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

Friday, April 24th, 2026
	Quiet weekend followed by more severe storms While severe weather was widespread across the Plains and the Midwest Thursday, a few strong storms moved across the Quad Cities area. Now that the rain is moving away, quiet weather is expected this weekend. Heavy rain and the threat of severe weather return by Monday. Here's your complete 7-day forecast.
	Trains and Planes This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Several times a day, airplanes descend over Rock Island, riding the wind down toward the airport, one or two hundred…
	Why Trump wants to spend $1 billion on Great Salt Lake Utah's Great Salt Lake has been labeled an "environmental nuclear bomb" and it has the attention of the president of the United States.
	After 2 failed votes, Mike Johnson unveils new plan to extend key U.S. spy powers With an April 30 deadline fast approaching, Johnson unveiled his latest proposal to extend the controversial surveillance program known as FISA 702.
	Heated socks sold at Costco recalled after wearers report second-degree burns The recall covers roughly 207,800 pairs of 32 Degrees-branded socks which the CPSC says are tied to at least 14 "heat-related incidents." Thirteen of those incidents involved burns.
	2 young people arrested in alleged plot to attack Houston synagogue Two young people have been arrested in an alleged plot to attack a Texas synagogue that involved driving through the congregation to "kill as many Jews as possible," according authorities.
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning until FRI 12:45 AM CDT Severe Thunderstorms with Damaging Winds Expected Overnight
	Trump administration vows crackdown on Chinese firms 'exploiting' U.S. AI models The Trump administration is vowing to crack down on foreign tech companies' exploitation of U.S. artificial intelligence models, singling out China at a time that country is narrowing the gap with the U.S. in the AI race.
	EU approves a $106 billion loan package to help Ukraine after Hungary lifts its veto The European Union on Thursday approved a $106-billion loan package to help Ukraine meet its economic and military needs for two years, ending months of political deadlock.
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
	Tornado Warning until FRI 12:30 AM CDT Tornado Warning: Immediate Action Required in Southeastern Cedar, Scott, and Clinton Counties
	Wiffle-ball wizards: Quad-Cities robotics team heads to world championship The team qualified for the championship at the 2026 State of Iowa Championship, according to a media release.
	Drake Relays: April 23rd Local athletes were in action for the first day of Drake Relays. Burlington junior Kylee Hill won the shot put championship at the Drake Relays on Thursday
	PV girls soccer pick up win, North and Assumption boys soccer tie Pleasant Valley girls soccer defeated Central DeWitt in DeWitt 2-0. Davenport North boys soccer hosted Assumption and tied 0-0
	Geneseo softball defeats Alleman 5-1 making it programs 1,000th win Geneseo softball picked up the program’s 1,000th win Thursday defeating Alleman 5-1.
	Storms weakening as they approach Quad Cities Thursday night As expected, storms are weakening quite a bit as they approach the Quad Cities late Thursday night. There's still a chance for a few t'storms around midnight, but widespread severe weather is not expected tonight. Rain wraps up early Friday morning.
	Putnam Museum fundraising to bring triceratops skeleton to museum If secured, the triceratops would be the first permanent dinosaur skeleton in Iowa.
	Libraries in the Quad Cities offering seeds as well as books Residents can pick up free packs of seeds from the library and grow them in their own backyards!
	Derby Day at the Mansion returns to Rivermont Collegiate You can watch the Kentucky Derby in style with food, drinks & contests on May 2 at the historic Bettendorf Mansion. The money raised will support Rivermont students.
	Quad City Animal Welfare Center seeking hospice home for calico cat Born in 2017, Luna has a pituitary tumor and requires some extra care, but shelter officials said she still has plenty of love to offer.
	Quad Cities runner completes 50 marathons in 50 states Danny Fleener is one of very few people to ever complete 50 marathons in 50 states.
	102-year-old WWII veteran to go on 65th Honor Flight Officials said it’s been several years since a World War II veteran has volunteered to go on a flight.
	Ride the rails for historic trains in the QCA All aboard! Area locomotive enthusiasts are on track for an unforgettable adventure discovering historic trains. Our Quad Cities News photojournalist Mike Colón takes us for a ride with Railroading Heritage of Midwest America at Silvis Train Days. For more information, click here.
	Nominee for Alaska Police Standards Council defends conspiracy theories An Alaska State Trooper's shoulder patch is seen on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)Members of the Senate Judiciary committee put questions to a governor’s nominee for the Alaska Police Standards Council about her social media posts during a confirmation hearing Wednesday. Veronica Lambertsen defended conspiracy theories around the Holocaust, blood-harvesting from children and the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Lambertsen has been nominated by Gov. Mike Dunleavy to serve a three-year term representing one of four public seats on the 13-member Alaska Police Standards Council, which oversees law enforcement standards across the state. Lambertsen has served on the council since being nominated in August, but her name was removed from the council’s website Thursday afternoon, following the hearing and media coverage of the posts. Dunleavy’s office did not respond to a request for comment about her nomination, her social media posts and the removal of her name from the website on Thursday. Lambertsen is the owner and operator of a motel in Birch Creek, a small neighborhood in Turnagain Arm that is part of the municipality of Anchorage. She also serves as a voluntary member of the local Turnagain Arm Community Council, according to her resume. Lawmakers in the House expressed skepticism in a hearing earlier this month and questioned Lambertsen’s experience, connections with law enforcement and eligibility for the seat. Sens. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, and Löki Tobin, D-Achorage, are seen in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Apr. 20, 2026. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon) In a second confirmation hearing on Wednesday, following questions about her background, chair Sen. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, asked about several social media posts going back many years. “One of the postings that I saw was a posting that you didn’t believe the Holocaust was real,” Claman said. “Do you believe the Holocaust occurred during World War II?” Lambertsen said it was a tragedy, but that she has questions. “Do I believe something happened at the Holocaust, and a tragedy and a lot of people died?” she said. “Yes, I believe that actually happened. Are we being told the true story about it all? No, I don’t believe we’re being told the true story about it all.” “What do you believe is the true story?” Claman asked. “That I don’t know yet,” she replied. The Alaska Police Standards Council is charged with setting and enforcing standards for law enforcement, including police, probation, parole and correctional officers. They’re also tasked with reviewing regulation and investigating misconduct, like officer discipline and use of force. A zip drive of selected posts from Lambertsen’s public Facebook page compiled by legislative staff and reviewed by the Alaska Beacon includes posts going back to 2021 related to a variety of conspiracy theories — questioning the shape of the Earth, the moon landing, the 2020 election results and the Jan. 6 insurrection, as well as posts related to the far-right internet conspiracy theory movement QAnon. Claman asked about a QAnon claim that children are being harvested for a chemical called adrenochrome from their blood. After a long pause, Lambertsen responded similarly that she had questions. “From information I have seen and documentation that was provided the question that should be asked,” she said. Claman said in an interview Thursday that he found the hearing troubling. “For this position, which really means you’re providing some degree of supervision and regulation of our public safety officers, I just have a lot of concerns, given her perspective,” he said. Lambertsen did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday. She told the Juneau Independent that what she posts on social media is separate from what’s involved in serving on the council. Sen. Löki Tobin, D-Anchorage, raised the issue that Lambertsen may not be eligible to serve on a seat reserved for a member of the public from a rural district. Two of the four public seats are reserved for members representing communities with a population of 2,500 people or less. “I think this is unfortunately a situation of where Ms. Lambertsen has been put into a seat that she is not qualified to hold based on statute and practice,” she said. “I would encourage Ms. Lambertsen to consider withdrawing her own name, as she is, in my estimation and read of the statute, not legal to sit in the seat.” The Senate Judiciary Committee forwarded Lambertsen’s nomination on Wednesday to a vote by a joint session of the Legislature. But whether she will be considered is uncertain, as her name is no longer listed on the state website describing the council. A joint session for state appointments to boards and commissions, including for Attorney General Stephen Cox, is scheduled for May 7. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	'Is AI Coming For Your Job?' \| Free public forum on May 8 As part of the Quad Cities Civic Conversations, the talk in Rock Island will explore both the promise and disruption tied to AI, particularly in the classroom.
	Quad City Animal Welfare Center seeking hospice home for calico cat Born in 2017, Luna has a pituitary tumor and requires some extra care, but shelter officials said she still has plenty of love to offer.
	City of Rock Island, Augustana College, plan public meeting about Southwest RI Wetlands The City of Rock Island and Augustana College will co-host a public information meeting on their partnership to study the Southwest Rock Island Wetlands and the status of the proposed Land and Water Reserve of 550 acres. Through the partnership, Augustana students and faculty will contribute applied research and data analysis to help inform the [...]
	Sudden cannabis reclassification leaves Maryland industry, regulators confused Workers at gLeaf Medical tend to plants in a grow room at a medical marijuana facility in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury)A surprise reclassification of medical marijuana to a less dangerous drug on Thursday has left many Marylanders with more questions than answers. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order Thursday that would move medical marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, moving it from the category of drugs like heroin and LSD to the same category as some pain medicine, ketamine and testosterone. “This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information,” Blanche said in a press release announcing the change. The announcement represents perhaps the biggest change in 50 years for cannabis since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act. It also came without warning or advance notice, said Maryland regulators and businesses, who are scrambling to understand the changes. “While the federal government pursues rescheduling, Maryland law remains fully operative and unchanged, and state licensing and enforcement continues as enacted by Maryland General Assembly,” said an emailed statement from the Maryland Cannabis Administration, the state’s cannabis regulatory agency. “The Maryland Cannabis Administration is currently reviewing the federal action in coordination with legal counsel and state leadership and will provide further guidance to Maryland medical patients, consumers, and licensed businesses,” the statement said. In calls to cannabis shops around the state Thursday, the answers were virtually identical: Employees said they’re not sure what the changes mean to Maryland, they’re waiting for guidance from the Cannabis Administration and, in the meantime, they plan to conduct business as usual.” Part of the problem is that Blanche’s order applies only to medical marijuana, which is allowed in 40 states. But Maryland is one of 24 states and the District of Columbia that have also legalized marijuana for recreational use for adults 21 and older. “We are still figuring out some of these answers ourselves as we speak with partners across other states and federally,” said Maryland Cannabis Administration Director Tabatha Robinson in an interview Thursday. Blanche said the change was also designed to allow for more research on cannabis. But questions remain for some about whether the order will make research easier. Research on Schedule III drugs is still subject to stringent regulations. The biggest benefit of the change comes in the form of a tax break. Even as states moved to legalize the sales of medical and recreational cannabis, the substance remained illegal at the federal level, where provisions in the federal tax code impose a penalty on the sales of Schedule I drugs. Businesses typically pay taxes on the gross income minus expenses. Corporations pay about 21%, with small businesses paying less, according to the Marijuana Policy Project. Cannabis businesses in Maryland, though legal and licensed in the state, are not eligible to claim the federal deduction. “The industry has suffered underneath that provision, especially dispensaries, because they can write almost nothing off, you know, the way, the way it’s structured,” said Jake Van Wingerden, owner of Cecil County-based SunMed Growers. The General Assembly fixed the law on the state level so cannabis businesses can claim the write-off on their state tax returns. “My tax returns are a big, complicated mess, because we file one set based on state taxes for profits versus the federal, which is based on sales,” Van Wingerden said. Changing the classification of cannabis eliminates the federal tax penalty on medical marijuana. “So the entire industry is now not penalized with taxes,” Van Wingerden said. “They’re treated just like every other business in America for taxes, where they’re taxed on their actual profits.” The state’s medical cannabis program began in earnest in 2014. But it would be two years before the first licenses were issued, and the first medical sales did not happen until December 2017. When the state legalized the drug for recreational use, it relied on the existing system of licensed growers, manufactures and dispensaries. The medical dispensaries at the time were transitioned over into a hybrid license model that sold to both medical and recreational users. The only difference was that medical cannabis cardholders were exempt from the taxes paid by recreational users. It’s not clear if or how cannabis sold for recreational use would be tracked or how the order would apply. The order also contains a provision that appears to require manufacturers to sell their product to the federal government for a nominal fee. The Federal government would then sell the product to a “registered purchaser” at the same price. Bringing in the federal government as a mid-level distributor of sorts sets up a potential federal cannabis tax or surcharge. Cannabis growers would be required to pay an “administrative fee for such transactions,” according to the order. Even with the uncertainties and confusion, Van Wingerden said the order “represents the next step in legitimacy for the industry.” It may also open the door to changes in federal banking laws. Federal restrictions and a lack of clear federal policy in the face of a patchwork of laws across the country have hamstrung business in the cannabis industry. Many banks are hesitant to help cannabis businesses with financing or even corporate banking accounts. “Now that rescheduling has been done, some of those other legislative steps have momentum now to get done,” Van Wingerden said. Courtesy of Maryland Matters
	Wildfires rage in Georgia, Florida \| In The News Now Wildfires burning across Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida have destroyed dozens of homes and forced evacuations. Historic drought is fueling the flames.
	Davenport man sentenced to federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon He was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty in December.
	USDA cuts create worries for family farms The Trump Administration has proposed an almost $5 billion cut to USDA programs aimed to help small family farms, bringing worries for those who use the programs.
	Michael Beane named Eastern Iowa Community Colleges vice chancellor Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) has named Michael Beane as its next vice chancellor of student services. According to a release from EICC: According to the release, Beane will lead student services across the district and support ongoing work to strengthen how students are served. He will transition into the role over the next few [...]
	U.S. soldier charged with suspected Polymarket insider trading over Maduro raid It's the first time suspected insider trading on Polymarket has led to criminal charges in the U.S.
	U.S. soldier charged with using classified information to bet on Maduro's removal It's the first time suspected insider trading on Polymarket has led to criminal charges in the U.S.
	SC farmers say they’re in crisis. Senators propose $35M in assistance. Senators want to offer farmers $35 million in financial assistance on top of federal help as rising costs risk closing farms under a budget clause added Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Courtesy of S.C. State Ports Authority)COLUMBIA — Small farmers say they’re in trouble, and legislators want to help. On Thursday, senators added a clause to the state budget that would collectively give farmers $35 million in financial assistance. And representatives proposed their own, separate legislation that upped the aid to $50 million. The Senate’s budget clause, which is part of its $15.3 billion spending plan, would give farmers money based on how many acres of crops they have planted, with grants maxing out at $135,000 each. The state assistance would be in addition to the $70 million farmers are expected to receive under the federal Farmer Bridge Assistance program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill to give farmers nationwide a combined $12 billion. As more SC farms give way to suburban sprawl, a land preservation program is on the rise So far, South Carolina farmers have received about $52 million under the federal program. Even with the proposed state help, the total is still not enough, said Harry Ott, a Calhoun County farmer and head of the state Farm Bureau. “We’re asking for a Band-Aid on top of a Band-Aid,” said Ott, the former state House minority leader. The state’s row croppers, who grow corn, soybeans, cottons and produce, have lost about $700 million over the past two years, according to Farm Bureau data. “There is no sugarcoating the situation that our state is in right now with regard to our agricultural economy,” said Sen. Wes Climer, a Rock Hill Republican who proposed the budget clause. “It is in absolute crisis right now.” A number of problems converged to create such a crisis, Ott and senators said. The number of farms has dwindled as stagnant sales prices for crops and increasing costs drove many out of business. With farmers already on the edge, the war in Iran drove up fertilizer and fuel prices, Ott said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A drought during what would normally be planting time for several crops only made matters worse, he said. “We’re sitting still and waiting for the good Lord to send some rain,” said Ott, who farms cotton, corn and soybeans. As the state’s population grows, many farmers are tempted to sell their land to developers looking to build homes and businesses, causing farmland to dwindle even faster. That has left “an entire industry on the brink,” said his son, Sen. Russell Ott. “There’s nothing we can do up here this week that is absolutely going to save everyone,” the St. Matthews Democrat said on the Senate floor Tuesday. “There are going to be farmers in your communities that go out of business this year. That is the sad reality of where we are.” Nothing the state can do will solve the problems, most of which are national problems, said Sen. JD Chaplin, a fourth-generation farmer and Darlington Republican. Stopgap funding can at least get farmers through the coming year, with the hope that costs eventually go back down and next year brings a better crop, he said. Farms closing means more than simply the loss of a business for the state, said Chaplin, who abstained from voting. Crops grown on his farm include corn, cotton, soybeans and grains. Farmers are struggling mentally under the stress of trying to balance their livelihoods with rising costs. Calls to a suicide hotline dedicated specifically to those who work in agriculture, called AgriSafe, have increased in recent years, according to the latest data in the nonprofit’s annual report. Running a generational farm can be a lot of pressure as farmers worry about being the one to lose land their family has tended for decades, Chaplin said. He worries about his own friends amid the financial pressures. “It’s hard,” Chaplin said. “It’s very difficult, what’s going on in our industry right now.” Under the Senate plan, the money would come from a fund the Department of Commerce uses to encourage businesses to locate in the state. Amid frustration over cost overruns in the construction of a Scout Motors plant in Blythewood, senators added a separate clause in the budget requiring the economic development agency to go through the Legislature before spending any money on new economic development projects, freeing up that money to spend elsewhere. Representatives introduced a different plan Thursday in the House that would dole out $50 million in grants through a “farm aid” fund. The bipartisan bill would put the Office of Resilience in charge of distributing the grants, with help from the Department of Agriculture in developing the details. So far, 72 representatives have signed on. “South Carolina farmers are the backbone of our rural communities and our state’s economy,” said the bill’s primary sponsor, Bamberg Democrat Rep. Justin Bamberg, in a statement. “When they’re struggling, it affects all of us.” Local beef Cattle farmers could use some help too, said Sen. Everett Stubbs. While the situation isn’t as dire as it is for those who farm row crops, a budget clause Stubbs proposed would study the feasibility of building a central processing facility in South Carolina where beef cattle spend the final months of their lives before being slaughtered and packaged for sale — called a feed lot. The Senate adopted the proposal by voice vote. If there aren’t any good locations to build such a facility, the state should consider whether to give farmers grants to cover the cost of processing cattle on their own farms, Stubbs said. Most farmers ship their cattle to other states for that process, which is known as finishing, because South Carolina doesn’t have anywhere to house or process those cows, said Stubbs, a Republican from Rock Hill. When Chaplin used to farm cows, he shipped them off to Michigan, then to California for processing, he said. “It wasn’t really an option here,” Chaplin said. That adds to the cost, and it makes people think they’re buying beef from other places when it could be advertised as homegrown, Stubbs said. “I believe that South Carolinians are loyal people,” Stubbs said. “I think if we were able to at least market, ‘Hey, this cow was South Carolina originated, fed with South Carolina corn, I think people, including myself, would probably pay a premium” to help out their neighbors. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of South Carolina Daily Gazette
	The Heart of the Story: For the love of cars Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. Bringing old classic cars back to life is [...]
	This is the ‘hard cap’ vs. ‘soft cap’ difference delaying property tax deal Two Iowa Republican leaders are optimistic about a property tax reform deal this year despite several differences on policy.
	Iowa bill would ban warrant resolution clinics A bill in Iowa could make things a bit more complicated when it comes to resolving low-level warrants without arrest. House Study Bill 780 would ban warrant resolution clinics, defined as any formal or informal gathering that allows people with outstanding warrants to resolve them without being arrested. The first-ever warrant resolution clinic in Iowa [...]
	1 billion pounds recycled at Scott Area Recycling Center The Scott Area Recycling Center has sorted 1 billion pounds from the Quad Cities area since curbside collection started in 1995, according to a media release.
	Rock Island and Augustana College to host public meeting on future study of wetlands The city and Augustana College are partnering on the project, giving students a chance for hands-on experience studying the wetlands.
	Tuition to rise for 12th year in a row at Oregon’s public universities Graduates celebrate at Oregon State University-Cascades in Bend on June 18, 2024. Tuition at Oregon's public universities will increase in the fall, the 12th school year in a row that prices have gone up. (Photo courtesy of Oregon State University)Tuition will be up again at Oregon’s seven public universities this fall, marking the 12th school year in a row that each of the state’s four-year post-secondary institutions raised the cost of admission for incoming freshmen. The continued reliance on rising tuition to cover the bulk of university costs without greater investment by the state year-over-year means Oregon’s public four-year institutions are, on average, the most expensive public higher education institutions in the West, according to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. For six of the last 10 years, resident undergraduate tuition increases in Oregon have exceeded the rate of inflation, averaging 4.3% each year for the last decade, or about $430 more each year. Schools need permission from the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission if they seek to raise tuition by 5% or more. <img decoding="async" src="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/28670461/thumbnail" alt="chart visualization" style="margin-bottom: 10px; max-width:100%;" /> None of Oregon’s four-year public universities has frozen or lowered resident undergraduate tuition since the 2014-15 school year, according to commission data. “Tuition in Oregon is too high,” commission director Ben Cannon said in an email. He characterized the state’s investment in higher education as “meager” and said that “as long as Oregon continues to rank among the lowest third of states for public investment in higher education, we can expect that tuition — and tuition increases — here will be relatively high.” Along with underfunding from the state, board members at the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Portland State University, Oregon Institute of Technology and Western and Southern Oregon universities who approved the tuition increases cited enrollment volatility, inflation, rising labor costs and budget deficits as reasons for the increases. Eastern Oregon University’s Board of Trustees will vote on a proposed increase at the end of May, but the board typically approves recommendations from administrators. Student tuition and fees make up more than half of revenue at every Oregon university. That’s one of the highest proportions in the nation, according to a 2022 report commissioned by lawmakers from the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, a nonprofit think tank in Colorado. About 25 years ago, public funding accounted for up to 75% of the cost of each full-time employee at an Oregon university. Now, it pays for about 50% or less, researchers found. Oregon’s per-pupil funding for full-time college students is significantly less than what California and Washington provide per student. In 2025, the state spent about $6,500 per full-time-enrolled student at a public university, well below the national average of $11,150 per full-time student and less than all but four other states, according to the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association. Students and their families have largely covered the difference by taking out loans. More than 500,000 Oregonians are paying back federal loans, with an average college debt load of $38,000. More than 40% are under the age of 35, according to U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census Bureau data. Enrollment at Oregon’s public universities in the past decade has, on average, remained flat or declined. Oregon State University is the exception, with about 17% more students enrolled last year across all levels than were enrolled in 2017. Portland State University’s enrollment, on the other hand, has declined by nearly 40% since 2017, going from more than 27,000 students in 2017 to about 19,700 students in 2025. Another revenue boosting measure for universities has been accepting more students from out of state, who pay roughly two to three times as much as Oregon residents to attend the state’s public universities. Students from other states make up about half of enrollment at Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. For non-resident undergraduate students, tuition next year will rise on average by $1,200, higher than the average $988 annual increase for the past ten years. window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}); Cannon added that prospective students should look behind the “sticker price” of college tuition, however. “Thanks to direct support from the federal and state government, and from institutions themselves, many students pay far less than the published tuition price,” he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Courtesy of Oregon Capital Chronicle
	Kansas ag leaders weigh solutions for veterinarian shortages that affect rural communities Kansas faces a shortage of veterinarians choosing to practice in large animal clinics in rural areas, and Kansas agriculture leaders are working to change that. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — Kansas and the nation face a veterinarian shortage, and state agriculture experts are collaborating to draw more vets to practice in rural areas. Kansas State University officials are supporting programs that introduce veterinary students to rural lifestyles and gathering data to understand where shortages exist, said Brad White, director of K-State’s Beef Cattle Institute and director of the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas. The United States has lost about 90% of its food animal veterinarians since the 1940s, according to a 2023 Johns Hopkins study. But it is challenging to get a handle on specific needs within the state, White said. About 2,500 licensed vets practice in Kansas, a number that has been steady for a few years, according to a survey published last year by the Farm Journal Foundation and the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The difficulty is tracking specific areas in Kansas that have veterinary shortages and in what practice areas those shortages are occurring, White said. Veterinarians may have mixed animal practices, meaning they care for large and companion animals, or they may specialize, he said. In 2020, K-State surveys of veterinarians and producers gathered data about vet practices, but couldn’t define exactly what services were offered or needed in different areas, White said. “It helped us identify that many producers feel there’s a shortage area, and there’s not an easy mathematical or numerical way to define it,” he said. In general, the shortage is felt more in rural areas where vets are needed to support ranchers and, ultimately, the food system. K-State works with other agricultural organizations through the Rural Veterinary Workforce Committee, White said, including the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Farm Bureau, the Livestock Marketing Association, and the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association. That group tackles the shortage from various angles, including considering needs to serve agricultural producers, increasing numbers of trained veterinarians, and understanding the needs in different parts of the state, he said. “We’re more focused on that mixed animal livestock service component because agriculture in general, and livestock specifically, are really important to our rural Kansas,” he said. Megan Kilgore, executive director at the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, said other states are considering solutions that include creating a para-professional role that could work with veterinarians, much like nurse practitioners in health care, or doing more veterinary work by telemedicine. Colorado created a mid-level practitioner position in 2024, which wasn’t widely supported among veterinarians, she said. Many vets also are unsure about telemedicine because, unlike human patients, animals can’t talk and veterinarian work is very hands on, Kilgore said. At K-State, veterinary students can enroll in a program that introduces them to rural communities, the practices located there and the challenges of working as a veterinarian in those areas, White said. Nationally, about 12% of graduating veterinary students go into mixed or large animal practices, he said, with most leaning toward companion animal practices. But at K-State, 25% to 30% of students go into mixed or large animal practices, he said. Part of that is attributable to K-State’s location in an agricultural state, he said, but it is also because of the university’s focus on introducing students to rural options. “Since about 2012, we’ve really emphasized the additional training for those students and the additional building of their knowledge base to make them comfortable in both selecting the right practice and forming a good cohort as they get to those rural communities,” he said. Practicing in a rural community can be lonely and professionally isolating, White said, and helping veterinarians connect to others in their field has made a difference. “The result of that has been that over 95% of them have fulfilled their four-year commitment, which is a good starting point,” he said. “The goal is to keep them there for four years.” White said 80% of veterinarians in the program continue to practice in Kansas after four years. Rural living Justin Welsh, a veterinarian and executive director of food animal technical services at Merck Animal Health, said his company partnered with the Farm Journal Foundation to address vet shortages. Just 3% of graduating veterinarians nationally went into food animal services last year, he said. Young people who grew up on a farm aren’t returning to the farm as often, he said. Sometimes the farm isn’t big enough to support them or their family sold the farm, and sometimes they want a different lifestyle, Welsh said. Although programs offering to pay student loans attract veterinarians to rural areas, Welsh said that is a short-term solution. The problem needs to be considered from a larger perspective, he said. “Human nature, and also some generational factors, have told us or shown us that at some point, for a lot of people, money is not the biggest thing,” he said. “I think long-term the things that we have to address are fitting the person to the environment, and that includes the social aspect of small towns.” Rural practices may not pay as well as those in the cities, he said. Add in that many young people are looking for better work-life balance than previous generations, and that, too, can make rural practices less attractive, Welsh said. “They have to be on-call practically all the time. Emergencies are one of the big detractors from rural practice,” Welsh said. The area rural vets cover can be demanding, with emergencies taking a vet three hours away from home, he said. “One of the solutions is training people when they can — and it’s not always the case that they can — to bring emergencies to a centralized point,” Welsh said. “That’s one thing that a lot of practices are being designed around.” Welsh said transparency and immersion help veterinary students know what to expect, rather than recruiting them to rural areas just for them to be surprised by the practice style. ‘Work isn’t everything’ Kilgore said about 80% of veterinarians in Kansas are female, a significant shift from decades past. Work hours are always a discussion when veterinarians get together, she said, and that increased since COVID because “everybody figured out that work isn’t everything.” “I think people have decided that family may come first now, and 20 years ago even, family would take a backseat,” she said. “That changes the dynamics of veterinary medicine because most of the females who have gotten into veterinary medicine also want to have families, and committing 24 hours, seven days a week to your clients is tough.” Kilgore said there are women veterinarians who choose to do that, but the pool is smaller. In rural areas, there are few opportunities to share the work by splitting emergency calls with another veterinarian, she said. “When we talk about shortage of employees, it’s more a shortage of folks who desire to have that practice type,” she said. White identified transparency as a way to appeal to K-State students who enroll in the school’s food animal certificate program, which includes preparing them for the lifestyle, time, finances and business acumen needed to be successful as a solo practitioner. “It provides those students with skills and aptitudes for food animal medicine that will help them be successful early on, which helps lead to retention,” White said. “Because one of the reasons you leave a job is ‘I don’t feel like I can do this job.’” The food animal certificate costs nothing for veterinary students but gives them a pathway to explore that type of medicine, he said. In classes of 120 vet students, about 30 to 35 per class enroll in it, he said. “We’ve actually had out-of-state people come here because of that food animal certificate program, and some of those have ended up staying in Kansas,” White said. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	New USPS vehicles making their way to the Quad Cities More than 100,000 of the new postal service delivery trucks are rolling out, and they've been spotted on the streets of Rock Island.
	New USPS vehicles making their way to the Quad Cities More than 100,000 of the new postal service delivery trucks are rolling out, and they've been spotted on the streets of Rock Island.
	French police probe suspected weather device tampering after odd Polymarket bet The incident is the latest eyebrow-raising bet on Polymarket, as allegations of rigging and manipulation continue to haunt the popular prediction market site.
	When to expect tonight's storms After a long week of some very nice weather with temperatures reaching into the 80s with lots of sunshine, things are changing for tonight. We are expecting a line of some showers and thunderstorms moving in later tonight that will be hitting the Quad Cities by midnight. These showers and thunderstorms do have a chance [...]
	Sherrard Schools honors retiring teachers, trains next generation As teacher shortages continue to impact districts across the country, Sherrard Schools is highlighting why some educators have stayed for decades — and how the district plans to prepare the next generation to step in.
	American Lung Association data says Quad Cities among most polluted area for smog in the country The report points to smog levels that can worsen breathing problems for children, older adults and those with lung conditions.
	Alabama active voter numbers down ahead of May primaries Booths await voters at the Pennington County Administration Building during early voting on Jan. 19, 2026, for a municipal election in Rapid City, South Dakota. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)With less than 30 days until primary elections, new statistics show that the number of active voters in Alabama has decreased since 2022. Voter statistics for March that were given to the Voting Registration Advisory Board members during its meeting on Thursday show Alabama has 3.29 million active voters. This is a 17,000 person decrease from four years ago, when the state had 3.31 million active voters. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen said in a statement that “Alabama boasts one of the cleanest and most accurate voter files in the country.” The state also saw an increase in inactive voters going from 392,000 in 2022 to over 500,000 last month. Voter Registration Advisory Board Chairman John Lackey said after the meeting “there are fluctuations in voter numbers at different times during elections.” Inactive voters are still able to vote in person if they fill out the proper paperwork. “If they show up at the polls where they’ve been voting, we let them vote, or we send them to where they need to vote, but we hand them an update from them, and just say, fill that out and go vote,” Lackey said. Board member Sydney Dean said after the meeting voters are able to check their status by visiting the Alabama Secretary of State website. “It’s very easy. They just put in their name and address, and actually it’ll populate even a little map that shows them where to go vote with their precinct,” she said. “When you go inactive, there’s been an issue and we’re just saying to the voter when they come into the polls, please complete an update for them because nine times out of 10, it’s a situation like that.” Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	Davenport Municipal Airport holds Kid in Aviation Day Local preschoolers got a neat opportunity to tour the airport and experience some on-the-ground airplane exploration.
	Rock River near crest, draws crowds to Moline business The Rock River is right near its crest in Moline, spilling into riverfront areas and drawing crowds to Len Brown's North Shore Inn & Marina to watch the high water.
	Sherrard School District tackles teacher shortage The Sherrard School District is taking the nation-wide teacher shortage issue on. A new program is on the way for students who want to pursue a career in education. "I think some of these people don't understand the work a really good teacher has to put in to be a successful teacher," says Lori Arnold, [...]
	Iowa water monitoring system faces funding uncertainty Iowa has around 60 sensors that monitor for chemicals and toxins in drinking water, including nitrates.
	T'storm chances return Thursday night After some much needed dry weather lately, the chance for t'storms is back later tonight. Storms are on track to weaken as they approach the Quad cities around midnight. A line of storms will move in from the West and should be falling apart a bit as it approaches the Quad Cities. That being said, [...]
	Davenport passes $271M budget as tax rate dips, fees rise Davenport’s new $271M budget is set. Here’s what to know about tax rates, rising home values and fee changes for residents.
	Rock River near crest, draws crowds to Moline business The Rock River is right near its crest in Moline, spilling into riverfront areas and drawing crowds to Len Brown's North Shore Inn & Marina to watch the high water.
	More than 1 in 3 South Carolinians have high blood pressure. Simple diet changes can help. Beets act as natural vasodilators because their high nitrate content is converted into nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Beth Motley)May is High Blood Pressure Education Month, and spring is a great time to consider simple lifestyle changes that can help you reach or maintain your blood pressure within a healthy range. You may have heard that certain foods, like beets and bananas, can help you lower blood pressure. Bananas provide you with potassium which can lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessel walls and helping the body dispose of sodium. Beets contain nitrates, which convert into nitric oxide, a compound that may lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. As a Greenville-based physician, I’ve seen firsthand that eating plenty of plant-based foods like beets, bananas, greens, and beans, can help patients reach their health goals, including maintaining a healthy blood pressure. I recently read a scientific paper that really grabbed my attention. A large scientific review published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association,” involving 21,915 study participants, found that following a plant-based diet is associated with lower blood pressure. In my medical practice, patients often ask if there’s a non-drug lifestyle approach to improving their health, and in many cases the scientific evidence supports that approach. Some studies focus on the workplace since that’s where we spend a great deal of time. A study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that hospital workers following a plant-based diet experienced a decrease in their diastolic blood pressure and improved other cardiometabolic outcomes. Many hospital workers face a fast-paced, stressful workplace, but the study found that quality of life increased among the hospital workers focusing on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and beans. Nationally, nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and alarmingly, this condition is increasing among children. About 1 in 3 South Carolinians have been told by a doctor that they have high blood pressure, and thousands more South Carolinians have high blood pressure and don’t know it, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health. But high blood pressure can be prevented with lifestyle changes. Bananas have always been among the most affordable fresh fruits, so shoppers were surprised when the cost of bananas started to rise in response to tariffs placed on banana-producing countries. But now, the cost of America’s favorite fruit is headed down from all-time highs, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, beef has become more costly over the last year, so now is an excellent time to explore various delicious sources of plant-based protein like beans, lentils, nuts, and mushrooms. Vertical lettuce farm launches at SC prison, a first in the country These foods are more affordable as well as better for your health. If you shop for plant-based meals, you can cut food costs by 19%, when compared with a standard American diet, according to research published in JAMA Network Open. Bananas are a tropical fruit and they usually travel long distances to reach your fruit bowl, but South Carolina is part of an exciting new trend in agriculture that allows people to buy fresh, locally grown food all year round. It’s the rise of indoor, hydroponic farms, like the Hurricane Creek Farm in Pelzer, where you can find hydroponically grown tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, lettuce, and strawberries. One of the most forward-thinking and successful companies specializing in indoor farming technology, AmplifiedAg, is based in Charleston. Now that spring is here, South Carolina offers many outdoor activities that can help you and your family maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. For example, you can plan an excursion to one of your local farms where you can pick your own berries. Several scientific studies have found that blueberries can help lower your blood pressure, but like bananas and beets, blueberries are most beneficial as part of an eating pattern focused on plant-based foods. Courtesy of South Carolina Daily Gazette
	Woman opens Sam’s Club account with stolen identity, racks up $6K in charges Police said on April 1 a woman stole someone’s identity to open a credit account then charged $6,000 of merchandise to it.
	Crime Stoppers: Woman wanted for failure to appear, parole violation Lynsey Benham, 40, is wanted in Rock Island County for failure to appear in court on a charge of delivery/possession with intent to deliver meth.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted for failure to appear on meth charge Lincoln Moon, 49, is wanted in Rock Island County for failure to appear in court on a delivery/possession with intent to deliver meth charge.
	Freight House Farmers' Market returns to Davenport In a sure sign of warmer weather ahead, a tradition returns to Davenport. Missy Carter and Sean Ryan talked with our Quad Cities News about the Freight House Farmers' Market. For more information, click here.
	Iowa nurse faces drug-related criminal charges and disciplinary charges The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing is responsible for overseeing Iowa's licensing boards and nursing homes. (Main image via Canva; logo courtesy of Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing)An Iowa nurse with a history of criminal charges is now facing disciplinary charges for alleged drug-related offenses. The Iowa Board of Nursing has charged 32-year-old Taylor Lynn Syndergaard, also known as Taylor Lynn Miller, with obtaining or possessing or administering controlled substances without lawful authority, and with violating an agreement or contract with the Iowa Professional Health Program that assists health professionals with substance abuse issues. Board records describe Syndergaard as currently living in Odebolt and Alta. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX As is customary with Iowa’s licensing boards, the Board of Nursing has not disclosed the alleged conduct that gave rise to the disciplinary charges, or stated when or where the conduct is alleged to have taken place. Board records indicate the investigation of the matter was initiated in 2025. A board hearing on the matter is scheduled for Aug. 7, 2026. Syndergaard said Thursday she’s unsure why the board appears to be pursuing charges against her, as she voluntarily surrendered her license a few weeks ago. She said she worked for years in Iowa nursing homes, then struggled with an addiction that stemmed from the prescribed use of opioids. She said she voluntarily stopped practicing nursing in August 2024, and in 2025 enrolled in an inpatient treatment program from which she has successfully graduated. Court records show that in July 2024, while working at Spirit Lake’s Wel-Life Assisted Living Center, Syndergaard was charged with domestic abuse-assault. Syndergaard has not entered a plea in that case and after six continuances the charge is still pending, with hearings scheduled for consideration of a deferred prosecution in the matter. In April 2025, Syndergaard’s husband received a no-contact order against her, alleging domestic abuse. In May 2025, that order was lifted by the court. In July 2025, Syndergaard was charged with selling 19 grams of methamphetamine to an individual for $440 in cash and gasoline. She pleaded not guilty to a controlled-substance violation, and a trial in that matter is now scheduled for June 11, 2026. In January 2026, Syndergaard was charged with violating a co-contact order. That charge is still pending. In February 2026, Syndergaard was charged with second-degree theft and criminal mischief. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges and a trial is scheduled for June 16, 2026. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Millionaire tax amendment fails to gain enough support from House Democrats A “millionaire tax” proposal floated in the Illinois House failed to gain enough traction in Springfield this week, making it increasingly unlikely that voters will be asked to approve the measure in November.
	House panel advances Early Childhood Iowa bill, proposes removing funding shifts A worker plays with an infant at the Stepping Stones Child Development Center in Slater, April 9, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)House lawmakers and Iowa Department of Health and Human Services officials put forward a new version of legislation Thursday making changes to the state’s Early Childhood Iowa system that advocates representing ECI boards said was a better proposal than earlier versions of the measure. House File 2712, a bill dealing with the state’s Early Childhood Iowa program, has gone through several iterations during the 2026 legislative session. The initial versions of the bill proposed transitioning the current system of 34 local ECI boards to seven district advisory councils under a proposed Early Childhood and Family Services (ECFS) system. The original legislation envisioned the new system would be aligned with the HHS regions laid out by the state’s Behavioral Health Services System, but this structural change was taken out of later versions. The amendment proposed by HHS officials and approved through the Senate committee process keeps the ECI board system in its current form, but transfers certain funding authorities from the boards to Iowa HHS. Specifically, it moves oversight of money currently managed and allocated through the ECI system through the “School Ready Fund” for home visitations, family support services and parent education programs to the state. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The change would transfer roughly half of the $28 million currently appropriated through the local boards to HHS. Department officials said this move was needed so the state could draw down more federal dollars through the Family First Act, by ensuring programs funded are using “evidence-based” home visitation models. Janée Harvey, HHS division director of Family Well-Being and Protection, said at a Senate subcommittee in early April this shift would bring at least $7.5 million new dollars into Iowa. Members of local ECI boards and advocates have repeatedly shared their concerns about the HHS proposal at subcommittee meetings, saying they believed the measure would erode local boards’ ability to choose and fund the programs that best serve their communities. They also said the federal funding being drawn down may conflict with the ECI goal of funding early childhood development services. The federal funding being discussed is designated for programs serving minors from ages 0 through 18 who are at risk of entering the foster care system. House amendment would delay, study changes Though HHS officials spoke at the meeting in support of this language, what House lawmakers advanced through a Thursday subcommittee was significantly more limited than the department’s proposal. Rep. Michael Bergan, R-Dorchester, who serves on the ECI board, introduced an amendment that would remove these changes. His plan would instead create a study committee within HHS “to review the most efficient means to transition home visiting services offered through an early childhood Iowa area … to another system” based on HHS districts, and “to implement the transition with minimal disruption to home visitation services.” The study committee would be tasked with providing a report to the Legislature in January 2027. The report would examine the “financial and logistical consequences” of potential changes to the ECI system and home visitation services, the proposal’s impact on rural and underserved communities, and looking at access to services both during the transition period and in the long term. At the meeting, Bergan said he supported many of the goals of Harvey and other HHS officials as they introduced the language to change the ECI system and funding, saying he and others “recognize the value of leveraging these (federal) dollars” for home visitation services. At the same time, he said he believed some discussions on this bill have “lost the way” in focusing on finding the best path forward for children in need across the state. Delaying the larger changes and instead pursing a study committee was what ECI advocates and members of the Association of Early Childhood Iowa Area Boards and Advocates had asked from lawmakers during earlier discussions. Several speakers at the meeting thanked Bergan for bringing forward the amendment, which they said would allow more time for lawmakers, HHS and the involved parties to craft legislation that would both allow more federal funding to come into the state while preserving more control and oversight of dollars at the local level. Amy Grunewaldt, Linn County ECI director and the chair of the association, thanked the House subcommittee for their willingness to listen and alter the bill based on feedback. She said the association, ECI board members and others who opposed the bill share the same goals of making government more efficient and ensuring funding is directed to the best resources. But she said it was important to make sure any changes also “continue to create opportunities for families to become self sufficient, resilient and able to thrive early childhood.” “This amendment reflects an important step towards a more effective and responsible approach to public investment,” Grunewaldt said. “It recognizes that when state, local and private partners work in alignment, we can deliver stable, high quality programming that supports children and families, while also ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. … Providers, local boards and system partners consistently demonstrate that when clear expectations, strong partnerships and measurable outcomes are in place, families benefit and communities grow stronger. Looking ahead, we’re committed to continuing to work with the department and with legislators to advance aligned, result-oriented policies that reflect accountability, fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability.” State officials say delay will put federal funding on hold This proposed amendment does not mean the HHS amendment language shifting home visitation funding is out of consideration. Harvey shared details on the proposed changes with lawmakers, in addition to answering questions clarifying the federal funding stream being discussed. She said part of the reason why state officials were aiming to move on this issue yet this year is because funding through the Family First Act is given as “basically a refund” for services the state is already providing, she said. “It’s not a competitive grant at the federal level,” Harvey said. “It is money that you just have to meet the requirements established at the congressional level. You submit your reports, they give you back the money. So we are ready to go. We just don’t have the administrative oversight of the home visiting contracts that the feds require. … So no, we don’t get any of that money until we have the administration of the contracts.” Bergan said he supported down slowing the process of changing the ECI system because moving forward without a proper plan in place could cause problems in funding and service delivery for families who rely on these programs. “I do not think that the delay will be costly, because haste can make waste if we get out ahead of ourselves, and we break down,” Bergan said. He said the final language on the amendment, with minor changes, will be released when the House Appropriations Committee meets to consider the bill. However, he said he saw room for negotiation. He characterized the initial bill, first brought forward in February, and his proposal as “bookends” to the discussion, with a resolution somewhere in the middle. “I want to start at this point and work back towards the point where we can … have agreement in this session. That’s what I’m looking for,” Bergan said. Gov. Kim Reynolds said she was also interested in still moving forward a bill making changes to the ECI system in 2026. Speaking with reporters earlier in April, the governor said this was a bill “we’ve been working on it for two years,” and said she supported efforts to draw down new federal dollars and ensure funds are being used in “the most efficient and effective manner.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Cambria Hotel Bettendorf to be converted to Holiday Inn Express The Cambria Hotel at 5061 Competition Drive in Bettendorf opened in 2019 and will undergo a $3 million renovation as a Holiday Inn Express.
	Nebraska advocates cheer as DOJ downgrades medical cannabis to Schedule III drug Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche signs an order downgrading medical marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act. (Courtesy of U.S. Department of Justice)LINCOLN — After the Trump administration federally downgraded medical marijuana to a less dangerous classification of drug on Thursday, Nebraska federal and state representatives remained largely noncommittal. Advocates, meanwhile, said the move means the “last prohibitionist talking point has collapsed.” “Nebraska officials can still oppose medical cannabis out of stubbornness, but they can no longer hide behind the claim that the federal government says cannabis has no accepted medical use. That excuse is gone,” said John Cartier, attorney general for the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, which is moving forward with its own medical cannabis program, separate from the State of Nebraska. Omaha Tribe of Nebraska Attorney General John Cartier testifies before the Nebraska Legislature’s General Affairs Committee regarding medical cannabis laws for the state and tribe. Oct. 31, 2025. (Courtesy of Omaha Tribe of Nebraska) On Thursday, acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche immediately downgraded state-licensed and U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved marijuana products to Schedule III. Schedule I drugs, such as heroin, LSD, ecstasy and peyote, are drugs the federal government has classified with a high likelihood of abuse and no currently accepted medical value. Schedule III drugs are defined as those with moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, such as Tylenol with codeine, ketamine and testosterone. “This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information,” Blanche said in a Thursday statement. The DOJ said Thursday’s move recognized the “longstanding regulation of medical marijuana by state governments and the need for a commonsense approach to this reality.” Ricketts, Pillen, Bacon respond U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who decided not to seek reelection this year, told the Nebraska Examiner he supports the reclassification, “as it is necessary to allow for further research.” “Schedule I classification restricts the ability of scientists and doctors to conduct proper research into marijuana in a way that is counterproductive,” Bacon said. “As long as individual state laws regarding legality are not preempted, I support this move by the administration.” Some Nebraska leaders have long opposed marijuana and steps under former President Joe Biden or President Donald Trump to move the drug from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act. For instance, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., made national headlines in 2021 when the former Nebraska governor said: “If you legalize marijuana, you’re gonna kill your kids.” The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration states that no deaths from overdoses of marijuana have ever been reported. U.S. Rep. Don Bacon speaks about his decision to retire from Congress and not run again in 2026 at Omaha’s Eppley Airfield. June 30, 2025. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) In response to Thursday’s changes, Ricketts told the Examiner: “From the time I was governor, my stance on this issue has been clear. I remain committed to combatting the growing public health and safety threat marijuana poses.” He did not specify how he might respond. Ricketts and U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., in separate congressional letters in mid-December, urged Trump not to move forward with the change. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers have also spoken against rescheduling marijuana on the state side. Pillen said the federal change “does not alter the ongoing regulatory process to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska” and that the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission would continue its work. “My goal is to honor Nebraska’s vote, while putting safeguards into place to prevent unregulated or unintended marijuana production,” Pillen said in a statement. “We will continue to engage with our federal partners as the process evolves.” Trump has endorsed Pillen, Ricketts, Hilgers and Flood, as well as U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., for reelection this fall. Nebraska AG’s Office ‘currently reviewing’ Hilgers led 10 other states in 2024 in a letter opposing similar marijuana rescheduling that had started under Biden but hadn’t finished before Trump returned in 2025. Other state attorneys general joining Hilgers were from Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, South Carolina and South Dakota. Trump has made clear he hopes to finish the rescheduling process this time, with the DEA moving forward with a new public comment period to move marijuana generally from Schedule I to Schedule III, beginning June 29. “DEA is expeditiously moving forward with the administrative hearing process — bringing consistency and oversight to an area that has lacked both,” DEA Administrator Terry Cole said Thursday. “Our men and women in law enforcement remain committed to fighting drug cartels, the fentanyl epidemic and protecting American lives.” Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, center, holds a newly signed executive order shutting off Medicaid dollars for abortion providers in Nebraska. He is joined by Steve Corsi, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, left, and Attorney General Mike Hilgers. Nov. 6, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) In response to Thursday’s changes, Suzanne Gage, a spokesperson for Hilgers, told the Nebraska Examiner: “Our office is currently reviewing.” In a Dec. 19 interview with the Examiner, one day after Trump signed an executive order to expedite and move forward with rescheduling, Pillen said he disagreed with Trump’s decision. Pillen said keeping marijuana Schedule I “is really important in my view of the world.” “That stuff is a Schedule I drug, and it’s a Schedule I drug in my mind until the whole legislative process changes,” Pillen said at the time. Pillen has couched his position on marijuana as a former veterinarian, a profession he says has more pharmacological studies than any other health care provider. He said marijuana is a Schedule I drug “for a reason” and would always oppose recreational marijuana. “We’re following the law, but it’s not going to come in a way that there can be any abuse and have any opening of a black market for recreational marijuana,” Pillen said in December. “Long as I’m your governor, that’s where it’s going to be.” Congressional reaction Besides Ricketts and Bacon, spokespersons for Flood, Smith and U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., did not immediately respond Thursday when asked for their reaction to the latest Trump administrative move on rescheduling. Fischer has still not answered why, as a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Nebraska was not added to a congressional list prohibiting the federal government, such as the DOJ or DEA, from interfering with state medical cannabis laws. Since 2014, states have been added to the list each year largely without issue. Today, 47 states are protected. No member of Nebraska’s federal delegation has explained why Nebraska’s voter-approved law was not included. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb, addresses a business forum in Ashland as, from left, Sen. Pete Ricketts, Rep. Adrian Smith, Rep. Mike Flood and Rep. Don Bacon listen. Aug. 29, 2024. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) Ricketts and Bacon said they didn’t find out Nebraska was left off in the January update until reporters reached out. “I am for states having the lead when it comes to cannabis policies and prefer the federal government stay away,” Bacon said in February. Ricketts has said he wasn’t a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, a nod to Fischer. When asked whether he would support adding Nebraska, Ricketts sidestepped a reporter’s question. “Whatever we’re doing needs to be following within the law,” said Ricketts, who, as a U.S. senator, can seek to change federal laws, in a March 4 press call. “I’ll note at the federal level that marijuana is still a controlled substance.” State regulations moving forward In November 2024, an overwhelming majority of Nebraska voters legalized the possession of up to 5 ounces of medical cannabis with a health care practitioner’s recommendation. Voters also created the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, a governor-appointed regulatory board, to oversee the state supply chain. The four state medical cannabis commissioners did not respond when asked for comment Thursday on the rescheduling changes. To date, there are no licensed state dispensaries to sell products that would be downgraded under the Trump-Blanche decision, but the commission has crafted regulations toward that goal. Some Nebraskans have gone to surrounding states in the meantime. Commissioners on the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission during an April 13, 2026, meeting. From left, Commissioners Bud Synhorst of Lincoln, Jim Elworth of Nebraska City, Lorelle Mueting of Gretna (interim chair) and J. Michael Coffey of Omaha. All but Mueting also serve on the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) State regulations for the drug are now sitting in Hilgers’ office. Gage said last week that the “standard process” for reviewing and signing off on regulations would be followed. She did not respond to a follow-up question about whether Hilgers’ continued opposition to the drug and questions around the 2024 petition drive might impact his review. Hilgers’ office has suggested it could challenge Nebraska’s laws on preemption grounds, basically arguing that Nebraska can’t legalize marijuana because of federal law on the drug. Those actions have not yet materialized. A former state senator tried to make similar arguments in district court, but the trial judge dismissed the case last year. Hilgers’ office defended state officials while the Medical Cannabis Commission obtained outside legal counsel, with those attorneys asking for the case to be dropped. The former senator’s case has been appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court and heads to oral arguments Monday. It’s unclear what Thursday’s changes might mean for Hilgers’ opposition. Multiple national groups supportive of marijuana said they expect the DOJ changes might be challenged. Marijuana is also shaping up as an election issue in Nebraska, with cross-partisan opponents to Ricketts, Flood, Hilgers, Pillen and others leaning into medical cannabis as an election issue. Former State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont, the Democratic frontrunner challenging Pillen’s reelection, praised the Trump administration’s announcement Thursday: “I’ve heard it in every community I’ve visited across the state. The will of the voters should be upheld and listened to. This is a step in the right direction, especially for patients that are waiting for access.” ‘A personal and political choice’ Cartier said state leaders shouldn’t treat the Omaha Tribe’s lawful program as a threat or question tribal sovereignty. The Omaha Tribe is now reviewing prospective proposals received under a national request and seeking to vet the “right partner.” The Omaha Tribe, Cartier said, aims to be a “regional leader in providing safe, lawful access and meaningful relief to thousands of patients.” Nebraska advocates for medical cannabis have worked for more than 12 years, and continue to wait, for a safe, regulated system in Nebraska, after winning voter approval in November. Pictured are many longtime advocates. (Photos courtesy of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana) Hilgers previously called medical cannabis “poison” and told Nebraskans that if they went to the Omaha Tribe to buy marijuana, as many have said they would, they do so “at their own peril.” Crista Eggers of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, the organization that led the successful 2024 campaign, said opponents had long “hidden” behind the federal classification as “political cover” to justify delay, obstruction and inaction as patients suffered and families waited.” Most Nebraska legislative efforts around medical cannabis have stalled, including one Eggers and other supporters said was critical this month to protecting health care providers who recommend the drug to patients. “From this point forward, any continued delay, obstruction, or attack on medical cannabis is exactly what it is: a personal and a political choice. A deliberate decision to stand in the way of patients and the will of the voters,” Eggers said Thursday. She continued: “If Nebraska officials continue standing in the way, they should at least be honest enough to admit they are doing it because they want to, not because they have to.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE 4:30 pmEditor’s note: This article has been updated with reaction from U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb. Courtesy of Nebraska Examiner
	The FDA gives the green light to the first gene therapy for deafness The treatment, developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, is for a very rare form of deafness. But it represents a medical milestone.
	Too much sun exposure? Treatments for sun-damaged skin If you see brown spots or crusty red patches, there are some treatments that might help improve the appearance of your skin.
	Mississippi River at Rock Island to crest at moderate flood stage Friday before falling The Mississippi River at Rock Island will crest at about 16.1 feet on Friday, reaching moderate flood stage before falling below that level into the weekend.
	Augustana Prison Education Program holding fundraiser trivia night to raise money for student supplies The Augustana Prison Education Program (APEP) is currently teaching 36 students at the East Moline Correctional Center (EMCC) in its fifth year. One student who was released from the EMCC is finishing their degree at Augustana College and will graduate in May, along with 10 other EMCC students.
	Gov. Morrisey signs Rural Health Transformation funding bill Gov. Patrick Morrisey holds a ceremonial bill signing for Senate Bill 570 in Mercer County, West Virginia on Thursday, April 23, 2026. (West Virginia Office of Gov. Patrick Morrisey video screenshot)The state of West Virginia plans to release some details soon about how it will begin to award approximately $200 million in funding from the federal government’s Rural Health Transformation Program. The state Department of Health will begin to release competitive awards for funding availability for the program on a rolling basis over the next two weeks. The initial grants will focus specifically on the workforce, recruitment and community-based nutrition aspects of the program, Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s office said in a news release. Morrisey on Thursday held a ceremonial bill signing for Senate Bill 570, which authorizes the state to spend the money. The governor hosted the bill signing ceremony at WVU Medicine’s Princeton Community Hospital in Mercer County. “(The funding is) going to provide facilities like this and health care providers across the state with opportunities to make deep improvements in terms of how they’re delivering care to patients, more accessibility in terms of the ability to access the health care choices that we need, improvements in terms of recruiting, retention,” Morrisey said. The five-year, $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program aims to “transform the existing rural health care infrastructure and build sustainable health care systems that expand access, enhance quality of care, and improve outcomes for patients,” according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The program was authorized under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which made historic cuts to health care funding. Under Morrisey’s plan for the program, West Virginia rural schools, libraries and other community institutions would be outfitted for use in telemedicine. The state also plans to address the state’s health care worker shortage by recruiting high school students to health care careers, adding health care faculty at regional and technical colleges and using financial incentives to attract and keep providers in rural areas. Another of the initiatives, the Rural Health Link, would provide patients access to transportation to medical appointments using public buses, ride-share services and volunteer drivers. “At the start of my administration, I was clear: we must transform health in West Virginia,” Morrisey said in the news release. “Today, we are providing the means to move West Virginia from the bottom of national health metrics to the very top. With $199 million in year one alone, we are empowered to revolutionize care for every citizen, from our smallest hollows to our largest cities.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of West Virginia Watch
	Expert: Artemis II proves spacecraft readiness for longer space travel It's been two weeks since the Artemis II astronauts returned. An Iowa expert explains what they learned, what the purpose of their journey was and what's next.
	Meta will lay off 10% of its staff The cuts follow losses in two pivotal court cases and the company's push to invest in artificial intelligence.
	House, Senate call 18-day budget special session for May 12-29 House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton have reached a budget agreement and a special session has been called for May 12-29. (iStock/Getty Images Plus)Here comes another special session. Florida House and Senate leaders announced Thursday that they have agreed to spend about $52 billion in general revenue dollars in the next fiscal year on the state’s priorities, finally clearing the way for the Legislature to do the one thing it’s annually required to do: Pass a budget. The Republicans who control the Legislature have been at odds over state spending for weeks now and were unable to pass a budget during their regular session that ended in March. It marked the second year in a row that GOP leaders were unable to resolve their differences on time. Legislators will now return to Tallahassee May 12-29 for an 18-day special session dedicated to crafting the fiscal year 2026-27 budget to guide spending from July 1 through June 30, 2027. This will mark the second special session of the year. Lawmakers already are scheduled to come back next week for a special session dedicated to redistricting, artificial intelligence, and vaccines. The announced agreement calls for legislators to set aside $22.8 billion in state dollars for both K-12 and higher education, more than any other section of the budget, followed by $19.2 billion for health and human services. Combined, those areas account for slightly more than $40.2 billion, or more than 77% of the state funds the leadership has agreed to spend. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The announcement did not include the overall dollar amount for the FY 2026-27 budget, only the general revenue allocations. That’s Florida’s main budget account that comes from sales taxes, corporate income taxes, and other sources. The overall amount for the budget goes beyond state general revenue funds and includes federal funds. More than 54% of the $114.8 billion FY 25-26 budget comes from federal trust funds. The agreed-to $52 billion in general revenue spending exceeds the near $50.6 billion in general revenue spending in the current year’s budget. Senate President Ben Albritton, left, and House Speaker Daniel Perez, right. (Photos by Christine Sexton and Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) Nevertheless, in written statements both House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, and Senate President Ben Abritton, R-Wauchula, stressed that the spending agreement will yield a smaller budget for the coming year than the current year. “I am pleased to announce that, for the second consecutive year, our budget will reduce overall government spending while responsibly directing taxpayer dollars toward essential priorities,” Perez told members in a memo. Albritton told his members, “As with the budget passed off the Senate Floor, our final budget will be lower than Florida’s state budget for the current fiscal year, facilitating long-term financial stability and continuing our focus on keeping taxes low, paying down debt and saving for the future.” Reducing state spending has been a priority for Perez, who throughout the regular session voiced concerns about a turning economy. He based that sentiment in part on a three-year outlook drawn by state economists. The outlook — last updated in September — doesn’t predict the overall funding levels of future state budgets; it provides a baseline to help the Legislature plan for the state’s coming financial needs. But the most recent outlook projected a $3.7 billion surplus for FY 25-26, the current year, but then deficits for FY 2026-27 and 2027-28. The projected deficit for FY 26-27, the budget lawmakers will work on next month, is more than $1.5 billion and soars to nearly $6.6 billion in FY 27-28. A closer look at the House and Senate proposed spending plans for FY 26-27 Meanwhile, legislators won’t start from Ground Zero when they return to Tallahassee. Perez’s memo to his members makes clear that the chambers will use the proposed spending plans offered during the regular session as a starting point. The House passed a proposed $113.6 billion budget whereas the Senate passed a $115 billion spending plan. Albritton and Perez agreed to an 18-day special session but most members of the Legislature will be at work for just three days before returning to their districts. The schedule released shows that committee negotiations will take place May 12-15. Any outstanding differences that haven’t been resolved by budget spending committees by then will be “bumped” to Senate Appropriations Chairman Sen. Ed Hooper and House budget chief McClure, along with Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton, R- Wauchula, to resolve. “Senators should plan to return to Tallahassee the week after Memorial Day to vote on the conference report,” Albritton said. 2025 extended session cost Florida taxpayers more than $259K This is the second time in as many years that the Republican-led Legislature has not passed a budget during the regular 60-day session. When lawmakers can’t complete their work on time and are required to hold special session, it increases costs for taxpayers. Last year’s extended session on spending and tax relief cost slightly more than $259,000, according to figures compiled by the Office of Legislative Services and obtained by the Phoenix. That’s the second highest total associated with a special or extended session since 2018. A special session in May 2021 to ratify a gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe cost more than $131,000. Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Federal judge rules trial in case against Health and Human Services can move forward In 2021, a coalition of nonprofit groups and attorneys sued the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, which operates the Choices for Independence program. (Photo by Dana Wormald/New Hampshire Bulletin)A trial could soon determine the fate of Choices for Independence, New Hampshire’s at-home care program for people with physical disabilities and the elderly. Judge Paul Barbadoro, who presides over the U.S. District Court of New Hampshire, ruled against a series of motions for summary judgment from both parties, which would’ve ended the case before a trial moved forward. Barbadoro is expected to set a trial date soon. Choices for Independence is a Medicaid-funded program that seeks to provide participants with the care they need to stay at home instead of going to a nursing home. For those who use a wheelchair, this might mean a personal care aide comes to their house to help them out of bed, into the shower, and to get dressed. For older residents, it might mean someone delivers groceries to their home and cooks their meals. To qualify for the program, a person must have a condition or disability that would make them Medicaid-eligible for placement in a nursing home. Notably, it typically costs the state three times as much money to house someone in a nursing home than provide in-home care, according to evidence presented in court. About 5,000 people participate in the program, the state said in court filings. In 2021, a coalition of nonprofit groups and attorneys — including the AARP Foundation, the Disability Rights Center-NH, New Hampshire Legal Assistance, and the private law firm Nixon Peabody — sued the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, which operates the program, arguing that years of underinvestment have left it so lackluster it risks forcing participants into nursing homes anyway. This is, as the plaintiffs argue, a violation of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, which protects people from being institutionalized in many cases. In 2023, the case — Fitzmorris v. NH Department of Health and Human Services — became a class-action lawsuit, greatly expanding its reach. The department and its attorneys — the private law firm Brown & Peisch — have argued, among other things, that the plaintiffs are asking the court to mandate something beyond what the ADA and Rehabilitation Act require of it and that the risks of institutionalization are actually insubstantial. Health and Human Services has acknowledged the staffing shortage in the program, but it hasn’t committed to addressing that shortage on its own outside a court order. Courtesy of New Hampshire Bulletin
	Bettendorf Police launch child abuse prevention patch to support local nonprofit Bettendorf Police are selling a child abuse prevention patch in April, with proceeds benefiting a local advocacy center serving children in eastern Iowa.
	Expert: Artemis II proves spacecraft readiness for longer space travel It's been two weeks since the Artemis II astronauts returned. An Iowa expert explains what they learned, what the purpose of their journey was and what's next.
	Airlines in Europe slash thousands of flights as Iran war cuts jet fuel supplies The soaring cost of jet fuel is forcing European airlines to cancel tens of thousands of flights, while energy authorities warned of a possible jet fuel shortage if supplies aren't replenished soon.
	Virtual parole hearing bill dies after Alabama Legislature fails to act on governor’s changes Gov. Kay Ivey enters the Alabama State Capitol ahead of the State of the State address speech on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Montgomery, Ala. A bill that would have allowed parole applicants, crime victims and law enforcement to participate remotely in parole hearings died after the Legislature failed to act on changes proposed by Ivey before adjourning. (Estela Muñoz for Alabama Reflector)A bill that would have allowed parole applicants, victims and law enforcement to virtually address the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles died after lawmakers failed to act on an executive amendment from Gov. Kay Ivey on the final day of the 2026 legislative session. SB 240, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road had bipartisan support and went to Ivey on April 7. However, Ivey proposed a change to the bill that Gina Maiola, a spokeswoman for Ivey, said was “necessary” in a statement on Wednesday. “It would have changed the effective date to coincide with the fiscal year and required General Fund support to make sure this was not an unfunded mandate,” the statement said. Ivey wanted the General Fund money to pay for technology to implement the law and change the effective date of the act from March 2027 to October 2027. The Legislature did not act on the amendment before adjourning, killing the legislation. A message was sent to Barfoot on Thursday seeking comment. Parole reform SB 240 was one of three bills that lawmakers approved that dealt with parole reform. One allows the parole board greater discretion for deciding whether to revoke parole while a second codified into law that members of the parole board must factor the education classes and employment history of someone who is incarcerated when deciding whether to grant parole for an applicant. Those other two bills passed. “It is unfortunate, particularly given the broad support that it received from the Legislature,” said Jerome Dees, policy director for the Southern Poverty Law Center, in an interview on Thursday. “It is rare that we see in the Alabama Legislature a bill that receives that kind of support in both chambers.” A’Niya Robinson, policy director for the ACLU of Alabama, said she was disappointed. “It is a bipartisan bill, and this was something that groups from across the spectrum had been working on for years,” she said. With the bill dead, the parole board will not be able to address applicants directly during their parole hearings and instead will rely on written statements submitted by the applicants, their families and any others who support them getting granted parole. “What we have seen historically is that those documents are not always read over and thoroughly viewed,” Dees said. “There have been instances in the past of the parole board denying parole to deceased individuals, folks who have died while in custody in between their application and the actual hearing. If they are going through that process and denying those folks, not even knowing that they are no longer alive, I think that speaks to the lack of thoroughness that is sometimes given to that review process.” For Robinson, it halted progress on criminal justice reform. “We did see some strides this year,” she said. “We did see the passage of SB 254 and HB 86, and we also had some lively Joint Prison Oversight Committee hearings, so there is definitely an appetite for criminal justice reform in this state.” Victims and their families will also have to drive to address the board. “As a prosecutor, I have done that before for parole hearings,” said Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, a supporter of the bill, in an interview on Wednesday. “You have to get up at 5,6, in the morning on state time. You have to drive up here in a state vehicle, pay for gas. You would just pay for a television and internet connection. It is not that hard.” New technology SB 240 would have not changed the current parole process writ large but instead would have established the rules and incorporated the technology to allow participants to partake in the proceedings virtually. Under SB 240, the parole board would have been required to allow applicants to participate in the hearing virtually, be that by phone, video conference or other similar manner. It also would have required victims and their supporters to either hear or see the statement from the applicant and would have required the two parties separated so they do not see one another if requested. Lawmakers had been trying to enact the same bill for the past three years but have continued to fall short of getting it enacted into law. Cam Ward, director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, said the technology is available to allow for that, and that it would replicate the process used by other states. Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, brought up the issue during the Joint Prison Oversight Committee meeting on Wednesday. “Right now, inside the facilities, you have the technology, and if you don’t, you do what is necessary to accommodate them so they can have their virtual hearing with the judge,” he said to Charles Williams, deputy commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections at the meeting. Williams said ADOC will accommodate a virtual hearing, if possible, in some circumstances because the technology is available at some Corrections facilities but not all. At times when it is not possible for people to speak with the judge virtually, people who are incarcerated are transported to the hearing. England asked who provided the technology. Williams said it was the ADOC that was responsible for the technology. England then asked if Corrections provided tablets to make it possible for people to participate in court hearings virtually. Williams said he would look into it. “For them to kill that bill because of money when, as you heard them testify, that we have the infrastructure all over our system to provide virtual access for inmates to their judge for virtual hearings for court but then turned around and say that we do not have the money for parole, is just being disingenuous,” England said. Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	The Scandinavian sleep method: Why couples who use two duvets sleep better together The Scandinavian sleep method: Why couples who use two duvets sleep better togetherForget fighting over the covers, disturbing each other's sleep or opting to sleep separately. The Scandinavian sleep method is an individual approach to making the bed that helps couples sleep better together by creating a peaceful and personalized experience for both partners.Want to sleep like a Scandinavian? Keep reading as Naturepedic shows the way.The Scandinavian Sleep Method at a GlanceThe method: two separate duvets on one bed.Designed for couples with different sleep preferences.Helps to reduce nighttime disruptions.Allows for individualized comfort and temperature.Common in Sweden, Denmark and Norway.What is the Scandinavian Sleep Method?Here’s the scoop: The Scandinavian sleep method is a sleep arrangement where couples sleep under separate duvets on the same bed, rather than sharing one large duvet.This method is popular in Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Denmark and Norway, where it is believed to promote better sleep by reducing disturbances caused by tugging the blanket or differences in temperature preferences.The practice stems from the region's unique culture, which encourages comfort and practicality in daily life, and reflects the broader philosophy behind Scandinavian design: functionality and simplicity. And while it may be unconventional, the Scandinavian sleep method really does help some couples to maintain consistent, quality sleep and ultimately contributes to healthier relationships and better intimacy.4 Benefits of the Scandinavian Sleep Method1. Improved Sleep QualityThe Scandinavian sleep method eliminates the common disturbances of blanket tug-of-war, reducing night-time disruptions and promoting a more restful sleep for both partners. By ensuring everyone stays comfortably covered throughout the night, it fosters better sleep hygiene and a more peaceful, uninterrupted rest.2. Better Temperature RegulationBy using individual duvets, each person can choose the warmth level that suits them best. Hot sleepers might like cooling bedding made out of organic fibers such as cotton percale or linen, while cold sleepers might opt for cozy sateen bedding versus percale bedding or wool duvet inserts. This personalized approach prevents overheating or getting too chilly during the night, and it helps both partners to maintain their optimal sleep temperature, keep cozy and wake up feeling refreshed.3. Individualized Sleep SpaceNo two people sleep the same, so why should your bedding be the same? If you prefer different warmth levels, textures or weights, chances are you may prefer different bedding materials, too. You don’t have to compromise with the Scandinavian sleep method.4. Avoid Sleeping in Separate BedsSleeping separately doesn’t exactly promote intimacy, and there are so many important benefits to cuddling the one you love, like increased REM and a reduction in stress. The Scandinavian sleep method helps avoid the dreaded sleep divorce of sleeping in separate beds and can ultimately improve your relationship. Well-rested partners are more patient, affectionate and connected, allowing for better communication and deeper emotional bonds. You can still achieve that cozy, co-sleeping experience without having to share the covers.How to Make Your Bed Scandinavian StyleCreate a close and cozy co-sleeping environment with just a few simple steps. Here’s how to make your bed using the Scandinavian sleep method.1. Start with a Fitted Sheet: Cover your mattress with a fitted sheet, ensuring it's smooth and wrinkle-free. Consider forgoing a top sheet.2. Add Two Twin Duvets: Instead of one large duvet, use two twin-sized duvets. Place them side by side, each covering half of the bed.3. Add Pillows: Place your pillows at the head of the bed, arranging them as you like.4. Finish with a Bedspread: This part’s optional. You can add a light bedspread or blanket over the duvets to mask the dividing line.And there you have it — your bed is now ready for the ultimate Scandinavian sleep experience. With each side tailored to individual comfort, you can snooze soundly without disturbing your partner.FAQs About the Scandinavian Sleep MethodStill have questions? Here are a few quick answers to help you get started with the Scandinavian sleep method.Can You Cuddle With the Scandinavian Sleep Method?Yes. The Scandinavian sleep method doesn’t prevent closeness; it just changes how you sleep. Couples can still cuddle or share a duvet at the beginning of the night, then separate into individual duvets for uninterrupted sleep.Why Do Germans Also Have Separate Duvets?It's not just a Scandinavian thing. In Germany and other parts of Europe, separate duvets are common because bedding is designed for individual use rather than shared use. Many beds are made with two single duvets instead of one large comforter, which makes it easier for each person to control their own warmth and avoid disruptions during the night.What Size Comforter Do I Need for the Scandinavian Sleep Method?The Scandinavian sleep method typically uses two twin or twin XL duvets on a shared bed. On a queen mattress, two twin duvets usually provide enough coverage. On a king mattress, two twin XL duvets offer a better fit. The goal is for each person to have a fully separate blanket.Do You Use a Top Sheet With the Scandinavian Sleep Method?Most Scandinavian sleep method setups skip the top sheet. Instead, each person uses a duvet with a removable, washable cover. However, a top sheet can still be used if you prefer — do whatever works best for you.Can You Use the Scandinavian Sleep Method on a Queen Bed?Yes. The Scandinavian sleep method works well on a queen bed using two twin duvets placed side by side. You don’t need a larger mattress to try it.This story was produced by Naturepedic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Chicago Bears want changes to megaprojects bill approved by Illinois House approves The measure, which passed 78-32, is ostensibly a step toward keeping “the pride and joy of Illinois” from bolting for Indiana, where Hoosier lawmakers have tried to lure the NFL’s founding franchise with the promise of more than $1 billion in public subsidies to build a football palace just across the state line in Hammond.
	As other states expand quality pre-K, North Carolina lags behind NC Gov. Josh Stein, with Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt (seated at right) looking on, reads to children at Kate’s Korner Learning Center in Durham on March 10, 2025. (Photo: Lynn Bonner/NC Newsline)A new national study by the National Institute for Early Education Research finds North Carolina ranks 32nd in the nation in providing preschool access to four-year-olds. The 2025 State of Preschool Yearbook notes that North Carolina spent less on preschool programs and enrolled fewer children in the 2024-2025 school year than the previous year. Steve Barnett, NIEER’s senior director and founder (Photo: NIEER) According to the report, N.C. Pre-K served 26,707 of the state’s four-year-olds, about 21%. Compare that to South Carolina, which served 45% of its four-year-olds and 6% of eligible three-year-olds. Steve Barnett, NIEER’s senior director and founder, said it’s fair to say that North Carolina is heading in the wrong direction. In 2024-25, North Carolina spent nearly $1,000 less per-pupil on the state pre-K program than the year before, Barnett said. “Georgia, by contrast, has a universal preschool program that newly meets all 10 of our research-based quality standards, showing that quality preschool can be expanded at scale,” said Barnett. Barnett said participation rates in pre-K are also vastly different from county to county in North Carolina. “When the state underfunds the program, local dollars have to make up the difference,” said Barnett. “Some communities have those local dollars to make up the difference for more kids. Other communities, rural communities may already be stretched thin.” Allison Friedman-Krauss, lead author of the NIEER report (Photo: NIEER) Allison Friedman-Krauss, lead author of the NIEER report, said in recent years North Carolina, like other states, used federal COVID-19 funding to support their preschool programs. But with the loss of pandemic dollars, many states have decreased their spending per child and their overall spending on early childhood education. At the same time, childcare centers have struggled to keep their doors open and retain high-quality staff. North Carolina has lost 262 childcare operators in the last two and a half years. “That’s a real issue happening in child care, but also in preschools across the country,” said Friedman-Krauss. “Child care is expensive, and it’s really important that states and programs prioritize not just the access to those child care programs, but thinking about that quality … how can we get qualified teachers in those doors and then pay them so that they will stay?” It’s a problem that many young parents are painfully aware of. The average annual cost of an infant in child care in North Carolina is $11,720, according to the N.C. Task Force on Child Care and Early Education. For two children in child care, the average annual cost for parents is nearly $19,500. It’s an affordability problem the state cannot afford to ignore, said Barnett. ‘Distraught and pissed off’: Businesses, providers sound alarm over cracks in NC child care industry “Parents have to work. The question then becomes, what’s happening to their young children? Are they in arrangements that the parents aren’t happy with, that aren’t particularly good for the kids?” Barnett said. In his budget recommendations this week, Gov. Josh Stein proposed a refundable child care tax credit providing an average credit of $250 per year to help offset childcare costs. Stein’s budget would also include an additional $11 million recurring investment in N.C. Pre-K for FY 2026-27. The governor’s budget earmarks $80 million to stabilize child care programs across the state and establishes a statewide subsidy reimbursement rate floor. Barnett said lawmakers need to consider that children who miss out on pre-K and high-quality early childhood education programs do worse in school, struggle to focus, and may even have a smaller vocabulary. “That’s going to hinder them for a long time,” said Barnett. “It’s very difficult to make up for these early deficits.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of NC Newsline
	Inspired by Coachella to hire influencers? What your contract should cover Inspired by Coachella to hire influencers? What your contract should coverInfluencer marketing surges around big events like Coachella, with brands sponsoring or paying for even just a mention. But not every sponsorship works out because sometimes a clear contract is not in place. Clear agreements help both parties avoid confusion, explain expectations and deliverables, and stop you from wasting budget.Big events like Coachella highlight how powerful influencer marketing has become. Sure, they are great places to listen to live music and grab a drink, but they are called the influencer olympics for a reason. Many small businesses have started hiring influencers to promote launches, pop-ups, or seasonal campaigns to compete in a shifting marketing landscape.It can be a smart move, but without a clear agreement, these partnerships can quickly lead to missed posts, unclear expectations, or disputes over payment and content.If you’re working with a limited budget and a small team, every partnership matters, and having a simple, well-structured agreement in place is essential to make sure your business is protected.Rocket Lawyer outlines what small businesses should include in an influencer agreement to avoid common issues.Influencer Agreement and What They Should Actually CoverAn influencer agreement is essentially just a written understanding of what each side is responsible for. It is not meant to be overly complex; it just needs to be clear.Here are a few key areas to define:1. Deliverables (What They Need To Do)Be as specific as possible. Will the influencer post an Instagram reel? Four IG stories? A TikTok video about your business? Vague expectations like “post about the event” leave room for misunderstandings and bad interpretations.2. Timeline (When Deliverables Need To Happen)Tie the deliverables to due dates. For example: “Two posts during the event and one recap within 48 hours after.” This tends to matter even more for time-sensitive events like Coachella-style campaigns, where timing drives visibility. If the timeline is missed, your chance to be relevant in the space might be as well.3. Payment or CompensationHow are you compensating them for their work? Are you paying cash, offering free products, or both? Make sure you outline exactly what you are giving them in exchange for the deliverables. Include the amount/value, payment timing, and what happens if the deliverables aren’t met.4. Content Usage (Who Will Own the Content)Many businesses assume they can reuse influencer content in ads or on their website; however, that’s not always the case. If you want to reuse content, you need to explicitly state that in the contract. It can cause big issues down the road if you don’t write this out.Common Gaps in an Agreement That Lead to ProblemsSmall businesses often rely on informal agreements: DMs, emails, texts, or verbal deals. That can cause major issues down the line.Here are a few common risks to watch for:Missed or low-quality posts or brand misalignment: The influencer delivers something different from what was expected, or it doesn’t align with your brand because there were no specific deliverables agreed upon.Late content: Posts go live after your event or promotion window because the timeline wasn’t set.Payment disputes: Confusion about what was promised versus delivered, and payment was either sent prematurely or didn’t go out at all.These issues are more often than not avoidable with clearer legal agreements. Make sure you protect your business and what you've built by creating a legally binding agreement, rather than taking the easy route of an informal agreement.Questions SMBs Should Ask Before Hiring InfluencersBefore you hire an influencer, take a moment to step back and ask a few key questions:What exactly do I want from this partnership? Do I have clear deliverables, or am I relying on general expectations?How am I handling compensation? Am I offering payment, free products, or both? And is that clearly documented?What happens if the influencer doesn’t deliver? Do I have a clause in place if timelines or quality aren’t met?Can I reuse the content they create? Have I defined usage rights, or do I need to ask a legal professional to help clarify this?Ask these questions before you hire an influencer to minimize risk and prevent potential issues.How to Get StartedYou don’t need a complicated system to get started. Just make sure you start with a structured approach.Write down your expectations and what you are hoping to gain from this agreement before reaching out. Define the deliverables, timing, and compensation so you’re clear on the agreement outline from the beginning.Use an agreement for every collaboration. Even a short and simple contract is better than relying on messages or verbal promises.If you have had past influencer partnerships, review them. Look for patterns. See what worked, what didn’t, and where expectations were unclear.If you are unsure, get help. You can reference online legal resources to draft a basic influencer agreement or talk to a legal professional to make sure your terms are solid.Working with influencers is a powerful way to grow your business, and with the right structure in place, you can make sure your business stays protected through it all.This story was produced by Rocket Lawyer and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	OpenAI just launched its own ads manager. The $50K entry point is the smallest part of the story. OpenAI just launched its own ads manager. The $50K entry point is the smallest part of the story.As of April 10, OpenAI’s ChatGPT ad pilot is officially self-serve. That means advertisers can now track impressions and clicks in real time without routing through OpenAI's sales team. Additionally, the minimum spend dropped from somewhere between $200,000 and $250,000 down to $50,000, making it much more accessible for smaller organizations. This price cut will get attention from anyone watching the channel, but for a performance marketer or DTC brand weighing whether to actually test this, the number that matters more is 1.5.TL;DR: OpenAI's new self-serve ads manager lowers the barrier to entry for ChatGPT advertising, but the pilot is still limited, and access isn't guaranteed. The more important question is whether the channel's conversion data justifies getting in now, and for the right product categories, it absolutely does.Floodlight, a programmatic ad solutions provider, examines what OpenAI's self-serve ads manager means for advertisers and whether the conversion data justifies getting in early.What the Ads Manager Actually ChangesPrior to April 10, buying ads on ChatGPT meant going through OpenAI's sales team directly or working with a certified partner. Digiday reported that the new self-serve tool gives advertisers real-time visibility into impressions and clicks without that intermediary step. Advertiser sources have described the interface as being similar to Google Ads in terms of layout. That's not an accident. It’s no surprise that familiar tools get adopted faster, and OpenAI needs adoption to build the revenue case ahead of its expected IPO later this year.Currently, ads appear at the bottom of ChatGPT responses for free and Go tier users in the U.S., labeled as sponsored and visually separated from the organic answer. OpenAI has stated that ads do not influence what ChatGPT says and that conversation data is not shared with advertisers. The ad inventory itself has been live since February 2026, but as mentioned before, the minimum spend and barrier to entry were very high. What changed on April 10 is that measuring and managing those placements got significantly more accessible.Why LLM-Referred Traffic Converts 50% BetterCriteo joined the ChatGPT ad pilot in March 2026, bringing roughly 17,000 commerce advertisers with it. Digiday named Criteo as OpenAI's first certified ad tech partner. The aggregated U.S. client data Criteo has published shows that users arriving from an LLM referral convert at approximately 1.5 times the rate of users from other referral channels.Take a typical Google search. Someone types "running shoes" or "dinner ideas" and gets back a page of sponsored listings, Google Shopping carousels, Business Profiles, and 10 blue links all competing for the same click. The user will desperately tab, compare pages, and try to concoct a trustworthy answer from sources that all have some reason to sell them something. It's a process that asks the user to form their own opinion, and plenty of people give up or second-guess themselves before they ever buy.On ChatGPT, instead of typing "running shoes," the user types something along the lines of: "I have wide feet, my knees have been hurting on longer runs, and I mostly train on pavement. What running shoes should I look at?" ChatGPT doesn't return ten links. It synthesizes what it knows about stability shoes, drop height, and wide-toe-box options and gives a direct answer built around that person's specific situation. The user didn't have to do the comparison work. ChatGPT did it for them. Users understand the power of ChatGPT and know that it can crawl data from across the internet to give them the “perfect” answer. It makes complete sense why LLM referral converts at ~1.5 times the rate of other channels.A 1.5 conversion lift at the referral stage changes the unit economics of a test campaign. Media cost per click is still uncertain and will likely vary by category and competition. But if a channel consistently delivers traffic that closes at that rate, it warrants a budget allocation even before the cost structure is fully understood.What $50K Actually Gets YouWhile the spend minimum has come down substantially, brands still need to reach OpenAI's sales team or a certified partner to participate. Meeting the spend threshold is a prerequisite. It does not guarantee access.The most direct path in right now is through Criteo, which brought its existing commerce network into the pilot. For brands already running performance campaigns through Criteo's platform, that's worth a conversation with their account team.This is also early enough that the Criteo conversion data, while directionally promising, reflects a thin sample. The 1.5 times figure comes from aggregate behavior across a limited pilot. Category performance will vary. Some product types will outperform that benchmark, while others won't get close.The IPO ContextOpenAI's IPO is expected later this year. The company is projecting $2.5 billion in ad revenue for 2026, with projections to reach past $100 billion by 2030. Those may prove to be lofty goals since ad industry forecasts at the early stage of a new channel have a consistent history of revision. The 2030 number in particular should be read as an aspiration, not a guarantee.Regardless of whether those numbers hold, OpenAI is clearly building ads into its core business. That means more inventory, better tools, and a lot more competition over time. Early testers will have a head start when access opens up. The ones who wait will be learning the hard way while paying higher rates to do it.How to Prepare Before the ChatGPT Ads Pilot Opens FurtherMatch Categories to the FormatChatGPT ads are better suited to high-consideration purchases. Products that people research before buying, where the decision involves some complexity, and where a detailed ChatGPT answer might include a recommendation or a comparison.Categories like home improvement, skincare, supplements, and apparel where fit actually matters are a natural match. People research these before spending money, and ChatGPT is increasingly where that research happens. Impulse purchases don't work as well here. If someone buys it without thinking twice, they're probably not asking an AI about it first.Rethink the Creative BriefThe ChatGPT interface isn't a feed where people are browsing. It’s where someone asked a question, got an answer, and your ad is the next thing they see. This is a completely different experience from an Instagram ad interrupting someone’s scroll, and the creative should reflect that.Audit the Attribution StackBefore spending anything, make sure ChatGPT traffic shows up as its own source in your analytics. If it gets lumped in with everything else under "referral," you won't be able to tell what's working. The whole point of an early test is learning something, and that only happens if the data is clean enough to read.The brands that win here won't be the ones who threw the most money at it first. They'll be the ones who came in knowing what they were testing, picked the right products, and set up their tracking before they spent a dollar. None of that is complicated. It just has to happen before the channel gets crowded, and there's still time to do it.This story was produced by Floodlight and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Judge tosses free-speech lawsuit of ex-professor who praised Hitler Jason Reza Jorjani sued the New Jersey Institute of Technology for ending his employment in 2018 over his controversial comments about Adolf Hitler. A federal judge dismissed the case on April 20, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Institute of Technology)A federal judge has dismissed the long-running lawsuit a far-right philosopher filed against a New Jersey university, which had booted him from the classroom after learning he praised Adolf Hitler and made other controversial comments off campus. U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martini said Jason Reza Jorjani failed to prove his claim that the New Jersey Institute of Technology violated his free-speech rights by refusing to renew his teaching contract in 2018, in retaliation for provocative comments he made at a Manhattan bar in 2017. Jorjani sued the school in July 2018, a federal judge dismissed the case in 2024, Jorjani appealed, and an appellate panel ruled in Jorjani’s favor last September, vacating the dismissal and reviving his claim. But Martini on Monday dismissed the case with prejudice, a final judgment that means Jorjani cannot proceed any further with his claims, and granted qualified immunity to several school administrators named as defendants. Qualified immunity shields public employees from liability for actions they take as part of their job. Martini conceded that times have changed since 2018, with courts elsewhere acting to protect professors’ and students’ free-speech rights, even when speech offends. He pointed to several recent precedential rulings, including one in Ohio where federal judges in 2021 sided with a Christian professor who claimed retaliation after he was disciplined for refusing to refer to students by their preferred pronouns as his university required. In another ruling last year, a federal appeals panel decreed that a Washington professor’s free-speech rights outweighed the offense students felt when he mocked a university’s recommended indigenous land acknowledgment statement. “Debate and disagreement are hallmarks of higher education,” the panel wrote in the latter case. But in Jorjani’s case, Martini wrote, the time, place, and content of his comments matter. “Although these other circuits point in favor of plaintiff, these published decisions came out after the relevant events, underscoring that until recently, the law was unsettled,” he wrote. While it’s clearly established that a public employer can’t retaliate against an employee for publicly criticizing their workplace, there’s less national consensus on speech that offends, he added. In the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, where New Jersey is, judges historically have deemed offensive speech to be unprotected, especially when it roils a campus or community, he added. “This court cannot identify any binding case protecting a public employee’s extramural speech unrelated to the workplace before now, much less speech of a teacher, particularly where there was some evidence of disruption,” Martini wrote. Had Jorjani made his controversial comments today, the outcome might be different, Martini suggested. That’s because the Third Circuit court in September “concluded for the first time in a precedential opinion that extramural speech unrelated to the workplace was protected in light of the evidence of disruption that defendants presented,” he wrote. Jorjani, an Iranian-American author and native New Yorker, did not respond to a request for comment. He now writes a Substack, with recent topics including the war in Iran, reincarnation, astrology, and comics and pop culture. Matthew R. Golden, a university spokesman, said school officials “are pleased that this matter is resolved.” Jorjani was a non-tenured lecturer at the school in Newark, where more than half of the 13,000 students enrolled are people of color, when a column and video published in The New York Times in 2017 revealed his controversial comments about Hitler, fascism, race, immigration, and the Trump administration. The column also disclosed that he had founded an alt-right corporation and website with white nationalist Richard Spencer. School officials said the revelations sparked outrage on campus, and they placed Jorjani, who they first hired in 2015, on paid leave. They hired a law firm to investigate and ultimately decided against renewing his contract, court records show. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Courtesy of New Jersey Monitor
	After much debate, House passes bill to restrict sex offenders near child care programs, schools Portsmouth Democratic Rep. Buzz Scherr, at the podium during Thursday's House of Representatives voting session. (Photo by Maya Mitchell/ New Hampshire Bulletin)After heated floor debates and a failed motion to table, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted in favor of passing a bill that would prevent sex offenders from loitering around schools and child care facilities. In a voice vote, the House voted “ought to pass” on Senate Bill 460, which would alter the state’s sex offender law to create a “child safety zone” and prevent tier III sex offenders from being within 500 feet of the zone without a “legitimate purpose.” The bill defines child safety zones as public or private K-12 schools; licensed child care facilities; public parks, playgrounds, and pools; and designated school bus stop areas. It states that legitimate purposes include an offender transporting their own child to a safety zone; participating in a constitutionally protected activity, such as voting; and taking themselves to and from home or work, if established prior to the bill being enacted. Under New Hampshire state law, tier III sex offenders are any offender convicted of more than two sexual offenses or offenses against a child, any offender civilly committed as a sexually violent predator, or otherwise required to register for an equivalent offense in another state. A violation of SB 460 would result in a class B felony. On the House floor and during the bill’s hearing, legislators and lobbyists have pushed back against the bill, citing ongoing issues with the state’s loitering laws and constitutionality. House Bill 1239, the twin bill to SB 460, was voted down last month after arguments that the bill aimed to change New Hampshire’s currently contested loitering law. In September, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire filed a federal lawsuit against the state, alleging that the current law is unconstitutional and unfairly targets homeless people because of its vague language. Fearing the bill would interfere with the lawsuit, the House voted it inexpedient to legislate. During the March hearing on SB 460, the same concerns were raised. Gilles Bissonnette, lawyer and legal director for the ACLU of New Hampshire, said the initial version of SB 460 had “multiple layers of vagueness” and hoped an amendment would ease concerns. Other concerns regarding constitutional usages of safety zone spaces, such as schools being used as voting locations, and requirements to notify offenders of the change were also raised. To avoid the same issue, the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted in favor of an amendment that would alter the state’s sex offender laws instead. The amendment also reduces the level of offenders the bill would apply to from tier II and tier III to just tier III. Jackie Cowell, executive director of Early Learning New Hampshire, an organization that represents and advocates for New Hampshire child care providers, said she was “OK” with the change because the Department of Safety was OK with the change. Cowell and other child care providers worked with the department to create the initial bill. “The child care community was most interested in both safety and prevention, hoping people just prevent people from even trying,” she said. “Prevention of folks, so both the families and the staff and the children are safe. So we’re OK with that amendment, and watch to see that happens and see if that’s sufficient.” During Thursday’s floor session, Rep. Buzz Scherr, a Portsmouth Democrat, urged representatives to vote against the bill due to his belief that it was “needlessly broad,” “still vague,” and would continue to cause unconstitutional problems. Scherr argued that despite an amendment to the bill that would change the state’s sex offender laws instead, the bill still needed “substantial work” because it was “worse” than HB 1239 for different reasons. Scherr also spoke out against HB 1239. Republican Rep. Terry Roy of Deerfield argued to the chamber that sex offenders are “sacrificing their rights” by committing crimes and that children should be allowed to go outside and play without having such encounters. The amendment passed, and after a failed motion to table the bill, the chamber voted to pass SB 460. The bill now heads to Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s desk to be signed into law, vetoed, or allowed to become law without her signature. Courtesy of New Hampshire Bulletin
	How AI is reshaping how parents think about their kids' futures How AI is reshaping how parents think about their kids' futuresAs artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries and redefines what it means to have a stable, successful career, American parents are paying close attention, and many are changing course.According to a new study conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Intuit Credit Karma, among 921 U.S. adults ages 18 and older who are parents of kids in K-11 (referred to as “parents” throughout), more than two-thirds (69%) say that thinking about their child’s future career feels more stressful than it used to be because of AI. And a majority (86%) feel parents today need a different playbook to prepare their children for the future.Key takeaways:86% of parents agree that parents today need a different playbook to prepare their children for the future, as AI reshapes what it means to have a stable, successful career.76% worry that by the time their child enters the workforce, the rules for success will have changed, specifically the education, skills and experience traditionally needed to secure a stable, good-paying job.89% have already made changes to how they are preparing their child for the future as a result of AI, spanning academics, extracurriculars, career exploration and financial independence.78% of parents are making changes to their own financial planning due to concerns about AI's impact on their child's future, including teaching their child financial independence earlier than planned.75% believe AI will open up career opportunities for their child's generation that don't even exist yet, suggesting that, despite the worry, many parents are cautiously hopeful about what AI could mean for their child’s future.Why parents are worried about AI and job securityWhen it comes to their kids’ future careers, what parents want above all else is stability. Half of parents (50%) say job stability and security are among the most important factors when thinking about their children’s future careers. That is likely what’s making AI a source of concern for many parents.Nearly all parents (97%) say they have heard at least something about AI’s impact on jobs, and it’s more than just background noise. In fact, 8 in 10 (81%) say AI has changed how they think about their children’s future careers.The more parents tune in, the more unsettled they become. More than three-quarters of parents (76%) worry that by the time their children enter the workforce, the rules for success—the education, skills, and experience traditionally needed to secure a stable, good-paying job—will have changed.It also has them questioning the status quo. More than three-quarters of parents (78%) say AI makes them question whether traditional "good jobs" are still as secure as they once seemed, with 68% worrying that some of today’s most prestigious careers (e.g., lawyer, engineer) may become less secure over time.It’s not just the job market that parents are worried about. Roughly 8 in 10 (79%) say AI is changing faster than schools can keep up, raising doubts about how well kids are being prepared for the future of work.Parents are taking actionDespite the concern, most parents aren’t standing still. Nearly 9 in 10 parents (89%) have already made changes to how they are preparing their child for the future as a result of AI, spanning academics and skill-building, and financial independence.Rethinking the academic path: Roughly 4 in 10 (41%) are encouraging their children to explore different subjects in school, such as STEM, robotics, and math. Meanwhile, 24% say they are adjusting their expectations about their children attending a four-year college. This suggests the traditional four-year college path is no longer the expected route for certain families.Building skills that stand the test of time: Parents are doubling down on skills they believe will remain valuable regardless of how AI evolves. More than a third (37%) are encouraging exploration of different extracurricular activities such as debate, trade programs and AI camps. They are also placing greater emphasis on soft skills like communication and adaptability (35%), encouraging exploration of skilled trades or vocational paths such as electricians and HVAC technicians (35%), and exposing their children to a wider variety of career options through things like job shadowing and informational interviews (35%).Betting on independence: For a generation that may face a less predictable job market, parents are laying the financial and entrepreneurial groundwork. More than a third (37%) say they are focusing more on teaching their child financial literacy and independence, such as budgeting and investing, and 34% are encouraging their child to explore entrepreneurship or self-employment, such as starting a small business or learning “business basics.”Raising AI-fluent kids: Some parents are meeting AI head on. More than a quarter (28%) are having their kids focus more on AI literacy by actively teaching them how to use and understand AI tools.Top skills parents believe will matter in an AI-driven futureThe changes parents are making tell a consistent story about what they think will actually count in an AI-driven world. When asked which skills will matter most for their children’s future, parentsâ€™ answers looked a lot like the changes they’re already making:Critical thinking/problem solving — 43%Adaptability (e.g., willingness to keep learning new skills) — 35%Financial literacy/money management — 28%Communication — 28%Technical/AI skills (e.g., knowing how to implement AI tools) — 26%Leadership — 25%Hands-on/trade skills (e.g., fixing, making things) — 24%While AI skills made the cut, parents seem to believe that the most durable skills are still deeply human.AI concerns meet financial planningThe potential implications of AI are driving household financial decisions. Nearly 8 in 10 parents (78%) say they are making changes to their own financial planning due to concerns about AI's impact on their children’s future:42% say they are thinking more about teaching their children financial independence earlier than they had planned.41% are thinking more seriously about building generational wealth to provide their children with a financial cushion.34% are saving more overall to give their children a financial cushion.For parents who are reconsidering the four-year college path, the financial implications may already be showing up in how they save. More than a quarter (27%) say they are rethinking how much they need to save for their children’s education overall as a result of concerns about AI’s impact on their children’s future, and 15% have already reduced how much they are saving for college, saying they are less certain it will be worth the cost.Not every parent is moving at the same pace, and for some, that’s an intentional choice. Among the 77% of parents who say something is preventing them from making all the financial changes they want to make due to concerns about AI’s impact on their children’s future, the most common barrier is the conscious decision to wait. More than one-third (38%) say they are holding off until their child is a bit older to see where things stand with AI and the job market. And 21% say they aren't entirely confident AI will change things enough to warrant action right now.For others, the hesitation is less about choice and more about circumstance. A quarter (25%) of parents say they have other obligations that are taking priority, 17% say they cannot afford to make the changes they want to make, and 15% don’t know where to start.Parents see the opportunity, not just the threatStill, worry hasn’t eclipsed hope. Three-quarters (75%) believe AI will open up career opportunities for their children’s generation that don't even exist yet, while 67% say it will lower the barriers to starting a business, making entrepreneurship more accessible, and 63% believe it will make their children’s generation more productive in the workplace than generations before them.Parents aren't just worried about AI; they're actively adapting, prioritizing flexibility, financial literacy, and resilience over traditional career paths."AI is shifting how parents think about their children's futures, and while many are feeling the pressure, they’re not standing by,” said Courtney Alev, consumer financial advocate at Intuit Credit Karma. “Parents are rethinking everything from the subjects their kids study to the extracurriculars they encourage, but what stands out to me is how much they’re rethinking their approach to finances. They’re starting money conversations with their kids earlier, thinking seriously about generational wealth, and teaching their kids how to be financially independent. In a world being reshaped by AI, the ability to understand and manage finances may be one of the most future-proof skills you can give your children.”MethodologyThis survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Credit Karma from April 3-10, 2026, among 921 U.S. adults ages 18 and older who are parents of kids in K-11. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 4.6 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.This story was produced by Intuit Credit Karma and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	EPA launches a ‘back-to-basics’ blueprint to help rural drinking water systems EPA launches a ‘back-to-basics’ blueprint to help rural drinking water systemsThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a technical assistance program for water infrastructure in early March 2026, designed to help rural communities update and repair aging water utilities and get into compliance with federal regulations.The program, called the Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) initiative, rescinds a Biden-era memorandum that the Trump administration criticized for prioritizing storytelling and climate change mitigation projects rather than practical water infrastructure updates that could be more applicable to rural communities.Rural water experts say the Trump-era changes are a welcome revision to the previous iteration of the program. “It’s not that those programs were not well thought out or didn’t have good intentions, but they moved away from compliance,” said Charles Stephens, senior executive policy director at the National Rural Water Association, which is a trade group with 50 state associations under its umbrella.“A lot of [rural] communities don’t need big, expensive projects; they need help making what they already have work better, or help getting into compliance with [federal] regulations,” Stephens told The Daily Yonder.RealWaterTA will connect rural communities with experts like those at the National Rural Water Association to help them repair water utilities or help them apply for loans and grants through USDA’s Rural Development. While the program itself will not provide money for these efforts, Stephens said it will act as an “extra pair of hands” for rural communities that lack the staffing cities often have.“If somebody’s having a problem, they call us (we’re already being paid through EPA), so there’s no charge to the community,” Stephens said. “And then we can go in and do the full gamut.”The full gamut usually relates to three major drinking water problems Stephens sees rural communities face. The first issue is getting rural water utilities into compliance with new EPA regulations, like maximum contaminant levels for dangerous chemicals.“In a small community, they may have one to five employees running the entire utility, and so every time there’s a new regulation or new rule, that just stretches them further,” Stephens said.The second issue is aging infrastructure, which can be more challenging for rural communities with smaller budgets and more obstacles to get federal funding. A long history of federal disinvestment ails rural America, leaving critical systems like water utilities without the proper maintenance funds.As a 2025 report from the Brookings Institute put it, “Competitive infrastructure grant and loan programs also generally require highly complex technical applications with specialized engineering requirements — and such technical expertise and assistance is both costly and difficult to find in rural communities.”That expertise is the third issue Stephens worries about: Many rural water operators are in their 50s and 60s, which means they will soon be eligible for retirement. But there are not enough trained staff in rural areas to replace these operators, which could lead to big problems in the future for the management of rural water utilities.“More than 60% are going to be eligible to retire in the next 10 years, so [the National Rural Water Association] is taking a lot of steps to try to recruit and train the next group of water operators,” Stephens said.The RealWaterTA initiative is meant to address some of these issues. The 2026 memorandum highlighted eight goals: helping rural water utilities maintain compliance, focusing on both traditional and innovative water infrastructure, defining what technical assistance entails, strengthening management, empowering the rural water workforce, expanding access to financial assistance, reducing costs, and defining clear objectives for the program.Eligible communities can apply for technical assistance.This story was produced by The Daily Yonder and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Viral Idaho delivery driver inspires Domino's and Coca-Cola to launch nationwide promo code Domino's and Coca-Cola are honoring Dan with a nationwide promo: use code DANTHEMAN when ordering online from April 30 through May 3 to get a free 20 oz Coke.
	New owners revive Pebble Creek Golf Club, reopening set for Friday Pebble Creek opens Friday with new owners, new leagues and house-made pizza, called “pebble pies,” on the menu.
	Is there a best allergy medicine for seniors? Safe medications and which ones to avoid Is there a best allergy medicine for seniors? Safe medications and which ones to avoidThere are some medications that older adults should avoid due to their risk of side effects. This includes some of the most well-known allergy medications. But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid all allergy medications if you’re over the age of 65. There are plenty of treatment options that are still safe and effective for older adults with seasonal allergies.In this article, GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, explains which allergy medications are considered safer for older adults and which ones to avoidKey takeaways:Preferred allergy medications for older adults are corticosteroid (steroid) nasal sprays, such as Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate), and antihistamine nasal sprays, such as Astepro (azelastine). Nondrowsy oral antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine), are also safe options.NasalCrom (cromolyn) nasal spray and antihistamine eye drops, such as Zaditor (ketotifen), are also safe for older adults. But they may be less effective for managing allergies.Older adults should avoid antihistamines that cause drowsiness, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), and oral decongestants, such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). These come with a risk of serious side effects, such as a higher risk of falls or high blood pressure.There are ways to save on your allergy medications. Many options are available as lower-cost generics.6 of the best allergy medicines for seniorsThere isn’t just one best allergy medicine for older adults. You have a choice between lots of safe, effective options. Let’s take a look at safe over-the-counter (OTC) allergy treatment options. GoodRx 1. Steroid nasal spraysCorticosteroid (steroid) nasal sprays are a first-choice option for treating allergies and are safe for older adults. They’re the most effective option for treating multiple allergy symptoms, including eye symptoms. But you’ll need to use them daily, and it may take up to two weeks to see their full effects. So if you know when your allergies tend to start, you should begin using a steroid nasal spray about two weeks before to help prevent symptoms.OTC steroid nasal sprays include:Flonase Allergy ReliefFlonase Sensimist — a finer, gentler spray than regular Flonase Allergy ReliefNasonex 24HR AllergyNasacort Allergy 24HRRhinocort Allergy — brand name no longer available2. Astepro nasal sprayAstepro (azelastine) is the only antihistamine nasal spray available OTC, and it can be a first-choice option for treating allergies. It works fast — within 15 to 30 minutes — and is safe for older adults. It treats multiple allergy symptoms and may work better than oral antihistamines, especially for treating congestion.It’s unclear how Astepro compares to steroid nasal sprays. Some studies show they’re similarly effective, while others suggest Astepro works better.Good to know: Astepro can cause drowsiness for some people who use it. Make sure you use it when you don’t have to drive or perform tasks that require attention until you know how it makes you feel.3. Nondrowsy or less-drowsy oral antihistaminesNewer, second- and third-generation antihistamines are also first-choice options for treating allergies. They’re generally considered safe for most older adults. They start working about one to three hours after you take them and last for about 24 hours. They treat multiple allergy symptoms but may be less effective than the nasal sprays listed above for chronic symptoms.Nondrowsy or less-drowsy antihistamine pills and liquids include:AllegraClaritinXyzalZyrtecJust be sure to avoid any products that have a “-D” after their name, such as Allegra-D (fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine). These contain an oral decongestant. And as this article details later on, oral decongestants aren’t considered a safe allergy medicine for older adults.Good to know: Even though these are labeled as nondrowsy antihistamines, they can still cause mild sleepiness for some people. This is especially true for Zyrtec, which is more likely than the others to cause drowsiness. Consider trying Allegra first, as it’s the least likely of all antihistamines to make you sleepy. 4. NasalCrom nasal sprayNasalCrom nasal spray is a safe choice for older adults when it comes to preventing and treating allergy symptoms. But it’s less effective than other options and may take up to six weeks to be fully effective. It’s recommended to start it at least a month before you expect allergy symptoms to start. It may be an option if you can’t tolerate the medications discussed above.5. Antihistamine eye dropsSometimes allergy symptoms only affect the eyes (called allergic conjunctivitis). If you’re just treating red, itchy eyes, consider trying an antihistamine eye drop. These drops are also sometimes labeled as “antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer” eye drops since they work like both antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer medications.Examples of antihistamine eye drop brands include:AlawayPataday (comes in three different doses)ZaditorWhen choosing an allergy eye drop, look out for combination products. These often include a decongestant. Decongestant eye drops only treat red-looking eyes, not allergy symptoms. And they should only be used for up to three days in a row. Using them longer than this can cause redness to be worse when you stop using them (“rebound redness”).6. Decongestant nasal spraysShort-term use of decongestant nasal sprays is generally considered safe for most older adults. But they only treat congestion, not other types of allergy symptoms. They work very fast (within 10 minutes). But you should only use them for up to three days in a row. After that, there’s a risk of rebound congestion, which is worsening congestion when you stop using them.Consider saving decongestant nasal sprays for just when you have severe congestion. You can find them OTC under many brand and generic names. A few popular examples are:AfrinNeo-SynephrineSinexGood to know: There’s conflicting information on whether decongestant nasal sprays raise blood pressure. To be safe, ask a healthcare professional before using one if you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure or other heart problems.Which allergy medications aren’t recommended for older adults?Steer clear of older, first-generation antihistamines that you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine). These older antihistamines don’t work any better than newer ones. And they come with more drug interactions and side effects, such as dizziness and a higher risk of falls.Older adults should also avoid oral decongestants, such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). Decongestant pills and liquids aren’t recommended for older adults because they can raise heart rate and blood pressure. They can also be risky if you have certain health conditions, such as thyroid problems, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate.Can you treat allergies without medication?Yes, there are some medication-free options for managing allergies. If possible, avoid or limit your exposure to allergens. Strategies for this might include more frequent vacuuming, using air purifiers, or keeping the windows of your house closed to keep pollen out.Nasal saline can also help soothe nasal passages and clear mucus. You can find it OTC in many forms, including nasal sprays, rinses, or drops. Any type of nasal saline can be helpful. And since it doesn’t contain medication, you can use it as often as needed. Just be sure to use distilled water if you’re using a saline rinse (neti pot). Using tap water can lead to infections.For eye allergies, consider using artificial tears. These don’t contain medication and can be used to rinse out allergens and soothe irritated eyes. Other tips for eye allergies include wearing sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors to prevent allergens from getting into your eyes.Frequently asked questionsCan Allegra cause diarrhea?Allegra shouldn’t cause diarrhea. This isn’t a listed side effect for the medication. But it’s possible that you may be sensitive to one of the inactive ingredients in the product.If you experience diarrhea after taking Allegra, try switching the dosage form you’re taking, such as switching from tablets to capsules. Or try changing to a different manufacturer, such as switching from brand-name Allegra to generic fexofenadine. Different products may contain different inactive ingredients. And you may tolerate one better than others.Can Claritin cause nosebleeds?People taking Claritin have experienced nosebleeds. But this doesn’t mean that the medication definitely caused it. Nasal congestion due to allergies is a common cause of nosebleeds. There are also other medications that are more likely to cause this side effect, such as steroid nasal sprays.Using a saline nasal spray or gel can help keep the nasal passages moist. This can help limit or prevent nosebleeds. If you’re experiencing frequent nosebleeds or they last for longer than 10 minutes, contact a healthcare professional. This isn’t typical, and you should be evaluated.Why do allergies get worse as you get older?If your allergies seem to be worse now than when you were younger, you’re not alone. Many people develop new or worse allergies as they get older. This happens because of how your immune system changes with age. Some immune functions, such as responding to vaccinations, decrease over time. But others, such as reacting to allergens, can increase.The bottom lineCorticosteroid (steroid) nasal sprays, such as Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate), are some of the best allergy medicines for older adults. Astepro (azelastine) nasal spray and nondrowsy oral antihistamines, such as Allegra (fexofenadine), are also first-choice options. All of these allergy medications are safe for older adults.NasalCrom (cromolyn) and antihistamine eye drops, such as Zatidor (ketotifen), are also safe but may be less effective. Older adults should avoid older antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), and oral decongestants, such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). They have a greater risk of more serious side effects.This story was produced by GoodRx and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Half of Americans expect AI to replace their financial advisor, yet trust remains elusive Half of Americans expect AI to replace their financial advisor, yet trust remains elusiveFinancial advisors have been around for decades. They’ve guided people through tough money decisions, like talking them off the ledge when the market dips, or how to invest for the long term. However, with the rise of AI tools, people are looking to tools for advice rather than other humans.A 2026 survey from Credit One Bank found that 51% of U.S. consumers believe that AI will replace financial advisors within the next 10 years. While they may not be wrong about that assumption, the reality is that they are not fully ready for it, either.1 in 5 Americans Have Already Let AI Make the CallThe AI bots are already staking a claim on the financial advisory world. Twenty percent of the survey respondents said they’ve made a significant financial decision based on AI recommendations. Keep in mind, these are not budgeting tweaks or rounding up spare change. These are huge financial decisions with long-term consequences.But not all generations treat AI the same. Twenty-nine percent of millennials have relied on AI for a major money move. Thirty-one percent of Gen Z have done so, the highest of any generation, though still a minority. Even among baby boomers, 12% report doing so.And, even when they use the technology, consumers do not give up accountability. Forty percent of respondents said they would hold themselves responsible for bad AI decisions. It seems that consumers are not blindly following algorithms, even if there is widespread adoption. The data suggests that they treat AI as a second opinion, not the final say.The Trust Problem: Privacy and Accuracy Are Still Deal-BreakersDespite the usage of AI in finance, there are speed bumps. Thirty-six percent of consumers say data privacy and security are their top concerns, while another 33% worry about accuracy.The level of details people are asked to share with an AI tool is high: income details, debt levels, investment holdings, and spending habits. These details are linked to financial identity and can be detrimental to financial safety in the case of a data leak.Only 31% of consumers would feel comfortable sharing all financial data with AI for personalized advice, reflecting privacy concerns.A gender gap does stand out, showing a striking difference between how men and women use AI. Forty-one percent of men say they would be comfortable sharing their complete financial picture with AI, compared to 25% of women. Similarly, 15% of men say they trust AI more than a human advisor, versus 10% of women. Not everyone is equally willing to adopt AI, so financial services must address these gaps to achieve broad adoption.Younger Generations Are Leading the Shift (But Not by as Much as You’d Think)Unsurprisingly, the younger generations show more interest in AI financial tools. According to the survey, 34% of millennials sought advice from an AI app or chatbot last year. Additionally, 65% of all respondents perceive Gen Z as the group most likely to trust AI over human advisors, even if actual AI adoption remains lower.However, even Gen Z, the most digitally native group, has not fully embraced AI. Less than a third (31%) have relied on AI for serious financial decisions. Growing up with technology does not always mean trusting it with your 401(k).This turns the perceptions of generational AI adoption on its head. While yes, younger consumers are experimenting more freely with AI, they are not all-in. The relationship between age and AI trust is more of a sliding scale. The assumption that “young people will just use it” oversimplifies how trust forms around high-stakes decisions.The Institutional Trust ShortcutIf consumers are cautious about using AI, there is one thing that will restore confidence: a recognizable brand name. Sixty percent of consumers say they are more likely to trust AI financial advice if it is backed by a big financial institution. This shows that brand trust is still important in 2026, even with growing skepticism around corporations and their motives.It also matters who advises them to use the tool. Fifty-four percent of consumers say they would use an AI financial planning tool if it were a free benefit from their employer. That sidesteps a lot of trust friction. People trust their employer to have their best interests in mind, and having them vet the product eases a lot of concern.This is the short of it: AI’s entry into the financial advising world will rely heavily on bridging the trust gap. While many expect AI to replace human advisors, what will actually win over consumers is the gradual adoption through reputable institutions.SummaryThe Credit One Bank study shows a country caught between two financial worlds. On one hand, 26% of consumers have used an AI-powered app or chatbot for financial advice in the past year. One in 5 (20%) went further, making a significant financial decision based mainly on an AI tool's recommendation.Still, most (63%) sought advice from family or friends, and only 31% would feel comfortable sharing all financial data with AI for personalized advice.Trust in AI is growing, but it comes with guardrails. Consumers are experimenting with AI like someone testing a new restaurant, willing to try it but not ready to host Thanksgiving dinner there.MethodologyThe survey was conducted with Pollfish, polling 1,000 U.S. adults nationwide. Participants answered questions about sources for financial guidance and trust in AI tools versus human advisors. They also shared whether they had acted on AI advice for major financial decisions. The survey asked about privacy, accuracy, and data security concerns.Responses were sorted by age, income, gender, and ethnicity. This helped surface generational trends, trust gaps, and differences in adoption across groups.This story was produced by Credit One Bank and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	7 ways Canberra, Australia’s bush capital, is surprisingly like Washington DC 7 ways Canberra, Australia’s bush capital, is surprisingly like Washington DCWhether you’re a vacationer who craves relaxation or a backpacker who delights in digging into history, one of the most enriching ways to understand a country is to visit its capital. Capital cities act as windows into a nation; they reveal what a country values, who has power, and how history intertwines with culture to birth a cohesive identity. But not all capitals are the same: Some arise out of aspiration, like Brasília, which Brazil built to encourage inland expansion and grow the economy. Others accumulate around long-standing seats of power, like London’s monarch palaces, or build up around historic trade hubs, like Tokyo, which started as a small fishing village. Australia’s capital, Canberra, and the United States’ Washington D.C., possess some remarkable similarities, despite being on opposite sides of the globe. Below, VisitCanberra explores seven surprising parallels between Australia's capital and D.C. VisitCanberra They were both carefully plannedAt the time of their construction, Canberra and D.C. were newly independent colonies. The U.S. was trying to unify northern and southern states after the Revolutionary War, while Australia, which gained independence from Britain in 1901, wanted to mitigate rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne. In 1790, seven years after U.S. independence, Pierre Charles L’Enfant laid out D.C., carving out a federal district on swampy land along the Potomac River where two Native American villages—Nacotchtank, a major trading center, and Nameroughquena, on the river’s opposite bank—had thrived. L’Enfant imagined a modern capital reminiscent of his native Paris. He mapped out broad avenues, open public spaces, and a well-organized grid layout with the Capitol building at its heart. Over a century later, in 1908, Australia selected Canberra as the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), on the homeland of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. After winning a competition, an American husband-and-wife architect duo named Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin earned the bid to design the city. “The fact that Canberra was co-designed by a woman is remarkable—far as we know, no other capital city in the world can make that claim,” says Sita Sargeant of She Shapes History, a walking tour company that highlights women’s contributions to history. VisitCanberra They both give water the spotlightIn both capitals, water is a central focal point. Located along the mighty Potomac River, D.C.’s Tidal Basin and Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool frame some of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks. Similarly, Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin is the city’s centerpiece, around which public parks and national attractions are laid out. Like horses to a well, both cities attract outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers who congregate around the water. In Washington, bikers cruise greenways like the Mount Vernon Trail while professionals and students from across the globe walk in clusters between museums and embassies. Joggers trace paths around monuments mirrored in the glassy reflection, and kayakers glide along the Potomac. Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin also draws cyclists, runners, and walkers along its shores. You might see families picnicking in parks while photographers catch reflections of the National Sculpture Garden. Around the lake, visitors can let kids run wild at the Boundless Playground, a fully accessible play space with slides, climbing structures, and swings, or visit memorials along the National Triangle, the city’s symbolic layout of the capital with the Australian Parliament House at its tip. You might also hear the resonant bells of the National Carillon, a towering landmark housing 57 bronze bells where weekly concerts are held outdoors. In late 2025, two Finnish-style wood-fired saunas opened on a pontoon in Lake Burley Griffin. Each Floating Sauna room holds six people and heats to 90 degrees Celsius (194 Fahrenheit) using traditional Finnish methods. After the sauna, visitors can jump into the lake or take a quick shower while looking out at nearby monuments and green hills. VisitCanberra They both reflect national ideals in their designsIn both D.C. and Canberra, you can see a nation’s priorities written in stone—or perhaps even grass. In Canberra, known affectionately as the “bush capital” for its surrounding forests, nature is part of the design. Australian Parliament House, for example, has a grassy roof visitors can walk on that blends into the environment. The unique, walkable roof is said to symbolize that people are above the government. Washington, by contrast, borrows symbols of power from various European cultures. Irish architect James Hoban designed the White House, completed in 1800 and modeled after Dublin’s Leinster House. Its neoclassical style, with tall white colonnades and commanding symmetry, reflects the civic virtues of ancient Greece and the authority of Rome, a predictable combination for a young, secular democracy asserting both ideals and power. VisitCanberra They both come alive in spring (but during different months)Spring comes at different points in the year between the two capitals. In Washington, it runs from late March through May. The National Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the Tidal Basin with fluffy pink blooms that make those long winter days seem almost worth the suffering. Australia’s spring begins in September and lasts through November. While nearly 200,000 international visitors visit Australia for festivals, the biggest spring festival happens in Canberra with Floriade, Australia’s largest spring flower festival. The free event runs from mid-September to mid-October in Commonwealth Park. Visitors can see more than 1 million blooms, attend concerts, take part in workshops, and buy food at stalls. Blossoms are also on display across local parklands, celebrated with the likes of the Canberra Nara Candle Festival at Lennox Gardens in October each year. And like D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Festival, the Nara Festival commemorates Canberra’s diplomatic relationship with Japan via its sister city, Nara. VisitCanberra They both make culture easy to accessFor travelers, both capitals reward a full day of culture. Washington offers 17 free Smithsonian museums near the National Mall; Canberra clusters 13 national attractions within easy walking distance. At the center is the National Gallery of Australia, where First Nations art anchors a collection spanning contemporary Australian work and one of the largest holdings of American art outside the U.S. “We have the base of our First Nations culture, which is the longest surviving culture of more than 65,000 years,” explains Director Dr. Nick Mitzevich. Sergeant says she also notes Aboriginal history during her walking tours: “We talk about Pat Etock, who was the very first Indigenous woman to ever run for Federal Parliament in Australia. She ran in 1972, but it wouldn't be until 2013 that the first Indigenous woman got elected.” That woman was Linda Burney, who became one of three Indigenous Parliamentarians. Nearby attractions—including the National Library of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, Questacon: National Science and Technology Centre, and the Royal Australian Mint—expand on the cultural enrichment you’ll get after a visit to the National Gallery. "Start at the National Gallery and work your way west," says Mitzevich. "Within about a mile, you can see a dozen cultural attractions." Most are free, making Canberra's rich cultural marathon as accessible as it is ambitious. VisitCanberra They both are melting potsWashington and Canberra present their multiculturalism on the plate. In D.C., restaurants serving Ethiopian injera and Peruvian ceviche reflect a city stamped by global migration. In Australia's capital, Southeast Asian and European influences define the dining scene, from modern sushi at Raku to omakase at Mu, alongside pan-Asian marketplace Tiger Lane and Verity Lane Market, an upscale dining hall where you can find everything from mouthwatering Latin restaurants to the authentic Indonesian operation Rasa Rosa. "Australia is such a multicultural melting pot," says Mitzevich, who says he splits his loyalties between Italian & Sons on Lonsdale Street and Ottoman, a Turkish restaurant less than a mile from the gallery. In both capitals, a walk between neighborhoods doubles as a world food tour—proof that identity lives as much in the kitchen as in the museum. VisitCanberra They are both a short drive from nature (only one has kangaroos)Washington’s visitors can often find white-tailed deer and red foxes at Rock Creek Park, the U.S.’s third federally designated national park. And just a short ride beyond D.C.’s limits, bald eagles and great blue herons soar above the Potomac at Great Falls, while black bears and rattlesnakes emerge in Shenandoah National Park, roughly two hours out. Shortly beyond the bush capital, Canberra's largest wildlife reserve is 40 minutes away—though nature is seen well throughout the city. "The capital is nestled into a rural setting," says Mitzevich. “We regularly have a high number of bird life and kangaroos in the inner city, which makes Canberra so distinct,” he says. He added that he recently saw a mob of “about 30 kangaroos in the front yard of the vice-regal residence of the governor general.” About 40 minutes outside Canberra at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, kangaroos, multiple wallaby species, koalas, platypus, potoroos, and bandicoots live across 24 trails, including the Sanctuary Loop—a paved 2-kilometer path accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. “Every time you go out to the bush, you're going to see something different,” says Jessica Ward, manager of the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre. “That’s the magic of it.” Ward says the southern brush-tailed rock wallaby, Canberra's critically endangered mammal and one of the only breeding populations in Australia, also lives there alongside the northern corroboree frog, estimated at just 50 individuals remaining in the wild. The reserve has maintained active conservation programs since 1936, which has, over the years, increased the number of animal sightings visitors can expect. "The wildlife really reveals itself when you're patient, when you're observant,” she says. For more nature adventures near Canberra, Australia’s alps—known as the Snowy Mountains region—are about 2.5 hours away, and Mount Stromlo Observatory, some 30 minutes from Tidbinbilla, puts on regular public stargazing sessions. A bit closer to the city, visitors can also soak in a view of the stars along the tranquil Murrumbidgee River, which runs diagonally, from northwest to southeast, through the ACT. So, there you have it. For travelers used to skipping capital cities on the itinerary, places like D.C. and Canberra make a compelling case for reconsidering the habit—starting with the mob of kangaroos hopping around the front lawn. This story was produced by VisitCanberra and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	LNG Canada exceeds estimated 2024 global record for burned gas LNG Canada exceeds estimated 2024 global record for burned gasAn LNG facility in Western Canada burned more gas in 2025 than any other liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility on record in 2024, raising concerns about Canada’s claim that it’s producing the cleanest LNG in the world.Burning excess methane gas, or flaring, is a normal safety procedure at liquefaction facilities. It releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide as well as emitting dangerous pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and small particulate matter, which affect human health. The LNG Canada facility in British Columbia flared 350 million cubic metres of gas in 2025, according to figures submitted to the provincial regulator and analyzed by The Narwhal in partnership with U.K.-based journalism organization Point Source. That means Canada’s first major LNG facility is one of the highest sources of LNG flaring emissions globally, The Narwhal reports.Key TakeawaysLNG Canada burned 350 million cubic metres of gas in 2025, more than the estimated highest source of LNG flaring emissions in the world in 2024.The high levels of flaring call into question environmental claims made about the facility, which government officials have repeatedly said produces the cleanest LNG in the world.Ongoing problems at the plant, which hopes to double production by building a second phase, could persist for three to five years.The flaring volumes reported by LNG Canada to the regulator are around 50% higher than estimates for the world’s most polluting LNG export terminals in 2024, according to data that was used as the basis for the World Bank’s most recent Global Gas Tracker report.The data was published by the Earth Observation Group at the Colorado School of Mines, a research team that specializes in producing nighttime satellite imagery to track gas flaring.According to the group’s estimates, Nigeria’s Bonny Island LNG terminal was the highest-flaring facility of 2024. It burned an estimated 234.4 million cubic metres of gas, closely followed by the Arzew-Bethioua terminal in Algeria, which burned 233 million cubic metres.Global flaring data from LNG facilities operating in 2025 have not yet been published, but the Canadian facility will be among the world’s top sources of flaring at LNG terminals, according to Mikhail Zhizhin, a researcher at the Payne Institute for Public Policy in Colorado. Zhizhin was instrumental in the development of technology to monitor gas flaring from space.“If the flaring data that has been supplied by LNG Canada to the regulator is accurate, it puts the facility amongst the highest flaring LNG facilities in the world,” Zhizhin said in an interview.In an emailed statement, LNG Canada attributed the flaring to the facility being at an early phase and said it will be infrequent during normal operations.The high volume of flaring from the $40-billion Canada-based facility raises new questions about ongoing problems with some of the terminal’s key mechanical components — and concerns about what it could mean for the local community, Kitimat, B.C.According to government data, LNG Canada flared a minimum of 127,900 cubic metres of gas every day in 2025, with the daily average being much higher: almost one million cubic metres. The worst month for flaring was June 2025, when the facility burned almost 110 million cubic metres. The data show 3,648 million cubic metres of gas were sent to LNG Canada last year, meaning almost 10% of all gas transported to the terminal was burned off without being used for power or exported.“This is definitely high,” Christopher Doleman, an LNG and gas specialist at the U.S.-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, said. “Proponents may argue that it is regular during commissioning, but the several instances of unplanned flaring by the company suggest that this is out of the ordinary.”Some of those unplanned flaring events included flames reaching heights of 90 metres, roughly the size of London’s Big Ben, along with plumes of black smoke settling over the community. Marty Clemens // The Narwhal The export plant sent its first shipment of LNG overseas on June 30, 2025.Flaring at LNG Canada has consistently exceeded allowable amounts permitted by the provincial government. According to the regulator, LNG Canada — owned by Royal Dutch Shell, Petronas, Korea Gas, PetroChina and Mitsubishi — has been flaring at levels that are “not consistent” with government permits, meaning the facility has been breaking provincial regulations for several months.In January, The Narwhal revealed an “integrity issue” with the facility’s flaring equipment, which resulted in LNG Canada burning significantly more gas than expected — and it could take three to five years to fix. The issue was identified shortly after the LNG plant started testing its equipment in late 2024, but the government regulator did not learn about the problem until April 2025.Company officials have since met with local politicians but have failed to provide the public with details of why the issue might take so long to fix.LNG Canada declined to answer this question, though the spokesperson said “we continue to tune the equipment to real-world conditions.”“In normal operations at LNG Canada, flaring will be related to infrequent activities such as maintenance, planned turnarounds and facility upsets,” the spokesperson wrote.‘Completely untrue’: experts question environmental claims about Canadian LNGAnalysts believe the high flaring levels at LNG Canada raise serious questions about environmental claims that have been made about the facility.Last summer, the premier of British Columbia, David Eby, said gas processed at the Kitimat terminal is the “lowest-carbon LNG in the world.”Discussing why energy-importing countries would benefit from purchasing fuel processed at the facility, he said: “They should be using Canadian LNG that’s produced ethically, that promotes environmental protection, as well as high-quality labour standards and safety standards.”Shell CEO Wael Sawan similarly said last year that LNG Canada would be “one of the lowest carbon projects anywhere in the world.”Speaking in India in March, Prime Minister Mark Carney said: “Canada is well-positioned to contribute as a reliable supplier of the world’s lowest-carbon, responsibly-produced LNG from our West Coast.”Eby declined an interview request and did not respond to questions about the current state of the facility. Shell did not respond to questions. Carney also declined an interview request and referred questions to the federal Energy Ministry, which did not respond by publication time.Doleman said the new information calls these environmental claims into question.“This flaring data undermines the claims that are being made about the facility producing low-carbon LNG,” he said in an interview. “Statements that have been made by officials saying that the LNG is the cleanest in the world now seem to be completely untrue.”LNG Canada said high levels of flaring are normal during the start-up phase of a project of this type. The spokesperson said air quality data recorded in Kitimat show levels of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide remained “consistently low” in 2025.“LNG Canada continues to prioritize the safety of its people, the community and its assets, to support safe and responsible operations,” the spokesperson wrote. Marty Clemens // The Narwhal There is significant uncertainty about the true volumes of global gas flaring due to the difficulty of measuring emissions via satellite. Recent research by the Colorado School of Mines has suggested the true levels of flaring from the world’s LNG facilities may be significantly higher than previously estimated, Zhizhin said.The fact that LNG Canada flared a significant volume of gas every single day in 2025 is unusual, according to researchers. A peer-reviewed paper published last September found LNG terminals in a start-up phase have a 90 per cent chance of flaring less than six days a year and only a 10% chance of flaring for as many as 255 days in a single year.Laura Minet, lead author of the paper and head of the Clean Air Lab at the University of Victoria, in British Columbia, explained “the probabilities are based on what has been happening in other facilities around the world between 2012 and 2022.” She said the frequency of flaring at LNG Canada does not appear to be typical, especially compared to LNG facilities that have moved from commissioning into regular operations. But, she said, because companies around the world aren’t required to track how much gas is flared, getting accurate data can be challenging.“The fact that LNG Canada is saying the technical issue is going to take three years to fix is concerning,” Minet added. “It raises questions over what is getting prioritized and where the likely environmental and health impacts from this pollution fit into those priorities.”Doleman agreed.“The operators and project proponents should tell people why this plant is flaring so much and tell them exactly how they are going to address this issue,” he said.LNG markets subject to instability as U.S.-Israel war on Iran continuesThe ongoing global energy crisis in the wake of the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran in late February has seen the price of LNG more than double for some importers and led to windfall profits for some exporters.A second phase of the LNG Canada project, which would double output from the plant, was recently given federal support and placed on a list of projects deemed to be of national importance. The consortium of companies behind the facility is actively seeking investment in the expansion.The U.S. is currently the world’s largest LNG exporter, followed by Australia and Qatar. Geopolitical instability caused by the war in the Middle East — which saw Qatar halt LNG production in March — could influence importing countries like South Korea and Japan as they balance energy needs.However, the current wave of high prices could have lasting impacts on demand for LNG as importing nations look to cheaper alternatives, Doleman said. Recently, a planned LNG import terminal in China was cancelled by state-owned Sinopec, which reallocated its investments to the development of domestic gas reserves. In New Zealand, plans for an import terminal are being reconsidered as the country’s government weighs the financial risks.“The current high price environment is killing long-term demand for LNG around the world and it is going to be interesting to see how things pan out for the [Canadian] facility over the coming years,” Doleman said.This investigation is a collaboration between The Narwhal and Point Source, a U.K.-based investigative journalism organization.This story was produced by The Narwhal and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Can a mentalist trick Trump? Oz Pearlman will try in a room full of journalists The White House Correspondents' Dinner will be headlined by a mentalist instead of a comedian. Oz Pearlman tells NPR he hopes to unify, delight and puzzle the crowd — but can't reveal how.
	Man sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for gun charge A Davenport man was sentenced Wednesday to more than 11 years in prison for having a gun as a felon.
	House moves ahead with stricter crypto kiosk regulations Representatives listen to a speech by Rep. Keith Ammon, of New Boston, on Thursday, April 23. An amendment authored by Ammon and recommended by the Republican majority of the House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Affairs failed to pass that morning, but the underlying Senate bill on cryptocurrency kiosks moved forward. (Photo by Molly Rains/New Hampshire Bulletin)House lawmakers broke with the House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ majority recommendation on Thursday, Apr. 23, to advance an earlier version of a bill intended to prevent cryptocurrency scams. Senate Bill 482, from prime sponsor and Merrimack Republican Sen. Tim McGough, passed Thursday morning after debate, 214-140. The Republican majority of the House Commerce Committee had recommended a version of the bill with an amendment from Rep. Keith Ammon, a New Boston Republican, but that amendment was defeated Thursday. An ATM where cryptocurrency can also be purchased stands in the corner of a convenience store. (Photo by Molly Rains/New Hampshire Bulletin) Both versions of the bill sought to prevent scams conducted through cryptocurrency kiosks, machines that allow users to purchase difficult-to-trace digital currencies with cash in person. Scams involving the kiosks sometimes cost victims their life savings and are rampant in New Hampshire, law enforcement officers and a victim said in a hearing and interviews earlier this month. The Senate version of the bill set an indefinite limit of $2,000 per day in transactions for customers using the machines and mandated a two-week refund period. Ammon’s amendment did not include a permanent limit, but did require customers to be subject to a “new customer period” during which their first transaction would be held for three days and capped at $3,000. The amendment also prevented municipalities from enacting their own stricter regulations, and provided some legal immunity for crypto operators in certain cases. Those were among the reasons critics said the committee’s amendment protected the kiosk industry at the expense of New Hampshire residents. During floor debate on Thursday, Nicholas Bridle, a Hampton Republican, said more than $2.6 million had been reported lost to crypto ATM scams by Hampton residents. He spoke against the amendment, which he said made kiosk operators “untouchable.” The amendment “makes New Hampshire more attractive to scammers and criminals,” Bridle said. Ammon disputed that. He said figures cited by the opposition were overblown and said his amendment contained important privacy protections. “I think the intent is to ban this industry,” he said. “In New Hampshire, do we ban industries, or do we make sure that only good actors are behaving in that industry?” The amendment failed, 220-135. SB 482 will now be referred to the House Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety. Courtesy of New Hampshire Bulletin
	New Mexico Primary 2026: NM House of Representatives, District 66 Following the 2026 retirement of state Rep. Jimmy Mason (R-Artesia), three Republicans are vying for the New Mexico House of Representatives District 66 seat, where much of the state’s oil and gas operations operate. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM)Three Republicans are competing to represent a sprawling district in southeast New Mexico where much of the state’s oil and gas production occurs. All three candidates, running to replace Rep. Jimmy Mason (R-Artesia), who retired earlier this year, said if elected, they hope to be a voice in Santa Fe on behalf of the state’s oil and gas epicenter, which has supported record state budgets crafted by Democratic majorities. House District 66 covers parts of Eddy, Lea and Chaves counties, a roughly 4,700-square-mile area. The three candidates — LeAnne Gandy, Dan Lewis and Trinidad Malone — are all new to politics and have roots in oil and gas production. No Democrat is running in the election this year. Republicans have held the seat since at least 2000, and they often run unopposed, according to Secretary of State data. Source NM asked all three candidates about why they’re running and their visions for the district. Their answers below have been edited for length and clarity. LeAnne Gandy LeAnne Gandy says her background in agriculture, education and oil production make for a “trifecta” that qualifies her to represent House District 66. (Courtesy LeAnne Gandy) LeAnne Gandy is a retired teacher and former superintendent at Lovington Municipal Schools. She comes from three generations of oil field workers and was born and raised on a ranch. “I decided to join the race because I believe that southeastern New Mexico needs a strong voice in Santa Fe, and I have the trifecta of real-world experiences in energy, education and agriculture,” she said. “And I feel passionate about all three of those areas.” What do you see as the biggest issue in House District 66? Of course, energy is the livelihood in District 66. So we need to make sure we protect the oil and gas industry and stand up for the workers in that field. Oftentimes, that energy is misunderstood. My family has been in that industry for 76 years here in southeastern New Mexico, so I know the importance of this industry to our community. What’s the most important issue facing New Mexico? Energy is what powers our state. It’s what funds our state. So we need to make sure we’re talking and have all perspectives at the table. Also education is a primary factor in New Mexico. Our children deserve only the best. I am a retired superintendent from Lovington. I’ve worked at the state level advocating for education, and I understand the real-world issues in education, so I want to be an advocate for our community about empowering our local teachers and educators to work together and collaborate and find real solutions to have better outcomes for our children. If you’re elected, what is the first bill you would introduce? I’m going to listen to my constituents and make sure that I hear their voices and understand everything that is involved with a quality way-of-life in our area, and make sure to advocate for that. So I’m going in with the agenda to make sure I’m your voice for our community. I will be a strong listener for our voters, and make sure their perspectives are alive and well in Santa Fe. I was born and raised on a ranch, so agriculture is in my blood. I understand that way of life and that heritage and will stand strong for water rights, farmers and ranchers, and the Second Amendment. What’s your top choice for a committee? I’m passionate about education, and I believe we need a superintendent voice, an education voice from our part of the state in Santa Fe. So I would love to be involved in education in a big way, also in energy. I’m also passionate about agriculture. What’s your strongest skill that makes you the best candidate for the race? I’ve had lots of relationships throughout the state, have made a lot of very strong connections and I am a good communicator. I believe in listening to others and making sure that our voice is heard, but I will be an excellent collaborator with everyone there. Do you support paying state lawmakers, and would you accept a salary? I’m not running for a salary. I’m running to make sure that I am representing the voters who send me to Santa Fe. Dan Lewis Dan Lewis says his financial background and history as a college football referee make him knowledgeable and level-headed. (Courtesy Dan Lewis) Dan Lewis has worked for 38 years for the Yates family, a major oil and gas dynasty in southeastern New Mexico, including as chief financial officer for over 50 companies it controls. He also spent 30 years officiating college football before deciding that was a job for someone “younger and skinnier.” “That kind of left a little more time in my schedule. About that time, Jimmy Mason decided he was not going to run again, and that got the wheels turning,” he said. “Then a couple of local people that are pretty big in the political party here in southeastern New Mexico encouraged me to run.” What do you see as the biggest issue in House District 66? In our district, we always feel like a lot of the revenue that funds the state and education system comes from the oil and gas industry, and we think Santa Fe’s trying to do everything they can to fight the hand that feeds them with all the regulations. Let’s just say we don’t feel really appreciated as far as what Southeast New Mexico brings to New Mexico and the economy for New Mexico. What’s the most important issue facing New Mexico? I’m a little worried about the governor’s race and someone who is very, very left wing, and going to push a lot of left-wing agendas down our throats in Southeast New Mexico. We are clearly in the minority again and don’t have the power to stop a lot of things. There’s more conservative Democrats that were able to block some issues, Senate Bill 17 for the gun rights and then Senate Bill 18 regarding CO2 emissions. It really would have devastated a lot of the oil gas industry in New Mexico If you’re elected, what is the first bill you would introduce? This is my first experience here, and if I get elected, I’m gonna lean on the people around me. It’s kind of like if a new person comes as a new CFO of a company, you don’t want to immediately go in there and make changes. You want to be on the ground and understand what’s going on. What’s your top choice for a committee? I definitely would like to be on the Energy Committee. I’d definitely like to be on a budget committee. Judicial would be one that I would be interested in too, just because my wife [Fifth Judicial District Court Judge Anne Marie Lewis] is in that field. What’s your strongest skill that makes you the best candidate for the race? I think I’m levelheaded. I’ve got all aspects in my game, whether you need someone to play good cop or bad cop. As a referee for college football, you learn to have a level head when everybody else is going crazy. Do you support paying state lawmakers, and would you accept a salary? That is a tough one, because I know a lot of the local people and Southeast New Mexico are against it. Part of me is like, well, it would give other people a chance. My wife and I, we’ve done well enough. But there’s some people that they’re automatically out of the race because they can’t afford to go to Santa Fe for two months without getting paid. I would vote no on it [in November], but if it was successful, then I would accept the salary. Trinidad Malone Trinidad Malone touts his entrepreneurial skills and military background as he seeks to win the District 66 Republican primary. (Courtesy Trinidad Malone) Trinidad Malone, 37, owns multiple companies — including real estate, a towing company and oil and gas-related businesses — as well as two nonprofits supporting veterans and helping low-income families afford funeral expenses. He was raised in the district and worked in the oilfields after high school before enlisting to fight in the Afghanistan War, where he served for 10 years. “It’’s just time for my generation to get involved,” he said about his decision to run for office. What do you see as the biggest issue in House District 66? It’s just going to be communication. District 66 is, you know, agriculture, oil and gas. So I think, from what I’ve gathered since I decided to run, [is] communication prior to the bills being proposed or implemented [is vital]. So it’s making sure that all District 66 is aware of what’s trying to be proposed and what’s possibly going to be implemented, so that local communities can better adapt. What’s the most important issue facing New Mexico? Can’t speak on it. Stuff that faces New Mexico, it doesn’t involve me in the aspect of Eddy, Lea or Chaves County. So I don’t worry myself about stuff that doesn’t pertain to me or my area. The only other thing as far as New Mexico is, I guess, if you want me to say something, it’s going to be how they spend their money here in this state. I don’t care if it’s up north or down south, but in general, there needs to be better checks and balances here. If you’re elected, what is the first bill you would introduce? I mean, I won’t be introducing anything, but I can be the voice for everybody. What’s your top choice for a committee? Agriculture, veteran-based and oil and gas industry. What’s your strongest skill that makes you the best candidate for the race? I was raised in the fields, from alfalfa to picking produce, watermelons, chile, branding cattle, I did 10 years in the military. I’m a businessman, first and foremost, and my entrepreneurship, my integrity and my leadership is going to be my biggest attribute. Do you support paying state lawmakers, and would you accept a salary? No. Courtesy of Source New Mexico
	Is energy the real AI bottleneck? What investors need to know Is energy the real AI bottleneck? What investors need to knowBefore the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. energy demand was fairly predictable: It was driven by steady population increases and economic growth. According to Energy Information Administration (EIA) data, U.S. electricity consumption increased by an average annual growth rate of just 0.1% from 2005 to 2020. But the insatiable energy appetite of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers has carved an ever-growing wrinkle in that formerly predictable model.Occasional updates to aging infrastructure are no longer good enough. The energy demand from AI data centers is real, large, and structurally constrained — but the bottleneck creates opportunity.The Motley Fool examines the energy demands of AI data centers, the infrastructure bottlenecks slowing the build-out, and what the dynamics mean for investors.Key PointsAI energy consumption is reshaping the U.S. energy landscape.Producing more energy only addresses part of the challenge.The AI data center power grid will likely remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels through at least 2030.How much energy do AI data centers use?U.S. data centers consumed an estimated 177 to 192 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2024 — roughly 4% to 5% of all U.S. electricity — and could consume 9% to 17% by 2030 under scenarios developed by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). The updated range is about 60% higher than EPRI's own projections from 18 months earlier. But most of that energy usage is from conventional data centers.A hyperscale AI data center uses as much power as 100,000 homes — and the largest under construction uses 20 times that. A conventional data center is 10 to 25 megawatts (MW). But hyperscale AI data centers are often classified as 100 MW or higher, which is enough energy to power 100,000 homes. The largest hyperscale data center currently under construction exceeds 2 GW, and the largest planned is 5 GW, says the International Energy Agency (IEA). That is a staggering 20 times a hyperscale data center and 200 times the high end of a conventional data center.Data centers are growing in size because AI is far more energy-intensive than basic search. Consider that a single ChatGPT AI query uses 10 times as much electricity as a traditional Google Search, according to the EPRI. GPT-4 training required around 42.4 GWh over 14 weeks, equivalent to the daily electricity use of about 28,500 households in advanced economies, says the IEA. Training AI models and chat-based use are already challenges for the grid, but the real constraints are the widespread adoption of AI agents and the increased use of AI inference, which involves applying what an AI has been trained to do. Key chip designers, such as Nvidia and Broadcom, are developing specialized AI chips and networking solutions for inference applications. According to IEA data, the B200 GPU, which is part of Nvidia’s Blackwell architecture, is 60% more energy efficient per FLOP/watt than its H100, which is 80% more efficient than the A100.Efficiency improvements in IT equipment represent the greatest opportunity to reduce AI data center usage. IT equipment accounts for 40% to 50% of data center energy, cooling for 30% to 40%, and auxiliary for 10% to 30%, says the EPRI. Data centers are growing in size not just because of increased use of models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude models, Alphabet-owned Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot, but because inferencing is broadening the scope of AI’s role in business and daily life.Investors should pay attention to three structural factors: the accelerating scale of the AI data center build-out, energy demands for computing power (especially inference), and efficiency gains that history suggests won't keep pace with these new energy demands. These factors point to durable, structural growth in electricity demand, not a cyclical spike.How much energy will AI data centers require?Data centers could consume 9% to 17% of U.S. electricity by 2030. However, the range depends on how many planned projects actually get built. The EPRI’s latest forecast is 60% higher than its 2025 estimates and represents a double to quadruple increase from 2024 levels. EPRI 2026 notes its 2030 range is broadly consistent with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) data through 2028, despite different methodologies. LBNL is forecasting 325 to 580 TWh of data center electricity demand by 2028, which would be 6.7% to 12% of total projected U.S. electric demand. The Motley Fool How will more energy be provided?Despite massive investment in solar photovoltaic (PV), onshore and offshore wind, battery energy storage, and nuclear energy, fossil fuels still dominate the U.S. energy mix.Natural gas fills the near-term data center energy gap; renewables lead after 2030. According to 2025 IEA data, natural gas accounts for 40% of U.S. data center electricity usage, making it the largest single source, ahead of 24% from renewable energy, 20% from nuclear, and 15% from coal. As of the fourth quarter of 2024, the IEA projects U.S. utility-scale additional gas-fired capacity to increase by 84 GW by 2030 and wind and solar to increase by 260 GW. It’s worth noting that the gas-fired forecast is 32 GW higher than end-of-2023 plans, while renewables are 20 GW lower, underscoring that energy availability remains a priority — even over sustainability. Shifts in federal policy account for part of the reason for the renewables slowdown.EPRI data projects higher wind and solar buildouts due to Inflation Reduction Act tax credits that were since curtailed under the 2025 budget bill. Natural gas capacity is now expected to increase by 6.6 to 13.7 GW/year from 2025–2030, above the 5.7 GW/year historical average, says the EPRI. Even with the higher-than-anticipated natural gas build-out, low-emissions sources are projected to account for at least 55% of U.S. data center electricity by 2035, according to the IEA.Globally, renewables are expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 22% from 2024 to 2030 to meet approximately 50% of additional global data center demand by 2030. Interestingly, natural gas and nuclear are both expected to add 175 TWh by 2035 to meet data center demand. Already, up to 25 GW of small modular reactor (SMR) capacity globally has been accounted for, with the first SMRs expected to be operational by around 2030. SMRs can help take the pressure off of utility-scale nuclear power plants. For example, Southern Company’s Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant in Georgia recently announced an expansion that increased its total power capacity to a mind-numbing 4.8 GW — enough to power 2 million homes and businesses. The Motley Fool Investors should focus more on total energy demand rather than renewables versus fossil fuels in the energy mix. Over the long term, solar, wind, battery energy storage, and nuclear will likely make up a higher proportion of the electricity mix than natural gas and coal, but natural gas consumption could still be far higher five to 10 years from now than today, given AI’s outsize energy demands.Will the AI revolution hit an energy bottleneck?AI-driven energy demand is causing bottlenecks across the supply chain. Gas turbine deliveries are reportedly delayed by several years, and transformer backlogs are up by at least 30%, while transformer prices are up 1.5 times since 2020, says the IEA. According to EPRI 2026 data, information technology (IT) and power equipment, as well as skilled labor, are both regional and national challenges. Infrastructure development timelines paint an uncertain future for AI data center energy capacity.Data centers take one to three years to build, but new transmission lines take four to eight years, and new-generation plants take two to 15 years, depending on the type. And that’s not even factoring in the previously discussed specialized industrial machinery bottlenecks.20% of planned data centers could face grid delays by 2030 — and the pipeline is bigger than anyone realized. And 50% of U.S. data centers under development are in existing large clusters, raising the risk of local bottlenecks, says the IEA.Virginia, Northern Europe, and Japan are already hitting connection limits. North Virginia connection queues have ballooned to seven years, compared to five to seven years for the U.K., up to 10 years for the Netherlands, and a full-blown pause for Ireland, according to the IEA.These bottlenecks, paired with developers that are racing to bring more power to the grid, are sparking a surge in behind-the-meter (BTM) energy generation and storage focused on bringing power directly to a data center rather than relying on the constrained grid.Bridging the gap between planned and operating AI data center projects takes more than just funding and next-generation chips. Access to networking, IT equipment, and specialized industrial machinery is equally important. Similarly, the energy bottleneck isn’t just about producing more energy. Transmission, permitting, and regulatory hurdles are also worth considering. Therefore, it may be useful for investors to think about the AI infrastructure build-out as an interconnected circulatory system with multiple arteries that could get blocked by various factors, rather than a single pathway.Adjacent opportunities: Cooling, grid infrastructure, backup power, and efficiencyWith the grid constrained by supply chain bottlenecks and connection hurdles, batteries, cooling solutions, hardware/software efficiency, grid connections, and backup power are poised to benefit from the demand-driven tailwinds of AI data centers.Beyond the data center: The cooling, grid, and efficiency markets the AI build-out is creating. Power usage effectiveness (PUE) measures the energy efficiency of data centers by dividing total facility energy, such as cooling, lighting, and power distribution, by IT equipment energy. A PUE of 1 would indicate 100% of electricity is consumed solely by IT equipment. According to the IEA, the global weighted-average PUE is expected to improve from 1.41 to 1.29 between 2024 and 2030, saving 90 TWh of energy. The U.S. is already ahead of the curve, with PUEs averaging 1.32 in 2024. According to 2026 EPRI data, large hyperscale facilities with liquid cooling currently under construction could achieve PUEs of 1.1.Batteries, transformers, and cooling: the infrastructure layer investors may be underweighting. Battery energy storage plays a supporting role in enabling higher renewable matching for data centers. It remains eligible for investment tax credits under current policy, says the EPRI.Investors should pay close attention to battery energy storage, as it arguably offers the best antidote to the AI energy bottleneck. Battery energy storage is a uniquely positioned renewable energy solution that can power AI data centers without relying on the constrained grid through site-specific and BTM options. Utility-scale solar paired with battery energy storage offers an alternative to fossil fuels while addressing solar's intermittency when the sun isn’t shining.What the energy data tells investorsThe AI data center build-out is moving faster than initially anticipated, leading to upward revisions to projections.Here are five things to watch:Hyperscale capex is the driving force behind data center development. If capex growth rates cool, grid and energy supply constraints will likely ease.Industrial machinery backlogs and power constraints could become a greater bottleneck than AI chips and networking equipment.Despite the development of utility-scale renewable energy projects, the U.S. energy mix remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, though nuclear energy could make a significant impact after 2030.Hyperscale data center PUE improvements could reduce energy needs.Increased AI adoption creates opportunities for grid infrastructure (transformers, cables, transmission), cooling systems, backup power, efficiency hardware, and demand-flexibility technology.Backlogs in chip production are straining data center availability and access, but energy is an equally important limiting factor. AI computing challenges can be solved by producing more chips and building data centers, but energy is more nuanced. Even if the energy market could flip a switch to increase supply, there are still environmental and regulatory hurdles to overcome. Perhaps the biggest challenge is aligning supply with forecasted demand, especially given that those forecasts have changed so much in the last two years.FAQsHow much energy does AI use?According to 2026 EPRI data, U.S. data center electricity consumption in 2024 was 177 to 192 TWh, which is approximately double 2021 levels.How much energy does an AI data center use?New data centers range from 100 to 1,000 MW, which is equivalent to the load of 80,000 to 800,000 average homes. This data is consistent across EPRI 2024, EPRI 2026, and IEA data.How much energy will the AI data center build-out require?2026 EPRI data estimated U.S. data center annual electricity consumption will range from 383 TWh by 2030 on the low end to a medium scenario of 596 TWh to a high scenario of 793 TWh. IEA 2025 data projects global data center electricity consumption to range from a base-case 945 TWh in 2030 to 1,260 TWh under the lift-off case.What types of energy are used to power AI data centers?The electricity mix of U.S. data centers is currently 40% natural gas, 24% renewables (mostly solar PV and wind), 20% nuclear, and 15% coal, according to 2025 IEA data.This story was produced by The Motley Fool and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	FSSA seeks return of $200 million in improper payments to attendant care providers Mitch Roob, secretary of the Family and Social Services Administration, discusses the agency's finances, including Medicaid costs, and upcoming challenges on Aug. 6, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Photo by Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is seeking $200 million in improper payments from Indiana’s five largest attendant care providers after an audit of Medicaid claims found errors in nearly all claims reviewed. FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob said the audits, which reviewed claims submitted to Medicaid between Jan. 1, 2022 and March 31, 2025, were initiated following a $150 million surge in Medicaid claims submitted between 2021 and 2022 he says could not be explained by changes in member need or program structure. “If you bill taxpayers, you must be accurate,” Roob said. The agency used statistically valid random sampling to review 625 claim lines. The audit uncovered errors in nearly all claims reviewed from Guardian Care, Healing Hands Personal Services, Help at Home, Tendercare Home Health and Team Select Home Care, according to FSSA. The companies have various locations around the state. Errors include billing for clinical tasks not covered by attendant care, insufficient documentation and misaligned authorizations. The agency sent a letter to the providers Wednesday seeking the return of improper payments, though the providers are likely to appeal. Roob said FSSA will expand audits to other attendant care providers and begin prepayment reviews for the five companies identified by FSSA to prevent improper payments from Medicaid. The agency intends to enhance electronic visit verification reviews and provider education on the rules for attendant care as well. “For every dollar that is improperly claimed, we will seek full recovery,” Roob told reporters Thursday morning. The audit also uncovered a pattern of incomplete, missing, undated or late background checks of attendant caregivers, who enter the homes of senior and disabled Hoosiers to provide non-medical care like bathing and cooking. “That’s not just a compliance issue,” Roob said. “It’s a direct threat to safety and represents a complete breakdown of the most basic protections we owe the people we serve. When combined with those safety failures, the $200 million in improper payments, missing documentation, prohibited tasks and service plans that didn’t match the services bill — you see a system that is being misused at a staggering scale.” This story will be updated. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Indiana Capital Chronicle
	Davenport man sentenced to 11+ years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon A news release from the Department of Justice (DOJ) said a Davenport man was sentenced to 137 months (almost 11.5 years) in federal prison on April 22 for possessing a firearm as a felon. Public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing showed that Ricky Edward Kirk, Jr., 39, fled from officers during an attempted traffic [...]

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