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3 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Nurses fight to retain professional eligibility for student loansA Trump administrationrecommendation that highereducation for nurses shouldnot qualify as a \"professionaldegree\" has sparked abacklash and warnings thatthe ongoing U.S. nursingshortage will worsen as aresult.The recommendation,made by members of a keyDepartment of Education\"negotiated rulemaking\"committee in November, ispart of an effort theadministration says is meantto drive down collegetuition costs under theprovisions of last year's OneBig Beautiful Bill Act and to\"protect\" students frompaying for graduate degreesthat \"don't pay off.\"But it has kindled outrageamong nursing groups andtheir supporters, who claimthe profession is beingunfairly devalued and warnthat limiting loan programsfor graduate training willonly worsen a quicklyaccelerating nursingworkforce crisis.Nurses, many of whomare women and people ofcolor hailing from lowerincome backgrounds, needgraduate degrees to becomenurse practitioners, nursemidwives and certifiedregistered nurse anesthetists-- all of which are muchneeded healthcare positions.The controversy aroseafter the Nov. 6 meeting ofthe Department ofEducation's Reimagining andImproving StudentEducation, or RISE,Committee, when the panelopted to exclude postbaccalaureate nursingdegrees from the list ofstudies defined as\"professional\" rather than\"graduate\" degrees.If ultimately adopted, theomission means that nursesseeking a higher degree willhave their access to lowcost federal financial aidcapped at $20,500 annuallyand $100,000 in aggregate,rather than up to $50,000annually and $200,000 inaggregate available for nearlya dozen other \"professional\"healthcare fields, such aspharmacy, dentistry,medicine and clinicalpsychology.The median averageannual cost of postbaccalaureate nursingeducation is $37,040,according to an AmericanAssociation of Colleges ofNursing survey released lastmonth.The new rules, promptedby last year's One BigBeautiful Bill Act, werepushed through bycongressional Republicansand signed by PresidentDonald Trump. They are totake effect in July.The bill's higher educationsection for the first timecreates a distinction amongprofessionals, mandatinglower loan caps for graduateprograms but granting twotimes-higher levels forstudents in what aredesignated as \"professional\"programs.The recommendationsare to be adopted by theDepartment of Educationafter a \"notice of proposedrulemaking\" is published inthe Federal Register, which isexpected within weeks. Asubsequent 60-to-90-dayperiod for public commentswill follow, during whichcritics hope to rallyopposition.At the conclusion of theNov. 5 meeting,Undersecretary ofEducation Nicholas Kentcalled the committee'sefforts \"an opportunity torise out of a broken systemthat has failed too manystudents for far too long.\"I also asked you toconsider how history willview this moment. Will theysay that we simplified,empowered and madecollege more affordable, orthat we preserved a brokenand bloated system? It isundeniable that you did theformer,\" Kent said.In a statement, hecharacterized the decisionsas \"commonsense limits andguardrails on future studentloan borrowing\" and as ameans to \"simplify thefederal student loanrepayment system.\"\"The consensus languageagreed upon by thenegotiators today will helpdrive a sea change in highereducation by holdinguniversities accountable foroutcomes and puttingsignificant downwardpressure on the cost oftuition,\" Kent said. \"This willbenefit borrowers who willno longer be pushed intoinsurmountable debt tofinance degrees that do notpay off.\"Reaction to therulemaking outcome wasimmediate.Nursing groups stronglycriticized it as devaluing theprofession and potentiallyworsening a shortage thathas seen more than 138,000nurses leaving the workforcesince 2022 due to stress,burnout and retirement,according to the 2024National Nursing WorkforceStudy issued by the NationalCouncil of State Boards ofSmart Reader is published bi-weekly by Carmichael CommunicationsEditor & Publisher/Frank J. Carmichael • Assistant to the Publisher/Reanna Stockdale Sales/Kim Carmichael, Madison Giannini • Editorial Manager/Jason Hedman Ad Design & Layout/Glen Kelly, Dylan Valenta, Francis Flex Reception/Sarah ColemanCarmichael Communications 1420 63rd St. Kenosha, WI 53143January 22, 2025Volume 24 Number 2262-564-8800 • 1-800-568-6623 •www.hap2it.comstory continues on next pageNtnwctpcqpMnNcnputpsenmdtacbdcRaMMMApeptn\"aicdrpnpdrwhatwnsDa9blnccNEducation Department delays garnishment on defaulted student debtThe U.S. EducationDepartment has delayedplans to seize tax refundsand garnish wages overstudent loans that are incollection.While the delay is ineffect, the department willwork to revise student loanrepayment regulations inaccordance with the OneBig Beautiful Bill Act.\"The TrumpAdministration is committedto helping student andparent borrowers resumeregular, on-time repaymentwith more clear andaffordable options, whichwill support a strongerfinancial future forborrowers and enhance thelong-term health of thefederal student loanportfolio,\" said NicholasKent, under secretary ofeducation.\"The departmentdetermined that involuntarycollection efforts, such asadministrative wagegarnishment and theTreasury offset program, willfunction more efficiently andfairly after the Trumpadministration implementssignificant improvements toour broken student loansystem.\"The halt in collections willhelp former students andtheir families, whileaffordability has become anissue for many across thecountry, the NationalConsumer Protection LawCenter said.\"Today's announcementthrows a lifeline to workingand middle-class familieswho are buckling under theweight of outdated studentloan policies that don'treflect today's high cost ofliving and affordability crisis,\"said Abby Shafroth, managingdirector of advocacy at theNational ConsumerProtection Law Center.\"The administration mustnow take the next step andreform harsh collectionpractices before turningthem back on,\" Shafrothsaid.The One Big Beautiful BillAct reduced the number ofavailable repayment plans forstudent loan borrowers andallows for the waiver ofunpaid interest for thosewho make on-timepayments.Pausing the planned taxrefund seizures and wagegarnishments also givesstudent loan borrowersanother chance torehabilitate any defaultedloans and resume theirnormal payments as needed. By Mike HuerWith the nursing profession expected to shrink by 40% during the next threeyears, supporters are urging the defeat of a proposed U.S. rule that would limitfinancial aid available to nurses who seek to further their professional education.The Department of Education paused plans to seize taxrefunds and garnish wages of those in default whilerevising student loan repayment regulations. SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 10:57 AM Page 2
4 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800s,t,4ealfeNursing.This study also predictedthat by 2029, almost 40% ofnurses intend to leave theworkforce.The effect of the movecould be particularly hard onthe pipeline of nursepractitioners, which in turncould degrade the overallquality and availability ofprimary healthcare, warnedMary Turner, a registerednurse and a president ofNational Nurses United.\"Nurse practitionerscurrently provide muchneeded primary care,particularly in rural andunderserved areas wherethere is a shortage ofphysicians,\" she told UPI in astatement.\"If this rule goes intoeffect, we could have fewernurse practitioners, whichmeans patients will facedelays in care, long waittimes to get appointmentsand less access to primarycare.\"Patients now are treatedby nurse practitionersduring many of their primarycare visits, said ChrisRubesch, a registered nurseat Essentia Health St. Mary'sMedical Center in Duluth,Minn., and president of theMinnesota NursesAssociation.\"Making it harder forpeople to receive theeducation needed toprovide this care is exactlythe opposite of what weneed,\" Rubesch told UPI.\"This will disproportionatelyaffect rural and lowerincome communities in acountry that already hasdifficulty attracting andretaining primary careproviders.\"Our healthcare systemneeds every nurse andprovider possible. Thisdecision, sadly, will onlyreduce this criticalworkforce,\" she said.The Trump administration,however, disputes thisassertion, calling it a \"myth\"that the proposed rulewould contribute to thenationwide nursingshortage.Instead, EducationDepartment officials claim ina fact sheet that data shows95% of nursing studentsborrow below the annualloan limit, \"and therefore arenot affected by the newcaps.\"Further, they assertplacing caps on loans \"willpush the remaining graduatenursing programs to reducetheir program costs,ensuring that nurses will notbe saddled withunmanageable student loandebt.\"Also, the loan limits won'thave any impact at all onundergraduate nursingprograms, they contend -- anidea dismissed by proeducation groups who claimthat if schools lose graduatestudents or are forced tolower graduate tuition tomeet the new loan limits,they may have less revenueto spend on makingundergraduate schoolingmore affordable.Meanwhile, nurses arealso crying foul over thehow the proposed aid capscould disproportionatelyaffect women and nurses ofcolor, who would need toturn to private lenders thatcharge higher interests ratesand employ stringent lendingqualification standards.\"Women and borrowersof color often rely the moston graduate loans to coverthe cost of attendance,\"Turner said. \"Without accessto federal loan assistance,many women and studentsof color will be forced intothe private loan market,where many will not qualifyfor financing.\"Students of color andthose from lower-incomefamilies willdisproportionately struggleto get private loans, due tocredit and incomedisparities. Some may not beable to get a private loan, orif they do, they will beburdened with high-interestloans.\"She pointed to researchshowing that Black andLatino student borrowershave more difficulty repayingtheir loans than Whitestudents and face morefinancial challenges, puttingthem at risk of default.In addition, restrictingaccess to graduate nursingloans will make it moredifficult to find nursingfaculty with advanceddegrees to teach in nursingprograms, Turner said.Similarly, the AmericanAssociation of Colleges ofNursing, which establishesquality standards for nursingeducation, has issued analarm over the financial aidmoves.continued from page 2Nursesoforndofsemeaxgeesrstoedird. erStudent loan limits may alter who becomes a professor, doctor or lawyerAs millions of student loanborrowers settle into theschool year, many arestressed about how they'llpay for their degrees. Thesestudents may find that theOne Big Beautiful Bill Act,the big tax and spending billthat President Donald Trumpsigned into law over thesummer, could limit howmuch they can borrow.Until recently, graduatestudents could take out twotypes of federal loans: DirectUnsubsidized Loans, whichhad a lifetime limit of$138,500, and Grad PLUSloans, which allowedstudents to borrow up tothe full cost of attendance,minus financial aid.But Grad PLUS loans willbe eliminated next summer,with a three-yeartransitional period forcurrent borrowers. That willleave only the capped loansfor new borrowers, andthose loans have newlifetime borrowing limits:$200,000 for studentspursuing certain professionaldegrees and $100,000 fornonprofessional graduateprograms.If you add bothundergraduate and graduateloans, there's a new lifetimelimit of $257,500 perperson.That seems modest tome. Consider that the annualaverage costs for anundergraduate degree rangefrom $24,920 for in-statepublic universities to$58,000 for privateuniversities.That means we're lookingat up to $224,000 for abachelor's degree. If we addthree years of law school,we're looking at anadditional $132,000 to$168,000, respectively.Alternatively, completingfour years of medical schoolwill set you back another$268,000 to $363,000. It'snot easy to make thosenumbers add up to less than$257,500.As I reflect on thesenumbers and my journey tobecoming a collegeprofessor, specializing in raceand ethnic studies, one thingbecomes clear: I wouldnever have been able to earnmy bachelor's degree, twomaster's degrees, and Ph.D.under these new rules.Adjusting for inflation, Itook out nearly $300,000 instudent loans, and I paidthem all off within a decadeof starting my collegeteaching career. For me, thesystem worked. I wonderhow today's aspiringprofessionals, especiallythose from less prosperousbackgrounds, will manage.The future ofprofessionalsProfessional studentsalready graduate with a lotof debt -- often far morethan the new loan caps willallow. In 2020, more than aquarter of graduatingmedical students and nearly60% of graduating dentalstudents had borrowedmore than the new limitswould allow, author MarkKantrowitz, who is anexpert on student loans, hasfound. In 2024, nearly aquarter of medical schoolgraduates left school withmore than $300,000 in debt.The new borrowing limitswill likely hit minoritystudents especially hard.While about 61% of allgraduate students take outstudent loans, the share ismuch higher for Blackstudents compared withWhite students, 48% to 17%.While some might be ableto supplement their federalloans with private ones --which tend to have muchworse terms for borrowers-- I fear that many otherswill be forced to end theireducations prematurely.That, in turn, wouldworsen the already severeshortage of doctors servingthe Black community. Aspointed out in a 2023 reportof the Journal of theAmerican MedicalAssociation, the shortage ofBlack primary carephysicians is directly relatedto overall lower populationhealth and ultimately highermortality rates within theBlack community. As of2023, fewer than 6% of U.S.doctors were Black, versus14.4% of the population.Research has suggestedthat student loan reliefwould help diversify themedical workforce. Addingnew restrictions would likelyhave the opposite effect,making the profession morehomogeneous andsignificantly underminingBlack public health.Or consider attorneys.Law school costs have risenmore than 600% over thepast two decades. Theaverage 2020 law schoolgraduate left with $165,000story continues on page 4The new borrowing limits will likely hit minority studentsespecially hard. While about 61% of all graduate studentstake out student loans, the share is much higher for Blackstudents compared with White students, 48% to 17%story concludes on page 4SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 10:57 AM Page 3FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Prepay for your funeral now and the price will be guaranteed. 8226 Sheridan Rd. 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5 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800bimpoWdrcitbrwhegrThis minmThelcowchbedeloexgraffenAnatexAdaAexleputacaowgoexAanbeDhin student debt.Black law students faceunique challenges, graduatingwith approximately 8% moredebt on average than whitestudents and facing significantwage disparities once theyenter the legal workforce.Making it harder for Blackstudents to afford law schoolcould reduce the number ofBlack attorneys, which hasheld steady at about 5% ofactive lawyers over the past10 years.Reducing access to federalstudent loans risksdisproportionately affectingwomen, since they holdroughly two-thirds of allstudent debt.What comes nextSupporters of the changesay that capping graduatestudent borrowing willencourage universities torein in tuition hikes. They alsosay private student loanproviders will step in to helpstudents. I am skeptical, butthe true test will come nextyear.In the meantime,professional students mightwant to familiarizethemselves with the manyscholarship opportunitiesavailable.Many organizations offer arange of medical schoolscholarships, including thosetargeting women andminorities. The same is truefor students interested in lawschool. A helpful startingpoint is this list ofscholarships withapproaching deadlines andthese opportunities forwomen and people of color.By Rodney Coates Why this iceberg turned blue andwhat it tells us about melting iceNASA's EarthObservatory capturedstriking new satellite imageryshowing iceberg A-23A, onceone of the largest icebergsever tracked, which is nowtaking on an intense blue hueas it drifts in the SouthAtlantic Ocean.This unusual color is notjust a visual curiosity. It is asign of widespread meltingand structural weakeningthat could herald theiceberg's final breakup.According to NASA, undertypical conditions, icebergsappear white becausecountless tiny air bubbles inthe ice scatter allwavelengths of sunlightequally.As A-23A has aged andmelted, the conditions havechanged. In 1986, when it firstbroke away from Antarctica,the berg was nearly twice thesize of Rhode Island. Today,it's about 580 square miles.On Dec. 26, NASA's Terrasatellite's MODIS (ModerateResolution ImagingSpectroradiometer)instrument revealedextensive pools of meltwateron the surface of A-23A.Earth scientists say thesepools appear in deep shadesof blue because waterpreferentially absorbs longerwavelengths of light (redsand yellows), while shorterblue wavelengths arescattered and reflected backto our eyes, similar to whythe ocean and deep glacialice can look blue.The meltwater collects indepressions across the icesurface, forming ponds thatcan be several meters deep.The depth and clarityenhance the blue coloration,making it especially vivid insatellite imagery.Why the meltwater isforming nowAn image of iceberg A-23Ain the South Atlantic Oceantaken on December 26 byNASA's Terra satelliteshowing extensive pools ofblue meltwater visible on itssurface. Photo courtesyNASAA-23A calved fromAntarctica's Filchner Ice Shelfin 1986 and has drifted fornearly four decades. Overtime, it has slowly becomesmaller through naturalfragmentation. But during theSouthern Hemisphere'srecent summer, warmerweather and ocean watersaccelerated surface melting,producing abundantmeltwater.The surface meltwater ispooling in fractures and lowareas, painting the icebergwith blue streaks and patchesthat contrast against theremaining white ice.What the color changereveals about thefuture of A-23AAn image captured onSeptember 11 by NASA'sTerra Satellite shows theongoing disintegration ofIceberg A-23A. File Photocourtesy of NASA EarthObservatoryThe appearance of deepblue meltwater is also abellwether of structuraldecline. Scientists note thatthe weight of water in crackscan pry the iceberg apartfrom within.Imagery from bothsatellites and astronautsaboard the InternationalSpace Station suggests A-23Amay be just days or weeksaway from total breakup as itcontinues to drift intowarmer seas.By Emilee SpeckStudent loanscontinued from page 3\"Lowering federal studentloan limits creates a barrierfor many nurses seeking toadvance their education tofill essential clinical andteaching roles,\" groupPresident and CEO Dr.Deborah Trautman told UPI.According to theorganization's latest annualsurvey, 183,466 students areenrolled in master's anddoctoral programs at U.S.nursing schools, with morethan two-thirds of themrelying on student loans tofinance their education.\"AACN data show thatmore than 75% of nursingstudents in graduateprograms are women, andmore than 43% are fromunderrepresented groups innursing,\" she said. \"Nursesprepared at this level areneeded to serve as advancedpractice nurses, researchersand in other criticalpositions.\"The group also worriesthat a graduate loan capcould trigger declines in thenurse faculty population,which would \"directly affect\"nursing schools alreadystruggling to meet thedemand for registerednurses.\"The national facultyvacancy rate is 7.2%,\"Trautman said. \"Alleviatingthat shortage of faculty iskey to preparing enoughgraduates to ease the U.S.nursing shortage.\"Her concerns arereceiving some high-profilepolitical backing.On Dec. 12, a bipartisangroup more than 140members of Congress fromboth chambers, led by Sens.Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., andRoger Wicker, R-Miss., signeda letter addressed to Kenturging the Trumpadministration to reconsiderits omission of nursing fromthe \"professional\" degreeclassification.\"Nurses and nurse facultymake up the backbone ofour health system, and postbaccalaureate nursingdegrees lead todemonstrated outcomes,with a recent study from theFoundation for Research onEqual Opportunity showingthat nursing was one of thetop three master's degreesfor return on investment,\"they wrote.\"As such, postbaccalaureate nursingdegrees should be treatedequally to other accreditedpost-baccalaureate healthprofession degrees.\"Trautman predictednursing advocates fromacross the country will rallyagainst the proposed rulewhen the comment period isset out.\"We are preparingcomments supportive ofnursing as a professionaldegree and will lead theeffort to encourage allnurses to submit commentsto help influence the finalrule,\" she said.She added she expects \"arobust response ... given thewidespread support forincluding nursing on the listof professions from ourcolleagues in medicine andacross the healthprofessions, leaders of healthsystems and universities,members of Congress andthe public.\"By Don JacobsonNursescontinued from page 3The Trump economy: Norecession, but no boom eitherPresident Trump wonreelection on a promise tobring economic growthback to its prepandemichighs from his first term.The centerpiece of his planwas to levy higher tariffs onimported goods, therebycutting the trade deficit,boosting U.S. manufacturing,and collecting higherrevenues.In April, Mr. Trump sentthe stock market into atemporary nosedive whenhe announced sweepingtariffs on nearly allcountries, particularlypenalizing nations that rantrade surpluses with theU.S. Before these“Liberation Day” tariffs,which were almostimmediately paused toallow for negotiations, theadministration had raisedlevies on China, as well ason Mexico and Canada,which are among America’slargest trading partners.Subsequent deals have ledto lower tariff rates formany countries, whileimporters have successfullysought exemptions. Still, theeffective tariff rate onimported goods nowaverages 11.2%, up from2.5%, according to the TaxFoundation.Economists sayuncertainty over tariffs hasbeen a drag on theeconomy, with annualgrowth projected to comein near 2% for the 2025calendar year. But, so far,predictions that Mr. Trump’stariffs would drive upinflation and send theeconomy into recessionhave not been borne out.Prices of imported goodshave risen, but inflation,while above the FederalReserve’s target level, hasn’tspiked. Still, the full impactmay just be delayed: Manycompanies built up pretariffinventories, and gyratingtariff rates make it tricky forretailers to set prices.At the same time, there’sno sign of a manufacturingrenaissance – indeed,manufacturing employmenthas fallen, not risen, underMr. Trump. Some companieshave announced plans tobuild or expand U.S.factories, but constructioncan take years and in somecases might never happen.What is certain is thattariffs are raising morerevenue: The U.S. collected$195 billion in the fiscalyear that ended Sept. 30,more than double theprevious year. Based oncurrent tariff rates, revenuecould hit $247 billion in2026, while the trade deficithas narrowed to a five-yearlow. But if imports fallfurther, because of eitherhigh prices or the reshoringof manufacturing, thatwould result in lower tariffrevenue. The SupremeCourt could also upendthings with a ruling on thelegality of Mr. Trump’s tariffs.The stock market hasbeen strong overall, andhome prices also remainhigh – buoyinghomeowners, but keepingother Americans out of thehousing market. Only 21%of homebuyers in 2025were first-time buyers, arecord low in tracking thatgoes back to 1981. Expectto hear more aboutaffordability in the comingyear.By Simon Montlake2ASR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 10:58 AM Page 4
6 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800In 2025, a record $61billion flowed into themarket for data centers thatpower artificial intelligence.Waymo expanded itsdriverless taxi service to fivecities. AI fueled scientificbreakthroughs in areas fromweather forecasting tohealth care.AI experts predict evengreater impacts this year.The number of data centersis expected to grow, fuelingmore applications that willincreasingly play roles inmost people’s daily lives.That could lead to higherelectricity prices, and spurconversations aboutwhether the technology ischanging society for thebetter.“I think 2026 will bedefining, in the sense AI is nolonger just somethingexciting, but we have tograpple with how it’saffecting our daily life andenergy demands,” saysAnjana Susarla, a researcherat Michigan State University.Here’s a look at whatexperts say are major waysAI could change people’sdaily lives this year.Agentic AI set toexpandAn AI agent is a machinelearning model that canpursue a goal and completetasks in place of a person. Itcan make decisions on itsown, and adapt based on thegoal it’s been given. Forexample, you could use anAI tool to monitor pricesand book a flight on yourbehalf according toparameters you assigned it.These tools started tocome into play in 2025 ascompanies began to unveil“agentic browsers,” whichallow AI to interact withwebsites on behalf ofsomeone. In July, retail chainWalmart rolled out four AIagents, one of which helpscustomers find items in thecompany’s app. On themusic platform Spotify, userscan opt to use AI to createpersonalized playlists.“We are not talking aboutOpenAI building somecutting-edge AI tool,” saysDr. Susarla. “We’re talkingabout retailers that all of usare familiar with.”As these models becomemore advanced – and lessprone to making mistakes –experts predict they couldbecome an essential part ofmore and more businesses,changing companies’workflows and consumers’experiences. In a 2025survey by McKinsey & Co.,62% of respondents saidtheir organizations werealready at leastexperimenting with AIagents.Martin Hilbert, aprofessor at the Universityof California, Davis, whoresearches questions of AIand ethics, predictsworkplaces in particularcould experiencerestructuring as they adoptagentic AI. For one thing, AIagents could free upworkers’ time by taking overeveryday tasks such aschecking emails.AI can “automate many ofthese really repetitive,boring tasks that fill the dailyschedule of many workers,”he says.Dr. Hilbert also mentionsthat a proliferation of AI usein the workplace couldmean that those whomaster this technology get aserious leg up among theirco-workers – or even pushthem out.“Some people who use AIeffectively can replace othertasks from other people thatdon’t,” he says. “We canexpect a reorganizationhappening amongprofessionals.”Data centers keepgrowingData centers thatproduce the computingpower to run AI can use asmuch electricity as a smallcity. They’re multiplyingrapidly – the number in theU.S. roughly doubledbetween 2021 and 2024. TheInternational Energy Agency,an intergovernmentalorganization that works tosecure sustainable energy,estimates about 4% of theelectricity consumednationally in 2024 was usedby data centers.This growth has spurredrising energy costs acrossthe country, particularly inareas such as Maryland andOhio, where data centersare highly concentrated.One study from CarnegieMellon University inPittsburgh estimates datacenters and cryptocurrencymining could cause an 8%increase in the average U.S.electricity bill by 2030. Thehigh demand, the studyfound, forces some energygenerators in certainmarkets to buy electricityfrom more expensivesources, including coal-firedplants.The spread of these datacenters has started toattract bipartisan attentionfrom elected officials. Sen.Data centers such as this one in Loudon County, Virginia, house the computer servers andhardware required to support modern internet use, including artificial intelligencestory continues on page 10edmlyleisngofalhealltsal\"aheorsturndththes,ndonenentrlrgtfede.sdngge%5atttge2026 could be a ‘defining’ year forAI, from shopping to electricityTwo Sydney sharkattacks leave twohospitalized in critical conditionA surfer was bitten by ashark in waters off Sydneylast Monday evening, thesecond person to suffercritical injuries in a sharkattack near the Australia'slargest city in little morethan 24 hours.Emergency services werenotified of the most recentattack at about 6:20 p.m.AEDT Monday, the NewSouth Wales Police Forcesaid in a statement.The surfer, identified as aman believed to be in his20s, was pulled from thewaters of North SteyneBeach, Manly, near SydneyHarbour National Park bymembers of the public whoperformed first aid on thevictim before emergencyservices could arrive.The man suffered whatNSW Police called \"seriousleg injuries,\" and wastransported by ambulance toRoyal North Shore Hospitalin critical condition,authorities said.\"All beaches on theNorthern Beaches areclosed until further notice,and this will be reviewed onan ongoing basis,\" the NSWPolice Force said.The man is the secondperson to be sent to hospitalin critical condition due to ashark attack in a day, after a12-year-old boy washospitalized following anattack on Sunday.Authorities said the boywas with friends, leaping off a20-foot rock into thebrackish waters of theHermitage Foreshore Walk,located about 10 miles southof North Steyne Beach,when he was attacked atabout 4:20 p.m. Sunday.The boy was rescued fromthe ocean and wastransported to Children'sHospital in Randwick.Superintendent JosephMcNulty, commander of theNSW Police Marine AreaCommand, told reportersMonday prior to the secondattack that the boy was\"fighting for his life.\"\"We believe it wassomething like a bull sharkthat attacked the lowerlimbs of that boy yesterday,\"he said, describing the scenethat police arrived at as\"horrendous.\"The attacks come monthsafter 57-year-old MercuryPsillakis died from a sharkattack in September.Northern BeachesCouncil on Monday said itsthoughts and wishes werewith the man who wasattacked at North SteyneBeach.\"Many are still grieving theloss of Mercury Psillakis andwe are all shocked this canhappen again so soon on ourbeaches,\" Northern BeachesMayor Sue Heins said in astatement.All beaches across theNorthern Beaches are toremain closed Tuesday andWednesday, Heins added.By Darryl CooteSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 10:58 AM Page 5SR060525Call Alex at 262-344-6736For a free estimateCall Alex at 262-344-6736For a free estimateAlex Fence & Repairs lex Fence & RepairsWhy settle for wood posts when you can get lifetime steel posts. 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7 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800OPINIONBlood stained the snow.The line was searing. It’s beenrepeated often in the initialreporting of the killing ofRenee Nicole Good inMinnesota.The gory imagery becameunforgettable alongsidevideo of the 37-year-oldmother’s blood-splatteredcar, with immigration agentsscreaming at citizens tostand back.Let’s do more than prayblood-stained grounds arenot repeated in comingweeks.Americans could use somedeep and serious lessons innonviolent resistance, thetype of courageous andselfless actions that led usthrough the civil rights era ofdecades past.It’s a tall order in the ageof social media, where fartoo many people yearn forlikes and shares, envisioningthemselves as influencers.Within hours of Good’sdeath after being shot by anImmigration and CustomsEnforcement agent, protestsformed in cities across thenation, with more plannedfor the coming days.The anger and indignationpeople feel is as palatable asit is potentially dangerous.But it’s imperative thatprotesters remain peaceful.Innocent lives will dependupon it.The U.S. is currentlygoverned by anadministration that doesn’trespect the tools of deescalation, a crucial tactic forlaw enforcement. Rather,President Donald Trump andmany of his most vocal andprominent mouthpieces arefar more adept at gaslighting.They’ve been lighting upAmerica since the shootingof Good.Her body might not haveeven been at the morgue yet,when the mother of threewas called a “domesticterrorist” by Department ofHomeland SecuritySecretary Kristi Noem, whoalso accused Good ofweaponizing the Honda Pilotshe appeared to be steeringaway from the agents as shewas shot in the head.It’s early in theinvestigation. No one knowsthe full truth of whattranspired, not from everyangle, every decision that ledup to the shooting, least of allwhat Good’s and the agent’sintentions were in themoment.Responsible leadershipwould be pressing for thetruth, for an unbiasedinvestigation, not concoctingnarratives around unknowns.The Martin Luther King, Jr.OPINION“For what you see andhear depends a good dealon where you are standing:it also depends on whatsort of person you are.” –C.S. Lewis, The Magician’sNephewLet’s start with theshooting of Renee Good, aMinneapolis woman killedby an ICE agent whileattempting to drive awayfrom the scene of an ICEoperation. Moments afterthe first videos wereavailable the mayor ofMinneapolis, Jacob Frey andMinnesota Governor TimWalz blamed ICE and calledthe shooting unnecessary.The leftist activist groupthat Good was reportedlypart of is dedicated totracking and “resisting”immigration enforcementoperations through appsand a rapid response hotline, according to the NYPost. Frey and Walz alsoclaimed Good was tryingto drive away. Frey addedthat the agent who shotGood “hopped” down thestreet. Perhaps he waslimping after Good’s car hithim?Standing on the otherside of the argument wereVice President J.D. Vance,Department of HomelandSecurity Secretary KristiNoem, current and formerBorder Patrol agents andother conservativecommentators on FoxNews.In Portland, Oregon, aCBP agent opened fire on acouple identified asmembers of the Venezuelangangster group Tren deAragua. A DHS statementsaid they had “weaponized”their car fleeing a trafficstop.If jumping to conclusionswere an Olympic sport,these prematurecommentators who soughtto create a narrative wouldreceive gold medals.The media andDemocrats have drivenmuch of this. For the mediait makes for good pictures.For Democrats and liberalgroups who may providethem support money, it’s astrategy they hope willbring President Trump andhis administration down.There are two ways tobreak the law. One is bybreaking it and the other isby ignoring it. The latter ismostly what the Bidenadministration did, letting inviolent criminals whocommitted new crimes,including the murder ofAmerican citizens.Investigations take timeto sort out the truth, but inthe instant communicationage many are impatient andproduce their own “truth”to further personal politicalobjectives.DHS claims that ICE andother law enforcementagents are in more dangerthan at any time in recentmemory. They are cursed invile ways, bottles and bricksare thrown at them anddemonstrators demandthey remove face masks sothey can be identified anddoxxed.This disrespect forlegitimate authority goesback at least in moderntimes to race riots and theassassinations of MartinLuther King Jr. where riotsand looting destroyed manyBlack neighborhoods andforced a call-out of theNational Guard to maintainorder.Growing up in theWashington, D.C., area Iwas taught to respect andobey police officersbecause they were there tokeep order and apply thelaw. Then there was onlyone officer on the steps ofthe House and Senate.There were no metaldetectors (those were forthe beach to find loosecoins) and no identificationrequired.If you seek to enter theCapitol Building today,there are stone-and-metalbarricades blocking vehiclesfrom getting close and Xray machines to examinewhat’s in your pocket asyou enter on foot. Securitycameras are everywhere.This modern, anti-lawenforcement attitude, Ibelieve, comes from toomany university professorsand social media that teacha different Americanhistory and promote anAmerica that resembles thecountries from which thesemigrants come.In Minneapolis, Portland,Oregon, and Seattle wehave seen ICE trying toarrest and deport peoplewith serious charges andconvictions. And now thosewho are to “protect andserve” are the targets oforganized demonstrators,many of whom are breakingthe law.It depends onwhere you standwith Cal ThomasReaders may email CalThomas [email protected] for Cal Thomas’ latestbook “A Watchman in theNight: What I've Seen Over50 Years Reporting onAmerica\" (HumanixBooks).my turnyeThWeileSadrobAfoSlthhia una coCNwlayStanthbeDcoacdopagrpeapmthabdireunUTowstory continues on page 7How would MLK use nonviolence to challenge ICE?with Mary SanchezReaders can reach MarySanchez [email protected] follow her on [email protected] memorial for Renee Nicole Good stands near the site of hershooting on January 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.According to federal officials, an ICE agent shot and killedGood during a confrontation in south Minneapolis.feinJahnNininaabthnoNbtehMcoKelly Burke, left, holds a sign that says \"ICE OUT!\" as shestands with her partner Marta Hanson, right, after a vigil forRenee Good on the steps of the state capitol building in St. PaulSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 3:34 PM Page 6
8 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800ngns.Jr.ywIorshnneed,eoededofs,gOPINIONThere have been 100-year wars and 30-year wars.The June 1973 Arab-IsraeliWar lasted six days. Twentyeight years later, after alengthy bombing campaign,Saddam Hussein's army wasdriven from Kuwait andobliterated in 100 hours.And it took 79 days in 1999for NATO to compelSlobodan Milosevic to endthe Kosovo slaughter.But, never in modernhistory has there ever beena one day war. That wasuntil Donald Trump ordereda relatively smallcommando force intoCaracas to seize and detainNicolas Maduro and hiswife Jan. 3.Yes, a large naval armadalay off the Venezuelan coast.Still, for the time being --and that could change --this fait accompli seemed tobe a dramatic success.The acting president,Delcy Rodriguez, appearedcompliant and willing toaccept Americandominance without a singlepair of U.S. boots on theground. Venezuelapermitted theappropriation or theft of 50million barrels of its oil bythe United States worthabout $2.5 billion. And,discussions over formalrecognition are reportedlyunderway.How can this be? TheUnited States spentfortunes in blood andtreasure in Vietnam andwith allies in Afghanistanand Iraq attempting tomake successful regimechanges. All failed.Yet, with a single boldoperation and no Americanlosses, Trump may haveindeed imposed a successfulregime change in Venezuela,even if Maduro's successorsare all his handpicked menand women acolytes.Ironically, Trump validatedthe principle of \"shock andawe,\" discredited in thesecond Iraq war. The aimswere to \"affect, influenceand control the will andperception of an adversary\"to obtain the behavior andoutcome we seek with theminimum use of force.Trump did that. And, ifVenezuela does become afreer, more open society,more power to Trump.The implications aretectonic. Under certaincircumstances, will theremoval of a state's leaderhave the same effect as inVenezuela? Suppose at theAlaskan Summit last August,the United States seizedRussian President VladimirPutin -- a once ludicrousidea tempered by theMaduro raid. What then?And should China's XiJinping be concerned whenhe next meets Trump?Both the USSR/Russiaand China have survivedregime changes, althoughthe election of MikhailGorbachev as the USSR'spresident led to itsdissolution. Perhaps lessstable dictatorships may bemore susceptible tosuccumbing to suchdramatic action and thediscrete use of force. Irancould be atop Trump's list.The United States failedin its 1980 rescue raid tofree U.S. hostages held inthe U.S. Embassy in Tehran.U.S. military forces are farmore capable today. Andwhile snatching theAyatollah Khomeini may ormay not have a similaroutcome of ending theIranian regime as inVenezuela, there is nodoubt that option has beenraised in Washington,especially with the currentriots on Iran.And, given theuncertainty of successionamong the mullahs, could aTomahawk decapitationstrike have the same effectas in Venezuela?Fortunately, democraciesare more impervious to acataclysmic regime change.If United Kingdom PrimeMinister Sir Keir Starmer orFrench President EmmanuelMacron were kidnapped oreliminated, the continuity ofgovernment would bemaintained.Similarly, in the UnitedStates, whether a presidentdies of natural causes, suchas FDR, or is assassinated,such as JFK, a new leader isinstalled. The test isdetermining or guessingwhich government will notsurvive after losing itsleader. Perhaps NorthKorea is also on that list.Then, no doubt buoyedby the Caracas coup, Trumphas become even moredetermined about acquiringGreenland from Denmark.Whether by force, gift oroutright sale, is this aserious overture? And, if so,do Trump and othersunderstand the implicationsincluding dystopicconsequences for NATO?Were this columnwritten a month ago, itwould have been dismissedas pure nonsense -- andrightly so. However,consider the massivedisruptions Trump alreadyhas imposed in Americanand in international politics.Trump is the \"unitaryexecutive,\" bypassing andsuperseding the other twobranches of government.Congress and the SupremeCourt have becomeconstitutional vestiges inwhich Trump has amassedthe greatest power of anypresident, including Lincolnduring the Civil War.Internationally, Trump hasended the U.S. system offair and free trade with histariff regime. With theVenezuelan coup, andperhaps Greenland next,thinking the unthinkable isnow no longer foolish. Ifthis is truly atransformational momentin international politics,what could lie ahead? Thatshould worry us all.Trump and his one-day warwith Harlan Ullmanmy turnHarlan Ullman is UPI'sArnaud de BorchgraveDistinguished Columnist; senioradviser at Washington'sAtlantic Council, chairman of aprivate company and principalauthor of the doctrine ofshock and awe. His next book,co-written with Field MarshalThe Lord David Richards,former U.K. chief of defenseand due out next year, is WhoThinks Best Wins: PreventingStrategic Catastrophe. Thewriter can be reached on [email protected] Ullman joinsHappenings Q&A on Fri Jan 30th at 9:20am on AM1050 WLIP7U.S. President Donald J. Trump is the “unitary executive,” bypassingand superseding the other two branches of government.federal holiday will be notedin coming days, especially onJanuary 19, the federalholiday. King taught thatnonviolence is not passive.Nonviolence focuses oninjustice, rather thanindividuals.That portion, with visceralanger growing toward ICEand other federal agents, willbe difficult for many. Butthose who adhere tononviolence see it as a wayof life, not a tactic.Nonviolence can be thebackbone of strategic, longterm organized planning tohold the federal governmentaccountable, shifting policyand action to align withupholding the Constitution,justice and fairness.Even grade schoolchildren have likely seenblack and white images ofKing’s era in which organizedand trained civil rightsgroups fought for votingrights and to end legalizedsegregation between races.There are famous photosof protesters beinghumiliated as they sat at allwhite lunch counters, orbeing blasted by fire hoses,and even beaten often underthe sanction of southernsheriffs.The nation’s people havepressured governmentofficials before; peacefullyand successfully.The dangers of those1950s protests feel eerilysimilar, given Trump’sseeming glee at sendingNational Guard troops intocities.Protesters threwsnowballs at federal agents inMinneapolis after the killingof Good. A relativelyharmless and childish, butnot necessarily, effectiveaction. Federal agentsresponded with pepper balls,storming into the crowd.In Boston, people dumpedice, equal to the amountspilled during the Boston TeaParty, into the harbor in amid-December protestaimed at ICE overreach. Itwas a symbolic, yetconstructive act to beginmobilizing others.Small percentages of theoverall population, 3.5percent, have been proven tobe effective in social justicemovements that adhere tononviolent principles. In fact,research shows thatnonviolent strategies aremore effective in bringingsocial change than violentones.Within 24 hours, the nameof the ICE agent whoallegedly shot Good hadbeen published by the media.Social media, much of itcoarse, quickly weighed in.There are arguablereasons for transparency andaccountability for thedisclosure of his name. Butthat officer, and his family, arelikely being subjected todoxing, and verifiable threatsas a result.Eye for an eye is not a partof social justice, or franklydecency.Thousands, probablymillions of Americans, havetaken training during the firstyear of the second Trumppresidency. They’ve learnedtheir rights, the power ofbearing witness as silentbystanders to immigrationactions they question, ofusing cell phones to recordthe actions of agents thatcan be used in later courtcases.Those citizens are bankingon a more just future. That’scrucial. Nonviolentmovements sustain throughhope.In this case, that meansbelieving that the UnitedStates can move on fromsome of the current policiesand actions of thisadministration, peacefullyand with justice, solvingproblems aroundimmigration.King often emphasizedthis principle of nonviolentorganizing, stating, “The arcof the moral universe is long,but it bends toward justice.”Mary Sanchezcontinued from page 6eorulSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 7:03 AM Page 7
9 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800A study by researchers atOhio State Universityconfirms what most of usknow about weight loss --increased exercise and ahealthy diet are the keysrather than skipping mealsand using prescription dietpills.The researchersexamined adherence to theAmerican HeartAssociation's Life's Essential8 recommendations amongpeople with and withoutclinically significant weightloss. Researchersconcluded that U.S. adultswould benefit fromadopting the heart-healthymeasures to achieve weightloss. The findings werepublished in the journal ofthe American HeartAssociation in April 2023.The eightrecommendations,published by the AHA inJune 2022, are consideredcrucial for heart health andinclude:-- Eat better: Follow ahealthy, balanced dietconsisting of unprocessed,nutrient-rich foods,including vegetables, fruits,whole grains, beans,legumes, nuts, plant-basedproteins, lean animalproteins, skinless poultry,fish and seafood.-- Be more active: Aim forat least 150 minutes ofmoderate or 75 minutes ofvigorous physical activityper week.-- Quit tobacco: Smokingcessation is recommendedto avoid numerous healthproblems.-- Get healthy sleep: Getseven to nine hours ofsleep per night. -- Manage weight: Be at ahealthy weight. Accordingto the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention, anoptimal body mass index(ratio of height and weight)is between 18.5 and 25.-- Control cholesterol:Aim for your LDL (lowdensity lipoprotein) to belower and your HDL (highdensity lipoprotein) to behigher for overall goodcholesterol health.-- Manage blood sugar: Atest called hemoglobin A1Cprovides a picture of bloodglucose over the past threemonths and can be used tokeep levels in check.-- Manage bloodpressure: Adults shouldmaintain blood pressurelevels below 120/80 mmHg. A lower sodium dietcan help achieve this. What the study found isthat thoserecommendations for hearthealth also helped withweight loss. Researcherslooked at data from 2007to 2016 National Healthand Nutrition ExaminationSurvey questionnaires,clinical measures and 24-hour dietary recalls todetermine adherence tothe eightrecommendations, dietquality and weight lossstrategies. Adults whoachieved clinically significantweight loss in the past 12months reported higheroverall diet quality, greaterlevels of physical activityand adoption of evidencebased weight loss strategieswhen compared with thosewith weight loss of less than5%, weight maintenance orweight gain. The bottom line? If youwant to lose weight, skipthe fad diets, missing mealsand prescription drugs.Focus on tried-and-truerecommendations of eatinghealthy foods andexercising daily. There areno magic pills or shortcuts.Charlyn Fargo is aregistered dietitian withSIU Med School inSpringfield, Ill. food & recipesHeart Health =Weight LossNutrition News with Charlyn FargoRice Pudding with Dried Apricots and Golden RaisinsServes 65 cups half and half1 cup medium-grain rice3/4 cup granulated sugar2 egg yolks1 teaspoon vanilla1 teaspoon finely chopped orange zest2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened1/2 cup dried apricots, finely chopped1/2 cup golden raisinsCinnamon stick and cinnamon sugar, forgarnish1. In a large saucepan bring the half and halfand the rice to a boil on medium high heat.When the mixture comes to a boil, reduceto a simmer and simmer for about 18minutes, stirring occasionally at thebeginning and constantly the last fewminutes to avoid scorching the pan. The riceshould be soft, but the mixture should bevery creamy, and not all the liquid should beabsorbed.2. Remove from the heat and add the sugar,mixing completely with a spoon to blend.3. In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks,vanilla and orange zest together with awhisk until completely blended. Add 1/2 cupof the rice mixture to the egg mixture andblend. Return the egg yolk-rice mixture tothe rice mixture and mix well.4. Stir in the softened butter, apricots andraisins until well combined and evenlydistributed. Pour the pudding into a servingbowl or individual serving bowls and letcome to room temperature. Sprinkle withcinnamon sugar and arrange a cinnamonstick in the pudding, if desired. Serve atroom temperature or chilled.Rice pudding is one of those sweet desserts Iyearn for in the cold, dreary winter months. Itseems many cultures have their own variations onthis simple dish, including arroz con leche, India’skheer, Greek rice pudding or Italian rice pudding,to name a few.Rice pudding can be baked or cooked on thestovetop. I like this stovetop recipe for its creamyconsistency and texture. You can use whole milkif you prefer it to the half and half.This comforting conclusion to just about anymeal is easy to make. (And by the way it is a greatafternoon snack with a cup of tea.) Be sure toselect medium grain rice for the pudding for itsdelicate characteristic in this dish.Here the rice is cooked in half and half until itjust becomes creamy. Feel free to leave out thefruit if you prefer a simple cinnamon rice pudding.If you do like fruit, you could add other dried fruitlike dried cherries or cranberries.Serve this room temperature or chilled. Ifserving this cold, a dollop of whipped creamspooned on top will make this extra special.By Diane Rossen WorthingtonusfirbaClfoiss19difwochsigO(EcrdiapcoororassigcrubThareffarPrPranrestApoqudombireofVerehageprdiVefivthPeC(tIrAhasiba19CcrbVbServings: 42 tablespoons olive oil, dividedFour 6-ounce halibut fillets1/4 teaspoon kosher salt1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper2 tablespoons chopped shallots1 teaspoon minced garlic1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper1/2 cup chopped plum tomato1 tablespoons sherry vinegar1/2 teaspoon smoked paprikaHeat large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon oil to pan;swirl to coat. Sprinkle halibut evenly with salt and black pepper. Add fish topan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested witha fork. Carefully remove fish from pan and keep warm. Add remaining 1tablespoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add shallots and garlic to pan; saute 1minute. Add bell pepper, tomato, vinegar and paprika; saute 3 minutes oruntil bell pepper is tender. Spoon relish over fish. Sprinkle with additionalblack pepper. Per serving: 239 calories, 32 g protein, 4 g carbohydrate, 9 g fat (1 gsaturated), 1 g fiber, 2 g sugars (0 added), 267 mg sodium. Pan-Seared Halibut with Bell PeppersSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 7:15 AM Page 8
10 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800tyeesseanorouiplsgs.uengndres.Although credit has beenused throughout history, thefirst “modern” card datesback to 1950, when DinersClub issued a one availablefor use at several locations.Banks soon followed,issuing cards throughout the1950s. At that time, it wasdifficult for minorities andwomen to qualify, but thatchanged in 1974, with thesigning of The Equal CreditOpportunity Act of 1974(ECOA).The law preventedcreditors fromdiscriminating against anapplicant because of race,color, religion, nationalorigin, sex, marital status, ageor participation in publicassistance programs.Fifty years since thesigning of the ECOA, use ofcredit cards has becomeubiquitous in the economy.The upside is that Americansare able to access funds in anefficient and convenient way,and the majority pay off theirbalances in full each month.However 46 percent ofcardholders carried abalance on a credit card forat least one month in thepast year, according to a May2025 Federal Reserve study,using 2024 data.Forty-six may seem like alot, but it representssignificant progress, down 11percentage points since2015. Still, outstanding creditcard debt stood at $1.233trillion as of the end ofSeptember 2025, accordingto the most recent datafrom the Federal ReserveBank of New York.The sheer numbersinvolved mean that when thepresident recently posted,“We will no longer let theAmerican Public be rippedoff by credit card companiesthat are charging interestrates of 20 to 30%,” millionsof those who carry creditbalances were encouraged.Trump wants credit cardinterest rates to be cappedat 10% by January 20, theone-year anniversary of hisswearing in as president.Before we get ahead ofourselves, legal experts saythat it would likely takecongressional action to put acap in place, and that isunlikely to occur beforeJanuary 20.Eventually, however, a capcould be possible, given thatin February 2025, SenatorsBernie Sanders and JoshHawley put forth a bipartisanbill that attempted a 10%credit card interest rate cap.(The bill languished and wentnowhere, as financialinstitutions successfullylobbied against any attemptto cap rates.)How would an interestrate cap help consumers?We don’t know whetherTrump’s proposed cap wouldapply to existing balances ornew credit, but with averagecredit card interest rates ofaround 20% and averagebalances running at over$6,500, a one-year halving ofthe rate on both existing andnew balances would allowborrowers to reduce theamount of money goingtowards interest and pay offprincipal faster.A September 2025analysis by VanderbiltUniversity found that a 10%cap “would produce over$100 billion in annualsavings.”Not surprisingly, theorganizations that representand lobby for big cardcompanies (The Bank PolicyInstitute, American BankersAssociation, ConsumerBankers Association,Financial Services Forum andIndependent CommunityBankers of America) issued ajoint statement that pushedback against the cap:“Evidence shows that a 10%interest rate cap wouldreduce credit availability andbe devastating for millions ofAmerican families and smallbusiness owners who rely onand value their credit cards,the very consumers thisproposal intends to help. Ifenacted, this cap would onlydrive consumers toward lessregulated, more costlyalternatives.”Regardless of where wego next in the cap fight, thebest bet for those carrying abalance is to prioritize thehighest interest debt and putdown as much as youpossibly can on that amount.Be sure to cut yourself someslack in the process and tryto take small steps towardsreaching your goal ofbecoming credit card debtfree.After the capture andarrest of VenezuelanPresident Nicolás Maduro,President Donald Trumpannounced plans torevitalize Venezuela’sstruggling oil industry withAmerican investment.Putting aside the hugepolitical and legal issues, thequestion I have fielded boilsdown to this: What will thismean for energy prices?With an estimated 303billion barrels of provenreserves, roughly 17 percentof the world’s total supply,Venezuela has the largest oilreserves on the planet.But here’s the catch:having oil and actuallygetting it out of the groundprofitably are two verydifferent things. AlthoughVenezuela was one of thefive founding members ofthe Organization of thePetroleum ExportingCountries (OPEC) in 1960(the other four were Iran,Iraq, Kuwait, and SaudiArabia), its oil productionhas collapsed dramaticallysince peaking at 3.5 millionbarrels per day (bpd) in the1970s, which at the timerepresented over 7% ofglobal oil output.In the early 2000s, thecountry still producedaround 3 million bpd, butthat amount fell below 2million during the 2010s,and now that amount is just1 million barrels daily —ameasly 1% of global oilproduction, and about thesame production level asthe U.S. state of NorthDakota.That makes Venezuelaonly the 18th-largest oilproducer worldwide,despite those massivereserves. There are twoadditional hurdles aboutmonetizing Venezuelan oil:(1) about three-quarters ofit is “heavy and sour,” whichis hard to extract and torefine and (2) theinfrastructure has beendegraded by decades ofunder-investment andmismanagement.Shortly after Maduro andhis wife were captured,Trump said that U.S. oilcompanies would “spendbillions of dollars, fix thebadly broken infrastructure”and “start making money forthe country.”But rebuilding wouldlikely take years, notmonths. You can’t flip aswitch and suddenly have afunctioning oil industry. Itrequires enormous capitalinvestment, legalframeworks that protectforeign contracts, andpolitical stability — none ofwhich are guaranteed.Additionally, with crudeoil prices currently below$60 per barrel, there maynot be enough financialincentive for companies tomake such a massive longterm investment. It’s a riskyproposition even in stablecountries — let alone inVenezuela, which isexperiencing politicalupheaval, according to DavidOxley of Capital Economics.He notes that “even if thepolitical environmentbackdrop was morepredictable, in a worldalready awash with oil, thebusiness case forsignificantly ramping updrilling in Venezuela is farfrom strong.”Even if production weresuccessfully restored tolevels from a decade ago, itwould add only about 2% toglobal supply, which is notexactly going to move theneedle on prices, at least inthe short term.The good news is thateven without addedVenezuelan supply, WestTexas Intermediate crudeoil dropped more than 22%in 2025, and gas prices aredown about 25 cents pergallon compared to a yearago, according to AAA.Several factors arecontributing to this,including surging U.S. oilproduction. Over the longerterm, increased Venezuelanoil production couldcontribute to lower energyprices, particularly fordiesel, which is an importantfactor in transportationcosts.The bottom line: Weshould all manage ourexpectations for lowerenergy prices for theimmediate future.Venezuela’s oil potential isobvious but translating thatpotential into reality — andinto savings in your weeklybudget — is a complex,expensive, and lengthyprocess.For now, you might bebetter off enjoying therecent current decline incrude oil and gas prices,which has more to do withexisting global supply anddemand, rather thananything happening inCaracas.Jill Schlesinger, CFP, is a CBSNews business analyst. Aformer options trader and CIOof an investment advisory firm,she welcomes comments andquestions [email protected]. jill on moneyCan Trump capcredit card interestrates?by Jill SchlesingerVenezuela's oil — What it means for your walletby Jill SchlesingerLegal experts say that it would likely take congressional action toput a credit card interest rate cap in place, writes Jill Schlesinger.Nicolas Maduro in handcuffs after landing at aManhattan helipad, escorted by heavily armed Federalagents as he and his wife make their way into an armoredcar en route to a Federal courthouse in Manhattan.SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 3:34 PM Page 9
11 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Brian lives with his wife,Kelly, on the East Coast.He’s been a subscriber tomy free newsletter foryears. Brian is in a selectgroup of virtual friends I’vemade over the years. It’s adelight to have emailexchanges with these hightech pen pals usingelectrons instead of ink.You may be like Brian.He’s about to retire. He andhis wife plan to do a longdistance relocation. It’sgoing to be their final bigmove, from what Iunderstand. His last emailexchange with me touchedon this as he was asking fora bit of advice, knowing thatI had done the same thingmoving from Ohio to NewHampshire in 2008.Brian shared that he andhis wife are attracted to acommunity in Pennsylvaniathat has all sorts ofamenities. They wouldbecome part of ahomeowners' association(HOA). I’ve lived in one ofthese for the past 17 yearsand cautioned him againstmaking that choice.I understand the lure ofan HOA as you get older.Offloading any number ofmaintenance headaches tosomeone else is veryattractive. But it oftencomes with a huge price tagthat rises each year. I sharedhow my HOA dues startedat $60 a month in 2008 andare now $200 a month. Thatincrease is far greater thanthe rate of inflation overthat same time period. Hisdues would be close to$5,000 a year. Imagine whatthey’ll be like 15 years fromnow when money in hisbudget may be tighter than abanjo string.The other issue, in myopinion, with HOAs is thatthere always seems to be atleast one control freak whois the unpaid bylawsenforcement officer. I haveone in mine. This woman hasa magical built-in radar gunin her head. She cansomehow tell when you’respeeding down our privateroads. You can viewthousands of videos onYouTube of folks like herwho spread angst each dayin HOAs like the windscatters dandelion seeds.As Brian and I exchangedemails on other aspects ofmoving, I realized that theconversation should beshared with you. Movingwithin a city or town isstressful enough. That stresshas a force multiplier whenyou move hundreds of milesaway to a strange city orstate you’ve never set footin.Finances should be one ofthe things you consider.Some states, like NewHampshire, have no salestax or income tax. The stateyou’re thinking of moving tomight have low propertytaxes. I was a real estatebroker in Ohio for over 25years and feel there’s onlyone way to compareproperty taxes. All you haveto do is divide the annualproperty tax by the fairmarket value of your home.You’ll be stunned todiscover that one city orstate might have a tax rate300% or 400% higher thananother. In my case, myproperty tax is only 0.6% ofmy house value. Brian’scurrent tax is 1.6% of his fairmarket value. That’s almost300 percent higher thanmine in New Hampshire.I feel it’s important tocreate a list of things youdislike about your currenthome and city. For me, I hadbecome numb to thehorrible traffic, potholes,pollution, background noise,etc., after 55 years inCincinnati. I thought thatmost places were like this. Iwas wrong.You then have to create alist of things you desire.Perhaps you want to beclose to thousands of milesof hiking trails. Maybe youdo want the big city life. Youmay want to be close to theocean or a large lake asboth often offer lots ofrecreation opportunities.I casually mentioned toBrian that, if he and his wifedecide to give NewHampshire a serious look,he needed to avoid housesthat are located on a Class 5road, which is just dirt andgravel. Forty-nine weeks outof the year, you can travel onthem with no issue.However, when mud seasonarrives in the spring, somecan be impassable unlessyou have an Abrams tank. Inthe summer, everythingoutside your home iscovered with dust createdby passing cars and trucks.You should considerclimate, wildlife and insects.My wife and I wanted toescape the insufferablehumidity one suffersthrough in Cincinnati fromJune until September. NewHampshire has much lowerdew points in the summer.That said, it also haswretched black files in thespring. These miserable tinyinsects inflict a vicious bitefor two or three weeks. Themosquito has beennominated to be the NewHampshire state bird manytimes.It’s very important toconsider crime statistics.There are quite a fewwebsites that track thisinformation. Study thesefacts to see what crimeshappen where you plan tomove. Is crime growing orlessening?My advice to Brian wassimple. Narrow down thechoices to two or threeplaces. Then, research thetimes the weather is bestand worst. Travel to eachtown or city and rent ahouse for a week. Start toscout around to see if youlike it. Stay in the city ortown to see if you like theweather extremes.Note the distance tostores and shops. Do youhave to travel a greatdistance to get your carrepaired? Do you like todine out? Are thereabundant great restaurantsthat will satisfy yourappetite?Drive by the worst partsof the city or town. Arethere lots of homelesspeople? Are you a person offaith? If so, visit the places ofworship to see if you fit in.Think about how you buya new car or truck. Youoften take it for a test drive.You need to do the samething when you plan to putdown new roots. Rent ahouse in the town for atleast four weeks over aperiod of a year and see ifyou really like what youexperience.Looking to make your last big relocation? Do your research first Ask the Builder with Tim CarterSubscribe to Tim’s FREE newsletter atAsktheBuilder.com. Tim offers phonecoaching calls if you get stuck during a DIYjob. Go here:go.askthebuilder.com/coachingTim Carter joinsHappenings Q&A on Mon Jan 26th at9:20am on AM1050 WLIP BfwintrwseoPosodrelioAreowse\"DrecaRavsritbCioaCwrhcbawrcaFhFlexwreanShsoKreloselacotianthlahileBernie Sanders, anindependent from Vermont,recently called for amoratorium on all new AIcenters, citing concernsabout AI taking people’s jobs.Florida Republican Gov. RonDeSantis unveiled an AI Billof Rights last month thatwould protect communities’rights to push back againstnew data centerconstruction.“Energy impacts of AI arecoming front and center,”says Dr. Susarla.Google recently unveiledplans to try to build new AIdata centers in outer space,in part to help mitigate thecost of energy because thecenters could run on solarpower. That idea is gainingtraction among leaders of AIcompanies. But in the shortterm, these costs areexpected to mount as largetech companies investhundreds of billions ofdollars into the constructionof new data centers onEarth.AI-generated videoscould affect trustExperts predict thegrowth of a phenomenonthat’s become known as “AIslop”: low-quality, AIgenerated content aimed atgetting attention. This caninclude AI-generated videos,photos, songs, or articlesthat some people mightassume are real.A Guardian analysis fromlast summer found that 1 in10 of the fastest-growingYouTube channels globallyshows only AI-generatedcontent. The content is soprevalent, it has spurredconcerns that people willhave a harder timedetermining what isproduced by a human andwhat is not – and whetherwhat they’re seeing is real.“If you go on any socialmedia content, a lot of whatyou’re going to see is AI,”says Nir Eisikovits, directorof the Applied Ethics Centerat University ofMassachusetts Boston. Hepredicts the blended contentcould lead to a “breakdownof trust and information.”Another concern is thatthis artificial content willcrowd out real artists,writers, and contentcreators who are trying tomake money. The issue isfurther complicated by anexecutive order from theTrump administrationseeking to block state lawsregarding AI, an order Mr.Eisikovits calls a “shipwreck”for AI regulation. The orderis expected to be challengedin courts in the coming year.Dr. Susarla says the trendcould lead to moreconversations about howoriginal content is valuedand whether social mediashould have more guardrailsdefining who can publishwhat kinds of content.“With all thisproliferation, are we losingsomething?” she asks. “Whathappens to consumer trustand safety?”By Caitlin BabcockWe asked Chatgpt to create an image of what it imaginedrepresented Kenosha, Wisconsin. Its reply was a little off.AI in 2026continued from page 5SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 3:37 PM Page 10
12 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Dear Cathy, My doghas zero interest in toys. Hedoesn’t fetch, chew, squeak,or even look at them. I’vetried balls, stuffed animals,and ropes. He won’t playwith anything. Is thisnormal, or am I doingsomething wrong? —Ashley, Kenosha, WisconsinDear Ashley, You’renot alone. Some dogs lovetoys, some tolerate them,and others completelyignore them – and all areperfectly normal. There area few reasons for this. Some dogs simply neverlearned how to play withtoys, especially if they didn’tgrow up with them aspuppies, so they don’tunderstand what to do witha rope or a squeaky duck. Others just havedifferent play styles. Somedogs like to chase toys,some prefer to chew, andothers enjoy toys thatdispense treats or makesounds. If the toy doesn’tmatch what your dognaturally finds fun orrewarding, he may notinteract with it at all. Somedogs also prefer people orother pets over toys, sothey may choose socialinteraction instead of toyplay.To help your dog learn toenjoy toys, try a variety, notjust different versions of thesame toy. Toss a ball, drag atoy on the floor, or hide atreat-dispensing toy and lethim discover it. Sometimes,movement or scent canmake the toy moreinteresting than simplyhanding it to him. One ofmy dogs never liked toys,but he loved going for walksand playing hide and seek.So, don’t worry. A dogwho doesn’t play with toysis not missing out as long ashe is happy, healthy, andcontent being near thepeople they love.Dear Cathy, I just gottwo little kittens. (They arenot related.) One ended upsick with diarrhea and didnot make it to the litterbox. He has been to the vetand received meds fordehydration and a sinusinfection. I have cleaned thecarpet and hardwood floorwith bleach and purchasedthe enzyme cleaner,however, they both keepsniffing around the areasand I am afraid they will peenear there. Any suggestionsof products that I can try todeter the area? — Cindy,St. Louis, MissouriDear Cindy, Whenkittens soil outside thelitter box, especially afterillness, it’s important toclean thoroughly andremove every trace of odorthat could draw them back.You did the right thing byusing an enzymatic cleanermade specifically for petstains. Skip bleach orgeneral household cleanersas they have no impact.Enzymatic products breakdown the proteins in urineand feces that even a cat’ssensitive nose can stilldetect after cleaning. Be sure to follow thedirections closely – soakthe affected areas, let thesolution sit for the fullamount of time, and blotrather than scrub, so theenzymes can work deepinto carpet fibers or cracksin hardwood. Odors canpenetrate floors and carpetfibers.For hardwood floors,you can also use a hardsurface pet odorneutralizer designed forwood or tile to make surethe smell doesn’t lingerbeneath the finish. Onceeverything is dry, lightly mistthe area with a cat-safedeterrent spray, if it's nottoo close to the litter box,to discourage them fromrevisiting the spot.Sprinkling a litter boxattractant in the litterbox for a few weeks canalso help redirect them tothe right place. So, you areon the right track withenzymatic cleaners, justcontinue with cleaning,deterrent, and litter boxattractant.Dear Cathy, Inresponse to Sharon fromNorthampton, Pennsylvania, whose cats arescratching her furniture, Iwould like to share myexperience. I have had catsfor more than five decades– and they all scratchedsomething! I also learnedthat every cat hasscratching preferences.Some like furniture; somelike rugs. My current catwas scratching the carpetuntil I bought a curvedcardboard scratcher. Hewon’t touch the flat ones!The real trick is figuring outwhat type of scratchingsurface your cat prefers. —Ann, Richmond, VirginiaDear Ann, You’vediscovered something veryimportant: Animals areindividuals, and what worksfor one cat may not workfor another. Scratchingposts are a perfectexample. Some cats prefervertical posts wrapped insisal rope, while others mayfavor flat cardboardscratchers or curvedcorrugated styles, like yourfeline. The next trick is figuringout how to place it in theright place, since locationmatters too. Scratching isn’tjust a behavior; it's a naturalfeline need. You might haveto experiment withdifferent scratching surfacesuntil your cat finally says,“Yes, this is the one.”As well as being a recuringguest on Happenings Q&A,Cathy M. Rosenthal is alongtime animal advocate,author, columnist and petexpert who has more than30 years in the animalwelfare field. Send your petquestions, stories and tips [email protected] sea lion rescuedfrom parking lotA baby sea lionwandered out of the waterin California and crossedtraffic to a parking lot,where he was wrangled bysecurity guards and a policeofficer.The Mountain ViewPolice Department said onsocial media thatdispatchers received areport Jan. 5 of a baby sealion in the area of GarciaAvenue.\"Officers promptlyresponded and met withon-scene security guardswho had safely secured thesea lion pup,\" the post said.\"During the MVPD sea lionrescue, Officer McPhersoncarefully guided the sea lionout of traffic and away fromdanger. She then escortedthe pup back to her patrolvehicle.\"The sea lion was turnedover to the MarineMammal Center, whichdubbed the pup Babymac.The pup was taken tothe center's animal hospitalin Sausalito where he wasfound to be \"severelymalnourished\" and \"veryweak,\" the MMC said onsocial media.Officials wrote thatBabymac, who is too youngto survive in the wildwithout his mother, isimproving in the hospital'scare.Rabbit repeatedlyattempts to entervehicles in ColoradoAuthorities in Coloradosaid an unusually friendlyrabbit seen trying to hopinto cars in a ski resorttown is not an escaped pet,but a wild animal.Summit County AnimalControl officers said in anincident report thatofficers were contacted bya local employee in theCopper Mountain areawho reported a rabbit hadrepeatedly attempted tohop into visitors' cars.The employee wasconcerned the rabbit couldbe an escaped orabandoned pet.Animal control officerswere unable to locate therabbit on the day of thecall, but they later receiveda clear photo of theattempted serial hitchhikerfrom witnesses.Officials determined theanimal in the photo was awild rabbit, not adomesticated pet.The rabbit has not beencaptured, but theemployees who contactedanimal control were giventhe option to have theanimal trapped andrelocated up to 2 milesaway.Why pets do (or don’t do) things —Understanding their preferencesPet Worldwith Cathy RosenthalFlorida deputy lassos,handcuffs runaway emuA 25-year veteran of aFlorida police departmentexperienced a career firstwhen a loose animal callresulted in him handcuffingan emu.The St. John's CountySheriff's Office said onsocial media that Cpl.Keisler responded to areport of an emu on theloose.\"Keisler attempted tosecure the emu, but thelarge bird ignored hiscommands, kicked severaltimes using its large talonsand fled on foot recklessly,\"the post said.Keisler ended uplassoing the emu and usinghis handcuffs to secure itslegs.\"In my 25 years, I'venever handcuffed an emu,\"the sheriff's office quotedKeisler as saying. \"This isdefinitely a new one.\"The emu was not injuredand was returned to itsowner.\"All criminal chargesagainst the emu weredropped,\" the post said.SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 7:28 AM Page 11
13 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800DHthin arDsaDalothanArcuseGthTrthmththunWrethimgasuthdeththGII dresblmTrow“bBithanGbeviAt a lavish ceremony thispast November, RussianPresident Vladimir Putinpresided over the laying ofthe keel for the 570-footStalingrad in St. Petersburg,the first step in constructionof Russia’s newest nuclearpowered icebreaker.It may not have been acoincidence that barely aweek later, President DonaldTrump announced an orderto build 11 new icebreakersfor the United States, notingthe huge discrepancybetween the U.S. and RussianArctic icebreaker fleets. “Wehave one, Russia has 48.That’s ridiculous,” he said.For Russia, the far northhas been a zone of economicdevelopment, plannedsettlement, and geopoliticalcompetition since Soviettimes. It not only holds by farthe largest territory of theeight Arctic nations – almost2 million square miles ofRussian land is in the Arctic.It also leads the others interms of infrastructure,population, economicdevelopment, and militarypresence. Russia is currentlypreparing long-range plans toturn its frigid Arctic zoneinto a booming frontier oftrade, resource extraction,and, some hope,international cooperation.It’s also building up itsmilitary forces in the region.Geopolitical tensions are onthe rise, as global warmingleaves more and more waterice-free for longer periodseach passing year, and otherArctic countries realize thepotential bonanza ofundersea resources,fisheries, and potentialtransport routes.Analysts say Mr. Trump’snew National SecurityStrategy, with its focus onhemispheric hegemony,implies greater priority inthe Arctic via Canada andGreenland. The Russians saythe number of NATOmilitary drills andreconnaissance flights in theregion has increasedsignificantly in recent years,while Russia has reopenedseveral former Soviet bases,created specialized Arcticarmy brigades, and beefed upits regional air forcecapabilities.Some analysts suggest thata U.S.-brokered peace inUkraine might pave the wayfor greater economiccooperation with Russia, infields such as oil and gasexploration and otherresource development in theArctic. Many reports indicatethat Trump envoy SteveWitkoff and Kremlinnegotiator Kirill Dmitrievhave been discussing wideranging joint economicactivities, particularly in theArctic, once a Ukraine peacesettlement has beenconcluded.“Moscow has maintained acommitment to cooperationwith the U.S., and argues forseparating Arctic affairs fromwider geopolitical disputes,”says Pavel Devyatkin, aMoscow-based Arctic expertwith the Quincy Institute forResponsible Statecraft, aWashington think tank. “Ingeneral, Russia has beenadjusting its partnerships,leaning more heavily onChinese capital andtechnology for Arcticdevelopment whileremaining open to U.S.collaboration.”Focusing northwardThe key driver of it all isthe Northern Sea Route(NSR), a 3,500-mile passagebetween the Far East andEurope over the top ofRussia, which can save up to15 days of sailing timecompared with thetraditional route through theSuez Canal. The passage isalmost ice-free insummertime already due toglobal warming, and it isthought the seasonalwindow of open water willexpand by months in comingdecades. Until then, theicebreakers are needed tokeep the sea-lane open.Hence the ambitious plans tobuild 14 more icebreakers,including the Stalingrad, by2030, to add to Russia’sexisting fleet of around 50ships, eight of them nuclearpowered behemoths.“History demonstratesthat the displacement ofmaritime trade routesinevitably leads to theformation of new economicpower centers,” saysAlexander Pilyasov, aneconomic geographer andleading Arctic expert atMoscow State University.“Traditionally the winner willbe the country that controlsthe route and handles thecargoes.”This year the NorthernSea Route saw just under 40million tons of cargo passthrough it, a small fraction ofthe Suez Canal in a goodyear. But experts say theamounts are expected toincrease greatly in the future.Not only icebreakers, butnew logistics hubs and portinfrastructure are in theworks.A statement emailed tothe Monitor – signed by S.S.Litvyakov, director of theDepartment of StateSupport and TechnologicalDevelopment in the Arctic –said that about $35 billion indevelopment contracts arecurrently underway, financedby state and private sources,for projects as diverse asmodernizing port facilities,creating a fleet of searchand-rescue ships, andupgrading the satellitenetwork.He said dozens of newlaws have been passed, aimedat stimulating economicgrowth and encouragingmigration to the Arctic.Incentives include free land,subsidized mortgages, andother social benefits forthose who move to theregion. He added that alldevelopment includesenvironmental studies toensure “careful and balancedapproaches” that will notupset the delicateecosystem.“Today, the Russian Arcticzone produces 6.2 percentof Russia’s GDP andaccounts for 10 percent ofexports,” Mr. Litvyakovwrote. “The strategic priorityRussia sees opportunityin thawing Arctic. But it’slooking for partners, too.Russia’s nuclear icebreaker Yakutiya sails throughKanoonersky Island in St. Petersberg story continues on page 15SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 11:04 AM Page 12012226
14 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Does the US need to own Greenland to be secure?History suggests not.Last week, envoys fromthe Trump administration arein Copenhagen, presumablyarguing what PresidentDonald Trump has beensaying for years. NeitherDenmark or Greenlandalone, he claims, can protectthe island against the Russianand Chinese threat in theArctic.They will likely find that,curiously, Denmark and itsself-governing territory ofGreenland totally agree. Andthat’s what is making Mr.Trump’s campaign to acquirethe island so puzzling tomany experts. When viewedthrough the lens of history,the move seemsunnecessary.Since the end of WorldWar II, Denmark hasrepeatedly acknowledgedthat Greenland is animportant piece in the largergame of global power andsupported U.S. efforts to usethe island for its owndefense.What began as a plea tothe United States to defendthe island from NaziGermany during World WarII has since expandeddramatically. A 1951 treatyessentially gives the U.S. ablank check on the island,militarily.In that context, theTrump’s determination toown Greenland is“befuddling,” says PaulBierman, author of “Whenthe Ice Is Gone,” a militaryand scientific history ofGreenland. The U.S. shouldbe able to accomplishvirtually any strategic aimwithout taking over theisland.“I don’t know why theydon’t just act to put 10,000U.S. troops in Greenland,” headds.Greenland has long beenseen as a potentially key partof American defense. In thelatter half of the 19thcentury, “some Americanstrategic thinkers thoughtthat by acquiring Alaska onthe west and Greenland onthe east, it would putpressure on British Canada,the real prize,” historianHenry William Brands Jr.recently told Le Monde. U.S.Secretary of State WilliamSeward – who led thepurchase of Alaska in 1867 –went so far as tocommission a survey ofGreenland.In 1910, the Americanambassador to Denmarkproposed an “audacious”exchange including parts ofthe Philippines, Denmark,and Germany that wouldhave seen control ofGreenland switch to theU.S., though a formal plannever materialized. ThenDenmark rejected a U.S.offer of $100 million in goldfor the island in 1946.World War II and itsaftermath appeared tolargely settle the disputes.During the war, small campsof German troops usedGreenland to collect data onweather patterns headingtoward Europeanbattlefields. U.S. troops(including dog patrols)helped roust them from theisland in what’s been calledthe “weather war.”Since then, the U.S. andDenmark have largely beenin lockstep, sometimes to anextraordinary degree.That included theconstruction in 1951 ofThule Air Base, which at onetime housed nuclearweapons and is now used forU.S. missile defense (andrenamed Pituffik SpaceBase).“At one point, we hadover a dozen ... militarybases across the country,and that was becauseGreenland was prettyimportant in terms ofdefense against subs and anysort of attack from thenorth,” says MichaelWilliams, an associateprofessor of internationalaffairs at Syracuse University.Many experts agree thatGreenland’s strategicimportance is growing yetagain. The Arctic Ocean isbecoming more navigableamid climate change, andRussia and China areshowing clear signs ofaggression. But taking overthe island is legally andethically fraught andwouldn’t give the U.S. muchthat it doesn’t already have.By Mark Sappenfield& Audrey ThibertA protestor, declaring “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders” standsin from of the US Embassy in Copenhagen on January 14thofesheicysanndatty.willolshern40ssofodhetore.utrtheto.S.heteal–inreedes,ases,hndtewedicngic.d,ndorheallestoedotteticntndofovty4SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 11:00 AM Page 137110 74th PL, Kenosha, WI • (262) 694-1500 “Located next to Menards”AS YOUR CERTIFIED GM SERVICE CENTER...WE USE GENUINE GM PARTS30 day guaranteed lowest price!We will meet or beat any advertised price on any tire we sell!Lifetime Free Tire RotationsWith the purchase of 4 tires We offer over 18 different manufactures of tires including BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear and more!SOUTHEASTERNWISCONSIN’SLARGEST TIREDEALERSHIPTransmission or Coolant Flush Parts &Labor on any add-on GM AccessoryOil Change& LubeBalance & RotateTires4 Wheel AlignmentBattery ReplacementPALMEN BUICK GMC CADILLAC7110 74th Pl. Kenosha(262) 694-1500 Cannot be combined withany other coupons.See advisor for details. Expires 2/25/2026.PALMEN BUICK GMC CADILLAC7110 74th Pl. Kenosha(262) 694-1500 Cannot be combined withany other coupons.See advisor for details. Expires 2/25/2026.PALMEN BUICK GMC CADILLAC7110 74th Pl. Kenosha(262) 694-1500 Cannot be combined withany other coupons.See advisor for details. Expires 2/25/2026.PALMEN BUICK GMC CADILLAC7110 74th Pl. Kenosha(262) 694-1500 Cannot be combined withany other coupons.See advisor for details. Expires 2/25/2026.PALMEN BUICK GMC CADILLAC7110 74th Pl. Kenosha(262) 694-1500 Cannot be combined withany other coupons.See advisor for details. Expires 2/25/2026.PALMEN BUICK GMC CADILLAC7110 74th Pl. Kenosha(262) 694-1500 Cannot be combined withany other coupons.See advisor for details. Expires 2/25/2026.$2000 $2495 10% OFF OFF OFFSERVICE SPECIALS – WE SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELSSR012226$1000 $2000 OFF$2000 OFF010826 SR012226
15 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800DEAR MAYOCLINIC: The popularity ofpickleball seems to begrowing. I’ve even seen it onTV. But a lot of people thinkthey can just go play, andthey end up getting injured.Is there a good way to startplaying the sport and avoidinjuries?ANSWER: I know frommy patients and personalexperience that pickleball isfun. I also know from mypatients and myself thatrushing into pickleball or anysport without focusing onthe “three Ps” — properstretching, properequipment and proper form— puts you at risk for injury.Proper stretching:Warming up is advisedbefore any physical activity.Stretch from the bottom up— your Achilles tendons,ankles, calves, hamstrings,quadriceps, groin, glutes,back, neck, shoulders, arms,forearms and hands.Proper equipment:Pickleball is not tennis orsquash. It’s its own sport andrequires the correctequipment. For example, ifyou have thumb arthritis,having a paddle with athicker grip stops you fromsqueezing too hard, whichcould exacerbate yourthumb arthritis.Proper form: Maybe you’regetting back into racquetsports or haven’t playedpickleball at all; you maywant to think about takingpickleball lessons. You canlearn proper mechanics toease yourself into the gameand enjoy a sport thatmillions of people play on adaily basis.Improper body mechanicscan lead to injuries in yourupper or lower body. If youare not used to the sportand suddenly you’re playingfor hours, you can injureyourself. For example,constant flicking the ball withyour wrist can lead tooveruse injuries such astendinitis.In pickleball, we see twomain types of injuries —traumatic injury and overuseinjury. It’s important tounderstand both typesbecause the treatments aredifferent.Traumatic injury: A fallwhile playing pickleball mayresult in a traumatic injury,such as a ligament injury, abroken wrist or otherinjuries, and immediatemedical attention may beneeded.Pickleball may be played byolder people who are at riskof weak or brittle bones ormay have undiagnosedosteoporosis. If they fallawkwardly during a game,this could contribute to abroken bone.Typically, if the bone is wellaligned, the break can betreated in a cast for four tosix weeks. Sometimessurgery is needed, withplates and screws, to helpalign the bones and ensure itheals appropriately.Overuse injuries: Theclassic overuse story inpickleball is someone whoplays four or five times aweek but is not conditionedto play that frequently.Overuse injuries, such assore muscles, ligaments ortendons, may result.Tendinitis is inflammationof the tendons, which arethe thick “ropes” that attachmuscle to bone. Tendinitis ismost common aroundshoulders, elbows, wrists,knees and heels.Treatment for overuseinjuries starts with basiccare, including rest, ice, antiinflammatory medication (ifappropriate), splints andelevation, and working with acertified rehabilitationtherapist. Depending onyour injury, a physical,occupational or handtherapist may be best foryou.If these nonoperativemeasures do not work,injections or surgery may beconsidered.The best-case scenario isto prevent any of theseinjuries by starting slow andsteady when you learn thegame of pickleball. Don’tforget to mind your three Ps— proper stretching, properequipment and proper form.— Sanj Kakar, M.D.,Orthopedic Surgery, MayoClinic, Rochester, MinnesotaMayo ClinicPickleball: Proper stretching,equipment, form key to injury preventionhealth Ris trreecexInMsualdeAacinfowisositimreexremcubetoacpedereAPMPrMthjoclto Why is the 2025-26 flu season hitting so hard? A doctor explains inColorado is in the midstof a record-breaking fluseason. In the week endingDec. 27, 2025, 831 peoplewere hospitalized withinfluenza -- the most sincethe state started tracking flucases two decades ago.Hospitalizations eased thefollowing week to 737 butstill remain higher than prioryears.Colorado is among thetop five states with the mostflu activity in the country,with doctor's visits for flulike illness at a 30-yearrecord high, according to theCenters for Disease Controland Prevention's weeklyinfluenza surveillance report.I'm an emergencymedicine and critical carephysician at the University ofColorado. In my 18 years ofpracticing clinical medicine,this year is one of the worstI have seen. Our emergencydepartment hit a recordnumber of single-day totalvisits over the holidays, andvisit volumes have stayedhigh. Flu is likely contributingto this trend.While there is always aseason where respiratoryviruses hit hard, this yearinfluenza is making patientsmiserable and wreakinghavoc on both the state andnational health care system.How does this year's'super flu' differ fromother flu seasons?This season is especiallyrough because of the volumeof people seekingemergency care. This flucame on fast and seems tobe very contagious, and itssymptoms are more severethan other recent years' flustrains.Flu tends to cause fever,body aches and maybe acough. But this so-calledsuper flu has also causedvomiting and diarrhea, whichhas made people feel muchworse than isolatedrespiratory symptoms alone.When people are feelingworse, they seek emergencycare, which is part of whyour emergency departmentis seeing so many people.In past flu seasons, whichtypically run from Octoberthrough February,emergency rooms were fullbecause they were facingmultiple outbreaks, such asthe 2022 \"tripledemic\" ofCOVID-19, flu and RSV.But this 2025-26 fluseason, we're seeing highemergency departmentvisits specifically from the flu.The first group of patientswe're seeing are healthypeople who are feelingworse with this flu, whichcomes with nausea, vomitingand diarrhea, and come tothe emergency departmentlooking for symptomaticrelief.The second group arethose with severemanifestations of the flu orwho have underlyingcomorbidities such asasthma or heart disease thatcan be exacerbated byinfluenza. This is a populationthat may require oxygen, orthey're a transplant patientand they're requiringhospitalization.This double whammy ofpeople feeling reallymiserable from theirsymptoms plus people withcomorbidities experiencingcomplications is when youreally see a strain on thehealth care system.The CDC ranksColorado's flu activityamong the highest in theU.S., along with Louisiana,New Jersey, New York andSouth Carolina. Are any agegroups being hit harder thanothers?The U.S. is seeing thehighest number of visits toemergency departments inchildren ages 5 to 17.Kids generally seem to behaving milder flu cases thanadults, which is typical forsome of these viruses. Butthere have been 17 pediatricdeaths associated withinfluenza across the U.S.,with eight in the weekending January 3. Thatnumber of deaths in childrenis not typical at this point inthe season.Young people in their 20sare feeling pretty bad fromthis year's flu, but we're notseeing a lot of complicationsor hospitalizations in thisgroup across the U.S. and inemergency departments inColorado.We're seeing a lot ofpeople who have underlyingcowehearThleaa unprfroCOpefromexsuwhopethcoshmfluofprEsunAn emergency room physician describes why the2025-26 flu season is hitting hard while doctor'svisits for flu-like symptoms are at a 30-year high. FcoCoSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 11:01 AM Page 14
16 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800drek,esedetsrm..,oaRussia, Arcticis to develop the NSR,” as atransport corridor that willreshape both the Russianeconomy and global trade.Sergey Grinyaev, an Arcticexpert at the officialInstitute of Europe inMoscow, says that statesupported efforts havealready improved life fordenizens of the RussianArctic, including expandedaccess to broadbandinternet – a critical factorfor people who face longwinters of darkness andisolation.“The demographicsituation [in the Arctic] hasimproved markedly” inrecent years, he says. “Lifeexpectancy in the Arcticregion has increased, and themigration outflow has beencut in half. ... There’s alsobeen a lot of attention paidto the traditional economicactivities of the Indigenouspeoples and thedevelopment of scientificresearch,” in the interests ofArctic development.Partnering upOn a recent trip to India,Mr. Putin offered IndianPrime Minister NarendraModi privileged access tothe Russian Arctic, includingjoint construction of Arcticclass ships and Indian accessto Russian military facilitiesin the far north. Partnershipwith China is already welladvanced. In addition to jointmilitary patrols and drills,China is providing much ofthe capital and technologythat Russia needs tomodernize infrastructure,build a new generation ofArctic-capable shipping, andmake the NSR into theviable East-West corridorRussian officials aredreaming about.“More and more bilateral[Russia-China] trade is goingthrough the Arctic seas,”says Kirill Babaev, director ofthe official Institute of Chinaand Contemporary Asia inMoscow. “The Chinese arevery much interested indeveloping the NSR as analternative to their currentroutes; it will greatly benefittheir external trade. AndRussia is very keen towelcome foreign partners inthe Arctic.”Though Russian officialssound very upbeat about thepotential for the NSR torevolutionize global tradeand make Russia into aleading maritime power, fewwant to discuss the darkcloud hanging over all theseplans. As long as the war inUkraine continues, it will sapRussian resources andinhibit wide acceptance ofthe NSR as a transportbridge between the Far Eastand Europe.“The imposition ofsanctions against Russiancompanies created a seriousobstacle, making it difficultto access moderntechnologies and attractforeign capital” into Russia’sArctic, says Mr. Grinyaev. “Inaddition, the growth ofNATO’s presence in theregion, especially afterFinland and Sweden joinedthe alliance, required anincrease in the regionaldefensive capabilities of theRussian armed forces.”The potential exists forRussia’s Arctic to become animportant engine of globaldevelopment and a zone ofinternational cooperation,most experts concur.However, if the presentgeopolitical tensionsescalate, it seems likely tobecome a new theater formilitary confrontation. Thathinges upon the outcome ofthe Ukraine war.By Fred Weirnnsmtssnnfgconditions, such as asthma, aswell as diabetes, obesity,heart disease and those whoare immune-compromised.They get the flu, and then itleads to kind of a cascade, ora worsening of theirunderlying medicalproblems. This is differentfrom what we saw withCOVID-19, where healthypeople got very, very sickfrom COVID-19 itself.The older you get, themore likely you are toexperience complications,such as needing oxygen,which typically requireshospitalization.Are you still encouragingpeople to get the flu shot ifthey haven't yet?Yes, you should stillconsider getting your flushot, especially if you havemedical problems.Getting an annual, updatedflu shot helps with severityof diseases, even if it doesn'tprovide total protection.Especially if you haveunderlying conditions, it'simportant to do everythingyou can to decreasesymptom severity, durationand risk of hospitalization.When should youconsider going to anemergency room?Anytime breathingbecomes difficult, or youexperience severe chest painor headaches that areabnormal, that's somethingthat we want you to seekmedical care for right away.And of course, if somebody'sworried about a symptom,we're here 365 days a year,and we're happy to help.If you are feeling bad --such as a mild headache,body aches, fever, sometimessome cough and congestion,and as I mentioned with thisflu, potentially vomiting anddiarrhea -- that is verynormal.If it's flu, COVID-19 orRSV in a healthy, mildlysymptomatic patient, itdoesn't really matter whatthey have, because there'snot a specific treatment.There's not anything that wecan do that's going to makethem better, other than\"tincture of time,\" meaninglots of rest.If you have underlyingmedical problems, such asdiabetes, lung problems orare immune-compromised,and you are experiencingsevere symptoms, you shouldat the very least see yourprimary care doctor if notthe emergency department.Is it important to gettested for the sake ofknowing what youhave?A lot of patients want toknow what virus they have,but if you're young andhealthy, there's not really aneed for testing other thansurveillance.Colorado's infectiousdisease trackers saywastewater surveillance isthe No. 1 way to figure outwhat infectious diseases arein the community. We can'tget a comprehensive samplethrough hospitals and clinics,because there are so manypeople who are home, don'tget tested and do not seekhealth care.Right now, wastewatersamples in Colorado aretesting extraordinarily highfor the flu and pretty low forRSV and COVID-19.Wastewater is a very reliabletest because everybodyproduces wastewater.In addition, it's importantfor the overall health caresystem that laboratorytesting be used judiciously.Testing does help usunderstand what's in thecommunity. But from ahospital and emergencydepartment lens, the moretests we send to the lab thathave to be run, the moretesting services for otherillnesses get backed up. Italso adds a burden to nursingand other clinical staff, aswell as costs for the patientand hospital.But if a patient is sick withmanageable symptoms froma virus, it's the same standardadvice: Stay at home, washyour hands and consider amask if you have to go out inpublic.By Jean HoffmanRussian servicemen stand on a deck of the Russiandestroyer Vice-Admiral Kulakov during the Ocean-2024strategic command and staff exercises in the Arctic Ocean.Flu seasoncontinued from page 13Continued from page 12Trump pins push forGreenland on notreceiving NobelPeace PrizePresident Donald Trumptold European leaders thatone reason he has rampedup his push for the UnitedStates to acquire Greenlandis because he was notawarded the Nobel PeacePrize.Trump sent a text toNorway's prime ministerand an email to severalEuropean ambassadors lastSunday saying that peace isno longer his highest priorityas he pursues Greenland,Denmark's claim to which hecontinues to deny, the NewYork Times reported.\"Considering yourCountry decided not to giveme the Nobel Peace Prizefor having stopped 8 WarsPLUS, I no longer feel anobligation to think purely ofPeace, although it will alwaysbe predominant, but cannow think about what isgood and proper for theUnited States of America,\"he wrote.In a statement lastMonday, Norwegian PrimeMinister Jonas Gahr Stoneconfirmed that he receivedthe text from Trump, whichwas a response to a messagehe'd sent the president onbehalf of himself andAlexander Stubb, thepresident of Finland.\"In our message to Trump,we conveyed our oppositionto his announced tariffincreases against Norway,Finland and select othercountries,\" Stone and Stubbsaid in their initial text. \"Wepointed to the need to deescalate and proposed atelephone conversationbetween Trump, Stubb andmyself on the same day.\"In the statement, Stonealso noted that the NobelPeace Prize is given out by anindependent committee --the Norwegian NobelCommittee -- and not byNorway's government.Since the start of the year,Trump and hisadministration haveintensified the pursuit ofGreenland to become partof the United States.The reasoning largely hasbeen pinned on the islandbeing \"essential\" to defenseof the United States and,according to Trump, theworld.Greenland is a selfgoverning territory of theKingdom of Denmark, andhas been for hundreds ofyears, and the United Stateslong has operated a militarybase on the island. That basehas become morestrategically important asnew shipping lanes haveemerged nearby because ofglobal climate change..A high level meeting hasbeen held between VicePresident JD Vance and theDanish and Greenlandforeign ministers, howeverthey -- and other leaders ofNATO countries -- haveinsisted that the UnitedStates will not acquire thecountry.After the meeting, severalEuropean countries startedto send troops toGreenland, prompting Trumpto threaten tariffs on eightNATO nations starting Feb.1 if they do not remove thetroops and support his bidfor the territory.While Trump has said hewould like to buy Greenland,he has also mused lately onthe possibility of taking it bymilitary force.When asked by NBCNews how far he would goto acquire the territory andwhether he would use force,Trump said \"no comment.\"By Steven FellerThe Nobel Peace Prize is awarded bythe Norwegian Nobel Committe.Greenland is territory of Denmark.SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 11:02 AM Page 15
17 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Human progress is assumed tobe a good thing; countless peoplesand cultures seek it. But what ifthe unrelenting pursuit ofprogress has a massive downside?That is the provocativehypothesis advanced by Britishhistorian Samuel Miller McDonaldin “Progress: How One Idea BuiltCivilization and Now ThreatensTo Destroy It.”In an impressive recounting ofhistory, McDonald examines howsocieties have interpreted theidea of “progress.” Time and again,one society’s progress involvedthe conquest of other peoples,lands, and resources.He traces this pattern back toMesopotamia around 3,000B.C.E., when market economiesand empires emerged. To maintainand expand their societies, theMesopotamians organizedwarfare, subjugated otherpeoples, engaged in “intenseecological harvesting,” andexpanded their footprint.The ever-increasing need toamass more territory is seen as amajor factor in the downfall ofthese societies, he writes.Consider Rome. Around 500B.C.E., Romans overthrew themonarchy that had ruled theircity-state and established therepublic. As the boundaries of therepublic expanded, theydeveloped a large army, wonbattles, and captured slaves. After500 years, they had conqueredthe Italian Peninsula and becomean imperial power. Expansioncontinued, and extensive colonieswere established.Exploitation – mostly in theform of high taxes and slavery –followed conquest. Over time,economic decline, social unrest,political instability, and an inabilityto defend its borders led toRome’s fall. To McDonald, it is theoverexpansion and theunsustainable exploitation of itscolonies that made this outcomeinevitable.The author finds similarpatterns when heconsiders, amongothers, the Vikings, theSpanish conquest ofthe Americas, thewestward expansionof the United States,fascism, Nazism, andStalinism-Maoism.Interestingly,McDonald has far lessto say about theBritish Empire.The idea of“progress” becamesynonymous with“economic growth” inthe last century. Thisled societies toprioritize economicexpansion and themeasurement of grossdomestic product astheir most importantsocial indicators. Within thissystem, economic growth wasseen as an unalloyed positive –and the greater the growth inGDP, the better.McDonald argues that thepressure to boost GDP hasbrought us to the brink of anecological catastrophe thatdemands immediate andcomprehensive action.The book is both fascinatingand frustrating. Fascinatingbecause it provides a rich andbroad view of history connectedby one basic idea. Frustratingbecause the author’s politicalbiases come to the fore when hediscusses the present day. Forexample, he suggests that the U.S.intelligence community could beviewed as “a terroristic force.”Also, the solutions he proposeswould strike many observers astoo broad and unrealistic: returnmillions of hectares of land “tothe people from whom they weretaken” (he’s talking about NativeAmericans and Indigenous tribes);set aside space for wildlife(including predators) andreintroduce that wildlife to urban,suburban, and rural areas; breakup large farms; implement auniversal basic income; and acceptlower standards of growth.McDonald does a good joblaying out the ways that thepursuit of “progress” hascontributed to the dire climatesituation facing humankind. Buteven if we accept his analysis, thesolutions remain elusive. By Terry W. HartlebooksDoes the modern world need a mindsetshift on ‘progress’?inmTespa pl“AMencothdecichevenpowPaimsienphPathtaanShangisitiyepeincomShapraheaubere“HclmhawgrTtWebster’s Third NewInternational Dictionaryfeatured more than450,000 entries, but one ofthem received outsizeattention when thereference book waspublished in 1961. Theinclusion of ain’t inWebster’s Thirdscandalized some critics,with overheated reviewscalling the updateddictionary “a very greatcalamity,” “disastrous,” and“Anarchy in Language.”Stefan Fatsis describesthe uproar in “Unabridged:The Thrill of (and Threatto) the ModernDictionary,” his engagingand at times exuberantaccount of embedding withthe dictionary publisherMerriam-Webster. Fatsis –whose previous booksinclude 2001’s “WordFreak,” a deep dive into theworld of competitiveScrabble – is a proud wordnerd. He uses his stint as alexicographer-in-training atMerriam-Webster’sheadquarters in Springfield,Massachusetts, toilluminate the painstakingprocess by which wordsenter the dictionary and toassess the dictionary’sevolving role in a digitalworld.The book opens with abrisk history of MerriamWebster, beginning withNoah Webster’s twovolume magnum opus, AnAmerican Dictionary of theEnglish Language. Publishedin 1828, Webster’s workhad a patriotic agenda: Thelexicographer aspired tocreate a specificallyAmerican dialect distinctfrom British English. Heembraced Americanismslike presidency andrevolutionize and createdAmericanized spellings ofwords like color andtheater.The brothers Georgeand Charles Merriam,owners of a printing andpublishing business,acquired the rights toWebster’s dictionary in1844. In subsequenteditions, they streamlinedthe research and editingprocess, condensed thework into one volume, andlowered its price. In Fatsis’admiring view, theyburnished Webster’s legacy,making Merriam-Websterthe definitive Americandictionary.The dustup over ain’twas representative of along-standing divide overwhether dictionariesshould be prescriptive ordescriptive: Should theyinstruct users on how tospeak or present thelanguage as it’s actuallyspoken? The latter view haswon out, but Fatsis notesthat the debate has hadmany rounds. “Aconversation about how tolabel irregardless,” hewrites, “lasted decades.”(The dictionary recognizedthat in its widespreadusage, irregardless has thesame meaning as regardlessdespite the ir- prefix, whichwould normally suggest theopposite. MerriamWebster eventually settledon nonstandard oversubstandard.)The author alsoaddresses deliberationsover how the dictionaryought to handle profanityand racial and ethnic slurs.On the order of MerriamWebster’s then-president,the Third Edition did notinclude the f-word. Thatdecision rankled thecompany’s longtime editorin-chief, Philip BabcockGove, who argued that anunabridged dictionary“should not omit thiscommon word regardlessof its taboo status.” Morethan a decade passedbefore, in 1973, the curseword made it into a lateredition.In addition to coveringthese historical episodes,Fatsis describes his day-today work at the office.There, he immersedhimself in the dictionary’sarchives, most notably thefile cabinets stuffed withcitations, known as cits,that contain examples ofhow words are used inprint. The cabinets containan astounding 16 million ofthese slips of paper, whichFatsis calls an “irreplaceablearchive of AmericanEnglish.”Today, of course, theprocess has been digitized.The New Wordsspreadsheet is a databaseof potential candidates forthe dictionary, and Fatsiseagerly contributedbecause, as he states, “I wasdetermined to get into thedictionary.” He kept his eyeon trending terms likemicroaggression and safespace, hoping that they hadenough staying power towarrant inclusion onMerriam-Webster.com.Eventually he was taskedwith crafting theirdefinitions according to thedictionary’s strict formula.‘Unabridged’: A delightful look behind the making of a dictionarycontinues on page 18SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 6:44 AM Page 16
18 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800ngngdedngalheorS.beesasrntoreves);fedn,akaptobeasteutheleVal McDermid, thepopular Scottish writerwhose intricately plotted“tartan noir” crime novelsare awash in gore, took abreak from what she calls“my usual gig of murderousfiction” to write “Winter:The Story of a Season.” It’s a lovely, gentle littlebook, a warmingmeditation on the coldest,darkest time of the year.“Winter” celebrates howlocal Scottish traditionstake the bite out of short,frosty days and long,windblown nights. Theseinclude not just holidaysand festivals, butexcursions to the threeiconic bridges of the Firthof Forth in Queensferry(which are usually overrunby tourists in the warmermonths), and comfortingsuppers of homemadesoup, which she touts as“central heating for thesoul.” Philip Harris’beautiful drawingscomplement the author’sresonant blend of personalmemories and culturalhistory.McDermid notes that onthe winter solstice, Dec.21, the sun doesn’t rise inEdinburgh until 8:43 a.m.,and sets at 3:39 in theafternoon, a mere sevenhours later. “Nothing says‘Scotland in winter’ likewalking to school withdawn barely broken, thenwalking back in the dark,”she writes, recalling herchildhood in Fife in the1960s. It’s no wonder,McDermid writes, thatScots love Christmas lights,sparklers, and thefireworks that brighten thesky on Bonfire Night, Nov.5, a holiday thatcommemorates GuyFawkes’ failed attempt toblow up the Houses ofParliament in England in1605. Such festivities, shewrites, “take our minds offthe privations of theseason” and serve asreminders that brighter,longer days will return. Among the celebrationsMcDermid extols isHogmanay, “the signatureScottish festival in the eyesof the outside world,”which begins on the lastday of the year – Auld Year’sDay. She says that when shewas growing up, Dec. 31was traditionally a day ofhousecleaning, baths,haircuts for the men, and“something tartan-andshortbread Scottish” ontelevision – often featuringkilted dancers. After theNew Year was rung in,everyone eagerlyanticipated the First Foot –the first friend or neighborto cross one’s threshold,bringing good cheer andgood fortune. continues on page 18Dolly Parton was borninto poverty in themountains of EastTennessee in 1946,spending her early years ina crowded cabin that lackedplumbing and electricity. In“Ain’t Nobody’s Fool,”Martha Ackmann’senjoyable biography of thecountry music superstar,the author notes thatdespite their hardscrabblecircumstances, the Partonchildren – there wereeventually 12 – wereencouraged to dream. It’spossible that even in herwildest dreams, DollyParton couldn’t imagine theimpact she would have as asinger, songwriter, actor,entrepreneur, andphilanthropist.Ackmann writes thatParton was blessed, fromthe start, with “musicaltalent, a strong backbone,and a gift for storytelling.”She was also hard-workingand ambitious. As a younggirl she sang with hersisters at church, and by thetime she was around 10years old she wasperforming in local venuesin Sevierville, Tennessee,considered the big city bymountain folk like Parton.She was soon invited toappear on the area’s localradio and television shows.Parton was ridiculed byher classmates, both for heraudacious intention tobecome a star and for whatremains her signature style.“Her peers thought herclothes were too tight, hermakeup too thick, and herhair too high,” Ackmannwrites. After high schoolgraduation, Parton movedto Nashville in pursuit of amusic career. She knockedon record executives’doors with her uncle, BillOwens, with whom shewrote songs. Of their boldapproach, she onceremarked, “We didn’t knowit couldn’t be done until wealready did it.” (Shortlyafter moving to Nashvilleshe met Carl Dean, whomshe married in 1966 andwho died in March 2025.)In 1967, Parton’s bigbreak arrived when shebegan appearing on “ThePorter Wagoner Show,” apopular syndicatedtelevision program.Wagoner was a fixture atthe Grand Ole Opry, andhe and Parton were asuccessful vocal duo. But hewas, according to Ackmann,overbearing anddomineering, and theirpartnership wastumultuous. After sevenyears, Parton struck out onher own. One of her mostfamous songs, “I Will AlwaysLove You,” was written as afarewell to Wagoner. Heloved the song but sued herfor breach of contractanyway.Ackmann efficientlycovers the highlights ofParton’s music career, fromher solo work in countryand pop to her celebratedcollaborations withmusicians including KennyRogers and, as a trio,Emmylou Harris and LindaRonstadt. Parton has alwaysbeen a prolific songwriter:A secretary at the musicpublishing business thatParton created with Owenssaid that she once showedup at the office with 12 newsongs she’d written thenight before.Parton was known toeavesdrop on conversationstaking place around her andjot down ideas on any scrapof paper she could find. Sheonce asked a youngautograph-seeker what hername was and, struck bythe answer, repeated it toherself, over and over, asshe walked away so as notto forget it. That momentled to the repetition at theopening of “Jolene,” whichbecame a No. 1 country hitin 1974.Parton’s acting careerbegan auspiciously with the1980 film “9 to 5,” in whichshe held her own withveteran performers JaneFonda and Lily Tomlin.“Steel Magnolias,” the 1989ensemble film, was anotherhighlight, although Partonappeared in a number ofbombs, too.Still, Ackmann points outthat Parton has generallymade sound decisions. In1974, she received a phonecall from Elvis Presley’sformidable manager,Colonel Tom Parker. Elviswanted to record “I WillAlways Love You” butinsisted on being given atleast half of the publishingrights. Parton, selfpossessed even in her late20s, insisted on retainingthe copyright. While Presleycanceled the recording,Whitney Houston’s 1992version of the song endedup earning Partonsomewhere between $6million and $10 million inroyalties.Parton’s business savvyhas also been a boon to herhome state. HerDollywood amusementpark, which opened inPigeon Forge, Tennessee, in1986, has become whatsome have called “theeconomic engine of EastPRINT & E-BOOKS NONFICTION PRINT & E-BOOKS FICTION1. The Housemaid (McFadden)2. Heated Rivalry (Reid)3. Theo of Golden (Levi)4. The First Time I Saw Him (Dave)5. The Correspondent (Evans)6. The Housemaid’s Secret (McFadden)7. The Long Game (Reid)8. People We Meet On Vacation (Henry)9. Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dinniman)10. Project Hail Mary (Weir)1. 1929 (Sorkin)2. The Body Keeps the Score (van der Kolk)3. Nobody’s Girl (Giuffre)4. On Tyranny (Snyder)5. Firestorm (Soboroff)6. Outlive (Attia/Gifford)7. Everything is Tuberculosis (Green)8. How to Test Negative for Stupid (Kennedy)9. The Anxious Generation (Haidt)10. A Marriage at Sea (Elmhirst)NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERScontinues on page 18In winter, a murdermystery writertakes a break from cold casesTennessee songbird: Dolly Parton’s riseto country music superstardomd.sersdseeeedon.dre8SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 6:44 AM Page 17
19 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800anoris coprasthpoCKeis 39onthTiCthhoAANWStofwnayointranfuKeatKeLiKeSttoAUCDMCFiMthinCTeGRoVSoSmMReIcAWmNVbVTennessee,” creating thousands of jobs.The irrepressible Parton, who reportedly needs onlythree to five hours of sleep per night, has managed toattract and retain a fan base that includes traditionalcountry fans, the LGBTQ+ community, young hipsters,and beyond. She’s also earned widespread praise for herphilanthropic efforts, which include a nonprofit that sendsfree books to children from birth until age 5. (Herinterest in literacy stems from the fact that her fathernever learned to read or write.)Ackmann – a journalist and the author of a biographyof poet Emily Dickinson, among other works –interviewed a handful of the singer’s relatives and businessassociates, but Parton herself did not agree to beinterviewed. The author relies primarily on previousbooks and articles on Parton and the singer’s 1994autobiography, “Dolly: My Life and Other UnfinishedBusiness.” This prevents “Ain’t Nobody’s Fool” frombreaking new ground in the way that, say, the 2019podcast “Dolly Parton’s America” did. Parton’s lack ofinvolvement is particularly noticeable when Ackmannspeculates about the singer’s emotions; for example, shewrites of Parton’s first recording that “making a recordout of what she had written must have felt to Dolly likemagic.”Still, the celebratory narrative captures Parton’s talent,her decency, and her cultural significance. “The thing that’salways worked for me ... is the fact that I look so totallyartificial, but I am so totally real,” the singer onceremarked. “It gives me something to work against. I haveto overcome myself. I have to prove how good I am.”Parton has proven it beyond a doubt, and “Ain’t Nobody’sFool” is a solid accounting of how she got there.By Barbara SpindelWinter: The Story of a Season continued from page 17Dolly Partoncontinued from page 17These homey traditions have ebbed over the past fewdecades, replaced by large outdoor celebrations such asthe annual giant street party that takes over Edinburgh. More to her liking is Burns Night, Jan. 25, whichcelebrates the national bard, Robert Burns, at a banquetfeaturing a dinner of “haggis, neeps and tatties.” Shehelpfully translates the dishes as “sheep’s offal cooked in asheep’s stomach with oatmeal and spices, including a lot ofwhite pepper; mashed swede/rutabaga; [and] mashedpotatoes.” McDermid, an admirer of the poet, has giventhe ceremonial toast at the event. “Winter” is spiced with local dialect, some obscure, likeneep, or swede for rutabaga, others needing no translation,such as dooking for apples, jeely pan, and Loony Dook, afundraiser for charities that involves a dunk or plunge intothe bitterly cold waters of South Queensferry.The plunge McDermid takes each January is of a differentsort. After the holidays, she hunkers down to begin writingthat year’s book. (She has written more than 40 so far.)McDermid extols the satisfactions of burrowing into herwork.But when she needs a break, she hies over to theNational Gallery of Scotland to see the annual display of 38of the 19th-century English painter J.M.W. Turner’s finestwatercolor sketches, exhibited free of charge during themonth. The collection, funded by a man who made hisfortune in hatmaking, reminds McDermid – a miner’sgranddaughter who graduated from Oxford University andbecame a successful writer – “of the power of dreaming, ofholding fast to ambition even when its realisation seemsagainst the odds.” Back at her desk, McDermid spends thewinter laboring happily. And as the days grow longer, sodoes her new book.By Heller McAlpinUnabridgedcontinued from page 16Not surprisingly, the internet has transformed thebusiness. In the past, new words had to linger in the filesfor years between print editions before being introducedto the dictionary. During that time, editors could confirmthat they weren’t mere flashes in the pan. (The author citesunbae, meaning “to break up with,” as an example of arecent word that burned out.) Now new words can beadded to the online dictionary at any time. That flexibilitycame in handy in the case of a word that was added only34 days after first being coined: COVID-19. With userssearching unfamiliar terms like social distancing andsuperspreader, Fatsis observes that the pandemic forcedMerriam-Webster to “do something the dictionary hadnever done: act like a newsroom on deadline.”Fatsis’ affectionate account comes at an uncertain timefor the dictionary. His stint at the office followed rounds oflayoffs ordered by Merriam-Webster’s parent company,Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc. The author estimates thatthere might be only 30 full-time working lexicographers inthe United States, and it’s likely that artificial intelligencewill further depress those numbersDespite that bleak outlook, Fatsis found ways tocommune with kindred spirits. In addition to bonding withhis colleagues at the company, he toured the OxfordEnglish Dictionary headquarters in England; joinedhundreds of language aficionados in voting for theAmerican Dialect Society’s 2016 Word of the Year inAustin, Texas (dumpster fire beat out woke); and attendeda Dictionary Society of North America conference inBloomington, Indiana. He gushes that thinking and talkingabout words is “endlessly, enormously, incredibly fun.” Hisdelight in the dictionary is irresistible. So, too, is hisappreciation for the reference book’s significance.By Barbara SpindelSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 6:46 AM Page 18REMINDER: Maximum 3 Listings Per Person. MiscKENOSHA CAR CLUB monthly breakfasts are at 8am on the first Tuesdays of each month at the Gateway Cafe, 3619 30th Avenue GERMAN CONVERSATIONALIST GROUP - KENOSHA/RACINE If you speak German or are enthusiastic about the German language and culture, come and join us. There are no membership fees and attendance is whenever you are available to join. Meetings will be held in the Kenosha and Racine area. This is an excellent group to practice speaking German as members' language skills are from beginners to advance and we all have a good time. Please contact me if you are interested in joining - Susan Blust [email protected]. LIONS CLUB BINGO Come have some fun! Doors open at 4:00. Raffles, pull-tabs and pregames start at 6:45. Bingo 7:00-9pm. Wednesdays. 2700 9th St.,Schlader Building, Winthrop Harbor. Food Sale Rita Rinelli Memorial Mass: 12 noon on Saturday, June 21 at St. Elizabeth Church, Eighth Avenue at 48th Street.REMEMBERING SILVIO RUGANI - July 20, 1893 / August 29, 1975.FOR SALESofa w/Oak trim, excellent condition/quality. Smoke/Pet free home. $225.00 Curt 262-865-0193 2019 Kodiak Model travel trailer Price 15,900 Exterior White Discrimination Has 3 Queens size beds Refrigerator, fridge and stove, toilet, and shower and heating and air conditioning. Everything works perfectly Contact 262 620-6755 Snowmobile Trailer, 3 place Triton with winch. $3,200 OBO 262-948-1864 please leave message Lots of American Fostoria for sale. Please contact:Karon Baumgarten 3 1 7 - 7 6 4 - 7 6 6 2 [email protected] heater new. $55. 262-498-4021. Contact info: Val Zamecnik email address:[email protected] phone:262-498-4021.Left-handed golf club set. Wilson Pro-Staff clubs and Knight bag. Barely used. $125.Call or text 262-960-5477One burial lot in Northshore Garden of Memory in North Chicago. Very nice location. Discounted price. BowFlex exercise unit like new. All there including leg exercise unit and book. 600.00.Call Herb at 847-305-0897. Please leave message if I miss your call. Gas Tank, new for 73-87 GMC Blazer $100 Transfer case for 73-87 GMC $100 Milk Cans $15 Call Alex 262-945-1275Ariens Snowblower; 5 HP, 24\" cut. $175 Call Jim 262-857-9650 leave messageVarious Farics, prices start $1/yr (262) 629-0291 New Air Fryer $35 Coffee Table $20 (262)771-8764 Two ramps for vehicles, Beanie Babies (Regular and McDonalds), and Two Schwinn bicycles. BEST OFFER. Call 262-654-6485.Beautiful Sunset Ridge Memorial Park Kenosha. Located in lovely setting in the Garden of The Last Supper. Section H, Lot 113. 5&6, pair $1,800 OBO. Please contact Mary at 262-496-9711. (2) grave sites in All Saints Cemetery. I'm asking for $1,000 each plus transfer fees. Call (608) 317-9518 Elizabeth Smith [email protected] CADET LAWN tractors, old 1962 to 1976. Decks and other attachments. Glenn at 262-891-2377. Leave message Amana 21.3 cubic foot. Black electric stove, self cleaning. Asking 300 each or 500 for the pair 414 419 7978 John Deere Tractor Lawn Mower with Briggs & Straton engine and Frame Cutting Deck FOR sale for PARTS ONLY 847-244-9256 NO texting - Please leave a voicemail Large Craftsman table saw, $100 OBOEldridge peddle sewing machine, early 1900's, best offer- Milwaukee Plumbers band saw, $50 OBO Call Tom (224) 219-3645 Lake Front Property Ready to rebuild existing home & Garage 1.48Acre on Large Spring Feed Lake in North East WI near Green bay WI. Located in Marinette county in the town of Lake Great Fishing, & water skiing Tubing Jet skiing Air Boat all Water sports activities call (847) 244-9256 Various Fabrics - Price per yard. Call for info(262) 629-0291Beanie Babies 200+ $200. Proform Treadmill, new belt $300. 7' vinyl boat with new motor, 4-cylinder with accessories $500. (262) 652-5929TREK 900 TANDEM 26\" 21 speed. Updated tires and rims. Excellent condition. Two new helmets plus accessories. $500 OBO 262-883-4210Sears ZigZag sewing machine and cabinet. Fine condition, All attachments. Model #1750 Asking $60 (262) 657-60493 OUTSIDE ALUMINUM screen doors. 1- 30 in. wide, 2-36 in. wide $ 30.00 each. all hardware call 262-652-2649; leave message FUN FAMILY BOAT 2006 Bayliner 175 Capris Bowrider w/trailer, Mercruiser 3.0L 135HP I/O motor, custom covers, Bimini w/cover, power trim & steering, stereo, Dave 262-455-1079 leave message ROOMS FOR RENT Shared LR, Kitchen, bathroom by Silver Lake $480 a mo. includes wifi and laundry please call for more info (262) 758-136Collectibles for sale watches, clocks, pens and more. Call Don 262-694-7573 47\" diameter round table $30, girls bike $50 Call Kathy 262-909-7968BABY CAR CARRIER&Pack 'n Play crib[excellent condition],carriage[used good condition], cat carrier[medium]Cy 262-351-0129 4835 5av 08 RAM too many new parts to list. Serious inquiries only. Text message to 262-705-9999. Chad SekurisLIKE NEW TIRES SEE IN KENOSHA AT 4121-7TH. AVE. 53140 RUSS 262-237-1343 CALL, TEXT OR STOP BY. $4440 NICE ECONOMICAL WELL MAINTAINEDAuto Tune-up Equipment - Dwell/Tach meter, timing light, compression, vacuum pump, ignition testers, inductive pick up ammeter, tune-up books. $110 Call 262-924-5227 Lionel Train Set - Complete 1953 Set plus a Seaboard Diesel Engine, Maine Boxcar, 3 pr. switches, original boxes & instructions, 43 tracks, and miscellanious Lionel items. All clean, runs great. $525 Call 262-924-5227Sale Camaro '95 convertible, green body, tan top, over 120k miles, $2000, call Ron 262-583-9270. WANTED. Mobile Mig Welder Small job need to complete by MKE Airport. Negotiable rate. ( 7 3 4 ) 7 6 8 . 0 3 3 8 jacobsendaniels.com Cut grass and weeding. Call 2628980605MODEL TRAINS. All scales. Call for a quote upon viewing. 262-331-0392. WANTED TO BUY: Vintage Movie Posters, Comic Books, LP Records, Vintage Toys, Horror VHS, Horror Memorabilia, Science Fiction Pulps & Magazines, Video Store Promotional Items. PH 262-237-0318. WANTED TO BUY: Old Post Cards, B&W Photos, B&W Photo Albums, Vintage Advertising, Old Hunting Licenses & Advertising, Scrapbooks, Old Misc.Paper, Old Automobile Advertising, Fountain Pens, Gillette Razors & More. Local Collector/Neutral Safe & Secure Site to meet if desired. Cash Paid. Call or Text Stan 262-496-1822 LOOKING FOR NURSES Aid for in home care. Call Barbara 262-455-3953 Old Computers Wanted. Call, text, or voicemail on (262) 595-7556 and ask for Mike.SERVICES. . Krause Lawn Care offers dethatching, aerating, overseeding, mulching & weekly mowing! Call or text 262-612-9142 for your FREE estimate today! “Tax Preparation & Advisory Services. 20+ Years Experience. Virtual Or In-Person. For Appointment Call Or Text 262-496-2208.I Will Do Seamstress Work, Run Errands, Do Shopping & Dr. Appointments., Etc.If Interested Please Call Gayle At 262-748-4748I'M LOOKING FOR house to share for reasonable rent in exchange for household needs for a senior vet consideration. 847-340-3446 Ron. Kenosha/Union Grove area.LAWN MOWING SERVICES Reliable lawn care services in Kenosha & Pleasant Prairie. call/text 262-914-9796 [email protected] & MEDICARE EXPERT. Appointments only. Se Habla Español. 262.833.7070CHINESE LANGUAGE / CALLIGRAPHY LESSONS: Fun, fascinating and very cool. Beginning and advanced - all ages! Text Dr. Tim at 520.704.3832.DOLL CRAFTERS! FREE REMNANTS...IDEAL FOR MAKING DOLL CLOTHES. ALSO VARIOUS DOLL CLOTHES PATTERNS.CALL - 262-551-8478 AND LEAVE A MESSAGE IF NO ANSWER.DRUM LESSONS Private instruction. Band, orchestra, marching and drum set. Rock and many other musical styles. Learn to read music. Call Tom for details. 262-818-2869. PROFESSIONAL LED TEETH WHITENING for a fraction of the price! $99 at cabana tan spa. call to book: 262-843-2411. 20 minute session = a bright white smile! mycabanatan.com FAST COMPUTER SERVICE including network support, spyware removal, upgrades and PC repair. For friendly service with a smile, call Vikkex today! Phone 262-694-7746Computer Installation. Call, text, or voicemail Mike at (262) 595-7556. VEHICLES0 142K MILES LIKE NEW TIRES COLD A/C SEE IN KENOSHA AT 4121-7TH. AVE. 53140 RUSS 262-237-1343 CALL, TEXT OR STOP BY $25002005 Mercury Sable, 90k miles, leather interior. Has vacuum leak, needs tow. Clean title in hand. Great project car. $1500 OBO. Call/text 262-612-91421999 Sebring Convertible Very good condition $2,590 OBO Call or test Bob @262-945-9224 2003 Subaru Baja - Good running condition$4,950 OBO Call or text: Bob @262-94592242017 FORD F150 One Owner 4wd 4 Door See In Kenosha At 4121-7th. Ave. 217k Miles 262-237-1343 Russ Call Text Or Stop By $7495 Very Nice TruckDUAL EXHAUST SYSTEM Ram V6 dual exhaust system custom built.Make offer. 262-942-12662009 JEEP LIBERTY 4WD SEE AT 4121-7TH. AVE. 53140 KENOSHA RUSS 262-237-1343 CALL OR TEXT 195K MILES $4450 NICE JEEP READY FOR WINTER2013 CHRYSLER 200 Loaded Limited See At 4121-7th. Ave. 53140 Russ 262-237-1343 Call Or Text 189k Miles $4950 2002 XK8- White Jaguar Convertible Good Condition - 38K Miles $18,500 obo Call or Text Bob 262-945-92241999 - Sebring Convertible - good Condition $2,850 obo Call or text Bob (262)-945-92241981 Datsun/Nissan 280ZX low mileage Loaded Glass T top's Hatch Back Stainless Steel MFG wheels New Clutch New break System New thermostat & radiator 5 speed New Interior Exterior Blue/Silver call 847-244-9256 Please leave a message 2003 GMC Envoy 142K miles Great Shape, Garage Kept 1 owner, Leave Message $6000 obo 262-515-4386 1994 Honda Goldwing Aspencade 64K miles Great Shape, Black, Leave Message $6000 obo 262-515-43864X4 4DOOR SEE IN KENOSHA AT 4121-7TH. AVE. 53140 RUSS 262-237-1343 CALL, TEXT OR STOP BY $9995 1/2 TON NICE TRUCK AT A NICE PRICE 1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE one owner, yearly maintenance, 12,000 original miles, original parts $38,000 Email [email protected] GMC Box Truck 1986 OH Door 35 V8 (nearly new) solid body, 2\" oak floor in box, needs some work $1200. Snowblower $100262-857-2695 Leave message or email [email protected] 2018 NISSAN ALTIMA $4950 ONE OWNER FLEET MAINTAINED LIKE NEW TIRES 287K MILES KENOSHA AT 4121-7TH. AVE. 53140 RUSS 262-237-1343 CALL, TEXT. 2011 Toyota Sienna Silver 8-pas- senger Minivan, strong engine, smooth riding, 184k miles, excellent for winter driving, it also has a backup camera. $5,495, text Don at 920-809-0833 FREE CLASSIFIEDS!E-mail your 170 character classified to: [email protected] Please include your contact information in the classified. (Name and Phone number / e-mail address) First 3 words will be boldface type. NO ANIMALS. • NO PERSONALS ALLOWED.CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, JANUARY 30TH, 2026 AT 12 NOONFREE CLASSIFIEDS! Employment/Opportunities • Lost & Found • Miscellaneous Real Estate • Rentals • Rummage Sales • Vehicles • Wanted
20 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800This year marks our 40thanniversary as anorganization. Visit Kenoshais a private, not-for-profitcorporation that exists topromote the Kenosha Areaas a travel destination andthereby contributepositively to KenoshaCounty’s economy. The 2026 edition of ourKenosha Area Visitors Guideis now available. This is our39th guide and our largestone to date at 148 pages.Shown on the cover ofthis year’s guide is the SixTime Division 1 NationalChampion Waterski teamthat calls Kenosha Countyhome: the award-winningAquanut Water Shows. TheAquanuts are six-timeNational Champions, theWisconsin 2021 and 2022State Title Winner, and oneof the most successfulwater ski teams in thenation.Inside the Visitors Guide,you’ll find a ton of usefulinformation, itineraries,travel planning tips, maps,and details about Kenoshafun. Articles include ExploringKenosha One Golf Courseat a Time, ExploringKenosha’s Outdoors, LakeLife, Seasonal Fun inKenosha, Museums Tell aStory, Public Art, Welcometo the West, and Fun For AllAbilities.Additional articles includeUnique Shopping, Nightlife,Celebration Destination,Drive-ins & Drive-thrus,Marvelous Mocktails, Beer &Cheese, On Fridays We EatFish, Ask About OurMeatballs, and many more.Learn about businessesthat opened just last year,including Seis ModernCocina, Sazón Tacos &Tequila, Hansen Park BeerGarden, Kenosha CoffeeRoasters, Olafson & PorterVintage Goods, andSouthport Wellness Café &Smoothie Bar.As well as Station on 6th,Magnolia Bridal Boutique,Revival Room Resale, Trini'sIce Cream Shoppe, Johnny'ZAnimal House, PrettyWeird, Yogi’s Pud’N, andmore.We included newbusinesses that will beopening this year, such asMelKat's and Southport Tea.MelKat's is a project that’sunderway to revive andreimagine the former Shirl’sDrive-In, 7943 SheridanRoad. Under the new nameMelKat’s and led by localrestaurateur Dino Katris,the venue is expected toopen this year. It will be aquick service restaurantwith great food anddelicious frozen desserts.Southport Tea is openingin the former S.J. Crystal’sbuilding at 5701 6th Avenue.The business began as ahobby for Russ Collier. Heshares, “I’ve always loved tea— it’s relaxing, simple, andhas this amazing ability toconnect people. After 25years in the financialtechnology world, I realizedI wanted to do somethingslower paced, somethingthat made people smile. In2024, I started selling tea atthe Kenosha Public Market,and the communityresponse was incredible.”We have an EventsCalendar in the VisitorsGuide that lists a selectionof annual events. Werecommend usingVisitKenosha.com/Events toaccess an up-to-date list ofevents throughout the yearand/or signing up for theweekly EventSource weeklyemail.Whether you are new tothe area or you’ve livedhere all your life, you’ll learnsomething new from theguide. Use the guide to Be ATourist In Your Own Townor give copies to yourfamily, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and clients.Pick up a free KenoshaArea Visitors Guide atnumerous businesses,attractions, andorganizations throughoutthe Kenosha Area. Or stopat one of our visitorinformation centers to pickone up: the WisconsinWelcome Center –Kenosha is at I-94/41 andHwy. 165. Here you’ll findpublications and brochuresfor destinations throughoutthe state. We also staff aVisitor Information Centerin Downtown Kenosha at600 52nd Street, Suite 200. New Kenosha AreaVisitors Guideby Meridith Jumisko, ly Visit Kenoshatoalrs,erdsererhy–ssbeus94edm9ofnnherdkent,t’slycevem.”y’sdelSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 6:46 AM Page 19CHOO CHOO CHARLIE’S ACTIVITIES Page 1If It’s Not Live, You’re Not Living!Live Comedy EVERY Friday & Saturday5125 6th AvenueFOR EVENT TICKETS & MORE ACTS VISIT HAP2IT.COM, STOP IN AT 1420 63RD ST. M-F 10am-4pm OR CALL 262-564-8800012226PLAY & STAY DON’T GO HOME, STAY WITH US! CALL NOW No Drink Minimum!TO BOOK A ROOM AT A GREAT RATE! 262-658-3281GREAT PERFORMANCES EVERY WEEKEND INCLUDING:MARCH 6 & 7Tom ArnoldErnest Lee Thomas & Haywood Knowles Nelson Jr. JANUARY 30 & 31Behind the Scenes Stories of oneof America’s funniest TV shows “What’s Happening” withIt’s not justcomedy, it’s notjust karaoke...It’s a party withAnastasiaand Jayson!JANUARY 24 AnnastasiaPowderlyJaysonCross Joey I.L.O.JANUARY 30 & 31FEBRUARY 20 & 21Fred RubinoMARCH 20 & 21JIM FLORENTINE & DON JAMIESONwith Tom KiefAPRIL 17 & 18Peter AntoniouMARCH 27Mary Mack Yakov SmirnoffAPRIL 3 & 4JANUARY 23 & 24Joe MachiAPRIL 10 & 11Dr. Bill MillerMAY 1 & 2Mr. ShowtimeSomeone SpecialFEBRUARY 6 & 7Adam FerraraMAY 8 & 9On Hold for
21 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800healthlifestylecommunityKenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center newsJanuary 22, 2025Reduce Your FallsRisk with SteppingOnWisconsin is ranked #1 in thenation for falls that lead to deathamong older adults. More than 95%of hip fractures are caused by falling.Kenosha County wants to changethose statistics with Stepping On!The Aging and Disability ResourceCenter of Kenosha County ishosting a Stepping On coursebeginning on Monday, February 9. Stepping On is a no cost, sevenweek educational series, to helpreduce falls in older adults.Donations are accepted to helpsupport ongoing programs. In Stepping On, you’ll learn how tobuild and maintain the physicalstrength and balance you need towalk confidently. From footwear toprescriptions, you'll learn whatincreases your risk of a fall, how toavoid it, and make an individualizedaction plan to stay on your feet andliving life the way you want. The sessions will be held at theKenosha County Job Center, 8600Sheridan Road, Room N2, onMondays, February 9 through March23, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Registration isrequired by Wednesday, February 4.For questions or to register call theADRC at 262-605-6646.Caring for an adultfamily member orfriend? Family Caregiver SupportGroup Meets in-person andvirtuallyFamily caregivers often don’t seethemselves as caregivers, theysimply think of themselves as thehusband, sister, daughter, or friend.Defined, a family caregiver is aperson who provides support for anadult who needs assistance withdaily living activities, such ascooking, driving, shopping, laundryand paying bills. The role of a family caregiver, whilerewarding, can also be challengingwhen trying to balance life’sresponsibilities along withsupporting the needs of anotherindividual, family member or friend.The Aging and Disability ResourceCenter (ADRC) of Kenosha Countyoffers a Family Caregiver SupportGroup the first Thursday of everymonth. If you are a family caregiver, thisgroup is for you! Join fellowcaregivers, either virtually or inperson, as you share yourexperiences, ask questions and learnfrom others. The group is facilitatedby Margaret Ricchio, ADRCCaregiver Support Coordinator. Thenext meeting will be Thursday,February 5, 4-5 p.m. In-person location is 8600 SheridanRoad, entrance D. To register, learnmore or to receive the virtual link,call the Kenosha County ADRC,262-605-6646.Memory ScreenMondaysThe Aging and Disability ResourceCenter of Kenosha County (ADRC)offers free, confidential memoryscreens every Monday, 8 a.m. -noon. Memory screens aresuggested for anyone concernedabout memory changes, at risk ofAlzheimer’s disease due to familyhistory, or who wants to check theirmemory now for futurecomparison.Some memory problems can bereadily treated, such as those causedby vitamin deficiencies or thyroidproblems. In general, the earlier thediagnosis, the easier it is to treatmemory loss. Memory screeningcan:• Provide relief for individualsconcerned about normal memoryloss• Lead to diagnosis of treatableconditions• Offer the ability to make lifestylechanges early when they have thegreatest potential for positive effectand the opportunity to participatein making future decisionsWarning signs of dementia includeforgetting people’s names andevents, asking repetitive questions,loss of verbal or written skills,confusion over daily routines, andpersonality changes.Screening results are not adiagnosis, and individuals who haveconcerns are encouraged to pursuea full medical exam. Appointmentsare recommended. Interestedpersons may call the ADRC at 262-605-6646 to make an appointment.Going on Medicare?Learn about the decisions you’ll need to make The Aging and Disability ResourceCenter (ADRC) of Kenosha Countyoffers no-cost, unbiased, Medicareworkshops for those new toMedicare, or who want to learnmore. Trained benefit specialists willbe available to answer yourquestions and discuss the decisionsyou’ll need to make, including thebasics of Medicare coverage,options for private health and drugcoverage, and public benefits thatcan help with health care costs. Ifpossible, sign up for a workshop 3-4months before your Medicarestarts.UPCOMING MEDICARE 2026WORKSHOPS: Kenosha County Job Center, 8600Sheridan Road, Entrance A, Kenosha• Wednesday, February 18, 1 – 3p.m., Room N2Kenosha County Center, 1960075th Street, Bristo• Thursday, March 19, 1 – 3 p.m.,Conference Room ADue to limited seating, reservationsare required. Call the ADRC at 262-605-6646 to make a reservation orto learn more. OfOTcalemDoIf nArilicomava WitwpSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 6:47 AM Page 20
22 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800heysdendns,ls,ndaveuetsed2-t.?cetyretornwillurnshege,ugatIf-4re2600ha300m.,ns2-orYour Kenosha ADRC UpdateOnline Learning Platformfor Family CaregiversOffered FreeTrualta is a free online educational tool for familycaregivers in Wisconsin. Trualta helps caregiverslearn about health issues, care techniques, andmanaging care for loved ones. The Aging andDisability Resource Center of Kenosha Countyoffers registration support for Trualta.If you provide care for a loved one, friend, orneighbor, you are considered a family caregiver.As a family caregiver, it can be hard to find theright resources. Even harder when your time islimited. Trualta’s collection of professionalcontent is designed for the family caregiver tomake it easier to manage care at home. Trualta isavailable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 364 daysa year.With lessons as short as 5 minutes, Trualta makesit easy for you to fit caregiver training inwhenever it works for you. Trualta providespractical caregiver tips and techniques that youcan start using right away. With Trualta, you canalso learn alongside other caregivers in your areaand learn from others’ experiences.In addition to learning skills to manage your carereceiver’s current care, Trualta’s learning librarycan help you prepare and plan for what thefuture holds. Discover ways to connect withyour loved one and be confident you’re doingyour best.To participate, caregivers will need internetaccess and access to a computer, iPad, or othertablet. Participants will receive an email with alink to register. To register, call Margaret Ricchioat the ADRC, 262-605-6650 or [email protected]. Memory CaféMemory Café is a monthly gathering for personsliving with Mild Cognitive Impairment, early-stageAlzheimer’s, or a related dementia, and their carepartners to socialize and have fun. Join the Agingand Disability Resource Center’s (ADRC)Dementia Care Specialist, Alex Troupis, for aMemory Café at the Kenosha NorthsideNeighborhood Library, 1500 27th Avenue,Activity Room A. Meetings are offered thesecond Wednesday of every month from 10:30 –11:30 a.m. The next gathering will be on February11. New members are requested to register. Formore information and to register call the ADRCat 262-605-6646.Caregiver Coffee Club forthose caring for someonewith dementiaThe Aging and Disability Resource Center ofKenosha County (ADRC) offers a support groupto help caregivers who care for someone withAlzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia.Join others engaged in helping their familymembers, neighbors, or friends manage day today living. Relax, chat and learn helpful tips andstrategies.The Caregiver Coffee Club meets the firstWednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m., thenext meeting will be on February 4.The support group is available in-person orvirtually. Facilitated by Alex Troupis, DementiaCare Specialist with the Kenosha County ADRC.To register call 262-605-6646.REGULAR SENIOR DINING SITES• Meals include dessert and beverage• Suggested donation: $5• Open to anyone age 60+ and aspouse regardless of age• Reservations must be made by10am the day priorKenosha Senior Center2717 67th StMonday - Friday, 11:30amReserve at 262-351-6246Parkside Redeemer Church2620 14th PlaceMonday - Friday, 11:30amReserve at 262-552-7737Lakeside Towers5800 Third AveMonday - Friday, 11amReserve at 262-455-7919Westosha Senior Center19200 93rd StMonday - Friday, 11:30amReserve at 262-358-5554Village Pub of Silver Lake307 N Cogswell DriveWednesday & Friday, 11:30amReserve at 262-358-5779SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 6:47 AM Page 21
23 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Dear Eric: About 10years back, I became theprimary caretaker for ourmother, even though thereare five other siblingsscattered throughout thecountry. She resides at ahigh-level care assistedliving facility nearby, is ahealthy 99, but has somesignificant dementia.I’m visiting one or twotimes a week and also takeher to all her medicalappointments and out tolunch. I arrange FaceTimeand phone calls with mysiblings, because Momwants to see or talk tothem. I’m also responsiblefor her finances, whichmakes me quite anxious. Ienjoy my mother, she’sgreat.My issue is with theother siblings. I write thememails with information onhow our mother is doing,and how difficult andcomplex the transition toMedicaid was. Rarely dothey reply to the emails.Every now and then I get anemail reply to all, “onceagain, thanks for taking careof everything.”I wrote an email to twoof my closer siblings, askingthem to please “model”thank you emails for theothers. To reply to my nextemail update withsomething like, “We knowthis is difficult and takes alot of your time, and wereally appreciate it.” I askedfor the words I wanted tohear back.What I got back fromone was, basically, yeah,we’ll do that all “when thisis over” whatever thatmeans! I was furious. Veryfew words of appreciationand, of course, nothing fromthe other three.I will continue to care formy mom, but I’m ready tocut them all off. I’m feelingused and abused, and theycan’t even do what I ask ofthem when I need it. Theyall will get equal shares ofthe small inheritance Imade sure will be there aswell. What do I do with thisanger, or how do I get whatI need from others? –Unsupported SupportSystemDear Support: This isnot fair and though it maybe a cold comfort, knowthat you’re not alone. Manycaregiving family membersexpress frustration orburn-out from a lack ofsupport. Even the mostwell-intentioned familymember can fail to graspthe full scope of tasks thatcaregivers tackle.Unfortunately, yoursiblings have shown a levelof disengagement that goesbeyond simplemisunderstanding. Kudos toyou for asking, specifically,for what you need. Andshame on them for notresponding in kind.Though your anger isjustified, it’s not going tofeed you. So, I’d recommendtalking to a therapist aboutthe way you’re feeling andthe on-going frustrationswith your siblings. It’ll behelpful to have someonewho can listen to you andhelp you process.Also seek out supportand even just conversationwith friends and otherloved ones. They may notfully understand whatyou’re going through, butit’s still helpful to hearsomeone say, “this is hardand I’m sorry.” Your AreaAgency on Aging and theNational Council on Agingwill also have caregiverresources, from supportgroups to financialeducation and more.Dear Eric: I have a fewlongtime friends. After fouryears of caretaking, mymom passed away fromdementia. After that, I hadto arrange for the selling offurnishings and the house.My 65-year-old brotherwho shared the house withher has cerebral palsy andrequired round-the-clockcare. So, I had to arrange allthat.During thisapproximately 18-monthperiod, one friend wentthrough and survivedbreast cancer and anotherlost her life to a braintumor. Sadly, none of theother friends ever let meknow about these sweetfriends. I know I can’t feelguilty about what I didn’tknow about, but I feel like Ineeded support and still doas I mourn.Am I so easily forgettableto not be included in theselifelong friends’ trials? I feelterribly inconsequential.The guilt I feel is becomingburdensome. How do Imove forward? They don’tinclude me now in anything.I know I was preoccupied,but it was with goodreason. – Feeling LostDear Lost: I’m sosorry. To experience thiskind of social loss after theloss of your mother andyour friends is terrible. I’mcurious if you’ve been ableto talk to your friendsabout what shifted in yourrelationship and how youfeel about it. It’s totallyunderstandable if youhaven’t had the capacity tohash it out. But some partof this may be due tomiscommunication. Iwonder if your friends havepulled back on updating youon hard news or their plansbecause they fear becomingburdens to you. Of course,other explanations arepossible. But it’s possiblethey’re going too far in anattempt to be sensitive toyour needs.Talk to them one-on-oneabout where you are,where you feel yourrelationship is, and whatyou’d like to be different.You may be surprised bywhat you hear from them,and they may be surprisedby what you share.Dear Eric: My motherand late father sold vintageand secondhand items onauction sites for years tosupplement theirhousehold budget. I taughtthem to list online manyyears ago.I work two jobs and alsofreelance. I'm unmarried, inmy 50s, live a half-hourdrive away from the familyhome, and also commuteone hour each way duringthe week.My older brother liveswith Mom. He was laid offjust before the pandemicand hasn't worked steadilysince then. He also suffersfrom hoarding disorder andrefuses to clear his itemsfrom the family home (onlysome rooms are nowusable).My pleas to put his itemsin storage (I will pay), takethings to the dump orsimply clear out to makethings safe for Mom havebeen met with anger. Thehoarding seems dangerousto me; I've told Mom that Iwant to call social services,which upsets her, so I stoptalking.Mom keeps asking me toteach her to take digitalphotos and create onlineauction listings, somethingmy Dad used to do.Meanwhile, my 58-year-oldbrother can use thecomputer just fine when hewants to find something heis interested in.Every time I explain that Iam working, it seems thatMom cannot hear me. Doyou have any ideas for howI may explain to Mom that Ican't easily help with theauctions, and how toconvince my brother tohelp Mom? – Helping HandDear Hand: Yourconcerns about yourbrother’s hoardertendencies and yourfrustrations about the workyou’re being asked to doare separate issues butthey’re likely related.First the hoarding. Yourlocal fire department mighthave a hoarding task forcethat can make a house call.Or your local Area Agencyon Aging might haveadditional resources. Yes,escalating your concernswill likely create conflict,but I’d argue the conflict isalready simmering in yourrelationship.Enlisting outside help willallow you to step back; thehoarding becomes one lessthing for you to manage orworry about. With regardto the auctions, it’s fine tolet your no be a completesentence and to kindlyremind your mother of thatand redirect her. It’s notyour responsibility tomanage your brother onthis one. I know the desiredoutcome is that he helpsyour mom and steps upmore, but it seems that inan effort to make thathappen, you’ve beensaddled with another job –brother-minder. Resignfrom that position.One last thought: youmight take 15 minutes towrite out instructions fortaking digital photos andsetting up the onlineauctions and give them toyour mother and brother atthe same time, explaining,that you don’t have thecapacity to walk themthrough it or do it withthem, but you know thatthey can work it outtogether.Dear Eric: My husbandand I have been goingthrough some very toughtimes this past year and ahalf. My husband hurt hisback very badly at workand he was given nodisability or compensation.We have a court date in Julyto see about his case. Hehas been out of work dueto his condition which isvery stressful and we arespending money only onnecessities such as toiletpaper, toothpaste and basicneeds. We are on foodassistance which helpsgreatly.I was recently diagnosedwith stage 2 breast cancerand have had twolumpectomies and a halfbreast removal. I am goingthrough radiation and havenumerous doctor’sappointments.We have two daughtersand three grandchildren.We only spend our gasmoney going to and fromdoctor’s appointments,radiation and the grocerystore. Both of my daughtershave birthdays coming upand, of course, Christmashas just passed. We wereunable to afford the gasmoney to go visit them.I am beside myself thatwe are completely unableto see all of them, let alonesend them Christmas gifts.One of my daughterssent us some gifts and I amunable to do the same. Ireally hope theyunderstand. I just don'tknow how to tell themwithout burdening themwith our problems orhaving them feel sorry forus. That’s the last thing Iwant. – Feeling GuiltyDear Feeling Guilty:I’m so sorry to read aboutwhat you’re going through.Health challenges are hardenough without having tonavigate financial strugglesand legal logistics. This is ahard time. One of the moredifficult parts of hard timesis letting it be hard. Wewant to fix, we want it tobe better, we want to goback to normal, of coursewe do.It’s important toremember that generosityfrom others – in goodtimes and bad – isn’t aninvoice that we have toscramble to repaysomehow. People give oftheir time, their attentionand their resources out ofthe goodness of theirhearts, or because they seea need, or because theycare. So, instead of seeingyour daughter’s gift as areminder of what you can’toffer this year, try to thinkof it as an invitation to becared for right now.Think about Christmaslists. Sometimes it can befrustrating not knowingwhat someone wants. Wesay, “tell me what to getyou.” That same conceptcan apply for intangiblegifts. When we share wherewe are in life and what weneed, we better equip ourloved ones to support us,show up for us and expresstheir love.asking ericSiblings completelydisengaged frommom’s careBestselling author R. EricThomas brings his signaturewit and warmth to “AskingEric,” an advice columntackling life’s quandaries.Drawing on his stint asSlate’s “Dear Prudence,”Thomas dishes out insightful,humorous guidance fornavigating relationships, work,and everything in betweenthonsoirTlikH\"1Wco\"ca thpetoothditownuSclinofonthSo20peobewmprthanwcharupSeevonthinSeevthinmberebeimbesicococoscassoheSwSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 6:47 AM Page 22
24 SMART READER January 22, 2028 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800drofgessn.sms,yspsesateesmIytmmrrIy:th.dosaeseooeoydnoyofnofreyga’tkesegetteeers,sI'm sure you've seenthese little teaser linkson the Internet that cansometimes be tooirresistible to ignore.They have catchy titleslike \"20 Celebrities WhoHave a Secret Past\" or\"10 Common Foods ThatWill Kill You.\" This kind ofcome-on is called\"clickbait.\" Frequently, it'sa form of false advertisingthat is designed to enticepeople browsing the webto follow a link to reador view some contentthat is usuallydisingenuous at best, andtotally misleading atworst. And there is a growingnumber of SocialSecurity-themedclickbait. As I mentionedin a recent column, oneof the most commonones goes something likethis: \"6 Major Changes toSocial Security Coming in2026.\" And I'm sure manypeople fall for that comeon and open the linkbecause they sure don'twant to miss out on anymajor changes to theprogram that might affectthem.But if you take the baitand open the link, youwill learn that the \"majorchanges\" coming in 2026are simply routineupdates to SocialSecurity that happenevery year. For example,one of those changes isthe annual cost-of-livingincrease that every SocialSecurity beneficiary getsevery January. Another isthe routine annualincrease in the amount ofmoney a workingbeneficiary under fullretirement age can makebefore any penalties areimposed on his or herbenefits. There is not asingle \"major change\"contained in any of thesecome-ons. An increasinglycommon clickbaitscenario, frequently sentas an email, usually goessomething like this: \"Clickhere to get your annualSocial Securitystatement.\" Those arealways false because theSocial SecurityAdministration rarelysends Social Securitystatements, or any otherSocial Securityinformation, to peoplevia email.I have never been naiveenough to take the baitand open those kinds ofemails. But I have twofriends who did. One guytold me he was sent to apage that was trying tosell him insurance. But farworse than that, anotherfriend said he followedthe link and it led him toa porn site!Another commontheme of Social Securityrelated clickbait sitesinvolves \"secrets.\" Hereare a couple I sawrecently. \"Three SocialSecurity secrets no oneknows.\" And another:\"The secret to how youare losing out on $3.4trillion in Social Security.\" I guess the temptationof learning a secret sells.But when it comes toSocial Security, therereally aren't any. Theremight be someinformation that you arenot yet aware of. But allof that information isdefinitely not secretbecause it is readilyavailable from places likethe Social SecurityAdministration website(www.socialsecurity.gov),a local financial planneror from reading thiscolumn.And frequently, the socalled \"secrets\" are reallyjust bits of informationI'd bet most people arealready familiar with. Forexample, here are those\"Three Social SecuritySecrets No One Knows.\"One: Your benefits arereduced if you take thembefore full retirementage. Two: Your benefitsare increased if you delayfiling until after your fullretirement age. Three:There is no point inwaiting beyond age 70 tofile for Social Security.The reduction for earlyretirement is prettystraightforward andrelatively modest. It isroughly one-half of 1%for each month a SocialSecurity check is takenbefore full retirementage. But here is aninteresting and revealingpoint. The clickbait sitesays your benefit is\"slashed\" if taken early. The site also says youget a \"generous\" increaseif you delay your benefitsuntil after your fullretirement age. Thedelayed retirement credityou get is actually twothirds of 1% for eachmonth you wait afteryour FRA to file forbenefits. And why do theseclickbait sites exaggeratethe downside of earlyretirement and overplaythe upsides to delayedretirement? Becausealmost all of them haveone goal: to get you towait until age 70 to startyour Social Security --and in the meantime, tosign up for financialservices offered by thecompanies sponsoringthe sites. To illustrate thisfurther, let's recall thatother clickbait come on Imentioned earlier -- theone that said: \"The Secretto How You Are LosingOut on $3.4 Trillion inSocial Security.\" Well, Iguess somehow theauthor of that websiteused some very dubiousmath to figure out that allretiring baby boomers inthis country will be losingout on combinedbenefits of $3.4 trillion ifthey don't wait until age70 to start their SocialSecurity checks.So I guess my wife andI have missed out on partof that $3.4 trillionbecause we both tookour Social Securitybenefits at 62. I'vediscussed our reasonsfor doing this many timesin this column. In anutshell, we both decidedto grab our benefits earlybecause we wanted tohave fun spending thatmoney before we got tooold to enjoy it. (And ofcourse, it helped that Ialso had my civil servicepension for all the years Ispent working for thefederal government.) I am definitely notsaying everyone shouldfile for their SocialSecurity as soon as theyreach age 62. I am simplypointing out that thereare various reasons whysome people might notwant to wait until age 70to file.As I've said over andover again in this column,I am not a financialplanner. I'm just an old,retired Social Securityguy. But I do knowenough to tell you thereare many obvious factorsyou need to take intoaccount when deciding atwhich age to begin yourSocial Security benefits.Do you think you will liveto a ripe old age, and youwill want more benefitsin the long run? Thenwait until age 70. Are youunsure of your longevityand are looking for morecash up front? Then takeSocial Security beforethen. Are you trying toguarantee highersurvivor benefits foryour spouse after youdie? Then wait until age70. Or do you and yourspouse prefer to havemore of that money inyour early 60s asopposed to just one ofyou having more moneylater on? Then filesooner. I can also tell you thatI've heard from enoughfinancial planners overthe years to realize thatmore and more of themare suggesting that mostpeople would be wise tostart their benefits at fullretirement age. So another message oftoday's column is this.When deciding when tostart your Social Securitybenefits, consider all thethings going on with yourhealth, your finances andyour marital status. Andmaybe talk to a financialplanner. But definitely donot rely on clickbait tomake your SocialSecurity decisions.social securitySocial Security Clickbaitwith Tom MargenauIf you have a SocialSecurity question, Tom Margenau has twobooks with all the answers.One is called \"Social Security-- Simple and Smart: 10Easy-to-Understand FactSheets That Will Answer AllYour Questions About SocialSecurity.\" The other is \"SocialSecurity: 100 Myths and 100Facts.\" You can find the booksat Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or youcan send him an email [email protected] youSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 1/20/26 6:48 AM Page 23Saturday, February 14 • 7:00PMFor advance tickets visit hap2it.com, or stop in at 1420 63rd St., Kenosha between 10am - 4pm M-F5125 6th Avenue KenoshaTo be assured a good seat, purchase tickets early. However, limited tickets will also be available at the door the night of the show.SR010826@ theLiveYESTERDAY’S CHILDRENYESTERDAY’SCHILDREN
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