control dopamine and reward. These brain areas are also linked to impulsivity and emotional control in people with ADHD. By reducing food cravings and constant thoughts about eating, GLP⁠-1s may help some people feel more focused. Still, studies have not shown that these drugs improve attention or executive function. These are the main challenges of ADHD. Any improvement may come from indirect effects, like better sleep, weight loss, or placebo effects.There are no clinical trials testing GLP⁠-1 drugs as a treatment for ADHD. And there’s no proof that they can directly improve ADHD symptoms. These medications also have side effects and risks. Experts say these drugs should not replace proven ADHD treatments.One possible reason for this reported improvement in symptoms is the dampening effect GLP-1’s have on thoughts of food or “food noise.” A woman, who was diagnosed with ADHD 12 years ago, spoke to Understood and said she noticed an improvement in her symptoms after starting GLP-1s. She also takes Ritalin, a prescription stimulant medication, off and on to help manage her symptoms, and she sees a cognitive behavioral therapist. But she said that it wasn’t until she started taking Ozempic five years ago that her constant thoughts about food went away. And with them, some of her ADHD symptoms. Now, when she takes a break from her GLP⁠-1 drug, those symptoms return.She isn’t the only one who has noticed a change in her ADHD symptoms while taking a GLP⁠-1 drug. Across social media, people are sharing stories reporting that these drugs have helped them be more productive and in control of their impulses.As more people share their experiences, it’s reasonable to believe that GLP-1s might affect symptoms of ADHD. But so far, there hasn’t been any published scientific evidence that they treat the condition directly. So what’s going on? We spoke to experts to find out.What are GLP-1s and how do they work?Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro can help treat obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and related health conditions.These drugs work by mimicking GLP⁠-1, a gut hormone that helps control appetite and hunger. When you take a GLP⁠-1 drug, your gut sends fewer signals to your brain that it’s hungry throughout the day. GLP-1s also help the body break down blood sugar and slow the movement of food through your stomach.As we learn more about these medications, it’s becoming clear that they can be helpful for people with other health conditions. So far, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said they can be used to treat sleep apnea and serious heart problems.There’s also early research suggesting that GLP⁠-1s may help reduce cravings and compulsive behaviors in some people. There are ongoing studies testing the drugs in people with alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, and nicotine addiction.Quieting ‘food noise’ may ease ADHD symptomsSome people who take a GLP⁠-1 drug to manage health problems related to their weight or diabetes may find that the drug quiets the “food noise” — constant thoughts about food, explained Craig Surman, MD. Surman is the director of the Clinical and Research Program in Adult ADHD and an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.Sugary, fatty, and ultraprocessed foods can trigger the reward systems in our brains. That keeps us coming back for more, even when we’re no longer hungry. GLP⁠-1s may affect those reward centers in the brain and lessen food cravings for many people.“It could be that a GLP⁠-1 is similar to wearing headphones. It reduces some of the distractions because you’re not as focused on hunger cues or wanting your body to be different. It’s so different for everybody,” Surman said.For some people, quieting food-related thoughts allows them to make better dietary choices, which in turn may improve overall health and some ADHD symptoms. Some report that before taking a GLP-1, they struggled to finish tasks because they were constantly thinking about food. After starting the medication, they noticed that the "food noise" disappeared—along with the self-criticism that often accompanied it.What the research says about GLP⁠-1s and ADHDOne reason GLP⁠-1s may have a positive effect on ADHD symptoms may have to do with the way it affects dopamine, a brain chemical that makes us feel pleasure.Dopamine interacts differently with ADHD brains compared to non-ADHD brains. People with ADHD tend to have difficulties with motivation, attention, and impulse control, in part because their brains are seeking ways to get more dopamine.Some research suggests that GLP⁠-1 drugs can change how dopamine is released and can affect parts of the brain that help us control our impulses and regulate our emotions. In some studies done in mice, they changed the way that reward systems light up when the mice eat.But human brains and mouse brains are different, and ADHD is complex. There are no studies yet that test whether changes in dopamine from taking a GLP⁠-1 drug actually make a difference in human behavior. “If what worked in mice always worked in humans, we’d have cured lots of diseases,” Surman said.Plus, as far as scientists know, there are no GLP⁠-1 receptors on parts of the brain that deal with some of the main problems of ADHD, like attention and executive function, explained David Goodman, MD, PhD. Goodman is an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.Some people may find that the drugs help with impulsivity symptoms. But they may continue to have issues with attention, motivation, or executive function.That means it’s unlikely that the drugs will be a useful standalone ADHD medication, Goodman said. But they may be helpful for treating a small group of common ADHD symptoms.It’s possible, he said, that someone could take a stimulant medication to improve their core ADHD symptoms. And a GLP⁠-1 drug could help manage some of the other symptoms that remain. A lot of research would need to be done to know whether that would work and who might benefit.Need for more researchFor some people, the benefits of taking a GLP⁠-1 drug are clear. But just because some people see ADHD-related benefits, that doesn’t mean GLP⁠-1s work for everyone with ADHD. Some studies have even found that some people start noticing symptoms of ADHD after starting a GLP⁠-1 drug.In psychiatry studies, the placebo effect shows up a lot. That’s when the symptoms of someone’s condition improve when they take what they think is a medication for that condition but actually isn’t. If your ADHD symptoms improve after you take a GLP⁠-1 drug, it could be that the drug has an effect that scientists don’t yet understand. Or it could be the placebo effect. More research is needed to know for sure.Surman said that sometimes, when people notice that their ADHD symptoms are improving, it’s because their health is getting better overall. For example, someone with sleep apnea who loses weight while taking a GLP⁠-1 may start sleeping better. That may lead to better attention throughout the day.There are no active studies testing the effects of GLP⁠-1s on ADHD, according to clinicaltrials.gov, the government’s database for clinical trial information. It’s not clear if any researchers are planning to study this topic in more depth. If they do, it’ll probably take years to see results.“It’s remarkably early for any kind of prime-time clinical consideration,” Goodman said. “I know the internet and social media influencers and everybody create this buzz. … But in the absence of science, it’s hard to recommend these medications [for ADHD], especially without safety reviews in these patients.”Is it dangerous for people with ADHD to take GLP⁠-1s?Both ADHD medications and GLP⁠-1s can support your health. But it’s important to check in with your body as you use them to avoid harmful effects.Stimulant medications can make some people have a smaller appetite. If you take both a GLP⁠-1 and a stimulant, you might not feel the need to eat as much as you need to. That could cause you to lose too much weight. Or your blood sugar levels could get too low.Side effects of GLP-1 drugs include digestive issues, headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms that could make it harder to function throughout the day.Taking a GLP-1 drug shouldn’t affect how your ADHD medications work. GLP⁠-1 drugs slow down the movement of food through your stomach, and many ADHD medications come as a pill. But Goodman said that most ADHD drugs are designed to release slowly. Most people shouldn’t have problems with them.Anyone using a GLP-1 drug should make sure they get it prescribed through a trusted health care provider. GLP⁠-1s can help you become healthier, but only if you eat the right nutrients and get enough exercise. Working with a nutritionist or dietitian can make that easier, Surman said.“Folks with ADHD generally have a hard time following through on independent homework,” Surman said. It can be hard to stay on top of planning meals, cooking, and exercising regularly. He recommends finding an accountability buddy. This might be a friend you do weekly errands with. Or it could be a physical trainer who can help you set an exercise schedule.“We know that brains do better when they’re fed and rested, and when the body’s been moved and exercised,” Surman said. “I hope the opportunity of GLP⁠-1s is not to change just one aspect of a person, but for a healthier brain lifestyle, too.”Bottom lineThere are some reasons to think that GLP⁠-1s could help you manage your ADHD symptoms. They could quiet “food noise” and boost your overall health.But there’s not enough research to know whether the drugs affect attention or executive function. There’s not enough research to recommend GLP⁠-1s as a treatment for ADHD. GLP-1s should not replace tried-and-true ADHD assessments and treatments.If you’re curious about how GLP-1s may impact your ADHD symptoms, talk to your health care provider. They’ll be able to help you come up with the right treatment plan for your whole health.Additional reporting by Renée Fabian.This story was produced by Understood and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why hard drive prices are rising and what it means for your video storage Why hard drive prices are rising and what it means for your video storageFor years, storage has been the predictable part of video surveillance. You sized up the recorder, set your retention period, and forgot about it. If the system was recording, everything seemed fine.However, things are changing.Demand for hard drives is growing, and most of that demand is coming from AI and large data centres, which require enormous amounts of storage.Major manufacturers have confirmed that most of their HDD production is already committed to these buyers. Western Digital — a leading global manufacturer of data storage solutions — has said its 2026 output is mostly covered by firm purchase orders from major customers, with agreements even stretching beyond that.Hard drives have not disappeared, and manufacturing is continuing — but allocation has tightened, and as a knock-on effect, pricing has responded accordingly.For industries that depend on hard drives for storage, including video surveillance, this may represent a problem. With that in mind, Videoloft examined what's driving the shift and how organizations can adapt.Surveillance has always been storage dependentHigher resolutions, longer retention times, and increasing camera counts mean today’s surveillance systems are producing more data than they have in the past.In online communities, including forums like Reddit, users have been asking why hard drives are “suddenly becoming so expensive in 2026.” In one thread, a Redditor puts it simply: “AI requires data centres. Data centres require hard drives.”These are engineers and IT professionals who regularly buy hardware. The fact that they’re raising the same concerns shows how apparent the problem has become.In an average NVR system, storage is purchased at the start. You decide how many days of footage you need, estimate how much data your cameras will use, and buy enough hard drive space to cover it.If you need more storage later, you can buy more drives or upgrade the system.When hard drive prices were stable, and supply was predictable, you could plan confidently, knowing the hardware would be available and roughly the same price next quarter as it was today.When prices rise or lead times stretch, that predictability reduces. Budgets start to move, and expansion timelines slow down, not because your system has failed, but because the hardware behind it is less predictable.The problem isn’t technology, it’s rigidityOn-premise storage assumes that storage needs won’t change too much, and that hardware will always be available when required.But businesses don’t stand still — sites expand, camera counts increase, and retention expectations shift. Each change means more storage, and more storage means more hardware.A different way to think about surveillance storageAs hard drive supply becomes more volatile, is it time to reassess how video storage is handled? Across the board, businesses are looking to reduce their dependence on physical hardware like NVRs.Cloud-based storage is one alternative some organizations are exploring. With cloud storage, there are no hard drives to buy, and therefore no vulnerability to supply issues or price hikes.Demand for hard drives is unlikely to disappear. Data centre growth continues. This doesn't mean that NVRs will stop working tomorrow, but it does mean storage is no longer as simple as it once was.For organizations reviewing their surveillance strategy, it may be time to ask whether storage should remain fixed and hardware based, or whether it should become something more flexible.What should you do next?With storage becoming more unpredictable, how can you respond sensibly and not be caught short?These are some practical steps you can take now:1. Protect the drives you already haveHard drives are sensitive to power quality. Sudden spikes, drops, or unstable supply can shorten their lifespan.Surge protectors are useful, but they don’t protect against power outages. A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) may be a better option. It keeps power delivery consistent and provides temporary backup during outages, helping to extend your hard drive’s life and reduce the risk of corruption.2. Maximise the storage you already haveNot every system needs to record at its maximum settings. Storage use is directly influenced by things like frame rate, resolution, bitrate, and retention period. You could try reducing the frame rate slightly — for example, from 3 fps to 15 fps in noncritical areas — which can considerably reduce storage use without affecting usability.3. Use edge storage as a failoverIt’s worth checking if your cameras support a microSD card for onboard recording. This will allow footage to be stored directly on the camera, so if your recorder fails or the network drops out, the camera can record locally. For smaller systems with just a few cameras, edge storage might be sufficient on its own. Supply of MicroSDs isn’t under the same pressures as HDDs, meaning this might be a practical solution in certain situations.4. Decrease hardware dependency altogetherMany organizations are considering whether storage should remain tied to physical devices.The global cloud storage market is projected to grow from 197.8 billion in 2026 to 809.99 billion by 2034, and it’s not hard to see why. Cloud-based storage removes the need to purchase drives and respond to fluctuating HDD pricing. Capacity can scale as your needs change, rather than being fixed at installation.At a time when high-capacity hard drive production is being allocated to AI and data centres, this flexibility becomes an important advantage.Hard drives aren’t disappearing, and security systems will still continue to work, but storage is no longer as predictable as it once was.Organizations that plan ahead — either by protecting their existing hardware or moving towards more flexible storage solutions — will be better placed as the market changes.This story was produced by Videoloft and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What to know about Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader The second son of the late supreme leader keeps a low profile. But he's long been viewed as wielding his power behind the scenes, from crushing dissent to influencing presidential elections.
	A 2026 guide to AI optimization: What it is, why it matters, and how to get cited A 2026 guide to AI optimization: What it is, why it matters, and how to get citedYour customers are asking ChatGPT for recommendations. Meanwhile, you’re still obsessing over Google rankings.That’s the new reality. AI search is eating into traditional search traffic, and most businesses haven’t caught up.For those unsure where to begin, these AI optimization FAQs provide a starting point. This guide from WebFX covers the fundamentals of AI optimization, including what it is, how it works, and how to increase brand visibility in AI-generated responses.Let’s get down to brass tacks.AI optimization basics FAQsBefore diving into tactics and tools, it helps to understand what AI optimization actually is and why it is crucial for your business. Learn the fundamentals with these AI optimization FAQs.1. What is AI optimization?AI optimization is the practice of optimizing your content so AI-powered platforms can find, understand, and cite it when generating answers. This includes AI search engines like Perplexity and SearchGPT, AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, and AI search features like Google AI Overviews.The goal goes beyond just ranking. AI optimization aims to get your brand mentioned, cited, or recommended in AI search.2. What is AEO?Answer engine optimization (AEO) focuses on making your content easy for AI-powered answer engines to understand, trust, and cite when responding to user questions. Unlike traditional SEO that optimizes for page rankings, AEO optimizes for answer readiness.Key AEO tactics include:Structuring content with clear headings and direct answers near the top.Using scannable formats like lists, tables, and definitions.Implementing strategic schema markup (FAQ, HowTo, Article).Adding original data, expert commentary, and firsthand experience.3. What is GEO?Generative engine optimization (GEO) is the practice of optimizing your website content to appear in generative AI search results, including Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity. The focus is on increasing visibility in AI-generated responses, not just traditional search rankings.As AI reshapes how users search, GEO helps ensure your brand shows up where your audience is actually looking.4. What’s the difference between AEO and GEO?AEO and GEO overlap significantly, but have slightly different emphases:AEO focuses on getting cited by answer engines that pull direct answers from the web.GEO focuses on appearing in generative AI responses that synthesize information from multiple sources.In practice, most businesses need both. AEO ensures your content is citation-ready. GEO ensures you’re visible across the full spectrum of AI-powered search experiences. Many marketers use the terms interchangeably since the core tactics align.5. How is AI optimization different from SEO?Traditional search engine optimization (SEO) focuses on ranking pages in the search engine results page (SERP). AI optimization focuses on getting cited in AI-generated answers. Here’s how they compare: WebFX 6. Is AI optimization replacing SEO?No. AI optimization extends SEO; it doesn’t replace it. Traditional SEO remains foundational because:AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity pull from indexed, well-ranked content.Google AI Overviews heavily favor pages with strong organic rankings.Technical SEO (crawlability, structured data, site speed, mobile-friendliness) still affects AI discoverability.SEO gets you indexed and ranked. AI optimization gets you cited and recommended. You need both to stay visible as search evolves.7. Do I need AI optimization?It depends on your industry, goals, and how much you rely on organic search. But for most businesses, the answer is yes.You likely need AI optimization if:Your industry has high AI Overview trigger rates.Your audience already uses AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini for research.You depend on organic search for leads or sales.Your competitors are already showing up in AI-generated answers.Data analyzed by WebFX in 2025 showed that 1 in 4 U.S. searches triggered an AI Overview, and generative AI traffic is growing fast. Building visibility before AI results become saturated is a key consideration for maintaining search presence.AI search engines and platforms FAQsChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, AI Overviews… the list keeps growing. These common questions about AI optimization break down where your audience is searching and which platforms deserve your attention.8. What AI search engines should I optimize for?Focus on the platforms your audience actually uses. According to a 2025 survey of AI users conducted by WebFX, usage favors a few platforms:ChatGPT: 75.4%Gemini (Google): 63.8%Microsoft Copilot: 38.6%Claude (Anthropic): 9.8%Perplexity: 8%Platforms like Claude and Perplexity have smaller but loyal audiences, particularly for research-heavy and complex reasoning tasks. Start with the big players, then expand based on where your specific customers spend time.9. How do Google AI Overviews work?Google AI Overviews use generative AI to synthesize information from multiple web sources into a single, summarized answer at the top of the search results. When triggered, the AI pulls relevant content from indexed pages, summarizes key points, and displays source links beneath the response.Based on a 2025 study of 2.3 million keywords, AI Overviews appear more often for:Informational queriesLong-tail searches with seven or more wordsYMYL topics like health, finance, and educationTo appear in AI Overviews, your content needs strong organic rankings, a clear structure, and direct answers to user questions.10. What’s the difference between AI Overviews and featured snippets?Both appear at the top of Google search results, but they work differently: WebFX Featured snippets quote your content directly. AI Overviews paraphrase and combine information from several sources. You can appear in both, but AI Overviews require your content to be structured for AI comprehension, not just keyword targeting.11. Do I need to optimize for every AI platform?No. You don’t need platform-specific strategies for every AI tool. Core AI optimization tactics (like clear content structure, authoritative sourcing, and schema markup) improve visibility across most platforms simultaneously.AI ranking factors FAQsGetting cited by AI isn’t random. Specific signals influence whether your content gets pulled into AI-generated answers. The questions on AI optimization here focus on the ranking factors that actually drive those citations.12. What are the main AI search ranking factors?AI search engines evaluate content differently from traditional search. Research indicates that the most impactful AI ranking factors across platforms include:Online reputation: AI platforms favor brands with strong reviews, ratings, and mentions on review sites, directories, and social media.SEO fundamentals: Sites that rank well in organic search appear more often in AI results.Website authority: Quality backlinks, brand mentions from reputable sources, and original research signal trustworthiness to AI systems.Large language models (LLMs): Different AI platforms use different LLMs (GPT-4, Gemini, Claude), which affects how they generate responses and select citations.The weight of each factor varies by platform. Google AI Overviews lean heavily on organic rankings, while ChatGPT places more emphasis on brand mentions and online reputation.13. Does domain authority matter for AI visibility?Yes, but not in isolation. Domain authority (DA) reflects your site’s overall backlink strength and trustworthiness. AI platforms don’t use DA as a direct ranking factor, but the signals that build DA also influence AI visibility:Sites with higher authority tend to rank better organically, which increases AI Overview citation chances.Authoritative domains get mentioned more often across the web, which AI models recognize during training.Quality backlinks signal credibility, making AI systems more likely to trust and cite your content.Think of domain authority as a proxy. It doesn’t directly cause AI citations, but the same factors that build DA (quality content, backlinks, brand recognition) also improve your AI visibility.14. What is E-E-A-T, and why does it matter for AI?E-E-A-T stands for experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. Google uses this framework to evaluate content quality, and it directly impacts AI visibility. WebFX For AI optimization, E-E-A-T is essential because AI systems are designed to surface trustworthy, accurate information. Content that demonstrates real experience and expertise stands out in a sea of generic, AI-generated material.15. Do backlinks help with AI citations?Yes. Backlinks remain one of the strongest signals of content authority, and that authority influences AI visibility in several ways.Organic rankings: Backlinks boost your search rankings, and higher-ranked pages are more likely to be cited in AI Overviews.Brand recognition: Links from reputable sites increase your brand mentions, which AI models pick up on.Trust signals: AI platforms favor content from sites that other authoritative sources reference.Quality matters more than quantity. A few backlinks from respected industry publications or news sites carry more weight than dozens of low-quality directory links. Focus on earning links through original research, expert commentary, and genuinely useful content to improve your chances of being cited directly by AI answer engines.16. How do online reviews and brand mentions affect AI visibility?Online reputation is one of the top AI ranking factors. AI platforms favor brands with strong online reviews, ratings, and brand mentions, especially for “best of” and recommendation queries.When users ask ChatGPT or Perplexity for recommendations, these tools often pull from review platforms like Google Business Profile, G2, Yelp, and Capterra. The more your brand is mentioned positively across review platforms, the more likely AI systems are to recognize and cite you.Improving AI visibility through online reputation involves maintaining reviews on relevant platforms and responding to feedback. For local businesses, a strong Google Business Profile with consistent positive reviews is associated with appearing in AI-powered local results.How to optimize for AI search FAQsUnderstanding AI optimization is one thing. Actually doing it is another. These frequently asked AI optimization questions get into the practical tactics that help your content get cited, not just indexed.17. How do I optimize content to get cited by AI?AI systems look for content that’s easy to understand, clearly structured, and backed by credible signals. Take the following steps to improve your chances of getting cited.Structure for scannability: Use clear headings that mirror how users phrase questions, lead each section with a direct answer, then expand with details. Break up content with bullet points, numbered lists, and tables.Demonstrate expertise: Add original data, case studies, and firsthand experience. You can also create author bios with credentials and cite reputable sources to support your claims.Optimize for entities, not just keywords: Define key terms clearly — AI systems need to understand what you’re talking about. You should also cover related concepts and questions within the same content and use consistent terminology throughout your site.Build authority signals: Earn backlinks from reputable sites, get mentioned on review platforms and industry publications, and maintain a consistent brand presence online.The goal is to make your content the most credible, comprehensive, and easy-to-parse answer for the questions your audience is asking.18. How do I get cited in ChatGPT?ChatGPT pulls information from its training data and, with browsing enabled, from live web sources. These strategies may help you to increase your chances of getting cited in ChatGPT.Build brand recognition: ChatGPT favors well-known brands that appear frequently across the web. Invest in PR, guest posts, and industry mentions.Get mentioned on platforms ChatGPT references: This includes Reddit, Quora, Wikipedia, and major publications. User-generated discussions often influence AI recommendations.Create definitive, comprehensive content: ChatGPT tends to cite sources that provide thorough, authoritative answers rather than thin or generic content.Optimize for Bing: ChatGPT’s browsing feature pulls from Bing’s index. Strong Bing SEO can improve your visibility in ChatGPT responses.Keep in mind that ChatGPT doesn’t always cite sources, and when it does, the citations can be inconsistent. Focus on building overall brand authority rather than optimizing for ChatGPT specifically.19. How do I rank in Google AI Overviews?Google AI Overviews pull from pages that already perform well in organic search. These steps may help you to improve your chances of appearing: WebFX Focus on being a comprehensive answer, not just ranking for the keyword.20. What is structured data, and do I need it for AI?Structured data (also called schema markup) is code you add to your website that helps search engines understand your content. It labels elements like FAQs, how-to steps, products, reviews, and organizational information in a standardized format.Structured data for AI helps by:Making your content easier for AI systems to parse and extract.Increasing your chances of appearing in rich results and AI Overviews.Clarifying relationships between entities (your brand, products, authors, topics).The most useful schema types for AI optimization include:FAQ: Question-and-answer contentHowTo: Step-by-step guides and tutorialsArticle: Blog posts and news contentOrganization: Company information and brand detailsProduct: E-commerce and product pagesReview: Customer reviews and ratingsStructured data alone won’t get you cited, but it removes friction and helps AI systems understand what your content is about.21. How do I optimize for conversational queries?AI users search differently from traditional Google users. Instead of typing fragmented keywords, they ask complete questions in natural language. To optimize for conversational queries: WebFX The shift toward conversational search means your content should read like a helpful expert answering questions, not a keyword-stuffed page.22. What content formats are most effective for AI optimization?AI systems favor content formats that are easy to parse, extract, and summarize. The most effective formats include:FAQ pages: Question-and-answer structure aligns perfectly with how AI generates responses.How-to guides: Step-by-step content gets cited for instructional queries.Comparison tables: AI can easily extract and present structured comparisons.Definitions and glossaries: Clear explanations of terms help AI understand and cite your contentListicles: Numbered or bulleted lists are easy for AI to scan and summarize.Formats that tend to perform less well:Long, unbroken paragraphs without a clear structureHeavily promotional content with little to no informational valueAn effective approach is matching your format to the user’s search intent. If someone asks “how to,” give them steps. If they ask “what is,” give them a definition. If they want options, give them a comparison.23. Can I optimize old content for AI search?Yes. Updating existing content is often faster and more effective than creating new pages from scratch. Here’s how to optimize old content for AI:Audit for structure: Add clear headings that match common questions, break long paragraphs into scannable sections, and insert lists, tables, and definitions where appropriate.Update for accuracy and freshness: Replace outdated statistics with current data, remove references to old trends or discontinued products, and add recent examples and case studies.Enhance for E-E-A-T: Add author bios with credentials, include firsthand experience and original insights, and cite reputable, up-to-date sources.Implement schema markup: Add FAQ, HowTo, or Article schema if not already present, and ensure your schema matches the actual content on the page.Check your rankings: Prioritize updating pages that already rank in positions 5-20. These pages have authority but may need optimization to break into AI Overview citations.Content refreshes can deliver faster results than new content because the page already has backlinks, authority, and indexing history.24. How do I build topical authority for AI search?Topical authority means becoming the go-to source for a specific subject area. AI systems recognize and favor sites that demonstrate deep, comprehensive expertise on a topic. To build topical authority: WebFX AI looks for this pattern over time, not in a single post.AI visibility and tracking FAQsTracking AI visibility isn’t as straightforward as checking your Google rankings. Let’s get into how to measure what’s working and prove value to stakeholders.25. How do I track AI visibility, and what tools should I use?AI visibility tracking requires a mix of manual checks and specialized tools since there’s no single dashboard that shows where your brand appears across all AI platforms. Here’s how to approach it.Manual monitoring:Run test prompts in ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Google to see if your brand gets mentioned.Search for your target keywords and note which sources get cited.Track findings in a spreadsheet weekly or monthly to spot trends.Tools for AI visibility tracking and what they measure:Google Search Console measures AI Overview impressions and clicks (under the Search Appearance filter).Semrush tracks keywords triggering AI Overviews and whether your pages appear.Ahrefs shows pages appearing in AI Overview SERPs.Google Analytics 4 (GA4) measures referral traffic from AI platforms (with custom channel setup).Start with manual checks to understand your baseline, then layer in tools as your AI optimization efforts scale.26. Can I track traffic from ChatGPT or Perplexity?Yes, but it requires setup in Google Analytics 4 (GA4). AI platforms don’t show up in standard traffic reports by default.Here is how to track AI referral traffic in GA4:Go to Admin > Data Display > Channel Groups.Click Create new channel group.Add a new channel called “Generative AI.”Use this regex to track traffic sources:^(meta\.ai\|perplexity\.ai\|perplexity\|chat\.openai\.com\|claude\.ai\|chat\.mistral\.ai\|gemini\.google\.com\|bard\.google\.com\|chatgpt\.com\|copilot\.microsoft\.com\|anthropic\.com\|deepmind\.com\|deepseek\.com)(\/.*)?$Exclude these sources from your Referral channel to avoid double-counting.Save and set as your primary channel group.View AI traffic in your reports:Go to Reports > Acquisition > Traffic acquisition.Change the primary dimension to Session default channel group.Look for “Generative AI” as a traffic source.Add a secondary dimension, like Session source or Landing page, for deeper analysis.Note: It may take 15-30 minutes for GA4 to start showing data after setup.27. How do I measure AI optimization success?Traditional metrics like rankings and traffic don’t fully capture AI visibility. Instead, track a combination of presence, engagement, and impact signals: WebFX Start with presence metrics to establish your baseline, then layer in engagement and impact tracking as your AI visibility grows.28. How do I prove AI optimization ROI to leadership?AI attribution isn’t as clean as paid media or traditional SEO, which makes proving ROI challenging. Use a “then, now, next” framework to build your case: WebFX Position AI visibility metrics as leading indicators. Just like early SEO efforts focused on rankings before traffic, AI optimization builds presence before revenue attribution catches up.29. How do I know if my competitors are ranking in AI search?Competitive monitoring in AI search requires manual testing and the right tools. Here’s how to track where your competitors show up.Manual competitive checks:Run prompts for your target queries in ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.Note which brands get mentioned or cited.Test “best [product/service] for [use case]” queries to see recommendation patterns.Tool-based tracking:Semrush can compare AI Overview presence across domains.Ahrefs shows which competitor pages appear in AI Overview SERPs.Key questions to answer:Which competitors appear in AI Overviews for your target keywords?Who gets cited most often in ChatGPT or Perplexity for your category?What content formats are competitors using that earn AI citations?Track this monthly to spot trends. If competitors are gaining AI visibility while you’re stagnant, that’s an early warning sign to accelerate your optimization efforts.AI optimization strategy and planning FAQsYou’ve got the tactics down. Now comes the harder part: figuring out where to focus. The following questions on AI optimization help you prioritize, plan, and pivot your efforts where they’ll have the most impact.30. How do I create an AI optimization strategy?Start with your existing SEO foundation, then layer in AI-specific tactics. Use the AI visibility ladder as your framework. Each step builds on the last, moving from basic visibility to becoming a go-to source AI platforms cite and recommend.Step 1: Foundation (traditional SEO)Ensure your site is crawlable, mobile-friendly, and fast.Use clear, keyword-rich H1s, structured headers, and internal links.Submit and maintain your sitemap.Step 2: Relevance (align with AI search context)Use long-tail keywords that reflect how users ask questions.Structure content using BLUF format (bottom line up front).Add FAQ sections with schema to match AI Overviews.Step 3: Trust (strengthen E-E-A-T signals)Add author bios with credentials and experience.Link to high-authority third-party sources.Keep content updated with fresh, accurate information.Step 4: Influence (earn mentions and external signals)Encourage reviews on G2, Trustpilot, and Google Business Profile.Earn PR placements and backlinks from authoritative sources.Engage in relevant Reddit threads and industry forums.31. Should I create different content for different AI platforms?No. You don’t need platform-specific content strategies. The core tactics that improve AI visibility work across most platforms simultaneously:Clear content structure with direct answers.Strong E-E-A-T signals (experience, expertise, authority, trust).Schema markup for better content interpretation.Backlinks and brand mentions that signal authority.Where platforms differ is in what they emphasize:Google AI Overviews focuses on organic rankings, structured content, and schema markup.ChatGPT looks at brand mentions, Bing rankings, and online reputation.Perplexity relies on source authority, citation-ready formatting, and recency.Gemini focuses on Google index, E-E-A-T signals, and comprehensive coverage.Focus on creating high-quality, authoritative content for your topics. If your content is structured well and backed by strong authority signals, it will perform across platforms without needing separate versions.32. Can small businesses compete in AI search?Yes. AI search rewards relevance and authority, not company size.Here’s where small businesses can win.Niche topical authority: AI platforms favor depth over breadth. A specialist with comprehensive content on one topic often outperforms generalists covering everything superficially.Authentic E-E-A-T signals: Real owners with real expertise and real customer relationships demonstrate experience that’s hard to fake at scale.Reviews and online reputation: AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews pull heavily from review sites when recommending services. Strong reviews on Google Business Profile, Yelp, and industry-specific platforms directly influence AI recommendations.Faster content updates: Small teams can refresh content and respond to AI visibility gaps faster than large organizations with complex approval processes.You can compete effectively with these best practices:Focus on your specific niche rather than trying to cover everything.Build topical authority with in-depth, data-informed content.Invest in reviews and actively respond to customer feedback.Create content demonstrating genuine firsthand experience.If you’re struggling in AI search, the problem usually isn’t your team size — it’s generic, thin content that doesn’t showcase your expertise.33. How do I optimize for local AI searches?Use the AMP method to structure your local AI optimization strategy: WebFX Research conducted by Yext in 2025 found that 86% of AI citations for local search queries come from brand-influenced sources like your website and business listings. That means you have direct control over most of what AI says about your business locally.34. What industries are most affected by AI search?AI Overviews and AI-generated answers appear more frequently in some industries than others. According to WebFX’s study of 2.37 million keywords, these industries see the highest AI Overview trigger rates:Health: 51.6%Family and community: 39%Jobs and education: 33%Finance and insurance: 32.1%These industries are most affected because of:High volume of informational queries (“what is,” “how to,” “symptoms of”).YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) topics where Google prioritizes authoritative answers.Complex decision-making processes where users seek guidance.If you’re in a high-trigger industry, AI optimization isn’t optional. Your competitors are likely already appearing in AI answers for queries your customers are asking.AI optimization challenges and mistakes FAQsEven well-planned AI optimization strategies hit roadblocks. These AI optimization FAQs call out the most common mistakes, troubleshooting tips, and how to protect your brand as AI search evolves.35. What are the biggest AI optimization mistakes?Most businesses make the same errors when starting with AI optimization.Ignoring traditional SEO: AI platforms heavily favor content that already ranks well organically. If you skip SEO fundamentals, AI won’t be able to find and cite your content.Creating content without clear answers: AI systems extract direct answers to serve users. Burying your main point under lengthy intros gets you ignored. Structure content with the answer first, details second (BLUF format).Neglecting E-E-A-T signals: Missing author bios, credentials, citations, or data sources hurts your credibility. Outdated content that hasn’t been refreshed signals low trustworthiness.Blocking AI crawlers: Some businesses unknowingly block AI bots in their robots.txt file. If AI can’t crawl your content, it can’t cite you.Chasing platforms instead of quality: Trying to game individual AI systems rather than creating genuinely authoritative content wastes effort. The tactics that work across platforms are the same: clarity, authority, and trust.36. Why isn’t my content showing up in AI results?If your content isn’t appearing in AI-generated answers, check these common issues.Crawlability problems: AI crawlers may be blocked in your robots.txt file. Check for bots like ChatGPT-User, GPTBot, PerplexityBot, and Google-Extended. Again, if blocked, AI can’t access your content to cite it.Weak organic rankings: Strong SEO foundations are still vital for AI visibility. If you’re not ranking organically, AI likely won’t find you either.Content structure issues: Answers buried deep in the page, missing clear headings that match common questions, or no schema markup to help AI parse your content can all hurt visibility.Low authority signals: Few or no quality backlinks, limited brand mentions in articles, reviews, and forums, or missing reviews on platforms that AI references (Google Business Profile, G2, Yelp) reduce your chances of being cited.Content doesn’t match query intent: Your content may answer a related question, but not the specific one users are asking. AI platforms prioritize content that directly addresses user queries. Run manual checks in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google to see what’s being cited, then reverse-engineer what those sources are doing differently.37. How do I protect my brand reputation in AI search?AI platforms pull information from across the web, which means inaccurate or negative content can surface in AI-generated answers. Here’s how to protect your brand.Control the controllable: Most AI citations for local queries come from sources you control, like your website and business listings. Keep your website, Google Business Profile, and directory listings accurate and up-to-date.Monitor AI responses: Regularly search for your brand in ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews. Document what AI says about your business and track changes. Use AI visibility tools to automate monitoring.Build positive signals: Actively collect customer reviews on Google, Yelp, and industry platforms. Respond to all reviews, positive and negative. Earn mentions and backlinks from authoritative sources.Address inaccuracies: If AI is surfacing incorrect information, identify the source. Update your owned properties with accurate information. Create content that directly addresses and corrects misconceptions.Strengthen E-E-A-T: Publish expert content with clear author attribution. Cite credible sources and include verifiable data. Keep content fresh and accurate.38. Should I block AI crawlers from my site?In most cases, no. Blocking AI crawlers means your content can’t be cited in AI-generated answers, which reduces your visibility as AI search grows.Here’s what blocking means in practice:AI platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and others won’t be able to read your content.You won’t appear in their responses, even if you have a highly relevant answer.Competitors who allow crawling will get cited instead.That said, blocking might make sense in a few scenarios:You have proprietary content you don’t want summarized or reproduced.You’re concerned about AI training on your copyrighted material.Your business model depends on users visiting your site (though blocking may reduce that traffic over time).Keep this trade-off in mind:Blocking AI crawlers means missing a fast-growing discovery channel.Users who find you through AI tend to be high-intent.You can check your current settings by:Reviewing your robots.txt file for disallow rules targeting AI bots.Looking for these common AI crawler names: GPTBot, ChatGPT-User, PerplexityBot, Google-Extended, Anthropic-AI.For most businesses, the visibility benefits of allowing AI crawlers outweigh the risks.AI optimization timeline and results FAQsInvesting in AI optimization raises fair questions about timeline and ROI. These AI optimization questions help set realistic expectations for what AI visibility can deliver and when.39. How long does AI optimization take to see results?AI optimization timelines depend on your starting point and the platforms you’re targeting.For Google AI Overviews: Results can appear within weeks if you already rank organically. If you need to build organic rankings first, expect four to six months.For ChatGPT and other LLMs: ChatGPT’s training data updates periodically, not in real-time, so changes to your content may take months to reflect in its responses. However, ChatGPT Search (with web browsing) can surface current content faster.For Perplexity: Perplexity searches the live web, so changes can appear quickly. Strong authority signals and recent content tend to get cited faster.Factors that speed up results: Already ranking in the top 10 organically, strong existing backlink profile and brand mentions, clear content structure optimized for AI citation, and active reviews on platforms that AI references.Factors that slow results: Starting from scratch with SEO, low domain authority, and content that doesn’t directly answer common queries.AI optimization is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. The businesses seeing results fastest are those building on strong SEO foundations.40. What results can AI optimization drive?AI optimization can impact multiple business metrics.Visibility and brand awareness: Your brand gets mentioned when AI answers relevant questions, increasing share of voice in your industry and exposing you to users who may never click through to a website.Traffic: AI Overviews and answer engines include source links, and users who click through tend to be further along in their research. AI traffic is currently small but growing significantly faster than organic.Conversions: Users arriving via AI have already received context about your business, making them higher-intent visitors who are closer to a decision.Competitive positioning: Early movers gain visibility before competition intensifies, and being cited by AI builds credibility and trust. Competitors who ignore AI search lose visibility to those who optimize.What to track: Brand mentions in AI responses (manual checks or AI visibility tools), traffic from AI sources in Google Analytics (ChatGPT, Perplexity referrals), AI Overview impressions in Google Search Console, and share of voice compared to competitors.41. Does AI traffic convert better than organic traffic?Yes. A WebFX study found generative AI traffic converts 23% better than traditional organic search traffic.There are a few reasons AI traffic converts better.Pre-qualified visitors: Users have already received information about your business from AI before clicking.Higher intent: AI users often ask specific questions, indicating they’re further in their research.Better context: AI provides summaries and comparisons, so visitors arrive more informed.Fewer tire-kickers: The extra step of being cited by AI filters out casual browsers.There’s a trade-off to consider:AI traffic volume is still small compared to organic.Early investment positions you for larger returns as adoption increases.To measure AI traffic performance:Set up a custom “Generative AI” channel in GA4 to track referrals from ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other AI platforms.Compare conversion rates between AI traffic and other channels.Monitor engagement metrics (time on site, pages per session, bounce rate).42. Can AI-generated content rank in AI search results?It can, but human-created content has advantages.AI search platforms tend to prioritize:Unique insights, original research, and firsthand experience.Content demonstrating genuine expertise (E-E-A-T signals).Accuracy, specificity, and verifiable information.Fresh perspectives that add value beyond what’s already available.AI-generated content often falls short in key areas:Lacks original insights or unique data.Can miss the nuance and specificity that comes from real expertise.May contain inaccuracies that hurt credibility.Tends to rehash existing information rather than adding new value.The practical approach is to blend both:Use AI as a tool to assist content creation, not replace human expertise.Add original research, case studies, and expert commentary.Include specific examples from real experience.Verify all facts and cite credible sources.Have subject matter experts review and enhance AI drafts.Google and other platforms are getting better at identifying low-value AI content. The businesses seeing the most success in AI search are those combining AI efficiency with genuine human expertise.AI optimization costs and resources FAQsBefore you invest, you need to understand the costs involved. These questions about AI optimization walk through typical budgets, the tools and resources involved, and whether to build in-house or partner with experts.43. How much does AI optimization cost?AI optimization costs vary based on your approach. Here are some of the current market ranges we’re seeing across agencies and tool providers in 2026.If you’re going the DIY route with tools:Basic AI writing and AI SEO tools: Free, or $10-$50 per monthAdvanced AI and SEO tools: $60-$250 or more per monthAI visibility tracking software: $50-$1,000 or more per monthCustom enterprise software: This type of software usually requires custom pricing due to the need for deep integrations and a more complex setup and use.If you’re working with an agency:GEO services typically range from $1,500 to $50,000 or more per month.Pricing depends on business size, website complexity, and strategy scope.Enterprise-level campaigns with multiple platforms cost more.Several factors influence cost:Strategy scope: This is the size of your website, your unique goals, and the number of pages you want to create or optimize. The larger and more complex the strategy, the higher the cost.In-house management: Hiring a team of GEO experts and investing in third-party tools and platforms will incur extra costs.Agency partnership: Your chosen agency and its pricing packages will determine your overall costs.Tools and software: The tools and platforms you use can add to your investment.44. What tools do I need for AI optimization?You don’t need every tool on the market. Start with essentials and expand based on needs.Essential (free or low-cost):Google Search Console (track AI Overview impressions)Google Analytics 4 (monitor AI referral traffic)Manual visibility tracking in ChatGPT, Perplexity, or GeminiFor SEO foundations:Keyword research toolTechnical SEO crawlerReadability checkerFor AI visibility tracking:AI visibility tools that monitor brand mentions across LLMs.Options include dedicated platforms or features within existing SEO tools.For content optimization:Schema markup generatorAI writing assistantsContent optimization toolsFor advanced needs:Comprehensive AI visibility tracking across AI platforms.Competitor benchmarking tools.Custom GA4 dashboards for AI traffic attribution.45. Do I need to change my website for AI optimization?Not necessarily. Most AI optimization builds on existing SEO best practices.You likely already have (or should):Clear site structure and navigation.Mobile-friendly, fast-loading pages.Quality content targeting relevant keywords.Basic schema markup.Changes that help AI optimization:Content structure: Lead with direct answers, use clear headings that match common questions.Schema markup: Add FAQ, HowTo, Article, and LocalBusiness schema where relevant.Author attribution: Add author bios with credentials and experience.Crawlability: Ensure AI bots aren’t blocked in robots.txt.You probably don’t need:A complete website redesign.New technology or platforms.Separate content for different AI systems.Focus areas by priority:High priority: Content structure, schema markup, and E-E-A-T signals.Medium priority: AI crawler access, internal linking, and content freshness.Lower priority: Platform-specific optimizations (most tactics work across AI systems).If your site follows modern SEO best practices, you’re already partway there. AI optimization is about refinement, not reinvention.46. Should I hire an agency or do AI optimization in-house?It depends on your resources, expertise, and goals.In-house might be the right fit if:You have dedicated SEO/marketing staff with bandwidth.Your team can stay current on rapidly changing AI search trends.You have a budget for tools and ongoing training.Your optimization needs are straightforward.An agency might make more sense if:You lack in-house AI/SEO expertise.You need faster results and can’t afford a learning curve.You want access to proprietary tools and data.You need a comprehensive strategy across multiple platforms.Your industry is highly competitive in AI search.Before signing with an agency, ask these questions:What AI platforms do you track and optimize for?How do you measure AI visibility and ROI?What proprietary tools or technology do you use?Can you show case studies or results from similar businesses?The future of AI search FAQsAI search isn’t slowing down. Standing still in AI search means falling behind. These questions on AI optimization help you anticipate what’s coming and prepare your business for the next wave of changes.47. How will AI search evolve in 2026 and beyond?AI search is still in early stages, and several AI trends are shaping its future:AI is becoming part of the daily tech stack. WebFX 2025 research found:1 in 3 people now use AI multiple times per day, alongside tools like email and traditional search.65% use AI for research and fact-finding, putting AI in direct competition with Google Search.ChatGPT and Gemini command 85% of AI tool usage, with loyalties consolidating around a few leaders.Traditional search is integrating more AI:Google continues expanding AI Overviews and AI Mode.Bing is deepening Microsoft Copilot integration.Expect AI-generated answers to appear in more query types.New AI browsers like Atlas, Comet, and Dia are combining search, summarization, and task completion with native AI integration.Specialized AI search is on the rise:Vertical-specific AI tools for shopping, travel, healthcare, and B2B research.ChatGPT’s shopping features and in-chat purchasing.AI agents that can complete tasks, not just answer questions.Conversational and multimodal search is expanding:Younger generations already search more conversationally (Gen Z averages 5.83 words per query versus shorter queries from older generations).Voice search, image search, and video search powered by AI.Multiturn conversations are replacing single queries.Search is fragmenting across platforms:Users are searching across Google, ChatGPT, Perplexity, TikTok, Reddit, and social platforms.No single platform will dominate all discovery.An omnichannel SEO approach becomes essential for comprehensive visibility.Some things will stay the same:Quality content, authority, and trust remain foundational.E-E-A-T signals are critical regardless of the platform.Businesses with strong brands and reputations have advantages.48. Will zero-click search kill my website traffic?Zero-click searches are increasing, but they won’t kill website traffic entirely.Here’s the reality:Research from Bain in late 2024 found that 60% of searches now end without users clicking on a website.For informational queries, especially, users often get answers without clicking.Context matters, though:Transactional and commercial queries still drive clicks.Users researching complex decisions often visit multiple sources.AI citations can drive highly qualified traffic.Brand visibility in AI answers builds brand awareness even without clicks.You can adapt by:Focusing on queries where users need more than a quick answer.Optimizing for AI citation to capture visibility even in zero-click scenarios.Building brand recognition so users seek you out directly.Diversifying traffic sources (email, social, paid, referral).Tracking metrics beyond traffic: brand mentions, share of voice, and assisted conversions.There are still opportunities here:Being cited in AI answers positions you as a trusted source.Users who do click through are more qualified.Early optimization builds an advantage as AI search grows.Zero-click search changes the game, but it doesn’t end it. The businesses that adapt will find new ways to capture value.49. Does AI use my content to train its models?It depends on the AI system and your settings.Here’s how AI training works:Large language models (LLMs) like GPT are trained on massive datasets that may include web content.Training happens periodically, not in real-time.Once trained, the model uses that learning to generate responses.There are a few things you can control:Robots.txt: You can block AI crawlers from accessing your site (though this also prevents citation).Terms of service: Some AI companies respect opt-out requests.Common AI bots: This includes GPTBot, ChatGPT-User, Google-Extended, Anthropic-AI, and PerplexityBot.The trade-off is worth understanding:Blocking AI crawlers prevents your content from being used for training.But it also prevents your content from being cited in AI responses.You lose visibility in a fast-growing channel.There are risks to consider:52% of respondents in a 2025 McKinsey survey cite intellectual property infringement as a risk of AI.AI may summarize or paraphrase your content without direct attribution.Legal frameworks around AI and copyright are still evolving.For most businesses, the visibility benefits of allowing AI access outweigh the training concerns. Focus on creating content that builds your brand when cited, and monitor how AI represents your business to address inaccuracies.50. How should I prepare my business for AI-powered search?Start now, but don’t abandon what’s working.Start with your foundation:Strengthen your SEO fundamentals (technical health, content quality, backlinks).You can’t skip SEO and expect AI visibility.Build your content for AI citation:Structure content with clear, direct answers.Add schema markup (FAQ, HowTo, Article, LocalBusiness).Strengthen E-E-A-T signals (author bios, credentials, citations).Create content that demonstrates genuine expertise and experience.Invest in your reputation:Collect reviews on Google Business Profile, industry platforms, and review sites.Earn backlinks and brand mentions from authoritative sources.Engage in relevant communities (Reddit, industry forums, social platforms).Monitor your visibility and adapt:Track your AI visibility across platforms.Set up GA4 to measure AI referral traffic.Run regular manual checks in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews.Watch what competitors are doing and how AI cites them.Think omnichannel:AI search is one part of a fragmented discovery landscape.Adopt an omnichannel SEO approach that covers traditional search, AI platforms, and social discovery.Don’t put all your eggs in one search basket.To win in AI search, you can’t sit back and “see what happens.” You have to treat AI optimization as part of your core SEO program while the field is still relatively open.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	‘Stage is shifting rapidly’ for high schools: Are states helping them keep up? ‘Stage is shifting rapidly’ for high schools: Are states helping them keep up?The rise of artificial intelligence and other technology has traditional high schools scrambling to keep up, with states doing an uneven job of encouraging schools to embed critical thinking skills and offer students access to internships and college courses, according to a new report reviewed by The 74.Today’s world, the nonprofit XQ Institute argues in its new report The Future Is High School, “requires an entirely new kind of educational experience — one that traditional high schools were never designed to deliver.”“We live in an age of self-driving taxis, blockchain, and renewed interest in space exploration. The public launch of ChatGPT placed a powerful form of generative artificial intelligence (AI) within the reach of every American,” the report continued. “But that stage is shifting rapidly. Our young people are growing up at a time when the economy and workforce are in constant flux. And high schools must keep pace.”Schools not only need to emphasize work and early college experiences, XQ found, but also teach interpersonal and thinking skills as much as academics.“What do we need to know when we leave our high school doors?” asked XQ CEO Russlynn Ali. Math, English and science are still important, she said.“But layered on top of that, we need to be critical thinkers,” Ali said. “We need to be able to collaborate. We need adaptability. We need these skills that will help us succeed in life, no matter what direction we choose after we leave high school.”XQ wants states to encourage schools to follow the lead of Purdue Polytechnic High School in Indianapolis or the Museum High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where students learn academics and interpersonal skills through projects, not lectures. Another standout: Oakland, California’s Latitude High School, where every 10th grader follows an adult through a work day to learn about the job, 11th graders have month-long internships and older adults can choose to do a longer one.The new report takes a different approach from XQ’s previous work, which has centered on schools.“States have more responsibility and authority over their schools than certainly in recent memory, if not in my lifetime,” Ali said. “They must be the locus of change.” XQ Institute States are mixed, however, XQ reports in the new study, on how they are succeeding in meeting 10 goals XQ considers key to school innovation. XQ met with school leaders across the country to create the goals — and then researched how much progress each state and Washington D.C. has made toward them:46 states have met the goal of offering work experience, such as internships, as credit toward high school diplomas.38 states give every student a chance to earn college credit before graduating, by taking Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or college classes.32 states give schools the ability to award students class credit under a mastery or competency system, showing they know the material, instead of just attending a class.32 states have identified key skills students need to learn for the future, including nonacademic skills XQ has made a major part of its work, such as teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving. States often created a “Portrait of a Graduate” spelling these out.Just 10 states — Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah and Washington — met six of the goals; and no state met all 10, though 31 met at least four. Two states — Alaska and Florida — met only two of the goals.Two of XQ’s goals — finding ways to measure how well students have learned interpersonal and thinking skills, then showing those on report cards — haven’t been realized by any state.XQ plans to track changes and update the report every two years for the next decade.“I think of these as a start, definitely not a finish line,” Ali said.To highlight the 10 policy goals and encourage states to adopt them, XQ is planning to visit schools and policymakers in 25 communities, likely over the next two years. Details of that tour, which starts March 4 in Indianapolis and stops in Columbus, Ohio, the week after, are still being developed.XQ, a nonprofit and affiliate of investing and philanthropic firm Emerson Collective, was cofounded by Ali and Laurene Powell Jobs. Powell Jobs is Emerson’s founder and president, and wife of the late Apple founder Steve Jobs.XQ has been refining its vision for redesigning high schools since launching in 2015 with a well-publicized campaign to identify and support innovative “Super Schools” across the country. It gave a total of $102 million in 2016 to 18 schools — including the schools mentioned above — before expanding its work to 28 states.XQ’s vision has its critics, who say it overstates how much jobs will change in the future and who are unsure if XQ’s priorities are the best way to prepare students. But school districts and several states, including Indiana, Rhode Island and Utah, agree with the approach and are open in their support.Utah’s state superintendent, Molly Hart, said the state rarely adopts any national approach, but there is great overlap in what XQ promotes and the state’s push to redesign high schools, including the support of mastery teaching approaches and requiring students to earn a meaningful professional credential before graduating.”We align closely when you look at some of the goals and policy actions that XQ does,” she said. “We have a lot of similarities in what we’re looking at.”The report, and shorter reports XQ released for individual states, also highlight policy changes and efforts already in place that XQ considers “beacons” for change. Among them:Indiana: For giving schools increasing flexibility in giving students class credit for showing proficiency in a subject, rather than just sitting through a class all semester or year.Rhode Island: For changing diploma requirements so that all students, beginning in 2028, must take the courses in math, foreign language and even art that qualify them to attend college.“Our kids were not even taking the classes to be able to apply to those schools,” said state education commissioner Angelica Infante-Green. “Once they got there, they were in remedial courses because we weren’t preparing them for college-level achievement.”Texas: For allowing students to earn 12 hours of college credit in high school, either through college, AP or International Baccalaureate classes.Colorado: For encouraging the growth of CareerWise high school apprenticeships, the largest youth apprenticeship program in the country. Colorado also broke career preparation into three categories — Learning ABOUT Work, Learning THROUGH Work, and Learning AT Work.Utah: For giving schools grants to train teachers how to educate students using a mastery/competency approach and how to rate student progress. Utah also backed some schools in trying out vastly different report cards — keeping the traditional A-F grade scale, but also giving students a new Mastery Learning Record that shows their progress on durable skills.Ali said XQ also wanted to highlight two goals that haven’t been met yet, but that she considers vital — developing tests to measure how well students have learned key nonacademic skills and then changing student report cards to rate students on those skills.Ali said the standardized tests states use to measure student skills in math, English and science offer some sense of what students know, but are outdated. There’s no clear way yet to assess how well students have mastered durable skills to prove to colleges or employers that they have those skills. And Ali said that schools tend to prioritize learning the state measures and judges them on, so schools won’t teach them vigorously until they are part of report cards and school ratings.But XQ recognized 12 states for trying to develop those tests and report cards, six of them for participating in a pilot project with the Educational Testing Service, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Mastery Transcript Consortium (now part of ETS). The Skills for the Future project has been working to create tests on durable skills, starting with three: collaboration, communication and critical thinking.XQ is not part of this effort but partners with Carnegie on some related work and says it enthusiastically backs it.The Skills for the Future team, which includes Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, is still working on creating new tests but recently broke down each of those three skills into smaller skills as one step toward creating tests.Communication, for example, is broken down into segments — presentation skills, making messages more clear, adapting messages for different audiences or comprehending the communication of others — that are then broken down further into sub-skills.Infante-Green said measuring these skills will be a “game changer.”“I think it will give employers things that they have been looking for, as well as change how we teach, what we teach, and how we incorporate (those skills) into the academic field,” she said. “It’s important. It won’t be one or the other, it’ll be both.”Ali also stressed that just passing policy changes won’t be enough. Schools, teachers and parents need to also be on board.“It’s not a checklist,” Ali said. “It has to be implemented in a way that is sustained and empowering and supportive of what needs to happen in the classroom.”Disclosure: XQ provides financial support to The 74.This story was produced by The 74 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Do you get heart palpitations when lying down? Do you get heart palpitations when lying down?Whether you’re getting ready for bed or looking for a quick respite from the day, lying down is supposed to be the first step toward rest and relaxation. A few things can (and tend) to get in the way of that: kids, work, stress — for some, it’s heart palpitations.This uncomfortable feeling in your chest can be alarming. But the good news is that it’s most often no cause for concern. If you experience heart palpitations when you lie down, Northwell Health shares what you should know.What are heart palpitations?Heart palpitations are an abnormal fluttering, racing or pounding of the heartbeat. They can occur at different times for different reasons.Experiencing heart palpitations at night can affect sleep, leaving patients wondering, "Why does my heart beat fast when I lie down?"Why do I get heart palpitations when lying down?Lying down in certain ways presses the stomach and chest cavity together, putting pressure on the heart and blood flow and increasing circulation. The easiest fix for this is simply to change position.In some cases, heart palpitations may be caused by other health conditions, including stress, anxiety, dehydration, low potassium or low blood sugar.Other causes include:Too much caffeine — beyond 400 milligrams, or about 4 cups of coffee’s worth, in one dayHormonal changes, such as those associated with menopause or birth controlCertain prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, like decongestants, amphetamines and beta blockersAnemia — a low red blood cell countHyperthyroidism — an overactive thyroid gland resulting in excessive hormone productionHow do I stop heart palpitations when lying down?Most causes of heart palpitations are easily treated with simple lifestyle changes. Things to try:Don’t drink caffeineQuit smokingUse deep breathing and meditation to reduce stress and anxietyDrink plenty of water to avoid dehydrationEat a well-rounded diet that includes fruits and vegetablesAvoid skipping meals, as this causes abrupt drops in blood sugarAvoid prescription or over-the-counter drugs that may aggravate the issue (before making any changes, talk to your doctor)Heart palpitations and underlying health conditionsAddressing the above causes and making corresponding lifestyle changes may do the trick for some. If you continue to have heart palpitations, it may signal a more serious health condition.Arrhythmia: Heart palpitations that occur with regularity can be classified as arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. Arrhythmia is often harmless; some patients, however, will suffer serious side effects. Speak to a cardiologist if you are concerned about your heart.Heart defect: Abnormalities in the structure of the heart and its components can impair its ability to beat and pump blood, causing palpitations. Defects known to cause heart palpitations include:Mitral valve prolapse: A heart valve that opens and closes opposite its intended direction.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A thickening of the heart’s muscle tissue.Cardiac arrest: Sudden, intense palpitations often occur right before cardiac arrest, a complete stop of the heartbeat. This is an immediate life-threatening emergency that can cause death within minutes if not treated.When to see a doctorHeart palpitations are often harmless, coming and going with no lasting consequences. However, if you experience any of these symptoms regularly along with rapid heartbeat, contact your doctor:Shortness of breathDizziness or nauseaChest painFaintingProlonged fatigueSwollen feetDepending on your symptoms, your doctor may order tests like an electrocardiogram, stress test or CT scan.This story was produced by Northwell Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Report: Chiefs legend Travis Kelce returning to Kansas City for a 14th season One of the greatest players in Kansas City Chiefs history is on board for another season.
	Charley Crockett playing Rhythm City Casino in June Charley Crockett and special guest Sierra Hull are bringing his Age of the Ram Tour to Rhythm City Casino, 7077 Elmore Avenue in Davenport, on June 25. Tickets are on sale online here or at The Market at Rhythm City. Grammy Award–nominated artist Crockett announced an extensive 2026 run of tour dates this week. He [...]
	This historian dug up the hidden history of 'amateur' blackface in America In her new book, Darkology, historian Rhae Lynn Barnes writes about how blackface and minstrel shows became one of the most popular forms of entertainment in 19th- and 20th-century America.
	How water filtration systems improve water quality How water filtration systems improve water qualityFiltration plays a vital role in ensuring the water we use every day is clean, safe, and enjoyable. Home water sources can contain contaminants that have entered the water either at its source or on its journey to your home, many of which can be detrimental to your health when consumed.By removing impurities such as sediment, harmful microbes, and chemicals, water filtration systems enhance the overall quality and safety of your water.In this guide from Ingram's Water & Air Equipment, you will learn about different types of filter systems — from activated carbon to reverse osmosis — and the unique benefits each method provides.SummaryWater contaminants can have adverse health effects and include microbial, chemical, physical, and radiological contaminants.Water can become contaminated through both natural processes and human-induced causes.Risks associated with water contamination include gastrointestinal issues, skin problems, organ damage, and more severe health complications.Types of water filtration systems include activated charcoal filters, reverse osmosis systems, UV purifiers, mechanical filters, and ion exchange softeners.Benefits of using a water filtration system include reduced health risks, improved taste and odor, and multiple environmental benefits.To choose the right water filter for your home, you must test your home water, identify present contaminants, and compare filter models and providers.What Are the Common Contaminants Found in Drinking Water?The most common types of water contaminants present in drinking water can be split into four categories:Microbial contaminants: These include microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, such as E. coli, Giardia, and noroviruses.Chemical contaminants: These comprise both organic and inorganic chemicals, microplastics, disinfectant by-products, and more.Physical contaminants: Physical impurities tend to be visible particles, such as sediment, dirt, debris, and organic matter.Radiological contaminants: These encompass both naturally occurring radioactive substances, like radium and uranium, and artificially produced substances, such as runoff from nuclear power plants.How Does Water Become Contaminated?There are many ways water can become contaminated, through both natural and human-induced processes. Water contamination can occur either at the initial water source or during its journey to your faucets.Common causes of water contamination include:Agricultural runoff, such as nitrates from soil fertilizers.Industrial pollution.Manufacturing by-products.Decomposition of organic matter, including decaying plants and animals.Sewer overflow.Septic system disruptions.Soil or rocks that naturally contain chemicals like arsenic and chlorine.What Are the Health Risks Associated With Contaminated Water?There are numerous short- and long-term health risks associated with consuming contaminated water, including:Gastrointestinal illnesses: Many contaminants found in water can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, cholera, and dysentery.Skin problems: Skin issues caused by contaminated water can range from mild to severe, and include fungal infections, rashes, and infections that can lead to life-threatening illnesses, such as sepsis.Organ damage: High consumption of water containing heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful impurities can lead to kidney and liver damage, among other potentially fatal issues.Types of Water Filtration Systems and How They WorkThere are many types of water filtration systems to choose from that utilize varying technologies or methods to remove different contaminants. Ingram's Water & Air Equipment Activated Carbon FiltersActivated carbon filters are one of the most common types of water filters. They effectively remove an array of contaminants from household water, including:Organic substances and sediment.Some heavy metals, such as magnesium.Agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides.Other chemicals and chemical compounds, such as chlorine and hydrogen peroxide.Activated carbon filters work by separating contaminants from water through adsorption. The carbon used to create this type of water filter is specially processed to make it porous and capable of catching — or adsorbing — toxins and impurities. As contaminated water flows through an activated carbon filter, the contaminants bind to the porous carbon as the clean water flows through it.Benefits of activated carbon filters:No electricity required: Adsorption is a passive process that requires no electricity, meaning these filters remain functional even when a power supply is unavailable.Effective contaminant reduction: Carbon filters remove a wide range of contaminants, reducing the health risks associated with drinking impure water.Improved taste and odor: By removing an array of chemicals and substances, activated carbon filters can improve the smell and taste of your drinking water.Disadvantages of activated carbon filters:Unsuitable for hot water: Carbon filters are limited to treating cold water, as hot water can damage the filter material and reduce its effectiveness.Cannot remove all contaminants: Although they can remove many substances from water, activated carbon filters cannot remove microorganisms or viruses, such as bacteria, nitrates, or many heavy metals, including mercury.Reverse Osmosis SystemsReverse osmosis systems effectively remove a high percentage of toxins from contaminated water. Toxins that can be removed or reduced by reverse osmosis include:Many heavy metals, such as arsenic, hexavalent chromium, and copperOrganic compounds, such as pesticidesSedimentMicroplasticsFluorideNitratesDissolved materials, such as saltsBacteriaThe steps to removing impurities by reverse osmosis are as follows:Before coming into contact with the reverse osmosis membrane, contaminated water is directed through prefilters to remove larger particles, such as sediment and organic matter, that could block or damage the membrane.Once the larger molecules have been filtered out, a high amount of pressure is applied to the water, pushing it toward the system's semipermeable membrane.The membrane has microscopic holes that are too small for any toxins or contaminants to pass through. As the water is forced against the membrane, only water passes through it.The contaminants left behind are then expelled from the system and disposed of as wastewater.Benefits of reverse osmosis filtration systems:High contaminant removal: Reverse osmosis can remove up to 99% of impurities and toxic substances from contaminated water.Ability to block microscopic impurities: The semipermeable membrane in reverse osmosis systems can block microscopic particles and soluble contaminants that other filtration systems cannot remove.Disadvantages of reverse osmosis:Reliance on additional filters: To protect the membrane, the reverse osmosis process requires additional filters, which can incur extra costs and maintenance.Ultraviolet (UV) PurifiersUV purifiers are particularly effective at removing or disarming microorganisms that exist in water, including bacteria, viruses, and mold. For example, they can inactivate:GiardiaSalmonellaStreptococcusCholeraFungiHepatitis BDysentery bacilliE. coliThe steps to removing impurities using UV purification are as follows:Contaminated water passes through prefilters, which remove sediment and larger molecules that might obstruct the UV and prevent it from reaching the microorganisms.The filtered water enters a chamber that is specially equipped with a UV lamp.The lamp emits UV-C light, which penetrates the cells of microorganisms in the water and damages their DNA, essentially killing them and rendering them incapable of reproducing. This limits their ability to cause disease or illness when consumed.Benefits of UV purifiers:No chemicals: UV-C light disinfects water without using any chemicals, meaning no chemical by-products remain in the water after decontamination.Sustainable process: UV purifiers are an eco-friendly filtration option as they create minimal water waste.Effectively neutralizes microorganisms: By disarming almost every type of microorganism, UV purifiers can make contaminated water much safer to drink and dramatically reduce the risk of bacterial and viral illnesses.Disadvantages of UV purifiers:Dependence on electricity: UV lamps require electricity to function and therefore cannot be used in instances where power is unavailable, such as during an outage.Reliance on prefilters: Similar to reverse osmosis systems, UV purifying systems require prefilters, which can incur additional costs and maintenance.Mechanical FiltersMechanical filters effectively separate physical contaminants and some larger microbial contaminants from water. Depending on the size of a filter's pores, a mechanical filter can remove:SedimentDirtOrganic wasteLarger microorganisms, such as GiardiaA mechanical filter acts as a physical barrier for contaminants. As water flows through the filter, contaminants that cannot fit through its pores are separated from the water.Depending on the micron rating of mechanical filters, they can filter out a range of particle types and sizes. The lower a filter's micron rating, the smaller its filtration holes are, and the smaller the particles it can separate from water. For example, a mechanical filter with a rating of 5 microns can filter out particles like dirt and dust, while a filter with a rating of 0.5 microns can filter out much smaller particles, such as viruses.Mechanical filters are generally used as a prefilter for other filtration methods, rather than being relied on as a primary water filter.Benefits of mechanical filters:Removes solid particles: Mechanical filters effectively remove larger contaminants that might otherwise damage more delicate filters or negatively affect the taste of water.Simple design: The function of these filters is straightforward, making them an inexpensive, low-maintenance option.Disadvantages of mechanical filters:Ineffective: Aside from large, physical contaminants, mechanical filters are incapable of removing a wide array of harmful pollutants, including most chemical contaminants and many smaller microbes.Reliance on other filters: For thorough water filtration, mechanical filters need to be used in addition to other, finer filters.Ion Exchange FiltersIons are atoms that have either a positive or negative electrical charge, due to having an unequal number of protons and electrons. When ions are present in water, they can affect its taste and quality.Ion exchange filters effectively remove a wide range of dissolved minerals and other ions, including:PotassiumMagnesiumSodiumCalciumNitrateFluorideChlorideHeavy metals, such as mercuryMany of these ions contribute to the hardness of water, and ion exchange filters are a type of water softener. They work by substituting hard ions for soft sodium ions. Hard water flows into a chamber that contains resin beads coated with sodium. As hard water passes through this chamber, the unwanted ions, such as calcium and magnesium, bind to the resin, displacing the sodium ions and releasing them into the water instead.Benefits of ion exchange softeners:Extends plumbing and appliance lifetime: By removing hard water ions, ion exchange softeners prevent mineral buildup in pipes and appliances, minimizing maintenance requirements, improving efficiency, and extending lifespan.Enhances water quality: Softer water often tastes better and is healthier for your skin and hair, as hard minerals can cause irritation and strip away our natural oils.Disadvantages of ion exchange softeners:Removal limitations: Ion exchange filters cannot remove harmful microorganisms or physical contaminants, and are therefore not a comprehensive water filter option.Removal of beneficial minerals: While hard minerals can be detrimental to water quality, low levels of healthy minerals can be beneficial in water Ingram's Water & Air Equipment Benefits of Using a Water Filtration SystemEach type of filter has its advantages. The overall benefits of using a water filtration system are undeniable, with positive impacts on our health, the environment, and the taste of drinking water.Reduced Health RisksUsing a water filter or a combination of filtration systems can reduce the health risks associated with using or consuming contaminated water. The health benefits of using water filters include:Reduced risk of waterborne illnesses: By removing microbial contaminants, water filters reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses, such as Giardia and E. coli. This decreases the risk of waterborne gastrointestinal issues and other illnesses.Reduced risk of organ damage: By removing heavy metals and chemicals from contaminated water, many water filters effectively reduce the risk of developing organ damage and other life-threatening health issues.Healthier skin and hair: By removing harmful chemicals and hard minerals, water filters can reduce damage to your skin and hair.Stronger immune system: Filtered water that is free from contaminants and toxins can improve immune system function.Improved Taste and OdorContaminants often blemish the taste and smell of unfiltered water. By removing a range of impurities, chemicals, and unwanted substances, water filters can improve the taste and odor of your drinking water. This makes drinking water a more enjoyable experience and supports healthier hydration habits.Environmental and Economic BenefitsBy improving water quality, water filtration systems can benefit the environment and limit your costs by reducing reliance on bottled water, increasing appliance efficiency, and more.Environmental benefits of water filtration systems include:Reduced reliance on plastic: The production and disposal of plastic water bottles contribute significantly to environmental pollution, and limiting their use can improve your carbon footprint.Increased appliance efficiency: By reducing the buildup of chemicals, hard water ions, and other harmful substances, water filters can increase the efficiency and lifespan of your appliances and water systems. This decreases energy consumption, replacements, and maintenance costs.Lower energy bills: By increasing the efficiency of your appliances, water filtration systems can lead to long-term energy savings.How to Choose the Right Water Filter for Your HomeAs you now know, different filters are designed to remove or reduce different contaminants. From filter pore size to filtration technology, there are many options to consider when choosing your new water filtration system.If you want to improve your home's water quality and invest in a filter, follow these steps to determine which type of water filtration system is best suited to your home.1. Test Your WaterTo ascertain which type of filter you need, it is essential to identify the types of contaminants present in your home's water. Contact your local health department for guidance on testing your water and how to find a state-certified lab to do the testing for you2. Compare OptionsOnce you know which contaminants to remove from your water, you can start comparing filters. Consider these factors when comparing filters:Micron rating: Depending on your filtration requirements and the size of contaminants you're removing, you need to determine how fine your filter and its pores must be.Brand certifications: Purchase systems from companies certified by organizations, like NSF, WQA, or IAMPO.System type: Determine whether you need a whole-house system or an under-the-sink filter just for drinking water.Maintenance requirements: Different filtration systems require different standards of upkeep. Try to choose a system that aligns with your maintenance preferences.Cost: Depending on their type and scale, water filtration system costs can vary dramatically between models.3. Arrange InstallationTo ensure optimal performance of your new water filter, proper installation is essential. While you can install some water systems at home yourself, more complex filtration systems require professional assistance. For these types of systems, try to purchase your filter from a company that provides installation support and contractor assistance.Frequently Asked QuestionsHere are some other common questions about water filtration.How do water filtration systems remove contaminants?Methods for contamination removal depend on the type of water filtration system. For example, while UV purifiers use UV-C light to kill unwanted microorganisms, mechanical filters simply separate larger contaminants from water using a physical barrier with small holes or pores.Is it better to buy bottled water or a water filter?It is always optimal to invest in a water filter instead of relying on bottled water. The production and disposal of plastic bottles are major sources of pollution. Reliance on bottled water is not only detrimental to the environment, but it is also much less cost-effective in the long run.Is it OK to drink reverse osmosis water every day?Yes, it is generally safe to drink reverse osmosis water every day. Water that has been filtered using a reverse osmosis system is free from harmful contaminants. However, due to its high level of effectiveness, reverse osmosis can also remove beneficial minerals from water, such as calcium. Provided you are consuming healthy minerals from other sources in your diet, drinking reverse osmosis water daily is perfectly safe.ConclusionInvesting in the right water filtration system is an essential step to ensuring your household water is safe to use and consume. By removing harmful contaminants, such as microorganisms, chemicals, and physical impurities, water filters can reduce the health risks associated with drinking contaminated water and enable you to enjoy the benefits of cleaner, high-quality water.If you want to reduce your reliance on bottled water and reap the rewards of having clean water in the home, investing in an effective water filtration system is an excellent option.This story was produced by Ingram's Water & Air Equipment and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Quad-Cities gas prices rise 60 cents in one week, could continue to rise Gas in the Quad-Cities is up 65.2 cents per gallon compared to a month ago, and 20 cents per gallon higher than one year ago, according to GasBuddy.
	2 displaced and family dog rescued after Davenport house fire The Davenport Fire Department responded to heavy fire conditions at house in the 1400 block of South Concord Street.
	How gas prices have changed in the U.S. in the last week Mar. 9, 2026 jittawit21 // Shutterstock How gas prices have changed in the U.S. in the last week Mar. 9, 2026 CheapInsurance.com compiled statistics on gas prices in the U.S. using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of March 9.U.S. by the numbers- Gas current price: $3.48- Week change: +$0.48 (+16.0%)- Year change: +$0.39 (+12.6%)- Historical expensive gas price: $5.02 (6/14/22)- Diesel current price: $4.66- Week change: +$0.89 (+23.5%)- Year change: +$1.02 (+28.1%)- Historical expensive diesel price: $5.82 (6/19/22)States with the least expensive gas#1. Kansas: $2.92#2. Oklahoma: $2.97#3. Missouri: $2.99#4. Arkansas: $2.99#5. Mississippi: $3.00#6. Tennessee: $3.04#7. North Dakota: $3.04#8. Nebraska: $3.04#9. Louisiana: $3.04#10. Alabama: $3.05States with the most expensive gas#1. California: $5.20#2. Washington: $4.63#3. Hawaii: $4.52#4. Nevada: $4.21#5. Oregon: $4.21#6. Alaska: $3.92#7. Arizona: $3.86#8. Pennsylvania: $3.59#9. Michigan: $3.58#10. Illinois: $3.52This story was produced by CheapInsurance.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Cost-saving benefits: Tips to show the business value of preventative care Cost-saving benefits: Tips to show the business value of preventative careThe resignations you avoid.The burnout you catch early.The conflicts you resolve before they escalate.Much of the value that employee benefits, and HR teams in general, bring is preventative. So when the time comes to show that tangible value to business leadership, it can be a challenge.To shift the narrative when presenting to a C-Suite, including a CFO, it’s important to reframe our investments. Cost-saving benefits are not "perks" but strategic tools for risk mitigation and cost containment. Spring Health shares how to elevate your strategy—and your reputation—from reactive to proactive.The financial impact of HR’s "quiet wins"In finance, value is loud—a closed deal or a shipped product. In HR, value is quiet—the absence of noise. These "quiet wins" are the backbone of stability but are hard to measure without a strategy. Early intervention prevents costs that can quickly spiral.For example, untreated depression raises health costs by 149%. Without timely mental health support, everyday stress can escalate into costly claims, absenteeism, or disability. Cost-saving benefits act as a firewall, preventing higher costs like productivity loss and turnover expenses.High turnover not only drains budgets but also disrupts morale and institutional knowledge. Benefits that support employees, such as child care, stress management, or navigating health challenges, help retain talent and foster stability. These aren’t soft metrics; they’re measurable, controllable costs through proactive investment.What cost-saving benefits actually look likeTo make this concept concrete for your CFO, you need to move beyond generalities. You need to point to specific interventions that yield measurable returns. Here is what cost-saving benefits look like in practice within mental health.Fast access to support with measurable ROIWhat it is: A mental health solution that connects employees to care in days, not weeks, while using data to match them with the right provider.What it prevents: Escalating medical claims, extended leaves of absence (LOA), and presenteeism (employees working but not productive).What HR can track: Proven reductions in time-to-appointment, measurable improvements in functional recovery scores, and a verifiable return on investment through cost savings and increased productivity.Proactive manager trainingWhat it is: Equipping managers to spot the early signs of burnout and giving them the language to have supportive conversations.What it prevents: Regrettable attrition and team instability. People often leave managers, not companies. A supported manager retains their team.What HR can track: Retention rates by manager and "manager effectiveness" scores from engagement surveys.Early LOA identification and supportWhat it is: A system to identify teams or roles with high rates of unplanned leave and intervene with targeted support before a leave request is filed.What it prevents: The operational disruption of unplanned absences and the cost of temporary backfills.What HR can track: Year-over-year trends in unplanned LOA incidence and duration.Why traditional ROI metrics undervalue HR’s impactThe challenge with proving HR’s value isn't that the value doesn't exist. It is that they are often judged on lagging indicators.Attrition is a lagging metric. By the time you measure it, the employee is already gone. The cost has already been incurred. If you only report on what has already happened, you will always be seen as reactive.To prove you are a strategic partner, you can introduce the concept of a CFO-ready HR Value Scorecard. This approach moves the conversation from "what happened?" to "what are we preventing?"A strong scorecard connects four elements:Business outcomes: The high-level goals the C-suite cares about (e.g., operational continuity, customer retention).Leading indicators: The early warning signals that predict those outcomes (e.g., unplanned absence trends, employee thriving scores).Interventions: The specific cost-saving benefits or programs you are deploying to move the needle.ROI hypothesis: What you expect to happen as a result.Speaking a CFO's languageYou have the data. You have the right programs. Now you need the right language.When presenting to finance, drop the HR jargon. Avoid talking about "engagement" or "happiness" in isolation. Instead, use the language of the C-suite: risk mitigation, trend control, and workforce stability.Instead of: "We need this mental health tool because our people are stressed."Try: "We are seeing a correlation between high stress levels and unplanned leaves in our sales division. This represents a significant operational risk. By investing in earlier access to care, we aim to mitigate this risk and protect revenue continuity."Instead of: "We want to improve our benefits package to be competitive."Try: “To address rising healthcare costs, we need to invest in solutions that drive meaningful results. An enhanced EAP offers proven ROI by improving employee wellbeing, reducing absenteeism, and lowering overall healthcare spend through early intervention and preventative care.”Three tips to help you re-position HR for its cost-saving benefits:Identify the business priority: Ask your finance partner what the top three risks the CEO is worried about this year are.Map benefits to risks: Draw a direct line between your cost-saving benefits and those risks. (e.g., Mental health support maps to productivity and retention).Propose with a hypothesis: Never ask for a budget without stating what you expect to change. "We expect this investment to reduce [risk metric] by [X]%."This story was produced by Spring Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Attempted attack with explosives in New York City investigated as "ISIS-inspired terrorism" New York City INYPD Commissioner: "Explosive devices that could have caused serious injury or death."
	Trump is using immigration policy to suppress speech, lawsuit claims A new lawsuit accuses the administration of violating the First Amendment by threatening the visas of researchers for work on disinformation and content moderation of social media.
	What is an IME in workers' comp? What is an IME in workers' comp?If you filed a workers’ compensation claim after getting hurt on the job, you may receive a letter from the adjuster asking you to attend an independent medical examination (IME). You’re probably asking, “What is an IME in workers’ comp?” The request to attend an examination can feel confusing and stressful. You might wonder what the exam involves and why you need to have one when you have already been going to see your own doctor.Understanding what an IME in workers’ comp really means can help you feel more prepared for what happens during these exams, why insurance companies request them, and how they can affect your claim.Here, Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks P.A. explains what to expect from an IME and how it can affect your claim.What Is an Independent Medical Examination?A workers’ comp independent medical examination is a medical evaluation performed by a doctor chosen by your employer’s insurance company. Unlike your regular doctor, this physician does not provide medical treatment. Instead, they examine you and write a report about your condition.The insurance company uses this report to make decisions about your workers’ comp claim. The doctor may provide opinions on the severity of your injury, your ability to return to work, and the type of treatment you require. While the exam is called “independent,” the insurance company pays for it and selects the doctor. That means the examiner may not be independent or see things the same way your treating physician does.Why Do You Need to Attend an IME?Insurance companies request an independent medical examination for workers’ compensation for several reasons. They may want a second opinion on your diagnosis or treatment plan in an effort to save themselves money. They might also want to know if you are really injured, if you are exaggerating your injury, or if your injury is genuinely related to your job.Common reasons for an IME request include:Disputes about your injury – The insurer may question whether your condition connects to your work duties or if it was purely preexisting.Questions about treatment – They may wonder if the medical care you are receiving is necessary or if there is a cheaper alternative.Return-to-work decisions – They want to pressure you to return to work faster than your treating doctor is willing to send you back or make your work restrictions easier to accommodate.Long-term claims – Cases that last many months often trigger IME requests.The insurance company has legal authority to ask for this exam as part of managing your claim.Can You Refuse to Attend an IME?In most cases, you cannot simply refuse to attend an IME in workers’ comp without facing consequences. As long as you are claiming compensation, whether you are receiving it or not, some states have workers’ compensation laws that require you to cooperate with reasonable requests from the insurance company. In North Carolina, for instance, if you skip the appointment without a valid reason, the insurer may be able to suspend or deny your benefits (N.C.G.S § 97-27).However, you do have some rights. You can ask for a different appointment time if the scheduled date creates a genuine conflict. You may also be able to request a different location if traveling to the exam would create hardship for you. You have the right to have your own physician at the examination (if you pay for the doctor yourself). If you have concerns about attending, you should talk to a workers’ comp attorney before making any decisions.What Happens During an IME?The IME itself usually lasts between 15 minutes and an hour. The doctor will usually review your medical records, X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging before meeting with you. During the exam, they may ask questions about how your injury happened, what symptoms you experience, and how your condition affects your daily life.The physician may also perform a physical examination related to your injury. They may test your range of motion, strength, or reflexes, depending on the body part that sustained the injury. They might also order diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans.After the exam ends, the doctor will write a detailed report and send it to the insurance company. If the doctor physically examined you, your employer must give you a copy of the doctor’s report within 10 business days of receiving it.Even though the IME doctor may not be truly independent, it is always best to be honest with them.How Can an IME Affect a Workers’ Compensation Claim?The results of an independent medical examination can have a significant effect on your workers’ compensation benefits. If the IME doctor agrees with your treating physician, your claim may continue without interruption. However, if the IME report contradicts your doctor’s findings or recommendations, problems can arise.The insurance company might use an unfavorable report to:Attempt to terminate your wage loss benefitsDeny coverage for certain treatmentsArgue that you can return to work sooner than expectedClaim your injury is not as severe as your doctor believesBecause the stakes are so high, preparing carefully for your IME matters. Being honest and thorough about your symptoms will provide the most accurate picture of your condition.Do You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for an IME?A workers’ comp lawyer can explain what to expect and help you prepare for the examination. They can review the IME report afterward and challenge any findings that seem unfair or inaccurate. Sometimes your lawyer might even be able to talk the adjuster out of sending you to that particular doctor for the IME.An attorney can also ensure the insurance company follows proper procedures. If the IME results threaten your benefits, your lawyer can gather additional medical evidence to support your claim or find flaws in the IME doctor’s report to weaken their assertions.This story was produced by Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks P.A. and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	5 tips for first-time electric car drivers 5 tips for first-time electric car driversMaking the jump to an electric vehicle might seem daunting at first. There are new terms and aspects of car ownership to consider. For example, road trips require more planning, and it’s not uncommon for the advertised range for a given EV to be less than the real-world result. But there's more to owning an EV than range, and with that in mind, CarMax shares five things you need to know before owning an electric vehicle. There are also different maintenance costs to consider.What Does ‘Electrified’ Mean?You'll often see the term "electrified" when automakers advertise their vehicles, but that doesn't mean an electrified vehicle is a pure electric car. There are three broad groups: hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric cars.Hybrids (sometimes called HEVs) use a gas engine and an electric motor to create power and conserve fuel. It does not need to be charged.A plug-in hybrid (PHEV for short) has a bigger battery than a regular hybrid and can be plugged in, allowing it to run for about 25-50 miles solely on electric power, after which it reverts to a hybrid.An all-electric vehicle (EV for short) has a larger battery and doesn’t use any gasoline.1. Familiarize Yourself with Quirky EV FeaturesNearly every EV manufacturer has added unique features to make it feel more special or futuristic. Knowing what quirks to look for can help you choose between cars based on your preferences.One-pedal drivingRegenerative braking is a method of regaining lost energy while the vehicle is slowing down or braking. Many modern EVs take this a step further and use something called “one-pedal driving.”Don't worry, there's still a separate brake pedal, but by using aggressive regenerative braking, an EV can come to a complete stop on its own without the driver ever touching the brake pedal. It's useful for getting every last mile from a charge, but the aggressive deceleration it can cause when you let off the accelerator pedal can take some getting used to. It can even make some people motion sick.Every manufacturer tunes theirs differently, and some allow the driver to adjust its intensity, or shut it off entirely. Even the brake pedal itself can have a sort of spongy feel to it and may require a learning curve to stop smoothly.Door handlesUnorthodox door handles have found their way to nearly every EV. For example, the Ford Mustang Mach-E requires a button press to open the door, the Tesla Model Y handle lifts toward the back of the car, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has flat handles that pop out when you unlock them.Touchscreen madnessThe use of touchscreens to control many functions is another popular trend, with Tesla and Rivian being the biggest proponents. Things like adjusting the side mirrors, steering wheel, and climate controls are all done in the center screen rather than with dedicated buttons on the dashboard.Not everyone adheres to this design philosophy, so if you're worried this might be distracting or frustrating, take a look at other EVs before making a decision.Where’s the start button?Even starting the car can be quirky. Tesla and Rivian forgo the traditional push-button starter, and instead, you start the vehicle by sitting in the driver’s seat and quickly pressing the brake pedal. If you aren’t quick enough, on a Tesla, you’ll have to hold a key card in a special place on the center console.2. Understand How Driving Range Will VaryEvery EV has an EPA-estimated range, which is how far the vehicle can go on a single charge, and it's easily the most important EPA figure you’ll see.Let's take a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt as an example. It has an EPA-estimated 259 miles of range, but you'll rarely have max range at your disposal every day. For one thing, most manufacturers recommend that your day-to-day charging should fill the battery to about 80%, not the full 100%, since the latter can impact how long the battery lasts.In the Bolt's case, this gives us a range of about 207 miles. And in the same way you don’t drive your gas car until the tank is empty, you're not going to drive the EV until the battery dies. Instead, you'll want to leave a range buffer of roughly 20% of your battery, or about 20-30 miles to get home or to a charger. This buffer leaves us with a usable range of about 182 miles. That’s still a lot of miles, but not the full range.Other elements that affect an EV's range include the ambient temperature, the number of accessories you're using in the car, the incline of the road, and the speed you're driving.3. Know the Differences Between Chargers and Their SpeedsThe charger on an EV is technically inside the car, but the term is often used interchangeably with the cord and box that plugs into an outlet. There are three methods of charging an electric vehicle: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging (sometimes called Level 3).A Level 1 charger uses one of the 120-volt outlets found all around your home or garage. This is the slowest form of charging, as it adds roughly 5 miles of range per hour, according to Recurrent Auto, an EV battery health research firm.A Level 2 charger uses a 240-volt plug, similar to the kind used for some electric stoves. This is the fastest method to charge at home and provides about 25 miles of range per hour.As the name suggests, DC fast chargers are the quickest way to charge your EV. These stations, often located near businesses or restaurants, are measured in kilowatts and can range from 25 kW up to 350 kW (a higher number is faster). An EV can add anywhere between 100 and 200 miles of range per 30 minutes of charging at one of these stations.Every EV has its own charge speed limit that is dictated by the vehicle's battery software. On the Bolt, that limit is 55 kW. It’s important to learn this number as a courtesy to other EV drivers. In other words, using a 350-kW fast charger will give you no added benefit compared to a 50-kW station. Plus, you would be preventing a vehicle that can handle the faster charge speeds from using that station.If you plan on relying on public chargers rather than charging at home, know that it’s going to take time and effort out of your week. Public chargers usually aren't free and often limit charging time to an hour, and their costs can vary by speed, time of day, and location.4. Prepare Your Home for EV ChargingMost people will charge their EVs at home, either in the garage or driveway. It’s important to contact an electrician familiar with EV chargers to install your Level 2 charger.Even if you have a 240-volt plug in your garage, it might need to be repositioned, or your home's electrical grid may not be able to handle the added draw. The inspection, labor, and parts (if buying a charger) can cost upward of $1,000, so make sure you get multiple price quotes and plan your budget accordingly.Contact your local utility company to see if there are special rates for your EV. Some will offer either discounted rates for charging at night or a rebate for going electric.Also, don’t think you can skimp on the electrician by using an extension cord from your garage to the EV in the driveway. Many automakers caution against this method because the extension cord may not be properly rated, and it could even start a fire.5. Plan Longer Trips AccordinglyIt is OK to charge your EV's battery to 100% for road trips. This isn't an everyday occurrence, so it shouldn't harm the battery. Longer trips will require more planning, though. To ensure you have enough range, use a mapping app like Google Maps to calculate the distance in miles of the places you’re going.Let's say you have a relative who lives 75 miles away. Then you go to dinner 9 miles away. In the case of the Chevy Bolt, you would be starting with a full charge of about 259 miles. After a round-trip visit to both locations, you'd have about 91 miles remaining. This is a comfortable buffer that allows for using climate control and traveling at highway speeds.If your travels take you about as far as your EV's range, you'll need to make sure there is a charger near your destination. Some EVs can search for chargers via their onboard navigation, but crowdsourced apps like PlugShare are usually updated more frequently. It’s recommended that you filter the search for DC fast chargers so you don't have to wait hours for a charge to finish on a Level 2 charger. Keep a nearby backup charger location in mind since it’s not uncommon to find a charging station either full of cars or out of order.ConclusionIt may feel like a lot of information to take in, but the good news is that it won’t take long for the nuances of EV ownership to become second nature. Take the time to learn about charging and EV range, and soon you'll be an expert and can pass on that knowledge to a friend or neighbor.This story was produced by CarMax and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Popular Astronomy Club hosting public observing session at Niabi Zoo The Popular Astronomy Club is hosting will host its first Saturday night public observing session for 2026 at Niabi Zoo, 13010 Niabi Zoo Road in Coal Valley on March 21, starting at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The club’s website says Venus and Jupiter will be visible soon after [...]
	Celebrating National Barbie Day It's National Barbie Day and Danielle Davis shows her Barbies.
	QC Senior Expo returns to the QCA The QC Senior Expo returns to the QCA on March 27th.Rhonda Elsbury with Abundant Living Insurance tells us how it is designed to connect seniors in the Quad Cities.
	What career opportunities are available with an A&P certification for aircraft maintenance? What career opportunities are available with an A&P certification for aircraft maintenance?Making a career change or finding your ideal occupation can be challenging. However, the opportunity to earn a steady income in a vocation that offers long-term stability is important. This leads to a difficult choice when considering a technical career. There's a need to find a fully qualified course and a desire for a wide range of career choices once qualified.Training for an A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) certification gives learners significant career opportunities in the aviation industry. Additionally, there are other industry options available with an A&P qualification. Being qualified under the strict standards of A&P training provides a federally approved certificate without having to spend four years obtaining it.TL;DR: An A&P certification is an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) FAA license for aircraft maintenance. It unlocks diverse career paths in both aviation and nonaviation sectors. This certification can offer long-term career stability and good earning potential, and is obtainable through FAA-approved training and exams.This guide by A&P Mechanic Institute elaborates on the aviation-focused careers this qualification opens doors to. It also explains which nonaviation careers you can consider.What Is an A&P Certification, and What Does It Cover? A&P Mechanic Institute An A&P certification is an FAA license. Airframe (A) covers areas such as structures, systems, electronics, rotors and anything that's not connected to the engines. Powerplant (P) covers the engines, both jet and reciprocating, including propellers.An A&P qualification is essential for legally certifying aircraft as airworthy. The ability to sign off on aircraft maintenance can lead to careers in several fields, including aviation. An airframe and powerplant license typically covers the following areas:Working on aircraft of all sizes and types, or other industries that need mechanical supportConducting major repairs and inspections, both scheduled and unscheduledSigning logbooks to officially certify aircraft quality and airworthinessMaking sure that aircraft meet FAA safety standardsAs federally regulated and certified individuals, A&P-qualified professionals have the authority to approve an aircraft for return to service. The skills an A&P study provides are considered universal mechanical principles, such as pneumatics, hydraulics, electrical systems and more.Aviation-Focused CareersIt's important to know the breadth and depth of an aviation-focused career. A career in aviation is more than just fixing planes at a gate. The career paths available with A&P certification extend to a wide range of challenges, industries and travel opportunities.Below are some of the areas and industries:Commercial Aviation (Airlines)Commercial passenger airlines continue to recruit talent. A&P-certified skills can transfer to major airlines like Delta, United Airlines, American and even smaller regional carriers. The commercial airline industry offers regular work and a stable career opportunity, due to the year-round high volume of cargo and passengers.The timely arrival and departure of commercial planes indicate that strong maintenance operations teams are in place. There's also the opportunity to travel and gain employee flight benefits. It's also an industry that continues to grow. Boeing's most recent commercial market outlook summary recorded over 2 million new personnel hires worldwide.Cargo and LogisticsAs a core part of modern trading, the cargo and logistics industry continues to grow. Its global market size is $14.1 trillion. The rise in e-commerce and faster delivery expectations has also driven a need for dedicated fleet maintenance teams. Cargo plane giants like FedEx and UPS are potential places to pursue a career.Executive AviationExecutive travel is a popular choice for corporations. Private terminals and smaller aircraft can help business representatives make direct, personalized trips to attend meetings or site visits. These private business aircraft require maintenance and repairs just like larger aircraft. A&P certification may also lead to a potential career with exclusive, high-class travel opportunities with notable clientele.Agricultural AviationAerial agricultural applicators are used across all 50 states in the U.S. The industry treats over 127 million acres of cropland each year. As the industry continues to move toward technical solutions, the need for maintenance and technical support is likely to increase.The day-to-day aspects of a career in agricultural aviation will include:Repairing, inspecting and making any necessary modifications to aircraft.Daily maintenance checks (electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic) on sprayer and spreader equipment.Work schedules that fit around farming seasons — expect longer days in the summer months due to increased aircraft use.A combination of working with your hands and referring to technical manuals to ensure software and GPS systems are up to date.People with an airframe and powerplant license should consider this industry if they enjoy working directly on airfields or hangars. A passion for computer-aided design (CAD) innovations and chemical agricultural systems will also be beneficial.Aerospace and DefenseAviation-focused careers in aerospace and defense will predominantly lead to contractor or government roles. These maintenance and technical roles may require qualified employees to work on cutting-edge projects that require security clearance.The aerospace and defense industry is growing faster than average. It's projected to grow by 6% over the next 10 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This breaks down to around 4,500 job openings each year. Engineers looking to increase credibility in this industry may also consider gaining an A&P certification to develop maintenance and structural integrity knowledge.Rotorcraft (Helicopters)A&P certification can also qualify individuals to perform maintenance and repair on helicopters, which can require more maintenance than their fixed-wing counterparts. Helicopters provide a vital component of the medical transportation network, and the U.S. has the largest fleet of helicopters used for this type of transport.The global helicopter market is currently estimated at $48.2 billion. It presents a unique opportunity to explore new career paths, such as medical transportation, local and national news outlets and law enforcement.Nonaviation CareersTechnical advancements in sectors beyond aviation continue to grow, as well. For people exploring careers available with A&P certification, there's an opportunity to excel in many different areas. Some of the most promising nonaviation careers to consider are:Amusement and Theme ParksAmusement and theme parks rely on hydraulic and pneumatic systems similar to those used in aircraft landing gear. The complicated thematic landscapes of these theme parks require skilled maintenance teams. Globally renowned parks like Disneyland and Universal need to adhere to strict safety inspections, just like airlines.Many nonaviation careers like this still need to hire people with A&P certification. It demonstrates a dedication to preserving the rides and to the safety of all attendees.Energy and Power GenerationRenewable energy is a very promising industry. The market is anticipated to reach over $2 trillion by 2030. This presents a unique career opportunity for anyone looking to obtain an A&P certification. An airframe and powerplant license can bring several transferable skills to this industry, including:Safety and compliance: A&P graduates are trained to adhere to the strictest of regulatory compliance standards. This is an integral part of ensuring safe practices in hazardous project environments.Turbine and engine skills: The skills gained from studying aircraft engines can be applied to how power plants use gas turbines to generate power.Intelligent troubleshooting: An A&P certificate develops the ability to read complex technical manuals and follow intricate instructions to repair and sign off on equipment.Structural inspection and repair: An A&P mechanic with experience in composite repairs can be in high demand for power generation projects that require wind turbine blade inspections and repairs.Hydraulics and pneumatics: The skills gained through aircraft electrical systems training are directly transferable to oil and gas drilling and hydraulic systems in wind turbines.Electrical maintenance skills related to solar repairs, battery storage and wind turbine generators are also key transferable factors.High-Speed Rail and TransitRail and transit systems are the backbone of an efficient economy. As high-speed rail development programs continue, job vacancies are likely not far behind. The combination of precision and high-speed equipment that modern rail services provide will need skilled maintenance teams.An airframe and powerplant license requires complex electrical and hydraulic maintenance knowledge, which is integral to a successful career in rail and transit.Automotive RacingA&P training provides intricate, detailed knowledge of how mechanics and hydraulics function. In the racing industry, this knowledge applies to vehicles that perform at a world-class level. NASCAR, Formula One (F1) and other motor racing sports rely on mechanics and maintenance teams to ensure success.The avenues available for A&P-qualified people in the racing industry can vary. They'll typically include exercising skills in the following areas:Specialized weldingChecking carbon fiber bodyworkFinely tuning racing enginesConducting repairs under time-sensitive conditionsBeing qualified in A&P isn't an essential requirement in all automotive areas. However, it does offer more opportunities across a wider range of specialisms.A&P Certification and Long-Term Career StabilityIt's rare to find a job with long-term career stability these days, but the global demand for maintenance technicians is considerable. It's predicted that over 710,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed to meet this demand over the next 20 years.Unlike other industries, technical maintenance careers remain strong during recessions. Aircraft still have to fly, and people still need to travel safely in times of economic uncertainty. A&P-certified employees can also earn a potential median annual salary of $79,140.How to Get A&P Certification A&P Mechanic Institute The FAA's A&P certification process takes time and effort. However, the specific timeline will depend on several factors.A&P certification involves two potential paths. Both of the options below end with a certificate of completion, which allows the exams to be taken:Part 147 school: Formal studying through an FAA-approved training school helps prepare you for the written, oral and practical exams needed to qualify. The detailed, structured curriculum covers all topics through a fast-tracked learning plan. These programs can sometimes be as short as 15 months.Apprenticeship: This approach requires candidates to work in a civilian or military role. Experience is gained by working on an airframe or powerplant for 18 months, or 30 months simultaneously. Detailed task logs must be maintained under the supervision of a licensed mechanic.The certification process involves three main testing areas to challenge the knowledge and skills gained. These segmented areas are general, airframe and powerplant. Each area requires a written, oral and practical exam:General (AMG): Covers the basic technical areas, such as physics, mathematics and safety regulations.Airframe (AMA): Covers the structural aspects of aircraft, such as wings, hydraulics, landing gear and flight controls.Powerplant (AMP): Covers engine systems, such as fuel, propellers, ignition and turbine engines.The FAA will issue an A&P certificate once a candidate has passed each section's written, oral and practical testing. Candidates must be 18 years of age or older to study.A Summary of Career Paths Available With A&P CertificationThe versatility this certification provides in future career prospects is appealing. People seeking long-term career stability may be eager to begin A&P training as soon as possible. Below is a quick summary of the career paths you can pursue with an A&P certification:Aviation-focused careers: Commercial airlines, cargo and logistics, executive aviation, agricultural aviation, aerospace and defense, and rotorcraft.Nonaviation careers: Amusement and theme parks, energy and power generation, high-speed rail and transit, and automotive racing.Completing this certification training presents candidates with several new opportunities. As the world continues to embrace faster, more streamlined technologies, these career options may continue to expand.Frequently Asked QuestionsHaving the right information can be the deciding factor in where and how you choose to study. As you consider an A&P certification study, you may have a few questions.These are some of the most frequently asked questions about an A&P certification study:What Job Titles in Aviation Can I Get With an A&P License?Common job titles that A&P-qualified individuals can get with this license include aircraft maintenance technician, aircraft maintenance mechanic, airframe mechanic and powerplant mechanic. Other job titles include quality assurance or inspector, inspection authorization mechanic, avionics technician and line maintenance technician.Can I Just Work on Cars With an A&P License?Absolutely. An airframe and powerplant license isn't restricted to aviation. Ambitious people looking to work exclusively on cars can still benefit from this certification. It also broadens the potential jobs available to you, particularly in high-end, innovative automation brands and industries.What Is the Typical Day of an Aircraft Mechanic?Each day is different depending on the chosen area of career expertise. For example, an A&P technician may be required to conduct an inspection during the day. Other areas of aviation may include working at night to repair or inspect aircraft for early-morning takeoffs. Gaining experience is key to developing a strong skill set, so working unusual hours may be part of your learning process.Is an A&P License Worth It if I Don't Want to Work for an Airline?Yes. An A&P license provides a federal stamp of approval that opens the door to several career opportunities. The industrial transferability it offers helps you enter other respected industries. Core skills like technical expertise, problem-solving and adherence to safety can be taken many places. This certification also helps increase earning potential in future specialized roles.This story was produced by A&P Mechanic Institute and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	DISH could pull KWQC from its service soon DISH Network customers could lose access to KWQC on Tuesday, March 10 at 6 P.M. unless a renewal agreement is reached soon.
	Dog rescued, two people displaced during house fire late Sunday night in Davenport The fire happened in the 1400 block of Concord Street in Davenport at about 11 p.m. Sunday.
	What happens when a neighborhood is built around a farm What happens when a neighborhood is built around a farmPicture the bucolic little town of a fairy tale. At its core stand medieval buildings, a square where folks hawk their goods, and perhaps a well to provide water. Beyond the defensive wall radiate agricultural fields, where people toil to bring grains, fruits, and vegetables to market.Invert that for modern times and you’ve got the idea behind “agrihoods,” communities designed around a central farm. Like a garden in a big city, agrihoods promise to boost food security, reduce temperatures, capture rainwater, and increase biodiversity. As climate change intensifies heat, flooding, and pressure on food systems, agrihoods could be a way to make urban living more resilient — not just more picturesque.“Developers have a hard time offering open space, because they would like to build more housing,” Vincent Mudd, a partner at the architectural firm Steinberg Hart, which designs agrihoods, told Grist. “One of the few ways to kind of bridge that gap is to be able to use active open space that actually generates commerce.”On paper, an agrihood is a simple concept: a working farm surrounded by single-family or multifamily housing. Steinberg Hart recently finished two of them in California — one in Santa Clara and another, called Fox Point Farms, in Encinitas. The former, south of San Francisco, features townhouses, market-rate units, and affordable housing, plus a community center and retail shops. The latter, north of San Diego, adds a farm-to-table restaurant, an event venue, and a grocery store, but its housing is primarily for sale instead of rent. “Two different housing programs for two different communities, but built around the sustainability of urban farming,” Mudd said.While these projects are in relatively affluent areas, Mudd said agrihoods can be built nearly anywhere — though it might require tweaks to zoning rules. “Almost every city has the ability to make that zoning change,” Mudd said, “because it retains commerce, preserves jobs, generates sales tax income from retail, and provides mixed-income, attainable housing.” Haley Hill (Last year, residents of the agrihood development in Santa Clara alleged that management failures have left them living in unsafe and unhealthy conditions, with delayed repairs, poor air quality, and other issues. The building’s manager, the John Stewart Co., and owner, Core Affordable, did not respond to a request for comment.)Where it gets more complicated is the logistics of the farm. Water is the big one: Ideally, a farm captures enough rainwater to keep crops hydrated. Because Northern California enjoys a Mediterranean climate of rainy winters and warm, dry summers, the Santa Clara agrihood gathers precipitation and stores it in a tower. “It auto-refills with city water once it gets to a certain point, but we can get two-thirds, or sometimes all the way through the summer, without having to do that,” said Lara Hermanson, cofounder of Farmscape, which helped design, install, and maintain the community’s farm.A rainwater-capture system, though, comes with an upfront cost that a community garden in a lower-income neighborhood might not be able to afford. If one year the rains stop and drought takes hold, it will have to pay for more water. “Perhaps people with the biggest need for food or nutrition security are also sort of disproportionately facing greater water expenses,” said Lucy Diekmann, an urban agriculture and food systems advisor at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.Even so, one of the many charms of any urban farm or garden is that greenery, and even bare dirt, breaks up the concrete landscape. Historically, cities have been designed to whisk water through gutters and sewers as quickly as possible before it can pool and cause flooding. This strategy struggles to keep up as climate change supercharges rainstorms, making them dump more water. Green spaces let all that liquid soak into the ground, mitigating flooding even without deliberate catchment systems.Still, an agrihood’s farm isn’t going to run itself. From the very beginning of planning, Hermanson said, a community must decide what it’s going to grow. The general idea is to get as much yield as possible because space is constrained compared to an industrial farm. So pumpkins probably aren’t a great idea, because those plants take up so much room. Instead, in Santa Clara, Hermanson grows Persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and hot peppers because they’re small.While an agrihood can’t feasibly provide all the calories residents need, it’s an especially powerful system because the produce it produces is highly nutritious. Scale that food production up across a city, and the impact could be huge: One study found that Los Angeles could meet a third of its need for vegetables by converting vacant lots into gardens. “It’s incredible what we could do with what we have, and what we could do even more with intentional planning,” said Catherine Brinkley, a social scientist who studies urban agriculture at the University of California, Davis.In Encinitas, Greg Reese, the farm manager at Fox Point Farms, is sending food to the agrihood’s grocery store, so in addition to size he also considers the value of his crops. A lot of that comes down to speed: Arugula grows faster than cantaloupe, meaning Reese can harvest it, send it to market, and grow some more in quick succession. (Given the pleasant climate of Southern California, the farm can grow food for 11, maybe even 12 months of the year.) It can also produce foods that the chefs at the on-site restaurant want. “What is in high demand, and then what grows really fast as well?” Reese said. “I can plant a seed and they can harvest it in a month, or transplant it within two months, so it’s a higher turnover.”These crops can even benefit from a quirk of city life: the urban heat island effect. As the sun beats down on all that concrete, asphalt, and brick, the landscape absorbs its thermal energy — raising the mercury well above surrounding rural areas — and slowly releases it at night. This is a growing problem for urbanites struggling with ever-higher temperatures. On the flip side, these green spaces help cool the neighborhood because their plants release water vapor, making summer more comfortable for the surrounding community.An agrihood can also support local biodiversity. Planting native flowering species, for instance, simultaneously beautifies the landscape and attracts pollinating insects, hummingbirds, and bats (which eat mosquitoes, an added bonus). Even the flowers the crops produce provide food for these pollinators, which return the favor by helping the plants reproduce.With the crop varieties decided, an agrihood can figure out how much refrigeration and storage capacity to build out. Those who live there will also have to decide whether to sell produce from a stand or use it in an on-site restaurant. And they’ll need to project the costs of hiring outside help to keep the farm going.It’s not so simple, then, as just erecting a few buildings around a green space and calling it a day. “All those things need to be figured out before you start putting things on paper and making commitments,” Hermanson said. “Successful farms are well-funded, well-staffed. Everyone does better with clear expectations, clear budgets, and then also the community knows what it is they’re getting.”This story was produced by Grist and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for March 9, 2026 Mercer County School's superintendent, Tim Forker, will be in court for a status hearing, and Davenport's Tribute Banner Program is closing applications.
	Shhh… These hidden housing markets are great for first-time buyers in 2026 Shhh… These hidden housing markets are great for first-time buyers in 2026For most first-time homebuyers, the dream of owning their own property feels increasingly out of reach these days. With rising prices, tight inventory, and higher borrowing costs, it's harder for folks to compete and qualify for loans. With economic crises left and right, affordability pressures are reshaping who can enter the market.The good news? While the national picture is undoubtedly daunting, real estate is still local.Several cities and regions still offer a more realistic path to homeownership: manageable price points, healthier inventory levels, and stable economic fundamentals. Below, Property Reach breaks down where first-time homebuyers have the best opportunities to score big, based on current market trends and conditions.Why Location Matters Now More Than EverFor many Americans, entering the housing market remains one of the biggest financial milestones, but why is it so difficult to be a first-time buyer? According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), first-time buyers accounted for only 21% of all home purchases in the latest year, a historic low. At the same time, the median age has risen to 40.This shift reflects the real-world impact of persistently high prices, limited availability, and elevated loan rates, which continue to shape the country’s housing landscape. Because of all these factors, understanding which locations still offer viable entry points for first-time buyers in 2026 has never been more important.The 12 Best Markets for First-Time Homebuyers in 2026Based on median single-family home prices from NAR, local market strength via PwC, and livability scores from the AARP Livability Index, the following cities stand out:Binghamton, NYSpringfield, ILCharleston, WVJackson, MSCleveland, OHBuffalo, NYPittsburgh, PAEl Paso, TXTulsa, OKSt. Louis, MONew Orleans, LASan Antonio, TXEach market was evaluated on affordability, inventory levels, amenities (e.g., shops, restaurants, schools, etc.), economic health, and overall market strength. This ranking highlights cities where first-time buyers are more likely to find a balance between price, lifestyle, and opportunity.A Closer Look at the 12 Best Markets for First-Time BuyersBelow is a detailed view of what each city offers, along with its average list price, sorted from the lowest to highest.1. Binghamton, NY – $194,100Binghamton stands out for its affordability in New York state. Booming with charming neighborhoods, good schools, and manageable competition, it’s a city where first-time buyers can stretch their budget a bit. Lower home prices and steady local development make it an appealing starter market.2. Springfield, IL – $196,700Illinois’ capital city offers historic charm and surprisingly affordable homes. With easy access to parks, cultural sites, and government-related employment opportunities, Springfield gives first-time homebuyers both value and lifestyle perks.3. Charleston, WV – $197,600Charleston pairs Southern hospitality with lower housing costs. Many factors support this city’s market stability, including its diverse economy, with sectors such as energy, healthcare, and education. It’s an easier choice for first-time buyers, and finding a home that fits their budget.4. Jackson, MS – $257,500Jackson is one of the more affordable Southern metros for first-time buyers as well. Low cost of living, expanding job opportunities, and growing neighborhoods make it easier to enter the housing market without overspending.5. Cleveland, OH – $236,900Cleveland remains a standout in the Midwest. Affordable homes, revitalized neighborhoods, and lakefront charm give buyers options for both city living and suburban comfort. Inventory has much improved, creating more opportunities to negotiate.6. Buffalo, NY – $286,100Buffalo’s affordability in the Northeast is hard to beat. Redevelopment projects and improving infrastructure provide both immediate value and long-term growth potential for many new homeowners.7. Pittsburgh, PA – $237,400Pittsburgh is a blend of budget-friendly and with character. Its neighborhoods are full of charm, from historic districts to modern developments. A diverse economy in healthcare, education, and technology keeps the local housing market relatively stable.8. El Paso, TX – $274,200El Paso offers the rare combination of affordability and an outdoor lifestyle. Nestled along the Texas-Mexico border, this city has a vibrant cultural scene, top-rated schools in certain neighborhoods, and a cost of living well below the national average. First-time buyers can find modern homes near parks and trails, making it perfect for families or anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle.9. Tulsa, OK – $277,700Here is a city where history meets opportunity. From art deco architecture downtown to growing tech and healthcare sectors, Tulsa is attracting young professionals who want big-city amenities without big-city prices. First-time buyers benefit from neighborhoods with character, strong communities, and proximity to green spaces and riverside trails.10. St. Louis, MO – $294,800First-time homebuyers can explore eclectic neighborhoods, enjoy easy access to parks and cultural venues, and take advantage of a growing economy in education, healthcare, and logistics. St. Louis has got its balance between an urban lifestyle and midwestern pricing, making it a practical choice for many.11. New Orleans, LA – $292,800New Orleans may be known for jazz and cuisine, but it is also a city that boasts hidden affordability for first-time buyers. While iconic areas like the French Quarter are quite pricey, neighborhoods like Gentilly or Lakeview provide value, character, and access to vibrant communities. With ongoing redevelopment and strong tourism-driven employment, buyers can invest in homes with significant future growth potential.12. San Antonio, TX – $316,200From the River Walk to family-friendly suburbs, San Antonio offers diverse neighborhoods to first-time buyers. Steady population growth, employment in healthcare and the military sectors, and lower housing costs than in a city like Austin make San Antonio a very practical option for those seeking a mix of culture, convenience, and long-term stability.Tips for Finding the Right Market for Your First HomeBuying your first home is finding the right fit for your budget and lifestyle. Even with promising metros, not every neighborhood offers the same value. You can improve your chances by:Match prices to income. Look for markets where median home prices are closer to three times the median household income.Track inventory trends. Metros with rising listings usually give buyers more leverage.Consider mid-sized cities. While major cities seem dreamy, some of the best opportunities lie just outside.Use a property search tool. Comparing local pricing, amenities, and housing trends at a neighborhood level is a smart way to narrow your search.Check long-term stability. Economic diversity, infrastructure investment, and population growth all matter for your future home value.First-time buyers may feel limited by today’s market, but opportunities remain, especially outside the nation’s priciest coastal cities. By focusing on affordability, economic resilience, and research, stepping onto the property ladder in 2026 is more achievable than you may think.This story was produced by Property Reach and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	7 tips to hire the right construction or design pro for your next home project 7 tips to hire the right construction or design pro for your next home projectA home renovation or new build offers homeowners the chance to create spaces that better support how they live, and often represents a significant financial investment. According to the 2026 U.S. Houzz Renovation Plans Report, 91% of homeowners plan to move forward with renovation projects in 2026, particularly to improve their homes or adapt spaces to better fit their lives. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, considering an addition, or rethinking your living space, choosing the right professional can mean the difference between a smooth experience and months of frustration. Before you sign a contract, keep these seven best practices in mind to help you hire a construction or design professional with confidence.1. Do your homework before making callsGood preparation leads to better conversations. Before reaching out to professionals, gather inspiration photos, outline your priorities and set a realistic budget range. Even rough numbers help pros determine whether your goals align with what’s possible. Being clear about your timeline, must-haves, and deal-breakers helps professionals to give more accurate guidance from the start.2. Look beyond referrals alonePersonal recommendations are valuable, but they shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. Take time to review profiles and portfolios, read client reviews, and confirm credentials such as licenses, insurance and certifications. Online platforms can make it easier to compare multiple professionals, see completed projects similar to yours, and understand how they communicate and manage work all before scheduling a meeting.3. Interview more than one candidateIt can be tempting to hire the first person who seems knowledgeable and available, especially in a competitive market. But meeting with at least two or three professionals gives you a valuable perspective on style, approach and fit. Use these conversations to understand how each pro works with homeowners, who your day-to-day point of contact will be and what communication will look like throughout the project. Comparing personalities, responsiveness, and visibility side by side can make it easier to spot the professional you’ll feel most comfortable working with over time.4. Ask detailed questions about process and problem-solvingOnce you’ve narrowed your list, dig deeper into how each professional actually runs a project. Ask how budgets are developed, how subcontractors are selected and managed, and how unexpected issues, such as material delays, scope changes, or cost adjustments, are handled. Find out what software they use to track schedules and share updates. A professional who can clearly explain their process and contingency plans is more likely to keep your project on track when the unexpected arises.5. Review the contract in detailNever rely on verbal agreements. Contracts should clearly outline the scope of work, materials, payment schedule, timeline and how changes will be handled. Make sure you understand what’s included (and what isn’t) before signing. Clarifying these details upfront helps prevent disputes and surprises once construction is underway. Courtesy of Houzz 6. Trust expertise, but stay involvedThe best outcomes come from collaboration. Respect your professional’s experience and judgment, but stay engaged by asking questions, reviewing decisions and keeping communication open. When both sides understand their roles and expectations, projects tend to run more smoothly and with fewer misunderstandings.7. Use technology to stay organizedMany professionals now rely on digital tools to share files, track schedules and communicate with their clients—and for good reason. Houzz research found that more than 2 in 5 homeowners (41%) say that a clear project timeline would have improved their experience, while 40% wish they had received better communication from the pros they hired. Platforms that centralize plans, contracts, messages and progress photos can reduce confusion and keep everyone on the same page from start to finish.The bottom lineHiring the right construction or design professional isn’t about finding the lowest bid; it’s about finding the right fit. Take time to research, ask thoughtful questions and understand the process before work begins. With clear expectations and the right expertise in place, your home project is far more likely to end with results you’ll enjoy for years to come.This story was produced by Houzz and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	7 tips to hire the right construction or design pro for your next home project 7 tips to hire the right construction or design pro for your next home projectA home renovation or new build offers homeowners the chance to create spaces that better support how they live, and often represents a significant financial investment. According to the 2026 U.S. Houzz Renovation Plans Report, 91% of homeowners plan to move forward with renovation projects in 2026, particularly to improve their homes or adapt spaces to better fit their lives. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, considering an addition, or rethinking your living space, choosing the right professional can mean the difference between a smooth experience and months of frustration. Before you sign a contract, keep these seven best practices in mind to help you hire a construction or design professional with confidence.1. Do your homework before making callsGood preparation leads to better conversations. Before reaching out to professionals, gather inspiration photos, outline your priorities and set a realistic budget range. Even rough numbers help pros determine whether your goals align with what’s possible. Being clear about your timeline, must-haves, and deal-breakers helps professionals to give more accurate guidance from the start.2. Look beyond referrals alonePersonal recommendations are valuable, but they shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. Take time to review profiles and portfolios, read client reviews, and confirm credentials such as licenses, insurance and certifications. Online platforms can make it easier to compare multiple professionals, see completed projects similar to yours, and understand how they communicate and manage work all before scheduling a meeting.3. Interview more than one candidateIt can be tempting to hire the first person who seems knowledgeable and available, especially in a competitive market. But meeting with at least two or three professionals gives you a valuable perspective on style, approach and fit. Use these conversations to understand how each pro works with homeowners, who your day-to-day point of contact will be and what communication will look like throughout the project. Comparing personalities, responsiveness, and visibility side by side can make it easier to spot the professional you’ll feel most comfortable working with over time.4. Ask detailed questions about process and problem-solvingOnce you’ve narrowed your list, dig deeper into how each professional actually runs a project. Ask how budgets are developed, how subcontractors are selected and managed, and how unexpected issues, such as material delays, scope changes, or cost adjustments, are handled. Find out what software they use to track schedules and share updates. A professional who can clearly explain their process and contingency plans is more likely to keep your project on track when the unexpected arises.5. Review the contract in detailNever rely on verbal agreements. Contracts should clearly outline the scope of work, materials, payment schedule, timeline and how changes will be handled. Make sure you understand what’s included (and what isn’t) before signing. Clarifying these details upfront helps prevent disputes and surprises once construction is underway. Courtesy of Houzz 6. Trust expertise, but stay involvedThe best outcomes come from collaboration. Respect your professional’s experience and judgment, but stay engaged by asking questions, reviewing decisions and keeping communication open. When both sides understand their roles and expectations, projects tend to run more smoothly and with fewer misunderstandings.7. Use technology to stay organizedMany professionals now rely on digital tools to share files, track schedules and communicate with their clients—and for good reason. Houzz research found that more than 2 in 5 homeowners (41%) say that a clear project timeline would have improved their experience, while 40% wish they had received better communication from the pros they hired. Platforms that centralize plans, contracts, messages and progress photos can reduce confusion and keep everyone on the same page from start to finish.The bottom lineHiring the right construction or design professional isn’t about finding the lowest bid; it’s about finding the right fit. Take time to research, ask thoughtful questions and understand the process before work begins. With clear expectations and the right expertise in place, your home project is far more likely to end with results you’ll enjoy for years to come.This story was produced by Houzz and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Dog rescued in Davenport fire A dog was rescued safely after a late-night fire in Davenport yesterday. A news release from the Davenport Fire Department said firefighters responded to the 1400 block of S. Concord Street on March 8 at about 11 p.m. for a report of a structure fire. The first unit arrived on the scene at about 11:04 [...]
	How long it takes new medicines to reach patients in each state How long it takes new medicines to reach patients in each stateWhen the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves a new drug, it feels like big national news.There is a press release. News stories call it a breakthrough. Doctors start learning about a new treatment. Patients and families read about hope.It seems instant. It seems like everyone now has access.But approval and access are not the same thing.The FDA’s decision applies across all 50 states on the same day. Real-world access takes more time. A doctor has to write a prescription. A pharmacy has to stock the drug. A claim has to be processed. For Medicaid patients, the first proof that a drug is being used shows up in claims data.That does not always happen at the same time in every state.Kivo, a document management platform that helps life sciences teams collaborate efficiently, analyzed Medicaid prescription data that shows that new drugs usually reach patients within a few months of approval. But the timing varies by state. The difference is measured in months, not years. Even so, for someone waiting on treatment, a few months can matter.What the Data Shows NationwideKivo looked at state drug utilization data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This public dataset shows quarterly Medicaid prescriptions for each state.This analysis focused on new drugs approved in 2024 and 2025, tracking when each drug first appeared in Medicaid claims anywhere in the country. Then, each state was measured by the time it took to record its first Medicaid prescription for that drug.Because the data are reported every three months, time was measured in quarters and converted into months.Kivo found that the average delay between the first national Medicaid prescription and the first prescription in a specific state ranged from about two months to about five months.In many states, at least half of the new drugs appeared in the same quarter as their first national use. In other states, it took longer.The key point is that rollout is not perfectly synchronized across the country.States Where Drugs Reach Patients FastestIn the fastest states, new drugs appeared in Medicaid claims about two to two-and-a-half months after they first appeared anywhere in the country.The 10 fastest states were:CaliforniaPennsylvaniaKentuckyOhioTennesseeNorth CarolinaMichiganGeorgiaIndianaNew York Kivo In several of these states, many drugs showed up in the same quarter as the national first prescription.Larger states such as California and New York may move faster because they have more patients and more prescriptions overall. That increases the chances that the first eligible patient fills a prescription sooner.However, size is not the only factor. Kentucky also ranked near the top.What these states have in common is consistency. Many different drugs appeared relatively quickly, not just one or two.Some states showed longer delays before new drugs appeared in Medicaid claims.The 10 slowest states were:UtahIowaKansasNebraskaMississippiSouth DakotaNorth DakotaWyomingMontanaWest Virginia Kivo In these states, the average delay was closer to four to five months. In several cases, at least half of the drugs did not appear until the next quarter.It is important not to jump to conclusions.A longer delay in claims data does not automatically mean the state denied coverage. Smaller states often have fewer prescriptions overall. Some new drugs treat rare conditions. If only a small number of patients qualify, it may take longer for the first prescription to be filled.Even so, the gap between the fastest and slowest states adds up to about three months. For patients closely following a new treatment, that difference can feel important.Why the Differences Might ExistWhy is there such a wide gap between the fastest states and the slowest?Several factors may affect timing:Administrative processes: State Medicaid programs may review new drugs before adding them fully into their systems.Managed care systems: Many states use managed care organizations to run Medicaid. Each system may move at a different pace.Prescribing patterns: If a drug treats a small group of patients, it may take longer for the first prescription to appear.Provider awareness: Doctors in some areas may adopt new treatments faster than others.Reporting cycles: Because the data are reported every three months, small timing differences can look larger in the data.All of these factors together help explain why rollout is not identical in every state.What This Means for PatientsFor many people, a difference of one or two months may not change long-term outcomes.But for some patients, timing matters.Earlier access can mean earlier symptom relief. It can mean fewer side effects. It can improve the quality of life.At the same time, most states show new drug use within a few months of national rollout. The differences are measured in months, not years.This analysis does not show widespread denial of access. It shows that when a national approval meets a state-run system, small timing differences naturally occur.FDA approval is national. Medicaid is run by states. When those systems meet, rollout happens at slightly different speeds.When a new drug is approved, the news feels immediate.In reality, moving from approval to the first prescription involves doctors, patients, pharmacies, and state systems.The differences Kivo found are not dramatic. But they are real.In some states, new drugs appear in Medicaid claims within weeks. In others, it takes a few months longer.Where you live does not change the approval date. But it can shape how quickly a new treatment becomes part of everyday care.And in health care, even a small difference in timing can matter.This story was produced by Kivo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What can you do with a short-term loan? What can you do with a short-term loan?Let’s think about loans as a financial tool. Like any tool, it’s important to pick the right one for the job. If you only need a small bit of cash for a temporary need, like buying the right equipment for a new job, a short-term loan that you repay over a few months could help.Like anything else, however, they have pros and cons. Some short-term loans may be better for your financial health than others.Ready to learn more? Achieve dives into the details.Key takeaways:Short-term loans are personal loans that you repay in a year or less.You can use short-term loans for lots of expenses, especially emergencies.Many lenders offer short-term loans, but it’s best to avoid payday lenders.What is a short-term loan and how does it work?Loans come in all shapes and sizes, but a short-term personal loan is usually one that you’ll repay in 12 months or less. Keep in mind that there’s no official definition of “short-term loan,” so it could be shorter or longer depending on the lender.Short-term loans are also usually for smaller amounts than multi-year loans, like a mortgage. That’s because they’re designed for you to repay them fairly quickly. Ideally, it should be easy for you to fit your monthly payments into your budget.A quick word about payday loans and auto title loans, though. They’re still—technically speaking—considered a type of short-term loan, since you typically repay them within a few weeks or months. But it’s best to avoid them if you can because they can turn your financial life sideways really quickly. Predatory loans like these charge very high fees, and are known to have particularly unfriendly business practices.Common (and smart) uses for short-term loansOne of the biggest advantages of short-term loans is that you can use them for just about anything. They’re very flexible. That said, it’s smart to use your loan for needs, rather than wants. This helps you avoid overextending your budget.We all deserve nice things now and then. But one thing that’s extra-nice? Having enough wiggle room in your budget so that when you really need to borrow money, you can afford to take on an extra payment without having to worry about your other bills, too.Here are a few smart short-term loan examples:Filling up your home heating fuel tank for the winter.Fixing your car when it breaks down, so you can get to your job.Paying the medical bills if your child is hurt while playing soccer.Repairing leaking plumbing in your walls before it grows unhealthy mold.Evacuating temporarily during a natural disaster like a hurricane or wildfire.When a short-term loan might not be a good ideaYou’re on the right track if you’re thinking about other options. Short-term loans can solve many problems, but they’re not always the best choice for every situation.First, it’s good to think about whether you can afford the loan payments. You can use a loan calculator to help you figure out what those payments might look like. Then compare it with your budget to make sure it fits within your budget.Next, it’s also good to think about why you’re borrowing the money. Money experts recommend avoiding short-term loans for things that you don’t really need or that aren’t really temporary problems, like:VacationsExtra furnitureShopping spreesOngoing monthly budget shortfallsShort-term loans vs. other optionsA key part of any good decision is knowing your other options. That way, you can be sure that if you choose a short-term loan, it’s the right call.There are lots of alternatives to short-term loans, depending on your needs and your situation. You may need to get creative, but it could be worthwhile to explore other options. Here are a few to consider:Credit cards: They can be expensive if you don’t make a point of repaying them as soon as you can. But credit cards could be a good option if you’re motivated to repay your balance quickly and only need to borrow a little bit.Payment plans: Some businesses—especially many medical offices—offer payment plans and other financial assistance instead of needing to take out a loan. It doesn’t hurt to ask.Longer personal loans: A personal loan with a longer loan term could fit into your budget better or offer a larger loan amount than you might get with a short-term loan.Home equity loan: If you own a home worth more than your mortgage balance, a home equity loan could be a good option for larger borrowing needs. Just be aware that your home secures the loan, so it’s especially important to pay on time to avoid potentially losing your home.Loan forbearance: Larger loans, like student loans and mortgages, may offer temporary loan forbearance if you run into short-term financial snags. That can free up room in your budget for other necessities, like groceries.Tap into retirement savings: If you have a retirement savings account, it could be worth checking if you can access those funds for a real emergency. Some accounts, like 401(k)s or Roth accounts, may allow you to borrow or withdraw funds from yourself without paying any penalties, though you will lose out on interest growth of money you take out.Loans from friends and family: Borrowing money from friends and family isn’t a bad option if it’s available to you. But your relationships are more valuable than money, so it’s extra-important to make sure you’re able to repay the cash you borrow. How to decide if a short-term loan is right for youReady to check whether a short-term loan is really your best option? Here’s a quick, handy checklist you can use:How urgent is it? Funding speed can vary a lot between financing options. You might already have a credit card in your wallet, for example. You can often get a short-term personal loan within a few days, while options like home equity loans could take weeks.How much does the loan cost? It’s important to know what the monthly payment will be before you accept any loan, for sure. But it’s also important to know how much it costs over time, and that depends on the loan term length, your interest rate, and loan fees.Can you afford it? Your monthly payment should fit within your budget, and it’s best if you still have plenty of room left over in case other surprise expenses crop up. Also ask yourself whether you’re comfortable paying the total financing cost—all interest and fees included—over the long run, too.What are your other options? It’s hard to take time to check all of your other options if you need an emergency loan. Still, it only takes a few minutes to research the most common options that might be available for you.What do you need the money for? Some emergency loan uses, like medical bills, often have more affordable repayment options. And it’s best to avoid short-term loans for things that aren’t necessary, like impulse buys.This story was produced by Achieve and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Iran conflict pushes gas prices higher across the Quad Cities Iowa and Illinois drivers are paying significantly more at the pump than they were a month ago, AAA data shows.
	Health app overload: 3 ways to tell if your health tools are helping or holding you back (BPT) - Staying on top of your health looks different for everyone, and there's no single right way to do it. From tracking sleep and steps to monitoring nutrition goals or managing chronic conditions, digital tools have become a common and often helpful part of the equation for managing your health. For many, these apps can be motivating, informative and empowering. However, as the number of available health apps continues to grow, these tools can start to feel more complicated to manage than expected.According to a recent MD Live by Evernorth survey, many consumers are juggling multiple health apps at once, often spending significant time responding to alerts, logging information and trying to interpret their data. In fact, more than half of Americans feel there are too many health apps to keep track of, and 45% report feeling "burnt out" on a weekly basis just from trying to stay on top of logging information in their apps."Most people download health apps with good intentions, but managing too many tools at once can quickly become overwhelming," says Dr. Maggie Williams, medical director of primary care at MD Live by Evernorth. "When that happens, it's important to recognize when helpful technology starts to feel more like a source of stress than support."If you're unsure whether your health apps are supporting your goals or working against them, here are three signs it may be time to rethink your digital health routine:You're tracking, but not acting on it: From sleep, calories and blood pressure to steps, heart rate and hydration, the list of tracking tools is endless, and can add up quickly. While health data can be insightful, collecting too much of it at once can make it harder to see what actually matters. If you find yourself logging numbers often but feeling unsure what to do with them, your apps may be leaving you feeling more stuck than empowered. Instead of tracking everything, prioritize the data that directly supports your current health goals and let the rest take a back seat.Managing your apps feels stressful or confusing: Trying out new health apps is common, especially when friends recommend a new tool or a trend goes viral online. But juggling multiple tools — each with its own alerts, notifications and advice — can quickly become overwhelming. When reminders start piling up or conflict with one another, it can be hard to know which ones are important. If you've downloaded apps you don't use, deleted others after a short time or found yourself faced with conflicting information, it may be a sign that it's time to narrow your focus and rethink which tools truly add value to your routine.Your health apps are interfering with your health goals: Health apps are meant to support healthy habits, not complicate them. If app overload has caused you to miss appointments, abandon goals or feel unsure about next steps, it may be time to simplify. A healthcare provider can help you prioritize what to track, recommend tools that work well together, and create a plan that fits into your daily life.Managing your health tools shouldn't feel like a full-time job. Rather than abandoning digital tools altogether, consider using fewer tools more purposefully. Virtual care options, such as those available through MD Live by Evernorth, can offer a convenient way to check in with a board-certified doctor, ask questions about your health data, and get clarity on next steps without unnecessary delays."There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing your health," said Dr. Williams. "Health tools can be incredibly useful, but when they're used intentionally and with the right guidance, they're more likely to have a meaningful difference on your well-being."
	Why now is the best time to book your summer travel Why now is the best time to book your summer travelFrigid temperatures across much of the country this winter may have you staying inside, sipping hot cocoa while you catch up on books and movies. But one day in the not-so-distant future, summer will be back — and with it, your chance to get outside, lie on the beach and travel.For many people, summer means it’s time to vacation, and planning that vacation early could mean saving a significant amount of money on your trip.“A lot of people tend to not think about summer this early because they think it's too early, when in fact it's not,” says Katy Nastro, a travel expert at Going. “Now is a great time to be considering looking for and booking your summer flights.”Current, a consumer fintech banking platform, explains why and shares some tips for finding the best deals.Why you should book your summer travel nowNastro says that now is the “Goldilocks window” to book summer travel: not too early and not too late. “We always say the perfect time to book your summer flights is in the opposite season,” she adds. In other words, buying your flight in the middle of winter is the best way to get your first pick of affordable summer options.She adds that while last year, travellers were able to find deals closer to peak travel time — like $500 trips from the East Coast to Europe purchased in early June for an August trip — she doesn’t expect to see the same this year. That means if you wait, you’re probably going to have to be more flexible and look outside your ideal destinations.“Right now, you can still have your bucket list trip on the list,” Nastro adds.Airfare is very volatile; there’s no way to know exactly when a flight’s price will be the cheapest. But if you start reviewing flights now and sign up for price alerts, you’re giving yourself the best runway to take advantage of a price drop. Nastro says you can even book your flight, and if that flight’s price drops later, call the airline and see if you can rebook and get the difference in price from what you paid as a credit to use in the future. (Though you can only do that if you don’t book basic economy tickets, which typically don’t allow you to make changes after you purchase.)Tips for saving on summer travel costsStarting the process now is a great first step, but there are other moves you can make to save money.1. Pick your flights strategicallyDepart mid-week for week-long vacations and fly on Saturday for weekend getaways, since airfare will be highest for week-long trips beginning on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, says Hayley Berg, lead economist at HTS (Hopper Technology Solutions). She also recommends flying early in the morning, since flights departing after 9:00 a.m. are twice as likely to be delayed than those leaving between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.You should look for flexible booking options, too. These give you the ability to shift plans if they need to, even at the last-minute, and are often available from airlines and in credit card travel booking portals.(Bonus tip: Don’t leave your rental car plans up to the last minute. To get the best price and secure availability, Berg suggests booking your car rental and flight at the same time.)2. Be flexibleWhile booking early can help you snag the trip you want, being a bit flexible with when and where you travel can help you save money. Nastro says that it starts with the airport and dates. Just because one airport is closest doesn’t mean it’s the best option. Another nearby airport that will require an extra stop on the train or a slightly longer drive could offer a cheaper flight. If your dates are flexible, you’ll also have more flights and hotels to choose from, potentially including less expensive options.It also pays to be open to various areas of the country or world. For example, Going is currently seeing high affordability for round-trip flights to Asia. In early February, when Nastro was interviewed, she identified a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Phuket, Thailand for $593 throughout the spring and into August. “That’s almost half off,” she says.Airlines also add flights for popular destinations, giving you more options. For instance, Nastro says there are now deals for flights headed to Tokyo, Japan.3. Start setting aside cash nowYour accommodations will likely be your biggest expense, but don’t forget about the other costs that will pop up on your trip: dining out, transportation, activities, souvenirs and more.Because you still have several months until the summer, there’s time to save a small amount of cash that could make a big difference. While this may not necessarily lower the cost of your trip, it will allow you to spend without racking up high-interest credit card debt.Choose an amount that seems doable — maybe $100 a month — and once your paycheck hits, immediately move that money over to a savings account. A high-yield savings account will allow the money to grow even as you’re waiting to use it. It’s even better if you can automate that portion of your paycheck to be sent to your savings account each pay cycle.Knowing you’ve saved specifically to spend on the trip will allow you to sip your margarita, enjoy that day trip to a new city or travel around the world with a lot less stress.This story was produced by Current and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Record highs, severe weather, and possible snow for the upcoming week After hitting the 60s Sunday, record setting highs in the 70s are expected today and we could even tie a record high again Tuesday before it turns cooler. Quiet weather today will turn stormy later Tuesday into Tuesday night with all modes of severe weather possible -- damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding. [...]
	Crews respond to Davenport house fire A KWQC crew saw firefighters working near the side of a home in the 1400 block of South Concord Street just before midnight on Sunday.
	Krishnamoorthi campaigns in Rock Island on returning ACA subsidies As the race to be the Democratic nominee to succeed retiring Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin heats up, Raja Krishnamoorthi visits the Quad-Cities again.

Tuesday, March 10th, 2026

Monday, March 9th, 2026