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

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026
	Couple chances of rain this week Comfortable temperatures are in the forecast this week for the Quad Cities. Showers and a few storms are likely today, but widespread severe weather is not expected. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Culpepper & Merriweather Circus plays Louisa County Fairgrounds The circus is coming to Columbus Junction! According to a release, Culpepper & Merriweather Circus performs August 25 at the Louisa County Fairgrounds. Sponsored by the Grandview Community Club, Culpepper & Merriweather Circus returns for performances at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The circus comes through our area every two years, and the Grandview Community [...]
	Childhood This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Note 1876 on your calendar as the year Americans discovered childhood. That year Mark Twain published The Adventures of…
	In Portland, this soap box derby combines downhill speed with extreme pageantry Soap box derbies send motorless cars down a steep incline. At one event, contestants make their cars look like cartoon characters, subway cars, food, and giant animals (among other outlandish shapes).
	She told no one about her agony except ChatGPT. What her death reveals about AI risks A 29-year-old woman confided her suicidal thoughts to an AI chatbot — not to her therapist, not to her parents, not to her best friend. What can AI learn from her death?
	Many recent grads say AI is making it harder to get a job. Economists aren't so sure The unemployment rate for young adults with new degrees is higher than the rate for all workers, according to the New York Fed. Is AI the problem, or is it more complicated?
	This crowded Republican primary in Florida has drawn a unique cast of candidates The GOP primary in Florida's 19th District includes candidates who are new to the state, candidates who've run for Congress before and two candidates who have received pardons from President Trump.
	Frozen dog food recalled after FDA inspection reveals salmonella contamination Dogs infected with salmonella could potentially suffer from symptoms such as vomiting, dehydration and severe watery or bloody diarrhea.
	A dispute about fact vs. fiction at the trial over Tupac Shakur's 1996 killing A prosecutor said that while few have been willing to speak about the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur, Duane "Keffe D" Davis is the "one person who has a hard time being silent."
	Palestinian American returns to his West Bank home, under siege by Israeli settlers The Palestinian American whose home in the occupied West Bank has been besieged by Israeli settlers traveled to his property on Monday to join other family members who have been defending it.
Monday, August 17th, 2026
	Cyclospora outbreaks with no confirmed sources grow: FDA Nearly 14,000 cases of cyclospora have been confirmed in the U.S., according to the CDC. Last year, the U.S. saw fewer than 2,000.
	Police agreement between Erie and Albany begins Erie police will take police calls within the village of Albany.
	Niabi Zoo celebrates National Black Cat Day A 2020 study found that black cats have the lowest adoption rates and the highest euthanasia rate of any cats.
	Muscatine police arrest suspect in officer's shooting Mark Lee Jackson is accused of shooting a Muscatine police officer in the elbow during a pursuit on Friday night.
	Eldridge postpones final vote on forming City fire department The City Council decided to postpone the third reading of an ordinance that would have created a City fire department and allowed the City to hire a new fire chief.
	MercyOne dedicates new therapeutic playground Young patients at the MercyOne Genesis Bettendorf Pediatric Therapy Center will have a new place to play when when they visit the clinic. MercyOne leaders hosted a ribbon cutting for a new therapeutic playground. Therapists will use it to help kids meet their goals for functional and safe playing. The playground will also help build [...]
	Eldridge postpones final fire vote; agrees to sit down with firefighters, county Eldridge City Council members agreed to delay a final decision on absorbing the fire department, while the firefighters agreed to continue volunteering past Oct. 1.
	(Mostly) dry weather in the Quad Cities forecast this week After a very rainy start to August, we're looking at mostly dry weather this week in the Quad Cities. And that's a good thing as we've already had more rain than the average total for the entire month! Tuesday night is our best chance for rain this week...
	Suspect arrested after Friday shooting of Muscatine police officer He was taken into custody without incident Monday evening in the 1100 block of Oak Street.
	Muscatine shooting suspect in custody, police say Mark Lee Jackson, 59, was arrested in the 1100 block of Oak Street, according to a media release.
	Monmouth shop reopening Tuesday after June tornado took roof off building Maude Specklebelly's was hit hard by the EF-1 that tore through downtown Monmouth on June 17.
	Muscatine shooting suspect in custody, police say Mark Lee Jackson, 59, was arrested in the 1100 block of Oak Street, according to a media release.
	After Tyson Foods closure, job fair scheduled in Geneseo In response to the sudden closure of the Tyson Foods beef processing facility in Joslin and the thousands of workers affected throughout the region, Hammond-Henry Hospital and the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce are partnering to host a community job fair, a news release says. The job fair will be 3:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at [...]
	Suburbasaurus Wrecks: “The End of Oak Street,” “The Brink of War,” “Nimrods,” and “The Last House” Until viewing The End of Oak Street, I had no idea how much my soul needed the sight of a feral Anne Hathaway protecting her kids with a shotgun, and a block-long eel slithering through a two-story home, and a Tyrannosaurus rex slurping from an above-ground pool like an enormous golden retriever at its proportional water bowl.
	Chicago class-action law firm investigates Tyson Foods, Joslin, mass layoff Strauss Borrelli PLLC, a class-action law firm in Chicago, is investigating the Tyson Foods' mass layoff in Joslin, according to a news release on the firm's website. The WARN Act is a federal law that requires certain employers to notify their employees, in writing at least 60 days before a plant closing or mass layoff [...]
	QC ‘in better shape’ to absorb immediate shock of Tyson plant closure, historian says This is not the first mass plant closure in the Quad Cities. The American Job Center is also helping those laid off from Tyson.
	'Blind luck' helps Rock Island family find stolen car Car thefts become more popular during the warm weather months. With more people outside, there can be more of a risk. One family in Rock Island fell victim to a stolen car on July 20. But for the Cashen family, that's not where the story ends. A normal morning had turned into nightmare scenario for [...]
	MercyOne opens therapeutic playground A new therapeutic playground at the MercyOne Genesis Bettendorf Pediatric Therapy Center (GOPEDS) is open for kids to use.
	Chicago law firm launches WARN Act investigation into Tyson Foods Joslin A Chicago-based law firm announced on Monday that they have launched an investigation into Tyson Foods following the the layoff of over 2,500 employees last week.
	Tyson plant closure could impact enrollment at United Township schools 400 UT students are English language learners, and many have parents who were recruited to work at the plant.
	2026 Central States Shrine Association Ceremonial Session taking place in the Quad Cities this week While many of the events are for members only, there are still several for the public to enjoy.
	Erie police to handle calls for service in Albany Erie police will begin handling calls for service in Albany, replacing the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office as the village’s primary responding agency.
	Expert forum answers your questions on data centers The Data Center Divide will be held on August 17 at 6:30 PM at Pickle Palace.
	Part of a key firearms law lapsed following a federal court decision. What happens now? A federal judge's decision in Texas has major implications for the National Firearms Act. What does this mean for certain guns and other weapons?
	Tyson closure could cost Quad-Cities economy $116M in lost wages The closure of Tyson Foods will eliminate up to $116 million in annual wages and strip tens of millions from the local Quad-Cities economy.
	QC teen to be tried as adult on gang, weapons and eluding charges A Quad Cities teen will now be tried as an adult for allegedly eluding police and involvement with gang violence.
	Search for suspect continues after Muscatine officer shot The manhunt continues for Mark Jackson, who police say opened fire on law enforcement after fleeing a traffic stop Saturday.
	MercyOne Genesis opens pediatric therapy playground at GOPEDS The new playground will help children improve their motor, balance and coordination skills.
	East Moline to hold meeting on potential Empire Park improvements City officials will hold a public informational meeting and hearing about proposed improvements to the park, according to the city’s website.
	MercyOne Genesis debuts new therapeutic playground The playground gives children a place to work with their therapists on things like balance and coordination.
	Rock Island teen wins Illinois' best bagger competition An Illinois teen has won the title of best bagger in Illinois. According to a release from the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Carlos Sabino, 17, won the the first Illinois Best Bagger Competition at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Sabino works at Hy-Vee in Rock Island and won a $500 prize. Shelby Morton from Hy-Vee in [...]
	Shriners across the Midwest coming to the Quad Cities this week The 2026 Central States Shrine Association Ceremonial Session runs from Wednesday, Aug. 19, to Saturday, Aug. 22.
	KWQC to air special coverage for 30th anniversary of Trudy Appleby’s disappearance We will be featuring Trudy’s family’s relentless search for answers, why the case is so complex and where we are now, 30 years later.
	Former federal prosecutor is suing DOJ for 'unlawful and retaliatory' firing A federal prosecutor who was fired earlier this year is suing the DOJ, alleging she was unlawfully dismissed for political reasons tied to her work prosecuting a case against anti-abortion activists.
	Trailblazing Rock Island judge dies at 86 years old Walter Braud died at the age of 86 last week. He worked in law for nearly five decades.
	United Township High School wins $5K in Friday Night 5G Lights contest United Township High School in East Moline has been named one of T-Mobile’s first $5,000 Friday winners in the Friday Night 5G Lights contest this year. . The competition is built around high school football and community pride. Schools can use the funds for programs that are most in-need, such as supporting academics, athletes or the broader school community. [...]
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for Aug. 17, 2026 The Davenport Fairmount Library is closed for renovations, and city leaders in East Moline are considering plans for Empire Park.
	Look ahead: What's coming up in Davenport, Eldridge and Bettendorf city councils This week, Eldridge will take a third vote on establishing a fire department and Davenport will consider the first reading of a change to allow tattoo shops in the Village.
	Mark Schwiebert remembers late Judge Walter Braud Tributes continue to pour in after the death of longtime Rock Island attorney, judge, author and community leader Walter Braud on August 13 at the age of 86. Attorney and former Rock Island mayor Mark Schwiebert spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to share his memories of Judge Braud. “Walter and I have [...]
	How to use AI for back-to-school shopping and avoid getting scammed How to use AI for back-to-school shopping and avoid getting scammedIf you’re bracing for another expensive back-to-school season, you’re not alone. Families in the U.S. expect to spend an average of almost $1,000 this year on school supplies. Nearly half (47%) of families expect to pay even more than last year, up from about a third (35%) a year ago, according to a 2026 back-to-school survey. To help manage expenses on a budget, more shoppers than ever are turning to AI tools. Nearly two-thirds (62%) plan to start shopping before August, and more than half (56%) are using or plan to use AI tools to help, according to a Coresight Research study reported by Adweek.Below is a prompt from SmartCustomer that transforms any AI chat tool into a personalized shopping assistant that recommends products based on your budget and your child’s grade, plus scam patterns to watch out for while you shop.Use this Prompt for Your Back-to-School ShoppingCopy the prompt below and paste into Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini with web search turned on, fill in the brackets, and let it quickly look up back-to-school information for you. Your response will include multiple sections of information.You are a back-to-school shopping planner and price-comparison assistant. Help me create a practical shopping plan for my child using current, location-relevant information.## My Details* Child’s age and grade: [FILL IN]* Location, city or ZIP code: [FILL IN]* Total budget or budget range: [FILL IN]* Shopping deadline: [FILL IN]* Preferred stores, memberships, or brands: [OPTIONAL]* Items already owned or not needed: [OPTIONAL]* Special requirements, such as dress code, allergies, sensory needs, school-issued technology, or uniform rules: [OPTIONAL]## School List or Known NeedsPaste the school supply list below. When no list is provided, create a reasonable starter list based on the child’s age and grade, but clearly label it as an estimate that should be checked against the school’s official requirements.[PASTE LIST HERE]## Your Tasks### 1. Build a categorized checklistGroup items into relevant categories, such as:* School supplies* Backpack and lunch gear* Clothing* Shoes* Technology and accessories* Hygiene or personal-care items* Sports, art, music, or extracurricular needs* Optional or nice-to-have itemsFor every item, include:* A checkbox* Item name* Suggested quantity* Whether it is required, likely needed, optional, or needs confirmation* A brief buying note, such as recommended size, durability, compatibility, or materialDo not add unnecessary items merely to fill out the list.### 2. Create a budget allocationRecommend how to divide my total budget across the categories.Provide the budget in a table with these columns:\| Category \| Priority \| Low Estimate \| Target Budget \| High Estimate \| Notes \|Make the table easy to copy into Excel. Ensure the target budgets add up to my stated total budget. When my budget is too low for the full list, identify:* What to buy first* What can be delayed* What can be purchased used* What can be replaced with a lower-cost alternative### 3. Recommend products and retailersFor each important item, recommend one or two specific products when reliable current information is available.Include:* Product name* Key reason for the recommendation* Approximate current price* Retailer* Online, local, or both* Direct product link* Shipping or pickup availability when visible* Return-policy summary* Date the price was checkedPrioritize:1. Required school-list compliance2. Total cost, including shipping3. Product quality and durability4. Reliable sellers5. Convenient pickup or dependable delivery6. Easy returnsFavor major retailers, official brand stores, established local retailers, and reputable sellers. Avoid recommending suspicious third-party marketplace listings.### 4. Verify deals and listingsFor every recommended deal, check as much of the following as the available evidence allows:* Whether the advertised sale appears to be a genuine discoun* Whether the comparison or “original” price seems credible* Whether the seller is the retailer, manufacturer, or a third party* Whether reviews show warning signs, such as repetitive wording, review bursts, unrelated reviews, or mismatched product variants* Whether the item is final sale, subject to a restocking fee, or difficult to return* Whether a coupon, membership, subscription, rebate, or minimum purchase is requiredDo not claim that reviews are genuine or fake with certainty. Instead, label the level of concern as:* Low concern* Some warning signs* High concern* Not enough informationBriefly explain the reason.### 5. Find local savings opportunitiesSearch for current savings relevant to my location and shopping deadline, including:* Back-to-school sales* Tax-free weekends or sales-tax holidays* Store promotions* Pickup discounts* Price-matching policies* Loyalty-member offers* Coupons or rebates* School, community, nonprofit, or district supply programsFor every time-sensitive offer, provide:* Store or program* Offer* Eligibility requirements* Start and end dates* Source link* Any important exclusionsDo not include expired promotions unless clearly labeled as expired.## Browsing and Accuracy RulesUse live web browsing for prices, stock, links, local promotions, tax-free dates, and store policies. Do not rely on memory for information that can change.When browsing:* Prefer official retailer, government, school district, or manufacturer sources.* Cross-check important claims with a second source when practical.* Distinguish online prices from local-store prices.* State when inventory, pickup availability, or pricing varies by store.* Never invent a product, price, discount, policy, review finding, or link.* Use “Not verified” when reliable confirmation is unavailable.* Include the date checked for all current information.When real-time browsing is unavailable, state that clearly at the beginning. Do not guess at current prices, stock, deals, dates, or links. Instead, provide:* A complete estimated checklist* A suggested budget allocation* Recommended store categories and search terms* A list of facts I should verify manually## Output FormatUse this exact structure:### A. Important Assumptions and Items to ConfirmKeep this section brief.### B. Master Shopping ChecklistUse categorized checkbox lists. Keep each item on its own line.### C. Budget PlanProvide the Excel-friendly table.### D. Product and Price RecommendationsUse a compact table with these columns:\| Item \| Product \| Price \| Retailer \| Link \| Pickup/Shipping \| Return Policy \| Listing/Review Check \| Date Checked \|### E. Local Deals and Tax-Free Shopping InformationUse a table with dates, eligibility, exclusions, and source links.### F. Best Purchase OrderDivide the purchases into:* Buy now* Buy when discounted* Confirm with the school first* Optional or can wait### G. Final Cost SummaryShow:* Estimated subtotal* Estimated tax* Shipping or pickup fees* Discounts* Estimated final total* Amount over or under budgetKeep the response scannable. Use lists and tables instead of long paragraphs. Clearly separate verified facts from estimates.For example, if you use ChatGPT, the AI tool will provide a recommended budget breakdown with targeted expenditures by category. In addition, it will provide a checklist broken into categories and items. Each item will have an estimated price and some items will include a link. ChatGPT also provides some additional shopping guidance and cautionary statements, such as how to gauge the authenticity of consumer reviews, major retailers’ review policies, current deals and events, and money-saving tips.The prompt instructs the AI tool to be transparent about its limits. For example, it tells the AI tool that if it doesn't have live web access, to note that instead of inventing prices and links. It also asks the AI to check advertised discounts and sellers for warning signs, such as inflated "original" prices or third-party sellers standing in for the retailer, and to flag its confidence level rather than declaring a deal or review genuine or fake outright. It directs the tool to favor major retailers and official brand stores over unverified third-party listings. Remember that even with web access turned on, models can make mistakes.Pro tip: If you leave the shopping list blank, AI will suggest what’s needed based on your child’s grade, or you can paste in your child’s school supply list to shop against it directly.Tips to Avoid Back-to-School Shopping ScamsWhen researching numerous listings and deals, whether with an AI assistant or on your own, the chances are you will encounter a scam. SmartCustomer broke down this year’s scam reports from the FTC and Better Business Bureau and flagged patterns from SmartCustomer reviews. The following is a list of practical tips for spotting trouble before you pay.1. Verify Who You're Actually Buying FromScammers recreate familiar retailers’ names and website layouts convincingly enough to trick consumers who don’t take a closer look. On marketplaces, an unrelated third-party seller can list on a trusted store’s name just as easily. Always check the exact web address and search “[store name] scam” before buying from an unfamiliar seller. On a marketplace listing, look for the “sold by” line instead of trusting the platform’s name alone. Then do some quick research to verify that the platform is an authorized seller of the brand, and check reviews to see if anyone shares experiences of receiving fake products.2. Check Reviews from a Trusted Third-Party SourceScammers pad new or empty storefronts with fake customer reviews. Reviews posted directly on a seller’s own site are the easiest ones to fake. Consumer review platforms such as SmartCustomer, where reviews undergo a rigorous process to help verify authenticity, provide a more objective space that allows for both positive and negative feedback. And always prioritize specific review details over generic ratings because generic, five-star praise is easy to fake.3. Be Wary of Steep, Sudden DiscountsScammers set prices far below the normal market value to make an offer seem too good to resist. Be wary if the price seems too low. Always compare the price to what that retailer typically charges, and think twice if it's well below every other seller’s.4. Don't Click "Missed Delivery" Links in Texts or EmailsScammers sometimes send fake delivery notifications claiming a package couldn’t be delivered. If the recipient clicks the link in the notification, they may be taken to a fake website that requests payment information or installs malware on their device. To check the status of an order, always go directly to the retailer’s own site or app instead of tapping a link in an unexpected message.5. Check the Return Policy Before You BuyReturn policies for clearance and sale items are often buried and far stricter than those for regularly priced items. Dishonest sellers use that fine print to deny refunds. Before any purchase, look up the return policy.Understand the AssignmentEach of the strategies above takes no more than a few seconds and can ultimately save a shopper a great deal of time and frustration. If a purchase seems fraudulent, first contact the card issuer to dispute the charge. Second, report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps flag repeat offenders and prevents others from being scammed.This story was produced by SmartCustomer and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Democrat Rep. Jimmy Gomez being investigated over sexual misconduct allegations The California Democrat has admitted to "personal mistakes" outside of his marriage, but also says his actions were consensual in nature did not violate House Ethics rules.
	No injuries reported after East Moline abandoned building partially collapses Sunday A partial collapse occurred at an abandoned building in East Moline early Sunday and was unwitnessed with no injuries reported, according to fire officials.
	Abandoned building partially collapses in East Moline An abandoned building in East Moline has experienced a partial collapse, the second one in the area since the beginning of summer. The building is located at the corner of 14th Avenue and 10th Street. It appears that part of the building’s roof collapsed, sending bricks and other debris to the ground. The city has [...]
	What 250 years of voting rights battles tell us about today What 250 years of voting rights battles tell us about todayWe’re living through extraordinary times in American democracy, as President Trump presses for greater federal control over elections and redistricting slips loose from its once-a-decade rhythm. Votebeat is focused on an essential part of it: who gets to vote, who makes the rules, and what those votes are worth.That question has loomed over the nation from the beginning. Voting history is often framed as a steady expansion from white male landowners to everyone else. The truth is messier. States have always experimented with expanding the franchise, retracting it, and expanding it again.Voting rights have long varied from state to stateThe Constitution has never contained a broad, affirmative right to vote, which helps explain why voting in America has always depended so much on where you live.Some states expanded the vote earlier than we typically remember. Vermont, for example, adopted a broad franchise before the federal Constitution existed. Others expanded the franchise and later narrowed it: Revolutionary Pennsylvania extended voting rights to taxpaying men before limiting the vote to white men in 1838. Taken together, these examples show that American voting rights have never moved in one direction for everyone at once.Let’s start with Vermont, one of the earliest examples of a state taking an unusually expansive view of who should have the vote. In 1777, before the federal Constitution existed, Vermont adopted its own, eliminating both property and taxpaying requirements for voting. Why? Because of a man whose name you’ve probably heard before: Ethan Allen.Allen led what historian Alexander Keyssar describes in his book “The Right to Vote” as an “unruly political—and military—process” involving his militia group, the Green Mountain Boys. Allen’s men roamed what ultimately became Vermont back when New York still claimed the territory, resisting New York’s authority by stopping sheriffs, intimidating New York-backed settlers, burning buildings, and sometimes flogging opponents. H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock // Getty Images Their campaign was not specifically about expanding the franchise. It began as a fight over land, sovereignty, and New York’s authority in the territory that became Vermont. But by helping create a breakaway political community outside New York’s control, the Green Mountain Boys also helped create the conditions for a very different constitution — one that rejected New York’s property-based voting system and allowed any adult man who took the Freeman’s Oath to vote.Then came the U.S. Constitution. The 1787 document did not grant anyone the right to vote, instead deferring to states to determine the makeup of their own electorate. Whoever a state allowed to vote for its own legislature could also vote for members of Congress from that state. States, not the federal government, were left to decide who “the people” were. Vermont, therefore, could continue to coexist with neighboring New York despite radically different approaches to the franchise.That flexibility produced inconsistency. In 1780, Massachusetts dropped racial exclusions for voting but kept property ownership at the center of political rights. That meant a free Black man who met the property requirement could vote while a poor white man who did not meet it could not. Property, race, gender, dependency, and local law interacted unevenly in the early American electorate.Some states also gave voting rights and then took them away. In New Jersey, the state’s 1776 Constitution and a 1790 election law allowed some property-owning women and Black men to vote. That changed in 1807, when the Legislature limited voting to “free, white male” citizens.An 1808 article in the Trenton Federalist said the new law “restricted all that has made our elections disagreeable, contentious and corrupt; all Females and Negroes being now deprived of a vote, who, not being eligible to nor much acquainted with the affairs of government, need not any longer be made use of to answer a party purpose.”The same state-by-state experimentation complicates another assumption we often make now: that citizenship and voting have always been inseparable.For much of American history, they were not. Some territories and newer western states used the franchise as an inducement to settlers. If they wanted people to move west, build towns, work land, pay taxes, and bind their futures to a new place, the vote was often part of the offer.Wisconsin became the clearest example. In 1848, it allowed immigrants to vote if they had lived in the United States for two years and filed papers declaring their intent to become citizens. Michigan and Indiana soon followed, as did the Oregon and Minnesota territories. Later, similar rules spread across parts of the South and West.But here, too, societal pressures prompted change. States began repealing noncitizen voting laws in the late 19th century. The backlash accelerated around World War I, amid rising xenophobia and suspicion of immigrants’ loyalty. Arkansas was the last state to end the practice, doing so in 1926.Today, the fight for voting rights revolves around equal representationFor much of American history, the central question around voting rights was who could get through the door: who could register, who could cast a ballot, and who was excluded by law. But there is another question on the other side of the franchise. In 1976, legal scholar Gerhard Casper argued that American debates had long focused on “the right to be a voter,” rather than the harder problem of representation. Voting, he wrote, “is supposedly performed with a goal in mind — representation; but voting does not in itself necessarily entail representation.”The Voting Rights Act of 1965 tried to answer both problems. It gave federal force to the principle that citizens could not be denied the ballot because of race, and Section 2 later became one of the main tools for challenging election rules and maps that diluted minority voters’ ability to turn votes into representation.That issue is at the core of the modern fights over gerrymandering. A voter can be eligible, registered, and able to cast a ballot, and still live under maps that weaken the political power of that vote.Louisiana is the latest example. After years of litigation over whether Black voters in the state had a fair opportunity to elect candidates of their choice, the Supreme Court’s Callais decision struck down Louisiana’s second majority-Black congressional district and narrowed how Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act applies to redistricting. Many voting rights scholars and advocates have described the decision as a major rollback — not because it removes anyone from the voter rolls, but because it changes what legal protection remains when votes are diluted by district lines.That is not the same thing as states limiting or even taking away voting rights based on property requirements, gender, or citizenship status. But it belongs in the same history. The rules change. The line moves. And sometimes, as American history keeps reminding us, it moves backward.This story was produced by Votebeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Washington Square Apartments purchased by Renew Moline Moline’s downtown Washington Square Apartments building is now owned by Renew Moline, an economic development nonprofit, with two units available for rent for low-income individuals.
	In 'Etna,' a canine narrator delivers a poignant anti-war message Paul Yoon's new novel follows a dog conscripted into an unnamed war in an unnamed country. From the very first page, Etna's voice is somber and poetic in its simplicity.
	Muscatine suspect drove through fence, hit garage before shooting, deputies say Mark Lee Jackson, 59, is accused of shooting at officers and hitting one in the elbow area during a chase on Friday.
	Free 12th-annual Bill Bell festival is Aug. 21-22 in Rock Island Top-notch musical performances, health education, Black authors, and youth activities are part of the 12th-annual Bill Bell Jazz and Heritage Festival, August 21 and 22 in Rock Island.
	Renew Moline acquires Washington Square Apartments New income-restricted housing is coming to Moline. Renew Moline’s Board of Directors of Renew Moline said it has acquired Washington Square Apartments, a 10-unit building at 316-17th Street in downtown Moline. The late-19th century building originally contained five, three-story townhome-style units. It was constructed under the direction of Charles H. Deere and designed by Merton [...]
	What the data does and doesn't reveal about rideshare crashes What the data does and doesn't reveal about rideshare crashesAs ride-hailing regained momentum after the sharp slowdown in travel during the pandemic, city officials and transportation researchers have been left with a basic question that remains surprisingly hard to answer: Are rideshare-related crashes rising? While no comprehensive national data set currently exists, public reports and academic studies still offer insight into rideshare activity and crash data in several major cities.The Government Accountability Office said in a 2024 report that ridesourcing services help meet transportation needs for many people in the United States, while also noting that policymakers and advocacy groups have raised persistent safety concerns around the industry.To better understand what public records do show, Temple Injury Law, a personal injury law firm, reviewed government and academic sources on crash reporting, ride-hail activity, and urban traffic safety.Research has linked ride-hailing growth to higher crash riskSome of the strongest research suggests the safety issue is not limited to the passenger inside the car. A National Bureau of Economic Research working paper published in February 2020 linked the arrival of ride-hailing services in U.S. cities to a roughly 3% increase in traffic fatalities and fatal accidents, affecting not only vehicle occupants but also pedestrians and cyclists.The study also found ride-hailing growth was associated with more vehicle miles traveled, greater congestion, more traffic delay, higher gasoline consumption, and more new car registrations. Importantly, it did not find clear evidence that ride-hailing reduced drunk-driving-related fatal crashes enough to offset these risks.New York’s local data show the limits of isolating rideshare crashesNew York City offers one of the most detailed public views into crashes involving for-hire vehicles, but its data do not provide a clean measure of Uber- and Lyft-specific crashes. The city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission publishes recurring crash data for TLC-licensed vehicles and separately regulates high-volume for-hire services, a category that includes companies such as Uber and Lyft.That distinction is important when interpreting the city’s Local Law 31 crash reports. Those reports cover multiple classes of TLC-licensed vehicles, including black cars, liveries, taxis, and other for-hire vehicles, rather than identifying crashes involving Uber or Lyft alone. Black cars also should not be treated as synonymous with rideshare vehicles: The category includes both app-based and traditional black-car services.The TLC recorded 3,967 crashes involving licensed vehicles in January 2019. Black cars accounted for 3,183 vehicles involved in crashes that month, compared with 803 in January 2024. Those figures span a period in which New York’s for-hire transportation market changed substantially, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.As a result, the TLC figures are better understood as local context than as a direct measure of rideshare safety. They demonstrate both the scale of New York’s for-hire vehicle market and the difficulty of separating app-based rideshare crash trends from the broader universe of TLC-licensed vehicles.Chicago’s data shows how quickly exposure grewChicago provides another useful, if incomplete, signal. A city report on public passenger vehicles said its analysis relied on Uber and Lyft data from the city study period. Earlier Chicago reporting found that vehicle miles traveled by transportation network providers with passengers increased by 344% from 2015 to 2018, underscoring how quickly exposure grew even before the pandemic era. In 2019, the city also said ride-hailing use had grown 271% in recent years.While those figures do not amount to a city crash ranking, they show why large urban markets remain central to the debate over rideshare safety. More trips on the road, especially in congested corridors, can mean more opportunities for collisions, even if cities do not publish a clean yearly rideshare crash count. Still, the data highlights why cities with heavy rideshare activity remain central to ongoing traffic safety discussions, especially in dense urban corridors where pickup and drop-off traffic increased significantly after 2019.Insights from cities highlight rideshare safety patternsIn a 2017 four-city analysis covering Las Vegas, Reno, Portland, and San Antonio, researchers examined weekly injury crashes around periods when Uber launched, stopped service, and later resumed operations. The results were mixed. Uber’s return was associated with fewer alcohol-involved injury crashes in Portland and San Antonio, but not in Reno. In Portland, the decline was especially sharp: Researchers estimated a 61.8% reduction, or about 3.1 fewer alcohol-involved injury crashes per week. But the same study found no evidence that Uber’s return reduced total injury crashes or serious crashes overall.In New York City, a separate study using trip-level ride-hailing data pointed in the other direction for dense urban areas. Researchers found that each additional 100 rideshare trip origins within a taxi zone-hour was associated with 4.6% higher odds of any injury crash in that zone-hour. The association was found for motorist and pedestrian injury crashes, but not cyclist injury crashes.However, what public data still cannot cleanly show is a definitive national leaderboard of post-2019 increases in rideshare crashes by city. The California Public Utlities Commission, for example, says public Transportation Network Company annual reports for 2021 to 2024 were suspended, and public 2014 to 2020 reports were delayed, leaving a major hole in one of the country’s most significant rideshare markets.The broader traffic safety picture remains seriousThe broader traffic backdrop also matters. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that 39,345 people died in traffic crashes in 2024, down 3.8% from 2023 and marking the first year since 2020 that fatalities fell below 40,000. Even with that improvement, federal officials said the toll remains high, and the ongoing challenge for cities is understanding which modern traffic patterns (including curbside pickup activity, distracted driving, deadheading, and denser for-hire traffic) are adding risk in specific places.Why stronger local reporting matters beyond city rankingsFor now, the clearest takeaway is less about declaring a single “worst” city than about recognizing how uneven crash transparency still is. New York has one of the most visible public reporting systems. Chicago has released substantial ride-hail operating data. California has acknowledged major delays in public reporting. And across the country, researchers continue to find that ride-hailing’s safety effects are not uniform: It may reduce some alcohol-related crashes in certain markets while also increasing crash exposure in busy pickup and drop-off zones.As more cities debate curb management, congestion policy, and traffic safety enforcement, the lack of local crash details may become harder to ignore. Without clearer public reporting, one of the country’s most common transportation habits will remain among the hardest traffic-safety trends to measure.This story was produced by Temple Injury Law and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The states reporting the most (and fewest) scams in 2026 The states reporting the most (and fewest) scams in 2026Anyone can fall victim to a scam, but living in some parts of the U.S. can put you at higher risk.In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission put together a comprehensive Consumer Sentinel Network aggregation of reported incidents, and it revealed a clear pattern. More than 6 million reports of fraud, identity theft, and other consumer complaints were measured against state populations.Some states reported scams at nearly triple the rate of others. Spokeo broke down the data to show where fraud reports cluster and to detail the scams dominating those regions, so consumers have a better sense of the risks closest to home.Why this story mattersFraud isn’t some distant statistic unlikely to affect your daily life. It’s a very real and pressing issue for many people around the country.According to data from the FTC, Americans reported losing more than $15.9 billion in single-year losses from fraud in 2025. Younger adults, in particular, report losing money to fraud more than older adults, though older adults lose far more in single instances. This is a reflection of scammers targeting retirement savings and larger sums.The FTC state rankings tell an interesting story: A small state can carry a much higher per-resident risk rate than a state with more overall complaints.Knowing which states and scam types carry the highest per capita risk can help residents recognize warning signs of a scam before becoming a victim. It can also help policymakers and consumer advocates tailor protections and resources toward the areas that matter most.Methodology: How Spokeo built the rankingOur ranking draws from the FTC’s 2024 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, which compiles fraud, identity theft, and other consumer complaints directly to the agency, as well as its law enforcement partners.States are ranked by reports per 100,000 residents, utilizing 2023 Census population estimates, which is the same method the FTC uses in its own rankings. Our rankings reflect the FTC’s combined fraud and other report category, spanning everything from imposter scams to general complaints about banks, lenders, debt collectors, and more. The District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are tracked separately and have been excluded from the state-by-state rankings.State-by-state highlights: Top 5 and bottom 5Based on fraud reports per 100,000 residents by state, the heatmap shows some significant outliers across the country: Spokeo The map reflects fraud reports specifically. Another ranking draws on the FTC’s broader fraud research and other measurements. The two measures don’t always rank every state the same way, but they tell a similar geographical story. Fraud reporting is highest across the Southeast, the Mid-Atlantic, and a handful of Sunbelt and Mountain West states.On that broader FTC ranking, Florida led the nation in 2024 with 2,163 fraud and other reports per 100,000 residents, followed by Georgia at 2,108 and Delaware at 1,876.Nevada and Maryland rounded out the top five with 1,867 and 1,799 reports, respectively. Looking also at individual fraud reports only, these states are among the most targeted by scammers.At the other end of the spectrum, South Dakota recorded the lowest rate in the country at just 676 reports. They were joined by North Dakota at 696, Iowa at 715, West Virginia at 836, and Kansas at 848 to round out the bottom five.Across many of the states in this ranking, imposter scams rank among the most commonly reported scam types. These occur when individuals attempt to pose as someone they are not, including government agencies, romantic interests, tech support workers, or well-known businesses. The 2025 Sentinel ranking noted more than 1 million imposter scam reports totaling $3.5 billion in losses.National trend context: What's driving the surgeLet’s take a look at the fraud numbers on a national basis. Total reported losses climbed up to $15.9 billion in 2025, the highest on record and an increase of about 25% from 2024.Frauds involving internet services, including reports about payment apps and online payments, jumped in 2025, with losses totalling $209 million. While more reports about credit bureaus, such as errors on a credit report or unauthorized pulls, nearly doubled year-over-year in 2024, that number dipped in 2025.Investment scams also accounted for more reported dollar losses than any other category at $7.9 billion, with a median loss per victim of more than $10,400.Pressure from unwanted calls has not receded in recent years. The FTC’s 2025 Do Not Call Registry logged more than 2.6 million complaints, with debt-reduction schemes, imposters, and medical or prescription pitches among the most frequently cited in reports.Prevention takeaways for readersRegardless of where your specific state ranks, the FTC’s own data points to a number of consistent defenses against becoming a victim of a scam:Be skeptical of unsolicited contact from anyone claiming to be a government agency, bank, or distant relative in distress. Hang up and instead call the organization or person back using a number from an official site or phonebookTreat any request to move money by bank transfer or cryptocurrency with extra caution, as those two payment methods accounted for the largest dollar losses in recent years and are difficult to reverseDon’t assume a phone call is safer than an email or text just because it feels more personalReport any suspected fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, even if no money changed hands so that the same Sentinel database behind rankings like this one can be updated to inform law enforcementScams show no signs of letting up, and the technology these individuals use is becoming more advanced. It’s never been more crucial to act with caution.Avoid becoming a scam victimFraud doesn’t respect state lines and it doesn’t hit every state the same way. Whether you live in a high-reporting state like Florida or a lower-reporting one like South Dakota, the fundamentals of scam protection are the same.Always slow down before agreeing to send money or share sensitive personal information, and try to verify contact independently. Above all else, though, report scam incidents. The more people that report an event, the sharper the picture for both consumers and agencies that are working to stop the next generation of scammers.This story was produced by Spokeo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	When insurance payments rival the mortgage: Inside the 2026 homeowners insurance squeeze When insurance payments rival the mortgage: Inside the 2026 homeowners insurance squeezeHomeownership seems to promise stability, with predictable monthly mortgage payments and protected assets. But in recent years, insurance changes — including withdrawals from high-risk states, policy nonrenewals, and premium spikes — have put many households on shakier ground.To learn more about how policyholders are handling this financial pressure, SoFi surveyed 520 homeowners around the nation on April 13, 2026. The survey found many homeowners coping with swiftly rising premiums and the threat of policy cancellations; quite a few of their responses expose gaps in disaster readiness.Key PointsInsurance market disruptions, including premium spikes, policy nonrenewals, and carrier withdrawals from high-risk states, have left many homeowners on increasingly unstable financial ground.Nearly 2 in 5 homeowners nationwide saw premiums increase by more than 20% at a single renewal, while insurers have retreated from wildfire and hurricane-prone states.Hurricanes and severe windstorms rank as the greatest perceived threat to homes, yet more than half of homeowners spent nothing on damage-mitigating protective modifications in the past year.Household insurance costs rose 6.9% over a recent 12-month period, prompting 48% of owners to consider raising deductibles or switching to lower-tier policies to manage costs.Dropping coverage entirely risks triggering lender-imposed force-placed insurance policies that typically cost more and provide less protection than the original policy.Hefty Home Insurance Costs Hammer Many, Especially Out WestFirst, the good news: Nearly half of the homeowners in SoFi’s survey report relative stability in their home insurance dealings. Nationwide, 49% report that not only have they been spared cancellations or nonrenewals, but they’ve also experienced stable premiums over the past three years.That said, within the same period, almost 2 in 5 people (39%) across the country saw their insurance premiums increase by more than 20% at a single renewal. SoFi Even more — 44% — say their homeowners’ premiums are now large enough to rival their mortgage payments. That percentage varies by region, though, as do the cost of living and the risk of natural disasters. For example, in the Western states, 62% of respondents say their premiums are as high as mortgage payments; in the Midwest, only 34% do.Nonrenewal or Cancellation Hits 1 in 4 HomeownersCost aside, for many homeowners, it’s tough holding on to a policy at all. Carriers have been retreating from states where the risk of wildfires and hurricanes is high. California, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, and North Carolina have all seen recent cutbacks.Regional data from the survey confirms the reports of insurers’ withdrawal. In the last two years, 38% of respondents living in Western states were hit with nonrenewal or cancellation notices due to “catastrophic risk” or property-specific concerns; they were forced to find new insurance carriers. In the Northeast, 31% were similarly cut off; one-quarter (26%) of that group were pushed onto state-backed plans.Nationally, rates were lower but still eye-poppingly high. Roughly one-quarter of homeowners (23%) were thrown off their homeowners’ insurance since 2024. Within that group, 79% had to find a new private carrier, while 16% ended up with state-sponsored coverage. SoFi Dangers Differ by Region, and Homeowners Don’t Always PrepareNatural disasters happen throughout the U.S. Asked to select the greatest threat to their home and property, respondents most often (35%) pointed to hurricanes and severe windstorms.But as with everything related to real estate, location matters. Regionally, survey participants focused on tornadoes and flooding as well as hurricanes — except in the Western states, where people worried most about wildfires and earthquakes. SoFi For 13% of all respondents, nonhurricane flooding is the biggest risk. Yet within that group, only 41% had bought standalone flood insurance, with Southerners and Northeasterners most likely to do so (56% and 50%, respectively). More than 18% did not purchase it, in the belief that their homeowners policies cover water damage from floods. However, standard homeowners policies typically don’t.Most Respondents Spent No Money This Year on Disaster-Mitigation MeasuresThe spotty adoption of flood insurance shows some homeowners’ inconsistency in managing disaster risk. Similarly, some respondents have been reluctant to invest in home improvements that can protect against expensive damage later — even when financial incentives are available.Within the past year, only 46% of respondents spent $1 or more on damage-mitigating home modifications like storm shutters and fire-resistant roofs. Most of those who did (61%) spent $2,500 or less; only 7% of them spent more than $10,000. SoFi Meanwhile, more than half (54%) spent no money at all on such protective measures, with 62% of this group expressing confidence that their existing policy would cover all weather-related rebuilding costs. (Again, in the event of flooding, this is very unlikely.)About 14% believe their policy would not pay the full cost of rebuilding, and yet most of that group (71%) spent $0 on mitigation.Insurance Discounts Encourage Home Hardening — But Some ResistWorking with state insurance regulators, some insurance carriers are reducing premiums for homeowners who take measures to fortify their homes against weather risk.In the homeowners insurance survey, just over one-third (35%) of respondents said their insurers offer this type of discount. Accordingly, 85% of them spent money on damage-mitigation features last year.Some people with access to mitigation discounts say that the cost of the upgrades exceeds the value of the discount. Even so, almost three-quarters (73%) of this group spent money to make their homes more resilient. (Discounts aren’t the only reason to invest in mitigation, of course — limiting damage reduces rebuilding costs.)Almost half (45%) of all respondents don’t know whether their carriers offer mitigation discounts. Within this group, only 1 in 5 (19%) spent money on such measures.Faced with Future Premium Hikes, Many Would Cut CoverageAccording to May’s Consumer Price Index, household insurance costs rose 6.9% over the preceding 12 months, and the trend could well continue.SoFi asked survey respondents to consider what they would do if insurance prices were to double next year. Nearly half (48%) said they would slash their coverage by raising deductibles or switching to lower-tier policies. One-third (33%) of them would absorb the cost by cutting household expenses, while 7% would opt to sell their home and move to a lower-risk area.The remaining 12% would drop their insurance entirely. This aligns with existing data from the Insurance Information Institute. A 2023 study from III found that 12% of homeowners had not purchased insurance. Almost half of these households earn less than $40,000 per year, suggesting high insurance costs are often the reason. SoFi Doing without insurance, however, can be a false economy — even if disaster does not strike. By dropping a policy or letting it lapse, homeowners may trigger a mortgage provision that allows lenders to impose a “force-placed” insurance policy on the property. The new policy could easily cost more and cover less than the original one.For that matter, the strategy of moving elsewhere may not be as easy as it sounds. Homeowners insurance is required by Fannie Mae and many mortgage lenders, so high insurance prices could constrain a tight real estate market even further. One-quarter of homeowners in the homeowners insurance survey (25%) are “very” or “extremely” concerned that their homes may become unsellable because of sky-high prices on insurance.Most Would Welcome Government Help in Lowering PremiumsConsumers need relief, and many would welcome a helping hand from Washington.One possibility is the creation of a federal government disaster fund to backstop private insurers and help lower consumer premiums. More than half (56%) of respondents say they’d support this type of program in order to help stabilize the market. A small minority (16%) think it would be an unfair subsidy to people living in high-risk zones.Such a program strongly appeals to the people who are most concerned about high insurance costs hindering their home sale; they endorse it by a margin of more than 5-to-1. Even respondents who aren’t concerned at all about resale approve of the measure, though the ratio drops to about 2-to-1.The TakeawaySurvey results show that, for many U.S. homeowners, rising insurance premiums rival mortgage payments; many policyholders face the threat of cancellations, especially in high-risk regions. Despite these growing costs, a significant number of people haven’t taken steps to protect their homes, often underestimating their true financial risk. More than half of homeowners support potential federal intervention to stabilize the market and dampen premium increases.This story was produced by SoFi and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Learn about data centers at Rock Island meeting Data centers are making headlines across the country and communities are gathering together to discuss their impact. Prairie Rivers Network is hosting a presentation on data centers and how they affect communities on Tuesday, August 18th from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Center, 630 9th Street in Rock Island. Nina Struss, [...]
	14 workout supplements that work 14 workout supplements that workThey don't call it a workout for nothing. Whether you're lifting weights, training for a 5K or wearing a weighted vest during your power walks, physical activity is challenging, especially as you get older.But you don't have to go at it alone: fitness supplements can promote muscle growth and comfort and keep that pep in your step.But which ones should you take? With whole stores dedicated to pre-workout powders, post-workout drinks, protein bars, and other products promising to make your workout work for you, it can be an overwhelming decision.Not to worry: Life Extension presents this comprehensive workout supplement guide to help you understand what you need before, during and after your workout. At a GlanceSupplements can promote exercise performance and muscle health before, during and after a workout.Pre-workout supplements like arginine and rhodiola support blood flow and cellular energy production.Electrolytes can help maintain hydration and muscle function during a workout.Protein, amino acids and tart cherry can help support muscle health and recovery after a workout.Pre-Workout SupplementsWhether you commute to the gym or sweat it out in the comfort of your home, the hardest part is often just showing up. Not every workout starts with motivation, but it can start with a pre-workout.These pre-workout supplements are taken before training to help support your performance goals:1. ArginineArginine is the body's Swiss Army knife, with a special edge for athletic performance.How it benefits your workout: L-arginine is prized by the fitness community for its role as a precursor to nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator that promotes blood flow throughout the body. Nitric oxide supports more effective oxygen delivery to working muscles during exercise, helping to improve performance and sustain effort.What the research says: In a clinical study, arginine supplementation resulted in improved time to exhaustion during both moderate and severe intensity exercise.2. Beta-alanineThis amino acid is getting all the buzz (and for good reason).How it benefits your workout: The burn you notice after pushing through a tough workout? That's acid accumulating in your muscles. Beta-alanine is well-loved for its role in managing this response, delaying fatigue during intense exercise.What the research says: In a clinical study, beta-alanine supplementation resulted in significant improvements in both power and distance during overreaching training (training past their upper limits).3. Sodium bicarbonateLook no further than your own pantry for this next workout staple, which can be mixed with water and taken one to two hours before your workout.How it benefits your workout: Sodium bicarbonate, better known as baking soda, has been studied for its ability to delay the onset of muscle fatigue. It also provides sodium, one of the electrolytes depleted with sweat.What the research says: Research supports performance-enhancing effects, especially in anaerobic power (the ability to produce high levels of energy in short bursts) and in activities involving short-duration, high-intensity intervals.4. RhodiolaRhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), sourced from the root of a flowering plant native to Arctic mountain regions, offers benefits in stress modulation, among other areas.How it benefits your workout: Rhodiola is a popular adaptogen, commonly taken for its stress-modulating properties. That doesn't mean calm; instead, think cool and steady. Additionally, rhodiola has been shown in studies to support healthy ATP (adenosine triphosphate) levels, the cell's energy currency. This provides more of the energy your body needs to score the final goal or go the extra mile.What the research says: Clinical studies indicate that Rhodiola rosea may improve both physical and mental performance in addition to physical endurance.5. CaffeineMany of us consider coffee as a necessity for a challenging day, but what about for jump-starting an exercise session?How it benefits your workout: If you struggle to find energy to power through, or even start, your exercise routine, caffeine could be the boost you're looking for.What the research says: Caffeine is known to support energy and alertness, but it has also been studied to improve VO2 max, the gold standard of aerobic fitness and endurance capacity.Pro tip: Caffeine is an effective workout partner, but only in safe amounts. If you have a caffeine sensitivity (or are already on your second coffee of the day), it may be best to explore non-stimulant options.During Your WorkoutExercise is important, but that doesn't make it any easier. When your energy starts to dip, and the finish line feels a little farther away, reach for support to help you keep going.6. ElectrolytesLong days, active schedules and warm weather can all move hydration to the top of your priorities, in order to replenish electrolytes.How it benefits your workout: Electrolytes, which are charged ions of essential minerals such as sodium and potassium, provide an easy way to maintain hydration and muscle function during long or intense workouts. These ions are naturally lost through sweat, but good news: Restocking is easy. From sports drinks to energy gels to homemade hydration blends, there's an electrolyte solution for everyone.What the research says: When compared with water alone during exercise, carbohydrate–electrolyte beverages demonstrated measurable ergogenic, or performance-enhancing, benefits.Pro tip: Electrolytes are best consumed alongside carbohydrates. This pairing provides both hydration and fuel to power your performance.Post-Workout SupplementsThe work doesn't stop when you leave the gym—not for your muscles, at least. If you're lucky, recovery is second nature. For many people, muscle support might be needed, especially as you age. Fortunately, post-workout routines can be supported with muscle-building, recovery and energy-restoring supplements, which can technically be taken anytime, at your convenience.7. Supplemental proteinSupplemental protein has found its way into grocery store products, from powders to bars to popcorn and ice cream.How it benefits your workout: Protein is the foundation of any healthy diet, and many people can use a little help meeting the recommended intake. Both plant- and animal-derived proteins provide amino acids, which are essential for building and repairing muscle. With increased physical activity comes increased protein needs, making it particularly important for anyone engaging in regular exercise.What the research says: Supplemental protein has been shown in studies to encourage lean muscle mass, maintain healthy body fat composition and promote muscular strength when paired with resistance training.Pro tip: When choosing a protein powder, consider both content and digestibility. Protein concentrate tends to be higher in calories and contains more carbohydrates. Protein isolate, on the other hand, is further processed to remove most fat and lactose.8. Creatine monohydrateWhether you're an Olympic powerlifter or a power walker, you probably could benefit from creatine.How it benefits your workout: Creatine, an extensively studied amino acid derivative, has been shown in studies to support lean muscle mass, strength and power. Creatine helps to create ATP, the cell's preferred form of energy. This allows your muscles to train harder and recover faster. The best part: You don't have to be a gym rat to see the benefits.What the research says: Clinical studies suggest that even a short, three-day creatine supplementation period helps promote exercise performance and support muscle health and recovery. Better yet, if you are after more than just muscle, certain creatine formulas may have your brain covered, too. Look for a blend of creatine and acetyl-L-carnitine, which encourages mental energy and cognitive function.9. BCAAsWhen one more rep is just within reach, think branched chain amino acids.How it benefits your workout: Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) help signal muscle protein synthesis, so you can see the results of your hard work in the gym and in the mirror.What the research says: The evidence on BCAAs is more mixed. Some studies show little added benefit for muscle growth, especially with adequate protein intake. Muscle maintenance, however, is a different story. Research suggests BCAAs may preserve lean muscle mass and strength during weight loss, piquing the interest of anyone aiming for body recomposition ("body recomp").10. HMBMeet your bodybuilding and healthy aging BFF, beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB).How it benefits your workout: HMB is an amino acid derivative known for muscle recovery support. It's a naturally occurring compound produced in the breakdown of leucine, one of the essential amino acids. This isn't the first amino acid derivative you've heard about (recall creatine), and while both are linked to how the body supports muscle function, HMB is distinctly associated with muscle preservation.What the research says: Research suggests HMB supplementation may support healthy body composition and help maintain muscle mass. Good news for the super-agers: HMB has also been shown to help maintain muscle function and support muscle growth, especially for those over 65.11. GlutaminePhysical fitness plays a part in both immune health and stress response. For that reason, glutamine makes this list.How it benefits your workout: Not all stress is bad. In fact, exercise creates eustress, a beneficial form of stress. But as with anything, balance matters. Glutamine is the most abundant free-circulating amino acid in the body, and it plays a key role in maintaining that balance.What the research says: Glutamine has been shown in studies to support immune system health, muscle recovery and stress management. But during periods of intense exercise, glutamine is consumed at especially high rates, making supplementation a good idea.12. Tart cherryMake workout recovery sweet with tart cherry extract.How it benefits your workout: Fitness enthusiasts of all kinds can unite over an appreciation for post-workout comfort. This is where tart cherries come in. Cherries owe their deep, vibrant pigment to anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that can offer support for muscle recovery and comfort after exercise.What the research says: The antioxidant compounds in tart cherry extract have been shown to support oxidative stress reduction, an important part of post-workout recovery.13. ArjunaThough its roots are ancient, arjuna is known to help keep you young at heart.How it benefits your workout: For generations, arjuna bark has been trusted to support heart health, one of the most important muscles in the body. Arjuna bark contains a rich blend of polyphenols and glycosides, compounds recognized for their powerful antioxidant properties.What the research says: In a study, arjuna increased the left ventricular ejection fraction, your heart's blood-pumping strength and efficiency, when compared with baseline. It also supports cardiovascular endurance, making arjuna a natural fit for runners (or anyone chasing a new personal record).14. Indian Sphaeranthus and mango extractSometimes the best part of a workout is simply feeling alive, and these botanical nutrients can help you connect to that sense of vitality.How it benefits your workout: Indian globe thistle and mango bark extract, when paired, may offer a number of benefits to the active person, from grip strength to muscle strength to aerobic fitness. This combination has been clinically shown to support functional fitness and overall feelings of vitality.What the research says: Whether you are carrying groceries or conquering calisthenics, grip strength comes through in the clutch. In the populations studied, Indian Sphaeranthus and mango extract improved grip strength, alongside other measures, within four weeks of supplementation.Top Fitness Supplements Life Extension Frequently asked questions about workout supplementsThere are many ways to use targeted nutrition to support your exercise routine.Can you take too many workout supplements?Unless otherwise noted, the supplements on this list are generally regarded as safe. Choose a supplement stack that supports your fitness goals, and remember, supplements work best with consistent sleep, hydration and nutrition. Your healthcare provider can help you choose which nutrients may support you best.How should workout supplements change as your goals change?As your fitness goals evolve, it's important to reassess your routine to decide which supplements might best support you. "Pay attention to your health needs when choosing workout supplements," said Dr. Michael A. Smith, M.D. "Closely consider your diet, exercise habits and lifestyle."For instance, if you hit a performance plateau, creatine may help, depending on your training style. Or if fatigue is holding you back, energy-support supplements like rhodiola may be worth considering. Keep in mind, as your training intensity or frequency increases, additional recovery support may be needed.Are workout supplements mainly for athletes and bodybuilders?No. Supplements can help support anyone at any level of fitness, whether that means keeping up with the grandkids or crushing a 5K in record time. In fact, because muscle mass becomes harder to maintain with age, workout supplements can play an increasingly important role as you age.This story was produced by Life Extension and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Eldridge cafe to be featured on America’s Best Restaurants A local cafe is going to be featured on America’s Best Restaurants this month.
	What are probiotics? A beginner's guide to gut health What are probiotics? A beginner's guide to gut healthThe human gastrointestinal tract houses trillions and trillions of microbial cells—not millions, not billions, trillions. It’s also home to several different kinds of microorganisms, from bacteria and viruses to fungi, archaea, and protozoa. In other words, there’s a lot going on—and a delicate equilibrium to maintain. Keeping that balance isn’t quite as simple as drinking kombucha or noshing on kimchi and sauerkraut, which is a common misconception.Gut health is complex—and when it comes to supporting the gut, scientists are still elucidating the exact mechanics. The formula isn’t as cut-and-dried as you might assume. Take fermented foods, for instance. While some, like yogurt, have been associated with health benefits in studies, scientists point out it’s not always possible to pinpoint whether those benefits are a direct result of the live cultures in the yogurt, some other ingredient in the yogurt, or the yogurt in its entirety.All that said, for certain inquiries, clarity does exist: How might people feel more comfortable with their digestive health, for instance? Are there actions anyone, no matter their diet or lifestyle, can take to increase their confidence in this arena? Which supplements can best support their journey? Pose these questions to any number of dietitians, doctors, biologists, and scientists, and you’ll likely encounter a recurring answer: probiotics. Ritual dove into answering some of the most common questions about probiotics.Essential TakeawaysProbiotics are living strains of bacteria (often referred to as “good bacteria”), which, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits to the person ingesting them.But what, exactly, are the benefits? Do fermented foods count? Get answers to some of the most common questions below.What Are Probiotics?The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as live microorganisms, or “good bacteria,” which, when administered in adequate amounts, provide a health benefit to the person taking them. They can be found in fermented foods and probiotic supplements.Before diving into the benefits of probiotics, it is important to touch on the microbiome, which plays an important role in human health. The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms that live in the gastrointestinal tract. Some people may think of these gut microbes as inherently harmful “germs,” but reality tells us otherwise: Many bacteria are actually helpful, and work hard behind the scenes to support gut health, digestive health, and immune health.What Are the Benefits of Probiotics?Each human has a unique gut microbiome, a signature bacterial fingerprint shaped by their environment, diet, and lifestyle. But the daily disturbances of modern life—poor diets, stress, travel, the use of certain medications (including antibiotics), not to mention plenty of other factors—can all throw gut microbiota off-kilter. That’s where ingested probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, come in: to help support gut health, especially in the face of modern life’s inevitable hurdles.What Types of Bacteria Are in Probiotics?Probiotics can contain many different types of microorganisms. They’re identified by their specific strain, which includes the genus, species, subspecies (where applicable), and an alphanumeric strain designation.Current evidence indicates that probiotic effects are strain-specific (in other words, just because one type of Lactobacillus might produce a specific effect, it doesn’t necessarily mean another Lactobacillus strain will, too—although it’s possible). That’s why it’s important to look for probiotic supplements that include strains supported by evidence from human clinical studies.Fermented Foods vs. Probiotic SupplementsMany people looking to increase their probiotic intake turn to fermented foods and drinks for their fill of good bugs. Miso, kimchi, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, sourdough bread, wine—there’s no shortage of options.What there is a shortage of, however, is sound scientific evidence: While many fermented foods do include live and active cultures—and these cultures can survive well during a product’s shelf life—studies show that once they’re actually ingested, they typically don’t make it through the harsh conditions of the stomach. In other words, fermented foods may play a role in gut health, but by relying solely on food, there’s no guarantee the intended bacterial benefits will be reaped.Fermented foods are not the same as probiotics. To be clear: Live and active cultures are not the same thing as proven probiotic microorganisms. According to the World Health Organization’s definition, fermented foods do not qualify as probiotics because:They often do not have proven health benefits. (Authoritative published research on the impact of fermented foods on gastrointestinal health is sorely lacking.)They may not survive transit through the stomach and small intestines.The product may not include an adequate amount of strain to be considered probiotic.When it comes to consuming probiotics, going the supplement route may not be the easiest way to ensure the beneficial bacteria can make it to the intestines alive (which would be the whole purpose). It’s even more true once you consider the wide variation in live culture composition between fermented food products and brands.Picking a High-Quality Probiotic SupplementIn order to meet the definition of a probiotic, government agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommend a potential strain meet the following criteria:The strain must be alive. A probiotic strain has to be alive at the time of ingestion. It also has to survive the harsh conditions in the stomach and small intestines (and reach the large intestine still alive).The dosage must be adequate. Probiotic strains must be ingested at a high enough dose to have an impact. The specific dosage should be based on documentation from human clinical trials.The benefits should be science-backed. In order to qualify as a probiotic, a strain should be supported by evidence from human clinical trials that show the strain supports a health benefit. (If you’re taking a probiotic with multiple strains, you’ll want to ensure each individual strain has been clinically studied.)What is a synbiotic?Some probiotic supplements may be combined with a prebiotic supplement to support gut health, which is called a synbiotic.Other Factors to ConsiderMany types of probiotics need to be protected in some way from heat, oxygen, light, and humidity in order to remain effective. Some brands require refrigeration, while others offer shelf-stable options that use intelligent packaging choices to preserve the formula.While the route you choose is ultimately up to you, it’s important to keep in mind that reaping the benefits of probiotic supplementation requires consistency. The organisms can’t stick around for very long, so for them to help support the gut, you’ll need to take them daily.This story was produced by Ritual and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Muscatine Police Chief Tony Kies provides an update on Friday's shooting The suspect, Mark Lee Jackson, 59, of Des Moines, is still at large and should be considered armed and dangerous.
	Quad-Cities area literacy and library programs receive over $320,000 Augustana University, Western Illinois University and Black Hawk College are among the recipients.
	Why you’re feeling emotional, and how to cope Why you’re feeling emotional, and how to copeYou could be feeling emotional for a variety of reasons. Maybe you had a stressful workday and had to repress your emotions in front of your colleagues. Or maybe you witnessed something distressing or traumatic and are trying to process that experience. When you’re alone, you may feel able to release your emotions without judgment. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, it’s important to consider the root cause. Seeking support, like with a therapist, can offer you the help you need to process your feelings, introduce coping skills, and deepen your healing.Rula compiled a list of some potential reasons you might be feeling overly emotional and suggested ways to manage those overwhelming feelings.Key TakeawaysFeeling overly emotional is a common experience.Certain mental health conditions, life changes, sleep challenges, and stress can cause high emotions.A qualified mental health provider can provide support and help you figure out the source of your overwhelming emotions.1. Mental overloadSometimes, people unintentionally skip processing their emotions because they’re busy or they don’t want to feel challenging emotions. Or they might intend to heal once life slows down.But, often, our schedules are too full. Whatever the reason, ignoring emotional processing can make you feel excessively emotional because your feelings have accumulated without any relief.2. Lack of sleepIf you’re missing out on sleep regularly or waking up during the night, your emotions may be bigger than the situation. That’s because sleep and mental health are deeply connected.When you sleep, your body is working to regulate your emotions and manage stress. Without this critical process, you might find yourself sobbing at a friend’s slightly sad news or a sentimental TV ad.For some people, anxiety and depression can set in at night. This can make it harder to sleep as your mind turns over your worries repeatedly (which usually makes you feel worse) or sadness takes hold.Johns Hopkins research has found 75% of people with depression have difficulty falling or staying asleep, so it makes sense that these challenges translate into daily experiences. Feeling emotional in these instances is completely valid.3. Life changesThink about any events that have happened lately, even if they’re positive ones. Changes — even welcome ones — can be stressful, and your response to increased stress might be feeling overly emotional. It can be easy to shrug off a transition or even register that it’s affected you.4. Hormonal shiftsYour emotional instability may come on seemingly all of a sudden. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period can cause intense emotions like postpartum rage. Even though these experiences are temporary, it can still feel overwhelming to manage these emotions on your own.5. Emotional dysregulationEmotional dysregulation can contribute to always feeling overly emotional. If you don’t know how to regulate your emotions, you may feel your emotions are controlling you.There are many reasons why emotional regulation might be hard for you. Some reasons include childhood trauma, mental health conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or even an insecure attachment style.6. Mental health conditionsSeveral mental health conditions can affect emotional regulation, making it harder for people to manage or understand their feelings. Conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression can cause intense mood swings, heightened emotional sensitivity, or difficulty calming down after distressing events.When someone’s ability to regulate emotions is disrupted, it can strain relationships, reduce self-esteem, and make daily challenges feel harder to handle. This often creates a cycle of emotional exhaustion and distress.Ways to manage overwhelming emotionsManaging increased emotions on your own can feel challenging. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help.Notice your triggers. If you find yourself breaking down during certain times, you might feel unsettled and confused. You might wonder why you’re so emotional at night, around a certain person, or notice a cyclical pattern related to your menstrual cycle. Tracking when you’re feeling overwhelmed may help you narrow down the root cause.Acknowledge your feelings. Taking time to slow down, like with mindfulness meditation or journaling, can help you identify and process any buried feelings. This moment may help provide some clarity from your strong emotions.Try grounding exercises. When you’re in the middle of experiencing overwhelming emotions, it can be hard to focus on anything else. But sometimes diverting your attention can actually help. For example, if you live with an anxiety disorder, breathing exercises can ground you and bring you back into the present.Lean on your support system. It can be hard to be vulnerable with your feelings, but sharing your experiences might help you feel less alone. Confiding in people you trust can help you see that everyone feels emotional sometimes, and it can help you feel more connected.Reach out for professional support. If it feels like managing your emotions is impossible, know that support is available. A therapist can help you figure out what’s behind your increased emotions and develop healthy coping strategies.Clinician’s take“Attempting to ‘push away’ your feelings can cause emotions to resurface more intensely later on,” explained Ashley Ayala, a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical reviewer for Rula. “What tends to work better is pausing to name the emotion, breathe through it, and approach it with curiosity instead of judgment. This gentle awareness helps the nervous system settle and allows the emotion to move through naturally rather than getting stuck.”This story was produced by Rula and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Getting your first credit card? Here’s how to build credit and avoid costly mistakes Getting your first credit card? Here’s how to build credit and avoid costly mistakesGetting your first credit card is about building credit, not just earning rewards. TD shares practical tips for choosing the right card, avoiding debt, paying on time and using alerts and fraud protection to build smart habits early.Key Points:A first credit card is less about rewards and more about building a strong credit history through on-time payments and responsible use.New cardholders can avoid common pitfalls by setting a personal spending cap, keeping balances low and aiming to pay the full balance each month.Secured credit cards can offer a structured path into credit for people with little credit history or those rebuilding after setbacks.Credit card alerts, fraud protection and dispute options can help cardholders monitor spending and respond quickly to unusual activity.For parents, adding a student as an authorized user can be a teaching opportunity when paired with clear expectations and spending limits.For first-time credit card holders, the marketplace can sometimes feel like having instant money with a blur of shiny perks such as travel points, cash back, airport lounge access and sign-up bonuses. But the real purpose of that first card is often far more foundational: building a financial track record."It’s easy to get drawn in by the rewards and sign-up offers, but for a first credit card, the biggest benefit is often much simpler: It helps you start building a credit history," said Scott Adamo, head of franchise unsecured lending for TD Bank U.S. "Use it thoughtfully, pay on time and keep your balance manageable. Those habits matter much more early on than chasing points or perks."That distinction is critical. A credit card is a payment tool, but it's also an entry point into the U.S. credit system. A consistent record of on-time payments and responsible usage can build a credit profile that unlocks future milestones, from renting an apartment to qualifying for a car loan or mortgage. For someone of any age, their first credit card is typically less about perks and more about proving reliability.How do you choose your first credit card?Where you start searching for your first card often depends on your existing financial footprint. Financial institutions offer a range of cards designed to suit different financial situations and income levels.Some holders begin as authorized users on a parent's account, gaining early exposure to credit. Others may qualify for a basic unsecured card through a bank with which they already have a relationship.For those with no credit history or those rebuilding after setbacks, a secured card may be an option worth exploring, as it may offer a structured, clear path forward. Secured cards require a deposit that becomes your credit line and determines the spending limit. You may then have the opportunity to "graduate" to an unsecured card after a period of responsible use."A secured card is a really good pathway into more traditional, unsecured credit cards," Scott said.How can you avoid overspending with your first credit card?"The biggest risk early on isn't choosing the wrong credit card, it's using the right one poorly," Scott said. "Spend only what you're confident you can pay off."Scott suggested setting a personal spending cap based on income, not the card's limit, and avoiding the temptation to finance everyday purchases. A carried balance can quickly snowball as interest accrues, turning small purchases into long-term debt.Without a plan, it's easy to overspend, whether it's on conveniences like rideshares and takeouts or larger one-time purchases, and soon you wind up with a large balance, according to Scott.Carrying a balance isn't inherently wrong, but it comes with a cost. Interest charges can accumulate quickly, extending repayment timelines and making purchases significantly more expensive over time. That’s why Scott suggested initially treating a credit card similar to a debit card by charging only what you already have the cash to cover and aiming to pay the full balance each month.This guidance may sound simple, but it's where many first-time holders stumble. The psychological shift from cash to credit can make spending feel like a less immediate hit to the wallet, especially for people managing their finances for the first time.Understanding how credit scores work can help ease anxiety for those getting their first credit card. Applying for a card may cause a small, temporary dip in a credit score, but long-term behavior matters far more. Paying on time, keeping balances low in relation to your total credit line and maintaining accounts in good standing over time all contribute to a stronger score."The card itself isn't good or bad, it's how you use it," Scott said.Why is fraud protection important for new cardholders?The benefits of having a credit card abound. Financial institutions offer the option to set up real-time alerts for spending, helping holders track activity and avoid surprises. And unlike cash or debit cards, many credit cards typically come with robust fraud protection, an often-overlooked advantage, according to Scott. For example, credit cards typically allow holders to dispute unauthorized charges, which differs from many debit cards.Many credit cards also include additional protections.How can a credit card teach financial responsibility?For parents, credit cards can also serve as a teaching tool. Adding a college student as an authorized user on an existing account can help them build credit early. However, it requires clear expectations and communication. Just like someone getting their own credit card, authorized users should have spending limits and real-time alerts enabled. Discussing consequences upfront can turn a potential risk into a valuable learning experience."The habits built early tend to stick, and so does the credit history that comes with them," Scott said.FAQ: What you need to know about your first credit cardWhat should I look for in my first credit card?Start with a card that fits your income, spending habits and credit history. Rewards can be useful, but your first priority should be a manageable credit limit, clear terms and the ability to build a record of on-time payments.How can a first credit card help build credit?A credit card can help build credit when it is used responsibly over time. Paying on time, keeping balances low compared with your credit limit and maintaining the account in good standing can support a stronger credit profile.Is it bad to carry a balance on a credit card?Carrying a balance is not automatically wrong, but it can become expensive because interest may add up quickly. A good early habit is to charge only what you can afford.What is a secured credit card and how does it work?A secured credit card typically requires a deposit that becomes the credit line and helps set the spending limit. It may be an option for people with little credit history or those working to rebuild credit after setbacks.Why should first-time cardholders set up alerts?Alerts can help new cardholders track spending, monitor balances and spot unusual activity sooner. They can also make it easier to stay within a personal spending cap and avoid surprises when the bill arrives.This story was produced by TD and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Longtime Rock Island judge dies at age 86 Former Chief Judge Walter Braud died last week at 86 years old.
	How compact track loaders compare to skid steers for construction work How compact track loaders compare to skid steers for construction workChoosing the right loader for your construction operation isn’t just about horsepower or bucket capacity. It’s about matching the machine to your terrain, tasks, and budget. Compact track loaders (CTLs) and skid steer loaders (SSLs) may look similar, but their design differences can significantly impact your jobsite’s productivity and profitability.Whether it’s an SSL’s four wheels or a CTL’s rubber tracks, it’s important to choose the right equipment for your construction site. To help you make this choice, Thompson Tractor’s guide compares CTLs and SSLs for construction applications.Key TakeawaysCTL tracks provide better traction and lower ground pressure on soft or uneven terrain, while skid steers’ tires offer agility on hard surfaces.CTLs are ideal for sensitive ground, landscaping, or muddy conditions due to their low ground pressure, which minimizes soil compaction and damage.SSLs excel in tight spaces and on hard, stable ground, offering superior maneuverability with a zero-turn radius.CTLs typically have radial lift arms that are best for digging, while SSLs usually have vertical lift arms that are suitable for stacking and loading trucks.The ideal machine for your construction project depends on terrain, desired ground preservation, workspace size, and budget, with attachments adding versatility to both machine types.The Design Similarities and Differences Between Compact Track Loaders and Skid Steers LoadersThe choice between a CTL and an SSL comes down to a few fundamental design differences that impact performance, cost, and suitability for different construction environments.UndercarriageThe most obvious difference appears between the machine and the ground. A skid steer loader runs on four pneumatic tires, which are durable and well-suited for hard surfaces like concrete slabs, gravel lots, and compacted dirt on a jobsite.A compact track loader uses continuous rubber tracks wrapped around a series of wheels or rollers. This design allows the tracks to “float” over soft ground by distributing weight across a much larger surface area, providing better traction and stability in conditions where wheels would sink or slip.Ground PressureGround pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (psi), is critical in construction because it directly affects site integrity and minimizes damage. High ground pressure compacts soil, which can lead to issues such as increased runoff, difficulty with subsequent excavation, or damage to underground utilities. This is particularly concerning for construction sites, as excessive compaction can hinder proper drainage, affect foundation stability, and complicate landscape restoration.A typical compact track loader exerts around 4-6 psi, whereas a skid steer can exert 35-45 psi. This difference in ground pressure means that an SSL will create much deeper ruts as it works across your jobsite, while a CTL is much less likely to cause lasting damage to sensitive ground or finished landscaping.If you’re working on newly graded areas, landscaping projects, or any area where surface integrity matters, the lower psi of a track loader helps preserve the soil structure and prevents excessive disturbance. Using a CTL on construction sites with sensitive underground utilities, such as irrigation systems and gas lines, can help reduce accidental damage that could lead to costly repairs.ManeuverabilitySkid steers earn their name from the way they turn. They change direction by varying wheel speed on each side, creating a zero-turn radius. This turning ability means they can pivot within their own footprint, making them highly agile in tight spaces such as urban job sites, crowded building interiors, or confined demolition zones.Compact track loaders use the same turning principle, but their tracks create more resistance during turns, making them less nimble in confined spaces. The trade-off is superior stability and traction on slopes and uneven terrain. A CTL can be especially beneficial for excavation or grading on sloped terrain. Its enhanced stability may reduce the risk of rollovers, worker injuries, or project delays.Lifting CapabilitiesBoth loaders are available with two main lift arm designs — radial lift and vertical lift. Radial lift arms follow an arcing path as they rise. This design is best for digging, grading, and work at or below ground level, providing a strong breakout force for tasks like excavating drainage ditches. Because of the environments in which radial lift arms are often used, they’re more commonly used on CTLs.Vertical lift arms rise more straight up, keeping the attachment closer to the machine throughout the lift cycle. This is ideal for stacking materials, loading trucks, and lifting pallets over obstacles, which is why they’re regularly used on SSLs.The Best Uses of Skid Steer LoadersConstruction professionals have used skid steer loaders to efficiently complete various tasks on their job sites for decades. They’re a cost-effective choice for operations with significant infrastructure, such as concrete pads, paved paths, or large construction areas where agility and speed matter more than traction on soft ground.Skid steers can help clean up demolition debris in cramped indoor spaces, saving time on manual labor. They also speed up material distribution, significantly reducing material placement time. Thompson Tractor Where to Use Skid SteersA skid steer is the logical choice in several construction environments, such as:Inside building interiors, warehouses, or covered construction areas: The zero-turn radius allows for maneuvering in tight spaces, making tasks in these areas faster with a skid steer’s agility.On concrete or gravel surfaces: Tires perform exceptionally well on hard, stable ground with no concern about track wear from abrasive surfaces.On hard-packed soil: A skid steer’s faster travel speed and responsive handling make it efficient for moving between job sites on established paths.What Types of Construction Tasks Are Best Suited for a Skid Steer?Thanks to their design and the environments in which they operate best, skid steers excel at tasks where speed, maneuverability, and lower operating costs provide a clear advantage. Common applications include:Clearing debris from concrete slabs or paved areasDemolition and cleanup in confined spacesMaterial handling in supply yards or tight storage facilitiesSweeping on paved or gravel surfacesLight-duty earthmoving on firm groundSnow removal on drivewaysThe Best Uses of Compact Track LoadersIf your construction project involves challenging terrain or sensitive areas, compact track loaders offer capabilities a skid steer can’t match. The investment pays off in versatility, the protection of your jobsite’s surface, and the ability to work year-round in conditions that would sideline wheeled equipment. Thompson Tractor Where to Use Compact Track LoadersA compact track loader is the ideal solution in these environments:Construction sites with muddy, uneven, or soft ground: Tracks provide consistent traction in wet conditions, allowing you to keep working when a skid steer would get stuck.Landscaping projects or finished areas: Low ground pressure means you can grade and spread material across newly seeded medians, sports fields for public projects, or sod around commercial buildings without tearing up the surface.Hillsides and uneven construction grades: Superior stability and traction make CTLs safer on slopes where wheeled machines struggle.New construction sites with soft, disturbed soil: A CTL’s ability to navigate unfinished terrain keeps projects moving forward.What Types of Construction Tasks Are Best Suited for a Compact Track Loader?Compact track loaders shine where stability, traction, and minimal ground disturbance are essential:Grading and excavating in soft soilClearing brush on uneven groundWorking in wet conditions without damaging the job siteSpreading topsoil, mulch, or gravel with minimal ground compactionMoving materials across slopes where a skid steer would be unsafeTrack loaders are also valuable for land improvement projects, site preparation, final grading around new construction, and working on sandy or loose fill during commercial development.The Cost of OwnershipWhen choosing equipment, look beyond the sticker price to the total cost of ownership over the machine’s life.Up-Front CostsCompact track loaders typically cost more than a comparable skid steer. For a new machine, this can mean a difference of several thousand dollars.To reduce initial costs, many contractors buy used construction equipment, which offers opportunities to reduce their upfront investment. A well-maintained used CTL might cost less than a new skid steer while still providing the traction and low ground pressure your project needs.CTLs typically have higher up-front costs, but it’s important to consider the total project scope. For example, if a project involves soft groundwork, the CTL’s durability can make the initial costs worthwhile by reducing rework and delays.Long-Term Operating CostsFuel consumption is an unavoidable cost of both CTLs and SSLs. While each machine’s fuel consumption is generally comparable when working on similar terrain, efficiency varies with the operating conditions. For example, a skid steer may use less fuel on hard surfaces due to lower rolling resistance. On the other hand, a CTL maintains consistent efficiency even in mud where a skid steer would labor to gain traction.Routine maintenance is necessary to keep your machines working well, but maintenance needs and costs vary. The maintenance costs differ primarily in the undercarriage. Skid steers require tire inspection, rotation, and air pressure checks, all of which are usually fast and inexpensive to perform. Track loaders need track tension adjustments, regular cleaning, and periodic inspection of rollers and drive motors, which can take much longer.For projects with rough terrain, the CTL’s track longevity might save you on tire replacements. CTLs can also help reduce maintenance costs and downtime throughout the project’s life cycle.Replacement CostsSince skid steers and compact track loaders share many parts, most of their replacement costs will be similar. However, the parts found in the undercarriage vary more widely and have different replacement costs.A set of skid steer tires might cost a few thousand dollars, while a CTL’s rubber tracks can cost significantly more, sometimes three to four times the price of a tire set. However, rubber tracks tend to last longer than skid steer tires, particularly on softer, less abrasive surfaces. Despite being more expensive initially, rubber tracks could be more cost-effective over time thanks to their longevity.The Role of AttachmentsBoth loaders have a powerful ability to become a jack-of-all-trades through a wide range of attachments. This versatility makes them valuable on construction sites with diverse tasks.Common Attachments for ConstructionMost attachments are compatible with both machine types. Common options for construction work that can be attached to both SSLs and CTLs include:Standard, low-profile, and grapple buckets for transporting materialsPallet forks for moving building materials and palletsGrapples for land clearing and vegetation managementAugers for fencing projects or post-hole digging for foundationsBrush cutters and mulchers for site preparationCold planers, trenchers, or hydraulic breakers for specialized construction tasksThe universal quick-attach system means you can swap attachments in seconds without tools, maximizing productivity throughout the workday.Attachment Compatibility and ConsiderationsWhile most attachments work with both CTLs and skid steers, performance depends on matching the attachment to the machine’s hydraulic flow capabilities. Each attachment has minimum flow requirements measured in gallons per minute (GPM).Before purchasing an attachment, verify that your loader’s hydraulic system can deliver the required flow and pressure. High-flow hydraulic systems significantly expand your attachment options and improve performance on demanding tools like brush cutters and mulchers.Safety and Operator ComfortModern loaders prioritize safety and operator comfort, crucial for long workdays and job-site efficiency. A comfortable, alert operator is a safe operator.Key Safety Features to Look ForBoth loaders should include fundamental safety features, such as a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and a falling object protective structure (FOPS) cab, which protects the operator from crushing injuries.Backup cameras and enhanced visibility features help prevent accidents when operating around other equipment, structures, and workers. Many machines also include proximity sensors that alert operators to nearby obstacles.Additional features include operator presence systems that prevent movement unless the operator is properly seated, clearly marked controls, and adequate lighting for early morning or evening work. These features can be applied to both CTLs and SSLs.Operator Comfort FeaturesWhen comparing the comfort of the two machines, compact track loaders generally provide a smoother ride than skid steers, especially on rough terrain. Tracks absorb bumps more effectively than tires, reducing the jarring motion that causes operator fatigue.While comfort features can feel like nice-to-haves rather than necessities, an operator will tire more slowly when they’re comfortable. They can then remain more alert and make the right decisions, reducing the likelihood of mistakes.One feature that helps operators work in comfort is climate control. Available on both CTLs and SSLs, heating and air conditioning allow operators to work efficiently in extreme temperatures, while sealed cabs reduce dust and noise exposure.Adjustable seats with lumbar support, ergonomic controls, and low-vibration designs further reduce fatigue. While these features are also available on both CTLs and skid steers, the inherently smoother ride of a track loader amplifies their benefit.Making the Right Choice for Your Construction ProjectChoosing between a compact track loader and a skid steer isn’t always obvious. To determine the right machine for your needs, consider:How often you work on hard surfaces versus soft ground: If most tasks occur on concrete, gravel, or hard-packed soil, a skid steer makes sense. If you regularly work on muddy jobsites, soft ground, or uneven terrain, a CTL’s traction and low ground pressure justify the investment.The importance of site preservation and minimizing ground disturbance: For landscaping, excavation, or infrastructure projects, preventing excessive ground disturbance directly affects your bottom line.The terrain challenges you face: Steep slopes and wet conditions favor a compact track loader’s stability, while a skid steer works fine for flat, stable terrain.Your budget for initial purchase and long-term maintenance: Skid steers cost less up front and are simpler to maintain, but tracks can last longer under the right conditions.The size of your working spaces: If you’re constantly maneuvering in tight urban construction zones or interior demolition areas, a skid steer’s zero-turn radius provides a real advantage.Balance each of these considerations to find the machine that’s best suited to your construction operations.Optimizing Construction Work With CTLs and Skid SteersDetermining which loader is right for your construction project comes down to understanding your site’s unique demands and how well each loader can meet them. From managing timelines to maximizing equipment ROI on urban job sites, you need to consider how your loader will meet your needs in each area.Whichever machine you choose, working with a reputable dealer who understands construction applications ensures access to parts, service, and expertise that keep your project running efficiently.This story was produced by Thompson Tractor and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Can you refinance a personal loan? Can you refinance a personal loan?If the terms of your personal loan no longer fit your budget or financial goals, refinancing could help. OneMain Financial broke down exactly what it means to refinance a personal loan, why you might want to refinance and how to move forward if you decide refinancing is the right choice for you.What does it mean to refinance a personal loan?When you refinance a personal loan, you take out a new loan and use the funds to pay off your existing loan. The new loan replaces the old loan, ideally with new loan terms that work better for you. Some lenders use the phrase “loan renewal” to describe the refinance process.Reasons to refinance a personal loanThere are many reasons you might consider refinancing a personal loan:To get a lower interest rateTo change your monthly payment amountTo change your repayment timelineTo borrow more moneyRefinancing may be beneficial — but not in every case. Always compare terms closely to understand the long-term impacts before borrowing.What are the pros and cons of refinancing a personal loan?Before moving forward, take time to understand the full impact of refinancing.ProsRefinancing a personal loan may offer many benefits, such as:Potential savings: If your new loan offers a lower interest rate, you could save on monthly payments. If you currently have a variable interest rate, refinancing into a fixed interest rate could also make your monthly payments more predictable and easier to budget for.Terms that better match your goals: You may be able to refinance with a loan that has a shorter or longer repayment period. A longer repayment period could come with a lower monthly payment. A shorter repayment period may increase your monthly payments, but helps you pay off your balance sooner.More financial flexibility: If you’re able to renew or refinance your loan to a loan with a higher amount, your current loan will be paid off, and any remaining cash is yours to use for just about anything you need to take care of.ConsBefore committing to a new loan, you'll also need to consider the potential drawbacks:Possible extra fees: Before refinancing your personal loan, be sure to read the fine print about any fees you may be charged by your current lender and new lender. These could include both origination fees for the new loan and prepayment penalties for paying off your existing loan early.Potentially higher interest costs: Extending your payments over a longer term may lower your monthly payments, but you will likely pay more interest over the life of your loan.More time in debt: Keep in mind that if your refinance includes a longer loan term, you’ll ultimately wind up staying in debt longer.How do you refinance a personal loan?Refinancing involves applying for a new loan, so the process may seem familiar if you have recently applied for a personal loan. The main difference is how the new funds are used.While the specific method may vary a little by lender, you typically follow the same steps in order to refinance a personal loan:1. Check your creditTwo big factors in getting approved for refinancing a personal loan are your creditworthiness and a history of timely payments on other debts, including your current loan. Creditworthiness is a lender’s assessment of how likely you are to repay what you borrow, based on factors like your income, credit score and credit report.Checking your credit, both your score and your report, can help you avoid surprises and gives you an opportunity to dispute any errors before you start the loan application process.2. Check your payoff balance and decide how much money to requestApplying for any loan starts with figuring out how much money you need. Do you simply want to change the terms of your loan, or do you want to borrow more money?In either case, you’ll need to know the current balance of your existing loan so you can pay it off in full. Your current lender can provide a 10-day payoff letter, which shows the total amount of money you need to fully pay off a loan within 10 days, including fees and interest. You may be able to request the letter yourself, but your new lender often asks on your behalf when you’re refinancing.When deciding how much money to request to borrow, you’ll also want to factor in any possible associated fees, such as a prepayment fee from your current lender and an origination fee from your new lender.It’s important to know that the lender may not agree to lend you the full amount you request. The lender reviews your application and determines how much money (if any) you may be approved to borrow.3. Prequalify and compare offersYou might choose to prequalify with multiple lenders to explore the terms that may be available to you.Consider creating a side-by-side list of prequalified offers to compare interest rates, monthly payments, transaction fees, and other loan features. Once your list is complete, use an online personal loan calculator to estimate how much your new monthly payment could be.Just remember that prequalification isn’t guaranteed. Also, be aware that moving forward with a full loan application will result in a hard credit check, which temporarily impacts your credit score.4. Get your documents readyMost lenders ask for similar documents during their application process. You might find it helpful to gather certain paperwork before getting started:Proof of identity (such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, or available third-party verification service)Proof of residence (such as a driver’s license with current address, utility bill, or signed lease)Proof of income (such as pay stubs or tax returns)You may need to provide additional information or paperwork based on your situation.5. Apply for a loan renewal or refinance your loanOnce your preparation is complete, start the application process. You may be able to apply in person or online.If approved, you may be given the option to receive your funds by check or direct deposit.6. Pay off your old loan and confirm that the account is closedWhen your new funds are available, pay off your old loan immediately. Some lenders may do this for you. Once the loan has been paid off, confirm that the account is closed and ask your previous lender for a paid-in-full letter for your records. You should also check your credit report to verify that the loan has been paid and the account is closed.7. Manage your refinanced loanMake note of your new payment due date and the amount due each month. If your lender offers automatic payments, signing up could help you avoid potential late fees. Check for other convenient services that may make managing your loan easier and help you reach other financial goals.Is refinancing right for you?Exploring refinancing may be a smart move if your finances have changed since you first applied for your loan. Refinancing could mean getting a lower interest rate or having a loan with a shorter term, or even both. However, be sure to think about all of the benefits and drawbacks first.If you decide to renew or refinance a personal loan, compare offers to find the right fit for you — and make sure you can afford the new monthly payments before moving forward.Kia Jackson contributed.This story was produced by OneMain Financial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Skincare benefits of niacinamide Skincare benefits of niacinamideNiacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a versatile antioxidant that’s taken the skincare world by storm. Celebrated for its ability to tackle lots of different skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation or a dull complexion, niacinamide is an ingredient for anyone looking to enhance their skincare routine. Here, Dove looks at the benefits of niacinamide.What does niacinamide do for skin?Niacinamide is a multitasking marvel that offers a range of benefits for your skin. It helps improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, brightens your complexion, and keeps your skin looking clear and radiant. With its ability to strengthen your skin barrier, niacinamide is perfect for maintaining healthy, glowing skin.Niacinamide underarm benefitsEvens out skin tone and reduces the appearance of dark spotsNiacinamide is known for its ability to regulate pigment production in the skin. Niacinamide works by inhibiting melanin transfer, helping to lighten these spots and restore your natural complexion. Frequent shaving, deodorant use, and sweat buildup can lead to darkened patches under the arms. Regular use can help reduce hyperpigmentation and fade dark spots, leading to a more even underarm tone over time — particularly beneficial if you struggle with discoloration from shaving or friction.Soothes irritation and redness Underarm skin can be easily irritated, especially after hair removal or from harsh deodorants. Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm the skin, reducing redness, itchiness, and post-shave discomfort.Strengthens the skin barrier Using niacinamide regularly can help strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This is essential for underarm skin, which often undergoes friction and contact with fabric or razors. A healthy barrier helps lock in hydration and protect against external irritants.Minimizes enlarged pores and sweat-related buildup Niacinamide can help refine the appearance of pores and control oil production. While it won’t stop sweating, it may help reduce clogged pores and keep the area looking smoother and cleaner, especially if you’re prone to buildup or ingrown hairs.Gentle enough for daily use Unlike some brightening ingredients that can be harsh or drying, niacinamide is typically well-tolerated — even on sensitive skin like the underarms, but be sure to consult a doctor if you have concerns. This makes it ideal for daily use without risk of over-exfoliation or irritation.Niacinamide benefits for skinRegulates oil productionNiacinamide helps balance sebum (oil) production, making it especially helpful for those with oily or combination skin. By preventing overproduction of oil, it can help reduce shine and minimize the likelihood of clogged pores and breakouts.Offers anti-inflammatory benefits and helps reduce redness and blotchinessIf your skin is prone to irritation, rosacea, or sensitivity, niacinamide can help calm visible redness and inflammation. Its soothing properties support a more even, balanced complexion over time. Its anti-inflammatory properties make niacinamide ideal for calming inflamed, irritated, or acne-prone skin. It can also help speed up the skin’s healing process after breakouts or sensitivity flare-ups.Improves skin elasticity and firmness Regular use of niacinamide can improve the skin’s elasticity by boosting collagen production and supporting the skin’s structural integrity. This helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and gives your skin a firmer, plumper look.Strengthens the skin barrier A healthy skin barrier is essential for maintaining hydration and protecting against environmental stressors. Niacinamide helps reinforce this barrier by increasing the production of ceramides — natural lipids that keep moisture in and irritants out.Minimizes the appearance of pores By regulating oil production and improving skin texture, niacinamide can help make enlarged pores look smaller and less noticeable, giving your skin a smoother, more refined appearance.Brightens dull skin and evens out tone Niacinamide inhibits melanin transfer in the skin, which helps fade dark spots, acne scars, and sun damage. This leads to a brighter, more radiant complexion with consistent use.Is niacinamide good for sensitive skin?Niacinamide is gentle enough for sensitive skin, offering soothing benefits without causing irritation. Its ability to strengthen the skin barrier makes it a perfect choice for those with sensitive skin, ensuring your skin stays calm and comfortable.This story was produced by Dove and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The US markets where fix-and-flip returns are strongest heading into fall The US markets where fix-and-flip returns are strongest heading into fallFor years, home-flipping shows and success stories have made real estate investing feel like a new gold rush. The best investment opportunities were now diamonds in the rough: homes that needed serious renovations, but also had serious profit potential.The thought of finding a property that’s rough around the edges, renovating it into something gorgeous, and selling it for a handsome profit is satisfying. But it’s also completely detached from today’s market.The reality for investors nowadays, especially as the end of summer nears, is much more complex. Between increasing interest rates, rising material costs, and cautious buyers, return on investment from flipping has become more of a risk than a guarantee. As PropertyReach explains below, choosing the right markets and using the right data will be key to securing low acquisition costs and high ROI.The Current State of the Flipping MarketAfter two years of squeezed margins, the market is finally showing signs of stabilization. Recent market data shows that the typical U.S. home flip generated a 25.4% gross return in early 2026—an uptick after almost a decade of decline.Nationally, the median flip involves a $260,000 purchase price with a $326,000 resale price. That’s an average of $66,000 gross profit before accounting for holding, carrying, and transaction expenses.Of course, national averages only tell half of the story. The gap between top-performing and struggling regional markets is huge. Texan metros like Austin, Dallas, and Houston, which flourished during the pandemic, now see gross margins compress into single digits (from 2%-7%) because of surging inventory and higher acquisition costs. Meanwhile, affordable mid-tier metros across the Midwest and Northeast are yielding returns up to 80%.What Makes For an Ideal Fix-and-Flip Market?With market conditions constantly changing, it’s more important to know which features actually make an area ideal for fix-and-flip projects than to memorize a list of specific regions. Factors like those below are what truly make a market great for this type of investment:Affordable Entry PricesLow acquisition costs minimize total capital risk. If you purchase a property at a lower price as a flipper, you have more of a safety buffer to absorb unexpected contractor expenses or extended hold times without wiping out net profits.Severe Inventory ConstraintsCities where listing inventory remains 30%-70% below pre-pandemic levels give sellers significant pricing power. It ensures that renovated, move-in-ready homes will sell quickly.Aging Housing StockUrban areas with a high concentration of homes built before the 1980s offer a continuous pipeline of distressed, outdated properties ready for cosmetic modernization.Strong “Plan B” Rental YieldsIf interest rate volatility causes retail home buyers to pause late in the fall, a top-tier market allows the investor to pivot into a high-cash-flowing long-term rental.Top 6 U.S. Markets Delivering Strong Fix-and-Flip ROIBased on a combination of 2026 data from the National Association of Realtors and housing market analysis from Realtor.com, here is a list of some of the best markets for investors interested in fix-and-flip properties.1. PittsburghAverage Gross ROI: 85.9%Median Purchase Price: $234,600With the highest ROI among major U.S. metros, Pittsburgh is in high demand due to low-mortgage “lock-in” pressure and affordable entry pricing. The wide spread between distressed purchase prices and renovated resale values allows flippers to capture double-digit margins more easily.2. Buffalo, New YorkAverage Gross ROI: 84%Median Purchase Price: $262,600Upstate New York remains one of the most competitive, inventory-starved regions in the country. Updated homes in Buffalo regularly command multiple offers. An aging housing stock allows flippers to buy structurally sound properties at deep discounts, renovate them, and exit quickly with a guaranteed profit.3. Hartford, ConnecticutAverage Gross ROI: 66%-73%Median Purchase Price: $393,700Hartford is plagued by extreme inventory constraints, with active listings remaining over 40% below pre-pandemic levels. High-income buyers relocating from nearby major cities have created fierce competition for single-family homes, giving flippers a chance to get strong margins and fast turnarounds.4. ClevelandAverage Gross ROI: 72%Median Purchase Price: $226,900Cleveland boasts some of the lowest acquisition costs of any major metro area, minimizing the capital required to jump into a deal. Beyond its strong gross flipping margins, Cleveland offers great rent-to-price yields, giving investors an ideal plan B in holding the home as a rental if the market slows in the late fall.5. Scranton, PennsylvaniaAverage Gross ROI: 75%Median Purchase Price: Roughly $222,000Driven by low entry prices and active listings nearly below pre-pandemic baselines, Scranton is one of the country’s best risk-adjusted value markets. An older housing stock provides a continuous pipeline of distressed properties that yield high absolute returns after modernization.6. MilwaukeeAverage Gross ROI: 55%-62%Median Purchase Price: $417,900Milwaukee is one of the Midwest’s most steady, low-basis markets for flippers. In dense neighborhoods with aging pre-war housing stock, investors can pick up distressed single-family or two-family duplexes at heavy discounts. There’s always high demand for modernized, affordable entry-level homes, so generating strong margins is easily achievable.Pro Tips on Maximizing Your ROI Heading into Fall1. Secure Off-Market DealsBuying from the open market usually means competing against retail buyers who drive up acquisition costs. Experienced flippers target pre-foreclosures, probate estates, and tax-delinquent owners directly before a home hits the market.2. Keep Renovations FunctionalOver-renovating a home is the fastest way to erode your profit margins. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that functional updates (i.e., modernizing kitchens, updating bathrooms, enhancing curb appeal, and fresh interior paint) yield far higher returns. Luxury additions like pools or custom stonework can wait.3. Budget for Extended Fall/Winter Holding CostsFrom acquisition to closing, the average national flip takes about 165 days. If you have a project starting in late summer or early fall, there’s a high probability it will be on hold into the winter. Be sure to factor extra utility bills, winterization maintenance, and additional hard-money interest payments into your capital.4. Plan B: Your Exit StrategyConsider underwriting every transaction under two separate conditions: a fix-and-flip resale and a long-term rental hold. Ensuring your deal meets debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) standards guarantees you can refinance into a cash-flowing rental if local buyer activity cools down for the season.The Bottom LineWhile real estate flipping isn’t as effortless as TV shows make it look, it remains a highly profitable strategy for investors who follow the data. By shifting toward affordable value markets and using data-driven sourcing techniques, investors can continue securing standout returns heading into the new season.This story was produced by PropertyReach and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	A midyear financial reset: 8 ways to get your money back on track A midyear financial reset: 8 ways to get your money back on trackHalfway through the year is a natural checkpoint for reviewing your budget, savings and financial goals. Comparing your original plan with year-to-date spending can help identify categories that have shifted and support a more realistic plan for the months ahead.That check-in matters because many households still have limited room for unexpected costs. The Federal Reserve reported in May 2026 that 63% of adults could cover a hypothetical $400 emergency expense using cash or its equivalent. Below, CreditFresh shares eight steps for a midyear review of your household finances.1. Compare Your Budget With Your Actual SpendingA midyear financial reset starts with understanding how your spending compares with the budget you set at the beginning of the year. Review your income and expenses from the past six months and look at each spending category individually. Are you spending more or less than expected on groceries, transportation, utilities, subscriptions, dining out or other regular costs?Where spending has increased, consider what caused the change. Some increases may reflect higher prices, unexpected expenses or changes in your household needs. Others may highlight areas where spending has gradually moved beyond what you originally planned.Once you understand the differences, update your budget for the rest of the year. Look for expenses that can be reduced, paused or removed, and make sure the amounts you assign to essential costs reflect what you are actually spending today.Budgeting tools and apps can help you organize transactions and identify patterns, but even a simple review of your bank and credit statements can give you a clearer picture of where your money is going.2. Emergency Fund: Your Financial Safety NetLife is unpredictable, and unexpected expenses can pop up at any time. Establishing an emergency fund is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against financial emergencies. Aim to save around three to six months' worth of living expenses in a separate, easily accessible account. This fund can help cover expenses such as medical emergencies, car repairs or home repairs.Because of the financial security it provides, an emergency fund can give you some peace of mind and lower your stress if you run into a sticky situation. Make regular contributions to it and try to make it a nonnegotiable expense in your budget.If your regular expenses have changed since the start of the year, review whether your current savings target still reflects the cost of an emergency today.3. Review How You Are Using CreditCredit can be a useful financial tool. A loan or line of credit may help cover an unexpected expense, manage a temporary gap between income and bills or spread the cost of an important purchase over time.Review any balances you are carrying, the payments you are making and the overall cost of borrowing. Consider whether your current repayment plan still fits within your budget and whether there are opportunities to pay down balances more quickly without putting pressure on essential expenses.On top of this, be careful about taking on new debt and only borrow what you can comfortably repay. Develop a repayment strategy and consistently put money toward whatever debt you're carrying.Making payments on time and keeping track of your balances can also help you maintain a stronger credit history over time.4. Set Realistic Financial GoalsEstablishing clear and achievable financial goals can give direction and motivation for your financial journey. Whether your focus is on short-term goals like saving for a vacation or long-term goals like buying a home, define your objectives and create a plan to reach them.Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to make it easier to track your progress. Regularly revisit and reassess your financial goals, adjusting them as needed based on changes in your life or financial situation. Celebrate your achievements along the way, no matter how small, to stay motivated.5. Live Below Your MeansSpending less than you earn is an important part of keeping your finances on track and saving and investing for the future. Take a close look at your lifestyle and spending habits to find areas where you can cut unnecessary expenses.You'll also want to look out for lifestyle inflation that can come with salary increases. Instead of increasing your spending when your income rises, put this money toward savings, investments, or debt repayment.6. Establish Multiple Income StreamsDiversifying your sources of income can help give you some extra financial security and speed your progress toward reaching your financial goals. While your main job is going to be your biggest income source, there might be some room to find other opportunities to make some extra money. This could include side hustles, freelance work, investments, or passive income sources.Multiple income streams can act as a buffer during economic downturns and make you more financially resilient overall.7. Build a Strong Credit HistoryA solid credit history is so important to reach all sorts of financial goals, like buying a home or qualifying for personal loans. Monitor your credit report regularly, making sure to deal with any issues right away. Pay bills on time, maintain a healthy credit utilization ratio and avoid opening unnecessary lines of credit. A strong credit history not only opens up financial opportunities but also helps guide you toward being a responsible borrower.8. Don't Stop LearningThe financial landscape is constantly evolving, with new investment opportunities, tax laws, and economic trends happening regularly. Stay informed about changes in the financial world by reading reputable financial publications, going to workshops and getting advice from financial professionals.Continuous financial education helps you to make informed decisions, adapt to economic shifts and maximize your financial potential. Take advantage of online resources, podcasts and community events to expand your knowledge and stay ahead in the ever-changing financial environment.A midyear reset is most useful when it leads to one or two realistic changes, such as updating a savings target, revising a budget category or checking a credit report.Disclaimer: Information in this article, including references to third parties, is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement or individualized financial or legal advice.This story was produced by CreditFresh and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	7 common bills you can negotiate right now and how much you could save in 2026 7 common bills you can negotiate right now and how much you could save in 2026You’re spending wisely, maybe with the help of a budgeting app, and you want to stretch your dollars even farther.Your regular expenses may be more flexible than you might have realized. Not all bills are set in stone. Negotiating could save you money now and in the future if you’re willing to do a little legwork.While not every negotiation attempt will succeed, you might be surprised at how often companies are willing to work with you to keep your business. With some research and a polite approach, you could trim your expenses without sacrificing services.Achieve explores ways to negotiate with creditors and save money on common bills.Key takeaways:You could negotiate many common bills, including gym memberships and internet services.Successfully negotiating with creditors and other companies could save you hundreds or more each year.Strategies include presenting competitors’ offers, or offering to sign a longer contract. 1. Credit card feesIf you make a late payment but you normally pay on time, ask your credit card company to waive the late fee. If they agree, consider it a one-time gift. They aren’t likely to offer it again.2. Insurance coverageIs your auto or homeowners insurance policy renewal date coming up? Call your insurance provider to ask for a lower rate.One of the most effective ways to present your case and justify a rate decrease is to show up to the conversation prepared with quotes from other insurers. It’s worth taking the time to shop around to find out what competitors charge for the same coverage. If your insurance company won’t budge, your research can still be put to good use. Switch to the insurance company that offers the better rate.3. Gym membershipsGyms usually run promotions or offer perks in a bid to win over new customers. You may find promotions throughout the year, but especially in January. Keep an eye on your gym’s social media pages and website. If you find an advertised special, ask if you can nab it. Or ask for a discount if you know other gyms in the area are offering more competitive pricing.4. TV and internetMany internet and TV providers offer lower pricing for the first few months to get you to switch and commit to a contract with them. But you probably know the drill by now: Your bill will go up after the introductory period.If you’ve signed a contract, you might be stuck at the regular rate for a while. But set a calendar reminder for a week or two before your contract is set to renew. At that time, call up your provider to ask for a lower new-customer rate. Be nice but persistent. The representative may need to escalate your call to people who have more authority to offer you a better deal. They know you could switch to a new provider when your contract ends, so they may be flexible on pricing to keep you.5. Cell phone billsBefore you call, take a careful look at what features you use, such as how much data you typically use in a month. Think about whether you’re willing to commit to a longer contract. If you’re using much less than you’re paying for, ask to downgrade to a plan with a lower price. Or ask how you could get a lower price for the same plan. If you’ve been a longtime customer, remind them of that.Many cell phone service providers offer low prices and nationwide coverage. If you’re not happy with the price you’re paying, it’s easy to switch your number over to another provider as long as you’re not bound by a contract.6. Health careMedical bills have the potential to be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you need to pay the amount on your initial bill. The healthcare industry is known for often being willing to forgive medical debt (a portion of it, anyway).Your provider may agree to let you make affordable payments or even lower the total amount you owe.7. RentIt doesn’t hurt to ask for lower rent, or to keep your rent at the same level and not raise it. Keep your eye on prices for similar properties in your area, especially if your lease is ending soon and you’ll have the choice to renew or move. If the place you’re interested in has been vacant for a while, your position may be stronger if you offer to sign a longer lease or move in right away.Negotiating bills doesn’t need to take a lot of time and effort. But you’ll never get a “yes” if you don’t ask. As long as you ask politely and do your homework (like researching options), you could increase your chances of success.This story was produced by Achieve and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Bring Hotel Luxury Home with Better Bedding (NewsUSA) - A great night's sleep doesn't always require a luxury hotel reservation. Increasingly, homeowners are discovering that one of the simplest ways to create a more comfortable sleep environment is by upgrading the quality of their bedding.Premium cotton sheets have long been a hallmark of upscale hotels, offering a soft, breathable feel that helps promote restful sleep. Today, that same experience is becoming more accessible through thoughtfully crafted bedding designed for everyday use.One example is the Bedsure PureWoven™ Giza Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set, created for people who want to enjoy the comfort and elegance associated with luxury hospitality. Made from 100% authentic hand-picked Giza long-staple Egyptian cotton, the sheets are verified through BV-certified batch No. 5625021-0005 and official CEA accreditation (Certificate No. 1657), giving shoppers added confidence in the authenticity of the material.The smooth sateen weave delivers a silky feel while remaining durable enough for everyday living. Unlike many fabrics that wear quickly, the stronger long-staple cotton fibers help resist pilling, maintain their vibrant appearance through repeated washing, and provide lasting comfort over time. The collection was also recognized with the iLUXURY AWARDS 2026, highlighting its combination of quality craftsmanship and long-term value.Comfort goes beyond softness. The breathable sateen construction naturally promotes airflow, helps wick away moisture, and regulates temperature throughout the night. Whether you're a warm sleeper or simply looking for year-round comfort, the fabric is designed to stay comfortable across changing seasons without feeling overly warm or too cool.For households with pets, durability can be just as important as comfort. The sheet set's snag-resistant weave offers additional resilience against everyday wear, including pet claws, making it suitable for primary bedrooms, guest rooms, or any sleep sanctuary throughout the home.The bedding is also made with wellness in mind. It is OEKO-TEX® certified (BJ025 231038) and produced without added fabric softeners. Instead, a physical air-tumbling process creates a crisp yet soft feel that becomes even softer with continued use. These qualities also make the set a thoughtful gift for weddings, housewarmings, or other special occasions.Practical design features further enhance everyday convenience. The fitted sheet includes an 18-inch deep pocket that fits mattresses up to 16 inches thick, along with 360-degree elastic and directional labels that help make bed-making quicker while keeping the sheets securely in place.Creating a luxurious bedroom doesn't necessarily require a complete makeover. Sometimes, upgrading to high-quality bedding can make a noticeable difference in comfort, helping transform an ordinary bedroom into a relaxing retreat inspired by the world's finest hotels.The Bedsure PureWoven™ Giza Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set is currently available on Amazon. During the August 10–23 promotion, shoppers can save up to 44%, making it an ideal time to experience luxury hotel-inspired bedding at home.Learn more and shop the collection here.
	State agrees to retest for lead at homes near Exide where cleanups failed State agrees to retest for lead at homes near Exide where cleanups failedSince 1986, Karen Noga has lived within 2 miles of the Exide battery smelter, which belched lead and arsenic unabated into surrounding neighborhoods until it shuttered in 2015.First, Noga lived in Huntington Park, about 1.5 miles away from the plant, she told The Economic Hardship Reporting Project and LA Public Press for this article. Then, in 2002, when the Los Angeles Unified School District claimed her house through eminent domain, Noga bought a home in Boyle Heights, where she lives today.The Boyle Heights property is within a 1.7-mile radius of Exide, which the state Department of Toxic Substances Control identified as the zone most impacted by lead contamination spewed by the battery recycler.Noga was 50 years old when, in 2009, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 uterine cancer.She said she didn’t consider the cancer might have been caused by lead exposure until around 2013, when state officials began sampling soil in residential neighborhoods and discussing cleanup efforts in advance of Exide’s closure. That effort would become the largest environmental cleanup of residential properties in California history. The job has been imperfect, and it’s far from finished.“We live in an area where people are dying of cancer,” Noga said.Lead is a toxic chemical that even at low levels can damage internal organs and the reproductive system. But there are no studies on the rates of cancer near the Exide plant, and according to Dr. Howard Hu, a professor of preventive medicine at USC who spoke with The Economic Hardship Reporting Project and LA Public Press, the connection between lead exposure and uterine cancer has also not been studied very much.But since at least 2023, state officials have known that hundreds of properties like Noga’s still contained high levels of lead — even after they had been “cleaned.”For the first time, the state is agreeing to retest hundreds of those properties, including, possibly, Noga’s.It’s a small victory for Noga and other residents, largely of working-class Latino neighborhoods, who have implored the state to retest the soil, conduct effective remediations, and consider alternative methods to sequester the lead.When the state first tested soil at Noga’s property in 2016, one of 11 samples came back as high as 491 parts per million (ppm). The state’s “level of concern” for lead in soil around Exide is 80 ppm. With such high levels of lead, Noga’s property made the state’s cleanup priority list.The state’s 80 ppm level is lower than the federal screening threshold of 200 ppm and is designed to protect pregnant people, fetuses, and children, who are the most vulnerable to lead poisoning.‘I thought the garden was clean’In 2021, Irvine-based National Engineering and Consulting, Inc., a private contractor hired by the state, completed remediation of Amalia Ordorica’s property in Boyle Heights, where earlier testing had found lead concentrations in the soil as high as 260 ppm.NEC, after declaring its work finished in 2021, found lead toxicity measurements of 166 ppm in soil 9 inches below the ground’s surface, where Ordorica grows food and her child plays. In its letter of completion to the state, the contractor said its crews did not dig deeper to maintain the integrity of a fence.But Ordorica said she was never informed about the letter or the results of the tests after remediation was finished. Contacted on Feb. 9 by LA Public Press, she said the findings were upsetting.Ordorica said her 1-year-old plays with soil and volcanic rocks from the garden. She said she cooks with rosemary and basil that grow on the plot, but plans to stop using them. Now she plans to take her son to have a blood lead test.“I thought the garden was clean, because they did the cleanup. I thought everything was clean. This is disappointing,” said Ordorica.NEC did not return requests for comment.State officials acknowledge that cleanups falteredExposure to even low levels of lead carries health risks for everyone, especially children. And because the heavy metal can’t break down or biodegrade in the environment, removal is critical.Lead can enter the body when it’s inhaled, consumed, or more rarely, touched. Once inside the body, it moves from the lungs or digestive tract into the bloodstream, where it passes to soft tissues, including the brain, kidneys, liver, and muscles. It also integrates into bones and teeth, where with repeated exposure, it can build up over a lifetime.The health consequences of lead exposure are wide-ranging and widely proven, from behavioral problems to kidney damage to high blood pressure to miscarriage to weakness in fingers, wrists, or ankles.The link between lead and cancer is less widely agreed upon. In California, lead and lead compounds are listed on Proposition 65 because the state says, definitely, that they can cause cancer. The EPA, however, has identified lead as a “possible” carcinogen.Hu, the professor of preventive medicine, said it’s “plausible” that lead can cause uterine cancer.“What is known is that lead can serve as a tumor enhancer, and it can induce DNA damage. But there is no direct evidence of lead causing uterus cancer, as far as I know,” he said. “There is more evidence that lead has an association with urinary tract cancers.”Hu said that if any people did get cancer from lead exposure generated by Exide, it was likely through the inhalation of fumes while the plant operated from 1922 through 2015.In 2013 and 2014, California ordered Exide to upgrade the plant’s air pollution system to control arsenic and lead emissions, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District placed 52 violation notices on the site from August 2012 through May 2015.In 2019, Noga’s property was remediated and immediately retested by NEC. But even after removing 48 tons of contaminated soil from her property and replacing it with clean soil, the contractor’s letter of completion certified lead levels around her home still tested in the range of 104 and 240 ppm.In 2023, the Los Angeles Times reported that at least 559 state-led cleanups conducted since 2017 around Exide were unsuccessful at totally removing contaminated soil. Those cleanups faltered largely due to underground obstacles, like tree roots and utility lines, that limited digging.In a typical Exide cleanup, contractors excavate soil at depths of 6 inches at a time, until reaching depths of 18 inches; they then backfill the excavated areas with clean soil.Noga said she herself asked the site supervisor overseeing the remediation at her property to avoid digging up the soil in her rose bed, which she feared would have killed her plants.These limitations have been acknowledged by state officials: “We can’t dig under a house, we can’t dig under a sidewalk. We cannot dig under trees that are older than, believe it or not, the people who bought these homes,” Mehdi Bettahar, a program manager with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, said at a public hearing in February.In previous public meetings, Steven Hariri, a supervising engineer with the Department of Toxic Substances Control, told residents that many property cleanups have not met the state’s goals.In the last year, Hariri said the department has already re-sampled 100 lots that it previously treated. Hariri said the state plans to retest lead on up to 1,375 more properties that have already been cleaned. He did not provide a timeline to retest those properties.The state also has not allocated any funding to re-clean properties where remediation failed.“As far as the subsequent action to be taken, we have to analyze what data shows, and then we can make that determination at that time,” Hariri told residents at the Feb. 12 meeting.‘Is that dust blowing over now contaminated?’Residents have long criticized the state’s cleanup plan for its hodgepodge strategy: prioritizing lots above 400 ppm while leaving less polluted lots untreated for years, which can result in dust and runoff from dirty parcels recontaminating cleaned ones.These concerns prompted a 2023 study conducted by two experts on urban environmental health, in coordination with East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice, an organization that works to revitalize communities in Southeast Los Angeles. The study found that 73 of 93 remediated properties had soil lead levels above 80 ppm.The investigation, titled Get the Lead Out!, was led by Jill Johnston, professor of population and public health and spatial sciences at USC; Bhavna Shamasunder, professor of urban and environmental policy at Occidental College; and mark! Lopez, a special projects coordinator with East Yard.Lopez said physical obstacles in the soil, like cisterns, are perceived by residents as “excuses” for the state’s shoddy cleanup efforts. He wants the state to consider second cleanups and alternative methods.“We were interested in doing this study, initially because we were worried about the approach the state was taking, as far as the patchwork approach,” said Lopez. “They would clean one house and they’d come back three years later and clean the neighbor’s house. The concern is, is that dust blowing over now contaminated?”Cleanup costs top $770 million in taxpayer fundsThe cost to clean up lead-contaminated soil at residential properties around Exide has, as of Feb. 27, cost California taxpayers $772 million.To date, the state has remediated 6,041 lots in Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, Commerce, Vernon, Maywood, Huntington Park, and Bell, and dismembered most of the Vernon plant.The state estimates it will clean 6,505 parcels total with the money it has already budgeted.In January, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed another $70 million for Exide residential cleanups in the state’s 2026-27 budget; that would cover the remediation of about 1,000 more lots, with about 2,600 left to clean.Residents look for other ways to clean their soilA study conducted from 2022 through 2023 by local arts initiative Prospering Backyards on 13 parcels around Exide concluded that using special zeolites, compost, and mulch in that order, each separated with cardboard, proved effective in sequestering lead in soil. Zeolites are a type of mineral that can act like a sponge in soil, soaking up lead.“A goal of the project was to record the best ways to absorb lead without removing soil,” said Elena Esparza, a Boyle Heights resident who participated in the study. They also wanted to see how far away toxins fly in the air, Esparza added.Aaron Celestian, a professor of earth sciences at USC and the study’s lead scientist, said the type of zeolite used in the study, known as sodium clinoptilolite, matters a lot. He dispelled fears that the mineral would release toxins.Despite the findings, using zeolites to remove lead from dirty soil is not a viable option for the state, according to Elizabeth Leslie-Gassaway, a public information officer with the Department of Toxic Substances Control.“Recently, we reviewed the use of zeolites and spoke with various vendors about it. We found that using zeolites would not reduce the amount of lead in the soil, it would just transfer the lead onto the zeolite, leaving it in place,” said Leslie-Gassaway. “So the overall lead levels would stay the same.”Claudia Vazquez, another Boyle Heights resident, said remediation crews decided not to excavate below the canopy of her pomegranate tree to save its roots in 2019. Soil was remediated elsewhere in her property.Vazquez said her family harvested and enjoyed pomegranates from the tree last year.“I think a follow-up would be necessary to ensure the quality of the cleanup from the vendor,” said Vazquez.The Los Angeles County Public Health Department has distributed fliers around Exide telling residents it is safe to eat fruits “after being properly washed” from trees in the lead cleanup area. But it warned residents to avoid consuming root crops or plants grown on lead-contaminated soil.The public health department has advised residents to use raised beds with clean soil to grow any herbs or food, and state officials have underscored that remediated soil is safe so long as the fresh soil stays in place and buried lead remains unearthed.Ordorica said she wants the state to retest her garden, conduct an efficient cleanup, and use zeolites, compost, and mulch.As for Noga, she said her cancer is in remission. She underwent surgery in 2009 to remove the tumor. During treatment, she filed for work disability and collected a portion of her $1,200 weekly pay for several weeks. The surgery and other medical costs were covered by her insurance.To this day, she undergoes yearly screenings to keep the disease in check.She agrees with Ordorica about the approach the state should be taking.“There has to be an alternative method that does not involve tearing up the entire lawn, and does not cost hundreds of millions of dollars,” Noga said. “There should be a more efficient way to treat the underground.”Co-published by The Economic Hardship Reporting Project and LA Public Press.This story was produced by The Economic Hardship Reporting Project and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	National Make-a-Will Month: Why business owners need one and how to get started National Make-a-Will Month: Why business owners need one and how to get startedWhile long-term planning is important year-round, August is National Make a Will Month, a vital reminder for small business owners to reflect on the future of their company and loved ones. If the unexpected happens to a business owner and there is no plan in place, the result can be chaotic. Families may disagree, partners may lose direction, and business can stall overnight.For business owners, plans are essential because personal and professional assets can be deeply intertwined. As Rocket Lawyer explains below, a solid succession plan is the best way to safeguard both.Plan for the Unexpected, Protect Your FutureA clear estate plan ensures that outdated documents or state laws don't dictate what happens to your hard-earned business. Without up-to-date, legally binding documents in place, your business could end up in the hands of unprepared, inactive partners or outside parties.What would happen to your business if you were suddenly incapacitated by a health issue? Without a power of attorney, your business could stall, and payroll could go unpaid. Having someone you trust ready to step in ensures your business keeps running smoothly.What if you or a business partner decides to retire? Without a buy-sell agreement, you could suddenly find yourself in business with your partner’s heirs or someone you never intended to work with. This agreement sets the rules up front and ensures you have a safety net.What about your legacy? Without a will or a living trust, the ownership of your business could be tied up in court, creating unnecessary stress for your family. A clear plan ensures your business goes to the person you choose, helping to protect your loved ones' future.For business owners, having the right legal documents can be a lifesaver when the unexpected happens. Although succession planning can sound like a tedious process, taking preliminary steps will relieve difficult transitions and keep your partners and employees on the same page.Take Control of Your Legacy, Starting TodayYou might be asking, well, why now? The short answer is that life is unpredictable. Starting your plan now gives you a strong foundation that you can easily update as your business grows or as your family’s needs change.First, take a fresh look at your company's value. Conducting a thorough financial assessment of debts, assets, equipment, real property, and profitability gives you a clear baseline for valuation.Next, consider your personal goals alongside your business goals. Deciding who you trust to step into key leadership positions and training them early can help to ensure a smooth transition. Pairing these steps with legally binding contracts like buy-sell agreements can protect your existing team and reassure investors and customers that the business will continue to thrive.At the end of the day, proactive estate and succession planning is about peace of mind. For business owners, ensuring your company remains a reliable asset for your family and partners can be the ultimate reassurance.Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Estate and Succession PlanNational Make a Will Month is a great opportunity to review whether your current legal documents reflect how your business operates today, and how you’d like it to continue in the future.Do you have a buy-sell agreement in place? Does it clearly spell out valuation methods, transfer terms, and funding mechanisms like life insurance?Who has the authority to make decisions if you are incapacitated? Have you appointed a power of attorney to prevent a court from stepping in to manage your business affairs?Does your plan reflect your current operations? Have recent business growth or debt shifts created gaps in your original agreements?Should you review your policies with professional advisors? Have you consulted an attorney or financial advisor to confirm your documents align with current legal and tax requirements?What to Do NextYou don’t need to wait for an unexpected emergency or medical determination to secure your business and family. Consider taking these next steps:Conduct a financial assessment and business valuation to establish a fair picture of your company's assets and debts.Draft or update essential legal documents, including your power of attorney, buy-sell agreements, and will or living trusts.Evaluate key person life insurance options to ensure surviving partners or family members have immediate liquidity if leadership changes hands.Identify and train future leaders to ensure a smooth transition of executive responsibilities.Consult with trusted advisors. Consider speaking with an attorney to ensure your succession and estate plans are legally sound and to protect your company’s future.This story was produced by Rocket Lawyer and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Dry texting: The meaning behind teens’ short texts Dry texting: The meaning behind teens’ short textsIt can start like this. A parent spends five chaotic minutes crafting the perfect text to their tween. It’s short. Thoughtful. Not too cringey.The reply?“kk”There’s a term for this kind of ultra-short response: dry texting. And while these responses can feel like a brush-off, researchers say they’re usually something else entirely, Verizon reports.It’s often simply a way to say, “I’m here, but I can’t talk right now.” For parents, understanding the slang and shorthand can help, but what’s at stake isn’t manners or grammar. Early adolescence is when kids are learning how to handle relationships, conflict and complicated emotions. Short texts can also offer clues about how they’re managing all of it.To better understand what dry texting means for teens, this article draws on insights from Mary Chayko, Ph.D., sociologist and Distinguished Teaching Professor at Rutgers University’s School of Communication and Information, and other researchers who study how technology is changing the way people talk and text.Why teens use dry textingFrom a sociological perspective, dry texting is often about managing limits. Short replies can function as:A signal of limited emotional bandwidthA boundary that says, “I’m here, but I can’t get into this right now”A stylistic choice: It’s just how their friend group talksChayko’s research on digital communication shows that dry texting emerged because constant connection made quick responses necessary.Kaylin Peete, Program Specialist at the Family Online Safety Institute, agrees. And she says that dry texting has taken off as the push toward efficient communication has intensified in recent years.“That cultural shift came with generative AI,” she explains. “Kids are getting used to technology making things faster: instant answers, instant help. That expectation shows up in texting, too.” Because adults tend to read tone and intent differently, Peete says, these digital responses are often misunderstood.When short messages become a concernThis is where Sherry Turkle, Ph.D., Founding Director of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self draws an important distinction.“The problem is not dry texts,” Turkle says. “The problem is substituting texting for talking. Don’t allow texting to be part of a flight from conversation in your family.”Naomi Baron, Ph.D., a linguist at American University, who studies how digital technology shapes communication, agrees.“We are losing the ability to read people,” Baron says. “Knowing how to say something that’s appropriate—or if you say something inappropriate, knowing how to recover—is something you really learn in person.”What researchers say about social skillsResearch scientist Chelsea Olson, Ph.D., who studies social media and adolescent health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, says that while texting removes facial cues and tone, it doesn’t mean teens are losing the ability to read those non-verbal signals. Most still experience them daily, at school, at work and in games.“Texting is a less-rich form of communication,” Olson says, “but it doesn’t replace all the other ways teens are interacting.”So when does dry texting become something parents should be concerned about?“Each child is different,” Olson says. “If short texts are just how they communicate, that’s not a problem. But if a teen suddenly withdraws, online and offline, that’s when it’s worth paying attention.”Researchers say short text replies aren't necessarily cause for concern when:Short replies happen during busy parts of the day.Your child is warm and connected in other moments.This is how your child texts everyone.At the same time, experts say it may be worth paying closer attention if children are:Dry texting only during conflict, with no attempt to talk or repair laterAvoiding conversations both online and offlineOther changes in their mood, sleep, school or friendshipsWhat experts recommendBaron suggests starting with a simple but often overlooked question for your teens: How do you like to communicate?“How soon would you ideally respond? How long would your response be? What feels respectful to you?”Parents can model that clarity, too. For example:Use text for logistics, not big emotions.Save harder conversations for face-to-face moments.Say, “We can talk about this later,” and follow through.From dry text to haikuFor many teens, a one-word text isn’t an ending.The short structure lends itself to a haiku format, Turkle says. “Yes. No. Busy. Love. Safe landed.”It’s not always a dismissal, and it’s not always a problem to solve in the moment. Sometimes the most supportive response leaves room to talk later.Quick reply receivedI’ll save the big stuff for laterLove you, carry onThis article was produced by Verizon’s Parenting in a Digital World and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Most Gen Zers want to live in cities, but that may require giving up homeownership Most Gen Zers want to live in cities, but that may require giving up homeownershipIf you asked a room full of 20-somethings where they'd love to plant roots, a lot of them would point straight to a city. The version of young adulthood many Gen Zers are picturing right now includes walkable streets, coffee shops around the corner, friends a short train ride away, and a commute measured in minutes instead of hours.The catch is that in today's housing market, buying a home in the neighborhoods they want isn't always realistic.That tension shows up in Apartments.com data from its City Comeback Index survey and Rent Forever survey, both conducted in 2025. Over the past two years, Apartments.com research has found that Gen Z renters are willing to stay flexible with their living situation to maintain the lifestyle they want and keep their commute short.For a growing number of young adults, that flexibility means choosing to rent in a city they love rather than buy a house somewhere they don't — at least for the foreseeable future. And increasingly, Gen Z is redefining renting as less of a temporary stop on the way to homeownership and more of a long-term housing choice.Key TakeawaysEighty percent of Gen Zers (ages 18-29) who expect to buy a home in the next three years would live in a walkable, transit-connected city neighborhood if it would cost the same or less than a suburban home.Fifty-eight percent of Gen Z prospective homeowners say their preferred neighborhood is in or on the edge of a city, more than any other generation. Just 44% of millennials (ages 30-45) and 43% of Gen Xers (ages 45-61) say the same.In 2025, 27% of people ages 18-29 said they chose to rent because they don't want to be house-poor, a higher share than the general population (20%).Forty-two percent of Gen Z prospective homeowners say their interest in city living has grown over the last two years, far more than any other generation.Twenty-eight percent of Gen Z prospective homeowners buying a home is about equally affordable in urban and suburban areas, compared to 23% of millennials and 23% of Gen Xers.Both Gen Z Renters and Homeowners Dream of City LivingCity living has real pull for Gen Z renters, more so than for any older generation. Among young adults who expect to buy a home in the next three years, 58% say their ideal neighborhood is a city — either downtown (22%) or a bit farther out toward the city's edge (36%). Compare that to older prospective buyers, where 44% of millennials and 43% of Gen Xers say the same, and a clear generational preference starts to take shape. Apartments.com The reasons behind that preference are pretty relatable. Gen Zers generally want to be close to their friends and the amenities that make daily life easier and more fun. Compared to millennials and Gen Xers who plan to buy soon, young adults are more likely to prioritize walkability, proximity to shopping, entertainment, loved ones, and green space, and a shorter commute. Gen Z adults tend to be willing to spend on experiences, and cities put a lot of experiences within reach.Among prospective Gen Z homeowners, these are the features they're most likely to call important. In each case, they lead every other generation:Parks, outdoor recreation, and green space: 60%Proximity to a job or a short commute, plus work flexibility: 54%Walkability and closeness to shops, restaurants, and family and friends: 53%Culture, dining, and entertainment: 43%Gen Z Renters Are Also Future-ThinkingIt's tempting to assume Gen Zers gravitate toward cities simply because they live in the “now.” But the numbers contest that theory: Prospective Gen Z and millennial homeowners are equally likely (54%) to say that quality schools and a family-friendly community matter to them, a higher share than older generations. In other words, wanting a city doesn't mean not wanting the things people traditionally associate with the suburbs. Many young adults simply want both.None of this means every Gen Zer plans to stay in the city forever. But right now, urban living is a genuine priority for many young prospective homeowners.In Major Cities, Renting Is Often the Best Option for Cash-Strapped Young AdultsThe dream often meets the price tag for Gen Zers. Currently, 57% of Gen Zers who expect to buy a home soon already live in a city. However, 80% say they would live in a walkable, transit-connected city neighborhood if it cost the same as or less than a suburban home. That gap between where they are and where they'd like to be is wider for Gen Z than for older buyers: 68% of people ages 30-45 and 65% of those ages 46-61 said the same.The Reality CheckThe math of suburban versus city living isn't always what most would expect. Suburban homes are sometimes less expensive than city homes. So in exactly the places young adults most want to live, buying downtown often costs a serious premium.New York City is the clearest example. There, suburban homes are about 43% less expensive than homes in the urban core. The average NYC home costs nearly $3 million, while renters can expect to pay around $4,185 per month for an apartment. That rent figure is still well above the national average, but it makes renting far more attainable for a young adult than saving up to buy in the same neighborhood.It also helps explain why 28% of Gen Z prospective homeowners say buying feels equally affordable in urban and suburban areas. This is a higher share than millennials (23%) or Gen Xers (23%), which may nudge even more of them toward staying put in the city.Add it all up, and plenty of young adults who want the bustle of a major metro may end up renting for the foreseeable future — often by choice.In 2025, 20% of U.S. adults said they rent because they don't want to be house-poor, and that number climbs to 27% among people ages 18-29. Beyond avoiding a stretched budget, Gen Zers also commonly say they rent because they want:Greater flexibility (21%)Less stress and responsibility than owning (20%)Access to amenities and social interaction (10%) Apartments.com Different Milestones for Different GenerationsFor a long time, buying a home has been treated as one of the major milestones of adulthood. But not everyone wants to own right now, and for many Gen Zers, renting in the city is a trade-off they're glad to make if it means living the life they actually want.Young adults are navigating a tough job market and, like everyone else, absorbing the high cost of living. Cities can carry a higher overall price tag than the suburbs or the countryside, but they also tend to offer better access to jobs and a steady supply of free or low-cost events and services. Work is a serious factor here, too: 39% of Gen Z prospective homeowners say that even with some hybrid or remote flexibility, their work situation heavily shapes where they'd buy.All that said, it's fair to acknowledge the other side of the coin. For some young adults, setting aside the goal of homeownership stings, even when the decision makes sense on paper. It can be genuinely hard to let go of a milestone you grew up expecting to hit on a certain timeline.Those struggling with the idea of homeownership are far from alone. Many people are choosing to rent long-term, and it's one more example of the tricky financial spot a lot of Gen Zers find themselves in. In fact, more than 1 in 3 (35%) Gen Zers say they'd accept delaying major life goals as a housing affordability trade-off, compared to 21% of all adults.The Suburbs Aren't Calling Yet. Young Adults Are Becoming More Interested in City Living Over TimeIf you're expecting this to be a phase Gen Z grows out of, the data says otherwise, at least for now. A full 42% of Gen Z prospective homeowners say their interest in city living has grown over the last two years, dramatically more than older generations, where just 27% of 30- to 45-year-olds and 23% of 46- to 61-year-olds say the same.Rather than cooling on cities as they get a little older and a little more established, young adults are leaning in. It makes sense given the moment they're in: cities offer proximity to jobs, opportunities to build a network, and a lower-commitment way to live somewhere expensive while they get their financial footing. For a generation focused on both today's lifestyle and tomorrow's stability, urban living checks a lot of boxes.MethodologyThe City Comeback Index survey was conducted by Centiment on behalf of Apartments.com. The survey was fielded in late 2025 and is based on 1,045 completed responses from U.S. adults who indicated they were looking to buy a home within the next one to three years. The Centiment data is unweighted.The Rent Forever survey of 523 adults ages 18 and over was conducted via SurveyMonkey Audience for Apartments.com on April 10, 2025. Data is unweighted, and the margin of error is approximately +/-4% for the overall sample with a 95% confidence level.This story was produced by Apartments.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	DHS defends investigating agency critics and giving them warning notices Federal officials acknowledged that ICE special agents tracked a New York man to his house, the airport and a hotel to question him about a critical email he sent to the former head of ICE in January.
	Hurricane season report: The US cities most at risk for storm damage Hurricane season report: The US cities most at risk for storm damageThe Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 each year. For millions of Americans living in coastal and inland communities across the Gulf Coast, the Southeast, and the Atlantic Seaboard, that period is associated with documented and measurable risks. In this report, Mokaram Injury Lawyers, a Houston-based personal injury law firm, examines federal data identifying the cities with the greatest exposure to storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and flooding, drawing on the expanded record of storm impacts from recent seasons.What Federal Data ShowsThe National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) has tracked U.S. billion-dollar weather and climate disasters since 1980. Of the 403 separate events on that record through Dec. 31, 2024, tropical cyclones have caused the most total damage, totaling over $1.5 trillion, with an average cost of $23 billion per event. Hurricanes are also responsible for the highest number of deaths among all tracked disaster types, accounting for 7,211 fatalities since 1980, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) hurricane costs data.By state, the cumulative picture is concentrated in the Gulf and Southeast:Florida leads all states in total costs from billion-dollar disasters since 1980, at approximately $450 billion, driven largely by hurricanes.Texas ranks second, at approximately $436 billion, and has been affected by the highest number of billion-dollar disasters of any state since 1980.Louisiana ranks third, at approximately $314 billion in total costs. Mokaram Injury Lawyers Those figures come from NOAA's 2024 billion-dollar disaster analysis, which also reported that the U.S. experienced 27 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in 2024 alone, totaling $182.7 billion in damages, the fourth-highest annual total on record.The Cities With the Highest Exposure to Storm SurgeStorm surge, the abnormal rise in seawater pushed inland by a hurricane's winds, is identified by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) as the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. The NHC uses its SLOSH (Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes) model to simulate storm surge risk across the Gulf and Atlantic coasts under Category 1 through 5 scenarios. The agency updated its national storm surge risk maps in 2025, reprocessing Gulf and East Coast data to improve spatial resolution.The NHC notes that storm surge is not limited to beachfront communities, with risk extending several miles inland in some areas.Among the metropolitan areas with the largest number of homes at risk from storm surge and hurricane winds, based on Cotality 2026 risk assessments, include:Miami: Approximately 791,775 properties at risk from a Category 5 storm, with a potential reconstruction cost value of $158 billion. AccuWeather analysis of NOAA hurricane research data estimates Miami's annual probability of hurricane impact at 16%, with a direct strike occurring on average every six to eight years.New York: Approximately 731,137 properties at risk, with a potential reconstruction cost of $283 billion. New York's vulnerability is largely linked to storm surge, as demonstrated by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which caused an estimated $19 billion in damage to the state.Tampa, Florida: Approximately 465,644 properties at risk, with a potential reconstruction cost of $84 billion.New Orleans: Approximately 399,403 properties at risk, with a potential reconstruction cost of $101 billion. More than 50% of the city sits below sea level, and AccuWeather analysis of NOAA data estimates its annual hurricane impact probability at 11%.Virginia Beach, Virginia: Approximately 391,365 properties at risk, with a potential reconstruction cost of $95 billion.Houston: Approximately 294,188 properties at risk, with a potential reconstruction cost of $64 billion. Mokaram Injury Lawyers Florida has the largest total number of homes with moderate or greater risk of hurricane wind damage at 8,178,843, with a reconstruction cost value of $2.32 trillion. The state also leads in storm surge exposure, with 2,414,132 homes at moderate or greater surge risk, according to 2025 risk data. Mokaram Injury Lawyers Historical Frequency: Which Cities See Storms Most OftenBeyond property exposure, historical storm tracking data provides insight into how frequently specific locations are affected. Based on NOAA hurricane research data analyzed by AccuWeather, using 126 years of hurricane track data:Miami and Key West, Florida: Each carries a 16% annual probability of hurricane impact, the highest among major U.S. cities. Key West is directly impacted by a hurricane on average every six years.Tampa, Florida: Has an estimated 11% annual probability of hurricane impact. The city's location at the top of a funnel-shaped bay is associated with increased storm surge exposure.New Orleans: Also at 11%, with a hurricane making landfall within 50 miles on average every seven to 11 years.Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, holds the record for the most hurricane and tropical storm contacts since 1871 in tracking data maintained by HurricaneCity.com, which draws on NHC historical archives.The 2025 Season OutlookNOAA's 2025 Atlantic hurricane season outlook, released ahead of the June 1 season start, forecasts a 60% chance of an above-normal season. Forecasters projected 13 to 19 named storms, with six to 10 becoming hurricanes and three to five reaching major hurricane strength (Category 3 or higher). NOAA cited continued El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral conditions, warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, weak wind shear, and elevated activity from the West African monsoon as contributing factors.The agency also noted that sea level rise is associated with increased storm surge impact from hurricanes, a trend documented in NOAA's Fifth National Climate Assessment.This story was produced by Mokaram Injury Lawyers and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The US may be hitting a tipping point for heat pumps The US may be hitting a tipping point for heat pumpsIt appears America may be falling in love with heat pumps, which is a tall order for an appliance. Heat pumps extract warmth from wintry air and bring it inside, a far more efficient way of staying toasty than with gas furnaces. It’s better to move heat from one place to another, instead of generating it by burning fossil fuels. Cold-climate heat pumps can still do this in the most frigid of places. As a bonus, in the summer, a heat pump reverses the process to act like a traditional air conditioner, providing comfort in all seasons.According to a new report from the nonprofit Building Decarbonization Coalition, over the past 15 years, heat pump sales have doubled. In the first quarter of 2026, heat pump shipments outpaced shipments of fossil fuel furnaces by 32%, and narrowly missed beating out AC units. And in 2024, 46% of new housing included a heat pump, compared to 47% with forced-air furnaces, which includes models running on natural gas and electric versions that work like giant hair dryers.“All the trends are pointing towards increased heat pump adoption, not only versus gas, but also versus just traditional one-way air conditioning,” Kevin Carbonnier, associate director of analytics at the coalition, told Grist for this article. “It’s not just that heat pumps are better, more comfortable, more efficient than furnaces. But also, you get the two-in-one appliance.”A major driver of this electrification is new housing. Three-quarters of new apartments in the U.S. are heated electrically, and if you’re doing that, the thinking goes, you may as well install electric stoves. At that point, it doesn’t make sense for a builder to spend money to pipe natural gas into the place. “It’s kind of becoming more of a common-sense measure to only build electric, especially with these new buildings, because the appliances are also so much more efficient,” said Kristin George Bagdanov, associate director of research at the coalition.The tricky bit is that homebuilders too often opt for resistance heating, like baseboard heaters, which are basically giant toasters. These have a “coefficient of performance,” or COP, of one, meaning you get one unit of heat for every unit of energy that goes into the device. Heat pumps, by contrast, have a COP of between 2 and 4, making them at least twice as efficient as baseboard heaters.Apartment builders seem to be coming around to heat pumps, though. Half a century ago, few new structures used them, opting instead for resistance heating. But since 2010 — in the Northwest, at least — 18% of new apartment buildings featured heat pumps, according to a recent report from the nonprofit Sightline Institute. Multifamily housing, then, is a hugely powerful and popular way for the U.S. to decarbonize, as both Democrats and Republicans agree that the country urgently needs new housing. The Building Decarbonization Coalition’s report also notes that in new housing overall, including single-family homes, heat pumps were installed nearly half the time in 2024.Utilities are also experimenting with another way of heating and cooling buildings with heat pumps that is even more efficient. It’s known as networked geothermal. The utility drills holes in the ground, installs pipes that look almost exactly like gas ones, pumps liquid through them, and delivers it to the homes and businesses in a neighborhood, where heat pumps use the water, rather than air, to work. Because the earth might still be 50 degrees Fahrenheit as air temperatures drop below freezing, the devices can extract consistent subterranean heat in the winter, then spend the summer drawing heat from structures and adding it to the liquid, which circulates back through the ground. This makes a utility’s geothermal system up to seven or eight times more efficient than having the same homes using gas furnaces.You might imagine a future, then, where liquid, not natural gas, flows into neighborhoods with nothing but electrified kitchens. “It’s all the same skill sets: managing infrastructure systems, drilling, laying down pipe in the street,” Carbonnier said. “All the same stuff that the gas workers are already doing.”Ultra-efficient systems like networked geothermal aren’t just ideal for decarbonization because they run on electricity. As the U.S. uses more electricity in general — as massive data centers plug into the grid, for instance — utilities will have to build out more solar and wind farms, transmission lines, and battery banks to store power. Those costs get passed down to ratepayers. The less energy used for warming and cooling our homes, the less additional electricity and infrastructure needed, reducing energy bills. Electric vehicles are another way utilities are trying to avoid adding infrastructure: All those batteries will place extra demand on the grid, but can also send power to it in times of need. This will also lower costs for customers.Energy bills have exploded of late, entering the political zeitgeist, as pressure increases on politicians to do something. “I think for a long time individual consumers were taught that it was their fault if their bills were high; either they weren’t turning off their lights, or they were keeping their thermostat too low or too high,” George Bagdanov said. Now they’re learning more about how public utility commissions set rates, how much money building out additional fossil fuel infrastructure costs, and how a utility’s investors reap financial rewards. “And then we kind of saw more of a shift to the conversation being about the systems around those bills,” George Bagdanov said.Meanwhile, the market continues shifting in favor of the heat pump. “It’s been four years in a row that there’s more heat pumps being shipped out from manufacturers than fossil fuel furnaces,” Carbonnier said. “I think we are at a tipping point.”This story was produced by Grist and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Tickets available for Fall Senior Golf Cart Tour in Bettendorf The Friends of Bettendorf Parks & Recreation – partners of the Bettendorf Parks & Recreation Department and endorsed by the City of Bettendorf – invite area seniors to participate in their annual Fall Senior Golf Cart Tour on Monday, Sept. 14, a news release says. There is no rain date. Held twice a year in [...]
	A Ten-Year Term Limit for Illinois Speakers Can Feel Like a Long Time If the Speaker Is a Very Tedious Person After Michael J Madigan’s 36 years as Illinois House Speaker, a ten-year term limit on current and future speakers doesn’t seem like a lot of time in the big chair. Except it is.
	When is a good time to buy a house? (BPT) - You've saved up a down payment, and you're ready to buy a home. But before you talk to a real estate agent or start visiting open houses, you're probably asking yourself, "Is it a good time to buy a house right now?"The best time to buy a house is different for everyone. Instead of waiting for rates to drop or prices to cool, the better question is, "Am I ready to buy a house?" When your finances are solid and the numbers work for your life, a good time to buy isn't something you wait for. It's something you build toward.Here are some simple steps from Navy Federal Credit Union to help you get started on your homebuying journey.1. Check your credit.Pull your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com and look for errors, outstanding balances or accounts in collections. Dispute any inaccuracies and pay down high balances where you can. If your credit needs improvement, it often takes some time for changes to be reflected, typically 3 to 6 months, before applying. Small improvements can help strengthen your application and support more favorable loan terms.2. Build your budget.Start with what you've saved, then subtract your estimated closing costs and moving expenses. From there, determine a down payment that still leaves room for financial flexibility and other homeownership expenses. From there, use a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly mortgage payment based on factors like your down payment, credit profile and loan details — not just the maximum amount you may qualify for. Make sure to factor in property taxes, homeowners' insurance and enough to cover utilities.3. Compare lenders and get preapprovedA preapproval letter shows sellers you're serious and tells you exactly how much you can borrow. To get preapproved, you'll typically need recent pay stubs, 2 years of tax returns, bank statements and a valid ID. Shop with at least 2 or 3 mortgage lenders to compare rates and fees before you commit.4. Research local market trendsLook at active listings, recent home sales and average days on market in the neighborhoods you're targeting. Notice whether homes are selling above or below the asking price — that tells you a lot about competition. A local real estate agent can help you read the signals and move quickly when the right home comes along.5. Find the right loan for your financial situationConventional mortgages, FHA loans, VA loans and adjustable-rate mortgages each offer different features. Exploring how they work can help you choose an option that aligns with your financial situation and plans. If you're an Active Duty Servicemember or Veteran, a VA loan may allow you to buy with no down payment1 and no private mortgage insurance. It's worth exploring all your options before you decide.6. Make a home purchase with confidenceWhen your finances are solid, your preapproval is in hand and you find a home that fits your budget and your life, that may be a good time to buy. Don't wait for perfect conditions — wait for what works for you.This content is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It is always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation. Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.1100% financing subject to all VA rules, guidelines, and additional program requirements. All loans subject to approval. VA loans may include a funding fee, which may be financed up to the maximum allowed loan amount. Navy Federal has no affiliation with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any other government agency.
	How today's earned media can boost AI visibility (BPT) - Key takeawaysWidespread use of AI search engines has dramatically altered how consumers discover brands.Regardless of whether it's sponsored or earned, AI systems evaluate a brand's content by its credibility, authority, consistency and frequency.PR and MarCom professionals who want better brand visibility need to follow this change in brand discovery via earned and editorial content in credible publications.Brandpoint Optimize helps brands increase their AI visibility through quality content, trusted syndication and credible third-party validation.By Stacy Stusynski, Chief Commercial Officer, BrandpointToday, AI speaks for your brand every day by evaluating and summarizing (or ignoring) your existing content on behalf of consumers. The AI search takeover has fundamentally changed the visibility of your brand, whether you've invested in this process or not.Historically, the PR industry defined earned media this way: A journalist chose to cover a story someone pitched with no payment and no guarantee, just the credibility of a third party deciding your story was worth telling.While that definition remains, it's just part of the picture. In 2026, earned media means any third-party content that signals credibility and authority to audiences, and to algorithms that decide what content is trusted, cited and recommended.How AI search has impacted PR and MarCom strategyThroughout my career, technology has changed how consumers discover and evaluate products. When consumers' discovery method shifts, brands that understand that change are the ones that succeed.This is one of those moments. If you're a communicator who hasn't adapted to this change, you risk building strategies that are invisible to your target audiences.Third-party validation through earned media is still one of the most powerful tools in a communicator's toolbox. When credible publications cover your organization independently, this signal tells AI algorithms your content is valuable, before a human ever sees it.Has AI search changed branded content's value?AI has become the new customer voice. AI systems evaluate content differently from human readers. They don't consider how a placement was procured. Instead, AI systems assess whether the information appears on credible, authoritative sources, if key messages are reinforced consistently across the web, and if signals across those sources indicate genuine expertise and trust.Almost 3 in 4 consumers (70%) use AI-powered tools including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini during their product research and decision-making process, according to Bain & Company.When making searches, consumers let LLMs do the work in the search platform itself, instead of clicking through results one at a time. In today's zero-click environment, brands should strive to be THE answer to consumer queries.AI doesn't separate branded content from paid or earned. Instead, it looks for crucial signals like:Authority: A source recognized as knowledgeable on a topicConsistency: The same message reinforced across multiple trusted sourcesRecency: Current, updated informationCredibility: Content from reputable publishers, organizations or expertsFrequency: A brand, topic or perspective repeated over timePlacement in credible publications shapes how an AI system responds when someone asks a question in your category, even if no one ever clicks on that article.How to increase brand visibilityVisibility is now a competitive metric. PR success used to be measured by coverage, reach and traffic. Those metrics still matter, but AI introduces a new layer of value most PR and MarCom professionals weren't trained to think about: visibility as a signal.I've measured consumer behavior across dozens of product categories and hundreds of campaigns. The pattern is always the same: Brands that show up consistently over time, in the right places with the right message, earn consumer trust.AI learns the same way: Placement in credible publications shapes how an AI system responds when someone asks a question in your category, even if no one ever clicks on that article.Consistent presence across trusted sources matters more than ever. A single piece of great coverage is a win. But a consistent footprint of credible, authoritative content, earned and editorial alike, shapes how AI understands and represents your brand.Next steps for communicatorsTo learn from this change and build on it, your strategy needs to expand the frame:Prioritize authoritative placements. Publications don't carry equal weight. Focus on placements in outlets recognized by AI as credible, well-indexed sources.Coordinate earned and editorial content. Earned coverage validates authority through independent voices. Editorial-quality sponsored content, placed in trusted publications, reinforces authority by expanding your footprint into the same credible spaces. Using both consistently compounds their impact, building multi-source authority that AI systems will recognize and cite.Create consistent messaging. Key messages, reinforced consistently across earned, owned and editorial channels, are recognized by AI as patterns of authority.Focus on frequency. AI learns to trust organizations that show up on trusted sources repeatedly, over time.These insights drove Brandpoint to develop Brandpoint Optimize, which helps brands build stronger AI visibility and increased audience engagement through quality content, trusted distribution, credible third-party validation and visibility insights to help brands understand how they're being discovered.Brandpoint Optimize combines all of these elements through:Editorial-quality branded content created for audiences and AI systems.Syndication on over 3,000 news and media publications.Earned media support that reinforces authority signals.AI visibility reporting and insights.Brandpoint Optimize is one part of our larger roadmap helping PR and MarCom pros monitor their AI visibility and make strategic decisions to stay relevant to LLMs and audiences.How communicators can leverage this shiftWhat have PR and marketing professionals always done? Build credibility, establish authority and create consistent presence in publications that audiences trust. This new version of earned media — real, third-party validation in authoritative sources regardless of procurement — is also what AI recognizes and values.The signals MarCom and PR pros have been building for decades are the exact signals that determine whether a brand gets recommended, cited or ignored today.Communicators who understand the value of credibility, consistency and trust will succeed in this era. This is our moment. And it's only the beginning.
	What research shows about how divorce affects children's academic performance What research shows about how divorce affects children's academic performanceNearly one in three American children experiences parental divorce before turning 18, and decades of research show the classroom is where that disruption often shows up first. In this article, Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers, a Texas family law firm, examines research on how divorce affects children's academic performance and which factors help protect kids from the worst of it.Parental divorce is associated with lower test scores, reduced classroom engagement, and diminished long-term educational attainment, though how severe that effect is depends largely on how much conflict children witness and how well parents cooperate after the split.The Scale of the IssueThe numbers are worth understanding. According to a 2025 working paper drawing on U.S. Census Bureau records, federal tax data, and Social Security Administration information, the share of children living with a single divorced parent grew from below 2% before 1950 to nearly 25% by 2000. Nearly one-third of U.S. children experience divorce in their households while they are minors.A landmark meta-analysis by sociologist Paul Amato, published in the Journal of Family Psychology, found that children from divorced families continued to score significantly lower on measures of academic achievement, conduct, and psychological adjustment compared with peers from continuously married households.A later analysis by the same researcher reported that, after controlling for research methodology quality, children of divorce performed 0.17 standard deviations lower on academic achievement measures than their counterparts from intact families. That gap is modest in statistical terms but meaningful when aggregated across an entire school year of learning.What Drives the Academic GapThe stress children experience often predates the legal separation, and academic difficulties can begin before parents even file. A longitudinal study published in the Journal of School Psychology used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Cohort, a nationally representative federal dataset tracking children from kindergarten through eighth grade, to examine why divorce disrupts learning.The study found that divorce was associated with less growth in reading and mathematics test scores, and that a child's engagement and motivation in the classroom, what researchers call "approaches to learning," accounted for part of that gap, mediating roughly 18% of the effect in reading and 12% in mathematics. Divorce does not lower grades directly. It works partly by reducing the behavioral and motivational engagement that sustains learning over time.Parental separation commonly triggers a decline in household economic conditions, which in turn is linked to lower academic performance and reduced educational attainment. The Census Bureau working paper found that divorced households fell from the 57th to the 36th income percentile after separation, recovering only about half of that lost ground over time. Reduced family resources affect everything from access to tutoring and school supplies to the stability of housing and neighborhood school continuity.School transitions compound those effects. When divorce prompts a move to a less expensive home or neighborhood, children frequently change schools mid-year, losing established relationships with teachers and peers at a critical point in their development. Research consistently links mid-year school changes to declines in academic performance and increased behavioral difficulties, with the disruption most pronounced for children in elementary grades.The Variable Nobody Talks About Enough: Parental ConflictThe single strongest predictor of poor academic outcomes after divorce is not the divorce itself, but the level of conflict between parents that surrounds it. A review published in Perspectives on Psychological Science by Jennifer Lansford of Duke University's Center for Child and Family Policy synthesized decades of research and found that interparental conflict consistently functions as a key mediator between family structure and child outcomes, including in school.The co-parenting relationship after separation matters considerably. Research published in the Journal of School Psychology found that cooperative co-parenting relationships, marked by communication and shared responsibility, are linked to children's behavioral outcomes, academic achievement, and psychological well-being after divorce, in part because they support continued nonresidential parent involvement and reduce the level of ongoing conflict to which children are exposed.The custody and co-parenting arrangements established in a divorce proceeding are not only legal documents; they shape the daily environment children return to after school.What Protects Children's Academic PerformanceNot all of the research points in the same direction. Studies consistently identify factors that buffer children's outcomes. A randomized controlled trial of the New Beginnings Program, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, followed children aged nine to 12 over six years and found that improving the quality of the parent-child relationship and reducing children's behavioral problems after divorce led to measurable improvements in educational goals and academic competence, particularly for children who began the study at the highest risk.The factors that matter most are also the ones families have some ability to influence: the level of conflict children witness, the consistency of routines across households, and the degree to which both parents remain actively involved in schooling. A child whose parents communicate respectfully about pickup schedules and homework is better positioned than one who enters the classroom carrying the weight of ongoing parental conflict.This story was produced by Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents? What percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents?Riding a motorcycle offers freedom, excitement, and a unique sense of adventure. Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle also comes with significant risks.Motorcycles lack the protective features of cars, leaving riders more vulnerable in a crash. If you’re a motorcyclist — or considering becoming one — you may be wondering how common it is for motorcyclists to be involved in crashes.This article from Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys breaks down the statistics, examines the factors that influence accident rates, and explains what motorcycle riders can do to protect themselves on the road.Motorcycle Accident StatisticsMotorcyclists are about 28 times more likely to die in a crash per mile traveled compared to occupants of passenger cars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).While exact numbers vary year by year, the most recent NHTSA data indicates that 88,899 motorcylists sustained injuries or were killed in accidents during just one year. NHTSA reports that 9,516,910 motorcycles were registered in the U.S. that year, meaning 0.93% of all motorcycles were involved in fatal or injury crashes that year. That does not mean every motorcycle crash is fatal or even severe, but it does highlight the higher risk of riding a motorcycle compared to driving a car or truck.Why Are Motorcycle Riders at Higher Risk?There are several reasons motorcyclists face greater dangers on the road, including:Lack of protection — Unlike passenger cars, motorcycles have no airbags, seat belts, or a steel frame.Smaller profile — Motorcycles are harder for other drivers to see.Road hazards — Potholes, slick pavement, and debris pose more danger to motorcycles than cars.Less stability — Two wheels make motorcycles more vulnerable to balance issues.When you combine these factors with the mistakes of other drivers, motorcycle accidents become much more likely.Common Causes of Motorcycle AccidentsUnderstanding the most frequent causes of motorcycle crashes can help riders and other drivers stay vigilant. Here are some of the most common factors leading to motorcycle crashes:Left-turn accidents — One of the most common types of motorcycle crashes occurs when a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. NHTSA reports that 46% of fatal two-vehicle motorcycle crashes involved another vehicle turning left into the path of an oncoming motorcycle.Speeding — Speeding by both motorcycle riders and other motorists increases crash severity.Alcohol or drug use — Impaired driving drastically raises accident risks.Lane changes and blind spots — Drivers of cars and trucks often fail to check carefully for motorcycles.Dangerous road conditions — Gravel, oil slicks, or uneven pavement can lead to serious motorcycle wrecks.By recognizing these common causes of motorcycle accidents, motorcycle riders can take proactive steps to protect themselves, and other vehicle drivers can do their part to share the road more responsibly.Age and Experience MatterMotorcycle accident rates are not evenly distributed among all riders. Younger, less experienced motorcyclists are statistically more likely to crash than older, experienced riders, according to an article in the American Journal of Public Health. Here are some of the reasons why:Motorcycle riders under 25 often take more risks and lack road experience, according to an article in the American Journal of Public Health.Motorcycle riders over 40 are now involved in a growing number of crashes, partly because more middle-aged adults are taking up motorcycling later in life, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute.New motorcycle riders who haven’t taken safety courses may be more likely to make critical mistakes, according to an article from Canyon Chasers.These trends show that age and experience play a major role in rider safety, making training, awareness, and defensive riding skills especially important for reducing crash risks.Protective Gear and Accident SurvivalOne of the biggest factors in surviving a motorcycle crash is protective gear, especially helmets. Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37%, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Wearing protective jackets, gloves, boots, and pants can also minimize road rash and fractures.Simply put, riders who wear full gear have a much better chance of walking away from an accident.How Riders Can Reduce Their RiskWhile no one can eliminate all risks, motorcyclists can take proactive steps to stay safer. A few of the best tips for safer motorcycling include:Take a motorcycle safety course to learn defensive riding strategies.Always wear protective gear, regardless of weather or distance.Avoid speeding and keep a safe distance from cars.Ride defensively, expect the unexpected, and assume other drivers don’t see you.Avoid riding under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even certain medications.By making safety a priority and adopting these proactive habits, motorcycle riders can greatly reduce their chances of an accident and enjoy the road with more confidence and peace of mind.This story was produced by Elrod Pope Accident and Injury Attorneys and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Jay Leno will perform at Rhythm City Casino, Davenport Jay Leno will perform at the Rhythm City Casino, 7077 Elmore Ave., Davenport, on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027, according to a news release. Tickets are available here or at The Market at Rhythm City for $55.15-$103.30, which includes tax and an online/phone ticketing fee. (The online/phone ticketing fee is waived when you purchase tickets at [...]
	Police: Search for man accused of shooting Muscatine officer continues Muscatine police provided new information Sunday evening on the search for a man accused of shooting an officer following a pursuit Friday.
	Nice day ahead for the Quad Cities Highs are expected to below average for the week ahead. After all the rain last week, lesser amounts are expected this week. Astounding rainfall amounts last week are recapped in this full 7-day forecast.
	Resignation, hirings and transfers from Bettendorf School District for Aug. 12 The following personnel items are from the Aug. 12 agenda of the Bettendorf Community School District. The School Board met at the Administration Center, 3311 18th St., Bettendorf.
	NuKole's Grub On Wheels expands to Davenport brick-and-mortar location NuKole’s Grub On Wheels has opened a new kitchen inside The Sport Bar and Lounge in East Village, Davenport.
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for August 16, 2026 Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County and Henry County.
	Hayden Panettiere, who starred in 'Heroes' and 'Nashville,' dies at 36 A child actor since she was cast in various commercials as an 11-month-old, Panettiere was best known for her role as the country music star Juliette Barnes in the series "Nashville."
	Hannah Banana This is Roald Tweet in Rock Island."Abracadabra," and "Open, Sesame," can't possibly match the three magic words which end this Rock Island story.The main…
	Elon Musk's Starbase wants to expand in south Texas Landowners and activists worry about impact to the environment around SpaceX's complex.

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