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March 5, 2026Volume 24 - #5U.S. SANCTIONS LEAVE CUBA WITHOUT FUEL FOR ELECTRICITY AND GASOLINE FOR ITS VINTAGE VEHICLESSR COVER.qxp_Layout 1 3/3/26 8:29 PM Page 1Visit us at 3016 75th St., Kenosha“Everyone at Casey Family Options was so helpful and supportive, I was extremely satisfied.”-Kenneth R. “Everyone at Casey Family Options was so helpful and supportive, I was extremely satisfied.”-Kenneth R. SR112025

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3 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800How the US is forcing Mexico’s hand on CubaIt was just a few blocksaway from Mexico City’stowering art decoMonument to theRevolution that, 71 yearsago, another historicrevolution was hatched. Starting in the summer of1955, a young Fidel Castroand Ernesto “Che” Guevarahunkered down together ina two-story, working-classapartment building to plantheir overthrow of theCuban dictator FulgencioBatista. Mexicans share storiesabout how the menpracticed rowing in a lake inthe verdant ChapultepecPark or took turns shootingin a town just outside thecapital. Both were brieflyimprisoned in Mexico Cityfor possessing illegalfirearms. Then, in November1956, the men set off fromthe Mexican coast with 80other revolutionaries on theyacht the Granma, headingback to Cuba, where theywould change the course ofthe island’s history forgenerations to come. That set the foundationfor Cuba’s longestuninterrupted diplomaticrelationship in LatinAmerica. Mexico is referredto, even by Fidel Castro, asan inspiration of the CubanRevolution, and long prideditself on the fact that itsrevolution, at the start of the20th century, inspired Cuba’sdecades later. Across theideological spectrum ofgovernments that have ledthe country since it becamea democracy in 2000,Mexico has remained arelatively steadfast friend toCuba.But, as the United Statesratchets up pressure onLatin American governmentsunder President DonaldTrump’s new foreign policyapproach, which views theregion as part of its sphereof influence, Cuba hasbecome something of athorn in the side of U.S.-Mexico relations. Followingthe U.S. military capture ofVenezuela’s authoritarianleader, Nicolás Maduro, inJanuary, the Trumpadministration turned itsattention toward thecommunist island that wasfor years propped upeconomically by Venezuelanoil. But last year, it wasMexico that sent the mostoil to Cuba, and MexicanPresident ClaudiaSheinbaum Pardo bristled ata U.S. executive order issuedon Jan. 29 that threatenedforeign nations with tariffs ifthey send Cuba desperatelyneeded petroleumshipments. She hadannounced the day beforethat Mexico was temporarilypausing oil shipments toCuba, and that it was a“sovereign decision” notmade under pressure fromthe United States. The U.S. can’t “stranglepeople like this,” she saidlater, at a Feb. 9 newsconference, adding thatMexico will continue tosupport Cuba. Hergovernment sent two shipscarrying some 814 tons offood and basic supplies toHavana the same week. OnFeb. 25, the U.S. TreasuryDepartment said it wouldauthorize limited amountsof Venezuelan oil, whichWashington now controls,to be sold to Cuba's privatesector.“Cuba is a specialrelationship for Mexico,”says Pía Taracena Gout, whoteaches internationalrelations at the IberoAmerican University inMexico City. For manydecades under the semiauthoritarian InstitutionalRevolutionary Party (PRI),which ruled from 1929 to2000, Mexico was able toshowcase its fadingrevolutionary chops bypointing to its relationshipwith Cuba. And bysupporting Cuba at theUnited Nations GeneralAssembly every year since1992, calling for an end tothe U.S. embargo officially inplace since 1962, Mexicosignaled to the world – andperhaps most important itspowerful northern neighbor– that sovereignty andnonintervention are centralto its worldview.Cuba allows Mexico to“show its autonomy fromthe United States,” says Dr.Taracena. Revolution torevolutionMexico was one of thefirst countries in the worldto carry out a postcolonialrevolution, overthrowing a30-year dictatorship in theearly 1900s and ushering insocial, agrarian, and politicalreforms. When Cuba’srevolution ignited in 1959,before Fidel Castro turned itinto the communist projectit would become, therevolution was immenselypopular among Mexicans.Many saw themselvesreflected in the Caribbeanisland’s achievements, andeven questioned whethertheir own government hadgone far enough indistributing land and wealth. “Cuba was always kind ofa mirror for Mexico to lookat and reflect on, ‘What arewe doing in our owncountry? Is it enough?’” saysRenata Keller, a historyprofessor at the Universityof Nevada, Reno, and authorof a book on Mexico-CubaU.S. relations during theCold War. By the time Fidel Castroand his brother Raúl camedown from the SierraMaestra mountainsvictorious in their fight forCuban independence,Mexico’s leadership hadmoved away from itsrevolutionary apex in the1930s. But the increasinglyconservative PRI was able tomaintain what is sometimescalled its “perfectdictatorship” in part byfunctioning as an umbrellaparty that included the farleft. Supporting Cuba was aneasy way to do that.The Cuba-Mexicorelationship evolved overthe years, but pragmatismwas a constant. In 1961,Mexico was at the forefrontof protesting the failed U.S.Bay of Pigs invasion at theU.N., and it was the onlyOrganization of AmericanStates member in 1964 toreject a U.S.-led initiative tobreak diplomatic ties withHavana.Smart Reader is published bi-weekly by Carmichael CommunicationsEditor & Publisher/Frank J. Carmichael • Assistant to the Publisher/Reanna Stockdale Sales/Kim Carmichael, Madison Giannini • Reception/Sarah Coleman Ad Design & Layout/Glen Kelly, Dylan Valenta, Francis Flex • Editorial Manager/Jason HedmanCarmichael Communications 1420 63rd St. Kenosha, WI 53143March 5, 2026Volume 24 Number 5262-564-8800 • 1-800-568-6623 •www.hap2it.comstory continues on page 4PrcudeCwPrshCMrecoadC– oronislasinquhahatrdewthprreblhatucoairfligcofedeorMVelesegoshbrrebêmlatCbeovimdehorebeagGvsquHdireseectoIlA ship carrying humanitarian aid from Mexico arrives in Havana days afterthe Cuban government announced increasingly strict rationing measures toconfront U.S. efforts to cut off the island’s fuel supply, Feb. 12, 2026.Cuba begins March with 64% of island in the darkCuba began March facing ahistoric energy crisis, with anelectricity deficit left 64% ofthe island in the dark due tofuel shortages and technicalfailures at its thermoelectricplants.An electricity deficit is thecondition in which demandexceeds the amount ofelectricity available to supplyit. The grid simply doesn'thave enough generation atthat moment to meet whathomes, businesses andinfrastructure are trying todraw.Cuba's National ElectricSystem reported a deficitexceeding 2,000 megawatts,resulting in rolling outageslasting up to 20 hours a day,according tofigures published on X bythe state-run Electric Union,known by its Spanishacronym UNE.For last Tuesday's peakdemand period, UNEforecast maximumconsumption of 3,150megawatts, while availablegeneration capacity wasexpected to reach onlyabout 1,890 megawatts. Theresulting shortfall has forcedauthorities to disconnectcircuits across the countryto prevent a total anduncontrolled collapse of thegrid.Eight of Cuba's 16thermoelectric plants areoffline due to breakdownsand fuel shortages, accordingto reports. The plants, whichprocess domesticallyproduced and importedcrude oil, operate within asystem widely consideredobsolete and underfunded.Cuban authorities haveblamed U.S. sanctions forworsening the crisis.Government officials havedenounced what they call an\"energy asphyxiation\" byWashington, accusing theUnited States of restrictingoil shipments and limitingaccess to fuel supplies fromabroad.\"The electrical systembegins 2026 in worseconditions than it had at thesame date in 2025. Thermalplants enter and leaveservice, oil is scarce andgoing forward there willbarely be diesel and fuel oilfor distributed generation,\"José Luis Reyes, an analystspecializing in Cuba's powersystem, told Diario de Cuba.\"The fragile web of energyproduction and distributiondepends on all kinds ofunpredictable factors.Blackouts are guaranteed,\"he said.Independent expertsestimate that restoring andmodernizing Cuba'selectrical grid would requirebetween $8 billion and $10billion -- a figure seen as outof reach for an economythat has contracted by morethan 15% since 2020.Amid the worseningshortages, Cuban PresidentMiguel Díaz-Canel onTuesday called for \"urgenttransformations\" to theisland's economic and socialmodel.During a meeting of theCouncil of Ministers, DíazCanel said the proposedchanges include expandingautonomy for stateenterprises andmunicipalities, resizing thestate apparatus and boostingdomestic food production.He also urged progress inshifting the country's energystory continues on page 4SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 6:16 PM Page 2

4 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800norm,tS.eynooh4With ousted VenezuelanPresident Nicolás Maduro incustody in New York, and hisdecapitated regime inCaracas quietly cooperatingwith the United States,President Donald Trump hasshifted his hostile refrain toCuba.“Cuba is a failing nation,”Mr. Trump has been sayingrecently. “It is down for thecount.”And with the Trumpadministration’s severing ofCuba’s Venezuelan oil lifeline– and a Jan. 29 executiveorder threatening stiff tariffson any country supplying theisland nation with oil – thatassessment looksincreasingly accurate.The oil blockade hasquickly led Cuba to enactharsh measures, including ahalt to all publictransportation, thedeclaration of a four-daywork week, the closure ofthe tourist hotels thatprovided much-neededrevenue, and mountingblackouts.Families already enduringharsh living conditions areturning to wood and coal forcooking. Some internationalairlines have canceled theirflights to the island.The rapidly deterioratingconditions in Cuba arefeeding an intensifyingdebate in Washington: dealor regime change? ShouldMr. Trump go for aVenezuela-type bargain thatleaves a cooperativesegment of the existinggovernment in place? Orshould he squeeze until hebrings down a communistregime that has been a U.S.bête noire since 1959?The president’s rhetoricmight suggest he favors thelatter. Accordingly, someCuban Americans havebecome suddenly rhapsodicover the prospects of animminent return to rebuild ademocratic and capitalisthomeland, and perhapsreclaim properties they leftbehind some seven decadesago.Gradual change vs. chaosYet anyone hoping forquick regime change inHavana is likely in fordisappointment, manyregional experts say.Instead, most expect tosee unrelenting U.S.economic pressure leadingto some kind of agreementbetween the Trumpadministration and Cubanpower brokers that favorsgradual change on the islandover sudden collapse andchaos.Such a deal might benegotiated with the Cubangovernment. But for someformer U.S. officials andexperts, it’s more likely thatmeaningful talks would be –and if swirling rumors arecorrect, already are – heldwith other powerful circles.Among the candidates:senior military leaders, whohave long held a tight grip onthe economy, or “retired”decision-makers, includingRaúl Castro, the formerpresident and the laterevolutionary leader FidelCastro’s nonagenarianbrother.“Trump says we are talkingto ‘the highest people inCuba’ to get a deal, and thatmay or may not be true,”says Michael Rubin, a seniorfellow in foreign policy at theAmerican EnterpriseInstitute in Washington.“But what we do know isthat if we are talking to anyreal decision-makers, then itis not with the currentpresident, [Miguel] DíazCanel, who is a merefigurehead,” he adds. “Itwould have to be withsomeone or a group thatmatters.”Dr. Rubin says that couldbe with what he calls the“troika” – threeaging former leaders led byMr. Castro – or governmentofficials who accept that adeal with the United Statesis inevitable. Or, withpowerful military leaderswilling to compromise withthe U.S. to keep their shareof the economy.The real focus is ChinaStill, any discussion of a“deal” raises the question: Inthe case of Cuba, what isPresident Trump looking for?Whereas the majorstrategic U.S. “get” inVenezuela was access to thecountry’s oil (and cutting itoff from adversaries), whatthe Trump administrationmight be going for in Cuba isouster not of the regime,some experts say, but ofChina.“The more strategic goalhere ... is getting China butalso Russia away from usingCuba as a forward operatingbase for their intelligenceand even military activities,”says ChristopherHernandez-Roy, deputydirector of the AmericasProgram at the Center forStrategic and InternationalStudies in Washington. Thatgoal, he notes, “is 100% inline with the recent NationalSecurity Strategy that zeroesin on removing China fromstrategic locations in theWestern Hemisphere.”“Trump is talking a lotabout Greenland, and earlierabout the Panama Canal andother places in thehemisphere,” he adds, “butthere is no more strategiclocation than 90 miles off theFlorida Keys.”The Cuban governmentinsists that China has nointelligence-gatheringinfrastructure on the island.But numerous U.S.government and nationalsecurity think-tank reportsover recent years haveasserted that such spy basesindeed exist, as they do inother Latin Americancountries with close ties toChina.In the debate over deal vs.regime change, many expertsand some officials willing tospeak under condition ofanonymity say the wild cardin deciding which option willprevail is Secretary of StateMarco Rubio, who was bornin Miami to Cuban parents.Mr. Rubio’s standing withPresident Trump has vaultedever higher in recentmonths. And he has longadvocated – as a Floridasenator and as a politicaldarling of the South FloridaCuban exile community – apolicy aimed at ridding Cubaof the revolution thatprompted so many Cubansto leave their homeland.For its part, the Cubangovernment says that, whileit is open to talks with theU.S. that are “respectful ofCuba’s sovereignty,” noneare currently underway.The Venezuela modelYet some experts cautionthat, as much as the exilecommunity and some of thepresident’s close associatescould be pressing for regimechange, Mr. Trump might bebetter served by consideringthe potential ramifications ofmoving in that direction –and by hewing closer to aVenezuela model of action.“Bringing about regimechange in Cuba has been thegreat white whale for manyconservatives for a very longtime,” says RosemaryKelanic, an expert in energysecurity and U.S. grandstrategy at DefensePriorities, a Washingtonthink tank advocating arealist foreign policy. “Thisseems especially true in theSouth Florida Cubancommunity and in Trump’scircle of friends at Mar-aLago.”“But while Trump is usingoil to increase the pressureon the Cuban regime,” sheadds, “I think the Venezuelamodel and Trump's talk of a‘deal’ suggests he could havesomething other than fullRaúl Castro, center, the brother of late Cuban leader Fidel Castro, takes part in ananti-terrorism protest in Havana, May 17, 2005. Mr. Castro’s son, Alejandro CastroEspín, second from left, is considered a powerful figure in the Interior Ministry anda figure to watch in potential U.S.-Cuba negotiations.In Cuba, is Trump seeking ouster of Communistleaders, or of China’s presence?dse0tyegtnteale-dgedegny4story continues on page 4SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 6:17 PM Page 3FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Kenosha Funeral Services and CrematoryPrepay for your funeral now and the price will be guaranteed. 8226 Sheridan Rd. Kenosha, WI 53143(262) 652-1943www.kenosha-funeral-services.comQuality • Value • ServiceWhen you need it the mostMake An Appointment To Pre-Plan Your Funeral TodayCremation with Rental Casket & Services.. $8,275Includes: Professional Service Fee, Embalming, Dressing, Casketing, Cosmetology, 1-hour Visitation, Funeral Services, Transfer of Remains to our Facility, Cremation Fee, and Rental Casket. 021926

5 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800matrix, promoting exports,easing rules for foreigndirect investment andencouraging partnershipsbetween the state andprivate sectors, includingventures with Cubans livingabroad, according to statemedia outlet Tribuna de LaHabana.The president said themeasures must contribute to\"macroeconomicstabilization,\" increase hardcurrency revenues andstrengthen domesticproduction, particularly food.The call for reformscomes amid prolongedeconomic contraction, highinflation and deterioratingpublic services, as well ascontinued political pressurefrom President DonaldTrump, who has advocatedfor political change on theisland.Trump on Friday raisedthe possibility of a \"friendlytakeover\" of Cuba, saying theisland's government has beenin talks with hisadministration about thecountry's future.\"They are going throughmajor problems and wecould very well dosomething good, I think,something very positive forthe people who were forcedout, or worse, from Cubaand who live here,\" he toldreporters at the WhiteHouse, though he did notspecify any potential actionagainst the country.By Macarena HermosillaBut at the same time thatMexico publicly defendedCuba, it shared intelligencewith the U.S. government,facilitated by still maintainingan embassy in Havana. Cuba-Mexico relationsstarted to stumble undercenter-right PresidentVicente Fox, who was thefirst democratically electedleader after the PRI lostpower. Mr. Fox traveled toCuba in 2002 and met withdissidents, angering theCuban government. A monthlater, he famously rushedFidel Castro out of anExtraordinary Summit of theAmericas meeting beforeU.S. President George W.Bush arrived, and the sameyear, he joined the majorityat the U.N. to condemnCuba’s human rights record. Leftist politicians andmany in the Mexican publicwere up in arms over theperceived violation ofMexico’s foreign policystandards of nonintervention– and its historic relationshipwith Cuba. But future conservativeleaders seemed to learnfrom Mr. Fox’s experience.Subsequent conservativepresidents made official visitsto the island to meet withthen-President Raúl Castro,and forgave an estimated70% of Cuba’s debt toMexico in 2013. “Mexico will always try toseek a relationship withCuba,” says Dr. Taracena.“Perhaps those that aren’tideologically aligned with theleft have opened the door tomore listening to Cubandissidents, but in reality,Mexico’s role has to be amediator in the conflict withthe United States –especially now that DonaldTrump’s pressure is sostrong.”Careful balanceMs. Sheinbaum has beenreferred to as “the Trumpwhisperer” for her ability tonegotiate with the U.S.president in a second termthat has kept Mexico centralto U.S. goals around haltingimmigration and drugtrafficking in the region. She has avoided theenactment of sky-high tariffsthrough negotiations, despitemultiple threats from Mr.Trump, and the U.S.president has declared her“brave” and a “wonderfuland highly intelligent leader.” But he might be missingthe nuance in Mexico’shistoric – sometimes“performative” –relationship with Cuba, andhow much it benefits theUnited States, says Dr. Keller.The island is in adownward economic spiralas international airlinescancel flights to cities acrossCuba, hotels close due toelectricity and foodshortages, and governmentworkers are furloughed. Anestimated 2.7 million peoplehave left Cuba since 2020,amid a multiyear recession.By Whitney EulichMexico’s hand in Cubacontinued from page 2Cuba gone dark continued from page 2U.S. authorizes resale ofVenezuelan oil to Cuba for private sectorThe U.S. Office of ForeignAssets Control said it willallow certain operations toresell Venezuelan-origin oildestined for Cuba, providedthe fuel is used by citizensand private companies onthe island.The island nation reliedfor years on Venezuela forfuel, but shipments stoppedafter the United Statescaptured Nicolás Maduro onJan. 3 and took control ofCaracas' energy industry.After the operation,President Donald Trumprepeatedly warned thatCuba was on the brink ofeconomic collapse, and hethreatened to imposefurther economic pressureon the country to reach anagreement with the UnitedStates. Trump has notpublicly defined what kind ofagreement he seeks.The trade measure saysthat the transactions mustcomply with the conditionsof General License 46A forVenezuela. This license is anauthorization issued byforeign assets office thatallows companies toconduct operations involvingVenezuelan oil under specificterms, despite the sanctionsin place against thatcountry's energy sector.Companies that seekauthorization will not needto have an entity establishedin the United States, and theusual Cuba-relatedrestrictions set out in thatlicense will not apply.The Treasury Departmentspecified that the policy willcover only exportsfor commercial orhumanitarian purposes thatbenefit Cuba's privatesector.Operations involving theCuban armed forces,intelligence services orother government entitieswill not be permitted,including those listed on theU.S. Department of State'sCuba Restricted List.The Treasury Departmentrecalled that the CommerceDepartment primarilyregulates the export or reexport of U.S.-origin oil toCuba.Under the Support for theCuban People LicenseException, certain exportsof gas and other petroleumproducts intended toimprove living conditionsand support independenteconomic activity in Cubado not require separateauthorization from foreignassets office provided theapplicable terms are met.The agency referred to itsFrequently Asked Question1226 for the definition of\"Venezuelan-origin oil,\"which includes petroleumproducts.Preliminary data from theEnergy InformationAdministration show thatVenezuela exported 339,000barrels per day of crude tothe United States in thethird week of February.At the same time, regionalfuel supply to Cuba has beenlimited. On Jan. 29, theTrump administrationdeclared a nationalemergency with respect toCuba, creating a newmechanism to impose tariffson imports from anycountry that provides oil toHavana.On Feb. 17, MexicanPresident ClaudiaSheinbaum said hergovernment would not sendfuel to Cuba \"for now\" amidthe current situation andpotential U.S. trademeasures.Cuba faces fuel shortagesthat have affected electricitysupply, transportation andother basic services, and itrelies heavily on oil imports.Separately, the RussianEmbassy in Havanaconfirmed two weeks agothat Russia will send crudeoil and refined products toCuba as humanitarianassistance.Russia is sending the oildirectly, not throughintermediaries, and theshipments are considered tobe aid, not commercial sales.By Mar PuigA loaded oil tanker tanker enters Matanzas Bay off Havana, Cuba, on February16 and docks near the city’s energy logistics port amid ongoing U.S. energysanctions on the island. Russia has been sending fuel considered to be aid. Trump & Cuba continued from page 3regime change in mind.”Dr. Kelanic saysunrelenting pressure onCuba risks destabilizing itand causing a humanitariandisaster just 90 miles off theFlorida coast. “Theconsequences could includerefugee outflows from Cubainto Florida,” she adds, “sothere’s a real risk ofblowback affecting an issuethis administration caresabout deeply.”Forcing regime changewould “require deployingthe Marines to Cuba’sbeaches, and that just isn’t inthe cards for a presidentwho is not in favor of bootson-the-ground options,” saysMr. Hernandez-Roy. Instead,he foresees what he calls“regime management” thatemploys economic pressureto nudge gradual politicalchange.“Unlike Venezuela, Cubahas no democratic musclememory to assist with quickpolitical change,” he says.As for who the Trumpadministration might turn tofor meaningful talks, Mr.Hernandez-Roy says to keepan eye on Raúl Castro’s son,Alejandro Castro Espín, whowas the Obamaadministration’s behind-thescenes interlocutor onnormalization of U.S.-Cubarelations.Dr. Rubin notes that morethan 2 million Cubans havefled the island in recentyears, many of themprofessionals and membersof the middle class, drivenout by economic collapse.He says that group might beencouraged to return andparticipate in Cuba’s politicaland economic restructuring.In terms of what Mr.Trump might want from anynegotiations with Cuba, Dr.Rubin advises keeping inmind that the president is areal estate dealmaker whorelishes the idea ofaccomplishing what otherpresidents couldn’t.Especially appealing to Mr.Trump, he says, would be“putting hotels carrying hisname on Cuba’s beaches.”Those signs would be aconstant reminder thatwhile Cuba’s communistgovernment stymied 12 U.S.presidents, it was PresidentTrump who finally defeatedit.By Howard LaFranchi WstwshwlikNfrstCincihitewyedacoav\"wdacohiththpedewensethfrSoUexwnolaeaceshei36fonoavthafdaAthSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 6:18 PM Page 4

6 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800A major shift may bebrewing in the Pacific Ocean:Forecasters say ElNiño could develop laterthis year. If it does, it canreshape weather patternsacross the United Statesduring the second half of2026, as well as the Atlantichurricane season.What is El Niño, and whydoes it matter?El Niño is part of a naturalclimate cycle that shows upevery few years. It happenswhen ocean water warms inthe tropical Pacific near theequator. The opposite phaseis La Niña, when that sameregion runs cooler thanaverage.When such a large stretchof the Pacific warms (orcools) for months at a time,it can nudge the jet streaminto a different position. Thatshift can change wherestorms track and where wetor dry patterns set uparound the world. It's one ofthe factors AccuWeatherconsiders when buildinglong-range weatherforecasts.The most recent El Niñoshappened during the wintersof 2018-19 and 2023-24.When will El Niño begin?\"The trends support ElNiño developing late thisspring to early this summer,\"AccuWeather seniormeteorologist Chat Merrillsaid.But there's a catch: Latewinter and early spring aretricky times for long-rangeforecasting. It's known as the\"spring predictabilitybarrier,\" when models areoften less reliable than theyare later in the year. Evenwith that limitation,forecasters say the overallpattern still points toward ElNiño developing by autumn.\"Typically, the stronger thesignal, the more confidenceon impacts for a typical ElNiño season,\" AccuWeathersenior meteorologist JasonNicholls said. He added thatthere are early signs in thePacific Ocean that El Niño isstarting to develop, but thatthis change is slow, and thereare still several months for itto fully develop.What El Niño means forthe weather and thehurricane seasonIf El Niño develops duringsummer, one of the biggestareas to watch isthe Atlantic hurricaneseason, which peaks inSeptember.\"El Niño tends to increasethe mid- to upper-level windshear (stronger winds withheight and change indirection) on a morefrequent basis acrossportions of the AtlanticBasin,\" AccuWeather longrange expert Paul Pasteloksaid. \"This can lead to lessstorm development: aroadblock to a hyperactivehurricane season this year.\"In general, higher windshear can make it harder forstorms to organize andstrengthen, which canreduce the overall numberof tropical storms andhurricanes compared to a LaNiña season. El Niño'sinfluence can also shiftwhere storms are morelikely to form, with activitysometimes favored fartherout over the Atlantic ratherthan closer to the U.S.coastline. Meanwhile, ElNiño can have the oppositeeffect in the eastern Pacific,where hurricane activityoften increases.El Niño can also affectrainfall patterns in the U.S.For parts of the West thathave been very dry, thatcould be welcome news.\"El Niño patterns couldbring more rain than normalto the Colorado Basin,\"Merrill said. The uptick inrain would not be enough toquench the ongoing drought,but it would be a step in theright direction.\"The early start to the ElNiño can lead to an increasein moisture from thesouthern Plains to EastCoast during summer andfall,\" Nicholls added.Looking farther ahead, ElNiño could also become animportant piece of thepuzzle in the 2026-27 winterforecast.By Brian LadaAttendees wait in the rain for the 137th annual Tournament of RosesParade to begin in Pasadena, Calif., on January 1. El Nino can affectweather patterns throughout the United States for the yearedheedlyheenisheghwedok,oredbaldteotonllatoanty,ath–ldsoenmptoS.malngugheffsteMr.S.erulr.” ngo’ses–ndheer.aalessstoodntAnle0,chEl Nino is brewing: Here's what it means for U.S. weather in 2026Winter is gettingshorter all acrossthe countryAcross the United States,winter's chill is gettingshorter by more than aweek, even if it might not feellike it for those in theNortheast still thawing outfrom back-to-back winterstorms.A new ClimateCentral analysis shows thatin 195 of 245 major U.S.cities studied, the period ofhistorically winter-liketemperatures has shrunk,with the coldest part of theyear now lasting about ninedays fewer on average,compared with 1970-1997averages.Climate scientists defined\"winter\" not by calendardates but by the 90 coldestconsecutive days in ahistorical reference period,then compared how longthose winterlike conditionspersist today versus severaldecades ago. In many places,winter now starts later andends earlier, a clear sign thatseasonal timing is shifting asthe planet warms.The trend spans regionsfrom the Southeast andSouth to the Northeast andUpper Midwest. Forexample, in Erie, Pa.,winterlike temperaturesnow begin about 10 dayslater and finish six daysearlier than in the late 20thcentury.In Boston, winter isshorter with an average ofeight days less at or below36.4 degrees.Even in cities long knownfor bitter cold, winters arenoticeably shortened. Onaverage, the \"coldest\" part ofthe year across the 195affected cities is nearly ninedays shorter than it oncewas.There were someexceptions to this warmingtrend. About 15, or 37, of thecities analyzed had longerwinters. Climate Centralnotes many of these were onCalifornia's coast where theocean's influence can limitlarge seasonal temperatureswings and in the OhioValley.\"But those cities were theexception to the nationaltrend, which is consistentwith prior studies,\" ClimateCentral said.The shift has realimplications for everydaylife. According to ClimateCentral, shorter winterseasons can affect winterrecreation, snowpack andwater resources and evenecosystems and agriculturethat rely on a sustainedperiod of cold. Snowdependent industries maysee less reliable conditions,while reduced coldexposure can influence cropcycles and pest populations.Although cold weatherstill occurs, these patternsreflect a broader climatetrend: Warmer, shorterwinters are becoming thenorm in many parts of theU.S.By Emilee SpeckJake Hoey, operator of“Jake’s Kenosha AreaWeather Page” onFacebook joins Happenings Q&A on Fri. March 13th at10:20am on AM1050 WLIPA water taxi/ferry is escortedthrough the ice in the Hudson River.SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 8:58 PM Page 5Wh SR060525y settle for wood posts when you can get lifetime steel posts. Our best seller! No dig, no mess and at a low price.W e beat any price Top Quality Work One Day Lead Time Next Day Installations 25% off any written estimatesCall Alex at 262-344-6736 For a free estimateAlex Fence & RepairsCall Alex at 262-344-6736 For a free estimateAlex Fence & RepairsWhy settle for wood posts when you can get lifetime steel posts. Our best seller! No dig, no mess and at a low price.

7 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800OPINIONThe arc of any man’s liferuns deep and wide,rendering it difficult, if notimpossible to measure.If a person lived as the Rev.Jesse Jackson, Sr. did, 84mostly robust years, the taskbecomes enormous.Jackson died this week, onFebruary 17, 2026.Remembrances have floodedforth. Many have noted thatJackson was deeplyinfluenced by, and then lateragitated, one of America’sgreatest leaders – the Rev.Martin Luther King, Jr.Retellings of Jackson’s lifehave hit the highlights. Hewas born in the segregatedJim Crow South. He was inthe parking lot, below thehotel balcony where Kingwas assassinated in Memphisin 1968.The multi-racialaspirations of Jackson’sRainbow/PUSH Coalitionhad the goal of uniting thepoor and working class of allraces.His two runs for theDemocratic presidentialnomination, in 1984 and1988, tested, then proved,voters’ willingness tosupport a national Blackcandidate.What’s missing is anunderstanding of Jackson’splace in the architecture ofthe American civil rightsmovement, which is not onlyunfinished, but is at risk ofbacksliding.The civil rights movementwas always intended to bemulti-layered, a succession ofvictories, each building uponthe other. Abolishing slaverywas merely the initial step.Ending legalized segregationwas the next. Securing votingrights was the next.King deeply understoodthat political power wouldbe necessary to furtherfairness and economicprosperity of all of America.The Voting Rights Act waspassed in 1965, and is amongthe most salient legacies ofKing’s life. After King’sassassination, his martyrdomspurred even more reformas the nation was grievingand trying to come to termswith its history of racism.The Civil Rights Act of 1968prohibited discrimination inhousing.But the fourth tier of civilrights, economic freedom, isprobably the leastunderstood.Leaders of the civil rightmovement always hoped toachieve economic paritybetween the races, to finallymake good on our foundingpromise that all men are notonly created equal, but toensure they’re also affordedthe same opportunities.Jackson latched onto thatgoal.He often decried what hetermed “economic violence”during his politicalcampaigns, advocatingalongside unions, and callingfor protection against thegreed of corporations thatwould undercut workers forprofits.Jackson launched The WallStreet Project in 1997. Itgrew out of the SouthernChristian LeadershipConference’s OperationBreadbasket, which hadsimilar goals.OPINIONIt’s only February andother than the almostnonstop coverage of theNancy Guthrie kidnappingstory, especially cablenetworks are obsessedwith the Novemberelection, though it is morethan eight months away. Somuch can – and likely will –change before then. Why allthe attention?When I was active on thelecture circuit my openingline was “I’m happy to behere tonight fromWashington, D.C., wherethe only politicians withconvictions are in prison.”Another laugh-getter was“Do you know the meaningof politics? Poly meansmany and ticks are bloodsucking insects.”Why do so many put somuch faith in politicianswhen they have repeatedlyproven they can’t, or won’t,deliver on importantissues? Like Social Securityand Medicare reform andthe massive national debtwhich is at $38 trillion andcounting becauseWashington refuses to cutspending, despite recordamounts of revenueflooding into the Treasury.Politics is a false god. Its“altar” is the Capitol and itsrequired sacrifices consistof taxpayer (and borrowed)money. So much of thatmoney is wasted. Childcare fraud in Minnesota isonly one of many examplesand Minnesota is only oneof many states with laxcontrol of welfarespending.We keep electing them –one party and then theother – expecting betteroutcomes. Instead, manyspend too much timefundraising and cementingtheir careers. Few read thebills they vote on, relyinginstead on staff andlobbyists, the latter whocontribute to theircampaigns.As we approach anothertax season, a primeexample of the havocCongress has imposed onthe public is the U.S. taxcode. It is mostlyindecipherable, but givesbreaks to those donorsfavored by incumbents. TheTax Code is 6,871 pages.When IRS tax regulationsand official tax guidelinesare included, the number ofpages jumps to about75,000. This should violateArticle 32 of the GenevaConvention which, amongother things, prohibitstorture.The dirty little secretabout politics andpoliticians is that if theysolve a problem, they nolonger have an issue to runon. Keeping their place inoffice with all its perks hasbecome the primaryobjective of too manymembers. Need I mentionhow some members and/ortheir spouses becomemulti-millionaires on a lowsix- figure salary?Term limits used to be ahot issue as a means tosolve the problems thataccompany incumbency. Itwent nowhere becauseMembers of Congress arenot about to limitthemselves. As previouslymentioned here, an Article5 Convention of States(COS) remains the onlyway power will betransferred from thepoliticians to the peoplewhere the Foundersintended it to reside.Kansas recently becamethe 20th state to vote for aCOS. Thirty-four areneeded. According toConvention of StatesAction, the following stateswill be considering this yearwhether to vote for anArticle V convention:Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa,Kentucky, Massachusetts,New Jersey, NorthCarolina, Ohio,Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,South Dakota, Washingtonand Wyoming.The latest phony andunnecessary partialgovernment “shutdown”should add to themomentum.Democrats and the leftare mobilizing to opposesuch a convention becausethey know it would mean aloss of their power. That’swhy people who are fed-upwith the way things are hadbetter turn up the heat onthese remaining states ifthey want to maintainanything resembling thenation that has been passeddown to them.Why so much faithin politics?with 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 turnNwlimanw- emraprpofoadthanexEureMitsampoprdidedicotadewthenwofcois JaTaskwstPAfawstory continues on page 7Jesse Jackson’s unfinished legacy to civil rights – economic paritywith Mary SanchezReaders can reach MarySanchez [email protected] follow her on [email protected] Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is honored at the Rainbow/PUSHCoalition annual Dr. King Breakfast on Jan. 20, 2025SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 8:59 PM Page 6

8 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800WallItrnhiponadho,d,ndal”efteea’spdnifnedOPINIONThe expiration of theNew START treaty lastweek -- long the frameworklimiting the United Statesand Russia to 1,550warheads in 700 launchers -- has renewed fears of anemerging nuclear armsrace.China's seemingly rapidprogram to develop apowerful nuclear strikeforce, the Trumpadministration's fixation onthe Western Hemisphereand China and itsextrication from Europe,European fears of aresurgent Russia, andMoscow's modernization ofits nuclear arsenal areamong the drivers ofpossible nuclearproliferation.Britain and France arediscussing a Europeandeterrent to replace thediminishing of U.S.commitment. And Poland istalking seriously aboutdeveloping its nuclearweapons program.All this could spread tothe Pacific. As Chinaenlarges its nuclearweapons and the credibilityof the U.S. defensecommitment to the regionis questioned, Australia,Japan, South Korea andTaiwan have the technicalskills to develop nuclearweapons, as do otherstates.The harder question ishow to keep renewednuclear proliferation fromdestabilizing the globalsecurity system -- and theanswer may not beencouraging.China has not agreed toenter into strategic armsnegotiations. The likelyreason is that China doesnot intend to negotiateaway any limits until after ithas deployed a certainnumber of nuclear weaponsand launchers.Yet, that is shortsighted.China still could enter intoan agreement in which ithas headroom to increaseits nuclear weapons towhatever the agreed-uponlevel is.For now, China andRussia are allies, but that isnot necessarily permanent.Russia is by far the juniorpartner. And their \"nolimits\" strategic partnershipmay be more fragile thanthe term implies.As far as a Europeannuclear deterrent, thecounter-argument is thatRussia will be compelled torespond in kind, leading toan arms race. Yet, theReagan administrationpurposely deployedPershing 2 intermediaterange missiles to counterSoviet SS-20's. The ploy ledto the IntermediateNuclear Forces treaty. Thethreat of a Europeandeterrent could indeedhasten some agreement.How would this beaccomplished? To placateRussian concerns over aNATO treaty after theSoviet Union ceased toexist in 1991, the NATORussian Council wasformed. Since Ukraine, thatcouncil has becomeinactive. It must be reenergized.Britain has about 220nuclear warheadsembarked in its Tridentnuclear ballistic submarines.France has about 290, mostat sea and the remainderthat can be air-launched.The other possible nuclearstates in Europe --Germany, Sweden and evenUkraine -- could agree notto develop these weaponsin exchange for treatylimits.Ideally, the United Statesand China could be party tothis arrangement. Hence,the NATO-Russia Councilcould be further expandedor renamed to includeChina, the United Statesand possibly other Asianstates with nuclear ability toreach a universal orcomprehensive treatyimposed limits.To accomplish this, acatalyst is needed. That cancome from Europe playingoff the talks between BritishPrime Minister KeithStarmer and FrenchPresident EmmanuelMacron.Of course, PresidentDonald Trump could beencouraged to use hisBoard of Peace that ismeant to end the variouswars starting in Gaza. Still,preventing nuclear war isnot a bad aim. PerhapsTrump might considerexpanding his board.At some past stage, theUnited Nations would havebeen an appropriate forumto oversee nuclear armslimits and the prevention ofnuclear proliferation. Threeof its other members arenuclear weapons states --India, Israel and Pakistan --and each might bepersuaded to participate insuch agreements. Certainly,since Israel does not admitto possessing theseweapons, such an initiativemay stall without cleverincentives.Here is the crucial point:People have forgotten theimmense, threateningpower of these weapons.Their strength is measuredin kilotons or thousands oftons of explosive powerequivalent to equal weightsof TNT. Thermonuclearweapons are measured inmegatons or millions oftons of equivalent TNTexplosive power -- 1,000times greater.The first and only timenuclear weapons were usedcame in August 1945 onJapan. Had thermonuclearbombs been dropped,imagine if the explosionsover Hiroshima andNagasaki were two ordersof magnitude moredestructive. That is whyarms limitations andcontrol are so vital.PreventingArmageddon amidfears of a nucleararms racewith 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 Thu March 12th at 9:20am on AM1050 WLIP7The first and only time nuclear weaponswere used came in August 1945 on Japan.A lot of the workhappened behind closeddoors, in boardrooms, andlegal offices. Negotiationsfocused on Silicon Valley andFortune 500 firms.Jackson, at times, bowedto his ego and introducedunnecessary grandstandingand theatrics into thenegotiations. But theconcept was solid.Jackson pressed the factthat companies could helptheir bottom line byintentionally investing in anexpanded model, doingmore business with diversecommunities.The goals were economicand long-term, notphilanthropic handouts.The approach is capturedin Jackson’s quote, promotedon the Rainbow/PUSHCoalition website:“Just as America did notrealize how goodprofessional sports could beuntil athletes of all colorscould play, Americanbusiness will not maximizeits growth potential until allbusinesses have an equalopportunity to compete onan even playing field, wherethe rules are public, and thegoals are clear.”Firms were encouraged toexpand contracting. Jacksonled honest conversationsabout minority-ownedcontractors’ capacity andsolutions were then devisedfor expanding supplierchains. He also pressuredcompanies to diversify theircorporate boards andexecutive-level ranks, whichwere often all-white.Jackson applied the threatof boycotts or simply calledcompany executives out inthe press.Kansas City was afrequent stopover forJackson in the late ’90s andinto the 2000s. Sprint Corp.,the then-$17 billion megatelecommunications giant,was based in a suburb there.Jackson, along with K.C.area Black ministers, heldmany meetings. It was amodel that played out incities nationwide.The Wall Street Projectbought nominal amounts ofstock in firms, $2,000 to$5,000 investments. But inearly 2001, the Wall StreetProject owned stock inmore than 300 companies.The literal buy-in was partof the project’s efforts toreshape the dynamics ofbusiness. Black people wereto be thought of, and tothink of themselves, as morethan just customers or evenemployees. They wereshareholders, partners in theeconomic promises andprosperity of America. Thiswas before diversity andmulticulturalism becameslurs to the far right.Now, far too manycompanies are scurrying toseparate themselves fromeven the hint of alignmentwith DEI initiatives. They fearoffending the racist whims ofthe Trump administration.Indeed, this arena is whereJackson contributed to mostmightily. It’scorporate/community workthat’s almostincomprehensible in 2026.Economic parity is theunfinished business of notonly Jackson’s life, butAmerica’s. A fitting tribute tohim, to the nation’s futureeconomic stability, would beto retake this charge.Mary Sanchezcontinued from page 6SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 8:59 PM Page 7

9 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Here's another win forthe Mediterranean dietpattern. A new study findsthat switching to a diet fullof fresh vegetables and lessprocessed foods could dowonders for your brain andhelp you lose weight.Researchers found thateating a Mediterranean dietrich in vegetables, seafoodand whole grains -- or evenjust following dietaryguidelines -- appears toslow the signs ofaccelerated brain aging thattypically accompanyobesity. In the April 2023 studypublished in eLife,researchers imaged thebrains of 102 participantswho were taking part of ina larger clinical trialconducted at a workplacein Israel. Brain scans weretaken once before the trialbegan and again after 18months, along with tests ofliver function, cholesterollevels and body weight.Groups ate one of threediets -- a Mediterraneandiet with lots of nuts, fishand chicken instead of redmeat; a Mediterranean dietwith a few added extrassuch as green tea; or a dietbased on healthy dietaryguidelines. Estimates ofbrain age were based on analgorithm. Participants'activity levels at work werealso considered as theyreceived a free gymmembership as part of thetrial. On average, participantslost 4.6 pounds. For every1% of body weight lost, theparticipants' brainsappeared nine monthsyounger than theirchronological age. Signs ofbrain aging were alsoassociated with lower levelsof liver fat and improvedlipid profiles. Researchersconcluded that successfulweight loss followinglifestyle intervention mighthave a beneficial effect onbrain aging. A study backingup their findings looked atadipose tissue distributionand brain age in adults; thiswas published in the journalNeurolmage: Clinical in2022. So what constitutes aMediterranean dietpattern? Fruits, vegetables,olive oil, nuts, pulses andfish. Here are somepractical ways toincorporate it into yourdiet: -- Top oatmeal or wholegrain cereal with fruit. -- Include fruits andvegetables in smoothies. -- Add extra vegetablesto pasta and soups. -- Roast vegetables withherbs and spices. -- Make homemade saladdressings with olive oil andlemon juice and flavorings. -- Saute vegetables inolive oil rather than butter. -- Add nuts to salads,soups and stir-fries. -- Try making your ownhummus for raw vegetablesand whole-grain pita breador crackers.-- Buy frozen, unbreadedfish and cook in an air fryer.-- Use salmon, tuna orother seafood from a canor pouch over salads or in asandwich.- Try fish tacos. Charlyn Fargo is aregistered dietitian withSIU Med School inSpringfield, Ill. food & recipesA Younger BrainNutrition News with Charlyn FargoDilled Fennel, Potato and Spinach SoupQ: Are carbs bad? I hear they should be avoided.A: Carbohydrates have gotten a bad rap for their role in blood sugar, but there's noneed to avoid them altogether. They offer fiber and other nutrients your body needs.When you eat carbs, your body breaks them down into glucose, which enters thebloodstream to provide energy to your muscles, tissues and organs. That's a goodthing as glucose is the body's primary source of fuel. But too much glucose in thebloodstream can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. If you skipcarbs completely, you miss out on the fiber and nutrients from whole grains, beans,dairy, fruits and vegetables (all carbohydrates). When a carbohydrate has fiber,digestion is slowed, and blood sugar isn't raised. Try to include berries, lentils, low-fatdairy such as unsweetened plain yogurt, nonstarchy vegetables and whole grains suchas barley and quinoa. Serves 41/4 cup olive oil2 medium fennel bulbs, cleaned and sliced2 medium yellow potatoes, chopped1 leek, cleaned and light green and white part, slicedSalt and freshly ground pepper4 cups chicken or vegetable stock2 bay leaves1 cup cleaned and tightly packed spinach leaves, shredded1/4 cup fresh dill weed, plus more for garnish1/4 cup cream, optional1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the fennel slices, chopped potatoes and sliced leek.Saute for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Season with salt andpepper.2. Add broth and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 10 minutes oruntil the vegetables are soft. Remove bay leaves.3. Add the shredded spinach and 1/4 cup fresh dill weed and cook another 2 minutes or until spinach is justcooked. Place an immersion blender into the soup pot and puree the soup. (You can also do this in batches inthe blender.) Add the optional cream if desired.4. Taste for seasoning and ladle into soup bowls. Garnish with dill sprigs and serve immediately.I’ve been making lots of soups lately,because that’s what is comforting in thesecool months. Nothing feels better than atasty bowl of pureed vegetable soup towarm me up. This soup combines fennel,potato and spinach together into a creamy(with no cream if you want) bowl ofcomfort. Fennel bulbs are sliced and addedto chopped potatoes and leeks along withchicken or vegetable stock as the base ofthis soup.Once the base is cooked, shreddedspinach and fresh dill are added and pureedinto this silky smooth lush green soup. Thefennel adds a touch of licorice flavor that istamed once it’s cooked. Raw fennel has amuch more pronounced licorice flavor.Buttery yellow potatoes add thickness, andthe spinach and dill add a fresh garden-likeflavor.You can either use an immersion blenderright in the soup pot or a blender. I like theimmersion blender for its Seriously Simplestep of one-pot clean-up.Feel free to add a dash or so of cream ifyou desire although it really doesn’t needit. Serve with some crusty bread and a glassof sauvignon blanc for a light and satisfyingmeal.By Diane Rossen WorthingtonoftimcambelayemgoecpoexamrapeinpethcoevdoofreinAPRneAwBilaesvech1, 20ac“trethexelHyoacgoonPamco$5chem$2wstreemcocototaIfb'bServings: 41/2 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained 1 teaspoon ground cumin1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided1/2 teaspoon black pepper, dividedTwo 8-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasthalves, halved horizontally1 tablespoon olive oil1 avocado1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro2 tablespoons plain fat-free Greek yogurt2 teaspoons fresh lime juice2 cups shredded lettuce1 cup chopped tomato3/4 cup reduced sodium black beans,drained and rinsed1 ounce shredded reduced fat cheddarcheese2 tablespoons roasted salted pumpkin seeds(pepitas)Cook quinoa with cumin and 1/4 teaspoonsalt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper according topackage directions. Meanwhile, sprinkle bothsides of chicken evenly with remaining saltand pepper. Heat oil in large nonstick skilletover medium heat, swirling to coat. Addchicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until itreaches 165 degrees, turning once. Removeand let stand 5 minutes. Cut into strips. Insmall bowl, stir together avocado, cilantro,yogurt and lime juice until nearly smooth.Place lettuce in bowls. Top with quinoa,chicken, tomato, beans, avocado mixture,cheese and pepitas.Per serving: 427 calories, 36 g protein, 29 gcarbohydrates, 19 g fat (4 g saturated), 9 gfiber, 5 g sugars (0 added), 464 mg sodium.Chicken Burrito BowlsSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 9:00 PM Page 8

10 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800eder.oranaWith almost two monthsof the year behind us, it’stime to check in on the socalled “no-hire, no-fire” labormarket. Although there havebeen announcements oflayoffs, the most recentemployment report wasgood.The government said theeconomy added 130,000positions in January vs.expectations for half of thatamount. The unemploymentrate edged down to 4.3percent and annual wagesincreased by 3.7%, a fullpercentage point ahead ofthe inflation rate.But the report alsocontained signs thateverything is not hunkydory. Each year, the Bureauof Labor Statistics refines itsrecent numbers byincorporating morecomprehensive data basedon unemployment filings.It reported 584,000 fewerjobs than originally reportedin 2025. The revised numbersmean that 2025 monthly jobcreation averaged just15,000. The revisions areevidence that job seekerswho have struggled over thelast year are not crazy! Thelabor market did in factweaken over the past yearor so —and the officialnumbers confirmed it.All of this begs thequestion: Is the labor marketin a funk or is it funky?Perhaps that’s what FedChair Jerome Powell meantwhen he said that thecrosscurrents make “it adifficult time to read thelabor market.” In aninterview with Nobellaureate Paul Krugman,economist Claudia Sahm saidthat she did not see arecessionary dynamic in thelabor market, but U.S. jobcreation has “been slowingfor some time,” which amideconomic growth, meansthat the labor market is notlooking like it might be in a“typical business cycle.”KPMG Chief EconomistDiane Swonk underscoresthat the tepid job marketflies in the face of the AIboom, which has propelledthe economy, but has “failedto deliver on otherinvestments and job gains.”AI is looming over thelabor market, but it does notappear to be a story oftechnology replacinghumans. A recent surveyfrom Harvard BusinessReview found that thereluctance to hire is “almostcompletely in anticipation ofAI’s impact, as companieswait for generative AI todeliver on its promises.”Context always matters,and while AI will certainlyimpact many industries, TheEconomist notes, “Since late2022, America has addedroughly 3 million white collarjobs… A slowdown in hiringfor some entry-level whitecollar work detected latelyby academic researchappears to predate ChatGPTand, as such, may have moreto do with rising interestrates and an increasinglyunpredictable global businessenvironment.”Still, when economists saythe current labor landscapeis “puzzling,” “unusual,” and“doesn’t look like historicalperiods,” I go into actionmode and recommendconcentrating on what youcan control.Make sure that you havesix to 12 months of livingexpenses in an emergencyreserve fund. If you are shorton the cash account, youmay want to temporarilyreduce your retirement plancontributions or depositsinto your college savingsfund while you build it up.You should also be verycareful not to assume anynew obligations and put anylarge purchases on the backburner.Finally, instead of worryingabout AI, it’s time to pushaside your own skepticismand fear and start to engagewith it. Even if you don’tunderstand the applicationto your job, familiarizeyourself with the availabletools, and talk to friends andcolleagues to see what theyare learning from usingwhat’s out there.If your profession isexposed to automation andcould be replaced, lean intothe jobs that rely on theskills AI has so far beenunable to replace: judgmentand empathy.Recently theAdministration went on aPR junket to highlight thenewly established “TrumpAccounts.” These accountswere created when the OneBig Beautiful Bill Act passedlast summer, and theyestablish a long-term savingsvehicle for every Americanchild born between January1, 2025, and December 31,2028.The IRS describes theseaccounts as a type of“traditional individualretirement account (IRA)that is established for theexclusive benefit of aneligible individual.”How do they work?If you had a baby last year,you are entitled to open anaccount. Once it is open, thegovernment will make aone-time deposit of $1,000.Parents and employers canmake additionalcontributions of up to$5,000 per year until thechild turns 18, thoughemployers are limited to$2,500. (Contribution limitswill be indexed to inflationstarting in 2027.) Like aretirement plan match, if anemployer establishes acontribution program, thecontribution will not counttoward the employee’staxable income.When and where canI open an account?Although they won’tofficially launch until July,you can get a head start andenroll when you file yourtaxes with IRS Form 4547.We don’t have details onwhere these accounts willbe held, but IRS guidelinesnote that the investmentsinside will be comprised ofmutual funds or exchangetraded funds (ETFs) thattrack an index of primarilyU.S. companies, like the S&P500. Importantly, the fund’sannual fees and expensescan’t exceed 0.1 percent.How do you get themoney out?During the growthperiod, no distributions maybe made from a Trumpaccount, “except forqualified rollovercontributions, qualifiedABLE rollovercontributions, distributionsof excess contributions, anddistributions upon death ofthe account beneficiary.”When beneficiaries reachage 18, they become theowner of the account andcan withdraw money forqualified expenses likeeducation, a first homepurchase, or starting abusiness. However, themoney that is withdrawnwill be taxed based on thetax bracket of thebeneficiary at the time ofwithdrawal.Should I use a TrumpAccount or a 529 planto save for education?The taxation of the TrumpAccounts makes 529accounts a betteralternative if you are savingfor private school orcollege. The reason is that529 offers TAX FREEinvesting for qualifiededucation expenses, whileinvestment earnings inTrump Accounts are taxedwhen withdrawn.Some states also offer astate income tax deductionfor 529 contributions. As areminder, if you don’t use allof the money saved inside ofa 529 plan for education,you can roll over up to$35,000 to a tax-free RothIRA in the beneficiary’sname.Will Trump Accountscount against me forfederal financial aid?Usually, assets in thestudent’s name have agreater negative impact oneligibility for financial aidthan assets in the parents’names. However, we willneed guidance from thegovernment as to thetreatment of TrumpAccounts.According toStudentAid.gov, these areassets you need to reporton the FAFSA:— Money in checking,cash, and traditional savingsaccounts.— Real estate. WhileFAFSA does not consideryour parents’ primaryresidence an asset, you mustdeclare the net worth of anyadditional property,including a vacation home,second apartment building,or rented-out property.— Businesses. The networth of any businessesyour parents may own.— Qualified educationalbenefits or educationsavings accounts such asCoverdell savings accounts,529 college savings plans,and the refund value of 529prepaid tuition plans.— Non-retirementinvestments, including allstocks, bonds, mutual funds,or certificates of deposit(CDs) for which you are theowner.— UGMAs/UTMAs thatyou own.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 moneyIs the job market in afunk or is it funky?by Jill Schlesinger'Trump Accounts' — What you need to know by Jill SchlesingerJerome Powell speaks during a pressconference at the Federal ReserveBoard Building on Jan. 28, 2026.Tech billionaires Michael and Susan Dell join PresidentDonald Trump to make an announcement about\"Trump accounts\" at the White House on Dec. 2, 2025SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 9:00 PM Page 9SR073125Securities Offered Through Harbour Investments Inc.

11 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800yeevmywantoin higfirbydeevpashwafodianHdogedaMththbighefrefarcayonohuIn dopehecoit yoa aubloa orreseenfacthratoIsoPwScaofIntcoonsaknIngoinprincaThe Supreme Court heardoral arguments in a case inwhich a county foreclosedon a Michigan family's homeand sold it at auction at aprice far below market valueto recoup $2,200 in taxes.The case, Pung vs. IsabellaCounty, asks the high courtto expand its 2023 rulingthat required a governmentto pay the debtor all theproceeds from a foreclosuresale, except the taxes.In Pung v. Isabella County,lawyers for Michael Pung,who lost his house, arguedthat under the TakingsClause of the FifthAmendment, the countyshould have given him thefair market value of thehome minus the taxes.Despite justices' clearsympathy for thehomeowners, they seemedunwilling to risk making aruling that would put theforeclosure system injeopardy.Associate Justice ElenaKagan expressed concernthat if the government wereforced to pay the fair-marketvalue of a house minus thetaxes, counties would nolonger foreclose because itwould be too costly to makeup the difference betweenthat value and whatever theyreceive via auction.\"If you're selling a houseon foreclosure, you're justnot going to get the fairmarket price,\" Kagan said.Frederick Liu, assistant tothe solicitor general of theDepartment of Justice, said aruling requiring governmentsto pay the fair market valueof a home minus the taxesowed by the homeownerwould discourage countiesfrom recouping taxesthrough foreclosures. \"It would spell the end oftax sales in America,\" Liusaid. \"At the end of the day, ithurts other taxpayers.\"Associate Justice AmyConey Barrett said that itwould be \"a prettydangerous road for us to godown.\"The case began whenMichael Pung declined to payabout $2,200 in real estatetaxes because he did notbelieve they were due. Thecounty set the Pung'sproperty for foreclosure andsold the property at a publicauction for about $76,000.The Pungs were paid thesurplus funds generated bythe sale, totaling just under$74,000. The individual whopurchased the Pung family'shome in the auction sold itsoon after for $195,000.Although the Pungs werepaid the surplus generatedfrom the foreclosure sale,they asserted that the justcompensation requirementin the Takings Clauserequires the monetaryequivalent of the propertytaken -- an additional$118,000.Pung also argued that theprocess has violated theEighth Amendmentprohibition on excessivefines, resulting in a loss of$118,800 to cover the$2,242 in tax debt he claimswas never owed.Some justices weresympathetic to the Pungfamily, Associate Justice NeilGorsuch saying it has a\"striking set of facts.\"Associate Justice SamuelAlito said that while heunderstands there is anemotional attachment to ahouse, that is not the issueof the case.\"Is this normally how thecounty does it?\" Barrettasked Matthew Nelson,Isabella County's counsel. \"Ifthe tax owed was $100, willthe county still foreclose ona house?\"Kate Pomery, the mediadirector at Pacific LegalFoundation, said Pung vs.Isabella County is differentfrom previous equity theftcases, such as the 2023 Tylervs. Hennepin County case,because it goes beyond theconstitutional right tosurplus equity.In Tyler v. HennepinCounty, the Supreme Courtunanimously held that whena government seizes andsells a property for unpaidtaxes, it violates the TakingsClause if it keeps more thanthe amount owed becauseretaining the homeowner'ssurplus equity is anunconstitutional taking.\"Destroying $118,000 inequity to collect (or punish aprotest over) the $2,242disputed portion of thePungs' 2012 tax bill is apunitive forfeiture grosslydisproportional to theunderlying 'offense,\" inviolation of the EighthAmendment's ExcessiveFines Clause,\" she wrote inan email to Medill NewsService.A victory for the Pungswould set a precedent,forcing local governments toavoid unnecessary and unfairforced sales of homes overrelatively small debts,Pomery said.Tia Pung, Michael Pung'swife, said that the case is notabout property taxes, butrather rather is aboutprivate property rights and\"something taken from lawabiding taxpayers oversomething so stupid.\"\"Somebody has to standup for what's right, and we'repraying that we are and wewill win and that peopleacross the country will notbe taken advantage of, andput in this situation andlosing copious amounts ofequity in homes,\" Pung saidin a video statementprovided by Pomery.The court is expected toissue a decision by summer.By Cate BouvetHigh court asked to mandate fair market value on foreclosures for taxesWhen the United Statesmilitary captured formerVenezuelan PresidentNicolás Maduro in January,it used an AI tool developedby a private U.S. company. It’sunclear exactly what thetool did, but the company’spolicy says its products can’tbe used for violence or todevelop weapons.Now, the Pentagon isconsidering cutting ties withthat company, Anthropic,because of its insistence onlimits for how the militaryuses its technology,according to Axios.The tensions between AIsafeguards and nationalsecurity aren’t new. Butmultiple events in the lastmonth have brought theissue of AI safety – incontexts ranging fromweapons development toethical advertising – into thespotlight.“A lot of the peoplewho’ve been involved in thefield of AI have been thinkingabout safety in various formsfor a long time,” saysMiranda Bogen, the foundingdirector of the Center forDemocracy and Technology’sAI Governance Lab. “Butnow those conversations arehappening on a much morevisible stage.”This month, researchersresigned from two majorU.S. AI companies, citinginadequacies in thecompanies’ safeguardsaround things like consumerdata collection. In an essayFeb. 9 titled “Something Bigis Happening,” investor MattShumer warned that AI willnot only soon threatenAmericans’ jobs en masse,but that it could also start tobehave in ways its creators“can’t predict or control.”The essay went viral onsocial media.While urging action onvery real risks, many AIsafety experts cautionagainst overplaying fearsabout hypotheticalscenarios.“These moments of publicattention are valuablebecause they createopenings for the kind ofpublic debate about AI thatis essential,” Dr. AlondraNelson, a former member ofthe United Nations Highlevel Advisory Body onArtificial Intelligence, wrotethe Monitor in an emailwhile attending a global AIsummit in India. “But theyare no substitute fordemocratic deliberation,regulation, and real publicaccountability.”In December, PresidentDonald Trump issued anexecutive order blocking“onerous” state lawsregulating AI. For example,his order singled outColorado’s law that bans“algorithmic discrimination”in areas like hiring andeducation. The president’sorder was supported byRepublicans who said forcingAI companies to complywith excessive regulationscould leave the U.S. at acompetitive disadvantagewith China.That sense of competitionappears to be central toAnthropic’s move away fromthe Pentagon. Anthropicwants to ensure itstechnology is not used toconduct domesticsurveillance or developweapons that fire withouthuman input.But the Department ofDefense, which statedearlier this year that the U.S.military “must build on itslead over our adversaries inintegrating [AI],” wants todeploy AI technologywithout regard tocompanies’ individualpolicies, according toreporting byAxios and Reuters.“We constantly facepressures to set aside whatmatters most,” wroteMrinank Sharma, an AI safetyresearcher, in a publiclyposted resignationletter from Anthropic lastweek. He did not refer to aspecific event that led him toresign, but warned that, “ourwisdom must grow in equalmeasure to our capacity toaffect the world, lest we facethe consequences.”Dr. Bogen says policiesdesigned to compel AIproviders to subject theirmodels to certain tests or toinvest in safety are oftendiluted into disclosurerequirements or nonbindingrecommendations.“The incentives are sostrongly in favor of movingforward quickly, even whenthere’s a desire to put upguardrails,” she says.Those warning of AI’sdangers have sometimesused existential language.Zoë Hitzig, a formerresearcher at OpenAI, cited“deep reservations” aboutthe company’s strategy inan editorial she wrote forThe New York Times lastweek, fearing its decision tostart testing ads onChatGPT “creates apotential for manipulatingusers in ways we don’t havethe tools to understand, letalone prevent.”Mr. Sharma’s resignationletter from Anthropicwarned that “the world is inperil.”Some experts say suchlanguage iscounterproductive.“I find the framing of that‘point of no return’ to bevery disempowering,” saysDr. Bogen.She does worry that aspeople choose to turn overmore of their decisionmaking to AI and learn touse the technology in theirjobs, they’re creatingdependencies that will beincreasingly difficult tountangle.But she says people areultimately responsible fortheir choices and actions.“I don’t think we’ll everget to the point where it’struly impossible to … makedecisions about how to treatthis new technology,” shesays.Katherine Elkins, aprincipal investigatorrepresenting the ModernLanguage Association in theNational Institute ofStandards and Technology AIConsortium, says she hopesshe’s wrong about some ofthe risks she sees, like an AIchatbot potentially usingsomeone’s data tomanipulate them. But untilshe’s sure, she wants safetyto remain an urgent priority.“Personally, I have felt it’sbetter to err on the cautiousside and devote my time tothinking about the risks ofAI” than to think thetechnology won’t get better.By Caitlin BabcockAs AI leaps forward, concerns rise that innovation is leaving safety behindSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 9:01 PM Page 10

12 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Dear Cathy, Our fiveyear-old dog barks ateverything and even thingsmy husband and I can’t hear,which makes me think it’sanxiety. Lately, he will startto bark, then it goes higherin pitch, and then ends withhigh pitch loud howling. Atfirst, we were scolding himby yelling at him and thendecided to ignore it and heeventually would stop. Could it be a full-blownpanic attack and howshould we handle it? Hewas on anxiety medicationfor about three months. Itdidn’t help. Do you think it’sanxiety or something else?How do we train him, so hedoesn’t bark so much? Hegets walked every otherday. — Mom in MontanaDear MontanaMom, Dogs experiencethe world very differentlythan we do, and hearing is abig part of that. Dogs canhear sounds at much higherfrequencies and from muchfarther away than humanscan, so it’s very possibleyour dog is reacting tonoises you and yourhusband simply don’t hear.In many cases, barking is adog’s way of alerting theirpeople to something theyhear – it’s part instinct, partcommunication, even whenit feels excessive to us.The change in pitchyou’re describing, ending ina howl, doesn’tautomatically mean a fullblown panic attack. It can bea sign of heightened arousalor anxiety, but it can alsoreflect frustration orsensitivity to anenvironmental sound. Thefact that yelling escalatedthe behavior makes sense –raised voices often add fuelto an alreadyoverstimulated dog, whileignoring it allows him toeventually settle.Since prescriptionanxiety medication didn’thelp (and there are nohealth problems), you mightconsider some lower-keycalming supports, likeanxiety wraps (availableonline and in pet stores),canine pheromone collarsor diffusers, and over-thecounter calming chews tohelp take the edge off.Next, introduce training.Redirection works betterthan correction. When hestarts barking, calmly callhim to you, ask for a simplecue like “sit,” and rewardhim. Follow that with apuzzle toy or fooddispensing toy to redirecthis attention. This helpsinterrupt the barking andgives him something moreproductive to focus on. Youmay also want to increasewalks to a daily routine, asregular exercise can helpreduce overall anxiety.With consistent exerciseand more enrichment, youcan help your dog managehis big feelings – and voice –more effectively.Dear Cathy, Mydaughter adopted adeclawed cat about threeyears ago. She is about fiveyears old. About a year ago,she stopped using the twolitter boxes in thebasement. My daughterchanged the litter andlocation of the boxes to noavail. The cat now urinatesall over the house and onthe furniture. Veterinarianvisits have not helped. Shedoesn't want to give theproblem to someoneelse. Is euthanasia the onlyanswer? — Robert,Baldwin, New YorkDear Robert, I’m gladyou are asking this questionbefore your daughtermakes any irreversibledecisions. No, euthanasia isnot the answer.Inappropriate urination isone of the most commonreasons cats aresurrendered or euthanized,but it’s almost always a signthat something is wrongrather than a behaviorproblem – and there arethings you can do.Even if your daughter hasalready changed litter typesand box locations, there arestill other avenues toexplore. These include usingvery soft, sand-like litter;adding low-entry boxes;increasing the number ofboxes in quiet, easilyaccessible areas; andsprinkling a litter boxattractant in the litter tohelp draw her back to thebox. Over-the-countercalming chews may helpsome cats, and placing felinepheromone diffusers nearthe boxes can help create acalmer environment.Other helpful steps caninclude reducing householdstressors, keeping apredictable routine, limitingaccess to favored soilingareas, and providing morevertical space, so the catfeels secure. In some cases,temporarily confining thecat to a smaller, quiet areawith multiple box optionscan help re-establish goodlitter habits before graduallyexpanding her space again.In declawed catsespecially, litter box issuesare sadly common.Declawing can lead tochronic pain in the feet andjoints, even years later,making litter uncomfortableor painful to stand on. Forthat reason, it’s importantto talk with a veterinarianabout both anxiety and painmanagement.If these efforts don’t leadto improvement, aveterinarian experienced infeline behavior can observethe cat at home, identifyhidden triggers, and tailor aplan specific to her needs.With the right combinationof medical support,environmental changes, andpatience, many cats withlong-standing litter boxproblems do improve.Crocodile found hundreds of miles from home in AustraliaA rescue team fromAustralian Reptile Parksuccessfully captured afreshwater crocodile foundswimming hundreds ofmiles south of its usualrange.Billy Collett, who led therescue team, said he wasshocked to hear acrocodile had been spottedin Ironbark Creek inWallsend, New SouthWales.\"We got a phone callfrom the police inNewcastle saying there wasa croc on the loose behindBunnings at Wallsend and Ithought, you've got to bejoking me,\" he told theAustralian BroadcastingCorp.He said crocodiles arenot found in the wild thatfar south, and theapproaching coldertemperatures would havelikely put the animal's life atrisk.Rescuers were unable tolocate the crocodileSaturday, but Collett wasable to spot it the next day.\"It was a really long jumpthat I had to do ... I justdove into the [water],\" hesaid. \"I had a head torchthat had come off when Ihit the water and justeverything just went dark. Igot a hand on him midbody and yeah, I couldn'tbelieve it, I caught him.\"Collett said the croc wasmost likely an escaped pet.\"There's no way he'sbooked a flight fromDarwin [in the NorthernTerritory] and come downand landed at Newcastle,\"he said. \"So he's likely anescaped pet, whether thatwas legally housed orillegally housed.\"The crocodile is beingassessed by a veterinarianand officials will thendetermine where it willend up.Is my dog barking at nothing or having a panic attack?Pet Worldwith Cathy RosenthalAs 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].'Sharply-dressed' catrescued from roofFirefighters in Mainecame to the rescue of a\"sharply dressed tuxedocat\" that made its way tothe steep roof of aLewiston home.The Lewiston FireDepartment said on socialmedia that firefightersteamed up with localanimal control to rescue a\"sharply dressed tuxedocat from a rooftop.\"The Engine 3 crewarrived to find the cat wasabout 40 feet over theground on the steep roof.Lt. Rob Gayton and Pvt.Dennis Everson set up aladder to reach the feline.Gayton said theyapproached the felinecautiously.\"Sometimes theyscratch, sometimes theybite,\" he told the SunJournal newspaper. \"Thisone was calm. The catcame up to my hand,sniffed it and I snaggedhim.\"Gayton said the catmeowed nonstop on theway down the ladder, andthe look on its faceseemed to indicate theywere calls of annoyance.\"The cat was less thanimpressed that his roof-topexcursion had come to anend,\" he said.The cat was turned overto animal control, which isnow attempting to identifythe feline's owner.Squirrel blamed for government Internet outageA network outage thatcaused several governmentoffices to lose phone andInternet services in an Ohiocounty is now being blamedon a meddlesome squirrel.Medina County officialssaid the Feb. 20 outage thatknocked out phone andInternet services atgovernment facilitiesincluding the countyprosecutor's office wasinitially thought to becaused by contractorsaccidentally slicing throughunderground fiber.County AdministratorMatt Springer revealed atlast week's commissioner'smeeting that the true causehas now been found to be asquirrel that built a nestinside the fiberinfrastructure and chewedthrough multiple lines.\"It's hard to make thisstuff up,\" Springer said atthe meeting.He said steps are beingtaken with Internetproviders and the local fibernetwork to prevent similarincidents in the future.Squirrels are knownmenaces to utilitycompanies, having beenblamed for numerouspower outages across theUnited States over theyears.gsnt,toirerts,g'sotututndwerndreweleotndndofidnttor.etaserntoeirngbetoreorert’skeatheaorrnheofAIesofAIngtotiltyty.t’sustoofheer.ckSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 9:02 PM Page 11IUP General Feed Store2429 Sheridan Road • Zion, IL 60099847-731-3333Your local stop for... 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13 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800CHwwdpoctUccwblagtWHilobawhSOitmstvQosoctpctHUAlisspHpdaobaMbtapfeinttaTHI’ve been sharing with youthe wonderful saga of myson’s basement remodelingproject in past columns.Together, he and I havetransformed 1,100 squarefeet of bare basement intofive large rooms and a fullbathroom. We’ve done allthe work ourselves, andonly work on Saturdays.It’s now time to paint thebaseboards, door trim, andthe doors. All of thatmaterial came primed fromthe factory, so that saves usa step.That said, hours of workneed to be invested beforewe pop open the can ofsemi-gloss white paint we’lluse. We have to spacklehundreds of finish nail holes,and we have to caulkhundreds of feet of tinycracks along the trim toachieve professional results.This preparation workrequires much more skillthan what the averageperson might think isnecessary. A few days ago Iwitnessed what happenswhen you don’t take thetime to do things right.I try to keep my golfswing in shape over theharsh New Hampshirewinters. I do that each weekby playing a round of golf onan advanced simulator at mylocal course. The owner isdoing extensive remodelingof the interior of thebuilding before the seasonopens in April.A new door and trimwere installed at the men’srestroom entrance over thepast two weeks. Days ago, aworker spackled the finishnail holes. It looks like to mehe applied the paste with asnow shovel instead of a 1-inch wide flexible puttyknife. Extra spackle was leftall around each nail hole,and he didn’t fill the nailholes completely.I also saw an amateurattempt at applying caulkwhere the trim touches upagainst the new drywall. Thecaulk was smeared with allsorts of excess caulk left onboth the trim and thedrywall. It was a mess.The process of applyingboth spackle and caulkrequires a pinch of hand-eyecoordination mixed withattention to detail. I’ve cometo the conclusion that manywho work with thesematerials have never beentrained. I feel they’ve notbeen taught the stepsrequired to achieveprofessional results.Spackle is fairly easy toapply. Premixed spacklingcompound is much likedrywall joint compound. It’sthe consistency of cool cakeicing. I feel you get the bestresults working with a small,flexible putty knife whenspackling small finish nailholes.You should use a nonshrink spackle compound.These water-basedproducts are available atmost home centers andhigh-end paint stores. Yourgoal is to apply just enoughspackle to fill the nail hole.I use the followingtechnique. I use the puttyknife to get about 1/4teaspoon of spackle fromthe container. There’s noneed to load up the puttyknife with lots of excessspackle.I then press the spackleinto the nail hole by flexingthe putty knife blade. I try toforce the spackle in as far aspossible. There is excess onthe trim at this point. I thenremove the excess with astroke that’s perpendicularto the direction I applied it.The goal is to have noexcess spackle on the woodtrim. This makes sandingmuch easier once thespackle is dry.I always use a spongefilled sanding block to sandthe spackled holes. Use onewith the finest grit so youdon’t leave scratches in thewood trim. Brush off thedust before you paint.Caulking is more difficultthan spackling, in myopinion. It’s critical to applythe perfect amount of caulkto the crack. This is done bycontrolling the size of thehole in the tip of the caulktube and regulating the rateof fill by the amount ofpressure applied to squeezethe caulk from the tube, aswell as moving the caulktube along the crack. Movethe tube too quickly alongthe crack, and not enoughcaulk will fill in the crack.Move too slowly, and excesscaulk will ooze out aroundthe tip. You also need tohold the caulk gun/tube at alow, oblique angle.I should also mentionthere’s a big difference inthe quality of caulk guns. Thecheap ones cause theplunger to push into thecaulk tube too fast. Theseguns typically have notcheson the plunger rod. I use agun that has a smoothplunger rod. The plungeronly travels a very shortdistance as I slowly squeezethe gun handle. It’s a dreamto use.Your proficiency can riseto the level where there isno excess caulk to wipe offwith your finger or asmoothing tool. That’s yourgoal. It can take many hoursof practice to achieveresults like this. You’llprobably have some excessas you wipe your fingeracross the fresh caulk. Don’tallow the excess to wraparound your finger. Pull yourfinger away and use theexcess to fill the crack that’syet to be caulked.Once you’ve smoothedthe caulk, you now wipe thejoint with a damp groutsponge. You want to removeall traces of caulk except forwhat’s in the crack. Don’tpress too hard, or you’ll digout caulk, creating a recess.My recommendation isfor you to practice caulkingbefore you advance to thetrim you just installed atyour home. Glue a fewpieces of scrap trim to ascrap piece of drywall.Practice filling the crackswhere the trim ends on thedrywall. Soon you’ll get thehang of using your gun andthe sponge.How to get better at spackling and caulking 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 Thu March 19th at9:20am on AM1050 WLIP SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 9:03 PM Page 12021926Now on the street...The Craic is a 4 piece band delivering a tasteof Ireland, with Mick Kelly, an Irish native singing and on guitar, Dan Kelly on the bodhran, Mikey Gieron on fiddle &Norm Pratt playing the madolin & banjo.The Spring edition of Go Downtown isnow available!Pick up a copy with Irish Musicians, The Craic on the cover.The Spring edition of Go Downtown isnow available!Pick up a copy with Irish Musicians, The Craic on the cover.Watch for them around town in March!041025

14 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Half the length of theChesapeake Bay, the Strait ofHormuz has become theworld’s most closelywatched waterway in recentdays.Bordered by multiple oilproducing nations, it is oneof the most vulnerablechokepoints in the energytrade. Military strikes by theUnited States and Israel havecaused Iran to effectivelyclose the strait to shipping,which generally is governedby international maritimelaw.If it remains closed, oil andgas prices are almost certainto surge globally.Why is the Strait ofHormuz soimportant?It’s a roughly 100-milelong watery connectorbetween the Persian Gulfand the Gulf of Oman, fromwhich ships can ultimatelyhead to the MediterraneanSea to the west or to PacificOcean ports to the east. Atits narrowest point, just 21miles across, the strait’sshipping lanes are so smallthat tankers are especiallyvulnerable to attacks.Oil producers Kuwait,Qatar, and Iran rely entirelyon safe passage through thestrait to get their exportsout. Iraq is almostcompletely dependent onthe strait, as is megaproducer Saudi Arabia (seechart). Roughly one-fifth ofthe world’s oil flows throughHormuz, according to theU.S. Energy InformationAdministration. Ditto forliquefied natural gas. Anystoppage, or even a delay, inshipments could send oilprices soaring.How high can prices go?It depends on theduration of the stoppageand, ultimately, the outcomeof the military conflictbetween the United Statesand the Iranian regime. OnMonday, oil jumped 7% andby early Tuesday it wastrading above $78 a barrel,after spending much of thepast year below $70. Just thefear of attack would causeinsurance premiums ontankers to surge, adding tothe pressure on oil prices.Prices could soar to $100a barrel “if tanker flows arenot quickly restored,” wrotenatural resource analyticsfirm Wood Mackenzie, in aMonday news release.At a meeting on Sunday,members of OPEC+ agreedto raise production in Aprilby a modest 206,000 barrelsper day to keep prices fromspiraling out of control. Thegroup includes OPEC plusother oil-producing nations.How much further pricesmight jump will also dependon Tehran. If it persists inclosing the strait, it will alsobe shutting off its own oilexports, on which theIranian regime depends.“Iran is like the scorpionon the frog’s back,” saysretired Rear Adm. MarkMontgomery, who is now asenior fellow at theFoundation for Defense ofDemocracies. “If they closethe Strait of Hormuz, theydie with the frog.”Iran could mine the strait,effectively closing thewaterway for some time.The U.S. could get itsBahrain-basedminesweepers into action,but “this is a weeks-tomonths thing, not a days-toweeks thing,” AdmiralMontgomery adds.Are there alternatives to passingthrough the strait?Yes, but they’re limited.Saudi Arabia has Aramco’sEast-West Pipeline, a 746-mile, 5 million-barrel-per-daypipeline that bypasses theStrait of Hormuz by carryingcrude oil from Saudi Arabia’sEastern Province to the RedSea port of Yanbu. But it onlyhas spare capacity of some2.4 million barrels per day,Clayton Seigle, a seniorfellow at the Center forStrategic and InternationalStudies in Washington,estimated in a Feb. 18analysis – before the attacks.That’s less than half itsexports.The United Arab Emiratesalso has a pipeline thatconnects to its port on theGulf of Oman. But it alsorepresents only half itsexports, Mr. Seigle writes.With the strait closed, manynations, especially in Asia andEurope, will have to wait fortheir oil.By Laurent BeliseThe Strait of Hormuz: How Iran conflict affects oil tankers – and pricesseisoffaurrsve’llssern’tapurhet’sedheutveorn’tigs.isngheatwall.kshehendSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 9:04 PM 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. 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15 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800DEAR MAYOCLINIC: My husband and Iare trying to cut back onsugar. Diabetes runs in hisfamily, and I need to watchmy weight. I’ve heard ofhidden and added sugars infoods, which can makegrocery shopping achallenge. What should webe looking out for andavoiding?ANSWER: I commend youand your husband for takingthis step for your health.Sugar has addictiveproperties and can be a hardhabit to break. Sometimes,we don’t even realize howmuch we are consuming.Certain things are addedwhen food is processed.Often, it’s sugar. Addedsugars can appear in manythings you wouldn’t suspect,such as salad dressings, pastasauces, canned or dried fruit,vegetable dips, andcondiments. There are addedsugars in almost every foodcategory. Added sugars canlead to weight gain, Type 2diabetes, hypertension (highblood pressure) and heartdisease, and have direct toxiceffects, such as tooth decay.Added sugars differ fromnaturally occurring sugarssuch as those found in fruit.Naturally occurring sugarshave a host of othernutrients along with them.Fruit, for example, containsvitamins, fiber and water —all kinds of beneficialingredients. We generallydon’t put a limit on naturalsugars in dietary guidelines.In contrast, added sugars addextra calories with nonutritional value. When youeat something with addedsugar, you can consumemany calories without evenknowing it.It is important to payattention to food labels andconsider the amount ofsugar and added sugars inyour diet. According to theAmerican Heart Association,men should consume nomore than 36 grams ofadded sugar daily, whilewomen and children shouldlimit their intake to 25grams.Artificial sweeteners arealso forms of added sugar.While you may think it’shealthier to sweeten yourdaily coffee with a sugarsubstitute such as stevia,daily use of artificialsweeteners can potentiallycause a higher risk of strokeand heart disease. Becausethese ingredients tastesweeter than natural sugar,they may also get yourtastebuds hooked onsweetness.Aspartame is anonnutritive (not providingnutrition) sweetener thatcreates sweetness withoutcalories. It has beenconsumed for many years inmany different products,such as diet sodas, sugarlessgum and more. TheInternational Association forResearch on Cancer, abranch of the World HealthOrganization, has stated thataspartame is a possiblecarcinogen, or somethingthat can cause cancer.Aspartame is found infoods in tiny amountsbecause it doesn’t take muchto add sweetness. Forexample, one 12-ounce canof diet soda contains around200 milligrams of aspartame,or 0.007 ounces. However,that small amount can addup over a long period whensomething is a possiblecarcinogen. While it is a lowrisk, the potential is there.The risk of weight gainand sugar substitutesdepends on how people usethem. If you’re drinking a dietsoda instead of a regularsoda, you save roughly 150calories. However, it has notbeen definitively shown overthe long term that peoplewho include nonnutritivesweeteners in their diet tendto weigh much less. Supposesomeone has a doublecheeseburger, a large orderof fries and a diet soda —that diet soda will make littledifference in their totalcalorie intake.Overall, it is best to limityour use of sugar substitutesto occasionally rather thanmultiple times a day. If you’remissing soda, try sparklingwater with citrus, berries orherbs. It may be hard to cutthe cravings initially, but therewards will be worth it.Best of luck on your healthjourney. — Donald Hensrud,M.D., General InternalMedicine and Nutrition,Mayo Clinic, Rochester,MinnesotaMayo ClinicWatching your sweet tooth?Look out for hidden sugarshealthSimple blood tests can predict Alzheimer's onset, researchers sayA team of U.S.-basedscientists say they havedeveloped a model using a\"biological clock\" to predict -- with just a simple bloodtest -- when someone islikely to develop symptomsof Alzheimer's disease.The results of a studypublished this month in thejournal Nature Medicinedemonstrate how, bymeasuring blood plasmalevels of a protein in peoplewho are not yet impaired byAlzheimer's symptoms,researchers can predictwhen cognitive decline willbegin within a margin ofthree to four years.While there is no single,stand-alone test to diagnoseAlzheimer's today, the newmethod works by leveraginghow levels of the protein \"ptau217\" in the blood closelyreflect how much amyloidplaque has built up in thebrain over time. Thisprovides doctors with a\"clock\" that points to when apatient may begin toexperience symptoms.Amyloid buildup in thebrain may begin up to 20years before a person startsto experience symptoms ofmemory and thinking issues.The plaques are a keypathological hallmark andcontributing factor inAlzheimer's disease, and,much like looking at therings of a tree, p-tau217levels can reveal the age ofthe buildup.The authors, based at theWashington UniversitySchool of Medicine in St.Louis, say their new bloodtest method will haveimmediate applications inongoing clinical trials seekinganswers to the vexingquestions about what causesand what can preventAlzheimer's and dementia,which affect more than 7million Americans at anestimated cost of nearly$400 billion in 2025.Eventually, with furtherrefinement, researchershope the blood test couldone day be used in clinicalsettings to easily and quicklyprovide predictions aboutthe timeline of symptomonset for individual patients.The only feasible ways ofdoing so now are throughcostly brain imaging scansand invasive spinal fluid tests.The study was part of aproject headed by theFoundation for the NationalInstitutes of HealthBiomarkers Consortium, apublic-private charitablepartnership established byCongress in 1990 whoseroster includes schools suchas Washington University, lifescience companies includingJohnson & Johnson and theAlzheimer's Association.Dr. Suzanne Schindler,senior author of the studyand associate professor inthe WashU MedicineDepartment of Neurology,said that while current bloodtests for p-tau217 arealready capable of identifyingcognitively unimpairedpeople who might developAlzheimer's symptoms, theyhave no ability to estimatewhen.Thus, they are used onlyfor research studies andclinical trials due to legal andethical considerations, suchas the risk of causing unduestress from uncertainresults.\"Our study, however,suggests it's possible topredict when symptomsmight develop using blood ptau217,\" she told UPI. \"Theprediction is very rough andso is still only useful inresearch or trials.\"We believe thesepredictions can be refined,but it's unclear if they'llbecome reliable enough forindividual guidance withoutmore invasive tests likespinal fluid analysis,\" shecautioned.Still, the potential of usesof the blood test areimmediate when it comes toAlzheimer's research. Forinstance, they could allowclinical trials of potentiallypreventive treatments to beperformed within a shortertime period.\"Clinical trials arecurrently underway that aretreating cognitivelyunimpaired individuals whotest positive for blood ptau217,\" Schindler noted.\"We must wait to see ifthese treatments delay orprevent symptom onset, butI'm hopeful based on ourunderstanding of thedisease's biology.\"Beyond clinical trials, theAlzheimer's disease researchers say they have developed a way topredict when a unimpaired person may develop dementia symptomswithin three to four years through a single blood test. continues on next pageblAlinsphewdramshevptoonsyEdscAAcoMSSlainfrthafecinMreddodMelaveSMnSinSt1pflwelamath\"jwadthTdothsuSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 11:13 AM Page 14

16 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800tsnegrtet.hd,ln,r,beerrerelyopd.iforuturheheos. Study: Frequentrocket re-entriesmight harmatmosphereFrequent deployment ofsatellites and re-entries bythe rockets that deploythem might pose a risk tothe Earth's upperatmosphere andenvironment, a Germanstudy indicates.As more rockets exit andre-enter the Earth's upperatmosphere, they leavebehind lithium atoms andspace debris that Germanresearchers said could causeharm.The researchers detected10 times more lithium atomsthan normal in the upperatmosphere some 20 hoursafter a SpaceX Falcon 9upper-stage rocket made anuncontrolled re-entry a yearago, lead author Robin Wingsaid in an article published inthe Communications Earth& Environment journal.\"This study presents thefirst measurement of upperatmospheric pollutionresulting from space debrisre-entry and the firstobservational evidence thatthe ablation of space debriscan be detected by groundbased lidar,\" the study said.\"The analysis ofgeomagnetic conditions,atmospheric dynamics, andionospheric measurementssupports the claim that theenhancement was not ofnatural origin,\" theresearchers said.\"Our findingsdemonstrate that identifyingpollutants and tracing themto their sources isachievable, with significantimplications for monitoringand mitigating spaceemissions in theatmosphere.\"The researchers called therising frequency of satelliteand rocket re-entries an\"emerging societal andscientific concern,\"particularly regarding thepotential environmentalconsequences for theplanet's atmosphere.Past studies mostly havefocused on the risks thatspace debris poses topeople and infrastructure,but the researchers saidrelatively little is knownabout the possible effects of\"exotic atomic andmolecular species nottypically found in largequantities in naturalmeteoric input.\"\"This finding supportsgrowing concerns that spacetraffic may pollute the upperatmosphere in ways not yetfully understood,\" theresearchers said.\"Continued growth insatellite launches and reentries may lead tocumulative effects, withimplications for long-termatmospheric compositionand climate interactions.\"They cited a Feb. 19, 2025,uncontrolled re-entry of aFalcon 9 rocket's upperstage created a fireball thatcould be seen from theplanet's surface, along with a\"persistent high-altitudeplume of lithium vapor.\"That plume was detectedover Germany and is whatthe researchers said causedthe re-entry point tocontain 10 times the amountof lithium vapor than theupper atmosphere normallywould have.\"This event provides arare opportunity to examinethe upper atmosphericsignature of space debris reentry using a suite ofadvanced remote sensinginstruments andatmospheric models,\" thestudy said.They used lidar, theIcosahedral Nonhydrostaticcirculation model and theablation process to measurethe effects of the rocket'suncontrolled re-entry.By Mike Heuergeblood test will aid broaderAlzheimer's research \"bylinking p-tau217 levels tospecific brain changes,helping us disentanglewhether those changes aredriving cognitive impairmentamid its overall complexity,\"she added.The new study \"providesevidence that plasmap-tau217 may be a reliabletool for estimating the futureonset of Alzheimer's diseasesymptoms,\" agreed RebeccaEdelmayer, vice president ofscientific engagement for theAlzheimer's Association.\"This could transform howresearchers design clinicaltrials and, eventually, howclinicians identify people athighest risk for cognitivedecline associated withAlzheimer's years beforedecline begins,\" she told UPI.While the blood testmethod represents a \"veryintriguing discovery,\" it'simportant to note it is notyet ready for everyday use bydoctors or patients,Edelmayer cautioned, notingthat its three- to four-yearmargin of error effectivelyrules out its utility forindividual decision-making.Broadly speaking, bloodtests are not yetrecommended forcognitively unimpairedindividuals outside researchsettings, but even so, \"thisfinding is an importantresearch step because ablood test is generally muchless expensive and easier toadminister than a brain scanor spinal-fluid test,\" she said.\"In the future, it could helpdoctors and researchersidentify people who maybenefit from earlytreatments, and make clinicaltrials for new Alzheimer'stherapies run faster andmore efficiently.\"The possibility of making adifference in the longrunning battle against one ofthe most feared andintractable diseases in theworld holds a specialmeaning for Schindler.\"As a memory specialist,I've diagnosed over 1,000people with Alzheimer's andwitnessed firsthand itsdevastating effects onpatients and families,\" shesaid. \"These results make mehopeful, and it's rewarding tothink this research couldimprove diagnosis andtreatment of Alzheimer's.\"Alzheimer’scontinued from page 14Mexico to investigate impacts of SpaceX Starship explosionMexican President ClaudiaSheinbaum said the nation islaunching an investigationinto the impacts of debrisfrom debris that landed inthe countryafter SpaceX rocketexploded in Texas.Sheinbaum said in a pressconference that there \"isindeed contamination\" andMexico is launching a generalreview of the impact of thedebris.SpaceX is denying thatdebris from the explosion ofone of its rockets hasdamaged the environment inMexico.\"We are reviewingeverything related to thelaunching of rockets that arevery close to our border,\"Sheinbaum said, adding thatMexico would \"file anynecessary claims\" if it foundSpaceX violatedinternational laws.The SpaceXStarship exploded on June19 during a preflightprocedure for its 10th testflight from Starbase, Texas,with previous flights alsoexploding in the air afterlaunch and scatteringmaterial in the surroundingareas.SpaceX CEO Elon Musk atthe time called the incident\"just a scratch,\" as no onewas injured, although Mexicoalleges the explosion sentdebris along the shoreline ofthe Mexican state ofTamaulipas.The company, however,denied the claims in a poston X.\"As previously stated,there are no hazards to thesurrounding area,\" SpaceXsaid. \"Previous independenttests conducted on materialsinside Starship, includingtoxicity analyses, confirmthey pose no chemical,biological, or toxicologicalrisks.\"Environmental activistshave alleged that debris fromthe incident has caused adie-off of marine life, such asdolphins, sea turtles and fish,while residents of the city ofMatamoros have ostensiblyfound canisters and metalpieces on the beaches thereas well.The nonprofitenvironmental organizationConibio Global A.C. postedto its social mediaplatform Monday thatSheinbaum responded totheir complaint in regard toSpaceX debris and sent acrew of technicians,scientists and biologistsamong other specialists toinvestigate hunks of metal,rubber and plastic, as well ascombustion tanks thatpurportedly fell from theStarship explosion into anarea that includes the RíoBravo River.\"Within the inspectionsthey took samples of waterfrom the river and thebeach, soil, sand, burntplants, among others,\" thepost said, and also showedphotos that allegedly showpieces of Starship wreckageand damage to trees.Another post from lastweek purportedly shows alarge piece of Starship thatfell into an area of communalfarmland known as LaBurrita.The group also postedvideo from Bagdad Beach inMatamoros that allegedlyshows Starship pieces, oneof which is clearlylabeled \"SpaceX.\"In the recent X post fromSpaceX, the company says ithas made attempts torecover debris from theexplosion, and that it has\"requested local and federalassistance from thegovernment of Mexico in therecovery of anomaly relateddebris, offered resources andassistance in the clean-up,and have sought validation ofSpaceX's right to conductrecovery operations.\"\"SpaceX looks forward toworking with the Mexicangovernment and localauthorities for the return ofthe debris as soon aspossible,\" the postconcluded.By Ian StarkA SpaceX Heavy booster and Starshipspacecraft at Starbase, Texas in May.SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 11:13 AM Page 15

17 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800FICTIONMule Boy, by AndrewKrivakOndro Prach, the 13-year-oldsole survivor of a mine collapse inPennsylvania’s Blue Mountain hills,mulls his life’s manyimprisonments – guilt, fear, regret– in the decades since the 1929disaster. Written in a flowing oralstyle in which “every clause is athought and every comma is abreath,” Andrew Krivak’s novel isan extraordinary work of rescue,witnessing, and redemption. – ErinDouglassKin, by Tayari JonesTayari Jones follows up “AnAmerican Marriage” with thevibrant tale of Annie and Vernice,“motherless girls that everyonefelt sorry for” from Honeysuckle,Louisiana. As the best friendsgrow up and move away – Verniceto the privileged world ofSpelman College, Annie toMemphis, Tennessee, and theschool of hard knocks – theyflourish, yearn, and struggle. Jones’prose rings with truth, delights indetail, casts some side-eye, andprovides rich ground for thenovel’s vivid cast. The hurts andconsequences keep coming, butJones wraps both her characters– and readers – in a generousembrace. – Erin DouglassCold Zero, by Brad Thor,with Ward Larsen“Ripped from the headlines”might sound clichéd, but appliedto Brad Thor’s latest thriller, it’smore than apt. After a New Yorkbound plane carrying the inventorof an artificial intelligencesuperweapon gets taken downover the Arctic, a CIA operativeand an ex-Air Force pilot must aidsurvivors, jury-rig shelter, andprotect that AI weapon (yes, it’s ina briefcase) in the frigid cold. Helpis on the way; so, too, are Chineseships, a Russian sub, soldierscalled Ice Wolves, and one bigstorm. The pages fly by. – ErinDouglassAshland, by Dan SimonDan Simon’s family dramaponders life’s joys and losses usinga patchwork of first-personnarratives from folks in smalltown Ashland, New Hampshire.The novel is a refreshinglymeditative, modern “Our Town”with a hat tip to the blessings ofnature, books, and writing. –Stefanie MilliganThis Book Made Me Thinkof You, by Libby PageTilly Nightingale’s grieving,brokenhearted life is about tochange – month by month with12 letters and 12 books,surprisingly gifted to her by herdevoted late husband, Joe. In LibbyPage’s sensitive and life-affirmingnovel, Tilly embraces newadventures and friendships anddiscovers an unexpected kindredspirit in Alfie, the bookshopowner. – Stefanie MilliganAutobiography of Cotton,by Cristina Rivera Garza,translated by ChristinaMacSweeneyCristina Rivera Garzasuperimposes a fictional story ofher grandparents’ experiencesonto accounts of a Mexicancotton workers’ strike in 1934that also included author andactivist José Revueltas. Exposingcorruption and exploitation, thebook is at once a novel, a familymemoir, and a work of astutesocial commentary. The authorgives a voice to people whosestories have been expunged fromhistory. – Joan Gaylord Keeper of Lost Children,by Sadeqa Johnson“Where was her life stored?”wonders Sophia, a Black teenagerin 1965 Maryland with questionsabout her bare-bones past. “Whowas keeping track?” SadeqaJohnson intersperses Sophia’shunt for her true heritage withthe stories of a U.S. Armyvolunteer sent to Germany in thelate 1940s, and Ethel Gathers, amilitary spouse stationed inMannheim in the early ’50s. Ethelworks to find homes for theoffspring of Black U.S. servicemenand white German women leftbehind after the war. The storyroars by, and the good-heartedcharacters search, stumble, andgrow. – Erin DouglassThe Reservation, byRebecca KauffmanIn her Midwestern mystery,Rebecca Kauffman’s rich menu ofcharacters – from the dishwasherand busser to the pastry chef andprep cook – offers its takes on abooksShake off the chill withthese new great booksFianthreAchtha thRvepecrmwsecebofasucoaninsptaNseRcabetoassipoHcorethclwRloinanguthtocotrteintoDthstmpeMnoquthdoTdicaHB“Play is the work of thechild,” educator MariaMontessori famouslyasserted. As MichaelKimmel makes clear in“Playmakers: The JewishEntrepreneurs WhoCreated the Toy Industry inAmerica,” this wasn’talways so. For centuries, lifefor most children wasmostly work – and littleplay. That was certainly theexperience of EasternEuropean Jews whoimmigrated to Americabetween 1881 and 1924,fleeing pogroms and themiserable conditions insidethe Russian Empire’s Paleof Settlement. Taking up500,000 square miles, thePale included what are nowparts of Poland, Ukraine,Lithuania, Belarus, andMoldova. Kimmel contends thatthe very nature ofAmerican childhoodchanged in the mid-20thcentury – thanks in largepart to these Yiddishspeaking immigrants.Crammed into squalidurban tenements in “a landof both unimaginable richesand entirely familiarbigotries,” he writes, thesenew Americans imaginedan “idealized childhood”that had eluded them.Barred from manyprofessions, they createdtheir own opportunities innewly developing areas,such as entertainment andtoys.Although Kimmel insiststhat his aim in writing“Playmakers” was not topresent a “triumphalistparade of extraordinaryJews,” the procession ofJewish innovators whomarch through this book isindeed impressive. Much has been writtenabout the men whoestablished Hollywood’sstudio system – SamuelGoldwyn, Louis B. Mayer,the Warner brothers. But itis less widely known thatJewish immigrants andtheir offspring alsodreamed up America’smost iconic comic bookheroes – Superman, SpiderMan, Li’l Abner, Popeye,Archie – and producedthousands of popular toys,including teddy bears,Shirley Temple dolls, Barbie,and Mr. Potato Head. The companies thatcreated these classicplaythings were founded bythe three Hassenfeldbrothers (Hasbro); Elliotand Ruth Handler (Mattel);Joshua Lionel Cowen(Lionel trains); MorrisMichtom (Ideal). They allcame from Eastern Europe. “Playmakers” started asa family memoir about theIdeal Toy Corp., which wasfounded in 1907 by theauthor’s maternal greatgreat uncle. But Kimmel, aprofessor emeritus ofsociology and genderstudies at Stony BrookUniversity, becamefascinated by the biggerpicture, and by questionsabout why and how theseJewish émigrés were “ableto create such a large part[of] the material culture ofAmerican childhood.” He begins with his greatgreat uncle’s story, afamiliar saga ofimmigration. MosheMichael Charmatz wasborn in Minsk in 1869, andwith his family’s help, stagedhis own death to avoidconscription into the czar’sarmy. He fled to Vilna (nowVilnius, Lithuania), wherehe became a rabbinicalstudent, met his futurewife, and changed his nameto Morris Michtom(“rhymes with victim”),perhaps after the Talmud’ssix Psalms of David knownas the Miktam. In 1888, hemade his way to theNetherlands and on toAmerica, where he and hiswife, Rose, eventuallyopened a candy andnewspaper shop inBrooklyn, New York. In1902, Michtom was socharmed by a cartoondepicting PresidentTheodore Roosevelt’srefusal to shoot an injuredbear on a huntingexpedition that he askedRose to stitch together astuffed replica of thewinsome creature todisplay in their storewindow. The cuddly teddybear changed their livesand helped launch the‘Playmakers’ underscores the serious business of making toyscontinues on page 18nticontinues on page 18SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 11:14 AM Page 16

18 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800’sthmyheanelheenftryeddry,oferdaIn The Burt ReynoldsFilms, Gary Schneebergerand James L. Neibaur offer athoughtful, meticulouslyresearched survey of one ofAmerican cinema’s mostcharismatic stars. Morethan a catalogue of titles ora nostalgic glance backward,their study positionsReynolds as a uniquelyversatile performer whosepersona, humor and subtlecraft reshaped howmasculinity and stardomwere imagined in thesecond half of the twentiethcentury. The authors bringboth scholarly rigor and afan’s affection to theirsubject, blending culturalcontext, critical evaluationand behind-the-scenesinsight to illuminate the fullspectrum of Reynolds’talent and appeal.Schneeberger andNeibaur open with a clearsense of mission: to reclaimReynolds from thecaricature he sometimesbecame in later years andto reassert his significanceas a serious performer. Theysituate his rise within thepopulist energy of 1970sHollywood, when bluecollar authenticity andrebellious charm replacedthe studio-era polish of theclassic leading man. Thewriters emphasize howReynolds’ rugged goodlooks and athleticisminitially pigeonholed him asan action-oriented toughguy, but also how he usedthat image as a foundationto build something far morecomplex.The book’s early chapterstrace his transition fromtelevision supporting rolesin Gunsmoke and Riverboatto the breakout moment ofDeliverance (1972). Here,the authors are particularlystrong at highlighting whatmade Reynolds’performance as LewisMedlock so transformative:not brute heroism, but aquiet physical confidencethat coexisted with fear,doubt and moral tension.They note that this filmdidn’t just alter Reynolds’career—it reframedHollywood masculinityitself, showing thattoughness could coexistwith emotional nuance.The heart of the bookcelebrates Reynolds’astonishing versatility.Schneeberger and Neibaurorganize their discussionboth chronologically and bygenre, showing how hemoved fluidly throughdrama, comedy, romance,and action. His ability tocommand both serious andlighthearted roles formsone of their centralarguments: that Reynolds’very refusal to stay confinedto one cinematic worldmade him, paradoxically,harder for critics toclassify—and too oftenunderestimated.In the sections devotedto Smokey and the Bandit,The Cannonball Run, andHooper, the authorsexplore how Reynolds’charm and vitality definedthe escapist, freewheelingspirit of late 1970s/early1980s American film. Yetthey avoid dismissing thesemovies as mere crowdpleasers. Instead, they showhow Reynolds elevatedpopulist entertainmentthrough consummateprofessionalism and comictiming. His transfixingscreen presence and hisinstinct for self-mockery—whether grinning beneath acowboy hat or rescuing afaltering friend from a stuntgone wrong—made him theideal emblem of his era’slaid-back cool.In contrast, the chapterson Starting Over and TheMan Who Loved CatDancing move at a gentlertempo, examining Reynolds’dramatic restraint. Here,the book’s critiquebecomes more poignant:Schneeberger and Neibaursuggest that Reynolds’reluctance to markethimself as a “serious”actor—combined withHollywood’s prejudiceagainst attractive leadingmen seeking dramaticgravitas—kept him frombeing fully appreciated byawards bodies. Still, theiranalysis of his late-careertriumph in Boogie Nightsunderscores that his bestqualities—generosity, wit,and subtle melancholy—remained intact decadesafter his mainstreamheyday.One of the book’s mostperceptive qualities lies inhow it contextualizesReynolds within Americanpopular culture.Schneeberger and Neibaurresist the temptation tomythologize him or toreduce him to a symbol ofnostalgia. Instead, theyargue that Reynolds’greatest strength was hisself-awareness: the way heplayed with his public imagerather than beingconsumed by it. Hisappearances on talk shows,his ribald humor ininterviews, and his famousCosmopolitan centerfold allbecome subjects foranalysis here. The authorssee these moments not asfootnotes, but as extensionsof his performance—Reynolds using the stage ofcelebrity to make audienceslaugh and feel at ease.This perspective allowsthem to frame his appealnot just as cinematic butcultural. Reynolds, theywrite, encapsulated an agewhen stars had to bridgethe gap between movietheater glamour andeveryday relatability. Heremained approachable,mischievous andunmistakably human—aquality that endeared himto audiences long aftermore mannered ormanufactured stars faded.Schneeberger andNeibaur’s prose isaccessible yet informed,striking a tone that willsatisfy both the cinephileand the casual reader. Theirchapters blend summary,critique and narrativemomentum, moving brisklyfrom production historiesto interpretive commentarywithout ever feelingdisjointed. The writing ispeppered with affectionatehumor and a clearadmiration for Reynolds’professionalism.Occasionally, the styleborders on reverent, butthe authors avoid excessivesentimentality by groundingtheir insights in detailedcontext and thoughtfulobservation.Their greatest strength ascritics lies in balance. Theyneither romanticizeReynolds’ missteps—suchas misjudged career choicesin the late 1980s—norminimize the uniquetrajectory that connectedhis commercial dominancewith his creative ambition.They commend hisPRINT & E-BOOKS NONFICTION PRINT & E-BOOKS FICTION1. Theo of Golden (Levi)2. Project Hail Mary (Weir)3. The Hard Line (Greaney)4. The Correspondent (Evans)5. Dear Debbie (McFadden)6. Heated Rivalry (Reid)7. The Astral Library (Quinn)8. The Housemaid (McFadden)9. Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dinniman)10. The Devil’s Bible (Berry)1. Stripped Down (Xo)2. Nobody’s Girl (Giuffre)3. American Struggle (Meacham)4. Manufacturing Delusion (Sexton)5. The Look (Obama/Koop)6. A Hymn to Life (Pelicot/Perrignon)7. Greatest Sentence Ever Written (Isacson)8. The Body Keeps the Score (van der Kolk)9. Strangers (Burden)10. The Anxious Generation (Haidt)NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERSBeyond the Bandit: The cultural legacy of Burt Reynoldsdnnontsdgdaeoeyse8By examining his performancesalongside his cultural impact, thisnew Burt Reynolds biography showsthe iconic actor as a defining figurein modern American stardom whoseself-awareness and versatilityreshaped Hollywood’s image of masculinity.8Burt Reynolds, at the height of his star power, blendedeffortless charm with a quiet, knowing intensity.continues on page 18Authors Gary Schneeberger and James L. Neibaur joinHappenings Q&A on Tues March 17th at 10 amon AM1050 WLIPSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 11:14 AM Page 17

19 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800REMINDER: 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) 657-6049 Gas Lawn Mower. Sears Craftsman 6.75 self-propelled. 22” cut. Mulch or side eject. Ready for spring. New oil, spark plug, & air filter. $75. Call Rich, 224- 730- 2564. Wood Dining Table. Solid wood, Oval, 58” long x 41” wide w/o leaves. Two 12” x 41” leaves & top pad included. Mahogany finish. $25. Call Rich, 224- 730- 2564. 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 262-748-4748HI MY NAME IS GAYLE & I'M RETIRED. I WILL DO DOG SITTING OR CAT SITTING. IF INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT ME AT 262-748-4748. THANK YOULAWN 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 Computer repair/installation. For free estimate call, text, or leave voicemail to Mike at (262) 595-7556.Computer 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. 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, MARCH 6TH 2026 AT 12 NOONFREE CLASSIFIEDS! Employment/Opportunities • Lost & Found • Miscellaneous Real Estate • Rentals • Rummage Sales • Vehicles • WantedonshMcoseDmmalexAKopedotranofdathtoovofhiThprretrbupatoeapaa.ealabeeabesecohocoandaKeG9:wCBarothtwthGopdethofthrigemnomtopaBest bookscontinued from page 16American toy business.Kimmel, the author of numerous books on men andmasculinity, including “Guyland: The Perilous World WhereBoys Become Men,” also explores how playthings becameincreasingly gendered: babydolls for girls and action figuressuch as G.I. Joe for boys. From there it is several hops,skips, and jumps to grown-up dolls for girls (most notably,Ruth Handler’s Barbie for Mattel) and electric trains andairplane-building kits, which aimed at promoting father-sonbonds. “Playmakers” is overstuffed with stories about winningideas in an industry that demanded new hits every season.Reading about the development of Hula-Hoops, ChattyCathy and Patti Playpal dolls, Easy-Bake Ovens, Yakity-YakTalking Teeth, Lite-Brites, and Ant Farms – and the ads thatplugged them on children’s TV shows – is nostalgiainducing, particularly for baby boomers. But reading thebackstory of toy after toy starts to feel overwhelming. Kimmel doesn’t just stick to toys and their creators. Hispurview extends to blacklisted writers who found refugein children’s books, debates between the merits ofdisciplinary versus progressive child-rearing, and Senatehearings about whether comic books and TV discouragedreading and encouraged juvenile delinquency. A chapter on Superman is particularly engaging. Thecomic strip was created in the 1930s by Jerry Siegel andJoe Shuster, two friends who met in high school inGlenville, Ohio. Both were sons of shtetl immigrants.“Superman was Jewish,” Kimmel declares. The narrative, heexplains, is essentially a classic refugee tale about a babynamed Kal-El (“All that God is” in Hebrew) who was“conveyed by a form of Kindertransport” to an alien landbecause “his people were about to become extinct.” Clark Kent is a misfit outsider who yearns foracceptance and assimilation. Kimmel quotes Jules Feifferfor this knockout punch: “It wasn’t Krypton that Supermanreally came from, it was the planet Minsk.” Superman ushered in a golden age of comics, “created inlarge part because a slew of young Jewish artists had beenfrozen out of the higher sorts of artistic endeavors,” hewrites. “By creating these hypermasculine superheroes, awhole bunch of scrawny, bullied, young Jewish artistsasserted their masculinity. Comic books were indeed therevenge of the nerds – with yarmulkes!” Exuberantly researched and written, “Playmakers” issprinkled with well-chosen illustrations. AlthoughKimmel’s overflowing, somewhat repetitive toybox of abook cries for some winnowing, it also sparks plenty ofwonder – along with a fresh understanding of the seriousbusiness of play.By Heller McAlpinsearing theft at Aunt Orsa’s fine-dining establishment.Seasoned with the lingo and labor of a bustling restaurant,the story seeks to uncover who stole 22 rib-eye steaksfrom the walk-in cooler before a night of VIP bookings.Both peppery and poignant, it’s an appealing brew. – ErinDouglassThe Midnight Taxi, by Yosha GunasekeraIn Yosha Gunasekera’s winning debut, Siri, a 20-something taxicab driver in New York City, faces theunthinkable: murder charges for the inexplicable death ofa solo fare in her back seat. With assistance from acriminal defense lawyer – and fellow Sri Lankan – sheraces to prove her innocence, relying on pointers fromtrue-crime podcasts, her immigrant family’s support, andthe restorative power of a chicken curry meal.Gunasekera’s story of friendship and tenacity zips. – ErinDouglassLuminous Bodies, by Devon JersildThis captivating historical-fiction debut novel bringsNobel laureate Marie Curie to vibrant life. Devon Jersildimagines Curie’s life, from her upbringing in Poland to herbattlefield humanitarian work during World War I. Thebook illuminates her inner thoughts and experiences as adaughter, wife, mother, scientist, lover, immigrant, andfriend. – Stefanie MilliganEveryday Movement, by Gigi L. Leung,translated by Jennifer FeeleyGigi L. Leung dedicates her timely novel to “all whocarry anger and sorrow,” and touches on the hope andstruggle for democracy. Set during the 2019 Hong Kongsummer protests, Leung’s kaleidoscopic story follows thelives of students, teachers, and others who encountered adevastating new political reality with China’s crackdown.Leung’s stirring novel echoes with humanity’s courage,dignity, and resilience. – Stefanie Milliganindependence as a filmmaker and actor who frequentlytook control of hiscareer, directing several features including Gator andThe End, both of which reveal his interest in blendingabsurdity with emotional darkness.By the time the book concludes, the cumulative effectis one of deep respect. Schneeberger and Neibaursucceed in restoring Reynolds to his rightful place inAmerican cinema: as a performer whose combination ofconfidence, self-awareness, and emotional intelligencemade him not just a box-office powerhouse but a mirrorof his culture’s shifting ideals. Their insights reveal a manwho thrived in contradiction—equally comfortable as anoutlaw, a lover, a mentor, and, ultimately, a survivor.The Burt Reynolds Films is both homage and analysis,affectionate yet incisive. In reminding readers of thebreadth of Reynolds’ achievement—and the enduringwarmth he brought to every frame—Schneeberger andNeibaur craft a study that feels as entertaining,Burt Reynoldscontinued from page 17TDoPlay Makerscontinued from page 16SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 11:15 AM Page 18

20 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Downtown Kenosha willonce again turn a vibrantshade of green on Saturday,March 14, 2026, as thecommunity gathers for thesecond annual St. Patrick’sDay celebration — a fullmorning of music,movement and Irish pridealong the lakefront.Last year’s inaugural eventexceeded all expectations.According to city liason KrisKochman, more than 20,000people packed thedowntown streets in 2025,transforming what began asan ambitious idea into oneof the city’s largest singleday gatherings. Families linedthe parade route shoulderto shoulder, local pubsoverflowed, and the soundof bagpipes echoed offhistoric brick storefronts.The overwhelming turnoutproved that Kenosha wasready to embrace a newtradition.This year’s celebrationbuilds on that success with apacked schedule designedto keep energy high fromearly morning through theparade’s final notes.Festivities kick off at 8:30a.m. at HarborPark, whereearly risers can soak in thelakefront atmospherebefore the action begins inearnest. Parade participantsbegin staging at 9 a.m.,setting the scene for acolorful procession thathonors Irish culture andcommunity spirit.One of the mostanticipated features of theday is the Second AnnualKenosha St. Paddy’sGuinness Run. Beginning at9:30 a.m., runners andwalkers will set out fromCapt. Mike’s Beer & BurgerBar on Sixth Avenue for aroughly 2-kilometer routethrough downtown. Thetwist? Participants challengethemselves to finish threeGuinness (non-alcoholoption available) — atdesignated stations alongthe way. While it’s notofficially timed, a clock atthe finish line offers braggingrights. Organizersemphasize that there is anon-alcoholic option,making the event accessibleto a wide range ofparticipants, all ages arewelcome. After crossing thefinish line, runners can staydowntown and roll rightinto parade festivities.The highlight of the dayremains the Second AnnualEric Olson Memorial St.Patrick’s Day Parade. Thepre-parade steps off at10:45 a.m., coinciding withthe singing of the NationalAnthem at the reviewingstands. The full paradebegins at 11 a.m., starting at50th Street and SeventhAvenue and proceedingsouth along Sixth Avenue toLibrary Park.Presented by the City ofKenosha, Visit Kenosha andthe Lakeshore BusinessImprovement District, theparade features more than80 entries. The KenoshaArea Pipes and DrumsAssociation anchors thelineup, leading a spirited mixof marching bands,community groups, electedofficials, local businesses andentertainers. Expect tartankilts, polished brassinstruments and a sea ofshamrocks waving fromcurbside spectators.The event also honorsthe memory of Eric Olson,whose legacy lives onthrough the parade thatbears his name. By blendingremembrance with revelry,organizers have created acelebration that feels bothheartfelt and high-spirited.After the paradeconcludes at Library Park,the celebration continueswith block parties nearSwede’s on 56th Street andnear Capt. Mike’s on SixthAvenue. These gatheringsoffer live music, food, drinksand the kind of spontaneouscamaraderie that defines St.Patrick’s Day.If last year is anyindication, downtownKenosha will once again bebuzzing with tens ofthousands of visitors.Whether you lace up forthe Guinness Run, claim acurbside seat for theparade, or simply raise atoast with friends, March 14promises a lively showcaseof Irish heritage andhometown pride — atradition that already feelsfirmly rooted in Kenosha’scalendar.nneaseshafsnydgtrnfernns,egdThe St. Patrick’sDay Parade returnson March 14th!SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 11:15 AM Page 19

21 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800healthlifestylecommunityKenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center newsMarch 5, 2026Make a Difference –Become aVolunteerGuardian!Are you looking for a meaningfulway to give back to yourcommunity? Consider becoming aVolunteer Guardian through theKenosha County Division of Agingand Disability Services. As aVolunteer Guardian, you’ll receive acomprehensive, self-paced, 3-hour,online training to advocate forvulnerable adults in matters relatedto their health, well-being, and/orfinances. Once trained, you’ll beappointed by the court to serve as alegal decision-maker for someone inneed.The division offers ongoing supportand guidance to help youconfidently fulfill your role. With aslittle as one hour per month, youcan make a lasting, positive impacton the life of an at-risk adult in yourcommunity.Interested? Call the ADRC at 262-605-6646 or email,[email protected] formore information or to apply today. Spring Election isApril 7 Free rides for votingpurposes are availableThe Spring Election for KenoshaCounty residents will be Tuesday,April 7. Free Rides for voting purposes willbe provided by the belowtransportation service providerswith advance registration. Call earlyto reserve your ride.• Carepool: 262-278-6455• Link Western KenoshaTransportation: 888-203-3498• KAFASI Volunteer Transportation:262-842-7433Persons with disabilities can requestspecial voting accommodations,such as curbside voting. To learnmore call Disability Rights WI VoterHotline: 844-DIS-VOTE. The website myvote.wi.gov is alsoan excellent resource to registerand request an absentee ballot.For those unable to access theMyVote website, Kenosha CountyAging and Disability ResourceCenter staff can provide directassistance. To learn more, call theADRC at 262-605-6646.Kenosha CountyADRC to OfferPowerful Tools forCaregivers OnlineClassNext free six-week courseto begin May 6Powerful Tools for Caregivers is anevidence-based educational seriesintended to teach skills to thosewho are caring for another adult,such as a loved one, friend, orneighbor. The class helps familycaregivers reduce stress, improveself-confidence, communicatefeelings better, balance their lives,increase their ability to make toughdecisions, and locate helpfulresources. The 6-week educational series isoffered by the Aging and DisabilityResource Center of KenoshaCounty and will be led by MargaretRicchio, Caregiver SupportCoordinator. The series will be heldWednesdays, beginning May 6 andrunning until June 10, from 1:30 to3:30 p.m. It will be held at HospiceAlliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd.,Pleasant Prairie. There is no cost,however donations are accepted todefer costs.Registration is required by Friday,May 1. To register, or to learn moreabout Powerful Tools and theADRC’s Caregiver Supportservices, call the ADRC at 262-605-6646.Memory CafeMemory Café is a monthly gatheringfor persons living with MildCognitive Impairment, early-stageAlzheimer’s, or a related dementia,and their care partners to socializeand have fun. Join the Aging andDisability Resource Center’s(ADRC) Dementia Care Specialist,Alex Troupis, for a Memory Café atthe Kenosha NorthsideNeighborhood Library, 1500 27thAvenue, Activity Room A. Meetingsare offered the second Wednesdayof every month from 10:30 – 11:30a.m. The next gathering will be onMarch 11. New members arerequested to register. For moreinformation and to register call theADRC at 262-605-6646..Going on Medicare?Learn about the decisionsyou’ll need to makeThe 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 WORKSHOPS: Kenosha County Job Center, 8600Sheridan Road, Entrance A, RoomN2• Tuesday, April 21, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.• Thursday, May 21, 12:30 – 4 p.m.• Wed, July 15, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.Kenosha County Center, 1960075th Street, Bristol, WI 53104• 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. SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 11:16 AM Page 20

22 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800heys’sst,atethgsay30onrerehe?cetyretornwillurnshege,ugatIf-4re00mm.00m.,ns2-orREGULAR 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 3/3/26 11:16 AM Page 21

23 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Dear Eric: I live in anapartment with my 22-yearold daughter. She had areally bad high schoolexperience that was brokenup by Covid, so remotelearning didn’t go welleither. She eventually gother diploma but since thenhas not been able to find ajob. We are going on abouta year and a half now. Sheapplies but doesn’t even getinterviews.This is going to soundselfish, but I want to moveaway with my boyfriend ofseven years so that we canstart living our life together(we do not currently livetogether). I know mydaughter is an adult, but sheis far from self-sufficientand makes no money to payrent/bills/groceries.I cannot kick her outonto the streets; I don’thave it in me to see herstruggle like that. I can’ttake her with us becausethey don’t get along. I’mkind of at my wits end herebecause I don’t know howto change my situation sothat I will be able to leavewith my boyfriend and alsomake sure that my daughtercan take care of herself.Please, help me.– Feeling HelplessDear FeelingHelpless: Pull yourdaughter into thisconversation. Be honestwith her about what yourgoals are and ask her whather goals are. And thenwork together to make aplan. It’s been kind andloving of you to provide forher as she struggles withindependence. But it willactually be empowering foryou to engage her, adult toadult. She’s going to needthese skills whether or notshe gets a job.Maybe she needs trainingin a specific field or furthereducation; maybe she cancobble together incomefrom gig work. Maybe thereare other relatives orfriends that she can assistfor money or in exchangefor housing. I’m not sayingthis will be an easy processfor her, or for you. Butsomething needs to changein her life, and you wantsomething to change inyour life. The first step isasking her, “what do youplan to do and how can Ihelp?”Dear Eric: My 26-yearold grandson has neverheld a job. Three years ago,he earned a master’sdegree. Despite hisachievement, he engages inall-night computer gaming,sleeps during the day andlacks motivation to seekemployment.His father is out of thepicture, and his mother, mydaughter, maintains him inevery way. She loves himand seems hesitant toaddress the situationdirectly.While she works andmanages the household, Ioccasionally assist, which Idon’t mind doing. However,I feel that my assistanceinadvertently reinforces hisdestructive behavior. Iwould appreciate anysuggestions on how to helpthis individual break freefrom his detrimentalroutine.– ConcernedGrandfatherDear Grandfather:You have the opportunity,as someone who is ahelpful, consistentpresence, to have a frankconversation with yourgrandson. I’d encourage youto take it. You can ask,“What is your plan foremployment? Are thereobstacles standing in yourway? Would you like someadvice? Are there specificareas in which you’d like myhelp?” And then listen to hisanswers. They’ll be verytelling, one way or another.He may tell you he’slooked and he can’t findanything. He may say that itwas different for you whenyou were his age, and youdon’t understand what he’sfacing. It surely wasdifferent, but we all have theprivilege of and theobligation to live in reality.Go into this conversationwith curiosity rather thandemands, knowing that hisexpectations may notmatch your expectations.He will trust you more as acoach, mentor andresource if you listen towhat his goals for himselfare and help him chart apath toward achievingthose goals.Similarly, you might askyour daughter if she’s opento opinions about her son.It does sound like this is anenabling situation. Butremoving the enablingwithout identifying a goal isjust going to cause conflict.The three of you are alladults who are capable ofmaking your owndecisions. Sometimes wehave to let our loved onesmake a choice that doesn’tbenefit them – this goes foryour daughter and yourgrandson. However, you canhave the most impact byworking with her and withhim to set new goals foremployment andengagement in the house’saffairs and then holding himto them.Dear Eric: I am amother of two adult men.One of which is doing greatand is living the single life.The other one is also doinggood. He has his ownbusiness. My issue is thatmy son with his ownbusiness was engaged andthey both decided to call itoff.Now I can’t seem to behappy when I hear aboutothers who are gettingmarried or even havingchildren, whether it befamily or people in general Idon’t even know.Looks like both sons areset in their lives and I fear Iwill not have the joy ofbeing an in-law orgrandparent. I guess whatI’m asking is for someadvice to help me move on.I know you’re probablygoing to suggest therapy,which I don’t want.– UnhappyDear Unhappy: It isalways a little bit of achallenge when peoplewrite, “don’t tell me to goto therapy,” because I’mlike, “well… but that’s theanswer.” However, I canrespect your request andgive you some otheroptions.First, is acceptance.Acceptance doesn’t mean“liking” or “wanting” oreven “not being madabout.” Acceptance is yousaying, “this is what is rightnow.” That right now iscrucial because your wantscould change, your sons’romantic lives couldchange, anything couldchange. So, it’s important tosay “I don’t have what Iwant right now” because ithelps prevent you fromspiraling out into forever.Secondly, you don’t haveto be happy for otherpeople who are gettingmarried or having children.You can send well wishesand be done with it, or youcan ignore theannouncements altogether.Thirdly – and this kind ofcircles back to thebeginning, but please hearme out – think about whatyour feelings of not havingin-laws and grandchildrenbring up in you, what theymight be connected to inyour past and other waysthat you can get emotionalsatisfaction in life. Maybeyou want a closerrelationship with your sons,maybe you want to be ameaningful presence in achild’s life throughvolunteering, fostering orjoining an intergenerationalcommunity. Maybe you’regrieving your son’s brokenengagement. It’s all possibleand all valid.You don’t have to getinto it with a therapist, ifyou don’t want to. But youdo have to get into it withyourself, because unpackingthese feelings will help youunderstand yourself betterand find contentment.Dear Eric: My 98-yearold father is living withdementia. Because it isn’tadvanced, he is painfullyaware that his memory isfailing him. He oftenrecounts things – past andpresent – that aren't true.Following advice from theAlzheimer’s Association,our immediate familypractices \"therapeuticfibbing\": we acceptwhatever he says as fact topreserve his dignity.It’s a difficult tightrope towalk, but the hardest partisn't the caregiving – it's thesilence. Several of Dad'slifelong friends havestopped calling. I think theyfeel uncomfortable with theconversations, which, in allhonesty, are not alwayseasy. He misses them andhas begun to worry he didsomething wrong to drivethem away.My gut tells me to callthese friends and give thema piece of my mind. I’drather they skip hiseventual funeral and justgive him five minutes oftheir time now. Since\"shaming\" them probablyisn't the best strategy, howcan I encourage these oldfriends to re-engage with aman who needs them nowmore than ever?I am hopeful that myDad's friends, or others,read this column as awakeup call to reach out tothose who may be sufferingin similar situations– Caring for DadDear Caring: You’reright, shaming may not bethe most effective strategyhere. Instead, transparencymight be the way. Try callingyour father’s friends, givingthem a full picture of what’sgoing on – as much as youfeel comfortable while stillpreserving your dad’sdignity and privacy. Thenmake a specific ask: “I knowthat these conversationsaren’t always easy andmight even be painful, butcan you call my dad thisweek and talk for a fewminutes? He needs theconnection and he’sbenefited from yourfriendship. Is that somethingyou can commit to forhim?”By making it plain, youare helping to disentanglesome of the complicatedemotions that they may behaving – frustration, maybe,grief, guilt – and giving themwhat is hopefully an easyyes. I also want to note thatwhat you’re doing is a giftfor your father, of course,but it’s also a gift for hisfriends. Often, as younoted, we don’t know howto support friends who areailing. But it’s important foreveryone to rememberthat it’s better to ask thanto avoid.asking ericThe kids aren’t all rightBestselling 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 betweenreSohichbramolawwchadpryearochprocSoamrereamlomdiyegecowamolawexourutoprbeofthdoSeaca SohayeRRabCSe\"cbeth65amcofubechSBwSR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 11:17 AM Page 22

24 SMART READER March 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800ofeywdawys,aogeeyygg’sullsnwsdtswesrgruedee,myatfte,suwerrnIn prior columns, I gavereaders a brief history ofSocial Security byhighlighting the majorchanges to the programbrought about by annualamendments to theoriginal Social Securitylaw. Every once in a greatwhile, there is a dramaticchange, such as theaddition of the disabilityprogram in 1956. Mostyears, these amendmentsare minor and introduceonly small technicalchanges to some of theprogram's laws. Andoccasionally, the annualSocial Securityamendments introducerelatively modestreforms, such as the 1977amendments thatlowered the duration ofmarriage requirement fordivorced women from 20years to 10 years. But the point I amgetting at in today'scolumn is that almostwithout fail, everyamendment to theoriginal Social Securitylaw over the years hasexpanded or increasedoutlays or liberalized therules allowing more folksto qualify for theprogram's variousbenefits. In the 90-year historyof the program, I canthink of fewer than a halfdozen times when SocialSecurity benefits wereactually reduced. Here isa brief overview of theSocial Security cuts thathave been made over theyears.Raising theRetirement AgeThis change, broughtabout by the 1983Commission on SocialSecurity Reform, wasn't a\"cut\" per se, in existingbenefits. But by raisingthe retirement age from65 to 67, it delayed theamount of time a personcould collect his or herfull retirement agebenefit. By the way, thischange, enacted in 1983,will not go fully intoeffect until people bornin 1960 and later reachtheir full retirement agein 2027. And the point Iam making here is that ifCongress decides toraise the retirement ageagain as part of anyupcoming reforms to theprogram, it won't happenovernight. It will probablybe implemented overmany future decades.Student BenefitsSince the very earliestdays of Social Security,the dependent minorchildren of a retired ordeceased parent andsince the mid 1950s, thedependent minorchildren of a disabledparent, were eligible formonthly benefits on theparent's Social Securityrecord. Those benefits werepaid until the childturned 18, but couldcontinue beyond age 18in two circumstances:First, if the child wasdisabled, in which casethey could continue forthe rest of the child's life,even into their adultyears; and second, if thechild was still in school, inwhich case they wouldcontinue until age 22.In 1981, Congressdecided to eliminatebenefits to students overage 18. They reasonedthat because so manyother forms ofgovernment loans andgrants were available tostudents, there was noneed to further subsidizehigher education throughthe Social Securityprogram.Mother's BenefitsCurtailedCongress was lookingfor other ways to trimSocial Security outlays in1981 and widowedmothers and dependentwives/mothers of retiredor disabled husbandswith minor childrenended up in theircrosshairs. For decades, the lawhad prescribed thatwives and widows of anyage with young childrenin their care couldreceive monthly benefits(in addition to thebenefits paid to theirkids) as long as at leastone of their children waseligible for benefits. Butin 1981, they changed thelaw to say that benefits tothe mother would endwhen the youngest childturned 16. They figuredthat once all the childrenwere over age 16, themother ought to be ableto work, if necessary, tohelp support her family.(By the way, althoughthese situations rarelyoccur, the same benefitsand the same cutbacksalso applied to widowedfathers and dependentstay-at-home husbandswith minor children.) Death BenefitRestrictionsIn the early days ofSocial Security, Congressoffered a one-time deathbenefit to the familymembers of a taxpayerwho died before having achance to collect SocialSecurity benefits. Overthe years, this partialrefund of Social Securitytaxes morphed into anofficial Social Securitydeath benefit payable tothe family members ofanyone who died, even ifhe or she had been aSocial Securitybeneficiary. Most peoplemistakenly referred tothe one-time payment asa \"burial benefit.\" It wasnever meant to be that,especially consideringthat it was capped at$255 many years ago. Asanyone who has everplanned a funeral knows,$255 would barely coverthe cost of flowers, letalone all the other burialor cremation costs.Anyway, in yet anotherattempt to curtail SocialSecurity expenditures,Congress in 1981decided that the deathbenefit should be paidonly to a widow orwidower who was livingwith the deceased at thetime of death, or to anyminor children. Benefits toPrisonersSuspendedBefore 1992, it wasassumed that peoplegetting Social Securityhad earned their benefits,so they were legally duetheir Social Securitychecks no matter wherethey lived. But in theearly 1990s, Congresscame under intensepressure to suspendmonthly benefits toanyone in jail or prison.People felt that sinceprisoners were alreadygetting their room andboard paid for by thetaxpayers, they didn'tneed taxpayer-fundedSocial Security checks. Drug Addicts andAlcoholics There was a rash ofnews stories in the mid1990s highlighting certaindisabled people whowere allegedly spendingthe proceeds of theirSocial Security disabilitychecks on drugs andalcohol. Knuckling underthe pressure to dosomething about this,Congress eventuallypassed a law thatessentially denied suchbenefits to anyone whoseonly disabling conditionwas drug addiction oralcoholism. The law waslargely pointless, though,because most of thesefolks have otherconditions that qualifyfor disability. Forexample, a hardcorealcoholic probably hadsome kind of kidney orliver damage and thatimpairment keeps thedisability checks rollingin.social securitySocial Security Benefits Rarely Cutwith 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] youTom Margenau joinsHappenings Q&A on Thu March 12th at 10:20 on AM1050 WLIP SR_editorial_.qxp_SS Layout 3/3/26 11:18 AM Page 23FOR EVENT TICKETS & MORE ACTS VISIT HAP2IT.COMStop in at 1420 63rd St. M-F 10am-4pm OR CALL 262-564-8800Kenosha Harborside 5125 6th Ave.Yesterday’s Children April 11 • 7:00PM030526March 7 • 6:00PMMarch 27 • 7:30 PMPatMcCurdyMarch 28 • 7:00pmTRiP

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