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3 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Massive project to analyze space signals to end; hunt for 'E.T.' goes onOne of the longestrunning searches forextraterrestrial life is comingto end this year as U.S.scientists wrap up a popularprogram that enlistedmillions of home computerusers to analyze radio signalsreceived from space.After years poringthrough immense amountsof generated data, theprogram's co-founders atthe University of Californiaat Berkeley reported thatthey are probing 100detected signals deemed tobe the best candidates formessages from \"ET\" beforethe effort is wrapped up forgood, 27 years after it waslaunched.But even though the\"SETI@home\" project hasso far failed to record a \"firstcontact\" from an aliencivilization, its leaders sayvaluable lessons have beenlearned that can be appliedto the continuing hunt forbeyond Earth.SETI@home, short forSearch for ExtraterrestrialIntelligence, was launched in1999 by scientists at UCBerkeley who over thecourse of two-plus decadesenlisted more than 5 million\"crowdsourced\" volunteerswilling to donate their homecomputers' processingcapacity to analyze datagenerated by momentaryenergy blips picked up bythe Arecibo Observatory inPuerto Rico.It was one of thepioneering efforts atdistributed computing in anera before supercomputersand high-speed Internetconnections. Under theproject, home usersdownloaded and installedfree software that could pickout signals deemed to be\"ET\" candidates from rawdata supplied by the 1,000-foot radio telescope atArecibo, which collapsed in2020The observatory wasdamaged by HurricaneMaria in 2017 and rebuilt,but it met its end a littlemore than three years laterbecause filled speltersockets that anchored themassive support cables hadbeen undergoing long-termchemical and mechanicaldegradation.The data was collectedover a period of 14 yearsand covered almost theentire sky visible to thetelescope as its operatorsperformed other tasks, suchas mapping solar systembodies and discoveringpulsars.From its data, the homecomputer users ultimatelyproduced 12 billiondetections. The vast majorityturned out to be radiofrequency interference fromman-made sources, such assatellites and earthboundradio and televisionbroadcasts, but researchersfor years continued todoggedly plow through thepossibilities.Billions of \"candidate\"radio signals narrowedto final 100Project co-founder DavidAnderson of UC Berkeley'sSpace Sciences Laboratorysaid he and his team spent adecade narrowing down thatmassive list to 1 millioncandidates and then to afinal 100, which are nowbeing investigated usingChina's 500-meter ApertureSpherical Telescope, alsoknown as FAST, in hopes offinding them again.And after that'scompleted, the long-runningprogram will officially be awrap, in part because it hasnow reached point ofdiminishing scientificreturns.\"The output of the firsttwo phases of SETI@homewere millions of what wecall signal candidates, whichare basically collections ofmomentary bursts of energyfrom the same place in thesky at about the samefrequency, but possiblyspread over many years,\"Anderson told UPI.\"And of course, there wasa lot of work involved inremoving the man-madeinterference from fromthese things and rankingthem, because at some pointwe had to go through themand manually inspect thesignal candidates to get ridof the ones that areobviously interference.\"A lot of that we could doby using computeralgorithms we developed,but in the end, we had tolook at these signalsourselves.\"To guide the developmentof those algorithms,Anderson and his team usedartificial candidates, or\"birdies,\" that modeledpersistent ET signals within arange of power andbandwidth parameters. Thebirdies were introducedblindly, allowing the team togauge how sensitive theirdetection system was.The only reason theywere able to generate theinitial billions of candidatesignals was due to the smallprocessors provided thehome-based volunteers,whose response at the startof effort in the late '90s wasoverwhelming, Andersonsaid.\"Whether there isextraterrestrial life is kind ofthe most importantunanswered scientificquestion at this point, and soI think we knew that we'dget some users,\" he said.\"We banked on, I think,50,000 people initially, whichwe thought we'd need tokeep up with the stream ofdata from Arecibo.\"We got a lot of nationalmedia coverage at right atthe beginning, and within thefirst year we had close to 1million participants. Weactually had to scramble tofigure out ways to use thatsurplus of computing powereffectively.\"UC Berkeley researchastronomer Eric Korpela,another co-founder of theprogram, said he felt a keen\"sense of accomplishment\"with SETI@home, both inthe sense of technicalachievements -- such as invastly increasing thesensitivity of signal detectionover existing spectroscopicmethods -- and in how itdemonstrated the intensityof worldwide public interestin the search for ET.\"We encountered a lot ofresistance from the SETIcommunity when we firststarted started this,\" he toldUPI. \"Whenever you start aproject with a large publicfacing component, there'salways the fear in a lot ofpeoples' minds that you aregoing to do somethingwrong and you're going toturn people off the entirefield.\"But, of course, I thinkthat wasn't the case. Instead,this really engaged the publicimagination, and I don't thinkthat we're necessarily donewith that. Someone couldagain tap into that sense offascination that people haveabout the search forextraterrestrial life.\"Many people still want tohave a connection to thissort of science, Korpela said,adding, \"I think that is really alarge part of our legacy.\"Others praise, assessimpact of SETI@homeOther researchers andorganizations deeplyinvolved in the search forextraterrestrial life alsopraised theaccomplishments and legacyof SETI@home as it wrapsup its mission.One of them is theNational Science FoundationNational Radio AstronomyObservatory and GreenBank Observatory in WestVirginia, trailblazers in radioastronomy and operatorsof Breakthrough Listen,described as the largest everscientific research programaimed at finding evidence ofcivilizations beyond Earth.Observatory publicinformation officer JillMalusky noted that herorganization and UCBerkeley's SETI ResearchCenter worked together onSETI@home, and that itswinding down won't severthat relationship.\"The NSF NRAO/GBOare big supporters of citizenscience projects, and we'reexcited about the impact ofSETI@home's legacythrough the tireless work ofits volunteers, and for thepublic recognition SETI canbring to efforts like these,\"she told UPI.\"The search for technosignatures andextraterrestrial life is a veryexciting part of the scientificresearch that the NSFNRAO's telescopes can do -- and it's one of theaccessible areas for thepublic to understand.\"Most staffers who work atthe West Virginiaobservatories were drawnthere \"by the same curiositywe all have when we look upat the universe -- are we theonly ones here? Is anyoneelse out there?\" she said.\"While what we find withour telescopes may not beas dramatic as we hope, likea sci-fi movie, it's stillexciting to have our workoverlap with the search.\"Similarly, prominentastrobiologist and SETIresearcher Douglas Vakochsaid SETI@homerevolutionized the searchfor life in the universe bysolving one of the greatestchallenges of looking forintelligence in space, andthat by doing so \"directlyinspired a new generation ofresearchers who areattempting first contact bysending powerful radiomessages to the stars.\"Vakoch is presidentof METI International, anonprofit research andeducational organizationdedicated to messagingextraterrestrial intelligence,and editor of many academicworks in several fields.He told UPI thatSETI@home was abreakthrough in that it wasable to combineSmart 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 53143February 5, 2026Volume 24 Number 3262-564-8800 • 1-800-568-6623 •www.hap2it.comstory continues on next pageThe Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the largest steerableradio telescope in the world, is shown at dusk in West Virginia.
4 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800In search for life elsewhere, researcherscreate new way to look for signalsResearchers fromBerkeley's SETI ResearchCenter and the Universityof Washington said theyhave found \"an excitingdevelopment\" in the searchfor extraterrestrialintelligence in the wayscientists search for possiblesignals from such life.Utilizing a scientificmethod for identifyingpotential signals fromadvanced civilizations, theanalysis identified 32 targetswithin the SETI Ellipsoid -- astrategic approach forselecting potential \"technosignature candidates\" basedon the hypothesis thatextraterrestrial civilizations,when observing significantgalactic events such assupernovae, might use thesestellar occurrences as afocal point to emitsynchronized signals toannounce their presence.Their findings werepublished in TheAstronomical Journal.Scientists involved in thestudy, which analyzed datafrom NASA's TransitingExoplanet SurveySatellite (TESS) mission, saidits innovation comes bycompensating for theuncertainties in theestimated time-of-arrival ofpossible signals fromintelligent forces. Thesesignals, researchers said, canspan over a year.The study's co-author,Barbara Cabrales, a researchintern at Berkeley SETIResearch Center, said thenew surveys of the sky\"provide groundbreakingopportunities to search fortechnosignatures coordinated with supernovae.\"This new developmentpaves the way for a betterframework on futuresearches for extraterrestriallife, and it comes during atime of renewed publicinterest in Unidentified ArielPhenomena andextraterrestrial life.\"The typical timinguncertainties involved are ofa couple months, so wewant to cover our bases byfinding targets that are welldocumented over thecourse of about a year,\"Cabrales added.But in addition to that,Cabrales said it is important\"to have as manyobservations as possible foreach target of interest, sothat we can determine whatlooks like normal behaviorand what might look like apotential technosignature,\"which is a measurableproperty that can providescientific evidence of past orpresent technology.By Chris Benson\"mainstream astronomy\"with the search forextraterrestrials, whichresearchers must \"constantlystruggle to justify\" as theyseek precious telescopetime.\"With SETI@home,scientists did both,\" Vakochsaid. \"As astronomerspointed the Arecibo radiotelescope at targets of theirchoice, SETI@home alsoanalyzed the incoming data,but this time for signals thatcan't be created by nature.SETI@home was designedso scientists could conductmainstream astronomy andsimultaneously determinewhether we're alone in theuniverse.\"in that way, instead ofbecoming an obstacle toastronomers seeking timeon the world's largest radiotelescope, SETI@home\"helped foster publicsupport and recognition forspace science.\"Its greatest legacy, he said,is that it is now \"guiding thenext generation ofinterstellar communication,\"including Vakoch's own METIproject, which rather thanlistening for radio signalsfrom space as SETI does,reverses the process bysending powerful radiosignals to nearby stars in thehope of eliciting a responsefrom an advancedcivilization.Despite thus far comingaway empty-handed in thesearch for ET, theSETI@home projectnonetheless provided manyvaluable insights, Andersonsaid.\"It was a 'whole sky'project that covered theeverything visible fromArecibo, and there's there's alot of technical things thatwe did, some of which wereright and others we woulddo differently if we had to goback,\" he said.\"So we learned a lot oflessons about how to doradio astronomy, andwe published two papers lastyear describing them.\"He added that thepowerful distributedcomputing systemestablished for SETI@homecan be used in the future forresearch in related areassuch as cosmology andpulsars, or even for medicalresearch.By Don Jacobsoncontinued from page 2Hunt for E.T.Is NASA hiding UFO evidence?It happened last summer,on July 9. Just as a video feedfrom the International SpaceStation (ISS), posted byNASA, showed anunidentified bright spot nearthe corner of the stream,the video feed cut out,prompting rumors thatNASA is once again tryingto cover up the existence ofUFOs.NASA’s reassurances thatthe video feed interruptionis a common occurrencehave failed to placateeveryone. UFO believers saythat the US government’slong history of cover-upsmake it easy to believe thatthis might just be one more.“NASA seems like theagency people love to hate,”Dr. Seth Shostak of theSearch for ExtraterrestrialIntelligence (SETI) andNASA told the ChristianScience Monitor by phone.“They love to look at newphotos of Pluto, but everytime a camera cuts out, theyare convinced there arealiens and a cover-upinvolved.”Dr. Shostak says videointerruptions happen all thetime. The ISS often movesout of range of the Trackingand Data Relay Satellites,cutting off the video feed,creating the same sort ofscenario that happened lastsummer.As for the blip on thescreen right before the feedcut off, it was most likely asmall object, not far fromthe camera, that wasprobably moving ratherslowly relative to the spacestation. Even a tiny drop ofwater looks big and brightand quick when it is twentyfeet away, says Shostak.Shostak points out that itwould be unreasonable forNASA to cover up evidenceof alien visitation, as such anevent would likely increaseNASA’s funding.Much of the country’sinterest in UFOs wassparked in the 1960s,Shostak says, when rumorsabout Area 51 intrigued thecountry. Yet by that time,strong radio signals had onlybeen going out into theuniverse for just over adecade, barely enough timeto reach a small number ofstar systems in the nearvicinity. If aliens wereresponding to a call, theywould have already been inthe neighborhood. And inthat case, why didn’t theycome visit before?In fact, Shostak says thateven today, only a fewthousand star systems havereceived radio transmissionsthat began broadcasting inthe 1950s, making itmathematically unlikely thataliens are giving the ISS theflyby treatment.“Even a Klingon colonyjust over 30 light years awaycouldn’t have sent anybodyto visit us yet,” Shostak tellsthe Monitor. “It would takeabout 30 years for ourmessage to have gottenthere, and another 30 forthe aliens to return.”“It is a very peculiar beliefto me,” he says.Yet despite their apparentimprobability, conspiracytheories about UFOsightings and governmentcover ups abound.A 2012 NationalGeographic poll indicatedthat approximately 80million Americans, or 36percent of the country,believe that UFOs exist.More shockingly, a whopping77 percent of Americansbelieve that there are signsthat aliens have visited theEarth, according to ABCNews.If simple explanations areso much easier to provide,why are conspiracy theoriesso popular?It comes down to a deeplyheld distrust for those inpower, says University ofFlorida’s Mark Fenster, theauthor of ConspiracyTheories: Secrecy andPower In American Culture.And when it comes toinformation about space andspace exploration, Mr.Fenster told the Monitor ina phone interview, NASAand the US government holda near monopoly.“People are suspicious ofany sort of power and holdover information,” says Dr.Fenster, “When thegovernment reports onwhat they’ve found, anysuspicious person willquestion what thegovernment has released.”This deep suspicion,Fenster says, stems fromAmerica’s cultural identity asa postcolonial society. 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5 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800When can law enforcement use force, and how is it investigated? 3 questions answered.The deaths of ReneeGood and Alex Pretti inMinneapolis have raisedquestions around theconstraints on the use oflethal force by federal lawenforcement officers in anAmerican city and how fatalincidents are investigated.On Jan. 7, Jonathan Ross –an officer with Immigrationand Customs Enforcement(ICE) – shot Ms. Goodthrough the window of hercar as she started drivingaway. On Jan. 24, officials withCustoms and BorderProtection (CBP) shot Mr.Pretti after tackling him ashe filmed their actions withhis cellphone. Thegovernment has said each ofthe shooters acted in selfdefense.The shootings, recordedin real time by bystanders ontheir cellphones, spreadquickly on social media. Thevideos appear to contradictstatements from Trumpadministration officials thatthe two U.S. citizens engagedin acts of “domesticterrorism,” and sparkedprotests in cities across thecountry.President Donald Trumpdispatched his “border czar,”Tom Homan, to Minneapolisin late January to de-escalatetensions. Mr. Homanannounced a comingdrawdown of federal lawenforcement, based onstronger immigrationenforcement cooperationwith local authorities. Henoted that federal agentswho don’t uphold standardsof “integrity, professionalism,and compassion” will be“dealt with.” That followedcalls from an increasingnumber of Republicanlawmakers for impartialinvestigations of the twoincidents.When is the use oflethal forceacceptable, and whenis it not?The use of lethal force –by state, federal, or localofficers – is governed bythe Fourth Amendment,which protects individualsfrom unreasonable searchesand seizures. U.S. SupremeCourt rulings have definedthe use of lethal force as“seizure,” meaning it can belegally justified in certaincircumstances.Two Supreme Court casesdefined thatstandard. Tennessee v.Garner (1985) set theprecedent that an officermay not use deadly force ona suspect who is fleeing,unless the officer is under adirect threat.Building upon theprecedent, Graham v.Connor (1989) held that anofficer’s actions are assessedbased on “objectivereasonableness,” consideringwhat an officer’s mostreasonable judgment wouldbe in the moment withoutthe benefit of hindsight.Department ofJustice guidelines for itsofficers state that they “mayuse force only when noreasonably effective, safe, andfeasible alternative appearsto exist and may use only thelevel of force that areasonable officer on thescene would use under thesame or similarcircumstances.” (All federallaw enforcement agencieswere required in 2022 toadopt guidelines that matchor exceed the JusticeDepartment policy.)The use of deadly forcerequires that the officer isfacing a threat to their life inthat specific moment, notmerely weighing thepotential of a future threat,attempting to flee, orengaging in a verbalaltercation, according toBrandon Garrett, aprofessor at Duke UniversitySchool of Law.Cases in which lethal forceis deemed unusual occur ifthe officer violates safetyprotocol, such as notidentifying themselves as lawenforcement, using forceagainst a fleeing suspect,firing warning shots, orplacing themselves directly inharm’s way. Using lethalforce is reliant upon anofficer’s assessment ofwhether a subject will causelegitimate harm.In the two Minneapoliscases, administration officialshave argued that the officersdid face imminent threats.Ms. Good was behind thewheel of a car and hadstarted driving. Mr. Pretti hadbeen lawfully carrying aconcealed handgun, whichmade him more of a threatto the CBP officers,administration officials haveargued. “You can’t walk inwith guns,” President Trumpsaid.But if a law enforcementofficer is feeling threatened,there are still steps thatthey’re supposed to takebefore using lethal force.“Lots of people have cars.Lots of people are allowedto have firearms in thiscountry. Just because theperson has a weapon doesnot mean that they pose adeadly threat to you,” saysProfessor Garrett. “Youabsolutely are supposed touse verbal warnings andassess whether the personactually poses a deadly[threat]. ... It can’t just bepreventative.”Are there differencesin the application oflethal force betweenfederal and local lawenforcement agencies?While all law enforcementofficers are subject to theFourth Amendment,accountability and trainingpolicies vary by agency. It’sunclear, however – givenevents in Minneapolis so far– how those policies varyand the extent to whichthey’re being followed.At a City Council meetingin West St. Paul, police ChiefBrian Sturgeon told hisconstituents that ICE has “adifferent playbook.”“They have a playbookthat I am not trained in,”he added. “They have aplaybook that we disagreewith on some aspects.”On paper, guidelines set bythe Department ofHomeland Security – whichhouses both ICE and CBP –reinforce the SupremeCourt’s “reasonableness”precedent.“Courts allow for the factthat [law enforcementofficers] are often forced tomake split-secondjudgments, in circumstancesthat are tense, uncertain, andrapidly evolving,” states theDHS’ policy outline that waslast updated in 2023. Anofficer, it adds, “shall only usethe force that is objectivelyreasonable in light of thefacts ... at the time force isapplied.”The latest revisionsinstruct that each DHSofficer undergoes both deescalation and use-of-forcetraining annually. Agents areinstructed to employ tacticsthat “promote” the safety ofboth officers and individuals,making decisions that“minimize risk.” Officers arealso instructed to “avoidintentionally placingthemselves in positions inwhich they have noalternative to using deadlyforce.”Two CBP agents whoopened fire on Mr. Prettiwere placed on leave. It’sunclear if Mr. Ross has facedany internal discipline.How is a fatalshooting by a federallaw enforcementofficer supposed to beinvestigated?States can prosecutefederal officers, but onlyunder limited conditions.The supremacy clause of theConstitution holds thatfederal law preempts statelaws when the two conflict.However, if a federal officeris found to be acting outsidethe bounds of their duties,state authorities canproceed with aninvestigation and, potentially,a prosecution, according tothe State DemocracyResearch Initiative at theUniversity of WisconsinSchool of Law. In practice, it’sbeen difficult for stateprosecutors to bring chargesagainst federal officers oragents.In cases like the Minnesotashootings, investigations aretypically carried out jointlyby both state and federalagencies, experts say. Thathas not been the case inMinneapolis. JusticeDepartment officials kickedstate agencies out of theinvestigation into Ms. Good’sdeath. After Mr. Pretti’sshooting, state officialstook unusual legalmeasures to secure evidencefrom the scene. The JusticeDepartment has reportedlyasked Homeland SecurityInvestigations, a branch ofICE, to lead the Prettiinvestigation, with the FBIassisting, in anotherdeparture from protocol.Minnesota lawmakers haveraised concerns that federalinvestigations will not be fairand impartial.It’s unclear if the officersinvolved will face criminalprosecution or a civillawsuit, but a thorough andindependent investigation isimportant not just fordetermining potential legalconsequences, but for thelaw enforcement professionin general, legal experts say.“Uses of deadly force arethe highest-priorityinvestigations,” saysProfessor Garrett. “All usesof force by any federalofficers, or any agency, haveto be documented andinvestigated.”“That’s what anyprofessional policedepartment in this countrydoes,” he adds. “They’re alsosupposed to do apostmortem to figure outhow to prevent it fromhappening again.”By Henry Gass & Victoria HoffmanAn officer aims a weapon at a home during an immigration raid in St. Paul, Minnesota, daysafter an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot Renee Good on January 18th.
6 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800When Chinese Gen.Zhang Youxia visited thesprawling U.S. infantry baseat Fort Benning, Georgia, in2012, he leaped at thechance to fire an AmericanM240 machine gun, unlikeother generals in thedelegation.A distinguished combatveteran of China’s 1979 warwith Vietnam and laterbattles, General Zhang stoodout in the People’sLiberation Army, the militarywing of the CommunistParty and an organizationimbued with politicalcommissars at every level.His battlefield credentialsmade General Zhang anatural to help lead acampaign to modernize thePLA and ready it to “fightand win” wars after he andChinese leader Xi Jinpingwere elevated, a few monthslater, to China’s powerfulCentral MilitaryCommission (CMC).Yet those strengths – aswell as his close family tieswith Mr. Xi – did not saveGeneral Zhang from adramatic downfall. As vicechairman of the CMC,second only to Mr. Xi in thePLA command, and as Mr.Xi’s chief military adviser,General Zhang became oneof the highest-ranking PLAofficers to be investigatedfor corruption and disloyaltyas part of Mr. Xi’s sweepingpurge of the Chinesemilitary.“It’s a huge deal ... aShakespearean moment inChinese politics,” saysJonathan Czin, a Chinaexpert at the BrookingsInstitution.And one that has rippleeffects far beyond the fall ofa single general. Theunprecedented purge willlikely go after officersassociated with GeneralZhang next, affecting moralewithin China’s rapidlyexpanding military, one ofthe world’s largest and mostformidable armed forces. ForChina-watchers, the recentdevelopments offer a rareglimpse into the innerworkings of the military,suggesting that a Taiwaninvasion is not imminent. Itcould also signal thatpolitical infighting isintensifying as Mr. Xi headstoward a fourth five-yearterm in 2027, with no clearsuccessor.Ousting General Zhangmarks “a real shift,” says Mr.Czin, a former senior analystof Chinese politics for theU.S. intelligence community.“This is really Xi going afterone of his own,” he says.“Nobody is safe ... and itshows just how coldblooded Xi is willing to be.”Turning on an old friendBoth Mr. Xi and GeneralZhang are “princelings,” orsons of revolutionaryleaders, and their fatherswere comrades duringChina’s Civil War. They werefriends growing up in nearbycompounds in Beijing, andMr. Xi promoted GeneralZhang, seen as his closestmilitary adviser, in 2022, andkept him on past theretirement age.General Zhang “hadeverything Xi could want –loyalty, pedigree, intelligence,respect, and a long-standingrelationship,” says DrewThompson, a senior fellow atthe S. Rajaratnam School ofInternational Studies inSingapore, who hostedGeneral Zhang’s 2012 U.S.visit as director for China atthe U.S. DefenseDepartment. “Obviously,something came betweenthem.”A recent editorial in theofficial PLA Daily accusedGeneral Zhang and hisprotégé and fellow combatveteran, Gen. Liu Zhenli, ofdisloyalty. It stated they“seriously trampled uponand undermined the CMCChairman ResponsibilitySystem” – a reference to Mr.Xi’s leadership – andendangered CommunistParty rule.Mr. Xi sent a message withthe harsh and publicdisgracing of General Zhang,who could have beenallowed to retire quietly, Mr.Czin says. While China’shigh-level politics areshrouded in secrecy, someexperts believe GeneralZhang’s influence is such thatMr. Xi may have beenconcerned he could act as analternative kingmaker if heand his network were notthoroughly discredited.General Zhang also sits onthe party’s powerful rulingPolitburo.Yet on a practical level, he“was the one active-dutyPLA officer who could giveXi the best, most objectiveadvice” about PLAcapabilities andshortcomings, the risks of aTaiwan invasion, and “thehuman cost of militaryconflict,” Mr. Thompson says.Indeed, both GeneralZhang and General Liu“were very rarecommodities in the PLAtoday,” says Shanshan Mei, apolitical scientist at Randspecializing in Chinesedefense policy. Their frontline experience was “verymuch in alignment with thedirection of where [Mr. Xi]wanted the PLA to go,” shesays.The bombshellannouncement leaves theCMC with only twomembers – instead of theusual seven – at the pinnacleof China’s 2 million-strongmilitary: Mr. Xi, the chairman,and Gen. Zhang Shengmin, acareer political commissarwho runs the DisciplineInspection Commission, thechief investigator running Mr.Xi’s anti-corruption drive.Corruption has long beenwidespread within the PLA,fueled in recent decades by“a tsunami of money” tosupport China’s militarybuildup, says Evan Sankey, apolicy analyst at the CatoInstitute focused on U.S.policy toward China.The latest wave of highlevel purges started in 2023and focused on misconductby senior leaders of China’sstrategic-missile force andequipment department. Itexpanded to topple China’sthen-defense minister, LiShangfu, and in October2025, nine other topgenerals were dismissed.Mr. Xi has used the anticorruption campaign as apolitical tool to eliminaterivals – real or perceived –and steadily increase hisdominance. And GeneralZhang’s investigation takesthis to a new level.Will this weaken China’sarmy?The fall of General Zhang,who was highly regardedinside the PLA, is likely tohurt the military’s esprit decorps, experts say.“This is a big blow tomorale and trust in thePLA,” says Dr. Mei. “Everyonewill be panicking and riskaverse.”And while day-to-daymilitary operations such astraining and exercises areunlikely to be impacted,experts say Mr. Xi’shollowing out of the CMCcould mean that a majormilitary campaign, such as aninvasion of Taiwan, is lesslikely at present. Evenreconstituting the CMC bypromoting younger, lessseasoned officers will taketime.“Without an experiencedleadership that trusts oneanother, it would be verydifficult for him [Mr. Xi] tohave command and controlover a force in a verydynamic wartime situation,”says Mr. Thompson.China’s ultimate aim ofunifying with Taiwan – theisland democracy of 23million people that theCommunist-led governmentclaims as its territory but hasnever ruled – will notchange, says Dr. Mei. “Butwho is going to commandthis kind of complexoperation?”The personnel shake-upsuggests that in the shortterm, Mr. Xi may not have “abig plan to wage a war” overTaiwan, she says. “I don’tthink it’s logical for anyonewho wants to do that nowto gut your own highcommand.”By Ann Scott TysonMembers of China's People's Liberation Army Rocket Force march in formation during a parade tocommemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China in Beijing, Oct. 1, 2019.The toppling of General Zhang is ‘a Shakespearean moment’ for ChinaSR060525Call Alex at 262-344-6736For a free estimateCall Alex at 262-344-6736For a free estimateAlex Fence & Repairs lex Fence & RepairsWhy settle for wood posts when you can get lifetime steel posts. 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7 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800OPINIONRemember Davos.Here’s a hope and a prayer,offered up to moderateRepublicans: Remember theanguish. Store that sickfeeling of watching the stockmarket crater, knowing thelosses were harmingpersonal investments, smalland large businesses, indeed,the economic vitality of thenation.Recall all events related toGreenland in recent weeks.Markets tanked and theupheaval over the decadesold NATO alliance was dueto the antics of the presidentof the United States, a manwhom many moderateRepublicans voted for once,if not twice.The danger is in forgetting.President Donald Trumphas walked back takingGreenland by military force,indicating that some type of“framework of a deal” hasbeen reached instead. Histhreatened tariffs will be setaside – for now.The Dow Jones IndustrialAverage closed nearly 600points higher at the end ofJanuary 21, the same dayTrump retreated on hisplans, after a ranting speechhe gave at the WorldEconomic Forum in Davos,Switzerland.But for a brief politicalmoment, the saga over thepresident’s obsession withGreenland brought newrecruits together to questionTrump’s sanity and fitness foroffice.Polling captured it. AQuinnipiac University pollfound that 86% of votersopposed a U.S. militarytakeover of Greenland. Someof the percentages could beanticipated, with 95% ofDemocrats, and 94% ofIndependents in opposition.But the 68% ofRepublicans opposed toTrump’s Greenland gambit isnotable; signaling that thereare limits to what GOPvoters will tolerate.The nation needs thesemoderate voices, people lessapt to spend their dayspounding out visceral hatredor adoration of the presidenton their Facebook pages,mostly to their like-mindedfriends.Trump’s pledge of “thecomplete and total purchaseof Greenland” hit a mark. Forsome voters, it came on theheels of the U.S. kidnappingOPINIONCongress is debatingmajor funding bills thatwould avoid another ofthose phony government“shutdowns” nowscheduled for January 30.One sticking point is thatDemocrats want to eitherdefund ICE, or greatlyreduce its budget eventhough it is following thelaw in arresting anddeporting people fromother countries, some ofwhom have committedcrimes while here.Adding nothing positiveto this debate is MittRomney, the formerRepublican nominee forpresident in 2012.In a lengthy letter to theeditor of The Wall StreetJournal, Romney seems tobe channeling Democratswhen he writes that he isfine with tax increasesbecause “…continuing toadd to the national debt ata rate far greater than thegrowth of the economycan’t go on forever.” It cango on long enough to resultin serious consequences ifCongress refuses toaddress the main problem,which is not revenue, butspending. Romney is at thewrong end of the debate.The U.S. government hasbeen taking in recordamounts of revenue, largelydriven by a surge in tariffcollections under PresidentTrump’s policies. Totalrevenues have reached newhighs, exceeding $5 trillionin Fiscal Year 2025.Individual income taxeshave reached record levelsin recent years, significantlyboosting federal coffers.Yet, the national debt isapproaching $39 trillion.Visit USDebtClock.org andsee how many numbers arein red and quickly rising.So total revenue has hitnew highs, individualincome taxes are at recordlevels (though down slightlyunder President Trump) butthe debt keeps rising. Raiseyour hand if you know why.Yes, it’s because spendingkeeps increasing anddespite efforts by ElonMusk and his DOGE crew,Congress appears unwillingto reduce spending andborrow more money.These arguments arefamiliar to most peoplewho are paying attentionand care about the future,but fewer seem to becauseso many are receivinggovernment benefits.Nearly 100 millionAmericans – about onethird of the totalpopulation – received someform of governmentassistance in 2019,according to a 2023estimate from theDepartment of Health andHuman Services. We’veheard the howls fromDemocrats and the mediawhen there are suggestionsto cut anything, includingthe rate of increasedspending, along withunnecessary and fraudulentspending.Human nature tells usthat the more people relyon others – in this casegovernment – the less likelythey are to rely onthemselves.At the end of his letterto the editor of the Journal,Mitt Romney writes, “I’m agreat deal more concernedabout the future of thecountry than the size of mytax bill.” If that is true,Romney should be focusedon cutting spending andreducing debt before givingWashington another dime,whether it’s his dime ordimes from the rest of us.In an address to thenation on April 24, 1985,President Ronald Reagansaid: “No matter how hardyou work, no matter howstrong this economy grows,no matter how much moretax money comes toWashington, it won’tamount to a hill of beans ifgovernment won’t curb itsendless appetite to spend.Overspending is thesubject we must nowaddress – how budgets gotso far out of balance and,yes, what together we canand must do to correctthis. … Every dollar thegovernment spends comesout of your pockets. Everydollar the government givesto someone has to first betaken away from someoneelse. So, it’s our moral dutyto make sure that we canjustify every one of yourtax dollars, that we spendthem wisely and carefullyand, just as important,fairly.”Mitt Romney shouldwatch Reagan’s address.A Republican whowants to raisetaxeswith 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 turnstory continues on page 7And just like that, Greenland was sparedwith Mary SanchezReaders can reach MarySanchez [email protected] follow her on [email protected] view of a bus shelter at Pennsylvania Avenue and 22ndStreet NW where an electronic billboard and a poster displaythe current U.S. National debt per person and as a nation at38 Trillion dollars on October 28, 2025 in Washington, DCUS President Donald Trump speaks during the \"Special Addressby Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of Americasession\" at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos.Mary Sanchez joinsHappenings Q&A on Thu Feb 19th at 9:20am on AM1050 WLIP
8 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800OPINIONJanuary proved to be apolitically disastrous monthfor the Trumpadministration and for thepresident. Why? And that isthe reason. Why has no onein the administration askedthe president why he isdoing what he is doing?Minneapolis andGreenland are but two ofDonald Trump's bête noirsthat are destroying hiscredibility to govern. Threedays from now, if thegovernment shuts down,even partially, it will be hisfault -- no matter whom theRepublicans blame. Again,why?In Minneapolis, even anon-cynical observer wouldwonder why theadministration would send3,000 seemingly ill-trained,ill-prepared andundisciplined Immigrationand Customs Enforcementand Customs and BorderProtection agents into thatcity, especially when theCBP does not operate inurban environments.Assuming Deputy Chiefof Staff Stephen Miller, whohas taken on enforcementof immigration as his sacredmission, was largelyresponsible for thedeployment, he must haveknown the situation wouldbecome explosive. If he didnot, he should resign or befired.Why Minnesota? It wasan easy target. The GeorgeFloyd murder duringTrump's first team led tothe Black Lives Mattermovement and a great dealviolence. Could revengehave been part of Miller'smotivation?The Somali fraud casewas another reason.Potentially billions of dollarswere stolen from taxpayers.It is unclear whether theMinnesota government fullyunderstood and acted inaccordance with the size ofthe scandal.Finally, how wasMinnesota Gov. Tim Waltzspending much of the backend of last year? He wasrunning for vice president.Hence, sending in thecavalry accomplished thehat trick and would lead toprotests that Miller coulduse to punish and blameDemocrats.But a handful of bulletsand images of a 5-year-oldin the cold; an old man inhis underwear andresidents being violentlyhandled by a highly armed,armored and masked rabblecould not be reversed.Obviously, it takes two tofight. However, why did noone in the administrationask if this massivedeployment was a good orbad idea and what theconsequences might havebeen?If they had, Trump couldhave been a hero. He couldhave called Waltz orMinneapolis Mayor JacobFrey in advance and said\"We have a list of the veryworst of the illegals andwant to arrest or deportthem. We realize this is asanctuary city. So can wework together?\"That was not done untilthe killing, and I wouldargue the cold-bloodedmurder, of Alex Pretti onSaturday. HomelandSecurity Secretary KristiNoem, probably influencedby her senior adviser, CoreyLewandowski, and withouta shred of evidence, calledPretti a domestic terrorist.And Miller chimed in thatPretti was an assassin. Thevideos could not have beenmore damning andrevealing.To repeat: Why did noone in Trump's inner circle,after the killing of ReneeGood, and see howImmigration and CustomsEnforcement and and CBPagents were acting ask thepresident if this was still agood idea? Fortunately,someone intervened. Andthe situation that was outof control in Minneapolisseems to be calming down -- hopefully for good.Then there wasGreenland. The president, itis said, had eyes onGreenland for some time,even before he was firstelected. But why buy it? Hadno one, not even thechairman of the JointChiefs, told the presidentthat based on the 1951treaty with Denmark, theUnited States had carteblanche on Greenland? Atone time during the ColdWar, the United States had15 bases there, and onesecret base was reportedto have its own nuclearreactor.Buying Greenland, asidefrom provoking a NATOcrisis with the threat ofinvading and occupying itagainst the overwhelmingmajority of Greenlandersopposed to U.S. ownership,would give no advantagebeyond what the treatyallows.Why then even raise theissue, and why did none ofTrump's advisers make thatcase? Perhaps if they did,they knew that once thepresident had decided,resistance was bothpointless and probably afiring offense.Let me be blunt: Like it ornot, we can have only onepresident at a time. Hence,it is the responsibility of allcitizens -- Democrats,Republicans andindependents -- to besupportive when or if theycan. And we need to speakup when we believe anypresident is off course.That leads to final \"why.\"Why have none of 53senators of one partychallenged the presidentwhen each knew he was offcourse? Why indeed?Minneapolis,Greenland destroyTrump's credibilityto governwith Harlan Ullmanmy turnHarlan Ullman is UPI'sArnaud de BorchgraveDistinguished Columnist; senioradviser at Washington'sAtlantic Council, chairman of aprivate company and principalauthor of the doctrine ofshock and awe. His next book,co-written with Field MarshalThe Lord David Richards,former U.K. chief of defenseand due out next year, is WhoThinks Best Wins: PreventingStrategic Catastrophe. Thewriter can be reached on [email protected] Ullman joinsHappenings Q&A on Fri Feb 12th at 9:20am on AM1050 WLIPFlowers, candles and photographs are left at a makeshift memorialfor Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive careunit nurse, was fatally shot by U.S. Border Patrol and Customs andBorder Protection agents the day before. of Venezuelan dictatorNicolas Maduro. Thatintervention was certainlyabout oil (even Trumpadmitted that). Does theadministration really carethat much about the drugtrade in Venezuela and thedrug overdoses in the U.S.?.Trump’s desire to ownGreenland, to shatterdecades-long, carefullyforged relationships withinNATO stirred deepconcerns over the possibilitythat the U.S. would leverageits military weight in theArctic.Moderate Republicans, aswell as “law and order”constituents and thosecommitted to limitedgovernment that oncehelped build the Americanmiddle class, took note inways they hadn’t done prior.And then just like that, thechaos calmed.This fact is hard for someof Trump’s fiercest critics toaccept; but not everyone isbothered by the president’sbrazen attacks on the rule oflaw, due process, and humanrights. Ramped upimmigration enforcement isa great example. Casestudies will be done of thisera in the U.S.Future social scientists willcite any number ofconstitutional violations ofthis administration toillustrate how good peoplecan rationalize outrageousbehavior, how, if they don’tidentify with those people,they can set asidehorrendous abuses ofothers.In fact, this happens whenwe think of others as “thosepeople,” not like ourselves.Immigration, threats toDemocratic-led cities, andpoliticians are currentexamples.But the fact that moremoderate Republicans werestirred out of their comfortlevels over Greenlandshouldn’t be wasted. It’s anentry point, a place to askpeople to remain inquisitive,to seek out facts, to questionTrump’s motivations andthose of his loyal cabinetmembers.The rest of the worldremains attentive. Europeannations will no longer lettheir financial stability begoverned by whatevertrouble Trump decides tounleash next.The absurdity of thisentire episode was laid outin an article by The Times ofLondon headlined: “HowNATO angered Trump byaccident – a timeline ofGreenland tensions.”The article detailed aseries of events about aplanned mission, a briefdeployment to Greenland oftroops from France,Germany, Sweden, Norway,Finland, the Netherlands, andthe UK, that took off onMAGA channels and then lita fire under Trump.The mission’s intent wasto show NATO ability tomaintain security.The walk off quote of thearticle was from an unnamedUK government official, whoeven anonymously stated thequandary dead center: “Wecan’t control what is beingbroadcast on U.S. networksand what is being whisperedinto the ear of thepresident.”True.But we can document it,remember it, and quitmaking excuses for thisunpresidential anddangerous president.Mary Sanchezcontinued from page 6
9 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Most of us eat better ifwe're in a better state ofmind. The relationshipbetween nutrition andmental health is the subjectof a growing number ofstudies.For example, recentstudies have identifiedbenefits in helping reducedepression for those whoeat according to theMediterranean diet pattern.A 2019 review published inThe American Journal ofClinical Nutrition foundthat just increasing fruit andvegetable consumptionpositively impactspsychological health, anddaily vegetableconsumption has atherapeutic impact byreducing symptoms ofdepression in people withclinical depression. Why? Ahealthy diet provides morevitamins and minerals;healthy fats; and fiber fromfruits, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and seeds,which can reduceinflammation and alterneurotransmitters toreduce symptoms ofdepression.More recently, an April2022 study published inCurrent Developments inNutrition assessed theeffect of the Mediterraneandiet pattern in treatingmoderate to severedepression among malesages 18 to 25. The basics ofthe pattern are more fruits,vegetables, fish, wholegrains and healthy fats suchas olive oil. Study participants had allbeen diagnosed with majordepressive disorder andwere divided into a dietintervention group and acontrol group for a 12-week, parallel-grouprandomized controlledtrial. The diet interventiongroup received nutritionalcounseling and assistance inmeal planning to adhere tothe Mediterranean dietpattern. They attended a60-minute nutritionalcounseling appointmentconducted by a clinicalnutritionist who offeredpersonalized dietary advice,goal setting and mindfuleating strategies to supportadherence to theMediterranean diet. Theyalso were providedinformation on servingsizes, sample meal plans,recipes, dining-out optionsand a daily online diethistory survey. In contrast,participants in the controlgroup attended\"befriending\" supportsessions in whichresearchers discussedneutral topics of interestsuch as movies, sports, andhobbies. Befriendingsupport was chosen for itsability to control factorsthat can confoundrandomized controlled trialresults. Researchers found thediet intervention groupshowed significantimprovements indepressive symptoms, witha mean reduction of 20.6points on the BeckDepression InventoryScale, compared with areduction of 6.2 points forthe control group. The bottom line? Eatinghealthy according to theMediterranean diet patterncan make a difference inyour mental health as wellas your physical health. Charlyn Fargo is aregistered dietitian withSIU Med School inSpringfield, Ill. food & recipesMediterranean forMental HealthNutrition News with Charlyn FargoMocha MousseServes 68 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate,cut into pieces or chips1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces1/4 cup room temp brewed espresso or strongcoffee3 large egg yolks1/4 cup creme fraiche6 large egg whitesPinch of saltGarnish1/2 cup heavy cream, whippedChocolate curls, grated chocolate, strawberriesor blueberries1. In the top part of a double boiler, combinethe chocolate and butter on medium heat andmelt slowly. When melted, add theespresso/coffee and whisk to combine. Add theegg yolks and beat them into the mocha untilwell-combined. Let it cool.2. Add the creme fraiche to the cooledchocolate mixture and mix until it is wellblended.3. In a large mixing bowl, or with an electricmixer, beat the egg whites with the salt untilvery stiff.4. Fold the mocha mixture into the egg whitescarefully, making sure that there are no lumps.Use a rubber spatula to carefully fold the eggwhites into the mocha mixture. Pour themixture into a 1-quart serving bowl orindividual serving goblets and chill at least for 2to 4 hours or until completely set.5. Decorate each serving with whipped creamand the grated chocolate or chocolate curls. Tomake chocolate curls, use a swivel peeler andshave off the chocolate.You can also decoratewith raspberries and blueberries.The highlight offreezing February isValentine’s Day.Not for going outto lunch or dinner,where the bigcrowds rivalMother’s Day mealservice. For me, it’sall about the meal Iprepare at home. Itry to cook up asimple steak, vealchop or fish filetwith a vegetableside so I have roomto enjoy thisluxuriouslydecadent mousse.This recipe is a variation I learned while living in Paris. Seriously Simple to put together, themousse can even be made in the morning, covered with plastic wrap and decorated right beforeserving. I also love that this mousse incorporates my two favorite flavors: chocolate and coffee.The coffee accentuates the chocolate flavor.Egg whites are carefully beaten into a cloud of fluffiness and lighten up the mocha mixture.Cream fraiche adds a slightly sour, yet creamy tang. Make sure to use a rubber spatula to carefullyfold the egg whites into the mousse. Use good-quality chocolate like Ghirardelli, Guittard orValrhona for the best flavor.By Diane Rossen WorthingtonServings: 41 pound flank steak, trimmed2 tablespoons avocado oil or canola oil1 clove garlic, minced1 tablespoon chili powder1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder1 teaspoon ground cumin1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground pepper1/4 teaspoon kosher saltDRESSING1/4 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro, finelychopped1/4 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt2 tablespoons mayonnaise1 teaspoon lime zest2 tablespoons lime juice1 clove garlic, minced1 teaspoon honey1/8 teaspoon kosher saltSALAD6 cups chopped romaine lettuce1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawedOne 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed1 large orange or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro2 tablespoons pepitasTo prepare steak & rub: Place steak in large glassdish. In small bowl, combine oil, garlic, chilipowder, cocoa, cumin, cinnamon, pepper and 1/4teaspoon kosher salt. Rub mixture on both sidesof steak. Cover and refrigerate for 1 1/2 to 2hours. Meanwhile, prepare dressing: In separate smallbowl, whisk cilantro, yogurt, mayonnaise, lime zest,lime juice, garlic, honey and salt. To cook steak: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cleanand oil grates. Grill steak to desired doneness, 4to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare (130-135degrees F on instant-read thermometer). Transferto clean cutting board and let rest 4 to 5 minutesbefore slicing. To prepare salad: In large bowl, combine lettuce,corn, beans, bell pepper and onion. Add dressingand toss to coat. Slice steak thinly across thegrain. Divide salad among 4 plates, top with steakand sprinkle with feta, cilantro and pepitas, ifusing.Per serving: 467 calories, 36 g protein, 32 gcarbohydrate, 22 g fat (5 g saturated), 83 mgcholesterol, 9 g fiber, 7 g sugars, 538 mg sodium.Chili-Rubbed Flank Steak Salad
10 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Tax season has arrived andafter the passage of the 2025tax bill, millions are going tosee changes from theprevious year.Here’s what you need toknow before you begin theprocess:Key dates and filingtipsThe deadline is April 15,2026. The IRS recommendselectronic filing with directdeposit for faster refunds—typically within 21 days. Forthose who are still clingingto filing paper returns bymail, it can take four weeksor more to process yourreturn – and the error rateon paper returns is higherthan that of electronic ones.Wait to file until you havereceived all incomedocuments, like W-2s,1099/1099-INT forms,unemployment benefits,dividends, pensions, andretirement distributions.Standard vs. itemizeddeductionsAfter calculating grossincome, you will reduce itthrough either the Standardor Itemized Deduction.About 90 percent oftaxpayers file Standard,because it has increasedsteadily over the pastdecade.This year it is $31,500 formarried couples filing jointly(MFJ), $15,750 for singlefilers, and $23,625 for headsof household. The remaining10% of filers will itemizeindividual expenses if theirtotal exceeds the standardamount.Changes for 2025Several temporaryprovisions (2025-2028) offernew tax relief, but most havelimitations.Senior bonusTaxpayers 65+ receive anadditional $6,000 deductionper person, phasing outabove $150,000 AdjustedGross Income (AGI) for jointfilers ($75,000 for others).Tips and overtimeQualified tip income gets adeduction up to $25,000,while overtime earns up to$12,500 ($25,000 joint).Both phase out at $150,000individual/$300,000 joint.Auto loan interestDeduct up to $10,000 ofpassenger vehicle loaninterest on new vehiclesassembled in the U.S. Acouple of caveats: The loanmust have been taken outafter December 31, 2024,and the deduction phasesout at $100,000individual/$200,000 MFJ.SALT cap increaseThe state and local taxdeduction cap rises from$10,000 to $40,000 through2029 for taxpayers earningunder $500,000, thenpermanently reverts to$10,000.Gig economy and sidehustlesAll income from part-timework, gig activities, or sales istaxable. If you earned$20,000 with over 200transactions, you’ll receiveForm 1099-K from paymentprocessors. Regardless ofreceiving forms, report allincome—including profitsfrom selling personal itemslike clothing or furniture.Free tax assistanceIRS Free File — Availablefor taxpayers with 2025 AGIof $89,000 or less throughpartnerships with taxsoftware companies. Thoseabove this threshold can useFree File Fillable Forms.VITA program —Provides free preparation forindividuals earning $69,000or less, persons withdisabilities, and limitedEnglish speakers. TaxCounseling for the Elderlyserves those 60+ withretirement and pensionquestions.MilTax — Offers freefederal and up to three statereturns for militarymembers and someveterans, with no incomerestrictions.If you don’t qualify for freeassistance, don’t panic!Whatever software you usewill prompt you to capturethe relevant credits,deductions, and changes inthe tax code.That said, if you have acomplicated financial life, youmay want to pay forguidance. For example, smallbusiness owners may wantsomeone who is familiarwith Schedule C and forwhom you should file a Form1099 to report any paymentsyou made to others.If you had a lot ofinvestment activity, soldproperty, or have to file anestate tax return for adeceased family member, youmay also want guidance.Check out the IRS websitefor tips on how to choose atax professional, but don’tdawdle… it’s tough to findsomeone to help with yourtaxes in April, so now’s thetime to figure out whetheror not it is necessary.I am not a car person, butmy car turns 12 years oldthis year, so I am trying toprepare myself for theeventuality that a carpurchase is on the horizon.Since purchasing my usedvehicle, prices have soaredto around $50,000, upalmost $18,000 from theaverage price that I paidwhen I last was in themarket in 2014.That 55 percent increasein price is due to acombination of inflation andthe fact that Americans havebeen buying larger andmore expensive vehicles,including electric ones.The numbers arestaggering for those of usdriving old cars – and thereare plenty of us: accordingto S&P Global, the averageage of vehicles on the roadis 12.8 years. Of course,when you need a car, youneed a car. Once you getover the sticker shock,approaching the processrequires research anddiscipline.The first step is todetermine how much youcan afford. If you alreadyhave money set aside, great,but the vast majority ofbuyers are either leasing orborrowing money to financea purchase. (If you do nottrack your spending, a carpurchase will prompt you todo so.)Like the purchase of ahome, a car is not just aboutthe transaction price butalso includes the ongoingoperating costs. Accordingto the most recent analysisfrom AAA, the total cost ofowning and operating a newvehicle is about $1,000 permonth.Once you determine howmuch you can afford, youwill need to conductresearch before you walkinto a dealership. Figure outwhich models fit yourneeds. Even if you have beenloyal to a particular brandor dealership, considerexpanding your search toother options and a broadergeographic area.Most of this informationcan be found online, thoughI have always consulted theexperts at ConsumerReports. (I have interviewedCR’s Mike Quincy manytimes over the years.)Next, determine whetheryou should buy or lease.Folks like me, who drivecars into the ground, arebest served by owning. Thereason is that even if youborrow money to buy, oncethe loan is paid off, yourannual cost of the car drops.But if you are drawn toshiny new vehicles withimproved safety options andthe latest technology, youmay prefer a lease. A leaseusually requires a smallerdown payment and resultsin lower monthly payments.To compare buying andleasing, research loans fromat least three lenders—abank, a credit union, andmaybe an online lender.Depending on your creditscore, rates can varysignificantly. Currently, newcar loans average over 7%for 60 months. While youcan reduce your monthlypayment by extending a loanto 72 or even 84 months, ifyou can’t afford the paymenton a 60-month deal, you’reprobably looking at toomuch car.Another way to reducethe price of a vehicle is toconsider used cars, whichare less than three yearsold. Doing so helps avoidthe steepest amount ofdepreciation, while stillbeing under warranty.According to Kelly BlueBook (KBB), the averageprice of a used car was$26,043 as of December.But used car loans carryhigher interest rates, around11%, on average.Finally, for somenegotiation is a sport, butfor others, it is right upthere with a root canal. Acouple of in-dealershipnegotiation tips includeavoiding dealer markups onyour final invoice andremoving expensive add-onsthat you don’t need. I havefound that the willingness towalk away is your bestnegotiating tool.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 moneyTax season opensby Jill SchlesingerCar buying tips 2026by Jill SchlesingerTax season has arrived and after the passage of the 2025 tax bill,millions are going to see changes from the previous yearLike the purchase of a home, a car is not just about thetransaction price but also includes the ongoing operating costs
11 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Elizabeth Holmes, thedisgraced CEO and founderof the failed blood-testingstartup Theranos, has askedPresident Donald Trump tocommute her prisonsentence, according toJustice Department records.Holmes, 41, has been inprison since May 2023,stemming from herconviction on chargesrelated to duping herinvestors by making false andmisleading statements aboutTheranos' ability to developa medical device that couldrun a range of tests from asingle finger-prick sample.She was sentenced to 11years and three months inprison -- a prison term thathas more than once beenreduced. She is scheduled forrelease three years early onDec. 30, 2031.Online records with theJustice Department's Officeof the Pardon Attorneyshow that Holmes has askedTrump for a commutation ofher sentence -- a requestthat, if granted, could reduceor eliminate her remainingprison time while leaving herconviction intact.The request was filed lastyear and its status was\"pending,\" the records show.Holmes confirmed thefiling on X.\"We are continuing tofight for my innocence, andwe know that truth cannotbe repressed forever,\" shesaid.\"This is not over. The fightagainst weaponization of ourjustice system is justbeginning,\" Holmes added,using a phrase that Trumphas repeatedly employed tocriticize investigations andprosecutions against him aspolitically motivated.Trump was federallycharged in connection withhis alleged attempt tooverturn the 2020 election,though those cases werelater dismissed after hisreturn to office. He was,however, convicted in a NewYork state court on 34felony counts related tohush-money payments madeto hide an alleged affair fromthe public ahead of the 2016election.Holmes has gainedattention in recent monthsonline via X, whereshe framed her conviction asthe failure of her companybeing \"falsely charged asfraud.\" She has alsopraised Trump for hishealthcare policies,comparing his effort toreduce costs to what shesaid she was attempting withTheranos.\"The healthcareestablishment is shaking infear: They will no longer beable to rip off the Americanpeople in the shadows.Maximum Transparency onPricing will lead to bettercare and lower costs,\" shesaid.\"Theranos did this in2016, 10 years later it's timewe do it everywhere.\"Holmes was convicted inNovember 2022 on onecount of conspiracy tocommit fraud and threecounts of committing wirefraud, involving wiretransfers of more than $140million.In late February, a federalappeals court upheld herconviction as well as theconviction of Theranospresident, Ramesh \"Sunny\"Balwani, who was given anearly 13-year prisonsentence.During the first year of hissecond term in office, Trumphas granted clemency tomore than 1,600 people,including several high-profileprisoners, often drawingcontroversy.Those granted clemencyinclude the about 1,500people convicted inconnection with the Jan. 6,2021, attack on the Capitol,former Honduran PresidentJuan Orlando Hernandez,retired Navy SEAL EddieGallagher and several Trumployalists and allies.By Daryl CooteEx-Theranos CEO Holmes seeks Trump commutationIt’s very hard to keep upwith all of theimprovements in buildingmaterials and products.Thousands of new things hitthe marketplace each year.You need to focus on justone or two verticals to stayabreast of all that’s new. Lighting is a category thatmight keep you busy 12hours a day. Designers andarchitects who specialize inlighting design must be inhog heaven. Not only arethere new lighting fixturesof all types introduced eachyear, but there are also newbulbs that help them achievethe exact look they’reshooting for.Several months ago, I wastasked by She Who Must BeObeyed to gather severalnew interior ordinary lightbulbs for lamps. I knew shewanted a warm bulb in the2700K range. Much to mysurprise, I was able topurchase affordable LEDbulbs that allowed me tochoose the colortemperature of the bulbmyself.These A19 standard bulbscame with six settings:2700K soft white, 3000Kbright white, 3500K truewhite, 4000K cool white,5000K daylight, and 6500Kdaylight deluxe. That’s a hugerange of color temperature.Other types of bulbs areavailable with these samesettings.Are you about to tackle abathroom or kitchenrenovation in the new year?Perhaps you’re building anew home. You have aunique opportunity tocreate layers of light in oneor more rooms. Thislayering effect is what manylighting designers do tocreate that feel when yousee dramatic photos ofcustom homes or lavishhotel suites.Lighting and colortemperature are powerfultools you can employ to setthe mood in a room. My sonand I did this in hisbasement speakeasy. He wasgoing for the 1920’sProhibition-era look. Thelighting needed to be subtle,warm and soft. We achievedthis using stunning pendantfixtures that hang above thebar. Each fixture has an oldfashioned light bulbfeaturing clear glass and abulky tungsten filament thatyou’d see if you jumped outof a time machine into ahidden, smoke-filled bar onehundred years ago.Soft LED light stripsattached to the underside ofthe overhanging bar top inthe back-bar area provideenough light for thebartender to do his job.Overhead, tucked up behinda soffit, we hid twospotlights that produce asoft cone of light on theshelves used to store thespirits. It goes withoutsaying that all the differentlights are switchedseparately.I stayed in my son-in-law’scondominium in BassHarbor, Maine, overChristmas. He’s makingimprovements room-byroom over the next year. Ihelped him over the phonea month ago, solving aswitching conundrum in hisdaughter’s bedroom. Theoriginal builder didn’t installany overhead lights duringthe transformation of an1880’s sardine factory intoeight residential condos.He decided to installsmall track lights on eitherside of a giant roof-supportbeam. Two of the fixturesare aimed at a craft/deskarea, and the other two willprovide soft lighting overthe two single beds. Tracklights allow you to installlight fixtures that can dovery specific jobs.He’s going to install aninteresting variety of lightsin his lower-level office. Heneeds separate lights for hisdesk area, one or two overa large racing simulator,ceiling lights that highlightshelves on a wall, andanother light or two toshine on a wall-hung displaycase.Are you starting toimagine how you can domany of these things in yourown home? You can do lotsof this in an existing homewith minimal surgery towalls and ceilings. Acompetent electrician canuse a fish tape to get cablesto places you’d thinkimpossible.My daughter rounds outthis lighting discussion. Shejust completed a bathroomfinishing project in the pastmonth. Years ago, I roughedin a full bathroom on thethird floor of her home. Itwas time to finish it off.She’s always had a flair fordecorating and design. Sheeven wrote a book about it15 years ago called \"TheMeghan Method.\" She’s anexpert at lighting design.I feel she outdid herself inthis modest bathroom. Sheloves to use furniture forher sink areas instead oftraditional bathroomcabinets. You can count onthe furniture to have 6-inchtall legs. This allows her, oryou, to install an indirectlight under the furniture. Asoft, warm glow of lightwashes over the whitemarble floor in front of thesink area.A nearly invisible thinLED light was installed ontop of the marblebacksplash. It’s designed tocast light up the wall, notinto your face, blinding you.The shower area has itsown set of lights, as youmight expect. The mirrorover the sink comes with itsown soft LED light built intothe mirror.You can get additionalinspiration by peering athundreds of photos online.You can do image searcheson all the major searchengines. Be specific aboutwhat you want to light. Usethose keywords in yoursearch. This small amount ofresearch will pay vastpleasure dividends once yousee what’s possible in yourhome. Be sure to save thephotos so you purchase theright fixtures. The photoswill also help the electricianwho will be installing thecables and wires to makeyour lighting dreams cometrue.Interior lights that wow 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/coachingElizabeth Holmes, the former CEO ofTheranos, has asked President DonaldTrump to commute her prison sentence.
12 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Dear Cathy, My sonadopted a nine-year-oldfemale cat this pastOctober, after losing hisprevious cat to cancer. Afterspending the day in thebathroom to acclimate, sheindicated she was anxiousto come out. At first, shejumped on everything,including a tall armoire andthe refrigerator. Each time,my son helped her downand said, “No more jumpingup on things.”Her litter box is kept inthe bathtub, and she initiallyused it without issue.However, she soon begandefecating on blankets onthe couch, the bed, and thecarpet – about every coupleof days. Each time, my sonbrought her to the spot,told her “No,” and gave hera slight crack on the butt.He took her to the vet whoexpressed her anal glandsand recommended adding¼ teaspoon of psyllium toher food. She continues tohave bowel movementsoutside the litter box, eventhough he keeps the litterbox very clean.The cat’s previous ownerwas a single man whosurrendered her afterlosing his home. She doesn’trespond to her name, whichhe kept – Bella. When heasks if she is hungry, she issilent. My son works fromhome three days a weekand gives her lots ofattention.She is declawed, but wedon’t believe this is thecause, as we both have haddeclawed cats withoutissues. My son doesn’t knowwhat else to do, other thanreturn her to the rescue.Why is she doing this, andwhat can be done to stopit? —Charlotte,Schaumburg, IllinoisDear Charlotte, Bellamay still be adjusting to hernew home and grieving theloss of her previous owner.Understanding what’snormal for cats can helpmake better sense of herbehavior.Climbing and jumpingonto furniture is normal. It’sa cat’s way of learningwhere they are andreassuring themselves thateverything is OK.Preventing a cat fromaccessing high spaceswithout offering acceptablealternatives, such as a cattree, shelves, or windowperches, can increase theirfrustration or stress.Cats don’t behave likedogs, and they’re not tryingto. Many won’t come whencalled, answer to theirname, or give responseswhen asked if they arehungry. That doesn’t reflecta lack of intelligence or thatsomething is wrong. Itsimply means catscommunicate differently.Seeking affection is one waythey do it (on theirschedule, of course).Regarding the litter box:Moving into a new homecan cause inconsistentbehavior. Many people arefamiliar with the 3-3-3 rulefor new pets – roughlythree days to decompress,three weeks to learn theroutine, and three monthsto feel at home – but catscan take longer, sometimesseveral months, to fullyrelax and feel secure in anew home. Smacking a caton the butt – even lightly –for inappropriateelimination is not helpfuland can make issues worse.Cats (and dogs) don’tunderstand physicalcorrection. Instead oflearning what we want, theyoften associate thecorrection with fear orconfusion.You mentioneddeclawing, and while Iunderstand yourexperience has beendifferent, declawing cancause long-term sensitivityor discomfort in some cats,even years later, and even ifit never caused problemsbefore. That doesn’t meanit’s the sole cause here, butit can contribute to litterbox avoidance, especiallyduring stressful periods.So, here’s what Irecommend.Stop all physicalcorrection. If the cat isdoing something you don’twant, calmly interrupt witha gentle clap or saying “ahah,” and redirect them to anacceptable alternative, like ascratching post or toy.Except for the kitchencounters, let Bella jumponto the furniture orprovide her appropriatevertical spaces, like cattrees, shelves, or perches.Cats need to explore, and ifdiscouraged from doing so,this can cause stress (whichcan cause litter boxavoidance).Add a second litter boxin a quiet place. Catssometimes like to pee inone and poop in the other.Experiment with differentlitters, and sprinkle a litterbox attractant in the box tohelp draw her to them(available online and at petstores).Use feline pheromones,either a plug-in diffuser or acollar, to help ease heranxiety and make the homefeel more familiar. These canbe especially helpful for catswho are adjusting to bigchanges.In addition to thepsyllium recommended bythe veterinarian, a teaspoonof plain canned pumpkin(no sugar) may also help butcheck with your vet beforecombining the two.Adjustment isn’t astraight line – for cats orpeople – but understandingwhat’s normal felinebehavior can make thingseasier for everyone.Punxsutawney Philpredicts six moreweeks of winterFamed Pennsylvaniagroundhog PunxsutawneyPhil saw his shadowMonday morning,predicting six more weeksof winter. Phil was pulledfrom his burrow atGobbler's Knob inPunxsutawney and hisprognostications wereinterpreted by a man in atuxedo and top hat in frontof a crowd of thousands ofonlookers. The manrevealed Phil had seen hisshadow, predicting winterwill last another six weeks.A study released by theU.S. National Oceanic andAtmosphericAdministration in 2025revealed Phil has had anaccuracy rate of only about35% in the past coupledecades.Groundhog Day,celebrated each year onFebruary 2, is a distinctlyAmerican tradition withroots that reach back toancient European folkloreand early Christianobservances. While it isbest known today for agroundhog predicting thearrival of spring, theholiday’s origins are tied tolong-standing beliefs aboutweather, seasons, andnature.The date of February 2corresponds withCandlemas, a Christianfeast marking the midpointbetween the wintersolstice and the springequinox. In medievalEurope, Candlemasbecame closely associatedwith weather prediction. Acommon saying held that ifthe day was sunny andclear, winter wouldcontinue for several moreweeks, while cloudyweather suggested thatspring was approaching.These ideas reflect earlyattempts to understandseasonal patterns longbefore modernmeteorology.In German-speakingregions, this weather loreevolved to include animals.Folklore suggested that ahibernating creature—often a hedgehog orbadger—would emergefrom its burrow onCandlemas Day. If theanimal saw its shadow, itwould retreatunderground, signaling aprolonged winter. If noshadow appeared, theanimal would remainoutside, indicating an earlyspring.German immigrantsbrought this tradition withthem to Pennsylvaniaduring the 18th and 19thcenturies. Withouthedgehogs in NorthAmerica, settlers adaptedthe custom by using thegroundhog, a commonlocal animal known forhibernation. Thegroundhog quickly becamethe symbolic weatherforecaster of the holiday.The earliest knownAmerican reference toGroundhog Day dates to1841, when Pennsylvaniashopkeeper James Morrisrecorded the belief in hisdiary. What began as aregional folk customgradually became a publiccelebration. By the late1800s, communities wereholding organized eventsto mark the occasion.The most famouscelebration occurs inPunxsutawney,Pennsylvania, whereGroundhog Day has beenobserved continuouslysince the 1880s. In 1887,the PunxsutawneyGroundhog Clubproclaimed theirgroundhog—later namedPunxsutawney Phil—theofficial weather predictor.As newspapers andbroadcast media spreadthe story, the event gainednational attention andbecame a cultural staple.Patience, not punishment — Helping a new cat settle inPet 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].
13 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800We put out the call when we recently received asignificant snowfall, enough snow to make a snowman andhere are our winners. Congratulations to our first-place$100 winners Kayla and Stephanie Migliano. Honorablemention goes to Ava who walks away with $25. On thehorizon, if it looks like snow again, be sure to tune in toHappenings Q&A/AM1050WLIP for the latest details. The Trump administrationappears to be softening itsapproach to immigrationenforcement in some localesamid outcry from the publicand Democratic lawmakersover the recent killings oftwo U.S. citizens inMinneapolis.Tom Homan, PresidentDonald Trump’s borderczar, announced that he wasworking on a “drawdown”plan that would reduce thenumber of federalimmigration agents inMinnesota. And RepublicanSen. Susan Collins ofMaine said on socialmedia that the Departmentof Homeland Security hadnotified her it would endOperation Catch of the Day,an immigration enforcementcampaign that was launchedin her state on Jan. 21.Mr. Homan conditioned awithdrawal of immigrationagents on increasedcooperation between federallaw enforcement and localofficials. “The withdrawal oflaw enforcement here isdependent on cooperation,”he said. “As we see thatcooperation happen, theredeployment will happen.”The announcements showa marked shift in tone as theadministration seeks torespond to broad publicoutrage over the fatalshootings of two U.S. citizens– Renee Good and AlexPretti – in separate incidentsby federal immigrationpersonnel during theiroperations in Minneapolis.Protests have sweptthrough that city, and others,for weeks. It was reportedthat Gregory Bovino, theBorder Patrol commanderwho had helmed theoperation in Minneapolis,would leave thecity. Democraticlawmakers and someRepublicans have called forthe impeachment or firing ofSecretary of HomelandSecurity Kristi Noem, whohas faced criticism for falselyclaiming that Mr. Pretti was“brandishing” a gun as heapproached federal agents.Eyewitnesses and videoshave disputed that version ofevents, and a report from theDepartment of HomelandSecurity did not mention Mr.Pretti brandishing a gun.The remarks from Mr.Homan were moremeasured. He said that hehad met with MinnesotaGov. Tim Walz, MinneapolisMayor Jacob Frey, andMinnesota Attorney GeneralKeith Ellison. Hecharacterized thosemeetings with Democraticleaders as yielding“meaningful dialogue,” andsaid that he intends tocontinue working with locallaw enforcement andcommunity leaders.“We didn’t agree oneverything. I didn’t expect toagree on everything,” Mr.Homan said. “Bottom line isyou can’t fix problems if youdon’t have discussions. Ididn’t come to Minnesotafor photo ops or headlines.... I came here to seeksolutions.”Still, Mr. Homan heavilycriticized “sanctuary cities,”or jurisdictions that limitcooperation with federalimmigration enforcement.Minnesota’s state prisons,however, have been honoringImmigration and CustomsEnforcement detainers, hesaid. Detainers are nonbinding requests from ICE tolocal law enforcement tohold arrestees suspected ofviolating immigration laws sothat ICE can take them intocustody. Sanctuaryjurisdictions often do nothonor them.Mr. Homan also said thatAttorney General Ellison“clarified” that Minnesota’scounty jails “may notify ICEof the release dates ofcriminal public safety risks soICE can take custody ofIn Minnesota and Maine, Trump administration signals a shift on immigrationAnti-ICE sentiment is expressed on adefaced traffic sign in Biddeford, Mainestory continues on page 15is no fun in Kenosha?SR06151930DAYGUARANTEEDLOWEST PRICEWE WILLMEETPRICEBEAT ORANY ADVERTISEDon any tire we sellwith the purchaseof 4 tiresFREELIFETIMEROTATIONS Over 18 Brands including BFGoodrich,Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear & more!262-694-15007110 74th PL, Kenosha, WI“Located next to Menards”YOUR CERTIFIED GM SERVICE CENTER... WE USE GENUINE GM PARTS WE ALSO SERVICE ALL VEHICLE MAKES AND MODELSSOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN’S LARGEST TIRE DEALERSHIP!$20 OFF $20 OFF $10 OFF10% OFF Transmission orCoolant FlushPALMENBUICK GMC CADILLACCannot be combined with any other coupons.See advisor for details. Expires 3/07/26PALMENBUICK GMC CADILLACCannot be combined with any other coupons.See advisor for details. Expires 3/07/26PALMENBUICK GMC CADILLACCannot be combined with any other coupons.See advisor for details. Expires 3/07/26PALMENBUICK GMC CADILLACCannot be combined with any other coupons.See advisor for details. Expires 3/07/26PALMENBUICK GMC CADILLACCannot be combined with any other coupons.See advisor for details. Expires 3/07/26PALMENBUICK GMC CADILLACCannot be combined with any other coupons.See advisor for details. Expires 3/07/26$2495 Balance &Rotate TiresParts & Labor on any add-on GM Accessory4 WheelAlignmentOil Change& LubricantBattery Replacement$20 OFF SR020526SR020526
14 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800
15 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800DEAR MAYOCLINIC: My husband haslate-stage stomach cancer,and we’ve heard there’s anew treatment for it,something called HIPEC.What is HIPEC? How does itwork?ANSWER: HIPEC orhyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapyhas been used in other typesof cancer for severaldecades, but in the last fewyears, especially in the U.S.,HIPEC has received moretraction and experiencedsome success in treatingstomach cancer or gastriccancer.We use HIPEC in twoways:1. We can use it on its ownas a treatment beforesurgery. We can do thisminimally invasively (withsmall incisions). This allowsus to evaluate the extent ofcancer in the peritoneum (amembrane that lines theabdomen and pelvis) and theresponse to previoustreatments.2. The other way we useHIPEC is in addition to acytoreductive surgery —which removes all visiblecancer — to treat anycancer that we can’t see.With HIPEC,chemotherapy is deliveredto the abdomen, a confinedspace. This prevents thechemo from being absorbedinto the blood and makingpatients sick. The chemo canthen stay in the abdomenregion and continue to takeeffect even after theprocedure is over. Thisallows us to use highconcentrations of thechemo directly where thecancer is.The abdominal cavity isessentially bathed in theheated HIPEC drugs topenetrate and kill the cancercells. Heat damages cancercells in general becausecancer cells are morevulnerable to hightemperatures.For patients withperitoneal metastasis fromstomach cancer, which iswhen the cancer spreads tothe part of the abdomenlined by the peritoneum, thetraditional chemotherapytreatments have beensystemic therapies. Systemictherapies target the entirebody. If you look at most ofthose trials, unfortunately,the outcomes are notoptimistic. The patient wouldonly live 12 months onaverage after treatment. Inour new research, over halfour patients lived threeyears after treatment, sothree times longer — that’spromising.Our goal is to helppatients and improveoutcomes. We want toincrease survival rates, allowour patients to spend moreyears with their loved onesand do it more safely withfewer risks andcomplications.We are still learning whothe ideal candidates forHIPEC are. We know it iscurrently limited to a smallportion of patients withlimited peritoneum disease.Candidates need to bereasonably healthy toundergo a big operation.Much of the research we arealso working on is how toget patients with a lot ofdisease down to a littledisease so they can becomecandidates for HIPEC.We are seeing youngerand younger stomach cancerpatients in their 20s-40s.Symptoms of stomachcancer to look for include:• Unintentional weight loss• Heartburn and acid reflux• Gas and indigestion• Difficulty swallowing orfood getting stuck in thethroat • Vomiting • AnemiaWith obesity being a riskfactor for stomach cancer,eating a healthy diet andexercising are beneficial foroverall health and areassociated with decreasedcancer risk.The HIPEC treatment isnew and evolving. We stillhave a lot to learn, and itrequires a lot of expertise. Irecommend that peopleseek out healthcare teams toconsult. It takes an entireteam with expertise, skillsand experience to treat andultimately heal patients. —Travis Grotz, M.D., SurgicalOncology, Mayo Clinic,Rochester, MinnesotaMayo ClinicHope through HIPEC: A new heated treatment for stomach cancerhealthConfusing questionnaires lead to misleadingresponses from patientsEver felt your eyes glazingover as you fill out thequestionnaire you've beengiven by a doctor'sreceptionist, trying to makeheads or tails of it beforeyour appointment?You're not alone, a newstudy says.Confusion over symptomquestionnaires is common,and likely hampers efforts todiagnose and treat physicaland mental illnesses,researchers wrote in JAMAPsychiatry.The study focused on thePatient HealthQuestionnaire, a widely usedform that helps mentalhealth professionals assesspotential problems.The longest version of thePHQ has only ninequestions, but the form canbe confusing to patientsnevertheless, researchersfound.\"This is the questionnairethat everyone fills out, andit's a such a commonexperience of beingconfused -- it's potentiallycatastrophic,\" said leadresearcher Zachary Cohen,an assistant professor ofpsychology at the Universityof Arizona in Tucson.\"Because everything wedo in mental health researchis dependent on, to a largeextent, people's report oftheir mental healthsymptoms, if you don't havegood data on that, you'rebuilding a house of cards,\" headded in a news release.Cohen said he becameconcerned about the PHQand similar questionnaires 14years ago, during his clinicaltraining.Nearly every patient heencountered would ask forsome guidance on how toanswer questions, anddoctors often can only say,\"Oh, just do your best,\"Cohen recalled.For the new study, Cohenand his colleagues zeroed inon one particularlyproblematic bit of phrasingat the start of the PHQ,where patients are askedhow often they've been\"bothered by\" any of a list ofsymptoms.In an experiment, theresearch team asked about850 people to fill out a PHQ,which lists oversleeping asone of the symptoms.Afterward, theresearchers presented ahypothetical -- imagine thatyou'd overslept every day fora week, but weren'tbothered by theoversleeping because youwere on vacation.Participants were asked toreconsider their earlierresponse to the oversleepingquestion based on thatinformation.\"If you're reading theinstructions to the letter, youwould actually expect a 'notat all' there,\" Cohen said,because the patient wasnever bothered byoversleeping, even thoughthey did it every day.But results showed thatthe \"bothered by\" wordingwas not consistently takeninto account by theparticipants, when they wereasked the question a secondtime with the added context.Only 38% correctlyanswered \"not at all\" whenasked a second time aboutoversleeping, and only 17%indicated they would answerbased on \"bothered by\" ifthey filled out a PHQ in thefuture.The results show that thetest isn't accuratelyportraying what patients areexperiencing, Cohen said.\"Most of the time whenwe use these questionnaireswe want to know aboutsymptoms of depression, sothe 'bothered by' part reallymatters,\" he said.\"Think about the recentexplosion of people usingGLP-1 weight loss drugs,\"Cohen said. \"For someonewho is on Ozempic,experiencing reducedappetite probably shouldn'tbe counted as an indicator ofdepression -- that's the mainreason they're taking thedrug.\"Confusion over symptom questionnaires is common,and likely hampers efforts to diagnose and treatphysical and mental illnesses, researchers said.continues on next page
16 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Minnesota, Mainethem.” Mr. Ellison’s office didnot immediately respond toa request for comment.ICE and otherimmigration agencies, Mr.Homan said, will conduct“targeted” enforcementoperations, primarilytargeting those with seriouscriminal histories. Yet heemphasized that the agencywas not “surrendering thepresident’s mission onimmigration enforcement.”“I’m not here because thefederal government hascarried its mission outperfectly,” he said. “Themission is going to improvebecause of the changeswe’re making internally.”The Trump administrationhas long contended that itsimmigration agents primarilytarget unauthorizedimmigrants with criminalhistories. But news reportshave found that more thanone-third of those arrestedby ICE have no criminalhistories. Amid thecrackdown in Maine, localstold the Monitor that someof the arrests thereappeared indiscriminate, andlocal officials have arguedthe same.In her social media post,Senator Collins said that“there are currently noongoing or planned largescale ICE operations” inMaine. Ms. Collins had fordays been pressuringSecretary Noem to end theimmigration operation inthat state, which ICE saidtoday had resulted in thearrests of 206 people.By Cameron PughGiven how widely thePHQ is used, thesemisperceptions andmisunderstandings couldadd up to far-reachingproblems, Cohen said.\"I struggle to imagine thatit's a good thing to havesome people answering oneway, and some peopleanswering the exactopposite way for the sameexperience,\" he said.\"There's just no way thatthat can be a good thing --and in this paper, we showthat it's happening andprovide preliminaryevidence of how that can bea problem.\"Cohen said futureresearch should focus onchanging the language of thequestions in ways that makethem clearer to patients.\"If I want to know howfrequently people areoversleeping, then justchange the wording of theinstructions and make itvery clear that I'm justasking about the frequencyof oversleeping,\" he said.\"Alternatively, if I want toavoid mischaracterizingthings like intentionalappetite reduction as asymptom of depression, Icould change the wording tobetter emphasize the'bothered by' component,\"Cohen said. \"Obviously, we'dwant to do the studies thatwould show that that doessolve some of theseproblems, but I wouldimagine that that would be aboth straightforward anddecently comprehensive fix.\"By Dennis ThompsonNYC's 'snow hottubs' have alreadymelted 23 millionpounds of snowNew York City was buriedunder 11.4 inches of snowduring the biggest winterstorm in years. With fewplaces to put it, the cityturned to an unusual tool:snow melters.With snowbanks eatingup curb space and piling upat intersections, city officialshave turned to heavy-dutysnow melters, massivemachines that can turntruckloads of snow intowater.Online, some people havenicknamed them \"snow hottubs.\" The concept is simple:snow is dumped into aheated tank, melted down,then drained into a nearbystorm drain.\"Across all five boroughs,we've melted 23 millionpounds of snow using eightsnow-melting sites. Every12-hour shift, 2,500sanitation workers are outthere clearing bus stops,crosswalks, hydrants, andother critical infrastructure,\"said NYC Mayor ZohranKwame Mamdani. \"Theseare tough conditions, andthese workers are doingessential work to keep thiscity moving.\"Snow melters areespecially useful in a densecity where there isn't muchopen space to stash plowedsnow. Instead of buildinglarger piles that can blocknarrow streets, crews canhaul snow away and reduceit on site.That matters even moreduring long cold stretches,when snow doesn't meltmuch on its own.Temperatures are expectedto stay near or belowfreezing into mid-February,limiting daytime melting andallowing slush and packedsnow to refreeze at night.Crews have also beentackling the most importantspots for pedestrians andemergency access. Cityworkers have shoveled13,876 crosswalks, 12,696bus stops and 4,486 firehydrants. Officials say 116million pounds of salt havebeen used to help clearsnow and ice from roadsacross the area.\"There is still more workto do,\" Mamdani said. \"That'swhy we are bringing inhundreds more city workersfrom outside the SanitationDepartment, extendingshifts and deployingemergency equipment to getthis done faster and safer.\"By Brian LadaQuestionnairescontinued from page 14 Continued from page 12Researchers say 1 in 4 people havesymptoms of gut-stalling disorderDoes it sometimes feellike your supper is sittinglike a boulder in your gut?You may have a conditioncalled gastroparesis.About 1 in 4 people havesymptoms of the disorder,which causes the stomachto empty slowly, theNational Institutes of Healthstates.\"Patients don't come intelling you they have agastric delay,\" Dr. BradenKuo, chief ofgastroenterology atColumbia University andNew York Presbyterian, toldNIH News in Health.Feeling full quickly, nauseaor vomiting and belly pain ordiscomfort are among them.These symptoms may becaused by ulcers,inflammation or a blockage -- and doctors must rulethose out first, Kuo said.\"When all those othertests come back negativeand the patient still hascomplaints, then it raises thepossibility of gastroparesis,\"he said.Most of the time, ithappens without anapparent reason. Butsometimes, it stems fromother conditions thatdamage nerves that helpmove food, liquids and wastethrough the digestive tract.The most common one isuncontrolled diabetes. It candamage nerves, including thevagus nerve that signalsstomach muscles tocontract or relax. Certainautoimmune diseases andnerve damage from virusescan also cause digestion tostall out.\"Many people get sickduring a viral illness withgastrointestinal upset andmost people recover withina couple of days or a week,\"Kuo said.But, he added, some neverfully get over nausea,vomiting or discomfort. Thevirus somehow changednerve endings in their gutand how they sense things,Kuo explained.For 17 years, aconsortium funded by theNIH has enrolled childrenand adults withgastroparesis to learn moreand test treatments.One of its studies foundthat abdominal pain is astandard feature of thedisorder -- 90% of folks withgastroparesis have it. And it'ssevere to very severe inabout a third of cases. Otherstudies have investigatedhow often patients wind upin the E.R.Kuo, who is part of theconsortium, is bullish onstudies using tissue samplesthat capture the entirestomach wall.\"We're really beginning toidentify the changes at thecell level, in the nerveendings, and at theinflammatory level that arecontributing to thesepatients' conditions,\" hesaid.Researchers are followingpatients over time to seehow their symptoms evolve.Kuo is enrolling patientsin a study investigatingwhether cognitivebehavioral therapy may helpease symptoms.It teaches patients abouttheir condition and equipsthem with techniques torelax the vagus nerve.Patients also learn toovercome fears of eatingthat often accompanygastroparesis.\"We're giving them toolsthey can control that canmake a big difference in theirclinical outcome,\" Kuo said.He urges people who mayhave gastroparesis to:• Eat smaller meals withless fat and fiber.• Cook and chew foodthoroughly.• Drink lots of water orother liquids.• Take a walk after meals.• Avoid alcohol, fizzydrinks and lying down aftereating.By Carole Tanzer MillerAbout 1 in 4 people havesymptoms of the disordergastroparesis, which causes thestomach to empty slowly and cancause nausea, vomiting and painA construction vehicle delicately removesthe existing snow that surrounds theFearless Girl Statue at the entrance tothe New York Stock Exchange
17 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Forests appear throughoutRussian folklore, literature, andfilm, serving not only as safehiding places and menacing darkrealms, but also as culturaltouchstones.In “The Oak and the Larch: AForest History of Russia and ItsEmpires,” Sophie Pinkham, aprofessor of comparativeliterature at Cornell University,examines the relationship ofRussia and its trees. As sheunfolds the history of land use,she also emphasizes the urgencyof protecting this vital naturalresource – not just for the region,but also for the planet.“Russia has more trees thanthere are stars in our galaxy,” shewrites in the introduction. “Fromthe Baltic to the Pacific, from theArctic to the steppes of CentralAsia, Russia’s forests account fornearly one-fifth of the world’sforest cover. It is not surprising,then, that ... the forest has been atthe heart of national identity.”She focuses on how Russianliterature and cinema havespurred resistance to theexploitation of natural resourcesby heedless and myopic rulers.“With its power to leap acrossboundaries of time, space, andidentity,” writes Pinkham,“literature is an ideal dwellingplace for new visions of societyand nature. This is why writershave pride of place in this book.”One of the greatest literarychampions of the forest was the19th-century novelist Leo Tolstoy,who “used the royalties he hadearned from War and Peace tobuy more than fifty thousandbirch and fir seedlings. Mostwriters merely turn trees intobooks; he closed the loop, turninghis novel into a forest.”In Pinkham’s telling, forestswere Russia’s birthright, but in thequest for empire, the trees thathad protected the country frominvasions became targets. CzarPeter the Great’s “passion for thesea” led to the massive clearing ofwestern Russia’s oldest forests.Trees were simply material for hisnavy; it required “four to tenthousand oaks to make awarship.”The southern forests onceshielded the various peoples ofthe Caucasus from the everencroaching Russian empire:“Mountains were immutable, butforests could be cut down. TheRussians ... would expand theirown empire by cutting down theforest of their enemies,” Pinkhamwrites. The 19th century broughtthe arrival of another modernwonder that impacted theenvironment: the railroad, “amachine for devouring forests.”Josef Stalin depleted theforests’ resources until theeconomics of preservationoutweighed the costs ofexploitation. “The best strategy tosave the forests,” conservationistssaw, “was to treat theirpreservation as instrumental toSoviet modernization. This was aprecursor to more recent ideasthat ecological protections mustbe justified with economicrationales.”While Pinkham keeps herselfout of the narrative, it is clear shebelieves these priceless forestsshould be appreciated for theirown sake, not just for what theyprovide humans.She describes filmmaker AndreibooksWhat trees mean to Russia, through a history ofwar and peaceThese are the fictiontitles Monitor reviewersliked best this month.Leyla’s House, byZülfü Livaneli,translated fromTurkish by BrendanFreely and YeldaTüredi “The critical point waswhen a person stoppedasking ‘How do I look?’ andstarted asking ‘How do Isee?’” realizes Leyla, thenearly 80-year-oldprotagonist of ZülfüLivaneli’s satisfying novel offortitude andtransformation. Kicked outof her Istanbul mansion,Leyla shelters in the city’sbohemian Cihangirneighborhood with a gentle20-something man and hismusician girlfriend.Digressions, historical bits,and perspective shifts addto the appealing brew. -Erin DouglassThe Bookbinder’sSecret, by A.D. BellIn 1901, Oxfordbookbinding apprentice LilyDelaney happens upon ahistorical mystery. A 50-year-old burned letter setsin motion a thrilling searchfor more messages tuckedinside books, with Lilydetermined to pursue thetruth behind a story of lostriches, hidden love, andmurder. Bibliophiles willenjoy this one. - StefanieMilliganVigil, by GeorgeSaundersGeorge Saunders’ slimnovel offers a slice of finalreckoning pie with a dollopof beauty and a sprinkle ofnuts. A malicious oil tycoonshuffling off this mortal coilfinds himself under thekind and gracious care ofan incorporeal youngwoman assigned to hiscase. The bully rails, thecomforter (mostly) listens,and the prose dazzles.There are weird moments,and it’s all worth it. - ErinDouglassThe Murder atWorld’s End, by RossMontgomeryAmid fears of theapocalypse – the return ofHalley’s Comet in 1910 –house servants areinstructed to board up aCornwall manor. Butmurder is afoot! It’s adelightfully quirky lockedroom mystery. - StefanieMilliganThe Sea Child, byLinda WilgusAt age 4, Isabel Henleywas found soaked andsilent on an English beach.Years later, as a destitutewar widow, she returns toinvestigate her mysteriouspast. Local gossips believeshe’s the daughter of a seaspirit. Isabel takes in awounded sea captain, thenembarks on oceanadventures with dangeroussmugglers in this actionpacked, romantic tale. -Stefanie MilliganThis Is Where theSerpent Lives, byDaniyal MueenuddinDaniyal Mueenuddinexamines privilege andpoverty amid Pakistan’scaste system. The novelbegins in the 1950s with anorphaned boy surviving onthe streets and unfolds tothe present day, exposingthe chasm between theSnow day? No better time to dive into these 10 best books.continues on page 18Our reviewers’ picks for this monthinclude a tribute to winter, a policeblotter’s-worth of mysteries, and areal-life spy thriller involving theKGB. This tantalizing crop of books has something for every reader.Sophie Pinkham’s book, “The Oak and theLarch,” traces how Russian history and literature have shaped – and been shapedby – the country’s deep forests. Russia’strees account for nearly one-fifth of the world’s forest cover, and Pinkhamurges protection of this vital natural resource, not just for the region but also for the planet.continues on page 18
18 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800In Paris, two magnificentspectacles wowed crowdslast summer: the gloriouslyrenovated Notre DameCathedral, and a joyousretrospective of Britishartist David Hockney’swork at the Louis VuittonFoundation museum,“David Hockney 25.” Fortunately for thosewho couldn’t make theshow, a beautiful, coffeetable-sized art book, “DavidHockney,” edited byNorman Rosenthal,captures much of the visualdelight of the artist’slargest exhibition to date,which centers on hisoutput over the past 25years. Hockney, who is one ofthe most popular artists ofhis time, is best known forpaintings of sun-drenchedCalifornia, which he calledhis “promised land” afterarriving in Los Angelesfrom London in 1964. Withbrightly hued swimmingpool paintings like “ABigger Splash,” which isincluded in the book, hisearly work captured notonly optimism and freedombut also yearning and atouch of melancholy. Hockney’s work is bothinnovative and exuberant.A series of 23 exquisitelyexpressive charcoaldrawings from 2013heralds the advent ofspring on Woldgate Road inEast Yorkshire, near wherethe artist was born in 1937,and showcases hisremarkable range. One of the many joys ofHockney’s art is spottinghis references tomasterpieces fromdifferent eras and painters.I first became enamoredwith his work in London’sTate gallery when I was ateenager. I happened uponhis painting “Mr and MrsClark and Percy” (1971),and it so intrigued me thatI visited it repeatedly. Ididn’t know then that thenearly life-size doubleportrait of the artist’snewly married (and soonto be divorced) friends –fashion designer OssieClark and textile designerCelia Birtwell – with theirwhite cat was inspired byboth 15th-century Flemishpainter Jan van Eyck’s “TheArnolfini Portrait” and18th-century artist WilliamHogarth’s “A Rake’sProgress.” The book makes it clearhow much of Hockney’swork is inspired by hisfavorite artists – including“Four Dancers” (2018),after Henri Matisse, andmultiple paintings of haybales and sunflowers thatevoke Van Gogh. Hockneyhas focused on the Englishand French countrysidesrather than on social orpolitical issues.Hockney has always beenan innovator andpathbreaker – and, wellinto his 80s, he still is. Hestarted using technology,including officephotocopiers andcomputer-drawingsoftware, to enhance hiswork in the late 1980s, andwas an early adopter ofiPhones and iPads asartistic tools. By Heller McAlpinIn her new memoir“Always Carry Salt,”London-based writerSamantha Ellis explores thecomplexity of reacquaintingwith – and passing along –her vanishing ancestraltongue. Judeo-Iraqi Arabicfilled Ellis’ childhood.Spoken by her Iraqi Jewishparents – refugees whoeventually settled in theUnited Kingdom – itsconsonants and ververesonated throughout thehouse. So, how could it nowappear on UNESCO’s list ofendangered languages? Inher quest to uncover thestory of Judeo-Iraqi Arabicand its role in her world,Ms. Ellis confronts grimhistories and archaeologicalblunders, sure, but alsogathers anecdotes, expandscommunity, and discoversjoy. The Monitor caught upwith Ms. Ellis via video call.The interview has beenedited for length and clarity. Q: You refer to yourancestral language asJudeo-Iraqi Arabic,but acknowledge thatit’s not a universalterm. What makes ithard to define? It was mainly an orallanguage and it was always, Ithink, seen as quitesecondary. In my family, weused to refer to the Arabicspoken mainly by Muslimsin Iraq as “real Arabic,” soours was “not real.” Italways gave me thatimpression. It hasn’t been asstudied as it could havebeen. I’ve gone with theUNESCO name for it. I justwanted something that feltaccurate and that peoplewould get.Despite sufferingterrible violence inthe early 1940s,Baghdad’s Jewishcommunity wasrobust during yourfather’s childhood.What changed, andwhy did he and hisfamily leave Iraq? There were push-andpull factors. Some Jews inIraq genuinely did want togo to Israel once they foundout there was a possibilityof a Jewish country to goto. And they did rememberthe Farhud of 1941, whichwas this sort of pogromthat happened in Baghdadand was horrific. So, somefamilies genuinely thought,“Well, let’s go somewhereand we’ll be safer.”My dad’s family was quiteZionist, I’d say. My mother’sfamily was not and theyended up staying. Mygrandmother – mymother’s mother – livedthrough [the Farhud] at 11,and all her stories were ofbeing helped by Muslimfamilies: neighbors, theneighbors of her aunt, allthese people. Her feelingwas, she didn’t want to go. Instead ofdescribing languagesas “dying” or“extinct,” you favor“sleeping.” When didyou first consider thedistinction? I love it. It’s from WesleyLeonard, who’s a speaker ofMyaaamia. He’s really akeeper and a speaker ofthat language. He talksabout the paradox ofspeaking in an extinctlanguage. And he coined theidea of sleeping languages,and I found this sopowerful. Languages do come backto life, or some kind of life.I came across this amazingstory about these childrenon the Isle of Man, whowere at a private schoolteaching entirely in Manx.They wrote to UNESCOsaying, “If our language isextinct, what are we writingto you in?” I loved that! It’skind of an obviousquestion, but it needed tobe asked. A lot of people dospeak languages that aresupposedly extinct orendangered. The core of yourmemoir involves ametaphor – “buildingan ark” for your son.How do you describethis project?I’ve always loved thatstory [of Noah’s ark]. Itdefinitely felt like an Iraqistory, as well as a Jewishstory. I was interested bythis idea that the world that[Noah] knows is ending andyou put what you can on aboat – in his case, it’s theanimals two by two. Thereare many accounts: In one,they take one of eachcraftsperson to not lose theknowledge – I think that’s aMesopotamian account.And there are imaginingswhere people are takingseeds. One of the thingsNoah first does when hegets out on the other end isplant. There is something sopowerful in that. You get toa new place and one of thePRINT & E-BOOKS NONFICTION PRINT & E-BOOKS FICTION1. Twelve Months (Butcher)2. Half His Age (McCurdy)3. The Correspondent (Evans)4. My Husband’s Wife (Feeney)5. The Things We Leave Unfinished (Yarros)6. The Widow (Grisham)7. The First Time I Saw Him (Dave)8. The Secret of Secrets (Brown)9. Alchemised (SenLinYu)10. Anatomy of an Alibi (Elston)1. The Invisible Coup (Schweizer)2. 1929 (Sorkin)3. Strangers (Burden)4. Football (Klosterman)5. The Body Keeps the Score (van der Kolk)6. I’m Glad My Mom Died (McCurdy)7. Nobody’s Girl (Giuffre)8. The Anxious Generation (Haidt)9. How to Test Negative for Stupid (Kennedy)10. The Other Side of Change (Shankar)NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERScontinues on page 18David Hockney’sworld vibrates inliving colorHow an Iraqi Jewish family grew roots in a new landIn the memoir “Always Carry Salt,”Samantha Ellis explores how herfamily’s Iraqi Jewish heritage wasshaped by hardship and language.She also writes about the pleasures of reclaiming her heritage through sharing meals and “leaving room for joy.”
19 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800first things you do is you take root. You root yourself. When did you decide to include recipes andwhat did you hope to invoke?I didn’t want to include recipes at first. I’m not acookbook writer. I found it quite hard to do the recipessince these are all things I do by eye. Also, I’m quite oftenon the phone with my mom – “I’m trying to make kechri.Do I put this much rice in? And how do we do the onionsagain?” To actually have to pin it down was quite scary. I’mvery happy that I’ve done it because, now, I have ablueprint, which is lovely because many of these recipesdon’t exist in many – or any – places. The passing on of recipes felt so important. And one ofthe things that people, not just me, can do is to get yourrelatives’ recipes, record them, and then make them again.Then you are tasting the tastes your ancestors tasted. Andyou are doing with your hands the things that they weredoing.Why is joy necessary in your work?[Being Iraqi Jewish] is quite a heavy inheritance. Wecan’t go back to Iraq. Yet, I kept thinking: This can’t be allof it, because I have a lot of fun being Iraqi Jewish. I enjoyit! Part of the book came out of having a child andwanting to pass [Iraqi Jewish culture] on to him. Andhaving a huge amount of comfort and conciliation fromsharing meals with my non-Iraqi friends, saying, “Here. Trythis, you might like this. It’s something from my family.” So,sharing was a huge part of it – and I wanted things thatwould be nice to share. I was also very interested by the idea that, while we allpass on generational trauma, I think we also pass onstrategies for survival and resilience. And part of that isjoy. By Erin DouglassThe Oak and the Larch continued from page 16Always Carry Saltcontinued from page 17Best bookscontinued from page 16classes. - Joan GaylordThese are the nonfiction titles our reviewers liked best thismonth.Winter: The Story of a Season, by ValMcDermidVal McDermid, best known for her intricately plotted“tartan noir” crime novels, takes the sting out of shortfrosty days and long windblown nights in this lovely, gentle,beautifully illustrated paean to the darkest season in hernative Scotland. - Heller McAlpin The Oak and the Larch, by Sophie PinkhamThe forest was Russia’s birthplace, but in its quest forempire, the forests that had protected it from invasionsbecame targets. Pinkham’s focus is on how Russianliterature and cinema have long spurred resistance to thevarious governments’ heedlessness of environmentalconsequences. - Bob Blaisdell Always Carry Salt, by Samantha EllisSamantha Ellis’ memoir explores the complexity ofreacquainting with her ancestral tongue, Judeo-Iraqi Arabic.Brimming with historical accounts, family anecdotes, andenticing recipes (hello, makhboose), the book captivates.There’s searching and much stretching, as Ellis finds herway through a rich tangle of stories: personal, political,cultural, linguistic. - Erin Douglass .The Spy in the Archive, by Gordon CoreraGordon Corera tells the true story of how VasiliMitrokhin, a disaffected KGB librarian, stole secrets fromthe Soviet archives and smuggled them to the West. Both aportrait of a man losing faith in a brutal regime and agripping account of a daring escape, this book is animmersive and propulsive read. - Malcolm Forbes fullreview here. Tarkovsky’s depiction of the sacredness of trees in abeautifully recounted sequence from “Andrei Rublev.” Aboy digging a hole attempts to pull out a root, until herecognizes that it belongs to a flowering tree. “He stopsdigging and gazes up at its pale flowers, as if admiring thework of a fellow artisan. We see the tree from hisperspective; then we see him; and then the camera beginsto float up, so that at last we see him and his fellow diggersfrom the tree’s perspective.”Russia’s inconsistency regarding the environment bringsus into the present day, in which some of the mostoutspoken advocates for preserving the forests are alsogung-ho nationalists keen on the brutal war on Ukraine,which itself is devastating to trees.“Yet Ukraine’s forests are not only victims of war; theyare also tools. Ukrainian environmentalists have noted thatthe forests are again functioning as zaseki, the forestfortresses once used in defense against steppe nomads likethe Mongols.”Pinkham concludes with stories about Russianenvironmentalists whose back-to-nature adventures haveinspired their fellow citizens to imagine opting out ofPutin’s world and retreating into the wilderness: “In thesummer, the forest offered up plump crimson lingonberries,tiny, exquisite blueberries, tart cranberries, and lusciousorange cloudberries.”Pinkham, ever a realist, sounds a somber note when shewrites: “In Anton Chekhov’s last play, a felled cherryorchard stands for the death of the old social order. Thefate of the vast northern Eurasian forests will helpdetermine the future climate of the whole world. ... Thestory of these forests is a testament to human cruelty,shortsightedness, and vain ambition. But it is also a tale ofresilience and of the power of art.”By Bob BlaisdellREMINDER: Maximum 3 Listings Per Person. MiscKENOSHA CAR CLUB monthly breakfasts are at 8am on the first Tuesdays of each month at the Gateway Cafe, 3619 30th Avenue GERMAN CONVERSATIONALIST GROUP - KENOSHA/RACINE If you speak German or are enthusiastic about the German language and culture, come and join us. There are no membership fees and attendance is whenever you are available to join. Meetings will be held in the Kenosha and Racine area. This is an excellent group to practice speaking German as members' language skills are from beginners to advance and we all have a good time. Please contact me if you are interested in joining - Susan Blust [email protected]. LIONS CLUB BINGO Come have some fun! Doors open at 4:00. Raffles, pull-tabs and pregames start at 6:45. Bingo 7:00-9pm. Wednesdays. 2700 9th St.,Schlader Building, Winthrop Harbor. Food Sale Rita Rinelli Memorial Mass: 12 noon on Saturday, June 21 at St. Elizabeth Church, Eighth Avenue at 48th Street.REMEMBERING SILVIO RUGANI - July 20, 1893 / August 29, 1975.FOR SALESofa w/Oak trim, excellent condition/quality. Smoke/Pet free home. $225.00 Curt 262-865-0193 2019 Kodiak Model travel trailer Price 15,900 Exterior White Discrimination Has 3 Queens size beds Refrigerator, fridge and stove, toilet, and shower and heating and air conditioning. Everything works perfectly Contact 262 620-6755 Snowmobile Trailer, 3 place Triton with winch. $3,200 OBO 262-948-1864 please leave message Lots of American Fostoria for sale. Please contact:Karon Baumgarten 3 1 7 - 7 6 4 - 7 6 6 2 [email protected] heater new. $55. 262-498-4021. Contact info: Val Zamecnik email address:[email protected] phone:262-498-4021.Left-handed golf club set. Wilson Pro-Staff clubs and Knight bag. Barely used. $125.Call or text 262-960-5477One burial lot in Northshore Garden of Memory in North Chicago. Very nice location. Discounted price. BowFlex exercise unit like new. All there including leg exercise unit and book. 600.00.Call Herb at 847-305-0897. Please leave message if I miss your call. Gas Tank, new for 73-87 GMC Blazer $100 Transfer case for 73-87 GMC $100 Milk Cans $15 Call Alex 262-945-1275Ariens Snowblower; 5 HP, 24\" cut. $175 Call Jim 262-857-9650 leave messageVarious Farics, prices start $1/yr (262) 629-0291 New Air Fryer $35 Coffee Table $20 (262)771-8764 Two ramps for vehicles, Beanie Babies (Regular and McDonalds), and Two Schwinn bicycles. BEST OFFER. Call 262-654-6485.Beautiful Sunset Ridge Memorial Park Kenosha. Located in lovely setting in the Garden of The Last Supper. Section H, Lot 113. 5&6, pair $1,800 OBO. Please contact Mary at 262-496-9711. (2) grave sites in All Saints Cemetery. I'm asking for $1,000 each plus transfer fees. Call (608) 317-9518 Elizabeth Smith [email protected] CADET LAWN tractors, old 1962 to 1976. Decks and other attachments. Glenn at 262-891-2377. Leave message Amana 21.3 cubic foot. Black electric stove, self cleaning. Asking 300 each or 500 for the pair 414 419 7978 John Deere Tractor Lawn Mower with Briggs & Straton engine and Frame Cutting Deck FOR sale for PARTS ONLY 847-244-9256 NO texting - Please leave a voicemail Large Craftsman table saw, $100 OBOEldridge peddle sewing machine, early 1900's, best offer- Milwaukee Plumbers band saw, $50 OBO Call Tom (224) 219-3645 Lake Front Property Ready to rebuild existing home & Garage 1.48Acre on Large Spring Feed Lake in North East WI near Green bay WI. Located in Marinette county in the town of Lake Great Fishing, & water skiing Tubing Jet skiing Air Boat all Water sports activities call (847) 244-9256 Various Fabrics - Price per yard. Call for info(262) 629-0291Beanie Babies 200+ $200. Proform Treadmill, new belt $300. 7' vinyl boat with new motor, 4-cylinder with accessories $500. (262) 652-5929TREK 900 TANDEM 26\" 21 speed. Updated tires and rims. Excellent condition. Two new helmets plus accessories. $500 OBO 262-883-4210Sears ZigZag sewing machine and cabinet. Fine condition, All attachments. Model #1750 Asking $60 (262) 657-60493 OUTSIDE ALUMINUM screen doors. 1- 30 in. wide, 2-36 in. wide $ 30.00 each. all hardware call 262-652-2649; leave message FUN FAMILY BOAT 2006 Bayliner 175 Capris Bowrider w/trailer, Mercruiser 3.0L 135HP I/O motor, custom covers, Bimini w/cover, power trim & steering, stereo, Dave 262-455-1079 leave message ROOMS FOR RENT Shared LR, Kitchen, bathroom by Silver Lake $480 a mo. includes wifi and laundry please call for more info (262) 758-136Collectibles for sale watches, clocks, pens and more. Call Don 262-694-7573 47\" diameter round table $30, girls bike $50 Call Kathy 262-909-7968BABY CAR CARRIER&Pack 'n Play crib[excellent condition],carriage[used good condition], cat carrier[medium]Cy 262-351-0129 4835 5av 08 RAM too many new parts to list. Serious inquiries only. Text message to 262-705-9999. Chad SekurisLIKE NEW TIRES SEE IN KENOSHA AT 4121-7TH. AVE. 53140 RUSS 262-237-1343 CALL, TEXT OR STOP BY. $4440 NICE ECONOMICAL WELL MAINTAINEDAuto Tune-up Equipment - Dwell/Tach meter, timing light, compression, vacuum pump, ignition testers, inductive pick up ammeter, tune-up books. $110 Call 262-924-5227 Lionel Train Set - Complete 1953 Set plus a Seaboard Diesel Engine, Maine Boxcar, 3 pr. switches, original boxes & instructions, 43 tracks, and miscellanious Lionel items. All clean, runs great. $525 Call 262-924-5227Sale Camaro '95 convertible, green body, tan top, over 120k miles, $2000, call Ron 262-583-9270. WANTED. Mobile Mig Welder Small job need to complete by MKE Airport. Negotiable rate. ( 7 3 4 ) 7 6 8 . 0 3 3 8 jacobsendaniels.com Cut grass and weeding. Call 2628980605MODEL TRAINS. All scales. Call for a quote upon viewing. 262-331-0392. WANTED TO BUY: Vintage Movie Posters, Comic Books, LP Records, Vintage Toys, Horror VHS, Horror Memorabilia, Science Fiction Pulps & Magazines, Video Store Promotional Items. PH 262-237-0318. WANTED TO BUY: Old Post Cards, B&W Photos, B&W Photo Albums, Vintage Advertising, Old Hunting Licenses & Advertising, Scrapbooks, Old Misc.Paper, Old Automobile Advertising, Fountain Pens, Gillette Razors & More. Local Collector/Neutral Safe & Secure Site to meet if desired. Cash Paid. Call or Text Stan 262-496-1822 LOOKING FOR NURSES Aid for in home care. Call Barbara 262-455-3953 Old Computers Wanted. Call, text, or voicemail on (262) 595-7556 and ask for Mike.SERVICES. . Krause Lawn Care offers dethatching, aerating, overseeding, mulching & weekly mowing! Call or text 262-612-9142 for your FREE estimate today! “Tax Preparation & Advisory Services. 20+ Years Experience. Virtual Or In-Person. For Appointment Call Or Text 262-496-2208.I Will Do Seamstress Work, Run Errands, Do Shopping & Dr. Appointments., Etc.If Interested Please Call Gayle At 262-748-4748I'M LOOKING FOR house to share for reasonable rent in exchange for household needs for a senior vet consideration. 847-340-3446 Ron. Kenosha/Union Grove area.LAWN MOWING SERVICES Reliable lawn care services in Kenosha & Pleasant Prairie. call/text 262-914-9796 [email protected] & MEDICARE EXPERT. Appointments only. Se Habla Español. 262.833.7070CHINESE LANGUAGE / CALLIGRAPHY LESSONS: Fun, fascinating and very cool. Beginning and advanced - all ages! Text Dr. Tim at 520.704.3832.DOLL CRAFTERS! FREE REMNANTS...IDEAL FOR MAKING DOLL CLOTHES. ALSO VARIOUS DOLL CLOTHES PATTERNS.CALL - 262-551-8478 AND LEAVE A MESSAGE IF NO ANSWER.DRUM LESSONS Private instruction. Band, orchestra, marching and drum set. Rock and many other musical styles. Learn to read music. Call Tom for details. 262-818-2869. PROFESSIONAL LED TEETH WHITENING for a fraction of the price! $99 at cabana tan spa. call to book: 262-843-2411. 20 minute session = a bright white smile! mycabanatan.com FAST COMPUTER SERVICE including network support, spyware removal, upgrades and PC repair. For friendly service with a smile, call Vikkex today! Phone 262-694-7746Computer Installation. Call, text, or voicemail Mike at (262) 595-7556. VEHICLES0 142K MILES LIKE NEW TIRES COLD A/C SEE IN KENOSHA AT 4121-7TH. AVE. 53140 RUSS 262-237-1343 CALL, TEXT OR STOP BY $25002005 Mercury Sable, 90k miles, leather interior. Has vacuum leak, needs tow. Clean title in hand. Great project car. $1500 OBO. Call/text 262-612-91421999 Sebring Convertible Very good condition $2,590 OBO Call or test Bob @262-945-9224 2003 Subaru Baja - Good running condition$4,950 OBO Call or text: Bob @262-94592242017 FORD F150 One Owner 4wd 4 Door See In Kenosha At 4121-7th. Ave. 217k Miles 262-237-1343 Russ Call Text Or Stop By $7495 Very Nice TruckDUAL EXHAUST SYSTEM Ram V6 dual exhaust system custom built.Make offer. 262-942-12662009 JEEP LIBERTY 4WD SEE AT 4121-7TH. AVE. 53140 KENOSHA RUSS 262-237-1343 CALL OR TEXT 195K MILES $4450 NICE JEEP READY FOR WINTER2013 CHRYSLER 200 Loaded Limited See At 4121-7th. Ave. 53140 Russ 262-237-1343 Call Or Text 189k Miles $4950 2002 XK8- White Jaguar Convertible Good Condition - 38K Miles $18,500 obo Call or Text Bob 262-945-92241999 - Sebring Convertible - good Condition $2,850 obo Call or text Bob (262)-945-92241981 Datsun/Nissan 280ZX low mileage Loaded Glass T top's Hatch Back Stainless Steel MFG wheels New Clutch New break System New thermostat & radiator 5 speed New Interior Exterior Blue/Silver call 847-244-9256 Please leave a message 2003 GMC Envoy 142K miles Great Shape, Garage Kept 1 owner, Leave Message $6000 obo 262-515-4386 1994 Honda Goldwing Aspencade 64K miles Great Shape, Black, Leave Message $6000 obo 262-515-43864X4 4DOOR SEE IN KENOSHA AT 4121-7TH. AVE. 53140 RUSS 262-237-1343 CALL, TEXT OR STOP BY $9995 1/2 TON NICE TRUCK AT A NICE PRICE 1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE one owner, yearly maintenance, 12,000 original miles, original parts $38,000 Email [email protected] GMC Box Truck 1986 OH Door 35 V8 (nearly new) solid body, 2\" oak floor in box, needs some work $1200. Snowblower $100262-857-2695 Leave message or email [email protected] 2018 NISSAN ALTIMA $4950 ONE OWNER FLEET MAINTAINED LIKE NEW TIRES 287K MILES KENOSHA AT 4121-7TH. AVE. 53140 RUSS 262-237-1343 CALL, TEXT. 2011 Toyota Sienna Silver 8-pas- senger Minivan, strong engine, smooth riding, 184k miles, excellent for winter driving, it also has a backup camera. $5,495, text Don at 920-809-0833 FREE CLASSIFIEDS!E-mail your 170 character classified to: [email protected] Please include your contact information in the classified. (Name and Phone number / e-mail address) First 3 words will be boldface type. NO ANIMALS. • NO PERSONALS ALLOWED.CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, JANUARY 30TH, 2026 AT 12 NOONFREE CLASSIFIEDS! Employment/Opportunities • Lost & Found • Miscellaneous Real Estate • Rentals • Rummage Sales • Vehicles • Wanted
20 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Attention all foodies:Kenosha Restaurant Weekis almost here! But first …Snow Daze is happeningSaturday, February 7.This was rescheduled fromJanuary 24 due to the coldweather. The event is atVeterans Memorial Parkfrom 2 to 4 p.m., with moreice sculptures locatedthroughout DowntownKenosha to visit. Note: thesculptures will be up as longas the weather allows. Goto VisitKenosha.com/SnowDaze for all thedetails.Now let’s turn ourattention to KenoshaRestaurant Week,which takes placeFebruary 21-March 1.This is a nine-daycelebration of ourcommunity's deliciousdining scene. A record 80+restaurants, supper clubs,cafés, diners, upscale bistros,pubs, and specialty food &beverage shops throughoutKenosha County areparticipating. Each venue iscreating their owndiscounts or special offers. There are DailyBreakfast/Brunch, WeekendBrunch, Lunch, and DinnerSpecials. There’s a Sweets,Treats & Drinks category.There are also some FamilyStyle Meals and Take &Bake/Heat Meals. It’s notedif venues haveVegan/Vegetarian options aspart of their RestaurantWeek specials.Are you craving BBQ,Burgers, Pizza, or Sushi?How about Chinese, Indian,Italian, or Mexican? Icecream? Popcorn? Donuts?You’ll find all these optionsand more at theparticipating venues.First-time RestaurantWeek participants includeBBQ'd Productions SportsBar and Grill, D's Barn,Johnny'Z Animal House,Kenosha Coffee Roasters,Lomeli Butcher Shop,Olafson & Porter VintageGoods, Sal's Pizza,Southport Tea, SouthportWellness Café & SmoothieBar, Starlite Club, Station on6th, Sweet Corner IceCream Shop, The Final Girl,Trini's Ice Cream Shoppe,and Yogi's Pud'n.This is the perfect reasonto explore new places todine, re-visit old favorites,try something new at yourgo-to restaurant, and/orsimply show your supportto our locally ownedrestaurants. You’ll discover avariety of close-to-homedelicious local options thatyou may have never realizedexisted. Simply visit/order fromparticipating restaurantsbetween February 21-March 1 and ask for thespecial Restaurant Weekmenu; no tickets, passes orcoupons are required. Therestaurants will be offeringboth their specialRestaurant Week menu andtheir regular menu. It’srecommended to make areservation if the placetakes them.Find the list ofparticipating venues andtheir menus atVisitKenosha.com/RW. DineLocal this week and all yearlong!As you enjoy thedelicious meals and deals,please consider giving ahelping hand to those whomay not know where theirnext meal will come from. The official nonprofitpartners of KenoshaRestaurant Week areShalom Center, The SharingCenter, Kenosha CountyFood Bank, and TheSalvation Army of KenoshaCounty – hunger-relieforganizations in ourcommunity. Online donationlinks are on the Dine & Givepage atVisitKenosha.com/RW.Also as you are out andabout enjoying KenoshaRestaurant Week, be sure tospend some time exploringthe variety of local shops,museums, art galleries, andother attractions that arehere. Oh, and what’s the nextbig thing to look forwardto? The St. Patrick’s DayCelebration with the EricOlson Memorial St. Patrick’sDay Parade is on Saturday,March 14.Community membersand groups are invited toenter the parade with floats,marching bands, dancegroups, and otherentertainment. The deadlinefor parade applications isFebruary 13. Applicationsare available at the mayor’soffice or online atkenosha.org.KenoshaRestaurant WeekStarts February 21by Meridith Jumisko, Visit KenoshaMeridith Jumisko isPublic Relations Directorat Visit Kenosha. Contact her [email protected]
21 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800healthlifestylecommunityKenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center newsFebruary 5, 2025Make 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 Elections are February 17and April 7Free rides for votingpurposes are available The Spring Primary for KenoshaCounty residents will be Tuesday,February 17. The Spring Electionwill be 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.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 onFebruary 11. New members arerequested to register. For moreinformation and to register call theADRC at 262-605-6646.Kenosha CountyADRC to OfferPowerful Tools forCaregivers OnlineClassNext free six-week courseto begin February 24, 2026Powerful 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 heldTuesdays, beginning February 24 andrunning until March 31, from 1:30 to3:30 p.m. It will be held at theKenosha County Job Center, 8600Sheridan Road, Room S11. There isno cost, however donations areaccepted to defer costs.Registration is required by February19. To register, or to learn moreabout Powerful Tools and theADRC’s Caregiver Supportservices, call the ADRC at 262-605-6646.ClassNext free six-week courseto begin February 24, 2026The Aging and Disability ResourceCenter (ADRC) of Kenosha Countyoffers no-cost, unbiased, Medicareworkshops for those new toMedicare, or who want to learnmore. Trained benefit specialists willbe available to answer yourquestions and discuss the decisionsyou’ll need to make, including thebasics of Medicare coverage,options for private health and drugcoverage, and public benefits thatcan help with health care costs. Ifpossible, sign up for a workshop 3-4months before your Medicarestarts.UPCOMING MEDICARE 2026WORKSHOPS: Kenosha County Job Center, 8600Sheridan Road, Entrance A• Wed Feb 18, 1 – 3 p.m., Kenosha County Center, 1960075th Street, Bristol• Thursday, March 19, 1 – 3 p.m.Due to limited seating, reservationsare required. Call the ADRC at 262-605-6646 to make a reservation orto learn more.
22 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Controllable lifestyle factors help keep the brain youngThink the good thoughts.Manage stress.Get your Zzzzzs.And build a strong social supportsystem.Research shows that these factors -- all of which are within yourcontrol -- are powerful anti-agingtools.\"You can learn how to perceivestress differently,\" said study coleader Jared Tanner, a researchassociate professor of clinical healthand psychology at the University ofFlorida. \"Poor sleep is verytreatable. Optimism can bepracticed.\"Using MRI-based estimates of brainage, his team found that people whoadhered to healthy lifestyle habitshad brains that were up to 8 yearsyounger than expected. And thatwas true even for folks beset withchronic painThe findings -- published in thejournal Brain Communications --add to evidence that taking goodcare of yourself reaps big-timedividends.\"The message is consistent acrossour studies, health-promotingbehaviors are not only associatedwith lower pain and better physicalfunctioning, they appear to actuallybolster health in an additive fashionat a meaningful level,\" said seniorauthor Kimberly Sibille, an associateprofessor of physical medicine andrehabilitation.For the study, researchers tracked128 middle-aged and older adults.Most had chronic pain related to orat risk of knee osteoarthritis.Over two years, amachine learning modelused MRI scans tocompare each participant'sestimated \"brain age\" with theiractual, chronological age.The difference between the two --the so-called \"brain age gap\" --offered a measure of whole-brainhealth.The takeaway: Hardships likechronic pain, limited education andlower income were associated withbrains that appeared older.Researchers noted, however, thatthose links decreased over time.On the other hand, maintaining ahealthy weight, getting good sleep,managing stress, avoiding tobaccoand cultivating supportiverelationships were linked to astronger and more enduringconnection to younger-appearingbrains.Folks with the highest number ofthose beneficial factors began thestudy with brains that looked eightyears younger than they actuallywere, the study found.What's more, during the two-yearfollow-up, their brains aged moreslowly than others' did.The findings add to a growing bodyof knowledge about brain aging.Earlier studies have examinedisolated brain areas, but pain, stressand major life events tend toinfluence widespread brain areas.For years, experts have known thataging brains are more vulnerable todementia, Alzheimer's disease anddecline. While the new studycentered on people with chronicpain, the authors said that healthyhabits are likely to benefit aging in awide range of folks.\"Literally for every additionalhealthy promoting factor, there issome evidence of neurobiologicalbenefit,\" Sibille said. \"Our findingssupport the growing body ofevidence that Lifestyle is medicine.\"SENIOR DINING CURBSIDE PICK UP AT VILLAGE PUBMeals are offered for a suggested donation of $5.00 PER MEAL ($10.00 PER DAY PER PERSON). Open to anyone age 60+ and a spouse regardless of age. Reservations must be made by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning for Wednesday & 10:00 a.m on Thursday for Friday. Call 262-358-5779 to reserve. Please pick up between 11:30 – 1:00.All Participants Receive 2 Meals each Day (1 Hot & 1 to Heat/Eat Later) Plus milk/juice Wednesday Feb. 4th Friday Feb. 6th Wednesday Feb. 11th Friday Feb. 13th Baked Ham Mashed Sweet Potato Green Bean Casserole Dinner Roll Pork Loin w Gravy Mashed Potato Mixed Vegetables Dinner Roll Turkey Steak w Mushroom Gravy, Mashed Potatoes Carrots Roll Grilled Ham & Cheese Chili, Jello Grain Fruit Bar Tuna Melt Potato Wedges Three Bean Salad Jello Fruit Cup Chicken Thigh Vegetable Medley Fresh Fruit Bread Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Julienne Potatoes Fresh Fruit Corn Muffin Meat Lasagna Broccoli Fresh Fruit Garlic Bread Wednesday Feb. 18th Friday Feb. 20th Wednesday Feb. 25th Friday Feb. 27th Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes w Gravy Carrots, Roll Beef Stew Veg. Side Salad Granola Bar Corn Muffin Chicken Parmesan Peas & Carrots Applesauce Bread Open Face Turkey Sandwich Mashed Potato & Gravy Carrots Stuffing Cheese Ravioli Side Salad Fresh Fruit Garlic Bread Ham & Turkey Sub Coleslaw Pea Soup Chips Pulled Pork Sandwich Chips Coleslaw Brownie Beef Panini w Provolone & Spinach, Potato Wedges Bean Soup Fresh Fruit REGULAR SENIOR DINING SITES• Meals include dessert and beverage• Suggested donation: $5• Open to anyone age 60+ and aspouse regardless of age• Reservations must be made by10am the day priorKenosha Senior Center2717 67th StMonday - Friday, 11:30amReserve at 262-351-6246Parkside Redeemer Church2620 14th PlaceMonday - Friday, 11:30amReserve at 262-552-7737Lakeside Towers5800 Third AveMonday - Friday, 11amReserve at 262-455-7919Westosha Senior Center19200 93rd StMonday - Friday, 11:30amReserve at 262-358-5554Village Pub of Silver Lake307 N Cogswell DriveWednesday & Friday, 11:30amReserve at 262-358-5779
23 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Dear Eric: My husbandand I are in our early 70s.We're both in good health.We have one child who isan adult and livesindependently but close by.My husband and I enjoymarijuana now that it hasbeen legalized in our state.Between the two of us, wesmoke one joint after 7p.m. about four days aweek. We also enjoy it onspecial occasions likeholidays and birthdays.Lately, when our adultchild has been over to visitand we step away to share ajoint, they'll comment \"Ithought you only smokedon these days\" orsomething to that extent. Ifeel like they're keepingtabs on us, or even judgingus by saying, \"OK\" in adisapproving way.We are never in a \"farout\" state of mind after wesmoke (or eat edibles). Itrelaxes us to enjoy music,watch a funny movie orprogram until we get tiredand go to bed. If we had togo somewhere in anemergency, we would Uberit. Our adult child is awareof this.I'd like to mention thatup to a year ago, this adultchild smoked marijuanawith us at times. They hadsome health issues thathave since been taken careof. They're not antimarijuana but seem to befocusing on our use. Itmakes me uneasy in myown home when thishappens. Sometimes wehave to \"sneak\" it in whilethey're visiting to avoid anyquestions/comments.When these commentsstart coming, I want to tellthis adult child that it'snone of their business whatwe do in our home. I feelpoliced and judged bythem. I also feel like I don'thave to explain anything.Any advice?– Senior HighDear High: Bring it upto your child in a neutralmanner and ask your adultchild to have a discussionwith you about it. Start bysaying something like, “I’venoticed that when wesmoke, you oftencomment.” Then explainhow you feel when thathappens and ask them ifyou’re reading the situationin the way they’re intending.Something like, “when thathappens, it makes mewonder if you think we’reusing marijuana too much.Do you?”The goal of theconversation is to get andgive more information.Maybe your child’sresponse is more abouttheir own journey, and theydon’t realize how they’recoming off. Or maybe theydo have concerns. If thelatter turns out to be thecase, it’s better for both ofyou that those concernsare verbalized. It’s up to youwhether you agree withthose concerns andwhether you decide tomake a change. But byopening the door to aconversation about what’sbeing said, you free bothyourself and your childfrom interior narrativesthat can cause resentments.Dear Eric: My 80-yearold sister lives alone afterher husband passed away along time ago and has nochildren. She lies so muchthat it's upsetting.She lies to everyonearound her about herprevious job and even hereducation. She even tellsthe senior center that herchildren live out of state.She used to be a poetand published two books,but she lied about hereducation in the authorbios.I've repeatedly told herthat lying is wrong, but sherefuses to listen to myadvice. It's sad that I can'trespect her like this, butsometimes I even hate her.What should I do as hersister? I want to be honestwith everyone around meabout my sister, but I alsohave to consider her pride.– Upset Younger SisterDear Sister: Lying thismuch indicates that there’ssomething deeper going on.Perhaps it’s psychological,perhaps it’s emotional.Perhaps she’s trying tocope with grief ordisappointment or shame.It’s not for me to diagnose.While I understand thefrustration that her lyingcauses you, it’s alsoimportant to consider thatthis behavior has likelycaused problems for her. It’sunlikely that you’re the onlyperson who has caught herin this. It may seem, to her,like a solution, but it’s also asource of chaos in her life.At this point, the bestpath forward may be toaccept that this is a choicethat she’s making, for betteror for worse. That doesn’tmean condoning it. Indeed,it’s probably best to thinkabout what internalboundaries you need to setup to preserve some partof this relationship. You mayneed to hear less about herlife, for instance.Setting up theseboundaries will also helpyou release the need to talkto everyone around youabout her. Her lying is herproblem; by continuing tobring it up to others, you’remaking it your problem,too, which isn’t helping you.Dear Eric: I amregretfully asking myself if Ihave morphed into a defacto sugar daddy. I'm in afour-year live-inrelationship with a 42-yearold woman. I am 70.Many might think the 28-year age gap is prima facieevidence of a sugardaddy/sugar babyrelationship. However, todate, the relationship hasbeen the best, as it has beenadorned with love,kindness, joy and fulfillment.She is an artist and aftermoving in with me I spentseveral thousand dollarsbuilding her an art studio. Ihave financially supportedher and her career in manyother ways, including givingher a monthly allowance.Recently, she wanted meto buy her a computer.When I balked, she gothuffy and accused me of notvaluing her artistic career.There are a growingnumber of instances whereshe comes off as entitled.I'm thinking of tapering offmy largesse to see if wereally do have the strong,lovingrelationship that I thinkwe do. I'll still be her biggestvocal supporter andchampion. What do youthink?– A Sweet DealDear Deal: Sugar is inthe eye of the beholder.Which is to say, everyrelationship worksdifferently, has differentexpectations, and asksdifferent things of itsparticipants. You have thepower to define therelationship for yourself.This isn’t an episode of“The Maury Povich Show”;no one is going tounilaterally declare you thefather.I have two suggestions.First, talk with yourgirlfriend about how yourrelationship works and howyou’d like it to work. Use “I”statements, but don’t beafraid to bring up how youfelt about her response tothe computer conversation.Ask her what her wantsand expectations are. Thiscould be clarifying for youboth.Communication is goingto help you both. Try tothink of concrete ways thatyou’d like to be shown loveand would like to show it.These conversations maynot be easy and there maybe some bruised feelings.But it’s perfectly fine to behonest about your fearsand your hopes.Second suggestion:instead of tapering off yourlargesse, communicateabout that, too, in the formof a budget. Tapering feels,to me, like playing a game ofchicken, each of you waitingfor the other to cry foul.Instead, by being up frontabout what money isshared, and what moneyisn’t, you keep the focus onwhat you’re reallyinterested in: building andmaintaining a strong, lovingrelationship.Dear Eric: My parentsare retired and enjoying theempty nest stage of life.They have a rather largehome and my mother’smobility has been severelyhampered in the last fewyears.They refuse to get rid ofthe things that no longerserve them. My motherover buys for everythingand at times I think sheforgets what they alreadyhave and just buys more,never cleaning out what shealready has.My siblings and I aregrowing extremelyfrustrated as there arerooms in the house that areno longer able to be movedthrough or are overrunwith stuff from decadesago.We have offered to helpclean areas out; we'veoffered to hire aprofessional organizer toget the home in order andcreate a safe environmentfor them. They refuse allhelp.We've also explained tothem that we do notbelieve it is fair that theyare going to leave this largehome of stuff for us toclean up one day, notknowing what may beimportant or an heirloom,and they tell us to justthrow it all away.We love our parentsdearly, but we are alsoextremely frustrated withhow cavalier they seem tobe when it comes toputting the burden ofcleaning all this up on uswhen they are gone whenwe are more than happy tohelp now. Your thoughtswould be deeplyappreciated.– Overwhelmed byClutterDear Overwhelmed:If you believe that theclutter in the house poses asafety risk and they’verefused your help, it may betime to reach out to thehoarder task force at yourlocal fire department orseek out other municipalresources to pay yourparents a house call.They can assess the risk(to your parents and to anyparamedics/fire fighterswho might have to comeinto the home to help) andprovide solutions.There’s a separate issuehere, however, and it’s ananticipatory frustration thatmay not really besomething your parentsneed to deal with. You’reenvisioning how hard it’sgoing to be to clean upafter them, which isunderstandable from alogistical standpoint. Butthey’re still living their lives;this is still their stuff. So, it’snot really fair tocharacterize them ascavalier about whathappens after they’re gone,when they’re still here andenjoying post-retirementlife.If you’re worried aboutmissing some heirlooms,ask them if you can walkthrough the house withthem and hold on to somethings for safekeeping.Today’s problem is theclutter. The figurativetomorrow’s problem isdisposing of everything. Lettomorrow’s problem staytomorrow’s problem.asking ericSon judges parents’marijuana useBestselling 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 between
24 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800This is going to be acolumn about theinfamous \"notch babies.\"I thought this issue haddied, because frankly,almost everyone affectedby this glitch in SocialSecurity law has died.(The few still alive wouldbe over 100 years old.)But amazingly, I am nowhearing from the babiesof notch babies! In otherwords, people now intheir 70s are writing tome about an issue thataffected their parents.Here is a typical example. \"I've always beencurious about something.My mom, who wouldhave turned 100 today ifshe were still alive, alwayscomplained that she wasbeing cheated out ofSocial Security benefitsbecause of somethingcalled \"the notch.\" In fact,she called herself a\"notch baby.\" I know it'stoo late to do anythingabout it, but can youexplain what that was allabout?\" Yes, I can explain. Thiscohort of now mostlydeceased Social Securitybeneficiaries aregenerally people bornbetween 1917 and about1926. And their falseclaims about gettingfinancially fleeced byUncle Sam were fueledby a rather sophisticated,albeit deceitful andshameful lobbyingcampaign, sponsored bygreedy gadflies out tomake a quick buck. The infamous \"notch\"refers to a time periodwhen corrections weremade to the SocialSecurity benefit formula -- corrections that werenecessary to ensure thatall Social Securityrecipients were paidproperly, but correctionsthat were misconstruedby many to be a way ofcheating them out ofbenefits they felt theywere due. Here's thestory.In 1972, Congresspassed a law mandatingautomatic annual cost-ofliving adjustments -- orCOLAs -- to SocialSecurity checks. ThoseCOLAs were to be basedon increases in thegovernment's officialinflation measuring stick:the consumer priceindex. (Before 1972,COLAs were notautomatic. They weresporadic and happenedonly if Congressspecifically authorized ayearly increase.)As part of the newprocess, the SocialSecurity Administrationhad to come up with aformula for calculatingincreases to people'sSocial Security checks --which they did. But afterCOLAs were paid for acouple of years, someonenoticed the formula waswrong. Social Securitybeneficiaries were gettingcost-of-living increasesthat were slightly higherthan intended. Once the mistake wasdiscovered and SSAnotified Congress,several decisions had tobe made. For one, theyhad to figure out what todo about all of the SocialSecurity beneficiarieswho received the overlygenerous COLAadjustments. Congressdecided to let them keepthe money. (It would havebeen political suicide tosend \"overpayment\"letters to every seniorcitizen in the countrydemanding repayment ofthe incorrectly paidfunds.)The second choiceCongress had to makewas to decide where todraw the line -- to figureout which people wouldhave their benefitsfigured using the properCOLA formula. And theydrew that line at 1917. Inother words, they saideveryone born in 1917and later would havetheir Social Securitybenefit figured using thecorrected formula.Sounds simple enough,doesn't it? Butsometimes Congresscan't leave well enoughalone. In this case, theybowed to pressure fromsenior citizen groupswho demanded atransition period fromthe old (incorrect)formula to the new(proper) formula. Afterlots of haggling, what theyeventually decided wasthat everyone bornbetween 1917 and 1921would have their benefitfigured using a specialformula.So, we ended up withthe following scenarios.People born after 1921had their benefits figuredusing the lower, butproper, COLA formula.People born before 1917had their benefits figuredusing the higher, butincorrect, formula. Andpeople born between1917 and 1921 had theirbenefits figured with aspecial formula that wasnot quite as generous asthe one used for the pre1917 crowd but moregenerous than the oneused for the post-1921crowd.You'd think everyonewould be happy, right?Well, what happenednext was pretty bizarre.Social Security recipientsborn between 1917 and1921 started to complainthat they weren't gettingquite as generous aCOLA as folks born in1916 and earlier.Someone should havepointed out to them thatthey were indeed beingpaid at a special rate thatwas lower than theincorrect benefits paid tothe pre-1917 crowd, butat a higher rate thananyone born from 1922on.Instead of listening toreason, mobs of angrysenior citizens aroundthe country started toform into groupsdemanding justice. Evenadvice columnist AnnLanders got into the fray.She's the one who cameup with the moniker:\"notch babies.\" And allthese folks mistakenlythought they weresingled out for lowerbenefit adjustments thaneveryone else. Then those greedylobbying groups Imentioned earlier gotinto the mix and reallymuddied things. Theysent letters to folks bornin the so-called \"notchyears\" telling them theywere being cheated outof Social Security benefitsand asking for donationsto \"fight this injustice.\"And to help fill theircoffers even more, thelobbyists deceitfullyexpanded the definitionof those notch years toinclude everyone bornthrough 1926. Someinexplicably even pushedthe notch cutoff into1930s dates of birth! Sosenior citizens of all agesstarted sending in tens ofmillions of dollars --money that paid for manyoverpriced lobbyists andsome pretty nice officespace in Washington,D.C. -- but money thataccomplished nothingelse. After all, there wasno \"injustice\" to fight.Sadly, millions ofseniors born between1917 and 1926 or evenlater went to their gravesbitter and disappointed --including my ownmother, by the way!Those very few still alivebelieve to this day thatthey are being cheatedout of Social Securitybenefits. If you know oneof these people, pleasetell them to enjoy whattime they have left onearth and stop frettingabout an alleged injusticethat never happened. Orif you are the child of adeceased \"notch baby,\"please rest assured thatyour parent wasn'tcheated out of anything.social securityBabies of \"NotchBabies\"with 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] youSaturday, February 14 • 7:00PMFor advance tickets visit hap2it.com, or stop in at 1420 63rd St., Kenosha between 10am - 4pm M-F5125 6th Avenue KenoshaTo be assured a good seat, purchase tickets early. However, limited tickets will also be available at the door the night of the show.SR010826@ theLiveYESTERDAY’S CHILDRENYESTERDAY’SCHILDREN
25 SMART READER February 5, 2026 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800Your Ticket toLocal Events041025At Dr. Lee’s office, our quality care, along with our sensible payments plans, ensure a bright dental future for you and your family. Your dental health is our main concern, and your comfort our priority.3103-75th St. • 262-694-6055Dr. Rand A. LeeFamily DentistryOur Staff Is Friendly To The Core!SR 020625A Little Bit Different But...A Whole Bite Better!February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!013025 SR020526SR061324We buy Stereo & Hi-Fi components,laptops, desktop computers and all non-ferrous material!SR012226