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

Friday, August 28th, 2026
	It Takes a Lot of “E” to Offset P/E \| 4 Your Money While the stock market remains near record highs, stock valuations have actually been coming down. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, is here to explain how stocks can be going up and getting cheaper at the same time.
	MercyOne Genesis adding spinal surgery technology QCA residents who need spine surgery can now get their procedures performed locally at MercyOne Genesis. The hospital is bringing the latest robotic spine surgery technology to the Quad Cities area, giving patients advanced surgical capabilities from experienced spine specialists without having to travel. “For a decade, the most difficult spine cases in this part [...]
	Vehicle catches fire after crash in Wapello, Iowa A passenger car left the road, rolled, hit a tree and caught on fire, according to Wapello Fire and Rescue.
	Rock Island High offers resource for student families affected by Tyson closure Rock Island High School is reaching out to those impacted by the closure of Tyson on August 13 in a message sent to students and families. “The Tyson closure has left many families facing an uncertain tomorrow,” the message. “For many in our community, including some of our students' families, their household income disappeared with [...]
	Arrest made in 2025 stabbing death in Davenport 39-year-old, Ryan McNeiece has been arrested in connection with the stabbing death of Joseph Padilla.
	Around the Community: Events being held in area to wrap up summer over the weekend From River Bandits baseball to outdoor concerts and farmers markets, here are some ways to enjoy one of the last weekends of summer.
	Fed's Kevin Warsh warns inflation is too high, sparking bets rate hikes are coming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh reiterated his commitment to fighting inflation in a major speech — raising expectations that rate hikes may be coming, though he did not clearly spell out a path going forward.
	Davenport Noon Optimists present Respect for Law Award to Aric Robinson The Davenport Noon Optimist Club presented its 2026 Sergeant Kevin Marxen Respect for Law Award to Detective Aric Robinson on August 21 at the Davenport River Center. Robinson is the club’s 47th annual recipient. Presenters included Davenport Chief of Police Greg Benning, Davenport Alderman At-Large/Mayor Pro Tem Kyle Gripp, Optimist Iowa District Governor Jane Schmidt, [...]
	Man wanted in deadly 2025 Davenport motorcycle crash arrested by US Marshals in Mexico Samantha Burke died after the motorcycle she was riding on, driven by Alex Uthoff, crashed in May 2025. A warrant has been out for his arrest.
	Blood tests are easier to order than ever. Doctors warn they're easy to misread. Blood tests are easier to order than ever. Doctors warn they're easy to misread.Blood work used to start with a doctor’s order, usually to diagnose or monitor disease. But people are increasingly using blood work to ask proactive questions like: How healthy am I? Is something beginning to change? Could I feel or function better?In a recent national survey of 1,000 U.S. patients who had undergone lab testing in the previous two years, more than 1 in 4 did so out of curiosity without a doctor’s recommendation. Eighty-nine percent were interested in tests that could predict future health risks, and nearly 80% believed they could interpret the results without a provider’s help.People may think lab results are easy to interpret because they come color-coded like a traffic light: red suggests danger, while green or “normal” suggests everything is fine. But “normal” just means you’re not in crisis, according to longevity-focused integrative physician Dr. Candice Knight. “It doesn’t necessarily mean your body is functioning at its best, or even that disease isn’t already underway. The broad middle ground can still mask significant dysfunction before disease shows up.”Hone Health examined several types of “normal” lab results from blood tests that could be misleading, and explained how to get the most out of your blood work.What ‘Normal’ Means on a Lab ResultFor many tests, the range considered “normal” is based on results from a large group of people selected as generally healthy. It typically represents the middle 95% of test results for a specific biomarker, essentially, where most people in that group fall.“That ‘normal’ span is designed to capture the vast majority of results,” said Dr. James Staheli, medical director of Hone Health and a family medicine doctor who specializes in longevity and hormone optimization. "A number can be technically normal and still be telling you something. If your fasting glucose has been creeping up year over year, for example, or your testosterone has been slowly dropping, that trend matters — even if you haven't crossed any thresholds yet."For this reason, some physicians look beyond “normal” reference ranges to identify narrower “optimal” zones that may be associated with lower disease risk, more energy and focus, a healthy body composition or better day-to-day functioning.That context can become especially important with age, as reproductive hormones fluctuate and decline, metabolism changes, and rising blood pressure and inflammation can inch you closer to developing diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline.What counts as optimal may also change across the lifespan. “A 30-year-old and a 70-year-old may both be in the same normal range for a biomarker, even though their physiology and needs are very different,” Staheli said.5 ‘Normal’ Lab Results That Could Be MisleadingWhether a result is optimal for you may depend on how it relates to other biomarkers and whether it has changed over time along with any symptoms or health risks you have. Here are five common examples.Total testosteroneThe normal range for men is 300–1,000 ng/dL, but fatigue, low libido, and reduced muscle mass can all occur within that range, which is why clinical guidelines recommend weighing symptoms alongside the number.Estradiol and progesteroneA hormone level can be normal for one point in the menstrual cycle but still fail to explain or address symptoms occurring across the month or during perimenopause.TSHA thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) can be within the normal range, but your optimal level may be higher or lower depending on factors such as age, pregnancy, thyroid treatment, symptoms, and related results such as free T4.Fasting glucoseIn people who go on to develop Type 2 diabetes, fasting glucose can appear normal for years even as insulin resistance is developing. By the time glucose rises, metabolic changes are often already underway.LDL cholesterolA normal low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level can hide heart disease risk because it measures the amount of cholesterol in your blood — not the number or size of the particles carrying it. You may still have a high number of small, dense particles that can penetrate artery walls and drive plaque buildup.How to Get the Most from Your Lab ResultsWhether your doctor ordered blood work or you purchased it yourself, normal results aren’t the end of the conversation, especially if you're trying to understand your long-term health risks. A physician can help you determine whether "normal" is the right benchmark for you, given your age, symptoms, family history, and related biomarkers. These questions can help guide that conversation.Where does my result fall within the normal range? A result near the low or high end of a broad range may carry different implications than one closer to the middle.Has this number changed over time? A result that has been trending in one direction over several years may deserve attention even if it remains within range. Ask your doctor to compare current results with previous ones to look for patterns that could be a red flag.Are there related markers that would give a fuller picture of my future disease risk? Some biomarkers are more meaningful in combination: fasting insulin alongside glucose, for example, or free testosterone alongside total. Ask whether additional testing would help answer your health question.The goal isn't to push every result into the high-normal range, according to urologist Dr. Joshua Calvert. “Some people function best at the upper half of a range,” he explained. “Others feel well in the middle. The goal should be to find the range that’s optimal for you.”This story was produced by Hone Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Time theft report: What 800-plus hourly workers admit about life on the clock Time theft report: What 800-plus hourly workers admit about life on the clockMost employers know their hourly workers aren't heads-down every minute of their shift. However, time-card discrepancies and adjusted hours have a way of quietly adding up. An OnTheClock survey of more than 830 hourly workers puts numbers on just how common these habits actually are.The survey found that 1 in 4 have clocked in or out for a co-worker or had a co-worker clock in or out for them, also known as buddy punching. Nearly half (43%) have submitted time sheets that didn't match the hours they actually worked.The survey results show how common it is for time sheets to not accurately reflect actual hours worked, and how teams can get back on track.Key TakeawaysIn the last 12 months, 1 in 4 hourly U.S. workers say they clocked in or out for a co-worker who wasn't at work yet, or had someone clock in for them.43% of hourly workers have adjusted their reported hours, yet 79% believe their employer/manager reviews time cards closely.55% of hourly workers handle personal texts, calls, or emails on the clock, and 83% spend at least some of their time at work on personal matters.66% of hourly workers say more monitoring would not change how they spend time at work, so stricter oversight may not produce the results employers are hoping for. 43% of Workers Have Misreported Their Hours, and It Happens Whether Managers Check Closely or NotTime-tracking records that look accurate on paper are not always an accurate reflection of what happened on the clock. Forty-three percent of hourly workers have adjusted their reported hours to misrepresent how many hours they worked, and 17% say they do so on a weekly or daily basis. Separately, 45% have clocked in while not actively working, whether that means clocking in before a shift starts, not clocking out for lunch, or forgetting to clock out after finishing work.The cost adds up quickly. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, as of July 2026, the average hourly wage for private sector production and nonsupervisory workers is $32.40. If one worker overreports by an hour per week, that comes to roughly $1,684 in excess payroll over the course of a year. For a 10-person hourly team, that figure climbs past $16,800 annually, before accounting for payroll taxes. OnTheClock The majority (79%) of workers believe their managers review their time cards very or extremely thoroughly before approving payroll, but oversight doesn't necessarily lead to more accurate records. Among workers who adjust their hours on a weekly or daily basis, 92% still believe their manager checks their time cards carefully. That only drops to 81% among those who do it a few times a month.Managers may want to consider that, if workers adjust their time cards despite oversight, tightening oversight may not be the solution to inaccurate reporting of work hours.71% of Employees Know Buddy Punching Is Against Company Rules, but Some Are Doing it AnywayCompared with other forms of “time theft,” buddy punching can be hard for employers to catch. Buddy punching is when one employee clocks in or out for a co-worker who isn't at work yet or has already left.One in 4 (25%) hourly employees in the survey has engaged in buddy punching over the past 12 months. This may be against their workplace policy. Seven out of 10 (71%) workers say their employers already have a clear policy against buddy punching. OnTheClock Still, 31% of workers believe buddy punching is either no big deal or acceptable in certain situations. These workers are also significantly more likely to have inaccurate time records.Buddy punching rarely happens in isolation. Seventy-one percent of workers who are comfortable with buddy punching have adjusted their reported hours to not match the time they actually worked, compared with 43% of all workers.Clocking in for a co-worker can feel like a small favor, but the data suggests it rarely stops there. Workers who are comfortable with buddy punching are significantly more likely to have adjusted their own reported hours at some point, too. What starts as covering for a teammate often shows up elsewhere on their time cards.Gen Z Buddy Punches More Than 1.5 Times the Overall Rate, and Half Don't See Anything Wrong With itGen Z workers (ages 18-29) are more than 1.5 times as likely to buddy punch as workers overall (41% vs. 25%). And 51% of Gen Z workers say it's either no big deal or fine in certain situations, compared to 31% of all workers surveyed.Gen Z workers are relatively new to the workplace. The higher rate may be due in part to many not knowing that buddy punching could be considered time theft. Still, as Gen Z becomes a larger share of the hourly workforce, employers who rely on the honor system for timekeeping should take note. Whether the higher rate reflects attitude or inexperience, the payroll effects are the same.What's Actually Happening During Paid HoursWorkers often spend billable time on personal tasks. Most hourly workers spend at least some personal time during paid hours (83%), and nearly half (48%) spend 30 minutes or more per day doing so.Workplace distractions come in many forms, and the data shows they are widespread. OnTheClock Personal texts, calls, and emails (55%)Browsing news and social media (41%)Personal tasks, like banking or online shopping (36%)Managing outside freelance work, side businesses, or studies (15%)Many workers who spend paid time on at least one personal task also submit inaccurate hours. Among that group, 48% adjusted their time sheets at some point, compared to 14% of workers who reported no personal tasks.Similarly, 50% of workers who lost time handling personal tasks have also clocked in while not actively working, compared to 18% who haven't spent time on personal tasks. Not every worker who handles personal tasks during paid hours will also have time-card discrepancies, but the data shows the two are far more likely to occur together than separately.Some of what workers report is fairly expected. A quick personal call or a few minutes of browsing is something most employers account for. But other habits on the list, like stepping away for errands or catching up on a show, are the kind that many workplace policies explicitly prohibit.For employers with noncompete agreements in place, it may also be worth having a clear conversation with hourly staff about what outside work is and isn't permitted during paid hours.The Honor System Isn't Working: 4 Tips For EmployersTwo-thirds of hourly workers say more monitoring, such as GPS tracking of remote workers or activity screenshots, wouldn't change their behavior at all. That points to something most employers already sense but may not know how to act on: Employee behavior is difficult to control through oversight alone.The data in this report consistently shows that inaccurate records remain common even in workplaces where timekeeping policies exist and managers are perceived to pay close attention.Here are a few practical steps that can help employers ensure their team's time records are accurate:Audit a random sample of time cards monthly rather than relying on routine approval. Spot-checking creates a more consistent sense of accountability, since workers are less likely to know in advance which submissions will be reviewed closely.Make sure newer hourly workers understand not just the rules, but why they matter. Awareness of a policy does not always translate into respect for it, and the data suggests that this gap is more common earlier in someone's working life.Consider whether your current tracking method gives you visibility into when employees are actually working. When employees self-report their hours or fill in a time sheet at the end of a shift, there is more room for discrepancies between what is recorded and what actually happened. Tools that require individual employee logins, use GPS geofencing to verify location, or apply IP restrictions to clock-ins can make it significantly harder for hours to be recorded inaccurately in the first place.Back your timekeeping policies with training and clear expectations around accountability. The data shows that most workers are already aware of their employer's timekeeping rules. Pairing that awareness with regular training on why accurate timekeeping matters, and making clear what happens when a policy is violated, reinforces that the rules carry real weight.MethodologyThis survey was conducted online by Centiment on behalf of OnTheClock. The total sample includes 831 employed U.S.-based adults aged 18 years and older who are currently employed full- or part-time by an employer as hourly workers. Each respondent was screened to ensure they are required to track, log, or submit their work hours using time cards, time sheets, clock-in/out systems, or automatic time-tracking systems.Fieldwork was undertaken from July 1 to July 9, 2026. Data is unweighted, and the margin of error is approximately ±3 % for the overall sample at the 95% confidence level.This story was produced by OnTheClock and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Public invited to reception to welcome new Muscatine Art Center director The Muscatine Art Center and the City of Muscatine invite the public to a reception and welcome for new art-center director Kelly Lao to the community, a news release says. Share an evening of art, conversation, and connection from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at 1314 Mulberry Ave. This free celebration will blend creativity, community [...]
	Victim identified after Davenport man charged with first-degree murder The victim has been identified after a Davenport man was charged with first-degree murder on Thursday.
	5 reasons for college students to plan summer and spring break in the fall 5 reasons for college students to plan summer and spring break in the fallFor college students, spring and summer break can feel far away when the fall semester begins. But for Gen Z travelers trying to coordinate school schedules, friends, budgets, and an international trip, starting the planning process early can make everything much easier to organize.College spring break and summer break dates vary widely by school, and many students are working within a limited travel window. Planning several months ahead gives travelers more time to compare destinations, figure out what they can realistically afford, and coordinate with friends before schedules get busier.It can also give first-time international travelers more time to navigate details like passports, flights, transportation, and accommodations without having to make every decision at once.EF Ultimate Break compiled a list of five reasons fall can be a useful time for college travelers to start planning spring or summer break.1. College Break Dates Make Early Planning Especially UsefulSpring break is usually tied to a specific week on a college academic calendar, and summer travel often has to fit around jobs, internships, or summer courses. That leaves students with less flexibility to move a trip by a few days if flights, accommodations, or other options become limited.For Gen Z travelers planning with friends, the challenge can be even greater. Everyone needs to have the same break dates, agree on a destination, and find options that work for the group’s budget.Starting in the fall gives students more time to compare options that fit their exact academic calendar rather than choosing from what is available closer to departure.It also gives travelers time to think about what kind of spring or summer break they actually want. Destinations such as Costa Rica, Iceland, Japan, the Dominican Republic, and major European cities offer very different experiences, from beaches and nightlife to hiking, outdoor adventure, and cultural sightseeing.For college students who may only have one week available, looking early can make it easier to choose a destination and itinerary that realistically fit within that window.2. More Planning Time Can Make It Easier to Budget for the TripInternational spring break and summer trips can involve several big expenses, including transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, and flights.Starting in the fall gives travelers several months to estimate the total cost and spread those expenses across a longer period instead of trying to fund an entire trip shortly before departure.Booking through a tour operator can also make budgeting significantly easier. Because operators bundle many of the biggest expenses — flights, accommodations, ground transportation, and many activities — into one price, students have a clearer picture of the total cost up front. Many operators also offer monthly payment plans, so the trip can be paid off gradually over the months leading up to the trip instead of in one large payment before departure.For college students in particular, spring and summer travel can compete with expenses such as tuition, textbooks, rent, and everyday living costs. Creating a travel budget several months in advance can make it easier to determine what is realistic before committing to a destination.Travelers should consider the full cost of the trip rather than focusing only on the initial advertised price. Meals, local transportation, activities, baggage fees, travel insurance, and spending money can all affect the final budget.3. Fall Can Be an Easier Time to Coordinate a GroupPlanning a trip with friends often becomes more difficult as schedules fill up.At the beginning of the academic year, students generally have a clearer idea of their spring break dates and summer availability, giving them more time to discuss destinations, budgets, and travel preferences before the semester becomes busier.Starting the conversation early can also help identify potential conflicts before anyone makes a nonrefundable booking.Groups should agree on a few basics before making reservations: the total budget, travel dates, preferred destination, type of accommodations, and how much structure everyone wants during the trip.Having those conversations in the fall leaves time for people to opt in or out without forcing the rest of the group to make last-minute changes.4. You Have More Time to Choose the Right Kind of TripSpring break and summer travel do not have to mean the traditional resort or beach trip.Costa Rica can combine Pacific beaches with rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife. Iceland offers waterfalls, geysers, geothermal bathing, and black-sand beaches. Japan can combine major cities such as Tokyo with historic neighborhoods, temples, food experiences, and other cultural attractions.Travelers looking for a more traditional warm-weather trip might consider destinations in the Caribbean or Central America, while those interested in visiting several cities can use the break for a shorter European itinerary.Starting early provides time to compare those experiences rather than defaulting to the first destination everyone in the group suggests.It can also help travelers realistically assess how much they can fit into the amount of time they have available. A six-day spring break and a 10-day summer trip, for example, can require very different itineraries.5. Planning Ahead Can Reduce Last-Minute LogisticsInternational travel often involves more than booking a flight and hotel.Depending on the destination, travelers may need to check passport expiration dates, research entry requirements, arrange transportation between cities, reserve popular attractions, and determine how they will get to and from airports.For college students taking their first international trip without family, those logistics may also be relatively new. Extra planning time can make it easier to research phone service, currency, travel insurance, packing, and local transportation before departure.Organized group travel is another option for travelers who prefer to have accommodations, transportation, activities, or local guidance arranged in advance.Regardless of travel style, handling major logistics several months before departure can leave fewer decisions for the weeks immediately before the trip.What College Travelers Should Decide Before BookingBefore committing to a trip, students should know their exact spring break or summer travel dates and have a realistic budget.Groups should also discuss what everyone wants from the trip. Someone picturing a week on the beach may have a very different idea of the trip than someone hoping to hike, explore several cities, or spend most of the trip sightseeing.It is also worth determining which expenses are included in any booking and which will need to be paid separately.Planning in the fall does not mean every detail needs to be finalized immediately. For Gen Z college travelers, the advantage is having enough time to coordinate schedules, compare options, budget for the trip, and prepare without relying on last-minute availability.This story was produced by EF Ultimate Break and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What is the difference between a home equity loan and a HELOC? What is the difference between a home equity loan and a HELOC?Today, homeowners have more financial opportunities than ever before. Rising property values are creating a powerful source—home equity. Tapping into that value, you're likely to find two options—a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC). You can use both to borrow against your home, but they work in different ways.This guide from Members 1st Federal Credit Union helps homeowners confidently choose between a home equity loan and a HELOC so they can select the right financial tool for their specific goals.Key TakeawaysBoth options unlock your home's value, but they serve different needs. Keep these essential points in mind:A home equity loan gives you a lump sum with a fixed interest rate and predictable payments.A HELOC offers flexible access to funds with a variable interest rate.Loans work well for one-time expenses, while HELOCs suit ongoing or uncertain costs.Your home serves as collateral for both options.Credit unions offer competitive rates with personalized guidance. What Is Home Equity? Members 1st Federal Credit Union Home equity is one of the most valuable financial tools available to homeowners. It represents a portion of your home that you truly own and can serve as a source of funding when you need it.Think of equity as an asset that grows over time. In recent years, rising home values have significantly increased this asset, with U.S. homeowners now holding over $11.5 trillion in tappable equity. On average, that translates to about $212,000 per homeowner. Equity is calculated using this formula:Equity = Home Value - Mortgage BalanceFor example, if your home is worth $350,000 and you owe $200,000 on your mortgage, you have $150,000 in equity. How Home Equity BuildsEquity grows in two ways. First, each mortgage payment you make reduces your principal balance, increasing your ownership stake. Second, equity grows as your home’s market value increases. When local home values rise, the property may become worth more than its original purchase price. Even without extra mortgage payments, appreciation can expand available equity. Lenders also consider your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which compares your loan balance to your home's value with this calculation:LTV Ratio = (Mortgage Balance / Home Value) x 100For instance, if you still owe $200,000 on a $400,000 home, your LTV is 50%. Lower LTV ratios typically give you higher borrowing limits and better terms. Understanding equity and LTV ratios creates the foundation you'll use to compare home equity loans and HELOCs.The Two Paths to Borrowing: Loan vs. Line of CreditUsing your home's equity, you can generally choose between two loan paths—the home equity loan or a HELOC. Both options use your home as collateral, which often results in lower interest rates than with unsecured borrowing, such as personal loans or credit cards. Still, the repayment structure, rates and borrowing flexibility differ significantly:1. A Home Equity Loan A home equity loan is a lump-sum option that functions similarly to a standard installment loan. You get the full loan amount up front. From there, you repay it in equal monthly payments over a fixed term, often with a fixed interest rate, which means your payment stays consistent.This predictability simplifies budget planning, as you know exactly how much you owe each month and when the loan will be paid off. For example, if you borrow $50,000 to remodel your kitchen, you'll receive the entire amount at closing. Then, you repay it in steady installments.2. A Home Equity Line of CreditA HELOC is a flexible option that lets you borrow against your equity as needed, up to a set limit.Like a credit card, this is a revolving line of credit that lets you draw funds, repay and borrow again during the draw period. During this time, payments may be interest-only, keeping your monthly costs lower without reducing the principal balance. After the draw period ends, the repayment period starts. At this point, you can no longer borrow and must start repaying both the principal and interest. HELOCs usually have a variable interest rate, meaning your rate and payment can change over time based on market conditions. For example, if you're renovating your home in phases, you might draw funds for each stage rather than taking a single large amount up front.The Differences at a GlanceHere's a side-by-side comparison to help clarify how these loan options differ: Members 1st Federal Credit Union While both options use your home as collateral, choosing between them often comes down to how much flexibility you need and how comfortable you are with changing payments. Your spending discipline is a key decision-maker here. With a HELOC, you need to monitor your balances and repayment. A home equity loan naturally creates more structure because the amount is fixed from the start.Which Option Is Right for Your Financial Goals?Choosing between a home equity loan and a HELOC depends less on which product is “better” and more on how you plan to use the funds. The right choice often comes down to budget certainty, borrowing flexibility and personal comfort with changing interest rates.When a Home Equity Loan Makes SenseWhen you know exactly how much money you need for a major expense, a home equity loan may work best. Imagine preparing for a large improvement project. You've got contractor bids, material estimates and a clear construction timeline, so the cost likely won't change significantly. In this situation, getting a lump sum can simplify everything. Its consistency can reduce stress and make long-term budgeting easier.In the U.S., total home improvement spending exceeds $500 billion, showing that home improvement is one of the most common reasons homeowners tap into equity. A home equity loan can also help consolidate higher-interest debt. With the average credit card annual percentage rates (APRs) hovering near the 21% mark, replacing revolving debts with a lower fixed-rate home loan can lower your monthly interest costs, creating a clear payoff timeline.When a HELOC Makes SenseWhen you need more flexibility, a HELOC is the better fit.Consider tracking your long-term renovation project in stages. The initial work may focus on structural repairs, while later phases include cosmetic upgrades or additions. These project costs can shift as material prices change or contractors uncover hidden issues. In this situation, borrowing only what you need at each stage can feel more practical than taking a large sum up front.Some homeowners also see a HELOC as a backup financial cushion. For example, you can establish a HELOC but leave the balance untouched, because you only pay interest on what you actually use. If there is an unexpected emergency, such as a major roof repair or medical expense, the funds are already available. This gives you peace of mind without the cost of borrowing immediately.A HELOC can also support you during periods of irregular income. Someone with fluctuating freelance or commission-based earnings may appreciate the ability to borrow and repay flexibly during stronger earning periods. Still, you should prepare for changing monthly payments if rates rise. Financial flexibility can be valuable, but it still requires thoughtful planning and disciplined repayment habits.Frequently Asked QuestionsHome equity borrowing often raises important questions about taxes, costs and long-term financial planning. Understanding these details can help you make informed decisions with confidence.Is the Interest Tax-Deductible?In some cases, yes. According to IRS guidelines, the interest you pay on a HELOC or home equity loan can be tax-deductible when you use the funds to buy, build or make a substantial improvement to your home that secures the loan.For example, if you use a home equity loan to renovate your kitchen, replace a roof or add living space, the interest can potentially qualify for a deduction. However, if you use the funds for unrelated expenses, such as a vacation or personal purchase, the deduction rules can differ.Because every tax situation is unique, speak with a qualified tax advisor before making decisions based on potential deductions.What Are the Typical Closing Costs?Closing costs depend on the type of borrowing product, property details, loan structure and your loan provider. Some lenders charge appraisal fees, title fees, recording costs or administrative expenses during the application process.Since credit unions are not-for-profit, they often have lower fees or may waive certain fees on a HELOC, though specific closing costs can vary. Trust review costs may still apply for properties held in a trust.Can I Switch From a Variable-Rate HELOC to a Fixed Rate?Credit unions often offer a fixed-term lock option that lets you convert some or all of your HELOC balance into a fixed-rate loan. This feature helps you balance flexibility with payment stability.For example, say you initially use a HELOC during a renovation project because costs are uncertain. Later, when your borrowing slows down, you may be able to choose to lock part of the balance into a fixed rate for more predictable monthly payments. This flexibility gives you more control as your financial needs change.What Happens if I Sell My Home?When you sell your property, the proceeds from the sale typically pay off your remaining mortgage balance along with any outstanding home equity loan or HELOC balance. Because the home secures the loan, the finances must generally be satisfied before you do a change of ownership.For example, if you still have a HELOC balance after completing a renovation project, the balance is typically paid at closing. Any remaining funds then go to the seller after all liens and obligations are settled.How Is a Home Equity Loan or HELOC Different From a Cash-Out Refinance?A cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a brand-new mortgage for a larger amount. You get the difference in cash. A home equity loan or HELOC works differently because it typically exists alongside the original mortgage instead of replacing it.This distinction matters in today's rate environment. Many homeowners have low first-mortgage rates they don't want to lose. With a home equity product through a credit union, you may be able to keep your original mortgage intact while still accessing your available equity.If you value flexibility, preserving a favorable first mortgage while adding a separate home equity product can offer a more practical solution than refinancing the entire loan structure.Making Your Choice with ConfidenceHome equity can become a valuable financial resource when you use it thoughtfully. Whether you choose a home equity loan or a HELOC, the right option depends on how you use the funds, how predictable your budget needs to be and how comfortable the borrower feels with changing interest rates.A home equity loan offers structure, consistency and predictable payments, while a HELOC gives you flexibility, adaptable borrowing and ongoing access to funds when your needs change. Neither option is universally better. The strongest choice aligns with your goals, timeline and financial habits.By understanding how each product works, you can approach the decision more confidently.This story was produced by Members 1st Federal Credit Union and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Sprint Invaders will come to West Liberty Labor Day Weekend will go fast at West Liberty Raceway. On Saturday, Sept. 5, the winged warriors of the Sprint Invaders will come to town to race on the big half-mile track. In addition to the Sprint Invaders, other classes racing will be the West Liberty Auto Parts IMCA Modifieds, the Aupp Automotive IMCA SportMods, [...]
	Knox College, Galesburg, to host the Midwest Showdown Scrabble tournament Before welcoming students back to campus, Knox College will host the Midwest Showdown Scrabble tournament on campus inside the Lincoln Room over Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5-7. This is the fifth time Galesburg has hosted an officially sanctioned Scrabble tournament, but the first time at Knox, a news release says. The tournament is being put [...]
	Man arrested in fatal motorcycle crash arrested on Mexican island More details have emerged on the arrest of the man wanted in a fatal crash from 2025.
	Iowa man arrested in Mexico; accused in 2025 fatal motorcycle crash The U.S. Marshals Service Southern Iowa Fugitive Task Force and Mexican authorities worked together to return an Iowa man wanted on multiple charges from a fatal motorcycle crash in Scott County to the U.S. Alex Roy Uthoff, 41, was charged in Scott County in July 2025 with homicide by vehicle — operating while intoxicated, homicide [...]
	What to look for in a bowrider boat What to look for in a bowrider boatMany boaters appreciate bowriders for their versatility. With open bow seating, spacious cockpits and layouts designed for everything from watersports to leisurely cruising, they appeal to a wide range of boating enthusiasts. But when you start shopping, the options can feel overwhelming. Hull designs, engine configurations, seating arrangements, premium tech packages — the choices multiply quickly.Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading from an older model, knowing what to look for in a bowrider boat will help you find a boat that matches your lifestyle, budget and boating goals. This guide by Formula Boats evaluates everything from layout, performance and luxury features to quality red flags.Key TakeawaysBowrider boats are highly versatile, offering various layouts, seating capacities and features designed to suit activities from watersports to relaxed cruising.Defining your intended use, typical passenger count and storage options will help narrow your search and ensure you choose a boat that fits your lifestyle and budget.When buying a bowrider, consider the seating arrangement, storage accessibility, cockpit comfort, hull design and engine configuration.Luxury bowrider boats distinguish themselves with premium materials, high-end finishes, advanced technology integrations and entertainment-focused upgrades.Careful inspection — both physical and during a test-drive — can help you spot any red flags, ensuring you make a sound investment in a quality vessel.Reviewing the boat’s history and the manufacturer’s reputation is critical before purchasing, especially for preowned models.First, Define Your DreamBefore you compare models or visit dealerships, take time to clarify your specific needs. Creating a clear profile helps you filter options quickly and focus on boats that truly align with how you’ll use them. Let’s break down some essential factors to consider when defining your dream boat.Who Are You Boating With?The number of passengers you’ll typically carry has a direct impact on the size and layout you need. Bowriders can typically accommodate between six and 19 people, though larger models seat even more. If you’re planning frequent outings with extended family or groups of friends, you’ll want a model with a generous seating capacity and enough space for everyone to move comfortably.Age matters too. Families with young children benefit from layouts that include secure seating areas and easy access to the swim platform. If you’re entertaining adult guests more often, consider lounge-style seating and premium amenities. Think about your most common boating scenarios and choose a boat size that supports them.What Will You Be Doing?Bowriders are known for their versatility, but different activities require different features. If watersports dominate your plans, look for models equipped with tow towers, reinforced tow points and ample storage for skis, wakeboards and tubes. A swim platform with an easy-access ladder becomes essential when you’re frequently getting in and out of the water.Planning to entertain more than you tow? Boat entertaining features include well-designed seating configurations, built-in coolers, premium sound systems and shaded areas for comfort during long days on the water. If fishing is part of your routine, consider whether the layout allows for rod storage and casting space without compromising the social areas.Many bowriders handle different activities well, but knowing your priorities helps you evaluate trade-offs when comparing models.Where Will You Be Boating?The type of water you’ll navigate most often should influence your hull choice:Deep-V hulls: A deep-V hull with a transom deadrise of around 20 degrees is generally recommended for a smoother ride in choppy water. This design cuts through waves more effectively and reduces the pounding sensation that can make rough conditions uncomfortable.Flatter hulls: If boating primarily on calm lakes or protected bays, a flatter hull offers more stability at rest and can be easier to handle at lower speeds.Modified-V hulls: These split the difference, providing a balance of wave-cutting ability and stable cruising for those who encounter varied conditions.You should also consider water depth. Shallow rivers or coastal areas with sandbars require attention to draft and propeller protection.Where Will You Store It?Before you fall in love with a specific boat, think through where it will live between trips. Your storage situation shapes which boats are realistic options and affects what ownership will actually cost.Start by asking yourself these questions:Marina or trailer: Do you have access to a slip, or will you need to trailer the boat? If trailering, consider towing capacity, launch ramp availability and whether the boat will fit in your garage or driveway. Check local zoning regulations — some neighborhoods restrict where you can park boats.Storage budget: How much are you willing to spend on ongoing fees? Marina slips and dry storage facilities charge monthly or seasonal rates that vary by location. Trailer storage at home eliminates those costs but may require investing in a quality trailer and towing equipment.Usage frequency: How often do you realistically want to use the boat? If you’re the type who wants to launch on a whim, trailer storage gives you complete control over timing. If you prefer to show up and go, a marina slip might justify the extra cost.Your storage reality will narrow down which boats make sense. A 26-foot bowrider might be perfect on the water, but if you can’t tow it or afford slip fees, it won’t work for your situation. Define these constraints now so you can shop within realistic parameters.Decoding Bowrider Features: From Hull to HelmOnce you’ve defined your needs, it’s time to evaluate the specific bowrider features that will make or break your ownership experience. Translate your wishlist into tangible attributes you can inspect and compare.The following are some essential features to consider when buying a bowrider boat.Size, Layout and ZoningBowrider layouts are zoned for different activities, each serving a distinct purpose. The bow typically serves as a social area with wraparound seating that encourages conversation. Just behind it, the helm and cockpit form the operational zone where the captain maintains visibility and control while passengers stay comfortable. Finally, the stern and swim platform create an activity zone for watersports, swimming or boarding.Consider how the layout will work for your primary activities. If you do a lot of watersports, you’ll want easy access to the swim platform without requiring guests to navigate around the helm. On the other hand, if cruising and entertaining are priorities, the flow between bow seating and cockpit should feel natural and open. Mentally walk through a typical day on the water and assess whether the layout supports the way you’ll actually use the boat.Seating, Storage and Cockpit ComfortWhen evaluating bowriders, the essential features to consider focus on three core areas — seating, storage and the cockpit. How these elements are designed and integrated will determine whether the boat feels right for your lifestyle:Comfortable, durable seating: When it comes to seating, look for well-padded, UV-resistant upholstery that can withstand sun, water and heavy use. Features like adjustable bolsters and reclining backrests enhance this foundation, adding versatility for a range of activities. The seating configuration should also accommodate your typical passenger count without feeling crowded.Ample gear storage: The best bowriders offer in-floor storage and dedicated lockers for a clutter-free experience. Be sure you have enough space for all the required equipment in addition to the fun supplies you want.Cockpit features: On a lake day on the water, you’ll appreciate a helm that keeps controls visible and within reach. Small details like cup holders, phone mounts and footrests make hours on the water even more enjoyable.Performance and Power: What Drives a Great Bowrider?Even the most beautiful layout won’t matter if performance falls short on the water. That’s why understanding a bowrider’s performance characteristics helps you choose a model that delivers the ride quality, speed and handling you expect. Formula Boats Among all performance factors, engine configuration is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. You can choose an outboard or a sterndrive. Here’s how they compare:Maintenance and access: Maintenance is often simpler with outboards because their engines are located outside the hull, making them easier to access. Sterndrives call for more attention, but with a little care, they can be just as reliable for the long haul.Aesthetics and platform design: Sterndrives provide a more traditional look with a cleaner stern appearance and often provide a larger, more usable swim platform. Outboards are visible at the transom, but modern designs have become increasingly streamlined.Interior space: Outboards offer more room inside the boat because the engine is mounted externally, leaving the interior unobstructed for storage or additional seating. Conversely, sterndrives have the engine housed within the boat, which can limit interior space.Handling characteristics: Sterndrives tend to offer a lower center of gravity with the engine weight positioned lower and more forward, which some boaters prefer for handling. Outboards concentrate weight at the stern, creating a different feel that many find equally responsive.Performance and efficiency: Fuel efficiency and power delivery differ between the two. Both configurations have loyal followings based on on-water experience and specific performance preferences.If ease of maintenance and interior space rank high on your priority list, outboards may be the better choice. If you prefer the aesthetics and handling characteristics of a sterndrive, that’s a valid direction too. Many modern bowriders offer both configurations, giving buyers flexibility to choose what works best for their boating style.Elevate Your Experience With Premium OptionsOnce you’ve nailed down the fundamentals, luxury bowrider boats distinguish themselves through premium features and customization options. These upgrades transform a functional vessel into a personalized experience that reflects your taste and enhances every outing.Beyond the BasicsLuxury bowriders elevate the onboard experience with materials and finishes that rival high-end automobiles. These details make a noticeable difference in comfort and aesthetics:Premium leather: Top-tier marine-engineered leather offers a refined look and superior durability compared to standard vinyl. It resists fading, cracking and mildew while providing a softer, more luxurious feel.Custom stitching: Custom stitching and bespoke detailing complete the luxury experience, letting you personalize your bowrider to reflect unmistakable style and craftsmanship.High-end flooring options: Teak-finish decking, premium woven vinyl and cushioned marine flooring provide both comfort and visual appeal. These surfaces are easier on bare feet and add a sophisticated aesthetic to the cockpit and swim platform.Must-Have TechModern bowriders integrate technology that enhances safety, entertainment and ease of use. Many models offer large touch-screen displays at the helm that can integrate with all the boat’s systems for centralized control. When evaluating technology upgrades for your boat, consider these systems:Navigation and chartplotter technology: High-resolution chartplotters provide real-time mapping, depth contours and waypoint tracking. When paired with GPS integration, this technology ensures you always know your position and can navigate confidently in unfamiliar waters.Fish finder and underwater imaging: If fishing is part of your plan, sonar and imaging technology reveal underwater structure, fish location and bottom composition. Even casual anglers benefit from the added insight.Premium audio systems: Marine-grade speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers deliver concert-quality sound built to withstand wind, water and sun. To complete the experience, Bluetooth connectivity and multi-zone controls let you customize the soundtrack for different areas of the boat.Automated features: Joystick control systems simplify docking and maneuvering at low speeds. These systems are especially valuable for less-experienced boaters or in tight marina spaces where precision matters.Entertainment and Watersport UpgradesBeyond core technology, luxury bowrider boats offer entertainment and activity-focused upgrades that maximize enjoyment. Built-in coolers keep beverages cold without taking up seating space. Strategically placed cup holders ensure everyone has a secure spot for their drink. Wet bars with sinks and storage turn the boat into a floating entertaining space.For watersports enthusiasts, advanced tow towers provide higher tow points for better line clearance and can integrate speakers, lighting and wakeboard racks. Focus on features that align with how you’ll actually use the vessel.Red Flags to Watch ForKnowing how to spot potential problems protects your investment and ensures you bring home a quality boat, regardless of whether you’re shopping new or pre-owned. Formula Boats Red Flags During the InspectionA detailed physical inspection can uncover problems before you commit. Walk through the boat and watch for these warning signs:Stress cracks in the gelcoat: You might notice small, spider-web-like cracks near hardware, hatches or other high-stress areas. While these cracks are sometimes just cosmetic, finding them in multiple locations may indicate deeper structural issues.Signs of moisture in the hull: Does the hull have a musty smell or discolored areas? These clues can indicate water intrusion, a problem that threatens the boat’s structural integrity and often requires costly repairs.Corrosion on metal parts: When inspecting metal hardware, rails and fittings, look for excessive rust or pitting. These can point to a lack of care, especially after saltwater outings. In severe cases, you may need to factor in replacement costs.Condition of the upholstery: Has the upholstery held up, or does it show wear? Run your hand along the stitching to assess quality. If you spot cracks or fading on a pre-owned model, it may mean other systems have been neglected as well.Engine and compartment cleanliness: For new boats, check for proper assembly, secure wiring and professional installation, free of shipping damage. The best pre-owned boats have clean, well-maintained engine bays. If you find oil stains, loose wiring or signs of makeshift repairs, you should invest further.Red Flags During the Test-DriveSince you’re investing a significant amount in a bowrider boat, it’s essential to test-drive the boat to see how it actually performs and whether it meets your expectations. Pay attention to these factors:Acceleration and cruising stability: Pay close attention as you accelerate. Do you notice any odd vibrations, or is the ride consistently smooth? If you find yourself making frequent steering corrections at cruising speed, the boat may have alignment or handling issues.Turning response: When you turn the wheel, you should feel the boat respond instantly and predictably. If you instead find yourself making repeated corrections or struggling with sluggish steering, that’s a sign to ask more questions.Rough-water performance: If you have a chance, test the boat in choppy water to feel how the hull handles real-world conditions. Notice whether the ride remains controlled or if the boat starts to pound and bounce unexpectedly.Engine sound and performance: Engine performance should be both strong and smooth. Listen out for unusual noises, such as knocking or grinding, and check that the engine reaches its rated RPM range without struggling.Systems and instrumentation: No one wants surprises after they’ve committed, so double-check every gauge and electronic feature, from the bilge pump to navigation lights.Red Flags in the Boat’s History and PaperworkAlways ask to see the boat’s paperwork, especially if it’s pre-owned. Consistent, thorough maintenance records mean the previous owner prioritized care and swift repairs. On the flip side, missing or incomplete records should prompt you to dig deeper, as unresolved issues may be lurking below the surface.Be wary of any salvage title — this status slashes resale value and usually signals past damage that isn’t always visible on the surface.For both new and pre-owned purchases, verify the hull identification number against records to confirm the boat’s history and ensure there are no liens or legal issues attached to it. Additionally, research the manufacturer’s reputation for quality, warranty support and customer service. Established builders with strong track records typically stand behind their products and provide better long-term support.Key TakeawaysThe best bowrider boats offer a rare combination of versatility, performance and socially friendly design that few other vessel types can match. From family outings to adrenaline-fueled watersports days, a well-chosen bowrider adapts to your needs season after season.As you move forward, keep your specific priorities front and center. Once you’ve defined what matters most, let those priorities guide every decision in your search. When you find boats worth considering, take your time during inspections and test drives rather than rushing the process. With these insights, you’re well-equipped to find the right bowrider. Here’s to smooth waters and memorable adventures ahead.This story was produced by Formula Boats and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How to identify and report an exploitative landlord How to identify and report an exploitative landlordScroll through social media or turn on the news, and you’ll see a story about a landlord being charged for negligence. You might even know someone who calls their landlord a “slumlord,” whether jokingly or not.The “slumlord” label isn’t an official legal accusation, but a landlord who has crossed into this territory may face code citations, lawsuits, fines, and even criminal charges.Ultimately, renters need to know which red flags to watch for before signing a lease, and landlords must keep their properties in good shape.To get you up to speed, TurboTenant dives into what makes a bad landlord, real-life cases of serious landlord neglect, and what tenants and property owners can do to prevent neglect from getting out of hand.So, what is an exploitative or ‘bad’ landlord?The exact conditions landlords must meet to keep a rental legally habitable vary by state. This obligation, commonly called the warranty of habitability, requires landlords to maintain basic health and safety standards, like working heat, plumbing, and electricity. Irresponsible landlords may also ignore serious problems that aren’t as clearly defined in state law, like invasive black mold.Regardless of the finer points, though, it’s typically agreed upon that a “slumlord” is negligent to the point of endangering their tenants.What’s the difference between a good landlord and a bad one?A landlord who fails to complete a requested repair promptly doesn’t automatically fall into bad landlord territory (though the landlord should still handle that repair as soon as possible). Instead, what separates the two is a pattern of problematic behavior.Exploitative landlords often repeatedly ignore repair requests and rent out units that fail to meet habitability standards. Affected tenants can’t safely live in properties with major issues like broken heating, exposed wiring, or pest problems, and they also can’t get the landlord (or anyone else, for that matter) to fix them.Other red flags include self-help evictions, refusal to return security deposits, or retaliation against tenants who report problems. Though these are separate from the habitability issues that characterize a negligent landlord, these types of unsavory behavior often go hand in hand.Before signing a new lease, renters should check their city’s code-violation portal for the address they’re considering. A quick Google search can often show whether a landlord and/or a building has past or existing citations for problems like broken plumbing, mold, or collapsed floors.4 Landlord Cases to Know AboutWhile some landlords may think they can get away with providing poor housing conditions, they often face major legal consequences, including orders to pay thousands (or millions) of dollars in damages. Some even end up in jail.Here are a few egregious cases that both landlords and tenants should know about.A Columbus Judge Handed a Landlord 175 Days in JailJoseph Alaura owned 32 rental properties around Columbus, Ohio. In 2024, the city filed a case against Alaura, citing violations at 17 of those properties, including a property without gas, electricity, or heat, and another with a rat infestation. Alaura was also already on probation after repeatedly ignoring orders to repair a fire-damaged duplex.In May 2024, a Franklin County Environmental Court judge revoked Alaura’s probation and ordered him to serve the remaining 175 days of his sentence.A Washington, D.C., Landlord Was Ordered to Refund 5 Years of RentAdolphe Edwards, a landlord in Washington, D.C., owned nine apartment buildings, comprising over 120 units in Wards 4 and 8. But when inspectors went through the properties, they found a litany of problems: sewage leaks, mold, pests, fire hazards, and ceilings on the verge of collapse. In all, the city identified more than 1,400 housing code violations for the portfolio under Edwards’ control.In an April 2025 ruling, a court handed down a judgment against Edwards, requiring him to make good on the rent of some 100 tenants for the period from January 2018 to April 2023. The rent refunds came to $1.5 million, and $5 million in civil penalties pushed the judgment to $6.8 million.Whether Edwards will ever repay his victims remains to be seen.A Las Vegas Ceiling Collapsed After Years of Leak ComplaintsA mother and her two children moved into the Las Palomas apartments in Las Vegas in August 2019. Their ceiling collapsed just a few months later, in November.Anza Management, the company managing the property, had already fielded 11 complaints about ceiling and roof leaks and 25 more about water leaks and mold at that address over the previous five years. The company continued leasing the units.A Nevada jury awarded the family more than $6.6 million in December 2024, finding the company liable for negligence, gross negligence, and breach of the implied warranty of habitability. Anza Management appealed the following month.2 Minneapolis Landlords Lost Their Licenses on 60 BuildingsMinneapolis landlords Spiros Zorbalas and Stephen Frenz controlled more than 60 apartment buildings where tenants spent years reporting rats, bedbugs, broken heat, and failed plumbing. In 2011, after a years-long licensing fight, the city revoked Zorbalas’s rental licenses and barred him from holding an interest in Minneapolis rental licenses for five years.Stephen Frenz announced in 2013 that he had bought the portfolio from Zorbalas, but tenants kept reporting the same conditions. The city then revoked Frenz’s licenses on 60 properties after finding that Zorbalas still held a major financial interest.Frenz also fought a tenant lawsuit with phony leases and a falsified affidavit, which drew a $187,390 sanction for bad-faith litigation conduct and later led to a 2019 perjury conviction. The two landlords also settled with as many as 5,400 tenants for $18.5 million in 2018.How to Report an Exploitative LandlordIf the stories above make one thing clear, it’s that serious housing neglect can quickly put tenants in unsafe and costly situations. Here are a few steps to take if you’re a renter living in unsafe conditions.First, report the issue through the correct channels. If the landlord repeatedly ignores necessary repairs, consult the federal tenant rights guide to find the state agency that handles tenant complaints. Residents in HUD-insured buildings should refer to the Multifamily Housing Complaint Line.From there, compile as much detailed documentation as possible. Log every request in writing, take pictures of the problem(s), and record how long the landlord takes to respond.Withholding rent may seem like the obvious next step, but it could cause even bigger problems. California, for one, lets a tenant repair and deduct up to one month’s rent, twice in 12 months, while other states treat nonpayment as grounds for eviction, regardless of the property’s condition. Before taking such a consequential step, review your local laws to see what options are available.What Neglect Costs Tenants, Cities, and Property OwnersTenants shoulder the worst costs of property neglect. They face serious health risks and could have their belongings ruined by a pest infestation or leaky pipe, leading to costly damages and the mental toll that goes along with watching their home fall into disrepair.Neglected properties can also drag down surrounding home values, especially when they deteriorate to the point of becoming vacant or abandoned. Vacant properties drive down tax revenue and increase a neighborhood’s costs for emergency services. And a 2022 Baltimore study put the city’s yearly bill for maintaining, boarding, and demolishing vacant properties at $100 million.Finally, there are the property owners themselves. Repeated neglect can lead to citations, fines, civil suits, and even criminal charges in severe cases. Beyond legal trouble, ignoring crucial maintenance can also tank the rental property’s value and create even bigger repair bills down the road.How to Keep Property Neglect From Piling UpWhile some cases involve intentional landlord neglect, habitability issues can also happen accidentally. Deferred maintenance can quickly pile up if a landlord is running low on money or time, or simply doesn’t know the right people to get the job done.To top it off, hands-off property owners who use property management companies may not realize their rentals have fallen into disrepair.Fortunately, landlords can stay on top of their responsibilities with a few simple habits. Here’s what they should keep in mind:Handle emergencies immediately, especially failing heat, gas leaks, and other urgent issues.Communicate with tenants to confirm that they’re addressing the problem.Set aside funds in a maintenance reserve to cover major repairs.Log every maintenance request with a date to create an easily referenced paper trail.Keep a list of contractors on-call to handle emergencies.Inspect rentals at least once a year to look for major issues like rot or slow leaks.Know what state law requires regarding landlord disclosures and repair timelines.Landlords who take these steps can avoid the notorious “slumlord” title.Be a Good LandlordOf course, no landlord wants to be known as exploitative. But without a dedicated maintenance workflow, repair request tracking, and healthy communication with tenants, property owners may let rental property conditions slip out of their control and fall far short of habitability requirements.Those health and safety requirements aren’t just suggestions, either. State law gives a tenant the right to safe, habitable housing, and even the most dialed-in state-specific lease agreement cannot take that right away. And those who fail to meet that standard could end up in serious legal trouble.To avoid crossing the line, landlords should start by getting a clear read on what they owe a tenant, create an audit-ready maintenance system that timestamps every request, and get into the habit of following up on every repair before the tenant has to ask twice.This story was produced by TurboTenant and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Dubuque filmmaker to do Q&A following Davenport screening Tuesday Most people felt driftless during the COVID pandemic in 2020-21. Tim Connery used that time to write his latest feature film, to screen Sept. 1 in Davenport.
	One in ten US mortgages now falls outside the Qualified Mortgage standard One in ten US mortgages now falls outside the Qualified Mortgage standardNon-QM lending reached $239 billion in 2025, roughly 10% of all U.S. mortgage originations by dollar volume, according to a Griffin Funding analysis of Polygon Research's loan-level HMDA data. A separate measure from Optimal Blue shows the trend continuing, with non-QM surpassing 10% of monthly rate-lock volume in July 2026.That growth continued through a rule change meant to ease the problem behind it. In 2021, the CFPB removed Appendix Q, the rigid income-documentation appendix inside the Qualified Mortgage rule, after Congress twice proposed the same thing and never passed it. What replaced Appendix Q still routes self-employed income through tax returns, and borrowers kept leaving the QM box.About 16.5 million Americans work for themselves, alongside real estate investors, 1099 workers, retirees and other borrowers whose income or assets may not fit neatly into traditional mortgage underwriting. More of them are now qualifying for mortgages through private-market documentation programs rather than through a federal standard, an expansion of access that came with different pricing than conventional financing.The documentation gapConventional mortgage underwriting has a quirk that catches self-employed borrowers off guard. Lenders count what's left after business deductions. That means many of the write-offs a CPA finds do double duty: They lower the tax bill, and they lower the income a lender is willing to recognize. A contractor whose business brings in $180,000 and who deducts aggressively might show a fraction of that on a return. On paper, that person can't afford much house. In practice, the cash flow is there.The pattern shows up in the research. An Urban Institute study found homeownership rates among the self-employed declined after the financial crisis, even though self-employed households earn higher average incomes than salaried households, which points to documentation requirements rather than earning power as a barrier.The mismatch traces back to how the rules were drawn. Traditional mortgage underwriting has generally been easier for borrowers with steady W-2 income than for people whose earnings come through business deposits, 1099s, or rental properties. When lawmakers introduced the Self-Employed Mortgage Access Act in 2018, the Qualified Mortgage rule relied on Appendix Q, a more prescriptive framework for documenting and calculating income.The shape of the problem is specific rather than abstract. According to Griffin Funding's own loan records, a Florida business owner who writes off most of his income on his tax returns was nonetheless able to document sufficient qualifying income through business bank deposits to complete a cash-out refinance on his primary residence. In Massachusetts, a self-employed professional whose earnings flowed through a regulated client-trust account qualified only after the deposits in that account were documented and explained as legitimate income, a structure no standard underwriting template anticipates. Neither borrower had a credit problem. Both had a paperwork problem. Both qualified through a bank statement loan, which derives income from 12 to 24 months of business deposits rather than tax returns.The gap isn't limited to business owners. Contractors and gig workers paid on a 1099 face a version of the same problem, and 1099 loans qualify them on those forms directly. Retirees and borrowers whose wealth sits in accounts rather than income streams run into it from the other direction, which is what asset-based lending addresses.Griffin’s loan records show a similar pattern on the investor side. A Michigan medical practice owner purchased a rental property without documenting personal income by using a non-QM DSCR loan, which qualifies borrowers based on the property’s rental income rather than personal income and can allow the property to close in an LLC.What Congress proposed, and what arrived instead Griffin Funding The change came twice, from two directions. Congress went first and didn't finish. Regulators finished it, and the gap stayed open anyway.In August 2018, Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced the Self-Employed Mortgage Access Act, aimed at a specific piece of the rulebook: Appendix Q, the income-documentation standard baked into the Qualified Mortgage rule. Rather than requiring Appendix Q alone, the bill would have let lenders satisfy the rule using underwriting standards already in place at FHA, the VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac. It drew support from both industry and consumer groups. At introduction, the Mortgage Bankers Association called it a way to give lenders and investors greater certainty, while Consumer Federation of America housing director Barry Zigas said it would give lenders and consumers an easier, less burdensome way to meet the tests without weakening their protections. The bill expired when that Congress ended.It came back in February 2019, when Warner and Rounds reintroduced it in the Senate as S.540, joined by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ). Reps. Tom Emmer (R-MN) and Bill Foster (D-IL) followed in the House on May 1 with H.R.2445, and this time it got further. Foster offered a substitute amendment during House Financial Services Committee markup that November. The National Consumer Law Center and the Center for Responsible Lending both wrote in support of that substitute, an unusual alignment for a bill lenders also wanted.The bill expired with the 116th Congress in January 2021. Two months later, on March 1, the CFPB's General QM Final Rule took effect and did most of what the bill had proposed. It removed Appendix Q, replaced the 43% debt-to-income ceiling with a price-based test, and let lenders verify income using standards drawn from the guides of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, the VA, and USDA. That last provision is close to the bill's own text.What it didn't change is how those guides treat a business owner. Fannie Mae generally requires a two-year history of self-employment income documented through tax returns, and still asks the lender to calculate qualifying income from what those returns report after deductions. The rulebook moved. The arithmetic didn't.As of August 2026, nothing has been reintroduced in Congress. A search of Congress.gov turns up no active bill, and Homebuyer.com's Congressional Housing Bill Tracker, which follows 85 active housing and mortgage bills, lists no current version.What the market built Griffin Funding Non-QM lending kept growing. These are mortgages written outside the CFPB's Qualified Mortgage standard, and the category is broader than documentation alone: it covers bank statement and DSCR underwriting, but also interest-only structures, loans priced above QM thresholds, and loans sold to private securitizers. In 2025, the whole category came to $239 billion across 697,605 loans, or 10% of U.S. originations by dollar volume.Recent growth spans the entire category. Non-QM accounted for more than 10% of total lock volume in July 2026, the most recent month reported, up 1.4 percentage points from June and more than two points from a year earlier. Bank statement loans, the product built for the documentation gap, took 30.6% of that volume. Investor and DSCR loans, which qualify on a property's rental income rather than the borrower's and answer a different problem entirely, made up 33.5%. Other expanded-guideline products accounted for the remaining 35.9%.The shift doesn't appear to be a credit story. Across all July locks, conforming included, average credit scores held at 730 and debt-to-income ratios ran below year-earlier levels. Those are market-wide figures rather than non-QM-specific ones, but they show no broad deterioration in borrower quality alongside the product shift. What's changed is that fewer transactions fit neatly inside the conforming box.What changed, and what didn'tSo Appendix Q is gone, and one in ten mortgages is still written outside QM. Both things are true, and the second explains something about the first.Look at how the volume splits and no single explanation holds. Investor and DSCR loans are 33.5%. Bank statement loans are 30.6%. Everything else is 35.9%. Three rough thirds, three different reasons a loan doesn't fit. A business owner whose deductions shrink the income that an underwriter will count. An investor whose property earns the money, not the borrower. A retiree with assets and no paycheck. A borrower whose loan sits outside the standard for pricing or structure reasons that have nothing to do with income at all.Pricing is the other factor. Non-QM still costs more than conventional financing, because lenders take on more risk without QM's legal safe harbor and can't sell the loans to Fannie or Freddie. Competition has compressed the spread as the market matured, but the gap remains. Borrowers using these programs are paying for a calculation that the QM framework still doesn't offer.The underlying mismatch remains. No QM pathway, before 2021 or after, qualifies a borrower on gross business deposits or on a property's cash flow alone. Removing Appendix Q changed the rules. It didn't change what the rules assume.Notes on the dataThe $239 billion figure comes from Polygon Research, which runs every HMDA loan record from 2018 through 2025 against the Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgage standards in force that year and flags the ones falling outside. That yields 697,605 loans, 10% of originations by dollar volume and 10.2% by count. Most published non-QM estimates work from securitization data or lender names instead, which is why Polygon's number runs higher.Worth being clear about what that number is and isn't. Non-QM is a regulatory category, not a borrower category. Loans land in it for interest-only structures, pricing above QM thresholds, or sale to a private securitizer, none of which say anything about how a borrower documents income. Polygon also includes business-purpose and DSCR loans in its broader non-QM classification. Read the $239 billion as Polygon’s broad measure of the non-QM market captured in HMDA, not as a count of self-employed borrowers.Monthly figures come from Optimal Blue's July 2026 Market Advantage report, built on the pricing engine used to lock more than a third of U.S. mortgages, as covered by National Mortgage Professional. Optimal Blue separately tracks a broader non-conforming category that folds in jumbo loans and reached 20.8% in July. That isn't a non-QM number and isn't used here. Self-employment counts are from BLS Table A-9 for July 2026: 6.645 million incorporated and 9.844 million unincorporated, which BLS publishes separately. Legislative history came from Congress.gov, sponsors' releases, and the House Financial Services Committee memo accompanying the November 2019 markup, with current status checked against Congress.gov and the Homebuyer tracker.Borrower examples come from Griffin Funding's 2026 funded-loan records, described without names, loan identifiers, or amounts. They illustrate documentation patterns rather than typical results.This story was produced by Griffin Funding and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	20 college towns worth a rental investor’s attention in 2026 20 college towns worth a rental investor’s attention in 2026It’s back-to-school season, and if you just wrote a check for your kid’s off-campus rent, you may have had the thought a lot of parents have around move-in weekend: Why am I paying someone else’s mortgage when I could be paying down my own?Housing is already locked in for this school year, so this isn’t about scrambling to buy something in the next few weeks. It’s about starting the process now, so that by the time your student needs a place next fall, or the fall after, you’re the one collecting rent instead of sending it. College town rentals move on the school calendar more than most markets, and buying a property, getting it rent-ready, and finding renters all take longer than most families expect, which is exactly why the planning starts a year or more out.A few things worth thinking through before you start shopping:Give yourself a real runway. Financing, closing, repairs, and finding renters all take months, especially in college towns where demand is seasonal and everyone’s trying to lease up before the same August move-in date. Starting now, for next year or the year after, beats trying to close a deal in July.Evaluate the market past your student’s graduation date. The investment only pays off long-term if the property keeps renting well after your kid moves on, so look at the same fundamentals any rental investor would: Is the school growing, is the town more than a one-industry economy, would you want to visit even without a kid there?Some families have their student handle the day-to-day, collecting rent from roommates, flagging a maintenance issue, while a parent holds the title and handles the bigger decisions. Others keep it simple and manage everything themselves. Whichever way you split it, put the arrangement in writing, even within the family.Plan for the workload, not just the mortgage. Managing renters, most of them college students themselves, while your own kid is also in school, is a lot to juggle. Property management software can handle rent collection, maintenance requests, and renter screening so it doesn’t fall entirely on you or your student.Talk to a tax professional before you close. Rules around depreciation and renting to your own child specifically, vary state by state and are nuanced enough that they’re worth a real conversation with a CPA rather than a guess.MethodologyRentRedi started with ResiClub’s rental market data (gross yield, apartment inventory trends, migration, rent growth, and vacancy where it’s tracked) across dozens of university metros, but the bigger filter was the town itself: Is this a large school with real graduate and professional programs, is the surrounding area safe and walkable, is there enough going on (restaurants, music, sports, culture) that it holds up as a place to live and invest in beyond a single football season?No town on this list is perfect, and that’s kind of the point. Every market has a tradeoff somewhere, a slower rent quarter, a construction wave working through the system, a vacancy rate that’s a little higher than you’d like. A great school and a town worth living in can absorb that.Big FlagshipsColumbus, OH: Ohio State. One of the largest universities in the country, with law, medicine, and business programs to match, inside a big city. The Short North Arts District is walkable and dense with restaurants and galleries, and Columbus is one of the few college towns with its own NHL team (the Blue Jackets) alongside Ohio State athletics. Columbus isn’t covered in the rental dataset used elsewhere in this list, but a Q2 2026 multifamily market analysis points to a market working through a heavy apartment construction wave right now, with rent growth at 0.7% and vacancy at 10.2%, alongside continued population growth and a construction pipeline that’s now shrinking.Madison, WI: Wisconsin. A flagship on an isthmus between two lakes, with State Street connecting the campus to a downtown packed with restaurants, bars, and live music. Wisconsin’s graduate programs are strong across the board, and the setting is hard to match for walkability. Madison isn’t in the rental dataset used elsewhere in this list either, but a January 2026 metro report from the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce shows rent growth slowing from 2.5% to 1.4% as vacancy ticked up from 5.9% to 6.2%, a softening market rather than a distressed one.Ann Arbor, MI: Michigan. An elite public research university with deep graduate programs in nearly every field, a walkable downtown, a strong arts and theater scene, and easy access to Detroit’s professional sports scene. According to ResiClub datasets, rent growth here has been modest, but the caliber of the school and the town carry this one.Champaign-Urbana, IL: Illinois. One of the largest flagship enrollments in the country, with a computer science and engineering graduate program among the best in the world. Rent growth is a solid 5%, though apartment inventory has grown sharply, up 51% year-over-year, the biggest supply jump anywhere in this analysis, so new construction is a real factor to watch here.State College, PA: Penn State. A self-contained college town built almost entirely around one of the largest universities in the country. Apartment inventory here is the tightest of any market in this analysis, down 17% year-over-year, and rent growth is running at 5%.Tuscaloosa, AL: University of Alabama. A big SEC flagship with a lively downtown and a football culture that shapes the whole town’s calendar. An 8% yield and 4% rent growth stand out, though inventory grew 33% year-over-year, worth underwriting conservatively until that new supply gets absorbed.Athens-Clarke County, GA: University of Georgia. One of the most musically important college towns in the country, R.E.M. and the B-52s both got their start here, with a walkable downtown full of live venues, restaurants, and bars alongside SEC athletics.Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina. A large flagship with three consecutive years of positive migration into the metro and a 5% vacancy rate, one of the lowest in this analysis. Rent growth has cooled to 1%, so this reads as a stable market more than a fast mover.Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee. A growing city with a revitalized, walkable downtown along the river, strong SEC athletics energy, and three straight years of positive migration into the metro (14, then 10, then nine per 1,000 residents).Lexington, KY: University of Kentucky. A large SEC flagship with strong medical and law programs, a walkable downtown, and a distinct identity built around bourbon and horse country beyond just the university. The data here is steady rather than flashy: a 6% yield, 3% rent growth, 6% vacancy, and inventory holding roughly flat year-over-year.Multi-College MetrosSingle-university towns come with a real tradeoff: total dependence on one school’s enrollment and athletics fortunes. These three metros spread that risk across multiple major institutions instead.Boston, MA/NH: Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Boston College, Northeastern, Tufts, and dozens more. No single school’s admissions cycle can move this market, and few places in the country offer this much institutional depth, culture, and professional sports in one metro.Durham-Chapel Hill, NC: UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, and NC Central. Pairing a major public flagship with a top private research university in one metro is an unusual setup, backed by the Research Triangle’s broader economy beyond just the schools.San Diego, CA: UC San Diego, San Diego State, and University of San Diego. Southern California pricing means the lowest yield in this entire analysis at 4% and the highest vacancy at 10%, but the climate, culture, and multi-school renter base make this more of a long-game appreciation market than a cash-flow play. Smaller but ExcellentThese towns don’t have the scale of the flagships above, but each clears a real bar on size, graduate programs, and quality of life, and a couple of them post the strongest rental numbers on this entire list.Morgantown, WV: West Virginia University. The strongest data of any market in this analysis: an 8% yield, 5% rent growth, and inventory that’s held tight even as the town has grown around it.Charlottesville, VA: University of Virginia. A historic, walkable downtown, strong law, business, and medicine graduate programs, and a Blue Ridge Mountain setting that makes this one of the more scenic college towns in the country.Blacksburg, VA: Virginia Tech. Strong engineering graduate programs and a 7% yield with 4% rent growth, though inventory jumped 25% year-over-year, a supply wave worth watching before assuming pricing power holds.Iowa City, IA: University of Iowa. A UNESCO City of Literature with strong law and medical programs, plus 5% rent growth and inventory down 16% year-over-year, one of the tighter markets in this analysis.Auburn-Opelika, AL: Auburn University. Strong engineering graduate programs, a charming, walkable downtown, and an SEC culture as passionate as any big flagship on this list.Eugene, OR: University of Oregon. Known as Tracktown USA, with deep Nike ties, a walkable and artsy downtown, and a steady rental profile: 5% yield, 3% rent growth, and inventory holding flat year-over-year.Boise City, ID: Boise State. Three straight years of accelerating positive migration into the metro (10, then 13, then 17 per 1,000 residents) and a lean 4% vacancy rate, alongside a growing, walkable downtown.Managing a rental full of roommates from a distanceIf you end up buying near your student’s school, you’re likely managing that property from wherever you actually live, not from down the street. That’s the part families underestimate: collecting rent from a group of college renters instead of one household, sorting out a maintenance request while you’re states away, keeping the books straight for tax season.Digital payment tools can also affect whether rent arrives on time. According to RentRedi research, units where renters are on autopay hit a 99% on-time rent rate, compared with 87% for units without it, and 44% of renters say automatic reminders help them remember to pay rent on time the most. For properties with multiple roommates, split or partial payment options can also allow each tenant to pay their share separately.Screening a house full of 18 to 22-year-olds looks a little different, too: You can customize the application for each roommate, and income verification through Plaid still works when someone’s income is a part-time job, financial aid, or help from family rather than a regular paycheck, which describes most college renters. And if this is your kid’s first lease, on-time payments can be reported to all three major credit bureaus to build credit and boost scores, giving a young adult with no credit history a real head start. The bottom lineThe best college town investment isn’t necessarily the one with the flashiest yield this year. It’s a large, well-run school in a town you’d actually want to spend time in, one with enough going on that the local economy and rental demand don’t live or die with a single admissions cycle. The markets above check that box in different ways, some on the strength of the school, some on the strength of the town, and a few on both.This story was produced by RentRedi and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport man arrested in connection with 2025 stabbing A man from Davenport has been arrested in connection with a 2025 stabbing in the city. On August 27, 2026, Ryan McNeiece, 39, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and going armed with intent. In July 2025, Davenport Police, Fire and Medic were dispatched to the 200 block of E. 37th Street regarding a [...]
	Two drugs recalled over potential fiberglass, steel presence As of this week, the FDA said there have been no reports of adverse effects from these products.
	Sandburg College charging ahead with groundbreaking on new facility The Charger Center will be a 70,000 square foot sports and conference facility on the south end of campus.
	How human-led automation is becoming standard in modern warehousing How human-led automation is becoming standard in modern warehousingMost people hear the words “warehouse automation” and think of empty, dark buildings running entirely on their own. The impression has held for years, helped along by headlines about robots taking over jobs once done by hand. And spending has seemed to support the idea, with companies investing in warehouse technology for more than a decade.According to Grand View Research, the global warehouse automation market will roughly triple from $19.2 billion in 2023 to $59.5 billion by 2030, growth driven by shoppers who now treat two-day delivery as standard. Much of that spending goes toward machines built to move fast and repeat the same task thousands of times a day without slowing down.But warehouse work still depends on decisions that no machine handles alone, especially when an order falls outside the normal path. AMS Fulfillment observed that split inside automated operations where routine volume moves through systems while experienced staff handle the orders that need more thorough judgment.The arrangement gives warehouses more capacity without giving up the human checks that keep orders accurate. An ordinary week on the floor shows why that balance has become harder to ignore.Why Fully Autonomous Warehouses Remain RareWarehouses are messy by nature, no matter how advanced the system around them becomes. A crushed case on a pallet breaks the clean pattern a robot expects. Or a customer changes an order after the line has started, leaving the software following old instructions until someone redirects the work. And the same problem grows during holiday peaks, when volume rises faster than a fixed system was built to handle.Warehouse operators call that constant change variability. The term comes up often enough that Erik Nieves, CEO of Plus One Robotics, told Supply Chain Management Review that inside real supply chains “variability is the rule.”His point cuts at automation’s biggest weakness, since AI performs best when the job follows a pattern, and warehouse floors keep producing work that no pattern covers. Every one of those uncovered jobs goes to a person, the only part of the operation able to make a decision instead of following another instruction.What “Human-Led Automation” Actually MeansHuman-led automation starts with a simple idea, letting machines handle repetitive work while people make the decisions.For example, on a picking line, a robotic arm places the same item into bins while a worker watches for a stalled tote or a flag on the screen. A few aisles over, an AI system catches an inventory count that does not match the shelf, then sends the issue to a person who checks it before the next order moves.Global Trade Magazine points to the same operating pattern, describing robotics as a way to move repetitive tasks away from workers so they can focus on decisions and problem-solving. Those decisions are why Nieves argues every automated operation still needs “a human in the loop,” since the work left to people carries the weight machines cannot.The Hidden Value of Operational ExpertiseThe strongest advantage in a human-led warehouse is the unwritten knowledge sitting in the heads of experienced workers. Machines follow their code without fail, though code carries no instinct for when something is off. After enough time on the floor, a worker starts to recognize the small signs a system may accept too quickly.For example, a label may scan clean even when the carton feels wrong, or a packing run may look orderly while the box choice is wrong for the product. Catching those signs is the exact work IBM has in mind when it describes human-in-the-loop systems, where people step in the moment AI hits an edge case or an uncertain output.Long stretches on the floor sharpen that instinct, letting a worker stop a small miss before automation repeats it a thousand times over.The Workforce Evolution Happening Inside WarehousesMachines now handle the heavy lifting and the long walks down the aisle, so the daily work of a warehouse employee looks different than it did a few years back. And those freed-up hours are going somewhere new, with demand climbing fast for people who can watch automated systems and make sense of the data those systems produce.Data skills like these turn a worker who once pushed a cart for eight hours into one who runs a fleet of mobile robots from a tablet, keeping each machine on its best route.Jobs built around a tablet instead of a cart are exactly what McKinsey expects more of, with its future of work research projecting time spent on advanced technology skills to grow 50% across the United States through the end of the decade.Growth like that depends on workers learning the new systems first, and 77% of the employers McKinsey surveyed expect their headcount to hold steady as they retrain people into these higher-skill roles.Balancing Efficiency With ReliabilityA fully robotic warehouse looks flawless on paper, though running every task through machines builds hidden risk into the operation. One software update that fails to communicate with the rest of the system can stall the entire chain of robots at once.HSE Network points to that fragility directly, noting that a single outage or technical glitch brings an over-automated operation to a grinding halt with no easy way back. Getting back from a halt like that takes people, and a building with no workers left on the floor has no fallback the second the software quits, so orders stop cold and stay stopped until an engineer arrives.Operators have watched that risk play out and moved toward balanced setups, keeping people alongside the machines so a glitch slows the work rather than ending it. A warehouse holding at 90% every day beats one running at 100 until the first crash drops it to zero.Conclusion: Automation Works Best With Humans at the CenterThere is no slowing automation down, and no operator planning for the next decade should want to. Warehouses will keep getting smarter, with software counting inventory and finding the quickest path to every shelf faster than any person walking the floor.But smart software still stalls whenever a task shows up in a condition it was never programmed to handle, and stalls like these are exactly what Nieves expects to continue, telling Supply Chain Management Review that exceptions “never get to zero.” His expectation matches what many experts now predict: a future built on floors where people and machines split the work based on what each does best.Operations that come out ahead over the next decade will treat automation as a tool people direct, keeping experienced hands close to every decision that ends up at a customer’s door. The best machines on the market still answer to the person watching over them, and the smartest operators plan to keep it exactly that way.This story was produced by AMS Fulfillment and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	This Brazilian city created a sovereign wealth fund. Should US cities do the same? This Brazilian city created a sovereign wealth fund. Should US cities do the same?Across North America, sovereign wealth funds appear to be the social policy du jour.Sen. Bernie Sanders recently proposed a sovereign wealth fund that would tax shares of AI companies to give an annual cash dividend to Americans, and has introduced legislation to that effect. On the other end of the political spectrum, President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February 2025 directing the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce to look into starting a national sovereign wealth fund “to promote the long-term financial health and international leadership of the United States.” Up north, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the Canada Strong Fund in April, which uses public funds to invest in energy and infrastructure projects — though experts say it doesn’t quite fit the definition of a sovereign wealth fund, as the money comes from borrowing rather than a budget surplus.Sovereign wealth funds are a government investment strategy that uses surplus revenues to increase returns and spend on development, though the exact mechanisms and principles can differ. The first one can be traced back to 1953 with the Kuwait Investment Authority, and similar systems have been deployed in Norway, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore, Next City reports.These funds have nearly always been launched by a country, province, or state — but what happens when a city deploys one?Less than two hours from Rio de Janeiro, the bedroom community of Maricá skyrocketed to become the fourth richest city in Brazil after oil deposits were discovered off its shores in 2006. The city of 212,000 has since launched a basic income as well as a sovereign wealth fund that’s piquing the interest of researchers the world over. Other Brazilian cities are following suit. Should U.S. cities do the same?Inside Maricá’s sovereign wealth fundIn Maricá, free air-conditioned buses and bike shares ride through clean, safe city streets with modern infrastructure. Signs posted at pharmacies and supermarkets advertise that they accept the Mumbuca, a local currency derived from a basic income provided to more than half of Maricá’s residents. Farms allow rural farmers to grow produce and medicinal plants to increase food security during inevitable global trade disruptions like a pandemic or trade war.In a country with a history of resource booms that didn’t create lasting development (Brazil wood, rubber, and sugar, to name a few), Maricá is aiming to build a strong economy that can continue growing when the oil taps run dry.In 2013, Maricá launched Renda Básica de Cidadania, a basic income of 230 Mumbucas ($45 USD) per month to households earning less than three times the national minimum wage in order to buy essentials. The money can only be used within Maricá to keep it circulating in the local economy rather than being absorbed by Rio.The results have been promising. According to a 2024 Jain Family Institute study, households that receive Mumbucas have increased their income by 9%.In the same year, Maricá created Companhia de Desenvolvimento de Maricá (CODEMAR), a company at arm’s length from the mayor’s office, built to invest in development projects focused on generating jobs. Then in 2017, Maricá created a sovereign wealth fund with an initial investment of R$275 million ($54 million USD). The fund has since ballooned to more than R$2 billion ($415 million USD).The fund was created to invest in long-term development for when the oil royalties run out. That means growing Maricá’s tourism industry, advancing its schooling, and helping local entrepreneurs, along with earning returns on low-risk domestic investments and bonds. It also creates legal hurdles that future governments would have to jump if they want to shift directions.“The truth is, they couldn’t spend all the money that they were getting to their budget,” explains Leandro Ferreira, a researcher at the Universidade Estadual de Campinas and director of the Brazilian Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds.Maricá’s fund legally obliges investment in development, rather than just equities that add to municipal coffers. Food security and mitigating climate change, for instance, aren’t moneymakers, but follow the fund’s mandate. “Markets will not develop sectors that are not profitable, but some of those sectors are very important for the future of the planet,” says Ferreira.Through CODEMAR, the fund invested an initial R$1.5 billion ($290 million USD) in both the construction of a seaport estimated to generate 13,000 jobs and a five-star resort. It’s also contributed to a satellite teleport, a shopping mall, a technological park, airport expansions, greenhouses, and the city’s samba school, which rose to the highest competitive level for the first time in 2026. Next City But Maricá’s sovereign wealth fund does have its drawbacks.For one, since it’s managed by a city rather than a state or federal government, it’s relatively small. For big projects like the seaport and airport expansions, Maricá needs to campaign the larger Brazilian Development Bank or World Bank for money, but these institutions are more inclined to fund cities without oil revenues. There’s also skepticism about whether funding will make a lasting impact, or whether it’ll fall through when the royalties do.Maricá’s fund is also not completely autonomous, meaning it is susceptible to changes if a new government is elected. “In order to have good governance, the funds should be protected from political influence,” says Ferreira. “That’s not what happens with those funds that we have in Brazil, because the manager can be changed, the investment strategy can be changed, even the laws themselves can be changed.”Since 2009, Maricá has been led by the Brazilian Workers’ Party (PT), the same political party as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is up for re-election in October. Maricá’s ties to the PT have led to criticism that its policies aren’t useful across the political spectrum. “Maricá is definitely a public policy laboratory because there’s a lot of innovation, but most particularly a PT lab,” says Ferreira.But other cities in Brazil are proving that sovereign wealth funds can cross political lines.The beach town of Ilhabela in the state of São Paulo has had a sovereign wealth fund since 2018, and it’s led by a mayor linked to former right-wing president Jaír Bolsonaro. The state of Paraná, also not led by the PT, launched a sovereign wealth fund this year. “In terms of proving itself as an instrument, these funds can reach across the political spectrum,” says Ferreira, whose forum facilitates conversations between Brazil’s different funds, which also include Niterói, Curitiba, and Espírito Santo.Where a sovereign wealth fund will, and won’t, workMore Brazilian cities are looking to establish funds, but Ferreira says that he frequently warns mayors that not everyone will become the next Norway, or even the next Maricá. “What we are trying to say in those moments is ‘hey, take it easy, there are multiple sovereign wealth fund formats,’” he says.Americans don’t need to look far for a domestic example of a sovereign wealth fund. Alaska started its fund in 1976 with mineral and oil royalties. Texas also has its Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF or Rainy Day Fund), which invests money from its oil royalties in case of an emergency. But no U.S. cities have sovereign wealth funds.According to Paul Katz, senior vice president of the Jain Family Institute, which carried out the Maricá study, the reason is simple: U.S. cities don’t have enough extra cash from resources lying around to start one. “Creating sovereign wealth funds in the absence of a surplus would not be the strategy I would recommend,” he says.U.S. cities also don’t have the option of requesting money from a federal development bank for larger investments, as Maricá has with the Brazilian Development Bank. Here’s where a federal fund like what Sanders or Trump is proposing might be useful.That doesn’t mean U.S. cities can’t make innovative investment strategies. Cities could leverage assets like real estate and public lands to finance a fund. Or, they could start a government-backed bank that could loan funds for development projects like construction of public housing or decarbonization; campaigns for municipal banks have taken off in major cities, including San Francisco (where public banking will be on the ballot this November) and New York City, calling for local governments to adopt the model of North Dakota’s public bank.“There are many ways that U.S. cities could contribute using their balance sheets in a positive way that facilitates access to credit for others who are doing things strategic to development,” says Katz.But without huge cash windfalls as Maricá has with oil, it’s difficult for U.S. cities to be as ambitious as Brazilian ones. “If you’re a very, very small fish, it’s very hard to be making waves.”This story was produced by Next City, a nonprofit newsroom covering solutions for equitable cities, and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	City of Davenport launches community survey The City of Davenport is launching its 2026 community survey, asking residents to give feedback about their experiences living in Davenport, as well as city facilities, services, and programs. This survey is conducted every two years to identify community-wide trends and to inform future decisions, including budget priorities. “Listening to our residents is one of [...]
	A cold job market doesn't make hot talent cheaper A cold job market doesn't make hot talent cheaperContent marketers made up 0.8% of all new hires by the end of 2023, according to compensation data from Pave. Now, they're under 0.3% of new hires, representing a two-thirds drop over two and a half years, with every quarter since 2024 coming in lower than the one before it. Pave Despite hiring being down, companies hiring experienced content marketers are paying them about 21% more than the people already in the role. This trend isn't just for content marketers. HR generalist, for example, is the third coldest job in Pave’s Hot Jobs Index, but there's a 10.3% premium for senior talent.Across all job families, the baseline salary increase for a new hire is around 5.4% relative to an existing employee. The reliable raise comes from leaving, not staying—though that can scale significantly based on the type of job.Does that mean shrinking jobs pay more?It is a common belief that new hires always make more than tenured employees. The reason is that someone hired four years ago was priced at the market of four years ago and has probably been getting small annual increases ever since, whereas someone hired last month was priced at the higher rates of today's market.To explore this, Pave plotted every job family across two axes: how much its share of hiring moved over the past year and what its new hires cost relative to incumbents. The results show a tight vertical column at the center. Almost every job family sits above 100%, meaning new hires cost more than incumbents no matter which way hiring moves. Pave In other words, it’s not just a trend in shrinking jobs. Functions that grew and functions that shrank landed in the same place. Customer service has cooled harder than any other job family in the dataset, and its new hires come in below parity. Customer success has also cooled, but its new hires cost almost 10% more than incumbents. Software engineering is hiring far more than both, and its new hires cost less of a premium than customer success.The going rate doesn't seem to know which way demand is moving.It’s not just how many, it’s which levelsWhile companies are reducing hiring across certain jobs like content marketing or HR generalist, these jobs aren't getting replaced completely. Companies are still actively hiring for these roles and paying them at a similar or higher benchmark than before.Hiring volume isn't the only variable. Level matters as well, with entry-level workers having significantly reduced across the broader dataset. Workers aged 21 to 25 fell from 14.9% of the workforce at public companies in early 2023 to around 6.5% by mid-2025. Pave So why doesn’t pay ever fall?When looking at all of the companies in the dataset, though demand for different roles has varied over time, pay as a whole almost always goes up. Economists call it downward nominal wage rigidity (i.e., "sticky down" wages). Regardless of other economic conditions, pay is almost always adjusted up. Pave Economist Truman Bewley spent a recession asking employers why they laid people off instead of cutting pay, and the answer was almost always morale. A pay cut poisons everyone who stays. So employees at companies mostly only see their pay increasing, or staying the same at the very least. When those same employees are looking for employment elsewhere, they will likely only accept a salary close to that of their previous role, ultimately continuing the inflationary impact of salary.Despite the market turmoil, hiring changes for various roles, and the threat of AI-related disruption, pay has consistently moved in an upward direction.What this means if you have one of these jobsYour job cooling off is not the same as your pay cooling off. A job can lose two-thirds of its hiring and still cost more to fill than it did before, so what actually changes in a cold market is the number of opportunities that are available, not the price behind them.Pay is a lagging indicator that looks like a live one. It jumps when the market heats up and refuses to fall when it cools. This is why there's still a premium to be had when moving roles rather than staying in one. If you're looking at a salary benchmark today, it's built from the people sitting in those seats today, and they were all priced on the way up.This story was produced by Pave and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How long will it take to pay off your credit card balance? How long will it take to pay off your credit card balance?Carrying a credit card balance can be stressful. Even if you’re making regular monthly payments, you may feel like you’re barely making a dent. If that sounds like you, Ally Financial shares some useful methods and a simple calculator to help you strategize paying off your debt more quickly.How to use a credit card payoff calculatorGather your total balance, your APR (annual percentage rate) and how much you pay toward the balance each month. Then, let a credit card payoff calculator do the math — the result will tell you how long it will take to pay off the total balance you entered.Understanding the basics of credit card debtWhen you use a credit card, you’re essentially using a loan from the card issuer, which means you’ll be charged interest. The interest rate on your credit card is the percentage you pay when you carry a past-due balance. However, if you pay off your credit card balance by the due date each month, you generally won’t be charged any interest.The interest rate and APR on your credit card have a big impact on how long it will take to pay off your debt. The higher the interest rate and APR, the larger the amount you owe becomes.Note: APR is the interest rate advertised plus any fees, so APR gives a more complete picture of how much it costs to borrow money using a credit card.Unlike other types of debt — like a mortgage or student loan debt — credit card debt is considered riskier thanks to its comparatively high interest rates and the fact that it doesn’t contribute to assets that can increase in value over time (like a home or education).Strategies for paying off credit card debtOnce you know where you’re starting, you can look at a few strategies to pay down your debt. If you have the money, the easiest and quickest way is to pay the entire balance in one payment. Most likely, though, you’ll need to pay over time, so you’ll want to decide on a strategy.Snowball methodParticularly if you have more than one source of debt, you might consider the snowball method. With this approach, you pay off your smallest debt first, then move to the next smallest and so on.Avalanche methodAnother option is the avalanche method. With this approach, you make the most significant payments to the debt with the highest interest rate. It takes longer than the snowball approach, but you pay less interest over time.Credit card consolidationIf you have multiple credit cards, consolidating your debt may be advantageous. With a balance-transfer credit card, you can transfer your debt to a new card with a lower interest rate. But keep in mind you may incur transfer fees. Shop around to see if credit card consolidation could help you pay less and make it to the debt finish line faster.How credit card debt impacts your credit scoreCarrying a balance on your credit card is stressful and can also impact your credit score. This three-digit number, which ranges from 300 to 850, helps lenders determine how likely you are to repay debts. It can affect whether you qualify for a loan, the size of the loan you are eligible for and the APR on that loan.The primary way credit card debt impacts your credit score is through your credit utilization ratio. This number refers to how much available credit you’re using at any given time. A lower credit utilization rate will have a positive impact on your score. An ideal credit utilization ratio varies by lender, but in general, you should aim for 30% or lower.Find the right payoff schedule for youPaying off your credit card can feel like a daunting task. But figuring out how long it will take you to reach that goal can help you stay motivated. After that, you can make a paydown plan and put it in action.This story was produced by Ally Financial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Burlington art teacher paints Leopold legacy mural in downtown area Downtown Burlington’s newest piece of public art is officially coming to life as local artist Afsheen “Shane” Mayahi has begun adding color to the new Aldo Leopold Legacy Mural on the 400 Block of Jefferson Street, a news release. The mural will celebrate the legacy of Aldo Leopold, the internationally recognized conservationist, author, and Burlington [...]
	Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Brenna Bird talk scam prevention at Bettendorf library Iowa officials warned residents about increasingly aggressive scams, urging them to verify suspicious requests, protect personal info and report fraud.
	Bettendorf School District survey shows a mix of accomplishments, challenges Bettendorf Interim Superintendent John Elkin is roughly a month into the job. Here's what his survey had to say.
	So long to shorts? In Silicon Valley, tech workers are showing less leg Men in the tech industry are covering up their legs, even as their counterparts in finance are increasingly open to showing them off.
	Two more warm days before it turns HOT! Another heat wave is on the way to the Quad Cities for much of next week. A few showers are possible here and there this weekend, but many of us will stay dry. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	The City that Could Not Turn Itself Around This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Fourteen miles upstream from Rock Island, Highway 67 becomes the main street of LeClaire, Iowa, a river town founded by…
	NASA is about to launch a space telescope that could change how we see the universe NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launches Aug. 30 on a mission to explore some of the most pressing mysteries of the cosmos.
	This week's quiz includes two Dolly Parton questions, because she deserves it The singer, actress and philanthropist could have filled a whole quiz, but we had to give other people a chance.
	Can't stop fixating on the way you look? These 4 mental exercises may help Obsessing over your looks should not take up all your energy, says psychologist Diana Hill. If you're struggling with uncomfortable thoughts about your body, ground yourself with these techniques.
	U.S. says pipelines will make Strait of Hormuz be irrelevant. Energy experts disagree Treasure Secretary Scott Bessent said oil pipelines will make Strait of Hormuz irrelevant in two years. Energy experts say that is unlikely to happen.
	Norway's King Harald V dies at 89 and his son becomes King Haakon VIII King Harald V of Norway, who went into exile in the United States as a child during the Nazi occupation of his homeland and refused a string of European noblewomen to marry his school sweetheart, died Friday.
	What a fake poll reveals about worries around prediction markets and the midterms While a stunt involving fake polls may not have been an effort to rig prediction markets, concerns are growing ahead of the midterms about other attempts to influence the betting sites.
	U.S., South Korea and Japan to hold drill as North Korea ramps up pressure on U.S. The announcement that the three countries will go ahead with a trilateral military drill comes a day after North Korea vowed to retaliate against what it called U.S. hostilities.
Thursday, August 27th, 2026
	Judge says Pentagon's measures against Anthropic were 'illegal and baseless' A judge issued a written order Thursday night that the Pentagon acted illegally by punishing the AI company for its criticism of the Department of Defense's views on AI use. The government is expected to fight the ruling.
	Landmark Agreement is a Milestone Moment for Youth Mental Health (NewsUSA) - It's no secret that kids today are struggling with mental health. Heightened academic pressure, the stress of growing up, family dynamics and lack of social connection all play a role, alongside the overuse of phones and devices. Young people and parents alike need – and have been asking for – practical, comprehensive solutions designed to help kids thrive in today's fast-paced, increasingly online world. This week's landmark agreement between the states and Meta is incredibly important because it offers new protections for teens and expanded tools for parents. The agreement is meaningful progress for families and should serve as the model for the entire industry. The safeguards for young people in the agreement represent important components of a comprehensive approach to youth wellbeing. For example, time limits will help ensure that young people are not overexposed to social media and instead are spending more time on activities like after-school sports, clubs and other extracurriculars. Prohibiting message alerts during school hours and overnight will help kids maintain focus in the classroom and protect their uninterrupted sleep. Teenagers and parents will also have the option to turn off "autoplay" and algorithmic recommendations in teens' feeds, and likes will automatically be hidden, which will help reduce anxiety. Taken together, these changes will make a real difference in broader efforts to protect kids online. We all know that social media usage is complex, however. According to the Pew Research Center, 92 percent of teens use YouTube, 68 percent use TikTok, 63 percent use Instagram and 31 percent use Facebook. Twenty-one percent report using TikTok almost constantly; 17 percent say the same about YouTube. And this doesn't even account for other platforms like Discord, Reddit, Roblox and Snapchat. While a real and meaningful step forward, the reforms reached between the states and Meta still require others to join; otherwise, kids will simply migrate to the apps with the fewest safeguards. That is why my organization is calling on all other social media platforms where young people spend their time to adopt similar safeguards. That fact is, parents are hungry for tools and support that contribute to safe, sensible use of technology. The Coalition to Empower our Future's latest survey found that more than eight-in-10 voters and nearly nine-in-10 parents agree that young people should be taught how to use emerging technologies safely and responsibly. Across the board, there is support for a wide range of solutions to increase digital literacy, including solutions such as online safety lessons for students (84 percent); digital wellness guides for parents (85 percent); and media literacy training programs for teachers (87 percent). There is still much more work to be done to meet the youth mental health and wellbeing challenge. That includes investing in mental healthcare, normalizing conversations about mental health, teaching digital literacy in the classroom, increasing opportunities for after-school programs and cultivating third spaces where young people can build connections. But this week's agreement opens the door to expanding the adoption of important safeguards across social media. It is essential that we build on this momentum and continue our work toward a comprehensive approach to youth wellbeing. There is no higher priority than protecting kids and helping them thrive in the modern world. Glen Weiner is Executive Director of Coalition to Empower our Future, an organization dedicated to convening a comprehensive conversation on the state of youth mental health.
	Davenport man wanted in connection with 2025 fatal crash arrested in Mexico A Davenport man wanted in connection with a 2025 fatal motorcycle crash has been arrested in Mexico and returned to the U.S.
	“She was so strong”: Hawkeyes to honor Clinton girl as kid captain after her passing Four-year-old Ellie Walker will be honored as an Iowa Kid Captain after her death from pineoblastoma, a rare stage four brain cancer. Her family says the recognition will keep the spirited redhead’s legacy alive.
	Major upgrades unveiled at Edgewood Park in Bettendorf The $130,000 investment went towards replacing the playground and adding more state-of-the-art features.
	Construction on 35th Street in Moline begins Friday Work will continue into October. Drivers should plan for alternate routes.
	Milan man charged with 137 counts relating to child sexual abuse material 56-year-old Dennis Carey was first arrested on eight felony counts in February before the additional charges were filed on Thursday.
	Sandburg College charging ahead with new facility The Charger Center will be a 70,000 square foot sports and conference facility on the south end of campus.
	Scott County Jail inmate charged after corrections officer was beaten Scott County prosecutors on Thursday filed formal charges against a jail inmate accused of beating a corrections officer on Wednesday morning.
	Cook review: 'Insidious: Out of the Further' doesn't conjure up much of a story It's an end-of-summer horror movie that has the pre-fall blahs. "Insidious: Out of the Further" is the latest in a what has become a favorite franchise. This one is rated PG-13, so it's not as gory or raw as other horror shows. It's not as interesting, either, although the ick factor that's part of the [...]
	Davenport police arrest man in connection with 2025 stabbing death Davenport police arrested Ryan Travis McNeiece in connection with the July 27, 2025, stabbing death of Joseph John Padilla II.
	Peoria officer’s actions in deadly May shooting ruled justified The actions of a Peoria Police Officer in an officer-involved shooting back in May have been ruled justified.
	Scott County offers free MMR vaccine as measles cases rise in Iowa Scott County Health Department is offering free MMR vaccines to all residents as measles cases rise across Iowa. No confirmed cases in the county yet.
	Man wanted in fatal motorcycle crash arrested, victim’s family confirms He was wanted by the Davenport Police Department for homicide by vehicle, OWI homicide by vehicle and reckless driving with serious injury by vehicle.
	Burlington man sentenced for chatting with officers posed as underaged girls Jermaine Hill, 39, will spend 35 years behind bars after court records say he used Facebook Messenger to talk to undercover officers posed as 14-year-old girls.
	QCA students wash cars to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Two Pleasant Valley High School students are holding a car wash event for a good cause. Kamran Foad and Tripp Barclay run a luxury car detailing service in the Quad Cities. This Saturday, August 29. they'll give away free car washes from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Green Buick GMC at 3210 E. Kimberly [...]
	Iowa GOP touring to criticize Josh Turek's voting record Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann is embarking on a tour across Iowa to highlight Josh Turek's missed votes, and the Turek campaign is firing back.
	Meta settlement brings new restrictions for young social media users Young Facebook and Instagram users could soon face new restrictions on how and when they use the social media platforms as part of a multibillion-dollar settlement involving Meta.
	How the Muscatine Humane Society plans to stop the overpopulation of stray cats In Muscatine and across the Quad Cities, there are too many stray cats. Hundreds are brought into the Muscatine Humane Society every year, and thousands of cats are brought to animal shelters in the QCA. The director of the Muscatine Humane Society, Chris McGinnis says they need to spay and neuter as many stray cats [...]
	Henry County, Illinois cities split on future of Flock cameras as county contract ends Even though the sheriff’s office is ending its contract, individual cities can still decide whether or not to keep using the cameras.
	Expert: Back-to-school season offers chance to reset kids’ screen time habits A University of Iowa expert breaks down some tips for establishing healthy boundaries around screens with your kids and teens, as well as warning signs to look for.
	The Heart of the Story: Booking it down to the farm Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies, and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. Her books about the country are getting rave [...]
	Bettendorf cancer survivor marks 20 years since transplant with NYC Marathon fundraiser Every dollar that Lori McFate raises will go back to providing free services to cancer patients and their families. Here's how you can support her.
	Former nonprofit program director stole over $426K from federal funds recipient A Colfax woman will spend over a year in prison for stealing over $426,000 from Children and Families of Iowa over nearly seven years.
	Rock Island-Milan School District opens a new health clinic in Rock Island High School The district aims to improve access to health care for students and families while helping students stay in class.
	John Deere Classic launches bi-state fundraising competition benefiting Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund From Aug. 27 through Sept. 10, donors can pick a side, Team Iowa or Team Illinois, and help their state raise the most money for the Bonus Fund.
	137 counts of child sex abuse materials-related charges leveled at former SouthPark Mall manager A former SouthPark Mall manager is charged with an additional 137 counts of child sex abuse materials-related charges.
	Iowa cattle group pressures Trump to reverse foreign beef import decision Iowa cattle groups are stepping up pressure on President Donald Trump to reverse his decision to import more foreign beef.
	Man arrested on first-degree murder charge in Davenport A man was arrested Thursday on a first-degree murder charge by the Davenport Police Department.
	New health clinic opens at Rock Island High School to serve students, families Rock Island High School opens a new School Health Link clinic providing medical care and health services to students and the public.
	New clinic provides accessible healthcare for Rock Island-Milan children The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is also open during school breaks.
	4 charged in storage unit burglary, deputies say Deputies said individuals cut a hole through the fence to get into the property and cut off the locks of the doors before taking items.
	How to stay safe from job scams amid anticipated rise in Quad Cities The Better Business Bureau is warning Quad Cities residents of employment scams amid the Tyson Foods Joslin closure.
	Burlington man sentenced to federal prison for attempted enticement of minor A Burlington, Iowa man was sentenced on Aug. 26, to 35 years in federal prison for two counts of attempted enticement of a minor and offense by a registered sex offender. According to public court documents and evidence presented, in June 2025 Jermaine Robert Hill, 39, began chatting on Facebook Messenger with two undercover officers [...]
	Scott County Jail inmate assaults correctional officer According to the sheriff and arrest records, the officer sustained several injuries to his head and face.
	Bettendorf woman running NYC Marathon to raise money for Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club It's been 20 years since Lori McFate received a lifesaving bone marrow transplant, and her run will honor her anniversary and everyone who helped her cancer journey.
	Tips for discussing screen time with your kids as students get back to school Dr. Jonathan Platt joined The Current to discuss healthy screen time boundaries, risk signs to watch out for and even potential benefits of social media for teens.
	Crime Stoppers: Person wanted in connection with vehicle theft, crashes Law enforcement is asking for help finding a person, believed to be a woman, accused of stealing a vehicle and driving recklessly.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted for sex offender registration violation Daniel Laurie is wanted by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office for sex offender registration violation.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Iowa Department of Corrections for probation violations Watts, 38, is 6-feet-tall and 200 pounds.
	Milan man charged with more than 130 counts relating to child sexual abuse material 56-year-old Dennis Carey was first arrested on eight felony counts in February before the additional charges were filed on Thursday.
	Muscatine Humane Society to build surgical building The Muscatine Humane Society's new project could help reverse the overpopulation of cats in Muscatine. The shelter is building a brand new building specifically for surgeries. The animal shelter takes in in any stray cats people bring to them, which has overcrowded the shelter and caused the small 25-year-old surgery room to be used as [...]
	A Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer who shot an iconic Vietnam War-era photo has died Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Slava "Sal" Veder died on Saturday, Aug. 22, just 8 days shy of his 100th birthday.
	Student loan SAVE plan is ending: What to know A major deadline is looming for millions of student loan borrowers as the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan is ending. Borrowers with loans in forbearance must select a new repayment plan, and the new plans are much more costly. Our Quad Cities News NewsNation correspondent Diane Lee looks at what's next for the [...]
	Celebrate Library Card Sign Up Month with Bettendorf Library The Bettendorf Public Library is celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month in September with several free events and activities to encourage community members to get a library card. Cardholders can take behind the scenes library tours and learn how returns get from the book drop to the shelves, see how many items you can borrow and [...]
	City of Davenport sending out community survey for 2026 At first, the survey will only be sent to a random sample of residents from all eight wards, but after two weeks, it will become available to all Davenport residents
	Cresco, Iowa, man arrested after driving to Davenport to meet underage girl A man has been arrested after he allegedly traveled to Davenport to meet up with someone he believed to be an underage girl, who turned out to be a cop.
	Milan man arrested on 137 additional CSAM charges A Milan man who was arrested in February on four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and four counts of production of child pornography has been arrested again and charged with an additional 137 counts related to CSAM (child sex abuse material). Dennis Carey, 57, was initially charged in February of 2026 with four counts [...]
	Former SouthPark Mall manager charged with 137 additional counts of child sexual abuse materials A Milan man is facing more than 130 additional counts of possession and intent to disseminate child sexual abuse material.
	Scott County Jail inmate assaults correctional officer, records show According to the sheriff and arrest records, the officer sustained several injuries to his head and face.
	Will tonight's partial lunar eclipse be visible in the Quad Cities? The next opportunity to catch a glimpse of a lunar eclipse after this month will be in February 2027. That one will be more subtle.
	After an unexpected loss, a young woman received support from a stranger While living abroad, Kate Rogan received news that her mom had passed away. Traveling home was difficult, but a kind stranger took charge and ensured she got back to her family in time for the funeral.
	Team Illinois vs. Team Iowa: The Giving Cup fundraising campaign supports Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund The campaign begins Thursday and runs through Sept. 10.
	intensive treatment for eating disorders now being offering in the Quad Cities UnityPoint Health – Robert Young Center recently launched the area’s first Intensive Outpatient Program for eating disorders.
	Taste of East Moline raises funds for grants, programs Enjoy samples from over 25 area restaurants while raising funds for community grants in East Moline. The fifth annual Taste of East Moline returns to the Rust Belt, 1033 7th Street in East Moline on Thursday, October 8 from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. The family-oriented community event will bring friends, families and neighbors together [...]

Friday, August 28th, 2026

Thursday, August 27th, 2026