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

Thursday, August 20th, 2026
	Jury returns verdict in Whiteside County's first criminal jury trial since selection issues were brought to light Earlier this year, it was found that Whiteside County circuit clerks had applied exclusion criteria to potential jurors.
	Quad City Animal Welfare Center celebrating 10 years of its clinic The Quad City Animal Welfare Center is holding an open house celebration on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. The event includes tours of its wellness clinic, information about services, and a chance to meet the team. The clinic is located at 612 First Street West in Milan. The nonprofit’s Adoption and Education Center will also be open Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., located at 724 2nd Avenue West in Milan. Currently, the center cares for at least 45 dogs, 180 cats, and two guinea pigs.
	Timothy Farquer to keep Mercer County School Superintendent job after acquittal Board of Education of Mercer County School District no. 404 has released a statement after school superintendent Timothy Farquer was acquitted of all eight charges he faced, four counts of official misconduct/forbidden act, two counts of disclosing hospital/medical information and two counts of computer tampering/obtaining data. “The Board appreciates the care with which the Court [...]
	Hilltop crosswalks get colorful makeover in Davenport pedestrian safety push St. Ambrose students helped paint high-visibility crosswalks in Davenport's Hilltop neighborhood to boost pedestrian safety and walkability.
	Speed limit lowered on portions of Avenue of the Cities in Moline The speed limit has been lowered to 30 mph along the Avenue in Moline from 41st Street to the East Moline border.
	Mercer Co. School Board backs superintendent after court throws out criminal charges Mercer County School Board thanked the court after charges were dismissed against Superintendent Tim Farquer over student record access.
	Davenport sued for redacting city admin’s resume Allen Diercks has filed suit in Scott County, asking a court to force Davenport to produce it.
	Whiteside County tries first criminal trial in 6 months On August 17, after a four-day jury trial, a Whiteside County jury returned a not guilty verdict on a charge of aggravated battery to a peace officer in a Whiteside County criminal case, People of the State of Illinois vs. Michael Cover. The jury found Cover guilty of a lesser, criminal misdemeanor charge of obstructing [...]
	Cody Elementary in LeClaire testing areas for possible mold Teachers came back to the school on Tuesday to discover "new areas of visible concern," the district said.
	Group gathering signatures, hosting concert to protest proposed Clinton data center Clintonians Against Data Centers is gathering signatures for a petition asking for an 18-month moratorium on all approvals related to data centers of more than 50 contiguous acres and asking that a public vote be held prior to a data center being placed before the City Council for final approval. The group hopes to collect [...]
	Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has a theory about Marvel's 'Wonder Man' cancellation Two weeks after being nominated for an Emmy for his leading role in Wonder Man, Abdul-Mateen found out that the series had been cancelled. He says Marvel could do more to support Black-led projects.
	Low oxygen in Scott County's Railroad Lake causes fish kill A combination of hot, stormy weather and overgrown lake vegetation caused oxygen levels to drop in Railroad Lake, killing thousands of fish in the past week.
	“The Driftless,” September 1 With Screen Anarchy declaring that his latest film “reinvents the classic horror anthology as a celebration of the landscapes and mythologies of his native Midwest,” writer/director Tim Connery's The Driftless enjoys a special September 1 screening at Davenport venue The Last Picture House, this quartet of terrifying tales the winner of the “Audience Favorite” award at the 2025 Nightmare in the Ozarks Festival and “Debut Feature” prize at the 2025 GrimmFest.
	Central Dewitt approves placing bond question on November ballot The $33 million bond will be used to combine Ekstrand Elementary and the district's main campus under one roof.
	Two charged with 30 counts of animal torture and neglect Two people from Iowa City are accused of operating as unlicensed breeders and selling dogs out of a mobile home and shed.
	Pay It Forward \| A school stranger turns secret hero to students at Rock Island elementary Judie Holmer had never seen Frances Willard Elementary School before, but she continues to collect hygiene items for students in need.
	Three things to know about the $40 trillion federal debt The U.S. federal debt hit a record $40 trillion this week. The debt has doubled since 2017, and just paying interest on the accumulated debt now costs the government more than $1 trillion a year.
	What to know about Dr. Heidi Overton, Trump's pick to lead the FDA Dr. Heidi Overton is currently working as a White House policy aide. If confirmed, she would lead an agency of 18,000 staffers who study and regulate food, drugs, medical devices, tobacco and more.
	Bettendorf School District hires new director of student services TJ Grindle has recently worked with the district as its special education coordinator.
	The Beaker Brothers Band, August 23 Delivering a blues-rock tribute to legendary musicians of the past, Iowa City's ever-popular ensemble The Beaker Brothers Band returns to the Quad Cities for a concert at Davenport's Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill, the August 23 show one of the last touring stops the beloved ensemble will make before signing off as a publicly performing band at the end of 2026.
	Davenport moves to make speeding fix permanent at River Drive intersection Davenport is moving to make a temporary traffic-calming test permanent at the intersection of River Street, McClellan and River Drive.
	Davenport superintendent previews new school year Davenport superintendent previews changes ahead of Aug. 24 start
	QC Senior Expo connects seniors to area resources The QC Senior Expo returns to the Golden Leaf Banquet Center, 2902 E. Kimberly Road #1 in Davenport, on Friday, September 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event brings 53 local businesses, healthcare providers and community organizations dedicated to serving seniors and their families together in one place. The Spring 2026 QC Senior [...]
	8 ways to treat ADHD that aren't medication 8 ways to treat ADHD that aren't medicationTreating ADHD isn’t a “one size fits all” journey — there’s no one treatment that works for everyone. Medication remains one of the most effective options for kids and adults. Stimulants are the most common type of medicine for ADHD. Research shows that about 70% of children and adults taking stimulants notice an improvement in ADHD symptoms.But some people experience side effects from ADHD stimulants or non-stimulants. Or they want to try natural or holistic methods, in addition to medication, to manage common symptoms — like trouble focusing, fidgeting, and making impulsive decisions.These alternative ADHD treatments include everything from behavior therapy and mindfulness to exercise and dietary supplements. And there’s no shortage of ADHD remedies that have gained popularity on social media.So do they actually work? And what does science say about how effective alternative ADHD treatments are for kids and adults?Understood breaks down which non-medication treatments can help manage ADHD symptoms — and which don’t — and how to use them.1. TherapyTherapy is a scientifically proven non-medication treatment that can help manage ADHD symptoms. After an ADHD diagnosis, short-term therapy can be especially helpful for learning about ADHD, identifying symptoms, and working on executive functioning skills. And for people with ADHD and anxiety, therapy in addition to medication can be the most effective treatment plan.The most well-known therapy for ADHD is cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is a form of talk therapy that helps you recognize negative thoughts or challenging behaviors and reframe them into more productive ones.Evidence suggests that CBT is most helpful for adults with ADHD who have mood symptoms like anxiety, depression, or high stress. CBT can also improve executive function. This includes things like memory, focus, resisting impulses, and regulating your emotions. And it can be helpful for teens with ADHD who also have mood-related symptoms like anxiety or depression, says Elizabeth Harstad, M.D., M.P.H., a board-certified pediatrician and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School.But while CBT is very popular, the most useful type of therapy for ADHD really depends on your age, Harstad points out. “For school-age children, cognitive behavioral therapy isn’t proven as a therapy to reduce core ADHD symptoms, though it can help with organization and planning skills for some people with ADHD,” she says.For children under 6 with ADHD, Harstad suggests that parents may first want to consider behavioral parent training. BPT focuses on improving parenting skills, helping kids manage their behavior, and enhancing the parent-child relationship. In BPT, parents learn strategies like “positive reinforcement, consistency, follow-through, and using charts and checklists,” says Harstad.Older children, teens, and adults may also benefit from organizational skills training. OST helps develop time management skills, improve planning and scheduling, and support homework or task completion.2. ExerciseExercise is an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD. Research shows that exercise can improve core ADHD symptoms, particularly when it comes to executive functioning skills.Moving your body can be beneficial for ADHD because it releases dopamine and norepinephrine. These are brain chemicals that help improve focus and manage impulses. “It’s generally recommended for all children to engage in 60 minutes of exercise per day and for all adults to get at least 150 minutes [of] moderate to high intensity [exercise] each week,” says Harstad.You don’t always need a structured exercise regimen. But it’s a good idea to make sure you’re getting enough physical activity throughout the week. Most importantly, get your body moving in ways that you enjoy so you stay consistent with your routine, says Harstad. Consider these activities:For kidsRunning around at the parkPlaying games like tag and hide-and-seekDoing gymnasticsFor teensParticipating in team sportsRiding a bikeGoing for a jog after schoolFor adultsDoing yogaTaking a dance classLifting weights3. Taking breaks in naturePeople with ADHD can have a hard time sustaining attention. Spending time outside, especially in a natural setting, gives their brains a much-needed break.The brain has two types of attention it uses to keep focused:Voluntary attention: This requires you to put in effort to focus on something important, like homework or meetings.Involuntary attention: This is a more passive or effortless type of attention. You use it when your attention is naturally drawn to something stimulating, like a loud noise or a moving object.When you spend time in nature, your mind uses involuntary attention to focus on outdoor stimuli, like a squirrel running across the field or waves crashing on the shore at the beach. Because your involuntary attention switch is on when you’re outside, it allows your voluntary attention to turn off and take a break.This is important for ADHD brains. By giving your voluntary attention a chance to recover, you’ll be better able to use it later to focus on an important task.Best of all, you don’t need to head to the forest or ocean to give your voluntary attention a much-needed break. Consider these activities closer to home:Take a 15-minute walk around your neighborhood every evening after dinner.Check out a new trail or hiking path with friends.Sit next to a big window on a sunny day.4. Mindfulness and meditationMindfulness is a practice that helps train your mind to stay in the present moment. Some people assume that mindfulness requires sitting still, but that’s not entirely true. Being mindful doesn’t mean you have to be frozen in place or keep the voice in your brain completely quiet. It just means becoming more aware of your thoughts and how your body feels.Mindfulness is helpful for people with ADHD because it can support executive function and self-regulation skills. And it can reduce ADHD mental health symptoms, like stress, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation.There are plenty of mindfulness options to choose from, so you can select the type of mindfulness that works best for you. Here’s a look at some common mindfulness strategies for ADHD and how they work: Understood 5. NutritionYou might hear a lot of online discussion about the connection between food and ADHD, and the effectiveness of supplements. It’s important to understand what the science says about these popular natural ADHD remedies.Omega-3 fatty acidsThough not a replacement for stimulants, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve ADHD symptoms in kids. Some research suggests that people with ADHD may have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. These fatty acids help neurons in the brain communicate more effectively, so low omega-3 levels may play a role in worsening ADHD symptoms.Fatty fish like salmon and sardines, as well as fish oil supplements, are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. It’s always a good idea to let your doctor know about any vitamins or supplements you or your kids are taking.Dietary changesIf you’ve ever scrolled social media, you may have come across people recommending certain diets for ADHD. As Harstad points out, “All people should aim for a diet that prioritizes nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, protein, grains, and dairy, and that limits added sugars and saturated fats. Having ADHD doesn’t change this general diet recommendation.”That hasn’t stopped elimination diets from getting a lot of buzz. Like the Feingold Diet, which cuts out artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and salicylates (compounds that can be found in fruits like apples or berries). There are also claims that foods with a high amount of sugar can cause ADHD. But research doesn’t back up these diets or claims, Harstad says.“There isn’t sufficient medical evidence to make the claim that eating a diet low in sugar and food dyes is better for ADHD,” Harstad explains. “But aiming for a diet low in sugar and with limited food dyes could be recommended for general health.”Essentially, focusing on whole foods and eating a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains can support your overall well-being.If you’re a parent who has a child with ADHD, it’s a good idea to focus on a well-balanced eating plan for them. But if your child wants a little treat once in a while, that’s OK. In fact, research shows that restrictive diets can be difficult to maintain, increase frustration or anxiety, and worsen overall quality of life.Herbal supplementsSome people try certain herbal supplements to keep ADHD symptoms at bay. Common options include ginkgo biloba, melatonin, or St. John’s wort.At this time, there isn’t enough evidence to show that any of these supplements can effectively help manage ADHD for kids and adults. It’s also important to note that supplements aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Check in with your health care provider to ensure that they’re safe for you to take, won’t cause interactions with any medications you take, and don’t cause any side effects.6. NeurofeedbackNeurofeedback is a type of biofeedback. During a session at a neurofeedback clinic, sensors are placed on your scalp. A licensed technician will ask you to focus on a specific activity — usually a movie or a video game.As you focus on the activity, the sensors use very tiny electrical signals to pick up on different brain waves. When you’re focused, these brain waves are fast. And when you’re distracted, the brain waves slow down.The purpose of this therapy is to gently encourage you to focus more by giving you reinforcement based on your behaviors. If the neurofeedback machine detects a slower brain wave, it might slow down the game, darken the screen, or pause the movie. When you bring your attention back to the activity, the game or movie will likely go back to its original quality. This is the machine’s way of rewarding you for concentrating on the activity again.While this sounds promising, the research on the effectiveness of neurofeedback for ADHD is still mixed. Health care providers don’t recommend it as an alternative to medication and therapy. However, neurofeedback is safe to try. So if you or your child is interested in attending a neurofeedback session, talk to your health care provider about your options.In some states, neurofeedback is starting to be covered by insurance. Check your insurance plan to see how much a neurofeedback session may cost you.7. Brain training gamesIn recent years, brain training games have started to become a potential treatment option to help improve cognitive and executive function in people with ADHD. The first FDA-approved video game treatment for ADHD was EndeavorRX, an immersive mobile video game that helps strengthen certain brain skills like memory, attention, and impulse control.Early research suggests that people who engage in these types of brain training do improve their skills as they continue playing. But, research also shows that those improvements don’t necessarily translate outside of the game. So, even if your focus improves in a game, it doesn’t mean you’ll be more focused in your everyday life.As of now, scientists can’t recommend these games as effective treatment options. But there’s no physical harm or safety risk in giving cognitive games a try. As always, before you make any changes or additions to your ADHD treatment plan, check in with your health care provider. They can recommend the best options for your overall health goals.8. Prioritizing sleepADHD can affect your sleep quality and sleep patterns. Not getting enough sleep can cause ADHD-like symptoms — like trouble with focus and managing emotions — in anyone. Or it can make these symptoms worse in someone who has ADHD.There are some strategies you can try to improve sleep quality for both kids and adults. One study showed that improving “sleep hygiene” for kids with ADHD improved their quality of life and reduced their ADHD symptoms.Here are some healthy sleep habits you can try:Get daytime exercise.Spend time outside in sunlight.Skip caffeine later in the day.Avoid screens before bed.Keep a consistent bedtime.Set a sleep routine focused on unwinding and getting ready for sleep, like a bath, followed by dimming the lights and reading a book.Set your room for sleep with a cool temperature. Some people also use blackout shades and white noise.This story was produced by Understood and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What hidden injuries reveal: Why some car accident symptoms surface days later What hidden injuries reveal: Why some car accident symptoms surface days laterSomeone walks away from a collision, waves off the ambulance, and drives home sore but more or less functional. Then morning comes with a headache that won't quit, a hand that's gone numb, or a stomach that feels tight and wrong. But those injuries didn't appear overnight: They were slowly coming to the surface the whole time.The delayed onset of serious symptoms is a documented part of how the body responds to trauma. That process carries real stakes for a person's health, and for the medical record eventually attached to the injury. Knowing why serious harm can stay quiet, and what to watch for when it does, is worth keeping in mind after any wreck. The Callahan Law Firm examined why symptoms from an automobile collision can appear days later, and which injuries require medical attention.Crashes are common. The aftermath isn't simple.For an overwhelming number of Americans, the emergency room is the immediate next stop after a car wreck. Working from a nationally representative federal survey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics clocked an average of 3.8 million emergency room visits a year for motor vehicle crash injuries between 2019 and 2020. That’s about 11.6 visits for every 1,000 people. Drivers and passengers aged 15 to 24 showed up most often, at 19.1 per 1,000. Roughly 90% of those injuries were unintentional injuries to passengers. Whatever else a fender bender may be, it isn't rare.The brain hides the damageConcussions and other mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are prime examples. The CDC doesn't hedge about it: Some symptoms land right away, others hold off for hours or days. That's the trap: You can clear your own "I feel fine" test and still be concussed.Taken individually, the symptoms may not make the injury any more apparent, since nearly all of the symptoms could have an innocent explanation. The CDC groups symptoms by how they impact the way you feel, think, act, and sleep. You might experience headaches, dizziness, a sudden intolerance for light or noise, fog where your concentration used to be, dropped memories, a short fuse, anxiety, or nights of bad sleep. But these are all easy to chalk up to stress or exhaustion. As the agency notes, this makes potential injuries easier for the injured person to miss — and for their family and doctor to miss as well.Of course, not every postcrash headache is an emergency. The CDC is clear that symptoms usually ease off, and plenty of people with a mild TBI feel like themselves again within a couple of weeks. The catch is timing: Getting better isn't always immediate, and neither is getting worse. The CDC flags a handful of adult danger signs that require an ER visit, now: a headache that keeps climbing and won't quit, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, one pupil blown wider than the other, convulsions, or a slide into confusion and drowsiness."Your scan came back clean"A normal head CT scan is genuinely good news, but it doesn't promise a fast or full recovery. One large U.S. study in JAMA Network Open in 2022 tracked 991 patients who turned up at one of 18 level I trauma centers with a mild TBI — wide awake, a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15, and a head CT scan that showed nothing acute.Recovery dragged well behind the reassurance. Two weeks out, 73% of the patients who followed up still hadn't gotten back to their old level of function on the study's yardstick. Only 27% had fully recovered. At six months, 56% were still short of the mark. And among that incomplete-recovery group, 88% said they hadn't returned to the life they had before the crash. The authors' recommendation was blunt: Send these patients back for a check around the two-week point, specifically to flag the ones who aren't bouncing back.These were people hurt badly enough to land at a trauma center, not every minor bonk on the head, and "incomplete recovery" tracks how someone is functioning and feeling, not some structural injury a scanner missed. Even so, the lesson sticks: A clean scan in hour one is not a clean bill of health in week six. That gap is the whole reason follow-up exists.What's actually worth a doctor's visitWhen you drop the medical vocabulary, it comes down to a short list. Any of these symptoms earns a check-up after a crash, even if it surfaces days later:Pain or swelling that doesn’t improve with rest — especially the kind that ruins your sleep or gets between you and an ordinary day.Anything off in your head after a hit — a headache that keeps building, dizziness, confusion, blurry vision, holes in your memory. The CDC links these to mild TBI, and at their worst, requires the ER.Numbness, tingling, or weakness anywhere in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, which can mean a nerve is getting pinched.Bruising, pain in the belly or chest, or trouble breathing — any of which can travel with deeper tissue damage or internal bleeding, the kind of thing you really don't want overlooked.Symptoms that arrive late or keep getting worse over the following days — the exact pattern the research keeps turning up.It comes down to timingStrip everything else away, and you're left with this: Not hurting yet isn't the same as not being hurt. In those first hours, adrenaline is running high, the swelling hasn't crested, and the brain is busy covering for itself. This combination can easily mask an injury that later comes to the surface. The CDC's head-injury guidance and the trauma research agree on the fix: See someone promptly, and go back if anything shifts. That's how you catch what a single early look slides right past.So when you're three days past a crash, wondering whether that ache that won't quit is worth a doctor's time, the trade is lopsided. Getting checked and cleared costs you an afternoon. A serious injury that tips its hand too late can cost you a great deal more.Methodology and sourcesThis article draws on three sources, each selected for authority, recency, open access, and relevance to a U.S. audience.The first is the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's clinical guidance page on the symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury and concussion (last reviewed 2025), which describes symptom onset, recovery timelines, and emergency danger signs.The second is a CDC National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief (No. 466, April 2023), "Emergency Department Visit Rates for Motor Vehicle Crashes by Selected Characteristics: United States, 2019–2020." Its figures come from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, a nationally representative survey of U.S. nonfederal, general, and short-stay hospitals; the 3.8 million annual ED visits and the 11.6-per-1,000 rate are national estimates based on a sample of 902 ED visits for motor vehicle crashes across 2019 and 2020. As the brief notes, race and ethnicity data were imputed for roughly 13%–15% of records, a limitation the authors disclose.The third is a peer-reviewed cohort study, "Outcomes in Patients With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Without Acute Intracranial Traumatic Injury," by Debbie Y. Madhok and colleagues, published in JAMA Network Open in August 2022 under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) license. It analyzed 991 participants (mean age 38.5; 64% male) enrolled from 2014–2018 in the multicenter TRACK-TBI study across 18 U.S. level I trauma centers, all with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 and a negative head CT. The recovery figures cited here — 73% with incomplete recovery at two weeks and 56% at six months, measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale–Extended — are reported directly by that study. As the authors note, this is a trauma-center population followed up at 76% (two weeks) and 66% (six months), and the measure reflects function and symptom burden rather than a specific missed injury.This story was produced by The Callahan Law Firm and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Moline City Council reduces speed on portion of Avenue of the Cities The Moline City Council has reduced the speed on Avenue of the Cities from 40 mph to 30 mph from 41st Street to the East Moline border.
	D.C.'s IndyCar race will zoom past museums. Some worry it could harm the art inside Sunday's course takes high-speed cars right past the National Gallery of Art and three Smithsonian museums. Art experts worry about the works inside, but organizers say they don't expect damage.
	An art-rock illusionist rewrites pop in her own image Taja Cheek's psychedelic project L'Rain has always been tagged as experimental. On fata morgana, she asks what separates music like hers from the mainstream.
	Musser Public Library to temporarily close for roof repairs Musser Public Library will be closed for roof repairs Monday through Wednesday. The library will also be installing a new HVAC system.
	How to prepare your car during a hurricane How to prepare your car during a hurricaneHurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean runs June 1 through Nov. 30, and the financial toll it leaves behind is staggering. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hurricanes have caused more than $1.5 trillion in damages in the United States since 1980, averaging $23 billion per hurricane.In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton alone caused more than $100 billion in combined damage over two weeks. Those numbers represent homes, businesses, infrastructure—and vehicles, which are among the most commonly overlooked assets when families prepare for a storm.Most people spend time thinking about their homes before a hurricane makes landfall—which is perfectly valid. That home and everything in it is typically the culmination of your life’s labor. And while people tend to view a house as their most expensive single purchase, do you know what comes second? Your car.Still, few think systematically about what’s parked in their driveway. But in the event of a natural disaster, a car, truck, or SUV isn’t just the most valuable movable asset a household owns, but also the primary tool for evacuation, supply runs, and poststorm recovery. This guide from RealTruck.com covers what to do before the storm arrives, what to keep in the ride year-round, and what to do if your vehicle takes on water.Know Your Risk Before the Storm ArrivesNot every hurricane threat requires the same response—it all depends on where the storm will make landfall, its subsequent path, its strength, and your location. Understanding the difference between threat levels helps you act at the right time rather than too late—or unnecessarily.A hurricane watch means conditions are possible in your area within 48 hours, per NOAA. This is the time to start preparations, such as filling the tank, checking your kit, and deciding whether to evacuate. A hurricane warning means conditions are expected within 36 hours. If your local emergency management has issued evacuation orders, follow them. Do not wait for the storm to make final landfall before moving.Storm category matters specifically for vehicle planning. Category 1 and 2 storms bring strong winds and storm surge, while Category 3 and above can push storm surge deep inland and produce flooding well outside the immediate coastline. Knowing your flood zone indicates how much risk your parked vehicle faces, even if you shelter in place. FEMA's Flood Map Service Center lets you search by address to see your zone designation. If you're in a Zone A or AE area—high-risk flood zones—your vehicle should not be sitting in a driveway or low-lying parking area when a major storm approaches.How To Prepare Your Car/Truck During a HurricaneWith a storm on the horizon, it’s important to prep your vehicle for the impending struggles.Prestorm Vehicle ChecklistThese tasks should be completed as soon as a storm watch is issued for your area—not when the warning is upgraded, and drivers are clambering for resources.Fill the tank: Gas stations in storm-affected areas run out of fuel within hours of a watch being issued and may be without power for days afterward. A full tank is nonnegotiable. If you have a jerrican, fill it as well and store it safely.Check tire condition and pressure: A blowout is a dangerous problem—even in ideal conditions. Check tread depth and inflate to the manufacturer's recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) before the storm hits to improve your chances of a safe evacuation.Top off fluids: Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid should all be at full levels. Poststorm roads can involve debris, standing water, and long detours—your vehicle needs to be in tip-top condition for that kind of use.Check the battery: A battery that's on the way out in normal conditions can fail after sitting through a storm. If yours is more than three years old and you haven't tested it recently, do so before the storm hits.Inspect the wipers: You may be driving in heavy rain before, during, or after the storm. Worn wiper blades significantly reduce visibility—replace them if they leave streaks.Document the vehicle’s condition for insurance: Walk around the vehicle and take photos and video of every panel, the interior, the under-hood area, and the undercarriage before the storm arrives. This documentation is your baseline if you need to file a claim.Move the vehicle to higher ground or a covered shelter: A parking garage above the projected storm-surge elevation is the best available option if you can access one. If you can't, move the vehicle to the highest point on your property or in your neighborhood, away from trees.Clear truck beds: If you drive a truck, clear the bed before the storm hits. Loose items in an open bed become projectiles in high-wind conditions—a risk to other people, vehicles, and property. Remove everything that isn't secured. If you run a bed rack or removable tonneau cover that could act as a sail in sustained winds, take it off before the storm.Build a Hurricane Emergency Kit for Your Car/TruckThis isn't a kit you assemble the night before—it should be pieced together well in advance and stored in the vehicle throughout hurricane season. Refresh it annually to ensure all essentials are up to date. While not identical to an emergency roadside kit, a hurricane emergency kit has several overlaps. Think of the emergency kit as a go-bag for the vehicle itself, including everything from important documents to a tool kit. Here’s a list of supplies you should carry during storm season:Recovery and RoadsideJumper cables or a jump starter packTow strap or recovery strapBasic tool kit (pliers, adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, duct tape, zip ties)Flashlight with spare batteries or a rechargeable unitWork glovesEmergency and MedicalFirst aid kitPrescription medications (a minimum three-day supply)Blankets and a change of clothes per person SuppliesWater—at least 1 gallon per person per day for three daysNonperishable food for three daysPhone charger and portable power bankCash in small bills—ATMs go offline and card readers stop working without powerDocumentsCopies of your insurance card, vehicle registration, and ID in a waterproof bag or sealed plastic bag. Original documents are better if you can safely carry them.What To Do If Your Car/Truck FloodsDon't drive into standing water. This is the single most important rule and the one most often ignored. The National Weather Service reports that more than half of all flood fatalities occur in vehicles. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and 1 foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle. If you cannot see the road surface beneath standing water, do not drive through it.If water levels rise high enough to enter the engine bay, don’t attempt to start the engine. A hydrolocked engine—one in which water enters the cylinders during a cranking attempt—can cause catastrophic engine damage. Even if the engine doesn't hydrolock, starting a flooded engine without professional inspection can cause issues like damp electronics, contaminated oil, and more.Document everything before cleanup. Photograph the water line inside and outside the vehicle, the interior condition, and any visible damage before any cleaning or drying begins. This documentation is essential for an insurance claim.Contact your insurance provider before repairs. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover flood damage, but the claims process typically requires a prerepair inspection. Starting repairs before the adjuster has evaluated the vehicle can complicate or reduce your payout.Have a mechanic inspect it before driving. Even if the vehicle appears to have dried out and starts normally, floodwater can infiltrate electrical systems, brake components, transmission fluid, and differentials in ways that aren't visible from the outside. A full mechanical inspection is the only reliable way to confirm the vehicle is safe to drive.After the Storm: Getting Back on the RoadBefore you move the car/truck after the storm has passed, do a full walk-around in daylight if possible.Check for debris damage—branches, roofing material, and other projectiles can puncture tires, crack windshields, and dent body panels during the storm without your knowledge. Check all four tires for obvious damage before moving.Look for fluid leaks under the vehicle. If something was struck or shifted during the storm, a leak under the vehicle is a sign the vehicle may not be drivable without repairs.Check for downed power lines before driving. A line on the ground or across the road may still be energized and can be fatal to contact. If a power line is on or near your vehicle, stay inside and call emergency services—do not exit the vehicle and do not attempt to drive over the line.Road conditions poststorm include debris, washed-out sections, and displaced wildlife—all of which require slower speeds and more attention than normal driving. Many poststorm fatalities occur in the days immediately following a hurricane when drivers encounter hazardous road conditions at normal speeds.Fuel will be scarce for days to weeks following a major hurricane. Plan routes with that in mind and keep your tank topped off whenever you have the opportunity.FAQsQ: When does hurricane season start and end?A: Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs June 1 through November 30, with the peak period between mid-August and mid-October. The National Hurricane Center recommends having preparations in place by June 1 each year—not when the first storm of the season forms.Q: Should I evacuate or shelter in place?A: Follow the guidance of your local emergency management officials—that's a decision that depends on your specific location, flood zone, storm category, and the infrastructure of your home. NOAA's National Hurricane Center and your local emergency management agency are the authoritative sources for those decisions.Q: How Do I Protect My Car If I Can't Move It Before the Storm?A: If you can't move the vehicle to higher ground or covered shelter, position it away from trees and low-lying areas as much as possible. Remove anything from the bed that could become a projectile. Document the vehicle thoroughly with photos and video for insurance purposes. Beyond that, your options are limited—the best protection is to stay far from the storm path.Q: What flood damage is covered by insurance?A: Flood damage to a vehicle is typically covered under comprehensive auto insurance, not liability or collision coverage. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover vehicles. If you're uncertain whether your policy includes comprehensive coverage, call your provider before storm season rather than after an event. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies cover structures and contents but not vehicles.Q: How long can a car/truck sit in floodwater before it's totaled?A: There's no universal threshold—it depends on the water depth, how long the vehicle was submerged, whether it was saltwater or freshwater, and which systems were affected. A vehicle that sat in shallow freshwater for a few hours may be restorable with thorough drying and inspection. A vehicle submerged above the dashboard in saltwater for extended periods is almost certainly a total loss. The key variable is electrical system damage, which is difficult to assess without a professional inspection regardless of submersion depth or duration.Q: Can you drive a car that has been flooded?A: Not until it's been professionally inspected. Water intrusion affects the electrical system, braking components, transmission, differential fluid, and potentially the engine—none of which can be reliably assessed by visual inspection alone. A vehicle that starts and drives normally after flooding may have compromised components that fail unpredictably. Have it inspected by a mechanic before returning it to regular use.This story was produced by RealTruck.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Report: The state of game-based learning in America Report: The state of game-based learning in AmericaFor most of the last century, American classrooms looked roughly the same, whether you were in Seattle or rural Mississippi. A teacher stood in the front of the room, textbooks were open, and students took notes. Today, technology is reshaping how many students learn, but that transformation isn’t happening equally across the country. Many educators are embracing game-based learning, using games as a core teaching method rather than as a reward at the end of a lesson.But not every classroom is equally equipped to make that shift. While game-based learning is gaining momentum across the U.S., access to these learning experiences varies significantly by state. Quizlet analyzed all 50 states and the District of Columbia using school technology and household broadband access, as well as search interest, to measure game-based learning readiness alongside demand.The findings reveal a 62-point gap between the highest- and lowest-ranked states, with strong digital infrastructure emerging as the biggest differentiator, suggesting that access to these learning experiences can vary substantially depending on where students live. While demand for game-based learning is high in many parts of the country, expanding access will depend on closing the technology and connectivity gaps that still limit adoption.State readiness at a glanceWashington state ranks No. 1 with a Game-Based Learning Readiness Score of 80.4, just ahead of Utah at 80.1 and Maryland at 78.2.The Northeast leads all regions with an average score of 65.7, ahead of the Midwest at 56.0, the West at 55.6, and the South at 48.5.Kansas ranks No. 8 at 73.0, despite more modest school technology and broadband scores, driven by the strongest search interest of any top 10 state.Wyoming reached a Google Trends index of 100 for both "learning games" and "educational games" over the past year, the highest relative search interest recorded during the study period.West Virginia ranks last at 18.3, more than 62 points behind the leader, undercut by overlapping gaps in school technology and home broadband.Six of the bottom 10 states, including Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, pair high search demand for learning games with comparatively low school technology and broadband scores, highlighting a gap between interest and digital readiness.South Carolina, Texas, and Ohio recorded the highest search interest for "classroom games" search scores 100, 99, and 92, respectively, suggesting particularly strong interest in game-based learning resources.Infrastructure is key to state readinessThe highest-ranked states combine strong digital infrastructure with sustained interest in game-based learning. Washington state leads at 80.4, followed closely by Utah at 80.1 and Maryland at 78.2. All three scored above 85 on school technology access and above 90 on household broadband, suggesting that the devices and the internet connectivity needed to support digital, game-based learning is already in place. Their search interest scores landed in the 50–63 range, indicating that interest in game-based learning extends well beyond infrastructure alone.You don't have to look far to find examples of how the top-ranked states are deploying games in the classroom. In Washington, the state's own education office reports that gamification has steadily gained traction in math classes, with districts blending analog games, like cards and dice, with digital platforms that give students instant feedback. In Utah, a state-funded study of the most effective fourth-grade teachers found that many use adaptive online games to drill math facts, with software that automatically adjusts to each student’s progress. And in Maryland, the state education department funded a grant to launch game-based learning software for gifted kindergartners and first graders, with a focus on expanding access for historically underrepresented learners.While these examples don’t represent every classroom, they illustrate how states with strong digital infrastructure are already leveraging game-based learning into instruction for effective education.Game-based interest extends beyond tech hubsDigital games might conjure images of tech-forward California, but there are plenty of examples of states outside of the West that have integrated game-based digital learning in the classroom. Kansas is one of the rankings’ biggest surprises. It places eighth overall with a Game-Based Readiness Score of 73.0 despite more modest school technology and broadband scores than many of the states above it. What lifts Kansas into the top 10 is search interest. It topped the charts for the highest search interest score of any top-ranked state across the study’s game-based learning terms. In other words, appetite has already arrived despite its lagging infrastructure score.Wyoming stands out even more in search behavior. Over the 12-month period, it reached a Google Trends index of 100 for both “learning games” and “educational games,” the maximum value reported. Averaged with its lower score on "classroom games," that still gives Wyoming an 81.3 search interest score overall, among the highest in the country. While smaller states can reach peak index values more easily because the metric is relative rather than absolute, Wyoming’s consistently high scores across multiple search terms suggest sustained interest in game-based learning resources. Together, Kansas and Wyoming illustrate the important pattern that interest in game-based learning isn’t limited to states with the strongest digital infrastructure.Interest in game-based learning is also reflected in the broader education technology market. Industry forecasts project the game-based learning market to reach $17.82 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.4%. It's a category betting on permanence, and states like Kansas and Wyoming are exactly the demand it's counting on.Teacher demand outpaces infrastructureThere's a second demand signal in the data, and it's more specific than general curiosity. South Carolina, Texas, and Ohio posted the three highest raw scores in the country for "classroom games" searches at 100, 99, and 92, respectively.High search interest for classroom games specifically, rather than general educational games, suggests a professional demand rather than a consumer demand. These states likely have active teacher communities who are already incorporating game-based structures into their classrooms.What's striking is that none of those three states cracks the top 10 overall. Their school technology and broadband scores hold them back, yet their teachers are clearly looking for solutions to help them bring games to the classroom. The gap between demand and infrastructure is the tension running through the entire bottom half of this ranking, and it sets up the divide that defines the map.The Northeast leads the pack, while the South trailsThe regional breakdown reveals patterns that go beyond individual state rankings. The Northeast averages a Game-Based Readiness Score of 65.7, nine points ahead of the next region. High per-pupil education spending, dense broadband markets driven by competition among providers, and strong state technology investment policies create favorable conditions across the region. Six of the top 15 states nationally are in the Northeast.The Midwest, scoring a 56.0 average across the region, exhibits the nation's sharpest internal divide. While Kansas and Minnesota land near the top of the national list, Missouri and South Dakota fall into the bottom third. This disparity highlights a severe urban-rural gap where well-funded metro areas enjoy competitive broadband access, but rural communities remain structurally disconnected from essential digital resources.The West, scoring a 55.6 average across the region, tells a story of extremes. Washington and Utah are two of the top three states in the entire country, while Alaska and New Mexico are in the bottom five. The interior West's broadband gaps and lower school technology scores offset what would otherwise be a strong regional showing from the Pacific Northwest and Mountain states.The South, scoring a 48.5 average across the region, has the most ground to cover. The region benefits from Virginia landing in ninth, but the weight of lower broadband penetration, lower school technology investment, and lower search demand in states like Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi pulls the regional average well below the national median.Infrastructure gaps hold states backThe bottom of the table is where the stakes get concrete. West Virginia ranks last at 18.3, more than 62 points behind Washington, and Mississippi sits just above it. Both are dragged down by thin school technology and home broadband, two gaps that feed each other.For most of the bottom 10, the story is the same. High search demand but low school technology and broadband access collectively drag down digital Game-Based Readiness scores.Mississippi: 92.7 search demand, 0 school technology, 0 broadbandLouisiana: 87.3 search demand, 13.6 school technology, 17.6 broadbandArkansas: 77.3 search demand, 19.6 school technology, 18.2 broadbandAlabama: 77.3 search demand, 8.0 school technology, 40.3 broadbandKentucky: 60.0 search demand, 33.6 school technology, 35.8 broadbandNew Mexico: 60.7 search demand, 16.8 school technology, 22.2 broadbandWhen a student can't access a game-based learning platform at home, and the school lacks the device infrastructure to make up the difference, the readiness gap becomes structural rather than circumstantial.Two states land near the bottom for opposite reasons. Nevada at 40.5 and Montana at 36.5 carry middling infrastructure, not rock-bottom infrastructure, but their search interest is among the lowest in the country, at 18 and 16. Their low rankings reflect quiet demand rather than a stranded one. It's a useful reminder that readiness is a composite and a state can fall to the bottom because the appetite never showed up, not just because the wiring isn't there.SummaryThe evidence on game-based learning is increasingly settled. Researchers have shown gameplay can match traditional instruction, and the market is projected to nearly triple by 2030. In states like Kansas and Wyoming, demand is absolutely in place. The key differentiator between states isn't interest, but infrastructure readiness and access.MethodologyTo understand how Americans are adopting game-based and interactive learning, Quizlet ranked all 50 states plus the District of Columbia (n = 51) on their readiness to support digital learning games in K-12 classrooms.Each state's Game-Based Learning Readiness Score is a weighted composite of three components, each normalized to a 0–100 scale before weighting: School Technology Access (40%), from student-to-device ratios, school broadband, and per-pupil technology spending (NCES, FCC E-Rate, and COSN data); Household Broadband Access (30%), the share of households with a broadband subscription (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2022, Table B28002); and Search Interest (30%), the average of Google Trends interest in "learning games," "educational games," and "classroom games" over the trailing 12 months.Regional averages follow the U.S. Census Bureau's four standard regions, with each state's score averaged within its region. Where Google Trends reported a maximum index of 100, that figure is preserved as reported; because Trends measures interest relative to each state's own search volume, values from smaller states reach that ceiling more easily and should be read as relative signals, not absolute counts.This story was produced by Quizlet and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What is postpartum psychosis, and what are the signs? What is postpartum psychosis, and what are the signs?Postpartum psychosis is one of the most serious (but most misunderstood) perinatal mental health conditions. It’s a psychiatric emergency that requires urgent care, yet many people don’t recognize what it can look like. Unfortunately, lack of knowledge, stigma, and fear often delay diagnosis and treatment. What matters most is that it is treatable, and getting help quickly can save lives. No one who experiences it is to blame, and they deserve care, compassion, and support.Postpartum psychosis involves a disconnect from reality, often accompanied by delusions and hallucinations that make it hard to tell what's real and what isn't. While often misunderstood, it’s a serious psychiatric crisis that requires immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, symptoms are sometimes misinterpreted by partners and family members, and the person experiencing them typically lacks the insight into their perceptions and behaviors needed to seek help on their own. That's why it's so important for partners and loved ones to know what to watch for and when to seek help, Radial Health reports.What is postpartum psychosis (PPP)?Postpartum psychosis, or PPP, is a severe, rapid-onset mental health emergency that can develop after giving birth. It’s also sometimes referred to by other terms like perinatal psychosis and puerperal psychosis.Unlike the more common “baby blues” or postpartum depression, PPP is a psychiatric crisis that leads to a break with reality. Someone with postpartum psychosis may experience hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), delusions (strongly held false beliefs), and extreme confusion and paranoia. It can happen quickly, starting within days of delivery, though it can begin weeks or months later.It’s a relatively rare condition, affecting about 1 in 1,000 births. Most people develop symptoms within the first two weeks after giving birth, often around days eight to ten. Symptoms can emerge later, but episodes usually begin sometime within the first three months postpartum."Women may appear ‘off’ or unwell at one part of the day and then ‘better’ or like their usual self later on. This waxing and waning mental status is often misunderstood as a sign of improvement, when it's actually a very concerning and hallmark red flag for postpartum psychosis,” says Katrina Furey, MD, a reproductive psychiatrist who specializes in perinatal mental health.This can be confusing for loved ones and may delay seeking needed medical attention. Such delays are serious because postpartum psychosis is considered a psychiatric emergency that requires immediate medical attention to ensure that both the parent and baby are safe.Because it fundamentally changes a person's perception of reality, it can affect their judgment and ability to make safe decisions.They lack insight into their own perceptions, so they usually can't recognize they are ill.Thoughts of self-harm are common, and delusions often center on the infant. For example, they might believe the baby is in danger or think it needs to be protected in unusual ways. This can lead to high-risk situations that require professional help.Symptoms can also progress rapidly. A person might quickly shift from what seems like mild disorientation to full-blown psychosis.No matter how it presents, it’s important to remember that this is a brain-based illness, not a reflection of a parent's love for their child. It’s driven by biological and hormonal factors and needs immediate care just like any other medical emergency.What are the signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis?Symptoms of postpartum psychosis can fluctuate in intensity and escalate quickly. Being alert for early signs is key. “Postpartum psychosis often looks less like a ‘primary psychotic disorder’ and more like a severe bipolar-spectrum episode triggered by childbirth, with mania, mixed states, or depression plus psychotic symptoms,” says Greg Malzberg, MD, a psychiatrist at Radial.These symptoms cause profound disturbances in a person's thinking, mood, and behavior and include:Depressive symptomsFeeling low, hopeless, or emotionally numbFeeling very emotional and crying easilyConstant worry, tension, and anxietyFeeling withdrawn and not wanting to be around othersFeeling heavy, tired, and overwhelmedLosing interest in things that matter to youHaving problems concentrating or making decisionsStruggling to take care of yourself or your babyManic symptomsFeeling unusually energetic, confident, or elevatedRacing thoughtsTalking very rapidly or more than usualNeeding very little sleep or not wanting to sleepBeing very distracted and jumping from one idea to the nextFeeling restless or agitatedActing impulsivelyFeelings of postpartum rageMixed symptomsSevere confusion or disorientationSeeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren't thereStrong beliefs that aren't based in realityFeelings of postpartum paranoia and suspicionBelieving that others are trying to hurt youActing in ways that seem unusual for youFeeling a sense of unreality or detachmentDissociation after birthFeeling disconnected from the baby Radial Health How is postpartum psychosis treated?Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency. Immediate care is crucial. Symptoms can escalate rapidly, leaving the person and sometimes their baby at risk.If you suspect someone is experiencing postpartum psychosis:Seek emergency care right away by going to the closest ER or calling emergency servicesIf you are in the U.S., call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24/7 for urgent mental health supportIf you are concerned about another person, whether it's your partner, a loved one, or a friend, remember that it's appropriate to seek help even if they say they are fine. People with postpartum psychosis often lose insight into their own perceptions and behaviors, so if things seem off, talking to a professional is the best course of action.Treatments include:Inpatient treatment: Most people with postpartum psychosis require hospitalization, at least early on. This might involve:Inpatient psychiatric treatment to provide rapid stabilizationMedication adjustments in a safe, closely monitored environmentMedications: Medications are a cornerstone of treatment for postpartum psychosis, particularly during the acute phase, where they can bring symptoms under control and provide the stability needed for further recovery. The exact approach can vary depending on the symptoms, the individual's medical history, and whether someone is breastfeeding. Medications that may be prescribed include:Antipsychotic medications help reduce delusions, hallucinations, and confusion.Mood stabilizers may help when manic symptoms are present.Benzodiazepines are sometimes used to address severe agitation, anxiety, or insomnia.Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT is a well-established, safe, and highly effective treatment for severe psychotic and mood disorders, including postpartum psychosis. While stigma persists, of available treatments, ECT remains the most effective intervention for postpartum and peripartum psychosis.Emerging neuromodulation optionsTreatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and related neuromodulation techniques are being investigated as potential treatments for some postpartum mental health conditions, such as peripartum depression, but are not treatments for PPP.The bottom linePostpartum psychosis is rare, serious, and often frightening, both for the person experiencing it and for the people who love them. The key thing to remember is that it is also highly treatable. Timely care is crucial to ensuring that mom and baby are safe, so being aware of early symptoms can help people get help as soon as possible.Anyone can experience psychosis after pregnancy, but your risk is higher if you have a history of bipolar disorder. If something feels "off" after childbirth in a way that doesn't seem like it can be explained by the normal exhaustion and mood swings that happen in the postpartum period, help isn't just warranted—it can be a lifesaving first step toward recovery.Healing takes time, so give yourself grace. Postpartum psychosis is not a reflection of a mother’s love or worth—it’s a medical condition that requires care and support. Getting help and healing from the experience is a testament to your strength and resilience.This story was produced by Radial Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why consumers are reading supplement labels closely Why consumers are reading supplement labels closelyOver the last few years, people have grown more careful about what they put into their bodies.Before a consumable product goes into the cart, many shoppers examine the ingredient panel to see what a brand is willing to show: A March 2026 survey by the International Food Information Council found that 79% of respondents check the label when grocery shopping at least sometimes.For some consumers, what appears on the label may influence whether the sale happens, and a confusing or hidden label may send them looking elsewhere. Trust is a key factor that drives decision-making. It is something a brand can earn by giving clear answers about where ingredients come from and whether an outside lab has checked the batch.This demand for proof has drawn attention from companies throughout sports nutrition and wellness. NutraBio shares a few reasons that explain why shoppers are asking deeper questions.Why Consumers Are Asking More QuestionsStore shelves once carried a certain authority, with hoppers assuming a wellness product had cleared enough checks to deserve its place there. But easy access to health information has weakened that old confidence, especially now that a claim on a bottle can be compared with expert commentary before a person decides to buy.And social media has amplified this behavior, with dietitians and fitness creators turning label breakdowns into public lessons. IFIC president Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak said Americans are actively engaging with label information, and her point helps explain why shoppers want more than a clean phrase on the front of a package.Research also suggests that common label claims are often taken as promises about disease. So a buyer who sees how easily wording can be misunderstood has more reason to look for evidence before trust ever forms.What People Look For on Supplement LabelsUnderstanding the information on a supplement label can help consumers evaluate a product before buying it. Dinar Sayani, an internal medicine physician at Summit Medical Group, told Vogue that shoppers should study the fact label first, since the ingredient list spells out exactly what a supplement is made of.Scanning that panel is where the habit starts, and most people move past the bold front promises to check the serving size and see how many capsules or scoops make one dose. Sayani also warns shoppers to be wary of any label that promises to "cure" or "prevent" disease, since real supplements cannot make those claims under U.S. law.Sayani's advice carries down to the "other ingredients" line, the short list beneath the active nutrients that holds the binders and fillers added during manufacturing. Healthline's guide to supplement labels flags that section as the spot where additives hide, steering shoppers away from any product carrying a long list of them.Near the same spot sits the allergen statement, which Healthline notes must disclose major triggers like milk, soy, or wheat, and a certification seal that tells a shopper an outside group checked the product.Why Third-Party Testing MattersA supplement can reach store shelves without any government approval or testing behind it, since the FDA steps in only after a product is already sold. Because supplements do not undergo FDA premarket approval, third-party certification can provide an additional level of product verification.Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb tied the concern to product integrity, calling for supplements to hold the ingredients they claim and nothing else. The FDA says companies are responsible for making sure their products are safe and labeled truthfully before sale, and that leaves buyers leaning harder on independent review.According to the NSCA’s review of third-party certification, one round of testing checks identity, making sure the ingredient named on the bottle is really there. Another looks at purity and contamination, screening for heavy metals, bacteria, or other material that should not be present. Potency follows from there, asking whether the dose matches the claim.Once those checks are complete, a seal on the bottle or a certificate tied to the product tells a shopper that an outside group reviewed the product and verified specific parts of the label. It does not answer every question, but it does tell a shopper that someone outside the brand checked whether the bottle lines up with its claims.Ingredient Sourcing Has Become Part of the ConversationIngredient sourcing can provide additional information about how a supplement is produced. Every vitamin or botanical begins as a raw crop or compound, and the soil and climate of that spot shape its quality well before a factory ever handles it.A weak starting crop cannot be corrected down the line, so careful brands trace each material back to the farm that grew it, holding the paper trail that lets them flag a single bad harvest without guessing which bottles carry it.And the paper trail counts for more once an outside group stands behind it, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association notes that raw-ingredient certification puts a supplier's material through outside testing for identity and purity, confirming it was prepared and handled under strict manufacturing practices.Transparency Is Becoming a Competitive AdvantageRising awareness has turned openness from an optional selling point into a business requirement that shapes whether shoppers return to a brand. And survey data from the Food Industry Association (FMI) puts numbers behind that pressure, since 76% of shoppers surveyed in 2023 called ingredient and manufacturing transparency important when it comes to food, up from 69% when the group first tracked it in 2018.Steve Markenson of FMI tied that demand to loyalty, noting that shoppers reward brands that provide information with trust and are more willing to move from one brand to another when the facts are easier to find. The survey also found that consumers expect product information to be available both in stores and online.What the Future of Supplement Shopping Looks LikeThe future of supplement shopping is moving closer to the product record behind each bottle. Michelle Anstey, regulatory manager at the National Sanitation Foundation, said the food industry must respond to changing shopper demands by making labels more transparent and reliable as new rules arrive.FMI research shows that more than 80% of shoppers would likely use a QR code, website, app, or other tool to get more product details, whether they buy online or in a store. NielsenIQ’s Sherry Frey has made the same connection between transparency and loyalty, noting that brands willing to share more information stand to gain more trust from shoppers.Evidence is becoming part of the buying process, and everyday buyers are pushing the supplement category toward a higher standard from the outside in.This story was produced by NutraBio and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How AI is raising client expectations of financial advisors How AI is raising client expectations of financial advisorsAsk financial advisors whether their clients have noticed the AI assistant sitting in on their planning meetings, and the honest answer is no — but clients are noticing the benefits. Emotionally intelligent advisors drive nearly two times the sentiment lift of their peers (17.5% vs. 9%), according to Jump's 2026 Financial Advisor Insights Report. That emotional quotient (EQ) shows up as time spent on goals, planning, and life context — not admin and market updates. Advisors are gaining back time and creating a better experience for their clients, with a December 2024 Orion survey finding that 68% of advisors use AI for tasks like note-taking, proactive meeting prep and automated documentation.Sarah Cicero, CFP, financial advisor at StoneBridge Advisors, expected pushback when she started using an AI assistant in client meetings, but it never came.“We haven't had clients pay a whole lot of attention to it,” she said. “I think I had envisioned clients having a lot of objections, and we haven't seen any objections, but also not really any interest.”What clients did notice was what came after the meeting. Cicero's team used AI tools to templatize automated email responses for every client, resulting in a more consistent customer experience.“We've gotten a lot of positive feedback on those summary emails,” she said, indicating that clients are more frequently expecting a clear recap within 24 hours. That expectation becomes a baseline.Subtle changes, big impactDanielle Darling, CDFA, founder of Darling Wealth Management, explains, “I have not noticed a significant shift in expectations from my client base. Most of my clients still value having a trusted advisor who understands their goals, concerns, and family dynamics. If anything, the rise of AI has reinforced how much clients appreciate human guidance and personalized advice.”Though not all clients are totally ambivalent. Emily Rassam, CFP, partner at Archer Investment Management, notes that at least one client has acknowledged the AI directly. “I think I've had a few instances of people asking us for the notes, or transcripts, or asking us to go back and check because they know that that record is being kept,” Rassam says. “I don't ever remember that happening previously.”AI Is Increasing Consumer Expectations — and Helping Meet Them“Consumer and client expectations have gone up in every industry, not just financial services,” explains Matthew Koppelman, CFP, WMCP, co-founder of Precision Wealth Planners. “Efficiency and personalization are at the top of what's expected these days.” That pressure is showing up across the profession as a rising, nonnegotiable baseline rather than a nice-to-have.Client expectations in some cases can seem almost instantaneous, given the experience of Kevin Christensen, CFP, AIF, founder of Aligned Financial Planning.“I've had some [clients] ask shortly after the meeting for the items even though I am still collecting my thoughts, updating my notes, editing the recap,” he said.Many clients aren't asking for AI by name. They may not know what's running in the background, and many don't appear to care. What they may notice is whether the recap showed up fast, whether the notes were right, and whether anything got dropped.This story was produced by Jump and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Post-summer budget reset: 5 everyday expenses to review before fall Post-summer budget reset: 5 everyday expenses to review before fallSummer spending can add up through higher utility bills, groceries, gas and activities. CreditFresh research found that 70% of 2,000 Americans surveyed in June 2026 spend more during the summer, adding an average of $1,859 over a typical 13-week season.As summer winds down, reviewing recurring charges, food waste, convenience spending and small daily purchases can help households reset their budgets before fall.Cut Out SubscriptionsWhether it's a good or a service, many people have subscriptions that are just a part of their regular day. These can include gym memberships, streaming services, cloud storage, delivery, gaming services, education, and many more. Are you aware of how many you have and how much you're paying for each of the various services you've signed up for? Remember to look at multiple bank or credit card statements since subscriptions can be billed monthly, quarterly, or annually.Are you getting the value that makes the fee worthwhile for you? It's often less expensive to pay a per-use fee (think shipping on Amazon or free shipping if you can wait a few days for delivery) rather than paying a monthly or annual fee. This is one of the easiest tips for saving money because it often takes only a few minutes of review.Shop in Your Pantry FirstIt's so easy to make a list of what items you need and then go to the store and buy whatever's needed. How many of the items — specifically spices and other shelf-stable groceries — are already in your pantry? How many containers of paprika and cans of red beans do you really need? Making sure you check what you have first can help you save money by reducing waste and duplication.Take Advantage of Coupons and Store SalesAs summer winds down, end-of-season clearance events and back-to-school promotions can create opportunities to stock up on items you already planned to buy. This isn't about extreme couponing and the time and effort that it requires. It's about the store or item coupons that come at least once a week in your newspaper or mailbox. These are convenient and take moments to review; you can clip the ones that are relevant to your purchases. Set a goal to save money — even just $5 a week — using coupons, and put that money aside or track it for reference. Then put it toward increasing the amount you pay on credit card bills or other debt.Adjust your savings goal to make it a challenge but not out of reach. Every little bit of money-saving helps.Leverage LeftoversThis may sound silly, but are you using your leftovers or tossing them? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, food waste costs the average consumer approximately $728 each year — equivalent to about 11% of household food spending.To some, leftovers are a gift —a free meal with minimal effort. When cooking meals, try to intentionally prepare extra so there are lunches ready for the next day. When a good home-cooked lunch is available, it's much easier to say no to purchasing lunch at work. Leftovers can be used as is or as the basis for something else, such as a stir-fry or soup. People who refuse to eat leftovers are effectively throwing away food and money.Learning how to start saving money can be as simple as reducing food waste.Plan Ahead — Time vs. MoneyWith summer travel and activities winding down, this is also a useful time to review convenience spending that may have become part of the routine. Convenience costs money. Going out to eat or ordering in costs more than cooking a meal at home. The challenge is that time is limited. Whether it's planning ahead for holidays and other celebrations or menu planning with a shopping list, the more organized you are, the less money you have to spend. When you consider the drive time to a restaurant, waiting in line or at your table for your food, cooking doesn't necessarily take more time than going out to eat.It's the planning ahead part — making sure you have the ingredients to cook — that makes the difference. Smart planning is one of the most effective tips for saving money.Do Your Best With What You HaveWhile you don't have the ability to reduce every dollar you spend, you have more control than you realize. It's a matter of choosing to make the effort to break the habits that are getting in your way of decreasing your expenses.There's no one right answer, but there are many strategies to consider, and some may work for you.Evaluate your spending habits — anytime you reach for your wallet or a cash app on your phone, think about what you're spending and why. Lower your threshold for spending that's “too small to count.” It is easy to spend $5 or less (or whatever your maximum threshold amount is) and not think about it. Make it a point to think about every dollar.If you haven't done budgeting before, you should learn how to start saving money with a simple plan. Every dollar should have a name and a destination. The goal is to have money at the end of the month, not the other way around.A post-summer check-in can also show which seasonal costs should be built into next year's budget. Make a list of your goals and priorities. Seeing the larger goals that are being delayed by today's spending can be a great motivator to make changes in your spending habits. Every change you make contributes to saving money and helps you achieve long-term financial freedom.Disclaimer: Information in this article, including references to third parties, is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement or individualized financial or legal advice.This story was produced by CreditFresh and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What is compound interest and how does it work? What is compound interest and how does it work?Whether you’re adding money to a savings vehicle such as a high-yield savings account or a certificate of deposit, you’re probably hoping it will grow over time. That’s where compound interest comes in — it’s a simple yet powerful tool for making your dollars and cents add up faster.What is compound interest?Interest can either be the price you pay to borrow money or the earnings you make from investments or savings, Ally Financial explains. As opposed to simple interest, compound interest is what you earn on your initial principal amount and your accumulated interest. When it comes to how much interest you’ll earn, the percentage is often expressed in annual percentage yield, or APY.How compound interest worksLet’s say you deposit money in a savings account or certificate of deposit. Your initial deposit earns interest, then each time the interest compounds, you earn additional interest on the principal and on the interest you’ve already accrued. This additional interest helps you save more money over time.What determines compound interest?Interest rate is a significant factor in calculating compound interest, but it doesn’t tell the full story. When you’re shopping around for accounts, for instance, you should compare APYs. The APY gives you a better idea of your potential earnings because it takes the frequency of compounding into consideration.Compounding interest periodsInterest can be compounded daily, monthly, quarterly or annually, depending on where you keep your savings. The more often interest compounds, the faster your money grows.Note when your interest is credited, which is when it’s added to your account balance. Only once the interest is credited will it begin to earn additional interest.How to calculate compound interestFor the math lovers, you’ll be glad to know there is a specific compound interest formula you can use to calculate compound interest on savings. Ally Financial You can also plug the numbers into a compound interest calculator like this one. With a calculator, you can easily see how interest compounded daily compares with interest compounded annually or monthly. You can also test different scenarios and see how much interest you can earn based on interest rates and deposit amounts.Why compound interest is importantCompound interest helps you grow your money over time — and with larger deposits over many compounding periods, the effect can really add up. Let’s look at the following example of a $1,000 initial deposit (amounts rounded to the nearest dollar): Ally Financial Examples of compound interestWhat does all of this look like in your everyday finances? Compound interest may be at work in many parts of your financial life.Savings accounts, CDs and money market accountsThe place you most often encounter compound interest is likely your savings account. Depending on your bank and account type, your interest may be compounding daily, weekly, monthly or even annually. If you’re not sure, ask your bank.401(k) accounts and investment accountsAny money you’ve put in a 401(k) account is benefiting from compound interest. How often it compounds depends on the types of investments in your portfolio.Student loans, mortgages and personal loansUnlike the previous examples where interest increases your investments and savings, interest on your loans may mean you pay more over time. Some private lenders may use compound interest on your debt. If you’re not sure, review your lending agreement or reach out to your lender to better understand how interest will affect what you owe.Credit cardsA common application of compound interest is on credit card debt. Most issuers compound interest charges daily, which is part of why it’s so important to stay on top of your credit card payments and avoid making charges beyond what you can afford.Compound your futureWhere you keep your money makes a difference — and finding a savings or other investment account that provides compound interest can help you increase your savings. Knowing what to look for as you research your choices is a great start to finding the right one for you.This story was produced by Ally Financial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' makes Cinemark history Cinemark Holdings, Inc., one of the largest theatrical exhibition companies in the world, has announced that "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" has become the highest-grossing domestic film in Cinemark history, according to a news release. Cinemark has a multiplex in Davenport. "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" has become a truly remarkable theatrical event, and we're thrilled to see it [...]
	The Bell Rings. Is Your Child Ready? Dr. James AndersonSponsored by Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.(NAPSI)—Back-to-school is an incredibly important moment to get ADHD treatment right.Every August, I watch the same thing happen. A family walks into my office, and someone describes a version of the same story. The mornings that spiral before 8 a.m. The homework that takes three hours every afternoon, ending in tears. The teacher who pulls a parent aside in the first week to say, “I’m a little worried.”And the parent, exhausted and quietly heartbroken, says something I will never stop taking seriously: “I don’t know where my kid went.”I have been practicing for 30 years, and I have seen what ADHD looks like when it is well-managed and what it looks like when it is not. And I can tell you with certainty back-to-school season is not just a scheduling challenge. The demands of structure, sustained focus, and social navigation hit all at once and whatever gap exists between a child’s needs and their treatment gets exposed fast.ADHD does not live in my officeHere is something I think is worth saying aloud, I see your child for thirty to forty-five minutes, every three months. I am not there when the alarm goes off and they cannot transition out of sleep, when they have lost their backpack for the third time this week or when the lesson has moved on, but their attention has not. I am not watching them experience the isolation that comes when their classroom seat is repeatedly moved to keep them from distracting others. I am not there at 3:30 p.m. when the school day ends and they still have hours of homework ahead, that often includes assignments not completed in class.That is where ADHD lives. In the friction of daily life, all day, every day. And that matters enormously when we talk about treatment because the question shouldn’t only be “does this child have ADHD?” The question should be “at what moments in this child’s day are they struggling most, and are we actually helping them through those moments?”Mornings set the tone of the dayI do not think parents always hear this clearly enough, the morning routine for a child with ADHD is genuinely hard. It is not defiance. It is not laziness. The executive function demands of getting up, getting dressed, eating, remembering what they need, and walking out the door on time can be overwhelming. The feeling does not just impact the child with ADHD, the entire family feels the spiral, the chaos, and the daily effort to get out the door. The arguments and the frustration fill the air of these homes, and the day feels lost before it begins.What I have learned to ask parents is not just “how is your child doing at school?” I ask them, “What does 7 a.m. look like?” Because if every morning is a battle, that is a sign that we need to think more carefully about the timing and duration of how we are treating this child.The right medication, timed appropriately, should ideally be helping your child before the first challenge of the day arrives. If your child’s morning looks like a daily emergency, it is worth having that conversation with your prescribing physician.What I ask of every family this time of yearAs you head into a new school year, I want you to think about your child’s entire day, not just their report card. Think about the moments of friction. Write them down if you can. When does your child struggle most? What time of day? What kind of task? Is the morning worse than the afternoon, or the reverse?Bring that information to your child’s doctor. Advocate for a treatment approach that matches the actual shape of your child’s day.The bell is about to ring. Let’s make sure your child is ready when it does.Learn more at www.SchoolStartsBeforeTheBell.com.Copyright © 2026 Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. All rights reserved. PP-PORT-US-0275 8/26.
	3 money-saving tips for back-to-school shoppers 3 money-saving tips for back-to-school shoppersIt’s time to hit the books, and with that comes a mountain of back-to-school expenses.The National Retail Federation reports that American families plan to shell out nearly $864 on school supplies for elementary and high school students and just under $1,440 on supplies for college students. The Retail Council of Canada says the average household spends between $600 and $750 per child.Affordability is top of mind for parents and students looking to stock up on everything from learning materials and electronics to clothing, snacks and hygiene products.Wondering how to get ready for school without breaking the bank? Finder.com shares three useful ways to save money on back-to-school supplies, plus a bonus tip for getting ahead of next year’s expenses.Take advantage of loyalty program rewardsEveryday spending can add up wherever you regularly shop. Joining loyalty programs lets you earn rewards at your favorite stores and use those rewards to get discounted school supplies.If you’re already a loyalty program member, don’t let your rewards go to waste.More than 10% of loyalty points go unredeemed in the U.S., according to 2026 Antavo research, which estimates the value of unspent or expired points at $10 billion annually. Canadian shoppers are believed to be sitting on an estimated $13–$15 billion in unused loyalty points, per a 2026 Scene+ and Bond Brand Loyalty study.Be sure to sign up for notifications, so you can find out when accelerated rewards events are taking place and maximize the value of your points.Of course, not all retailers offer loyalty programs, which is why it might be worthwhile to consider getting a rewards credit card that you can use anywhere and earn points or cash back.The downside is that you could be stuck with high interest payments if you don’t pay off your balance right away. But using your card strictly for benefits—and staying away from unaffordable splurges—can yield rewards that substantially reduce your back-to-school costs.Rent or buy used textbooks or e-booksFor college or university students, the cost of textbooks can add up fast.A single new hardcover book can cost hundreds of dollars, so you can imagine how high the total can climb for a full-time course load.Fortunately, you don’t have to buy all new books. For students on a budget, there are several ways to get the materials you need without paying top dollar.Rent your textbooksYou can pay a fraction of the sticker price by renting textbooks from sites like eCampus, BooksRun or BookScouter.For example, at the time of writing, a new hardcover of a popular textbook used in engineering and math programs, “Calculus: Early Transcendentals” (ninth edition) by James Stewart, is selling for well over $300 USD on the publisher’s website (Cengage). But the same book is available for rent on eCampus for just $60 USD.Go digitalAnother great way to slash the cost of educational materials is to buy e-books instead of print copies. Eliminating the cost of producing and shipping physical books lets sellers pass on enormous savings to buyers.As of the time of writing, prices for the 14th edition of “Psychology” by Myers and DeWall in e-book format start at just $80.99 USD from Macmillan Learning, which also lists the book in brand new paperback format for nearly $340 USD.Buy used textbooksIf staring at a screen for hours isn’t your thing, and you prefer to own your materials outright rather than rent them, look for discounted used books on sites like those mentioned above (eCampus, BooksRun and BookScouter) as well as popular marketplaces like Amazon or Alibris.For example, at the time of writing, you can buy a new 14th edition loose-leaf version of “Biology” by Raven, Johnson, Mason and Losos for just over $210 USD on the publisher’s website (McGraw Hill). But it’s also listed on Amazon.com for approximately $115 USD.If you buy new or used textbooks, remember to resell them later to recoup some of what you spent. Fortunately, some websites that facilitate book sales and rentals, like eCampus and BooksRun, also offer buyback programs for old textbooks.Buy from discount retailersAvoid paying the full retail price of new school supplies by sidestepping well-known first-hand retailers in favor of discount stores and outlets that sell what you need for less.For instance, Amazon Outlet sells new overstock or clearout items, including electronics, clothing, books, office supplies and much more. But the deals aren’t limited to unused items. Amazon Resale (previously Warehouse Deals) sells customer returns, open-box items and warehouse-damaged products.You can also check out liquidation stores and discount divisions of major retailers like Best Buy Outlet and IKEA As-is.Bonus tip: Round up your purchases to save for next yearWorried you won’t have enough to cover the ongoing school supply costs? One easy way to cover next year’s back-to-school expenses is by using your bank’s automatic saving feature or a round-up app to put a few cents aside every time you make a purchase.Chances are that you won’t feel a big difference between spending $2.79 and $3 on your morning coffee. But setting aside 21 cents twice a week for a year will give you just under $11.It may not sound like much at first, until you consider how much you can save by rounding up all your debit and credit purchases to the nearest dollar or $5 increment (if you can afford it).Saving your spare change isn’t the only way to save money for school supplies. Turn your spare time into a side hustle with get-paid-to (GPT) apps that pay money for simple tasks like playing games, completing online surveys or signing up for special offers.Then, when it comes time to gear up for school next year, you’ll be financially prepared to succeed.This story was produced by Finder and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	New research shows how well families prepare kids from piggy banks to portfolios New research shows how well families prepare kids from piggy banks to portfoliosMore than half of parents and grandparents say that kids today are less financially prepared than they were growing up. A survey of 1,000 U.S. parents and grandparents finds shared cross-generational concerns about their kids’ financial preparedness. But the results also show striking differences around beliefs for how to best equip kids, including setting up investment accounts, giving allowances, and teaching hard money lessons. Wealth Enhancement explores why this may be and what families can do to flip the script.Majority view: 53% of parents and grandparents say children today are less prepared to manage money as adults than they were at the same age.Room to grow: Despite concerns about financial preparedness, more than half of survey respondents (53%) have never opened an investment account for their children.Hard-earned lesson: The majority of respondents (56%) believe that avoiding impulse purchases and overspending is the hardest money lesson to teach kids.Cha-ching: More than half of survey participants (63%) have given their children an allowance, and they believe $18 per week is a fair, first weekly amount.Today’s younger generations are inheriting a more complex world than previous generations, making money management more important than ever — and perhaps more challenging, too. Most parents and grandparents aren’t optimistic about their children’s readiness to manage money as adults, according to recent research from Wealth Enhancement.Financially UnpreparedMore than half of survey respondents (53%) believe children today are less prepared to manage money as adults than they were when they were growing up. Just 29% believe children today are better prepared. Wealth Enhancement Grandparents (61%) and Baby Boomers (61%) were most likely to believe today’s children are less prepared financially. Millennials were less likely to share that view.Today’s digital-first environment creates entirely new financial challenges for families, according to Chloé Briel, CFP, senior advanced planning manager at Wealth Enhancement.“Money, like so many other commodities today, can feel instantaneous,” she says. “You can send your kids money through digital banking apps instantly. We’re not having to go to the bank and get cash.”She says that ease of access can make financial boundaries harder to teach.Investment InactionDespite concerns about financial preparedness, many families aren’t investing for their children’s futures. More than half of parents and grandparents (53%) have never opened an investment account for their child.Grandparents and Baby Boomer parents are most likely to have never opened an investment account (both 63%), while fewer than half of parents (42%) and Millennials (41%) say the same. As families begin discussing investment decisions, she encourages them to think holistically about long-term planning. For families that are ready to save, she says flexibility and long-term goals matter.“Being in the market for a longer timeframe allows you to move with the market without the heightened level of stress or risk that short-term investing can bring,” Briel says. Briel recommends considering the growing flexibility of 529 plans and long-term family planning strategies: “Overfunding a 529 plan is a common concern, but it can actually be something that could be done on purpose as an estate and wealth transfer strategy. Given the unique tax status, any excess funds may be shifted to another eligible family member, helping extend educational support to future generations like grandchildren.”Hard-Earned Money LessonsSurvey respondents agree that the most difficult financial lesson to teach children today is how to avoid impulse purchases and overspending (56%).Other difficult lessons include:Budgeting and managing everyday spending (52%)Understanding how money is earned and the value of work (50%)Saving money and delaying gratification (49%)Only about one-third (34%) said teaching children how to grow their money (e.g., interest, investing) was among the hardest lessons.Today’s spending environment is designed around convenience, says Briel. She points to social media, one-click purchasing, and rapid delivery services as factors shaping spending behavior for both adults and children. “The world is built for impulse. It makes sense that it’s challenging to teach, most adults struggle with this.”Rather than relying solely on lectures, she encourages families to involve children in financial decisions and conversations. Examples include creating a family vacation budget, comparing prices, or discussing how long-term purchases fit into household priorities. Wealth Enhancement Money MaturityAllowance remains one of the most common ways adults teach children about money management. Most adults (63%) give their children an allowance, including 68% of parents and 58% of grandparents.Briel says allowance can help children build decision-making skills and healthier habits before adulthood. “It gives some agency over their finances in a safe and manageable way,” she says. “You want to set them up on the path for making good choices as often as possible.”According to the survey, the most common age to begin offering an allowance is 8 years old, and more than half (51%) of respondents say they started between ages 5 and 12. Wealth Enhancement How much is the right amount? Parents generally think $21 per week on average is a fair allowance amount, while grandparents say $15. The combined average across both groups is $18 per week.Briel recommends parents think intentionally about the purpose behind an allowance: “It goes back to intent and values. Are you hoping they’ll save up for something they want? Buy a gift? Fill up their piggy bank?”For younger children, she says even small purchases can become meaningful teaching moments: “Kids can develop a sense of ownership and care in the items they buy themselves. There’s a sweetness in that.”Financial Values Shape Financial HabitsBriel believes many financial conversations should begin not with budgeting or investing, but instead with values. She encourages parents to reflect on their own childhood experiences with money and how those memories influence their financial outlook today.According to Briel, families often unconsciously pass down financial beliefs, anxieties, and behaviors unless they intentionally discuss them. She recommends parents and guardians talk openly about what their family values most, whether that’s travel, education, experiences, security, generosity, or saving for the future.“Some families value material things, whereas others value experiences and trips,” says Briel. “All of that is ok within the context of value-focused money management.”Briel says these conversations help children understand not just how money works, but why families make the choices they do.What Should Adults Focus On?Set your family’s financial values: Discuss what matters most as a household and align spending decisions around those priorities.Prepare for retirement first: Building long-term financial stability for parents creates more flexibility and security for children later.Take incremental steps: Teaching financial preparedness doesn’t happen overnight. Small lessons around saving, spending, and patience build over time.Teach kids through everyday experiences: Use age-appropriate decisions like shopping, vacations, allowances, and saving goals as learning opportunities.Preparing for the FutureParents and grandparents are concerned about children’s financial readiness, but there are meaningful ways to help build stronger financial habits over time.“Financial preparedness starts with consistent conversations, intentional modeling, and understanding family values,” Briel says. “Whether through allowances, investing, budgeting conversations, or everyday purchasing decisions, small moments can help children build confidence managing money in the future.”MethodologyThe Wealth Enhancement “The First Dollar” survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 representative U.S. parents and grandparents (500 of each), between April 28 and May 4, 2026, using an email invitation and an online survey.Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. For the interviews conducted in this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points for the total sample, and 4.4 percentage points for each audience (Parents/Grandparents) from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.This story was produced by Wealth Enhancement and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What growing restaurant chains are doing differently in local digital marketing What growing restaurant chains are doing differently in local digital marketingRestaurant chains are falling into two camps: those that are expanding and those that are contracting. On one end, growth-driven brands like Culver’s, Texas Roadhouse, and Nothing Bundt Cakes are opening hundreds of new locations; on the other, legacy heavyweights including Wendy’s, Papa John’s, Denny’s, and Pizza Hut are closing locations. While inflation, changing tastes and private equity shifts can be major factors, SOCi’s Local Visibility Index (LVI) data suggests there’s a correlation between restaurant footprint and local digital presence.SOCi.ai compared eight expanding restaurant brands against eight contracting ones and found that growing restaurant chains averaged an overall visibility score of 62 out of 100 while contracting brands averaged just 47. The gap appeared across every major area of local discovery—including artificial intelligence, search, reputation, and social. SOCi.ai The AI Recommendation GapWith 37% of consumers starting searches with AI, visibility in AI searching experiences is becoming increasingly important. The LVI data shows expanding chains are recommended by ChatGPT in about 20% of tested queries, compared to roughly 3% for contracting chains, a nearly sevenfold gap. Similar patterns emerged with Gemini and Perplexity and expanding brands carry meaningfully higher AI-assigned sentiment scores across all three AI tools. SOCi.ai AI recommendations, however, are difficult to earn. According to LVI, only about 1% to 11% of brand locations get recommended across ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, compared to 35.9% appearing in the traditional Google 3-Pack.As AI often relies on signals such as trusted third-party content, online discussions, and a brand's broader digital presence when generating recommendations, brands with stronger local visibility may be more likely to surface in AI results. Expanding restaurant brands are showing up more in places AI prioritizes, which may help explain their higher recommendation rates.Search and Reputation Tell the Same StoryAI recommendations are only one piece of the local discovery puzzle. With 16.4 billion searches on Google every day, consumers still rely heavily on traditional search. Brands that are easier to find in local search and maintain stronger online reputations also appear to be the ones gaining ground in physical expansion.Search visibility: Expanding chains appeared in Google’s local 3-Pack for 35.3% of tracked searches versus 14.4% for contracting chains, and held Yelp's top organic spot nearly twice as often (55% vs. 29.3%).Reputation: Expanding brands average a 4.39 Google rating and a 3.65 Yelp rating, compared to 3.82 and 2.49 for contracting brands, more than a full star apart on Yelp specifically. Expanding brands also respond to 72.4% of Google reviews (vs. 43.6%) and do so two to three times faster. SOCi.ai SOCi.ai SOCi.ai Review response is particularly noteworthy because, unlike a star rating built up over years, responding to reviews is a lever marketing teams can pull immediately. The data suggests expanding brands are actively managing local reputation as an ongoing operational strategy instead of passively monitoring reviews.Growing chains invest in local social media marketingExpanding brands post content that earns a 3.45% engagement rate with local audiences, roughly 26 times what contracting brands earn (0.13%). Expanding brands also carry about five times the average local follower count. SOCi.ai The takeaway isn't "post more," since volume alone doesn't explain this gap. Expanding brands are building real local audiences with content that resonates locally, rather than pushing the same corporate post to every location page. According to SOCI.ai research, 43.3% of multilocation brands employed waterfall posting, the practice of pushing the same corporate post to every location page, at least some of the time. Yet that same research showed local posts from each local social profile generated 71 times more engagement than waterfall postings.What This Means for Your BrandDigital visibility alone won't turn around a struggling chain, but for multilocation marketers, the pattern exhibited by brands that are expanding in 2026 is a useful gut check. Successful brands are treating local search, reputation, social, and AI visibility as one connected system rather than four separate to-do lists. Here are a few starting points, drawn from what the data shows expanding brands doing consistently:Treat data accuracy as continuous practice, not a one-time cleanup. Consistent business data across Google, Yelp, Facebook, and your own local pages is the foundation for search, reputation, and social engagement—and it's one of the first signals AI platforms evaluate.Systematize review response. Create a process for review responses that includes speed and accountability, not just monitoring. This is one of the few levers a team can move in weeks, not years.Localize your social content. Expanding brands’ five-times-larger followings and 26-times-higher engagement don’t come from simply reposting corporate content. These results come from giving local audiences content that is tailored to them.Check your AI visibility specifically. High search performance no longer guarantees AI recommendation. If you haven't tested how your brand shows up on ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, you may be missing an important part of how consumers discover businesses today.Digital visibility acts as a real-time health check for multilocation brands. Expanding restaurant chains aren't winning because of luck; they treat search accuracy, review responses, local social content, and AI discovery as core to their business.This story was produced by SOCi.ai and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Cook review: Welcome to 'Jurassic Bark' - 'PAW Patrol' and dinos roar with fun The "PAW Patrol" franchise always engages kids and parents. "PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie" is a colorful, fun adventure that continues a franchise that started with a TV series in 2013. I grabbed the last of three seats in an evening showing of the movie. The auditorium contained lots of preschool kids and their parents, [...]
	65% of aspiring US entrepreneurs plan to use AI to launch a business in 2026 65% of aspiring US entrepreneurs plan to use AI to launch a business in 2026One in 3 U.S. adults (33%) plan to start a new business or side hustle in 2026—a 94% jump from last year—as more people view entrepreneurship as their best path to financial stability and wealth.These insights come from a new survey commissioned by Intuit QuickBooks of more than 3,000 U.S. adults and 1,500 respondents each in Canada, the U.K., and Australia. The survey was conducted to understand international entrepreneurship trends for 2026.The data reveals that Americans feel an urgent pull toward business ownership, yet many are held back by financial fears, funding gaps, and low confidence in core business finances. Meanwhile, a growing, informal entrepreneurship economy—powered by side hustles and AI tools—is reshaping how new businesses begin.The role of AI in lowering barriers to actionAs more people look for faster and more affordable ways to start a business, AI is emerging as a key tool for new entrepreneurs in all four countries, but especially in the United States. In the U.S., 65% of aspiring business owners say they’re likely to use AI to help launch their ventures in 2026. More than 3 in 10 (31%) say they’re very likely to use AI, at least 5 percentage points higher than the other countries surveyed. For many, AI feels like a shortcut through the parts of entrepreneurship that once felt too slow, too expensive, or too complicated. Only 16% say they’re unlikely to leverage any AI tools.Aspiring founders plan to use AI for a wide range of early startup tasks, including brainstorming business ideas or conducting market research (29%), creating websites or product listings (19%), and developing names, logos, and branding assets (14%). These steps can feel daunting for anyone who’s short on time or unsure where to begin, which many are.About a quarter (24%) of aspiring entrepreneurs say lack of time is the biggest barrier to business ownership, and 22% cite lack of business acumen. AI helps close that gap. It gives new entrepreneurs a virtual partner they can turn to for guidance or hands-on support, and it can complete work in minutes that might take them days or weeks on their own. The combination of speed, lower cost, and on-demand expertise can make the path from idea to action feel far more achievable.Millennials stand out as the most AI-forward generationAbout 40% of millennials say they’re very likely to use AI to launch their business, and 75% say they’ll use AI in some capacity. That’s a higher adoption rate than both Gen Z (59%) and Gen X (61%). Millennials’ willingness to embrace new tools, paired with their strong sense of urgency, positions them as a driving force behind AI-enabled entrepreneurship. Intuit QuickBooks In a landscape where money is tight and confidence is mixed, AI represents something rare for aspiring founders. It’s a tool that reduces friction, speeds up early decisions, and makes entrepreneurship feel more achievable.Sample and methodologyIn December 2025, Intuit QuickBooks commissioned an online survey of 3,000 U.S. adults age 18 and over, along with 1,500 adults each in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The survey focused on entrepreneurship trends and predictions for 2026, including respondents’ intent to start a business or side hustle, financial confidence, funding expectations, use of AI tools, and perceived barriers to starting a business.To ensure the findings are as representative as possible, survey results have been re-weighted using post-stratification. Percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number, so values shown in charts and graphics may not add up to 100%. Responses to multiple-choice survey questions are shown as a percentage of the number of respondents, not the total number of responses, so they will always sum to more than 100%. Responses were collected using Pollfish audience pools and partner networks, with double opt-ins and random device engagement sampling to ensure accurate targeting and high-quality results. Respondents received remuneration.This story was produced by Intuit QuickBooks and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why 'science-backed' is becoming an important label in wellness Why ‘science-backed’ is becoming an important label in wellnessSocial media is the go-to place for wellness content today. Influencers promote everything from health tips to supplements and provide education on numerous health issues. Wellness content has even led viewers to seek help or get a diagnosis. However, wellness content is largely riddled with misinformation and conflicting advice.Influencers are encouraged to make content based on trends and profits, not knowledge. Miracle cures go viral on social media, offering hope to audiences who are desperate for relief. “That hope becomes easier to exploit when most people were never taught how to separate a scientific claim from language that only sounds scientific,” explained Sharlyne Poggio, principal scientific educator at Fatty15.Consumers are becoming increasingly skeptical of wellness content, often backed by affiliate links instead of science. People now want to see evidence before buying into the latest health trend. Fatty15 examined why “science-backed” is becoming the most important term in the wellness industry.The Rise and Limits of Influencer-Driven WellnessSocial media largely makes information more accessible. According to a 2025 study by Pew Research Center, 40% of U.S. adults have gotten health and wellness information from social media influencers. Adults under 50, people without health insurance, and Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans are particularly likely to use influencers for health and wellness information.Wellness content has had a measurable impact: 54% of viewers said this type of content helped them better understand how to be healthy. Twenty-two percent said information from health and wellness influencers made them less worried about their overall health, while 26% said it made them more worried.Despite the positive influence of wellness content, there’s a growing mistrust and uncertainty around health and wellness influencers. The majority of consumers say they only trust some of the information they get from them, while 24% say they trust little to none.Without verifiable credentials and sources, it’s difficult for viewers to trust the information they get from social media. Influencers frequently rely on personal experience to back their claims. The majority of top health and wellness influencers don’t have a formal background or expertise on the topics they promote. Only 41% describe themselves as a health care professional. For those who identify as a health care professional, just 17% are from a conventional medical profession.What ‘Science-Backed’ Actually Means“Science-backed” means that a claim is supported by scientific evidence. Peer-reviewed studies, clinical trials, third-party testing, or established scientific knowledge all count as scientific evidence.Consumers look for the term science-backed to check if a claim or product is credible. “Science-backed,” however, is an unregulated term. Brands don’t need to meet specific criteria to say their product is “science-backed.” As a result, supporting scientific evidence can vary in relevance and quality.Brands need to be transparent about what “science-backed” means so that consumers can easily verify the validity of their claims.Why Consumers Are Demanding More CredibilityPeople are constantly inundated with content. Consumers are particularly weary of conflicting health information on social media postpandemic. As paid sponsorships increasingly replace organic content, wellness content without credentials is no longer resonating.People are now skeptical of misleading and vague marketing. They want evidence that what they’re being told is true and they are taking the time to find it. Consumers increasingly read labels, research ingredients, and seek out expert opinions.Authenticity is now the primary influence on consumer purchasing decisions. Paid influencer testimonials and virality no longer feel trustworthy. People don’t trust a brand until they hear real, firsthand experiences. Most consumers read several reviews before purchasing, while 56% of consumers spend over an hour researching products over $500, Emplifi reports.The Role of Research and Clinical ValidationConsumers need to understand what scientific research means to navigate science-backed claims. Research and clinical validation provide that information. Researchers use methods like peer-reviewed studies with measurable outcomes to obtain reputable data.Science helps people navigate an industry that often feels unapproachable and uncertain. Consumers can feel more confident and make informed decisions when they have access to research they understand.Understanding the following terms can help consumers confidently navigate science-backed claims:Clinical trials: Clinical trials are the gold standard. The most reputable clinical trials are randomized, controlled human clinical trials. These are randomly assigned and have a treatment and placebo group. Researchers control for potential variables and biases, which helps ensure accurate data.Consumer studies: Open-label or observational studies are the most reputable consumer studies. In consumer studies, participants know what they’re taking and there’s no placebo group. The data from consumer studies is often less reputable than clinical trials.Third-party review: Any study, test, or ingredient can be independently reviewed by a third party. This ensures that the results are accurate and unbiased. Consumers should look for third-party validation from a reputable certifying body, like an institutional review board (IRB).Transparency as a Competitive StandardTransparency is key if brands want to remain relevant in today’s competitive market. Two-thirds of consumers today say they’d switch to brands that prioritize transparency, Science Direct reports.Companies are being held to higher standards. Accessible information and clear labeling is no longer optional but expected. It also pays off: Science-backed evidence determines whether or not people buy a product. According to Citruslabs, 85% of consumers are swayed by scientific claims when making purchasing decisions. Wellness brands that use clinical trials report a notable increase in brand awareness and return on investment. Transparency is becoming the biggest selling point in wellness.What This Means for the Future of WellnessThe wellness market continues to grow significantly. It’s expected to grow from $6.82 trillion in 2025 to $10.36 trillion by 2030. The wellness industry needs to adapt to meet consumer needs. Consumers will continue to seek out authentic, trustworthy wellness sources and brands. Over the next few years, viral wellness trends will decline in favor of evidence-based messaging and educational content.While consumers increasingly favor brands with science-backed data, this information isn’t always accessible. Consumers still struggle to verify health information and make informed decisions. This problem provides an opportunity for the wellness industry. Brands and influencers who make scientific information easy to understand and let transparency shape key messaging are the future of the industry.Building an authentic connection with customers is becoming just as valuable as the product itself. People may no longer want sponsored wellness content, but they still want to organically discover new products and information online. The majority of consumers say they post about products when they are excited about them, with no other incentive, Retail Insider reports. If wellness brands focus on providing value to their customers and building brand loyalty, their reach and credibility will only increase.From Hype to EvidenceConsumers today increasingly distrust brands and influencers that don’t lead with transparency. The growing consumer demand for authenticity and science-backed information reflects a shift in the rapidly expanding wellness industry. Trendy health and wellness content that relies on anecdotal evidence has lost its influence.This story was produced by Fatty15 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Ribbon-cutting scheduled for upgraded Bettendorf park The City of Bettendorf will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at Edgewood Park, 1400 23rd St., where a new $132,069 state-of-the-art playground system was installed in May 2026 and a new rent-able shelter was built in July 2026. Park visitors voted on these upgrades during a community input event. “Edgewood [...]
	Bettendorf Middle School celebrates renovation milestone with ribbon-cutting event Bettendorf Middle School celebrated the first phase of its renovation, adding 12 classrooms as part of a $33.7 million ongoing expansion.
	Muscatine's Musser Library, HNI Community Center, close temporarily for repairs The Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center will be closed Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 24–26, to allow contractors to replace three leaking roof sections and install a new HVAC unit. The library will reopen Thursday, Aug. 27, a news release says. During the closure, the book drop will be locked and unavailable. No fines [...]
	Local Illinois legislators work to aid Tyson employees, mitigate damage to state’s beef producers Illinois Quad-Cities area legislators are seeking aid for workers affected by Joslin’s Tyson plant closure and mitigating damage to beef producers.
	Clinton Symphony Orchestra unveils plans for 73rd concert season Clinton Symphony Orchestra has unveiled plans for its 73rd concert season. Programming will range from Beethoven’s tribute to heroism to Tchaikovsky’s epic Piano Concerto, a news release says. Music Director and Conductor Silas Nathaniel Huff has issued the invitation to “not just listen to music, but experience the triumph of the human spirit.” The concert season [...]
	The Old Lady From Dubuque This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Take a letter: To Harold Ross, Editor, The New Yorker magazine, New York.Dear Mr. Ross:I realize that this letter…
	Join the Pete the Cat Party at the Rock Island Library! Family fun awaits with the Pete the Cat Party! According to a release, the Rock Island Public Library is celebrating the 87 books of a favorite literary cat with a Pete the Cat Party on August 22. Families can enjoy Pete the Cat fun like crafts, activities and a free book for every child. Make [...]
	North Korea fires a suspected missile toward the sea, Japan says The suspected launch on Thursday comes a day after North Korea shrugged off a U.S. decision to scale back military drills with South Korea in an apparent bid to resume diplomacy.
	Bettendorf Community School District appoints new executive director of student services The Bettendorf Community School District has appointed a new executive director of student services. According to a release, TJ Grindle will assume the role. Grindle currently serves as coordinator of special education to provide for special education programming, compliance, service delivery and continuous improvement in the district. The release says Grindle has led efforts related [...]
	The bond market is signaling trouble ahead. This is why you should pay attention Many people don't pay attention to bond markets, but they should — especially now. This is why they matter and why the drop in bond prices is signaling investor concerns about the U.S. economy.
	Which country makes the best jollof rice? D.C. foodies put it to a blind test One of the most famous dishes across West Africa is Jollof Rice — fragrant rice cooked down with spices, tomatoes and meat. But which version is best? A traveling festival aims to find out.
	Disabled adults learn and work in their communities. That right is under threat Siblings Cody and Kaleigh Brendle have grown up with the right to community integration. Now, they worry those protections for people with disabilities like them are being eroded.
	Chinese court sentences founder of property developer Evergrande to life in prison Chinese property developer Hui Ka Yan has been sentenced to life in prison. The decision marks a milestone in Evergrande's saga after it collapsed with more than $300 billion in liabilities.
	Cook review: 'End of Oak Street' brings dark humor, dinosaurs, to suburbia This is officially the Summer of the Dinosaur. Two movies that opened on the same day are full of these creatures. The animated "Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie," is all about a bunch of brave little dogs working to save the dinosaurs they discover on a mysterious island. Now here comes "The End of Oak [...]
	Popular eye drops recalled nationwide due to potential contamination Thousands of popular eye drops used to treat red and itchy eyes are being recalled nationwide because they may be contaminated, according to the FDA.
	Prince Harry and Meghan are returning to the U.K. with their children Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have decided to return to the United Kingdom for an extended stay starting this fall, but they won't resume their roles as working members of the royal family.
	Israeli military launches criminal probes into killings of 5-year-old and paramedics Israel's military on Wednesday announced its first criminal investigations into troop conduct in Gaza, focusing on the killings of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and her family and of 15 Palestinian paramedics.
Wednesday, August 19th, 2026
	High school football preview: Assumption Knights The Assumption Knights narrowly missed the playoffs last season, finishing 5-4, and are using that as motivation this year.
	ISP trooper injured in Stuart shooting is a Rock Island native, Alleman grad Trooper Chase Carruthers was hospitalized, and a woman was killed in the shooting on Tuesday. Carruthers has been with Iowa DPS since December 2025.
	Henry County Sheriff's Office to end use of Flock cameras Officials with the sheriff's office said there are eight Flock cameras around the county. Their partnership will end effective Monday, Aug. 31.
	Tyson Foods plant closure adds pressure to cattle industry as local farmer looks ahead The Davenport Chamber of Commerce said the number of cattle in the country has declined by around 10% over the last four years, contributing to plant closures.
	Local farmer looks ahead as Tyson Foods plant closure adds pressure to cattle industry The Davenport Chamber of Commerce said the number of cattle in the country has declined by around 10% over the last four years, contributing to plant closures.
	Iowa State Patrol trooper injured in Stuart shooting is a Rock Island native, Alleman grad Trooper Chase Carruthers was hospitalized, and a woman was killed in the shooting on Tuesday. Carruthers has been with Iowa DPS since December 2025.
	New Miss Scott County is breaking barriers The new Miss Scott County is breaking barriers at a young age. Kenia Wilson, an Augustana College student studying communication, won the title of Miss Quad Cities USA in 2023. Wilson now works as a mayoral intern for Rock Island and is an office assistant at Genesis Care. Wilson has been a dancer since she [...]
	Speed limit reduced on section of Avenue of the Cities The reduced speed limit is meant to make the area safer for drivers and pedestrians.
	Scott County Sheriff's Office sends 'thoughts and prayers' to injured state trooper The Scott County Sheriff's Office extends thoughts and prayers to Trooper Carruthers with the Iowa State Patrol after a shooting on Tuesday, according to a Facebook post. Carruthers was shot Tuesday afternoon in Stuart, Iowa, when he responded to gunfire. Responding officers found a deceased female when they arrived on the scene. Carruthers was one [...]
	Stuart man charged after woman killed, trooper shot on Tuesday Austin Reed, 46, is charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder of a peace officer.
	Iowa State trooper injured in shooting is a Rock Island native Officials said he was taken to the hospital and described his condition as “stable.”
	Eisenhower Elementary gets ready to welcome students back to school Eisenhower Elementary teacher Sandi Cooks is getting ready for the first day of school.
	Eisenhower Elementary students return Monday Eisenhower Elementary teacher Sandi Cooks prepares for the first day of school.
	Man charged with murder in Stuart, Iowa shooting that killed woman, injured trooper; victim remembered for her kindness Austin Reed faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder after a shooting in Stuart left Toni Elena-Ann Salazar dead and a state trooper injured.
	Businesses excited as Gateway Bridge project nears completion in Bettendorf The new pedestrian bridge will go over Middle Road, linking the TBK Bank Sports Complex area with the Iron Tee Golf corner.
	Roseville’s silent giant: Village home to Illinois’ largest tulip tree Standing taller than a four story building and wider than a garage, a silent giant in Warren County is officially making history.
	Wounded Iowa State Patrol trooper is Rock Island native, Alleman graduate The Iowa State Patrol trooper wounded in Adair County on Tuesday is a Rock Island native and 2020 Alleman High School graduate.
	Bill Bell Jazz and Heritage Festival returns to Rock Island The 12th year of the festival will bring free music, book fairs, kids activities, food, vendors and more back to the MLK Center Friday and Saturday, Aug. 21 and 22.
	The Rock Island Brewing Company is back The bar is on a reduced schedule while it works on a reorganization of operations.
	Quincy teacher arrested for alleged aggravated battery to disabled student Charis Loertscher, 44, was arrested for aggravated battery to a disabled person and domestic battery, the QPD reported.
	Roseville’s silent giant: city home to Illinois’ largest tulip tree Standing taller than a four story building and wider than a garage, a silent giant in Warren County is officially making history.
	California passes toughest wildfire rules in the U.S. for home landscaping California has adopted the toughest new rules in the country that require homeowners to manage the plants around their houses. Fire experts say it helps protect houses from burning, but public pushback has been strong.
	Muscatine Power and Water modernizing city power grid with federal support Muscatine Power and Water is upgrading its electrical grid, including moving power lines underground, with help from $1.3 million in federal funding.
	U.S. Associate Attorney General meets with Iowa officials on public safety New federal funding could help Iowa schools spot warning signs of violence and help prosecutors crack down on fraud.
	Speed limit reduced to 30 mph on Avenue of the Cities east of 41st Street The speed limit on Avenue of the Cities from 41st Street to the East Moline border has been reduced from 40 mph to 30 mph, according to the City of Moline, according to a news release. Moline City Council approved the change on Aug. 4. The lower speed limit is intended to make the corridor safer for drivers [...]
	Muscatine Power and Water highlights grid modernization, infrastructure projects in federal visit Muscatine Power and Water showcased their ongoing projects to federal and state officials Wednesday.
	Job fair at Vibrant Arena aims to help thousands of workers displaced by Tyson plant closure Area businesses are asked to join a Sept. 2 job fair at Vibrant Arena to hire over 2,500 workers impacted by the Tyson Joslin plant closure.
	QC Chamber: Tyson job impact ‘may play out over several months’ More than 2,500 former Tyson Foods employees are looking for work following the closure of the company’s Joslin plant, bringing a large number of workers into the Quad Cities labor market at once.
	12th annual Bill Bell Jazz and Heritage Festival coming to Rock Island this weekend You can enjoy free music, health education, kids activities and more at the MLK Center on Friday and Saturday.
	Central DeWitt board OKs $33.7 million General Obligation Bond for Nov. 3 ballot The Central DeWitt Community School District Board of Education has accepted 346 certified petition signatures from community members, exceeding the requirement under Iowa law, and unanimously approved a resolution officially placing the district's proposed $33.7 million General Obligation Bond referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot. With the petition requirement satisfied and the resolution approved, the [...]
	Princeton mobile home park residents face water shutoff Sept. 17 Dozens of Princeton residents could lose water service at Rivercrest Estates, the troubled mobile home park, if owner Mary Diercks fails to pay overdue bills and repair damaged infrastructure by Sept. 17. Princeton Police Chief Freddy Almanza notified park tenants of the pending shutoff earlier this week. Mayor Travis Volrath estimated that between 60 and 70 Princeton residents live at the park and stand to lose water service. “A lot of them have paid their rent. They’ve paid their water bill. It’s not fair to them,” Volrath said. But Dierck has let leaks and damaged infrastructure go unaddressed for over a year, while continuing to bill residents for lot rent that pays the property’s utilities. The park used one million gallons of water last month, and Diercks has not paid a water bill since April, City Clerk Kisa Tweed said. Diercks could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon. Don Smith, who has lived at the park since 1993, said he could not afford to move. “I was hoping to stay here the rest of my life. My home’s paid for,” he said. “I don’t want to lose my home. I love it.” Almanza also served the shutoff notice to Diercks after she failed to answer messages from City Hall, Tweed said. The city has placed a lien on the property for the unpaid water bill. Volrath did not disclose the sum of the unpaid water bill. He said the scale of damage to infrastructure at the park would make it nearly impossible for Diercks to make repairs by the Sept. 17 deadline. The damage has stressed the entire city water system. City officials have organized information session for residents next Tuesday evening, featuring representatives from Scott County Community Services, The Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Iowa Legal Aid. Those groups will provide residents with “every resource that they can to get them into a new living space,” Tweed said. The meeting will be closed to the public and press to provide residents with privacy and an opportunity to speak openly, Volrath said. Princeton could ask county building inspectors to mark trailers without water service as “uninhabitable,” forcing residents to vacate. “Where’s everybody going to go?” asked Crystal Hackett, a former resident of the park who raised concerns about its failed utilities last September. Her daughter still lives at the park, she said. “I’ve been out there a couple times,” Hackett said. “It’s shocking how bad it looks.” Last fall, Diercks owed over $50,000 in back taxes on the property, which is evaluated at just below $1 million. She settled the balance just days before the property would have transferred to the private investor who bought her taxes at the county tax sale. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
	Galesburg men sentenced to federal prison on drug, gun charges Jordan Eskridge, 31, and Breana Crider, 28, both of Galesburg, were sentenced on Aug. 12, for conspiring to traffic in and trafficking in methamphetamine and marijuana, and Eskridge was also sentenced for possessing a firearm as a felon, a news release says. Eskridge was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years [...]
	Grow Clinton assists with regional workforce response to Tyson Foods, Joslin, closure The recent closure of the Tyson Foods plant in Joslin, Illinois, has resulted in about 2,500 workers losing their jobs, creating a significant impact on the regional workforce and surroundingcommunities, a news release from Grow Clinton says. Grow Clinton is working closely with the Eastern Iowa Workforce Board (EIWB) and regional partners to support individuals [...]
	Pritzker in talks with Tyson on repurposing Joslin facility after sudden closure On Wednesday at the Illinois State Fair, Gov. JB Pritzker commented on the closing of the Tyson Foods plant in Joslin.
	Woman killed, Iowa trooper injuried after shooting in Stuart, Iowa Austin Reed is charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder.
	Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds declares Aug. 19 as 'Solar Day' According to Reynolds, the solar industry employs nearly 1,000 people and supports 100 businesses in Iowa.
	Muscatine's power grid going through upgrade for more reliability For Muscatine Power and Water (MPW), reliable power is key. They are tasked with keeping homes comfortable and Muscatine's large industrial economy running. That's why they're focused on decreasing the risk of a widespan power outage, while also finding ways to make the grid easier and quicker to fix during an outage. "An outage costs [...]
	Quad Cities legislators discussing next steps after Tyson plant closure in Joslin Lawmakers said they hope to "spur plant repurposing" after the closure, but further details on this possibility weren't provided.
	Henry County, Illinois, Sheriff's Office to end partnership with Flock Safety Officials with the sheriff's office said there are eight Flock cameras around the county. Their partnership will end effective Monday, Aug. 31.

Thursday, August 20th, 2026

Wednesday, August 19th, 2026