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Friday, September 11th, 2026
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	On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, a divided U.S. gathers to remember and grieve The U.S. marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Events will honor those lost, at a time when Americans are divided about the meaning and legacy of the terrorist attacks.
	The U.S.-Canada trade war is creating a headache for auto-parts makers For decades, the U.S. and Canadian auto supply chains have been tightly woven together. The trade war is threatening to unravel a complex system.
	They cleaned up ground zero. Now many are hiding from ICE After 9/11, thousands of rescue and cleanup crews went to work at ground zero. They were exposed to toxic debris and experienced psychological trauma. Today, many say they live in fear of deportation.
	Cook review: 'Generation 9/11' examines how ripples from the attacks continue We need to remember and we need to teach the coming generations not to forget. "Turning Point," a Netflix documentary series directed by Brian Knappenberger, focuses on geopolitical events and their global effects that continue to ripple out from them. The "Generation 9/11" segment is especially poignant because so many survivors discuss their losses. The [...]
	Human rabies exposure cases on the rise: CDC The CDC said it has received a rise in reports of human rabies exposure cases this summer, prompting an alert to healthcare providers.
	Why Houthi military gains in Yemen may further increase gas prices A Houthi advance along Yemen's Red Sea coast could help push gas prices up even more as the Iran-backed group also launches attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities
	Why Houthi gains in Yemen could push gas prices even higher A Houthi advance along Yemen's Red Sea coast could help push gas prices up even more as the Iran-backed group also launches attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities
	Alison Krauss cancels tour, which included QCA, because of health concerns A popular singer-songwriter has canceled her appearance that was scheduled for Friday at The Adler Theatre, Davenport, according to a Facebook post from The Adler: “It is with great regret that Alison Krauss & Union Station have announced the cancellation of our upcoming tour dates," the post says. "After consulting with medical professionals, Alison has [...]
	Hong Kong court sentences 3 Tiananmen vigil organizers to prison The activists were sentenced to about 5 to 7 years in prison in a case widely seen as a barometer of the city's eroding freedoms as Beijing clamps down on dissent.
	Iran-backed Houthi rebels seize strategic Red Sea port in Yemen The rebel group took over Yemen's port of Mokha, an area vital to controlling shipping through the Red Sea, Houthi and Yemeni officials said. Mokha is about 50 miles from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Thursday, September 10th, 2026
	Lincoln and Cartwright This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.If the following story is not true, it should be. It involves two Illinois folk heroes, Abraham Lincoln and the…
	Muscatine Art Center holds meet-and-greet with new director Kelly Lao takes over after the center suffered severe cuts earlier this year.
	Whiteside County Animal Control to euthanize dog that bit owner The dog, named Starsky, reportedly bit his owner twice, with the injuries requiring stitches.
	Aledo man charged with first-degree murder after uncle found dead 31-year-old Terrence Fetter of rural Aledo was denied pretrial release in the case.
	Illinois announces new income eligibility for school meals The Illinois State Board of Education has announced new income eligibility for the National School Lunch Program. The new guidelines went into effect at the start of the summer. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says the school lunch program allows the highest-poverty schools in the nation to serve free breakfast and lunch to [...]
	Aledo man charged with first-degree murder after uncle found dead in Mercer County home 31-year-old Terrence Fetter of rural Aledo was denied pretrial release in the case.
	'Mexican Roots' exhibition opens soon at Figge Art Museum, Davenport Spirits, animals, devils and the dead take many forms in "Mexican Roots: Masks, Prints, and Traditional Arts of Mexico," a new exhibition opening Sept. 12 at the Figge Art Museum. Through masks, prints, ceramics, woodcarving, sculpture, and cartonería (papier-mâché), Mexican Roots explores an artistic story shaped across centuries. Following the Spanish conquest of Mexico, Indigenous [...]
	The Riverside will bring folk harmonies to Cambridge The Riverside will bring its warm, engaging blend of folk music, rich harmonies and intimate storytelling to Ca d’Zan House Concerts in Cambridge on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Presented by Crossroads Cultural Connections, the all-ages concert will begin at 7 p.m., after an optional community potluck dinner at 6 p.m. Bishop Hill Creative Commons will serve [...]
	Moline Public Library seeking applications for student trustee Applications are due by Sept. 18.
	Iowa governor issues harvest proclamation The proclamation goes into effect immediately and continues through Oct. 10.
	Judge declines to block Illinois’ ‘medical aid in dying’ law ahead of Sept. 12 start Illinois is set to become the first Midwestern state to allow terminally ill patients to seek life-ending medication from their physicians when the law goes into effect on Saturday.
	Davenport City Council approves nearly $400K settlement with former assistant city attorney in 6-5 vote The move settles a lawsuit filed by Mallory Bagby, who worked for the city from October 2017 through July 2024.
	Charges dropped against 2 Mercer County School District employees in student records case The case also involved the district superintendent, who was acquitted last month.
	Free 9/11 concert in Davenport aims to encourage first responders You're invited to the free concert on Sunday, Sept. 13 at Berean Baptist Church. Music begins at 5 p.m. and is open to all first responders, veterans and public.
	Illinois to expand access to grocery stores Illinois is making more than $26 million available to expand access to grocery stores. Through the Illinois Grocery Initiative Grant Program, more than $20 million dollars of that will be allocated for new stores in areas with limited access to fresh food, also known as food deserts. The state is offering $750,000 for energy-efficient equipment [...]
	Iowa officials push student voter registration in QCA schools Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate visited a few schools in the area to promote the Carrie Chapman Catt Program.
	Iowa governor orders flags be flown at half-staff in remembrance of 9/11 Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff on September 11.
	Tour of the Heartland returns, benefiting Gold Star families The annual bike ride will take place out of Geneseo on Saturday, Sept. 19. Riders can choose between four 25-mile loops, all benefiting a military nonprofit.
	Regalia flag store reflects on surge in patriotism after 9/11 25 years after 9/11, Regalia is reminding everyone what it was like days after the attacks, while also spilling out patriotism in the process through flags.
	Federal judge rejects blocking Illinois' end-of-life law A federal judge rejected a request to block Illinois' medically-assisted end-of-life law. The End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act (Deb's Law) is set to officially take effect September 12. Disability rights advocates wanted to delay the law from taking effect. Opponents argue the law doesn't provide enough protection for people with disabilities. Illinois claimed [...]
	United Way Quad Cities helps repaint Wells Elementary School playground surface for Day of Caring More than 1,100 volunteers are working on projects across the Quad Cities.
	The Heart of the Story: Small town, BIG dreams Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies, and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. Gary Metivier takes us back to dig a [...]
	New poll shows water quality is top issue for Iowa voters ahead of November election Iowa ranks second in the nation for new cancer cases. A new poll shows voters could think about that statistic as they head to the ballot box this November.
	‘Sit down before you fall down,’ Experts discuss heat safety after Iowa marching band death The death of a University of Iowa marching band member is raising questions about the physical demands of marching band and the risks of performing in extreme heat.
	Iowa GOP Chair: State’s Republican presidential caucuses remain first in 2028 The Iowa GOP Caucuses will start the presidential nominating process in 2028.
	'The Current' turns 3 years old! September 7 marked three years since we launched The Current! It runs from 4 - 5 p.m. every weekday, with live interviews, local news, sports and weather.
	Davenport City Council approves nearly $400,000 settlement with former assistant city attorney Mallory Bagby alleged she was harassed and discriminated against, including claims that she faced retaliation for her complaints.
	'Roasted QC' to become 'The Snack Shack' as it prepares for new Illinois THC beverage regulations New Illinois regulations cap the amount of THC in a beverage at 0.4 milligrams.
	Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office unveils new details in fatal UTV crash The Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office is revealing what led up to an August UTV crash that resulted in the death of a ten-year-old and a school principal.
	Attorney general reaches settlement to reduce Nicor Gas request by 63% The office of Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul secured a settlement agreement with Nicor Gas this month that will reduce the northern Illinois gas utility’s $221 million rate request by $139 million, or 63%.
	Davenport's Berean Baptist Church to host 9/11 encouragement concert The free concert is meant to honor and encourage all first responders, military members or anyone in need of community around the anniversary of 9/11.
	Opening delayed for Aledo's aquatic center The new aquatic center in Aledo will open later than anticipated. Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of September, with the center opening to the public in May 2027. The $6.4 million center will a pool, a splash pad, locker rooms and concessions. The splash pad, called Bucket Bay, should be done [...]
	Iowa secretary of state enlists QCA businesses in trafficking fight Iowa resources are coming to the Quad Cities area to fight human trafficking.
	Some light showers coming for this weekend After some light showers from yesterday, another chance of showers is approaching our weekend. Temperatures have been comfortable as we see low 80s for today and are expecting more temperatures like that tomorrow just in time for Friday Night High School Football. Then come the weekend temperatures are still expected to stay in range of [...]
	Two new charges filed in Rock Island County child sex abuse materials case The new charges bring the total counts against Benjamin Morris to 32.
	Aledo man accused of killing uncle to remain jailed before trial 31-year-old Terrance Fetter is accused of killing 63-year-old Gregory Johnson.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Iowa Department of Corrections for probation violation, failure to appear in court Marcus Ferrell is wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections, 7th District High Risk Unit, for probation violation on convictions for theft and identity theft.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Iowa Department of Corrections for escape Treye A. Coleman is wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections, 7th District High Risk Unit, for escape from Davenport Residential Corrections Facility.
	Crime Stoppers: Man on BMX bike wanted in food truck burglary Moline police are looking for a man in connection with a food truck burglary.
	Quad Cities Bicycle Club taking a 'Tour of the Heartland' next Saturday The ride will begin and end at the Geneseo Brewing Company. It raises money for the families of fallen soldiers.
	Help Alzheimer's care, support and research at the Walk to End Alzheimer's An estimated 7.4 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease, and you can help raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Megan Olsen joined Our Quad Cities News with details on the Walk to End Alzheimer's - Moline/Quad Cities. For more information, click here.
	This summer was hot. August shattered global heat records Scientists say that August was the hottest month ever recorded globally. In the U.S., summer temperatures also shattered heat records.
	From a senior expo to Civil War reenactments, here's Dani's Weekend Rundown for Sept. 10-13 It's a busy weekend in the Quad Cities region! Here's a look at several events taking place in our very first edition of Dani's Weekend Rundown.
	Lawsuit challenges intimidation of DHS observers across the country The sweeping lawsuit brought by Common Cause argues federal agencies are illegally surveilling and intimidating people who try to peacefully observe federal immigration enforcement activity.
	Hawkeye Marching Band plans honor for Derek Phillips at next football game Phillips died Tuesday morning after suffering from sudden cardiac arrest at Saturday’s football game.
	Vintage race cars will turn back time at Davenport Speedway SR Promotions will host the Mississippi Valley Vintage Race Car Association’s Hawkeye Futurity at Davenport Speedway, on Saturday, Sept. 12. The Hawkeye Futurity will feature vintage race cars. All vintage racers are welcome. Generations of racing will be represented, including Caged Sprints, Non-Caged Sprints, Midgets, Super Modifieds, Jalopies, and Vintage Late Models. An open test [...]
	Sheriff: Illegally altered firearms showing up on Quad-Cities streets In one five-year period, the ATF recovered more than 31,000 'switcher' conversion devices nationwide.
	Heartburn after taking your pills? 8 medications that might be the cause Heartburn after taking your pills? 8 medications that might be the causeMany people experience heartburn, chest pain, and indigestion, but fewer think that their medications might be the cause. Even so, many common prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can directly harm the lining of the esophagus and stomach. This can lead to pill esophagitis — an irritation of the lining of the esophagus, caused by medication — and ulcers.GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, examined the most common medications that cause heartburn, along with what you can do about it.Key takeaways:Certain medications can irritate and erode the lining of the esophagus or stomach, leading to inflammation or ulcers. This can cause heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.Many of these medications — like doxycycline, clindamycin, and ibuprofen — have alternatives that may be gentler on the stomach.If your medication is causing heartburn, there are things you can try. Examples include drinking a full glass of water when you take your medications and staying upright for 30 to 60 minutes after swallowing your pills.1. Doxycycline and other tetracyclinesAntibiotics — especially tetracyclines — are the most common cause of esophagitis. Tetracyclines are very acidic and directly irritate the esophagus and stomach lining, often causing pain within hours of taking it.Doxycycline is one of the main culprits. It can even cause ulcers (sores) in the lining of the esophagus and stomach. One way to help minimize this is to take doxycycline and other tetracyclines with food.2. ClindamycinClindamycin is another common antibiotic that can cause irritation and erosions in the esophagus. One small but revealing study examined people who reported pain with swallowing after taking clindamycin. All of them had visible esophageal ulcers when they were examined with endoscopy, which uses a camera to look inside the gastrointestinal (GI) system.3. AspirinMany people take a daily aspirin for heart disease. It prevents platelets from clumping together, which can help prevent the type of blood clots that lead to strokes and heart attacks.But aspirin also disrupts something called prostaglandins — molecules that help protect the gut lining. Prostaglandins travel all around the body and help heal injuries, like irritation of the esophagus. So aspirin can lead to both esophagitis and bleeding in the GI tract.If you take a daily aspirin, check with your healthcare team to make sure you need it — and that you’re taking the lowest possible dose. Lower doses of aspirin carry a lower risk for esophagitis.4. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDsNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — including ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) — also affect prostaglandins. They’re one of the common causes of ulcers in the esophagus and stomach. This can lead to symptoms like heartburn, stomach pain, or dark stool (if the ulcers are bleeding).If you take NSAIDs and you’re having these symptoms, ask your healthcare team about switching to a different NSAID, like celecoxib (Celebrex). This NSAID works slightly differently, and it’s easier on the esophagus and stomach.5. BisphosphonatesBisphosphonates are a class of medications that treat osteoporosis. Common examples include alendronate (Fosamax) and ibandronate (Boniva).Bisphosphonates have a long history of leading to complications in the esophagus — including inflammation, irritation, and ulcers. They may also lead to narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture).Risedronate (Actonel) may have fewer GI side effects compared to alendronate, so it may be the safer option.Given the risk of esophageal stricture, it’s important to contact your healthcare team right away if you experience:Chest painNew or worsening heartburnDifficulty swallowingA feeling that food is getting stuckPain with swallowing 6. Potassium supplementsSome people with low potassium levels need to take a supplement. This is usually either potassium chloride or potassium citrate. Both of them can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn.Solid forms, like capsules and tablets, are more likely to cause irritation, so if this is an issue, talk to your healthcare team about switching to a liquid form of potassium.7. Iron supplementsFerrous sulfate — found in most OTC iron supplements — can cause direct injury to the esophagus. It’s similar to tetracyclines, as ferrous sulfate becomes very acidic when it dissolves in saliva. This means it can injure the lining of the esophagus or stomach as it dissolves.The good news is that there are options for iron supplementation that may be easier on the gut. This includes Feosol natural release or supplements containing ferrous fumarate.8. QuinidineQuinidine is an older medication that treats abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation (A-fib). Like bisphosphonates, it can injure the esophagus and lead to a stricture. But the good news is that there are many alternative heart medications that are more common these days.How to avoid heartburn from your medicationHeartburn typically improves within a few weeks after stopping the offending medication. But there are things that you can do to prevent or reduce the chances of it happening in the first place:Don’t lie down right after taking these medications. Stand or sit upright for at least 30 to 60 minutes after taking them. And don’t take them before bed.Drink enough fluids when you take your medication. Try to take your pills with at least half a cup of water (4 oz) instead of a small sip (1 oz). Ideally, you can take medications with a full cup of water (8 oz) to minimize the risk of pills getting stuck in the esophagus and causing damage.Consider taking your medication with food. But talk to your pharmacist first, because some medications should be taken on an empty stomach.Talk to your healthcare team about alternatives. Some medications may be available in different forms that are easier on the digestive tract and cause less irritation.Treat minor heartburn symptoms. This includes OTC and home remedies, as well as avoiding trigger foods.Taking OTC antacids can help, but some of these may interact with your medication. Your healthcare team may recommend a protective medication, like a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). PPIs block acid that can cause further irritation and prevent healing. Examples include omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium).Frequently asked questionsWhat is the safest heartburn pill?There are three main types of heartburn pills: antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Each has their own risks and benefits. For occasional heartburn, antacids and H2 blockers typically work best. But if you have more frequent or long-term heartburn, PPIs might be the best and safest option for you.What medication causes severe heartburn?Any medications in the list above can cause severe heartburn. But one of the most common offenders are tetracycline antibiotics, like doxycycline. This medication can cause severe heartburn within hours of taking it. On the other hand, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can wear down your stomach lining over time, which can also eventually lead to severe heartburn.How do you sleep with heartburn?If you’re experiencing heartburn when you sleep, you should elevate your head and torso while sleeping. There are special wedge-based pillows that can help with this. Another option is to place the head of your bed on risers to create an incline.You should also avoid:Taking your medications right before bedtimeLarge meals too close to bedtimeAlcoholThe bottom lineHeartburn and indigestion can be painful and disrupt important parts of your day, like sleeping and eating, but many people dismiss these symptoms as a temporary upset. If you’re experiencing heartburn, don’t ignore it. It may be caused by one of your medications, which can cause damage to the lining of your esophagus and stomach. And there may be alternative treatments that will protect your GI tract and help reduce your symptoms.This story was produced by GoodRx and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	New ‘breakthrough’ drug approved to treat pancreatic cancer Patients taking the drug nearly doubled their survival time, with fewer severe side effects.
	Shimmering Hope gala raises funds for Argrow's House Argrow’s House of Healing and Hope is hosting its 9th annual fundraising gala: Shimmering Hope on Thursday, September 17th at 6 p.m. at J Bar & Holiday Inn & Suites, 4215 Elmore Avenue in Davenport. Guests can honor women survivors while enjoying live music, food, inspiring stories and updates on the new Argrow’s House Food Truck program, catering, bath & [...]
	Volunteers roll up sleeves for United Way’s Day of Caring Thirty volunteers from Rhythm City Casino and John Deere worked to clean up Youth Hope in Moline.
	New details released on Mercer County murder, victim identified The man who was killed on Tuesday in Mercer County has been identified.
	Illinois governor’s race shifts to Texas Gov. JB Pritzker and Republican Darren Bailey both traveled to Dallas this week for events around the midterm Republican National Convention.
	GOP keeps Iowa’s First in the Nation status for presidential nominations Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann says the state will keep its First in the Nation status through 2028.
	How to calculate accounts payable How to calculate accounts payableControllers can calculate the accounts payable (AP) formula quickly, but applying it to a real ledger takes judgment. At close, invoices sit in multiple states, and ERP sync gaps can leave the balance sheet showing one figure and the aging report another. Getting the number right is what makes it defensible to your CFO and auditors, because AP errors flow into current liabilities, working capital, and operating cash flow.The ending AP balance starts with three inputs that trace to source records. It has to tie to both the balance sheet and the cash flow statement before it holds up under review. The AP subledger, summarized in accounts payable reporting, provides the vendor-level detail that should support the reported balance.The controls that address common accounting reconciliation breaks matter as much as the formula itself, since the same tie-outs that anchor the financial close process become the audit workpapers auditors will request. This guide from Brex can help inform your decision. Consider working with an appropriate professional advisor based on your specific circumstances.How to calculate accounts payableThe standard roll-forward formula calculates ending AP from three inputs. Using the same three inputs each period lets your team reconcile the roll-forward to source records before reporting.The standard roll-forward formula is:Ending AP = Beginning AP + Credit purchases − Supplier paymentsFor example, a company begins the period with $45,000 in AP, posts $30,000 in credit purchases, and pays suppliers $35,000. The company ends the period with $40,000 in AP. Each input generally trace to a specific source record, and pulling the wrong report can produce a balance that may not tie to the ledger.Tracing beginning AP to the prior period’s reconciled balanceBeginning AP is the closing AP balance from the prior period’s reconciled trial balance or GL control account. The ending balance of one period becomes the beginning balance of the next, so an error in one close compounds forward into later periods. The figure is only reliable if the prior period went through accounts payable reconciliation and the controller signed off on it.In a multi-entity accounting structure, teams tend to pull beginning AP by entity before consolidating. A consolidated figure can hide an entity-level break, such as one subsidiary’s uncleared vendor invoice, that surfaces later as an intercompany mismatch. Entity-level validation keeps the roll-forward from masking the exact place where the error started.Isolating credit purchases from total period expensesCredit purchases cover the invoices posted to the control account during the period, including vendor invoices and AP-posted adjustments such as vendor credit notes netted against them or invoice reversals. Expenses booked directly to the GL without an AP entry generally stay out, and so do payroll and taxes payable, which live in separate liability accounts. A common input error is pulling total expenses for the period instead of the transactions that specifically affect the payables control balance. Those two figures diverge whenever spend bypasses AP, and the difference can break the formula and send reviewers looking for a non-existent vendor issue.Matching supplier payments to cleared AP disbursementsThe payment register is the usual starting point, with cleared disbursements confirmed against the cash-disbursement journal or bank reconciliation report. The cash-disbursement journal is the accounting log of payments made from cash accounts. The input covers only disbursements that cleared the AP account through ACH payments, wire transfers, checks, or virtual cards.Payroll runs, tax remittances, and direct GL journal entries that bypass the AP subledger generally don’t belong in this input. Including non-AP cash outflows subtracts too much from the roll-forward and understates ending AP. An understated AP line carries into current liabilities, so completeness testing typically focuses on missing obligations.How to calculate average accounts payableAverage accounts payable smooths out the roll-forward’s ending balance into a figure that supports the turnover and days-payable ratios later in this article. The formula is Average AP = (Beginning AP + Ending AP) / 2.Using the earlier example, a company with $45,000 in beginning AP and $40,000 in ending AP has an average AP of ($45,000 + $40,000) / 2, or $42,500. Both figures come from the same reconciled period-end balances used in the roll-forward, since an unreconciled starting or ending balance skews every ratio built on top of it.How ending AP connects to financial statementsOn the balance sheet, ending AP flows directly to the accounts payable line under current liabilities. The reported figure should tie to the control balance, which in turn ties to the vendor subledger total. A gap anywhere in that chain means one layer needs investigation before you report the balance.On the cash flow statement, the period-over-period change in AP appears as an operating cash flow adjustment. An increase in AP is a source of cash because the company paid out less than the obligations it incurred, and a decrease is a use of cash. Balance sheet and cash flow tie-outs support the completeness of the calculation, and the same relationship between AP movement and cash underpins AP forecasting for corporate cash management.How to validate your accounts payable balanceA calculated balance still needs proof before it goes on the balance sheet. Controllers usually run the checks below before finalizing AP each period. Each check catches a different failure mode, such as a missing accrual or a cutoff error.Tying the AP subledger to the GL control accountThis check compares the vendor subledger total, meaning the sum of open vendor balances on the aging report, against the GL AP control account balance as of the same period-end date. In a properly configured close, the two typically agree before you certify the close. When they diverge, the layer where the break occurred points to the cause. Common causes could be a direct journal entry to the control account, an unposted subledger transaction, or an intercompany entry routed to the wrong entity.Timing matters. Running either report as of the current date lets post-close activity, such as a payment that clears the next morning, contaminate the comparison and mask a break that belongs to the period you’re certifying.Reconciling the AP aging report to the balance sheetThe AP aging report buckets open invoices by how long they’ve been outstanding, into current, 30-day, 60-day, and more than 90 days. The recorded total across buckets should equal the payables control balance on the balance sheet. Differences often trace to timing issues, unapplied vendor credits (credits that haven’t been matched to an invoice or payment), or heavily aged items that may no longer be valid obligations.A heavy balance in invoices more than 90 days outstanding signals entries to investigate before you report the balance. A stale open item may be a miscoded payment or a genuinely unpaid bill, and each calls for different handling.Checking for invoices in mixed statesThe standard formula assumes an invoice is recorded or paid. At close, invoices sit in several different states. They can be received and approved but unpaid, received but not yet approved, partially paid, or disputed. Each state generally requires a documented treatment under the company’s accounting policy and applicable standards, and that treatment must remain consistent from one period to the next.Companies generally record or accrue received-but-not-yet-approved invoices in the period in which the goods or services are received, subject to their accounting policy and applicable standards. Approval is an internal control over authorization, and it doesn’t change when the expense recognition principle says the obligation was incurred. If the invoice isn’t in the subledger, AP may be understated, so controllers commonly record it or accrue the liability before closing.Partially paid invoices keep the unpaid portion in AP, and the open remainder continues to age until cleared. Confirming that the AP team applied the payment to the correct invoice matters, since a misapplied payment distorts both the vendor balance and the aging.Disputed invoices need a documented policy. The policy can accrue while the dispute is open or hold the item outside AP pending resolution, depending on the facts and applicable accounting framework. The chosen treatment applies the same way in the first quarter as it does in the fourth. The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) treats inconsistent treatment across periods as a comparability problem.A dispute over the amount generally doesn’t erase a contractual obligation once goods or services have been received. Companies commonly evaluate whether an accrual is appropriate based on the facts, their accounting policy, and the applicable reporting framework. Consult a qualified accounting professional for specific treatment decisions.Accrue for GRNI obligations not yet invoicedGoods received not invoiced (GRNI) obligations can arise when a company receives goods or services, but no supplier invoice has been posted yet. For example, a subscription renewal that a vendor delivered in December but doesn’t invoice until January creates a GRNI obligation for December. The liability exists even though nothing shows in the subledger. A GRNI accrual records the estimated liability in the period the goods or services were received, then reverses the following period when the actual invoice posts to AP.Controllers who skip the accrual can understate current liabilities and overstate net income for the period. At the audit, the directional risk for payables is understatement. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) auditing standard AU-C 330, part of its clarified auditing standards, directs auditors to respond to assessed risks with targeted procedures.For AP, the assessed risk is missing obligations, so auditors test completeness for payables, whereas they test asset accounts for existence instead. Before closing AP each period, controllers commonly run the GRNI open items report in ERP software such as NetSuite ERP. They then accrue received-not-invoiced lines with T-accounts, the debit-and-credit view of an accounting entry, by debiting the expense or asset account and crediting the accrual liability. That entry gives reviewers a clear trail from receipt to accrual to invoice reversal.Reconcile operational AP views against the financial recordAP operations teams often work from a tool that shows invoices as awaiting approval, in transit, or scheduled for payment. The operational views may not match what’s recorded in the GL. Comparing the operational queue to the accounting record can turn workflow status into close evidence.An invoice that shows as open in the AP tool with no GL record could mean an unrecorded liability. That mismatch can arise when invoice capture software and ERP posting run in separate tools, or when a bill payment fails silently between systems. Brex customers can see failed bill payments surfaced directly on the Bills page and by email, with guidance on what to fix and retry. Brex syncs bills to supported ERP integrations at bill creation or approval, depending on configuration.In any AP automation setup where capture and posting live in different tools, the comparison becomes a standing close step. Controllers commonly record or accrue any open invoice that lacks a subledger entry before the period closes.Accounts payable best practices for a defensible closeA defensible AP balance depends on a handful of close-period habits as much as it depends on the formula itself. Each practice below targets a specific way the balance can drift, toward either an overstatement or an understatement. Building these checks into every close catches the drift before it reaches the balance sheet. A fuller rundown of these habits lives in accounts payable best practices.Checking for duplicate invoices before every closeA duplicate check before closing AP matches on vendor, invoice number, amount, and date. Duplicate delivery is more common than fraud, such as when the same invoice arrives via both email and the vendor portal. A duplicate invoice entry inflates credit purchases and overstates the ending AP.Manual entry error is another common source, especially when a vendor resends an invoice after a payment inquiry. Teams void or reverse confirmed duplicates before finalizing the balance. Validating invoice numbering at entry, automating duplicate detection, and matching invoices on PO-backed purchases are the upstream habits behind preventing duplicate payments in accounts payable, and invoice matching against the purchase order catches most of the rest before they reach the ledger.Reviewing for unrecorded liabilities every periodA subsequent-payments review catches obligations incurred during the period that never entered the AP subledger. An unrecorded liability understates AP and overstates net income, the same completeness failure the GRNI review targets.The review traces each post-period payment back to whether the company recorded the liability in the correct period. Obligations that crossed the cutoff unrecorded get catch-up accruals. A controller who has already run this test has ready support when auditors ask for evidence of a completeness search over post-period invoices and payments.Setting and communicating a hard cutoff dateTeams can set a hard cutoff date for AP entries each period, recording each invoice with a receipt or service date on or before the cutoff in that period. A cutoff error records an invoice or payment in the wrong period. For example, an invoice for December goods posted in January understates December AP, while a payment that cleared in December but posted in January overstates it.When the invoice hasn’t arrived but the obligation exists, the accrual goes in and reverses once the invoice posts. Aligning department leaders on the cutoff ahead of the month-end close keeps late submissions from turning into period errors.Restricting direct journal entries to the AP control accountJournal entries posted directly to the GL payables control account move the GL balance without updating vendor details. The control account and the aging report then show different totals, and the tie-out breaks. Restricting direct journal entries to the control account keeps this from happening. AP adjustments run through the subledger instead, as a credit memo, an invoice reversal, or a properly coded entry that updates both records at once.A pattern of frequent direct entries signals a control weakness. Tightening posting access is worth documenting in the control file, alongside the other habits covered above.Accounts payable turnover and days payable outstandingA validated AP balance also feeds two ratios your CFO may ask about. The turnover ratio measures how often the company pays down its payables, and days payable outstanding (DPO) converts that rate into days. Both draw on the average AP figure calculated earlier in this article. A fuller set of related accounts payable metrics can round out the picture for your close checklist.Calculating the accounts payable turnover ratioThe AP turnover ratio measures how many times a company pays off its average AP balance in a given period. It answers whether the company is paying vendors in line with stated payment terms or whether AP is building up faster than purchasing activity explains. The ratio equals net credit purchases divided by average AP. Net credit purchases, or total credit purchases minus returns and allowances, work better here than cost of goods sold (COGS), which only matches the cost of purchases when inventory levels hold steady.A higher ratio means the company pays suppliers faster, and a lower ratio means it pays more slowly, though neither is inherently better on its own. The trend across consecutive periods, compared against industry peers, may tell more than a single reading. A sudden drop can flag a cash flow problem or an invoice backlog before it surfaces elsewhere.Calculating days payable outstandingDPO translates the turnover ratio into something more intuitive, the average number of days a company takes to pay suppliers after receiving an invoice. For example, a DPO of 34 means a company pays invoices, on average, 34 days after receipt. DPO equals average AP divided by net credit purchases, multiplied by 365, or alternatively, 365 divided by the AP turnover ratio.No single DPO benchmark applies across industries. The figure varies by industry, competitive position, and supplier relationships. A company with strong negotiating power can extend days payable outstanding to preserve cash, while a company with fewer supplier options might pay faster to maintain vendor goodwill. DPO means the most against industry peers, and a sharp move in either direction could be a prompt to find out what changed.Get your accounts payable calculation close-readyCalculating AP takes minutes when the prior close is reconciled and period activity is clean. The bigger consequence is reporting confidence, because the AP number affects current liabilities, working capital, and operating cash flow. That confidence comes from catching breaks before the balance is reported, not after.Many finance teams use the roll-forward calculation as the backbone of the close, since it forces every other AP figure to reconcile against it. The subledger-to-GL tie-out often happens early in the close rather than at the end, because differences are still easy to trace back to their source when they're caught early. Teams can use AP automation to connect invoice capture, approvals, ERP posting, and payment evidence.FAQs about calculating accounts payableIt’s recommended to consult a qualified professional for your situations in addition to the information below.What is the formula for accounts payable?Ending AP equals beginning AP plus credit purchases minus supplier payments. Beginning AP is the prior period’s closing GL balance. Credit purchases are the invoices posted to the AP control account during the period, and supplier payments are the disbursements that cleared the AP account. An error in any input flows straight into the balance sheet.How do you calculate average accounts payable?Average accounts payable equals the sum of beginning and ending AP, divided by 2. The figure is the denominator in the AP turnover ratio and feeds days payable outstanding. Both inputs typically come from reconciled period-end GL balances, because an unreconciled starting or ending balance skews the ratios and can make vendor payment trends look better or worse than they are.What’s the difference between accounts payable and accrued liabilities?Accounts payable represents a supplier invoice with a known, exact amount. Accrued liabilities are costs a company has incurred but hasn’t yet received a bill for, so the amount is an estimate until the invoice arrives. Once that invoice posts, the estimated accrual reverses, and the exact amount moves into accounts payable.This story was produced by Brex and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	North Scott Sports Program — Fall 2026
	A fossil feather from the age of dinosaurs may explain why only some birds survived An extremely well preserved fossil feather could reveal why some birds survived the dinosaur-killing asteroid, and others did not.
	What US students actually need to sign a lease in Europe What US students actually need to sign a lease in EuropeYou have found the perfect apartment in Lyon or Berlin. The photos look great, the price is right, and you are already imagining your life there. Then the landlord sends over the lease, and suddenly you are staring at words like Meldezettel, garant, and indice de référence. You start wondering if you need a local bank account, a local guarantor, or just a lot of luck.European rental systems are not built for Americans. They assume you have local income, local credit history, and a local bank account. None of which you have. For tenants without local income, an insurance-backed rent guarantee is one alternative to a traditional local guarantor. This guide from HousingAnywhere covers ten major destinations in alphabetical order. HousingAnywhere The most common hurdle for U.S. students is not the deposit or the bank account. It is the guarantor. Landlords in most European countries want someone local who can cover the rent if the tenant cannot. International students rarely have that.Several workarounds exist, but that depends on the country:State-backed schemes: France offers Visale, a free guarantor service for students.Rent guarantees: In some markets, rent guarantee can replace a traditional local guarantor that covers the landlord against missed rent payments and property damage.Bank guarantees: Some banks offer this service, though it typically requires funds to be locked in an account.Upfront rent: Paying several months of rent in advance is a common alternative in Italy, Portugal, and the Netherlands.The availability of these options varies by country and city. The table above provides a general guide, but specific landlord requirements may differ.FranceFrench landlords rarely budge on the guarantor requirement, and they are unlikely to accept a U.S.-based co-signer. The state-backed Visale scheme exists specifically to fill this gap. It is free and designed for students, making it the most practical route for most American renters. For those who prefer a paid alternative, insurance-backed options are also available.Deposits in France are capped at one month of rent for unfurnished places and two months for furnished. You will need a French bank account to set up automatic payments. Leases typically run one year for furnished properties and three years for unfurnished, with shorter student contracts available. Notice periods are one month in high-demand cities like Paris and three months elsewhere for unfurnished leases. Furnished properties generally require only one month.One detail worth knowing: The indice de référence des loyers (IRL) is the official benchmark that French landlords use to calculate annual rent increases. If your lease includes a revision clause, the landlord can raise the rent once per year, but the increase cannot exceed the percentage change in the IRL. Checking the published IRL against any rent increase notice is a simple way to ensure the landlord is not overstepping the legal limit.GermanyGermany is relatively relaxed about guarantors compared to its neighbors. The bigger hurdle is the Schufa credit check, which new arrivals simply do not have a history for. A scholarship letter or bank statement showing sufficient funds usually does the job instead. The deposit is capped at three months of cold rent, meaning rent without utilities.Rent is almost always paid by standing order, so opening a German bank account early is worth prioritizing. Leases are typically open ended rather than fixed term, which is good news if you value flexibility. The standard notice period for tenants is three months. In Berlin, insurance-backed guarantor alternatives are available for tenants who need one.SpainSpanish law caps the standard deposit at one month of rent. In practice, landlords in Spain frequently ask international students for additional security on top of that, such as a bank guarantee or several extra months held in reserve. Your U.S. payslip carries little weight here, so expect to negotiate.A Spanish bank account is generally required for direct debit payments. Standard leases run one year and renew automatically up to five years. Tenants can typically end the lease early after the first six months with about thirty days of written notice. In Barcelona and Madrid, insurance-backed alternatives to a traditional guarantor are available.AustriaAustria’s rental system comes with a catch that catches many newcomers off guard. Signing the lease is only half the battle. Within three days of moving in, you are legally required to register your address with the local authorities. Miss that window, and you could face a fine. The deposit usually runs up to three months of net rent. If you do not have local income, expect to be asked for a guarantor. You will also need an Austrian bank account for payments.Watch out for the contracts. Most are fixed term with a three year minimum, and you cannot break them in the first twelve months. After that, you owe three months of written notice. Open ended contracts exist but are rarer. At least with those, you only need one month of notice.BelgiumBelgium’s deposit system is unusual. Your money goes into a blocked bank account that requires both you and the landlord to sign off before anyone can withdraw from it. It is a secure arrangement, but setting it up takes time, so do not leave it until the last minute. Plan on two to three months of rent for that deposit.Standard leases in Belgium default to nine years by law. That sounds daunting, but student and short term leases are common and considerably shorter. If you do sign a standard lease and leave early, you will pay a penalty: three months of rent in year one, two in year two, one in year three, and nothing after that. A guarantor may also be requested if you cannot prove steady local income.IrelandIrish landlords and agencies are particular about guarantors. They usually require someone with local income and residency, and U.S.-based co-signers are rarely accepted. If a guarantor is not an option, expect to be asked for a larger deposit or several months of rent upfront.Deposits in Ireland generally run one to two months of rent. You will need an Irish bank account for direct debit payments. Leases are typically for twelve months, though shorter terms are available in purpose-built student accommodation. Fixed-term contracts cannot be ended early unless a break clause is written in. One important note: Landlords are legally required to register tenancies with the Residential Tenancies Board. Confirm that registration has been completed before handing over any money.ItalyItaly has a legal requirement that catches many international students off guard. Your lease must be officially registered with the tax authorities. An unregistered lease offers no legal protection, regardless of what was verbally agreed. Confirm the landlord handles this registration before you sign anything.Foreign students often get asked to pay several months of rent upfront in place of a guarantor. Deposits typically run up to three months of rent, and you will need an Italian bank account once the lease is signed. Standard long-term contracts run four years with automatic renewal, while student-specific contracts are shorter. Notice periods vary by contract type, so read the specific clause rather than assuming a default.NetherlandsThe Dutch rental market moves fast, and competition is fierce. Landlords in the Netherlands frequently ask for proof of income at three or four times the monthly rent, which is unrealistic for most students. A guarantor or an upfront payment is often the more practical route. Having a Dutch or European bank account ready to transfer funds quickly can be just as important as your paperwork.Deposits are not capped by law but usually land around one to two months of rent. Lease lengths range from short furnished contracts to indefinite ones. Fixed term contracts generally cannot be ended early without a specific break clause, while indefinite contracts typically require about one month of notice.PortugalPortugal’s rental market has tightened considerably, and many landlords now ask international tenants for several months of rent upfront instead of a local guarantor. This effectively becomes the default path for most U.S. students. Deposits otherwise run one to two months of rent.You will need a local bank account for rent transfers. Leases commonly start at one year with automatic renewal, and Portuguese law requires tenants to give notice well before the renewal date to avoid rolling into another full term. The exact deadline scales with the length of the contract, so confirm that date rather than assuming a standard number.United KingdomUK letting agencies are often unwilling to accept U.S.-based guarantors, as they typically require someone with UK residency and income. Guarantor insurance services exist as a paid substitute and are widely used by international students. Fees and coverage terms vary, so read the fine print carefully.Deposits are capped at five weeks of rent and must be placed in a government-approved protection scheme. A holding deposit, capped at one week's rent, secures the property while your application is processed. Standard tenancies run twelve months, with shorter terms available in purpose-built student accommodation. Fixed-term contracts generally cannot be ended early unless a break clause is written in.The one thing that trips everyone upAcross all these countries, students stumble in the same two places. Getting approved at signing. And getting out cleanly at the end.At signing, European landlords cannot evaluate your U.S. credit or income. So they will default to one of three workarounds. A local guarantor substitute like Visale or an insurance service. A bank guarantee. Or a pile of cash upfront. Figure out which one your destination expects before you start viewing places.At the end, the killer is always the notice period. Students assume they can just give thirty days and walk away. Then they get hit with a penalty or an automatic renewal. Read that clause before you sign. Not after.Before you fall in love with an apartment, ask the landlord or agency directly about their specific requirements for international tenants. Get it in writing if you can. Some landlords are flexible. Others are rigid. Knowing which one you are dealing with before you invest time and energy will save you a lot of headaches down the road.This story was produced by HousingAnywhere and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to control sweat on your wedding day How to control sweat on your wedding dayYour wedding day is exhilarating, emotional, and ... a little sweaty. Between the nerves, long hours, warm venues, and the layers of formal wear, both stress sweat and heat sweat are likely to make an appearance. The right preparation, sweat defense, and fabric choices can make the difference between feeling self-conscious and feeling unstoppable.Whether you’re the bride, groom, part of the wedding party, or a guest, Degree Deodorant shares how to find the best wedding day antiperspirant to keep you cool, dry, and photo-ready from arrival to the last dance. Why weddings trigger stress and heat sweatThere are two main types of sweat glands at work on your wedding day, as R&D Manager Bivash Dasgupta explains: “Eccrine sweat glands are found over most areas of the body and produce watery sweat. Their primary function is to regulate body temperature. Apocrine glands produce an oily sweat and are found in body areas with hair follicles, like your underarms and groin area, and they are activated by an emotional response. This fatty and oily sweat doesn’t have odor on its own, but when certain skin microbes feed on it, they break it down to produce a strong odor.”A wedding puts both systems into overdrive. The emotions of the day trigger apocrine gland activity, while the physical realities of heat, movement, and formalwear encourage eccrine sweat. This combination is more noticeable because it lingers longer on your skin and clothing compared to heat-induced sweating alone.That’s why a product that works for your daily commute might not hold up under wedding conditions and nervous sweating. When choosing the best wedding day deodorant, what you actually need is dual protection: odor control and sweat reduction. That’s where antiperspirants come in.Clinical-strength antiperspirants take things a step further and are designed specifically for high-stakes occasions like weddings. “Clinical strength antiperspirants are antiperspirants that offer the highest level of sweat protection available without a prescription,” Unilever R&D scientist Matt Annecharico explains.Trial your antiperspirant weeks beforeThe best defense against wedding-day stress sweat starts early. Trial your antiperspirant two to four weeks before the event to make sure your skin tolerates the formula and that the protection matches your sweat level. This is especially important for those prone to heavy or nervous sweating.If you’re going to be using a clinical-strength formula, switch to it a week before the big day. These antiperspirants use aluminum-based active ingredients that reduce wetness at the source.Timing mattersApply your antiperspirant at night when your sweat glands are less active, allowing the ingredients to absorb properly and get to work.More top tipsWhen it comes to staying fresh, confident, and comfortable on your wedding day, there are a few more things that can really help.Stay hydratedDrink plenty of water throughout the week. This will help regulate your body temperature and balance skin bacteria. Cut back on caffeine and alcohol the day before, as they are common sweat triggers.Freshness on the goPack a travel-size dry spray for touch-ups during the day.Tips for the wedding party and guestsFor the wedding partyTrial your antiperspirant 2–4 weeks ahead. Clinical-strength is a good move for the day.Layer a stick and dry spray for the ceremony.Use an anti-stain product to keep your outfit fresh and protected. Anti-stain technology is essential when you're dressed in white, black, or posing for photographs.Build a touch-up kit with a travel-size dry spray, blotting tissue, water bottle, and mints. For guestsA 72-hour antiperspirant applied the morning of the wedding is usually enough for most people.For outdoor or summer venues, choose one with anti-stain technology to prevent stains on your outfit.Best wedding fabrics for staying cool and confidentFabric can make or break your comfort level. Some materials trap heat and moisture, while others allow better airflow and help you stay cooler throughout the day. Sweat visibility also varies depending on fabric type, garment color, lining, thickness, and fit. Here is an overview of common wedding fabrics and how they typically perform: Degree Deodorant LinenLinen is a lightweight, highly breathable fabric that helps keep you cool in warm weather. It absorbs and releases moisture quickly, making it especially comfortable in humid conditions. It’s popular for menswear, including casual suits, jackets, and shirts. While less common in traditional bridal gowns, linen can work beautifully for casual, beach, or boho-inspired weddings.Lightweight woolA strong option for grooms, groomsmen, and tailored guest looks. Lightweight wool offers good breathability while still looking polished and structured. It’s one of the best choices for formal summer suits, because it balances airflow, comfort, and elegance without looking overly casual.Cotton and cotton blendsComfortable, breathable, and easy to wear for long celebrations. Cotton can be used for casual wedding attire and guest outfits, offering softness and natural airflow. Cotton blends are often used for shirts, dresses, and relaxed wedding attire, but breathability varies depending on the level of synthetic fiber content.Chiffon and tulleLight, airy, and floaty fabrics that work beautifully for bridesmaid dresses, guest attire, and layered bridal looks. Chiffon and tulle are popular for their soft movement and delicate appearance. While their sheer structure can allow some airflow, breathability depends on layering and lining, especially in bridal gowns, where many layers are often used.SilkLuxurious and naturally breathable, silk can help regulate temperature depending on the weave and weight of the fabric. It’s a popular choice for bridalwear and elevated guest outfits thanks to its soft drape and elegant finish. But silk can show moisture in certain weaves, like smooth or glossy finishes, and lighter colors.SatinGlossy and glamorous, satin delivers that classic formal wedding look. Its breathability depends on the fiber it’s made from (such as silk or polyester) and the tightness of the weave.PolyesterPolyester is less ideal for hot-weather weddings compared to natural fibers, as many polyester fabrics can retain heat and feel less breathable in warm or humid conditions. In fitted or glossy finishes, sweat may also become more visible.Synthetic liningsEven if the outer fabric is breathable, dense synthetic linings can trap heat underneath. For lighter linings, look for moisture-wicking fabrics, light cotton linings, or lightweight technical blends that can improve airflow.Wedding day tacticsWhen the big day arrives, technique is everything.Apply to clean, dry skinAlways apply your antiperspirant to clean, completely dry underarms after your morning shower or bath. Antiperspirants bond best when there’s no moisture.Layer formatsUse your tried-and-true stick first, let it set, then add a quick-drying dry spray to lock in coverage without residue. Then feel free to spritz on your favorite perfume or cologne.Use key checkpointsReapply before the ceremony, group photos, and the reception. You’ll thank yourself later.Mind the clothesThe groom and groomsmen should apply their products before putting on their shirts. The bride and bridesmaids should apply before stepping into their dresses to avoid awkward marks.These tips can make a difference when you’re standing under the lights, posing for photos, hugging, or dancing, helping you stay fresh throughout the event.FAQsHow do I stop sweating on my wedding day?Trial a clinical-strength antiperspirant in the days before your wedding and apply it at night for best results. On the day, stay hydrated and keep a travel-size product on hand for quick touch-ups if needed.How to prevent BO on my wedding day?Use an antiperspirant to help with stress sweat instead of a deodorant. Antiperspirants reduce sweat, while deodorants only mask odor. Aluminum-based actives are a good choice for stress-related sweating.How to avoid sweat stains on a wedding dress?Choose an anti-stain antiperspirant that helps prevent yellow and white marks. Apply to dry skin and allow 60–90 seconds before stepping into your wedding dress.Does satin show sweat?Yes, satin can visibly darken when damp, especially in fitted styles or under heat and stress sweat. For summer wedding dresses, choose chiffon, silk or tulle, which feel lighter and are more breathable and forgiving when it comes to sweat visibility.Your wedding day deserves your full confidence. With smart preparation, breathable fabric choices, and antiperspirants designed for high-pressure moments, you can stay comfortable and in control all day and feel as great as you look. No matter how hot the spotlight gets.This story was produced by Degree Deodorant and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Charges against Mercer County school IT workers dismissed The dismissal comes after the district’s superintendent was found not guilty in July.
	4 reasons to plan now for holiday spending 4 reasons to plan now for holiday spendingWhile we’ve barely put away the sunscreen and summer gear, the holiday season “creep” is slowly making its way into stores and online. And for many people, it’s not only the most wonderful time of the year, but also the most expensive. Whether you expect to spend on gifts, holiday décor, meals, or travel, you’re likely to spend less if you start planning—and saving—early.Rather than waiting to think about the money you’ll need to spend in December, here are four reasons from Forbright Bank to start planning now.Take Advantage of DiscountsAs the first official shopping day of the holiday season, Black Friday is known for widespread retail sales and promotions. However, many retailers also offer discounts over Labor Day weekend and in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. By planning early for the gifts and décor you plan to purchase for the holidays, you can be ready to take advantage of these sales when they’re offered.If you’re thinking about traveling for the holidays, you also may get a better deal by planning early. Airline and hotel prices often fluctuate based on demand, so if you know your plans, you can watch for the best deals and book when the prices look right.Act now: Make a list of all the purchases you’ll want to make for the holiday season. Be as specific as you can. When you know what you need to buy, you can more easily track the prices and purchase when they drop.Save Now to Avoid Using CreditSpending money on the people you love can make the holidays more enjoyable—but if that means racking up a pile of credit card debt, it can put a damper on starting the new year on the right foot. To avoid this, consider saving a little money every week from now until mid-December, so you’ll have the funds to buy the gifts you need.The earlier you start planning, the more time you have to set money aside—and to earn some interest on your savings. Even small amounts can add up when you begin before the holiday rush. For example, saving a little from each paycheck now may help cover gifts, travel, meals or seasonal activities later without relying as heavily on credit.Automating your savings via recurring deposits from your checking account can make this even easier. Forbright Bank data shows that customers who use recurring deposits more frequently over a year experience five times the savings growth of those who use them less frequently or not at all.Act now: Set up a weekly or monthly automatic recurring deposit into a high-yield savings account designated for holiday spending. If you save $100 every week for the next three months, you’ll have $1,300 set aside for the holidays by the time December arrives.Avoid OverspendingWhen you’re caught up in the spirit of the holidays, buying just one more thing may feel harmless in the moment. A gift here, a meal out there, an extra decoration or last-minute shipping fee, and suddenly your holiday spending is higher than expected.Planning now gives you a better chance to set a realistic budget before the season gets busy. Start by making a list of the people, events, travel plans, and extras you’ll likely spend money on. Then assign a dollar amount to each category to see the full picture before purchases begin. If the total feels too high, you still have time to adjust, compare prices, scale back, or spread the purchases out over the next few months.A holiday budget doesn’t have to take the fun out of the season. It just helps you decide what matters most and spend with more confidence. When you know your limits ahead of time, it’s easier to avoid impulse buys, keep credit card balances manageable, and enjoy the season without worrying about post-holiday financial stress.Act now: Take 10 minutes to create a holiday spending list. Include gifts, travel, entertaining, decorations and any other seasonal expenses you expect. Then estimate how much you’d like to spend in each category before holiday shopping begins. Even a simple budget can help you stay on track.Reduce Last-Minute Financial StressHoliday spending can feel more stressful when decisions are made all at once. If you wait until the last minute, you may end up with fewer choices, higher prices, or a greater temptation to use credit for unplanned purchases.Starting early gives you room to make thoughtful decisions, compare options, and decide where you want your money to go before the season becomes hectic. A little planning now can help make the holidays feel more enjoyable and less financially overwhelming.Act now: Start a simple holiday planning checklist today. Add important dates, travel plans, gift ideas and expected expenses. Having a plan in place now can help you avoid rushed decisions and unexpected costs later in the season.DisclaimerThis article is for general information and education only. It should not be considered financial or tax advice. This story was produced by Forbright Bank and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Changing US crime rates: What the data reveals Changing US crime rates: What the data revealsCrime statistics in the U.S. have shifted considerably in recent years, and the most recent data points in an encouraging direction. Figures from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and independent research both suggest broad declines in violent and property crime, though the numbers come with important caveats about how crime data is collected and reported.PeopleFinders takes a closer look at recent trends and what they actually tell us.National Crime Rate TrendsAccording to the FBI‘s Crime Data Explorer (CDE) — the agency’s interactive dashboard for its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program — both violent and property crime in the United States declined significantly between December 2024 and November 2025.Reported crime in every tracked category showed a year-over-year reduction. In fact, official statistics have reached their lowest levels in decades, following a record high in the early 1990s.Violent crime rates fell by 10.0% overall:Murder: down 18.2%Robbery: down 18.7%Sexual assault: down 7.8%Aggravated assault: down 8.1%Property crime declined by 12.1% overall:Motor vehicle theft: down 22.8%Burglary: down 14.9%Larceny: down 9.4%Crime Trends Across Major CitiesA report by the Council on Criminal Justice tracking violent, property, and drug offenses across 40 major U.S. cities through 2025 largely reinforces FBI findings. Of the 13 offense categories studied, 11 declined from 2024 to 2025. The only type of crime that increased was drug crimes (by 7%), while sexual assault held flat.Here are some of the key findings explored in the report:Homicide data suggests these types of crimes dropped by 21%, which translates to roughly 922 fewer deaths than in 2024Gun violence and robberies fell 22% and 23%, respectivelyCarjackings dropped by 43% compared to last yearMotor vehicle theft fell 27% after several years of elevated ratesShoplifting dropped by double digits after years of public debate over rising retail theftViolent crime overall dropped to pre-pandemic levels, with 25% fewer homicides than those reported the year prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemicAggravated assault, sexual assault, domestic violence, gun assault, car jacking, and robbery were also lower in 2025 compared to 2019If the FBI‘s forthcoming nationwide data confirms these trends, the U.S. homicide rate could fall to around 4 per 100,000 residents, the lowest level in over a century of national tracking.Limitations of City-Level Crime Report DataA quick internet search reveals multiple sources citing different cities as the safest or most dangerous, based on FBI datasets and other data sources. Depending on where you look, you might see Memphis, Detroit, and Baltimore topping lists of the most dangerous cities in America.While these articles sound compelling, it’s important to remember that data can paint different pictures depending on which data points are collected and how they’re analyzed.Moreover, crime reports may not represent every American city or jurisdiction, and they may not include all offenses. For example, previous versions of the CCJ report did not include sexual assault. Similarly, the FBI‘s transition to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) created coverage gaps, with major cities like New York, Jacksonville, and Atlanta among those that didn’t submit data for 2024.Furthermore, official statistics only capture crimes reported to law enforcement agencies, and a significant portion, particularly violent crimes and sexual assaults, go unreported entirely. In fact, the Bureau of Justice Statistics‘ National Crime Victimization Survey, which tracks crime victimization including unreported incidents, doesn’t always align with FBI figures, underscoring that no single source offers a complete picture.Finding Local Data Beyond National ReportsIf you want a clearer sense of what’s happening closer to home, check the website of your city’s police department to see if they provide monthly incident data. Alternatively, online tools allow you to run criminal records searches to learn more about the people in your area. You could also run a reverse address lookup to find information about homes in your neighborhood and their owners.Why Crime Rates May Be DecliningThe numbers are encouraging, but they raise an obvious question: What is actually driving the crime decline? CCJ researchers point to a few patterns worth noting.Data shows that alcohol consumption has been falling steadily, drug overdose deaths have declined sharply in recent years, younger people are spending more time at home, and daily transactions are increasingly cashless.Each of these could plausibly contribute to fewer crimes: less alcohol means less aggression, fewer overdose deaths may signal reduced drug market violence, less time in public means fewer opportunities for offenses to occur, and carrying less cash makes robbery less worthwhile. Still, researchers are careful not to attribute the decline to any single cause.What the data suggests is that crime is not a fixed feature of American life. It responds to shifts in how people live and to socioeconomic factors that criminologists and policymakers must study carefully before anyone can draw definitive conclusions.Could Your Neighborhood Be Different?Public safety at the neighborhood level is influenced by factors that national data simply can’t capture, from local public health conditions to the number of police officers patrolling a given area. Even federal government databases are only as complete as what gets reported.This story was produced by PeopleFinders and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How the WNBA became a political prop in the culture wars Sports journalist Sabreena Merchant says culture war issues related to race and trans athletes threaten to overshadow exceptional play on the WNBA court.
	What happens if the River Bandits win Thursday night? The Quad Cities River Bandits take the field Thursday night with a trip to the postseason championship on the line.
	Retired Davenport firefighter relives stark memories of 9/11 on big anniversary The 25th anniversary of 9/11 is profoundly meaningful for Ray Palczynski of Bettendorf, since he worked at the Ground Zero cleanup after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City.
	Girl math, loud budgeting, moneymaxxing: Were these trends worth trying? Girl math, loud budgeting, moneymaxxing: Were these trends worth trying?Every few months, a new money phrase takes over TikTok, and suddenly everyone’s either Moneymaxxing, “loud budgeting” their friends out of brunch or admitting they “doom spent” their tax refund on a weighted blanket and a flight to Cabo.These trends look like jokes, and some of them are jokes. But string them together and they tell a pretty accurate story of how people actually felt about their money and the economy from 2020 through 2026.Here, Finder provides the real timeline: when each trend started, what it actually means, whether it’s still worth trying and how it played out for the people who did it.Manifest money (2020)What it is: Using affirmations, mantras and abundance mindset rituals to try to attract wealth, no spreadsheet required.What it’s about: Say it, believe it, receive it. TikTok’s #MoneyManifestation corner leans on Law of Attraction ideas: Visualize the bank balance you want, repeat a mantra and the universe allegedly handles logistics.How it started:Took off in November 2020 when TikTok user King Soon posted a money mantraResurges every year around big “portal dates” like 8/8, when numerology fans say wealth energy peaksRides the same wave as celebrity manifestation talk from stars like Ariana Grande and Dua LipaStill around? Yes, it’s arguably the most durable trend on this list, resurfacing with new hashtags every year since 2020.How it turned out: The positives about this trend are that it costs nothing and can nudge people toward a more optimistic, action-taking mindset. On the other hand, this isn’t an actual financial strategy. Wishing for more money isn’t a substitute for a well-thought out plan to better your situation.Vibecession (2022)What it is: The gap between what the economic data says and what everyday life feels like.What it’s about: Financial educator Kyla Scanlon coined the term in a June 2022 newsletter, calling it “the vibes of a recession, but maybe not the economic reality of one.” Unemployment was near a 50-year low and GDP kept climbing, but consumer sentiment cratered anyway.How it started:Coined by Scanlon while she was writing about Americans’ inflation and recession fearsBecame a mainstream economics term almost overnight, landing in the New York Times and Dictionary.comBasically the mood board every other trend on this list gets built fromStill around? The word itself has cooled off, but the mismatch it describes hasn’t; consumer prices are still running well ahead of pre-pandemic levels.How it turned out: There’s no personal “outcome” here since it’s a mood, not a money move. However, it did give people language for something real they were feeling. Consumer prices are about 29% higher than they were in February 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CPI Inflation Calculator, meaning $1,000 in pre-pandemic spending power now costs roughly $1,290.86.The numbers behind the vibe: The Fed’s own data backs up the mismatch. Only 63% of U.S. adults said they could cover a surprise $400 expense with cash, down from a high of 68% in 2021, according to the Federal Reserve’s 2025 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking. Just 55% had three months of expenses set aside in a rainy-day fund, per the same report. And 68% of Americans were living paycheck to paycheck as of August 2025, according to PYMNTS Intelligence.Quiet luxury (2023)What it is: The old money, logo-free aesthetic. Think unbranded cashmere and quiet tailoring that signals wealth by hiding it, instead of showing it off.What it’s about: A reaction against loud, logo-heavy status symbols, fueled almost entirely by HBO’s “Succession” and a cost-of-living crisis that made flashy spending feel tone-deaf.How it started:Driven by HBO’s “Succession,” whose ultra-wealthy Roy family wore expensive, logo-less basics like an unbranded Loro Piana cashmere hatGoogle searches for “quiet luxury” jumped 614% over the course of the yearGwyneth Paltrow’s understated wardrobe during her 2023 ski-crash trial added fuel to the trendStill around? Not as a headline trend; by early 2024, fashion critics and Paris Fashion Week had already called it outdated in favor of louder styles. However, the less flashy instinct carried straight into loud budgeting.How it turned out: This trend nudged people toward investing in fewer, better-made basics instead of fast fashion. However, quiet luxury pieces were often just as expensive as logo-heavy ones, if not more so. It was a trend about the wealthy and not designed as a money-saving one for everyone else.De-influencing (2023)What it is: Creators telling followers what not to buy, flipping the usual haul or recommendation video on its head.What it’s about: Pushing back on overhyped products, hidden sponsorships and the sheer volume of must-haves flooding social feeds.How it started:Sparked in January 2023 after viewers accused beauty influencer Mikayla Nogueira of wearing false lashes in a mascara ad, an incident nicknamed “mascaragate”The #deinfluencing hashtag hit roughly 208 million views by late February 2023 and grew to more than 1.3 billion views by January 2024Arrived directly on the heels of #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt, the impulse-buy hashtag it was reacting againstStill around? The specific hashtag has cooled, but the instinct evolved directly into underconsumption core and no-buy years.How it turned out: A good mindset to help people gauge whether they really need something, and it gives you permission to ignore hype. It made “I don’t need that” content genuinely popular. On the other side, critics pointed out de-influencers often still recommended cheaper alternatives, meaning the trend redirected spending more than it actually reduced it.Girl math (2023)What it is: Deliberately illogical “math” used to justify spending: cash purchases don’t count, returns are “profit,” anything under $5 is free.What it’s about: Pure comedy about a real habit: rationalizing purchases.How it started:Started on a New Zealand radio show, “Fletch, Vaughan & Hayley,” in July 2023Went viral on TikTok in August 2023 after a user’s video nudged the internet from “girl dinner” to “girl math”Spun off “boy math” almost immediately as the internet’s responseStill around? As a meme, mostly retired, but the underlying habit of rationalizing spending never left.How it turned out: This trend actually got people discussing those small money decisions they’d normally hide. However, some pointed out it leaned on old stereotypes about women being bad with money, and taken too literally, “girl math” logic is a fast way to blow a budget on purchases that only feel free.Soft saving (2023)What it is: A slower, gentler approach to saving that prioritizes today’s quality of life over maxing out a retirement account.What it’s about: A rejection of hustle-culture, FIRE-style extreme frugality, in favor of “the soft life’s answer to finance.”How it started:Popularized by Gen Z starting around 2023, per Intuit’s Prosperity Index StudyClose to three in four Gen Zers say they’d rather have a better quality of life than extra money in the bankTied to broader economic pessimism: many in this group doubted long-term financial goals were realistic at allStill around? Yes, and it’s held up better than most; later surveys through 2025 and 2026 kept finding similar numbers.How it turned out: A positive trend that could help prevent burnout and create more room for actual joy and flexibility in a budget. But, taken too far, it can mean under-saving for retirement or emergencies at exactly the age when compound interest matters most.Cash stuffing (2023)What it is: The envelope budgeting method, but aesthetic — cash divided into labeled envelopes or a decorative binder for each spending category.What it’s about: Using physical cash and envelopes to see your progress and organize spending.How it started:Not new at all, Dave Ramsey has taught a version of this for close to two decades#CashStuffing videos have racked up billions of combined views since 2021Popularity has even nudged real-world cash usage back up in places like the UKStill around? Yes, and it’s one of the more sustainable trends here. It’s old-school budgeting with better branding.How it turned out: This trend/budgeting method makes overspending hard, since you use the cash in the envelope, lets you see your progress and forces you to budget. It works especially well for impulse spenders. On the downside, cash at home doesn’t earn interest, and carrying or storing it comes with real theft and loss risk.Loud budgeting (2024)What it is: Saying out loud, without shame, that you don’t want to spend money instead of quietly pretending you can’t afford something.What it’s about: The opposite of quiet luxury, the hushed old-money aesthetic that dominated 2023.How it started:Coined by comedian and writer Lukas Battle in a TikTok posted December, 2023His go-to example: Skip the $40 bar tab, tell your friend you don’t want to spend it and invite them over insteadFramed as “I don’t want to spend,” not “I don’t have enough”Still around? Yes, and financial commentators generally think it has staying power, since it’s financial boundary-setting with a catchy name.How it turned out: Talking about money out loud tends to build accountability and can make saving feel less isolating. However, it can tip into performative frugality, and not everyone finds it comfortable to announce their budget to friends and family.Money dysmorphia (2024)What it is: A distorted view of your own finances that doesn’t match reality. For example, feeling broke despite a healthy income or feeling behind despite solid savings.What it’s about: Comparing your financial life to a curated highlight reel of other people’s wealth on social media.How it started:Named and popularized by a 2024 Intuit Credit Karma survey conducted with Qualtrics, widely covered starting in January 2024The survey found 29% of Americans experience it, rising to 43% of Gen Z and 41% of millennialsNearly 40% of people who reported money dysmorphia actually had more than $10,000 in savings, well above the U.S. medianStill around? Yes, coverage through 2026 keeps finding similar or higher numbers, and the term has stuck as shorthand for financial anxiety that doesn’t match the actual numbers.How it turned out: This trend gives the feeling a name and has helped some people separate perception from their real financial picture. But oddly, 95% of people who experience it say it actively hurts their finances by holding them back from saving and pushing them toward overspending.Doom spending (2024)What it is: Impulsive purchases, often items people don’t need or can’t afford, made to cope with anxiety about the economy or the news.What it’s about: Chronic online exposure to bad news translating directly into bad spending habits.How it started:The behavior itself isn’t new, Fortune traced a version of it back to “live for today” attitudes of the late 1960s, and reminiscent of YOLO from early 2010s39% of millennials admits to doom spending according to Intuit Credit Karma studyStill around? Yes — it tends to spike around elections, tariff news and holiday shopping seasons.How it turned out: Impulse spending can give you a short-term mood boost and a sense of control in an uncertain moment. But spending without a care can land you in more debt that offsets the emotional payoff. Total U.S. household debt hit a record $18.8 trillion in the second quarter of 2026, and credit card balances climbed to $1.26 trillion, with 6.97% in serious delinquency (90+ days past due), a level not seen since the Great Recession.Underconsumption core (2024)What it is: Content that celebrates using what you already own. For example, the nearly empty lotion bottle or the years-old phone case instead of buying more.What it’s about: A direct reaction to years of haul culture and viral product recommendations, wrapped in a cost-of-living crisis that made buying less feel both financially necessary and culturally cool.How it started:Originated on TikTok in the summer of 2024Positioned as an evolution of de-influencing and old-school “normcore” minimalismDistinct from generic minimalism because it celebrates lived-in, used items rather than a curated empty aestheticStill around? Yes, and it’s aged well because it doesn’t require buying anything new to participate.How it turned out: It’s one of the few viral trends here that’s genuinely free to try and tends to save people money without much downside. A few folks have noted a little irony in “aspirational” underconsumption videos still shot on expensive cameras, phones and curated homes.Buy now, pay later boom (2024)What it is: Installment payment BNPL services like Klarna, Afterpay and Affirm that split a purchase into interest-free payments at checkout.What it’s about: Making bigger purchases, and increasingly everyday ones, feel smaller and easier to say yes to.How it started:Usage exploded during the pandemic as more shopping moved online, then kept climbing every year afterShoppers spent $18.2 billion using BNPL during the 2024 holiday season alone, according to Adobe Analytics.Increasingly used for groceries and other everyday essentials, not just discretionary splurges, drawing scrutiny from regulators and financial advisorsStill around? Yes, and still growing.How it turned out: Interest-free installments can genuinely help people manage cash flow for planned purchases, and delinquency rates have generally stayed below credit cards. But it’s not all great: About a third of BNPL users have a credit score below 620, a rejected credit application or a delinquent loan, and because most providers don’t report to credit bureaus, “phantom debt” can pile up across multiple apps without anyone tracking the full picture.Revenge saving (2025)What it is: Aggressively rebuilding savings, often as a direct reaction to years of revenge spending splurges on travel and experiences after the pandemic.What it’s about: Fear of layoffs, tariffs and a recession that kept threatening to arrive.How it started:The U.S. personal savings rate climbed from 3.5% in December 2024 to 4.5% in May 2025Some Reddit users trace the term to Chinese social media, where it described a similar pandemic-recovery patternStill around? Yes, the underlying caution has stuck as job-market and tariff headlines keep rolling in.How it turned out: Bigger emergency funds and a real sense of financial security for people who followed through. But taken to an extreme, it can mean skipping meaningful experiences or over-restricting spending out of fear rather than an actual plan.No-buy year and low-buy challenge (2025)What it is: A self-imposed rule to stop buying nonessential items for a set stretch of time.What it’s about: Resetting an overconsumption habit and freeing up cash for savings, debt or basic needs.How it started:Intuit Credit Karma found 44% of Americans had adopted a low-buy lifestyle and 42% had gone full no-buyMore than half of Gen Z said they’d tried or considered oneStill around? Yes, and January “no-buy” resolutions have become an annual TikTok ritual.How it turned out: Author Ashlee Piper, who ran her own version of the challenge, says she paid off $22,000 in debt and saved $36,000. However, strict no-buy rules are hard to sustain long-term, and some people rebound into a spending spree the moment the challenge ends.Recession indicator memes (2025)What it is: A joking catchphrase — “that’s a recession indicator” — slapped onto anything from flash mobs to a pop star’s new single as tongue-in-cheek proof the economy is tanking.What it’s about: Turning real economic anxiety into a running internet bit, the same way people joke about doomscrolling.How it started:Traces to an April 2024 tweet joking that a viral flash-mob trend felt “very 2008 Obama era,” comparing it to the Great RecessionExploded through 2025 on X and TikTok, tagging everything from a pop star’s music career to people wearing business casual to nightclubsDespite the meme’s intensity, economists tracking official recession indicators said the U.S. wasn’t actually in one, based on standard metrics like GDP and unemploymentStill around? Yes, and it tends to flare up any time economic headlines get worse, functioning almost like a running economic mood ring for the internet.How it turned out: Overall, it’s a low-stakes joke and a way for people to process real economic anxiety together, and a form of collective coping. On the other hand, some economists have warned the joke could become a bit self-fulfilling, since enough public pessimism about spending can itself contribute to an actual slowdown. Courtesy of Finder Moneymaxxing (2026)What it is: Optimizing every corner of your finances — high-yield savings, cashback stacking, bill negotiation, credit card points — to squeeze the most value out of every dollar.What it’s about: The “-maxxing” suffix, borrowed from looksmaxxing and other self-optimization trends, applied to money instead.How it started:Trending through 2026, with coverage from CNBC, Yahoo Finance and Good Morning AmericaRelated offshoot “pointsmaxxing” focuses specifically on credit card rewards and pointsLanding during a real affordability squeeze: 72% of Gen Zers and more than half of millennials still rely on their parents for financial support, and young adults now don’t expect full financial independence until age 37Still around? It’s the newest trend here, so the jury’s still out, but multiple financial experts are calling it more durable than the usual trend cycle.How it turned out (so far): Jack Howard, head of money wellness at Ally Bank, told CNBC it focuses on “creating everyday habits” rather than chasing quick fixes, and it works even without a raise. But treating every transaction like an optimization problem can get exhausting, and some critics note it risks turning money into a constant background stressor rather than something you occasionally just don’t think about.The through-line no one’s saying out loudZoom out on all these trends and a pattern shows up fast: they’re about the same handful of feelings, rebranded every year or so.Anxiety about affordability. Vibecession, doom spending, money dysmorphia and soft saving are all reactions to the sense that the numbers on paper don’t match daily life.A need to talk about money without shame. Loud budgeting, girl math and cash stuffing all turn a private, often embarrassing topic into something public and even fun.Whiplash between spending and saving. Revenge spending gave way to revenge saving. Doom spending gave way to no-buy years. Quiet luxury gave way to loud budgeting. The internet keeps overcorrecting in both directions because actual financial security still feels out of reach for a lot of people.A hunger for control. Cash stuffing, underconsumption core, no-buy years and moneymaxxing are all, at their core, attempts to make an overwhelming financial picture feel manageable again.Coping through humor. Girl math, recession indicator memes and even money manifestation all use jokes or wishful thinking to make a genuinely stressful topic easier to sit with.Frequently asked questionsWhy do so many money trends start on TikTok specifically?TikTok's format rewards short, punchy, relatable framing, and money is one of the few topics almost everyone has strong, private feelings about. Millennials and Gen Zers often get financial advice from social media, so the platform has become a lot of people's actual source of financial information.What's the difference between doom spending and revenge spending?Doom spending is impulsive buying meant to cope with anxiety about the economy or the news, and it tends to spike around bad headlines. Revenge spending is different: it specifically describes the post-pandemic splurge on travel and experiences people felt they'd missed out on during lockdowns.Why do these trends keep swinging between ‘spend more’ and ‘spend less’?When people feel like the future is uncertain, trends like doom spending and girl math tend to spike. When that anxiety turns into fear of a recession or job loss, the pendulum swings to revenge saving and no-buy years. The vibecession trend explains the feeling that while the economy has looked fine on paper for years, a lot of people haven't felt fine at all.This guide has been edited by Bethany Hickey and reviewed by Richard Laycock, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.This story was produced by Finder and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	5 high-risk professions where one accident could mean financial ruin 5 high-risk professions where one accident could mean financial ruinFor many skilled tradespeople, business can run smoothly day after day until one single accident changes everything. All it takes is one slip, one dropped tool, or one big spill to trigger a lawsuit large enough to wipe out years of hard work. An established business can vanish with just one claim.Most small business owners operate with tight margins, but many general liability claims can easily reach six figures. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are several trades whose injury and illness rates were well above the private industry-average of 2.3 per 100 full-time workers (meaning the odds of something going wrong for these trades are much higher).General liability insurance doesn’t prevent accidents from happening, but it does play a big role in whether a small business can recover. Having the right coverage (and right policy) is often the difference between a bump in the road and financial ruin.Thimble took a look at five high-risk trades backed by real occupational data with examples of claims that can occur for each, revealing how important coverage can be for these popular professionals.Why general liability insurance matters for trade workersInsurance is a need because business inherently comes with risks, usually referred to as exposures in the insurance world. Every profession has a different risk exposure profile because of the activities they perform, where they perform them, and more.The National Safety Council’s summary shows that certain fields experience more nonfatal (and fatal) injuries and accidents than others. Because claims come from these injuries and accidents, these numbers reflect the physical, on-site nature of trade work and the real risks associated with them.Since general liability coverage helps protect businesses from claims that arise from third-party bodily injury, property damage, and their associated legal costs, it could prevent you from paying a claim out of pocket.1. Residential roofingDriven by falls from heights, falling tools and debris, as well as property damage risk, residential roofers and roofing contractors record a nonfatal injury and illness rate of 2.4 per 100 full-time workers according to the BLS.Consider a residential roofing crew replacing shingles on a home. If a piece of old decking slides off the roof and strikes the homeowner walking around below, causing bodily injury requiring surgery (and missing work for a few months), the homeowner can sue the contractor for medical costs incurred, lost income, and pain and suffering. The case settles for $1.8 million, which is more than most small roofing businesses carry in cash reserves, but a $2 million general liability policy could cover the business.2. Handyperson servicesHandy work can span a very wide range of activities, from electrical to plumbing, to structural or finishing tasks, making it difficult to classify neatly into a dataset. According to BLS data, occupations that perform installations, maintenance and repair (like handy people) accounted for 9% of the national total occupational fatalities in 2024. A handyperson’s exposure multiplies when they take on a wide range of tasks across different client properties – plus a repair can go wrong or cause damage that isn’t discovered until days or weeks later, and by then, it can be more severe. While part of the job security for handy people is the versatility of the work they can perform, this also means the list of things that can go wrong can be longer.Consider an example where a handyperson is hired to fix some cabinets in a residential kitchen, but in the process of bringing in his equipment, he damages the property (like hardwood floors, windows, or even valuable possessions like antiques) that he was not hired to work on. He can be held liable for the damages – but if he has a general liability policy, the policy could potentially cover the claim and associated investigation or defense costs.3. LandscapersAccording to the BLS, landscaping services record a nonfatal injury and illness rate of 3.0 per 100 full-time workers (higher than the private-industry average of 2.3 per 100). This figure is high enough that it spurred the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to launch a regional emphasis program targeting tree and landscape services who experience worker fatalities due to falls, striking incidents, and even electrocution. Beyond worker safety, landscaping crews work on third-party properties which can be easily damaged while operating heavy mowers, trimmers, blowers, and even excavators. Debris can be unpredictable, utility lines could be struck, or property can be damaged without warning.Consider a landscaper mowing along a property boundary when a mower blade launches a rock into a neighbor’s yard, striking a child playing nearby. If the child suffers an injury, the family can sue the landscaping company for medical costs, long-term care expenses, and other damages. The claim could be costly, even in the millions, depending on the severity of the bodily injury or property damage.4. Janitorial and cleaning servicesJust above the private-industry average of 2.3, janitorial and cleaning services record a nonfatal injury and illness rate of 2.5 per 100 full-time workers, and 7% of fatalities annually, according to BLS data. A freshly mopped floor without proper signage, a cleaning chemical that damages clothing or flesh, or breaking property during the process of cleaning can all generate significant claims. Low margins and high foot traffic in environments where injuries are more likely make janitorial and cleaning crews especially vulnerable to one bad claim turning into a business-ending lawsuit.Consider a janitorial crew that finishes mopping a hallway in a medical office building and places a wet floor sign – but it falls over. Minutes later, a patient slips and breaks their hip, requiring surgery and weeks of rehabilitation and care. She sues the cleaning company for $1 million, citing medical expenses, rehab costs, and loss of a quality of life. Most cleaning companies do not have that kind of cash and end up folding in a scenario like this.5. PaintersBecause painters work at heights, in occupied homes and businesses, and near expensive surfaces and furnishings, it can create meaningful third-party property damage and bodily injury exposure. While the fatality rate for painters is not as high as the other professions listed (1.6 vs 2.3 or higher), the injury rate alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Painters use ladders, scaffolding, chemicals, and many more documented sources of general liability claims.Consider a two-person painting crew spraying exterior paint on a home when wind carries overspray onto the neighbor’s new car and outdoor furniture, causing costly damage to the property. Meanwhile, the neighbor is also claiming the paint fumes caused an aggravated respiratory response, and a bodily injury claim gets added. A standard general liability policy could cover this.What these professionals and examples have in commonWhile accidents are often unpredictable, the financial outcome of these accidents depend almost entirely on whether the business is prepared for them (i.e., insured).Broad trade categories like construction, installation and repair account for more than a third of all occupational deaths in the U.S., according to BLS data. But those aren’t the only trades that experience significant risk and therefore severe financial consequences. The size of a business does not equal the risk exposure it faces (nor the ability to survive a claim).Because insurance can’t prevent accidents and injuries, it’s best to focus on what it’s protecting and how to survive postincident. Consider the risks your profession or trade expose you to, and what limits you need to adequately protect your business.This story was produced by Thimble and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Quad Cities Votes Together offers bipartisan information National Voter Registration Day is September 15 and OneTable QC has announced a new local campaign to help more Quad City residents access the necessary information to participate in elections. Quad Cities Votes Together is a 100% nonpartisan civic engagement campaign led by OneTable QC. It brings local nonprofits and community partners together to make [...]
	How long does fresh dog food last in the fridge? How long does fresh dog food last in the fridge?Switching to fresh dog food means giving your pup better ingredients and better nutrition, but it also means handling their food more like you handle your own. That starts with knowing exactly how long fresh dog food stays safe in the fridge. Unlike dry kibble, fresh food is perishable. Storing it the right way keeps it tasty, safe, and ready when your dog is hungry, Ollie reports.Key TakeawaysUnopened pack, in the fridge: Use within 4 days.Opened pack: Use within 4 days.Leftover portion in the bowl: Refrigerate right away and use within 24 hours.Unopened pack, in the freezer: up to six months.Never leave fresh food out at room temperature for more than 30–60 minutes.How Long Does Fresh Dog Food Last in The Fridge?So, how long does fresh dog food last in the fridge? Here’s a simple breakdown:Unopened Packs: Once a sealed pack is in the fridge, it’s good for up to four days.Opened Packs: Once you open a pack or container, plan to use it within four days for the best quality and safety.Partially Served Meals: If your dog doesn’t finish a portion, cover and refrigerate it right away, and aim to use it within 24 hours.These storage times are part of what keeps fresh food safe and nutritious, with no guesswork.How to Store Fresh Dog Food ProperlyTo get the most out of fresh dog food, follow a few simple fridge rules:Keep the food in its original sealed pack until you’re ready to use it. Once opened, transfer leftovers to an airtight container if needed.Store it in the coldest part of your fridge, ideally at 40°F or below.Always refrigerate fresh dog food right after opening or serving. Don’t leave it sitting out on the counter for long stretches.Feeding a clean, balanced diet helps support a healthy gut — and happier poops.How to Tell if Fresh Dog Food Has Gone BadFresh dog food doesn’t have artificial preservatives, so it’s important to know when it’s no longer safe to serve. The good news is that the signs are usually obvious.Look for these red flags:Off Smell: Fresh food should smell like real meat and veggies. A sour or rotten odor means it’s time to toss it.Strange Texture: If the food feels slimy or sticky, bacteria might have started to grow.Discoloration: Unusual color changes or mold spots mean it’s no longer safe.Refusal to Eat: If your dog suddenly sniffs and walks away from food they normally love, trust their instincts and check for spoilage.When in doubt, throw it out. Keeping a clean fridge and following storage times helps you avoid these issues altogether.Can You Freeze Fresh Dog Food?Yes, you can. Freezing is a great way to extend the life of fresh dog food if you’re not going to use it within a few days.How Long: Unopened fresh dog food can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.How to Thaw: Move frozen packs to the fridge and thaw for 24 hours before serving. Never refreeze food once it’s been thawed.This keeps your dog’s meals fresh and avoids waste.Tips to Keep Fresh Dog Food Safe LongerA few small habits can help you get the most out of every pack of fresh food in your fridge.Store Toward the Back: Keep fresh dog food in the coldest part of your fridge, not in the door where temperatures can fluctuate.Use Clean Scoops and Bowls: Always use clean utensils to portion food and wash your dog’s bowl after every meal.Don’t Leave Food Out: Put away any leftovers within 30 to 60 minutes to keep bacteria from growing.Rotate Packs: Use older packs first so nothing sits too long.These steps make it easy to keep every bite safe and fresh for your pup.Store Smart, Feed FreshFresh dog food gives your dog real nutrition without fillers, but it also needs a little more care than dry kibble. By storing it properly and following fridge and freezer tips, you keep every meal safe, tasty, and good for your dog’s health.Frequently Asked QuestionsHow long does fresh dog food last in the fridge unopened?Sealed fresh dog food is good for up to 4 days in the fridge.How long is fresh dog food good for once opened?Use opened packs within four days for best taste and safety.Can I freeze fresh dog food?Yes. You can freeze unopened packs for up to six months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.How do I know if my fresh dog food is spoiled?Look for a sour smell, slimy texture, odd color, or if your dog suddenly refuses it.This story was produced by Ollie and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Americans unknowingly overpay $54 billion every year on car loans. See which drivers are defying the odds Americans unknowingly overpay $54 billion every year on car loans. See which drivers are defying the oddsAmericans overpay an estimated $54 billion a year on their car loans, according to an analysis from Caribou. Most drivers don't shop around for auto loan rates the way they would for a mortgage, and that often means they pay more than they need to. Refinancing an auto loan gives drivers a chance to lower their monthly car payment through a lower rate, extended term, or both.Caribou's data on car refinance loans shows which drivers are saving the most, by state, fuel type, vehicle style, and generation.States with the biggest refinance paydaysSome of the biggest refinancing wins are concentrated in a handful of states, and loan size is a key reason. Consumers who start with larger loans tend to see larger savings when they refinance. Drivers from Louisiana, New Mexico, and Washington post the highest average monthly savings after refinancing. These states also carry some of the highest average original loan balances in the country. Drivers can use an interactive state savings tool to see how much customers in their area are saving on average. Caribou Diesel and EV drivers pull aheadAcross fuel types, diesel vehicle owners see the highest savings, averaging $234 a month by refinancing. Diesel vehicles tend to carry higher price tags and larger loan balances, which may explain why their owners see larger gains from refinancing.EV owners saved an average of $190 a month by refinancing, up from $176 the year before. Used EV values have also climbed, up more than 5% since the start of 2026, according to Recurrent, which could be giving EV owners a better starting position when they refinance. As a car's value rises relative to what's still owed on it, the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio drops, and a lower LTV generally puts a borrower in a stronger position to refinance into a better rate. With used EV values climbing, EV owners refinancing today may be doing so from a more favorable LTV position than they were a year ago.By comparison, gas and hybrid vehicle owners still see meaningful savings, averaging $156 and $119 a month, respectively.Coupes and trucks see the strongest savingsVehicle body styles that tend to carry higher loan balances also usually see the strongest savings from refinancing. Coupes, including popular sports cars like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette, average $184 a month in savings. Pickup trucks, one of the most commonly financed vehicle types in the U.S., average $183 a month. Both outpace sedans, SUVs, vans, hatchbacks, and wagons. Caribou Gen Z wins on rate, millennials win on paymentGen Z borrowers (ages 18-31) are refinancing against a difficult backdrop. Many are carrying auto debt alongside student loans and housing costs. In Caribou's Car Loan Sentiment Survey, 35% of Gen Z respondents said they'd struggled to make a car payment on time in the past year, more than twice the rate of baby boomers (13%).Despite that pressure, Gen Z sees the steepest interest rate reductions of any generation, averaging 5.34 percentage points by refinancing. Younger drivers often finance their first car with limited credit history, which can mean a higher starting rate. After establishing a payment history and building their credit, these drivers are often able to unlock lower auto loan rates.Millennials are experiencing the biggest monthly payment savings of any generation, averaging $174 a month. Extra breathing room in the monthly budget is a welcome sign for many millennials who are also managing competing financial priorities, from young children to aging parents. In the Car Loan Sentiment Survey, when asked what they'd do with an extra $150 back in their pockets each month, millennials’ top three answers were paying down other debt, building emergency savings, and covering everyday expenses like groceries and gas.The common thread for drivers paying less: refinancingThe details differ from one driver to the next, but the outcome is the same. None of these drivers changed their car. They changed their rate. Refinance dollar volume grew 100% between Q2 2024 and Q2 2026, reaching $4.4 billion in Q2 2026, according to Experian. More drivers are catching on that a car loan signed at the dealership isn't necessarily the best rate available today, and that it can pay off to check to see what they could save.MethodologyCaribou’s analysis of annual auto loan overpayment combines Caribou’s data on average monthly refinance savings with TransUnion’s industry data on auto loans eligible for refinance.Fuel type, vehicle style, generation, and national refinance trend data reflect consumers whose auto refinance loan was funded through Caribou between April 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026, who had an existing auto loan on their credit report, and who selected an offer to reduce their monthly payment. State-level loan data uses the same criteria over a longer window, July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. States with fewer than 100 funded loans have been excluded from this analysis.This story was produced by Caribou and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	From Blue Skies to America’s Darkest Day \| Remembering 9/11 We share stories from those on the ground following the attacks in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania and look at how that day is still being remember.
	Choosing the right scissor lift for your project Choosing the right scissor lift for your projectWith numerous scissor lift heights, sizes and power sources, choosing the right machine for each application can be challenging. When you understand which details to focus on, you can determine the exact lift you need for each project. This comprehensive guide from Herc Rentals helps you differentiate between different types of scissor lifts and select the ideal one for each need and application.Key TakeawaysChoosing the right scissor lift is essential for equipment maneuverability, jobsite safety and operational efficiency.Electric scissor lifts, rough terrain scissor lifts and diesel scissor lifts are the main types from which to choose.Consider your application, jobsite overhead clearance, ground conditions and weight requirements before renting a lift.Select a scissor lift based on working height, which refers to the platform height plus approximately six feet (6') to account for workers.Remaining within a scissor lift's weight requirements is crucial for safety and stability.Why Is It Important to Choose the Right Scissor Lift?Choosing the right scissor lift type and size is crucial for the following reasons:Maneuverability in narrow spaces: A scissor lift must be the right size and height for indoor applications. This precaution allows your team to safely maneuver in narrow spaces, travel through tight doorways and keep projects on schedule.Stability: Choosing the right scissor lift weight capacity for each application is vital for stability. Exceeding the weight can potentially cause the lift to tip over.Safer, more efficient performance on rough terrain: Rough terrain requires larger, more powerful scissor lifts to navigate slopes and avoid tipping. Rough terrain scissor lifts have special features, such as four-wheel drive (4WD), oscillating axles, deep tread tires, higher ground clearance and enhanced tilt sensors, to help operators work on rough terrain.Floor protection: Using scissor lifts with non-marking tires and optimized weight distribution protects facility floors from potential damage, such as scuffs, indentations and cracking.Air quality: Indoor applications require quiet, zero-emission electric forklifts to maintain air quality and indoor sound levels.Factors to Consider Before Renting a Scissor LiftBefore renting your lift, you'll want to consider these essential decision criteria: Herc Rentals Required working height: Determine the exact height your workers must be able to reach to complete a project, plus the scissor operators’ height. More on that below.Lift type: A scissor lift's type determines its specific design, capabilities, maneuverability and the surfaces upon which it can operate. For example, some lifts are built specifically for flat surfaces and indoor use, while others are for rugged outdoor applications.Power source: Power source indicates what fuels a scissor lift's motor or engine. Common power sources are electric batteries and diesel or gas engines. They impact a lift's emissions, noise levels and operational duration.Focusing on all three of these factors is essential because they work together to support your application. The required working height establishes your initial boundaries, which helps you determine the appropriate lift type. Finally, your jobsite's environment finalizes your power source choice.Types of Scissor Lifts and How They DifferLearn about different scissor types and how they differ from each other.Electric Scissor LiftsElectric scissor lifts are ideal for various work environments, but especially on hard, level surfaces in indoor areas, such as warehouses, retail spaces, data centers and interior construction sites. Since they have zero emissions, electric scissor lifts are the only safe option for enclosed spaces. They also operate quietly. You can find electric scissor lifts in standard and compact sizes.A slab scissor lift is a specialized type of electric scissor lift with a low ground clearance, compact chassis and non-marking tires. These features make slab scissor lifts perfect for smooth, firm and level surfaces such as concrete or finished flooring that require extra protection.You can also opt for a dual-rated slab scissor lift, with a dual-zone control system for indoor and outdoor use.Diesel Scissor LiftsDiesel scissor lifts run on diesel fuel and offer longer run times than electric forklifts. These scissor lifts are designed for use on firm, level ground such as stadiums, parking lots and large-scale outdoor construction sites.A diesel scissor lift's emissions make it unsuitable for enclosed spaces, but its robust chassis and powerful engine help it handle tough outdoor applications. While electric scissor lifts are expanding in range, diesel remains an essential option for demanding situations.Rough Terrain Scissor LiftsRough terrain scissor lifts are larger, heavier and more powerful machines that excel at navigating rough terrain such as sand, dirt and mud.A rough terrain scissor lift features pneumatic tires that can grip uneven ground without popping. Some models also include oscillating axles and a 4WD system for excellent traction, stability and maneuverability on uneven terrain. Rough terrain scissor lifts come in electric and diesel models.Choosing the Right Scissor Lift HeightCalculating the lift height you need for a job is one of the most important factors when selecting a scissor lift. Selecting the right lift height enables your workers to reach their work areas safely and comfortably, whether they retrieve pallets from shelves, paint walls or install roof components.Understanding Platform Height vs. Working HeightPlatform height is how high a scissor lift's platform rises. Working height is the lift's platform height plus approximately six feet (6'), which accounts for the height of an operator standing and working from the platform. For example, you would need a platform height of roughly 14 feet if your workers need to work 20 feet above the ground.To ensure you select a scissor lift with the ideal reach for your application, pay close attention to its working height. You need a lift with a working height that matches the height your workers need to access, whether it's the top shelves in your warehouse or outdoor construction framing.Common Scissor Lift Working Heights and Their Ideal ApplicationsThe three most common lifts available for rent are compact electric scissor lifts, electric scissor lifts and rough terrain scissor lifts. Each type offers its own maximum working height: Herc Rentals 26-foot maximum working height: Compact electric scissor lifts can have a maximum working height of up to 26 feet, and they are the most maneuverable models. These battery-powered lifts are designed for lightweight tasks, such as running IT cables or warehouse picking. Their smaller platforms, lower weight capacities and shorter heights make them perfect for crowded indoor spaces.45-foot maximum working height: Electric scissor lifts offer working heights up to 45 feet. These lifts are also battery-powered, but they can support heavier weight and carry more workers than compact models. An electric scissor lift is ideal for larger indoor projects where your team has more space to work with.53-foot maximum working height: Rough terrain scissor lifts have maximum working heights of up to 53 feet and the largest weight capacity. These powerful lifts are best for working on outdoor projects with significant heights and uneven ground, such as utility work or bridge construction. You can find diesel, gasoline and hybrid options.Overhead Clearance and Weight CapacityThe lift you choose must be able to safely fit under structural elements and through doorways at partial and full extension. Measure the spaces at your facility or jobsite from the lowest point of each doorframe to the floor. Do the same for structural elements that the lift must pass under.Weight capacity is another vital consideration. A lift platform's weight capacity indicates the total weight it can handle, combining tools, workers and materials. Staying within a platform's weight capacity is crucial for safety and OSHA compliance. Consider the full weight of your lift operators and the tools and materials they will need with them on the platform.Additional Scissor Lift FeaturesYou can also consider various features you may need for certain tasks. Scissor lifts often come with a combination of features, such as:Extra decks or extendable work platformsAutomatic parking brakesExtendable guardrailsIntegrated motion alarmsAC outletsTool trays or storageUSB portsHow to Choose a Scissor Lift for Your Application?Once you understand the lift type, height and weight capacity you need, assess your specific application.Construction SitesOn construction sites, the type of lift you need often changes as the project progresses. Because of this, you may need to rent different scissor lifts at different phases of the same project.Early-stage construction tasks, such as steel erection, often require rough terrain lifts due to uneven ground. Your team will typically need electric or slab lifts once you start working on an enclosed, floored building. Construction crews often depend on electric and slab lifts for mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-in. For exterior cladding work, the type of lift you need depends on whether the ground is level.Warehouses and Distribution CentersElectric slab lifts are often the perfect solution for warehouse and distribution center work. Consider these factors when choosing a lift for your facility's needs:Aisle width: Narrow scissor lifts are necessary for navigating tight racking environments and crowded spaces. Measure your aisle widths to select a lift that can easily move in each workspace.Floor load ratings: Your building's floors must support a lift's total weight, including workers and materials on the platform. Compare your facility's floor load ratings to the machine's total working weight before selecting a model.Battery life: Maximizing uptime is essential in a busy warehouse or distribution center. Consider a scissor lift's battery life to ensure it can last an entire work shift or multiple shifts with quick charging. Choosing a lift with an adequate battery life for your needs helps ensure continuous operation, productivity and workflow efficiency.Facilities Maintenance and Property ManagementElectric lifts are best for most interior maintenance jobs. As a facility or maintenance manager, you may need to rent a lift on short notice for reactive maintenance tasks. Whether you need to access the roof, work on lighting or maintain an HVAC system, having a trusted rental partner with a broad inventory is essential. With a wide selection from which to choose, you can find the exact lift type, height and weight for every maintenance job.When a Scissor Lift Isn't the Right ToolWhile scissor lifts are excellent options for many commercial and industrial applications, they are not the best option for every job. A scissor lift moves vertically, allowing operators to move up and down but not horizontally. A boom lift may be necessary if your workers need to work at irregular angles. Articulating or telescoping boom lifts are best in situations requiring horizontal reach.Scissor Lift Rental vs. PurchasingWhen you know the scissor lift type, size and weight necessary for your application, you can opt to rent or purchase the machine.When to Rent a Scissor LiftScissor lift rental has a lower up-front cost than a purchase, requires no long-term storage and allows you to swap models as needed. It also reduces your maintenance requirements because the rental company handles equipment maintenance for you.Renting is the best option for:Temporary projects: If you have a temporary project or task that requires a type of lift you don't typically use, renting allows you to use the lift without making a significant investment.Short-term or seasonal work: Your team might perform certain work seasonally or for a short period each year. Renting a scissor lift is often the most cost-efficient option in these cases.Model testing before purchase: You can test different scissor lift models before deciding on a final purchase. Rent a lift or multiple lifts to determine how well they work on your jobsite and meet your needs.Lack of transportation or storage: Renting equipment can help you save costs on long-term storage and equipment transportation. You can work with a rental company that delivers equipment directly to your jobsite.When to Buy a Scissor LiftBuying a scissor lift is often the best option when you plan to use the equipment regularly and for an extended time. When you use the equipment often, your initial investment delivers a higher return on investment.Choose the Right Scissor Lift for Your NeedsChoosing the right scissor lift for each application results in safer, more productive and more efficient operations. When you consider your project's application, jobsite conditions, overhead clearance and weight requirements, you can match it to the perfect machine.OSHA DisclaimerOSHA requires mobile work platform operators to receive training and authorization before operating scissor lifts. Each operator should complete a thorough pre-use inspection, use proper fall protection and follow the lift's manufacturer load limits. It's also important to comply with all applicable American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Scaffold and Access Industry Association (SAIA) A92 standards. Employers must ensure each mobile work platform operator receives training on the specific equipment they operate.This story was produced by Herc Rentals and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Barbara Keating died in the 9/11 attack. She's finally being laid to rest Barbara Keating died aboard one of the planes that hijackers slammed into the World Trade Center. Her remains were finally identified last year, and her family is gathering for a long-delayed funeral.
	Funding your dream playground Funding your dream playgroundA playground is more than just a place where kids come to play. It’s where they build confidence, exercise their imagination, and make friends. Playgrounds are also where communities gather and families create memories that last a lifetime. These and many more reasons establish them as a worthy addition to a community, school, or park.Bringing your dream playground to life requires more than just a vision. Thoughtful planning and creative strategies are key to funding it. When you approach your project with inventive foresight, you can make your vision a reality while creating a space that serves generations.Whether you’re starting a playground from scratch or upgrading an existing one, you need to understand how to go about funding. This detailed guide from Little Tikes Commercial outlines the essential funding pathways for your project and provides the insights you need to create a lasting play space.The Prework Phase: Building Your Foundation Little Tikes Commercial Before you start exploring strategies to fund your dream playground, you should lay the necessary groundwork. This prework phase is essential for creating a well-defined and sustainable foundation for your project. Below are some steps to take before you start anything else.Assemble a Core TeamRaising funds is far more effective when you have a team of individuals as passionate about your playground project as you are. A dedicated team can share the workload and bring fresh ideas to the table.Start by gathering people who have diverse skills, such as project management, communication, proposal writing, and community organizing. Assign clear roles and responsibilities so that everyone on the team stays focused and energized.With a dream team in place, playground fundraising becomes a collaborative effort rather than a challenge you tackle alone.Define Your Project Vision and ScopePeople will be more inclined to support your project if you make them understand why you’re doing it. Start by defining the project for yourself and your team. What problem will the playground solve? What benefits will it bring to the community? What kind of equipment will the playground have? By answering these questions, you can give your team clarity and set your project up for success.Conduct a Comprehensive Community Needs AssessmentUnderstanding the specific needs of your community or school is a vital step to creating a playground that truly makes a difference. Begin by collecting data to demonstrate the project’s relevance to potential donors. Surveys, statistics, and questionnaires are great tools for identifying current needs and possible solutions.It’s good practice to engage the community, especially parents, early in the planning process. When people feel more involved in the process, they’ll be more likely to offer their support through donations or volunteering. By engaging early, you can obtain formal letters of endorsement from local leaders, schools, and community organizations. Such endorsements add significant weight to grant applications and sponsorship requests.Break Down Your BudgetA clear and detailed budget helps you effectively plan and manage your playground costs. It also shows potential funders and donors that your project is well thought through and achievable.Beyond the cost of play equipment, break down your budget for other essential project costs, such as installation, safety surfacing, permits and approvals, and site amenities. It’s advisable to factor in long-term expenses for repairs and maintenance — most funders are interested in sustainability as much as they are in building.Strategies for Funding Playgrounds Little Tikes Commercial Various strategies are available for playground funding. You can explore and even combine several different strategies. The key is understanding your options and knowing how to make the most of each strategy.1. GrantsGrants are an effective funding strategy, especially if you know where to look for them and how to apply. Essentially, they are funds granted by organizations to support defined projects. Several organizations are often eligible for grants, including public and private schools, faith-based organizations, and HOAs.Some benefits that come with grants include:Nonrepayable financial aid: Grants differ from traditional loans, which you have to repay over a set period. They provide funds that do not require repayment, allowing you to achieve a worthy goal.Credibility and validation: Securing a grant, particularly from a reputable organization, adds credibility to your playground project, signaling to other organizations and individuals that your project is impactful and well thought out.Potential for large sums: Grants can offer substantial funding, potentially covering a significant portion or even the entirety of your project.Types of Grants You Can Apply ForThere are three main types of grants you can apply for to fund your playground:Government grants: Federal, state, and local governments offer a variety of grants and initiatives to help fund playground construction. Many of these grants are part of government programs to promote physical literacy and improve outdoor learning. Examples include the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and initiatives from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). It’s advisable to check with state parks and recreation departments or local government offices to know your options.Nonprofit grants: Several nonprofit organizations offer grants for playgrounds, with some focusing on underserved communities and inclusive play spaces.Private foundation grants: As part of their corporate social responsibility, companies such as Coca-Cola and Walmart run programs that fund playgrounds through their foundations.How to Apply for a GrantThe requirements for each grant type may vary. However, it’s always helpful to have a defined process in place. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:Define your project: Before starting your application process, outline your playground project in detail — highlight goals, target age groups, and proposed features such as inclusive design.Research available grants: Next, research grants that align with your mission and goals. Note the eligibility criteria for each grant and narrow down your options to the ones you’ll most likely qualify for.Write a compelling proposal: This is a pivotal step that can significantly influence your grant application. To write a compelling proposal, be sure to include vital details such as the current problem and proposed solution, the scope of your project, statistics, cost breakdown, and timelines. Use clear, professional language and share visuals. The key is to focus on impact and showcase the project’s long-term sustainability.Submit and follow up: Finally, submit the proposal along with the requested documentation. Some grants have strict deadlines, making it beneficial to start early to meet them.2. Securing Corporate SponsorshipThis funding strategy is based on mutually beneficial partnerships. Through corporate sponsorships, companies support playground construction in exchange for enhanced brand presence and community goodwill. This is different from companies that offer grants to demonstrate their corporate social responsibility without expecting tangible benefits. Companies may provide their support in two ways:Financial support: Companies may choose to provide direct monetary contributions, from modest sums to significant investments, to fund a playground.In-kind sponsorship: In some cases, companies may donate products or services as an alternative form of support for your vision. These may include labor, building materials, and playground equipment.Benefits of Corporate SponsorshipsCorporate sponsorships can benefit your cause in several ways, including:Increased public awareness and trust: Partnering with reputable companies can attract positive attention to your playground project. For instance, the company’s customers may learn about your cause through such a partnership and then offer their support independently.Enhanced marketing and publicity: It’s typical for sponsors to promote brand-enhancing projects through their marketing channels. This means greater visibility, which can help attract other sponsors.Long-term partnerships: When corporate sponsorships deliver profitable returns on investment, there is greater potential for your collaboration with the company to evolve into enduring relationships.How to Find Corporate Sponsors to Partner WithIf you choose to go this route, you’ll need to be strategic in identifying the right companies to partner with. To help you move things forward seamlessly, you can explore comprehensive funding guides that outline how to identify potential donors, manage relationships, and build successful campaigns. Here are a few additional ways you can go about finding partners:Contact local businesses: The first place to look is your local area. Reach out to local companies that may be interested in supporting your playground project in exchange for positive brand recognition. These may include restaurants, grocery stores, recreation centers, and other family-friendly ventures.Leverage your existing network: Ask your contact for recommendations and references to companies known for their commitment to community projects like yours.Thoroughly research potential sponsors to understand their business objectives. This way, you can clearly demonstrate in your proposal how a partnership with your playground will benefit them. It’s also important to know that not every company or brand will be the right fit for your playground project. It’s best to partner only with companies whose values align with yours.3. Harnessing Community SupportPlaygrounds strengthen communities by providing kids and families with a shared place to gather, play, and connect. You’ll be surprised by how members of your community, both locally and online, may be willing to support and contribute resources toward your playground. There are two ways to harness your community’s support — community fundraising and crowdfunding.Community FundraisingCommunity fundraising is an effective strategy you can use to generate funds for your dream playground. It involves reaching out to residents, businesses, and groups to rally for support and secure contributions for your playground project. Here are some community fundraising ideas you can explore:Talent shows: You can organize talent shows at the site where you plan to build the playground, giving kids an opportunity to perform with family and friends cheering them on. Aside from selling tickets and charging for refreshments, you can also invite businesses to buy advertising space to generate funds.Engaging sports events: Host themed events to encourage community members to move and be physically active. These could include sponsored challenges such as themed walks or runs and ticketed competitive tournaments.Bake sale: A bake sale is a great way to bring community members together while raising funds. You can invite families, schools, and local bakeries to contribute baked goods for the sale.Auctions: You can hold live auctions to sell items you receive through donations from members of your community. Auctions allow you to maximize the value of donated items, far more than you could through regular sales.Sponsor-a-component: Community members, businesses, and groups may be interested in sponsoring your playground by buying specific elements such as swings and benches.This strategy goes beyond raising funds. It’s a way to bring the community together to share in the pride of bringing the playground to life.CrowdfundingCrowdfunding is a digital-first approach that enables you to raise money from a large number of people both in your community and beyond. Crowdfunding is effective because it gives everyone, regardless of their financial capacity, an opportunity to contribute to your project. You can also showcase your crowdfunding efforts to potential funders who’ll likely find the community support impressive.The following are some essential steps for setting up a successful crowdfunding campaign:Choose the right platform: While there are several crowdfunding platforms available, they are not created equal. Some will align more with your audience and funding goals than others. When choosing a crowdfunding platform, evaluate its credibility and trustworthiness. Platforms with strong reputations can help donors feel more confident that their donations are secure and will be used for the defined goal.Craft a compelling story and visuals: A compelling story is key to a successful crowdfunding campaign. Convey why your community or school needs a playground. Highlight the educational, social, and emotional benefits a playground offers to kids and families. Visuals are also a great way to create an emotional connection.Offer incentives: This is not a compulsory step. However, offering perks like customized merchandise and engraved bricks can motivate donors to contribute.Promote your campaign widely: Setting up your crowdfunding campaign is the first step. Next, you need to spread the word and amplify your message. This is where social media, community outreach, and newsletters come in. The more people know about your campaign, the higher your chances of reaching your financial target.Benefits of Harnessing Community SupportEngaging the community to build a playground is more than a fundraising strategy. It’s a tactic with several benefits beyond funding, including:Volunteer power: In addition to financial support, community members can contribute other valuable skills, such as graphic design and project management. With such volunteered intangible support, you can significantly reduce the cost you would otherwise have paid for these skills and services.Media interest: A community pulling together resources to build a playground will likely attract positive coverage from local media outlets. This will help further spread the word about your project and enhance your fundraising efforts.Built-in stewardship: When a community helps build a playground, its members tend to be more inclined to protect, maintain, and care for it long-term. In practice, this will often look like volunteering for cleanup days, reporting vandalism, and advocating for necessary repairs.4. Alternative Financing: Leasing and PhasingSometimes, it may be necessary to explore alternative financing options, especially when direct funding, grants, and sponsorships aren’t enough. Let’s discuss some of these options.Leasing to OwnInstead of a one-time purchase, this option offers access to playground equipment through regular installment payments over a defined period. At the end of a lease term, you’ll typically have different options, including purchasing the equipment for a residual value, renewing the lease, or returning the equipment. Some of the benefits of leasing to own include:Manageable payments: Unlike an outright purchase, leasing offers more manageable monthly payments, making budgeting easier.Potential tax advantages: Depending on several factors, such as your organization’s tax status, lease payments may be tax-deductible.Capital conservation: Leasing playground equipment frees up significant up-front capital that you can use for other critical components of your project.Before exploring this option, consider that the total cost over the lease term may exceed the cost of an outright purchase. Additionally, the lessee is typically responsible for maintenance and insurance costs throughout the period.Phased ConstructionThis strategy involves building a playground in phases. To do this, it’s advisable to break the entire project into smaller, manageable stages and raise funds to complete each stage. The plus sides of a phased-construction playground project include:Flexibility and adaptability: Since the project will be completed in phases, it allows for adjustments in later phases based on community feedback, new trends, and changing needs.Less overwhelm: The cost of building a playground in one go may be daunting, requiring extensive fundraising. Breaking the project down into smaller phases can make it less intimidating and more achievable.Momentum building: Each completed stage can build confidence for you and other contributing members of your community. This momentum can energize subsequent playground fundraising efforts.To successfully realize your dream playground through phasing, careful initial planning is essential. An incohesive plan could lead to undesirable extended timelines.What Are Common Challenges Faced When Funding a Playground?Funding a playground isn’t without challenges. Understanding potential hurdles helps you prepare to tackle or adapt to them. The following are some common challenges you may encounter.Intense Competition for FundsYou’re not the only one applying for limited grants and corporate sponsorships — many worthy causes are vying for funding. This imbalance creates intense competition, meaning your playground needs to stand out to be considered.One way to tackle this challenge is to research the funding organizations thoroughly and craft compelling proposals or pitches that align with their mission and objectives. While this may not guarantee anything, it increases your chances of getting noticed.Long Timelines and DelaysSome grant application processes take time and involve long review periods. Such lengthy processes can delay your project timelines, often leading to reduced morale. On top of that, delays may result in increased costs over time. While you may not be able to speed up the process, you can start early and explore several options simultaneously.Declining Engagement and EnthusiasmThe initial excitement of community members or volunteers for a new playground may wane over time, especially for longer projects. Donors and supporters may also grow fatigued and disengage if you ask them for contributions too often. Here are some strategies for maintaining and sustaining enthusiasm:Communicate regularly: Prolonged silence can create doubt. Keep everyone involved and updated through ongoing communication, including emails, newsletters, and social media.Celebrate milestones: It’s valuable to mark every milestone, big or small, to keep the momentum going.Recognize contributors: Find ways to make donors and volunteers feel seen and appreciated, such as through consistent public recognition or social media shoutouts. When individuals feel their contributions are valued, they are often more dedicated to seeing the project through.Fund Your Dream Playground, Build a Happy FutureA playground is a special place that shapes kids’ childhoods. It’s a place of laughter, connection, and lifetime memories. Funding your dream playground transcends merely reaching a goal — it’s about building a happy future for generations to come. By laying the necessary groundwork and exploring the myriad of fundraising strategies and opportunities available, you can bring this vision to life.This story was produced by Little Tikes Commercial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
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	'I've never seen anything like this' -- A U.S. doctor treats Ebola's youngest victims Dr. Rupa Narra is a U.S. pediatrician who arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo to help care for stricken children. Nothing could have prepared her for what she'd face.
	U.S. Senate candidate Turek wants these people to pay more Social Security taxes U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek wants to lift the income cap on Social Security taxes so Americans don't face benefit cuts.
	When the business changes faster than the training (BPT) - Since AI entered the workplace, organizations are changing fast, and their teams can't keep up. Nearly three-quarters of frontline workers surveyed report experiencing skill gaps, according to a recent McKinsey survey, and those gaps are bound to widen as AI accelerates the pace and volume of product innovation and process changes. The pressure to close that gap often falls on the teams who build training for customer-facing roles — sales enablement, customer success, support, IT, Product Marketing and operations — and the L&D teams whose resources are being stretched to their limits.It's why a growing number of companies are turning to Articulate, whose AI-powered platform is built to help customer-facing teams create training to help build their skills in the era of constant, rapid change."You can't buy the training that matters most to your business off a shelf. It's specific to your products, your customers, your way of working," said Monika Saha, Chief Commercial Officer at Articulate. "For most businesses, that kind of proprietary training has always been the hardest to get right and the fastest to go stale, and AI has only shortened its shelf life. That's what we're making easier to build and maintain."A platform built for every teamArticulate is the market-leading platform for building proprietary workplace training. Its newest release extends that capability in two directions. Nova, an AI agent built into Articulate 360 and backed by 20+ years of learning science, gives L&D teams more range. Frontline brings the same learning science and quality standards to teams across the business.Frontline is built for the teams closest to the customer. It empowers sales enablement leaders, support managers and more to build training directly. Those teams can build their own training while still operating within the standards L&D already set, including brand guidelines and governance.Nova is an AI agent that handles complex workflows that used to span multiple applications, including multi-format translation, AI-avatar video and training kit generation. Each is grounded in instructional design principles, turning information across the business into training that people can learn, retain and apply. Nova is built into every eligible Articulate 360 subscription.New enterprise integrations connect Articulate to the tools teams already use, from source material through publishing: pulling content from Google Drive and OneDrive, and launching training creation directly from Claude, ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot. On the publishing end, teams can publish training directly to Thinkific in one click, or use Connected Packages.As organizations rethink how they prepare employees for a rapidly changing workplace, the focus is shifting from simply adopting AI to helping people grow with it. By combining their deep expertise in learning science and what's possible with AI, Articulate is helping build a workforce ready for whatever comes next.
	How an 1876 massacre of Black men in South Carolina turned racial terror into political power How an 1876 massacre of Black men in South Carolina turned racial terror into political powerAs the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary, its citizens commemorate a democracy more diverse, free and inclusive than it’s ever been. The path to this milestone was imperfect and paved in blood and suffering. Still, few of the revelers will likely pay heed to the anniversary of another historic event: the 150th anniversary of the July 1876 Hamburg massacre.The massacre, which took place in Hamburg, South Carolina, began as a dispute between a local Black militia and two white citizens over whether the latter could cross the group’s centennial Fourth of July parade, Jacob Ware, a professor of domestic terrorism at Georgetown University, recounts for The Conversation. The militia leader, Doc Adams, was later charged with blocking a public highway.At his court hearing, Adams was met with a white militia — part of the white supremacist Red Shirts — which then pursued the Black militia on their retreat to their weapons arsenal. After a firefight, the Red Shirts captured several Black militiamen, marched them to a nearby site and executed at least four people.South Carolina’s Republican governor, Union veteran Daniel Henry Chamberlain, described the event as a “butchery of unoffending and unarmed colored men by a brutal and bloodthirsty mob of white men.” Yet no one was convicted after the attack. In fact, several of the Red Shirts ringleaders would instead rise to the highest offices in the state.Corey Rogers, an organizer of the 150th anniversary Hamburg commemoration, recently called this massacre “the seminal event that began to change the trajectory of African Americans.” The repression and inequality that would define the next 100 years of U.S. history, in other words, was born at Hamburg.Research shows that the Hamburg massacre was not just characteristic of a broader violent moment, but also that the echoes of such violence ring loudly today.From Hamburg, across the SouthAccording to one estimate, the 12 years of the Reconstruction era, during which the Union attempted to construct a racially diverse democracy in the wake of the Civil War, saw over 2,000 Black citizens murdered in “racial terror lynchings.” Another estimate, from 1895, more starkly claimed that as many as 53,000 Black Americans had been murdered in the 30 years following the Civil War.By intimidating Black voters and galvanizing white Democrats who sought to undo the results of the Civil War, this violence served to effectively kill Reconstruction and the tangible promises of Black emancipation.What happened in Hamburg provides a particularly egregious example of such racial terrorism catapulting political triumph. After that tragedy, several of the Red Shirts ringleaders went on to successful political careers, with two of them becoming U.S. senators — one of whom, Benjamin Tillman, also served as South Carolina governor.As Jenny Heckel, then a Clemson University graduate student, noted in her 2016 master’s thesis, it was “not in spite of the white Carolinians’ participation in the murder of six black men, but because of it, they won election to political offices.”In South Carolina’s 1876 gubernatorial race, the Democratic candidate, Confederate veteran Wade Hampton III, emerged triumphant and reinstated white supremacy as the fulcrum of state governance. His name had been put forward by former Confederate major general Matthew Butler, who had represented the two white farmers before the Hamburg attack and who himself went on to serve in the U.S. Senate.In 1895, South Carolina held a constitutional convention, spearheaded by the aforementioned Hamburg massacre ringleader Tillman, and adopted a new constitution that effectively ended the Black vote in the state.An enduring threatIn the 1890s, renowned abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass said white vigilantes offered three justifications for the lynchings of Black Americans: stamping out alleged race riots, protecting the white vote share and protecting white women from alleged sexual crimes by Black men.The first two were front and center in the Hamburg massacre. In fact, as Heckel reflected a decade ago, “white Carolinians blamed the black militia for starting the riot, and Southern white newspapers created images of riotous blacks to contest black descriptions.”Since the massacre, racial violence has had a long echo in the United States. And in many cases, the same justifications elucidated by Douglass remain.Both the Tulsa race massacre and the 1955 murder of Emmett Till, for instance, were sparked by false accusations of sexual harassment or assault made against young Black men.The violence persists today. In June 2015, just 150 miles (241 kilometers) from Hamburg, a white supremacist gunman entered the historically Black Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and opened fire, killing nine churchgoers. Joe Raedle // Getty Images In May 2022, a white supremacist killed 10 Black Americans at the Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo, New York.Both gunmen made multiple references to the same conspiracy theories Douglass identified, with the Charleston domestic terrorist going as far as to praise segregation as “a defensive measure” while criticizing the “historical lies, exaggerations and myths” of the historical record of slavery and its aftermath.Still, there are key differences between the attacks at Charleston and Buffalo and their Reconstruction predecessors. The political violence that tainted the Reconstruction and post-Reconstruction era clashes with traditional definitions of terrorism, which typically targets a power structure that such violence seeks to upend.Instead, attacks like the one in Hamburg, which sought to proactively protect the rights and power of white Americans — and which were often endorsed by state and local governments — have more in common with genocide and ethnic cleansing. Not only did the scale of the broader violence across the South indicate a campaign to mass-murder an ethnic subgroup for political purposes, but Tillman, perhaps the most infamous of the Hamburg murderers, never denied the attack’s goals.“We are not sorry for it,” he would proudly recall before the U.S. Senate in 1900. “We of the south have never recognized the right of the negro to govern white men.”‘A painful duty’Attempting to commemorate all such anniversaries is an impossible task, simply because of the sheer volume. For example, September marks the 150th anniversary of the Ellenton Riot. In that massacre, Black South Carolinians were systematically hunted throughout their community over an alleged attack on a white elderly woman, which was later proved false. The death toll may have eclipsed 100.Countless similar incidents have plagued U.S. history.To tell the story of America’s founding without referencing these profound scars is akin to deceit, if not complicity. Civil rights leader and journalist Ida B. Wells put it this way in 1895: “It becomes a painful duty … to reproduce a record which shows that a large portion of the American people avow anarchy, condone murder and defy the contempt of civilization.”Or, as a local retired pastor said of Hamburg commemorations, “We want to keep it burning so people won’t forget what transpired.”This story was produced by The Conversation and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Report: Black students’ exclusion from high-quality math has dire consequences Report: Black students’ exclusion from high-quality math has dire consequencesBlack students have been excluded from high-quality mathematics for generations — with dire outcomes academically and professionally, a California-based math equity group found.Just Equation’s recent report, “Calculated Barriers,” notes that while these students make up 15% of the nation’s public school population, they accounted for only 6% of those enrolled in AP math classes in the 2021-22 school year.That exclusion has consequences that go far beyond school, the group contends.“From understanding election systems and social determinants of health to making sure you have the digital skills to be marketable in today’s workforce, quality math education prepares you to fully engage in society,” Andrea McChristian, Just Equations’ national policy director, told The 74.Her report notes that while Black adults accounted for 12% of the country’s overall working population in 2021, they made up just 9% of the nation’s STEM workforce.Benjamin Moynihan, executive director of The Algebra Project, Inc., one of the groups Just Equations recognizes for helping Black students succeed in the subject, said the report should spark greater focus on the topic.“Calculated Barriers shows us that our current crisis in mathematics education has been a choice that the nation has made,” he said. “We need to make new choices. Let us have a national discussion in which we collectively determine how to make the right decisions this time.”Just Equations notes Black students are often kept from taking calculus in high school — still considered a gold standard course by many top-tier colleges — because they don’t have access to eighth grade algebra, a course linked to advanced math choices later on.“When students have the opportunity to take Algebra I in middle school, assuming they are sufficiently prepared for it, their success in the course can open doors to strengthened analytical and reasoning skills, advanced math in high school, and college and career pathways,” the report notesBut many schools don’t offer the course at the middle school level.Just Equations cites the New York Equity Coalition’s finding that 27% of New York state schools that serve seventh and eighth graders did not offer Algebra I in the eighth grade during the 2024-25 school year. New York’s Black and Hispanic students were more likely to be enrolled in these schools than their white and Asian peers, according to the coalition.Black children also face challenges accessing Algebra II, Just Equations found. Just 80% of schools with high enrollments of Black and Hispanic students offered the course compared to 85% of schools with low enrollment of these students.The disparity continued as students aged — and coursework became more rigorous. In the 2021-22 school year, 62% of schools with high Black and Hispanic enrollment offered advanced mathematics compared to 71% of schools with low Black and Hispanic enrollment, the report notes.As of 2019, white high school graduates completed calculus at three times the rate of Black graduates — and Asian graduates at more than seven times the rate.As a result of these and other factors tied to racial discrimination, Black students face added challenges in college: Those in the California State University system, for example, were more likely to start their math sequence with calculus prerequisite courses, rather than with calculus.“Long calculus prerequisite sequences may also carry a heavy financial burden for Black students, who are more likely to take on student loans than students from other racial and ethnic groups, and more likely to default on their loans,” the report notes.Lya Snell, a director at the Dana Center at the University of Texas at Austin, another of the groups Just Equations credits for making positive change in this area, said that when Black students are sidelined, the world forsakes more than individual talent.“We lose new ideas, perspectives and solutions that could benefit everyone,” Snell said. “We lose potential. Every student deserves the opportunity to see themselves as capable of succeeding in these fields. Investing in and believing in Black learners strengthens innovation, creates a more inclusive workforce and helps ensure that the future of STEM reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.”Black students’ and professionals’ ideas have changed industries, improved healthcare, solved complex problems and inspired the next generation, she said, citing Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire, a leader in the development of COVID-19 vaccines; Katherine Johnson, whose “computational brilliance at NASA led to the success of several early space flights;” and Charles Drew, an influential surgeon who pioneered methods for storing blood plasma.Barriers to higher math achievement for Black students were not always the case, the Just Equations report found. Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS // Corbis via Getty Images “Many Black students attending segregated schools had the support of Black educators who believed in their brilliance and ability,” the report notes. “This same level of support, however, did not extend to Black students’ educational experience after the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case, which led to school desegregation. Following desegregation, about 38,000 Black teachers and administrators across 17 states lost their jobs.”After integration, Black students in desegregated high schools were often steered away from Algebra I and into non–college track, lower-level courses, including general math and consumer math.“Algebra I thus emerged as one of the first math gatekeepers for Black students following Brown v. Board of Education,” the report found.Just Equations recommends redesigning high school mathematics to dismantle roadblocks to advanced courses, ending college admissions policies that perpetuate inequity and investing in culturally responsive instruction.In addition to The Algebra Project and the Dana Center, McChristian cited The Benjamin Banneker Association as another organization working hard to ensure Black children have access to high-quality math instruction.“It’s an all-hands-on-deck effort, both inside the system and outside the system, to change math education and opportunities for Black students,” she said.Disclosure: The Gates Foundation provides financial support to Just Equations and to The 74.This story was produced by The 74 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Eldridge city, volunteer fire department weigh hybrid management plan Eldridge, Iowa city leaders and the volunteer fire department discuss a hybrid management plan after months of disagreement over who runs the department.
	Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards $46K+ to QCA schools The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) has awarded over $50,000 in youth literacy grants to Iowa nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools and over $100,000 to Illinois nonprofits, libraries and schools. The grants are part of over $4.1 million recently awarded nationwide for funding professional development opportunities and/or to buy books, technology, equipment or materials for K-12 [...]
	What to expect when your baby comes home from the NICU What to expect when your baby comes home from the NICUAlthough a baby’s “graduation” from the NICU is an exciting milestone, transitioning from a highly controlled newborn intensive care environment, including monitoring and 24/7 nursing care, to a home routine can feel stressful. You may be excited to finally have your baby home while also wondering how you’ll manage without the NICU team right there to help.Every baby’s NICU journey is unique, so there is no “one size fits all” advice that applies to feeding, sleeping, and baby care after discharge. NICU grads can have a wide range of care needs. Some babies go home needing only routine pediatric follow-up and time to grow and develop, while others may need specialized feeding support and ongoing care from multiple specialists. Your baby’s individual discharge plan will help guide the care they need at home.Your Post-NICU Care “Playbook”Bringing a baby home from the NICU requires extra planning, preparation, and support. Once you’re home, there are a few key areas to keep in mind, including supporting your baby’s growth and development, taking reasonable precautions to prevent infections and illnesses, and staying in communication with your baby’s health care providers, Aeroflow Breastpumps reports.Your baby’s NICU team should help you understand any feeding plans, medications, equipment, follow-up appointments, and other care needs before discharge. Even with careful preparation, as you and your baby settle into your new routine, it’s normal to have questions or need additional guidance. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your baby’s care team for support.Corrected Age and Developmental MilestonesPreemies’ developmental expectations are based on their adjusted or corrected age (the date they were supposed to be born) rather than solely on their chronological age (the date they were actually born). Using corrected age gives families and health care providers a better idea of when to expect common developmental milestones. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends considering corrected age when tracking development during the first two years.For example, a baby born at 26 weeks’ gestation—about 14 weeks early—would be considered 0 months corrected age around their original due date. As they grow, using their corrected age can help you understand your baby’s developmental progress without comparing them too closely with babies who were born at the same chronological age.Remember that babies develop at their own pace. If your baby was born early, your pediatrician can help you understand their individual growth and development and determine whether additional developmental support may be needed.Early Intervention ServicesMany NICU grads benefit from early intervention services once home. Early intervention typically includes regular check-ins with pediatric physical, occupational, and/or speech therapists who can provide guidance on how to support motor and language skill development.If your baby qualifies for an early intervention evaluation, parents should take advantage of this opportunity. Evaluations and therapies through early intervention may be provided at little or no cost through state programs, depending on eligibility and where you live.Infection PreventionBabies who were in the NICU may have a higher risk of complications from certain infections, particularly when they have ongoing medical conditions or respiratory concerns. The amount of protection your baby needs will depend on their individual health history and medical needs, so talk with your baby's care team about what precautions they recommend.General infection-prevention measures include practicing good hand hygiene, making sure that anyone with a fever or other signs of illness keeps a distance from the baby, and keeping caregivers and visitors up to date on recommended vaccines, including flu and pertussis vaccinations.If someone in your household becomes sick, ask your baby's health care provider about the best ways to reduce your baby's exposure. Depending on your baby's health needs, your care team may recommend additional precautions around visitors and childcare, and may recommend holding off on taking your baby to crowded places.Tobacco and nicotine smoke can irritate babies’ developing lungs and airways and may trigger coughing and wheezing. If a caregiver or visitor smokes, all first- and secondhand smoke exposure should be minimized. This means not only always smoking outside, but also changing out of the clothes you were wearing while smoking and showering/bathing before holding and interacting with your baby. The best time to quit smoking or vaping is before your baby comes home from the NICU, but it is never too late to seek support for quitting.Nighttime Feedings and Safe SleepMany babies leave the NICU following a three-hour feeding schedule, including overnight. Even as you transition toward following your baby’s hunger and feeding cues, waking at least one to two times per night to feed is developmentally normal and may continue for many months.Because of their unique calorie needs, formal sleep training is generally discouraged and it’s important to remember that preterm babies may not sleep through the night as soon as term babies. Your baby's care team can help you understand how often your baby needs to feed and whether there are times when it is appropriate to allow longer stretches of sleep.As you establish your baby’s sleep routine at home, it’s also important to keep safe-sleep practices in mind. Babies born prematurely have a higher risk of SIDS than babies born at full term. Regardless of whether your baby was born prematurely, safe-sleep practices are recommended for all infants.The mainstays of safe sleep are to avoid bed-sharing and always place babies to sleep alone on their backs, on a firm, flat mattress that is free of blankets, stuffed animals, toys, and positioning devices. If you choose to swaddle your baby, use a properly fitted swaddle rather than loose blankets, and transition to a sleep sack when your baby shows signs of trying to roll over.Keeping your baby’s sleep space in your room, close to your bed, can make nighttime feeding, comforting, and responding to your baby’s needs easier. The AAP recommends room sharing without bed-sharing, ideally for at least the first 6 months. If co-sleeping is desired, the best way to accomplish this is by using a separate co-sleeping bassinet that attaches to the side of your bed.In addition, preemies may have less head and neck control and can have difficulty maintaining a safe position if they fall asleep in an upright or inclined position. For this reason, they should never be left to sleep in an infant car seat, bouncy chair, swing, or any other piece of equipment that is not intended for sleep.When Your Baby Needs Additional Medical SupportSome babies have more complex medical needs after NICU discharge and require additional equipment, medications, therapies, or monitoring at home. Your baby’s NICU team should provide specific instructions and training before discharge and help you understand who to contact with questions or concerns.Medical Follow-Up AppointmentsChoosing a primary care pediatrician is an important part of establishing your baby's post-NICU care team. Pediatricians not only perform physical examinations and prescribe medications, but they also help coordinate and communicate with the other medical specialists and therapists involved in your baby’s care.It is important for your baby’s pediatrician to understand prematurity and post-discharge care of NICU grads. Don't be afraid to ask about their experience caring for babies born prematurely and their amount of NICU experience.Preemies who are born before 28 weeks’ gestation and/or who weigh less than 750–1000g at birth may need to be followed in an outpatient NICU follow-up clinic after going home. NICU grads may also have ophthalmology, audiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, or other specialty appointments depending on their individual medical needs. Not every baby will need all of these specialists, but your baby's pediatrician can help you understand which follow-up appointments are recommended.Newborn CPR training is recommended for parents and caregivers of NICU grads. Many NICUs provide training in newborn and infant resuscitation to parents and other caregivers before discharge. If CPR training was not offered by your baby’s NICU, you can register for classes through the American Red Cross.Feeding and Nutritional NeedsFeeding preemies can be challenging because they may need to eat more frequently than full-term babies and can be slow feeders. Preterm babies may also need time to develop the coordination needed to suck, swallow, and breathe during feeds. Specialized “slow flow” or “preemie” nipples can be used to help with paced bottle feeding.It may also take time for breastfed preemies to transition to taking all feedings directly at the breast. Mothers may need to continue pumping after discharge for a period of time to provide breast milk for some or all of their baby’s feeds. A lactation consultant can help you develop a feeding plan that supports both your baby’s nutritional needs and your breastfeeding goals.Many preemies need additional calories and minerals added to their feeds to promote weight gain, brain development, and strong bones. This may include breastmilk fortification or enriched infant formula if formula fed. How long these additional nutritional supports are needed can range from weeks to months after discharge, depending on the baby’s individual needs and growth.Infants who receive less than 32 ounces of formula per day should receive a daily Vitamin D supplement, as well as iron supplements if recommended by the NICU team.A small number of babies come home from the NICU with nasogastric or gastric tubes for supplemental feedings and nutrition. Babies who require tube feedings at home need close outpatient follow-up with pediatric dietitians or feeding specialists as recommended by their care team.Respiratory Equipment ManagementPremature infants with chronic lung disease of prematurity or other pulmonary issues may be discharged home with an oxygen tank to provide supplemental oxygen, respiratory medications, and pulse oximeters. Home apnea monitoring is sometimes needed as well.NICU grads who are on oxygen at home are usually followed by pediatric pulmonologists or NICU follow-up clinicians, who will provide guidance as to when oxygen can be weaned and stopped. If home monitoring is required, it should be done with a medical-grade monitor provided by a durable medical supplier. Home baby monitors available for purchase to the general public are not designed to replace medical monitoring for babies with ongoing respiratory or breathing concerns.Babies who require home oxygen or monitoring may be more vulnerable to complications from respiratory infections, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. The infection-prevention measures discussed earlier are especially important for these babies, including keeping caregivers and household contacts up to date on recommended vaccines, practicing good hand hygiene, and following your care team’s guidance about visitors and crowded places. If someone in the household begins to feel sick, limit their contact with the baby as much as possible and ask your baby’s health care provider about additional precautions, such as wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask when providing care.Insurance and Community ResourcesIt’s best to add your baby to your health insurance plan as soon as possible after birth. Medical equipment and supplies may be covered by insurance, but may require additional documentation and time to approve coverage.Home Health CoverageEach NICU has a team of care coordinators to help parents and caregivers navigate insurance issues and obtain home medical equipment and supplies. Health insurance may also cover home health nurses’ visits and additional therapies for NICU graduates. This is not always obvious, so it’s best to contact your insurance company to find out what they offer in terms of coverage for babies who were in the NICU.Breastfeeding Supplies and SupportIf you are breastfeeding or pumping, your insurance may also cover the cost of a breast pump and lactation support. Many NICUs also have programs that allow families to rent or borrow hospital-grade breast pumps for use while their baby is in the NICU and after discharge. Depending on your insurance plan and your baby’s needs, you may also be able to have the cost of a hospital-grade rental pump covered by insurance.Support for Your Mental HealthParents of NICU graduates benefit from getting their own support too. The stress of having a baby in the NICU, followed by the transition home, can take a toll on your mental health and emotional well-being. Research has shown that about 40%–50% of parents whose babies were in the NICU may develop postpartum depression or anxiety at some point during their baby’s first year. Your pediatrician, NICU follow-up team, and parent support groups can all be sources of support as you adjust to life after the NICU.Project NICU is a non-profit organization that hosts in-person and virtual support groups and events for parents and families of NICU graduates throughout the U.S., as well as a peer mentoring program. The March of Dimes and American Academy of Pediatrics are also excellent resources for NICU families after discharge home.If you find that you or your partner are struggling mentally or emotionally, help is available. Postpartum Support International is an online resource with information about postpartum depression and other mood disorders. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is another free resource that offers postpartum mental health support via phone, text, or chat 24/7.Questions to Ask Your Baby’s Care Team After NICU DischargeWhat are specific “red flags” or warning signs that mean we should call our pediatrician versus going straight to the ER?How long should we adjust our baby's growth and developmental milestone expectations using their corrected age?Which medical supplies, home therapies, or specialized equipment are fully covered under our insurance plan?What precautions should we take around visitors, childcare, and public activities based on our baby's individual medical needs?How long should I plan to breastfeed or pump, and do you have any recommended resources for breastfeeding NICU grads?Your baby’s discharge home from the NICU is a huge milestone to celebrate. Preparation, patience, and flexibility are key elements of being your child’s advocate and caretaker for the long haul.Remember that you are not alone on your post-NICU journey. Your child’s pediatrician, NICU follow-up clinic, therapists, medical subspecialists, care coordination team, lactation and feeding specialists, and support groups can all provide guidance as you and your baby adjust to life at home.Last of all, remember that you need support for your own well-being too. Loving and taking care of yourself, whether through self-care, respite help with the baby, reaching out to a therapist, or exercise and physical activity, will help you to be the best parent possible. The goal is for both you and your baby to thrive during life after the NICU.Dr. Jessica Madden, Aeroflow Breastpumps medical director, is board-certified in Pediatrics, Neonatology (newborn medicine), and Breastfeeding Medicine.This story was produced by Aeroflow Breastpumps and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Ads have arrived in ChatGPT: What the future of AI search could mean for brands Ads have arrived in ChatGPT: What the future of AI search could mean for brandsAt the start of 2026, OpenAI began testing advertising inside ChatGPT, bringing paid messages into conversations people already use to compare products and solve everyday problems.The rollout arrived after a change many internet users had already begun to recognize. Rather than typing a few chopped-up keywords into a search box, people now ask artificial intelligence assistants complete questions and expect a written answer in return.Today, hundreds of millions of people have made that habit part of daily life, from students checking homework to shoppers weighing their options before they buy. Placing advertising beside those conversations creates a new challenge, since paid messages have to earn attention without weakening trust in the answer.But teams such as elk Marketing studying how brands are responding to AI search have observed that businesses are already rethinking how customers discover information as conversations begin replacing traditional search habits.So as ChatGPT expands its advertising beta, its role will depend on how platforms balance commercial messages with the trust people place in the answer they receive.Why AI Platforms Are Turning to AdvertisingRunning an AI assistant for hundreds of millions of users takes enormous computing power, and OpenAI has said continued access depends on heavy, ongoing investment in the systems behind it.And covering those costs gets tougher when only a small share of ChatGPT users pay for subscriptions, leaving monthly plans to fund only part of the service. That pressure follows a pattern digital platforms have faced for decades, with advertising supporting free search engines and social networks without charging every user directly.Now, OpenAI is following that same path, running ads alongside subscriptions while promising paid placements stay clearly separate from ChatGPT’s answers. By keeping that separation, the company gains another source of revenue without charging every user. It also sets limits on how far ads enter the conversation, giving brands a clearer idea of where paid messages will appear without becoming part of ChatGPT’s answer.How AI-Native Ads Differ from Traditional Search AdsSince OpenAI has built advertising into ChatGPT, the biggest difference appears in how those ads are selected. Traditional paid search already relies on several factors to judge relevance, while ChatGPT can also consider the context and intent of the conversation happening around the ad.Google, for example, already looks beyond keywords to inferred intent and information from the advertiser’s landing page, with audience data adding more context to the decision. But ChatGPT receives a fuller account of what the person wants as the conversation develops through follow-up questions.OpenAI says its ad system weighs the context and intent of the current conversation before it selects a paid message. But even with that added context, the company says ads remain clearly labeled and separate from ChatGPT’s response, so advertising does not become part of the answer.David Dugan, OpenAI’s head of global ads solutions, told reporters at Cannes Lions that the format “is not a keyword-based buy, so it’s different from traditional search.”Paid media teams therefore have to judge relevance differently, building campaigns through context hints and landing pages while OpenAI’s ad system determines whether the message fits a conversation the advertiser never sees.What AI Search Means for Brand VisibilityBrand visibility has moved well beyond simply “Googling it.” McKinsey reports that half of surveyed shoppers now seek out AI-powered search on purpose, where one written response can replace a full page of links. So, with fewer sources appearing, a brand that AI cannot identify clearly may never enter the customer’s consideration.Accurate product information answers that risk directly by telling the system what the company actually sells, while outside reporting helps confirm those details.Customer reviews then show how buyers describe the company after purchase, adding evidence the brand cannot produce on its own. With those sources pointing to the same business, well-organized product details help the system connect each item with the correct company.Marketers call this AI search optimization or generative engine optimization (GEO), a growing practice focused on helping answer engines find companies and describe them accurately. But none of that visibility is bought, and running an ad does not change whether a brand appears organically in the answer itself.However, when a brand does appear organically, the conversation may carry on from research toward a buying decision.Commerce Is Moving Into AI Conversations elk Now more than ever, shoppers are moving from a product question toward a purchase without leaving the same AI conversation. Viant CEO Tim Vanderhook told search engine experts that AI commerce “collapses the ‘search → click → checkout’ funnel into a single, intelligent conversation,” capturing how quickly a product question may develop into a buying decision.A shopper may begin by describing a need, then narrow the choices through follow-up details about price or preferred features. OpenAI says ChatGPT can then line up suitable products with current prices and key specs, letting the shopper weigh a few serious options without hopping between retailer websites.Some eligible products also support checkout inside ChatGPT, bringing purchase assistance into the same exchange. By the time a retailer enters the process, the assistant may have already reduced a crowded category to the brands most likely to receive the sale.What Marketers Can Do TodayMarketers do not need every detail of AI advertising settled before they begin preparing for it. Google Ads executive Dan Taylor has warned that “search behavior has become more conversational and complex,” giving teams a reason to examine how assistants describe their company before more customer decisions move through them.Forbes contributor TerDawn DeBoe argues that AI performance cannot be judged by last-click sales alone, since brand mentions and lead quality may reveal influence earlier.A brand following that thinking can approach ChatGPT as a fresh paid channel rather than another version of Google Search, starting with small, measured campaigns even when the conversation suggests strong buying interest. But before spending grows, marketers need enough reporting and attribution to determine whether those campaigns are producing real conversions.Beyond the campaigns themselves, brands need a reliable way to connect early ad interactions with later sales. McKinsey points to accurate customer data and regular tracking as part of that process, giving marketing teams a clearer record of whether ChatGPT ads are actually leading to business.And having a clear record of those results also helps marketers decide how much of their customer acquisition should come from ChatGPT and how much should remain spread across other channels.The Future of Advertising in AI: Preparing for the Next Era of Digital MarketingOpenAI’s decision to place advertising inside ChatGPT has given the technology industry a difficult test of whether commercial growth can coexist with a trusted assistant.E-marketer analyst Jeremy Goldman warned Reuters that users could move to rival chatbots if advertisements feel “clumsy or opportunistic,” leaving little room for placements that distract from the help people came to receive.But OpenAI has responded by keeping sponsored messages separate from its answers, while its expanding pilot continues to test whether relevance can protect the user experience. Several competing AI companies remain cautious about advertising as they focus on trust and accuracy, suggesting no single model has won industry support.But looking beyond that hesitation, McKinsey expects AI search to move deeper into buying decisions as these systems begin acting on a customer’s behalf, placing greater pressure on brands to provide accurate information before any paid placement appears.Still, as ChatGPT Ads expands, brands will need to treat paid placement and organic AI visibility as two separate paths.Paid campaigns give marketers a channel they can test and measure, while answer engine optimization (AEO) and GEO support the unpaid visibility that develops outside those campaigns. Running both gives brands a stronger way to stay visible as more search activity moves through AI.This story was produced by elk Marketing and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Where wage inequality is increasing and decreasing Where wage inequality is increasing and decreasingWage equality helps define how workers share in economic growth. When top earners pull far ahead of median workers, rising high-end pay concentrates gains among a relatively small group. According to the Economic Policy Institute, earnings inequality has “redistributed wages away from most workers” and stifled “broader-based wage growth.” However, wider wage gaps may also reflect stronger rewards for specialized skills and experience, factors that can help drive productivity and economic expansion.SmartAsset analyzed 90th-percentile wage thresholds — the wage level at which workers enter the top 10% of earners — in each of the 50 states over the preceding two years. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for May 2024 and May 2025, the study calculated how much that threshold exceeded the median wage, expressed as a percentage, and measured the year-over-year change in the disparity.Key FindingsCalifornia and New York have the highest rates of wage inequality. The two states’ high concentrations of executive roles, finance jobs, and large technology sectors may explain their outsized wage inequality. In New York, the top 10% of workers earn at least 164% more than the median worker; in California, that figure is 173%.Pennsylvania and North Carolina had the largest year-over-year increases in wage inequality. In both states, the wage threshold for entering the top 10% rose 11 percentage points further above the median wage, as top-end wages increased faster than wages in the middle.In half of the states, wage inequality narrowed. Twenty-five states saw the gap between the threshold for entering the top 10% and the median wage decrease, led by Oregon with an 11-percentage-point decline.North Dakota has the narrowest wage disparity. The Roughrider State is the only state where the median wage is at least half the wage threshold for entering the top 10%. SmartAsset SmartAsset State-by-State Wage DisparityAlabama2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $101,2502025 median wage: $45,6702025 wage disparity: 122%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,8102024 median wage: $43,8302024 wage disparity: 125%Alaska2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $128,7202025 median wage: $61,0002025 wage disparity: 111%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $126,6802024 median wage: $59,4002024 wage disparity: 113%Arizona2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $120,1802025 median wage: $50,0602025 wage disparity: 140%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $113,3202024 median wage: $48,8102024 wage disparity: 132%Arkansas2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $94,7402025 median wage: $43,6302025 wage disparity: 117%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $89,4602024 median wage: $41,0202024 wage disparity: 118%California2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $159,0802025 median wage: $58,2402025 wage disparity: 173%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $157,2102024 median wage: $56,9402024 wage disparity: 176%Colorado2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $136,3302025 median wage: $59,8002025 wage disparity: 128%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $134,0502024 median wage: $58,2102024 wage disparity: 130%Connecticut2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $135,7902025 median wage: $59,6902025 wage disparity: 127%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $133,8602024 median wage: $58,4002024 wage disparity: 129%Delaware2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $127,6902025 median wage: $52,1902025 wage disparity: 145%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $124,2602024 median wage: $51,0302024 wage disparity: 144%Florida2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $114,5502025 median wage: $47,8802025 wage disparity: 139%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $109,7302024 median wage: $46,8602024 wage disparity: 134%Georgia2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $122,4702025 median wage: $48,1702025 wage disparity: 154%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $117,3802024 median wage: $47,0202024 wage disparity: 150%Hawaii2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $123,6602025 median wage: $56,3202025 wage disparity: 120%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $119,8302024 median wage: $53,2602024 wage disparity: 125%Idaho2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,2402025 median wage: $47,9702025 wage disparity: 115%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,2202024 median wage: $46,4702024 wage disparity: 116%Illinois2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $127,7702025 median wage: $51,9602025 wage disparity: 146%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $124,5602024 median wage: $50,0002024 wage disparity: 149%Indiana2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $101,1602025 median wage: $47,8602025 wage disparity: 111%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,5202024 median wage: $46,9302024 wage disparity: 110%Iowa2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $99,6302025 median wage: $48,5402025 wage disparity: 105%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $97,8702024 median wage: $47,6702024 wage disparity: 105%Kansas2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,2502025 median wage: $48,0102025 wage disparity: 115%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,2702024 median wage: $46,8502024 wage disparity: 114%Kentucky2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,3802025 median wage: $46,9202025 wage disparity: 110%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $94,6102024 median wage: $45,7402024 wage disparity: 107%Louisiana2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,1102025 median wage: $45,5202025 wage disparity: 120%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,1802024 median wage: $43,7702024 wage disparity: 124%Maine2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $105,5102025 median wage: $51,4302025 wage disparity: 105%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $102,4802024 median wage: $49,4402024 wage disparity: 107%Maryland2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $145,4102025 median wage: $59,5102025 wage disparity: 144%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $142,6002024 median wage: $58,0502024 wage disparity: 146%Massachusetts2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $163,0102025 median wage: $63,5902025 wage disparity: 156%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $157,2202024 median wage: $62,2702024 wage disparity: 152%Michigan2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $110,6502025 median wage: $49,2702025 wage disparity: 125%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $106,4502024 median wage: $48,3002024 wage disparity: 120%Minnesota2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $125,7302025 median wage: $56,9202025 wage disparity: 121%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $121,5002024 median wage: $53,8102024 wage disparity: 126%Mississippi2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $84,5002025 median wage: $40,1202025 wage disparity: 111%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $83,4002024 median wage: $39,0702024 wage disparity: 113%Missouri2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $104,3202025 median wage: $47,8002025 wage disparity: 118%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $101,2902024 median wage: $46,3902024 wage disparity: 118%Montana2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,6102025 median wage: $48,7402025 wage disparity: 106%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $97,5102024 median wage: $47,3602024 wage disparity: 106%Nebraska2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,1102025 median wage: $48,9802025 wage disparity: 111%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,8402024 median wage: $47,9902024 wage disparity: 110%Nevada2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $106,0802025 median wage: $47,6602025 wage disparity: 123%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,6202024 median wage: $46,4402024 wage disparity: 123%New Hampshire2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $126,9302025 median wage: $55,8802025 wage disparity: 127%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $121,3602024 median wage: $52,6102024 wage disparity: 131%New Jersey2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $142,7502025 median wage: $58,5702025 wage disparity: 144%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $137,6802024 median wage: $57,2302024 wage disparity: 141%New Mexico2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $110,0702025 median wage: $47,2102025 wage disparity: 133%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $106,6902024 median wage: $45,8702024 wage disparity: 133%New York2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $157,5002025 median wage: $59,6702025 wage disparity: 164%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $150,6902024 median wage: $58,5602024 wage disparity: 157%North Carolina2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $119,6402025 median wage: $47,9702025 wage disparity: 149%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $112,0402024 median wage: $46,9502024 wage disparity: 139%North Dakota2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,1602025 median wage: $52,4802025 wage disparity: 97%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $99,8202024 median wage: $50,3202024 wage disparity: 98%Ohio2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $106,8002025 median wage: $49,3802025 wage disparity: 116%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,8002024 median wage: $48,0602024 wage disparity: 116%Oklahoma2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,6902025 median wage: $45,6002025 wage disparity: 121%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $97,6802024 median wage: $43,9502024 wage disparity: 122%Oregon2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $129,5202025 median wage: $57,0002025 wage disparity: 127%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $127,1402024 median wage: $53,3902024 wage disparity: 138%Pennsylvania2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $117,8602025 median wage: $49,6902025 wage disparity: 137%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $109,7102024 median wage: $48,5502024 wage disparity: 126%Rhode Island2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $128,1202025 median wage: $56,7802025 wage disparity: 126%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $123,3002024 median wage: $54,0402024 wage disparity: 128%South Carolina2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,0102025 median wage: $46,4902025 wage disparity: 122%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $99,9902024 median wage: $44,7602024 wage disparity: 123%South Dakota2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $94,9002025 median wage: $47,0802025 wage disparity: 102%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $89,1902024 median wage: $45,6202024 wage disparity: 96%Tennessee2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,1302025 median wage: $47,3802025 wage disparity: 118%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,8602024 median wage: $46,1202024 wage disparity: 119%Texas2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $125,2202025 median wage: $48,6202025 wage disparity: 158%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $121,1802024 median wage: $47,5002024 wage disparity: 155%Utah2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $119,9902025 median wage: $50,1102025 wage disparity: 139%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $111,6402024 median wage: $48,6002024 wage disparity: 130%Vermont2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $111,4802025 median wage: $56,3902025 wage disparity: 98%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $107,9202024 median wage: $52,4102024 wage disparity: 106%Virginia2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $139,0102025 median wage: $55,6902025 wage disparity: 150%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $135,7402024 median wage: $53,0202024 wage disparity: 156%Washington2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $153,6302025 median wage: $62,9902025 wage disparity: 144%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $145,6202024 median wage: $61,5902024 wage disparity: 136%West Virginia2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,2202025 median wage: $45,3002025 wage disparity: 117%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $96,2402024 median wage: $43,3202024 wage disparity: 122%Wisconsin2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $104,9902025 median wage: $50,2702025 wage disparity: 109%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $101,9702024 median wage: $48,9302024 wage disparity: 108%Wyoming2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $104,1902025 median wage: $50,2702025 wage disparity: 107%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $102,2102024 median wage: $49,1602024 wage disparity: 108%MethodologyU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for May 2024 and May 2025, the two most recent years for which data are available, were analyzed using statewide annual median wage estimates and 90th-percentile wage thresholds for all occupations. For many occupations, OEWS annual wage estimates are calculated by multiplying hourly wages by 2,080 hours and therefore may not reflect workers’ actual annual earnings. Wage disparity was calculated as the percentage by which the 90th-percentile threshold exceeded the median wage, and states were ranked by the percentage-point change in that disparity from 2024 to 2025. OEWS figures are survey-based estimates and may be subject to sampling and nonsampling error. OEWS excludes self-employed workers and does not cover certain agricultural workers, private household workers or military-specific occupations. Year-over-year shifts, particularly smaller movements, should be interpreted as estimates rather than exact changes. Accordingly, rankings based on small one- or two-percentage-point changes should be interpreted cautiously. This measure captures disparity between the middle and upper end of the wage distribution; it is not a comprehensive measure of inequality across all workers. Source data providers are not affiliated with, and do not endorse or sponsor, this study or its findings.This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Survey: Are guests losing patience with restaurant price increases? Survey: Are guests losing patience with restaurant price increases?In April 2024, Data by Toast surveyed 850 U.S. diners about how they were feeling about rising menu prices, then conducted a similar survey in July 2026. Prices have kept climbing in the two years between waves, and so has guest skepticism—but not in the way that might show up in a restaurant's traffic numbers.Do guests think restaurant price increases are justified?Fewer than they did two years ago. In 2024, 41% of respondents said price increases were "completely justified," and only 10% said they weren't justified at all. In 2026, just 18% say increases are justified, while 25% say they're not. That's close to a reversal in two years.It is important to note that the 2026 wave phrased the response options slightly differently: "yes / somewhat / no" versus "completely justified / somewhat / not justified at all" in 2024. So this should be read as a directional shift rather than a word-for-word repeat. The direction, though, is unambiguous.How much do guests think menu prices have gone up?Guests think prices have gone up more than they estimated in 2024. That year, 41% of respondents guessed prices were up 10–20%. In 2026, 54% put the increase in that same range. Whatever the actual number has been, guests' sense of it has intensified.Are guests actually dining out less because of price increases?Guests say they are dining out only slightly less than they were two years ago, and cost of living, not menu prices specifically, is the bigger driver. In 2024, 55% of respondents said they were dining out less frequently than the year before. In 2026, it's 53%, essentially flat. Skepticism about pricing has grown substantially. Actual pullback in dining-out frequency has not.Among guests who are dining out less, 56% point to the overall cost of living as the main reason, versus 33% who name menu prices specifically. Guests aren't holding restaurants uniquely responsible for tighter budgets. Toast How are restaurant guests adapting instead of dining out less?Instead of abandoning dining out entirely, most customers are actively adapting their habits. In fact, a mere 12% report making no changes at all. The vast majority are making strategic adjustments: 45% are preparing more meals at home, 40% choose lower-cost options from the same menu, and 39% opt for less expensive dining establishments. Overall, this reflects a customer base actively managing its budget within the restaurant sector rather than departing from it. Toast Do guests want restaurants to tell them before raising prices?Over two years, guest demand for advance notice on menu price increases has remained remarkably steady. When asked across both survey waves if restaurants should communicate price hikes ahead of time, 70% of respondents agreed in 2024, compared to 69% in 2026.This persistent expectation is perhaps the survey's most actionable takeaway. Rather than a fleeting sentiment, it's a stable, ongoing desire that's gone largely unaddressed for two years running — giving operators an accessible way to ease guest concerns without altering a single menu price.Do guests understand why restaurant prices are rising?Yes, and that hasn't eroded either. In 2026, 57% of guests say they clearly understand why restaurants are raising prices — nearly identical to 2024's 58%. Asked which specific factors justify the increases, guests named the same drivers operators would: rising ingredient and food costs (77%), inflation generally (70%), and labor costs (57%).So the drop in "justified" sentiment isn't guests losing the plot about the reason; they know what's driving costs up. What seems to be wearing thin is patience: Understanding a price increase and feeling okay about it are two different things, and two years of cumulative increases have widened the gap between them. Toast What should restaurant operators take away from this?None of this points to a guest base that's checked out. It points to one that's more cost-aware, more willing to trade down within a restaurant relationship rather than end it, and still asking for the same small thing it asked for two years ago: a heads-up before the price on the menu changes.Frequently Asked QuestionsIs it true that fewer guests think restaurant price increases are justified than in 2024?Yes. In 2024, 41% of guests called price increases "completely justified." In 2026, only 18% say increases are justified, while 25% say they're not.Has the amount guests dine out actually changed since 2024?Only slightly. 55% of guests said they were dining out less often in 2024, compared with 53% in 2026 — a roughly flat trend despite rising skepticism about pricing.Why are guests dining out less, if not primarily because of menu prices?56% of guests who are dining out less cite the overall cost of living as the main reason, compared with 33% who cite menu prices specifically.Do guests want restaurants to announce price increases in advance?Yes. 69% of guests in 2026 said they'd prefer restaurants communicate a price increase ahead of time, nearly identical to the 70% who said the same in 2024.Do guests understand why restaurants are raising prices?Yes. 57% of guests in 2026 say they clearly understand why restaurants are raising prices, matching the 57% who said the same in 2024. The top cited justifications are rising ingredient/food costs (77%), inflation (70%), and labor costs (57%).Methodology: Toast conducted a blind survey of 850 U.S. adults ages 18+ on this topic on July 31st, 2026 and April 23, 2024. Respondents were not made aware that Toast was fielding the study. Using a standard margin of error calculation, at a confidence interval of 95%, the margin of error on average is +/- 3-5%.This story was produced by Toast and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Where wage inequality is increasing and decreasing Where wage inequality is increasing and decreasingWage equality helps define how workers share in economic growth. When top earners pull far ahead of median workers, rising high-end pay concentrates gains among a relatively small group. According to the Economic Policy Institute, earnings inequality has “redistributed wages away from most workers” and stifled “broader-based wage growth.” However, wider wage gaps may also reflect stronger rewards for specialized skills and experience, factors that can help drive productivity and economic expansion.SmartAsset analyzed 90th-percentile wage thresholds — the wage level at which workers enter the top 10% of earners — in each of the 50 states over the preceding two years. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for May 2024 and May 2025, the study calculated how much that threshold exceeded the median wage, expressed as a percentage, and measured the year-over-year change in the disparity.Key FindingsCalifornia and New York have the highest rates of wage inequality. The two states’ high concentrations of executive roles, finance jobs, and large technology sectors may explain their outsized wage inequality. In New York, the top 10% of workers earn at least 164% more than the median worker; in California, that figure is 173%.Pennsylvania and North Carolina had the largest year-over-year increases in wage inequality. In both states, the wage threshold for entering the top 10% rose 11 percentage points further above the median wage, as top-end wages increased faster than wages in the middle.In half of the states, wage inequality narrowed. Twenty-five states saw the gap between the threshold for entering the top 10% and the median wage decrease, led by Oregon with an 11-percentage-point decline.North Dakota has the narrowest wage disparity. The Roughrider State is the only state where the median wage is at least half the wage threshold for entering the top 10%. SmartAsset SmartAsset State-by-State Wage DisparityAlabama2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $101,2502025 median wage: $45,6702025 wage disparity: 122%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,8102024 median wage: $43,8302024 wage disparity: 125%Alaska2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $128,7202025 median wage: $61,0002025 wage disparity: 111%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $126,6802024 median wage: $59,4002024 wage disparity: 113%Arizona2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $120,1802025 median wage: $50,0602025 wage disparity: 140%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $113,3202024 median wage: $48,8102024 wage disparity: 132%Arkansas2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $94,7402025 median wage: $43,6302025 wage disparity: 117%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $89,4602024 median wage: $41,0202024 wage disparity: 118%California2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $159,0802025 median wage: $58,2402025 wage disparity: 173%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $157,2102024 median wage: $56,9402024 wage disparity: 176%Colorado2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $136,3302025 median wage: $59,8002025 wage disparity: 128%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $134,0502024 median wage: $58,2102024 wage disparity: 130%Connecticut2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $135,7902025 median wage: $59,6902025 wage disparity: 127%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $133,8602024 median wage: $58,4002024 wage disparity: 129%Delaware2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $127,6902025 median wage: $52,1902025 wage disparity: 145%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $124,2602024 median wage: $51,0302024 wage disparity: 144%Florida2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $114,5502025 median wage: $47,8802025 wage disparity: 139%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $109,7302024 median wage: $46,8602024 wage disparity: 134%Georgia2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $122,4702025 median wage: $48,1702025 wage disparity: 154%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $117,3802024 median wage: $47,0202024 wage disparity: 150%Hawaii2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $123,6602025 median wage: $56,3202025 wage disparity: 120%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $119,8302024 median wage: $53,2602024 wage disparity: 125%Idaho2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,2402025 median wage: $47,9702025 wage disparity: 115%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,2202024 median wage: $46,4702024 wage disparity: 116%Illinois2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $127,7702025 median wage: $51,9602025 wage disparity: 146%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $124,5602024 median wage: $50,0002024 wage disparity: 149%Indiana2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $101,1602025 median wage: $47,8602025 wage disparity: 111%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,5202024 median wage: $46,9302024 wage disparity: 110%Iowa2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $99,6302025 median wage: $48,5402025 wage disparity: 105%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $97,8702024 median wage: $47,6702024 wage disparity: 105%Kansas2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,2502025 median wage: $48,0102025 wage disparity: 115%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,2702024 median wage: $46,8502024 wage disparity: 114%Kentucky2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,3802025 median wage: $46,9202025 wage disparity: 110%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $94,6102024 median wage: $45,7402024 wage disparity: 107%Louisiana2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,1102025 median wage: $45,5202025 wage disparity: 120%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,1802024 median wage: $43,7702024 wage disparity: 124%Maine2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $105,5102025 median wage: $51,4302025 wage disparity: 105%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $102,4802024 median wage: $49,4402024 wage disparity: 107%Maryland2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $145,4102025 median wage: $59,5102025 wage disparity: 144%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $142,6002024 median wage: $58,0502024 wage disparity: 146%Massachusetts2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $163,0102025 median wage: $63,5902025 wage disparity: 156%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $157,2202024 median wage: $62,2702024 wage disparity: 152%Michigan2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $110,6502025 median wage: $49,2702025 wage disparity: 125%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $106,4502024 median wage: $48,3002024 wage disparity: 120%Minnesota2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $125,7302025 median wage: $56,9202025 wage disparity: 121%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $121,5002024 median wage: $53,8102024 wage disparity: 126%Mississippi2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $84,5002025 median wage: $40,1202025 wage disparity: 111%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $83,4002024 median wage: $39,0702024 wage disparity: 113%Missouri2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $104,3202025 median wage: $47,8002025 wage disparity: 118%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $101,2902024 median wage: $46,3902024 wage disparity: 118%Montana2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,6102025 median wage: $48,7402025 wage disparity: 106%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $97,5102024 median wage: $47,3602024 wage disparity: 106%Nebraska2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,1102025 median wage: $48,9802025 wage disparity: 111%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,8402024 median wage: $47,9902024 wage disparity: 110%Nevada2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $106,0802025 median wage: $47,6602025 wage disparity: 123%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,6202024 median wage: $46,4402024 wage disparity: 123%New Hampshire2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $126,9302025 median wage: $55,8802025 wage disparity: 127%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $121,3602024 median wage: $52,6102024 wage disparity: 131%New Jersey2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $142,7502025 median wage: $58,5702025 wage disparity: 144%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $137,6802024 median wage: $57,2302024 wage disparity: 141%New Mexico2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $110,0702025 median wage: $47,2102025 wage disparity: 133%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $106,6902024 median wage: $45,8702024 wage disparity: 133%New York2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $157,5002025 median wage: $59,6702025 wage disparity: 164%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $150,6902024 median wage: $58,5602024 wage disparity: 157%North Carolina2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $119,6402025 median wage: $47,9702025 wage disparity: 149%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $112,0402024 median wage: $46,9502024 wage disparity: 139%North Dakota2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,1602025 median wage: $52,4802025 wage disparity: 97%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $99,8202024 median wage: $50,3202024 wage disparity: 98%Ohio2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $106,8002025 median wage: $49,3802025 wage disparity: 116%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,8002024 median wage: $48,0602024 wage disparity: 116%Oklahoma2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,6902025 median wage: $45,6002025 wage disparity: 121%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $97,6802024 median wage: $43,9502024 wage disparity: 122%Oregon2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $129,5202025 median wage: $57,0002025 wage disparity: 127%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $127,1402024 median wage: $53,3902024 wage disparity: 138%Pennsylvania2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $117,8602025 median wage: $49,6902025 wage disparity: 137%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $109,7102024 median wage: $48,5502024 wage disparity: 126%Rhode Island2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $128,1202025 median wage: $56,7802025 wage disparity: 126%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $123,3002024 median wage: $54,0402024 wage disparity: 128%South Carolina2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,0102025 median wage: $46,4902025 wage disparity: 122%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $99,9902024 median wage: $44,7602024 wage disparity: 123%South Dakota2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $94,9002025 median wage: $47,0802025 wage disparity: 102%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $89,1902024 median wage: $45,6202024 wage disparity: 96%Tennessee2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $103,1302025 median wage: $47,3802025 wage disparity: 118%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $100,8602024 median wage: $46,1202024 wage disparity: 119%Texas2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $125,2202025 median wage: $48,6202025 wage disparity: 158%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $121,1802024 median wage: $47,5002024 wage disparity: 155%Utah2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $119,9902025 median wage: $50,1102025 wage disparity: 139%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $111,6402024 median wage: $48,6002024 wage disparity: 130%Vermont2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $111,4802025 median wage: $56,3902025 wage disparity: 98%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $107,9202024 median wage: $52,4102024 wage disparity: 106%Virginia2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $139,0102025 median wage: $55,6902025 wage disparity: 150%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $135,7402024 median wage: $53,0202024 wage disparity: 156%Washington2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $153,6302025 median wage: $62,9902025 wage disparity: 144%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $145,6202024 median wage: $61,5902024 wage disparity: 136%West Virginia2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $98,2202025 median wage: $45,3002025 wage disparity: 117%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $96,2402024 median wage: $43,3202024 wage disparity: 122%Wisconsin2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $104,9902025 median wage: $50,2702025 wage disparity: 109%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $101,9702024 median wage: $48,9302024 wage disparity: 108%Wyoming2025 90th-percentile wage threshold: $104,1902025 median wage: $50,2702025 wage disparity: 107%2024 90th-percentile wage threshold: $102,2102024 median wage: $49,1602024 wage disparity: 108%MethodologyU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for May 2024 and May 2025, the two most recent years for which data are available, were analyzed using statewide annual median wage estimates and 90th-percentile wage thresholds for all occupations. For many occupations, OEWS annual wage estimates are calculated by multiplying hourly wages by 2,080 hours and therefore may not reflect workers’ actual annual earnings. Wage disparity was calculated as the percentage by which the 90th-percentile threshold exceeded the median wage, and states were ranked by the percentage-point change in that disparity from 2024 to 2025. OEWS figures are survey-based estimates and may be subject to sampling and nonsampling error. OEWS excludes self-employed workers and does not cover certain agricultural workers, private household workers or military-specific occupations. Year-over-year shifts, particularly smaller movements, should be interpreted as estimates rather than exact changes. Accordingly, rankings based on small one- or two-percentage-point changes should be interpreted cautiously. This measure captures disparity between the middle and upper end of the wage distribution; it is not a comprehensive measure of inequality across all workers. Source data providers are not affiliated with, and do not endorse or sponsor, this study or its findings.This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Survey shows how financial pressure shapes US relationships, families, and major life decisions Survey shows how financial pressure shapes US relationships, families, and major life decisionsThe TD 2026 Love & Money Survey shows that financial pressure is affecting far more than household budgets. Americans say money is influencing how they communicate with partners, when they pursue major life milestones, how often they rely on family support and how confident they feel about their financial future.Despite these pressures, TD reports, Americans remain focused on strengthening their financial futures through greater savings, reduced debt and improved financial planning.1. Money is still one of America's biggest relationship stressorsMoney continues to create tension in Americans’ relationships and personal lives. While nearly half of respondents reported being completely transparent about their finances, many avoid or hide financial decisions.Fifty-nine percent have felt scared or embarrassed discussing finances with a partner.Forty-two percent say financial disagreements create stress often or very often.Forty-six percent say someone's debt or financial habits would influence whether they pursued a serious relationship.Thirty percent have hidden a financial decision from someone close to them.2. Financial pressure is delaying American dreamsMoney doesn't just affect relationships. For many Americans, it is shaping when they feel ready to pursue some of life's biggest goals. Three-quarters of survey respondents have postponed major life goals because of money. Persistent affordability challenges are causing Americans to put important financial and personal goals on hold. Younger generations are experiencing the broadest range of delays, from moving out of a parent's home and buying their own home to getting married or starting a family. Top delays include:Paying off debt (23%)Travel (21%)Buying a car (17%)Buying a home (17%)Saving for retirement (15%)3. The rise of family financial supportAs Americans delay major life milestones and navigate ongoing affordability challenges, families are increasingly stepping in to help. Financial support does not end when children become adults. Americans are both receiving and providing assistance across generations, helping cover everyday expenses, emergencies and major milestones, ranging from housing to transportation.Sixty-seven percent have received financial assistance.Seventy-one percent have provided financial assistance.Average support received exceeds $12,000.4. The pressure to keep up is extending beyond financesFinancial pressure doesn't just affect spending decisions. It can also influence how people compare themselves to others and how successful they feel they need to appear. More than two-thirds of the survey respondents feel pressure to be perceived as wealthier than they are.Sixty-eight percent feel pressure in their personal lives.Fifty-three percent feel pressure on social media.5. Americans want financial confidence more than financial perfectionDespite these pressures, Americans remain focused on building a stronger financial future. While many respondents report feeling stretched by the cost of living, they are actively looking for ways to increase their financial confidence through higher income, greater savings, reduced debt and stronger financial knowledge.When asked what would most improve their financial confidence, survey respondents pointed to higher income, more savings, and financial education.Fifty-six percent say higher income, more savings or less debt would improve confidence.Higher income is the No. 1 answer overall.Financial education ranks especially high among Gen Z.Survey MethodologyTalker Research surveyed 2,000 respondents, including 250 in the major metro areas of New York City, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C., and 500 general population respondents. The survey was commissioned by TD and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between June 29 and July 13, 2026.This random double-opt-in survey was conducted by market research company Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).This article is for informational purposes only and is based on information available as of August 2026 and is subject to change.This story was produced by TD and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to get ROI from Yelp Ads: A revenue-first guide How to get ROI from Yelp Ads: A revenue-first guideHow to get return on investment (ROI) from Yelp Ads comes down to tracking what happens after the click. Yelp reports the clicks, calls, and directions your page generates, and your own attribution has to show which of those became paying customers and whether the profit covered what you spent.That gap is why Yelp advertising ROI is harder to pin down than it looks. Yelp reports substantial lifts in customer leads among advertisers, and it counts bookmarks, photo uploads, and check-ins as customer leads alongside calls and messages.WebFX broke down what Yelp’s dashboard actually measures, how to calculate return on both revenue and profit, and where to look when your lead count looks healthy but your revenue does not.How to get ROI from Yelp AdsTrack every Yelp lead through to a booked customer, calculate what those customers contributed, find the stage where value drops, and fix that stage before increasing spend.That sequence matters because Yelp advertising works through a chain, and each link can break independently: WebFX If you measure only the first three links, you have to guess at the rest. Yelp’s dashboard covers spend, clicks, and its own count of leads, which leaves the three stages where money is actually made or lost outside the reporting entirely.Cheaper clicks do not improve Yelp advertising ROI, but more profitable booked jobs do, and you cannot optimize toward those without seeing them.What does Yelp actually measure?Yelp measures campaign activity on your page, and that activity is not the same as booked customers.Start with what Yelp publishes about advertiser performance. The average advertiser sees a 168% monthly lift in customer leads after 12 months of advertising, based on 29,836 U.S. advertisers. Across that study, mobile calls increased 152% and website clicks went up 113%. Meanwhile, home services advertisers saw a 219% lift in customer leads.Those are real increases in activity, but they are not a measure of booked business, and the reason sits in how Yelp defines the metric.What counts as a customer leadYelp counts nine actions as customer leads:Mobile check-insMobile callsUser-uploaded photosCall to action clicksDirections and map viewsClicks to your websiteYelp bookmarksReservations made on YelpMessages from users to your businessBookmarks and photo uploads contribute to the same total as calls and messages. Someone saving your page for later counts, and so does someone who called and booked a $6,000 install.Yelp is direct about where its visibility ends. “Once a customer logs off, we can’t follow their actions,” the company wrote on its website, which means every stage between the click and the closed job has to be measured on your side.What Yelp shows vs. what you needYelp’s dashboard answers questions about reach and engagement. An ROI calculation asks questions about money, and those two sets of questions rarely overlap. WebFX How to calculate ROI from Yelp AdsTwo formulas answer different questions, and mixing them up is why so many Yelp ROI numbers look impressive and mean nothing.Return on ad spend (ROAS) tells you how much revenue came back for every advertising dollar:Yelp ROAS = Attributed Yelp revenue ÷ Yelp ad spendReturn on investment (ROI) tells you whether the campaign made money after the cost of delivering the work:Yelp ROI = (Gross profit attributable to Yelp – total campaign cost) ÷ total campaign cost × 100The second one is stricter for two reasons. It uses gross profit instead of revenue, so it accounts for what those jobs cost you to complete. And total campaign cost includes more than ad spend, since a campaign also carries any paid Yelp upgrades it uses and whatever you pay someone to manage it.A campaign returning $4 in revenue for every $1 of ad spend sounds strong. If those jobs run at a 25% gross margin, the campaign is already at break-even on ad spend alone. Add a management fee, and the true ROI turns negative.The five numbers worth trackingEach of these metrics answers a different question, and running all five tells you where in the chain your money is working. WebFX Work down that list, and each metric gets closer to the question you actually care about. Cost per click tells you about the auction, while cost per booked job tells you about your business.The five things Yelp’s lead count cannot tell youYelp’s dashboard reports what happened on your page. These five gaps sit between that report and an ROI figure you can act on.Whether the activity represented real buying intent: Yelp’s customer leads metric includes bookmarks, photo uploads, and check-ins alongside calls and messages. A month with 60 leads might contain 40 people trying to reach you or 15, and the number alone will not tell you which.Which paid and organic Yelp leads produced revenue: Yelp separates ad leads from organic leads, so you can see which came through your campaign. What it cannot show is which of those became customers, or what each source returned once the work closed.Whether the lead was qualified: An inquiry only counts if it matches the services you sell, the area you cover, and the kind of customer you want. A call asking about work you do not do still lands in your lead count.Whether the lead became a booked customer: The gap between someone calling and someone booking is where most campaign performance is actually decided, and none of it appears in Yelp’s reporting.What the customer was worth: Two campaigns can produce the same number of booked jobs and very different revenue. Job value and gross margin live in your books.What to put in placeClosing these gaps takes four things, and Yelp supplies part of it.Call tracking that connects to revenue. Yelp offers free call reporting to advertisers, showing the date, a partial phone number, and the duration of each call. That covers call volume. Connecting a specific call to a booked job and the revenue behind it takes tracking that reaches into your own systems.Campaign-level URL tagging. Yelp’s native link tracking feature attributes website actions back to your Yelp Ads campaigns and is available to advertisers with 10 or more locations. If that feature is not available to your business, use your own campaign-level tracking and analytics to connect Yelp website traffic and leads back to the campaign.Campaign spend included in your reporting, so you can calculate cost per qualified lead, cost per booked job, ROAS, and ROI against actual Yelp spend.Lead outcomes recorded. Qualified or not, booked or not, and what the job was worth. Without this last piece, the other three produce a well-labeled lead count and nothing more.What tracking revealed for one HVAC advertiserHere is what the full chain looks like when someone measures all six stages instead of the first three.A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) company running Yelp Ads tracked Yelp-attributed revenue equal to more than 10 times its Yelp Ads spend across the first half of 2026. Yelp Ads directly drove 90% of the jobs attributed to Yelp during that period, with the remainder coming from the company’s organic Yelp listing.Yelp’s platform metrics alone would not have surfaced that outcome. The dashboard reports activity on the page, and the job attribution and revenue figures come from tracking built outside it.Keep in mind that the revenue total combines paid and organic Yelp activity, and it reflects one client, one market, and one six-month stretch, which makes it an example of what the measurement produces rather than a benchmark for your category.Where is your Yelp ROI breaking down?When the numbers disappoint, the useful question is which stage of the chain leaked. Match what you are seeing against the pattern below. WebFX Diagnose the broken stage before increasing the budget. More spend magnifies whatever performance you already have, which means a targeting problem funded at twice the level produces twice the unqualified leads.How to improve ROI from advertising on YelpOnce you know which stage is leaking, six levers move the number. They run roughly in order of impact.Fix attribution first. Everything below depends on seeing which spend produced which jobs, and you cannot optimize toward revenue you cannot trace. This is the one item worth doing before you touch the campaign itself.Target the services with the best economics. Yelp serves your ads based on the categories on your account, and selecting every category you technically qualify for exposes your budget to work you did not want. Cutting the ones that produce low-margin work raises your average gross profit per job without changing your budget.Tighten geographic targeting. Every click from outside your realistic service area is spending you cannot convert. Narrow the radius to where your crews actually go and where you can close profitably.Improve the page people land on after the click. Photos of completed work, current service details, and credentials all affect whether a paid visitor calls—same clicks, more leads, and better cost per lead.Look at lead handling. Response speed matters on Yelp, particularly for quote requests where people contact several businesses at once. It is also one bottleneck among several, so check it against the diagnostic above rather than assuming it caused the problem.Reallocate by cost per booked job. Lead volume is the wrong basis for a budget decision. Shift spend toward the services and areas producing customers at an acquisition cost your margins can absorb.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Friday, September 11th, 2026

Thursday, September 10th, 2026