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

Monday, August 24th, 2026
	Zach Lahn proposed this change for data centers Zach Lahn, a Republican running for governor in Iowa, told a business group that he wants changes with future data centers.
	Tariffs and rising costs causing issues for Bent River Brewing Company The general manager says business costs have risen 15 to 20% in the last year, in part due to the Trump Administration's tariffs.
	Davenport man arrested after allegedly hitting a person with an axe 47-year-old Matthew Cheatheam was charged with willful injury causing bodily injury and going armed with intent.
	Bent River Brewing Company feeling impacts of tariffs and rising costs The general manager says business costs have risen 15 to 20% in the last year, in part due to the Trump Administration's tariffs.
	Rock Island City Council considers time limits for downtown liquor sales The Rock Island City Council moved forward Monday to expand restrictions on alcohol sales in more parts of the city. Council members approved the ordinance's first reading. Alderman Dylan Parker said he believes the ordinance would cut down public intoxication and litter in the downtown. Convenience and liquor stores in the green area on the [...]
	I-74 interchange at John Deere Road set for major transformation A major redesign is coming to the I-74 and John Deere Road interchange in Moline, with construction beginning and completion expected by 2028.
	Illinois to shield some hospitals from assisted suicide law Illinois has agreed to abide by a federal injunction to shield some Catholic hospitals from a new assisted suicide law. State lawmakers passed the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, also known as Deb's Law or Senate Bill 1950, passed last year. It lets adults who are terminally ill choose to end their lives. [...]
	School board member surprised when Sudlow's cafeteria is named after him A Davenport School Board member got a surprise during Monday night's meeting. The school board announced Sudlow Middle School's cafeteria will be named after Bruce Potts.Potts was the school's principal until he retired and was later elected to the school board. Potts said he had no idea about it before the announcement. Construction is underway [...]
	Davenport schools name Sudlow cafeteria after school board director The Davenport Community School District announced they were naming the cafeteria in honor of school board director Bruce Potts Monday evening.
	Sudlow Middle's cafeteria to be named after board member, former principal Bruce Potts was Sudlow's principal for 16 years before retiring and joining the board.
	How schools plan to offer more locally-grown food Schools have begun the new year, and students' lunches could soon look a little less processed and a lot more local as the Trump administration rolls out the Harvest to Hallways initiative to invest in child nutrition programs and put more American-grown food on lunch and breakfast trays. Our Quad Cities News NewsNation correspondent Reshad [...]
	Part of 35th Street to close for reconstruction The road will be closed to through traffic between 37th and 38th avenues, according to a media release.
	City of Muscatine celebrates Water & Wastewater Workers of Iowa Week The City of Muscatine is joining communities across the state to celebrate Water and Wastewater Workers of Iowa Week now-29, a news release says. This special week honors the dedicated professionals who work around the clock to provide clean drinking water and protect local natural resources. Gov. Kim Reynolds recently signed an official proclamation declaring this appreciation [...]
	Community Health Care receives $3 million to expand services in Rock Island Community Health Care Inc. opened its Rock Island building back in 2012. Now, the facility is starting to show its age, not just through general maintenance, but mainly because of the growing need in the community. They're ready for an upgrade, an upgrade that will be funded by Illinois through a $3 million grant. "Health [...]
	9th annual Clinton overdose vigil aims to break addiction stigma The Overdose and Addiction Awareness Vigil will return on Monday, Aug. 31 from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Riverview Bandshell. This year more than 30 vendors are expected.
	Sauk Valley farm tours return for second year with a locally sourced dinner On Thursday, Sept. 10, you can tour several local farms, get a behind-the-scenes look at the operations, meet the makers and then enjoy a locally-sourced dinner.
	Burlington woman charged with arson after house fire 36-year-old Crystal Armstrong with second degree arson following an Aug. 13 house fire.
	Davenport man arrested after allegedly hitting a person in the skull with an axe 47-year-old Matthew Cheatheam was charged with willful injury causing bodily injury and going armed with intent.
	Man to spend 18 years in prison for death of 2-month-old A man will spend 18 years in prison for his role in the death of his two-month-old.
	Rock Island considers expanding restrictions on packaged alcohol sales Rock Island officials are considering expanding restrictions on packaged alcohol sales beyond the city’s current downtown district, a proposal one local business owner says could significantly hurt his business.
	Davenport police urge drivers to slow down as students return to school Davenport officials urge drivers to slow down and stay alert as students return to school, highlighting new safety measures.
	Six months on, U.S. Navy families who evacuated Bahrain remain in limbo When the U.S.-Iran war began, more than 1,000 dependents of U.S. Navy personnel in Bahrain were ordered to evacuate. After six months in temporary conditions, they want to know what the plan is.
	Woman charged with arson after Burlington house destroyed by fire A woman was arrested on Saturday in connection to a house fire in Burlington.
	Davenport man charged after hitting person in the head with axe, police say Matthew T. Cheatheam, 47, is accused of hitting another person in the skull with an axe.
	25 animals recovered from pair of animal cruelty cases in Illinois 15 of the rescued dogs are puppies.
	Cooks and Crooks, Books and Hooks: “Insidious: Out of the Further,” “Tony,” “The Magic Faraway Tree,” “Mutiny,” and “Spa Weekend” Even if nothing entirely thrilled me, as least nothing this past weekend outright sucked – making this the perfect time for another quintet of 300-word reviews
	Quad-Cities hosting National Waterways Conference this week National waterway transportation officials are coming to the Quad-Cities to talk ports this week.
	Man stabbed in the chest in Rock Island The 47-year-old victim was hospitalized for his injuries but has since been released.
	Whiteside County farms to host tours and locally sourced dinner The public is invited to tour Whiteside County farms, meet local producers and enjoy a locally sourced dinner prepared by culinary students Sept. 10.
	Clinton holding 9th annual Overdose and Addiction Awareness Vigil next week The vigil will run from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Riverview Bandshell. It's a part of International Overdose Awareness Day.
	Niabi Zoo's 3 newest Pallas's cat residents now have names Born in June, Everest, Luka and Aslan are just one of two Pallas's cat litters born in the country over the last three years.
	Coralville man arrested after alleged armed robbery at Muscatine bank A Coralville man is facing an armed robbery charge after police say he robbed a Muscatine bank and was arrested near Wilton.
	You can now get pizza from a vending machine in the QCA SpeedyPie, which opened Thursday, serves hot, handmade pizzas in minutes, according to a Facebook post.
	Arconic Foundation gifts $30,000 to Girl Scouts Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois was recently gifted $30,000 from the Arconic Foundation. The grant will help Girl Scouts develop vital skills in engineering, problem-solving, leadership and innovation through hands-on STEM experiences to inspire the next generation of female leaders and professionals. “Thanks to the generosity of Arconic Foundation, we are able [...]
	Vandals are destroying Flock cameras across Quad-Cities Civil liberties groups, including the ACLU, argue mass, unwarranted tracking creates a permanent log of ordinary people’s routines.
	Supreme Court pauses lower court ruling on Trump's mail voting order as hurdles loom The Supreme Court paused a lower court's ruling that blocked key parts of Trump's order to limit voting by mail for the midterms. But U.S. Postal Service work on the order remains blocked nationwide.
	Supreme Court gives Trump an interim win on his mail voting order, but hurdles loom The Supreme Court paused a lower court's ruling that blocked key parts of Trump's order to limit voting by mail for the midterms. But U.S. Postal Service work on the order remains blocked nationwide.
	Police: Suspects threatened to kill children during reported abduction in Storm Lake Three people were arrested after police received reports of two young children being abducted in Storm Lake, Iowa.
	Guests can return to Burlington hotel after partial collapse Officials said the collapse was caused by water accumulating within the east part of the building over the ballrooms, according to a media release.
	Galesburg hosting ribbon cutting for Cooke Park Galesburg is ready to open the newly expanded Cooke Park. The city invites the public to a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 26 at 11:30 to celebrate the completion of Cooke Park, 652 W. Second Street. Click here for more information on parks in Galesburg. “We are pleased to be able to open Cooke Park [...]
	Mark Twain Elementary School starts school year with bubbles and red carpet "We're hoping that they make new friends and that they love their teachers and that they experience the best day possible," parent Tiffani Lee said.
	Workout vest mistaken for body armor triggers brief lockdown at Kewanee schools Kewanee schools were on lockdown Monday after the Kewanee Police Department received a report of a person wearing a bulletproof vest that ended up being a workout vest.
	Gordon Flesch Company marks 70 years of innovation, service, and family leadership Seventy years later, GFC continues to build on the values established by its founder, with a focus on its employees, customers and long-term relationships.
	UnityPoint Health – Trinity launches Quad-Cities first rehab program for blood vessel condition This program gives people living with peripheral artery disease the tools and support they need to stay active and improve their overall health.
	Coralville man arrested after bank robbery in Muscatine on Monday morning A Coralville man was taken into custody without incident Monday morning after U.S. Bank in Muscatine was robbed.
	Man arrested after armed robbery at Muscatine bank The Muscatine Police Department responded to the U.S. Bank at 1800 Park Ave. Monday morning for a report of an armed robbery.
	Police: Iowa man arrested after report of Muscatine armed bank robbery Police in Muscatine arrested an Iowa man after a report of an armed robbery at a bank, according to a news release from the Muscatine Police Department. MUSCOM received a report of an armed robbery at U.S. Bank, 1800 Park Avenue in Muscatine, on August 24 at about 9:05 a.m. Officers responded to the area [...]
	Man arrested after allegedly robbing U.S. Bank in Muscatine A man was arrested on Monday after allegedly robbing U.S. Bank in Muscatine with a gun.
	3 people face charges after one person shot in Davenport Three people have been arrested in connection to a shooting at Garfield Park in Davenport. One person faces a charge for attempted murder.
	Man stabbed in chest in Rock Island The Rock Island Police Department responded to the 4300 block of 11th Street Sunday evening where one person suffered a stab wound to the chest.
	North Scott superintendent begins final year with new curriculum, leadership transition North Scott Community School District Superintendent Joe Stutting is entering his 13th and final year leading the district as students returned to class Aug. 24.
	Quad-Cities gas prices rise 21 cents in one week, averaging $4.13 per gallon Americans could for the first time ever see a national average price of gasoline above $4 per gallon on Labor Day.
	Lighthouse Grill and Bar to close as longtime owners retire A riverfront business that started as a bar 44 years ago and grew into what is now Lighthouse Grill and Bar could be entering a new chapter as its longtime owners prepare to retire.
	Woman charged with attempted murder after Davenport park shooting; victim arrested for rioting A Davenport woman was charged with attempted murder after a shooting at Garfield Park on Sunday.
	47-year-old man stabbed Sunday near American Motor Inn in Rock Island Officials said the victim was released from the hospital this morning.
	Life insurance is on the to-do list. Right under cleaning out the garage. Life insurance is on the to-do list. Right under cleaning out the garage.Being an adult comes with a never-ending list of responsibilities: Cook dinner. Scrub the bathroom. File taxes. The tasks grow even longer when sharing a household with a partner, building a family, or taking care of others. No matter how you define “adulting,” getting life insurance tends to be one part of the to-do list that keeps getting set on a procrastination loop.New survey data backs that up: there are plenty of other tasks adults would rather focus on first.The Adulting Task Americans Keep AvoidingAccording to the 2026 Life Happens Life Insurance Survey, a financial literacy nonprofit organization, 39% of U.S. adults would rather clean out their email inbox than figure out their life insurance needs. Another 31% would rather clean out the garage or basement. One in five U.S. adults would be willing to sit on hold with customer service for three hours before life insurance planning. Even though many adults have it somewhere on their list, nearly half (46%) say they’ll either deal with it later or not at all. Life Happens They Know It MattersNearly a third of adults have already figured out a life insurance plan, and they feel good about their decision. Others are feeling more conflicted: 14% have a policy, but they’re not sure if they have enough. Another 12% say they either don’t know where to start or they think it’ll be too expensive.It’s no wonder people are putting it off: Navigating a new-to-them form of financial planning can come with a lot of complicated emotions. Four in 10 feel either overwhelmed, anxious, or some combination of both. Sixteen percent of U.S. adults feel guilty for putting it off, but when the outcome is more procrastination, that feeling lingers. Life Happens Why Later Keeps WinningIf you’ve ever faced an important decision without having enough information to make an informed choice, you know how stressful it can be. While the generations have different takes on making major decisions with a gut feeling or “pure vibes,” most of the time, people want to feel like they’re making an informed choice. Forty-five percent of U.S. adults say cost concerns, confusion or procrastination are the main reasons they have delayed or would delay looking into life insurance. For more than one in five, the plan is to seriously look at it when they feel more financially stable. For 12%, they say they’ll do it when they’re older. Life Happens Men tend to feel more confident about their life insurance decisions to date; 53% of men vs. 41% of women feel confident their family would be financially protected.The First Step Feels Bigger Than It IsLearning more about life insurance, how it’s priced and how it works could help get many consumers out of their procrastination loop. A quarter of people say they’d make a decision if they learned it was easier to get than they previously thought. Thirty percent would make the purchase if they learned it was more affordable than they believed it to be. Others need an experienced professional to talk to or an online calculator tool to give them guidance.Methodology: Life Happens commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,000 adults, including 700 Gen Z respondents, 700 millennials, and 600 Gen X respondents throughout the United States. The margin of error for the overall sample is +/- 2 percentage points and +/- 4 percentage points for each generational sample, with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between July 14 and July 20, 2026.Atomik Research, part of 4media group, is a creative market research agency.This story was produced by Life Happens and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	People without debt report higher life satisfaction. Here's what to know about managing debt. People without debt report higher life satisfaction. Here's what every adult should know about how to manage debt.Debt is a way to cover an expense and pay for it over time. Sometimes it can be exciting to go into debt (think new car or a home). It’s not so fun to struggle with credit card bills that never seem to end. In a perfect world, debt is a tool that helps you reach your goals. The type of debt and reason for the debt matter. Learning the basics could tell you whether your debts are helping you live your best life or dragging you down.Here are nine basic facts to know about debt, according to Achieve.Key takeaways:Debt is borrowed money that must be repaid.Not all debt is bad.Debt to improve your earning potential or quality of life, or for things that gain value could be good debt.1. Debt definedDebt is money you borrow and are obligated to repay. You’re usually charged interest when borrowing money. You might also pay fees.2. Debt isn’t necessarily badDebt is good if it helps you reach a goal. That goal could be to improve your quality of life, improve your ability to earn a good living, or help you get something that is likely to be worth even more money in the future. This is why there are many types of debt, and people often borrow to buy a home or a car, or to get a college education.3. Debt can be badDebt can be bad. Here are some ways bad debt differs from good debt:It has no tangible benefit (like credit card debt for overspending)You can’t afford the debtThe cost of the debt is very highThe thing you borrowed for is worth less than the amount you owe4. Some debt is necessarySome types of debt are almost unavoidable. If you don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars in your bank account, buying a home usually requires a mortgage. That can be a good debt if it improves your quality of life. As a bonus, a mortgage could also help you build wealth in the form of real estate ownership.Emergencies such as home repairs may also require a loan, and the same goes for healthcare costs.5. Debt is either secured or unsecuredSome debt is secured. That means you pledge something valuable as a guarantee that you’ll repay the loan. That something valuable is called collateral. For instance, a car is the collateral for a car loan.Collateral lowers the risk to the lender because if you fail to repay the debt, they could take your collateral and sell it to recover what they are owed. Because of the lower risk, secured loans typically cost less than similar loans that aren’t secured by collateral.Some debt is unsecured. That means there is no collateral. Most credit card debt is unsecured. Since the lender doesn’t have a safety net in the form of collateral, unsecured debt usually costs more than secured debt.6. Debt is either revolving or installmentRevolving debt means you can borrow, repay, and borrow more repeatedly, up to your limit. This is how credit cards and home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs, work.Installment debt means you pay off the debt in equal installments (payments). You’ll make the same payment every month for a set period of time. When you first get the debt you’ll know exactly when the loan will be paid off, as long as you make all of your scheduled payments. This is how personal loans and car loans work.7. The interest rate can change…or notInterest is the cost of owing money. It’s calculated as a percentage of what you owe.A fixed interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan.A variable interest rate (most credit cards) or an adjustable interest rate (some mortgages) can change. Economic factors cause interest rates to change from time to time. Lenders keep an eye on certain interest rates (called benchmark rates) and then charge their own customers accordingly. If market rates go up, lenders could raise your rate if it’s a variable or adjustable rate. If market rates go down, the lender could lower your rate.8. Getting rid of debt could improve your emotional well-beingGenerally speaking, people without debt express higher levels of life satisfaction. According to one study, people with medical debt had the lowest levels of life satisfaction out of any group.9. There’s a solution for every debt problemLots of people fall into deep debt, for many reasons. Even so, there is a way out of every debt situation. When you need to deal with your debt, you have choices. Here are some strategies you could consider.DIY payoff method. A DIY payoff method is a plan that you design and control. You could try the debt snowball or debt avalanche method and pay your debts off yourself, one at a time. In a snowball, you pay as much as possible toward the smallest debt. In an avalanche, you focus on the most expensive debt. All the while, you continue to make minimum payments on your other debts.Debt consolidation loan. If you have expensive debt but can qualify for a new loan at better terms, consider a loan to consolidate your debts. That means taking a new loan and using it to pay off multiple smaller debts. It could be a good idea if it helps you lower the cost of your debt or get a smaller monthly payment.Debt relief. If you have a financial hardship that prevents you from being able to fully repay your debts, you could ask your creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe. You can negotiate with creditors yourself or let a reputable debt relief company negotiate on your behalf. Debt relief could be a good option to consider if you’ve already fallen behind on your debts and you don’t think you can catch up.Debt management plan. If you can afford your debts but you need help straightening out your finances, consider working with a credit counselor. If you need one, the credit counseling agency could set up a debt management plan for you. This is a payment plan designed to fully pay off your debts in three to five years. Because of the short timeframe, the monthly payment may be high.Debt should be a tool you can use to get closer to where you want to be in life. Debt could, however, drag you down and hold you back. If you’re not sure about your own debts, it’s a good idea to talk to a debt expert who can help you decide what your best course of action may be.This story was produced by Achieve and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	UAW rejects Deere contract extension, bargaining to continue in 2027 The current agreement will remain in place through October 2027 after union members voted against a two-year extension.
	Man stabbed in the chest near American Motor Inn in Rock Island A man was stabbed in the chest on Sunday near the American Motor Inn in Rock Island.
	Davenport man arrested after allegedly striking person with axe A Davenport man is facing charges after allegedly using an axe to strike a person in the skull early Monday morning.
	Elementary students at Lincoln-Irving are kicking off the year at Western Illinois University The Moline-Coal Valley school district is expanding the current elementary school this year and has moved some kids to the nearby Quad Cities campus.
	Thinking about trying peptides? Here’s the hype vs. reality Thinking about trying peptides? Here’s the hype vs. realityIf you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve probably seen people talking about peptides. Some claim they can help you lose weight, build muscle, and slow aging, among other alleged health benefits. And interest has only grown as discussions around compounded versions of certain experimental peptides have entered the mainstream. But with so much buzz, it can be hard to separate science from marketing.The reality is more nuanced than what you might have seen from online influencers. Some peptide medications have transformed weight loss and the treatment of health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. Others remain experimental and are being promoted for uses with little, if any, evidence from clinical studies.Before trying a peptide, it’s worth understanding which ones have strong evidence behind them, where they come from, and what questions to ask before getting started. GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, examines the hype versus the reality and shares what you need to know when considering a peptide.Key takeaways:Peptides are a broad group of compounds, not a single treatment.Some peptide products are FDA-approved medications. But others are still being studied or sold as “research-use only” products.The evidence behind peptides varies widely depending on the specific product and what it's being used for. Not all health claims are backed by high-quality research, and these products aren’t risk-free.If you’re considering a peptide, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional first. They can help you understand where it comes from, the evidence behind it, and whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks for your situation. What are peptides?Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks that make up proteins. Your body naturally produces thousands of peptides. Many act as chemical messengers to help regulate processes such as metabolism, growth, and immune function.Researchers have developed peptide medications that mimic or enhance these natural processes. The most popular examples are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, which act like gut hormones that the body releases after eating.In the wake of GLP-1 popularity, the term “peptide” has become a catch-all phrase online. Some products marketed as peptides are FDA-approved prescription medications. Others may be compounded formulations made by pharmacies, investigational drugs, or products labeled for research purposes.These products all fall under the umbrella of “peptides.” But they aren’t all held to the same safety standards or supported by the same level of evidence.Examples of peptides that are still being studied or promoted for experimental uses include:BPC-157: Often marketed for injury recovery, tendon healing, and gut healthTB-500: Commonly promoted for muscle recovery and wound healingMOTS-c: Marketed for metabolism, exercise performance, and healthy agingGHK-Cu: Promoted for skin rejuvenation, hair growth, and wound healingEpitalon: Marketed for longevity and anti-agingHype: Why everyone is talking about peptidesThere are several reasons why peptides are getting so much attention lately. Here are three key contributing factors.1. GLP-1 medications changed the conversationPeople are now more familiar with peptide-based treatments following the success of GLP-1 medications for weight loss. These medications show that some peptides can provide meaningful health benefits when backed by strong clinical evidence.2. Social media fueled broader interestAt the same time, social media, podcasts, and wellness clinics have promoted a much broader range of peptides. They claim these products can benefit muscle growth, athletic recovery, and healthy aging, among other uses. Some people even combine multiple peptides together, a practice known as “stacking.”But much of the enthusiasm surrounding these products is based on early laboratory and animal research or personal testimonials. These products often have yet to be tested in large clinical studies involving humans.3. Compounding has kept peptides in the newsMore recently, peptides have attracted more attention as the FDA reviews whether several experimental peptides may be eligible for compounding. But being considered for compounding isn’t the same as being an FDA-approved medication. These peptides remain experimental and have not gone through the typical regulatory process. Plus, there often isn’t enough high-quality clinical evidence to show they’re safe or effective for many of their promoted uses.Reality: Not every peptide has the same level of evidencePeptides are often discussed as if they’re all one and the same. But the research behind each product varies considerably.Some peptide medications have been studied in large clinical trials. These medications have established benefits, known side effects, and recommended dosage schedules based on years of research.Other peptides are still experimental. They may have shown promise in laboratory or animal studies. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they work or are safe for people. In fact, many treatments that appear promising in early research don’t prove to work well in human clinical trials. And in some cases, researchers learn through trials that the products cause more harm than good. Without these trials, it’s also likely that there isn’t enough data to determine the right dose or dosage form for these products.Before trying any peptide, look beyond the marketing. Ask if the specific product has clinical trial evidence for the condition you’re treating. Promising research and positive online testimonials are not enough to ensure a product is safe or even works.Reality: Where you get peptides mattersThe source of a peptide is just as important as the peptide itself.FDA-approved peptide medications are manufactured under strict quality standards and have been reviewed for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality.Compounded peptides are different. Compounded medications are made to fill a specific need for an individual. Because of this, they aren’t required to go through the FDA approval process to prove they’re safe and effective. Compounded products can also vary in quality and consistency depending on how they’re made and where their ingredients come from.Some peptides are also sold online as “research-use only” products. These products aren’t intended for human use and may not undergo the same quality testing as pharmaceutical-grade ingredients used in human medications. As a result, there may be uncertainty about the product’s contents, sterility, and possible contaminants or impurities.Reality: Safety can depend on several factorsThe safety of a peptide depends on several factors, including which peptide you’re using, how well it’s been studied, and where it comes from.‘Natural’ doesn’t always mean safeOne reason peptides have gained so much popularity is that they’re often described as “natural.” Since your body naturally produces many peptides, it’s easy to assume that peptide products are inherently safe. But natural doesn’t always mean risk-free.Many peptides act as signaling molecules, helping regulate many processes throughout the body. Because peptides affect multiple systems in the body, researchers don’t always know all of their potential effects. For many experimental peptides, more research is needed to understand both their intended effects and unintended effects in the body.How we learn whether peptides are safeFDA-approved peptide medications have undergone extensive safety testing before approval. Their safety is also monitored after they’re on the market. This ongoing monitoring helps identify rare or unexpected side effects that weren’t reported during clinical trials. It also helps build the understanding of a medication’s long-term safety.Many experimental peptides haven’t undergone this same level of study. So less is known about their safety.Manufacturing quality mattersThe way a peptide is made also matters. Synthetic peptides can vary in quality, especially if they’re produced outside of FDA manufacturing standards. Depending on the product, there may be a risk of contaminants (such as arsenic or lead), impurities, or differences in the peptide itself. These issues may affect how the peptide works or increase the chance of unwanted immune reactions.Ultimately, there’s no single answer to whether peptides are “safe.” That’s why it’s best to discuss any peptide you’re considering with a healthcare professional.How to spot misleading peptide claims and fake productsAs peptides become more popular, so do exaggerated marketing claims and questionable products. No single sign can tell you whether a peptide is legitimate. But there are several red flags to watch for.Claims that sound too good to be true: If a peptide is advertised as a cure-all or claims to work without side effects or risks, that’s a warning sign.Testimonials instead of research: Personal stories can be compelling, but they aren’t a substitute for well-designed clinical studies. In fact, some testimonials or medical expert endorsements aren’t even from real people. Look for evidence from research involving humans, not just before-and-after photos or influencer endorsements.“Research-use only” products marketed for people: Some peptides are labeled “for research use only.” These products aren’t intended to be medications for people, even if they’re promoted online for weight loss, recovery, or other health benefits.Claims that a compounded peptide product, its ingredients, or its manufacturer are “FDA approved”: This is a common marketing claim, but it can be misleading. Compounded peptides aren’t FDA-approved, even if they’re prepared by a licensed pharmacy. The companies that make the peptide ingredients may be regulated or inspected by the FDA, but that isn’t the same as FDA approval. And if a peptide becomes eligible for compounding, that doesn’t mean the FDA has determined it’s safe or effective for the particular condition.If you’re interested in trying a peptide, the safest approach is to talk with a healthcare professional first.Questions to ask before trying peptidesSpotting misleading claims is just one part of making an informed decision. Before starting a peptide, consider asking these questions:Is this an FDA-approved medication, a compounded product, or a research-use only product?What evidence supports using it for my health condition?What are the known side effects and long-term risks?Where does this product come from, and how is its quality verified?How will you know if it’s working?Are there FDA-approved alternatives with stronger evidence?A healthcare professional can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks based on your medical history and treatment goals.The bottom lineIt’s easy to get caught up in the excitement surrounding peptides. But before trying one, consider whether the peptide has undergone clinical trials, where it comes from, and whether there are FDA-approved options with stronger evidence for your needs.Peptides sold online are often promoted as quick fixes for weight loss, muscle growth, anti-aging, and other health goals. But many of these claims aren't backed by strong scientific evidence. Some online peptide products may also have quality or safety concerns, especially if they're sold by unregulated sources or marketed for research use only.If you're interested in peptide therapy, talk to a healthcare professional to determine whether there's an appropriate FDA-approved treatment.This story was produced by GoodRx and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	AI’s water use is in the spotlight. Meat deserves a look, too. AI’s water use is in the spotlight. Meat deserves a look, too.You’ve probably heard the statistic: Generating just one email with ChatGPT consumes an entire bottle’s worth of water. It’s not true. While AI does require water, the actual water footprint of a single chatbot query is usually small. For example, a simple ChatGPT request, like writing an email, is 6mL or around a teaspoon — roughly 1% of a standard water bottle.Still, it’s not surprising that the statistic took off. The way the technology actually works is a mystery to most people. AI companies have not exactly been transparent about how their models work or how much water or energy they consume, which is one reason among many that calculating AI’s water use is challenging. These factors, along with many other concerns about the technology, including its growth and the impact on communities where data centers are being built, has led to an understandable distrust of AI and its effects on the world.“I think for most people, it was the first time that they had ever seen any story about a computer process using water at all,” Andy Masley tells Sentient. Masley is an independent researcher and former head of Effective Altruism DC. “You’re kind of like, minding your own business, AI is starting to pop off, and suddenly there’s this story about how literally every time you send a chatbot prompt, one bottle of water is used. And I think for a lot of people, that was really shocking.”Masley, an outspoken skeptic of the “one water bottle per prompt” figure, has long been frustrated with the outsized attention AI’s water usage receives in comparison with other water-guzzling industries, such as meat and dairy production, Sentient reports.It takes around 1,078 liters of water to produce one kilogram of pork — just over two pounds. Producing a kilogram of beef consumes 925 liters of water from limited resources. When it comes to casual, everyday actions that many people take without much thought or consideration, getting those pork chops and hamburgers to a plate takes an alarming amount of water.That doesn’t mean AI’s water use isn’t a concern. While the water bottle statistic about a simple chatbot query is incorrect, AI use can consume quite a bit of water, especially when carried out at an industrialized scale by large corporations. But that doesn’t mean people should lose track of the other everyday decisions that also drain valuable water, such as the food on their plate.Why It’s Hard to Figure Out How Much Water Chatbots UseData centers house massive networks of heat-generating equipment, like servers, data storage, computers and power backups, and water can cool these systems faster than air. But the efficiency of cooling depends on a number of factors that also impact how much water is needed. This is partly why the amount of water a single AI chatbot prompt uses in a specific case is a very complex estimate that can vary wildly, depending on query details like length and environmental details like outdoor temperature, location and access to nearby water, among other factors.Lack of transparency is another reason these estimates are so uncertain. Most of the large tech conglomerates don’t publicly disclose the inner workings of their facilities’ cooling methods.It’s also worth noting that the water and energy consumption of a data center may not even occur on site. This means that the water used by a data center in one city could be impacting another region entirely.“Power plants that data centers draw from can actually be very, very physically far from the data centers themselves, because energy is moved all over the grid with high-energy transmission lines,” Masley says. “If you’re talking about like, what are the water impacts of a data center being built in Loudon County [in Virginia], you might assume that this is mainly going to matter for Loudon County. But on a given day, that data center might also cause water to be used in a coal plant somewhere in West Virginia.”The Water Bottle Statistic, ExplainedBack in 2024, the Washington Post published estimated water usage by AI from its collaboration with researchers at the University of California, Riverside, led by engineering professor Shaolei Ren. The goal was to figure out how much water was required to generate a single 100-word response from ChatGPT, and the results estimated that AI consumes over 500mL of water, or a little more than a standard water bottle.This claim took off like wildfire, with outlets like The Guardian and Forbes and organizations like the Environmental and Energy Study Institute running with it and establishing it as an accepted truth.But it’s not true. Put another way, there is now more information that suggests it’s not true.In an email to Sentient, Ren says that this was the best possible estimate of AI’s water usage at the time, given the information available. But a lot has changed since that initial estimate, including both the amount of information available about how AI models work and the technology data centers use to process chat prompts and cool their data centers.“The 2024 estimate for GPT-4 was time-specific, assumption-based, and should not be used to describe general AI/ChatGPT or today’s optimized systems,” Ren wrote in an email to Sentient. “The estimate was based on publicly available information at the time: the energy estimate provided by EcoLogits (as of mid 2024) and the water usage effectiveness information disclosed by technology companies.”EcoLogits is an organization that publicly tracks and discloses the energy use of AI services, and it now has a free, customizable calculator for estimating water usage from various types of AI prompts. As of this writing, EcoLogits estimates that generating one email via ChatGPT 5.5, the current free model of ChatGPT, uses 6.11 mL of water, or 1.2% of a water bottle.Ren says that this updated number is due to “methodological changes and newer data sources,” though he adds that it “is also broadly consistent with Google’s reported 33x energy-efficiency improvement for a ‘typical’ Gemini text request from May 2024 to May 2025.”The Water Usage of AI Versus MeatThere are choices people make every day with the potential to have a much higher water footprint than chatbots, yet these decisions receive only a fraction of the scrutiny people give to AI and data centers, according to Masley.What people eat is one of the best examples of this. Meat consumption has skyrocketed over the last 60 years, and as of 2023, the average person in the U.S. eats about 82 pounds of beef and 64 pounds of pork every year. In the developed world, grabbing a cheeseburger or a bacon breakfast sandwich has become such a natural part of most people’s day-to-day lives that its enormous water footprint typically goes unremarked upon.Producing meat requires water for several reasons. Animals have to drink, for one. They also have to eat, and the food they eat needs irrigation.When comparing the water usage of various food products, water originating from rainfall, also known as green water, is generally excluded, as rainfall would have occurred regardless of whether or not food was being produced.According to the Water Footprint Network, producing a kilogram of beef — or roughly two pounds — consumes around 925 liters of water. Pork is even more intensive, gobbling up 1,078 liters of water per kilogram, while chicken consumes 779 liters per kilogram.These figures only relate to water quantity issues, but water quality is affected by meat and dairy production too. Many types of livestock farming, especially dairy and pork, are major contributors to water pollution, with manure and fertilizer runoff from farms leaking into nearby waterways.AI Versus Food ProductionMeat still has a significantly higher water footprint than plant-based foods. For instance, soy, potatoes and bananas all require less than 20% of the limited water resources needed for producing the same weight in beef.The same is true of animal products in general. For instance, almond milk is notorious for gobbling up water during its production process. It takes 371 liters of water to make just one liter of almond milk, which is significantly more than other non-dairy milks need, such as soy milk or oat milk. And yet, despite this, almond milk still has a much smaller water footprint than dairy milk, which requires 628 liters of water.The Bottom LineThe point isn’t that AI is harmless, but rather that people are bad at estimating the environmental impacts of their own actions. This is one particularly glaring example of that, and it matters because many people sincerely do want to reduce their environmental footprints.But that can’t be done without accurate information. For the average person who wants to use less water, chatbots shouldn’t be the end of your inquiry, and eating less meat would be an excellent and highly effective place to start.This story was produced by Sentient and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	VNA Community Services receives America Heart Association grant for expanding cardiovascular health resources in Knox County A grant from the American Heart Association will help expand cardiovascular health resources in Knox County. VNA Community Services has received $5,000 in funding from the American Heart Association to expand cardiovascular health resources and strengthen emergency preparedness for seniors and the greater Knox County community. The funding will help VNA establish itself as a [...]
	Can brain fog actually be a sleep problem? Can brain fog actually be a sleep problem?Few things are more frustrating than sitting down to a familiar task and realizing the mind is no longer keeping up with what is going on. People call it brain fog, and growing concern about trouble thinking clearly has drawn closer attention from researchers.Researchers led by Yale School of Medicine examined more than 4.5 million American Academy of Neurology survey responses collected over 10 years and found that reports of serious trouble with memory or concentration rose from 5.3% to 7.4%.The sharpest increase came from adults under 40, whose rate nearly doubled during the same period. Stress and heavy workloads receive the blame first when thinking starts to slip, though part of the trouble actually begins hours earlier during sleep.Dr. Itzhak Fried and his team at the University of California, Los Angeles, studied 12 patients with electrodes recording individual brain cells and found that those cells communicated more slowly as the patients grew sleepier, leaving them slower to identify what appeared on a screen.And similar concerns appear outside the lab, as Sleeping.com has observed how frequently people examine their sleep only after poor concentration continues through the day. Brain fog may sound broad, but the experiences behind it often appear during familiar tasks that suddenly require far more effort.What Brain Fog Actually Looks LikeNearly everyone has experienced brain fog at some point, even if the feeling passed before much attention was given to it. The University of Rochester Medical Center explains that brain fog refers to changes in concentration and memory, though it is not a diagnosis with one clear cause.Those changes often become noticeable during ordinary parts of the day, such as following a conversation or recalling information learned only minutes earlier. And as the effort required to stay focused rises, work that usually feels manageable begins taking longer to finish.Cleveland Clinic adds that people often struggle to find the words they want or respond as quickly as usual, leaving them aware that their thinking feels slower.Researchers Darren Haywood and Susan Rossell also note that people’s reports of brain fog do not always align closely with formal cognitive testing, leaving the experience difficult to measure through a single exam. Even so, the disruption remains real to the person living through it, especially when the same mental difficulties return the following day.Why Sleep Is Essential for Brain FunctionSurprisingly, many of the studies on total sleep deprivation were carried out decades ago, yet very few have followed. Researchers now avoid keeping people awake for extended periods, largely due to the serious effects prolonged sleep loss has on the brain and the rest of the body.Behavioral sleep medicine specialist Michelle Drerup of Cleveland Clinic says sleep plays "a vital role in our physical, cognitive and mental well-being," adding that important restorative work takes place throughout the night.One part of that work involves helping the brain organize information collected during the day, allowing new memories to become more stable before morning. So by the time someone wakes, that overnight work supports attention during ordinary tasks that require steady focus. Yet the same process begins to weaken after even one night of restricted sleep.The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that without enough sleep, people have more difficulty learning, maintaining new memories, concentrating, and responding quickly.Similar findings from Harvard sleep researcher Robert Stickgold found that students who were kept awake after learning a new task continued performing worse for up to three days. With new information harder to hold, careful decisions also become more difficult.The brain needs uninterrupted sleep to complete this work, though repeated disturbances may prevent a full night from staying intact.When Sleep Apnea May Be ContributingMany people have no idea they are living with a sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea is among the most common. The American Medical Association reports that interrupted breathing during sleep affects an estimated 30 million people across the country, though only 6 million have received a diagnosis, leaving roughly 80% unaware.Sleep medicine physician Dr. Ilene Rosen of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania explained in the AMA report that obstructive sleep apnea narrows or closes the airway, causing oxygen levels to fall until the brain briefly wakes the body and restores breathing.Mayo Clinic also adds that those awakenings usually pass too quickly for a person to remember them, even when they happen repeatedly throughout the night. But focus still suffers the following day, and researchers have measured the difference.A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine gave a 15-minute attention test to 27 people with untreated sleep apnea and 27 people of the same age and sex without the condition. The sleep apnea group responded more slowly from the beginning of the test through its end.So a person may wake believing the night passed without interruption, then spend the day struggling to concentrate or hold on to new information. Since the breathing problem happens during sleep, brain fog often appears before its nighttime source becomes clear.Why Stress Isn't Always the AnswerIt is easy to blame everything on stress, and often stress does play a real role when concentration begins to slip. But poor sleep may be adding to the problem, especially when mental fatigue continues after the pressure of a difficult week begins to ease. Researchers at the Stanford Medicine explain that stress and sleep affect each other in both directions.Daytime pressure, for example, may keep the mind active at night, leaving the brain with less rest before the next day begins. And after a poor night, shorter patience then makes ordinary demands feel harder to manage. With both problems working together, the same trouble with focus may come from stress, lost sleep, or a combination of the two.The American Brain Foundation also identifies poor sleep and stress among several possible causes of brain fog. And since daytime symptoms do not always reveal the source, persistent mental slowdown deserves attention to both daily pressure and sleep quality, especially when clearer thinking does not return after stress begins to ease.Improving Cognitive Performance Starts at NightIt turns out that a good night’s sleep gives the brain the time it needs to work properly the next day. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends keeping a consistent bedtime and wake time, since a regular schedule helps protect that nightly period of rest.Following the same routine also makes it easier to notice when enough time in bed is no longer restoring concentration or memory. When those problems continue despite a stable sleep schedule, pushing through another day may leave the underlying cause untouched.Mayo Clinic advises speaking with a healthcare professional when loud snoring or waking while gasping continues, since those symptoms may point to a sleep disorder that needs medical attention.Medical guidance can then help determine whether sleep apnea or another condition is preventing rest from restoring the brain as expected. Clear thinking depends on more than determination during the day, and persistent brain fog may be the first sign that the problem begins during sleep.This story was produced by Sleeping.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	You started a side hustle from home. Does your insurer know? You started a side hustle from home. Does your insurer know?Engaged in some gig work in the garage, merch-making from the basement, or another home-based enterprise? If you’ve recently started a side hustle, you’re not alone: Nearly 1 in 3 Americans have done so to supplement their earnings. And around 19 million U.S. businesses operate out of the owners’ homes. That’s little surprise, considering the higher cost of living and increasing job uncertainty in the corporate world nowadays.Being an entrepreneur from home can simplify matters and reduce costs, especially because you don’t necessarily have to drive or leave your property to earn money. But whether you’re selling on Etsy, tutoring kids after school, renting out a spare room, or freelancing full-time, you could be vulnerable to homeowners insurance gaps.TheZebra.com takes a closer look at why, and what you can do to financially shield yourself from insurance risks.Your Homeowners or Renters Policy Was Written for a Resident, Not a Business OwnerStandard homeowners and renters insurance policies cover personal use of your home, not business activity. Once you begin earning dollars from your gig work or small business being run from your property, the coverage question becomes more complicated.“Homeowners and renters policies are designed for personal property and personal liability,” says Dennis Shirshikov, a professor of finance and economics at City University of New York/Queens College. “They may provide limited coverage for business equipment, but may exclude business-related injuries, professional mistakes, lost income, inventory, and customer claims.”The biggest risk is a denied claim. If your policy is written particularly for you as a homeowner, it won’t necessarily safeguard you if your carrier learns you've been operating a business there without telling them. And that denial could result in serious financial consequences.“Some activities are inherently riskier than others, such as having clients or customers in your home, which is a different risk profile than simply selling items online,” notes Beth Swanson, insurance analyst with The Zebra.If you are running a business from your home or plan to start, inform your carrier immediately. Prepare to disclose details about any customer visits, any employees who work under your roof, and any equipment or inventory stored on your property.“The good news is that you can usually tailor your coverage to match your actual risk, and a skilled insurance agent can walk you through the options,” Swanson adds.Selling Goods from HomeFor those selling products from their home address, two major coverage gaps may leave you unprotected, according to Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communication for the Insurance Information Institute.“The first is business property, including inventory, equipment and supplies. The second is product liability, which may arise if a product causes injury or damage. Depending on your operation, getting a business endorsement on your current policy or a separate commercial coverage policy may help address these risks,” she says.A common starting point for liability coverage is $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in total annual coverage. Your property limits should reflect the full replacement cost of your equipment and peak inventory. Service-Based Side HustlesIf you regularly invite customers or clientele onto your property, you could face general liability exposure if someone is hurt during the visit, or professional liability exposure if that visitor alleges that your service, advice, or instruction caused them financial loss or harm.“Someone like a tutor, hairstylist, or music teacher may need both general liability and professional liability coverage,” Shirshikov continues.The former covers accidents or bodily injury claims; the latter covers less visible risks, such as errors and omissions. Shirshikov recommends at least $1 million of coverage per occurrence and $2 million in aggregate coverage for general liability, plus $1 million in professional liability coverage.“A business owners policy (BOP) combines property coverage, general liability, and business interruption coverage, and can be a good option. But there are specific requirements to qualify, so it may not be available for all home businesses,” says Swanson. “It’s best to talk with an independent agent or broker about your specific situation and find something that fits.”Remote and Digital WorkFreelancers, designers, virtual assistants, consultants, and other providers of digital work, as well as those working remotely from home, represent the lowest-risk category from an insurance perspective. Yet, there are gaps to be aware of here.“These professionals may face risks involving professional errors, client disputes, cyber incidents, equipment losses, and business interruption,” Ruiz points out.Thankfully, policies exist that fit almost any type of remote or digital work. Case in point: Media liability coverage is available if you’re a content creator, which is sometimes required if you have brand sponsors for videos or other content. This protection can help with issues like copyright infringement claims.“Also, cybersecurity may not be covered under a standard homeowners policy, so you might need a stand-alone option for that,” adds Swanson. “Professional liability coverage is important, too, but there can be real gaps in coverage for people creating content on social platforms, like freelance graphic designers or consultants.”To play it safe, discuss available options with your insurance agent, inquire about endorsements that could add additional protection, and ask about exclusions that may apply.Renting Out a Room (House Hacking)Leasing out a portion of your home to a paying tenant can create property and liability risks that are different from standard owner-occupied scenarios. Be sure to disclose this renting arrangement to your carrier before the renter moves in.“Your insurer may allow a homeowners endorsement, require you to get an owner-occupied landlord policy, or recommend a dwelling-fire policy with liability coverage. Have your home insured for replacement cost, not market value,” says Shirshikov, who recommends at least $500,000 in premises-liability coverage where available and a $1 million umbrella policy for extra protection.It’s also smart to have a solid lease in place and require your tenant to carry their own renters insurance.“Your tenant’s belongings need their own coverage, not yours,” says Swanson. “And if you’re doing more of a furnished or short-term rental setup, make sure you have replacement cost value on the furnishings and items in the space.”What To Actually Do Before You StartBefore launching any business or continuing your gig work, take the time to:Contact your insurance company and notify them about your plans and activities. “Tell them exactly what your business does, what equipment or inventory is stored there, and whether customers visit, products are sold, employees work there, and a vehicle is used for business,” Shirshikov suggests.Assess any liability exposures, review your existing policy, and add extra coverage as needed. “Determine whether endorsements or separate business policies are appropriate,” advises Ruiz.Create an inventory of your business property in case you ever need to file a related claim.If you plan to rent to a tenant, confirm that your mortgage lender, homeowners association, zoning rules, and local requirements allow this activity.Take basic precautions to keep your space safe, especially if you have clients come to your home. “Preventing an incident is always easier than dealing with a claim afterward,” Swanson continues.Install motion lights, handrails, clear signage, and other items that decrease your liability risks.This story was produced by TheZebra.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Post-war German films come to big screen at The Last Picture House, Davenport The German American Heritage Center and The Last Picture House, Davenport, will bring "The Lost Years of German Cinema," a series of post-war German films to the big screen this fall, a news release says. Discover the tension, humor, and human drama of a nation rebuilding in the film series on postwar German cinema. Spanning [...]
	Firefighters respond to Clinton senior care center fire Clinton firefighters responded to a report of a fire at a senior care center yesterday, according to a release from the Clinton Fire Department. Firefighters responded to a report of a fire in a laundry room at Alverno Senior Care, 849 13th Avenue North, on August 23 at about 3:15 p.m. Their response included a [...]
	When the paychecks stop: How to steady your finances after leaving a job When the paychecks stop: How to steady your finances after leaving a jobLeaving a job can result in a cascade of unanticipated outcomes. Whether you’re retiring after decades or facing an unexpected layoff, the shift can bring a mix of uncertainty, stress, and even grief. It can also affect nearly every aspect of your financial life, from your income and savings to your benefits and retirement plan.Navigating these realities requires a clear understanding of the steps you can take to help secure your financial well-being. Here, The Retirement Group reviews some of those action items.Review Your FinancesWhen exiting the workforce, either temporarily or permanently, it’s critical to have a current picture of your sources of income, savings, debts, and ongoing expenses. If you’re retiring, that means balancing income from sources like Social Security, a retirement plan, or a pension with your anticipated spending. If you lose your job, it means understanding how long your savings can cover your expenses and identifying where you may need to cut back in the short term.This review doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should be honest. Many people avoid looking closely at their finances during a stressful transition, despite the importance of doing so. By gaining a clear overview of your financial picture, however, you’ll be better placed to make more informed decisions.Plan for the Short TermWhatever your reason for leaving your job, the following few months may bring some financial uncertainty, so it helps to identify the resources available to you. If you’ve built an emergency fund, this may be the time to use it. Just be sure to shore up this financial cushion once your financial footing steadies.If your savings aren’t sufficient to meet your immediate needs, a line of credit may help fill the gap. Having access to credit before you need it is typically easier than securing it once you’re no longer employed. If you own a home, however, you may be able to open a line of credit secured by your home equity.While neither of these options is a long-term solution, they can give you breathing room to cover your short-term expenses without compromising your long-term savings or retirement accounts.Move Your 401(k) Account If NecessaryWhen you leave an employer, you generally have several options regarding what to do with your 401(k). You can sometimes keep it with your former employer’s plan, roll it into a new employer’s plan, roll it into an IRA, or cash it out. Each choice has different tax and financial implications, so it makes sense to speak with a financial advisor before deciding.Although there are no one-size-fits-all approaches, you may want to avoid cashing out your 401(k) as that can trigger both taxes and an early withdrawal penalty if you’re under 59 1/2. Rolling funds into an IRA or a new employer’s plan, by contrast, allows your money to keep growing on a tax-deferred basis. Take time to compare the fees and investment options across your choices before deciding where to move your retirement accounts.Revisit Your Retirement ContributionsWhile it can be tempting to pause your retirement contributions during a period of reduced or lost income, continuing to contribute—even at a lower amount—remains important. Consistently saving for retirement can make a measurable difference in the long run, and gaps can be difficult to make up later.If you’re between jobs, consider contributing to an IRA to maintain the habit. If you’re retiring, it’s a good time to shift your thinking from contributing to withdrawing, and to work out a sustainable rate that allows your savings to last. Either way, the aim is to keep your retirement plan intentional, both during and after your working years.Consider Potential Tax ImplicationsLeaving a job can affect your taxes in unanticipated ways. For instance, both unemployment benefits and severance pay are considered taxable income. Similarly, if you decide to cash out your retirement plan or take a lump sum pension payment on retirement, that income is also taxable. Depending on the amount and timing of your income, it could even push you into a higher tax bracket for the year.On the flip side, if you leave your job partway through the year, your employer may end up withholding more taxes than you actually owe.Given the potential complexities, it’s worth reviewing your situation with a tax advisor before deciding how to proceed.Understand Your Pension OptionsIf your employer offers a pension, you may have different options depending on how and when you leave your job. For instance:If you’re vested and retiring at or near the plan’s normal retirement age, you can generally choose to start receiving payments as either a lump sum or an annuity that pays out over time. While a lump sum allows you to decide how to invest the money, it also requires you to assume responsibility for making informed investment choices. Conversely, an annuity offers steady, predictable income for a predetermined amount of time (often for life), but may be less flexible and leaves you no lump sum to pass on.If you’re vested but leaving before retirement age, you can usually keep the benefit you’ve earned. However, you may not be able to collect it until you reach the plan’s eligible age. Additionally, the amount will generally be locked in based on your service and salary at the time you left, rather than continuing to grow. Taking payments earlier can also reduce the amount you receive, so be sure to review your plan’s specific rules in advance.Assess Your Health Care NeedsHealth coverage is often of immediate concern when leaving a job, as many people are insured through their employer. If you leave before you are eligible for Medicare coverage, you may want to consider COBRA continuation coverage, a marketplace plan, or coverage through your spouse’s employer. Compare costs carefully since premiums can be considerably higher than those you pay as an employee.If you’re retiring at or near age 65, review how Medicare fits into your plan. If you identify gaps in coverage, you may also want to explore a supplementary policy. Whenever possible, aim to plan for health care costs well before retirement, as these expenses tend to rise over time.This story was produced by The Retirement Group and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Back-to-school shopping expected to cost parents $863.86 in 2026 Back-to-school shopping expected to cost parents $863.86 in 2026Parents always brace themselves for the list of required school supplies, new shoes, clothing, electronics and boxes of tissues that come knocking on their door. Finder examined how back-to-school spending is predicted to hit a new record high this year.Back-to-school spending estimates for 2026 are inParents with kids in elementary through high school are expected to spend an average of $863.86 per family on back-to-school shopping, according to the most recent data from the National Retail Federation (NRF).In 2025, that figure was $858.07. So not much of a jump, but still an increase. Finder The NRF also estimates that total spending for K-12 school shopping will be around $43.3 billion this year. According to the federation, this is a new record.What’s costing parents more money?The NRF breaks down elementary school shopping into four categories: electronics, clothing and accessories, shoes, and school supplies.Shoes saw the biggest per-person spending increase, while families once again spent the most per person on electronics.Electronics come in at $293.11 per student for 2026. But looking at last year, that’s a slight decrease from $295.81. The cost of new shoes rose to $174.01 per family in 2026, compared to last year’s figure of $169.13 — that’s about a 2.9% increase.Another rising cost is typical school supplies, like folders, pencils and backpacks, rising from $143.77 to $146.45. This is roughly a 1.9% bump.Families clearly feel these spending hikes, even when the year-over-year numbers look like tiny increases on a spreadsheet. From the shoppers themselves, 64% told the NRF they expect to see higher prices this year, and they’re not wrong.Planning ahead for next yearThe NRF found 62% of shoppers had already started buying school items by early July, though that’s actually down from 67% last year. Nearly half (46%) of those who have yet to purchase at least half of their back-to-school items say they’re deliberately waiting for the best deals before finishing their shopping.Want to be an early bird next year? Then consider making a sinking fund. A sinking fund is money you’ve saved for a purchase or expense you know will happen, which can include school shopping, holiday season shopping or even a vacation fund.With the average $863.86 per family cost in 2026, there’s a good chance the 2027 figure will be about the same. Knowing the average cost means you can create a sinking fund goal of around $800, and save for that throughout the year.Different ways to save $800 in 12 months include:$66.67/month$30.77/biweekly$2.19/dailyHow to save money on school shopping in 2026From a financial and parent perspective, here are some recommendations that could help weaken the blow from back-to-school shopping:Shop carefully at the start. To avoid buying the wrong things, consider getting basics first (folders, pencils, shoes, etc.) and then waiting for the teacher’s full list before filling in the gaps. For example, the school may say that spiral notebooks are required, but then the teacher may require composition notebooks instead.Cash-back programs. Got any unused cash-back rewards sitting around? Now might be the time to use them. And if you’re good with credit cards, then using cash-back programs to stock up on points makes a lot of sense, too, especially on big-ticket items.529 withdrawals. As of 2026, families can pull up to $20,000 per student per year, tax-free, from a 529 plan to cover K-12 costs. That now includes curriculum materials, textbooks, workbooks, digital learning tools and tutoring (not just tuition). Rules vary by state, so check whether your specific purchases qualify before pulling from your regular budget instead.Look through your house. Especially if you have multiple kiddos, comb your house for school supplies you might already have. How’s the backpack from last year holding up? Any unopened boxes of crayons or markers lying around?Compare prices across stores. Shoppers are splitting purchases across department stores (47%), discount stores (44%) and clothing stores (39%), according to NRF. Comparing prices for electronics or shoes could equal savings, especially since electronics and clothing are where the costs hurt the most.Tax credits. If you have a college student you’re claiming as a dependent, you could claim tax credits for school shopping, like the American Opportunity Tax Credit worth up to $2,500 per student. Bottom lineWhile the cost of back-to-school shopping hasn’t skyrocketed from last year, prices are slowly trickling upward. Shoes are the biggest offenders, seeing an increase of about 2.9% in a year.A little early planning, some hand-me-downs and patience for sales can go a long way toward keeping this year’s back-to-school costs low.This guide has been edited by Richard Laycock.This story was produced by Finder and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Three arrested after Davenport Garfield Park fight, shooting on Sunday Three people were arrested and are facing charges in Scott County District Court following a large fight and shooting on Sunday in Davenport’s Garfield Park.
	What time of day is the sun most dangerous? UV exposure hour by hour What time of day is the sun most dangerous? UV exposure hour by hourNot all hours of sunlight carry equal risk. The angle of the sun relative to Earth's surface determines how much atmosphere UV rays must travel through before reaching the skin. Early morning and late afternoon sun travel a longer path through the atmosphere, with more atmospheric particles absorbing and scattering radiation. Midday sun travels nearly straight down through a much thinner atmospheric column, arriving with significantly less filtering and far more intensity.As Doctronic explains below, understanding this hourly variation allows people to make genuinely informed choices about spending time outdoors. Knowing exactly when radiation peaks and when it drops to manageable levels makes practical protection possible without requiring a complete indoor retreat during the summer months.Key takeawaysUV radiation follows predictable daily patterns, with peak danger occurring between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun climbs highest in the sky.The UV Index scale ranges from 1 to 11+, giving a daily forecast of radiation intensity that determines what level of protection a given day requires.Solar noon, when UV intensity peaks, does not align with clock noon and shifts based on geographic location, time zone, and season.UVA rays remain present throughout all daylight hours and penetrate clouds and glass, meaning protection matters even outside peak windows.The shadow rule offers a simple real-time check: If your shadow is shorter than you, UV levels are high enough to cause damage.Understanding the UV Index and Solar NoonHow the UV Index Measures Radiation IntensityThe UV Index translates the sun's radiation output into a simple daily forecast scale from 1 to 11+. UV index scale categories range from Low (1 to 2), where minimal protection is needed, through Moderate (3 to 5) and High (6 to 7), where broad-spectrum sunscreen and shade become important, up to Very High (8 to 10) and Extreme (11+), where intensive protection is required for any outdoor time. Weather services calculate and broadcast the UV Index daily, making it the most accessible real-time guide for sun-safety decisions.Why Solar Noon Differs from Clock NoonSolar noon is the moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky for a given location, not when clocks read 12 p.m. Time zones group large geographic areas under one clock standard, meaning a person on the eastern edge of a time zone experiences solar noon nearly an hour earlier than someone on the western edge. Daylight saving time adds another offset. In practice, solar noon typically falls between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. across the continental United States, pushing the actual UV peak later than most people assume. Doctronic The Peak Danger Window from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.The 10 a.m. Threshold and When UVA and UVB IntensifyBoth UVA and UVB radiation increase as the sun climbs above the horizon. UVB intensity, which drives sunburn and direct DNA damage, rises steeply from roughly 10 a.m. onward. UVA intensity also rises during this window, though more gradually. UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Skin cancer prevention strategies center on protecting skin during these peak hours to reduce long-term cancer risk. People who schedule outdoor activity before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. absorb meaningfully less cumulative radiation than those who spend peak hours in direct sunlight.Maximum Exposure Hazards at MiddayThe 30- to 60-minute bracket around solar noon represents the highest UV intensity of any given day. At midday, UV radiation can be intense enough to cause sunburn in fair-skinned individuals in under 15 minutes without protection. This window also carries the highest UVB dose of the day, which translates directly to elevated skin cancer risk with repeated unprotected exposure. People engaging in midday outdoor activities, particularly at the beach, on ski slopes, or at high elevations, face compounded UV exposure from direct sunlight and reflections off surrounding surfaces.The Shadow Rule as a Simple Gauge for Sun SafetyWhen shadows fall shorter than the person casting them, UV levels are high enough to require immediate protection. This visual shorthand requires no device: Short shadows indicate the sun is nearly overhead, meaning less atmospheric filtering and higher UV intensity reaching skin. Conversely, when shadows stretch longer than a person's height, the sun sits low enough that UV travels through a significantly thicker layer of atmosphere, and intensity drops. Checking shadow length provides instant feedback on current UV conditions.Early Morning and Late Afternoon ExposureThe False Security of Cooler TemperaturesTemperature and UV intensity are not correlated. A cool morning at 8 a.m. carries real UV radiation, particularly during summer months at lower latitudes. People gardening, walking, or commuting outdoors during early morning or late afternoon often skip sunscreen because the air does not feel threatening. This habit leads to cumulative exposure over months and years. UVB at these hours is lower than midday but not absent, and the UVA component remains significant throughout all daylight hours.UVA Rays and Long-Term Skin AgingUVA follows a flatter daily curve than UVB. While UVB spikes dramatically at midday and drops at the solar edges of the day, UVA radiation persists at meaningful levels from sunrise to sunset. A person spending two hours outdoors at 7 a.m. absorbs a real UVA dose even though UVB is minimal at that hour. This matters because UVA drives photoaging, collagen breakdown, and the development of wrinkles and age spots regardless of whether a person ever burns. Even low UV Index values carry UV index tanning risks that accumulate invisibly over time.Environmental Factors That Modify UV Hourly ImpactAltitude and Proximity to the EquatorElevation amplifies UV intensity at every hour of the day. For every 1,000 feet gained in altitude, UV radiation increases by approximately 4% to 6%. A hiker at 10,000 feet receives 40%-60% more UV radiation than someone at sea level for the same time of day. Proximity to the equator shortens the atmospheric path that UV rays travel, raising baseline intensity across all hours of the day. People planning outdoor activities at altitude or in equatorial regions should treat their UV Index forecast as an underestimate of actual skin exposure.Reflection from Water, Sand, and SnowReflective surfaces extend UV exposure beyond direct sunlight. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, effectively doubling the dose for skiers during midday peak hours. Water reflects about 25%, and sand reflects a similar amount. Reflected UV strikes skin from below and at angles that sunscreen applied only to horizontal surfaces may not cover. Reapplying sunscreen to the underside of the chin, neck, and ears matters particularly in high-reflection environments, regardless of the time of day.Cloud Cover and Atmospheric InterferenceClouds filter approximately 20% of UV radiation on average, leaving up to 80% reaching the ground on overcast days. A cloudy midday still carries nearly as much UV danger as a clear midday. Broken cloud cover can focus UV radiation through gaps, briefly producing higher surface levels than clear conditions. People working outdoors on overcast summer days without sun protection receive a damaging dose of UV radiation comparable to a sunny day.Hourly Protection Strategies for Outdoor ActivitiesReapplication Timelines for SunscreenSunscreen degrades with time, sweat, water exposure, and physical activity. You should reapply every two hours. The two-hour reapplication rule applies during outdoor activity regardless of the UV Index or cloud cover. A single morning application before an eight-hour outdoor event provides no meaningful protection by mid-afternoon. For activities involving water or heavy sweating, reapplication should occur immediately after exiting the water or after heavy perspiration rather than waiting for the two-hour mark.Utilizing UPF Clothing and Physical BarriersUPF-rated clothing provides consistent UV protection without the degradation that affects sunscreen. A UPF 50 garment blocks 98% of UV radiation and maintains that protection throughout the day with no reapplication required. Wide-brimmed hats protect the face, scalp, and back of the neck, areas that sunscreen application often misses. Seeking shade during peak UV hours, particularly between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., reduces exposure more than any topical product alone. Combining shade, UPF clothing, and broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen provides the most complete hourly protection available.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat time of day is UV exposure safest?Before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., UV risk is lowest during most of the year. Even within these windows, UVA radiation persists throughout all daylight hours, so daily sunscreen use remains important for prolonged outdoor time.Can I get sunburned on a cloudy day?Yes. Clouds block approximately 20% of UV radiation on average, leaving most exposure unchanged. Sunburns on cloudy days are common precisely because people skip protection when skies look overcast.How often should sunscreen be reapplied during outdoor activities?Every two hours during outdoor activity, and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. A single morning application does not provide all-day protection. Carry sunscreen with you when spending extended time outdoors.Does window glass protect against UV rays?Standard window glass blocks most UVB rays but allows UVA to pass through. People near windows or driving for extended periods accumulate UVA exposure that causes photoaging over time. UV-blocking window film or daily broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection indoors.Why does altitude increase UV exposure?At higher elevations, the atmosphere is thinner, meaning UV rays travel through less air and fewer particles that would otherwise absorb or scatter radiation. This effect compounds midday peak exposure, making sunscreen reapplication even more important at elevation.This story was produced by Doctronic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Here’s exactly how a Fed rate change hits your wallet Here’s exactly how a Fed rate change hits your walletWhether you’re building an emergency fund, saving for a home, paying down debt, or investing for retirement, Federal Reserve interest rate decisions can affect all of these life moments, though not always in the same way.For example, a higher rate might work in your favor if you’re earning interest on your savings, but it can make borrowing more expensive if you’re applying for a mortgage or a loan. A lower rate works the other way. Borrowing gets cheaper, which can help you if you’re taking out a loan, though your savings may earn less interest in the meantime.You can’t control what the Federal Reserve decides next or how the markets respond. But you can control how prepared you are for either outcome, because a plan that fits your goals and timeline matters more than any single rate move that’s in the headlines. Intuit TurboTax shares what you need to know for your financial planning.How the Fed’s interest moves play outThe Fed can move rates in one of three ways: up, if inflation runs hotter than expected; down, if the economy needs support or inflation cools off; or hold rates steady, while policymakers wait for more information.No one can predict with certainty the path the Fed will take, and not everyone feels a rate change in the same way. It often depends on where you are in your financial journey.How a Fed interest rate change affects youThe sections below explore what each path could mean based on your stage of life. Jump to the stage that sounds more like you right now.Building your financial foundationIf you’re building an emergency fund or working on a savings habit, interest rates can affect how quickly your money grows. But that’s only part of the picture.If rates rise: You may earn more money sitting in savings accounts. So the money you’re already setting aside could earn a little more over time.Example:If your emergency fund earns 1% interest, $10,000 in savings would generate about $100 over a year. If that rate rises to 4%, the same savings could earn about $400 (before taxes).If rates stay the same: Your savings may grow more slowly from interest alone. But saving consistently will likely have a much bigger impact than small changes in interest rates.If rates fall: Your savings may earn less interest, so growth from interest alone slows down. The habit of saving regularly matters even more when rates are low.Making your first investmentsIf you’re just starting to invest, it’s easy to wonder whether a Fed rate change means you should do something differently.If rates rise: The stock market may become bumpier, since businesses face higher costs to borrow money. At the same time, some safer options, like bonds (loans you make to a company or government that pay you interest in return), could become more appealing, since new bonds pay more.If rates stay the same: Markets may settle into a more predictable pattern, at least for a while. But that doesn’t change the role investing plays in your long-term financial plan.If rates fall: Borrowing gets cheaper for businesses, which can sometimes support stock prices. Bonds you already own that pay a higher rate than new ones may become more valuable, since investors may pay extra to get those bigger payouts.Example:If you own a bond that pays 4% interest and new bonds start paying 2%, investors may value your older bond more because it offers a higher payout than new alternatives.Growing your portfolioIf you’ve been investing for a while, a Fed rate change may affect how different parts of your portfolio perform. This is particularly true as you try to balance growth and stability. A change in interest rates can influence the relative appeal of different investments and may affect how you position your portfolio.If rates rise: Some investments, like the bonds you already own, may lose value since new bonds pay more.Example:If your portfolio has $50,000 in bonds and those holdings fall 5% after a rate increase, their value would drop by $2,500.If rates stay the same: The investment environment may feel more predictable because there may be fewer sudden changes in the returns available from different asset classes. That can make it easier to review whether your current portfolio still matches your goals.If rates fall: Bonds you already own that pay more than new ones may become more valuable, and cheaper borrowing can help support other parts of your portfolio, like stocks.Protecting what you’ve builtIf you’ve spent years building your savings and investments, a Fed rate change is just one factor in a much bigger financial picture.If rates rise: Some savings accounts and lower-risk investments that pay a set interest rate may become more attractive, since they pay you more. But higher rates can also raise the cost of borrowing and affect the value of some investments you own.If rates stay the same: Your income from savings and investments will likely stay fairly steady, giving you a clearer picture for planning ahead.If rates fall: Income from savings accounts and other interest-paying investments may shrink, which can affect how you draw income from your savings.Example:If you keep $250,000 in a high-yield savings account earning 3%, it could generate about $7,500 in interest over a year. If rates fall and the account earns 1%, that income could drop to about $2,500.Interest rates may influence some of your decisions, but they shouldn’t change the importance of having a plan that reflects your long-term priorities.Winding downIf you’re already retired or beginning to rely on your savings for income, changes in interest rates may seem to have more of an immediate impact.If rates rise: Extra interest on your savings can reduce how much you need to withdraw or sell from your investments to cover expenses.Example:If you need to withdraw $24,000 a year from your retirement savings, earning an extra 2% on $100,000 of assets could provide about $2,000 more in annual income, reducing the amount you need to sell from your investments.If rates stay the same: Your income from savings should stay fairly predictable, which can make budgeting easier.If rates fall: You may earn less interest income, which could mean withdrawing more from your investments to cover the same expenses.Focus on what you can control, not the Fed’s next moveDepending on where you are in your financial journey, Fed changes may shape the decisions you’re weighing today. What doesn’t change are the fundamentals of building financial security:Save consistently.Keep an emergency fund.Invest according to your goals and timeline.Make decisions based on your overall financial picture, not a single headline.No matter which way rates move, the strongest financial plans are built around you: your goals, your timeline, and the decisions that matter most to you.The Fed’s next move may be uncertain. Your financial plan doesn’t have to be.This story was produced by Intuit TurboTax and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Major districts in Iowa return to school; local police issue warnings for motorists in school zones Local police departments are urging motorists to slow down in school zones as students return to their classrooms for the year.
	How to sell your car: A comprehensive guide How to sell your car: A comprehensive guideReady for a new ride? If you've weighed the cost of fixing your car versus upgrading and decided you're looking to sell your car, you could use some help to do everything from figuring out its value to closing the sale.CarMax compiled this step-by-step guide to selling your car yourself to show you how to get the best value and have the smoothest experience.Key Takeaways:Private sale vs. dealership sale: Private sales may earn more but take time and effort; dealerships are faster, simpler, and lower risk.Figure out what your car is worth: Research similar cars, use online appraisal tools, and be honest about the condition to set realistic expectations.Prepare your car and paperwork: Have your title ready, gather maintenance records, clean the car, and fix minor items if selling privately.Close the sale safely: Negotiate confidently, verify payment, handle loan payoffs correctly, and complete title transfer and liability release.How to sell your car: The short versionResearch your car’s value using tools like Kelley Blue Book.Gather your paperwork — especially your title, maintenance records, and vehicle history report.Prep your car — clean it, fix minor issues, and document its condition.Get multiple offers or create your listing. Agree on a price and verify payment. Don’t forget to transfer the title. Should you sell to a private party or to a dealership?The fastest way to sell your car and get paid immediately is through a dealership. But there are pros and cons to both options, and the right choice depends on how much time you’re willing to invest.You should consider a private-party sale if you're willing to put in the work to get the highest price for your vehicle. It can also be worth it if you have a classic or collector car or a car with some special value, like a car that's been heavily modified. But a private-party sale also takes more time and effort, can be much more complicated if you still owe money on your vehicle, and exposes you to more risk.A dealership sale or trading in your car is a much quicker and simpler process, especially if you still owe money on your loan or are leasing your car. These days it's easy to get a lot of competing offers from dealerships online, so you can pick the best value without spending a bunch of time shopping around. Dealerships will pay you immediately and there's generally very little risk. The biggest downside is that you can't set the price you want for your car as you can with a private-party sale. CarMax How much is your car worth?Whether you're selling to a private party or dealership, the first step is to sit down and do a little research. You'll need a bit of basic information about your car to start. Knowing the year, make, model, trim level, and mileage of your car will make research much easier.If you're not sure about your car's year, make, model, or trim level, you can find out by entering the vehicle identification number, or VIN for short, into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) VIN decoder tool. Your VIN is a string of 17 numbers and letters that you can find on the dash under the bottom of the driver's side corner of your front windshield or on your insurance paperwork.You'll also need to be brutally honest with yourself about your car's condition. Damage or mechanical issues that you don't plan on fixing are going to impact its value, and both dealerships and private buyers won't pay top dollar if you obscure issues in your listing.Figuring out your vehicle's valueFor private-party sellers, check local ads and classified listings for other vehicles with a similar year, make, trim, and mileage to yours. Make a note of their prices and condition relative to your car. Remember that cars on dealer lots are generally priced a bit higher than private-party sellers, so you probably shouldn't expect your car to be worth as much as a dealer is asking for a similar vehicle.You can use online appraisal tools, like Kelley Blue Book, that will estimate the price you'll get in a sale to a private party or a dealer or as a trade-in. It's also a good idea to get a few offers from different dealerships to give you a baseline for how much you're willing to accept for your car. You may find an offer that's close enough to your private-party sale value that it's worth accepting.Setting your priceIf you're planning on selling privately, once you have a sense of what you expect to get for your car, add in a little wiggle room. Buyers tend to negotiate in round numbers, so consider pricing in $500 increments to give yourself flexibility. Even if your math says the right price for your car is $14,867, rounding to $14,500 or $15,000 makes the price feel more approachable.What paperwork do you need to sell your car?Here’s what you’ll need to have ready before you list your car or head to a dealer. Private-party and dealership sales both require that your paperwork be ready to go. The single most important piece of paperwork you'll need is your title, sometimes called a "pink slip." Make sure you have it on hand. If you've misplaced your title, you'll need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to find out the process for requesting a replacement. This process can take some time, so it's important to start as soon as possible.When selling to a private party, it's also a good idea to collect all your maintenance records and receipts and to purchase a vehicle history report for your vehicle. Being able to show that the vehicle has been maintained and having independent backup for its condition will give potential buyers more confidence. It’s also worth asking whether any warranty coverage transfers with the vehicle.You'll have to check with your state's DMV to see if any other paperwork is required. A bill of sale or recent smog certification may be required to sell your car to a private party. If you're selling to a dealer, it'll handle that extra paperwork, but you'll need your photo ID to complete the sale.What if you owe money on your vehicle?If you don't have a title because you still owe money on a loan or are leasing your car, you'll need to make some decisions. If you want to sell to a private party, the easiest thing to do is pay off your remaining balance or buy out your lease, but that's unrealistic for many buyers. The next easiest thing is to sell to a dealership since it can take care of the title transfer.If you don't want to or can't pay off your car financing and are intent on selling it to a private party, you'll need to contact the company that holds your loan and ask about the process. Keep in mind that your payoff amount may be higher than your remaining principal, depending on your annual percentage rate (APR) and remaining term. Get the exact payoff figure from your lender before listing.While it's possible to sell a car you owe money on to a private party, it will likely have to take place in a specific location, such as at a branch office of the bank that provided your loan. You may also have to follow specific steps, such as getting a temporary operating permit from the DMV once you have a bill of sale. These added complications may discourage a lot of buyers from making an offer, or may get you more lowball offers. No matter what, you'll have to be up front about it when you list your car.Should you fix your car before you sell it?Before selling, private-party sellers should take care of relatively inexpensive maintenance items that are due soon, like an oil change or tune-up. According to RepairPal, an oil change typically runs between roughly $150 to $190 depending on your vehicle. That’s a small investment that can make a meaningful difference to a prospective buyer. For other mechanical issues or dashboard warning lights, have the issue diagnosed by a mechanic. Then you can choose to fix it yourself, or you can be transparent with buyers about required fixes.Having a report from a mechanic about the car's condition can help motivate buyers anyway. Buying a used car can often feel like a gamble, so having a little confidence about what you're getting can go a long way.A little curb appeal goes a long wayNo one expects a used vehicle to be in perfect condition, but a car's curb appeal can make a big difference to a private buyer. Make sure it's freshly washed and vacuumed before you take pictures and before you show it to potential buyers. If you've fallen behind on your cleaning regimen, you may also want to have it professionally detailed. Consider buying a paint touch-up kit for small scratches if you're selling to a private party.For larger dents and scrapes, you may want to consider getting a quote from a body shop for repairs. If you choose not to pay for the repairs yourself, you'll at least know what the damage means for the value of your car. An estimate can also be useful in negotiating with a potential buyer.Prepping your car for a dealershipOne big advantage to selling to a dealership is that vehicle condition and mechanical issues aren't as significant a stumbling block as they may be for a private-party sale. Dealerships will expect your car to be running and safe to drive, but scratches, dents, check engine lights, and other issues may not be a deal-breaker for them. They'll ask you about any issues with the vehicle when you fill out an online offer form and take those into account when they make you an offer.It's likely a dealership will inspect your car before purchasing it to make sure the car's condition matches what you told it. If the dealer finds any issues with the condition, it may adjust your offer. But overall, dealerships will be less picky than a private buyer looking for personal transportation because a dealership has a couple of different options on what to do with your car. It can recondition it and sell it on its lot or sell it as-is at a dealer auction.How do you make a great private-party sale ad?If you're going to sell to a private party, one of the very first steps is to make sure you have good pictures—lots of good pictures. Most shoppers can't get enough pictures. Take your clean car somewhere you can get a relatively uncluttered background, during the day, and take pictures from every angle. Take photos of the wheels, and, if you don't have relatively new tires, of the tires with a tread gauge or coin to show remaining tread depth. Take pictures of the interior, including the seats, dashboard, and steering wheel, gauge cluster (with the car on, to show the mileage on the odometer), and trunk. Also be sure to document any special features. For example, if your car has a navigation system or more modern technologies such as Apple CarPlay, get a photo of those things displayed on the screen.Describing your carWhen writing your ad for a private-party sale, make sure you include your car's year, make, model, trim level, and mileage. Mention whether it's an automatic or manual transmission and if it has an upgraded engine. Trucks with V8 or diesel engines are popular for towing, while turbocharged sedans and crossovers offer more power or fuel efficiency. It’s worth highlighting these in your listing. Talk about what options and features the car has, like smartphone connectivity or driver aids.If you've done any maintenance or major repairs, make sure to explain what those were and how recently they were done. This is also where you'd talk about any known issues with the vehicle. And if you've modified the car, whether with a newer stereo or aftermarket exhaust, make sure to list any modifications.Price and contact informationWhen talking about your price, keep in mind a few key words. If you call it an "asking price" or add "OBO" (which stands for "or best offer"), buyers will know you're willing to negotiate. If you don't want to negotiate and you're listing at the best price you'd be willing to accept for the car, make sure to say that the price is "firm."You'll also need to include contact information. It's a good idea to include both an email address and a phone number—and regardless of how a buyer contacts you the first time, you should talk on the phone before meeting in person. Don't panic if you're concerned about your privacy or just don't want to give out your personal information. Any number of websites will let you create a new email address for free. Your current email provider may even have the option to create a temporary alias that you can deactivate later. There are also services that will let you set up a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone number either for free or for a small fee, and you can forward calls to your phone.What's the best way to handle test drives with prospective private buyers?Before you agree to meet anyone, speak with the person on the phone first. This will let you vet buyers. You'll have to use your intuition, but if a buyer seems difficult, aggressive, or just seems off to you, you can say no to meeting in person. If the person's not very talkative, try asking a few questions, like how much he or she knows about the kind of car you're selling. If you're selling a truck, you can ask if the person will be towing or hauling with it. If you have a family vehicle, you can ask if the prospective new owner is buying it to drive his or her kids around.Don't negotiate the price at this stage. If a buyer is already trying to talk you down to less than you want to accept, you may not even want to meet. If the price mentioned is in your range, you can let the person know that you can talk price once he or she has seen the car.And remember that buyers are also using this first conversation as a chance to decide whether they trust you and are willing to buy a car from you. Answer any questions they have honestly and openly to avoid giving them the sense you're holding something back.The test driveDepending on who you are, you may feel comfortable having buyers come to your house and meeting them one-on-one. But you can also set up meetings in a public place, and bring a friend for extra security, and of course for a ride home if you wind up making a sale. Parking lots for big-box stores or grocery stores often have plenty of unused space.Buyers may want to test-drive the car, so you should be ready to ride along to answer questions they may have. This is one place a report from your mechanic can come in handy. If they have any concerns about how the car sounds or feels on the road, or even if they try a gotcha question like, "What's wrong with it?" you can refer to the report to put their mind at ease.Presale inspectionA buyer may also want to have an inspection performed even if you have a report from your mechanic. This is perfectly normal, but it may mean more work for you. A mobile inspector can come to you to look the car over, or the inspection may be done at a shop. If you're going to be taking the car to another location, make sure to vet it by doing a quick online search. If you're not comfortable or get a bad feeling from the prospective buyer, you can always say no.How do you negotiate a price for your car?Even if you've indicated your price is firm, buyers may want to haggle. Don't feel pressured into taking less for your car than it's worth, especially if a buyer is offering less than you can get from a dealer.Don't immediately go to your lowest price when a buyer starts negotiating. If the buyer asks what your best or lowest price is, turn the question around. Tell the person you've done your research and you think you're asking a fair price, but you're willing to negotiate. Let the buyer make the first offer.If a buyer tries to play hardball with a "take it or leave it" offer, feel free to leave it. The person may be bluffing and increase the offer, or may get in touch with you later to make a counteroffer. If you've priced your car fairly and competitively, the buyer may come back after looking at what else is available.Can you negotiate with a dealership?Some dealerships use a no-haggle model, with a fixed offer. Then it's up to you to decide whether or not it's the right offer for you.Some local or independent dealerships may be open to negotiating. You can always try letting them know if you received a higher offer from somewhere else and asking if they'll beat it. Also, if you're willing to trade in your car, some dealerships may be able to adjust the overall deal so you wind up getting a bit more value for your car.What's the safest way to finalize your sale?Once you've found a buyer and negotiated a final price, it's time to finalize your sale. While it's best to get cash, you or the buyer may not be comfortable carrying more than a certain amount of money. In that case, ask for a cashier's check.Checking out a cashier's checkIn order to verify the check, you can either meet at the buyer's bank to witness the withdrawal, or you can call the bank to request verification of funds. A real cashier's check will have the name of the bank and contact information printed on it, but for extra security you should look up the bank online and call the number you find there. Also, make sure your name has been printed on the payee line—this should have been done when the check was issued.Make sure the check is made out for the agreed-upon price of the car—don't accept a check for more than the agreed-upon amount. A scammer may overpay with a fake check and ask you to transfer the excess amount back to them from your own account before you realize the check is bad.If you still owe money on your carIf you’re selling to a private party and still owe money on your car, the process will be more complicated. If the title is held by a local bank or credit union, you should be able to arrange to meet at one of its branches with the buyer to finalize the sale. If this isn't a possibility, you'll need a bill of sale so you can get a temporary operating permit for the car from the DMV. Pay off the loan with the money you received for the sale and have the title sent to the new owner. Then you can meet to sign the title over.Whether the buyer is paying in full or putting down a down payment and financing the rest, make sure all funds are verified before signing over the title. While the bill of sale should protect the buyer, the fact is that there's a period of time where you have the buyer's money but the buyer doesn't have the title to the car. Make sure to communicate clearly with the buyer every step of the way to keep stress to a minimum.After the saleOnce your private-party sale is complete, you'll still need to protect yourself. Record the odometer reading and date and time at which the sale was completed, and sign the title over to the buyer. If your title doesn't have a release of liability form attached, check your state's DMV website for one and fill it out immediately. That will show when the new owner took possession of the car.And don't forget to cancel your insurance policy on the vehicle once it's sold.Remember, under most state consumer protection laws, the sale of a used car is considered as-is, with no implied guarantee. So long as you've been honest and forthright to the best of your ability, you should be protected if there are issues with the car after the sale. If you or the buyer had an inspection done, you can show you did your due diligence to ensure a transparent transaction.Frequently asked questionsHow long does a private-party car sale typically take?It varies by vehicle, price, and local market. A well-priced car in good condition may sell within a few days, while others can take several weeks. That’s one reason many sellers prefer the speed and certainty of a dealership offer.Do I need a bill of sale to sell my car?Requirements vary by state. Check your state’s DMV website for specifics. Even where it isn’t required, a bill of sale is a good idea because it documents the agreed-upon price, date, and condition for both parties.Can I sell my car without a title?Generally, no. The title is the legal document that proves ownership and must be transferred to complete any sale. If you’ve misplaced yours, contact your state’s DMV to start the replacement process before you list the car.ConclusionSelling your car yourself is time-consuming, and if you still owe money on your vehicle, it can be a major stumbling block when it comes time to close the deal. However, if you have the time and patience, you may get more money out of your used car this way.On the other hand, selling to a dealership is far less hassle and generally more straightforward. While you may not get as much for your vehicle as you may with a private-party sale, it's important to consider whether the extra time and effort you put into that private sale are actually worth it.Regardless of where you sell your car, remember to be honest, open, and up front every step of the way to avoid surprises down the road.Scott Wilson contributed to this story.This story was produced by CarMax and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Cost of raising a child in major US metros in 2026 Cost of raising a child in major US metros in 2026Common expenses tied to raising a child — including child care, food, medical care, housing and other necessities — can total tens of thousands of dollars annually. While costs are high across major metro areas, the burden varies sharply by location, with families in some places facing annual expenses more than twice as high as those elsewhere. These costs can also shift quickly, making local trends important for households planning to grow.SmartAsset analyzed 48 of the largest U.S. metro areas to estimate the annual cost of raising a small child in a household with two working adults. The study also measured how estimated costs changed from 2025 to 2026.Key FindingsCosts declined in two metros. Only two metro areas saw the cost of raising a child decline from 2025 to 2026: Richmond, Virginia (-1.91%), and Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk (-1.21%). Meanwhile, costs were nearly flat in the nearby Washington-Arlington-Alexandria and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro areas, rising 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively.San Francisco is the most expensive metro area to raise a child. In the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metro area, the cost of raising a child is $43,171, the highest in the nation. Next door, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ranks No. 3 ($41,817).Indianapolis saw the biggest spike in child-rearing costs. In the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood metro area, the cost of raising a child jumped 20.77% between 2025 and 2026, the largest increase in the study.Memphis is the least expensive metro area in which to raise a child. The cost of raising a child in Memphis is $19,922, making it the most affordable metro area in the study for child-rearing. Since 2025, the cost of raising a child in Memphis has increased $1,245. SmartAsset How Much It Costs To Raise a Child 1. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CAAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $43,171Cost of childcare (2026): $22,777Cost of food (2026): $2,348Other expenses (2026): $18,046One-year change (2025 to 2026): 10.75%2. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MAAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $42,584Cost of childcare (2026): $24,957Cost of food (2026): $2,216Other expenses (2026): $15,411One-year change (2025 to 2026): 8.57%3. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CAAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $41,817Cost of childcare (2026): $21,972Cost of food (2026): $2,230Other expenses (2026): $17,615One-year change (2025 to 2026): 10.43%4. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WAAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $36,282Cost of childcare (2026): $20,137Cost of food (2026): $2,215Other expenses (2026): $13,930One-year change (2025 to 2026): 5.32%5. Denver-Aurora-Centennial, COAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $34,712Cost of childcare (2026): $20,478Cost of food (2026): $2,062Other expenses (2026): $12,172One-year change (2025 to 2026): 8.73%6. San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CAAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $34,705Cost of childcare (2026): $16,085Cost of food (2026): $1,983Other expenses (2026): $16,637One-year change (2025 to 2026): 8.32%7. Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CTAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $33,773Cost of childcare (2026): $18,503Cost of food (2026): $2,039Other expenses (2026): $13,231One-year change (2025 to 2026): 1.88%8. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MNAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $33,307Cost of childcare (2026): $19,509Cost of food (2026): $2,172Other expenses (2026): $11,626One-year change (2025 to 2026): 8.08%9. Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CAAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $33,299Cost of childcare (2026): $14,578Cost of food (2026): $2,059Other expenses (2026): $16,662One-year change (2025 to 2026): 10.25%10. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, ORAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $32,906Cost of childcare (2026): $19,741Cost of food (2026): $2,192Other expenses (2026): $10,973One-year change (2025 to 2026): 9.02%11. Providence-Warwick, RIAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $32,619Cost of childcare (2026): $17,652Cost of food (2026): $2,060Other expenses (2026): $12,907One-year change (2025 to 2026): 9.1%12. Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, INAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $32,543Cost of childcare (2026): $19,918Cost of food (2026): $1,802Other expenses (2026): $10,823One-year change (2025 to 2026): 20.77%13. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CAAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $32,191Cost of childcare (2026): $14,083Cost of food (2026): $1,990Other expenses (2026): $16,118One-year change (2025 to 2026): 9.28%14. Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PAAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $31,417Cost of childcare (2026): $17,783Cost of food (2026): $2,082Other expenses (2026): $11,552One-year change (2025 to 2026): 2.47%15. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NYAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $31,144Cost of childcare (2026): $17,450Cost of food (2026): $2,195Other expenses (2026): $11,499One-year change (2025 to 2026): 3.19%16. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CAAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $30,883Cost of childcare (2026): $13,762Cost of food (2026): $1,797Other expenses (2026): $15,324One-year change (2025 to 2026): 7.99%17. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DCAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $30,248Cost of childcare (2026): $17,956Cost of food (2026): $2,209Other expenses (2026): $10,083One-year change (2025 to 2026): 0.3%18. Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MDAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $28,215Cost of childcare (2026): $14,799Cost of food (2026): $2,062Other expenses (2026): $11,354One-year change (2025 to 2026): 0.52%19. Cleveland, OHAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $27,771Cost of childcare (2026): $15,660Cost of food (2026): $2,076Other expenses (2026): $10,035One-year change (2025 to 2026): 6.70%20. Milwaukee-Waukesha, WIAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $27,728Cost of childcare (2026): $15,030Cost of food (2026): $1,957Other expenses (2026): $10,741One-year change (2025 to 2026): 10.33%21. Cincinnati, OHAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $27,388Cost of childcare (2026): $14,494Cost of food (2026): $1,850Other expenses (2026): $11,044One-year change (2025 to 2026): 7.15%22. Columbus, OHAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $27,368Cost of childcare (2026): $15,117Cost of food (2026): $1,897Other expenses (2026): $10,354One-year change (2025 to 2026): 5.84%23. Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NVAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $27,289Cost of childcare (2026): $14,368Cost of food (2026): $1,874Other expenses (2026): $11,047One-year change (2025 to 2026): 8.53%24. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, ILAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $26,635Cost of childcare (2026): $14,510Cost of food (2026): $2,045Other expenses (2026): $10,080One-year change (2025 to 2026): 8.04%25. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FLAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $26,235Cost of childcare (2026): $11,636Cost of food (2026): $2,136Other expenses (2026): $12,463One-year change (2025 to 2026): 9.37%26. Raleigh-Cary, NCAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $25,945Cost of childcare (2026): $14,088Cost of food (2026): $2,049Other expenses (2026): $9,808One-year change (2025 to 2026): 6.94%27. St. Louis, MOAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $25,449Cost of childcare (2026): $13,740Cost of food (2026): $1,998Other expenses (2026): $9,711One-year change (2025 to 2026): 4.66%28. Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $25,425Cost of childcare (2026): $12,263Cost of food (2026): $1,841Other expenses (2026): $11,321One-year change (2025 to 2026): 4.14%29. Jacksonville, FLAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $25,218Cost of childcare (2026): $11,418Cost of food (2026): $1,998Other expenses (2026): $11,802One-year change (2025 to 2026): 10.69%30. Pittsburgh, PAAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $25,139Cost of childcare (2026): $12,870Cost of food (2026): $2,018Other expenses (2026): $10,251One-year change (2025 to 2026): 1.66%31. Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TXAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $24,891Cost of childcare (2026): $12,091Cost of food (2026): $1,788Other expenses (2026): $11,012One-year change (2025 to 2026): 2.91%32. Salt Lake City-Murray, UTAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $24,670Cost of childcare (2026): $10,986Cost of food (2026): $1,903Other expenses (2026): $11,781One-year change (2025 to 2026): 4.4%33. Kansas City, MOAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $24,543Cost of childcare (2026): $13,216Cost of food (2026): $1,992Other expenses (2026): $9,335One-year change (2025 to 2026): 6.05%34. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FLAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $24,185Cost of childcare (2026): $10,791Cost of food (2026): $2,018Other expenses (2026): $11,376One-year change (2025 to 2026): 10.55%35. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NCAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $24,161Cost of childcare (2026): $12,419Cost of food (2026): $1,979Other expenses (2026): $9,763One-year change (2025 to 2026): 6.01%36. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FLAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $23,836Cost of childcare (2026): $10,753Cost of food (2026): $1,994Other expenses (2026): $11,089One-year change (2025 to 2026): 11.76%37. Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MIAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $23,682Cost of childcare (2026): $10,985Cost of food (2026): $1,890Other expenses (2026): $10,807One-year change (2025 to 2026): 7.99%38. Oklahoma City, OKAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $23,597Cost of childcare (2026): $11,271Cost of food (2026): $1,867Other expenses (2026): $10,459One-year change (2025 to 2026): 3.29%39. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TXAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $23,340Cost of childcare (2026): $10,736Cost of food (2026): $1,826Other expenses (2026): $10,778One-year change (2025 to 2026): 4.49%40. Louisville/Jefferson County, KYAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $23,270Cost of childcare (2026): $11,410Cost of food (2026): $1,844Other expenses (2026): $10,016One-year change (2025 to 2026): 7.61%41. Richmond, VAAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $22,658Cost of childcare (2026): $11,448Cost of food (2026): $2,015Other expenses (2026): $9,195One-year change (2025 to 2026): -1.91%42. Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TXAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $22,605Cost of childcare (2026): $10,265Cost of food (2026): $1,721Other expenses (2026): $10,619One-year change (2025 to 2026): 3.37%43. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GAAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $22,470Cost of childcare (2026): $10,611Cost of food (2026): $2,024Other expenses (2026): $9,835One-year change (2025 to 2026): 7.92%44. Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VAAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $22,314Cost of childcare (2026): $10,656Cost of food (2026): $1,958Other expenses (2026): $9,700One-year change (2025 to 2026): -1.21%45. Birmingham, ALAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $21,684Cost of childcare (2026): $8,980Cost of food (2026): $1,989Other expenses (2026): $10,715One-year change (2025 to 2026): 13.64%46. San Antonio-New Braunfels, TXAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $21,393Cost of childcare (2026): $9,560Cost of food (2026): $1,589Other expenses (2026): $10,244One-year change (2025 to 2026): 2.14%47. Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TNAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $21,216Cost of childcare (2026): $8,584Cost of food (2026): $2,069Other expenses (2026): $10,563One-year change (2025 to 2026): 2.06%48. Memphis, TNAnnual cost of raising a child (2026): $19,922Cost of childcare (2026): $8,550Cost of food (2026): $1,933Other expenses (2026): $9,439One-year change (2025 to 2026): 3.42%MethodologySmartAsset used MIT Living Wage Calculator data to compare the living costs of a household with two working adults and one child to those of a childless household with two working adults in 48 of the largest metro areas. The data is as of February 2026 and compares to data from February 2025 and February 2024. Costs include additions for food, housing, childcare, healthcare, transportation and other necessities. Source data providers are not affiliated with, and do not endorse or sponsor, this study or its findings.This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Shemekia Copeland will headline Blues Fest in Davenport Award-winning vocalist Shemekia Copeland will headline the Mississippi Valley Blues Society’s Blues Fest in Davenport on Saturday, Sept. 19, a news release says. Copeland possesses one of the most instantly recognizable and deeply soulful roots music voices of our time, according to the release. The multi-GRAMMY nominee is beloved and honored worldwide for the fearlessness, honesty and [...]
	Sunday Funday brings live music, food and WienerMobile to East Moline Sunday Funday continued in East Moline with live music, food, local vendors and a visit from the WienerMobile at Runners Park.
	Biz Bytes: Fareway customers fundraise, UnityPoint Health launching a new rehab program and more business news Fareway customers fundraise, UnityPoint Health launching a new rehab program and more business news.
	Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to unveil new economic sanctions on Iran The Trump administration calls this "economic D-Day" on Iran. Iran vows to respond to fresh sanctions in a "seismic manner."
	Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to unveil new economic sanctions on Iran The Trump administration calls this "economic D-Day" on Iran. Iran vows to respond to fresh sanctions in a "seismic manner."
	Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveils new U.S. economic sanctions on Iran The Trump administration calls this "economic D-Day" on Iran. Iran vows to respond to fresh sanctions in a "seismic manner."
	Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveils new U.S. economic sanctions to isolate Iran The Trump administration calls this an "economic D-Day" on Iran. Iran vows to respond to fresh sanctions in a "seismic manner."
	Fall looks better from the water: 5 reasons to extend boating season (BPT) - Summer may get most of the attention when it comes to boating, but the fun doesn't have to end when seasons change. With quieter waterways, cooler temperatures and vibrant scenery, fall offers an often overlooked way to enjoy time on the water."There's something magical about experiencing fall from the water that you can't get during the height of summer," said Maggie Maskery, director of communications for Discover Boating. "It's a chance to slow down, take in the sights from a different point of view and turn an ordinary day into a seasonal escape with your favorite people."Discover Boating, the go-to resource for all things boating, including expert tips, safety essentials, helpful tools like Go Boating Today and Boat Finder, explores why boating belongs on your fall bucket list.See fall colors from a new perspective. Leaf-peeping is even more spectacular from the water. Vibrant reds, oranges and golds lining the shoreline create views that simply aren't possible from the road. Pack a camera, warm apple cider and a cozy blanket for a picture-perfect day. Soak up the crisp autumn air. Cooler temperatures can make fall boating especially comfortable, particularly in regions where summer brings intense heat and humidity. A brisk breeze and fresh air can feel invigorating. Be sure to check the weather forecast before leaving the dock and continue monitoring conditions throughout the day.Enjoy quieter waterways. As summer vacations wind down and children return to school, there are shorter waits to get on the water and more room to explore at a leisurely pace. Popular destinations that are bustling during the summer feel like hidden gems in the fall.Reel in fall fishing opportunities. For many anglers, cooler weather brings some of the year's most anticipated fishing. Lakes, rivers and coastal waterways across the country offer seasonal opportunities for anglers of all experience levels.Cruise to a fall festival. Arriving by boat can turn a favorite autumn event into a mini getaway. Many waterfront communities and marinas host seasonal celebrations ranging from seafood festivals to harvest and wine events.As daylight hours shorten and temperatures change, remember to dress in layers, wear a properly fitted life jacket and check the weather and sunset time before heading out. For more practical guidance, explore Discover Boating's new boating safety video series to enjoy stress-free, fun-filled boating adventures.If you're just getting your feet wet, rentals, charters and boat clubs offer flexible ways to get started without a long-term commitment. Visit DiscoverBoating.com for more fall inspiration, simple ways to get on the water and how-to information. Ready to find your dream boat? Check out a boat show near you. Be sure to tag @DiscoverBoating and use #SeeYouOutHere to share your fall boating adventures.
	Appliances that pull double duty, so you don't have to (BPT) - Key takeaways:Home cooks want appliances that save time, reduce cleanup and make everyday meal prep simple.Samsung's new Bespoke Over-the-Range Microwave with DualVent Technology and Bespoke Smart Slide-In Range with Flex Duo™ Oven and Dual True Convection feature smart innovations that simplify the daily cooking routine.Today's home cooks are looking for kitchen appliances that do much more than cook food. They're seeking smart appliances with intuitive features that save time, reduce cleanup and make everyday meal prep inherently more efficient.It's part of a broader shift in how Americans are using their kitchens. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association's 2026 Kitchen Trends Report, 100% of surveyed industry professionals agree that lifestyle-enhancing features will be popular over the next three years, as kitchens become more personalized, multipurpose hubs.Smart tech-enhanced appliances like Samsung's Bespoke kitchen appliances now pull double duty, simplifying everyday cooking with smart innovations that make your daily routine easier. Here are four important features to look for in smart kitchen appliances:1. Capture smoke, steam and odors with DualVent Technology Are you frustrated with the smoke and heavy steam that permeate your kitchen while cooking and linger long after dinner? You're not alone. The surge in urban living, evolving work-from-home habits and growing health awareness have led to an uptick in demand for kitchen appliances that keep indoor air cleaner. This has more and more people actively seeking ventilation and cooking technologies that eliminate grease, smoke and cooking odors to maintain healthier, fresher living spaces.Traditional over-the-range microwaves can vent some of the smoke and vapor from your kitchen, but you may still find that they stick around, along with stubborn cooking smells. To tackle smoke, steam and odors during and after cooking, look for a microwave that works twice as hard with dual vents. Samsung's new Bespoke Over-the-Range Microwave with DualVent Technology combines a powerful front-burner vent — where most cooking happens — with standard bottom vents for a fresher, more comfortable kitchen.The dual-vent system pulls smoke and steam away from the front and back burners simultaneously, which is especially useful during high-heat cooking and large-meal prep when you have multiple pots and pans heating at once. Compared to conventional over-the-range microwave models without DualVent, Samsung's Bespoke model captures up to three times more cooking smoke.Best of all? There's no need for manual adjustment. The powered vent cover automatically opens when ventilation is activated and closes when turned off for added convenience.2. Cook smart and faster with sensor technologyGetting the timing just right in the microwave can be tricky. Every dish heats differently, which means preset cooking times don't always deliver the best results. Thankfully, Samsung's Bespoke Over-the-Range Microwave with DualVent Technology eliminates the guesswork. Instead of stopping, adjusting and restarting the microwave, the model's Sensor Cook detects the moisture released by your food and adjusts the cooking time and power level accordingly. And thanks to the microwave's 2.1-cubic-foot capacity, you can cook large dishes and family-sized meals with ease.Smart tech-enhanced appliances like Samsung's Bespoke kitchen appliances now pull double duty, simplifying everyday cooking with smart innovations that make your daily routine easier.3. Cook multiple dishes in an oven that's designed to flexIf you live in a busy household or are a frequent entertainer, you know that multitasking in the kitchen is essential for a successful meal. Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner or an elaborate holiday feast, you can save time and effortlessly cook two dishes at once — even if the recipe calls for different temperatures — with Samsung's new Bespoke Smart Slide-In Range with Flex Duo™ Oven and Dual True Convection. The spacious oven comes with a removable divider, allowing you to seamlessly split it into two independent cooking zones with separate temperature controls. Available in both gas and electric models, this flexible dual-by-design oven maximizes oven space and streamlines meal timing, so you never have to compromise between roasting savory vegetables or baking a sweet dessert.Pro tip: Want to speed up meal prep? The Flex Duo Oven features a no-Preheat Air Fry Max mode. It's the ultimate shortcut for serving wholesome, crispy family meals on a tight weeknight schedule.4. Enjoy connected convenience with smart tech integrationSmart connectivity has become one of the most sought-after features in today's kitchen appliances, as more consumers expect their devices to work together as part of a connected home rather than as standalone products. Demand is being fueled by features like smartphone integration, voice control, remote monitoring, personalized automation and energy management that make everyday cooking more convenient. That's why Samsung's Over-the-Range Microwave with DualVent Technology and Flex Duo Oven are part of the brand's intelligent SmartThings ecosystem.Using the Auto Connectivity feature, the microwave can pair directly with the oven range, automatically activating the hood fan and lighting the moment the cooktop turns on. You can also use the SmartThings app to control the microwave remotely, explore personalized recipes and monitor energy usage right from your smartphone for a streamlined, stress-free experience.Your kitchen appliances should work just as hard as you do. When they pull double duty, they make everyday cooking easier, no matter your skills or schedule.Samsung's Bespoke Over-the-Range Microwave with DualVent Technology and Bespoke Smart Slide-In Range with Flex Duo™ Oven and Dual True Convection are available to purchase now. To learn more about the Bespoke line, visit Samsung.com.All photos courtesy of Samsung
	How to create thriving communities? Develop more 'third places' (BPT) - Beyond home and the workplace, people need spaces to gather, meet new people and just hang out. These are known as "third places": public parks, libraries and community centers, plus retail spaces, like coffee shops, bookstores and restaurants, and downtowns and main streets where people can socialize.Many Americans today feel more lonely and isolated, navigating increased disconnection caused by screens and social media, plus cultural shifts that began during COVID. Nearly half of Americans (44%) say there's no local coffee shop, bar, restaurant or park they visit regularly, and only 1 in 4 who live near potential gathering spots go there weekly.Survey data shows that neighborhoods with multiple third places report higher levels of sociability. People who interact with neighbors at regular community spots are more likely to feel a sense of connection in their communities. Nearly half the residents in those communities report talking with someone they didn't know well at least once monthly, according to the American Community Life Survey. That's nearly twice as high as those living in areas without many third places.These third places improve neighborhood cohesion and give people a reason to cross paths with those from different walks of life. Downtowns are one of the clearest examples of this in action. A thriving main street is a cluster of third places. The coffee shop, the bookstore, the diner, the plaza that hosts festivals. These main streets give people a reason to linger, run into a neighbor or strike up a conversation.Today, states like Michigan are supporting efforts to nurture and create these crucial spaces and downtowns.Community revitalization drives impactRevitalization projects often showcase their environmental or safety benefits first, but their effect on local businesses is just as significant and often harder to quantify. Creating third places pays off not only in residents' health and quality of life but also in increased foot traffic and local reactivation.Because community development is one of the clearest paths to creating more third places and opportunities for human connection, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) offers numerous programs and grants toward this goal that support the unique vision of each community and empower local residents to design and implement solutions that build vibrant, diverse and resilient downtowns.Creating opportunities for main streetAcross Michigan, 24 communities are working through the Michigan Main Street program to revive their commercial districts, and the results show up in both foot traffic and investment dollars. Downtown Lansing has welcomed 116 new businesses and over $123 million in private investment since 2010. Grand Haven has drawn nearly $30 million in private investment and 110 new businesses since 2005. And in Howell, a downtown revitalization effort logged more than 62,000 volunteer hours and earned recognition as USA Today's Best Main Street in 2024.The results extend well beyond balance sheets. When a downtown becomes a place worth visiting again, residents show up, filling storefronts and connecting with one another.Building up main street businessesSmall businesses are often what turn a storefront into a third place, the coffee shop or bakery where people linger, not just transact. The MEDC's Match on Main program provides reimbursement-based grant funding of up to $25,000 per project to support new and expanding place-based small businesses.Doozers, a popular bakery in downtown Ishpeming, restored a space in the historic Gossard Building with the support of a Match on Main grant, turning a home-based cookie-making venture into a bustling spot for people of all ages to hang out and enjoy sweet treats, complete with a kids' play area."It's nice having a third space," said the bakery's owner Claire Morgan-Heredia. "When I grew up, I went to the library six days a week and just hung out there or a coffee shop. We wanted to add to the community with our space. A variety of third spaces is good, so that the community foundation remains strong."Community spaces as third placesNot every third place is a business. Some are simply public: a park bench, a plaza, a farmers market stall. The Public Spaces Community Places program, created in partnership with the Michigan Municipal League, matches community crowdfunding campaigns dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000 for projects like parks, plazas, markets and other public gathering spaces. The match kicks in only after the community has met the project's fundraising goal.Since 2014, this program has:Helped fund 421 projects across Michigan, backed by over 77,000 community members.Crowdfunded more than $16.9 million, leading to $14.7 million in matched funding.Created or redeveloped 25.9 million square feet of public spaces.In St. Johns, the Fantasy Forest crowdfunding project transformed a beloved aging playground to be universally accessible, providing freedom of play to all children and families. Meanwhile, in Alpena, crowdfunding for the Besser Museum's Discover Northeast Michigan History Exhibit turned an outdated exhibit space into an experience that takes visitors from the Big Bang to Big Industry, providing opportunities to learn about Northeast Michigan's heritage in a family-friendly environment.Through programs like Public Spaces Community Places, communities and the MEDC are equally invested in creating, improving and transforming spaces for all to enjoy.With investments like these, states like Michigan are helping to support more opportunities for community connection and business development. Learn more about ways revitalization projects can support thriving communities through third places at MichiganBusiness.org.
	Floor Coverings International grand opening and open house Wednesday in Muscatine Guests can enjoy food, tour the new business, and learn more about the wide range of flooring services they offer.
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for August 23, 2026 Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County and Henry County.
	Asian cuisine restaurant closes, gym expanding to Colona, and more Quad-Cities business news Restaurant closes, a gym is expanding to Colona, net pet supply store = and more Quad-Cities business news.
	Portion of West Lake Park Gate 1 road will close temporarily Scott County Conservation will temporarily close a portion of Gate 1 Road at West Lake Park for Phase 1 of the road improvement project, a news release says. Beginning Thursday, Aug. 27, Gate 1 Road will be closed from the second entrance to Summit Campground south to the Lake of the Hills boat ramp for resurfacing. Summit [...]
	Quiet start to the new week A sun and cloud mix kicks off our new week with pleasant temperatures. We'll see a few showers and storms midweek. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Charley Wilson This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.When a person starts out by saying, "I ain't got no story to tell," you'll want to perk up your ears. You know what's…
	Washington, D.C.'s first IndyCar race packed the National Mall IndyCar drivers zoomed past some of the nation's most famous landmarks this weekend. They faced novel challenges on an unconventional route.
	What the Threat of Frontier AI Tells Us about Enterprise Modernization (BPT) - Key takeawaysThe vulnerabilities inside legacy systems of large organizations are no longer hidden.While Y2K forced organizations to confront decades of accumulated code, frontier AI is forcing the same reckoning.The organizations responding fastest are the ones that have built the capacity to correct vulnerabilities at machine speed.You have a password manager, or you don't. You use two-factor authentication on some accounts but not others. You read the breach notification email, change the password and move on. Most of us trust that the systems we depend on (our banks, our health records, our social platforms, our employers) are doing the work in the background.But they're not. Or rather, they can't anymore. A new generation of artificial intelligence, capable of scanning entire enterprise estates in hours, has fundamentally changed the problem. The vulnerabilities buried inside legacy systems for decades, the technical debt that every large organization carries, are no longer hidden. To anyone with access to the right models, these flaws are thrown into sharp relief. The audit that used to take weeks now takes hours, and the people tasked with defending these systems are no longer the ones finding the vulnerabilities first.This is what some in the industry describe as a new Y2K moment, though the comparison is less about the threat than the reckoning it forces. Y2K had a known deadline, a known fix, and years of coordinated global response. Engineers went in to patch one thing (the date field) and discovered a catastrophe's worth of brittle, tangled code no one fully understood. The frontier AI moment offers no such certainty.The defining feature of this moment is a structural mismatch: offense now moves at machine speed while defense still moves at the speed of human review and scheduled maintenance. The deadline is unclear, the scope expands faster than fixes can be deployed, and the response is being navigated company by company. The true parallel is that both moments expose the cost of deferred modernization. Y2K forced organizations to look honestly at decades of accumulated code. This time, adversaries are running the audit in real time.The new bottleneck in threat detection For all the urgency the moment demands, the organizations responding fastest are not the ones with the best threat detection. They are the ones with the capacity to remediate vulnerabilities at machine speed.Detection has stopped being the constraint. A good security team with the right tools can find vulnerabilities in hours. What determines survival is what happens next: the ability to prioritize, patch, and deploy fixes faster than threats accumulate. Remediation capacity is now the bottleneck. When discovery outpaces repair, the backlog of known but unpatched flaws grows faster than teams can close it, and that patch queue itself becomes the attack surface: a published list of openings an adversary can work through while defenders wait for a maintenance window. Closing that remediation-velocity gap is the capability that now separates resilient organizations from exposed ones. That capacity is not something you buy from a single vendor. It requires orchestrating across the stack: linking defense, intelligence, and modernization at scale.The same forcing function that has made security a board-level concern is reopening conversations about modernization that have stalled for years. In recent Cognizant research, 73% of Global 2000 leaders identified cybersecurity as a major driver of legacy modernization, the joint-highest rating alongside reducing operating costs.[1] For two decades, the case for enterprise modernization was made in the language of efficiency, cost, and competitive advantage. These arguments were easy to resist. Like patching your roof before a storm hits, the work that prevents catastrophe rarely feels urgent until the danger is right in front of you.Like patching your roof before a storm hits, the work that prevents catastrophe rarely feels urgent until the danger is right in front of you.The frontier AI moment is changing that calculation. The cost of waiting is no longer abstract. It's measurable and increasingly visible in the form of a continuously expanding attack surface that legacy systems cannot defend. What was once a productivity argument is now a survival argument. And leaders know they are behind. Half of Global 2000 leaders say the current pace of progress in updating defense systems is not yet fast enough.[1]What does frontier AI modernization look like now? In the age of frontier AI, modernization is no longer a program run alongside cybersecurity. It is cybersecurity, expressed at the architectural level. Each vulnerability is a symptom; the aging architecture that let it persist is the underlying condition. Patching the symptom without modernizing the architecture leaves the condition in place, which is why remediation at scale and modernization are the same work.Three patterns are emerging across organizations moving fastest. The first is the systematic retirement of legacy systems that cannot be defended at scale. Unsupported platforms are not merely operational risks; they are mapped terrain for adversaries. The second is the embedding of zero-trust principles (identity, segmentation, encryption) as platform fundamentals rather than incremental fixes. The third is the deliberate design of operations that can withstand AI-era threats, including the inventories, baselines, and governance frameworks autonomous systems require.These aren't new ideas. What is new is that the frontier threat has made them unavoidable. The scope of the problem is forcing the scope of the solution. No single company, no product vendor, no single-service firm, can orchestrate this alone. Closing the remediation-velocity gap means making endpoint defense, data security, threat intelligence, incident response, and architectural modernization work as one system, with governance holding throughout. A point tool secures its own layer; only an orchestrating partner can engineer the whole. It is the work of an AI builder: the party that integrates capability across an ecosystem and embeds it into how an enterprise actually operates.In financial services, AI-driven defense systems now detect and respond to anomalous activity in milliseconds, often before customers notice anything unusual. In healthcare, modernized claims platforms protect patient data while accelerating reimbursement. In retail and logistics, architectures built for security by design allow responsive experiences without exposing underlying systems to risk.None of this is what most consumers think about when they tap a card or open an app. But it is the reason the experience works.Recognizing threat in digital transformation The frontier AI moment is not ultimately about cybersecurity. It is about how the digital economy must be rebuilt to remain trustworthy in a faster and more contested environment.Y2K was a test run. It taught a generation of leaders that infrastructure matters, that technical debt comes due, and that coordinated effort can avert catastrophe. The frontier era is the real thing. The organizations that come through it well will be the ones that recognize the threat as also the moment.The work is happening. Most people will never see it. That is the point. But the window to do it is not open indefinitely. The enterprises that close the gap before their adversaries reach parity are the ones that will define trust in the decade ahead._______________[1] Cognizant, "Legacy modernization and the AI timeline." Available at: cognizant.com/us/en/insights/insights-blog/legacy-modernization-mandate-ai-timeline
	'It embarrasses me to be involved': Inside the National Guard D.C. deployment As President Trump's deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C. enters its second year, three guard members who served many months on the mission share their reactions with NPR.
	A Theoretical Physicist and a Painter Walk into a Bar … : “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through August 30 Self-referential meta-theatre ploys wage stealth attacks on the audience like mosquitoes. By the time you notice the tiny, piercing strike, it’s gone.
	Attention Must Be Paid: The Mockingbird at Black Hawk's “Death of a Salesman,” at Black Hawk College through August 29 There are some scripts that can be like pulling teeth when not done right. Thankfully, no orthodontist is needed for director Tristan Tapscott's powerful production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman.
	Fin and Bear It: “The Mermaids,” at the Timber Lake Playhouse through August 30 I can only imagine how honored Andy Bro would be to see his name attached to annual presentations of world premieres – shows boasting the exceptional talent, on- and off-stage, continually lured to his theatre in the woods. That being said, and having nothing but admiration and gratitude for Timber Lake's series, I think The Mermaids may have broken my brain.
	Can the Tabloid Veneer of the Allegations Against Rep Amy Briel Up-End Her Re-Election Chances? Yet another sexual harassment allegation has been made against an Illinois House Democrat. But this time, the House speaker’s operation is fully supporting its incumbent.
	Sean Grayson, former deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey, dies in prison, lawyer says Sean Grayson, a former Illinois sheriff's deputy whose fatal shooting of Sonya Massey inside her home became a flashpoint over police use of force, died Sunday while serving a 20-year prison sentence.

Monday, August 24th, 2026