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

Thursday, June 11th, 2026
	Cook review: 'Lurker' gets under your skin with its perspective on celebrity, hangers-on What would you do to grab onto the coattails of a rising star? That's the question that "Lurker" answers. Matthew (Theodore Pellerin) works in a Los Angeles boutique where celebrities occasionally shop. Oliver (Archie Madekwe, who also appeared in "Saltburn," which has similar themes) is an up-and-coming musician - Matthew recognizes him the second he [...]
	Police blast water cannons at protesters amid unrest over stabbing in Belfast Protesters in Northern Ireland set small fires and hurled bricks and bottles at the police during a second night of violence over a stabbing in Belfast. The incident sparked anti-immigrant violence.
	Knicks rally from 29 points down and beat Spurs for 3-1 NBA Finals lead The New York Knicks made a record comeback from 29 points down and moved to the brink of their first championship since 1973 by beating the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 on Wednesday night.
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
	Historic Allendale mansion heads to auction in Moline Built in 1906 and donated to the school system in 1931, Allendale is now up for sale with a minimum bid of $20,000.
	Coal Valley daycare closes after group texts between director and staff leak to social media A mom whose kids were enrolled in Playtime University saw texts showing the former director insulting her daughter.
	A summary of todays storms With two separate rounds of severe storms, we saw a lot of activity with heavy rain and strong thunderstorm winds. Some areas are still being hit with flash flooding tonight from more heavy rain and we saw severe thunderstorms that were generating winds of close to 80 mph.
	New Ollie's discount store opening in Davenport The store will open to bargain hunters on Thursday, June 18. It's located in Davenport's Village Shopping Center in the former JoAnn Fabrics location.
	Moline supportive housing complex breaks ground The Moline Housing Authority broke ground on the Parkview Apartment Complex, thanks to the former landowner offering up his property.
	Opioid overdose deaths decline in Rock Island County, but challenges remain Rock Island County has recorded 57 opioid overdose deaths since 2020. Health professionals say prevention efforts are helping, but risks remain.
	Davenport City Council votes to extend services with Humane Society of Scott County Animal control and sheltering services has been a hot topic in Davenport since early this year.Some contracts to change the way Davenport manages its animal control services were approved by the Davenport City Council. City council approved a deal to extend the services with the Humane Society of Scott County. The city is set to [...]
	Groundbreaking takes place for Moline affordable housing project Property in Moline that once belonged to area realtor Rick Simpson will be part of the second phase of an affordable housing project. City leaders hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the project at the site of a home from the late-1800s. Some historic items were salvaged from it. The spot right across from Kiwanis Park [...]
	Driver hospitalized after car strikes home in Davenport The passenger of the vehicle was also transported to a local hospital for evaluation of non-life-threatening injuries.
	Culver’s barn in Beaver Dam destroyed after storms The iconic blue Culver’s barn in Beaver Dam was severely damaged after strong storms on Wednesday.
	‘Very concerning,’ Sen. Grassley calls higher inflation Sen. Chuck Grassley said that he is concerned about the rising inflation rate but still believes that it will fall after the war with Iran ends.
	A flood watch in effect as more storms move in tomorrow After being hit with a round of strong and severe storms for today that has caused some flash flooding and strong winds, we are not drying out yet. Another round of strong to potentially severe thunderstorms is expected tomorrow morning that will linger through tomorrow evening. A flood watch will remain in effect until Thursday [...]
	Traffic Alert: Crews clear scene after semi overturns on I-280 Update.
	Rock Island-Milan School Board approves new assistant superintendent Rock Island-Milan School District will have a new assistant superintendent of teaching and learning starting this July. She joins the district from Freeport.
	Official rules for Mississippi Valley Fair Concert Ticket Giveaway Official rules for this sweepstakes
	Traffic Alert: Semi overturned on I-280 A traffic alert for drivers on I-280.
	Severe weather brings power outages across the QCA Severe weather is making its way across the QCA, and many households are experiencing power outages. For updates on power outages in your area, click here or use the following links: MidAmerican Energy Ameren Illinois Alliant Energy
	Thousands of people in the Quad Cities without power as severe weather rolls through MidAmerican Energy has identified widespread outages around Davenport and Blue Grass.
	Official rules for Jump into Summer Giveaway Sweepstakes Official rules for this sweepstakes
	Thousands in Iowa, Illinois Quad Cities without power Thousands of MidAmerican Energy customers are without power in the Iowa Quad Cities as severe weather moves through the area.
	Soccer study finds mental, cognitive benefits for young adults with developmental disabilities News 8 spoke with the University of Iowa researcher behind the study and what he hopes these findings mean for our communities, especially as the World Cup begins.
	Vehicle crashes into Davenport home; two transported for injuries Two were transported to a local hospital for injuries following a Davenport crash. According to a release from the Davenport Police Department, Davenport Police, Fire and Medic EMS responded to the area of W. 61st St. and Hillandale Rd. in reference to the report of a vehicle that had crashed into a home June 10 [...]
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning from WED 6:23 PM CDT until WED 7:15 PM CDT Severe Thunderstorms Bringing Destructive Winds Until 7:15 PM CDT
	Iowa taxpayers overcharged $100 million according to state audit A new state audit is raising questions about how pharmacy benefit managers handle prescription drug payments in Iowa Medicaid.
	2 injured after car crashes into Davenport home Two people are hurt after a car crashed into a Davenport home.
	Live updates: Thousands without power as tornado warning expires in the Quad-Cities The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for the Quad-Cities as another storm moves into the area.
	Bettendorf approves new housing project near downtown The Bettendorf City Council approved plans for a new housing project near downtown during a special meeting. The council gave approval to apply for a workforce housing grant with the Iowa Economic Development Authority for the project. It would be built near the riverfront west of the I-74 Bridge. The complex would be similar to [...]
	70% of Quad Cities businesses raised prices last quarter, survey finds Rising costs continue to put pressure on businesses across the Quad Cities, with many owners saying they have been forced to raise prices while customers become more selective about how they spend their money.
	FBI seizing evidence at California plant where chemical tank overheated Federal authorities served a search warrant on Wednesday at a Southern California aerospace facility where a chemical tank overheated last month, forcing 50,000 residents to evacuate because authorities feared an explosion.
	Study finds soccer provides mental, cognitive benefits for young adults with disabilities News 8 spoke with the University of Iowa researcher behind the study and what he hopes these findings mean for our communities, especially as the World Cup begins.
	U.S. military says it's striking 'multiple targets' in Iran in 2nd day of renewed fire The escalating attacks threatened to derail efforts to end the war, with President Trump warning that Tehran would "pay the price" for stalled negotiations.
	Services announced for five victims of Muscatine shootings Services for family members slain in Muscatine will be held in the coming days.
	Happy Joe’s raises money for family after house fire kills artist, volunteer Happy Joe's in Davenport hosts a fundraiser for the family of Mark Fick, a beloved local artist and volunteer who was killed in a tragic house fire.
	Child on electric scooter hit by vehicle A child riding an electric scooter was hit by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon.
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning from WED 5:30 PM CDT until WED 6:30 PM CDT Severe Thunderstorms Bringing Strong Winds and Hail Until 6:30 PM CDT
	Knox College announces renovations at T. Fleming Fieldhouse Renovations began on June 8 and is expected to last approximately 10 weeks.
	Bettendorf developer seeking state tax credits for apartment building west of I-74 bridge The proposed apartment building is part of the city's years-long goal to redevelop the area west of the I-74 bridge since the completion of the new bridge.
	Iowa Court of Appeals sides with Iowa 80 Truckstop over value of property The Iowa Court of Appeals sided with the owners of Iowa 80 Truckstop in a legal battle with Scott County over the value of the company's property. It all started when the Scott County assessor increased the assessed value of the 19 parcels of land that make up the 'world's largest truck stop.' Iowa 80 [...]
	City of Muscatine approves Hot-Mix Asphalt Overlay Project The Muscatine City Council approved the Hot-Mix Asphalt Overlay Project during a meeting Tuesday night.
	29-year-old dies after shooting in Bettendorf Tuesday evening A suspect in the shooting has been arrested.
	How you can celebrate Pride Month in the QCA June is Pride Month, and there are countless opportunities across the QCA this month to celebrate inclusivity and acceptance in our community. Tyler Mitchell from The Project of the Quad Cities joined Our Quad Cities News with details on how you can celebrate Pride Month in the Quad Cities. For more information, click here.
	Celebrate equality with the NAACP at the Freedom Fund Banquet The Rock Island County branch of the NAACP is gearing up for its biggest fundraiser, a celebration and call to action for equality in the QCA and the U.S. Bonnie Ballard and Thanolia Hudson spoke with Our Quad Cities News with details on the Freedom Fund Banquet. For more information, click here.
	More severe storms for later today After already being hit with a round of strong thunderstorms producing heavy rain and 60 mph winds, we are tracking another line for later this evening. We are seeing a severe thunderstorm watch and an updated tornado watch for our area as a second round of storms is looking to move in later this evening. [...]
	QCA torch run honors Special Olympics Illinois Law enforcement officers from Rock Island County carried the torch for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. The tradition supports athletes in Special Olympics Illinois. The Summer Games begin June 12. Dozens ran in honor of the athletes competing in Special Olympics Illinois. The goal of the run is to raise finds and awareness for Special Olympics [...]
	Details on funeral arrangements for 6 killed in Muscatine tragedy Officials and family members have shared details on funeral arrangements for the six killed in a shooting on June 1 in Muscatine.
	City of Moline moves forward with solar panel project The City of Moline is moving forward with a project to install solar panels south of the Quad City Airport.
	City of Moline to acquire RiverStation Building Moline will acquire the RiverStation Building in the city’s downtown in an over $1M deal.
	Somali World Cup referee denied U.S. entry, hailed as hero at home A World Cup dream denied — Somali referee Omar Artan receives a hero's welcome at home after being blocked from entering the United States and taking part in the World Cup.
	Car crashes into Davenport home Developing.
	1 dead, 1 charged with murder in Bettendorf shooting A person is dead and another is charged with murder after a shooting in Bettendorf Tuesday evening.
	Veterans and relatives see no place for Trump's arch near Arlington National Cemetery Three Vietnam War veterans are suing to stop President Trump from building an arch just steps from Arlington National Cemetery, where 400,000 service members, veterans and their relatives are buried.
	One dead, one in custody in Tuesday Bettendorf shooting, police say in update One of two people shot on Tuesday in Bettendorf died, and the other has been arrested in connection with the incident, police announced Wednesday.
	River Drive in Moline reopening, 4th Avenue to close downtown Beginning Monday, June 15, 4th Avenue and portions of 15th Street will close as crews begin work on the second half of the viaduct.
	Report: ICE wasted millions, endangered detainees in largest immigration facility Since the opening of Camp East Montana in Texas last year, immigration lawyers and rights advocates have expressed concerns about conditions inside the facility.
	The theory taking the rich by storm: China funds data center haters Tech millionaires claim China is behind a wave of local opposition to U.S. data centers, while providing little direct evidence.
	Davenport man faces drug, sexual abuse charges involving minor A preliminary hearing is set June 19 for a Davenport man facing drug distribution and sexual abuse charges involving a minor.
	How the historic intersection of the Lincoln and Jefferson highways is being preserved Over a century ago, the Reed-Niland Corner opened at a major intersection in Colo. Today, the site is being preserved by a new nonprofit, Reed-Niland Corner, Inc., with celebrations planned for June 14.
	Alleman to play JV football this fall, announcement comes after varsity returned in 2025 after 3 year hiatus Alleman Catholic High School has made the decision to play a JV schedule this fall instead of fielding a varsity team as planned.
	California homicide suspect arrested in Galesburg Two men were arrested in Galesburg last week, including one wanted for homicide out of California.
	River Drive in Moline to reopen Friday as viaduct work continues Crews will begin work on the next phase of the project on Monday with 4th Avenue and portions of 15th Street closing.
	Man arrested in Galesburg on LA County homicide warrant Police in Galesburg arrested a man wanted for homicide in Los Angeles County, Calif during a recent traffic stop. A news release from the Galesburg Police Department said officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on Interstate 74 near mile marker 46 on June 4 at about 10:30 a.m. The driver was identified [...]
	Moline breaks ground on 22 permanent supportive housing units Rick Simpson, 74, sold his home and property to the Moline Housing Authority to be used for Parkview Apartments, an affordable housing complex.
	Registration open for 2026 UnityPoint Health Cup Tee times and sponsorships are now available for the 2026 UnityPoint Health Cup golf outing on Friday, September 11, at TPC Deere Run, 3199 Heather Knoll in Silvis. Morning shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and afternoon shotgun starts at 1 p.m. Registration is $500 per golfer or $2,000 per foursome. This includes greens fee, cart [...]
	Rock Island-Milan School Board approve agreement with City of Rock Island for school resource officer The Rock Island-Milan School District has approved an agreement with the city of Rock Island for a school resource officer.
	Majority of Clinton City Council vote down data center moratorium After hours of public comment with 52 speakers, almost all asking for a moratorium, the Clinton City Council initially approved an amended data center ordinance that would bar development for 120 days or when it passes its zoning ordinance regulating data centers, whichever is later, 6-1. After a failed vote, 5-2, to suspend the rules and pass the ordinance in a first reading, council members sparred over the process and accusations of a lack of transparency. The original motion to pass the moratorium on first reading failed in a 5-2 vote.
	Memorial services announced for family members killed in Muscatine shootings Earlier this month, police say 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland shot and killed six of his family members before taking his own life.
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: CIREECO FLINT, 53, 5'7", 185 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Wanted by Davenport Police Department for failure to appear for controlled substance violation, OWI [...]
	City of Moline looking to purchase downtown RiverStation building for $1.65M The City says that existing tenants will remain in place and under their current lease agreements.
	Why commercial real estate firms are turning to automated payment solutions Why commercial real estate firms are turning to automated payment solutionsCommercial real estate companies continue to feel the economic effects of higher operating costs and tight labor markets. Fifth Third examined how many firms in industrial, multifamily and hospitality real estate are offsetting these pressures by tightening expenses and increasing efficiency through automation.Key takeaways:Paper checks remain costly compared with electronic options. The median cost to issue a paper check is typically $2 to $4, while ACH payments often cost about 40 cents.Automation materially shortens invoice cycle times. Top performers approve and schedule payments in two to three days, while less efficient teams take a week or more.Fraud risk persists. The typical organization loses ~5% of revenue to fraud each year, with a median loss of $145,000 per case.Flexible work is now an expectation across finance and CRE partners. About a quarter of paid workdays in the U.S. are worked from home, and around half of remote‑capable roles are hybrid.CRE firms often rely on manual, paper-centric and decentralized payables processes. That approach adds avoidable cost and time. For example, the median cost to issue a paper check is typically $2 to $4, while ACH payments commonly run about 40 cents, according to the Association for Financial Professionals. Making such managed payables changes greatly impacts CRE operational efficiency and cost-savings.When it comes to commercial real estate operations, automation substantially shortens invoice cycle times. APQC data cited by CFO.com shows top performers approve and schedule payments in two to three days, while bottom performers take a week or more.Addressing common challengesWith manual processing pain points and increased pressure to reduce expenses, CRE firms are moving to automated payment solutions that address three principal challenges: managing multiple entities, legacy processes, and hiring and retention. Here is a look at those challenges and how they can be resolved.CRE challenge #1: Managing multiple entitiesMany CRE firms operate across regions and manage multiple single-purpose entities or LLCs. It is common to have dozens of operating accounts to separate ownership and mitigate asset risk. That structure demands careful controls to avoid commingling and can result in cumbersome payment workflows.“For firms that are still managing payables manually, the pain points, inefficiencies and the likelihood of human error and fraud grow exponentially,” said Adam Keck, director, product management at Fifth Third Bank. He noted that the typical organization loses about 5% of annual revenue to fraud, with a median loss of $145,000 per case, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.CRE challenge #2: Legacy processes“Developers are often family run firms where the patriarch or matriarch in the past insisted that every invoice crossed their desk so they could view it and authorize it,” said Eric Heuser, senior vice president, National Commercial Real Estate Treasury Management at Fifth Third Bank. “Those decision-makers are changing, and their expectations and acceptance of digitization have dramatically increased.”Across real estate organizations and their stakeholders (such as contractors, vendors, tenants and investors), digital workflows are now baseline expectations. Hybrid and remote collaboration have stabilized, which reinforces the need for cloud-based automation and centralized visibility.CRE challenge #3: Hiring and retention of employeesThe CRE industry’s new generation of personnel expects cloud-based automation. Firms that offer flexible, modern tools have an advantage in attracting and retaining talent.The broader labor trend supports this. About a quarter of paid workdays in the U.S. are now worked from home, per the U.S. Survey of Working Arrangements and Attitudes tracked by the St. Louis Fed. Hybrid flexibility has stabilized around half of remote capable roles, per Gallup’s latest reading.For additional perspective, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 22.9% of people at work teleworked during the first quarter of 2024, underscoring the prevalence of flexible arrangements across the U.S. workforce.The case for modernizationThese hurdles underscore a common theme: the need for modernization. As CRE firms navigate these pressures, they must shift from reactive fixes to proactive strategies that prioritize automation and scalability. Moving from manual, fragmented workflows to streamlined, automated systems is no longer optional; it’s a strategic imperative for efficiency, security and growth.How can CRE firms prepare to change to payables?Embarking on a wholesale change to payables can be a significant undertaking. Here are steps to help your company navigate the process:Determine decision‑makers who need to be involved.Analyze deficiencies and inefficiencies in the current payables process.Define desired outcomes and how you will measure success.Establish a timeline with a “go date” and interim milestones.Identify required resources and roles to achieve the objectives.Plan change management for internal teams and external stakeholders to communicate and transition smoothly.How can firms identify the right payable solutions?In many cases, for CRE firms seeking to overcome legacy payables issues, the right approach is to convert paper invoices and checks to digital workflows. That can include electronic invoice capture and software integrated with a client’s current systems. This approach helps many clients materially reduce processing costs and cycle times. In the end, simplifying payables can help firms stay more agile and focused.This story was produced by Fifth Third and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport School Board approves additional weapon detection systems Central, West and North high schools and Sudlow and Smart middle schools will see additional weapon detection systems in the fall.
	US households, businesses stung by higher energy prices that have pushed inflation above 4% Rising gas prices push US inflation to three-year high of 4.2 percent in May
	LIVE BLOG: Severe weather threat with high heat, humidity Wednesday A First Alert Days are in effect for heat and severe storms Wednesday.
	Americans say they love leftovers. So why do they keep throwing them away? Americans say they love leftovers. So why do they keep throwing them away?There is a container in your fridge right now. You know the one. It has been there since Tuesday, quietly waiting for its moment. It’s not coming. By Sunday, you will throw it out with a small, familiar sense of guilt. According to new research from Frigidaire, this cycle is basically the national experience.Americans have good intentions when it comes to leftovers—at least in theory. Eighty-six percent say they love or like them, and half say they sometimes enjoy leftovers more than the original meal. One in three Americans even proudly calls themself a "Leftover Legend," the type who genuinely believes yesterday's meal is tomorrow's treasure.Yet, leftovers are still getting left behind. Nearly 3 in 4 U.S. adults (74%) say their leftovers are thrown away at least once a week. According to the USDA, the average American family of four loses $1,500 each year to uneaten food. Frigidaire What’s more, 9 in 10 Americans (90%) say they have chosen takeout, delivery or a drive-through even though a perfectly good meal was waiting at home. Fifty-eight percent of Americans have ordered delivery while leftovers sat 10 feet away. They looked at their fridge, considered what was inside, and made other plans anyway.More than half of Americans (52%) say the number one reason they throw out leftovers is simple: They forgot. What gets pushed to the back of the fridge—behind condiments and half-empty jars—effectively disappears. This then leads to the second leading cause for tossing leftovers: 40% of Americans say they do this because they worry about food safety or freshness, which can be driven by confusion around food date labels. Out of sight, out of mind, out of the fridge and into the trash. Frigidaire When waste starts to feel personalThe disconnect is striking, especially as Americans overwhelmingly say their motivation for saving leftovers is rooted in smart, intentional habits, like trying to avoid food waste (64%) and saving money (52%). Four in 10 even say finishing leftovers feels more rewarding than cooking a brand-new meal from scratch or ordering takeout.Yet, food still gets forgotten and thrown out, often leaving consumers feeling guilty—and lately, that guilt feels more expensive. With grocery bills and restaurant tabs climbing, 70% say food waste now feels more frustrating or guilt-inducing than it used to. Frigidaire Helping leftovers finally get their momentSo what actually helps turn intention into action? Visibility, in part. More than a third of Americans (37%) say better fridge organization and simply being able to see what is in there would do more to reduce leftover waste than anything else. But remembering leftovers is only half the battle. The next challenge is what to do with them.New AI tools are starting to close that gap, helping people turn what’s already in their fridge into meals they actually want, with recipe ideas and step-by-step guidance based on what they have on hand. The goal is to make leftovers easier to use before they become another container pushed to the back of the fridge.Because when leftovers are visible, and even a little inspiring, they get eaten.MethodologyRuder Finn, on behalf of Frigidaire, commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,000 adults throughout the United States. The margin of error is +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence level of 95%. Fieldwork took place between March 20 and March 24, 2026. Atomik Research, part of 4media group, is a creative market research agency.This story was produced by Frigidaire and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Sandra Gray new senior executive for 518 Collective Sandra Gray has been hired as the senior executive for the 518 Collective, a grant-supported agriculture technology business incubator operated by Sandburg in downtown Galesburg. She began her role at the 518 Collective last week. Gray will be the lead strategist, relationship builder and business development officer for the 518 Collective (pronounced “five eighteen”). She [...]
	Moline looking to buy downtown RiverStation building The City says that existing tenants will remain in place and under their current lease agreements.
	Louisiana senator helped secure Meta's largest data center. Then he sold the land beside it. Louisiana senator helped secure Meta's largest data center. Then he sold the land beside it.For more than two years, Louisiana State Sen. John “Jay” Morris helped pave the way for Meta to build one of the world’s largest data centers, called Hyperion, in Richland Parish.The Republican attorney lobbied a utility regulator for a key approval. He co-sponsored two bills that enabled the land deal between Meta and the state. And he voted “yea” on two additional bills that provided the trillion-dollar tech company with tax breaks that one analysis estimates at about $3.3 billion.Now, a Floodlight investigation has found that while Morris used his political position to advance the project, he and his business partners were buying and selling the land around it over the past 15 months.As recently as February, Morris and his partners sold hundreds of acres to utility giant Entergy for a methane-burning power plant to provide electricity for the data center.Morris’ recent land deals haven’t been disclosed until today, according to Floodlight’s review of ethics filings, votes, media coverage, and state Senate records. It’s unclear how much money he has made from these transactions — Louisiana law does not require buyers and sellers to publicly disclose sale prices.Experts told Floodlight the senator’s actions may violate state ethics laws — such as La. R.S. 42:1112(A), 42:1120, and 42:1101 — which prohibit government officials from participating in official actions that benefit them financially, require them to recuse themselves from voting when a conflict exists, and prohibit the use of public office for private gain."What makes it particularly egregious is not one isolated vote, but a sustained pattern: creating legal authority for a specific land deal, backing a huge tax break, lobbying a regulator, quietly positioning personal real estate around the project,” said professor Dane Ciolino, an expert in governmental ethics at Loyola University New Orleans.In an interview with Floodlight, Morris denied wrongdoing. He said his land holdings are public record and that the tax breaks he voted for applied to all data centers — not just the Meta project.“It makes a nice story if you can try to show that I have some sort of conflict,” Morris told Floodlight. “But under Louisiana's ethics laws, I don't.”After years of maintaining a relatively low profile in the legislature, Morris has become a prominent political figure since Gov. Jeff Landry took office. He’s chair of a judiciary committee, a member of three financial committees, and joined the powerful State Bond Commission in 2024.He’s also recently become a lightning rod for controversy at the statehouse after authoring bills that would eliminate Louisiana’s majority-Black congressional districts and take away the seat of a Black court clerk who had just been elected in New Orleans.Morris told Floodlight his maps are intended to protect Republican incumbents in Louisiana's House races. As for eliminating a court clerk's post in New Orleans, he said he simply wanted to streamline court operations in New Orleans — and held nothing against the man.“You can find some pundits and lawyers to say bad things about politicians. It's pretty easy, we're a popular target. But I haven't done anything wrong,” Morris said.“I just hope you'd write a fair story.” Jay Marcano // Gulf States Newsroom Entergy and HyperionIn Northeast Louisiana’s Richland Parish, former farmlands are transforming into a vast expanse of concrete and steel.Hyperion spans more than 3,650 acres, an area more than twice the size of Rayville, the town beside it. Once up and running, it’s expected to consume more than six times the amount of energy each day than the city of New Orleans.Despite public opposition, state officials including Morris have pushed the project forward as part of a nationwide data-center buildout. Since construction began over a year ago, locals have complained of severe air quality issues from dust blowing off the vast construction site and relentless traffic from heavy commercial vehicles around once-quiet rural streets.“Yes, there are a lot of complainers, and a lot of the complainers are from out of state,” Morris said. “But the people in our area are generally happy about it.” He argued that the project’s benefits include new high-paying jobs, an increased tax base and money pouring into the education system.Meta told Floodlight that the company is “committed to creating a positive impact” in Richland Parish, that it works actively to limit the impact of traffic on local residents and is investing in local schools, nonprofits, and small businesses.It was Entergy — not Meta — that initially pitched state officials on the project, according to a trade publication’s interview with Susan Bourgeois, who helped negotiate the deal as the head of the state’s economic development agency.The Louisiana Economic Development agency issued a statement saying that “any inference that Morris inappropriately influenced LED or any of our projects is simply incorrect.” The administration “makes no apologies for bringing diverse partners together to drive the outcomes and opportunities our state has so long deserved,” its spokesperson said.Entergy has claimed in regulatory filings that Hyperion’s immense power needs will require a historic buildout of power plants — enough to fuel a more than 50% increase in its statewide power-generation capacity, according to reporting from the Times-Picayune.Morris, who grew up in the area, owns and co-owns two dozen properties spanning over 2,000 acres surrounding Hyperion, including at least three that share a border with the complex, according to the Richland Parish Assessor’s office. He’s held many for over a decade.“I bought the property for farmland and the rent that's derived therefrom. But would I hope that there would be some economic development someday? Of course. Absolutely,” he said. “But was I counting on it? Did I know it would happen? No. Nobody can read the future.”But now that the future has arrived in Richland Parish, Morris has been on a buying spree.Broadening power, weakening oversightMorris bought seven properties within five miles of the data center since the Meta announcement in December 2024 — plus a 165-acre tract about 10 miles southwest.The timing of those land deals shows how closely he mixed official actions with personal business dealings.In 2024, Morris co-sponsored and voted for a wide-ranging bill that, among other things, gave LED new authority to lease state-owned property.The state had purchased a large tract of land from the family of Fred Scott Franklin Sr. — Morris’ business partners — nearly two decades earlier, for a deal that fell through with a different company. But shortly after the 2024 bill passed, LED used its new authority to lease the site to Meta.Four months after Meta signed the lease, Morris and the Franklins paid $1.2 million cash to buy an 80-acre plot just across the street from the project site. Morris signed the deed in early 2025. Less than two months later, one of the senate committees he’s part of began considering a second bill that would play a pivotal role in finalizing the state’s deal with Meta: giving LED the authority to sell state-owned property.By late April, Morris had signed on as a co-sponsor and voted for its passage.By early May, Morris and the Franklins had begun monetizing the property in a more immediate way: turning it into a dirt quarry for eventual use on the Meta job site, the senator told Floodlight. Google Earth Image captured November 4, 2025 Three months after that second bill was signed into law, LED sold Meta the property that the tech company had been leasing, which was just a stone’s throw from Morris’ land.That series of events raises serious ethical concerns, according to La Koshia Roberts, a former chair and currently the longest-serving member of the Louisiana Board of Ethics — the body that investigates potential ethical misconduct by government officials.“The fact that he actually voted and didn't recuse himself is a major concern of mine,” Roberts said.“When you have your elected officials who are not only drafting proposed legislation that he or she knows will benefit them financially … that's one problem. But then to have that person continue with this knowledge and not disclose it, not even to his body, not even to the committee, is problematic."Yet during those legislative proceedings — which concerned a dramatic overhaul of the state agency in charge of economic development — Morris never mentioned his interest in the state’s largest economic development project.“A lot of my colleagues know that I have land holdings in Richland Parish, some of which are near the Meta site,” Morris told Floodlight. “But no ... I didn't put it in the record and announce it. But there was nothing to require me to do that. And I don't know why I would need to do that.”The Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics states that an official with a substantial financial interest in a governmental proceeding must recuse from voting and disclose their interest if they continue to participate in discussions about the matter.“He should not have voted for it,” Roberts said.Morris said the bills he co-sponsored were not targeted at any particular data center, and that although he signed on in support, he had nothing to do with drafting them.“The LED bills were part of a broad restructuring that Secretary Bourgeois was pushing. I had no idea that any of that was needed for the Meta development,” he said.According to Ciolino, the government ethics expert at Loyola, Morris’ strongest defense is that the bills and tax break applied broadly to LED’s restructuring or all data centers — not just the Meta project. “That matters,” he said. “But it does not end the analysis.” Claude Code // Floodlight The question isn’t just whether the bill’s text was general — it’s whether Morris had an economic interest in it greater than that of a general class or group of persons, Ciolino said, referring to a specific section of Louisiana law.“A senator who owns dozens of nearby parcels, co-owns adjoining land, sells dirt for the project, and later sells land to Entergy for a project power plant has a far more particularized economic stake than ordinary citizens or even ordinary landowners in the region.”Old friendsMorris explained that he and his business partners, the Franklins, are close. He and Franklin Sr. have been friends since nursery school.They own several properties together, including the one across the street from Meta. The Franklins have transferred Morris at least $200,000 since 2015 as part of a mutual business endeavor renting out farmland, according to Morris’ financial disclosures and Fred Scott Franklin Jr. The family has also contributed over $15,000 to Morris’ election campaigns over the past 16 years, according to state campaign finance data.Franklin Sr. and Morris were also co-owners, along with a third man, of a company called FMB Downtown Ventures, which hasn’t been active for well over a decade, according to Franklin Jr.Franklin Jr. often represents his family in media appearances and at business events. He confirmed that Morris and the Franklin family are close and have a long history of purchasing and co-owning properties, which they often lease for use as farmland.He said that Morris was not involved in any negotiations with Meta. “ I would very much disagree that Jay Morris was an active participant in landing Meta [in] Richland Parish. I just don't think that's accurate,” said Franklin Jr. “I don't think he's any more responsible for it than whoever else voted for the sales tax exemption in the legislature.”The Franklins are one of the largest local beneficiaries of the Meta project: They owned nearly all of the land that the data center is being built upon. State officials dubbed the property the “Franklin Farms Megasite,” and Entergy has referred to the power plants that will be attached to it as the Franklin Farms Power Stations.When Entergy, LED, and Meta held a press event to announce the project and perform a ceremonial groundbreaking in December 2024, Fred Scott Franklin Jr. was on stage holding a shovel. Landry and Entergy’s CEO stood alongside him. Morris was also there and prominently featured in a promotional video Entergy circulated on Instagram to tout the event.“This project that Meta and Entergy have come together to bring to Northeast Louisiana, most importantly, will bring jobs and will bring economic development to a region that’s needed it for so many years,” Morris said in the video.Morris said he didn’t remember being filmed, hadn’t known the video existed, and hadn’t received any payment from Entergy for being featured.“I guess they randomly saw me and asked me a couple of questions or something,” he said.‘I was under an NDA’To build three new gas-fired power plants for Hyperion, along with 100 miles of high-voltage transmission lines, Entergy needed a key approval from the Louisiana Public Service Commission.And on Aug. 20, 2025, before the commission voted 4-1 to approve Entergy's $3.2 billion plan, Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan disclosed on the record that Morris had personally lobbied him to approve the plants."I also heard from Sen. Jay Morris, who represents in the northeast, in support of the issue," Coussan said.Four weeks after the commission’s vote, Morris and the Franklins together signed agreements to sell nearly 300 acres to Entergy for one of the company’s methane-burning power stations for Hyperion. They had co-owned the property for roughly 15 years prior to the sale.Coussan, a Republican, had served alongside Morris in the state legislature until his election to the commission in 2024. Morris described him as a friend and, in a single exchange, alternated between saying he “didn't reach out” to Coussan, was “pretty sure I didn't even talk to him,” and “probably did talk to him some.” Later, by email, he said, “I’m sure we likely discussed it.”Coussan told Floodlight that any conversation he had with Morris was part of his due diligence as a commissioner.He also said he only learned of Morris’ land deals from being contacted by Floodlight.“No, we didn't talk about his property, nor do I think it was relevant to my deliberations,” Coussan said. “I actually don’t see what the story is.”Entergy Louisiana told Floodlight that it “acquired two sites near the proposed facility that offer access to necessary infrastructure, including electric transmission lines, natural gas supply and pipelines, and transportation routes. The location was selected in part due to these advantages, as well as its proximity to the customer’s site, which had been owned by the state for more than 20 years.”Morris pointed out that his land holdings are reported publicly in his annual financial disclosures. But his most recent disclosure is from 2024, making the past two years of his land deals difficult to piece together. Jay Marcano // Gulf States Newsroom He was also clear that he did not disclose his Entergy negotiations to Coussan ahead of the vote.“I'm really sure he didn't know that I was gonna sell any land to Entergy because I was under an NDA, and I couldn't say anything to him anyway,” Morris said.The NDA (nondisclosure agreement) is a previously undisclosed fact: Morris indicated he had a confidential commercial relationship with Entergy when he contacted Coussan — one that obligated him not to discuss his pending business with the company. Under Louisiana ethics law, the question is not whether he was allowed to discuss the deal, but whether he should have disclosed his personal financial interest to the regulator as part of that conversation.Morris also sold rights of way to Entergy across four other properties he owns for the company to build transmission lines and, in one case, establish an access road and lay water, sewer and other utility lines.How much Entergy paid Morris for the property and rights of way remains unclear — neither he nor Franklin disclosed the values of any of their land deals when asked by Floodlight. But when property values rise, it drives up the prices that companies like Entergy must pay landowners to build across their land. Under state law, the legal standard of “just compensation” requires Entergy to pay an amount consistent with the land’s value.And property values beside the data center have skyrocketed.“I would argue just compensation is a lot different now than it was before all this started,” Franklin Jr. explained.Due to another new law passed that same year, and which Morris voted for, the roughly $12 million the state received from selling land to Meta went back to a special fund that LED controls and can use as it sees fit to advance similar economic development projects around the state.The Meta deal is the first of several similar Landry-administration projects moving through LED on the same statutory authority Morris helped create. Landry’s office did not respond to Floodlight’s request for comment.Over recent years, the Louisiana Legislature has weakened ethics laws, according to Roberts. Because of that, “ it is imperative on the public to be substantially more aware of potential unethical or questionable actions, and to demand more from their elected officials,” she said.When asked how he responds to experts alleging that his conduct violated ethics rules, Morris replied:“They're wrong. I would guess whoever you talked to probably has an axe to grind or is politically opposed to me, to what I do. But they're free to turn me into the ethics board, which I'm sure would do nothing.“But if they think it's egregious, why haven't they turned me in?”This story was published in collaboration with Verite News and the Louisiana Illuminator.This story was produced by Floodlight and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning until WED 12:30 PM CDT Severe Thunderstorms Bringing Damaging Winds and Heavy Rain This Afternoon
	River Drive, Moline, reopens June 12; part of 4th Avenue closing June 15 for viaduct bridge project Drivers heading through downtown Moline will be able to access River Drive again, just as another street closes for a viaduct bridge project. River Drive will reopen to traffic by the end of the day on Friday, June 12. This is a major milestone in the city’s 16th Street Viaduct Bridge Project. Work now transitions [...]
	If your parents have allergies, what are the chances you will too? If your parents have allergies, what are the chances you will too?When families notice similar allergic reactions appearing across generations, it naturally raises questions about whether allergies run in the family. The answer is both yes and no. While allergies do have a significant genetic component, their inheritance is far more complex than simply passing down a single trait. Understanding this genetic connection involves recognizing how multiple genes, environmental factors, and timing all work together to influence whether someone develops allergies. Doctronic knows this knowledge can empower families to take proactive steps in managing and potentially preventing allergic conditions across generations.Key TakeawaysAllergies have a strong genetic component, with children having a 25%-35% chance of developing allergies if one parent has them.Multiple genes work together to create allergic predisposition rather than a single "allergy gene."Environmental factors interact with genetic susceptibility to determine whether allergies actually develop.Different types of allergies show varying inheritance patterns, and specific allergens don't always match between family members.The Genetic Foundation of AllergiesAllergies follow what scientists call a "multifactorial inheritance pattern," meaning multiple genes contribute to allergic susceptibility rather than a single gene determining everything. Research has identified numerous genetic variations that influence how immune systems respond to potential allergens, particularly genes controlling immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody production, which plays a central role in allergic reactions.The most significant inherited factor is "atopy," the general tendency to develop allergic diseases like asthma, eczema, and various environmental or food allergies. Statistical evidence strongly supports genetic influence: Children with one allergic parent have approximately a 25%-35% chance of developing allergies, while those with two allergic parents face a 60%-70% likelihood. However, inheriting genetic predisposition doesn't guarantee allergy development, nor does it determine which specific triggers will cause reactions.Scientists have discovered that genetic markers in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system play crucial roles in allergic susceptibility. These genes help the immune system distinguish between harmful and harmless substances. When variations occur in these genes, individuals may be more likely to mistakenly identify benign substances like pollen, certain foods, or pet dander as threats. This genetic framework provides the foundation for understanding allergies and their varied manifestations across different individuals and families.Environmental Triggers and Gene ExpressionWhile genetics provides the blueprint for allergic tendencies, environmental factors serve as switches that determine whether genetic predispositions actually become active allergies. This gene-environment interaction explains why identical twins with the same DNA don't always develop identical allergic profiles. Timing, intensity, and type of allergen exposure, combined with other environmental influences, dramatically affect whether genetic susceptibilities manifest as actual allergic conditions.Early childhood experiences prove particularly critical in this process. The hygiene hypothesis suggests that reduced exposure to microbes and pathogens in early life may contribute to increased allergic tendencies in genetically predisposed individuals. Conversely, controlled early exposure to certain allergens during specific developmental windows might help prevent allergies, even in children with strong genetic predispositions. This phenomenon has been particularly observed with food allergies, where introducing potential allergens like peanuts during infancy may reduce later allergy development.Additional environmental factors influencing gene expression include air pollution, smoking exposure, dietary patterns during pregnancy and early childhood, birth method, and antibiotic use in infancy. These factors can alter gut microbiome development and immune system maturation, potentially activating or suppressing genetic tendencies toward allergic reactions. For families seeking to minimize environmental triggers, there are easy steps to avoid allergies at home that can provide practical guidance for creating healthier living environments.Different Allergy Types Show Varying Inheritance PatternsFood allergies demonstrate strong genetic components, but inheritance patterns can be unpredictable regarding specific allergens. A parent with shellfish allergies might have a child who develops completely different food allergies, such as dairy or egg sensitivities. This occurs because what's inherited is the general tendency toward food allergic reactions rather than sensitivity to specific foods. Understanding food allergies and intolerances can help families navigate these complex inheritance patterns.Respiratory allergies, including asthma and hay fever, show some of the strongest genetic correlations. Children of parents with asthma have significantly higher rates of developing the condition themselves, and specific genetic variations have been identified that increase susceptibility to both asthma and environmental allergies. However, triggers can vary dramatically within families. Understanding whether you have allergies, asthma, or allergic asthma helps families recognize different manifestations of inherited allergic tendencies.Contact allergies and severe reactions like insect sting allergies show more variable inheritance patterns, often depending heavily on exposure and individual immune variations that may not closely mirror parental patterns.Practical Family Management StrategiesUnderstanding genetic components empowers families to take proactive approaches to allergy prevention and management. Parents with allergies should inform healthcare providers about family allergy history, as this information helps doctors make informed decisions about testing, treatment, and prevention strategies. Early awareness allows for closer monitoring of potential symptoms and rapid intervention when reactions occur.Families can develop comprehensive management plans that account for genetic risks while addressing environmental factors. This might include household allergen control strategies, careful timing of potentially allergenic food introduction, and recognition of early warning signs. Some families benefit from genetic counseling, especially when dealing with severe or multiple allergic conditions, to understand inheritance risks and make informed family planning decisions. Doctronic Frequently Asked QuestionsIf I have allergies, will my child definitely develop them too?No, allergies aren't guaranteed to pass to children. While genetic predisposition increases the likelihood, environmental factors play crucial roles. Children with one allergic parent have about a 25%-35% chance of developing allergies, not certainty.Can children develop different allergies from those their parents have?Yes, children often develop different specific allergies from their parents. What's inherited is the general tendency toward allergic reactions, not sensitivity to particular allergens. A parent with peanut allergies might have a child with environmental allergies instead.Do allergies always appear in childhood if they're genetic?Not necessarily. While many allergies appear in childhood, some can develop later in life, even with a genetic predisposition. Environmental exposures, stress, hormonal changes, and other factors can trigger allergies at any age in genetically susceptible individuals.Can anything be done to prevent allergies in genetically predisposed children?Yes, several strategies may help. These include controlled early allergen introduction, maintaining healthy gut bacteria, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use, and creating allergen-controlled environments. However, prevention isn't always possible despite best efforts.Are some types of allergies more genetic than others?Yes, eczema shows the strongest genetic component (60%-80% inheritance), followed by asthma and environmental allergies. Food allergies and contact allergies show more variable inheritance patterns, often influenced heavily by environmental exposure and individual factors.The Bottom LineAllergies do have a significant genetic component, but inheritance involves complex interactions between multiple genes and environmental factors rather than simple direct transmission. While having allergic parents increases a child's risk, it doesn't determine their allergic future. Understanding this genetic foundation, combined with awareness of environmental influences and why certain allergies make people feel tired, enables families to take informed, proactive approaches to prevention and management. Knowledge about understanding and managing drug allergies and other allergies helps families navigate their genetic predispositions effectively.This story was produced by Doctronic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	When AI customer support fails, here’s how you pay the price When AI customer support fails, here’s how you pay the priceIt's a familiar frustration: You need help from a company, so you click the chat button. Instead of a human, you get a chatbot that doesn't understand your question. It gives you an answer that doesn't apply. You try again. Nothing. Finally, you look for a phone number. The line rings and rings, and a message eventually tells you the wait time is 47 minutes.Here's what most likely happened: The chatbot failed so badly the company had to shut it down. Now every customer waiting for an instant response is on hold with overwhelmed human agents.This type of scenario is happening at major companies right now. And according to new research from Sinch, it's far more common than most people realize.Below, Sinch examines the impact of AI customer support failures, both for companies and consumers.Three in four deployed AI chatbots have already failedAI chatbot failure is the norm, not the exception.Sixty-two percent of organizations have already deployed AI agents across their customer channels. By the end of 2026, 88% plan to have them live. But most of them have already hit a wall.Seventy-four percent of those that deployed AI chatbots have had to shut them down or roll them back due to failures. That's not a small percentage of early adopters hitting snags. That's the norm. Sinch And it isn't unique to one industry or region. The pattern holds steady across every sector studied — financial services, healthcare, retail, technology — and across every geography from North America to Asia.Interestingly, among organizations with fully mature guardrails and monitoring, the failure rate is even higher: 81%. More governance doesn't prevent issues. It surfaces them.When an AI chatbot breaks, here’s what breaks with itWhen a company's AI chatbot fails in production, the impact splits in multiple directions.The support queue surges.This is cited by 35% of companies as the primary impact of a chatbot going down. Support teams are suddenly responsible for 100% of the load the AI was carrying, and customers are stuck on hold or left with unanswered questions.The brand takes a hit.Customers interact with a chatbot that's still technically "live" but seriously broken. It confidently gives them wrong information about their account or order status, or responds in a way no human representative would. These “hallucinations” account for 22% of AI failure instances.Even scarier, it might also disclose customer personal information during the interaction. This is what happens in 31% of AI failure cases.When failures occur, 34% of companies report reputational damage and loss of customer trust that's permanent or hard to undo. Sinch Engineering teams are firefighting, not innovating.The research found that 84% of AI engineering teams spend at least half their time rebuilding basic AI guardrails from scratch because their infrastructure doesn't provide them natively.Context preservation, for instance, is a capability that 55% of companies have to custom-build to ensure conversations flow seamlessly as customers move from channel to channel — AI chat to phone call to WhatsApp.Companies invested in AI to improve customer experience and operational efficiency, but every hour an engineer spends rebuilding basics that should exist natively is an hour they're not spending toward the features customers actually want.The foundation AI relies on was never built for thisIt’s not the AI. It’s the infrastructure underneath it.Research shows that one factor predicts AI deployment success more reliably than anything else: the quality of the infrastructure underneath it. And businesses are well-aware: 87% rate high-performance communications infrastructure as essential or very important.Yet 90% report that their infrastructure falls short in at least one meaningful area:Forty-two percent report insufficient reliability for AI at scale.Thirty-seven percent can't move conversations between channels smoothly.Thirty-four percent struggle to connect their chatbot to other business tools.This is where the high AI failure rate identified by the research originates. Most companies have been building AI on top of a foundation not designed for it.Patching and rebuilding AI safety features from scratch, no matter how carefully, isn’t fixing the real issue if the underlying layer can’t support AI production at scale. But companies aren’t blind to this reality, and the reset is coming.AI success is in the foundationMost companies understand that their AI ambitions have simply outgrown what their current systems can handle. Eighty-six percent report they’ve started exploring alternative vendors in the past year. Among companies that already had a chatbot failure, 91% are actively shopping around.When evaluating new options, they're focused on one thing first: reliability.And when businesses rebuild on reliable ground, it can make all the difference:Chatbots stay live: No more failures tank the support queue.Personal information stays private: Security is built into the systems, not bolted on top of it.Conversations flow across channels: The AI remembers context.Better features, faster: With their engineers freed from endless firefighting, businesses can actually focus on improving what matters to customers.When a company has to shut down its chatbot, they don't just lose business. They lose your trust. As companies rebuild AI on the right foundations, you'll notice, and the companies that do it right will be the ones you actually want to use.This story was produced by Sinch and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning until WED 12:30 PM CDT Severe Thunderstorms with Damaging Winds Impacting the Area Until 12:30 PM CDT
	2026 Doodle Folk Music Festival, June 13 On June 13, visitors to Bishop Hill's Village Park are invited to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday by enjoying the 2026 Doodle Folk Music Festival, a day of outdoor events located in a bucolic, historic village of the 1840s.
	Clinton City Council rejects data center moratorium Council members voted 5-2 against the moratorium, which would have halted a proposed data center from Quality Technology Services using about 1,000 acres.
	AI is changing how financial advisors work. Regulators are paying attention. AI is changing how financial advisors work. Regulators are paying attention.AI has swept up the world of financial advising, albeit with a slow start. A 2023 University of Chicago study found that, among the professions surveyed, financial advisors were the lowest in AI adoption both at work and at home. Three years later, new data from the Ezra Group shows that at least 70% of advisors in its sample now use AI for notetaking. That sweeping change is a result of a number of factors, ranging from the pressure to do more with less to vast improvements in AI tooling. But with adoption at scale comes a new question: Are these tools actually appropriate for such a highly regulated industry?Consumer sentiment around AI ranges from skepticism to a full embrace. The skeptics have a point: Clients worry about data privacy, and the use of shoddy AI tools can result in client data being exposed to bad actors. In fact, 79% of clients in one survey would be upset if their advisor used AI without telling them.Advisors using purpose-built AI tools, however, are not only assuaging clients’ concerns but also outperforming in client experience metrics. Jump’s 2026 Financial Advisor Insights report shows that certain AI tools (usage of which, as a default, is disclosed to clients) point to higher client sentiment when advisors use AI in meetings to take notes, build premeeting briefs, and capture post-meeting tasks. The result is an advisor who is more present in meetings, who can surface previously hidden insights, and who creates more efficient workflows in their firms.The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) released its 2026 report with a dedicated section to GenAI for the first time. While their core position is technologically neutral, the existing rules around supervision, books and records, communications, and fair dealing apply equally when AI is involved. The report outlines three specific areas of focus: Vendor due diligence, AI communications and retention, and AI agent governance. Put simply, these aren’t actually new regulations, but the same industry regulations that applied to CRMs and digital communications.The FINRA regulations directly address the challenge of advisors using “shadow AI”: general-purpose consumer tools, such as Claude or ChatGPT, used without firm approval, where there is a risk for actual exposure. This might look like uploading a meeting transcript to a large language model (LLM) or downloading a free notetaking tool. These tools weren’t built for regulated environments because they don’t factor in data governance, retention policies, human oversight layers, or contractual protections.By contrast, the platforms built specifically for financial advisors are designed exactly around the requirements FINRA outlines, which means firms that select purpose-built have compliance built into their DNA. The record rate of adoption of these industry-specific tools is a testament to how these tools improve the advisor and client experiences, rather than putting them at risk.Both the question around compliance and client experience point in the same direction: tools purpose-built for this industry, with governance built in, are the ones that hold up. Advisors don’t have to choose between being productive and being compliant. Industry-specific tools ensure advisors can do both.This story was produced by Jump and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The most affordable states for retirees: 3 factors to consider The most affordable states for retirees: 3 factors to considerEvery year across America, millions move to a different state. Roughly 20% of the population did so in 2022, and that also held true for retirees in 2025. Some are drawn by the weather, the lifestyle, or simply a desire to be closer to family and friends. However, for many, affordability also plays a role. That’s especially true for retirees living on a fixed income or for those simply trying to maintain their standard of living over a retirement that could last as long as 30 years.What Makes Retirement Affordable?So, what makes one state more affordable than another? For employees making this assessment, The Retirement Group advises taking three key factors into consideration: state taxes, the cost of living, and the cost of long-term care.1. State TaxesAfter spending years saving up for retirement, some investors are surprised to discover that withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts, such as 401(k) plans and IRAs, are taxable. Employees looking to mitigate this tax burden can do so by moving to a state that doesn’t tax retirement income. As of 2026, 13 states fell into this category: Alaska, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.Yet, other taxes may apply to different types of retirement income, such as pensions and Social Security benefits. Additionally, states tax more than just retirement income, levying fees on goods such as retail sales, owned property, and fuel. This makes it important to consider each state’s overall tax structure.To facilitate this type of comparison, the Tax Foundation annually reviews individual income, sales, corporate, property, wealth, unemployment insurance, use, and excise taxes in each state to compile its State Tax Competitiveness Index. For 2026, the 10 most tax-friendly states are Alaska, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Montana, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. States of particular note include:Alaska and New Hampshire, which both have no individual income tax or state sales taxFlorida, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming, which have no individual income taxMontana, which does not charge sales tax2. The Cost of LivingAlthough high taxes can impact retirement lifestyles, they aren’t the only factor to consider when it comes to affordability. The cost of living is also a critical consideration. At a high level, a cost-of-living index (COLI) calculates how much money people need to cover basic expenses such as food, housing, health care, utilities, transportation, and clothing.Not surprisingly, the largest expenditure is on housing and housing-related costs, which account for roughly 35% of Americans’ spending. This is followed by transportation, food (including groceries and eating out), and health care. However, the relative amounts allocated to each of those expenses vary by state. For 2026, the states with the lowest cost of living include Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and West Virginia.Notably, despite these state-level rankings, cost of living can differ considerably from one city to the next. So even within the same state, it may cost more to live in an urban neighborhood than a rural area. Fortune 500 retirees looking to hone in on specific cities might consider Huntsville, Alabama; Davenport, Iowa; Wichita, Kansas; or Oklahoma City.3. The Cost of Long-Term CareAlthough it can be hard to contemplate, someone turning 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care during their remaining years. This may include in-home care, nursing homes, or assisted living communities. Given these realities, employees looking for affordable states for retirees may want to factor the costs of care into their calculations.Looking at national averages, nursing home care typically costs the most per year, followed by in-home care from a nonmedical caregiver. Assisted living communities tend to offer the most cost-effective option. However, like all other costs, these expenses vary by state. States that feature the lowest annual costs for long-term care include: The Retirement Group Finding the Sweet Spot of Retirement AffordabilityGiven the multitude of factors that can affect financial well-being, the states that are most affordable may differ for each retiree. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what an individual or family values.Those who prioritize lower taxes may be willing to live in states with a higher cost of living. Retirees more concerned about affordable long-term care may be willing to pay higher taxes. And employees looking for the sweet spot may prefer to find a state that finds a balance between tax, cost of living, and long-term care affordability. The following comparison table may help: The Retirement Group More Than Money: Looking Beyond AffordabilityWith 67% of Americans concerned about outliving their savings, finding an affordable state to retire is critical. However, the decision to move to a new location during retirement generally involves more than a financial analysis. It’s also important to consider factors such as access to health care and quality of life.According to the United Health Foundation’s 2025 Annual Report, the states that offer the healthiest physical and social environments, the best clinical care, and the highest health outcomes include Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Utah, and Vermont. Only one of these (New Hampshire) ranks as an affordable state to retire. That said, several of the more affordable states still get honorable mentions when it comes to health rankings, including Washington (#7), Iowa (#17), and South Dakota (#23).Quality of life also matters, taking into account elements such as residents’ well-being, percentage of seniors in the population, mild weather, crime rates, and access to parks and golf courses. Using these metrics, states with high quality of life include Florida, Hawai‘i, Maine, Montana, and Wyoming—with Florida, Montana, and Wyoming also ranking well for affordability.Making a Smart MoveThe decision to relocate for retirement is not one that should be made lightly. While retirees may be able to stretch their dollars further by moving to a more affordable state, it’s important to understand the potential trade-offs. Lower taxes could save money, but tax laws are subject to change. The same is true for a low cost of living, especially in a macroeconomic environment subject to volatility and inflationary pressure.Disclosures: Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.This story was produced by The Retirement Group and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport man charged with sexual abuse A Davenport man is facing over a dozen charges including sexual abuse and indecent exposure.
	Legacy stone program at Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda's Club honors those lost to cancer June is Cancer Survivorship Month and while it’s a reason to celebrate for many, it can be challenging for those who have lost a loved one to cancer. Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club is hosting a legacy stone painting program on June 24 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Gilda’s [...]
	Quad Cities job market holds steady despite national inflation pressures, chamber says While the Quad Cities job market remains stable with booming construction, local businesses face severe pressure from high fuel and material costs.
	Will AI replace therapists? What experts say Will AI replace therapists? What experts sayThe rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like ChatGPT and Gemini, has led some people to wonder if AI can support mental health. With easy access, low cost, and around-the-clock availability, AI tools are a convenient and appealing option. Recent social media trends have also added to the growing curiosity, leaving many wondering, "Can AI replace therapists?“AI can be a great tool, but not a replacement for many things,” says Talkspace therapist Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C. “And while AI is somewhat intuitive, it is also broad. Therapy provides a uniquely individual experience, and without human professionalism grounding the practice, AI cannot simulate or replace the deeper connection rooted in an authentic human perspective.”While AI tools may be able to offer helpful support, they’re not a true replacement for the human connection, insight, and care that real human therapists provide. In this article, Talkspace explores what AI can (and can’t) do to support mental wellness and why experts say licensed therapists will continue to be essential for deep and lasting healing.How is AI Currently Used in Mental Health Care?AI is increasingly being used to support mental health, but its role is limited to basic guidance, education, and administrative help — not replacing human therapists.Chatbots and self-help toolsA mental health chatbot is an AI tool that uses natural language processing to simulate conversation, offer coping suggestions, and guide users through structured exercises. These tools can provide basic support but cannot replicate human empathy or clinical judgment.Mental health chatbots aren’t as new as you may think. Researchers developed ELIZA, the first mental health chatbot, in the 1960s. With the rapid development of AI, several other chatbots have become available specifically to support mental health. However, some people have also tried to use free AI tools, like ChatGPT, as therapists or self-help tools.AI therapist chatbots use natural language processing and machine learning technology to simulate natural conversations and learn more about you over time. These tools may help some users manage everyday stress, build their emotional awareness, and practice simple coping skills. Some mental health chatbots can also offer structured programs based on therapeutic techniques, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).AI mental health chatbots can be a helpful tool as an add-on to therapy or as a low-pressure starting point for some people who aren’t ready or able to see a therapist.Clinical support toolsMental health clinicians can use AI tools behind the scenes for extra support to free up more time to spend with their clients. Not only can AI tools help therapists with administrative tasks, but some tools can also help therapists track a patient’s progress, diagnose some mental health conditions early, and develop personalized treatment plans.Strengths of AI for TherapyAI tools can make mental health support more accessible and consistent, especially for basic coping skills and daily habits. While these tools can’t replace in-person psychotherapy, they can still provide meaningful support.Some of the reasons people may turn to AI tools for mental health support include:24/7 availability: AI mental health chatbots are always available and can offer support even on nights and weekends.Low-cost or free options: Many AI tools are free or cost much less than traditional therapy, making them more accessible for people with financial or insurance limitations.Easy to access: To use AI mental health tools, you need only an internet connection and a smartphone or computer.Anonymity: For those who feel nervous about opening up to another person or held back by the stigma of therapy, AI chatbots can be a more anonymous, low-pressure way to begin a mental health journey.Basic mental health education: AI tools can help explain mental health terms and diagnoses in a simple, conversational way.Habit tracking: AI-powered mental health apps can offer tools to help you track your mood, sleep, and other habits to help identify trends.Support between therapy sessions: AI mental health tools can provide encouragement and reinforcement between ongoing therapy sessions to help keep you consistent.“Because AI has the ability to prompt, it can be used to motivate thoughts or practices in order to initiate positive behaviors,” Keohan says. “For example, self-care, often encouraged to manage mental health struggles, can be difficult to practice if anxious or depressed. But, AI can certainly serve to provide ideas, actions, or steps to improve or initiate positive behavior changes. Again, a reminder that it can serve as an effective tool.”Where AI Falls Short for TherapyWhile AI tools for mental health can be convenient, they still have some major limitations you should be aware of.Here are the key limitations of using AI for therapy:No empathy or real human understanding.Cannot diagnose or assess complex situations.No ethical or legal accountability.High risk of misunderstandings or biased responses.Lack of empathy and relational bondOne of the most important limitations of AI tools for mental health is the lack of a genuine human connection. In traditional therapy, therapists can form a collaborative and trusting bond with their clients, also called a therapeutic alliance. This relationship and trust lay the foundation to help explore feelings, heal, and grow. Research has found that a strong bond between a therapist and client is one of the best predictors of successful treatment and the ability to stick to a treatment plan.Although AI mental health tools can generate helpful and sometimes insightful messages that sound like a therapist, they can not truly understand your human emotions or unique perspective.Inability to diagnose complex casesIt’s important to remember that AI tools can’t diagnose mental health conditions, especially when your case is complex. AI tools can offer general support and suggestions, but they don’t have the training and clinical judgment to provide a diagnosis. Additionally, AI tools can miss warning signs that you’re at risk for harm or in a crisis. Only a trained mental health professional is able to evaluate you and make a diagnosis.Human therapists use their extensive training and lived experiences to understand emotional nuance, ask appropriate follow-up questions, and consider the context of your life before making a diagnosis. As of 2025, there isn’t an AI tool approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to diagnose mental health conditions.No legal or ethical accountability like licensed therapistsLicensed therapists follow strict professional and ethical guidelines set by experts and enforced by state licensing boards. These rules are designed to protect your safety, privacy, and well-being while you’re in therapy.AI tools often aren’t held accountable to the same rules. That means if you get advice from an AI tool that’s incorrect, confusing, or harmful, there isn’t currently any system in place to protect you. There are no oversight measures in place to help make sure people get quality care.Risk of misinterpretation or harm without human oversightAI chatbots use patterns in language to understand you and generate a response that sounds natural and conversational. Since AI responses are based on patterns and not lived experience, the AI chatbot may misunderstand what you're saying or respond in a way that misses the meaning behind your words.In some cases, AI responses can seem stereotyped or insensitive. That’s because AI reflects the data it was trained on, which can include biases. If you’re struggling emotionally, a response that doesn’t match your questions or a biased response can make you feel misunderstood.“There is no replacement for the human connection,” Keohan says “Ultimately, talk therapy can hone our skills to improve not only our relationships with ourselves but also with others. Without a human perspective, we lack orientation in real time and the opportunity to practice what we need to improve our relationships. As well, it is only in the human experience that a trained eye can be trusted regarding confidence in the assessment of safety, always primary in evaluating mental health.”The Unique Value of Human TherapistsHuman therapists offer empathy, intuition, and real-world experience that AI cannot replicate, making them essential for effective mental health treatment.Emotional nuance, lived experience, nonverbal cuesLicensed therapists use their training and human connection to understand what you’re going through. They can pick up on emotional nuance, your body language, and tone of voice to read between the lines. A therapist’s lived experience and emotional intuition help them to respond to you with empathy and insight to create a safe and supportive space.“Mental health professionals are trained in clinical assessment, which observes mental status orientation; this includes considerations like insight, judgement, tone, but also affect, eye contact, and mood,” Keohan says. “These nuances are not only important to making a clear and appropriate diagnosis, but so vital to understanding how a person communicates and more importantly, how they ‘feel’ about what they are sharing in therapy. AI simply cannot answer the following question from a client: “Do you get what I mean?” Only a human therapist can and to that end, offer insight regarding the true gravity of what the client is sharing."Therapeutic alliance: Why trust and rapport matterThe trust and rapport that lay the foundation of a good therapeutic alliance are at the heart of effective therapy. When you feel safe and understood, you’re more likely to open up and engage in the therapy process. A strong therapeutic alliance helps your therapist tailor care that meets your unique needs.Flexibility and adaptive care in crisisTherapists can adapt their approach based on how you’re feeling in the moment. During a crisis, this flexibility allows therapists to provide immediate and personalized support to best meet your needs and escalate when needed.Will AI Replace Therapists in the Future?No. AI will not replace therapists now or in the future because it cannot build a therapeutic alliance, manage crises, or provide personalized, relational care.Only a therapist can provide the personalized care needed for successful therapy. A 2025 study looked at how advanced AI chatbots work in a mental health setting. Researchers found that AI chatbots expressed stigmas, often responded inappropriately to critical situations, and couldn’t safely or effectively replicate the bond between a therapist and client.“I think AI can continue to serve as a tool, and or an assistant; it can help organize thoughts, and even perhaps document with efficiency, but only a human professional lends the authenticity needed to facilitate life experiences,” Keohan says.It’s important to remember that the limitations of artificial intelligence therapy mean that humans will continue to be an essential part of the therapy process.When to Use AI vs. When to See a TherapistAI tools are best for basic education and habit-building, while therapists are essential for emotional, relational, and clinical support. Understanding the difference can help you choose the approach that matches your needs. Here’s how the two compare.AI tools may help if you want:Basic education about mental health.Mood, sleep, or habit tracking.Coping prompts and reminders.A low-pressure introduction to mental health support.Between-session support alongside therapy.A human therapist is a better choice if you need:Emotional connection and empathy.Help with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or relationship issues.Clinical diagnosis or treatment plans.Crisis support or safety evaluation.Personalized care based on your lived experience.AI tools can be a good starting point or a helpful supplement to therapy, but they’re not a replacement for the depth and safety of human therapy.This story was produced by Talkspace and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Self-care for kids: 6 ways to self-regulate Self-care for kids: 6 ways to self-regulateSelf-care is the practice of taking care of your emotional well-being, and it’s not something most kids think about too much. But, just like adults, kids can get stressed. And they don’t always have strategies to calm down in the face of stress and anxiety. Especially if they have ADHD, which affects executive function skills like self-regulation. That’s the ability to manage your emotions, behavior, and body movement when you’re faced with a tough situation.That’s why it’s so important to teach kids self-care and emotional regulation strategies. These are skills that develop over time and with practice. And being able to soothe yourself is an important step to being more resilient.Both adults and educators can help model useful self-care and regulation tools, according to clinical psychologist Stephanie M. Carlson, Ph.D. Understood shares six self-care activities kids can use to self-regulate (without needing adults to do it with them or for them).1. Try a mindfulness methodMindfulness is the practice of calming your mind to be more present in the moment. Research shows that teaching mindfulness can help kids develop self-regulation,opens in a new tab and improve behavior and focus. It can be especially valuable for kids with ADHD, anxiety, or learning disabilities.Kids as young as 3 years old can try mindful techniques. Like the 5-4-3-2-1 method, which helps kids focus more on what’s happening around them and less on any anxious thoughts they may be having.Here’s how the 5-4-3-2-1 method works. First, take a deep breath and focus on what’s around you. Then, name the following:5 things you can see: Look at a desk, a clock, or a water stain on the ceiling. It doesn’t matter how large or small.4 things you can feel or touch: Pay attention to the pencil you’re holding, your shirt, or even the ground under your feet.3 things you can hear: Listen to the tick of the clock, the buzz of an overhead light, or the sound of your own breathing.2 things you can smell: Sniff your hands for a whiff of soap or sunscreen.1 thing you can taste: Sip something. Even water has a taste to it. 2. Use starfish breathingThe goal of this self-care activity is to slow down your thoughts by focusing on breathing and touch. Starfish breathing and belly breathing allow you to notice and name feelings before reacting to them.Here’s how starfish breathing works:Hold out one hand with your fingers spread wide, like a starfish.With the other hand, use your index (pointer) finger to trace the “starfish” around the fingers.Start at the wrist and breathe in while slowly tracing from the outside of your thumb to the top of your thumb.Inhale through your nose for the whole upward tracing movement.Then breathe out through your mouth while tracing down toward the inside of the thumb.Continue breathing and tracing the whole starfish.If kids are sensitive to touch, or find it challenging to do starfish breathing, try belly breathing instead.Here’s how belly breathing works:Lie on your back on the floor and put your hand on your belly.Breathe in through your nose for three seconds (“one hippopotamus, two hippopotamus, three hippopotamus”) and feel your hand rise.Then breathe out through your mouth for three seconds and feel your hand fall.Repeat four times. 3. Repeat an affirmationAn affirmation is an empowering statement that you can repeat to yourself in times of stress. It might be “I can only do my best” or “I know I can do this.” Or it could be something more personal. According to research, these types of positive affirmations can reduce stressopens in a new tab and even boost grades for kids as young as 11 years old.Children can ask family members and other adults to help them come up with an affirmation.For toddlers, Carlson recommends affirmations rooted in feeling safe, like “My body is safe.” “It’s OK to let my tears out.” Or “I can hold my blanket tight.”For preschoolers, you can try an affirmation that encourages reflection, like “I can pause.” Or “I can try a different way.”School-age kids can try affirmations about recognizing emotions, like “I’m in charge of how I choose to react.” 4. Take a play breakPlay is a powerful thing. Physical activity, indoors and outdoors, does wonders for helping kids refocus and self-regulate. Exercise increases blood flow to the brainopens in a new tab, which makes it easier to think clearly. That’s one reason why recess is so beneficial, especially for kids with ADHD.Pretend play — like playing house or dressing up in costumes — isn’t just fun. It builds everything from communication and creativity to social and emotional skills, including self-regulation. Fantastical, imaginative play can also be beneficial for developing executive function skills, like flexible thinking, Carlson points out. “When children pretend to be characters, they naturally practice rule-following, cognitive flexibility, and the perspective-taking necessary for independent emotional self-care,” she says.Best of all, pretend play can look as simple as playing restaurant or pretending to be pirates searching for buried treasure. The opportunities are endless.5. Rock or rollIf a child is experiencing strong emotions or sensory overload, rocking or swaying can help calm their nervous system. It can be extremely comforting. In fact, it’s common for babies and toddlers to rock or sway as a way to self-soothe. This typically decreases as kids get older.Here’s how kids can try rocking and swaying for self-regulation:Rock in a rocking chair or swivel in a swivel chair.Lie stomach down on an exercise ball and roll back and forth.Sway back and forth to soft music. 6. Get creativeJournaling, drawing, or even talking out loud to yourself can help you self-regulate. And according to Carson, art can be especially helpful for developing the executive function skill of self-reflection.Here are some creative prompts, recommended by Carlson, that kids can respond to:“Draw a worry cloud on paper, then use bright paint to create a shield around the cloud to keep it safe.”“Paint a picture of your favorite cartoon character taking care of themself when they’re scared.”“Scribble out all the messy feelings inside a circle, then add arms, legs, or a tail to turn that scribble into an animal.”“Paint lines as slowly as you can to music.”You can also try something as simple as having kids respond to the prompt, “Draw what you see in your head.” Why? Seeing or hearing what’s on your mind can help you step back from what you’re worried about. It can help you separate facts from emotions and reflect on how to handle a problem. Sometimes, it’s less about figuring out a solution and more about understanding what seems so hard or overwhelming.Additional reporting by Brittany Leitner.This story was produced by Understood and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	NM U.S. Rep. Vasquez introduces bill to create visa pathway for qualified caregivers Female caregiver helping elderly female patient to stand up at care home (Photo illustration by Dean Mitchell via Getty Images)U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) introduced a bill this week that would create a visa pathway for caregivers to work in the U.S., addressing a shortage in workers that particularly impacts New Mexico. The Careworker Visa Act, cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-P.A.), would create a three-year work authorization opportunity for qualified childcare providers, eldercare workers and in-home caregivers, giving approved applicants legal status and filling much needed positions. “It is an economic bill in the sense that it frees up parents and caretakers to be able to pursue job opportunities and educational opportunities,” Vasquez said in a virtual press conference Tuesday. “This is an immigration reform bill. We know that the majority of our caregivers in the state of New Mexico, and a whole bunch all across the country, come from immigrant backgrounds, are immigrants themselves or are undocumented.” Vasquez said the bill would open 100,000 visa positions annually. He added that despite New Mexico’s commitment to universal child care, thousands of caregiver positions remain unfilled leaving many without access to care. New Mexico is also projected to have one of the highest percentages of residents aged 65 and older within the next few years. New Mexico state aging agency requests public input on five-year dementia care plan According to a news release from Vasquez’s office, the cost of childcare has increased by about 8% since 2024 and in-home eldercare costs have increased by about 10%. Qualified caregivers would be able to apply from their countries of origin or if they have been in the U.S. since 2024, pass a background check and pay a $500 fee and taxes. Those who are granted the W visa could renew their visas after three years or apply for permanent residency. Qualified employers would include individuals and families employing careworkers in a private residence setting or small caregiving businesses with fewer than 25 employees. “Care is the work that makes all other work possible. It’s the foundation on which everything else in our economy and our society lies, and right now that foundation is cracking,” Ai-jen Poo, president of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, said during the press conference. Her organization endorsed the Careworker Visa Act. “Immigrant workers represent about a third of all care workers in our country. They are the very beating heart of our care system, and they have been for a long time.” Courtesy of Source New Mexico
	Same state, different city: Where locals and out-of-staters choose to move Same state, different city: Where locals and out-of-staters choose to moveDo state residents know something that newcomers don’t? Or do short-distance movers simply prefer different home bases compared with inbound newcomers?Whatever the reason, there’s a clear divide in many states between the most desirable moving destination city. And the difference hinges on the mover’s current location.Using searches from moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator, moveBuddha looked at 120,000 potential movers’ searches made between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026 to see where state residents vs. out-of-state movers were looking to land.Within states, movers often prioritize practicalities like price and jobs, according to the research. But when a move crosses state lines, perceived desirability and lifestyle often matter more.Key TakeawaysOutsiders and locals rarely agree on the top move-to city in their state. In-staters favor practicality, while newcomers favor desirability.Out-of-staters are far more decisive about where they want to go. Top destinations for interstate relocation see dramatically higher interest, like Wake Forest, North Carolina, and Conway, South Carolina, with in-to-out ratios over 4.5.Dream towns dominate the interstate list. Think Lewes, Delaware, Mesquite, Nevada, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Rancho Mirage, California, and Kingman, Arizona, all are ranked high despite having small populations. Lifestyle and retirement value are driving these searches, not job markets.In-staters are upgrading, not escaping. Ocala, Florida, wins among intrastate movers, drawing 3.74 Floridians to this affordable, mid-sized city away from the coast. Georgetown, Texas, Reno, Nevada, Spokane, Washington, and Asheville, North Carolina, also lead the intrastate list offering livability and lower costs without starting over.One State: Two Very Different Top DestinationsLansing or Holland, Michigan? Beaverton or Bend, Oregon?State residents have different priorities from those moving in, suggesting that residents and outsiders aren’t thinking the same about their moves. For the most part, newcomers are seeking cultural appeal, like Holland’s art walks and shoreside sunsets or Bend’s single-track biking and brewery vibes.To see those different priorities in focus, moveBuddha looked at the 20 states that produced a qualifying top destination.The result is a map that tells two stories: one of familiarity and one of outside perception.Out-of-Staters Are More DecisiveIn 17 of the 20 states (85%), the top interstate destination has a higher inbound-to-outbound ratio than the top intrastate destination. And interstate ratios average 2.47 new inbound moves for every outbound move, while among intrastate winners, the average is 1.53 (roughly 38% lower). moveBuddha Out of state movers are fueling some of the nation’s most popular spots in the Carolinas, with Wake Forest (4.68), and Conway (4.57), seeing the highest overall interstate interest. Both rate over 30% more interest from out-of-staters, compared to third-place Foley, Alabama (3.48).Outsider confidence is highest in South Carolina, where outsiders favor Conway 278% higher than Myrtle Beach, the preference among in-staters (with a much more modest move ratio of 1.21).Once an unsung inland cousin 20 miles northwest, today, Conway comes with picture-perfect charm, proximity to Coastal Carolina University, and not-too-far Myrtle Beach sunrises. It’s been the overall most desired move destination in South Carolina this year, but for some reason, locals aren’t paying as much attention.In North Carolina, the spread is almost as stark. Newcomers go to Wake Forest at a rate 230% higher than how often longstanding Tar Heels are heading to Asheville, despite the small city’s surging move interest in 2026.Together, Wake Forest and Conway average an interstate move ratio of 4.63, while the other interstate destinations in the table average about 2.23. That means that Carolina’s leaders are, on average, seeing more than four long-haul moving trucks turning onto their streets for every one leaving. moveBuddha Lifestyle Choices Dominate Out-of-State MovesWith an average population of about 48,500, the interstate darlings of Wake Forest, Conway, Foley, Bozeman, Montana, Bend, Coeur d’Alene, and Lewes show that Americans are perfectly happy saying adios to traffic jams, no matter where they’re moving.From beachfront Lewes to the nearly-coastal Foley or Conway, and ski towns Bend and Coeur d’Alene, out-of-staters are heading to places that are small but cool.There are some outliers: Wake Forest’s suburban-chic reputation outpaces in-staters’ artsier choice, Asheville. And Nashville’s southside suburb, Spring Hill, Tennessee, has a much stronger inbound skew (about 103% higher) among interstate movers than scenic, outdoorsy Chattanooga, where locals plan to move most.However, because our calculator is most often used for interstate moves, the signal for these longer-distance treks is strong, and it’s clear that interstate winners are overwhelmingly those with retirement appeal, outdoor recreation, and remote work cachet.Locals are Flocking to Familiar Cities with Everyday AppealOcala wins intrastate moving rates with a move ratio of 3.74. It’s about as far as you can get from dipping your toes in the surf anywhere in Florida. And it’s about 80 miles from the nearest large city, Orlando. So, why are residents gaga over this sprawling, horsey town with decidedly low-key ambiance?For one, the cost of living is 19% lower than elsewhere in Florida.Even younger in-staters are moving to mid-sized cities with room to grow. moveBuddha In Georgetown, bright lights and higher costs lie beyond the beltway. Houses here average 16% less than in Austin.For Gilbert, Arizona, the same long commute is justified by the newer, bigger homes. In Chattanooga, paddling on Lookout Creek beckons. In St. Paul, Minnesota, and Asheville, cultural offerings reinforce the pattern: In-state movers are nudging their way toward (relatively) affordable and more livable options.They’ll stay closer to state hubs, to family, and to networks. But they’ll opt for more house, more space, and better lifestyles in practical ways, without the need to box up everything and start fresh.In-State and Out-of-State Movers Show Their StyleOverall, state insiders are fine-tuning their lifestyles and optimizing bank accounts without uprooting everything. They’re willing to look into affordable mid-size sleeper cities. Mountain towns off the main highway. Suburbs further afield.But for those who are heading to an entirely new state, the risks are real. Interstate movers are acting like they have more to lose, and overwhelmingly heading to marquee cities, marching in the opposite direction from in-staters.Maybe, if everything else goes wrong, the beach, the snow, the Research Triangle’s job market — those will remain.Or maybe not: In a few years, they might just be packing up with their in-state compatriots and fine-tuning their own lifestyles.MethodologyFor the study, moveBuddha analyzed 120,000 move searches made through moveBuddha’s Moving Cost Calculator between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.To compare how moving preferences differ by origin, the researchers separated searches into two groups:Intrastate moves: searches from people moving within the same stateInterstate moves: searches from people moving into a state from somewhere elseTo improve reliability, the researchers only included cities with at least 20 move-in searches and 20 move-out searches. They also limited the analysis to cities with a positive inbound-to-outbound ratio, meaning more people were searching to move in than to move out. After applying those filters, the dataset included:1,097 cities with sufficient interstate move-search volume207 cities with sufficient intrastate move-search volumeFrom this moveBuddha was able to identify the top interstate city for relocation in 47 states and top intrastate city for relocation in 20 states.For this report, the researchers focus on the twenty states with both a top interstate and intrastate city for relocation.Because moveBuddha’s Moving Cost Calculator is most often used for longer-distance planning, interstate searches represent the more robust portion of the dataset. Additionally, this analysis measures search interest, not completed moves. Search behavior is an early indicator of relocation demand, but it should not be read as a final count of households that moved. moveBuddha This story was produced by moveBuddha and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The hidden costs of moving into a new home, and how to avoid them The hidden costs of moving into a new home, and how to avoid themBuying a home is exciting, but many homeowners underestimate the costs that come after closing. In fact, a 2024 survey conducted by Clever found 81% of homeowners say their expenses were higher than expected. According to a 2025 study by Zillow and Thumbtack, the hidden costs of home ownership average about $15,979 per year per home, with close to 70% spent on maintenance.Understanding potential expenses and creating a budget can help ease financial stress. Small home improvements can also help rein in costs, such as installing a programmable thermostat to lower energy bills, upgrading insulation, or investing in preventative systems like water softeners that protect your major appliances.This guide from Culligan breaks down the hidden costs of moving into a new home and how to avoid the ones you can.What moving can really cost once the surprises startEven careful buyers can be surprised once the real move-in math begins. Say a couple buys a $275,000 home with a $2,200 monthly mortgage and sets aside money for taxes and insurance. On paper, they feel prepared.Then the unexpected expenses begin to add up:The HVAC system needs an emergency repair.Utility deposits and setup fees hit at the same time as the moving bill.The new home costs more to heat and cool than expected.A few quick safety and functionality updates turn into a bigger weekend project.By month six, they are thousands over their original plan before touching furniture, landscaping or appliance replacement. That is the financial shock factor of moving. The mortgage may be predictable, but the surrounding costs often are not.Packing, moving and setup costsThe first costs usually appear before you unpack. Professional movers may charge for hourly minimums, travel time, stairs, long carries or heavy items. DIY moves can still come with truck rental fees, fuel, mileage, tolls, insurance add-ons and one-way surcharges.Packing supplies can also cost more than expected, especially if you need specialty boxes for dishes, artwork, mattresses or flat-screen TVs. Free boxes from local retailers or community groups can help, but it is still worth budgeting for tape, protective pads, bubble wrap and disposal fees for items you are not bringing with you.Once you arrive, setup fees can stack quickly. Electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet and cable may involve deposits, installation charges, equipment fees or prorated bills. If you are moving into a condo or apartment building, you may also need to pay for elevator reservations, parking permits or damage deposits.Home preparation and short-term repairsA walk-through of your new home can help you plan for repairs. Note any drywall repair, painting touch-ups, plumbing fixes and lock replacements that should be handled before moving in.Request quotes from professional house and carpet cleaners to get your place sparkling, or look into equipment rental if you're tackling the cleaning. During your initial deep clean, be sure to look for signs of hard water, such as chalky white buildup around sinks, tubs, showers and plumbing fixtures. These mineral deposits may require specialized cleaning products to remove and can also point to a larger hard water issue that may damage appliances, reduce water heater efficiency and drive up maintenance costs over time.Hidden property and maintenance costsThe average homeowner spends about $10,946 a year on home upkeep, plus an additional $5,033 in property taxes and insurance, according to the Zillow and Thumbtack study. To stay ahead of costs, factor into your budget:Exterior care: Expenses such as landscaping, gutter cleaning, power washing and fence staining can add up.Systems maintenance: HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems need regular upkeep and repairs.Appliance replacement: An appliance's operational lifespan depends on age, usage, and local environmental factors. For instance, hard water is common across North America. Its high mineral content can build up inside water-using appliances, reducing efficiency and contributing to premature wear. Internal Culligan research indicates that treating hard water with a water softener can extend the useful life of dishwashers and washing machines by up to 50% and water heaters by up to 33%.Taxes, insurance and HOA fees: Regularly review your insurance to ensure you have adequate coverage and plan for annual property tax and HOA fee increases.Bankrate’s 2025 Hidden Costs of Homeownership Study takes an even broader view, estimating that a typical single-family homeowner spends about $21,400 per year when utilities, internet, cable and a maintenance reserve are included.Energy and water expensesUtilities can make up a big part of household expenses depending on your home size and usage patterns. As you settle in, you’ll get a clearer picture of costs and may even find ways to save.For example, according to Culligan studies on water heating efficiency, homes using gas water heaters can see water-heating energy consumption drop by roughly 23% when switching from hard to soft water. This is because hard water leaves a dense layer of mineral scale inside the tank, forcing the system to work harder and run longer, degrading its energy efficiency.Heating and cooling costs may be higher in homes with poor insulation, drafts, leaky ducts and inefficient HVAC systems. Older appliances also use more energy than modern, efficient models.How to avoid or reduce unexpected moving costsIt's hard to predict exactly what your expenses will be. A 10% to 15% contingency in your moving and home maintenance budget can help cover unexpected bills.With some planning, you may also be able to reduce costs:Move during off-peak periods: Mid-week or mid-month moves are often cheaper.Book early: Arrange movers and utility activations in advance to prevent rush charges.Lower utility costs: Replace HVAC filters, switch to LED lighting and install a smart thermostat to improve home efficiency.Audit your home infrastructure: Test your water quality early alongside checking your electrical panel and HVAC health. Addressing issues sooner versus later can help reduce utility expenses, extend appliance life and lower spending on cleaning products and detergents.Starting homeownership on solid groundThe cost of a new home is more manageable when you know what to expect. Take the time to research and build a realistic moving and home maintenance budget.Proactive home maintenance—from improving energy efficiency to understanding your home's water quality—can help you control costs and prevent unexpected expenses. By planning ahead, you can avoid common homeownership problems and settle into your new residence with a clear plan and solid financial footing.This story was produced by Culligan and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Taiwan drills with U.S. rocket system, firing in China's direction The drill on Wednesday marked the first time the U.S.-supplied HIMARS system has been fired into the Taiwan Strait.
	Aledo schedules Summer Clean Up Aledo is getting ready for the Summer Clean-Up, giving residents a way to get rid of items that are no longer needed. The city has outlined specific collection dates and guidelines for bulk item disposal in partnership with Quick’s Dumpster and Disposal Services. Depending on location, bulk items may be placed curbside starting in mid-June [...]
	7 ways small businesses can support the LGBTQ+ community year-round 7 ways small businesses can support the LGBTQ+ community year-roundIt can be tempting to paint your business in rainbows for Pride Month, but the LGBTQ+ community needs support year-round.From a brand perspective, there's a good reason to make your small business’s support for the LGBTQ+ community as loud and consistent as possible. According to the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index 2026, companies that score highest on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion benchmarks have an eight times higher net income compared to their lower-scoring peers—a finding based on 15 years of data across more than 1,400 U.S. employers.Still, there’s a difference between truly showing up for the community and simply signaling allyship for profit. (The latter is called “rainbow-washing” and is best avoided at all costs.) Thankfully, it’s not hard to ensure that your Pride efforts ring sincere. All it takes is a little brainstorming and commitment, QuickBooks reports.Quick guide to supporting the LGBTQ+ community as a small business:Real allyship starts inside your business. A nondiscrimination policy and inclusive workplace practices are the foundation before any public-facing effort.Donating profits, volunteering time, and sponsoring events are all viable options regardless of budget size. Charitable donations may be tax-deductible.The most durable support is year-round. Auditing your vendor network and building LGBTQ+ inclusion into everyday business decisions makes a bigger impact than a one-month campaign.1. Start with an inclusive workplaceBefore you start looking into give-back sales models or ways to convince employees to volunteer, make sure your small business’s internal practices support the LGBTQ+ community as well.To start, consider basic questions, such as whether your business is a safe place for LGBTQ+ employees and customers. Do you already have a nondiscrimination policy in place, and perhaps an employee resource group? Next, examine your professional network. Do you already do business with LGBTQ+-owned businesses, or is there an opportunity to make new connections?Begin by developing policies that protect everyone.The HRC Foundation’s CEI 2026 found that 97% of rated employers have an employee resource group or diversity council that includes LGBTQ+ employees. Let your LGBTQ+ employees lead the way whenever possible.Once you’ve fostered a comfortable environment for all, you’ll be ready to start looking outward.2. Give back by profit-sharingOne of the most efficient and direct ways to support the LGBTQ+ community might be to donate a small percentage of your business’s profits to an appropriate cause—either for a limited time or on an ongoing basis.Interested in sharing the love? Use the IRS’s search tool to confirm the organization is registered as a nonprofit; that way, you can confirm that your donations will be tax-deductible.Once you’ve come up with a budget and vetted your chosen organization, it’s time to decide what donation model might make the most sense. For instance, a percentage of total profits or a percentage from each sale of a specific product.Then, it’s time to start giving. Incremental donations might feel small, but if your small business makes them a long-term commitment, you’ll be amazed at how they add up. To keep the process simple, make your donations at the end of each quarter or year. Be sure to keep thorough records of your donations for tax purposes.3. Incentivize volunteeringIf your small business operates on a tight budget, remember: Your time can be valuable, too. What if, for a few days out of each year, everyone in your company could volunteer on the company’s dime?Work with your local Chamber of Commerce to identify ideal organizations to suggest, and try to prioritize volunteer work that could best leverage your employees’ skills—through mentorship, pro bono work, or otherwise. Just make sure that you’re also leading by example and putting in your hours. Once your program takes off, consider sharing the fruits of your labor on social media, where your efforts can become more visible.Another option to maximize your employees’ contributions to the cause? Provide an annual donation stipend to each employee to spend at their discretion, either to a nonprofit of their choosing or to one from a pre-approved list.4. Sponsor an eventA more public-facing approach could also involve sponsoring an event for a local, community-based LGBTQ+ organization—perhaps a sports league, advocacy organization, or community center. Why just sell merch at the local Pride festival when you could sponsor the event itself?To choose the right cause for your business to support, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recommends examining its mission, staff, and accomplishments. Look for an alignment of missions, and when in doubt, consult your employees and see what they think. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, reach out to local groups to see where your goods or funds could make the greatest impact. The HRC Foundation’s CEI 2026 found that 83% of rated companies have written guidelines that prohibit philanthropic support of organizations that explicitly discriminate against LGBTQ+ people—a useful benchmark when deciding which organizations to support.5. Audit your supplier and vendor networkSupporting the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t require a public campaign. Start by looking at who you’re already doing business with.The HRC Foundation’s CEI 2026 found that 83% of rated employers apply LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination standards to their supplier relationships. Small businesses can apply the same principle at their own scale.The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) maintains a directory of certified LGBTQ+-owned businesses across the U.S. Even one new vendor connection is a concrete, year-round action that goes beyond symbolic support.6. Start a referral programA more unique option, depending on your small business’s area of work, might be to incorporate LGBTQ+ philanthropy into a referral program. For each referral your business receives, you could donate a set amount to a cause of your choosing. As your business grows, so will your impact.7. Hold a Charity DriveIf your organizational skills are up to a real challenge, you could tap into the broader community for either funds or goods to donate to a local charity.Coordination is key. Reach out to a representative who can collaborate with you and confirm whether a monetary or in-kind donation would be preferable—or an in-person drive versus online. The more communication between you and your chosen organization, the better to ensure that your efforts are really meeting their needs.You won’t want to do this alone. Consider which contacts in your company and broader network might want to help plan your drive. Depending on the scale you envision, you might also consider partnering with another local small business to share the workload. According to the fundraising platform Donorbox, duties might include meeting with your chosen nonprofit for planning purposes, marketing and promotion, event organization, and/or accounting.Of all your options, this might be the most ambitious. At the same time, it will serve as a strong affirmation of your commitment to the community—and it’s just one more way your small business can walk the walk.Supporting the LGBTQ+ community as a small business isn't a once-a-year gesture. The most meaningful actions—updating your policies, choosing where to spend and donate, who you hire vendors from, how you engage your employees—are decisions you make all year. Start with one, and build from there.This story was produced by QuickBooks and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to find out who’s behind a 'No Caller ID' How to find out who’s behind a ‘No Caller ID’Caller ID has been around for a surprisingly long time — the initial patents date back to 1971, with commercial use starting in 1984. And for most of us, it would feel strange to pick up a call without knowing who’s on the other end, or at least, what their number is.Nowadays, almost any incoming call is going to have caller ID on by default, but that doesn’t stop some from popping up as “Unknown Caller” or “No Caller ID.” If you keep getting these calls and want to get to the bottom of who’s behind them, Spokeo shares what you need to know.Using 69 To Identify the Last Incoming CallThe first thing you’ll need to pay attention to is what your phone said when the call came through. If a call comes through to your phone with no name or number, your first and easiest option is going to be using 69, which triggers the return-last-call feature.How to use 69:You’ll simply want to dial 69 on your phone and press call.By dialing 69, some telephone systems will prompt an automated response that reads you the number of your last incoming call and then offers you the option of calling back. Note that other carriers, however, will simply connect you directly to the number that phoned you last. This may be a deterrent for some people, as you risk automatically being put on a call with someone you likely don’t know. An additional downside to using 69 is that it only works for the last incoming call, so it’s ineffective if you’ve received another call at some point after the “No Caller ID.”Using 57 To Trace CallsIf you’ve been receiving harassing or threatening phone calls or scam calls that are specifically targeting you, the 57 service code provides another way to find out who called you. Note this feature is known as call trace and is often pay-per-use, meaning that your service provider will charge you a certain amount upon use. Running a 57 trace can cost anywhere from $1 to $10 and is generally only charged if the call trace is successful, though that can vary depending on your provider.How to use 57:To use the service, dial 57 right after you receive the call and press call. Follow the phone company’s voice-prompt instructions and wait to see if the trace was successful. A recorded message will let you know. It won’t always work, but it’s worth a try if you’re being harassed.Note that by dialing 57, you won’t be directly given any information; rather, your service provider will keep a record of who called and release the information to law enforcement should you contact your local authorities to follow up on the call. Again, this feature isn’t free, and is best used when you are being harassed, threatened, or in some way targeted, rather than just out of curiosity’s sake.Enable Call Identification and BlockingCaller ID is pretty much a default setting with modern cell phones. But if every call you receive (minus the ones from your contacts) appears to be a mystery, it’s worth double-checking that you have certain caller ID features enabled, as well as some call blocking features.How to Enable Call Identification on iPhone:Open your settings.Select “Apps.”Find the “Phone” app on the list and select itScroll down and select “Call Blocking & Identification.”Turn “Business Call Identification” to “On.”Bonus: You can also reduce annoying spam calls by enabling “Silence Junk Callers” in the same menu.Note that you can also enable “Silence Unknown Callers” from the same menu after step 3, but it isn’t advisable since it might block completely legitimate calls, nor will it help you find out who keeps calling.How to Enable Call Identification on Android:Open the Phone app.Select “More options” (it might also just appear as three vertical dots).Select “Settings.”Select “Caller ID and Spam.”Turn “See caller ID & spam” to “On.”Bonus: On some phones, you can also limit spam calls by enabling “Filter spam calls” in the same menu (certain phones will have this as part of an automatic Call Screen feature, so don’t worry if you don’t see it).Contact Your Service ProviderIf no built-in phone features seem to be helping, and *57 isn’t returning any successful traces, a last resort could be to contact your service provider directly. It’s not a guarantee they can help, but in the case of severe spam or harassing calls, working with your service provider might help shed some light on who’s on the other end of the line — or at the very least, help find an identifiable phone number.This story was produced by Spokeo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

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