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

Wednesday, September 30th, 2026
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: CHRISTOPHER HUNTLEY, 54, 6', 230 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Wanted by Scott County Sheriff's Office for sex offender registration violations. DEVONTE MCGEE, 25, [...]
	Former public defender sentenced to prison for healthcare fraud A former public defender from western Iowa has been sentenced to five months in prison for defrauding Medicaid and cancer patients.
	The Center in Davenport works to recover from two incidents of vandalism The Center, 1411 Brady St., Davenport, is seeking public help to respond to two separate acts of vandalism that have caused extensive damage to their HVAC system, electrical infrastructure and roof.
	Marion woman duped out of $318K in elaborate gold-bar scheme The scammers planned for a second $272K drop, telling her to hand over the gold to a federal agent who would give the code word ‘poker queen.’
	Supervisors candidate forum Saturday at the Regional Innovation Center The North Scott Press and the Scott County Farm Bureau welcome you to a forum of candidates for the Scott County Board of Supervisors, Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. at the Regional Innovation Center, 2205 S. 1st Street, Eldridge. Candidates will include: John Maxwell (R), incumbent Jean Dickson (R), incumbent Luana Stoltenberg (R) Kevin Randle (D) Steve Doerscher (D) Wendy Walljasper (I) The North Scott Press and Farm Bureau will co-moderate the event. We plan to solicit questions from the audience. The event will run until 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
	Anne Frank Initiative reaches Iowans through unique educational programming Students across Iowa can tour the Anne Frank House without leaving the state.
	Researchers say demographics, behavioral risks account for much of Iowa’s high cancer rates Iowa has been one of the only states in the country where rates are rising for new instances of cancer.
	Outdoor lounge space coming to the Quad Cities International Airport The Quad Cities International Airport is set to open an outdoor lounge space.
	City of Mount Carroll under boil order Officials said the whole city is under a boil order due to a water main break.
	Quad-Cities investment group acquires Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream A group of Quad-Cities investors has acquired Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream, including the brand's franchising company and its three company-owned restaurants in Bettendorf and Davenport.
	Greetings from Syria, where time seems to melt as a glassmaker braves scorching temps As a Syrian glassmaker created his wares in Damascus, watching his craft reminded this reporter to slow down and enjoy the moment.
	Funeral procession details announced for former Davenport Fire Chief Frese A funeral procession for former Davenport Fire Chief Mark Frese is scheduled for Thursday, with the public invited to line the route to pay their respects.
	KWQC to preview Iowa v. Ohio State matchup on KWQC+ Hear from the Hawkeyes ahead of one of the biggest games ever at Kinnick Stadium.
	Police questioning can shape a sexual assault case. Their approach is often wrong The Cornell lawsuit filed by a woman alleging a brutal rape raises questions on how police handle such cases. The majority of police lack adequate training on trauma-informed approaches, experts say.
	Sand in Davenport: Steel plant incentives should 'not (give) away the farm' Iowa candidate for governor Rob Sand said Iowa leaders should make sure negotiated tax incentives for a new steel plant are "not giving away the farm."
	Watch live at 7pm: KTIV to host debate between candidates for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District The 60-minute debate is being held at KTIV's studios on Signal Hill.
	Iowa caregivers fired for alleged abuse and workplace misconduct Several Iowa nursing home workers have been fired in recent months due to allegations of patient abuse and other forms of workplace misconduct.
	Happy Joe’s acquired by Quad Cities investors; menu updates anticipated The Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream franchise has been acquired by a group of Quad Cities investors, and they say to expect menu changes.
	Trump officials changed forms for overseas voters amid a GOP push to restrict voting The Pentagon made last-minute changes to forms that many overseas U.S. citizens use for absentee voting, removing a category of citizens that Republicans have been pushing to block from voting.
	Tiny Galva, Illinois is part of global music research, action The Galva Arts Council has been selected again for the Music Policy Resilience Network (MPRN), to turn the region’s success with live music into lasting cultural, educational and economic opportunity.
	Athletic Director Jamie Pollard announces he’s retiring early from Iowa State Iowa State’s longtime athletic director is leaving the university sooner than anticipated.
	Funeral procession announced for former Davenport fire chief The funeral procession for former Davenport Fire Chief Mark Frese will be held Thursday, Oct. 1 and is open to the public.
	Three things to know: Sept. 30, 2026 Nest Cafe Harvest Meal Fundraiser, LIHEAP applications open and Voices of Integration in Muscatine.
	Rock Island police investigating gunshots near Douglas Park The Rock Island Police Department is investigating a shots fired incident near Douglas Park Tuesday night.
	Iowa veteran completes 375-mile walk across state to raise awareness for mental health Darrian Schwenke, an Army Special Forces veteran, called the journey Project Course of Action, combining his experience with mental health and his love of golf.
	5 financial changes that happen when you turn 55 Most people know the major milestones associated with retirement, including penalty-free IRA withdrawals at 59 1/2, access to Social Security benefits as early as 62, and Medicare at age 65. While age 55 doesn’t get as much attention, it also opens the door to several retirement planning opportunities, including early access to 401(k) funds (thanks to the rule of 55) and catch-up contributions in several different accounts.If you’re approaching age 55 (or you’ve already reached it), it’s important to understand the benefits available to you. Wealth Enhancement shares five financial changes that happen at age 55 and what to consider for each one.1. The Rule of 55: Penalty-Free Access to Your 401(k)The typical IRS timeline lets you access your retirement dollars penalty-free at age 59 1/2, but the rule of 55 creates an exception.What Is the Rule of 55?The rule of 55 is an IRS provision that allows you to withdraw money from your current employer’s 401(k) or 403(b) without paying the 10% early withdrawal penalty that usually applies if you leave your job in the calendar year you turn 55 or later. If you’re a public safety employee for a state or political subdivision, the age is even lower at age 50.An important catch is that this rule only applies to the retirement plan held by the employer you just separated from. It doesn’t extend to 401(k) or 403(b) plans from prior employers or to IRAs.When the Rule of 55 Makes SenseThe rule of 55 makes sense in a few common situations:Early retirement: If you’re retiring from full-time work before age 59 1/2, this rule gives you a source of income without an early withdrawal penalty.Involuntary separation: A layoff or forced early retirement at 55 opens up access to your retirement savings, even if you weren’t planning to use it just yet.Bridge income: Because retirees aren’t eligible for Social Security until age 62, and full benefits may not be available until later, the rule of 55 can serve as a bridge until that happens.Important: The rule of 55 eliminates early withdrawal penalties, but it doesn’t eliminate taxes. Unless you’re withdrawing from a Roth account, you’ll still have to pay ordinary income taxes on your withdrawals.2. HSA Catch-Up Contributions Begin at 55If you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan, you’re allowed to contribute to a health savings account (HSA), which offers tax-free savings for qualified medical expenses.The Extra $1,000 You Can ContributeOnce you reach age 55, you get to contribute an additional $1,000 per year to your HSA on top of the usual limit. For 2026, that brings your total contribution from $4,400 to $5,400 for self coverage, and from $8,750 to $9,750 for family coverage.The catch-up contribution is per person, not per account. If you and your spouse are both 55 or older, you can each contribute your own $1,000 catch-up contribution. However, it must go into an account in your own name, not a shared account.Why HSAs Are a Powerful Retirement ToolHSAs have an unusual triple tax advantage. Contributions go in pre-tax (or are tax-deductible), the account grows tax-free, and withdrawals are federally tax-free as long as you use them for qualified medical expenses.Once you turn 65, HSAs become even more powerful. You can use the money for any purpose without a penalty. However, non-medical withdrawals are still taxed as ordinary income, just like your 401(k) or IRA withdrawals.Fidelity estimates that a 65-year-old retiring in 2026 may need to spend roughly $185,500 on health care expenses in retirement, so building an HSA as soon as possible can be worthwhile.If you’re also exploring how to maximize your 401(k) contributions, coordinating both accounts can help amplify your tax savings.3. Retirement Catch-Up Contributions Accelerate Your SavingsRetirement plans, including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and IRAs, all allow catch-up contributions to help maximize your savings as you near retirement.401(k), 403(b), and IRA Catch-Up LimitsCatch-up contributions in retirement plans actually start at age 50, so by age 55, you’ve had an extra five years to take advantage of them. If you’re checking in with your finances at 55, it’s a good time to double-check that you’ve been using them.The 2026 catch-up contributions are:401(k)/403(b): An extra $8,000 for those 50 and older, on top of the standard $24,500 limit.IRA: An extra $1,100 for those 50 and older, on top of the standard $7,500 limit.Age 60-63: An increased $11,250 “super catch-up” contribution for 401(k)s and 403(b)s instead of the standard $8,000 catch-up contribution.How to Prioritize Your Catch-Up DollarsIf you can’t max out every account, a common order of priority is:Contribute enough to your 401(k) plan to earn your full employer match.Fully fund your HSA, including your catch-up contribution.Build up your 401(k) catch-up contributions.Use any remaining funds to add to your IRA catch-up contributions.Within each account, you’ll also have to choose between traditional and Roth contributions based on your current tax bracket and where you expect to land in retirement. The table below can help: Wealth Enhancement It’s important to note that, starting in 2026, anyone who earned more than $150,000 in wages the prior year must make their catch-up contributions into a Roth (i.e., after-tax) account rather than a traditional pre-tax one, assuming their plan offers a Roth option.4. The Roth Conversion Window OpensA Roth conversion lets you roll money from a traditional retirement account into a Roth account. You’ll pay taxes on the amount you convert and get tax-free withdrawals in retirement.Why 55 Is a Strategic Conversion AgeIf you retire at age 55, you may have several years of lower taxable income before your Social Security benefits kick in as early as age 62 and required minimum distributions (RMDs) kick in at age 75. That window can be a good time to convert traditional 401(k) or IRA dollars to a Roth account at a lower marginal tax rate.Factors to Evaluate Before ConvertingA Roth conversion isn’t right for everyone. There are a few key factors to consider:Current vs. future tax bracket: Converting usually makes the most sense when your current tax rate is lower than you expect it to be during retirement.5-year rule: Each Roth conversion has its own five-year clock before you can withdraw those converted funds penalty-free under age 59 1/2.IRMAA thresholds: Medicare’s income-based monthly adjustment uses your income from the past two years, so a large conversion in your early 60s can raise your Medicare premiums at 65.5. Health Care and Social Security Planning Become UrgentThe timing of health insurance coverage and Social Security benefits is among the largest considerations as you near retirement, and it’s critical to plan ahead.Bridging the Gap to Medicare at 65If you retire at age 55, you’ll have up to a decade without employer-sponsored health coverage before you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65. A few options that can help you bridge that gap include:COBRA: You may be eligible to extend your employer coverage for up to 18 months after leaving your job.ACA marketplace plan: These are purchased individually and, depending on your income, you could be eligible for subsidies.Health-sharing ministries: These non-insurance alternatives have become increasingly popular.Spousal coverage: If your spouse still works and has employer benefits, you could get coverage under their plan.Budgeting for premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs during this time is an important part of your early retirement plan. Make sure you also understand what Medicare will and won’t cover by reviewing Medicare costs and coverage basics.Social Security Claiming Strategy Begins NowThough you can’t claim Social Security at age 55, you can start planning for it. Now is the time to understand your options and determine which is right for you.Age 62: You can start receiving payments at a reduced benefit amount.Age 67: You’re eligible for your full retirement age (FRA) Social Security benefit.Age 70: Your benefit grows 8% per year for each year you delay past your FRA, maxing out at age 70.Keep in mind that whatever age you start collecting benefits locks in your benefit amount for the rest of your life. If you retire at 62 with the reduced benefit, you’ll get the reduced amount forever. It won’t increase when you reach age 67 or 70. Meanwhile, age 70 gives you the highest monthly benefit, but the fewest years to collect it.Use the Social Security retirement benefits overview to estimate your projected benefit at each claiming age.What to Do Next: A Turning-55 Financial ChecklistAs you’re approaching retirement and reaching these milestone years, there’s a lot to consider and plan for. Here is a short checklist to help you understand everything you need to know and do:Review your 401(k) plan’s rule-of-55 provisions with your plan administrator.Open and contribute to an HSA if you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan.Confirm you’re making full catch-up contributions to all eligible accounts.Model Roth conversion scenarios with a tax professional.Estimate health care costs for the years between 55 and 65 and compare coverage options.Run Social Security benefit projections at ages 62, 67, and 70.Schedule a meeting with a fiduciary financial advisor.Frequently Asked QuestionsHow much money should a 55-year-old have saved for retirement?A common benchmark suggests saving between seven and eight times your annual salary by age 55. If you earn $150,000, for example, you’d need between $1.05 million and $1.2 million. However, the right number depends on your lifestyle, living expenses, target retirement age, and other sources of income. It’s important to build a plan around your specific circumstances rather than a general rule of thumb.Can I retire at 55 with no savings?While it’s not impossible to retire at 55 with no savings, it’s extremely difficult. You would need to rely on the rule of 55 for any available 401(k) funds, run the numbers to maximize your Social Security benefits, keep your expenses extremely lean, and consider part-time income to help bridge the gap. Given the complexity involved, working with a financial advisor is strongly recommended if you’re considering this path.Is $1 million enough to retire at 55?Under normal rules of thumb, $1 million wouldn’t be enough for most people to retire at age 55. Using the commonly referenced 4% withdrawal rule, $1 million could support an annual withdrawal of roughly $40,000. However, because retiring at 55 means your savings would have to last more than 30 years, a more conservative withdrawal rate may be necessary. Ultimately, the answer depends on your annual spending, health care expenses, and other sources of income.The Bottom LineTurning 55 isn’t one of the most well-known retirement milestones, but it’s still one worth understanding. The rule of 55, catch-up contributions, Roth conversion window, and health care and Social Security planning horizon all represent opportunities to strengthen your retirement plan. The key is to act on them early, before your options dwindle.This story was produced by Wealth Enhancement and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What does jewelry insurance actually cover? A plain-language guide Jewelry insurance covers more than most people expect and excludes less than you might think.The basics: Dedicated jewelry insurance typically covers loss, theft, damage, and disappearance, including during worldwide travel.The fine print: A handful of specific situations aren't covered, but most are uncommon.The documentation: An appraisal and photos are helpful to have, but in many cases, you can get a policy without them.You've heard that jewelry insurance exists. You might even know you probably need it. But when someone asks you what it actually covers, the answer gets fuzzy fast."Loss and theft" sounds straightforward until you wonder whether that includes accidentally leaving your ring on a sink in a restaurant. Or whether damage means a scratched band or a lost stone. Or whether your coverage follows you when you travel.This guide from Jewelers Mutual Group, an insurer that has specialized in jewelry for over 110 years, answers those questions in plain language, so you know exactly what you're getting before you need it.What jewelry insurance coversA dedicated jewelry insurance policy is built around what actually happens to jewelry in real life. That means coverage typically extends to:Accidental loss: Your ring slips off while you're gardening. Your necklace falls into the ocean. These everyday losses — the kind that feel embarrassing to explain — are covered.Theft: Whether your jewelry is stolen from your home, your car, or your hotel room, theft is covered.Disappearance: This one often surprises people. If a piece goes missing and you genuinely don't know how or when, that's still covered.Accidental damage: A prong catches on something, and a stone falls out. Your bracelet gets crushed in a car door. Accidental damage is covered, including repairs.Natural disasters: This includes fire, flooding, and storm damage; you’re protected from covered events that damage or destroy your jewelry.Worldwide travel: Your coverage follows you. Whether you're in another state or another country, your jewelry is protected while you’re traveling, the same way it is at home.What jewelry insurance doesn't coverJust as important as what's covered is what isn't. Below are some of the most common exclusions, though your policy may include others. It's worth reviewing your specific coverage for the full list:Wear and tear or gradual deterioration: If a piece was already in poor condition or breaks over time from normal use, that's considered maintenance, not a covered loss.Intentional damage: Coverage doesn't apply if a piece is deliberately damaged or lost.Voluntary parting: If you willingly give up a piece, such as selling it and the payment falls through, that's not a covered loss.Nuclear hazard or acts of war: These are standard exclusions shared across nearly all insurance products.Vermin or insects: Damage from an infestation isn't covered.The exclusions are edge cases. Your policy coverage is built for common situations.What happens when you file a claim?This is where dedicated jewelry insurance works differently from a homeowners or renters policy. Rather than cutting you a check and leaving you to figure out the rest, a standalone jewelry insurer typically works to repair or replace your piece with something as close to the same kind and quality as possible. In many cases, the insurance company coordinates directly with your preferred jeweler to do it. A generic cash settlement may not account for what the piece meant to you or what it would take to replace it.What documentation do you need to get covered?You need less documentation than you might expect. In many cases, you can get started with just basic information about the piece, including type, materials and estimated value. For higher-value items, having an appraisal on hand is helpful, as it documents the item's description and replacement value. Photos can also help establish the condition and other details at the time of coverage.You don't need to jump through hoops. Coverage can often start the same day you apply.How much does it cost?Dedicated jewelry insurance typically runs 1%-2% of a piece's retail replacement value per year. For example:A $3,000 ring: roughly $30-$60 per yearA $5,000 ring: roughly $50-$100 per yearA $10,000 ring: roughly $100-$200 per yearThe bottom lineJewelry insurance covers the things that commonly happen: a ring lost on vacation, a stone knocked loose, or a bracelet stolen from a hotel room. The exclusions are narrow and specific. The coverage is broad.If you own a piece you'd be upset or financially strained to lose, it's worth spending five minutes to find out what coverage would cost.Disclaimer: Insurance coverage is subject to underwriting approval and actual policy terms. Any descriptions of coverage are not a substitute for actual policy language. Coverage options may vary by state and by product. Exclusions and limitations may apply.This story was produced by Jewelers Mutual Group and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Scott County attorney says defense may prefer bench trial in high-profile case Scott County Attorney Kelly Cunningham says the defense's decision to waive a jury for a bench trial could save taxpayers money, with the case remaining in Henry County. Trial set for March 2027.
	The renaissance of train travel: 7 destinations where the train is the best part of the journey For decades, modern travel has largely been a race against the clock. Airlines have promised faster connections, highways have shortened distances, and even vacation itineraries comprising just a few days have packed in as many destinations as possible.But now, a different kind of travel—one that invites travelers to slow down—is gaining steam. Train travel is experiencing a renaissance as more travelers seek scenic, immersive ways to explore a destination that allows them to kick back and simply enjoy the view outside. Instead of treating transportation as merely a means to get from one place to the next, rail journeys are increasingly becoming a part of the travel experience itself. A May 2026 survey conducted by EF Go Ahead Tours found that 93% of North American travelers are increasingly considering train tourism, while 78% are interested in incorporating trains into their guided vacations or tour experiences. Scenic views ranked as the top reason for the interest in train travel, followed by comfort and the opportunity to enjoy a unique travel experience.The shift reflects a broader change in what travelers value. Getting somewhere quickly still matters, but, increasingly, so does enjoying how they get there.Across Europe and North America, railways are offering travelers a different perspective on familiar destinations—from crossing the Alps on historic mountain railways to connecting major cities without setting foot in an airport.For those looking to experience the resurgence firsthand, these seven destinations prove that train is one of the best ways to see the world.1. The European AlpsBest for dramatic mountain scenery and iconic scenic railways Courtesy of EF Go Ahead Tours Few landscapes seem better suited to train travel than the Alps. Snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, mountain villages, and dramatic passes unfold outside the window, while railways tackle terrain that would otherwise be difficult—and, in some cases, nearly impossible—to cross. The region's trains are engineering feats in their own right, climbing steep mountainsides and winding through tunnels carved into the landscape. A multicountry train itinerary through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy brings together five of the region's scenic railways. Travelers can climb toward Germany's highest peak aboard the Zugspitze Cogwheel Train, cross the Alps on the Arlberg Railway, and travel between Switzerland and Italy on the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway. The Gotthard Panorama Express adds another dimension, pairing a vintage paddle steamer across Lake Lucerne with a panoramic train journey through the heart of the Alps. The result is a trip with scenery between stops that can be just as memorable as the destinations themselves. 2. SwitzerlandBest for bucket list train journeys Courtesy of EF Go Ahead Tours Switzerland has built much of its reputation as a travel destination around its mountains for sports like hiking, skiing, and cycling, but its railways are among the country's greatest attractions, too. An extensive rail network connects Alpine resorts, lakeside towns, and remote mountain villages, while several routes have become internationally recognized experiences in their own right. The best known is the Glacier Express, often called the "world's slowest express." Over a span of approximately six and a half hours, the train winds through the Swiss Alps, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels. The UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway offers another spectacular look at Switzerland's mountainous terrain, with routes that showcase both the country's dramatic landscapes and the remarkable engineering required to traverse them. A week in Switzerland by train must include travel through St. Moritz, Zermatt, and Interlaken. For travelers with limited time, seeing Switzerland by train transforms the journey from simply a way to get between mountain towns into an experience all its own.3. The Swiss and French AlpsBest for high-altitude adventures Courtesy of EF Go Ahead Tours The Alps don't stop at Switzerland's borders, and some of the region's most dramatic rail journeys cross between Switzerland and France. Here, the experience is defined by elevation. Trains climb from lakeside towns into high mountain terrain, carrying passengers toward glaciers, peaks, and some of Europe's highest-altitude destinations. A trip from Lucerne to Chamonix by train brings together several distinctly different rail experiences. The GoldenPass Express travels through the Swiss countryside, while a rack railway climbs to the Jungfraujoch, home to Europe's highest train station at 11,332 feet. Farther west, the Mont-Blanc Express heads toward Chamonix, with glaciers towering in the distance, offering another perspective on one of Europe's most recognizable mountain ranges. The journey also includes one of Switzerland's more unusual rail experiences: the aptly nicknamed Chocolate Train, which leads to a visit to the Cailler chocolate factory. Together, the routes show how train travel can transform an Alpine vacation from a series of mountain stops into an experience shaped by the journey between them.4. London, Paris and VeniceBest for the romance of classic European rail travel Sampajano // Shutterstock Few forms of transportation carry as much cultural nostalgia as the great European train journey. Long before budget airlines made weekend city-hopping commonplace, railways connected the continent's capitals and inspired an era of glamorous travel immortalized in literature, film, and popular culture. Relive the Belle Époque era with a journey that follows the route of the storied Orient Express across London, Paris, Lausanne, Milan, and Venice. The sights and cultural experiences along the way recapture the comfort, glamour, and romance that made this route—and the era of grand rail travel—so enduringly iconic.5. Italy's Classic CitiesBest for seamless city-hopping Songquan Deng // Shutterstock Train travel doesn't always mean traveling slowly. In Italy, rail offers one of the most efficient ways to connect the country's most popular destinations. High-speed trains link city centers directly, eliminating much of the time and hassle associated with flying or driving between major stops. Venice, Florence, and Rome are among the country's most visited cities, and train travel makes the journey between them remarkably simple. Travelers board Italy's flagship high-speed service in Venice, travel through the Apennines and into Tuscany, and continue from Renaissance Florence to Rome—all in just over three and a half hours. It's an example of how rail can change the rhythm of a multicity vacation and turn the experience into one continuous journey across the country. 6. Central Europe's Former Imperial CapitalsBest for history, culture and multicountry travel Kateryna_Moroz // Shutterstock Some of Europe's most fascinating cities are remarkably close together—and rail remains one of the easiest ways to connect them. Berlin, Prague, and Vienna each tell a different chapter of Central European history. Together, they offer a journey through imperial legacies, Cold War history, architecture, music, and some of the continent's most distinctive urban cultures. EuroCity and Railjet services connect the three former imperial capitals, allowing travelers to move between Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria without relying on short-haul flights. Travelers looking to extend the route can continue to Budapest, adding another former imperial capital to the journey. It's a reminder that train travel can make multicountry travel feel less fragmented—transforming several destinations into one connected experience.7. The Pacific NorthwestBest for scenic rail travel closer to home Ian Dewar Photography // Shutterstock Europe may dominate the popular imagination when it comes to great train journeys, but North America has its own compelling rail landscapes. The Pacific Northwest combines dramatic mountains, sprawling coasts, evergreen forests, and three of the region's most distinctive cities—Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver. The Amtrak Cascades route connects them by rail, offering views of landscapes including Mount St. Helens and the San Juan Islands along the way. A day trip to Mount Rainier adds another opportunity to experience one of the region's defining landscapes. For American travelers in particular, the Pacific Northwest is a reminder that a scenic rail vacation doesn't require crossing the ocean.What the return of train travel means for travelersThe renewed interest in train tourism reflects something bigger than nostalgia. For a growing number of travelers, how they get somewhere is beginning to matter almost as much as where they're going. A slower pace, often with a drink in hand with a travel companion by your side as the scenery passes by, is increasingly viewed as a travel highlight—a chance to actually watch a country, city, or landscape unfold by rail. Whether that means retracing a historic European rail corridor, crossing the Swiss Alps, or riding a coastal route through the Pacific Northwest, travelers are increasingly discovering that getting there doesn't have to be separate from the vacation. Sometimes, it may be the best part.This story was produced by EF Go Ahead Tours and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Political discussions at work: What should your workplace policy cover? Midterm elections are approaching, and political discussions at work become harder to avoid. Employees start discussing their thoughts about candidates, ballot issues, news stories, or public policies during breaks, in group chats, or sometimes in front of customers. These discussions do not mean small business owners need to ban them. It does, however, mean it can help to set boundaries before disagreements start affecting the workplace.Political speech at a private workplace is not automatically protected by the First Amendment. Federal employment discrimination laws generally do not list political affiliation as a protected characteristic. The First Amendment does restrict government action, but it generally does not prohibit a private employer from regulating employee speech simply because it is political.It's important to note that political conversations can also touch on issues that are protected by employment laws. For example, a disagreement about a political issue could include comments about an employee’s race, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Those characteristics are protected under federal discrimination laws. State and local laws may provide additional protections, including in some cases protections related to political activity or affiliation. Employers should consider these protections when deciding how to handle political discussions at work.Focus your policy on conduct, not viewpointsYou may not need to write your policy from scratch. Many of the same standards you already use for employee conduct can be applied or adapted for political discussions.Employees may have disagreements, but discussions should not interfere with work, disrupt customers, involve threats or intimidation, or violate your existing anti-harassment and discrimination policies.Remember, a political disagreement is not automatically unlawful harassment. The situation changes when a conversation includes unwelcome conduct tied to a legally protected characteristic. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) explains that harassment based on protected characteristics is unlawful when it results in an adverse employment action or becomes sufficiently severe or pervasive.Your existing workplace conduct policy may already cover much of this, but review it anyway. Make sure it includes disruptions at work, interactions with customers, harassment, and how employees should report a concern.Consistency matters when problems ariseNot every complaint will be as straightforward, and managers should know when to escalate an issue.For example, if your policy prohibits employees from having disruptive non-work conversations while serving customers, apply that rule consistently regardless of the political position being discussed.Managers should also know when a complaint needs a closer look. A conversation about politics could overlap with protected workplace activity. For example, the EEOC specifically addresses workplace religious expression, which can overlap with political conversation. Under federal labor law, covered employees may also have rights to act together and discuss issues involving wages, hours, benefits, and other working conditions.A political disagreement can also become a different workplace issue when comments involve a protected characteristic such as race, religion, sex, or national origin.A blanket “no politics” rule may not solve every situation. Focusing instead on workplace conduct gives managers something more concrete to address when a problem comes up.Questions to consider about politics in your workplaceBefore adding another rule to your employee handbook, Rocket Lawyer recommends reviewing what your current policies already cover.Do we need a separate policy for political discussions? Could our existing conduct, harassment, communication, or customer-service rules already address most concerns?When does a conversation become a workplace problem? Does it disrupt work, affect customers, involve intimidation, or potentially violate another policy?Do managers know how to respond to complaints? Would they recognize when political speech may overlap with protected workplace activity or a protected characteristic?Are we applying our rules consistently? Would we respond the same way if employees expressed opposing political viewpoints?What to do nextReview your existing policies. Check your conduct, anti-harassment, communication, social media, and complaint procedures before creating a separate political speech rule.Set clear behavioral expectations. Focus on disruption, respectful conduct, customers, threats, harassment, and use of company resources, not particular viewpoints.Prepare managers for complaints. Give supervisors a clear process for documenting concerns and escalating situations that may involve protected rights.Check applicable laws. State and local protections can vary.Your employees do not have to agree with each other. What matters is having workplace expectations that managers understand and apply consistently when disagreements come up.This story was produced by Rocket Lawyer and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How Trump keeps undercutting his anti-communist message The Trump administration has taken government equity stakes in more than three dozen private companies.
	Edmunds ranks the best used SUVs for your family With the staggering number of SUVs available for sale today — there are nearly 40 listed in Edmunds compact and subcompact rankings alone — picking the best used SUV to buy for your family can be overwhelming. According to Edmunds, the Kia Sportage and Toyota Grand Highlander are among today's top picks, but several others might also suit your needs. For a local runabout, the small but roomy Honda CR-V is ideal. For longer commutes, the Chevrolet Traverse, with its hands-free driving system, can be a lifesaver. Towing a boat? Look to the Lincoln Navigator or even the electric Rivian R1S. The best used family SUV depends entirely on your needs, interests and budget. Here are 10 favorites.Honda CR-VA time-tested classic since its debut nearly 30 years ago, the Honda CR-V is ideal for small families thanks to a surprisingly spacious cabin, a smooth ride, easy drivability and solid overall value. The larger back seat that came as part of a 2023 redesign makes it easy to fit and adjust bulky rear-facing car seats, and it will just as easily accommodate those small passengers when they're no longer so small.The CR-V is rarely the cheapest option in its class. But impressive fuel economy, especially from the optional hybrid powertrain, and long-term reliability mean you probably won't lose money on a CR-V. The 2023 model's updated infotainment system also eliminates the wonky touchscreen and infotainment glitches experienced in earlier models. It falls short of some competitors in towing capacity — at 1,500 pounds, it can't pull much more than a small utility trailer or a pair of dirt bikes — and the hybrid can sound harsh and loud when being spurred up a hill or grade. Like most other gas-electric SUVs of its size, the hybrid gets its best fuel economy around town, but overall, you can't go wrong with a CR-V.EPA combined fuel economy: 30 mpg (non-hybrid); 37-40 mpg (hybrid)Edmunds Rating: 8.1 (out of 10)Average price: $30,435Kia Sportage HybridQuick and seamless acceleration makes the Kia Sportage Hybrid a favorite. And at around $25,000 for an average 2023 model, it's an amazing value. A smooth, quiet ride; generous passenger space in both rows; and class-leading cargo capacity (nearly 74 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down) make it both comfortable and practical for families. Fuel economy ratings ranging from 38 mpg to 43 mpg, and Kia's exceptional warranty also make the Sportage Hybrid a prudent pick.Most impressive is the Sportage's cabin, with materials and design that feel a few notches nicer than the average economy crossover. The switchable infotainment/climate control display takes some getting used to, and hard-wired Apple CarPlay and Android Audio are a minor disappointment, but some cable clutter is a fair trade-off for the rest of the Sportage Hybrid's strengths. You can save a little money opting for the non-hybrid engine, but the hybrid's extra juice is worth it. You can also spend more for the plug-in hybrid version and get around 35 miles of all-electric range, but the regular hybrid hits the value sweet spot.EPA combined fuel economy: 38-43 mpgEdmunds Rating: 8.4 (out of 10)Average price: $25,145Genesis GV70Powered by a choice of turbocharged four- or six-cylinder engines, the GV70 accelerates swiftly (0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds for the V6) and delivers a smooth, serene ride with its available adaptive suspension and well-insulated cabin. Inside, you'll find two roomy rows, with a commanding driving position and a large 14.5-inch touchscreen to control infotainment. And though style is subjective, the GV70's elegant design makes it a standout among more under-the-radar luxury SUVs.Rated at up to 24 mpg for the four-cylinder, the GV70 also delivers decent fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive crossover. Like the Kia Sportage, earlier Genesis models rely on a wired Apple/Android smartphone connection; wireless integration didn't arrive until the 2025 model. It's a minor annoyance given the GV70's otherwise generous features, sophisticated feel and attractive price compared to its Audi, BMW and Acura peers.EPA combined fuel economy: 21-24 mpgEdmunds Rating: 8.3 (out of 10)Average price: $36,125Subaru OutbackFrom almost any angle, the Subaru Outback looks like a wagon. Its long hood and long, low roof dismiss it from most SUV support groups, but its robust standard all-wheel drive and ample ground clearance (8.7 inches) let the Outback go places even some SUVs fear to tread. And even with its adventurous spirit, the Outback's well-tuned suspension and exceptionally supportive front seats make it a comfortable and capable urban sled. There's generous passenger space and a versatile cargo area with a low floor for easy loading and accessible roof rails for racking gear on top. Sure, this means the Outback gives up some maximum cargo space to its boxier SUV rivals, but it's a fair trade.The Subaru's only real downside? The base engine is painfully slow: 0-60 mph in just under 9 seconds. You need to step up to the Wilderness or XT trim to get the more powerful 260-horsepower engine, but it's money well spent. The Outback was redesigned for 2026 to better fit in with the SUV crowd, but the previous generation discussed here ran from 2020 to 2025. When shopping, look for 2023 or newer models for the improved infotainment software.EPA combined fuel economy: 23-28 mpgEdmunds Rating: 7.7 (out of 10)Average price: $26,534Toyota Grand HighlanderThe Toyota Grand Highlander is a roomy three-row SUV that improves on the standard Highlander where it matters most: a third row with room for real adults. The Grand Highlander adds about 5.5 inches of third-row legroom, so even your 6-foot-tall passengers can relax back there, something they can't do in the standard Highlander's cozier, kids-only back row. Cargo capacity is similarly generous, reaching up to nearly 98 cubic feet, or almost the same amount as Toyota's Sienna minivan. Small-item storage is also plentiful across all three rows.While the base gas Grand Highlander isn't Outback-slow, it's also not swift and it strains under heavy highway loads. If you want a bit more speed and better efficiency, consider the optional Grand Highlander hybrid model. It is more responsive and more enjoyable to drive. There's also an available Hybrid Max powertrain that trades efficiency for power and takes this big Toyota to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone connection are available, and there's a solid bundle of standard active safety features. The Grand Highlander's fairly anonymous style — aside from its tall, upright grille — won't suit everyone, but this SUV's practicality and comfort make it a strong midsize contender.EPA combined fuel economy: 24 mpg (non-hybrid); 27 mpg (Hybrid Max); 34-36 mpg (hybrid)Edmunds Rating: 8.2 (out of 10)Average Price: $44,355Acura MDXSporty V6-powered performance, a spacious cabin, and high-class interior materials like open-pore wood and aluminum make the Acura MDX one of today's best sleeper values. While its pricier European rivals get more attention, the three-row MDX quietly offers inspired handling, a roomy enough third row and several standard active safety features.Even its two available sound systems are among the best in the class. None of that makes up for a clumsy touchpad interface used to control the infotainment system. The dual-screen design isn't intuitive, and the menu structure remains baffling even after some study. It's a rare miss in an otherwise well-executed interior design. Fortunately, you can always default to wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto if you prefer to bypass the MDX's system altogether. If you like the elegance of the Genesis GV70, the MDX costs just a bit more, but gives you sharper performance and a third row.EPA combined fuel economy: 21-22 mpgEdmunds Rating: 8.0 (out of 10)Average price: $38,243Kia TellurideThe Kia Telluride's combination of practicality, style and value made it an instant favorite on its debut in 2020, edging out longtime three-row SUV class leaders like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. A smooth, relaxed ride; wide and comfortable seats; modern tech features; and big, adult-size third-row seats make the Telluride an ideal all-arounder, whether covering grueling commutes, daily drop-offs or long, relaxed miles far from home. It's even rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.There's a ton of cabin space, but oddly, not a lot of dedicated space for personal items (phones, keys, sunglasses, headphones), so you'll be on your own for smaller cubbies and dividers. And while the Telluride's V6 generates a solid wallop, fuel economy isn't particularly stellar (ranging between 21 mpg and 23 mpg combined). When shopping, aim for 2023 or newer models since they feature slightly revised styling and larger touchscreens. The Telluride went on hiatus for 2026, returning with a redesigned second-generation model for 2027.EPA combined fuel economy: 21-23 mpgEdmunds Rating: 8.4 (out of 10)Average price: $32,992Chevrolet TraverseIn reviews, Edmunds called the Chevrolet Traverse "decidedly average" and "awkward," criticized its bland design and bashed its bargain-bin interior. Yet that's precisely why the Traverse makes the list. It's the perfect three-row SUV for families who, intentionally or otherwise, need something that can withstand abuse. At around $35,000, a used Traverse still isn't cheap. But you'd need the pricier Toyota Grand Highlander to approach the cavernous volume of the Traverse's interior. It's among the roomiest three-row SUVs that isn't based on a truck and leads the class in cargo space behind the third row (22.9 cubic feet).The Chevy also has a strong turbo four-cylinder engine, which helps it tow up to 5,000 pounds, and a low-fuss interior that makes it easy to brush off the battle scars of daily family life. The Traverse was redesigned in 2024. While you can find plenty of good earlier models, look to the latest generation for its more potent engine (an additional 18 hp and 60 lb-ft of torque despite two fewer cylinders), massive 17.7-inch infotainment display, available Super Cruise hands-free driving feature and more rugged, angular styling.EPA combined fuel economy: 20-21 mpgEdmunds Rating: N/A (6.3 for 2026)Average price: $34,685Lincoln NavigatorWhen the going gets tough and the tough need trailers, the Lincoln Navigator is among the best options. Like Lincoln's classic sedans of old, the Navigator — itself a classic at almost 30 years old — combines a plush cabin and soft ride with robust power and towing capacity. Today's Navigator is also a technological marvel, highlighted by infinitely adjustable seats, advanced infotainment features such as mood lighting and soothing aural ambiance, and the optional BlueCruise hands-free driving system. Sophisticated wood and metal trim sets a high bar for a family luxury SUV, but it's the Navigator's muscle that seals the deal.The standard turbo V6 makes a whopping 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to pull up to 8,700 pounds. The Navigator was redesigned in 2025, but it didn't change substantially year-to-year in its preceding generation. Look for 2022 models or newer to get the larger touchscreen and optional BlueCruise.EPA combined fuel economy: 17-19 mpgEdmunds Rating: 8.4 (out of 10)Average price: $54,870Rivian R1SIf you're ready to trade gas for electricity, the three-row Rivian R1S is the most capable way to do it. It's roomier than a Tesla Model X and can go places off-road that would leave its rival in pieces. Early R1S SUVs lack some of the comfort and refinement you might expect for the luxury-level price, but all come with ample active safety features, a large 16-inch infotainment display, and camp- and trail-ready touches like an adjustable air suspension and an onboard air compressor.The R1S is rated for anywhere from around 275-350 miles of driving range, depending on the motors, wheels, battery size and tires; Edmunds got 330 miles from a 2022 model in a real-world Edmunds EV Range Test. And when it's time to tow, the Rivian can also pull up to 7,700 pounds. The R1S hasn't changed much since its debut, so when shopping, think about how much range you'll really need. That will help determine what battery size to target. The R1S isn't cheap, even used, and if you just need an electric SUV to handle routine family driving, a new Kia EV9 costs less and offers better on-road performance.EPA-estimated range: 274-352 milesEdmunds Rating: 8.1 (out of 10)Average price: $63,612This story was produced by Edmunds and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	After failed execution, health workers say Tennessee's method flouts medical ethics After a botched lethal injection in May, dozens of Tennessee medical professionals told the governor that healthcare professionals shouldn't help with executions, no matter the method.
	Burnout isn't just a buzzword: Why workers are reaching a breaking point Burnout is a response to chronic workplace stress that can leave people feeling exhausted, detached from their jobs, and less effective at work. Unlike everyday tiredness, burnout tends to build gradually and may be influenced by workload, lack of control, unclear expectations, and limited support.Key takeawaysBurnout develops from chronic, unmanaged workplace stress and often involves exhaustion, detachment from work, and reduced effectiveness.Burnout isn’t just about working long hours. Lack of control, unclear expectations, poor manager support, and value conflicts can all contribute.High performers and perfectionists may be especially vulnerable when overwork becomes associated with dedication or success.Time off can provide temporary relief, but vacations alone may not resolve burnout if the underlying work conditions remain unchanged.Addressing burnout may require both individual boundaries and workplace changes, including clearer priorities, manageable workloads, and stronger manager support.Feeling tired is a normal part of life, and that’s especially true by the end of a busy workweek. But burnout is an entirely different experience, and it has become part of the job for millions of Americans.To put this in perspective, Eagle Hill Consulting surveyed more than 1,400 U.S. employees in November 2025 and reported that 55% of the workforce is experiencing burnout.Burnout is also affecting whether workers plan to stay with their current employer, with the same survey finding that burned-out employees were nearly three times more likely to plan on leaving during the coming year. But part of what makes burnout so confusing is how gradually it builds, and BetterHelp has observed that people may mistake burnout for laziness or a bad mood.Still, the word itself now gets thrown around after almost any long day at work, even though many people may not be clear on what burnout actually means.What burnout actually meansThe concept of burnout dates back to the 1970s, when American psychologist Herbert Freudenberger used it to describe what severe stress and constant self-sacrifice did to caregivers. The term eventually moved well beyond caregiving professions, and researchers set out to pin down what separated it from everyday job stress.Psychologist Christina Maslach was among the first to take on the question, telling The Guardian that burnout is “a response to chronic job stressors.” Decades later, the World Health Organization settled on a definition that sounds a lot like hers.By the WHO’s account, burnout develops when stress at work goes on for a long time and never gets under control, leaving people exhausted or mentally distant from their jobs. The WHO also adds feeling less effective at work, with people sensing they are getting less done or not doing their job as well as they normally would.While burnout leads to feelings of inefficacy in the workplace, there is a spill-over into someone’s personal life. Burnout doesn't just stop at work but also carries over and impacts time away from work and with family.Still, burnout is easy to confuse with depression or anxiety, and organizational psychologist Ludmila Praslova explains in Psychology Today that one clue is whether the exhaustion stays at work. If it spills into every part of life, she writes, depression is the more likely cause, while exhaustion tied mainly to the job points to burnout.Why modern work can keep the brain ‘on’ around the clockIt’s hardly surprising that burnout remains so common when workers take the job home on the same phone they use to text family or check the weather. Microsoft’s June 2025 Work Trend Index found employees were sending 15% more work messages outside standard 9-to-5 hours than during the same period in 2024.And behind those late messages is pressure to stay responsive, with psychiatrist Dr. Tonmoy Sharma telling Business Standard that “even during off-hours, we feel the need to respond immediately, just to seem dedicated."This pressure is even harder to leave behind for remote and hybrid workers, who end the workday where they spend their evening relaxing. That said, flexibility still offers real benefits, with a 2024 Pew Research Center poll finding that 73% of people who work from home at least sometimes say it helps them balance work and personal life.But even with the upside, an email or Slack message arriving after dinner brings work back into the evening and makes it harder to feel finished for the day.Workload is only part of the burnout equationMost people assume that burnout comes down to having too much work, especially since long hours at work get so much attention. Yet Gallup has found that how employees experience their workload has a stronger relationship with burnout than the number of hours they work.Part of that experience comes down to control, with researchers Christina Maslach and Michael Leiter, in a 2016 paper published in the World Psychiatry journal, noting the link between burnout and jobs where workers have little say over decisions that affect them. And having little control is even harder when workers are left unsure about what their manager expects them to be responsible for.Gallup’s research reflects the same uncertainty, ranking unclear communication from managers and lack of manager support among the factors most closely tied to burnout. The experience also depends on how people are treated at work, with Maslach and Leiter linking burnout risk to missing recognition and workplace relationships where the support is weak.Their research also points to added risk when the job itself conflicts with a worker’s values. So two people with the same workload often experience it very differently, depending on how much control and support they have.Economic uncertainty can make it harder to walk awayPerhaps one of the hardest pressures surrounding burnout comes from money, especially when financial uncertainty makes a draining job feel too risky to leave. In fact, the financial pressure behind that decision shows up in the American Psychological Association’s 2024 Stress in America survey, which found 64% of adults called money a significant source of stress, while 41% said the same about job stability.And for many workers, keeping a stable job also protects access to health coverage, with KFF reporting employer-sponsored insurance covered 154 million people under 65 in 2025. So with a paycheck and employer health coverage tied to the same job, some workers keep pushing through exhaustion even when they know the job is wearing them down.Why high performers can be especially vulnerableEvery company wants people who can be counted on, and those employees often become the first choice when a difficult project needs an owner. Research from Andrew Hill and Thomas Curran found that perfectionism was especially tied to burnout at work, with Hill saying it often involves “fear and doubts about personal performance.”Someone who holds themselves to extremely high standards may keep saying yes rather than risk letting people down. And success often brings even more responsibility to the person who has already proven dependable.Curran has also noted that society tends to treat perfectionism as a sign of high achievement, making it easier for overwork to look like dedication. So when overwork looks like dedication, strong results can hide just how hard someone is pushing to keep up.The warning signs people often missWhat’s even more concerning than burnout itself is how subtle the warning signs can be before a person realizes work is taking a serious toll. Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Adam Borland says burnout “doesn’t happen all at once” and “develops gradually,” making it easy to brush off feeling tired most days at first.And as that tiredness continues, people often grow more cynical about work or begin feeling detached from it. The American Psychiatric Association also lists irritability and reduced productivity among the warning signs, while trouble focusing often makes simple tasks take more effort as motivation starts to fade.Since these experiences can overlap with other concerns, none of them alone confirms burnout. But when a weekend or a day off still does not bring someone’s energy back, the lack of recovery becomes harder to ignore.Why a vacation can’t always fix burnoutAs relaxing as it might sound, a vacation is not a simple fix for burnout, and it all boils down to what happens when that short escape ends. But to be completely fair, stepping away from work does help, giving people time to rest without the usual demands filling the day.Still, that relief has limits, with psychologist Jessica de Bloom’s research finding that vacation benefits often fade within the first week back at work. And as those benefits wear off, returning to unchanged work conditions puts the original source of stress right back in place.Psychologist Dayna Lee-Baggley notes in Psychology Today that research suggests reducing work demands can help vacation benefits last longer, bringing the focus back to the conditions waiting for employees once their time away is over.What employees can do when work is becoming unsustainableAn employee who suspects they are on the verge of burnout needs to start by figuring out which part of the job is causing the most strain. To make that pressure easier to recognize, in a Cleveland Clinic article, psychologist Adam Borland recommends checking in with how someone feels emotionally and physically throughout the day.Seeing those concerns more clearly also gives an employee something concrete to put in writing and bring into a conversation about priorities. Beyond the workday, Borland also recommends stronger boundaries, while the American Psychiatric Association points to limits on after-hours email and protecting sleep.If the strain continues despite those efforts, Borland recommends working with a therapist. Still, recovery also depends on the conditions surrounding the work itself and the people with the authority to influence them.What employers can do to reduce burnoutGiven that employees are more prone to experience burnout, employers can do a great deal to change the surrounding environment before stress reaches a breaking point. Much of that work starts with the job itself, with WHO guidance naming excessive workloads and understaffing among the workplace risks to mental health.Clear priorities make those limits easier for managers to protect, especially when teams also know what waits until the next workday. And training becomes part of that responsibility, with the same guidelines strongly recommending that managers be trained to recognize distress and respond to it.Still, wellness programs help only so far, and they do not make up for work conditions nobody keeps up with.Burnout is a workplace Issue, not a personal failureLike it or not, burnout is a growing concern in American culture. And while it’s becoming more normal for many people, it’s not at all a sign that someone is weak or personally failing to handle their life.Part of the reason is that personal resilience only goes so far when work demands meet responsibilities that continue outside the job. And those responsibilities differ for everyone, making recovery part of whether work remains sustainable over time.Looking ahead, experts studying burnout say more attention should go to how the problem develops over time so workplaces can respond sooner. Responding sooner also benefits employers, with APA citing evidence that workers whose supervisors support family-work harmony report great job satisfaction and are less likely to leave their jobs.Keeping people from reaching that point also depends on recovery, and guidance medically reviewed by licensed professional counselor Karen Foster identifies working with a therapist as a key part of recovering from burnout, especially when support begins at the first signs of trouble.This story was produced by BetterHelp and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What are the best fruits and vegetables to try on the grill this fall? Fall might just be one of the best seasons for grilling. As the weather cools and seasonal produce hits its peak, the grill offers a fresh way to enjoy the flavors of autumn. Apples, pears, squash, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and pumpkin develop richer flavor with a little heat and char. From delicious sides to a sweet treat, Wildfire Outdoor Living shares fall favorites that prove the grill still has plenty of work to do after summer ends. Fire up your grill and discover six seasonal ingredients worth adding to your fall menu. Grilled Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Walnuts Daria1112 // Shutterstock Serves: 4Prep time: 10 minutesCook time: 6-8 minutesIngredients4 ripe but firm pears1 tablespoon olive oil4 ounces goat cheese1/4 cup walnuts 3 tablespoons honeyInstructionsPreheat the grill to medium heat, about 375-400 F.Slice the pears in half lengthwise. Lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil.Place the pears cut side down on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes. Flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese.Drizzle with honey and finish with walnuts and enjoy.Charred Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Shallots RFondren Photography // Shutterstock. Serves: 4-6Prep time: 15 minutesCook time: 15 minutesIngredients1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved2 tablespoons olive oil1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper1 large shallot, thinly sliced2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar1 teaspoon Dijon mustard1 tablespoon olive oil1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice1 tablespoon chopped parsleyInstructionsPreheat the grill to medium heat, about 400°F.Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the Brussels sprouts for 3-4 minutes. Drain and pat thoroughly dry.Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.Place the sprouts directly on the grill grates, cut side down. Grill for 4-5 minutes without moving them to develop a deep char. Flip and grill for another 3-5 minutes, or until the centers are tender and the outer leaves are crisp. While the Brussels sprouts grill, heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallot and cook until golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon juice.Lightly toss the Brussels sprouts with the balsamic Dijon dressing and transfer to a serving platter.Top with crispy shallots and fresh parsley.Grilled Pumpkin with Whipped Feta and Thyme Oksana Mizina // Shutterstock Serves: 4-6Prep time: 15 minutesCook time: 15-20 minutesIngredients1 small sugar or pie pumpkin2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper4 ounces feta cheese1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt1 tablespoon lemon juice1 teaspoon fresh thyme for garnishingInstructionsPreheat the grill to medium heat, about 375-400 F.Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and stringy center. Cut each half into 1-inch-thick wedges.Brush the pumpkin wedges with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.Place the pumpkin directly on the grill grates. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side or until tender with lightly charred edges. While the pumpkin grills, add the feta, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.Spread the whipped feta onto the base of the serving bowl.Arrange the grilled pumpkin wedges over the whipped feta.Finish with thyme and black pepper. Grilled Cinnamon Apples with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Marina Averyanova // Shutterstock Serves: 4Prep time: 10 minutesCook time: 8-10 minutesIngredients3 Honeycrisp apples2 tablespoons melted butter2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon ground nutmegPinch of saltVanilla bean ice cream for servingCaramel sauce, optional InstructionsPreheat the grill to medium heat, about 375-400 F.Cut the apples in half, leaving the skin on.Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Brush the mixture over the apple wedges. Place the apples directly on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until grill marks develop and the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream and an optional drizzle of caramel sauce. Garlic Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges Goskova Tatiana // Shutterstock Serves: 4-6Prep time: 15 minutesCook time: 15-20 minutesIngredients3 large sweet potatoes2 tablespoons olive oil2 cloves of garlic, minced1 teaspoon smoked paprika1/2 teaspoon onion powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsleyFlaky sea salt for finishing InstructionsPreheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400 F.Cut the sweet potatoes lengthwise into thick wedges.Parboil the wedges for 5-7 minutes, then drain and pat completely dry.Toss with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.Grill for 4-6 minutes per side, or until lightly charred and fork-tender.Transfer to a serving platter, finish with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt. Grilled Butternut Squash with Rosemary & Sage nnk // Shutterstock Serves: 4-6Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 15-20 minutesIngredients1 large butternut squash3 tablespoons olive oil1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary1 teaspoon fresh chopped sage1/2 teaspoon onion powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice1/4 cup toasted pepitas Fresh parsley for finishingFlaky sea salt for finishing InstructionsPreheat the grill to medium heat (about 375-400 F).Peel the butternut squash and remove the seeds. Cut into 1/2-inch thick slices or half moons.Toss the squash with olive oil, rosemary, sage, onion powder, salt, and pepper.Place directly on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until tender with lightly charred edges.Transfer the squash to a serving platter and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with toasted pepitas, fresh parsley, and flaky sea salt before serving. This story was produced by Wildfire Outdoor Living and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Flight cancellations hit 4-year high: Here are the worst airports, and tips for avoiding travel woes If you found yourself stuck at an airport or stranded overnight this summer, you're not alone.So far, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the worst years for flight cancellations in recent years.This summer, the number of canceled flights on U.S. carriers surged by about 15% over last year, according to data from FlightAware.On Sept. 21, airlines had to shutter more than 1,000 departures as an air traffic control equipment outage snarled operations on the East Coast.Though operations resumed a day later, for passengers, it was just the latest snafu in a year of flight disruptions, as The Points Guy examines here.Worst year for flight cancellations since 2022Since Jan. 1, U.S. carriers have canceled roughly 2% of all flights, per FlightAware.That puts 2026 on pace to see the highest rate of cancellations since 2022 — a year right after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when staffing and operational woes fueled one airline meltdown after another.However, there seems to be no single problem behind this year's disruptions.January brought a series of punishing winter storms to several key cities, including the worst weather disruption in American Airlinesâ€™ history. Then came runway construction at busy hubs like San Francisco International Airport (SFO).Meanwhile, congestion and air traffic control delays continue to plague busy markets like New York City and Washington, D.C.Of course, summer storms are always a major factor — especially when they hit airports with jam-packed flight schedules.The worst airports for flight cancellations this summerWhich airports were the worst in terms of cancellations? Here are the numbers based on Cirium data for U.S. airports with at least 30,000 flights between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends:LaGuardia Airport (LGA): 6.5% of flights canceledRonald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): 5.8% of flights canceledJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): 4.2% of flights canceledBoston Logan International Airport (BOS): 3.8% of flights canceledNewark Liberty International Airport (EWR): 3.7% of flights canceledIf you're flying out of the New York City area, the data shows that you’re more likely to have your flight canceled than at other airports.All three of the region's busiest hubs ranked among the nation's worst airports for flight cancellations.So, which of those airports is your best bet?After plenty of troubles (and headlines) in 2025, Newark Liberty International Airport was the New York City area's best airport for delays and cancellations this summer, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.The worst airports for flight delays this summerPer Cirium data for U.S. airports with at least 30,000 flights between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, these were the worst airports in terms of delays: Nashville International Airport (BNA): 35.3% of flights delayedBaltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): 34.6% of flights delayedSan Diego International Airport (SAN): 33.6% of flights delayedDallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): 33.4% of flights delayedSan Francisco International Airport (SFO): 32.1% of flights delayedWhile flight cancellations were higher this summer than in 2025, delays didn't jump meaningfully from last year.Still, about 1 in 4 departures was delayed nationwide between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.Which airports had the best on-time record?Here are the large airports that saw the best on-time performance this summer, per Cirium data for U.S. airports with at least 30,000 flights between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.If you’re planning summer travel in 2027, you might want to aim for these hubs — especially if you have to make a connection.Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): 82% of flights were on timeMinneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP): 80.1% of flights were on timeDulles International Airport (IAD): 79.4% of flights were on timeLos Angeles International Airport (LAX): 78% of flights were on timeGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): 77.5% of flights were on timeTips for avoiding travel woes: Morning is still your best betSo what are the best ways to avoid flight trouble?For starters, book the morning flight.Morning flights tend to run more smoothly than afternoon and evening flights.Flight woes tend to compound as the day goes on. Maintenance issues arise. Afternoon storms fire up. Planes fall behind as they criss-cross the country over the course of the day.So, if you can stomach the early alarm clock, you'll likely stand a much better chance of getting to your destination on time."If you start cleanly in the morning, the airline tends to run on time for the rest of the day," Frontier Airlines CEO Jimmy Dempsey told TPG.Be especially cautious about booking an itinerary with a connection in the late afternoon or evening hours — particularly during peak spring and summer storm season.A credit card with travel insurance is more important than everIf you get stranded due to weather, the airline typically won't cover expenses such as meals or a hotel stay.That's where a credit card that has travel protections can come in clutch.Just make sure you initially booked the trip with that card; it’s typically a requirement when submitting a claim to your card issuer.Having a credit card with built-in travel protections is about to become even more important. Starting in October, airlines may not cover your costs for some mechanical delays.Check airline apps for flight updatesYou can use airline apps to check your flight status, search for backup flights and rebook. Apps like Flighty also offer early warnings about potential airline disruptions.Airlines have bolstered their technology to offer mobile bag-tracking and self-help tools for flight cancellations and delays.Downloading all the apps, loading your reservations and familiarizing yourself with the different tools can make you a pro if a flight disruption occurs.Have water, snacks and entertainment at the readyOne-hour flights can easily turn into three hours on the plane when lightning forces a ground stop or air traffic control halts departures.If you don't have the essentials, that can make the taxiway delay even more unpleasant.Pack water and snacks in your bag and download entertainment on your devices. Don't count on the in-flight service to hold you over, because you could end up waiting awhile.This story was produced by The Points Guy and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Timeline: Deere has been calling back workers, find out when Deere has called about 746 people back to work since January.
	A flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverts to Saudi Arabia after making distress call The pilot and co-pilot have been hospitalized after what flydubai described as an onboard "incident" — but what exactly happened is unclear.
	Netanyahu says a flydubai pilot tried to crash a plane of mostly Israeli passengers "As the plane was approaching Israel, one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot and tried to crash the plane with everyone on board," but a passenger and crew member broke into the cockpit to stop it.
	Israel says a flydubai pilot tried to crash a plane of mostly Israeli passengers "As the plane was approaching Israel, one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot and tried to crash the plane with everyone on board," but a passenger and crew member broke into the cockpit to stop it.
	Is it ADHD, perimenopause… or both? If you’re experiencing symptoms like trouble sleeping, brain fog, and issues with mood, you might be thinking, “Am I in perimenopause, do I have ADHD … or is it both?”The easiest way to tell the difference between ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) and perimenopause symptoms is to think about timing. Perimenopause symptoms show up during a specific time period — in the five to 10 years before menopause. But ADHD symptoms typically start in childhood or young adulthood. And even if you’re diagnosed with ADHD later in life, you can usually trace your symptoms back to when you were younger.That said, both conditions share symptoms — like issues with sleep, managing emotions, and memory. That can make it tricky to distinguish between the two. To further complicate things, perimenopause can make existing ADHD symptoms worse or reveal previously undiagnosed ADHD. In fact, according to ADHD expert Kathleen Nadeau, PhD, “perimenopause is often the ‘tipping point’ that makes a woman’s ADHD impossible to mask and compensate for.”So how can you tell if what you’re dealing with is ADHD, perimenopause, or both? Understood breaks down what research says about ADHD and perimenopause, and what you can ask your health care provider to get the right support.Perimenopause describes the years before menopause — when you stop having your period — during which your hormones begin to shift. It can start up to 10 years before menopause, which, on average, occurs around age 51. Perimenopause can last anywhere from five to 10 years. It typically affects people in their 40s, but it can start as early as their 30s.During perimenopause, your hormones don’t drop steadily over time. They fluctuate, rising and falling unevenly. These changes in estrogen and progesterone can cause symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and difficulty sleeping.Changes in your estrogen levels during perimenopause can also affect your cognitive function, like memory and concentration. That’s because estrogen and progesterone affect how dopamine — a brain chemical also associated with ADHD — works in your brain.Perimenopause can also make ADHD symptoms worse or unmask previously undiagnosed ADHD in some people. In those who don’t have ADHD, these symptoms are sometimes called “perimenopause brain fog.”ADHD symptoms vs. perimenopause symptomsIt can be hard to tell ADHD and perimenopause apart, especially if your ADHD is not diagnosed. However, there are a few clues that can help.The first clue? Genetics. “One thing to pay attention to is that ADHD is highly genetic. So when there is a question — is it ADHD or something else — it’s important to look back at siblings, parents, first cousins, grandparents, and look for patterns suggestive of ADHD within the family,” says Nadeau.Other potential signs of ADHD include perfectionism, burnout, and “exhaustion in keeping up that you just can’t quite manage anymore,” Nadeau says. “These are all potential signs of ’hidden’ ADHD.”Perimenopause can make it harder for you to concentrate, just like ADHD. But there are some perimenopause-specific symptoms caused by changing hormone levels that are not typically associated with ADHD — for example, hot flashes, joint aches, and vaginal dryness.Sleep problems are common with both ADHD and perimenopause. About 60 percent of adults with ADHD also have a sleep disorder, such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea. And between 80%-90% of women report sleep issues during perimenopause. Poor sleep in both ADHD and perimenopause can affect cognitive function and make it difficult to focus.Here’s a breakdown of symptoms unique to ADHD and perimenopause, and which symptoms overlap.ADHD symptomsThe following symptoms are typically associated with ADHD, but not perimenopause.HyperfocusImpulsivityHyperactivityFeeling like you’ve always had to “work twice as hard” as your peersChallenges with school or workSymptoms that started in childhood or young adulthoodFamily history of these symptoms Perimenopause symptomsThe following symptoms are typically associated with perimenopause, but not ADHD.Hot flashesIrregular periodsVaginal drynessNight sweatsChanges in libidoBreast tendernessHeadachesJoint achesChanges in weightOverlapping ADHD and perimenopause symptomsThe following symptoms are seen in both ADHD and perimenopause.InattentionBrain fogDifficulty sleepingMemory lapsesEmotional dysregulation (trouble regulating your emotions) ADHD and perimenopause: Why your symptoms are suddenly worseIf your ADHD symptoms have spiked out of nowhere, perimenopause might be the culprit.What to do about ADHD and perimenopause symptomsConsulting your health care provider is a good first step for getting support since both perimenopause and ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. For instance, you can have normal hormone levels and still experience perimenopause symptoms — the fluctuation of hormones can also cause problems, points out Nadeau.An ob-gyn or a primary care provider can help you navigate symptoms. But be aware: There may be a knowledge gap when it comes to ADHD during perimenopause. While studies show that ADHD symptoms can change with your menstrual cycle, there still isn’t much awareness about perimenopause, even in health care settings. And the research around perimenopause and ADHD is still relatively new.So, in addition to consulting your ob-gyn or primary care doctor, talking to a licensed therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist who specializes in ADHD might help fill in the gaps.To prepare for your appointment, it can be helpful to ask yourself these questions:Are you experiencing any physical hormonal symptoms like hot flashes or breast tenderness?Have you seen a change in your periods?Has your sex life changed? Is sex less comfortable? Has your libido changed?What strategies do you use to stay organized and focused? Are they still working for you?Are you experiencing any changes in anxiety or depression symptoms?If you take medications for ADHD, how are they working for you now?If your symptoms fluctuate from day to day, you might want to track them. You can use your own tracker or a digital tracking tool. Try to track symptoms for two months. When you provide all this information, it’ll be easier for your health care provider to get a good sense of what’s going on.In your tracker, take note of the following:Cognitive symptoms like brain fog, difficulty staying on task, and memory lapsesPhysical symptoms like hot flashes, tender breasts, and night sweatsMental health symptoms, such as feeling depressed or anxiousSleep qualityMenstrual cycleBringing your questions and a symptom log to your health care providers can help them plan the best treatment options for you. For example, an ob-gyn may order some blood tests to measure your hormones and prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT). A psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD can evaluate you for an ADHD diagnosis. And a psychiatrist or primary care doctor can change your ADHD treatment to better fit your needs during perimenopause.Some other strategies and tips for managing ADHD and perimenopause symptoms include:Prioritizing sleep hygieneCooling your bedroom at night with an air conditioner or a fanWorking with a therapist to help manage emotional dysregulationTrying new techniques to help with executive function, such as using a planner or setting calendar reminders. (Of course, it can take some adjusting and a few tries for a new strategy to work.)If you’re concerned about the symptoms you’re experiencing, it’s important to address them with a health care provider sooner rather than later. Worsening ADHD symptoms and perimenopausal brain fog can continue into menopause and beyond. Talking to your health care provider early can help you manage these symptoms throughout your perimenopausal and menopause journey.This story was produced by Understood and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Best banks for customer service in 2026, according to real customers At the end of the day, most banks have the same offerings: checking, savings, certificates of deposit, investment accounts and so on.With similar offerings, a good customer onboarding process, support options and branch experience can be the deciding factor. And person to person, let’s be honest, you just want a bank that’s going to be nice to you, since they’re handling your money.How to measure who is the bestIn an editorial list of the best banks in the U.S., it usually comes down to nationwide availability, fees, features and annual percentage yields (APYs) on savings accounts. After all, those are hard factors that banking experts can compare.But customer service is one of those factors that’s difficult to assess without a large and dedicated sample. Banks can have thousands of employees, hundreds of branch locations, multiple customer support phone lines, and some banks don’t even have physical locations.With that in mind, Finder turned to review platforms and annual surveys to see which banks customers say are the best in the U.S.Best retail banks of 2026J.D. Power, a global analytics and consumer intelligence company, conducts several studies on retail banks and customer satisfaction.Their 2026 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction study surveyed 107,059 retail bank customers between January 2025 and January 2026, covering the largest banks across 15 regions. Chase and Capital One appear multiple times. Here are the top banks by region:California: ChaseFlorida: ChaseIllinois: Wintrust Community BanksLower Midwest: BancFirstMid-Atlantic: Capital OneNew England: Bangor Savings BankNorth Central: City National Bank (WV)Northwest: ChaseNew York Tri-State: Capital OnePennsylvania: HuntingtonSouth Central: FirstBankSoutheast: United CommunitySouthwest: ChaseTexas: FrostUpper Midwest: Gate City BankEditor’s note: J.D. Power runs a separate satisfaction study for credit unions.Best online banks for 2026Prefer digital banking? There’s also the J.D. Power Direct Banking Satisfaction Study, which measures overall satisfaction with online-only bank and neobank checking and savings products.In order of highest ranking, these are the top 10 banks from that 2026 survey:Charles Schwab BankAmerican ExpressAllyChimeCapital OneSoFiRobinhoodPayPalVaroStashHow the top banks compare on review platformsGetting away from annual surveys, Finder looked to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot and the Google and Apple app stores to see what regular folks are saying about some of the top-ranking banks. Finder Bottom lineJ.D. Power surveys point to Chase and Capital One, but Trustpilot users are far more critical of both. The real answer is that “best” depends on what you’re weighing, since J.D. Power leans on trust and everyday service, app stores lean on the product itself, and Trustpilot skews toward people who had a bad experience and want to vent.Rates and fees still matter, so consider those factors as well when you’re choosing the right “best” bank for your situation.This guide has been edited by Megan B. Shepherd and reviewed by Richard Laycock.This story was produced by Finder and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Man sentenced to jail for diverting narcotics from Davenport surgery center A man working as a nurse at a Davenport surgery center gets jail term for diverting narcotics and covering it up by creating fake patients in center's narcotics log.
	Can an online quiz really tell you if you have ADHD? Experts say not quite Type “ADHD test” into a search bar and millions of results likely appear in under a second, many promising an answer in just a few minutes. It's easy to see the appeal of taking an online test: a few questions, a few minutes, and the guarantee of an answer. But here's the catch: Most people who screen positive on a widely used ADHD self-screening tool (called ASRS) do not turn out to have ADHD after a full evaluation.LifeStance Health explains what a high score on a free ADHD screening test can — and cannot — tell you, and why treating this fast assessment like a diagnosis can send a person down the wrong path entirely.What is an ADHD test?In everyday language, “ADHD test” covers two very different things. The first is the online ADHD screening quiz: a short, self-scored questionnaire that asks how often a person experiences symptoms like losing focus, fidgeting, missing deadlines or interrupting others. The second is a clinical ADHD evaluation, a structured process conducted by a licensed clinician that gathers history, rules out other explanations and applies formal diagnostic criteria. Both use the word “test,” but only one can produce a diagnosis.Most reputable online screening quizzes are built on validated screening instruments. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) was developed with the World Health Organization and is one of the most widely used adult screeners because it is brief and easy to complete. Free tools from established organizations, such as the ADHD screening offered by Mental Health America, draw on these same questionnaires. They are designed to flag whether symptoms are worth a closer look, not to confirm a condition.ADHD test for adultsAdults often reach for an online ADHD screen after a lifetime of unnamed struggles finally might have a diagnosis. They may have read about the condition, recognized themselves in a friend’s description or wondered why focus, organization and follow-through feel harder for them than for everyone else.An adult screening quiz typically asks about both inattentive symptoms, like difficulty sustaining attention or frequently losing things, and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, like restlessness or acting before thinking. A positive result suggests these patterns are present often enough to warrant evaluation. It does not establish that ADHD is the cause. Anyone curious about where they fall can start by asking themselves a few structured questions, but the next step is professional. ADHD also presents differently across groups, and symptoms in women are frequently overlooked or mislabeled as anxiety, which is one more reason a quiz score should open a conversation rather than close one.ADHD test for childrenFor children, an online ADHD screen is far less reliable because of how childhood ADHD is identified. A young child cannot accurately self-report their own attention or impulse control, so the information has to come from the adults who observe them. Diagnostic rating scales for children, such as the Vanderbilt or Conners questionnaires, are designed to gather input from multiple people who see the child across different settings — parents, teachers and sometimes the child — to help shape the full picture.That is what makes a do-it-yourself online screening test for a child so difficult to administer well. Behavior that looks like ADHD in a quiz can stem from sleep problems, anxiety, learning differences, hearing issues or ordinary developmental variation. According to data summarized by the CDC, nearly 78% of children with ADHD have at least one other co-occurring condition, making it harder to pinpoint what's actually driving symptoms. A parent’s observations are valuable and worth recording, and a clinical evaluation builds on them by drawing information from multiple sources and settings.ADHD and school performanceSchool is where childhood ADHD most often comes to light. Sitting still, following multi-step directions, staying organized and finishing assignments are exactly the demands that surface inattentive and hyperactive symptoms, so it is frequently a teacher’s note home or a slide in grades that prompts a family to pursue testing in the first place. Because the impact shows up in performance, school-age children are among the most likely to be referred for evaluation.That connection also carries real stakes beyond the report card. ADHD is recognized as a disability under federal education law, and a diagnosis can make a child eligible for formal support at school. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, ADHD falls within the “Other Health Impairment” category, which can qualify a student for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) when the condition adversely affects educational performance. Children who do not meet that threshold may still qualify for accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, such as extended time on tests or preferential seating. A study published in School Psychology Quarterly notes that students with ADHD are more likely than their peers to receive individualized school-based services, which is one more reason an accurate diagnosis matters: it can unlock protections that an online screening quiz score never could.Eligibility is not automatic. A diagnosis alone does not guarantee an IEP or a 504 plan, and schools conduct their own evaluation as part of the process. A thorough professional evaluation for 504 and IEP accommodations gives families the documentation that schools weigh when determining what support a child needs.Why an online screening test isn’t a diagnosisThe most important limitation of any ADHD screening quiz is statistical. Screening tools are tuned to catch as many possible cases as they can, which makes them prone to false positives. A randomized controlled trial published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that a positive result on the ASRS, the most common adult ADHD screener, only corresponds to an actual diagnosis an estimated 12% to 22% of the time, meaning most people who screen positive do not turn out to have ADHD on full evaluation.Several factors are beyond what a self-scored screening quiz can capture:Symptom history. A diagnosis requires evidence that several symptoms were present before age 12.Impairment across settings. Symptoms must cause meaningful difficulty in more than one area of life, such as work and home, not just on a bad day.Differential diagnosis. Anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep disorders and thyroid problems can all mimic ADHD, and a screening quiz can’t tell them apart.Context and masking. Some people develop coping strategies that hide symptoms, while stress can exaggerate them, both of which distort self-report.This is why formal diagnostic frameworks require a comprehensive evaluation rather than a single questionnaire.How ADHD is diagnosed professionallyA professional ADHD assessment is a process, not a single test. It generally combines several sources of information so that a clinician can see the full picture rather than a momentary impression.A clinical interview anchors the evaluation. A licensed clinician reviews current symptoms, developmental and medical history, family history and the specific ways daily functioning is affected. This conversation is where childhood onset and real-world impairment get established.Standardized rating scales add structure. Validated questionnaires are still used, but as one input among several and interpreted by the clinician. For children, input from parents and teachers across home and school is gathered so that behavior can be compared across environments.Ruling out other causes protects accuracy. Because so many conditions overlap with ADHD, a thorough evaluation looks for other possible explanations before making a diagnosis. Deciding which provider to see for ADHD, whether a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist, can shape what the assessment includes and what treatment options follow.When to see a professionalAn online ADHD test has done its job the moment it prompts someone to talk to a mental health professional. It is worth talking to a clinician when attention, organization, restlessness or impulsivity have interfered with work, school or relationships over a long stretch, when these patterns trace back to childhood or when a quiz result — positive or negative — leaves lingering questions.ADHD diagnoses among adults have been rising, and national survey data point to growing recognition of the condition in adulthood. That visibility is helpful, but it also means more people are self-diagnosing. According to a 2025 LifeStance survey, nearly 3 in 10 adults have self-diagnosed a mental health condition based on information they’ve seen online. Yet many do not consistently seek professional guidance from a clinician. A formal evaluation is what turns a suspicion into a plan, and where appropriate, opens the door to treatment options that a clinician determines are suitable for the individual.The bottom line on ADHD testingOnline ADHD tests are popular for a good reason: They are fast, private and often a person’s first honest look at symptoms they have carried for years. Used well, a quiz is a starting line. It can surface patterns, validate a long-held suspicion and give someone the language to describe what they are experiencing. What it cannot do is account for symptom history, impairment across settings or the many conditions that mimic ADHD, and its high false-positive rate means a result should be read as a prompt rather than a verdict.The reliable path, especially for children who cannot be screened accurately on their own, runs through a professional ADHD evaluation. If a quick quiz has you wondering, treat that as the encouraging first step it is, and let a qualified clinician help you find a true answer.This story was published by LifeStance Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The leaked document about AI data centers, oil and gas causing a stir in Alberta A leaked document, labeled a cabinet report and outlining possible plans to overhaul Alberta’s natural gas pipeline system to spur artificial intelligence data center construction, caused an uproar in early September.It was top of mind for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on her weekly radio show, it was the subject of an Alberta New Democratic Party (NDP) news conference and it was in media outlets of every stripe. But what exactly is the leaked document at the heart of the controversy, and what does it actually mean?The document, first obtained by The Narwhal, has spread far and wide, at least according to Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi. Multiple media outlets say they’ve received a copy, but the full details have not been made public. Until now.The document was leaked to The Narwhal by a government official whose identity is being kept confidential. The Narwhal verified the official is in a position that would likely have access to such a document, and the provincial government did not deny its authenticity when it issued a statement in response to the leak.The Narwhal is publishing a copy of the document it obtained, alongside an explanation of what it all means — and whether it is, as Smith’s government now suggests, merely one of many considerations it reviews on a regular basis.A copy of the document can be found here. The document will contain some typos, introduced by efforts to ensure the document’s source remains confidential.What’s the deal with that leaked document?The document outlines plans for the province to overhaul how natural gas pipelines operate and are regulated within the province.According to the document, the recommended proposals for consideration include changing the regulations in Alberta to ensure all natural gas pipelines fall under provincial jurisdiction, and then also passing legislation that would allow the government to create two Crown corporations. One corporation could oversee the pipeline system and compel companies to make investments deemed a priority by the government, and the other could build and operate, or bankroll, new pipelines — and directly compete with existing private companies.If the government doesn’t go for the recommendations, the document says there could be some combination of those interlocking options. For example, creating the Crown corporation that would oversee the system, but not the corporation that could build or bankroll new pipelines. There is also the option to continue with the status quo.The document includes timelines for cabinet decisions, as well as implementation. It also breaks down the estimated costs of implementing the changes, including the multimillion-dollar costs of possible legal battles with companies including TC Energy.TC Energy owns and operates the largest natural gas pipeline system in the province, called the Nova Gas Transmission pipeline, or NGTL.TC Energy and ATCO, another energy company mentioned in the document, did not respond to a detailed list of questions about the contents of the document by publication time.In a statement released after the document was leaked, TC Energy said it is prepared to keep investing in its pipeline system to meet demand.“This will require all of us — industry, customers, regulators, governments, stakeholders and rightsholders — to come to the table and improve the conditions to get infrastructure built,” it reads.“The key is working together to bring forward credible solutions, capital and capacity quickly enough to support Alberta’s growth and enable Canada to unlock the opportunity to meet the moment.”Wait, why is Alberta considering this? Do we need pipelines for AI data centers?The plans for natural gas expansion are not just about data centers, as there is also reference to expanding oil and gas production, including access to natural gas for oil sands operations.But the expansion of AI data centers are front and center throughout the document, which notes “the Government of Alberta is actively courting hyperscale data centre capital and other investors.”So why is gas needed for that?The Alberta government is eager to host data centers in the province, with a lineup of potential projects that dwarf any other region in the country. The province, realizing there was no way to power all those projects, capped access to the electricity grid and told producers to build their own power if they want to get up and running.The draft rules for data centers require that electricity be generated by natural gas, at least for now, as part of a wider plan to increase production and demand for the resources.In a recent interview with The Hub, the government argued bottlenecks in the natural gas pipeline network are an impediment to attracting and building more data centers, one of the key reasons it wants to incentivize, or force, expansions to natural gas pipelines.TC Energy said in its statement that it has invested approximately 15 billion Canadian dollars into expanding its Alberta network over the past 10 years and plans to spend billions more.The document says it’s not moving fast enough.Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says this is just spitballing. Is that true?The first thing Smith addressed on her weekly radio show on Sept. 12 was whether or not the province is considering spending billions to build new pipelines for data centers.“Short answer, no,” Smith said, in response to the question from host Wayne Nelson.She then went on to add nuance to that hard “no.”TC Energy has a “monopoly” on the gas pipeline system, she said, and the government wants other companies to build more access.“We would very unlikely have to create a Crown corporation to do it,” she said.But the premier did not rule out compelling private companies to build more natural gas pipelines the government deems to be in the province’s best interests.One day earlier, after The Narwhal broke the news of the leaked document, the office of Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean issued a statement.“Governments routinely examine a wide range of policy, regulatory and legislative options when considering complex issues, and internal materials do not represent government decisions,” it read.Is this just a passing idea?The Narwhal shared excerpts from the document with Shannon Phillips, a former environment minister in the NDP government between 2015 and 2019. Though she is not involved in the current deliberations, speaking from past experience with such documents she said she believes the document outlines a “serious plan.”“This isn’t just the government blue-skying,” she said. “They’re going to move.”Lori Williams, a political science professor at Mount Royal University, agrees with Phillips. The Narwhal also shared excerpts of the leaked document with Williams.“This is a fairly well-developed plan with very short timelines, and this isn’t just a discussion about something that might happen someday,” she said based on her review. (Williams is not privy to any internal details about the government’s deliberations.) “This is something that’s got timelines for this month.”According to the document, the plan went before a high-level cabinet committee on Sept. 10 and is scheduled to be presented to the full cabinet on Sept. 22. The document says it would then move to the government’s legislative review committee to draft new laws on Oct. 15 and then new regulations on Dec. 4.“The idea that it’s just a speculative exercise is harder to maintain when you’ve got timelines that begin this month,” Williams said.An internal government source, whose identity is being kept confidential due to professional risk, said the cabinet report is moving forward regardless of the statements made by Smith over the weekend.The Alberta government did not respond to questions about whether it was pursuing the plans outlined in the document by publication time.What else is the Alberta government saying?One item in the document raised particular concern for some, and was the focus of a news conference Nenshi hosted the same day The Narwhal published its story: cost for consumers.The document warns the moves will likely increase costs for Albertans. One estimate in the document suggests the government’s aim is to almost double natural gas prices to support and expand production, which could see the cost to generate electricity rise by 25%. That cost would then be passed down to consumers on their power bills, but the document does not predict those impacts.On her call-in show, Smith argued the opposite was true.“If you have constrained gas, and there’s more demand than there is supply, that’s what causes prices to go up,” she said. “And so what you need to do is you need to increase supply so prices stay low.”That runs counter to estimates laid out in the document, the government’s own ambitions. It also runs counter to outside analysis.How could the plan in this document affect power bills in Alberta?Data centers consume vast quantities of power. One hyperscale data center can consume as much power as the entire city of Edmonton, or more. That also means they consume vast quantities of natural gas in their power plants.It’s one reason why the government has explicitly linked increased natural gas demand with the data center build-out, and argued the increased demand will help natural gas producers and the government’s own bottom line through increased royalties.Analysis from the Pembina Institute estimates the recently announced Meta data center near Edmonton alone could add CA$270 to CA$460 to electricity bills each year.Beyond the cost of gas, there is also concern with the potential costs passed down to taxpayers from lawsuits, the construction and operation of pipelines or the creation of a new corporation to oversee the pipeline network.Sonya Savage, an energy minister under premier Jason Kenney, told the Calgary Herald that government interventions in the market can be a big gamble.“It makes me very nervous, because there is not a great track record,” Savage said in the wake of the document leak.“But [if] the private sector is not prepared to invest in projects that are in the public interest — and have public merit and benefits — then I’m not opposed to the government looking and researching.”This story was produced by The Narwhal and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	FBI hunting the hackers who stole its employees' sensitive data The FBI says it's addressing a massive data breach, vowing to go after the hackers it believes are responsible.
	Rotary Club of Rock Island plans pancake breakfast fundraiser The Rotary Club of Rock Island invites the community to start their Saturday with a hearty breakfast while supporting local community service projects at its upcoming Pancake & Sausage Breakfast Fundraiser. The breakfast will be 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Rock Island Lions Club, at 7th Avenue and 43rd Street in Rock Island. [...]
	Heavy rain expected for the Quad Cities A storm system will bring another round of moderate to heavy rain to the Quad Cities today through Thursday night. High today and tomorrow will be around 70° then it turns cooler. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	5 Meaningful Holiday Gifts That Give Back All Year (BPT) - The holidays are approaching, which means it's time to start thinking about what you'll give your loved ones. This year, go beyond traditional presents and give your friends and family a thoughtful gift with a lasting impact.For over three decades, World Vision — a Christian humanitarian organization — has helped redefine what holiday giving looks like. Through its annual World Vision Gift Catalog, the organization offers meaningful gifts that help meet real needs and equip children, families and communities with resources to help lift themselves out of poverty.From handcrafted gifts featured by celebrity supporters to donations that enable sustainable, community-led solutions, these creative gift ideas will make your loved ones smile and help others worldwide."Faithfully Woven" travel pouch by Melissa Joan HartThis silk and leather travel pouch, featured by actor, director and producer Melissa Joan Hart, carries beauty and purpose wherever your journey leads. Each pouch's intricate pattern is handwoven by fair-trade artisans in Guatemala."Called to Light" brass earrings by Alexa PenaVegaFeatured by actor and producer Alexa PenaVega, these brass and cow horn earrings reflect the beautiful contrast of light and dark. Each gorgeous pair is handcrafted by fair-trade artisans in Kenya."Patchwork of Promise" Kitenge apron by Kel Mitchell This vibrant African Kitenge apron, featured by actor, producer and author Kel Mitchell, brings beauty and purpose to everyday moments. Each apron is lovingly handcrafted by fair-trade artisans in Kenya and turns the work of your hands into an act of gratitude and joy.Gifts That MultiplyWhen you give to one of World Vision's Gifts That Multiply initiatives, your donation goes farther when combined with corporate product donations and public grants. For example, if you donate to the Lifesaving Healthcare Good initiative, your gift will have five times the impact thanks to public grants, ensuring that more kids get a healthy start and thrive in life. Other initiatives you can fund include hunger relief, disaster relief, food kits for refugees, clothing, school supplies and more.Give a gift that growsSome gifts grow over time and can help put a family on the road to self-sufficiency — like a goat! Gifting a goat can make a bigger impact than you may expect. In fact, one healthy dairy goat can provide up to 16 cups of milk a day, providing calcium, protein and other essential nutrients for growing children. Plus, goats are well suited for harsh climates and produce valuable fertilizer for crops and vegetable gardens. Your gift of a goat will be a much-celebrated blessing for a family in need and can even help them make lasting change in their community.Give a gift with purposeThis year, give a gift that does more. To order from the World Vision Gift Catalog, visit WorldVisionGifts.org or call 1-855-WV-GIFTS (1-855-984-4387). Donate by Dec. 9 for delivery by Christmas.
	Bettendorf Community Band plans concert in DeWitt At 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, the Bettendorf Community Band – a partner of the BettendorfParks & Recreation Department and endorsed by the City of Bettendorf – will hold its fall concertat the Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center, 519 E. 11th St., DeWitt. This free event includes 50 musicians performing a variety of songs ranging [...]
	Bally's Quad Cities adds new comedy series Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel, Rock Island, will add a new reason to spend a night out with the debut of a new comedy series beginning Oct. 9 and 10, a news release says. Bally’s Quad Cities has teamed up with Zanies Nashville, a pillar of laughter and a beacon for comedic talent for [...]
	A startup wants to build a massive nuclear-powered data center on public land in Utah Valar Atomics wants to place over 450 reactors on more than 9,500 acres in Utah to power a huge data center project.
	Drugs are widely used to sedate dementia patients. Her sons wanted to keep her off them Potent sedating medications are often used on agitated people with dementia in long-term care facilities despite federal efforts to discourage them. A clash over whether to drug a Michigan woman illuminates the wrenching decisions families and guardians face.
	One year after the end of the EV tax credit, is the future still electric? Congress got rid of a $7,500 federal tax credit for new electric vehicle buyers. One year later, are people still buying EVs?
	The 2026 Student Podcast Challenge Honorable Mentions Here are the honorable mentions from this year's Student Podcast Challenge, chosen from nearly 1,500 entries.
	Foster care often fails kids with disabilities. Consider these cases Disabled kids make up the largest group in foster care. They have the worst outcomes. They stay in foster care longest. They're the most likely to die.
	The moment you've been waiting for: America's best student podcasts We've listened to nearly 1,500 podcasts from all around the U.S. and narrowed them down to 10 middle school and 10 high school finalists.
	An 87-year-old woman whose eviction sparked protests in Spain is returning home María del Carmen Abascal's case has drawn tens of thousands of people to the streets in recent days and led the Spanish government to present measures to address the country's housing crisis.
	Bill to end Pennsylvania’s closed primary elections passes state House Advocates for open primaries have argued that the current system disenfranchises groups including about 400,000 Pennsylvania veterans and nearly two-thirds of young adults who choose to join an alternative political party or remain independent. (Photo by Pat Sutphin/Idaho Capital Sun)A bill to allow independent and third-party voters to cast ballots in Pennsylvania primary elections passed Tuesday in the state House. Despite the 115-88 vote, the legislation attracted opposition from both sides of the aisle from lawmakers who argued the primaries are the exclusive domain of the parties to nominate candidates for the general elections. State Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia), who is the measure’s prime sponsor, said opening the commonwealth’s primaries would correct an injustice for 1.5 million unaffiliated voters that has existed since the state Election Code was made law in 1937. “Our election system has all the gloss and feel of being open to voters throughout Pennsylvania, there are our community centers, our synagogues, our mosques, our churches, our civic institutions that welcome people,” Solomon said. “Yet these voters are counted out each and every election.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Solomon’s bill was introduced in 2025 but not reported out of the House State Government Committee until Monday. It now heads to the Republican-controlled Senate for consideration. Advocates for open primaries have argued that the current system disenfranchises groups including about 400,000 Pennsylvania veterans and nearly two-thirds of young adults who choose to join an alternative political party or remain independent. The commonwealth is one of just 10 states with closed primaries. “This year, we can bring in those veterans, those young people, and those that diverse coalition of voters into the civic fabric of Pennsylvania,” Solomon said. But Rep. Wendy Fink (R-York) argued that the commonwealth’s general elections are open to every U.S. citizen who registers to vote and Solomon’s bill would actually alter the nomination process. “The primary is not an election in the purest form,” Fink said, adding that allowing non-party voters to participate in primaries would add complexity to elections. A voter registration booth features a cardboard cutout of the late Charlie Kirk at the NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show at the Farm Show complex in Harrisburg, on Feb. 11, 2026. (Photo by Tim Lambert/Pennsylvania Capital-Star) Although the measure passed with 16 Republicans voting “yea,” Democratic support was not unanimous. Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) echoed Fink’s argument and added that independent voters choose to exclude themselves from the partisan process. Vitali said in conversations with some independent voters, they told him they find it distasteful to be affiliated with either party. “I find it very inconsistent on the part of those people … who find it too distasteful to be affiliated with a party, yet at the same time want a voice in choosing its standard bearer,” he said. “That’s just inconsistent.” One lawmaker compared the spring elections to football draft picks. “It would be really bad if, when the NFL draft came along, that my Eagles would allow some person from the Steelers to make their draft picks,” Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) said. But Democratic Whip Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh) said every elected official should be working to make government participation easier for constituents. And he rejected the notion that voters who want to participate in primaries should just pick a party. “Our job is to do everything we can to expand the franchise and to make sure that our citizens have an easier pathway to communicate with us, an easier pathway to influence our decisions, because that is a core tenet of democracy,” he said. Courtesy of Pennsylvania Capital-Star
	Trump says top tech firms have signed accord to 'self-police' AI development President Trump on Tuesday said that he and a large group of leaders of artificial intelligence companies had signed a voluntary accord that will include internal and external reviews.
	Hurricane Polo's remnants bringing more rain to flood-struck U.S. Southwest The storm's remnants battered the U.S. Southwest, flooding roadways and forcing residents in small New Mexico towns to evacuate over concerns about a dam failing.
Tuesday, September 29th, 2026
	Byron Donalds says solar power is a ‘fad’ but Florida utilities are expanding its use Solar farm via Florida Power & Light, 2022.Despite the Trump administration’s hostility towards renewable energy, information released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that utility solar capacity — large scale projects that provide electricity to power grids — has increased 33% since 2025. That’s according to the SUN DAY campaign, which tracks renewable energy nationally. The president’s signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025 removed solar power tax credits, which industry groups in Florida feared could devastate the solar industry in the Sunshine State. Trump’s pick to lead Florida for the next four years, Republican Byron Donalds, said last week that he’s not a fan of solar power and was openly dismissive of its ability to power the state. “We are in the middle of the solar fad, and I’m going to call it a fad,” he said during a campaign event in Daytona Beach Shores. “Because we know how this works,” he added. “We’ve seen these solar arrays all over the state of Florida. They’re taking land out of production and taking land off the interstate. We’ve seen how this has worked time and again. What happens very clearly is you have some power in the day, no power at night, when most people are using electricity anyway. And so it’s not consistent power.” His Democratic opponent, David Jolly, has a different take. “Solar should be a part of Florida’s future,” he told the Phoenix last Friday, following his appearance in front of the Tampa Tiger Bay Club. “I think that the more people we can get off the traditional grid with solar panels, whether it’s through incentives or some soft mandates into our Public Services Commission, great.” He went on to say that the state’s biggest investor-owned utilities are “going to widespread adoption of solar.” Eight percent of the energy generated in Florida comes from renewable sources (mostly solar), according to a 2026 report from the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). Nearly 75% of the energy generated in Florida comes from natural gas. Another 11% comes from nuclear power, 3% from coal, 2% from purchases and less than one percent from oil. The Phoenix reached out to the three largest investor-owned utilities in Florida to learn how much solar power is in their plans. Florida Power & Light (FPL) is the state’s largest energy provider. In 2025, FPL delivered 11% of its energy from solar generation. Its 10-year 2026 Ten-Year Power Plant Site Plan calls for that to increase to 26% by 2035. However, that is 30% lower compared to its 2025 plan. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) attributes that reduction to expiring federal solar tax credits passed by Congress last year. (SACE notes that NextEra Energy, FPL’s parent company, “quietly” abandoned it goal of net-zero emissions by 2045). Duke Energy Florida intends to add 12 solar sites to the electric grid, increasing capacity by 900 megawatts by 2027, according to spokesperson Ana Gibbs. The plan, she said, is to have Duke Energy generate approximately 30% of the electricity it sells from solar power by 2035. Tampa Electric Co. generated 12% of its energy portfolio from solar power in the 12 months ending in June 2026, spokesperson Cherie Jacobs said. Next year, about 17% of its energy is expected to come from the sun. For years, environmentalists in Florida complained that the investor-owned utilities were behind other states in adopting solar power. That’s changed dramatically in recent years, in large part to the enormous reduction in costs associated with it. Solar panels that sold for $5-$6 per watt around 2000 now cost about 12 cents per watt, according to Dave Ember, chief analyst and co-founder of a global energy think tank. Small modular nuclear reactors While playing down solar, Donalds is promoting another product he says could play a part in fueling Florida’s energy needs. “I believe that we need to be investing in small, modular nuclear reactors in Florida,” he said in Daytona Beach Shores. “We have to have a consistent power base.” There has been a lot of interest in what are known as SMRs in Florida and around the country. Advocates say that they promise greater safety, quicker deployment, and cost less than traditional nuclear generation. The Florida Legislature approved a bill in 2024 requiring the PSC to conduct a feasibility study on advanced nuclear reactors.That report, issued last year, recommended a more comprehensive study, perhaps by a major university, to help define the benefits of nuclear development. However, that momentum stalled when a bill (HB 1461) that would have authorized the PSC to regulate advanced nuclear reactors (and passed 108-0 in the House) stalled in the Senate. But perhaps most important for now, anyway, is that the utilities say these reactors are not in their mix at all going forward. “Regarding SMRs, at this point, they are not yet commercially available at scale or cost effective,” said Andrew Sutton, an FLP spokesperson. He added that the company has a “dedicated team” evaluating the technology so that it could be deployed quickly if it does become cost effective. Duke Energy Florida plans no nuclear deployment — its Ten-Year Site Plan proposes new solar and upgrading existing generation units, Ana Gibbs said. “Advanced nuclear overall is still a longer-term option.” Tampa Electric is looking into small modular nuclear reactors as a possible solution. However, right now, “the technology isn’t commercially viable,” spokesperson Cherie Jacobs said. Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Herman Haaff This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Had a Rock Island County man not lost his temper back in 1895, the American cattle industry would have taken a…
	Distracted Driving Concerns Jump as Organizations Look to Technology for Answers (NewsUSA) - Distracted driving continues to threaten U.S. roads, prompting companies that operate and insure commercial vehicles to explore how technologies like telematics can help identify risky behavior and prevent crashes.New research from SambaSafety examines how organizations use driving data to better understand risk and support safer decisions on the road. The report draws on responses from 740 fleet, broker, and insurance professionals, as well as an analysis of 500 million miles of driving data covering more than 135 million driver behavior events. The findings show that safety risks can vary considerably by the type of work drivers perform, and that understanding those differences can help organizations develop safety programs that address the risks their drivers face.The report found that 84% of insurers and brokers consider distracted driving a major threat to commercial auto profitability, up nearly 10 percentage points in one year. The increase reflects a growing recognition that distraction behind the wheel threatens public safety and contributes to higher costs when crashes occur.Telematics can help organizations identify unsafe or risky driving patterns and use those insights to influence driver training and safety programs. With 90% of fleet respondents using telematics, there’s a growing challenge in turning the technology’s data into meaningful action. More than half of fleets (53%) say interpreting and acting on telematics data is a leading challenge.For example, severe speeding rates differed by more than fivefold across the industries analyzed. Transportation fleets recorded 48 severe speeding events per 100,000 miles, compared with 254 among Construction fleets. These differences show why a safety strategy that works for one group of drivers may not address the risks facing another.Artificial intelligence (AI) is also emerging as a means of interpreting large amounts of driver data. Sixty percent of fleets and 94% of insurers report using AI in some form, including analyzing driver risk data and reviewing footage that once required manual processing.The research also points to a disconnect over data sharing. While 52% of brokers cite fleet distrust as a barrier, only 5% of fleets agree. This finding suggests that fleets may be more willing to share information when they understand its purpose and value.“Understanding risk isn’t just about having more data. It’s having the right information to reveal the story behind it,” said Kristy Kennah, Head of Insurance at SambaSafety.These findings reflect a broader shift in vehicle safety technology. As these tools become more widely used, the focus is shifting toward using this information to identify risks and support safer decisions on the road.The 2026 Telematics Report is available from SambaSafety.
	Iowa veteran completes 375-mile walk across state Darrian Schwenke, an Army Special Forces veteran, called the journey Project Course of Action, combining his experience with mental health and his love of golf.
	Southeastern Iowa residents, leaders welcome potential economic impact of steel plant President Donald Trump announced the news from the Oval Office on Monday, saying it will be the nation's largest steel plant.
	Cook review: Love between man and dog is core of 'Heart of the Beast' adventure It's an adventure movie. It's a dramatic film. It's a man-against-the-wilderness story. But, most of all, "Heart of the Beast" is a tale of love - not the romantic kind of love, but the kind of love only a person and a loyal dog can share. If you ever have known the love of a [...]
	Construction worker injured working on Scott County road A construction worker was injured when the gravel roller he was operating on a road in rural Scott County overturned.
	What's ahead for local arts in the QCA? The future of local arts was the center of a discussion in Rock Island. Quad City Arts hosted a working session at its gallery with Arts Alliance Illinois. Artists, community leaders and residents shared ideas on investing in the region's creative economy.The discussion included a new research report that highlights the impact of arts and [...]
	Veteran’s 375-mile walk across Iowa ends in LeClaire Darrian Schwenke walked 375 miles across Iowa from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River carrying golf clubs.
	Davenport schools approves bids for high school and preschool renovations Bids include a major addition to North High School and a makeover of the first floor of JB Young Center.
	Bettendorf man found not guilty of possessing child sex abuse materials Bettendorf man found not guilty of possessing child sex abuse materials.
	South Dakota governor’s response to diesel prices may not help producers, ag leader says Andrew Streff drives his combine while harvesting soybeans on Sept. 29, 2025, near Salem, South Dakota. (Photo by Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)South Dakota’s Republican governor issued an executive order to blunt the impact of high diesel prices for farmers during harvest season, but an agricultural leader in the state said the order “doesn’t do anything” to help. Gov. Larry Rhoden’s order allows producers to haul crops, livestock and other agricultural products at 10% above weight restrictions and suspends a $25 overweight trip permit. Agricultural producers are typically only allowed to haul crop loads that are 10% overweight when they’re going from harvesting in the fields to the grain bins. The order expands the 10% allowance beyond crops and covers more trips, according to Josie Harms, a Rhoden spokesperson. “Farmers haul from their bins to elevators, feedlots, ethanol plants, or other facilities and haul other products back (like dried distillers’ grain from ethanol plants),” Harms said in a message to South Dakota Searchlight. “This also applies to more than just crops, as all agricultural commodities are covered, including livestock, milk, and other commodities not from a field.” Doug Sombke, president of the South Dakota Farmers Union, said a neighboring state’s response to the nation’s skyrocketing diesel prices was “a step in the right direction” that could have a greater impact. Last week, Nebraska Republican Gov. Jim Pillen announced a 90-day pause on diesel taxes for producers hauling during the harvest season. Producers can submit fuel receipts to be refunded for diesel taxes over the coming months. Pillen also issued a separate executive order allowing ag producers to haul at 25% above the weight limit. Gov. Pillen announces 90-day pause on diesel taxes for Nebraska ag producers “It’s way better than what we’re being offered,” Sombke said. Most trucks hold about 250 gallons of fuel, but some can hold more, Sombke said. Filling up an empty tank at the state’s $6 average per-gallon diesel price, he said, won’t be counteracted by pausing a $25 permit on overweight hauls. “Not even close,” he said. But South Dakota’s governor doesn’t have the same power to suspend the diesel tax that Nebraska’s governor does during an emergency, according to Harms. In South Dakota, the governor can only suspend administrative rules, she said. State law sets the tax at 28 cents per gallon. Rhoden’s legal and policy teams are “reviewing potential action by the Trump Administration, as well as actions taken by other states, to see if there is opportunity for South Dakota to take further steps to provide flexibility for farmers,” according to a Monday news release. Charlie Johnson, a Lake County organic grain producer, is concerned about heavier loads damaging roadways. The plan to allow overweight trucks to haul on public roads could end up costing the state more in the long term when it comes to maintenance and repairs for those roadways, Johnson told Searchlight. The ongoing war in Iran and a volatile tariff policy from the Trump administration have had long-lasting effects on producers’ bottom lines, he said. In a social media post, Johnson criticized Rhoden’s directive as an effort to “win votes in the days before the general election.” “What Rhoden really should be doing is speaking out for farmers by taking the president to task for what he’s done to this state and to our farmers economically,” Johnson said. Democratic governor candidate reacts to changes Rhoden, who became governor in 2025 after former Gov. Kristi Noem resigned, is running to keep the job. Democratic challenger Dan Ahlers, a former state lawmaker from Dell Rapids, said “there are other things that we could be doing that would in the long run” to ease the burden on ag producers in the state. He wants to see South Dakota producers and policy leaders standing up against federal policies like the ongoing war in Iran, tariffs and importing beef from foreign countries. Those actions are creating economic strain for producers, Ahlers said. “I think that’s where the governor of South Dakota, along with producers, show up and have those conversations,” Ahlers said. “Getting photo ops with the president just isn’t good enough. We need to actually be out there, speaking on their behalf and working with our members of Congress.” In a debate with Ahlers at the start of the month, Rhoden said he disagrees with President Trump’s push to import beef from other countries. Ian Fury, a spokesperson for Rhoden’s campaign, told Searchlight that Rhoden “has always said good policy makes good politics.” He said Rhoden understands that diesel prices have an impact on farmers, especially during harvest season, and that he’s already received calls from producers who support Monday’s executive order. Fury did not immediately respond to request for comment on the Iran war or tariffs. For broadcasters: Produced, 1 minute audio story with host intro script Courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight
	Rep. Mike Kennedy, a doctor, says the nation doesn’t need a surgeon general Utah Rep. Mike Kennedy is pictured at a speaking event hosted by the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah and the Sutherland Institute of Politics on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. (Annie Knox/Utah News Dispatch)In a wide-ranging forum Tuesday, Utah Rep. Mike Kennedy said he sees promise for enhanced use of artificial intelligence in medicine and believes states, not the federal government, should have broad authority over matters of public health and disease control. Kennedy, a first-term Republican congressman representing Utah’s current 3rd Congressional District, made the comments in a Q&A session hosted by the University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute of Politics and the conservative Sutherland Institute. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. In response to a student’s question regarding the post of U.S. Surgeon General that has been unfilled for nearly two years, Kennedy said, “I’m warning you right now, that position shouldn’t be there. We don’t need a chief doctor. If anybody understands this, you young folks should understand this.” The surgeon general, a role established more than 150 years ago, can issue advisories warning about public health threats. Surgeons general have also advocated for vaccination, though they don’t set vaccine policies. President Donald Trump’s third and current pick for surgeon general this term, Nicole Saphier, spoke in favor of immunization earlier this month during a Senate confirmation hearing. The committee didn’t take a vote on her nomination, which also requires approval from the full Senate. The left-leaning Center for Science in the Public Interest has joined other groups in calling the post “a critical role as the nation’s chief health communicator” informing the nation about the best available science. Kennedy, a physician, said communities throughout the country experienced the COVID-19 pandemic in very different ways and he believes states are in a better position to tailor their own responses to such outbreaks. “New York City had significant problems, but Sanpete County in the state of Utah? Totally different world with COVID, even though it’s still the same virus,” he said. Kennedy said he sold his medical practice when he was elected to Congress, but still sees patients in Utah and uses notetaking and transcription software to make notes of their conditions. He sees artificial intelligence as a tool that could help people analyze aspects of their own health, he said, and could also assist doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners by making suggestions to them. Kennedy is sponsoring federal legislation seeking to limit gender-affirming care for teenagers and extending the timeline for patients to sue a healthcare provider if they later regret the treatment. He carried a similar Utah law while a state senator in 2023 and said Monday he sees the measures as helpful and a recognition of the long-term effects of some treatments, but said he does not support efforts to have doctors jailed for the care they provide. Critics of the bills have pointed out that about 1% of those who undergo gender-affirming surgeries later regretted the decision, according to the American Journal of Surgery. They have countered that surgeries for minors are exceedingly rare and that a study commissioned by Utah lawmakers found treatments effective in terms of improving mental health and other outcomes. Kennedy, who is running for election in Utah’s newly drawn 4th Congressional District, faces Democrat Jonny Larsen, libertarian Taylor Wright and unaffiliated candidate Steven Burt in the Nov. 3 general election. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Utah News Dispatch
	Injunction restores collective bargaining rights for Federal Bureau of Prisons workers Last September, the BOP terminated those agreements, claiming unions slowed or prevented changes that would make prison staff safer.
	Why Rep. Hinson supports $15 billion proposed Iowa steel plant U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson said that she believes that the company planning to build a $15 billion steel plant in Iowa has the necessary finances for the project.
	Replacing Mendoza: Candidates vie to be state’s first new comptroller in a decade Democrat Margaret Croke, a state representative from Chicago, and Republican Bryan Drew, an attorney from Benton, are competing to succeed incumbent Comptroller Susana Mendoza.
	Families can have children's fingerprints taken at East Moline Library event From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, families can stop by the East Moline Library and have their children’s fingerprints taken and put in a document that a guardian can keep in case of an emergency, a news release says. The fingerprints will not be entered into any system. These will be only for the [...]
	The Third Place QC sets for move to help more people A Quad-City nonprofit is preparing for a big move, one that could help it reach more people in need across the QCA. The Third Place QC provides shelter and resources to people experiencing homelessness across our area. It's now getting ready to move into a new space in Rock Island as they celebrate their first [...]
	Black Box Theatre will present musical 'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change' The Black Box Theatre in downtown Moline will present "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," a musical comedy with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro, and music by Jimmy Roberts. The show is the second-longest running Off-Broadway musical, nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award as Outstanding Off-Broadway musical in 1997. The fast and [...]
	Burlington mayor: $15B Lee County steel plant will be ‘transformative’ for Southeast Iowa Burlington mayor shares more information about the upcoming Lee County Steel Mill proposed by President Donald Trump.
	Ella Langley concert sets record at Vibrant Arena, Moline This past weekend Ella Langley became the highest-grossing female artist in the 34-year history of the Vibrant Arena, according to a statement from the Vibrant Arena, Moline. Her concert was held Saturday, Sept. 26, and drew nearly 11,000 visitors. Vibrant Arena was included as part of a 21-date second leg of her Dandelion Tour. The record was [...]
	‘I don’t think there’s any strength to it’: Carroll Co. residents question concrete piers holding up decades old train bridge A bridge over Oil Valley School Road in Carroll County, Illinois is drawing questions about safety.
	Musco Sports Center named Iowa's top community project The Muscatine dome won the 2026 People's All-Star Community Award through the Iowa League of Cities. In its first 11 months, nearly 80,000 people have visited it.
	Man seriously injured in Scott County construction accident Officials said a man was found in a ditch with part of his body pinned underneath construction equipment.
	Smart Automotive prepares to open 3 new dealership locations in Davenport Smart Automotive is set to expand its presence in Davenport, opening three new dealerships with upgraded facilities this fall.
	Iowa cancer study points to smoking, drinking, obesity as key factors Iowa had more than 2,500 people diagnosed with cancer in 2022. Researchers have now narrowed down the key factors behind those high numbers as part of a $1 million state study into what’s causing Iowa’s high cancer rates.
	Heavy rain coming to Quad Cities Wednesday and Thursday After some much-needed dry weather lately, things are about to get wet again in the Quad Cities. Rain is likely Wednesday and Thursday and could be heavy both days. Total rain amounts could approach 4" in parts of our area. In the Quad Cities, 2 to 3 inches is the most likely scenario. We should [...]
	Judge: Fired teacher offered students extra credit in return for cash donations According to an Iowa Capital Dispatch article by Clark Kauffman, an Iowa high school teacher has been fired for offering students extra credit in return for cash donations to her personal GoFundMe account. State records indicate that beginning in 2022, Stephanie Mullaley worked as a paraeducator and then as a full-time, long-term substitute high school [...]
	Countywide emergency training for Des Moines Co. set for this weekend Des Moines County Emergency Services will be conducting a countywide emergency exercise on Saturday.
	Scott County construction accident leaves one man seriously injured Officials said a man was found in a ditch with part of his body pinned underneath construction equipment.
	Man seriously injured after QCA construction accident A man was transported to the hospital following a construction accident. According to a release, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a construction accident in Scott County September 29 at approximately 2:07 p.m. Upon arrival to the scene in the 18000 block of 240th St., crews found man in a ditch pinned underneath [...]
	Man pleads not guilty in fatal Rock Island stabbing The Rock Island man accused of fatally stabbing a man has pleaded not guilty.
	Musco Sports Center wins statewide championship! Muscatine's sports dome won the All-Star Community Award, given out by the Iowa League of Cities, after several weeks of voting.
	City of Clinton updates progress on road-construction projects The City of Clinton has released an update as construction progresses on the Manufacturing Drive and Bluff Boulevard Improvement Project: College Avenue & Bluff Boulevard The intersection of College Avenue and Bluff Boulevard is anticipated to reopen to traffic by Wednesday, Sept. 30. While recent weather conditions have caused minor delays, the contractor is working [...]
	Iowa governor calls special session following announcement of $15 billion steel plant investment Because of the size of the project, the governor believes the state's MEGA program needs to be adjusted.
	3 maneras en que los entrenadores pueden cultivar la alegría y la confianza en las atletas jóvenes (Feature Impact) Los deportes juveniles pueden cambiar vidas: forjan confianza, resiliencia y amistades para toda la vida entre las niñas y adolescentes que participan. De hecho, ganar partidos suele ser la parte menos importante de la experiencia. Como patrocinador oficial de la Copa Mundial Femenina de la FIFA 2027™, Dove está demostrando que no necesitas un trofeo de campeonato para ser un ganador con el anuncio de Back Her Game, una búsqueda a nivel nacional para encontrar un equipo deportivo femenino donde los entrenadores y las jugadoras mantengan la alegría y la confianza en el centro del juego. Hasta el 4 de octubre, los entrenadores adultos elegibles de equipos femeninos con jugadoras de 13 a 18 años pueden participar publicando un video en Instagram o TikTok que muestre cómo su equipo aporta confianza y alegría al campo, etiquetando a @dove y usando #KeepHerConfident y #Contest en el texto de la publicación. El equipo ganador recibirá un viaje con todos los gastos pagados a la Copa Mundial Femenina de la FIFA 2027™ en Brasil. Crear un entorno donde las atletas jóvenes se sientan vistas y valoradas es su propia recompensa. Considera estos consejos de Dove y su socia de muchos años, Kylie Kelce, que destacan tres maneras en que los entrenadores pueden ayudar a sus jugadoras a sentir que pertenecen. Observa y celebra los pequeños momentos de progreso El éxito no se define solo por las victorias en el campo, por lo que esas no son las únicas que merecen celebrarse. Presta atención al crecimiento personal y al progreso que muestra cada atleta, reconócelas con elogios específicos y considera crear pequeñas tradiciones para celebrar cuando las jugadoras alcancen sus metas o superen las expectativas. Haz espacio para la confianza corporal Según una investigación de Dove, 1 de cada 2 niñas que abandonan los deportes han sido criticadas por su tipo de cuerpo. Para que las atletas jóvenes se sientan seguras, apoyadas y cómodas en sus equipos, necesitan entrenadores dedicados a crear espacios que fomenten la confianza corporal. Por eso Dove lanzó Body Confident Sport, un programa gratuito basado en evidencia del Dove Self-Esteem Project, diseñado para brindar a los entrenadores las herramientas para desarrollar la confianza corporal entre las niñas de 11 a 17 años y ayudar a crear entornos deportivos más solidarios. “Los deportes pueden darles mucho a las niñas: amistad, confianza, trabajo en equipo y recuerdos que las acompañarán toda la vida, pero eso solo sucede cuando se sienten lo suficientemente apoyadas para seguir jugando”, dijo Kelce, madre de cuatro hijas y entrenadora. “Como entrenadora, me encanta que esta campaña ponga en el centro a los equipos deportivos femeninos que se apoyan mutuamente para recordarles a las niñas de todas partes que pertenecen al campo exactamente como son”. Reconoce a las compañeras de equipo que animan a las demás Aunque los entrenadores desempeñan un papel vital en la formación de la cultura del equipo, no pueden hacerlo solos. Fomenta la ayuda reconociendo a quienes ayudan. Si notas a una niña que hace un esfuerzo adicional para que las jugadoras tímidas se sientan incluidas, una que es la primera en consolar a una compañera molesta o cualquiera cuya presencia aporte luz y positividad al grupo, puede ser tan simple como llevarla aparte para hacerle saber que ves y aprecias sus esfuerzos. Para obtener más información y ayudar a las niñas a seguir jugando con confianza, visita Dove.com/bodyconfidentsport.
	Estrategias culturalmente relevantes para la prevención y el cuidado de las enfermedades cardiovasculares (Feature Impact) Debido al aumento de las tasas de obesidad, diabetes, presión arterial alta y otros factores de riesgo, las enfermedad cardiovasculares han superado al cáncer como la principal causa de muerte entre los adultos hispanos en Estados Unidos. La población hispana representa casi 1 de cada 5 personas de la población estadounidense y es el grupo étnico minoritario más numeroso del país; sin embargo, muchos continúan enfrentando barreras para lograr una buena salud cardíaca y acceder a atención médica de alta calidad. Un nuevo comunicado científico publicado en “Circulation”, la revista principal de la American Heart Association, reveló cómo los factores sociales, económicos, culturales y ambientales contribuyen a las desigualdades persistentes en la salud cardiovascular. El informe hace un llamado a implementar estrategias de prevención adaptadas culturalmente, garantizar un acceso más equitativo a la atención médica y aumentar la representación de las poblaciones hispanas en la investigación cardiovascular. “Las poblaciones hispanas en Estados Unidos son increíblemente diversas, incluso dentro de sus propias comunidades. Existen diferencias en la ascendencia genética, el idioma, las tradiciones culturales y las experiencias sociales que pueden influir significativamente en la salud cardiovascular”, dijo Johanna Contreras, M.D., M.Sc., FAHA, directora de la División de Insuficiencia Cardíaca y directora médica del Centro Cardíaco Hispano dentro del Sistema de Salud Mount Sinai. “Sin embargo, los hispanos siguen estando subrepresentados en general en la investigación que guían las estrategias de prevención y tratamiento… Sin una mejor representación y datos más detallados, corremos el riesgo de pasar por alto diferencias importantes que podrían ayudarnos a mejorar la atención médica y salvar vidas”. La salud cardiovascular de la comunidad hispana en cifras Los factores de riesgo cardiovascular, como la obesidad (casi el 46 %), la diabetes tipo 2 (15.5 %) y la presión arterial alta (aproximadamente el 44 %) – son frecuentes entre los adultos hispanos. Además, suelen aparecer a edades más tempranas y con mayor frecuencia en comparación con los adultos blancos. Según el informe, solo alrededor de 1 de cada 5 adultos hispanos alcanza una salud cardiovascular ideal, según lo define el marco original Life's Simple 7 de la American Heart Association. Los análisis actualizados que utilizan el marco Life's Essential 8 mostraron disparidades persistentes en la salud del corazón y del cerebro, así como una calidad alimentaria, sueño y niveles de actividad física subóptimos. Las barreras sociales y económicas importan La biología por sí sola no explica las disparidades en la salud cardiovascular. Los lugares donde las personas viven, trabajan y envejecen, junto con los desafíos sociales y económicos que enfrentan, tienen un impacto importante en la salud del corazón. De hecho, aproximadamente 17% de las personas hispanas viven por debajo del umbral federal de pobreza, en comparación con 8.2% de los adultos blancos. “Muchos adultos hispanos enfrentan obstáculos que van mucho más allá del consultorio médico”, explicó Contreras. “La cobertura limitada de seguro médico, las diferencias de idioma, la inseguridad alimentaria, la exposición a factores ambientales y las preocupaciones relacionadas con el estatus migratorio pueden dificultar la prevención de enfermedades, el manejo de condiciones crónicas y el acceso oportuno a tratamientos”. Contreras también destacó que los valores y las prácticas culturales influyen en la manera en que las personas hispanas perciben su salud y las opciones de atención médica disponibles. “La familia juega un papel central en muchas comunidades hispanas y puede ser una fuente extraordinaria de fortaleza, apoyo y resiliencia”, comentó. “Al mismo tiempo, con frecuencia los familiares ayudan a traducir información médica, navegar los sistemas de salud y tomar decisiones relacionadas con el cuidado de sus seres queridos. Estas responsabilidades pueden influir en cómo se entiende y se pone en práctica la información de salud”. Un plan de acción para mejorar la salud de los hispanos Existen oportunidades concretas para lograr una salud cardiovascular más equitativa y reducir las desigualdades a través de la participación comunitaria, la atención médica culturalmente sensible, la investigación inclusiva y políticas que aborden los factores que influyen en la salud. “Reducir la enfermedad cardiovascular entre las poblaciones hispanas exige acción en todos los niveles”, dijo Contreras, “desde mejorar el acceso a una atención culturalmente sensible y ampliar la participación en la investigación, hasta abordar las condiciones sociales y ambientales que determinan la salud”. Los expertos consideran que, al abordar tanto los factores de riesgo médicos como las condiciones sociales que afectan la salud, existe una oportunidad importante para reducir las desigualdades y ayudar a que más personas vivan vidas más largas y saludables. Obtenga más información en Heart.org. Foto cortesía de Shutterstock
	Carne de res en el desayuno: 3 recetas saladas para mañanas ricas en proteínas (Feature Impact) La gente suele pensar en la carne de res como un alimento básico de la cena, pero también merece un lugar en la mesa del desayuno. Infinitamente versátil y repleta de proteínas, la carne de res puede convertir desde burritos hasta sándwiches en un combustible abundante y satisfactorio para comenzar el día. El desayuno es importante a pesar de que las mañanas son ajetreadas, según un estudio publicado en “Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine”, que encontró que los niños que desayunan tienden a obtener calificaciones más altas en matemáticas, tener menos ausencias y una mejor asistencia puntual a la escuela. Es por eso que Beef Loving Texans invita a las familias a unirse a su Desafío de desayuno de 30 días, de manera gratuita. Recibirá inspiración para el desayuno, consejos de nutrición y preparación de comidas, y apoyo para que su hogar comience el día con el pie derecho. Si necesita algo que pueda llevarse al salir, los Burritos de desayuno de carne de res combinan carne molida salteada, pimientos y cebollas con huevos revueltos y salsas sabrosas, todo envuelto dentro de una tortilla caliente. Para un desayuno o brunch preparado con anticipación, prepare un Quiche de carne de res y verduras, incorporando carne de res y verduras en una sabrosa mezcla de huevos, queso y crema antes de hornearlo en una corteza hojaldrada y mantecosa. O dele una segunda vida al bistec sobrante con un Sándwich de desayuno de carne de res y espinacas, una versión portátil del clásico bistec y huevos estilo vaquero que combina carne de res sobrante con espinacas, queso y huevos. Ya sea que alimente a niños en crecimiento antes de la escuela o trate de inculcar hábitos más saludables para usted mismo, el desafío ayuda a que los desayunos constantes y ricos en proteínas sean algo alcanzable, incluso en sus mañanas más ocupadas. Descubra más recetas y únase al Desafío de desayuno de 30 días en BeefLovingTexans.com/BreakfastChallenge.com. Burritos de desayuno de carne de res Receta cortesía de Beef Loving Texans Tiempo de cocción: 30 minutos Porciones: 4 Crema de lima y cilantro: 1/2 taza de crema agria láctea reducida en grasa 1 cucharada de jugo de lima fresco 1 cucharada de cilantro fresco finamente picado 12 onzas de carne molida (93% magra o más) 1 pimiento rojo mediano, picado 1 cebolla pequeña, finamente picada 2 cucharaditas de chile ancho molido en polvo 1/2 cucharadita de comino molido 4 huevos, batidos 2 cucharadas de agua 1 cucharada de cilantro fresco finamente picado aceite en aerosol antiadherente 1/4 cucharadita de sal (opcional) 1/3 taza de mezcla de quesos mexicanos rallados reducida en grasa o queso cheddar rallado 4 tortillas medianas de espinacas o harina simple (25 cm de diámetro), calentadas salsa (opcional) Para preparar la crema de lima y cilantro: En un tazón pequeño, mezcle la crema agria, el jugo de lima y el cilantro. Cubra y refrigere hasta el momento de usar. Para preparar los burritos: Caliente una sartén grande antiadherente a fuego medio hasta que esté caliente. Agregue la carne molida, el pimiento, la cebolla, el chile en polvo y el comino; cocine de 8 a 10 minutos, o hasta que la temperatura interna alcance los 160 F, desmenuzando en trozos pequeños y revolviendo ocasionalmente. Vierta los jugos de cocción, según sea necesario. Retire la mezcla de carne de la sartén; mantenga caliente. En un tazón mediano, mezcle los huevos, el agua y el cilantro. Rocíe la misma sartén con aceite en aerosol antiadherente. Vierta en la sartén; cocine a fuego medio de 2 a 3 minutos, o hasta que queden revueltos, revolviendo ocasionalmente. Sazone con sal, si lo desea. Incorpore la mezcla de carne y el queso; cocine 1 minuto o hasta que estén bien calientes, revolviendo ocasionalmente. Coloque la mezcla de carne de manera uniforme en fila a lo largo del centro de cada tortilla, dejando un borde de 2.5 cm en los lados derecho e izquierdo. Doble los lados derecho e izquierdo de la tortilla sobre el relleno. Doble el borde inferior sobre el relleno y enrolle; corte diagonalmente por la mitad. Sirva con la crema de lima y cilantro y salsa, si lo desea. Consejo de cocción: Los tiempos de cocción corresponden a carne molida fresca o completamente descongelada. La carne molida debe cocinarse a una temperatura interna de 160 F. El color no es un indicador confiable del punto de cocción de la carne molida. Sustitución: Se puede usar 1 taza de sustituto de huevo en lugar de huevos batidos y agua. Quiche de carne de res y verduras Receta cortesía de Beef Loving Texans Tiempo de cocción: 59 minutos Porciones: 8 Aceite en aerosol antiadherente 1 masa de tarta refrigerada (1/2 de un paquete de 14.1 onzas) 1/2 libra de carne molida (80% magra o más) 1 cucharada de mezcla de condimentos para salchicha de res 1 taza de espinacas baby frescas 1/4 taza de espárragos frescos cortados 1/4 taza de cebolla picada 1/4 taza de pimiento picado 6 huevos 1/2 taza de crema para batir espesa Precaliente el horno a 350 F. Cubra un molde para tarta de 22 cm con aceite en aerosol antiadherente. Desdoble la masa para tarta sobre una superficie plana, aplastando las líneas de doblez con los dedos. Coloque la masa en el molde, rizando el borde a su gusto; reserve. Caliente una sartén grande a fuego medio hasta que esté caliente. Agregue la carne molida y la mezcla de condimentos; cocine de 4 a 5 minutos, desmenuzando en trozos pequeños, revolviendo ocasionalmente. Vierta los jugos de cocción, según sea necesario. Agregue las espinacas, los espárragos, la cebolla y el pimiento a la sartén; cocine de 3 a 5 minutos, o hasta que estén blandos. Deje enfriar ligeramente. En un tazón grande, bata los huevos y la crema. Incorpore suavemente la mezcla de carne. Vierta sobre la masa preparada; espolvoree con queso. Hornee de 40 a 45 minutos, o hasta que la mezcla de huevo esté firme y comience a dorarse. Deje enfriar de 5 a 10 minutos; corte en gajos. Sándwich de desayuno de carne de res y espinacas Receta cortesía de Beef Loving Texans Tiempo de cocción: 20 minutos Porciones: 4 4 huevos o 1 taza de sustituto de huevo 1/2 taza de espinacas baby frescas picadas 1/2 taza de tomates en cubos aceite en aerosol antiadherente sal (opcional) pimienta (opcional) 4 rebanadas de queso suizo reducido en grasa 12 onzas de carne de res cocida sobrante (como bistec, costilla de res, estofado o carne de res asada de delicatessen), en rodajas finas 4 panes redondos delgados para sándwich de trigo integral, partidos y tostados En un tazón mediano, mezcle los huevos, las espinacas y los tomates. Rocíe una sartén grande antiadherente con aceite en aerosol antiadherente; caliente a fuego medio-alto hasta que esté caliente. Agregue la mezcla de huevo; cocine de 2 a 4 minutos, o hasta que los huevos estén casi firmes, revolviendo ocasionalmente. Espolvoree con sal y pimienta, si lo desea. Divida la mezcla de huevo en cuatro porciones separadas en la sartén. Cubra de manera uniforme con queso y carne de res. Retire del fuego y cubra. Deje reposar de 1 a 2 minutos, o hasta que el queso se derrita. Coloque una porción de huevo sobre la parte inferior de cada pan. Cierre los sándwiches con las tapas de pan; sirva inmediatamente.
	Trump calls Iowa’s $15B steel plant a ‘done deal,’ but records show major hurdles remain The Iowa Legislature will meet Friday in a special session to debate incentives for the company to build in Iowa.

Wednesday, September 30th, 2026

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